690 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
CLARK TOWNSHIP.
BY FRANK L. HOCKETT.
THIS township is situated in the southern part of Clinton County, and extends farther south than any other portion of the county. It is very irregular in form. The greatest distance between the northern and southern bound aries is about nine miles. A line drawn from east to west near the middle of the township-about one mile south of Martinsville, would give the greatest width, and would measure about six and a half miles. This line would be an extension of the boundary line between Washington and Jefferson Townships on the west, and would intersect the western boundary of Clark Township at its most westerly point-just north of the M. & C. R. R., two and a half miles southwest of Martinsville, and striking the eastern boundary about one mile northwest of the most easterly point, which is about two and one-quarter miles southeast of Farmer's Station. From these extreme points east and west, the width of the township decreases until at the southern boundary it is only one mile in width. From the extreme point east the boundary line extends in a southwest direction to the East Fork of the Little Miami, striking this stream about one and one-quarter miles north of Lynchburg, thence with the stream about three miles to the southeast corner. Northward from the extreme east point the boundary angles twenty-five or thirty degrees west of north to the northeast corner. From the extreme point west, the western boundary extends west of north to the Cuba road, thence nearly northwest to Morrisville; thence the northern boundary extends eastward with the old State road to the northeast corner. The township is bounded on the northeast by Greene Township, on the southeast and south by Highland County, on the north and northwest by Washington Township, and on the southwest by Jefferson. It contains 23,038 acres of land, exclusive of school lots and cemeteries. This section is embraced in the Virginia Military District, and, prior to the organization of Clinton County, in 1810, the eastern portion was embraced in Highland County, the western in Warren County, the boundary between the two being about one-half mile west of the present site of Martinsville. From 1810 until 1811, the portion east of this line was included in Greene Town ship, that west in Vernon. July 14, 1816, a petition having been received by the County Commissioners, signed by many of the citizens of this section, the new township of Clark was organized with the same boundaries as at present, except that it extended northward to Cowan's Creek, thus including all the eastern portion of Washington Township. It was reduced to its present limits by the establishment of Washington Township, in 1835.
The northern and western portions of Clark Township are drained by the East Fork of Todd's Fork. The southern and southeast by the East Fork of the Little Miami. Tributaries of these streams so completely intersect the country, that but little difficulty has been encountered in securing outlets for drain ditches. In the central and southern portions a few large, open ditches have been constructed by tax levied upon the parties benefitted.
The soil is generally good, producing corn. grain and grass, and a large number of hogs are annually raised and shipped. Near the streams the surface is somewhat broken, but the greater part is level, or slightly rolling. Nearly all the southern part slopes to the south or southwest Stone of good quality is found on the Stone Quarry Branch, in the northern part of the town-
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ship. Extensive gravel beds have been opened, where it was long thought none could be obtained. For many years great quantities of valuable timber everywhere abounded, but have been largely consumed. But few springs exist in this section, but excellent water is easily obtained, as a general thing.
The township contains but one incorporated village, besides which there is but one railroad station and shipping point-both on the M. &. C. R. R. The Hillsboro branch of this road passes through the southern portion. The northern portion was originally settled by immigrants from Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. In the southern portion, known as the " bootleg," a number of families of German descent are found. Their settlement is of comparatively recent date.
Although the material for these records was not to be gathered from the "misty mountain tops of remote antiquity," yet much difficulty has been experienced in obtaining full and authentic information in regard to many items of interest to the present and future generations.
So late has this work been entered upon that nearly all of those who were active participants in the events of our early history, who endured the hardships and privations of pioneer life in our community, and thus opened the sources of our wealth and prosperity, and laid the foundations of our moral and intellectual progress, have joined
"The innumerable caravan which moves
To that mysterious realm where each shall take
His chamber in the silent halls of death,"
and with these much of importance and interest has passed into utter oblivion, and is forever lost to us. Even the official records of our township are missing, leaving no resource except the memory of a few individuals who came to the community in early childhood, and have observed the growth and development of the various interests of the country, and noted the many changes which time, labor and progress have made during more than three-quarters of a century. Surely the effort to reclaim from oblivion the records of the past, and to commemorate the names and deeds-with the virtues-of our forefathers, whose toil made life enjoyable to us, is but a just demand upon their descendants. It is well for us in this age when the names and deeds of the mighty men of earth are made as familiar to us as "household words," to remember that the humble backwoodsman, as he battles with the stern obstacles which surround him, if he faithfully performs the duties of life as they devolve upon him in his humble station, and builds up an honest and noble character, which proves that he possesses the attributes of a moral hero, is as much a worthy example for imitation as he who by a fortunate combination of circumstances may have been thrown upon the tidal wave of popular applause, and borne to the dizzy heights of fame. It is the possession of merit, manifested by an honest discharge of duty in whatever station of life one may be placed, that entitles an individual to honor and esteem, and not the circumstances which may have lifted him above the common herd. The Chinese are said to have a proverb to the effect that no man's life is a success unless he " builds a house, writes a good book, or becomes the father of a son," thus conferring a benefit upon those who should live after him.
If he who causes the earth to produce "two blades of grass where but one had grown" is to be regarded as a benefactor of mankind, surely those who, leaving the associations and endearments of their homes in older communities, take upon themselves the privations and rough experiences of pioneer life and thus make "the wilderness and solitary place to be glad, and the desert to blossom as the rose," should be classed among those who have conferred great and lasting benefits upon generations yet unborn.
692 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
Let it be remembered that the ring of the pioneer's ax is but the prelude to the merry chime of the school bell; the crash of falling timber, the presage of rattling trains laden with the produce of well-cultivated fields and valleys; the curling smoke of the "cabin" and "clearing" foreshadows that of thrifty villages, hamlets and cottages; the humble worshipers in humbler sanctuaries are the sires of a generation who will transform the spreading oaks of the forest into the substantial edifices, with towering spires pointing heavenward. Let us not forget, while we laud the great of earth whose brilliant career dazzles and astonishes our minds, many of whose names soon shall perish as an earth-born meteor in the darkness of oblivion's night, let us not forget to give due honor to those who, "while to fortune and to fame were unknown," and whose history--with but little exception is "the short and simple annals of the poor," yet who among unremitting toil and perplexing cares found opportunity for the exercise of those virtues which, instilled into the hearts and lives of their children and children's children, have formed the basis of all that has been of value in a social, business, intellectual or religious sense, and caused the history of our community to be pervaded with an atmosphere of a pure and healthy moral tone. Out of the rough and unhewn stone our forefathers, by patient endurance and persistent effort, carved a statue of majestic and noble mien, but to us they left the work of tracing the lines of more minute expression-of molding into perfection of form and symmetry-and adding the grace of posture and beauty, of finish, that shall command the admiration of beholders. Let us beware lest, amid the haste and excitement of this busy age, the well-begun work should be marred by any feature of sordid gain, of narrow minded prejudice, or of cold and selfish-hearted worldliness. To the youth of to-day has been left the rich moral legacy that
"Honor and shame from no condition rise,
Act well your part, there all the honor lies;
Worth makes the man, the want of it the fellow."
With this principle as a foundation stone, let us who enjoy our enlarged privileges, comforts and luxuries of life as the fruit of our forefathers' earnest toil and sturdy principles, commemorate their humble but heroic lives upon these pages, and cherish in our hearts the recollection of their virtues, while we endeavor to work out in our lives, and by the up building of a moral, enlightened and enterprising community, a monument to their memories more enduring than any of brass, marble or glittering granite. Then, although
"No loud brazen trump of worldly fame,
Shall thunder down to distant, times, their names;
Nor shall they figure on that lengthened scroll,
Where warriors blazon on the war-stained roll.
No pompous pillar, pointing to the skies,
O'er their much-honored bones shall proudly rise;
Nor shall their statue, finely chiseled, stand
To prompt the applauses of a wondering land."
But theirs shall be triumphs of a higher sort. Instead of the "brazen tramp," their names will be fondly cherished around the hearthstones of the present and future homes of those whom they lived to bless. Instead of the "lengthened scroll" and the warrior's fame, their names are enrolled upon the brighter scroll of "fond recollection," and theirs were not deeds of carnage and bloodshed, but such as " scatter peace and plenty o' er the land." Instead of the "pompons pillar," the church and school shed abroad their benign influences to lead beyond the skies, and instead of the statue of stone or brass, they have left us the more enduring one of devotion-to the principles of truth and honor, coupled with lives of industry and steady purpose.
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The benefits and enjoyments of the present are the result of about eighty years of toil and development. When the present century opened it found the section embraced in Clark Township, and for miles beyond its present limits, covered by one vast unbroken forest, across which now and then a traveler from one distant settlement to another passed, or the hardy hunter rambled amid the solitudes. The haughty storm-king tossed, or the gentle zephyr swayed the giant branches, while to the one responded only the whoop of the savage or the scream of wild beasts, and to the other only the notes of warb ling bird, chirping insect or purling brook. But the wigwam of the savage had almost disappeared. Here and there still remained an isolated camp, and now and then, for a few years after the first settlement, a lonely procession of dusky forms might be seen wending its way single file, sadly and silently yielding to the fate that drove them from the hunting-grounds of their fathers. Ere the last of these had left, the unwelcome ring of the ax sounded as a death-knell in their ears, and the curling smoke of the white man's cabin arose and vanished as soon they should before the approaching tread of civilization.
The early settlers found a heavy growth of oak, hickory, maple (hard and soft), gray and blue ash, walnut and beech, .covering almost the entire surface. Under the thick shade of these had sprung up an undergrowth of spicewood and papaw, while a dense mat of wild pea-vines covered the ground so completely that man or beast could be easily tracked through the forest. At intervals, this undergrowth would disappear, the ground rise in a gentle swell from all directions, forming a beautiful knoll, carpeted in its season with a soft, velvety grass, interspersed with wild flowers of loveliest hue. It would seem that in such spots Nature had poured out her beauty with lavish hand The towering trunks of the forest trees, stretching upward like the giant pillars of some vast cathedral, with open vistas between, stretching; away in the distance, beneath the leafy archway far above, like the corridors of some grand edifice, while through and around them the shadows flitted and played like things of life. Above, and so far away as to seem to mingle with heaven's ethereal blue, and interspersed with glimmerings of golden sunlight, the ever-varying tints of foliage were spread out, far outrivaling in beauty any work of fresco or mosaic. The giant oak trunks, with their massive boughs, were emblems of strength and excellence. The shimmering sunlight that broke through the leafy thickness diffused a sweet influence of blessing, while from every side Nature's choir of songsters mingled their notes in sweet accord with murmuring strains of whispering breezes or warbling brooks, and poured forth music of sweetest melody, that rose and swelled and died away in the forest depths. Happy and fortunate the pioneer whose taste and circumstances led to the selection of such a spot for his future home, for from such influences the soul gathers strength and beauty, and is instinctively led to rise above the low and groveling.
Through the "deep-tangled wildwood" the deer bounded unseared until he learned to fear the unerring aim of the pioneer's rifle. Occasionally, "Old Bruin" made a prowling visit to observe the changes taking place in his forest solitude, while panthers, wild cats and wolves often made night hideous with "music of melancholy sort," and for some years were the terror of the sheep fold. Squirrels were the pest of corn-fields and too common to be thought of as an article of food Wild turkeys abounded, and turkey and venison graced the board of the early settler, whose appetite, whetted by honest toil, craved no richer dainties.
Upon arriving and selecting a location for a home, the first work was to erect a cabin. During this time, the families of those who came first must
694 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
make a home in their wagon--or wagons-as they had done on the journey, or, in some instances, in a tent. After the first settlements, new-comers were always welcomed by the older settler, whose latchstring always hung out, and who, although crowded closely in the one small room of his cabin, could always accommodate any who needed his hospitality. These cabins were structures peculiar to the times, and such as the implements and time of the settler permitted him to erect. They were often made of round logs, sometimes hewn off some after the walls were raised. The family frequently occupied them be. fore floor, windows or door-shutter had been provided. Many were never supplied with other floor than the ground, a trench being dug around on the outside and the dirt thrown up against the walls to prevent the water from flooding the room. Generally, however, a puncheon floor was made. A door was made of clapboards pinned to a frame and hung by inserting each end of an upright piece into the logs at the top and bottom. A window was obtained by sawing out a portion of a log or two in the wall. The roof was made of clapboards weighted down with poles to keep them in place. A chimney of sticks and clay, built upon a large fire-place of clay, held in its place by split pieces of timber which projected from the wall on the outside, into which they were fastened, and which inclosed the jambs and backwalls, completed the dwelling. As soon as opportunity offered and necessity required it, another cabin, of similar structure, was erected adjoining or near the first, and thus a home was provided which, although rude in structure, was often the sacred spot, around which clustered the substantial joys of life, and back to which the memories of age loved to revert. Let us here introduce to the reader those who passed through these experiences, and, as nearly as can be ascertained, the date and place of settlement within the present limits of our township.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
It is generally supposed that Thomas Johns was the first to settle within the present limits of the township. He located upon the East Fork, about three miles southeast of the present site of Martinsville. Nothing is known of his nativity or date of settlement.
In 1801, Isaac Miller settled about three miles east of Martinsville. Shortly after settling, a hoe was needed. To obtain one, Mr. Miller was obliged to make a journey on foot through the forests, to New Market, in Highland County, a distance of sixteen or eighteen miles. About the same time, Joseph McKibben settled near the same place.
In the year 1806, John Wright, of North Carolina. settled upon land from which the larger part of the present site of. Martinsville was taken, buying the land at $2 per acre. Mr. Wright was mainly instrumental in the laying-out of the village, and erected the first house within its limits. Two sons of Mr. Wright are still living within the limits of the township, a daughter being the first person interred in Friends' Graveyard, at Martinsville.
By the year 1808, in addition to the above, Samuel McCulloch had settled upon the East Fork, four miles southeast of Martinsville, and Isaac Van Meter and John Jones near the resent site of Lynchburg.
In the spring of 1808, Daniel and Joseph Moon, brothers, came from Jefferson County, Tenn., with their families, and settled about one mile east of Martinsville. The following autumn, another brother, Samuel, and John Ruth, a brother-in-law, husband of Jane Moon, settled in the same neighborhood. In the spring of 1809, Joseph Moon, Sr., father of the above, with his family and two sons, William and Jesse, with their families, and accompanied by John Moon, brother of Joseph Moon, Sr., joined the others in the new settlement. In the year 1811, another brother-in-law, James Garner, husband of
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Mary Moon, settled in the same limits. The whole number of this connection now included fifty-four persons-thirty. four males and twenty females--- of whom nine males and two females were living in 1877. Among the settlers were those who could employ themselves as carpenters, coopers, harness and saddle makers, hatters, cabinet makers, chair manufacturers, shoe makers, gunsmiths, locksmiths, blacksmiths, brick and stone masons, plasterers, in fact, mechanics of every calling, though nearly all, upon settling here, turned attention chiefly to farming. Samuel Moon purchased sixty acres of land of Gen. William Lytle, of Cincinnati, for which he paid $2.75 per acre. Joseph Moon, Sr., remained a resident of the township until the time of his death in 1834, at which time his descendants numbered over four hundred. He died at the age of eighty-four, the last twenty-five years of his life having been spent in this locality.
In 1810, John Beales, of North Carolina, settled about one mile northeast of Martinsville. About the same time, Christopher Hiatt, of Virginia, settled one mile west. In the same year, James Puckett, of North Carolina, settled two miles south of east of Martinsville, of whom two descendants are now living in the township. At the same time came Daniel Puckett, from the same State. He was a minister of the Gospel, a member of the Society of Friends, and was one of the first to proclaim the Gospel in the new settlement. He remained but a short time, then removed to Indiana. In 1811, William West settled one-half mile north of Martinsville. Quite a large number of descendants, the children of five sons and one daughter, are at present residents of the township. In 1814, Joseph Mills, Sr., of North Carolina, with four sons and two daughters, settled about one and a half miles northeast of Martinsville. Two of these sons were residents of the township from this time until the death of each, Joseph's occurring in 1877, and John's in 1880. (For a short period, John and family were residents of another township.) Ten descendants are at present residents of the township. In the same year as the above, David Bockett, Sr., of Virginia, settled one mile northeast of Martinsville. There were two sons--Nathan and David-and two daughters-Agnes and Ruth. David Hockett, Sr., died in 1842, aged seventy-seven years. Jonathan Hockett, a brother of David Hockett, Sr., of Virginia, settled one-half mile west of Martinsville in 1816.
In the same year (1816), Jacob Hunt and family, of Virginia, consisting of five sons and three daughters, settled about half a mile north of Martinsville. Jacob died in 1844, and his wife, Lydia, in 1858. Of the children, Reuben, the youngest, purchased the original homestead, where he resided from the date of settlement until his death, in June, 1882. Another son, Jesse, re sided in the township until his death, in 1851. Rebecca, a daughter, resided in the township nearly all her life, her decease occurring in 1879. Nathan, the oldest son, is a resident of the township at present, several years having been spent in Highland County. Only eighteen or twenty descendants now reside in the township.
In 1817, Thomas Hunt, a brother of Jacob, settled adjoining. Of this family of five sons and one daughter, three have resided during life in the township since the settlement. John has been a resident of Martinsville for a longer period than any other citizen, having located in the limits of the village in 1833. Two others, William and Mary Ann (Smith), are citizens of the township. Jonathan resided here the greater part of his life. Twenty-four or twenty-five descendants remain.
In 1819, Aaron Bette, of Virginia, settled about one mile west of Martinsville, purchasing a large tract of land. Of the family, there were two sons and two daughters, none of whom are now resident in the township, and only one is
696 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
living. Christopher resided in the township until his death, in 18139. The others removed to the West in 18(17 and 1868. Ten descendants remain in the township.
Of the following, no authentic information was obtained-or was obtained too late to insert in the proper place. Among those who should have been placed with the earliest settlers are John Lytle, who settled about half a mile southeast of Martinsville. For a number of years he lived alone. Two daughters are at present residents of Martinsville. The only son, Thomas, removed some years ago to Hillsboro. William Nixon settled very early on the farm purchased in 1817 by Thomas Hunt. In the eastern part of the township, and from whom a large number of descendants are still living, may be named Aaron Ruse, William and Richard Owsley and Joshua Betterton. Prior to 1809, Daniel Nordyke had settled about one and a half miles southeast of Martinsville. Jacob Jackson settled just south of Martinsville prior to 1810. He was the first minister of the Gospel, as far as known, who came to the neighborhood. He came to Highland County, from Tennessee, in 1802, and lived there until probably 1808, when he removed to this township. He was a former resident of North Carolina, and a native of Pennsylvania.
Very early in the settlement of the country, Owen West, Sr., settled on the East Fork, southeast of Martinsville. A large number of descendants are living. Among others should be given the names of Isaac, William and Robert Jones, who settled on the East Fork. At the time of Isaac Miller's and Joseph McKibben's settlement, in 1801, that of Gideon McKibben's should have been mentioned. Others prior to 1810 are Thomas McLin, William Chalfont, William Davis, Ashley Johnson and George Shields. Later, but prior to 1820, are William Patterson, who settled on the East Fork of Todd's Fork, northwest of Martinsville. He was the first Justice of the Peace after the organization of Clark Township. Prominent among the names of this period should be given that of James Hadley, who assisted in securing the organization of the township, and who rendered important service in the settlement of difficulties arising from looseness of land entries, interference of surveys, and from older claims. No doubt there are other names that should be included in this list, and it is regretted that circumstances have made it impossible to make it complete.
CUSTOMS AND INCIDENTS OF EARLY HISTORY.
When the early settlers came, as soon as shelter had been provided for the family, the next work was to clear away the heavy timber and prepare a " patch" for corn. In those days, " a man was famous according as he had lifted up saes upon the thick trees" Pa. lxxiv, 5), and no doubt, from the amount of practice required in this respect, "there were giants in those clays," so that, as each year passed by, the area of cleared land steadily increased. " Log-rolling" and "brush-picking" called into requisition every hand old enough to ear any part in the toil. hen the settlement had increased in numbers, the " log-rolling " became an occasion of merriment that made the forests echo and re-echo with peals of laughter that took off the rough edge of the severe toil. The surprise party of that day was not the celebration of a wedding or birthday anniversary, but a company would collect, and, under cover of the darkness, while the owner enjoyed the sweet repose. of slumber, the merry party would roll and pile the logs ready for burning. When the merry springtime brought the gay songster, and the music of early birds filled the forests with melody. and the wild flowers peeped forth, then began the earnest labor of preparing the ground for planting. The old wooden mold-board among the roots presents a picture of difficulty and rugged toil vastly different from the same labor of the farmer to-day. From the time of planting until harvest, a contin-
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tied warfare had to be maintained between the farmer and the squirrels and blackbirds. Tho cultivation was done with the '' single-shovel" and the hoe Corn was the chief breadstuff for many years. wheat bread appearing oil the table only occasionally, as as rare luxury. The "patch" of flax was a part of every farmer's crop. In the winter and spring the nice clays were employed by the men and boys in dressing it. Then the women spun and wove it into cloth, from which the various articles required in the family were made. Thus, not only the clothing, but the bedding also, was manufactured at home. Among the early settlers were Nimrod Dickey, John Ruth and Isani Good, who manufactured wheels, reels, chairs, tubs, buckets, etc. Girls were employed at. 50 cents a week to spin, but, in order to get full wages, were required to spin twelve cuts of flax per day, or six cuts of tow (coarse part of flax). Weaving was worth 8 cents a yard. These products of home manufacture could be ex changed in Hillsboro or Wilmington for calico or muslin at 50 cents a yard. A calico dress of the present day would therefore be equal to the wages of a girl for three months in those days. As to the clothing of the men. buckskin pants, with tow hunting shirts for every-day wear, and sometimes linen shirts and cotton coats for extra occasions, was the general custom. After a few years, when the wolves had been sufficiently destroyed to allow sheep-raising. woolen garments took the place of the above. The preparation of buckskin for wearing was an art peculiar to the times. First, the deer-skin was soaked until quite soft, then the hair and grain were cut off with a sharp piece of steel. The skin was then dried. The brains of the animal were put into a cloth and worked through it until the substance had the appearance of soapsuds. Next, the skin was soaked in this fluid until it was well saturated and had become perfectly soft. It was then worked over the sharp edge of a board until well dried. This process was repeated until the skin was perfectly pliant and would remain soft upon becoming wet. After each washing it was smoked. In these primitive times, it was not uncommon for the boys to go bare-headed until ten or twelve years of age. In summer, straw hats of home manufacture were worn. Frequently, the boys of the family were taken to Hillsboro or Wilmington, each head measured, and wool hats made to order, generally of wool brought by the farmer.
The man who wore a pair of boots was regarded as an aristocrat, though shoes of leather tanned at home, and especially moccasins, were very common. Not one man in ten owned a wagon, and only one now and then could pur chase a barrel of salt. In 1809, Samuel Moon and a neighbor took a horse apiece and rode to the Scioto Salt Works to procure a supply, carrying it home in sacks on the horses. A few years later, it could be obtained at $18 per barrel at a small store near the present site of New Vienna. At one time, a day's work was worth 50 cents; later, only 31 cents, and even 25 cents. A day's work was frequently given for two bushels of corn. Twenty-five cents a cord was paid for chopping. A bushel of wheat would bring 50 cents. About 1815 or 1820, Jonathan Hockett took two bushels of wheat to Wilmington and exchanged for one pound of powder in order to obtain a supply to kill the squirrels and save his corn.
Hogs were driven from this section, sometimes to Cincinnati and sometimes to the East. As the hogs had the entire range of the woods, it was necessary that a certain day should be fixed upon by the neighbors and the purchaser, when the animals should be collected and confined in a lot or field; where a horseman would chase them several times around in order to weary them, as otherwise they would be able to escape the swiftest riders, through the woods and brush. When collected, the first work was to weigh a few out of each man's lot, from which the average could be obtained. In order to
698 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
weigh, a post and pole were erected in the manner of a well-sweep. To the end of the pole a large pair of steelyards was attached, then, one at a time, the hogs were caught and suspended by straps from the steelyards. A hog two or three years old, weighing 200 pounds, was considered extra good, and was worth, in early times, $2.50 per hundred. In 1820, pork was worth only 1 cent per pound. In 1815, the tax on personal property, as required by the County Commissioners, was 25 cents on each head of horses three years old and over, and 8 cents on each head of cattle over three years. At the same time, a bounty of 50 cents was paid by the county for each wolf-scalp brought in.
The cooking for the family was done by the good housewife and her daughters, before the large open fire-place. The bread-generally consisting of "corn pone" or "corn dodgers "-was baked in a "skillet," or "Dutch oven," or the " johnny-cake" on a smooth board before the fire. In the same manner the meat was cooked in vessels on or before the fire. When the meal was prepared, the family gathered around a table, constructed by taking a broad slab or slabs, split from the trunk of a large tree and hewn down to the proper thickness, and attaching legs, as in making an ordinary beach. The first square tables known in the neighborhood were made by Joseph Moon and John Ruth, by hewing the material from the trunk of a walnut tree. The queensware in common use consisted of pewter plates, and the rest chiefly of brown earthenware. Milk was the common beverage, although much danger was thus incurred from the prevalence of milk-sickness, several deaths occurring in the early settlement from this cause. Spicewood and sassafras tea were frequently used. With many, wheat bread and coffee were used on Sabbath mornings. ,
Fortunately for the early settlers, the sugar tree grew abundantly, and in the early springtime, the "big kettles" were brought out and hung beside a log or placed in earthen furnaces, the trees tapped, the horse and sled for hauling, and, in fact, the whole force of the family often employed in transforming the rich treasure of sweetness from its watery form into one suitable for use, when it was stored away. Kettles for boiling being in demand at this time, a resident of Hillsboro brought a number to the neighborhood, which were rented to those needing them, the rent being a certain number of pounds of sugar for each year's use. They were kept until the rent exceeded the cost of the kettles, after which neither rent nor kettles were ever called for.
In these early times, no time-pieces were in use in the neighborhood. Occasionally a sun-dial was constructed, but generally a sun-mark was the only means by which the time could be known. Jt was not until 1816 or 1817 that the first wooden clocks were brought around. The first were without cases, and were attached to the wall, the pendulum and weights hanging below from which the name of " wall-sweeps " was derived. The clocks in this condition cost $20. In a few years, cases were furnished at $10 each, making the total cost of a time-piece $36. In the early settlement of the township, the meal for bread was ground on a hand-mill owned by Joseph Moon, Sr. Israel Nordyke owned a horse-mill five or six miles from the Martinsville neighborhood. The next opportunities were to take two or three bushels on horseback to the mills on Cowan's Creek or the East Fork. When the water was too low for these to run, a journey of three or four days was required to reach the mills on the Miami. Within the limitsof the township, the following mills have been built: First, William Leagitt built a saw and grist mill on the East Fork, followed by Isaac Jones near Lynchburg, and the third was built by Aaron Ruse, on the same stream, between Leagitt's and Jones'. Nest, William Patterson built one on the East Fork of Todd's Fork, half a mile northwest of Martins-
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ville. About 1827, Christopher Hiatt built a carding machine, which was run by oxen, on an inclined wheel. Later, John Lytle erected a caroling machine near the present site of Martinsville, and Curtis Jackson built a mill near by, both of which were: run by oxen on an inclined wheel. In 1833 or 1834. Amos Holloway built the first steam mill, about one mile west of Martinsville, and Isaac Pidgeon applied steam to a carding and falling machine, to which he also attached apparatus for grinding corn. Two other steam-mills have been built since-one known as Kester's, about two miles northeast of Martins ville, which was removed a few years ago to Farmer's Station; the other was built at Martinsville, with funds raised by subscription, about $2,000 having been obtained for the purpose. The mill was built and operated for awhile by Angus McCoy and Daniel Carey. This mill was destroyed by fire in 1800 or 18(51, while owned by Jehu Davis, who erected the one now standing.
The first shingle roof was put on by Joseph Moon, Sr. The shingles were pinned on with wooden pins. The building is still standing, about one mile east of Martinsville, and the holes for the pins may yet be seen in the sheeting. The first roof on which nails were used was on a house built by William Moon. The nails cost 25 cents per pound. The first merchants were Lewis Garrett and Robert Grant, at Martinsville, about the time of the laying-out of the village, in 1816. It is said the main feature of their business was the liquor traffic. They soon failed in business--a fact prophetic of the fate of nearly all who have engaged in like business since. They were soon followed by John Wright, with a capital of only $400 or $500. The first hotel was opened by Samuel Harbin, who was followed by Peyton Burton, who was succeeded by Samuel Hiatt. The first hatters were John Chew and Thomas Sally. William Moon was the first blacksmith and gunsmith, opening a shop as early as 1809. Asaph Hiatt was the first cabinet-maker, beginning his work about 1815. A number of articles of furniture are still in use in different families of the neighborhood. Jesse Jackson was the first to follow shoemaking as a business, and Aaron Betts was the first tanner.
In the first settlement of the country, the amount of wheat sown was so small that each farmer either cut his own with a sickle, or two or more neighbors joined together to harvest their grain. As the acreage increased, cradles were brought into use, the number of hands increasing as the acreage grew greater, year by year. About 1845 or 1850, reapers began to be introduced, after which the acreage rapidly increased.
Prior to 1840 or 1845, the only way of separating the grain from the straw and chaff was by the use of the flail, or by treading out with horses. About this period, Jesse Beales purchased territory and the right to manufacture a machine to be run with one horse. The attempt was unsuccessful, as was also another machine, designed to be propelled by horses on an incline, from the fact that other machines of a superior grade of construction were soon introduced. The old horse-power machine and "tumbling shaft," the first of which were probably operated by John Green, or by John R. Smith and William Hockett, were the first successful machines introduced. These were followed by the steamer, and last by the " traction" engine.
Prior to the settlement of Clark Township-or of the settlements within its limits-a road had been opened by the State from College Township, Butler County, to Chillicothe. In 1835, this became the northern boundary of the 'township from Morrisville eastward. So far as can be ascertained, the second road was one known as the Lebanon road, from Lebanon to Hillsboro. It was known as a county road by three notches cut in the trees along the route. It passed from northwest to southeast, through the present site of Martinsville, A third road was opened from the Lebanon road, starting about one and a half
700 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
miles southeast of Martinsville, and running northwest, crossing the old State road at the present site of Morrisville; thence to Wilmington. The next road of special importance is the road from Cincinnati, passing through Martinsville west to east, and intersecting the old Statoroad between New Vienna and Lexington. This road was established by authority of the State. about 1835 or 1836, the Viewers being Aaron Betts and -- Jackson, of Goshen. As necessity required, the other roads have been established at different times.
The most important improvement of the highways began about 1867 or 1868, when the law provided for the construction of free pikes. C. C. Betts was a prime mover in this work, and occupied the position of Commissioner on the Wilmington & Martinsville pike at the time of his death, in 1870. At the present time, there are about thirty miles of pike within the limits of the township, and all the streams are spanned by well-constructed bridges. Perhaps no other cause has contributed more to increase the value of property, and added to the comforts of travel and the facilities for conveying produce to market, than the improved condition of the highway, within the last fourteen years.
Upon the organization of the township, measures were taken to hold the first election. This was held in John Wright's store, in Martinsville. Run ners were sent out to call a sufficient number together for the purpose. Jonathan Hockett, Sr., was chosen Moderator. A common brown earthen crock, with a cover of like material, was used for a ballot-box. Fourteen or sixteen ballots were cast. No charge of "stuffing," or of necessity for a returning board to insure a "fair count," was ever raised. Three Trustees were elected, viz., Joseph Moon, William Nixon and (probably) John Wright. William Patterson was elected Justice of the Peace. The names of other officers cannot be ascertained. A Supervisor was elected, who had the oversight of the road from Cowan's Creek to the East Fork, a distance of nine or ten miles. These officers served without pay.
The first religious service was conducted by Friends, in the dwelling belonging to John Wright A few individuals are still living who attended this meeting. This was probably not later than 1810. The meetings held at this time were what are known in the society as "indulged meetings," and were under the care of Clear Creek Monthly Meeting. In the year 1816, a monthly meeting was established, and Christopher Hiatt was chosen Clerk. Before the establishment of this meeting, the members had united and erected a log house in a primitive style, with puncheon floor, clapboard roof and ceiling, and warmed by a bed of charcoal on a hearth in the center of the room. As the number of members increased, an addition was joined to this building, by sharpening the ends of logs and driving them between the logs of the first building. The wall between the two thus formed the partition between the men's and women's meetings, two or three logs having been taken out to ar range for " shutters." When, in time, more room was needed, the logs were cut out on the south side of this building, a few feet from the wall, to insure safety, and a shed attached. This shed was generally occupied by the younger portion of the congregation, while the fathers and mothers occupied the elder and warmer portion of the building, and, as the projecting ends of the logs on each side concealed the boys from the view of older eyes, it is said, by some who ought to know, that said boys did not always conduct themselves in a manner becoming a place of worship. A brick house, thirty by sixty, was next erected, built by voluntary work of the members. Unfortunately, this building was burned before completion. It was warmed in the same manner as the previous building. The coals were brought in on a hand-bar, an arrangement consisting of two long poles and cross-pieces, in which bent clapboards were placed. Into the hollow formed by the bent boards, earth was placed, and on
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this the bed of coals. At the close of service, four men usually took hold of these poles and carried the hand-bar out,. but upon this occasion it was neglected. and it is supposed the boards under the earth became so heated that they took fire and from these it. was communicate: to the floor. This house was rebuilt and occupied until the building of the present house, in 1844, which was also built by voluntary work and contributions. These church buildings were built upon six acres of ground. donated to Friends for this purpose by Gen. William Lytle, of Cincinnati. The present church building and graveyard occupy ground obtained of Aaron Betts by an exchange of a part of the land donated by Gen. Lytle.
About the year 18:38, Thomas Hogan and Daniel Rizer organized and founded the Methodist Church at Martinsville. Mr. Hogan had been a man of intemperate habits, but, having reformed in 18:36, became an earnest and use ful worker in the church and in the cause of temperance. The first meetings held under the organization were in private dwellings-sometimes, at favorable seasons in the woods. Rev. James Quinn was among the first preachers who conducted these services. A house for worship was built about the year 1841, which was occupied until the building of the present house, in 1874. The first Sabbath school was established about the year 1850 or 1852.
Early in the history of the community, attention was given to education. A subscription school was opened and taught by Jonah Wright of South Carolina, about 1812. Pupils came to this school from their homes, now embraced in four or five districts, surrounding Martinsville, and a few came from a distance and boarded. This school w:+s under the control of Friends, and was held in their house, Daniel Moon, John Beales and Christopher Hiatt being appointed a committee to have the oversight of it. Mr. Wright was followed by Ira Hunt, and next by John Roe, who also taught night schools, which were attended by a number of adult persons. Next came Noah Kellum (of whom some of his pupils claim a correct pronunciation is Kill 'em). A number of others might be added to the list, all of whom taught subscription schools at the rate of $1.50 per scholar for a term of three months, this being the whole number of months of school during the year. This was continued until the establishment of the free school system, about 1835. It is a matter of wonder to us, who begin to appreciate the blessings of this system, that, when the question was first agitated, and provision made by law for a tax to be collected to support free schools, that many of the best citizens of that day were bitterly opposed to the movement. A worthy citizen of this community, an early settler, a man of good judgment, of unblemished character, and occupying a high position in the church, remarked, about this time, that "he would as soon have his property stolen as to pay tax to educate other people's children."
Many now living can well remember the construction of the primitive schoolhouses. Built of logs, with one end so constructed that the fire-place extended the entire width of the room, and affording space on each end of the forestick for two or three boys to sit and warm, while the light which came down the huge stick-and-clay chimney enabled them to study (or play tricks on each other). The windows were of greased paper, placed in where a portion of a log had been taken out for the purpose. Around the room, on pins placed in the logs, were planks, upon which the children did their writing, seated upon benches made of slabs, and without backs. It was frequently so cold in the room that the ink would freeze in the quill pen, and on this account the bottle had to be kept in the pocket. Reading, writing and arithmetic constituted the course of study, the pupils generally using Murray's Introduction, English Reader and Sequel for Readers, Dilworth's or Webster's Spellers and Pike's Arithmetic, or, in the absence of these, any text-book most conveniently
702 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
obtained. The pupil who advanced as far as the double rule of three (compound proportion) was considered competent to teach. Grammar was first taught by Lewis Garrett, of North Carolina. Because he could teach grammar, he was considered a wonder by the people. From the time of these early schools, nothing of importance occurred in the educational interests of the township until about 1845. About this time, Milton Hollingsworth was employed, by a committee of Friends of Newberry Monthly Meeting, to take charge of subscription school, to be held in a room fitted up for the purpose, over the meeting room in the Friends' Church at Martinsville. At a re-union for officers, teachers and pupils of the schools of Martinsville, held in August, 1878, the following was given, in regard to this school, in the address of welcome, delivered by Reuben Hunt:
"Milton Hollingsworth gave to this community its first grand impulse in the direction of a higher education, around whose pupils clusters so much interest to-day. I make no invidious distinction when I note the fact that in this class is to be found the farmer, mechanic, merchant, physician, lawyer, banker, ex-County Treasurer, editor, legislator and minister of the Gospel, representing every phase of honorable and respectable society."
The nest important step was the formation of the special school district, and, somewhat later, the movement, under the privileges granted to special districts, to build the present house and establish a graded school. C. C. Betts, Robert Fulton and Dr. John Carman, as Directors and prime movers in the enterprise, called the patrons of the school together and submitted a proposition to build a house costing not less than $2,500 or $3,000. The proposition was carried, there being only two dissenting voices. The contract was given to George and William Janney, who built the house, which cost, when completed, about $2,800. For some years, only two departments were occupied. The first teachers employed were Mr. and Mrs. -- Adams, graduates of Oberlin College. Mrs. Adams taught the high school, and Mr. Adams the second department. They were followed, in 1859, by Charles Oren and wife, residents of the county, but graduates of Antioch College, having been under the instruction of the noted Horace Mann. Mr. Oren occupied the position of Principal, his wife taking the second department. Between Mr. Adams and Mrs. Oren, this department was for a time under the tuition of Miss Sarah Porter, of Massachusetts. Mr. Oren occupied the position of Principal for about three years, during which the school was firmly established and a reputation gained which drew pupils from every part of this and adjoining counties, and several from other States. Mr. Oren then gave his services to his country in the civil war, and entered the army as a Captain. While faithfully performing his duty, he was stricken down by a sharpshooter, on the fortification around Petersburg, Va., in July, 1864.
The school continued to prosper under the Principalship of M. L. Hunt. The second department was in charge of Miss Mary Hunt at this time, and the third had been opened, and had been taught by Miss Josie White, followed by Miss Ella Behymer, then by Miss Sue A. Hunt. About 1865, A. J. Himson became Principal, who was succeeded, in a year or two, by T. J. Moon, who occupied the position for nearly the whole time until 1879. During a short interval of this period, the school was in charge of Edward Ellis. The intermediate department was under charge of different teachers, and the primary was taught for the greater part of the time by Mrs. Lida Moon. Under the instructions of Mr. Moon, a large number of teachers were qualified and se cured positions in the schools of this and adjoining counties. Mr. Moon was followed by the present Principal, Edwin P. West, whose education began in this school, under M. L. Hunt, and who graduated in Wilmington College in
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the class of 1878. The intermediate department is taught by Mr. Page, of Westboro, and the primary by Mrs. Laura Stratton.
Interesting and profitable literary associations were sustained at different periods. The alumni, composed of students attending, and especially of those who had discontinued school, was held quarterly for some years, the annual meetings, held in September, being occasions of much interest and profit. We are sorry to add that all these seem to have come to an early death by a slow decline. About the year 1865, a public library was organized. By the assistance of a bequest from Clarkson Moon of $50, a library of over one hundred volumes was collected, worth about $220, nearly all of which are still pre served. The facilities for education and for acquiring information at present, compared with that of the early settlers, present strange contrasts. During the war of 1812, only one paper was taken within the limits of Clark Town. ship. This was the Western Star, published at Lebanon. It was left at Lacy's Tavern, now Cuba. In 1808, the nearest post office was Hillsboro, which was also the nearest place of business of any importance. The first railroad passing through the township is the Hillsboro road. The M. & C. road was completed and the first train passed in 1854.* Prior to this, the surplus produce of the country was hauled away and goods brought back in wagons. During the day of wagoning, two enterprising and adventurous young rats of the Norway species-then but little known in this country-being tired, as we sup. pose, of city life, and possessed with the idea that fun and food in abundance could be found in some rural district, embarked at Cincinnati in a wagon belonging to Robert Ellis, and succeeded in reaching the village of Martinsville. But, before effecting their escape to a secure retreat, where they would realize their long-cherished day-dreams of well-filled granaries, and revel amid the luxuries of the farmer's barn, their presence in the wagon was discovered, and, being unwelcome visitors, though the first of the kind ever seen in the community, they were doomed to instant death. Such is the history of the first Norway rat hunt in Martinsville.
About the year 1834 or 1835, Dr. John E. Dalton, of New Hampshire, became a resident of Martinsville. He was probably the first practicing phy sician resident in the township. Being also engaged in mercantile business, he brought the first case of boots of Eastern manufacture ever offered for sale in the village. At this time, there was no post office nearer than Cuba. Mr. Dalton was instrumental, with others, in obtaining the first office, and was the first to hold the position of Postmaster. (t) He was succeeded bv David W. Hockett, and the third was John Hunt. When Mr. Dalton and other; petitioned for the office, the law required that offices should be at least four miles apart. To ascertain whether the office could be obtained, the distance to Cuba was measured with a tape line, and it was found to be but very little over the re quired distance. The law also required that security should be given that the office should not be an expense to the Government. The rates of postage on letters at this time was from 6 cents to 25 cents between any two points in the United States according to distance. Each separate piece of paper included in the communication was subject to these rates.
At this time, a cook-stove was a thing unknown in the country. Mr. Dal ton and Samuel Collins bought a patent right for forty counties in Ohio to manufacture a cook-stove invented by an Eastern gentleman by the name of John Moore. This stove was made mostly of sheet iron, and was soon displaced by superior articles. Mr. Dalton also had the honor of being the first to agitate the temperance cause publicly in the community. In this connec-
* See Chapter IX.
(t) The issue of the Wilmington Democrat and Herold for January 31, 1834, mentioned the fact that a post office had just been established at Martinsville, and Dr. John E. Dalton appointed Postmaster. The Doctor must therefore have come not later than 1833 to the village.-P. A. D.
704 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
tion it may be stated that the first advocates for the abolition of slavery in this vicinity were Christopher Hiatt, Aaron Betts and David Sewell. The cause met with the usual opposition. though no violence was often manifested toward its advocates, further than that some traveling speakers. stopping overnight at. Christopher Hiatt's, had their horses' manes and tails trimmed.
We have thus reviewed the history of our township as far as circumstances have permitted the collection of items of interest. Let us close by noting down, for future reference, some items of the present condition of the township. The population of the village of Martinsville, according to the census of 1880, was 355. It contains three dry goods stores, two of which keep groceries, besides two drug stores, which also keep groceries; one saloon and grocery, one hotel, one harness shop, four blacksmith shops (which include two carriage manufactories and repair shops), one wagon shop, two shoe shops, one bakery, one mill, one cabinet shop and three physicians. A bank was established in 1863, by F. M. Moore and Nathaniel Hunter, who were succeeded, August 1, 1873. by Cleland & Hunt.
A telegraph office was opened about 1863 or 1864, by I N. Miller. From this station, during the fall and winter of 1881, about $100,000 worth of hogs were shipped, and $211,000 worth of wheat.
The valuation of town lots in Martinsville, according to the assessment of 1880, was $11,813; valuation of dwellings, $30,345; valuation of other buildings, $2,965; valuation of mill property, $1,400; total value, $46,523. In the township, the number of acres of plow land is 13,153.16; number of acres of meadow land. 4,361.06; number of acres of woodland, 5,523.88; total, 23,038 acres. The valuation of this land by the last assessment was $613,390; valuation of dwellings, $53,485; valuation of other buildings, $22,845; valuation of mill property. $1.2110; total value, $690,920; adding value of real estate in Martinsville, $46.523, makes a total valuation of real estate in township of $737,443. In the township there are five houses for worship: The Friends', at Martinsville, valued at $825; the M. E. Church at Martinsville. valued at $2,000; Universalist Church at Farmers Station, $1.500; West Chapel (M. E.), $500; Pleasant Hill, $250; total value, $5,075. There are ten schoolhouses in the township, valued at $4,410. The population of the township in 1870 numbered 1,877. In 1880, it was 2,007, an increase of 130. At the Presidential election in 1.880. 492 votes were cast. The township has furnished two Probate Judges, three County Treasurers and one Representative in the General Assembly. According to the statement of a Trustee, there have been 120 paupers sent to the infirmary during the last-twenty-seven years, of whom the main cause of pauperism, for at least two-thirds of the number, was whisky and tobacco.
It is regretted that the number of soldiers furnished during the war, and the number lost in battle or by sickness, cannot be ascertained. The first volunteers were Elsworth Rizer, Zach Johnson and --- -, who answered the first call for ninety-days men.
One peculiar feature Of our history was the long-continued residence of many of the early settlers and their immediate descendants in this vicinity; then the great change which took place during a few years following the close of the war, by removals to the West and by deaths. So great a change was thus produced that, at the time of writing this history, but few individuals remain who were witnesses of the early events of our history. Soon the dark vale shall intervene between us and these, and the last link which connects us with the characters who figured in early days shall be severed; but their footprints have been left upon the sands of time, so indelibly impressed by the character of their lives and work, that an imperishable monument of gratitude will ever remain in the heart of every true citizen to their memories.