PAGE 746 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.
MADISON TOWNSHIP.
BY F. M. M'ADAMS.
Madison Township occupies a position in the southeast part of the county, and is bounded north by Harmony Township, east by Madison County, south by Greene County and west by Green Township. Its width from north to south is five and a half miles, and its average length from east to west is seven and two sevenths miles. Its area is forty and one-fourteenth square miles, containing 25,650 acres. Some of this territory was originally a part of Madison County, from which its name is taken, and, previous to 1819, it was called Vance Town ship. When and for what reason the name was changed does not appear on the records, but it retained the name of Vance for about two years after the formation of Clark County. It is reasonable that the original name came from a family of that name who were of the earliest and most prominent settlers.
The lands of Madison Township are, for the greater part, Military lands, and lie south of the Little Miami River and east of Ludlow's line. This line has its southern terminus at the source of the Little Miami, in the northeastern part of the township. The value of real estate in 1850 was $335,962; in 1860, it was $624,026; in 1870. $984,410; in 1880, $1,069,462.
The Little Miami River has its source in the northeastern part of the township, and flows westerly. Massie's Creek rises in the southeastern part of the township, flows southwesterly. Willow Branch in the southwestern part of the
MADISON TOWNSHIP. - 747
township, is a tributary of Massie's Creek. These form the drainage of the township.
South Charleston is the principal town, and is situated near the center of the township, at the crossing of the P. C. & St. L. R. R, and the Springfield Southern Railroad. It contains three churches-Methodist Episopal, Presby terian and Catholic. The Union School building, Town Hall and the Ackley House are public buildings deserving mention.
Selma is a small village in the extreme southwestern part of the township, five miles from South Charleston, on the P. C. & St. L. R. R. It contains good society and has a fine school building with three departments. The Orthodox Friends, American Methodist Episcopal and Methodist Episcopal religious societies have each an organization and a house of worship. The Hicksite branch of the Friends' Society have a church in the vicinity. Selma, in ante-bellum days, was a noted station of the underground railroad.
From the records, it would appear that the township of Madison was made up of territory taken in part from Greene County and in part from Madison County, but the exact extent of each section cannot be accurately stated. The record of the County Commissioners reads:
"April 25, 1818.-Ordered by the board that as much of that part taken from the county of Greene and now comprised within the said county of Clark, and formerly known by the name of Vance Township be a separate and distinct township, and it is hereby organized into a separate and distinct township, to be known by the name of Vance Township."
Under date of June 4, 1818, the Commissioners erected Madison Township as follows:
"Beginning on the north boundary of the 8th Range, on the line dividing the counties of Madison and Clark; thence south with said line to the southeast corner of said county of Clark; thence westwardly with the south boundary of Clark County to the east line of Green Township; thence north with said east line of Green Township to the north boundary of the 8th Range; thence east with said range line to the beginning. And the election for township officers shall be holden on the 19th day of September next, at the house of George Searlott, in Charleston."
The inhabitants of Madison Township are principally to the manor born. The original settlers were from Virginia and Kentucky, with a few from other States.
The Methodists, Presbyterians, Quakers and Catholics have well-organized Societies. Infidelity and skepticism have found little root and less fruit. Schools flourish and the child of this day without a practical education has despised the offered opportunities.
Agriculture is the leading pursuit. Wheat, corn, oats, hay, potatoes and fruit are the main products of the land. Stock-raising receives much attention, and some of the foremost and most prominent breeders of fine cattle, sheep, horses and swine within Clark County are residents of Madison Township.
The timber of the township is of good quality, and of sufficient quantity for practical purposes. Oak, ash, hickory and elm are the principal kinds of timber. The early settlers found very little timber here in the beginning of the nineteenth century, and therefore the timber found now is mainly the growth of the present century. Previous to the settlement of the land by the whites, the Indians annually fired the long grass which covered the country. This they did to facilitate hunting, and the result was the almost entire destruction of the small growth of timber. The surface of the country is generally level, but it is sufficiency rolling to make drainage by artificial means practically cheap and easy.
748 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.
EARLY TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.
The records at hand are at fault to show who were the early officials and their succession in office. Between the years 1816 and 1855, the following named citizens served in various official capacities: William Holloway, Robert Phares, Isaac Vandeventer, Adam Peters, Thomas Green, P. Sellers, John Kelso, James Wilson, Charles T. Arthur, Simon Armstrong, John Mitton, Rees Ellis, James Woosley, William Smith, Enoch Wilkins, Calvin Hale, John Curtice, Robert F. Evans, P. Hedrick, Francis Crispin, Gilbert Pierce, Clement Shockley, Samuel Briggs, Joseph Briggs, Isaac Dalyrimple, Jesse Ellsworth, William Beauchamp, John Reed, Rowland Brown, Seth Saint John, David Wilson, Eulass Ball, Isaiah Hunt, Jesse Griffith, William L. Warner, Greenfield Dooley, Christopher Fox, John B. Madden, Absalom Mattox, E. H. Broadbury, John Packer, Gregory Bloxsom, Cephas Atkinson, Matthew Crispin, George Bennett, John W. Johnson, Charles Paist, David Morgan, Epaminondas Hutton, G. W. Jones, Jacob Critz, George Hempleman, Jefferson Nagley, D. V. Pringle, Joshua D. Truitt, Griffith F. Sweet, T. F. Houston, Calderwood Hill, John Rankin, Washington Buffenberger.
Bonds on file show that:
1816, September 14-Peter Monahan and Richard Baldwin were elected Constables of Vance Township, and Alexander Ross was a Constable at the same time, having been elected the previous April.
1817, April 12-Richard Davisson gave bond as Constable of Vance Township.
1818, April-James Pringle gave bond as Constable of Vance Township " and part of Stokes attached to Vance." Bond, $500, " current money of the State of Ohio."
1819, October 25-James Donaldson, having been appointed Constable of Madison Township, gave bond in the sum of $500, "good and lawful money of the United States." Charles T. Arthur was Treasurer at this date.
1820-Thomas Green and Samuel Hedrick served as Constables; 1821, Samuel Smith, William Luse; 1822, Aaron Hamilton, William Luse; 1823, John Vincent, Aaron Hamilton; 1824, John Vincent, Lewis Hedrick; 1825, William Powell, Lewis Hedrick; 1826, Samuel Hedrick, William Powell; 1827, Moses Pierce, William Powell; 1828, James Pringle, Jr., Moses Runyon, Dan Daugherty; 1829, Moses Runyon, James Pringle, Jr., Lanson White; 1830, James Pringle, Jr., Jesse Botkin; 1831, Elijah Allen; 1832, Moses Pierce; 1833, Isaac Davisson; 1834, William R. Hogue, Benjamin P. Gaines; 1835, Christopher Fox, William Scott, Dan Daugherty; 1838, G. W. Powell, James Price; 1839, Isaac Hedrick, Joseph A. Houston; 1846, Elijah Anderson; 1849, Epaminandas Hutton.
1844, May 31-Isaac Richardson gave bond of $200 as Treasurer of School District No. 7.
1844, April 2-John I. Dale gave bond of $1,000 as Treasurer of Madison Township.
1845, April 7-Clement Anderson gave bond of $500 as Assessor of the township.
1850, December 7-Joseph A. Houston, Township Treasurer, gave bond in the sum of $1,000; he had served the previous year.
1850, June 6-John Holmes, Treasurer of School District No. 2, bond, $2,000.
1851, April 9-Joseph A. Houston, Township Treasurer, bond, $500.
1852, April 13-Robert C. Clark, Assessor, bond, $2,000.
1853, November 26-Joseph A. Houston, Justice of the Peace, bond, $1,000.
MADISON TOWNSHIP. - 749
1853, April 5-Samuel Buffenberger, Supervisor of Roads, bond, $50.
1853, April 4-Robert C. Clark, Assessor, bond, $500.
1853, September 15-Lewis Hedrick, Supervisor of District No. 5, bond,. $100.
1855, October 22-W. D. Pierce, Supervisor of District No. 9, bond $100.
1848, January 6-Joseph A. Houston, Justice of the Peace, bond, $1,000.
1844, December 20-A. Waddle appointed by Mordecia Bartley, thirteenth Governer of Ohio, to cast the proxy vote of said Governor on the stock of the Jefferson, South Charleston & Xenia Turnpike Company.
ROADS.
The original roads seem to have been laid out regardless of section lines and cardinal points of the compass. The exceptions to this statement are few, and this fact mars the shape of many of the finest farms of Madison Township.
The West Jefferson, South Charleston & Xenia Turnpike was built by a stock company about the year 1844. The Springfield & South Charleston Pike was finished in 1866. The Charleston, West Jefferson & Washington Pike was finished in 1868. The average cost of these improved roads is put down at $2,000 per mile.
