806 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
WAYNE TOWNSHIP.
BY JAMES A. TERRELL.
THIS township is situated in the southeastern part of Clinton County, and is apart of one of the most fertile districts of Ohio. It is bounded on the north by Richland Township, east by Fayette County, south by Highland County and west by Greene Township. It is for the most part quite level, although the topography is marked and very little understood, being elevated about 1, 200 feet above the level of the sea It is very well watered and drained by several small streams and minor tributaries, and, although extensively known formerly as "the flats," it has, by judicious drainage, become one of the most healthful and desirable parts of the county. Naturally of drift and alluvial formation, and for centuries covered by dense forests, the soil cannot be otherwise than most fertile and productive, affording large cereal crops and abundant pasturage. It is preeminently an agricultural district favoring this first, last and noblest of all the avocations of man, by its peculiarly prairie like complexion, its absence of rivers, but accessibility to water, its uniformly fertile farms and its honest, industrious yeomen with their herds and flocks. Being peculiarly adapted to agriculture, the settlers did not congregate at centers and form villages and build up manufactures, but very early took advantage of the cheap lands and secured large tracts which have since been subdivided into smaller farms, which have been largely improved and increased in value.
The public highways of Wayne Township, which were originally of the rudest and most impassable kind, have been transformed into pikes and improved ways of the most approved invention. Two prosperous railways are easily accessible on the north and south.
This township contains 19,834 acres of land, and, as its lands are proverbially fertile, they are well adapted to the production of wheat, corn, oats, grass and all kinds of vegetables; and as improved arts, crops and circumstances demand improved cultivation, the people have kept pace with the requirements. Stock-raising is extensively pursued in this township, and many fine droves of cattle, sheep and hogs are annually shipped to various markets. Formerly, the live stock of this locality was of the original American woods varieties and proclivities. The cattle were small, poorly shaped and of objectionable colors. The swine were of the species known as " elm-peelers," "wind splitters," etc.. and could rival a dog or even a horseman in a race, and all the other varieties of stock were of comparatively poor quality. But these have rapidly given place to the more profitable and improved specimens. At quite an early day, many of the more enterprising farmers secured thoroughbred stock, which left a marked and desirable improvement wherever introduced. The prepotent blood of the thoroughbred Short-Horn breed has increased the value of the cattle vastly more than the casual observer will at first admit The Poland China and Berkshire swine are the general favorites among the pork manufacturers, and, by the way, this interest has assumed enormous proportions in this section of Clinton County. Among the breeds of sheep, the American Merino and Southdown prove the most remunerative and satisfactory.
To whom is due ' tho honor of being the first settler of this township is not definitely known. The dreary and altogether uninviting aspect of the country at. that early day was the means of preventing permanent settlement for several years after the other sections of the county had been considerably
WAYNE TOWNSHIP. - 807
occupied. It appears evident that as early as 1800, the white settler had pushed his aggressive enterprise even into these wilds. At that period, the Shawnee Indians held unquestionable possession of this township, and, in fact, owned a large hart of Southwestern Ohio. The exceeding desirableness of these lands and their occupancy was very apparent to the enterprising, pioneers, and they were not long in locating their claims. But the bloodthirsty savages, incited by ambitious and rival claimants for this territory, made it very hazardous. and in most cases altogether impracticable for the first settlers to retain their possessions. In 1794, Gen. Anthony Wayne, after many delays and the erection of many forts, routed a large force of Indians and Canadians, after destroying the various villages and positions of the enemy, brought them to consent to a treaty of peace. Gen. Wayne in his march had to cut a trail through the primitive forests, very near and almost parallel to this township line, about fifteen years before Clinton County was established. For several years this trail was the only road for travel, and factored in the early settlement and prosperity of this section. The hunter often entered these parts deserted by humanity, but his life was one of constant travel, and he remained long enough only to secure the game which he had pursued or sought in these almost impenetrable forests and swamps. Game abounded here. Bears, deer, turkeys, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, rabbits, etc., flourished or had been driven here from the surrounding country. As yet, the ax of the sturdy pioneer had not been uplifted against the trees of the forests. The necessity of timber protection was not thought of then. The appeal, "Woodman, spare that tree," would have been idle words to these veteran forerunners of civilization.
Many of the first settlers of this township were great hunters, and these Nimrods of the "Northwest Territory " often paid in large part for their lands from the proceeds of the furs, skins and venison taken from the game they killed. This trait was implanted and fostered in the descendants of many of the veterans of the Revolution by the circumstances which wars naturally entail upon any people, in the loss of property and fortunes and the familiarity with the weapons of the chase.
It was not until 1837 that Wayne Township was established, being for several years previous a part of Greene and Richland Townships. Prior to this time, most of the available building sites had been occupied by the rude log cabin and a small truck-patch of the most uninviting description, among stumps and roots, affording a precarious subsistence scarcely to be preferred to the roving and hand-to-mouth life of the aboriginal inhabitants of this great Western territory. Many of the farms of these early settlers were small, numbering often less than twenty-five acres, but, as wild pasture was abundant and good, the stock was permitted to run at large the year round. Distinguishing marks for their animals were invented and need, and a record was kept by some influential party. Necessity schooled these pioneers in economy, and bound them together by the strongest social ties. They had no written law and no court of justice except public opinion. Honesty was a universal characteristic of these settlers, and a thief or a man detected of any dishonest practice, would not be tolerated in any community. The members of each neighborhood were mutually dependent, and every one was expected to do his duty faithfully. Where invitations were sent out for assistance at a house-raising or a log-rolling every man invited was expected to be present. Isolated from refined society and compelled to live in a style extremely simple, the people were rude in manners, but very, hospitable, and divided their scanty stores and rough fare freely with the neighbor or stranger; and to offer pay for a favor of this kind was an offense. They lived, worked, suffered, fasted and feasted to-
808 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
gether in the most cordial harmony. Paths through the forest leading from one farmhouse to another were their only highways. Everybody rode on horseback, and the men generally carried the women behind them upon the same horse. But in these apparently unsocial and uncivilized times, there was much of pleasantry and gratification. As necessity compelled concerted action among the old, so it encouraged concerted pleasures and sociability among the young folks. The curse of caste and arrogant aristocracy was unknown to these primitive inhabitants; who always met upon a level. The autumn and winter seasons were looked forward to with bright anticipations by the young people. If there happened to be an orchard in the vicinity, when the apples were gathered, it was given out far and near that there would be an " apple butter boiling" at a certain farmhouse, and all the neighbors were cordially invited to attend. In the afternoon came the older women, who pared the apples and made ready for the night. Large vessels full of pared, quartered and cored apples stood about the kitchen, and a great black kettle was hung in the yard. As night approached. the youth--boys and girls-some on horseback and some on foot, came from miles around, and then the fire under the kettle was lighted. The kettle was filled about two-thirds full of cider, and a bushel of the quartered apples was thrown in as soon as the cider came to a boil, It had to be stirred unceasingly. with a long-handled stirrer, lest it burn. With a maiden to assist, a young man took charge of the kettle, and, standing face to face, with their hands on the stirrer, they moved the apples about in the kettle and chatted of love, adventures with the Indians or the gossip of the neighborhood. What man that has ever stirred with his sweetheart has for gotten it? And who of these cannot now remember with a thrill of delight the paring-bees and the fun of counting the apple-seeds to know if the girl next you really loved you? And who but recalls the sweet blushes as the telltale seeds revealed the hidden secret, and the sudden flight of the maiden to escape the shocking public announcement of the discovery just made?
The frolics of apple-butter boiling were scarcely over, when the corn huskings animated the cool autumn days and gave to labor wings of pleasure. Here again the young man and maiden were found side by side, she working assiduously, he less earnestly, though more watchfully, for fear some red ear not noticed might lose him the privileged kiss. These were happy days, before the modern march of machinery invaded our harvest-fields to shorten our labor and to steal away all the sweet privileges that the custom of decades had interwoven with it. Although this township was considerably settled before its establishment, even yet the dense forests and extensive swamps deterred many an adventurous spirit from securing a home in this section. It is true, the soil was the most fertile and the forests luxuriant and valuable, in which oak, walnut ash, hickory, sugar maple, etc., abounded. But he realized the stubborn fact that to obtain prosperity he would have to undergo the greatest hardship and labor. And as a result, none but the most sturdy and stout hearted could summon sufficient courage to attempt the herculean task of clearing away the primitive forests, draining the interminable swamps and laying the foundation of future prosperity and happy homes. The self-same spirit of determination which had induced them to separate from home and friends, and which had accompanied them on their perilous and tedious journey to Ohio, did not forsake them in their arduous toil. To overcome such obstacles and face such dangers required more than ordinary courage. With no other tool except the ax, brought from the home of their nativity, they erected rude log cabins for themselves and families. Although of the most primitive architecture and meagerly furnished, the degree of happiness and independence enjoyed by these pioneer settlers of the new world has scarcely been equaled by the
WAYNE TOWNSHIP. - 809
denizens of luxury and ease, who, having succeeded them, now enjoy the reward of their labors.
The equipment of a home was reckoned incomplete without a loom and spinning-wheel, as well as a hominy-block and pestle, and either a band-mill or a neighborhood horse-mill for the manufacture of corn meal. Their economy and diligence are worthy the consideration of the present generation. Their contentment, love of home and genuine integrity command the approbation and respect of this enlightened age. Their exceedingly frugal meal of corn-bread and venison was more gratefully relished than the most sumptuous feast wealth can provide. Wheat bread and coffee or tea were esteemed only Sunday luxuries,
In the new settlements, each man began the task of clearing away the forest over against his own door. Day after day the echo of the untiring ax resounded throughout the woods. Each spring following, the neighbors assembled to engage in "log-rolling." When the task was completed in one place, they proceeded to another until all the trees that had fallen victims to the had been removed. Then the ground was upturned by the aid of the laborious wooden mold-board plow. The ground was sometimes scratched and mellowed by dragging a brush over it. Then it was marked out and the corn was dropped by the boys and girls and covered with hoes by men or women. The virgin soil, replete with fertility and free from weeds, produced abundant yields. A few other products, such as potatoes, beans, etc., were valued as indispensable luxuries.
The agricultural products-wheat, corn and oats-had to be hauled to Chillicothe or Cincinnati, where they were exchanged for salt, sugar, coffee and other family necessities. Although transported so far by wagons and horses over bad roads, the prices realized were barely nominal, often but 10 cents for corn or oats and 25 cents for wheat. The fat cattle, hogs and sheep were driven to the same markets, and frequently across the mountains to New York, Philadelphia or Baltimore, and disposed of at proportionately low prices. The mail facilities of the present day were undreamed of then, and would have been as mockery if foretold by some village wiseacre. A postage stamp cost the value of a bushel of wheat, and for a long time the settlers of this locality were compelled to walk or ride long distances to get whatever communication they were likely to receive; the nearest post office being New Market, in Highland County, twenty miles distant, and the road consisted of a simple bridle-path through the dense woods, known as the trail of Gen. Wayne. Verily, the adventurous pioneers of this township did not enjoy lives of comfort or ease by any means. Their journeys were attended with many privations and unforeseen perils. They were compelled frequently to camp out, however inclement the weather might be, or however numerous and ferocious the wolves might prove.
From a small beginning the population of this township has increased to 1,448 souls in the year 1880. The present generation know very little concerning the early settlers and their manner of living. From the most reliable sources attainable, few bad located previous to the present century. Among the first were William Moore, who was born in Bourbon County, Ky., and came to Wayne Township about the year 1808; he raised a large family, many of whom settled in this township. Previous to the year 1810, several others, among whom John Jackson, from Tennessee; Edward Curtis, from Virginia; Joseph Rooks, Thomas Stell, John Oxley, Moses Paris, Stephen Martin, Thomas Draper, John Allen and Jesse Bexley settled in the township. Moses Paris lived on land now owned by A. C. Steele; Stephen Martin and Thomas Draper occupied that possessed by Thomas Geffs; John Allen what now belongs to D.
810 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
A. Terrell, and several parties of the name of Cox bad small farms where I. A. Terrell's farm lies.
From the year 1810 up to 1820, quite a number of settlers came in from Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee, but no record having been kept, dates are very inaccurate or lost altogether. Under the present circumstances and the meager source from which to obtain facts for this history, the best has been done that at this late day could be. Suffice it to say that, in the development of the material resources of Wayne, there has been no check and that all have done their duty well. The early settlers were not slow in taking measures to give their children the advantages of education. The schools were in keeping with the times and circumstances, and teachers were not expected to have any other qualifications than to be able to "read, write and cipher." They were thorough and very positive in what they pretended to know and teach. and its determinedly inclined to impress the instruction on the minds of the pupils. A very laudable disposition of the youth, also, of that early day, was an invincible determination to learn. Then no beautiful Gothic edifices erected by the combined wealth of the citizens and skill of the architect were opened for the reception of the pupils, nor college professor oflered his serv ices as pedagogue. But the log cabin with its huge fire-place and greased paper windows, so well remembered by our oldest citizens, is also remembered as the "college of learning " in Wayne Township. It was constructed of unhewn logs. covered with clapboards held in place by the weight of poles. The cracks, or interstices between the logs were daubed with clay mortar. The loft was covered with slabs or rails, or very frequently left open to the roof. The floor was made of puncheons split from large logs and hewn into shape. These were sometimes fastened to log sleepers by pegs or nails, or more generally held in place by their own weight. A large fire-place with an outside stick and mud chimney was at one end of the room, similar to most of the log houses then. The seats were also made from split logs or slabs, without the luxury of a restful back. The writing-desk ranged along one side and was held in a standing position by wooden pegs driven into the wall. As recently as twenty-five years ago, the writer of this received the rudiments of penmanship on a genuine primitive writing-desk of this description. The door was of the most original kind, and swung on creaking wooden hinges. The Bible, Webster's Speller and such text-books as could be obtained, were used and highly appreciated. But by diligent study and firmness of purpose many of the pupils of that day rose to a high degree of distinction.
Wayne is now divided into seven subdistricts, and latterly substantial brick houses are taking the place of the very comfortable frame buildings which succeeded the old log cabins. Each school is controlled by a competent Board of Directors. The schools are mostly supplied with charts, etc., and the modern necessities of the schoolroom.
In 1861, when internal commodious shook this great Republic, and war was imminent between the North and South, Wayne Township was as unprepared as any district in Ohio. But its citizens were not slow to manifest their patriotism and love of country by every possible sacrifice that a great people could make. In victory or defeat, in camp or field, in the bivouac or on the march, at the cannon's month or at the quiet camp-fire, they were worthy sons of worthy sires. and every man was of himself a host. The following is as complete a list as we are enabled to obtain:
John West, Fairfax West, Reason West, S. C. Bowen, A. Evans, W. H_ Strode, Charles Pidgeon, Joseph Brown, James Keach, C. Crawford, W. S. Wilkerson, J. P. Wilkerson. D. Wilkerson, George McFadden, Thomas Davis, D. B. Snow. Joseph Cox, Robert Savage. Edward Myers, J. Severs, Thomas
WAYNE TOWNSHIP. - 811
McVey, J. L. Young, John Young, C. McFadden, Harvey Evans, Elkanah Ayers, Lewis Hodson, Levi Reed, Peter Fry, M. T. Bonesetter, F. Bonesetter, Moses Benegar, Benjamin Elliott, James English, Levi Spurlock, William Nunn, William Driscoll, M. I. Clements, Josh Hardesty, J. Sweetman, Eli Hodson, Henry Adams, J. J. Harris. J. Cunningham, Robert Rodgers, J. W. Holmes, James Dabe, J. P. Clements, J. Stackhouse, D. P. Slaight, James Keef, J. Woodmansee, Simon Massie, John Whitehead, Elias Henry, Joseph Henry.
The health of the township was always reasonably good. However, ague and fevers-diseases common to Ohio--would, during some seasons, attack many. The "milk sickness," "trembles" or "sick stomach," a very dangerous disease, was known bore. Persons attacked with it seldom recovered, and those not dying at once were sufferers from its effects for years. Several of the early settlers died with it. The cause of the disease was thought by some to be a shrub, and by others a kind of white blossom weed, evidently of the composite family. Both plants grew in low, rich lands, in the shade, along fence rows and around ponds of water. Cattle eating this shrub and weed would soon show symptoms of the disease, and if they were milch cows, the calves would first be affected; and persons using the milk or butter would contract the disease. Since the country has been cleared out, drained and cultivated, this disease has entirely disappeared. The fever and ague has also passed away, being remembered as one of the dreaded diseases that was.
This township has hold a very conspicuous place in the county as regards politics, and, although it is, and has been, Democratic, it has representatives of about all the National parties. The Hon. Stephen Evans, Hon. D. P. Quinn and Hon. Thomas Geffs were chosen from this Township to represent the county in the Legislature of Ohio; and it is worthy of record that they filled the honorable position with credit to themselves and the county. Persons for the county offices were frequently chosen from Wayne. Our people are slowly but surely learning that in local politics, where no great National principles are involved, experience, honesty and executive ability are more important requisites in a candidate than a party pedigree, although it reach back in an unbroken line for generations.
The town of Centerville, as its name indicates, is very centrally located in the township. While it has suffered from the lack of a railroad through it, it is still a thriving village, with a good prospect for a north and south road, known as the Columbus & Maysville Railroad. It has a large and commodious church, which was erected nearly twelve years ago. The frame of the old one is still standing in the south part of town, and was built many years ago. The village has probably the best township house in the county. A. W. Mohlenpage has a very complete dry goods and clothing store in the Odd Fellows' building. Daniel Theobald has a very extensive grocery store, and also has charge of the post office. There are two drug stores, owned by Hussey & Lindley and T. J. Savage. Savage and Stevenson are the physicians. There are two steam saw and grist mills and three blacksmith shops. The schoolhouse is nearly one-half mile south of town.
Centerville Lodge, No. 531, I. O. O. F., was organized and chartered in 1872, and the membership embraces many of the leading citizens of the place. The present commodious building ding was erected in 1876. The membership comprises thirty-six. active persons.
Lee's Creek Cemetery is situated a short distance north of town, and ranks among the best for location and beauty in the county. It was formerly known as Sharpe's Graveyard, and contains the remains of many of the early citizens of the township, having been laid out about the year 1812.
812 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
There are several other small family burial places in the township, and one that is only second to the cemetery in the neighborhood of Thomas Geffs, where is also a very pleasant country church with a considerable membership.
To the foregoing, prepared by Mr. Terrell, will be added the following notes, gathered in years past by Judge R. B. Harlan, of Wilmington, now deceased:
"The first settler in what is now Wayne Township; Clinton County, was John Jackson, a native of Pennsylvania. He was taken in youth by his parents, Samuel and Catharine Jackson, to the Province, now the State, of North Carolina, where they settled in Surrey County, on the waters of the Yadkin River, in a settlement of Friends. Here he grew up to manhood and was married. He was a brother of Jacob Jackson, an early emigrant to the State of Ohio; first a settler on Lee's Creek, near where New Lexington now is, and soon afterward near where Martinsville, Clinton County, now is, where he was for many years a well-known and much respected citizen. Both these brothers were members of the religions Society of Friends, Jacob a minister. They were not by right of birth members, as many are, their parents not belonging to that religious organization, but they became so, in the regular way, upon personal application for membership, soon after arriving at manhood. They afterward married by the mode an and formula observed among Friends. Jacob first, and afterward, John, were married at a meeting at Tom's Creek, Surry County, N. C., near the Blue Ridge; Jacob to Ann and John to Phebe Bales, daughters of Bowater Bales, of North Carolina, and sisters to John Bowater Bales, better known to the old settlers of 'this county as Borter Bales, from whom the old Bales Mill, on the road to Leesburg from New Lexington, was named.
"These brothers were said, upon what seemed good authority, to be near relatives, first cousins perhaps, and intimate personal friends of Gen. Andrew Jackson, who made the brilliant and successful defense of New Orleans upon the 8th of January, 1815, and it is a tradition in the county that their antiwar principles did not cause them to disown their acquaintance with or their relationship to the hero of New Orleans.
"John Jackson came to Ohio in the year 1802, directly from Tennessee. After his marriage, he had lived for some time in Surrey County, N. C., and afterward for some years in East Tennessee, Jefferson County, not far from Knoxville. He came to the point of his location in the spring of 1803, with his wife Phebe and ten children. They settled on the Middle Branch of Lee's Creek, on one of the Ransdale's surveys, No. 1,027, about one mile a little north of west from where the counties of Highland and Fayette have a corner in the east line of Clinton County. His cabin stood west of where the Urbana road is now located, upon a high piece of rolling land covered with a heavy growth of large oak trees, and near a large spring, about two hundred and fifty yards nearly southwest of the present well-known residence of James Morris. His cabins disappeared long ago, but the indications of the ground plainly show the place where they at one time stood. They were built in the wild green woods, remote from any road or path except the one which he opened for himself and family in coming to their location, with no human habitation near, if a deserted Indian wigwam on the creek, half a mile away, is not regarded as an exception. The barn said to have been built by him was, until lately, and perhaps still is, in use for the purpose for which it was erected. The fields which he cleared and brought into cultivation are now, with the exception of a few acres, cleared on the Daily farm, all merged in the home farm of Mr. James Morris.
" This favored spot was, at this date, in the midst of a solitary wilderness
WAYNE TOWNSHIP. - 813
of great extent, peopled by Indians and abounding in wild deer, bears and wolves.
"At the date of Mr. Jackson's settlement, the whole number of families within the boundaries of what is now Clinton County did not exceed ten, the true count being, it, is believed, only eight, or at most nine. In our count, Isaac Miller and Joseph McKibben are excluded, though residing within the limits referred to as early as 1802, neither having a family at the time. Mr. Jackson's nearest neighbor on the north or Clinton County side of the line, which now divides the counties of Highland and Fayette from Clinton, was not a doubt of it, Morgan Van Meter, at the site of what was afterward Morgan town, now deserted, seven miles away. Three miles below Van Meter, on the East Fork of the Little Miami, near where Farmer's Station, on the Marietta Railroad, now is, Joseph McKibben and Isaac Miller, young men and single, were keeping `bash' in a cabin, ten miles from Jackson's improvement. At about the same distance. in a course a little west of north, on the Hinkson Prairie, in what is now Wilson Township, Amos Wilson and James Mills lived in the same dooryard, yet each in his own dwelling. On the other or south side of the same line, a few settlers, not more than half a dozen in all, had settled here and there, with wide intervals between them, in the fall of 1802. These were Bowater Bales. James Haworth, John Walters and Nathaniel Pope, and the next year, Evan Evans and James Smith, the nearest of whom to Mr. Jackson was at least three miles distant. James Haworth, a native of Pennsylvania, was a brother of George Haworth, who settled on Todd's Fork, near where Centre Meeting-House now is, in 1803. He had lived for a time in each of the States of Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. He settled upon and opened the farm owned by the late James Matthew, near New Lexington. He built the first mill erected at the junction of the West and Middle Branches of Lee's Creek, where the Eagle Mills now are, and used the water-power of both streams to run his machinery. After living in Ohio for several years, he removed once more, on this occasion to Indiana, where he died.
"John Bowater Bales, better known to the old settlers as Borter Bales, settled on the West Branch of Lee's Creek, on the farm where the late Peter Adams lived at the time of his death. Near here he built a mill on the West Branch, where the road from New Lexington to Leesburg crosses that stream He came to Ohio from North Carolina, and afterward removed from Ohio to Indiana.
"John Walters, uncle to John Walters, formerly of Todd's Foik, and Nathaniel Pope, grandfather of Judge Pope, of Wilmington, were located near Leesburg, Highland County, the former on the farm where the late Rev. Isaac Pavey lived for many years before his death, adjoining the town. Mr. Pope, it is believed, built a mill on the site of the mills now owned by Henry Pavey, on the East Branch of Lee's Creek.
"Evan Evans, father of John Evans, and James Smith, father of Job Smith, came from the Scioto River. and settled on Lee's Creek about one mile southeast of where Oak Grove Meeting-House now is, in what is now Fayette County. All these became citizens of Highland County by the erection of that county in 1805.
"Mr. Jackson, having no other neighbors, was, in the liberal construction of that day, considered as belonging to the settlement above mentioned. He seems to have been a man of industry and economy. At the time of his death, he was, for that day, quite well supplied with domestic animals, the tools and implements for farming, household and kitchen furniture and the machinery for carding, spinning, weaving, etc. The inventory of his personal estate, as estimated by Absalom Reed, Joseph Grice and Thomas Draper, the appraisers,
814 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
amounted to $423. He made his will August 2, 1810, during his last sickness. It was drawn by his brother Jacob, and was attested by Jacob Jackson and Enon Williams, father-in-law of the late Robert Way. The execution of it was committed to his wife Phebe and to Curtis Bales, whom he calls 'my nephew.' It was probated October 16, 1810, being the first will admitted to probate in Clinton County.
"Mr. Jackson had a large family. Six daughters and foul' sons lived to mature ago and were married. His family was not well suited for the rugged work of opening a farm in the wild woods. Of those who lived to come to Ohio, the first three in the order of their birth were girls; the fourth, a son fifteen years of age; next, two daughters; then a son eight years old; then an other daughter, and a son one year old. Of the daughters, four were married before September 2, 1810. The names of the sons were Uriah, William, Amor and Jesse. The names of the daughters were Hannah, Charity, Sarah, Elizabeth, Keziah and Mary. Uriah married a daughter of Jacob Allen, of Stringtown; Amor married Minerva Sinclair; Jesse, Phoebe Sinclair, daughters of a neighbor; William married Rebecca Pearson; Hannah married David Branson; Charity married Mr. Foster; Elizabeth married Joseph Rooke; Sarah married Edward Chaney; Keziah and Mary were unmarried at the time of their father's death, but afterward married, respectively, John Allen and Isham Gallamore.
"Mr. Jackson's family seems to have been reasonably industrious and economical all engaged in the great business of making a living. A farm was opened in due time, the land prepared for cultivation by girdling the large trees and removing the smaller ones and bushes. Crops were planted and inclosed by a fence as a protection against the domestic animals. As soon as the grain was formed, a fierce contest began between the family, assisted by the dogs, on one side, and on the other, the birds of many kinds, and beasts quite as numerous, such as deer, in droves, by night and day, squirrels by dozens at a time. by day, and raccoons by night.
"After Mr. Jackson had settled on Lee's Creek, Phoebe, his wife, was followed in the woods by a panther, which threatened to attack her. For safety, she was obliged to climb a tree. and to remain there until the beast took his departure.
" Mr. Jackson was what is called a squatter; that is, one who enters upon land belonging to another, without any title. This is established in two ways: First, the owner of the land lived at a distance, and was not here to sell it, and had no agent in the country; second, Jackson bought the land in 1909, six years after he settled on it, of the agent of the owner. John and Phoebe Jackson were buried at the old graveyard in the Hoskins neighborhood, near a Friends' Meeting-House, now gone.
CENTERVILLE.
"Centerville was laid out December 4, 1816. The proprietor of the town was Timothy Jones, from the State of Virginia The principal street, Main, was laid off fifty-four poles long and four poles wide, and its parallel alleys are fifty-four poles long and one pole wide. Middle street is fifty-four poles long and three poles wide. The parallel alleys are the same length, and one pole wide. Main street runs north forty-five degrees west, and Middle street runs at right angles with Main street. The lots were thirty-two in number; are six poles in front, and rim back twelve poles. A stone is placed at the southeast corner of Lot No. 2, and at the southwest corner of Lot No. 16. Centerville is the voting precinct for Wayne Township. which was laid off as a separate township in March, 1837.
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"The first settler in Wayne as it now is was John Jackson. a Friend, from Tennessee, who settled on Lee's Crook in 1803. The second settler was Edward Curtis, Sr.. who settled on Lee's Greek in 1805. He also came from Tennessee. He settled on the farm where William Elliott lived for years, on the north bank of Lee's Creek. His children were Job, who was married to Anne St. Clair July 25. 1815, by Rev. William Jackson; Martha, married to Stephen Martin November 16, 1820, by Samuel Harvey, Justice*of the Peace; Franky, married to John Grice May 1.4, 1812. by Rev. William Jackson; Edward, married to Elizabeth Lyon June 7, 1820, by Joseph Shepherd, Justice of the Peace: Sarah, married to Jacob Compton September 16, 1821, by Sam. gel Reed, Justice of the Peace; James, married to Dorcas Elliott, July 14, 1825, by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace; Rachel, married to Elijah Thrailkill December 25, 1832. by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace
"Job Curtis, after his marriage, lived for two or three years on the farm where Peter Adams last lived, in Clinton County. Afterward, in 1825, he was living on the northwest side of Thomas Gaskin's Survey, No. 818. Still later, in 1833, he owned land in Douse's Survey, No. 880, in the northwest corner, 100 acres of which he sold to William Holston, and 110 acres 312 (Y) poles to Charles Arnold. Grassy Run flows through these lands. From here he removed to Grant County, Ind., near Marion, where he still lives.
"John Allen came about two pears later (1807); also, David Carter and Thomas Draper. Mr. Allen came from Brownsville, Penn. He settled on the southwest side of the creek, where John Stokesberry formerly lived, on the Greene Survey. His house has disappeared, but its site is owned by David A. Terrell. He, late in life, conveyed the land to Henry Myers, taking an obligation from Myers for the future support of himself and wife. He and his wife were buried in the graveyard in the Terrell pasture.
"In 1814 (December), Mr. Allen was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace for Richland Township, and served three years. December 2,1815, Mr. Allen and his wife, Sarah, conveyed by deed to John Branson, in consideration of $85, fifty acres of land out of a tract purchased by said Allen of Phillip Root, Thompson's Survey. The deed bears date of May 4, 1805. It was recorded in Ross County. On the 21st day of June, 1832, Mr. Allen served with David Carter and John Geffs as Commissioners for the division of Survey No. 1,023, in the name of William Whitacre, among the twenty-three manumitted slaves of James Bray, of Chesterfield County, Va. Mr. Allen had some knowledge of surveying. He was appointed by the Commissioners of Clinton County, June 7, 1814, to survey a proposed change in the Urbana road east of James Gillespie's Tavern, now known as the burnt tavern. His son John married Keziah Jackson, daughter of John Jackson, March 12, 1811. His daughter Esther married William Rhonemus, of Centerville, June 22, 1821. Hannah married Henry Myers April 11, 1822. Both were married by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace. He made deeds, May 26, 1815, to Henry Cock, for seventy-three and two-thirds acres; December 2, 1815, to John Elliott, for fifty acres; February 2, 1838, to Henry Myers. He had a family of children by his wedded wife; nevertheless, he had a large family of children by Matilda Thrailkill. He had two houses in the same yard-one occupied by his wife, and the other by Matilda Thrailkill. Afterward, he moved the latter to a small farm near Centerville, where Hugh McFadden afterward lived.
"Benjamin Logan was an early settler on the East Branch of Lee's Creek. His residence was on the Carrie land, where Peter Adams, and, afterward, Martin Ryan, lived. His wife was a sister of Aden, Robert, Thomas and William Antram. He had about twenty acres of land cleared when William Elliott came to the neighborhood, in 1812. r. Logan came from Tennessee,
816 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
bringing Mike Fry, the rail-splitter, with him. This is not the same Mike Fry who carne with Thomas Dailey and the Wollards. in 1819, from Virginia. From Lee's Creek, Logan moved to the place where Samuel Zurface now lives, the same on which Samuel Reed lived at the time of his death. His house stood about one hundred yards from the house of Zurface, and back from the road.
"Thomas N. Adams was an early settler on the Gallatin Survey, made for Edward Douse, No. 811. He was a squatter there. Mr. Adams was mar ried twice. By the first marriage, he had three children-.Absalom, Henry and Mrs. Isaac Pavey; by the second, Thomas N., John, Charles, William, Henry Long and others. He is said to have been about one hundred and seven years of age at the time of his death. On his one-hundredth birth-day, he split 100 rails--one for each year he had lived. Thomas N., his son, claimed, in 1867, to have been born September 10, 1772, but the record of his age in Isaac Pavey's Bible, seen at Manlif Adams' house, gives his birth on June 4. 1783. He died in September, 1876. His brother John has no date for his birth, but claims to have been called out by Gen. McArthur's call (the general call) in 1812, when he was about twenty-four years of age. This would make him about eighty-eight years of age (July 23, 1874). He died in September, 1876.
"Absalom Adams lived close to the Urbana road, on the farm now owned by Thomas Geffs. He was the father of Edward and John Adams, both now dead. Edward married Leah, sister of Jesse McKay. Absalom Adams owned 151 1/2 acres in Survey 1,027.
"Henry Adams, brother to Absalom, lived adjoining him, farther east and north. They were own brothers to Isaac Pavey's first wife. Henry Adams' farm was afterward owned by Richard Lutterall, and descended to his sons at his death. .
"John Lyon, Sr., lived on the Urbana road when the Elliotts came, where there was an old shingle-roofed barn formerly, east of the road He was from the Red Stone country in Pennsylvania, and came to Wayne Township, as it now is, before 1812. In the spring of 1813, he went to live in a cabin on the Carrington Survey, 1,449, built by David Evans, on the Job Haines land, where Martin Hester formerly lived, on the old Miami trace. Lyon owned about one hundred and fifty acres in 1,027, between the e Urbana road and the creek. His house was nearly in a line with the Peter Adams house and the James Morris house, on the same land formerly owned by John Jackson. He was a blacksmith, and had a blacksmith shop there. Cinders and other waste are still plowed up where the shop stood.
"Richard Lyon lived where the Morris dwelling now is. He sold liquor and made things lively generally. His house was not made tight by chinking or daubing. He sold his land to Luther McVey, who sold 104 acres of his farm to James Morris in 1833. The road formerly ran about where the barn now is and so on south. The old house back of his residence, eighteen by twenty feet, still standing, was Edward Curtis' (commonly called Old Neddy) dwelling, where he had twenty-one children in the family, composed of his wife's children by a former marriage, his own by his first marriage, and his and his wife's by the second marriage. Richard Lyon's wife was Sarah Antram.
"Two lots of land were. on November 3, 1824, conveyed by James Masher, of Hardy County, Va., to sons of John Lyon, Sr. To each of these deeds he was one of the witnesses. To Robert was conveyed sixty-seven acres, for a consideration of $100; and to Richard, sixty-seven acres. John, Jr., bought fifty-four and three-fourths acres from John Watts, part of survey of P. Neville. 766, in the north corner of the survey, near Sabina. He moved there in
WAYNE TOWNSHIP. - 817
1827. His wife was Betsey Brown. to whom hr was married by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace, May 1. 1812. John Lyon, Sr.. died in the Peelle neighborhood, it is believed, on the farm of John Carter.
"The Antram fainily were among the early settlers in Wayne Township. The mother came to Ohio with her children, her husband having,'' died before they left Tennessee, Her sons were William. Thomas, Robert and Aden. Thomas married the Widow Fry, mother of Mike Fry, the rail-splitter. This Mike lived in the. neighborhood, sometimes in one place. sometimes in another. At the time of his death he lived on a small lot of about five acres. on the west side of the branch. His brother, Jacob Fry, died in Highland County. His sister, Jane. was married to Henry Leeka, Esq., March 7, 1816. Leeka moved West in 1838. William Antram was married to Sarah Sharp November 4, 1810, by Rev. William Jackson. June 8, 1826, he was married to Eleanor McCoy, by Joseph Roberds, Justice of the Peace. William Antram bought fifty-two acres off the west corner of William Stewart's tract of 300 acres, part. of E. Meade's Survey, No. 808. His tract cornered with James Barrett, and also with William Hardwick. This purchase was made February 26, 1813. He afterward owned about one hundred acres in William Gray's largest sur vey. This he sold to Francis Stone, Sr.. and moved West. The land was purchased abort 181)5 or 1816, and sold about 1838 or 1839.
"Robert Antram purchased the farm where Judge Stephen Evans lived. In his deposition in the case of Hallam versus Evans et al., he says he went to live on the Foster Survey in 1813-14. William Sharp confirms his statement in his deposition in the same case. He sold his possessions and moved to Wabash County, Ind.. about 1838. His wife was a Leeka; Aden Antram owned the farm now owned by Daniel Adams. He was married to Mary Sharp, November 8, 1810, by Rev. William Jackson. Aden Antram was killed while passing along the road where the Quinn Schoolhouse now is, about 1838. His family moved West. Sarah Autram was married to Richard Lyon August 14, 1828, by Edward Adams, Justice of the Peace.
"David Carter came from Tennessee to Ohio. The precise time has not been ascertained. He was married in Tennessee to a sister of the Antram brothers. He first settled on the Pleasant Haines farm, now owned by Benjamin Elliott, Esq. September 25, 1809, he bought of David Carson, Esq., attorney in fact for James Masher, 1011 acres in Survey No. 1,027, it $2.25 per acre, payable one-half in two years and one-half in four years. The witnesses to the agreement were John Jackson and Aden Antram. This land did not include the land whereon he first settled. Benjamin Elliott owns both tracts. His son, Godfrey Carter, was married to Anna Wollard. daughter of John Wollard, Sr., June 21, 1821, by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace.
"Edward Curtis, Jr., in his deposition in the case of Hallam versus Evans and others. fixes the settlement of Carter. Draper and others in the year 1808. David Carter's second wife was the widow of Robert McCoy, a (laughter of John Allen, Esq.
"William Elliott and Elizabeth McComb were married May 9, 1800. They lived near New Castle. Mercer Co.. Penn., before coming to Ohio. New Castle was, in fact. laid out by William Elliott. Their daughter Jane, after ward married to Nathaniel Pierce. was born April 17. 1801. She was married to Mr. Pierce July 17, 1821, by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace. Elizabeth, sometimes called Eliza, was born July 12. 1803. and was married to David Morton, Esq., July 22,18'33, ii: Samuel Reed, Justice of the. Peace Her busband died December 20, 1860. William Elliott. Jr., was born July 25, 1805. He was married. first to Susannah Gillespie, December 20, 1826, by Benjamin Noble. Justice of the Peace. Catharine was born September 3, 1808, and was
818 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
married to Abel Morgan Reed December 27, 1829. John Elliott was born July 24, 1811. Robert Elliott was born December 3, 1813, he was the first of the family born in Ohio, and died in 1826. Benjamin was born July 6, 1816. Alexander was born June 21, 1819. David was born November 3, 1821. William Elliott, the father. came to Ohio in 1812 (October). He first settled where Evan Evans, father of John Evans, afterward settled, in Fayette County. The following spring, he went to live where - Green now lives. In the summer of 1816. he left the Green place and was succeeded by Isaac Green. He now settled on the West Branch, opposite to Edward Curtis, Sr., where he lived several years. His residence was where Martin Van Pelt now lives. When Edward Curtis left his location on the creek and moved onto the Urbana road, Elliott moved to the place vacated, and continued to live there until his death. Mrs. Elliott, when young. had gone to the same school with the Rev. Robert Dobbins, once with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and afterward with the Radical Methodist Church. He lived many years in Greene County, and afterward in Fayette County, where he was living at the time of his death. He represented Greene in the Ohio Legislature in 1844, and, the district then being changed, he represented Clinton and Fayette in the same Legislature. William Elliott received a deed from James Macher's agent December 1, 1824, for sixty-eight acres of land in Survey 1,027. 'He died September 28, 1839, aged nearly sixty six years. His wife died April 13,1860, aged nearly seventy-eight years.
"Solomon Sharp died March 20, 1845, aged seventy-nine years. Rebecca, his wife, died November 3, 1856, aged nearly eighty-one years. William Sharp, his son, died June 13, 1860, aged seventy years and seven months. He married Elizabeth Leeks February 21, 1817. John Sharp was married to Keziah Brewer March 16, 1826, by J. Roberts, Justice of the Peace. Sarah Sharp was married to William Antram November 4, 1810.
"Samuel Reed, Sr., was the father of David Reed and of Samuel Reed, Esq., and came to Clinton from Brush Creek, Highland County. He and his wife both died on the Samuel Zurface farm, and were buried in the little grave yard on the roadside in the south corner of Samuel Zurface's orchard. Samuel Reed, his son, was elected Justice of the Peace in 1815, for Richland Township, and re-elected every three years until 1830. Samuel Stilt married a daughter of Samuel Reed, Sr., and a sister of Samuel, Jr., and Daniel.
" William Hardwick was the son of Thomas Hardwick. At an early day, he owned 116 acres of land in Meade's Survey, on the southwest side of Moses Paris' tract. He was the brother of John Hardwick, who married Mary Newcomb, daughter of Rev. William Newcomb, of Centerville, and of the wives of Jack Palmer and James Palmer. His first settlement was on the Samuel Zurface place. Thomas Hardwick, father of the above, bought, November 14, 1801, of Henry Massie, Collector of Non-Resident Taxes for the Second Collector's District, including the Virginia Military District of Ohio, 500 acres in Survey 729, in the name of John Tench. His deed bears date April 13, 1809, and was recorded in Book A, Land Records of Highland County, Ohio, page 486.
"In 1805, Thomas Hardwick bought of Nathan Linton, Gen. Thomas Posey's agent, 200 acres of land in Survey 1,057, at $2 per acre, all amounting to $400. In 1806, he sold this land, half to Henry Babb, half to Joseph Doan. The Babb part became the Henry Babb farm, and the Doan part the William Doan farm, adjoining Wilmington. Thomas Hardwick and a part of his family, at an early day, removed to Muncie, Ind. William Hardwick settled on the Bosworth farm, Jack Palmer adjoining on the south, and James Palmer on the farm now owned by Capt. Rhonemus.
"Joseph Grice settled on the farm which Samuel Zurface now owns, and
WAYNE TOWNSHIP. - 819
where he lives. He was the father of John and Henry Grice. John married Franky Curtis May 14, 1812, and was the father of William Grice and Sally West, wife of Benson West. Joseph Grice and Ruth, his wife, on consideration of sonship, on December 6, 1815, conveyed to John Grice, their son, 125 acres of land in Phillip Root Thompson's Survey, 1,708, marked on the map S. B. Green. adjoining Henry Cock. The same grantor to Henry Grice, consideration love and affection, beginning with the beginning of John Grice's line and running to Henry Cock's line, and to John Allen's line, and to his corner, containing 125 acres: date. December 26, 1815. Joseph Grice, Sr., died April 9, 1852, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. Ruth, his wife, died October 4, 1846, aged eighty years. John Grice, Sr., son of Joseph Grice, died November 14, 1859, aged sixty-seven years. Mary, his wife. died November 19, 1850, aged fifty-eight years six months. John C. Young died February :3, 1850, aged eighty-one years eleven months twenty-five days. (Taken from tombstones standing near the old John Grice residence, October 10, 1876.)
"David Stokesberry came to Ohio in 1812, from Virginia. His first wife was a daughter of Henry Cock, a sister to Timothy Jones' wife, and George W. Henry's, and also of Simeon Cock. He came to Ohio with Timothy Jones and Henry Cock. His daughter Rebecca was married to Solomon Sharp July 22, 1813, by Rev. William Jackson. David Stokesberry died May 11, 1841, in the sixty-third year of his age. Sarah, his wife, died August 25, 1853, aged sixty-five years.
"The Thrailkill family was large. They came with their mother to Ohio, from Virginia Their mother's second husband was Thomas Babb. Craven Thrailkill was married to Mary Cock, sister to Henry, George, etc., December 1, 1825, by Benjamin Noble, