730 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.
BY HON. JESSE N. OREN.
LIBERTY Township is in the center of the northern tier of townships of Clinton County. Its entire northern line borders on Greene County. It lies immediately between Wilson Township on the east, and Chester, which is west of it. Its entire southern line borders on Union Township. It is three miles wide from north to south, and six miles long from east to west, and contains 15,460 acres of land. Anderson's Fork, a stream of considerable importance, flows through the entire length of the township from east to west, and discharges its water into Caesar's Creek about one-half mile below New Burlington. Dutch Creek flows through a very small portion of the southern part. Back Run drains the southwestern part, and flows into Caesar's Creek outside the county. These streams, with their numerous tributaries, afford ample natural drainage, and serve as outlets for artificial drains.
Along Anderson's Fork, below Port William, the country is rolling, alternating with fine bottom lands. The waters of the creek are clear, and flow rapidly over a bed of stone and gravel. Above Port William, the country is level and the current sluggish. It is sufficiently rolling, however, to carry off the surface water. Geologists claim that this section has at one period been a shallow lake. It is now a deep, rich black loam
The southern, central and southwestern portions are very much of the same nature-level, black land. In fact, almost the entire township, except along the streams, is level and, in a state of nature, was covered with water for more than six months of the year. The soil, being black and loose, and resting upon a clay subsoil, is peculiarly adapted to the cultivation of the cereals corn, wheat, oats, etc. Vegetables of all kinds grown in this latitude grow to perfection. The grasses commonly grown in this part of the State do well, especially clover and timothy, which grow luxuriantly. Good grass and numerous streams of water, with plenty of living wells, where the streams are not easy of access, make this a very paradise for cattle.
TIMBER.
This township was originally covered with a dense growth of timber of the following varieties, viz.: Burr oak, white oak, augur tree, beech, black walnut, ash, elm, etc. Some of these varieties are becoming scarce-in fact, almost extinct, and all are unmistakably passing away. Each year adds to the acreage of cleared land, and the increased velocity of the wind observable reminds us more and more of a prairie country.
STONE AND GRAVEL.
Stone of a good quality (Clinton limestone) is found in abundance. There are three quarries that are extensively worked--one on the farm of W. F. Oglesbee, one on the farm of Franklin McKay, and one on Franklin Oglesbee's farm. The stone from these quarries is in great demand, and large quantities are shipped each year to neighboring counties. There is also plenty of gravel for the construction and improvement of roads. There was no listing of personal property by townships until 1826. At that time, the only personal property listed for taxation in this township was cattle and horses.
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This township reported 143 horses, valued at $5,720, and 211 neat cattle, valued at $1,688, making a total of $7,408. Horses were valued at a uniform price of $40 a head, and cattle at $8 a head. The value of the real estate was $32,614, making a total of $40,022. In 1881, the value of all the property, real and personal, in the township, was $813,175. The population in 1880 was 1,382.
EARLY SETTLERS.
Liberty Township was organized July 15, 1817, but the history of this part of the county commences at a much earlier date. Stephen Mendenhall was the first white man who settled within the limits of what is now Liberty Township. He was born in 1780, in Tennessee. At the age of nine years, he moved with his father to Guilford County, N. C., where he remained until 1802, when he was married to Ann Bell, a native of that county. She was born in 1781. In 1802, they moved to Ohio, and stopped at Waynesville until the spring of 1803, when they moved onto a farm of about one hundred acres on Dutch Creek. The farm is now owned by John Antram The first summer, their only neighbors were a few Indians. There were no white families living nearer than seven miles. They raised a family of seven children, who were all born on this farm, as follows: Mahala, Absalom, Joab, Susanna, Mary, James and Sarah. But two of these are now living-Absalom and Susanna. In the fall of 1803, there were several families settled in the northern part of what is now Union Township. Mahala, the oldest child, was born April 9, 1803, and hers was the first birth in what is now Liberty Township. She died in 1838. Absalom, the second child, was born October 25, 1805, and was perhaps the first male child born in what are now the limits of this township. He succeeded his father in the ownership of the farm, and lived upon the same until the year 1851, when he sold out to Samuel Miars and moved to Rich mend, Ind., where he at present resides. At the time Mr. Mendenhall settled here, the country was indeed an unbroken wilderness. A few Indiana yet remained. and game of all kinds, such as deer, bears, wolves, turkeys, etc., were plenty. But the sound of his ax was the Signal for a new era, that was then but just dawning.
Stephen Mendenhall was a large-framed, rather raw-boned man, near six feet high, sandy complexioned and gray eyes, a hard-working, peaceable man, and one well calculated to help subdue the wilderness. He built the first frame barn that was built in the township. He died in 1840, and was buried in Centre Burying-Ground. He belonged to the religious denomination of Friends.
The second family to locate here was that of Samuel Miller, who emigrated from Kentucky in 1804, and settled on Anderson's Fork, on a tract of 800 acres. He located on that part of the tract where William Peacemaker now lives. Samuel Miller was born in Scotland in 1780; emigrated from there to Kentucky. He was married, in 1802, to Martha Scott. Three children were born to them-William, Polly and Abram. None of these are now living. He was married a second time, to Matilda Jenkins. Four children were the fruits of this union-Martha, Jane, Elizabeth and James. These are all living. He died April 13, 1843. Martha, his first wife, died August 4, 1823. They, with their children, are buried in Miller's Burying-Ground. Samuel Miller was for forty years a leading character in this section of country. From the time of his settlement here until his death, he did as mach, perhaps, as any one man to promote the interests of his neighborhood and township. He furnished the hand-mill upon which the early settlers ground their corn. He was the first Justice of the Peace of this township--in fact, was chosen Justice in 1814, two years before the township was organized, and from that time until his death, a period of nearly thirty years, he held that position. He was
732 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
also one of the first Trustees of the township. In religion, he was a strict Presbyterian; in politics, a Whig. He was a large, muscular man, full six feet in height, and capable of great physical endurance. As a neighbor, he was kind and obliging. He was very positive in his convictions, and possessed great force of character. He built the second grist-mill that was built in the township, in 1833. This mill was burned down a few years ago, and was rebuilt by Amos C. Hiatt, who at present owns the same. During the thirty years that he served as Justice of the Peace, there was but one appeal taken from his decision, and that was not sustained. As illustrative of his character as an officer and a man, I will relate the following incident which was given by an eye-witness: A certain case was being tried before Squire Miller. One of the parties had employed a lawyer, Mr. Buck, of Wilmington. After the witnesses had been examined, Lawyer Buck arose and took off his overcoat preparatory to making an argument in the interest of. his client. Squire Miller, pen in hand, looking up from his paper, said, "Mr. Buck, while you ad dress the court, I will write out the judgment." It is said Mr. Buck did not make his speech.
In the fall of 1805, there was an addition of two or three families on Anderson's Fork. Abram Ellis and family, from Lancaster, Penn., settled just over the creek from where Squire Miller settled the year before, on what is now known as the Thomas. Linkhart farm. Aaron Jenkins and family, from Virginia, settled on the farm afterward owned by his son Aaron; and Joseph Lucas settled where George Riney now lives. Abram Ellis was born in Lancaster, Penn., in 1750. His father, Joel Ellis, came from Germany. The birth of Abram Ellis dates the farthest back of any pioneer in this township. He served for seven years in the Revolutionary war; participated in the battles of Brandywine, Long Island and many others; witnessed the surrender of Cornwallis, and helped guard the prisoners there taken; was with Washington when he crossed the Delaware. At some time during the war, he received a severe bayonet wound. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war, and soon afterward married Catharine Joel, daughter of Henry and Nancy Joel, and grand-daughter of an Austrian Princess of the House of Hapsburg. There is a little bit of romance connected with the life of this Princess, that, for the benefit of the numerous descendants in Clinton County, we take the liberty of inserting here:
Becoming enamored with the son of her father's gardener, whose name was Notel, she eloped with him and came to America and settled in Philadelphia, choosing rather to endure the privations of the New World with her true love than to share the , courts of royalty with another. In the course of time, poverty overtook them. Her husband (Mr..Notel) returned to Austria, with letters from his wife to her royal relatives, asking assistance. They sent her many valuable presents. He returned to New York, converted the presents into money, and spent the same in riotous living. For this ungrateful act, Mrs. Notel renounced her true love and refused to claim him as her husband. She had two daughters, Nancy and Rosanna Both were well educated. Nancy, the elder, married Henry Joel, an Austrian nobleman. There being a legacy coming to Nancy from the estate of her mother's relatives in Austria, her husband, Henry Joel, was sent with proper authority to receive the same. He collected it, but, on the return voyage, he, with all his possessions, was lost by shipwreck, in sight of land Catharine Joel, their daughter, became the wife of Abram Ellis, the subject of this sketch, soon after the close of the Revolutionary war. In November, 1805, they emigrated to Ohio and settled on the farm above named They raised a family of eight children-four sons and four daughters. Henry, the oldest, was also one of the pioneers of this.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. - 733
township. He was burn in 1781, and came here with his father: was married June 20, 1810, to Charity Harper, of Fayette County. He served in the war of 1812, was a surveyor, and helped to locate the Xenia & Wilmington road. Anna, his oldest daughter, married Jacob Striekle, who came to this State with his father-in-law, and settled on the farm where William Gannan afterward lived. Mr. Striekle moved to Wilmington at an early day, and was for many years a prominent citizen of that place. He was the grandfather of Mrs. Bickham, of the Dayton Journal, and Mrs. Col. Corbin, of Washington, D. C. Mr. Ellis' daughters, Rosanna and Margaret, married James and John Carman. Eli and Isaac were also his sons.
William Ireland was next in the order of early settlers. He was born in Ireland in 1770, and emigrated to this country with his parents when he was but three years old. Catharine, his wife, was born in 1771. In 1806, they moved from Scott County, Ky., and settled in what is now Liberty Township, on 100 acres of land, which is still known as the Ireland farm.
Mr. Ireland's brother assisted them in crossing the Ohio River, and then the Ireland family took up their line of march alone through the wilderness for their new home. They had two wagons, drawn by two horses each, two cows, with their calves, and six sheep. For some miles, Mr. Ireland, with his older boys, went before with their axes and cut away the underbrush so the wagons could follow. In March of 1808, they arrived at what was to be their future home. A dense wilderness surrounded them. Squire Miller, Abram Ellis and the Lucas family were the only settlers near. The underbrush was cut away to make a place for the wagons to stand Four forks were. set in the ground, pules were laid across, and these were covered with bark and brush. The boys slept in one wagon, the girls in another; father and mother occupied the tent. Pens were built of poles in which to keep the cows and sheep to protect them from the wild beasts. Largo fires were built at night to keep off the wolves, that were then plenty, and made night hideous with their howls. At times in the morning, the bed-quilts under which Mr. and Mrs. Ireland slept would be covered with snow. They raised a family of eleven children,. as follows: John, William, Sally, James, Nellie, Margaret, Samuel, Jane, Catharine, Alexander and Nancy. But two of these are now living-Nellie Wilson, who is now in her eighty-third year, and lives in Wilmington; and Alexander, a few years younger, who lives in Indiana. Mr. Ireland was a tall, muscular man, fair complexion and blue eyes. He was a strict Presbyterian, and took a deep interest in religious matters. He taught the first Sunday school in the township. In 1819, he built the first brick house. He was a man well informed for that period, and, like those who had preceded him in helping to found a new State, peculiarly adapted to the work. He died January 15, 1850. Catharine, his wife, died March 22, 1839. They lie buried in the Miller Burying-Ground, near where they commenced life in the wilderness.
Christian Stephens emigrated with his family from Frederick County, Va., in 1806, and settled on Anderson's Fork, on the farm afterward owned by David Stephens (deceased). His father, Peter Stephens, from the same place, followed his son two years afterward (1808), and settled where his grandson, Henry Stephens, now lives.
John Johnson and Susanna, his wife, emigrated from Campbell County, Va., to Highland County, Ohio, in 1805.. In 1806, he moved with his family to the farm now owned by Silas Mathis. He spent the first winter in a camp. Mr. Johnson was a noted hunter, and for years supplied his family with meat with his gun.
They raised a family of twelve children. Four of them are still living Ann Scott, James, Polly Johnson (widow of J. M. Johnson) and Susan Bodkin. The first election in this township was held at Mr. Johnson's house.
734 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
John Unthank emigrated from Guilford County, N. C., in 1807, and settled on the banks of Anderson's Fork, where John Moorman lived and died He was married, in his native State, to Mary Stanly. They raised a family of nine children. He was a half-brother to Hezekiah Hiatt, who came to this State with him. Mr. Unthank built a grist-mill where the present mill at Port William stands, in 1808. This was the first mill built in this section of country, and settlers for many miles came to "Unthank's Mill." The township elections were for several years held in this mill. It was also a great place of resort for the early settlers, who would congregate here on Saturday evenings and engage in sports common at that time, such as jumping, wrestling; foot racing, etc. This mill was of such importance to early settlers that roads were opened to it. The road from Port William to Wilmington was opened at an early day, so the settlers could get to Unthank's mill. Mr. Unthank removed to Indiana with his family in 1833.
Christopher Ellis and Elizabeth, his wife, emigrated from Frederick County, Va., to Ohio in 1809. He bought 600 acres of land in what are now Greene and Clinton Counties. This tract of land included the farm now owned by William Donaldson. It was upon this part of the tract that Ellis settled. Christopher Ellis was a brother to Abram Ellis, who had emigrated here four years before, and was then living on the creek in a cabin. Even at this date, settlers were so scarce that Christopher Ellis had to go many miles to get enough hands to raise the log house.
In 1810, David Fairfield, an Irishman by birth, emigrated from Kentucky with his family and settled on the farm now owned by Robert Oglesbee. Mr. and Mrs. Fairfield raised a large family of children. They were hard-working, peaceable citizens, and performed well their part as early settlers, and are both sleeping side by side upon the farm they reclaimed from the wilderness, with not even a headstone to mark the spot.
About the same time (1810), Isaac Haines and wife,- from New Jersey, settled where Joseph Whinery now lives. David Adkinson and family, from York County, Penn., settled where Nicholas Harlan lived and died. Henry Heater married a daughter of David Fairfield, and settled on the farm now owned by John Hempstead. Owing to defective titles, Isaac Haines, Joseph Adkinson, Henry Hester, David Fairfield and others, owning to the amount of 1,000 acres in W. Nelson's Survey, after they had paid for the same and were just beginning to be so situated as to enjoy life, lost alL
Josiah Borton, in 1812, moved from New Jersey with his family and settled on Anderson's Fork, near where William Allen Haines now lives. He bought a tract of 400 acres, which includes the ground on which Lumberton now stands. Mr. Borton was a model farmer of his day. His cleared land was fenced into fields of ten acres each. The fences were kept in good condition, and not a weed was allowed to grow. He was twice married, and raised a family of twelve children. He died in 1842, and was buried, as were both his wives, on the farm where he settled.
In the same year as above, John Strickle and Susanna, his wife, emigrated from near Winchester, Va., and settled near Chillicothe. Remaining there one year, in 1813 they moved into what is now Liberty Township, to the farm on which Jacob Strickle (brother of the above, and son-in-law of Abram Ellis) had settled in 1805.
John Strickle was a blacksmith-the first one, perhaps, that did work in this township. Mr. Strickle died in 1842. His wife died in 1854. They are both buried in the Miller Burying-Ground.
William Hoblet emigrated from Kentucky in 1806. In 1812, he moved with his family into what is now Liberty Township, upon the farm now owned
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. - 735
by his son Jesse. Mr. Hoblet was a prominent man of his day; was one of the first Trustees of this township, and was universally respected. He was a tanner, and carried on the business of tanning on his farm for a number of years.
Benjamin Bangham was born in England in 1774; was married to Lucy Moorman December 29, 1797. They raised a family of thirteen children. He emigrated from Virginia (where he had previously gone with his father while young) to Highland County, Ohio, in 1810; raised one crop on rented ground. The nest summer, bought nearly two hundred acres of land where his son, Elwood B., now lives. He built It a cabin and cleared a small patch of ground, and, on the 13th of March, 1812, he moved with his family upon the same. At that time, there were but few families besides his in that neighborhood. Game of all kinds was plentiful. The first summer, a wild turkey built her nest and raised her brood in a tree-top close by the house. At that time, there was but one established road in the township. Centre was the nearest meeting-house. Friends' Quarterly Meeting was held at Waynesville. Mr. and Mrs. Bangham, who were Friends, would take a child each before and behind them on horse. back, and ride all the way through the woods to Waynesville, a distance of twenty miles. Mr. Baugham was a stone mason. He was drafted in the war of 1812, but procured a substitute. His son Elwood has the honor of killing the last deer that was killed in the township, which was in 1853. He also killed the last wild turkey, in 1861.
In the east end of the township, in the same year (1812), Isaac Jones and Phoebe, his wife, moved with their family, in a one-horse wagon, from Greene County, Tenn., and settled on 100 acres of land, which is now owned by Allen Whinery.
Phoebe, his wife, was a daughter of John Oren, who had settled two years before near Dover, in Union Township. They had but one child when they moved here. They raised a family of eight children that lived to be grown. Three only of these are now living-Ruth and John, who live in Indiana, and Hulda Thomas, who lives in Union Township.
The country here, like most of the township, is very, level, and, before it was drained, it was for more than half the year covered with water. Wheat did but little good, and what little could be raised was " sick wheat." It took constant vigilance on the part of the farmer and his family to save what little corn could be raised. in these swamps from the ravages of the squirrels. They, swarmed around every clearing. Dead-falls were set, and the children were hustled out of bed at peep of day to guard the growing corn.
Solomon Stanbaugh* emigrated from Tennessee at an early day and settled in what is now Union Township, Clinton Co., Ohio. His three sons, James, Nehemiah and Evan, settled in what is now Liberty Township-James, where James Brann now lives; Nehemiah, where Eli A. McKee lives, in the year 1814; and Evan, on the farm now owned by Jesse N. Oren, in the year 1813. Evan built the second brick house in the township, in 1823. Charles Johnson was the principal mason. A part of this house is still standing, in good condition, and is occupied by Mr. Oren as a residence.
What is known as the Thornburg place, owned now by Jesse H. Kirk, was first settled by Jonathan Hoskins, from Guilford County, N. C., in 1814. Where the widow of Mahlon Kirk now lives, Hezekiah Betts, half-brother of Aaron Betts, first settled in 1814.
John Woolman and Polly, his wife, emigrated from New Jersey about 1810, and first settled on the farm now owned by Isaac Hyatt. He owned several hundred acres of land; was a surveyor, and dealt largely in real estate.
* Given generally Stanbrough.
736 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
He also made the first improvement on the farm where Franklin McKay now lives.
Samuel Wilson and Sarah, his wife (parents of Alexander Wilson, of Union Township), moved from Pennsylvania into Liberty Township about 1817. He bought a tract of 300 acres, all in the woods, of John Woolman. The land was afterward owned by Samuel Haines, and now belongs to his son William, and some of his grandchildren. Owing to a defective title, on failing to meet payments, Mr. Wilson lost all he had paid. and moved out of the township in 1821.
John Oglesbee and Sarah, his wife, emigrated from Frederick County, Va., in 1817, in the fall; settled on a farm of fifty acres near where Woodson Oglesbee now lives; remained there two years, and then moved onto Anderson's Fork, on the farm where his son William now lives. About the same time that Oglesbee settled here, Isaac Constant came, with his family, from Kentucky, and squatted on the creek below, on the land that now belongs to Franklin Oglesbee. He afterward took a lease of Joseph Watkins, the original owner, and remained there until 1828. They then bought land farther up the creek, that which is now owned by Franklin McKay and Samuel Haines, Isaac's three sons, Isaac, John and William, settling on the same, all in the woods. William Constant served in the war of 1812. Isaac Constant died in 1838, aged eighty-three. He was buried in Mt. Pleasant Burying-Ground.
Isaiah Oglesbee, father of John Oglesbee, emigrated from Frederick County, Va., with his family, in the fall of 1817, and settled on the farm where his grandson, Woodson Oglesbee, now lives.
On the creek, above Port William, Jacob Beal and wife, from Pennsylvania, settled where their son John now lives at an early day. About the same time, Isaac Beal, brother of John, settled on the farm now owned by Peter H. Stephens. Among the early settlers of the township were John Copeland and Judith, his wife, who settled where J. M. Stephens now lives. They both died in 1826, within a few hours of each other, and were buried in one coffin, in Port William Cemetery.
Daniel and Solomon Early, brothers, moved into Liberty Township in 1824. Solomon settled where he now resides. Daniel Settled on the farm now owned by his son-in-law, John Carlisle. Among those who settled in the woods, though at a later day, are David Hoblet, who settled where William Barlow now lives, in 1827; Ashley Johnson, on the farm now owned by his son Henry, in 1825. Mr. Johnson came from North Carolina. Elizabeth, his wife, was born in Greene County, Tenn., in 1790. She is still living on the old homestead with her son Henry, and is now ninety-two years of age. She is the oldest person living in the township, is entirely blind, and somewhat afflicted, but her mind is still clear, and she remembers events of the long ago well.
Samuel Mitchel and Charles B. Williams were among those who settled at a later date. Mr. Mitchel.. from Tennessee, settled where A. M. Sanderson now lives, in 1825; Mr. Williams, in the northeastern part of the township, in 1823, on a farm that now belongs to Col. Carothers, of Wilmington, the largest landholder in this township.
John King, from Washington County, Tenn., settled on the farm that now belongs to his son, Judge King, in 1819. He was one of the early Justices of the Peace of this township. He served in the war of 1812, and his family, after his death, received two land warrants, of eighty acres each, from the Government, on account of his services. He volunteered at Jonesboro, East Tennessee, October 12, 1813.
David Shields, maternal grandfather of Judge King, emigrated from East
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Tennessee to Clinton County in 1808. He at first settled with his family in Union Township. At a later date, he moved into Liberty Township, settling near Port William. Mr. Shields was a Revolutionary soldier, and served his country faithfully during her struggle for independence. He was honorably discharged, and drew a pension from the Government during his lifetime. Besides those who have already been mentioned, there is Henry Woolery, from Virginia, who settled in the township at an early day, on the farm now owned by his son Henry. Henry Welch settled on Anderson's Fork, below Miller's Mill. Zachariah Moorman, from Virginia, settled on the land now owned by Joshua Brown. Obed Waln, also from Virginia, came into the township in 1817. He was for four years a Justice of the Peace. James Burden, from New Jersey, was also one of the early settlers.
We have endeavored, its far as possible, to give the names of those who were pioneers of the township--those who settled in the woods and commenced life in the wilderness. It, may be we have been somewhat tedious, but we re gard this as the most important part of our history. The men who cleared away the heavy forests and let in the sunlight of heaven-the strong arms and brave hearts who prepared this country for the abode of civilized man, certainly ought to be remembered.
The name of each pioneer, if possible, should he preserved so that succeeding generations may know to whom they are most indebted for what they enjoy.
They are ancestors of whom we may well feel proud. They fought to some purpose the battle of life, and "have left behind them footprints on the sands of time." They aided in founding a new State. They came to the wilderness for the purpose of securing homes for themselves and children, realizing that it was " men, high-minded men, that constitute a State." The log church and the log schoolhouse were erected soon after the log dwelling.
CHURCHES.
For a number of years, religious services were held at the homes of the settlers. The first house built for a meeting-house was in 1818. It was an Episcopal Methodist, and was denominated "Salem." The first building was of logs, and was replaced by a frame structure some years afterward. This building is still standing, on the farm now owned by William Donaldson, and is used by him for a stable, the meeting having gone down many years ago. The Rev. Mr. Dobbins, Jacob Dolby and Rev. Mr. Smith were among the first ministers. Camp meeting was held here at an early day, and was the first meeting of the kind held in the township.
The Baptist Church was the first religious organization in the township, but they did not build a meeting-house until 1825. In that year. they built a log house on the farm of William Hoblet, who donated a lot for that purpose. This meeting was well attended, members of that denomination and others coming for many miles. Among the first ministers was Isaac Nichols, a colored man known as " Black Isaae." He had been a slave; was bought by the Baptist Church and given his freedom. He was an earnest and eloquent preacher, and, whenever it was announced that " Black Isaac" would be present, the house was sure to be crowded. The Rev. Freeman Smalley and the Rev. William Sutton were also among the first ministers. Meetings were held here until 1846, when the present frame structure in Port William was built. William Hoblet was the leading spirit of this church during his lifetime, and did more, perhaps, than any other one man to promote its interests and extend its influence for good.