OF THE EARLY SETTLERS.
The early settlers of Madison Township, like the pioneers of other parts of the great State of Ohio, were a peculiar people, and seemed providentially designed for their parts in life's great drama. They were men and women of rude and unpolished manners, yet they were not lacking in the nobler qualities that fitted them to become the antecedents of a more polished civilization. The following brief mention is made of some of these families, who, braving the privations of frontier life, laid the foundations of society, on which their descendants have built and flourished:
George Buffenberger was a Virginian. He and family came to Ohio and settled in Madison Township as early as 1807, locating on the head-waters of the. Little Miami. He owned a large tract of valuable land, raised a large family of children, and was characterized as the most eccentric man of his generation. He possessed great wealth, yet was careless, and often shabby in his dress, and defied the ordinary customs of civilized life.
Christopher Lightfoot was a man of fine education, and a Scotchman. He settled where William Watson now lives, south of the Little Miami depot, some years before South Charleston was laid out, and was one of the projectors of that village. He was a school-teacher and surveyor.
Elijah Pratt was probably the first physician of Madison Township. He was practicing as early as 1818. He lived northeast of South Charleston. He was from New England.
John Kolso was among the first Justices of the Peace of the township. He lived on the Jamestown road, on lands now owned by Paullin's heirs. He reared a large family of children, all of whom are non-residents of the township.
William Holloway was an early settler near Selma, on the McDorman farm. He was a Quaker, and for many years filled the office of Justice of the Peace creditably.
William Willis was an old and devout Quaker, and kept a hotel two miles west of South Charleston, on the State road from Xenia to Columbus, where Caleb Harrison lives. This place, being on the commonly traveled road from Cincin nati to Columbus, it was widely known, and was a favorite stopping-place for the distinguished men of the early times. Between the years 1880 and 1840,
750 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.
while Tom Corwin was a member of Congress, and was compelled to reach the national Capital on horseback, he made this hotel a regular stopping-place. He was sometimes accompanied by Henry Clay, of Kentucky, on similar trips, and the high old times had at the " Old Willis Hotel " by these distinguished guests often tried the patience of the quiet host. The house, a one-story log building of three rooms, still stands.
Mungo Murray was a Scotchman, and located on Section 12, on the northern border of the township, in 1817. His sons, James, George and Peter, were gen tlemen of rare business qualifications. The last named built the " Murray House," of Springfield, and was at one time one of the foremost of the business men of that city. The elder Murray died in August, 1830, at the age of fifty-five years.
John McCollum was a native of Virginia. He settled two miles south of South Charleston in 1814, on the farm now owned by D. V. Pringle. He was twice married. By the second marriage he became the father of eight children- Rebecca, Henry, John, Alvira, Evaline, Minerva, Seth O. and Russell B. He died in 1848, aged seventy-three; his wife died in December, 1871, aged eighty-seven.
David Vance was a Kentuckian. He settled in Madison Township in 1808 or 1809, one mile west of South Charleston, the, farm now owned by James Pringle. He was a cousin of Joseph Vance, tenth Governor of Ohio. His sons -Ephraim, John, Daniel, Joseph, Elijah and Elisha-were worthy citizens. The last two were twins.
James Pringle, Sr., came from Kentucky and settled in Madison Township in 1812, on Section 16, now owned by D. O. Heiskell. His wife was a Vance. They raised a large family of children, who in after years filled well their several stations in life. Their sons were Thomas, David, William and James. Mr. Pringle died in August, 1867, aged eighty-four.
Isaac Davisson, about 1810, settled a short distance east of South Charleston. He married Sarah Curl in 1808. His father, Isaac Davisson, Sr., was an early settler of Warren County. Isaac, Jr., and his bride, made their wedding tour on horseback, Mrs. Davisson using a feather-bed for a side-saddle. They passed through Springfield on their way from Todd's Fork, in Warren County, to their new home, near Catawba. At this time, Springfield had but a few houses, and these were in the brush. After spending the first three years of their married life in Pleasant Township, they located in Madison, as stated. He purchased fifty acres of land, and in time added several hundred acres to his estate. He was of Methodistic stock, as well as his wife, and, in the years that followed their coming to the neighborhood, the early preachers held meetings in their humble cabin, and to the end of his days his devotion to the Master and his zeal for the church never waned. His wife still lives, and has passed the ninetieth milestone in the eventful race of life. They raised a large family of children; twelve of these lived to become married; they were William, Obadiah, Lemuel, Mary, Elizabeth, Nancy, Sarah J., Margaret, Julia Ann, Maria, James G. and Daniel.
Phillip Hedrick and his wife (Foley) settled on the north bank of the Little Miami in 1811, on the farm now owned by K. P. Truitt. Mr. Hedrick was a Kentuckian; his wife, a Virginian. He bought 600 acres of land at $1.25 per acre. The husband and wife died in 1838 and 1825 respectively. They were married in Kentucky, and five children were born to them in that State. Their children were Samuel, Lewis, David, Isaac, Henry, Joseph, Anna, Mahala and Rebecca. He assisted to lay out South Charleston in 1815.
Charles Paist was a native of Delaware County, Pennsylvania. He married Abigail Perkins, of Wilmington, Ohio. He settled on the head-waters of
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PAGE 752 - PICTURE OF MRS. MATILDA KITCHEN - GREEN TP.
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Massie's Creek, on the Columbus and Xenia road, in 1815, and there built a store and carried on merchandising several years. He was the first merchant of Madison Township. He moved to South Charleston in 1824, and there continued merchandising for some time. He served one term as Associate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, and was one of the leading Abolitionists of his time, being far in advance of the public sentiment of that day. The first anti-slavery address ever made in South Charleston was made from the porch of his residence, on Columbus street. He was a medley of contradictions, being a Democrat, a Quaker, an Abolitionist, and an ardent follower of Tom Paine. His children Isaac, William, Charles and Mary (Mrs. D. O. Heiskell) inherited; the sterling qualities of the father. He died in 1858, aged sixty. His wife died the next year, aged fifty-eight.
Robert Houston was born in Scott County, Kentucky, April 11, 1800. At the age of twelve years, he came to Ohio with his parents. He studied medicine at Springfield, Ohio, and began the practice of his profession at South Charleston in July, 1821. He married Eliza Pearce November 25, 1822, and became the father of twelve children. He continued the practice of medicine forty-four years successively in this village. In 1865, he removed to Champaign City, Ill., where he died July 11, 1872, aged seventy-two years. He was an ardent Whig, a zealous Republican, and for nearly fifty years was a consistent and useful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Samuel Thomas and family came to Madison Township about 1814, where he remained until his death, in 1867, his wife dying in 1871- He was a native of Delaware, born in 1785, and was married, in Warren County, Ohio, to Mary St. John, a native of New York, born in 1783. They had nine children, and their eldest child, John, is now residing in the township, at the age of seventy-two.
POLL-BOOK OF AN ELECTION HELD IN VANCE (MADISON) TOWNSHIP, CLARE COUNTY, OHIO, APRIL 6, 1818.
NAMES OF ELECTORS. NAMES OF ELECTORS.
1 Gregory Bloxsom. 23 Elijah Anderson.
2 Charles Paist. 24 Henry Neagley.
3 Isaac Vandevanter. 25 James Wilson.
4 Richard Davisson. 26 Jephtha Johnson.
5 Archibald Mickle. 27 William Holloway.
6 George Neagly. 28 Polser Seller.
7 Francis Crispin. 29 Ebenezer Paddock.
8 John Briggs. 30 Isaac Warner.
9 John Kelsey. 31 Joseph Vance.
10 Joseph Briggs. 32 Phillip Hedrick.
11 John Briggs, Jr., 33 Isaac Jackson.
12 Daniel Johnson. 34 David Littler.
13 William Vickers. 35 Abner Robinson.
14 John Neagley. 36 Enoch Smith.
15 Robert Phares. 37 Samuel Arthur.
16 Charles Arthur. 38 Richard Baldwin.
17 G. Bloxsom. 39 Jacob Reader.
18 Thomas Green. 40 George Neagley, Sr.
19 Eli Adams. 41 Josiah Bate.
20 Alexander Crawford. 42 Francis Alexander.
21 Peter Monohan. 43 William Bloxsom.
22 Adam Peterson.
PHILLIP HEDRICK,
JOSEPH VANCE,
EBENEZER PADDOCK,
JUDGES
WILLIAM BLOXSOM,
RICHARD BALDWIN,
CLERKS
756 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.
In the year 1847, the Assessor of Madison Township, R. C. Clark, enrolled the following-named citizens as subjects to do duty as militia:
William D. Pringle, Fletcher Smith, William Little, John Little, James Pringle, Jr., Joseph Garns, Benjamin Hughs, Seth McCollum, Samuel Eppard, Hiram R. Athey, Obed Johnson, Elijah Woosley, George Gilroy, Oby Davisson, Benjamin Woosley, Presley Jones; Trusdil Reeder, Calderwood Hill, Augustus Hutchinson, Jonathan Cheney, Christopher Schickedautz, George Schickedautz, William Rawin, Alexander Waddle, Abner Brittin, Jessie Wise, Edmond Hill, John C. Layborn, Hiram Lewis, William Paist, Jr., Joseph Peat, John Rankin, Joshua Rankin, Lewis Hill, James Thacker, Edward Edwards, Jacob Buzzard. John F. Harrison, Milton Parker, Aikin Kelso,, Edward Wildman, Samuel J. Warner, James L. Knick, Lanson Hale, Hiram Haughman, David Vance, George W. Jones, Greenfield Dooley, David Armstrong, James P. Harrison, Griffith F. Sweet, Jacob C. Smith, William Ely, William Weymouth, Hadan Cramer, Putnam Gaffield, Daniel Hempleman, Josiah Merrit, Isaac Wilson, Thomas Mattison, John B. Wade, William Townsley, James Marshall, Isaac Warner, William Comrey, Jacob Pierce, William Frasier, Simeon Warner, Jacob Muna, James Anderson, John Frame, Benjamin Frame, Josiah Negley, Levi Jones, Samuel Hutchinson, Daniel Smith, Michael Way.
A REMINISCENCE.
Capt. Roland Brown was a Kentuckian. He settled and lived many years on a farm west of South Charleston, and then emigrated to Illinois.
In 1828 or 1829, a debating society was held in s small brick schoolhouse that stood very near the place where now stands the Methodist Episcopal Church. Capt. Brown was fond of debating, and was seldom absent from the meetings of the society. The subject of railroads and telegraphs was just beginning to attract some attention in the Eastern States. Capt. Brown took up this theme one night, and, enlarging upon it, said the time was not far in the future when railroads would be laid all over the West; that one would reach from Cincinnati to Lake Erie which would not run far from the place where he stood. He added that men would yet travel fifteen miles an hour, and heavy burdens be pulled over these roads by steam power.
The Methodists were then in the dominance in the village. They voted Capt. Brown a visionist, a castle-builder, and denounced his railroad theory as the rankest infidelity, and contrary to God's revealed word. They claimed that if God had intended his creatures to travel in the marvelous way spoken of, he would have foreshadowed it in the prophecies. Of those who were most outspoken in denouncing the Captain's theory, mention is made of John Mitton, Sarah Mitton, Eli Adams and wife, Susan Mitton, Joshua D. Truitt, Benjamin Truitt, James Woosley and his wife, John McCollum and wife, Asbury Houston and wife, Laughlin Kinney and wife, Horatio Murray and wife. No better nor more honored Christian people ever lived in Clark County than these above named; many of them lived to travel by railroad, and the news of the death of more than one of their number was flashed across the land by telegraph.
REMINISCENCE OF THE PAST
"In the year 1835, a man named Eastman, from one of the New England States, sent an appointment to address the people of South Charleston on the question of the abolition of slavery. At that time, there were barely a dozen souls in the village who sympathized with the anti-slavery movement. The existing political parties were alike indifferent., but the pulpit and the press had sounded a note of warning, which began to echo in the ears of a few Quakers
MADISON TOWNSHIP. - 757
here and there. When Eastman arrived, he was met by a previously appointed -committee, consisting of several of the best citizens of the place, who notified him that his presence in the village was obnoxious to its citizens, and under no circumstances would the people consent that the slavery question should be discussed from the Abolitionist's standpoint.
"Mr. Eastman answered courteously that he was accustomed to such receptions, and that, notwithstanding the warning of the committee, he should certainly carry out the object of his visit and deliver his address; that he recognized a higher law than any statutory enactment, and that he feared God more than man. There was a good schoolhouse and a church in the village, but had they been a thousand miles distant they would have served Eastman as well as now. No one dared to open the door of a public house to the agitator! But Charles Paist, a staid old Quaker, said, ` Thee may speak at my house,' and accordingly it was announced that the speaker would speak that evening from the porch of Charles Paist, on Columbus street. When the hour of the meeting arrived, the speaker found in front of him in the street a large crowd of men and boys whose demeanor meant trouble. They were all supplied with eggs, which had been provided by the merchants and grocers of the village, and nothing was better understood than that Eastman was to be egged. This was known by Eastman, and by Mr. and Mrs. Paist. So, when the speaking began, Mrs. Paist quietly took a position in front of the speaker, and so contrived, during the whole time of the speech, to shield Eastman from the egging that threatened him. Mrs. Paist was greatly esteemed, and no one dared throw an egg which would endanger her. At the conclusion of the speech, the speaker was conducted by a back way through a corn-field to the house of a man named Smith, where he was safe from the mob. The seed sown on this occasion took root. Twenty-one years later, when the Deputy Marshals of the United States, carrying off citizens of Champaign County under authority of the fugitive slave law, passed through the village of South Charleston, and by their overt acts set at defiance the local civil authorities, Judge Ichabod Corwin, by a strong anti-slavery speech in the street, enlisted the people in pursuit of the Marshal and his posse; the livery stock of the village was put at the disposal of the crowd; rifles, muskets, revolvers and other firearms were brought forth for use; the principal citizens joined in the pursuit, and were in at the capture of the Addison White rescuers."
SOUTH CHARLESTON AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
One of the first fair. associations of Ohio, outside of Hamilton County, was organized at South Charleston in the fall of 1837, and the society held its first fair October 19 and 20 of that year. The premiums offered to exhibitors ranged from $1 to $10, and aggregated $124. Rowland Brown was President, and A. Waddle, Secretary. Among the exhibitors appear the names of Cyrus Reed, William Osborn, Silas Henkle, George Chamberlin, E. Hutton, Robert Houston, George Linson, Samuel Arthur, G. W. Sabin, Kendall Truitt, Jacob Landis, David Littler, George Linson, Rowland Brown, James Woosley, James Johnson, Benjamin Moore, Francis Brock, J. W. Pope, Matthew Bonner, David Harrold, W. D. Pierce, A. Waddle, Benjamin Browning, John Watson, Innis Townsley, Jackson Jones, W. L. Warner, Eli Gummere, Milton Brown, Henry Bretney, James H. Ryan, Isaac C. Dun, Milton Brown, Samuel Mormon, Mary Littler and Hannah E. Pierce.
THE SOLDIERS OF 1861-65.
Madison Township soldiers have a record of which her people may well be proud. From that memorable day in April, 1861, when hostile traitor hands
758 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.
Struck the old flag, and hostile batteries converged their murderous fires on Sumter, until the day of proud and lasting victory at Appomattox, the sons of Madison Township, with their lives and all they held dear, were at the service of the country and on the side of the Union. At the beginning of the war, their response was prompt, cheerful, practical. As months and years lengthened, the decimated ranks were filled by fresh and willing troops; and when the end came, there was scarcely a family in Madison Township that had not laid on the country's altar some costly sacrifice. From first to last, the township furnished 200 men. The greater number of these served in the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Forty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, One Hundred and Forty-sixth Ohio National Guards, Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Eighth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, Sixteenth Ohio Artillery, Seventeenth Ohio Artillery. While the men of the township contested the question of secession in the field, there was also an army of noble women at home, who bore no trifling part in the great contest. They never tired in their efforts to supply to the soldiers at the front many tokens of remembrance; the sick were supplied with innumerable delicacies, and the God of battles was continually appealed to that the right might triumph, and that the country might again emerge from the great contest purified by disaster and worthy of its great founder--Washington.
CHURCHES OF MADISON TOWNSHIP.
South Charleston Methodist Episcopal Church.- "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation " is just as true in the origin of religious societies in modern times as it was in the days of Christ, who was interrogated as to when the kingdom of God should come.
The first settlers of the neighborhood were chiefly from Virginia, Kentucky, New York and Pennsylvania, who came to this county during the first fifteen years of the nineteenth century. Many of them had been converted and became Methodists in their former homes, and with them they brought the spirit of worship and the love of the church.
There being no places of public worship in the immediate vicinity, these people united to worship with a small society who met at the house of old Father Troxell, over the line in Madison County, five miles southeast of where South Charleston now is. Among these early settlers was Isaac Davisson, who, with his young wife and two children, settled in his new home, one mile east of South Charleston, in the spring of 1811. Their house was a log cabin of one room, and one story high, with puncheon floor and a door made of clapboards. The chimney was made of split sticks laid up in a mortar made of clay. The jambs and hearth were made of dried mortar; the house was lighted by a small opening through the wall, covered with oiled paper. This was the place where Methodism was to be cradled, and from which were to go forth influences to establish the church on a firm and lasting foundation. About the year 1814, two local preachers-William Irwin and Jonathan Minchell - were invited to preach here, and, accepting, they preached once in four weeks. The women would sit on the side of the bed, while the men found position on a flat rail supported by a chair at each end. The work grew. Prayer meetings were occasionally held at the houses of Jesse Ellsworth, J. Botkin and James Woosley, and thus for several years the seed was being sown, which, under God, was to produce a grand result. About 1817 or 1818, Mr. Davisson built a house of hewed logs, of more ample dimensions than the first, and this house for several years following was the home of the church. In 1821 or 1822, South Charleston was placed on the plan of Paint Creek Circuit, and became a regular preaching-place for the
MADISON TOWNSHIP. - 759
itinerant ministry. Rev. Moses Trader is said to have been the first preacher in the place, and to have organized the first class in South Charleston. The following-named persons were members of the class:
Isaac Davisson (Leader), Sarah Davisson, Nancy Rowan, J. Ellsworth, wife and family, J. Botkin and wife, Eli Adams, the Creamer family, Mrs. Woosley, J. Mitton and family, P. Hedrick and wife, John and Elizabeth McCollum, Seth Saint John and wife, Nancy Pool and others. Preaching was continued at Mr. Davisson's house for ten years; the quarterly meetings were held here, the sacraments administered and enjoyed, and, besides this, more than one revival of religion occurred here, and results of lasting good followed.
In 1828, a frame church was erected near the site of the present one. It was 30$40 feet in size. In 1832, an addition of twenty feet was made, making the house 30$60; the pulpit was on the north side and the door on the south side, a stove in each end and a large drum in the middle, before the pulpit. Wonderful work was done in this uncouth temple in the saving of souls and the outpouring of the spirit. In 1834, a class called the " town class " was formed. It comprised the following-named members: Griffith Sweet (Leader) and wife, J. Asbury Houston (Leader) and wife, J. D. Truitt, Mary Truitt, Father Lott, wife and daughter, Elizabeth Bennett, Dr. R. Houston and wife, Mrs. Jane Houston, Joseph Houston, Mary Houston, Miss Jane Houston, Rev. Ed Williams and wife, Laughlin Kinney and wife, Elizabeth Janey and Ruth Janey. The first Sabbath school was organized in 1830, by Rev W. T. Snow; it met twice each Sabbath, and the preacher avowed that it should continue " as long as the sun, moon and stars should continue to shine."
In the years 1847 and 1848, the society erected the building now standing. It is of brick, large and commodious, with a lecture room and class room below, and a large audience room above. This building ought to be and is a monu ment to the faithful men and women of South Charleston who have been called from labor to reward. Of the numerous preachers who, in this expanse of years, have preached and labored with this people, let mention be made of Finley, Roberts, Gatch, John Collins, Russell Bigelow, W. H. Raper, Dr. Taylor, Frank Wilson, Dr. McCann and Jonathan E. Chaplin.
Many young men of-the church have gone forth from here bearing the glad tidings to the world. Of these, let mention be made of James D. Webb, William I. Ellsworth, J. B. Ellsworth, Jesse Botkin, Charles B. Warrington and Jacob Pierce. Of the local ministers, Eli Adams, Abram Buckles, John Miskey and Richard Creamer had their training here and gave much fruitful labors to the church.
The society has had steady and permanent growth in years past, and now numbers nearly two hundred members. It maintains a vigorous Sabbath school. Rev. S. B. Smith, of the Cincinnati Conference, is its Pastor.
Wesley Chapel (Methodist Episcopal).-This extinct church was located nearly five miles east of Springfield, and was erected on a lot 120 feet square, donated by Absalom Foley, and deeded June 1, 1847. The building and nearly all who were wont to worship there have passed away. The house was built of brick. Of those who contributed liberally to its erection, the names of William H. Harris, Absalom Foley, Henry Shugh, David Hayward, Griffin Moler and H. P. Harris are mentioned. The charge belonged to the Urbana District, Vienna Circuit. The house cost $1,400, and was dedicated by Rev. Grover. William H. Harris served the society long and acceptably as Leader. Of the ministers who preached at Wesley Chapel, mention is made of William I. Ellsworth, Bail, Swayne, Fields, Vance, Fleming, Mosgrove, Jackson, Dryden, Conrey, Keck, Stokes, Moler and others.
About the year 1874, the charge having become weak by deaths, removals
760 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.
and other causes, the society was disbanded, the house was disposed of, and Fletcher Chapel was and is a church of the past.
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, South Charleston - The first Catholic settlement in this portion of Clark County was made in the fall of 1849, by the following-named persons, who came from Connecticut for the purpose of work ing on the Little Miami Railroad: Luke Hope, Bryan Conlan, William Dewit, Christopher Tuitte, James Quigley, Thomas Dolan, Jerry Murphy and Michael Lannon.
In the years 1850 and 1851, this colony received an addition as follows: Owen Riley, Daniel Hanifan, James Donahoe, Thomas Singleton, Thomas Cusack, Philip Smith, Michael Molan, Michael Carr, Daniel Sheehan, Patrick Rooher, Patrick Quinn, Peter Mallon, Andrew Campion, Frank Tuitte. John Cusack Martin Farrell, Owen Conroy, Martin Sweeney, Thomas Kinsella and Patrick Conway-nearly all of whom have since died or moved away, only eight of them, as far as can be ascertained, being still among the living.
In the nest five years, the influx of Catholics was considerable. and it would now be almost impossible to give the names of all who came in those years. Suffice it to say that they came to stay, and many, if not most of them, are living, and those that are dead have descendants living in this vicinity.
In 1850, Father Howard celebrated mass in the hotel which occupied the site of the present public school, this being the first service of the Catholic Church held in South Charleston.
Father Howard also said mass in Selma, and at the house of Christopher Tuitte, several times in 1850.
In 1851, Father Thomas Blake, of Xenia, took charge, of South Charleston Mission, saying his first mass at the house of Owen Riley; and from this time, services were held in different private houses, wherever most convenient.
About this period, the section house of the Little Miami Railroad was utilized for church purposes, and this was used until 1854, when Paullin's Hall served a similar purpose until early in 1866.
In he meantime, about 1858, Father Blake made arrangements to get the old Presbyterian Church, and held services there for about nine months, when the agreement was broken off and Paullin's Hall again became the Catholic place of worship.
In 1865, the lot upon which the present church stands was purchased from Dr. Houston for $500, and ground was immediately broken for a new church.
In the fall of 1865, the corner-stone was laid by the Rt. Rev. S. H. Rosecrans, then Coadjutor to the Archbishop, assisted by the clergy of Dayton. Springfield, Xenia and London. The building was finished early in 1866, and was dedicated by his Grace, J. B. Purcell, Archbishop of Cincinnati.
From 1866 up to the end of 1867, the Rev. John Conway, of London, attended to South Charleston, but early in 1868 the Rev. J. A. Maroney, of Springfield, took charge of this mission, and in 1872 became resident Pastor.
He was a native of Ireland; commenced and completed his studies at Mt. St. Mary's, Cincinnati, and was ordained in September, 1867.
During his stay as Pastor, he completed the church, furnishing it with an altar, organ, pews and gallery; also bought house and lot, but, both being in his own name, were sold after he left South Charleston, which was in 1873, going to the Columbus Diocese, where he died in 1877, of consumption.
He was succeeded by the Rev. John J. Kennedy, who resided in London, and he was Pastor until November, 1873, when he was appointed to the Church of the Presentation, Walnut Hills, where he is yet.
South Charleston was then attended from Springfield for ten months, until
MADISON TOWNSHIP. - 761
October, 1874, when the Rev. William Grennan assumed the charge. He was a native of Ireland; spent many years in Buenos Ayres, South America, and in May, 1877, he left this mission; remained a short time in Cincinnati, finally, in 1879, returning to South Charleston by way of Ireland, whither he went on a visit.
During Father Grennan's pastorate, a large lot and house for the priest's residence was bought, costing $1,800.
In June, 1877, the Rev. J. H. Rowekamp took charge of South Charleston Church, remaining until September, 1877, but, during his short stay, he built a new fence in front of pastoral residence.
He was born in Cincinnati, educated at Mt. St. Mary's of that city, and ordained in May, 18 7 3. His first appointment was Sidney, Ohio; his second, London; his third, Bradford Junction; his fourth, South Charleston; and his fifth, Six Mile, where he died in September, 1878.
The present Pastor, the Rev. C. M. Berding, was appointed to South Charleston in October, 1877; he was born in Reading, Hamilton Co., Ohio, February 5, 1853; began his studies for the priesthood in the spring of 1866, at Mt. St. Mary's Seminary, near Cincinnati, and was ordained December 18, 1875; was appointed Assistant Pastor of St. Raphael's, Springfield, where he remained twenty months, or until he became Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo's.
The church is 35x60, with a seating capacity of about three hundred and fifty, but the congregation numbers about five hundred and fifty souls, and is rapidly increasing; so the day is not far distant when a new church will be a necessity.
Since Father Berding came to South Charleston, he has paid off all debts which had accrued previous to his arrival; he has repaired the interior of the church, and remodeled the pastoral residence at a considerable outlay, and today the congregation is entirely free from debt.
No more need be said; the above facts tell the story of his faithful stewardship, and the future has in store for him a fitting reward.
South Charleston Presbyterian Church - In the year 1822, this society had its original organization, Rev. William Dickey presiding. James Pringle, Sr., and David Wilson were elected Ruling Elders. At the same date, the following-named persons were received into the communion of the church, viz.: David Wilson, and Polly, his wife; James Rankin, and Margaret, his wife; Joseph Laird and his wife; Isaac Wilson and his wife; Jane Vance, Sarah Vance, James Pringle, and Sarah, his wife.
Not long after the organization, Rev. William Dickey administered baptism to the following-named children: Thomas, Daniel V. and James, sons of James and Sarah Pringle. In 1824, William Dickey being Moderator, the session met and received, on examination, Martha Pratt, William Edgar and his wife; and soon after, Joseph Vance became a member. Previous to 1831, the ordinance of baptism was administered to John Edgar, Elizabeth, Sarah Ann, Mary Jane, Susanna, Joseph Colvin, Thurea and Elisha, sons and daughters of Joseph Vance; also Sarah P. and Mary E., daughters of David Wilson.
In the year 1833, Nancy Waddle was received on certificate.
In the year 1833, a frame church was erected, and in which the society worshiped. This building is now used as a residence.
January 25, 1835, Rev. John S. Galloway as Moderator, and James Pringle Ruling Elder, the session received the application of John Heiskell, and Elizabeth, his wife. During this year, James Pringle, Jr., was chosen Clerk, in which position he served acceptably until the year 1858.
The Rev. John S. Galloway was a supply from 1835 to 1844; the Rev. J. Pelan from 1844 to 1849; Rev. W. Edwards from 1849 to 1851. Rev. J. Mc
762 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.
Clain preached to the society for a number of years. Air. E. Edwards was Clerk for a time previous to 1861. On the 9th of March of that year, Milton Clark was elected to that office, and has filled it with ability ever since. Mr. Clark has held the position of Ruling Elder since 1862. James Pringle held the office of Ruling Elder from the organization of the society till his death, in 1867. He was a man of exemplary character, beloved and honored among men. James Pringle, Jr., was made a Ruling Elder in the year 1858, serving in that capacity until 1880, when, on account of continued ill-health, he was relieved.
Dr. Haight was called in the year 1859, and was the first resident Pastor of this church. Under his labors, the congregation took anew departure, and built their present house of worship. It is of brick, and was built at a cost of $5,000.
April 6, 1862, the congregation called Rev. N. S. Smith as Pastor. Bro. Smith accepted, but at the end of three months entered the Union army. He was succeeded in the pulpit by Rev. S. Jewett, temporarily. In August, 1863, Bro. Smith returned and resumed his pastorsl labors. He was a man of remarkable activity in all labors of love-zealous, patient, pious. Under his labors the church prospered, and many were added to its membership. His wife was an excellent Christian lady, well fitted to be the helpmeet of her husband In the year 1867, Bro. Smith accepted a call of a church in Ft. Wayne, Ind., greatly to the regret of his congregation here. On the 17th of August, 1867, the congregation called Rev. S. DI. Schofield. His labors were full of good fruits; besides many being added to the church, the parsonage was built during his stay. He was succeeded by Rev. Thomas, who preached two years. In 1873, Rev. S. Kelsey was called. He remained four years, and, through his well directed efforts, aided by those of his excellent wife, the church was relieved of a burden of debt which for years had oppressed it. A spirit of harmony was nurtured, the rich fruits of which were seen and felt on all hands.
In the fall of 1876, Rev. James S. Kemper was called, and is the present efficient Pastor.
Early in the history of the society, a Sabbath school was established. It has been continued from year to year with good results. James Pringle, Jr., was Superintendent for several years. Rev. N. S. Smith served in this capacity long and well. George Shepherd was the successor of Bro. Smith, and, in his peculiar style of usefulness, planted many seeds whicl have brought forth lasting good. He removed to Winchester, Va., in 1869, followed by many good wishes by the community. J. M. Jones was chosen as successor of Mr. Shepherd, and, during the past eleven years, has been earnest, efficient and faithful in his duties as Superintendent. During the same time, he has had the superintendency of a Sabbath school at Carthage, at which place he held Bible meetings a hundred nights in succession, resulting in the conversion of many. Miss Jennie Pringle served the church and Sabbath school as Organist and Chorister for more than twenty years, deserving to be named among those who labor for an imperishable reward. The membership numbers 125.
The Sabbath school of the society is organized as follows: J. M. Jones, Superintendent; William Ramsey, Assistant Superintendent; Secretary, James Hank; Treasurer, A. Comrie; Organist. Mrs. Jennie Jones.
SELMA.
The village of Selma is situated on the P. C. & St. L. R. R., and in the extreme southwestern part of Madison Township. The State road, from Spring field to Hillsboro, crosses the Xenia & Columbus Pike at this place, Dr. Jesse Wilson, one of the early settlers, laid out the town in the year 1842; the lots.
PAGE 763 - PICTURE OF EDMUND H. KEIFER
PAGE 764 - BLANK
MADISON TOWNSHIP. - 765
are sixty feet front and 160 feet back. Dr. Wilson was the first Postmaster of the village; the office was transferred from Cortsville to Selma in 1845.
Landis & White were probably the first merchants. W. G. Thorpe, in 1844, put up a storehouse and sold goods on the site now occupied by John Scanland. A. S. Ballard was connected with Thorpe in this enterprise.
Willow Branch, a tributary of Massie's Creek, flows through the village.
Selma contains a good school building and three churches - Friends, Methodist Episcopal and African Methodist Episcopal.
GREEN PLAIN MONTHLY MEETING (FRIENDS).
The original society by this name was organized in 1822, and worshiped near the residence of Samuel C. Howell, three-fourths of a mile northeast of the village of Selma. Patience Sleeper was one of the first preachers. The records fail to give any very definite account of the early doings of the meeting, or of its membership, for the first four years. In 1826, the society, here and elsewhere, on account of a question of doctrine, separated into two bodies; the one took upon itself the name " Orthodox, " the other was afterward known as " Hicksites "-that is, followers of the doctrines as proclaimed by Elias Hicks.
ORTHODOX.
This branch of the Green Plain Monthly Meeting of Friends left the Hicksites in possession of the meeting-house, and of whatever church property owned by the original society at the time of separation (1826), and, for lack of a meet ing-house, the residence of John Wildman was used for that purpose. Friend Wildman's house was one mile east of Selma. This branch, at the time of the separation, numbered 236 members. Following is a list of the fathers of the society, who, with their wives and children, were the principal members: Samuel Sleeper, Seth Williams, John Wildman, Cephas Atkinson, Thomas Atkinson, William Vickers., Thomas Embree, Levi Hutton, Jeremiah Warder, Thomas Lewis, Seth Smith, Jackson Allen.
On the 28th day of July, 1832, the meeting numbered 220 members. At this date, they determined to build a meeting-house, and thereupon they purchased for that purpose, of John Bocock and Joshua Engle, one and a half acres of land near the village of Selma, and built thereon a frame church, 22x40 feet, one story high, and with the customary partition. They worshiped here till the year 187 1, when they built the house they now occupy. It is a brick structure, 40x52 feet, with vestibule front, and is of modern architecture. The cost of this house was $4,300. The present membership is 150. Jacob Baker is the present Pastor.
GREEN PLAIN MONTHLY MEETING (HICKSITES).
This branch of the Friends' Society had its origin with the original Green Plain Monthly Meeting, as elsewhere stated, in 1822. When the separation took -place in 1826, this branch held the church property, the meeting-house being near the residence of Samuel Howell, three-fourths of a mile northeast of Selma. There is no record showing the strength of this branch when the society separated, but it is probable it was smaller than the branch known as the Orthodox.
They continued worshiping here till the year 1843, when on account of the agitation of the question of slavery, a division took place. A part of the society held extreme anti-slavery views, and a part were conservative; hence the separation. The extremists held the church building for several years, and then became extinct, partly by their members joining with one or the other branches
766 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.
of the original society, and partly by their joining other Christian denominations. The building, with the ground on which it stood, was abandoned. The conservative portion built a house of worship on the lands of Abel Walker, a mile northeast of the former one, completing it in March, 1844; their number at this time was 100. The church is of brick, 22x42 feet, and cost a cash outlay of $415.66. The Building Committee was Thomas Merritt, Joshua Harrison, Isaac Warner and Thomas Branson. The Title Trustees were John G. Oldham, Isaac Warner and Thomas Branson. Hannah P. Wilson and Ann Packer have preached to the society from time to time. The society now numbers nearly one hundred.
SELMA METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Previous to the year 1828, the itinerant preachers of the Methodist Episcopal Church held occasional meetings at the houses of members of that church, who had settled in the country from other localities. Of these householders, mention is made of William Brooks, Isaiah Holloway and George Fox.
Out of this itinerant work grew an organized class, after the plan of John Wesley, and soon a society followed. The demand for a place to hold their meetings resulted in the building of " Brooks' Meeting-House " in 1830. It was 'a hewed-log house, with a pulpit on the north. side. The members at this time were not numerous, but they were full of zeal and good works. William Brooks and wife, J. Holloway and wife, David King and wife, Abram Hyers and wife. Nancy Fox. Cornelius Hill, Catherine Marshall, Mary Murphy, and others, were of the original membership. Nearly all these were faithful men and women. and were instrumental in giving life, stability and character to the church of their choice. Brooks' Meeting-House continued to be a regular preaching-place for a quarter of a century. Here, in 1837, a remarkable revival of religion, under the Rev. Reed, occurred, lasting the greater part of the winter and result ing in the conversion of many souls. Of this number was John M. White, who, in after years, became a noted preacher of the church. The society was favored in these years by the preaching of Samuel Clark, Joshua Boucher, E. B. Chase, and many other worthy men of this denomination. About the year 1842, the church became divided on the question of slavery, many of the members holding extreme anti-slavery sentiments, and nearly an equal number holding conservative views. The extremists withdrew and formed themselves into a society at Cortsville, in the adjoining township, calling themselves Wesleyan Methodists. Those who remained were Catherine Marshall, Thomas Berry, David Fox, Elenor Baldwin, Cornelius Hill and Mary Murphy.
The evil results of this separation were seen and felt for many years. In the year 1855, the society built the " Gravel Church," which still stands on the site of the old Brooks' Meeting-House. The Gravel Church was formally dedicated by Granville Moody.
In the building of this church, Revs. Wesley Denit and T. Collett took a lively interest. Among the numerous Pastors who have filled this pulpit were Levi White, John G. Black, William Simmons, Andrew Murphy, Joseph Newson, Allen W. Tibbets, J. Verity, J. B. Ellsworth, David Whitmer, Stephen F. Coney, H. Stokes, M. P. Zink, J. L. Gregg and W. Q. Shannon. The charge belongs to Xenia District, Jamestown Circuit, Cincinnati Conference. Since 1864, an interesting Sabbath school has been sustained during the summer months; average attendance, fifty.
Stewards, N. C. Kershner, Albert Negus; Sunday school Superintendent, Albert Negus; Class-Leaders, John Nelson, Albert Negus. The membership at present is about forty.
MADISON TOWNSHIP. - 767
GREEN PLAIN BAND OF HOPE.
An organization with the above name was effected at Selma April 3, 187 3. Its object was to cultivate among the young to talk abstinence from the use of intoxicating drinks, tobacco and profanity. The society was divided into two classes-adult and juvenile. The officers were a Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent Secretary and Treasurer; also, an Executive Committee of three.
The constitution provided a pledge, as follows: "I hereby solemnly pledge myself to abstain from the use of all intoxicating drinks, including wine, beer and hard cider, as a beverage, the use of tobacco in every form, and from all profanity."
The officers of the adult organization were at first as follows: Superintendent, William Wildman; Assistant Superintendent, Daniel Lawrence; Secretary, Eliza Wildman; Treasurer, Rebecca Parker; Executive Committee, Oliver Smith, E. M. Smith and Hannah Lawrence.
The juvenile department of the band was organized as follows: President, Alford Thorne; Vice Presidents, Eva Roadamer, Nettie Crampton and Lida Smith; Assistant Secretary, Maggie W. Hannabery; Treasurer, Thomas Thorne; Usher, Seth Atkinson. This society met each month. The exercises were held in public, and consisted of Scriptural readings, devotion, essays, declamations, discussions, music, etc., etc.
For the several years following its organization, the band held stated meetings, and its teachings and influence were beyond computation, molding and fashioning many a young heart in the better way. In August, 1878, the band held its last meeting, so far as the record shows.
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH (SELMA).
The colored Methodists of Selma organized a society in 1870, by the instrumentality of John Janitor and J. Underwood. They held occasional preaching at the schoolhouse and other places before building a house of worship.
A frame house costing $1,000 was built by this society in 1875. The principal contributors to the building fund were Mrs. Perry Larkins, Mrs, Matlock, Nimrod Gibson, William Nickens, Levi Atkinson, John Scanland and E. Hollingsworth. At that time, the society numbered thirty members.
The Pastors who have served the church since its organization have been William Johnson, Edward Taylor, James Ross, Benjamin Combash and John Hammond. A vigorous Sabbath school is maintained the year round-John McCarrel, Superintendent-and the society promises well for the future.
THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD.
As early as 1830, the agitation of the subject of human slavery stirred up the people of Selma. Parts of the Quaker and Methodist Churches of the village were particularly bitter in their opposition to any measure that tended to favor the peculiar institution of the States of the South. This sentiment grew in strength and bitterness as years increased, until both the Methodist Episcopal and the Hicksite Quaker Churches suffered disruption on its account. But the extremists never faltered. They were not outlaws; but they recognized no human law which made them tools to capture and carry back to bondage the fugitive human chattel of an inhuman master. For many years they labored and suffered for those in bonds, as bound with them. For many years they bowed in Christian love before God, and prayed for an oppressed people. With an unwavering faith and a tireless energy, they worked in fraternal union for the freedom and enfranchisement of their despised colored brethren, and shared to-
768 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.
gether the odium attached to the name of Abolitionist, and, though many of them died before the dawning of the day of jubilee, they left to their descendants a legacy of daring devotion to a cause which redeemed the land from the curse of slavery, though with the atoning blood of many a battle-field.
For many years preceding the outbreak of the rebellion of 1861, Selma was known as a station of the underground railroad. This fact was nearly as well known in Kentucky and Canada as in Ohio. Slaves escaping from their masters in Kentucky were, by a succession of night drives, or by weary nights on foot, brought by parties further south to this point on the route. Here they waited only long enough to change the manner of travel, or to make some necessary preparation for the remainder of the journey to Canada, and again were off in the direction of Mechanicsburg, Springfield or Marysville. The agents and employes of the route were well organized; their trips were made on time, their trains seldom collided, and, during many years of active business, no article of freight was ever lost. The road has gone down for lack of business. The descendants of Thomas Borton, William Thorne, Isaac Newcomb, Daniel Wilson, Joseph A. Dugdale, Richard Wright and Pressly Thomas have no reason to blush at the mention of the daring deeds of their heroic fathers in connection with the history of the underground railroad.
SOUTH CHARLESTON.
The village of South Charleston was founded by Conrad Critz on the 1st day of November. 1815. The original plat contains eight squares of four lots each, and was surveyed by John T. Stewart.
The following description of the plat is taken from authentic sources:
"Surveyed for Conrad Critz the foregoing platted town in Madison County, Stokes Township, described as follows: Columbus street runs north, sixty-one degrees east, crossing Chillicothe street at right angles. Chillicothe street runs south, twenty-nine degrees east. Given under my hand this 1st day of November, A. D. 1815.-John T. Stewart."
The affidavit of Conrad Critz in acknowledgment of the above was made before John Kelso, a Justice of the Peace of said Stokes Township, and is dated January 18, 1816.
Charles Paist, Robert Evans, Maddox & Heiskell, Albert Munson and Thomas Norton were early merchants and business men of South Charleston.
Clement Stickley conducted a tannery on the western suburbs, near the residence of Henry Wilkinson, about 1825. The early settler remembers a large pond that extended from the. present site of the post office to and beyond the Town Hall. It was a fine place for duck-shooting. An unpretentious schoolhouse was built near the present residence of Dr. Bamwell. It was 12x18 feet in size,,and constructed after the plan of that day. Here Christopher Lightfoot dispensed the rudiments of education, and the generation whose footprints have since marked the sands of time conned dull lessons.
Absalom Mattox, Asbury Houston, K. Brown, John Buzzard, Milt Houston and R. B. McCollum have been the Postmasters.
The building of the P. C. & St. L. R. R., in 1848, gave new and lasting impetus to the business interest of the then little village, and from that day to the present it has enjoyed a fair share of prosperity.
Of the old residents in and about the village, and who were connected with its history and early growth, the names of David Vance, John Briggs, Nathan Low, James Pringle, Sr.. Isaac Davisson, Jesse Ellsworth, Jeremiah Bodkin, Samuel Thomas, Seth Saint John and John McCollum appear as most prominent.
Population-1850, 413, 1860. 516; 1870. 818; 1880, 933.
MADISON TOWNSHIP. - 769
In December, 1863, the First National Bank of South Charleston was organized, L. W. Haughey being elected President and Milton Clark Cashier, this institution doing a good business until March 24, 1877, at which date it surrendered its charter and continued as a private bank, under the name of the Bank of South Charleston, John Rankin becoming President and Mr. Clark still hold ing the position of Cashier. In 1871, a few of the more enterprising moneyed men of the town erected a large, commodious building for a hotel, which is called the Ackley House, in honor of one of the projectors who was most prominent in the movement. The P. C. & St. L. and Springfield Southern Railroads pass through South Charleston, giving good facilities to shippers. The town has also a live newspaper-the South Charleston Republican-published by Rice & Vanmetre, which is a newsy sheet, and wields its influence for good.
SOUTH CHARLESTON OFFICIAL DIRECTORY.
Mayor-Michael. Way.
Corporation Clerk-George R. Armstrong.
Corporation Treasurer-Ewin D. Houston.
Marshal-John H. Way.
Street Commissioner-Thomas E. Jones.
Council-AT Milton Clark, Russell B. McCollum, Thomas J. Hicks, Isaac Landaker, Samuel H. Carr, --- Schickedantz.
MADISON TOWNSHIP OFFICIAL DIRECTORY.
Trustees-A. G. Pratt, Simeon Warner, William J. Hudson.
Justice of the Peace-Michael Way.
Constables-John H. Way, Isaac Hedrick.
Clerk-Michael Way.
Township Treasurer-Edwin D. Houston.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Clark Lodge, No. 166, I O. O. F., South Charleston.-Was chartered July 18, 1850. The charter members were John A. Skinner, Pressly Jones, Isaac P. Paist, Daniel Smith, William Paist, Jr., Michael Lidigh, William L. Warner.
On the 21st of October, 1850, the following original officials were duly elected
Isaac Paist, N. G.; John A. Skinner, V. G.; William Paist, Secretary.; Michael Lidigh, Treasurer.
On the 6th of July, 1880, the official roll was:
Charles D. Pettit, N. G.; Charles Paullin, V. G.; George R. Armstrong, Secretary; Michael Way, Permanent Secretary; A. Bradford, Treasurer.
South Charleston Encampment, No. 200, I. O. O. F.- Organized May 31, 1876. The charter members were Robert S. Fulton, George R. Armstrong, William Watson, S. B. Hoadly, Edward Rott, Darwin Pierce, Abihu Raines, George W. Jones.
The original officers were: R. S. Fulton, C. P.; George R. Armstrong, H. P.; William Watson, S. W.; S. B. Hoadly, J. W.; Edward Rott, Scribe; Darwin Pierce, Treasurer.
The organization for this date is: W. J. Hudson, C. P.; A. Bradford, H. P.; C. G. Herrod, S. W.; Michael Way, Scribe; A. Raines, Treasurer; Levi Jones, Jr., J. W.; George R. Armstrong, D. D. G. P.
Fielding Lodge, No. 192, A., F. &A. M., South Charleston.-Chartered October 13, 1850. The original petitioners were John A. Skinner, E. W. Steele, Alex
770 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.
Rowand, G. W. Jones, William Paist, Jr., Daniel Bruner, David Morgan and James R. Bailey.
The original organization was: John A. Skinner, W. M.; D. Bruner, S. W.; J. R. Bailey, J. W.; E. W. Steele, S. D.; A. Rowand, Treasurer; David Morgan, Secretary.
Official list, 1880: Melvin Peters, W. M.; T. James Hicks, S. W.; Frank W. Pierce, J. W.; George R. Armstrong, Secretary; Isaac Landaker, Treasurer; Alonzo F. Taft, S. D.; William C. Griffith, J. D.; William J. Ramsey, Tiler.
SOUTH CHARLESTON CEMETERY.
This beautiful resting-place of the dead is situated a short distance from the village. and nearly north. It was purchased by the Town Council in September, 1855, and is under the careof a Superintendent. The lot contains eight acres, and was purchased of T. Mattinson and George Murray for $800. The location is a very desirable one, and the whole is unclosed by a neat and substantial fence. The lot is platted into lots of convenient size, and the greater part of the walks and drives is properly graded and graveled, while numerous ornamental trees help to adorn and beautify the place, evincing taste and affection on the part of the living. Numerous shafts of marble and granite mark the resting-places of the departed of all ages, while here and there rests the body of one who gave his life that the country might live. To these, affection has recounted, on marble tablets, how nobly they fought and how heroically they fell; and here, when the joyousness of springtime comes to gladden the earth with flowers, the people meet, and, with twining leaves and flowers, bedeck the graves of those upon whose deeds the nation has built a proud history.
STATISTICS OF THE SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH CHARLESTON, IN MADISON TOWNSHIP, CLARK COUNTY, OHIO, FOR THE YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 1880.
Total receipts for the school year, $5,719.95; paid teachers within the year, $3,740.35; for fuel and contingent, $537.86; total expense, $4,278.21.
Number of schoolhouses, 2; number of schoolrooms, 8; value of school property, $13,300; number of teachers employed, 8; prices paid teachers-gentlemen, $94; ladies, $38.
Rate of taxation in mills, 3.3; pupils enrolled during the year-boys, 122; girls, 159; total, 281; average mouthy enrollment, 255; average daily attendance, 240.
Number of pupils in each branch of study-alphabet, 42; reading, 281; spelling, 281; writing, 261; arithmetic, 261; geography, 167; English grammar, 87; oral lessons, 150; composition, 87; map-drawing, 50; United States history, 60; physiology, 9; physical geography, 30; natural philosophy, 11; algebra, 35; Latin, 9.
Colored pupils enrolled-boys, 15; girls, 23; total, 38.
The district comprises a territory of 6,212 acres, valued at $300,342.
SCHOOL STATISTICS OF MADISON TOWNSHIP, FOR THE YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 1850.
Total receipts for the school year, $9,634.97; amount paid teachers for school year, $2,979.15; fuel and contingent expenses, $729.29; other expenses, $1,982; total expenditures, $5,690.44; balance on hand September 1, 1880, $3,944.53.
Number of subdistricts, 6 ; houses built during the year, 1; cost, $1,442; number of schoolrooms, 8; total value of school property, $8,000; average wages paid teachers-gentlemen, $45; ladies, $45; rate of school tax (mills), 2.7;
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number of pupils enrolled within the year-boys, 181; girls, 162; total, 343; average monthly enrollment-boys, 126; girls, 129; total, 255; average daily attendance-boys, 100; girls, 102: total, 202; number of pupils enrolled between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one years-boys, 30; girls, 17; total, 47; number of pupils in each branch taught-alphabet, 23; reading, 333; spelling, 326; writing, 307; arithmetic, 287; geography, 189; English grammar, 137; oral lessons, 28; composition, 34.
EDUCATIONAL REMINISCENCES FURNISHED.
Nothing can be much more difficult than to get a correct account of the various schools in a community for a period of nearly seventy years, yet we have endeavored to obtain as many items as possible worthy of note, and which we hope will be of much interest to the citizens now living, whose memories go back many years, as well as to their descendants, even of the third and fourth generation; yea, even to those who live more than a hundred years to come.
In the absence of any records left of the early schools (for there are none), our plan has been to get actual statements from those who either attended the schools of the earlier days, or who were well acquainted with the teachers and circumstances connected with them. For many of these statements we are under obligations to Thomas Woosley, Dr. E. T. Collins and wife, Mr. and Mrs. D. O. Heiskell, Dr. Curtice, Mr. G. Sweet and others. These are all contributed items with reference to the first schools taught in the vicinity, and information with reference to the schools of the last twenty-five years has been obtained of those who attended or who were conversant with the affairs of these later-day schools.
The first schoolhouse ever built in this vicinity was south of the village of South Charleston, near the Little Miami, on what is now Kendall Truitt's farm. A man by the name of Fairchild taught. In this school there were but few scholars. This was about the year 1816. The next was not far from where Mr. George Gilroy now lives, northeast from town, in what is now John Thomas' field. A Mr. Landfield taught, and several of the older citizens now living attended. Among those are Thomas Woosley, J. Bodkin, the Ellsworths and Davissons. The merest rudiments were taught. The next was west of town, not far from where James Pringle now lives. The building was a double log house, and Moses Pierce taught in one part, while his father's family lived in the other. There were still but few pupils, and among them were Thomas Woosley, James and David Pringle, and the Hedrick boys. This same man afterward taught in a log schoolhouse near where William Holmes' stable now stands. The village was then quite small, without any pavements, and as a consequence the streets got quite muddy in the winter season, so that this little school was sufficient to meet the educational demands of the place. Mr. Pierce taught about. two or three years, and was succeeded by Christopher Lightfoot. This gentleman is spoken of as being cross, and consequently not very successful. A Mr. Vincent succeeded him-a very nice man and a good teacher. He taught two years. He was followed by a teacher whose name was Peleg Whitteridge, a good scholar and quite a successful teacher. He had more pupils than had previously attended. At this time, the following branches were taught: spelling, reading (the English Reader being the text-book in reading), English grammar and arithmetic. The larger boys could not generally attend more than three or four months in the winter season, as their services were needed on the farms. Dr. Curtice, now living here, and who has been a physician here for many years, began his education under this last-named teacher.
Mr. Whitteridge taught in 1824 and in 1825. At about this time in the history of those schools, several ladies were from time to time employed to teach,.
772 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.
but mostly in the summer season, and, while we find it difficult to bring them in in exact order, yet some of them appear to deserve special mention.
In about the year 1830, a Miss Lucy P. Monsow was teaching in this district. She was afterward married to Mr. Jesse Griffith, father of Cyrus Griffith, one of the carpenters here at this time. This lady was very kind as a teacher, and was regarded very highly by her pupils. On Friday afternoons, she gave her female pupils lessons in sewing. This was highly appreciated by them, and they studied hard during the other days, that they might have this privilege on Fridays. Mrs. D. O. Heiskell was one of her pupils, and speaks of her with great respect. Miss Ruth Householder was another lady who taught successfully; is recollected as intelligent and worthy of special mention in this connection; afterward married a Mr. Henry. She was the mother of Mrs. John Holmes. Miss Rice and a Miss Ransom are two other ladies who taught at about this time, and who are still kindly remembered by some of the older citizens, though they did not remain long in the place.
At about this time (1830), a tax was allowed by law for the support of public schools, when the subscription schools gradually gave place to the free school, except, perhaps, during the summer season, when occasionally a school of this kind was taught. In 1831, a Mr. Furgison was teaching the public school, and it was decided by the male pupils on Christmas to make him " treat," according to a custom which appeared to be in vogue pretty generally. The large scholars had assembled at the schoolhouse early in the morning, and the boys had talked over their plan of procedure, which was, in brief, that, when the teacher came and called them to ." books," they would refuse to obey, but make their demands upon him, and if he refused, they were to tie him, take him to the creek and " duck " him, and it was decided that one of their number who was larger than the rest, whom we will designate as J. P., was to take the lead in executing this little plan. It may not be improper to say that J. P. was large, and was supposed to be stronger than the teacher, and he did not hesitate to tell the other boys that he would handle the teacher should he refuse to comply with his demands. The teacher finally came, and, it appeared, had anticipated some trouble, and, that he might be prepared, brought in his hand a nice large switch. Not waiting to give any one a chance to say anything, he walked directly to his desk, put up his hat and called " books." No one moved; again he gave his orders, " Get to your books." Still the scholars did not move, but each of the others looked at J. P. to begin the programme, but it appeared that the presence of the "master" had a peculiar influence over him, and when, a moment later, the " master " approached the head of the line of boys and began a vigorous attack with his switch, applying it forcibly on every one he came to, J. P., evidently considered discretion the better part of valor, and took his seat and began studying with the rest of the scholars, without ever saying a word.
It is needless to say that he lost his character for bravery ever after with the boys of that school.
Mr. Furgison was not a large man, and, had the proposed plan of the boys been attempted, they could have no doubt carried it out, as had sometimes been done in other schools. It is a satisfaction to know that these old-time semi-bar barous customs have given way to the refining influences of a more enlightened age. Mr. Furgison was succeeded by Oswald Warrington, who taught a good school and was highly respected by his pupils. Col. Hathaway was the next teacher. He was a man of fine education, good address, and a very successful teacher. His government was mild, and he was loved by pupils. He located near Plattsburg, where he died.
In 1836, Thomas Harris took charge of the school. He was also a fine scholar, having graduated at the Ohio University at Athens. He taught about
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three years; was quite popular as a teacher; went from here to West Virginia, and, during the war, was a Brigadier General in the Union army.
The next teacher was a Mr. McMillan, who taught two years; rather eccentric, and did not wear as well as some others. Following him came a Mr. Goldrick. who taught two years. He afterward went to California and became wealthy. The next was Mortimor Holt. He taught one year, went East, married and came back, and again taught one or two years. He was quite successful. The people were very sorry to have him leave.
Several of the last-named teachers taught in a brick building a few rods directly east from where the Methodist Episcopal Church now stands. This was a two-story building, with four rooms-two above and two below. A gentleman by the name of Eastman taught one or two years; an excellent teacher. He died here, lamented by many friends. John Miskey is very warmly remembered as one of the old-time teachers here. He was a man of great individuality, and was calculated to leave the imprint of his own character on that of his pupils. His forte in teaching was penmanship, maps, blackboard exercises, etc. He taught about two years. Dr. Curtice, of whom mention has already been made in this sketch, began teaching here in 1843, and taught three years. He is remembered as a very excellent, thorough teacher. In addition to the common branches, he introduced and taught many of the higher branches, as natural philosophy, physiology, algebra, geometry, surveying, elements of Latin. The wages then received was about $25 per month.
The following are the names of several others who taught successfully, and of whom many good things might be said if our space would permit, viz.:
Job Haynes, Mr. Doan, McCracken and Whitelaw Reid. The last-named gentleman has since attained to eminence as a journalist, he being the editor-in-chief of the New York Tribune. He taught here during the years 1856 and 1857. He is said to be the first who organized the graded schools in this place. He was assisted by a man whose name was Lawrence, and one or two lady teachers, whose names have not been received by the writer of this sketch. After Mr. Reid came Mr. Robert Story, who is remembered especially on account of a law-suit he had with the School Board, who required him to give up his school before his time expired. He brought suit and collected his salary for the unexpired term of his school.
Names of other teachers are Alfred Jones, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Maley, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Ed Goul, Mr. Ford, Mr. Aikman. The last gentleman taught in grammar department; also Mr. McMurray. Mr. Campbell was one of the first who taught in the new brick building, the one now used. He taught two years, and was regarded as a very excellent teacher. He resigned his position here to accept the superintendency of the public schools of Delaware, Ohio, which position he has held up to the present time, a period of perhaps seventeen years.
Mr. Cropman taught and superintended here about this time for two years. He was an Eastern gentleman, a good scholar and a successful teacher, yet withal was regarded by many as rather eccentric.
During the school year of 1868-69, the school was in charge of Mr. J. H. Gahns. He acted as Superintendent and teacher of the high school, as had been the custom of those in charge for several years previous. He had five assistants, his sister being one of them. Mr. John Holmes was teacher of the grammar school this year, which position he has occupied until the present time, a period of thirteen years. From the various statements received from some of the citizens with regard to Mr. Gahns, he was considered deficient in ability to govern and properly control the school; hence he was not regarded as a success in all respects.
776 - HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.
D. W. De Lay was employed as Superintendent and teacher of the high school for the year 1869-70. In the beginning of his administration he examined each grade or department of the school, with the assistance of Mr. John Holmes, teacher of the grammar school, and the teacher employed for each respective grade. This gave the new Superintendent an opportunity of knowing the exact standing of each and all his pupils. On the examination of the high school, it was ascertained that the scholarship of those who had been in that department was scarcely as high as it should be in the common branches, and it was deemed best to place them in the grammar department in most of their studies, that they might undergo a thorough review before attempting a high school course. Then there appeared to be much useless lumber in the curriculum of the high school, and it was found necessary to revise the course of study for the whole school, including that of this department.
After this revision, the course of study for the high school consisted of the following branches: Reading, English grammar, hygiene, arithmetic, physical geography, natural philosophy, physiology, history of the United States, botany, chemistry, rhetoric, Harkness' Introductory Latin, Latin grammar and reader, Caesar's Commentaries, Virgil's Aeneid, elementary algebra, and plane and solid geometry. This was arranged for a three-years course.
At the present writing, Mr. DeLay is still in charge of these schools, having graduated five classes.
Taking it all in all, the people of South Charleston have reason to be proud of their schools, and it is believed that they will compare favorably with other schools in places not larger than this in the State.
Much of the success of this school is due to the faithful co-operation of the School Board, and many of the parents, with the earnest efforts of the Superintendent and teachers.
The School Board, several years ago, seeing the folly of a frequent change of teachers without good reason for such change, adopted the plan of retaining the services of any and all who have shown themselves faithful and efficient.
At present, the number of pupils enumerated is about four hundred, and nearly three hundred attend school. There are in all in eight departments, including a colored school, and a separate teacher for each department."
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