738 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
The Methodist Episcopal Church at Lumberton was first organized in 1840. Joshua C. James, Harvey Conklin, John Borton. Japheth L. Pricket and Jeremiah Rakestraw were the first Trustees. For two years, meetings were held in John Woolman's and Thomas Conklin's wagon shops. The Revs. J. J. Hill, Jeremiah B. Elsworth, W. B. Jackson and John W. Keels were among the first pastors. In 1842, a frame structure was built. This was used for religious purposes until 1873, when, during the pastorate of the Rev. Henry Stokes, the present church was built. Joshua C. James and Harvey Conkling were mainly instrumental in organizing the first church and building the first house.
Mr. James was an active, zealous churchman, and, during his residence of twenty four years in this township, he was one of the main pillars of the church, and his house was the " Preachers' Home."
Mt. Pleasant Meeting-House was first built in :1832. It was Protestant Methodist in denomination. Samuel Haynes and William Ireland were the moving spirits. Mr. Haynes gave the ground upon which the church was built. He was one of the first Trustees; was a Deacon for many years, and, during his entire life, was a zealous, earnest worker for the cause of Christianity. For many years there was a great religious interest felt. The meetings were well attended. W e remember very well attending this meeting thirty years ago, when Samuel Haynes, Obed W Waln, Andrew Strickle and James Antram were the leading members. The first house was of logs. The present frame house was built in 1844. After Mr. Haynes' death, which occurred February 17, 1864, the interest in this meeting seemed to die out. Meetings were held rather irregularly, until, within the last few years, they were discontinued altogether.
About one year ago (1881), the Rev. Henry Smith, a German Reformed minister, from Xenia, Ohio, commenced holding meetings at this point once every two weeks. The religious interest, which had lain dormant for years, was revived. During the past winter,, protracted meetings were held for a number of weeks, and, upward of thirty confessed conversion and joined the church. On the 2d of April, 1882, the Rev. Mr. Smith instituted a German Reformed Church at this point, and regular services are now held every two weeks. Besides the churches above named, there were a great many who belonged to other denominations, who attended church outside the township. Among the early settlers there were many Friends who attended meeting at Centre. There were also a number of Presbyterians, who attended church at Xenia, Ohio
CEMETERIES AND GRAVEYARDS.
The history of the burying-grounds of this township as to time of dedication, with few exceptions, corresponds exactly with the time of the organization of the churches to which they belong. The meeting-house and the graveyard are found side by side. In close proximity to the log church, a small lot of ground was set apart as a resting-place for the dead.
Miller's Burying-Ground.-About one-half acre was deeded by Squire Miller for a graveyard. It is situated on the banks of the creek, a short distance below A. C. Hiatt's mill. It is a high, rolling piece of ground, and well adapted to the purpose for which it is used This is one of the oldest burying grounds in the township. Mary Scott, widow of William Scott, and Squire Miller's mother-in-law, who died in October, 1818, was the first ones buried in these grounds. The original lot is now well filled up, and the grounds have been enlarged The graves are all marked with suitable inscriptions and in closed with a good fence. Many of the early settlers of the township sleep here, and the manner in which the grounds are kept reflects credit on those having them in charge.
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Salem Burying-Ground.-This was also one of the early resting-places for the dead. It is now very much neglected, and, so far as we know, no new interments are made here. We have not been able to find out much about its early history, but. from the best information we can get, it was established about the same time (1818) as the one already referred to. The ground was given by Aaron Jenkins, and it is near where Salem Meeting-House used to stand. The first person buried here was a child by the name of Chipman.
The Baptist Burying-Ground.- What is known as the Baptist Graveyard is situated on Anderson's Fork, a short distance above Port William. The ground was given by William Hoblet in 1825, and it has been used since that time for a burying-ground. It is only kept in tolerable repair.
Port William Cemetery is situated about one-half mile east of Port William, near where Concord Meeting-House formerly stood This was established as a burying-ground in 1830. The first person buried here was Peter Ogen, who was buried in the year above named. This is the largest cemetery in the township.
Mt. Pleasant Burying-Ground was first used for that purpose in 1832. Samuel Haynes gave the ground, and a daughter of his was the first one to be buried in the same. These grounds are very much neglected-fences down and graves exposed to all kinds of stock, that run at large and pasture over the same. The bones of Samuel Haynes and his son Allen, with others who were first buried here, were taken up recently and removed to Wilmington Cemetery, where their friends can feel their graves will have the proper care.
In addition to the cemeteries named, there were several private graveyards on the farms of early settlers. The largest one of this character was on the farm of Josiah Borton. His first wife expressed a desire to be buried in a certain place ,on the farm. At her death, Mr. Borton complied with her request. This was the commencement of what proved to become something more than a private burying-ground There are nearly one hundred graves here, not one of them marked with an inscription. No fence separates them from the rest of the farm. In a short time, the plow-share will level the little raised mounds of earth, and no traces will be left to tell of those whose bodies quietly sleep beneath.
SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL TEACHERS.
The first schoolhouse built in the township was in 1812. It was built of round loge, fifteen by sixteen feet, clapboard roof and puncheon floor, with greased paper for windows. The first school was taught the same year. Henry Hester was the first teacher. John, William, Polly and Abram Miller, James, Nelly, Margaret and Samuel Ireland, Isaac and Eli Ellis, David, Ly. dia and Betsy Fairfield, John, Jabez and Massah Lucas, were among the first Scholars. This house was used for schools until 1830, when a hewed-log house was put upon the site of the old one, but of larger dimensions. The house is still standing, on land that lately belonged to Samuel Garman, and is now occupied as a residence by his son-in-law, Ed Hendershot. The Rev. Griffield, a Presbyterian minister, of Wilmington, taught the first school in this house. This was used for Echool purposes until 1858, when the present district at Mt. Pleasant was established. This district was in existence for forty-six years, and during all that time it was known as the Ireland District.
The second school in the township was taught in what was known as Salem Schoolhouse, in 1816, Aaron Jenkins giving a piece of ground for that purpose, and a log house was erected on the same in the year above named. Samuel Hyde was the first teacher. George Welch, Alfred Jenkins, Eli, John and Lucinda Oglesbee, John, David and Allen Falkner, Alfred and Clifford
740 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
Smith (two colored boys), were some of the first scholars. This house was used for schools for a number of years.
The first schoolhouse in the east end of the township was built in 1827, on the land that now belongs to Judge King. Aquila Dorsey, who is still living, was the first teacher. He is now in his ninety-third year, and is in possession of all his faculties. This was the first school Judge King' attended. A few years later, Hoblet's Schoolhouse was built. William Hoblet gave the ground. This was situated about one mile south of where Judge King now lives. Mahlon Haworth commenced the first school, was taken sick, and Elihu Oren was employed to complete the term. He afterward taught several terms in this district. Roger B. Morey was also one of the early teachers.
The first schoolhouse in Port William was built in 1837. It was of brick. Daniel Bailey, father of Barkley Bailey, was the mason. The present house was built by John Stephens and Riz McDorman, in 1854.
There was a schoolhouse at an early day on the farm now owned by Elwood Bangham. Judge King was one of the early teachers in this district. Thompson Douglass, of Richland Township, taught school in this house more than forty years ago. In 1833, there was a log schoolhouse built on the hill not far from Anderson's Fork, on the Constant land. The land now belongs to W. F. McKay. This was known as the Constant District. Jesse Waln was the first teacher. Griswell Haws, John Constant, William Johnson and A. S. Buck taught at a later day. About 1845, the old log house was replaced by a frame one. This continued to be used for schools until 1856, when the district was re-organized and the house was moved about one mile south, to a lot given by Mahlon Kirk for school purposes. This new district was known as Liberty School, and acquired quite a reputation, not only on account of the character of the schools taught, but also for the literary society that was kept up during the entire year for many years. The debates were marked features of the " Liberty League, " and. drew crowded houses. Joseph Doan, now of Richmond, Ind., and J. M. Kirk, of Wilmington, were among the first teachers. Elihu Oren taught the last school be ever taught, in 1862, in this district. This house is still standing, and has been used by Jesse H. Kirk for a tenant house since 1863. In that year, a new district was organized at Gurneyville, and the present schoolhouse there was built. There was a schoolhouse built near where Gurneyville now stands in 1822. Rebecca Stout was the first teacher. Edward Wickersham, Joseph Dillon and Ruth Oren were among the early teachers. Elihu Oren also taught here at an early day. Amos Hockett, of Wilmington, taught in this district more than thirty years ago.
Lumberton District was first organized in 1845. In that year, a brick house was built. Abram S. Deacon and William Constant were among the early teachers. There were two or three schools taught in Lumberton before this house was built. Mrs. Dr. Moss taught in the room over where Mr. Mullan now has his store. Andrew Haughey taught in the bar-room of the hotel, the house in which Dr. Crawford now lives. This schoolhouse was burned down in January, 1856. Alfred McKay was the teacher at the time. In the fall of the same year, the present frame house was built.
We have at this time six township districts and one special district. There are of school age 217 males and 204 females, making a total of 421. Of this number, thirteen males and nine females are colored. There was ex pended, during the year ending March 6, 1882, for tuition, $1,884.74; for contingent expenses, $544.85. The following are the names of the members of the Board of Education for this township: No. 1, Port William, special district; No. 2, John Early; No. 3, David Hunnicutt; No. 4, B. F. Wall; No. 5, James Mullen; No. 6, John Hempstead; Clerk, Joseph Noon.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. - 741
TOWNS.
We have no large towns in this township-only three small villages and two railroad stations, with a post office at each.
Port William, the principal town, was first started on the west side of Todd's Fork, in 1816, by John Unthank. It was first called West Liberty. Only a few houses were built, however, and it was not until 1829 that the town proper was laid out. A log house, that is still standing, not far from the old factory, was built by Jesse Dillon, son-in-law of Unthank, many years before. Garland Johnson built a log house, the one now occupied by Abram Beal, among the first, in 1829. In the same year, he started the first store in the town, in the house now occupied by Benjamin Cooper. A few years later, he built an addition to his dwelling and moved the store into a room of the same. The first blacksmith shop was where John Page now lives. It was built in 1828. Among the early business men of the town were Addison Mills, grocer; Anson Massie, saddler; Marshall Jenkens, merchant; Samuel Johnson, tanner; James M. Hoblet was for a number of years a leading merchant.
In 1825, Steel Taylor built a fulling-mill below and on the opposite side of the creek from where the old woolen factory stands. This factory was built in the spring and summer of 1846, by Lewis Clark, who owned the same. It was owned more recently by Noon & Cropper, who did an extensive business in their line for a number of years. Jonathan Perkins started the first saloon in 1838. The building in which it was kept was where Hugh Johnson's beef shop now stands, and was burned down a few years since.
Port William is situated on the C., C. & H. V. R. R., and, since the opening of this road, in 1878, it has been a good market for all farm products. Since the opening of the railroad, in January, 1878, there have been shipped from this point 75,000 bushels of wheat and the same amount of corn; also, a great many hogs. The following is the
BUSINESS DIRECTORY OF PORT WILLIAM
Vanpelt & Ellis, millers; James Hart & Son, dry goods and groceries; O. F. Peddicord, dry goods and, groceries; A. N. Gurley, grocer; James Hart, undertaker; A. B. Johnson, grocer; J. T. Arnold, boot and shoe maker; James Cropper, dealer in country produce; A. Beal, blacksmith, livery and feed stable; Jane Hartsook, hotel; H. A. Johnson, livery and feed stable; Benjamin Cooper, saddle and harness maker; E. Y. Ewbank, M. D.; James F. Bowers, M. D.; A. Dowden, blacksmith; James Holland, painter; Z. M. Ellie, wagon and cabinet-maker; James Beers, house carpenter; Joseph Noon, dealer in grain, agricultural implements, hardware, paints and live stock; L. C. Dakin, druggist and grocer. Present population, 204.
LUMBERTON.
This village was called Lumberton for a town of that name in New Jersey. The first house built is the one in which William M. Waln now lives. It was built for a wagon shop, by Samuel Woolman, about 1820. About the same time, he built a log dwelling on the lot where Dr. Crawford now lives. Later, John Borton built a small frame house on the opposite corner, where I. N. Linkhart now lives. The first store was started by Joshua C. James, in 1839, in the house now occupied by William Waln, Tunis Conkling was the first blacksmith. The following is the Lumberton business directory:
Dr. Crawford, M. D.; James Mullain, groceries; William Waln, cooper; Oliver Hansel, blacksmith; Chase Waln, blacksmith; Thomas Conkling, wagon maker; Thomas Martindale, stone mason.
742 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
GURNEYVILLE.
This small hamlet was named by David McMillan in honor of Joseph John Gurney, a noted member of the Society of Friends. Mr. McMillan sold the lots upon which the few houses now stand. The house in which B. F. James now lives, in one room of which he keeps his store and the post office, was built by Andrew Haughey in 1847. The first store was started in this building in 1848, by John Grant. The following is the business directory, of Gurneyville:
B. F. James, Postmaster, and dealer in dry goods and groceries; Asbury Wooley, blacksmith; E. A. McKee, wagon-maker; William Conley, broom maker.
Mr. McMillan's ambition was to build up a town, have a graded school, etc., but he never lived to realize his anticipations.
M'KAY'S STATION.
A thriving little place by this name has sprung up since the building of the C., C. & H. V. R. R. There is a grocery store and a blacksmith shop. J. H. Kirk ships large quantities of grain and large numbers of live stock each year. It is an excellent market for farmers. Since commencing business, in 1878, Mr. Kirk has shipped, from this point, of wheat, 200,000 bushels; corn, 75,000 bushels. It is named in honor of Alfred McKay, who gave most of the lots to those who would put up good houses on the same.
MOUNT PLEASANT.
Mt. Pleasant is a station on the C., C. & H. V. R. R. It consists of a country store, post office and pteam saw-mill. The distinguishing feature of this point is that it is the voting precinct of the west end of the township. By a special act of the Legislature, in 1875, the Trustees of the township were authorized to divide the township into two voting precincts. Previous to this time, the township voted at Port William. The Trustees, under this authority, established a voting precinct at Mt. Pleasant.
PUBLIC ROADS.
The first laid-out road in what is now Liberty Township was the old State road. It was established by the first Legislature that convened in Ohio, in 1802, and was opened out soon after from Chillicothe to Old Town. Its track can plainly be traced in many places, especially in the woods. In the timber on A. S. Ballard's farm, it is marked by an open space sixty feet wide. This road enters the township about the center of its southern line, and, taking a northwesterly course, passes into Greene County near Lumberton.
The Xenia & Wilmington road was commenced December 18, 1812. The Viewers made their report to the County Commissioners September 23, 1812. John Woolman was the surveyor. The road commenced at Wilmington and entered the old State road at the Greene County line, near Lumberton.
The road from Wilmington to Unthank's Mill was surveyed by John Woolman. He made his report to the Commissioners in 1815. Thomas Babb and Stephen Mendenhall were the Viewers. They made a favorable report to the Commissioners June 6, 1815. The road was established June 24, 1815, and. opened soon after.
The road from Unthank's Mill to Jenkins' Mill (New Burlington) was opened about 1816. The first free pike built in the township was Road Improvement No. 2 (Wilmington & Xenia road). It was commenced in 1867, A. C. Hiatt and R. W. Babb, contractors. The Port William & Wilmington
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. - 743
Free Pike was built in 1870-71, I. Hurley, contractor. The Chester & Lumberton Free Pike was built in 1874. Alfred McKay, W. F. Oglesbee and G. E. Stingley were the Commissioners. The Gurneyville & Mt. Pleasant Free Pike was built in 1875-76. Jesse H. Kirk, John Oglesbee and Samuel Haines were the Commissioners.
We have at this time in this township forty-seven miles of roads-twenty-seven miles of dirt roads and twenty miles of free pike. Many of the dirt roads are partly graveled, and they are rapidly being put in better condition.
There was expended in the township, during the year 1881, for the improvement of roads, besides the two-days' work. $820. The road from Port William to the Prairie road, up the creek, is being made into a free pike, and will soon be completed.
THE CINCINNATI, COLUMBUS & HOCKING VALLEY RAILROAD.
This important improvement, which passes through the entire length of the township, was first conceived in December, 1875, when a meeting convened in Port William and the plan of building a narrow-gauge railroad from Waynesville, connecting there with the Miami Valley Railway, to Jeffersonville, and ultimately to Columbus, was presented by J. F. Ely, of Washington Court House.
A charter was immediately procured for the Waynesville, Port William & Jeffersonville Railroad. J. F. Ely, Ethan Allen, J. M. Hussey, James Ellis and Dr. Marshall were the incorporators.
A sufficient amount of stock having been raised, an organization was effected in March, 1876. J. F. Ely, Alfred McKay, John Merchant, Dr. Hussey, J. C. Ellis, Israel Wright and Daniel Early were chosen Directors, with J. F. Ely, President; Alfred McKay, Vice President; and J. C. Ellis, Secretary. Meetings were held along the line of the road, and stock raised to the amount of $65,00.
The contract for building the road was sold out at Washington Court House, in April, 18 77. George Potts & Co. were the contractors. Work was commenced June 1, 1877, at Allentown, in Greene County. Cars were run to Bowersville in September, 1877; arrived at Port William a month later. About this time (October, 1877), the name of the road was changed to Columbus, Washington & Cincinnati Railway, and the terminus to Washington Court House. This proved to be almost a fatal mistake. The interest in the road abated. Those who had been anticipating a through road from Cincinnati to Columbus saw in this move the blighting of all their hopes.
Viewing this whole matter in the light of the past, we are of the opinion that, if the policy of building one road from Cincinnati via Waynesville, Port William and Jeffersonville to Columbus, had been pursued, we would to-day have the cars running to the points named.
In July, 1878, the cars ran through to the Miami road. In January, 1878, a new Board of Directors was elected at Washington Court House, as follows: J. F. Ely, President; Alfred McKay, Vice President; Jesse H. Kirk, W. F. McKay, Dr. Hussey and J. M. Merchant. In September, 1879, the road passed into the hands of a receiver, Mr. Gimperling, of Dayton. July 5,1879, the road was sold, in Xenia, Ohio, to the highest bidder, and bought by the Board of Directors. They continued in possession of the road until March, 1881, when it was sold to E. L. Harper & Co. During the fall and winter of 1881., the road was changed into a standard gauge. The bridges were rebuilt and strengthened, new ties put in, the grade widened, and the road very much improved in every respect. It is now known as the Cincinnati, Columbus & Hocking Valley Railway. Cars are now running from Jeffersonville, where they
744 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
connect with the Springfield Southern (a branch of the I., B. & W.), to the Little Miami, where they connect with trains on that road.
The purpose is to extend east to Columbus and west to Cincinnati. Pass. ing as this road does through a rich part of the country, and one destitute of railroad facilities, it cannot help but become one of the most important thoroughfares in the State. The men who have been mainly instrumental in carrying forward this great enterprise have conferred a lasting benefit upon the community.
OTHER MATTERS.
In 1827, Shadrach Thornburgh and William Stanley built a pottery-kiln on the land that now belongs to W. F. McKay. It was not far from the creek, and about one-fourth of a mile north of the railroad.
They burned sugar pots for the settlers. At that time, there was a sugarcamp on almost every farm west of Port William. The settlers would gather here at night from miles around and engage in debate. "Pursuit or Possession? " was a favorite question. About this time, there were a number of copper stills on Anderson's Fork. John Oglesbee, Robert Stanley, James Babb, Josiah Borton, Samuel Miller, William Ireland and Jacob Peterson each owned one. Whisky was 18 cents per gallon, and in general use. About 1828, Samuel Smith, of Wilmington, started a store in a log house on Anderson's Fork, near where W. F. McKay now lives. Jackson Walker had charge of the store. This was the first store of any importance there was in the township.
Aaron Weller manufactured the first drain tile in the township. They were made on the wheel, by hand, in 1856. Allen Hiatt put in the first tile ditch in the same year. In 1858, Mr. Weller put up his tile factory, and has been making tile ever since. There have been hundreds of miles put in for drains in the township, and yet the demand is as great as ever.
John Stephens is the oldest man living in the township, and was born in the township.
THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD.
The history of this township would not be complete without a brief reference to this important road, that once had a track across this township, and which, during the time it was in operation, did a thriving business.
Elihu Oren's house was the principal station in the township, and this was often filled with dusky passengers, fresh from the blue grass regions of Kentucky, anxious to try the experiment of a climate nearer the North Star, and under a different form of Government. They usually took passage in Abram Allen's " Liberator " (a large curtained carriage made for the purpose), and were driven by the light of the stars toward the "land of promise." At Paintersville, there were two or three ready to take them in charge. Joseph Coat, Abel Beven and Dr. Watson knew just what disposition to make of them. There was one peculiarity of this rdad: Its trains seldom ran by daylight, and even at night a head light was not used.
The North Star was the guide, and toward this the passengers were driven, with all possible speed, until they were landed safely in Canada.
Samuel Haines was one of the pioneers in the anti-slavery cause. He cast the only vote that was given in this township for James G. Birney in 1840; but this was the last time he voted alone. The anti-slavery sentiment grew stronger each year. D. S. King, Andrew Strickle, W. M. Waln and others fell into line, until it became a power in the township.
TEMPERANCE.
Since the days of the copper stills, there has been a marked change in the sentiment of our people on this question. Even William Ireland lived to advocate total abstinence by public speeches.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP. - 745
With one single exception, there has been no place in the township where intoxicating liquors were sold since 1860. A few years ago, there was a saloon started in Lumberton, but it was short-lived. It was impossible for the saloon-keeper to live in the moral atmosphere that surrounded him. As a result, our people are industrious, peaceable, prosperous and happy.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP IN THE WAR.
The anti-slavery sentiment that had been created by the early agitation of that question had much to do in preparing this township for the part she took in the war for the Union. Liberty Township was loyal in the strictest sense of that term. She furnished her full quota of men in answer to every call of the Government. Party lines were in a manner swept away, and Democrats and Republicans, with very few exceptions, vied with each other in helping to sustain the honor of our flag. She furnished no officers of high rank, but she furnished men who helped to bear the brunt of battle, and many of them gave their lives for their country's cause; and some of them are sleeping in unknown graves beneath the soil they helped redeem with their blood. She sent to the front her best men, and she is proud to-day of the record they made and the part they bore in that grand struggle for liberty. She realizes fully that what we now enjoy is due, under God, to what they did and because they died. She can never be so ungrateful as to forget them atid theirs, and her highest ambition will ever be to preserve untarnished their flag and our flag, and to see to it that our best efforts will ever be to perpetuate that principle of our Government which recognizes all as equal before the law.
We give the following as a small part of the unwritten history of the war: At the battle of Lookout Mountain, the Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry captured two brass pieces of artillery. There was a dispute at the time betweeu Gen. Whitaker, who commanded the brigade to which the Fortieth belonged, and another officer, as to whom should belong the honor of capturing the same. Gen. Whitaker pointed to a soldier lying prone upon the ground, stiff and stark, at the very mouth of the cannon, his arms extended. Upon his knapsack was written, "Company G, Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry," saying, "There is my evidence." Then, turning to the commander of the Fortieth Regiment, he said, "Col. Taylor, detail a squad of men to take charge of these pieces." The Colonel ordered the writer to select a squad of men and take charge of the cannon. By the light of the moon, we hauled them down the mountain and turned them over to an ordnance officer in the valley below. The following is a true copy of the receipt received for the same
CAMP AT LOOKOUT CREEK, November 25, 1863.
Received of J. N. Oren, Sergeant Company B, Fortieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, two pieces of artillery ca tured by the Fortieth Regiment, at the battle of Lookout Mountain.
B. F. CROXTON, tat Limt., and Ord. Officer tat Din. 4th Art.
In concluding our work, we desire to extend our thanks to the following named persons, who have kindly assisted us by furnishing valuable information, without which we could not have furnished this history: D. S. King, William Waln, Allen Hiatt, Joseph Whinery, Sarah Whinery, Isaac Hiatt, Daniel Oglesbee, William Stanly, of Watseka, Ill.; Absalom Mendenhall, of Richmond, Ind. ; Andrew Strickle, Hulda Thomas, Dr. Jones, Nellie Wilson, Elwood Bangham, John Stephens, Isaac Ellis, Joseph Ellis, Alfred McKay, Jesse Hoblet, Joseph Noon, Alice Green and Lottie Lundy, and Mr. and Mrs. Jacob S. Peterson.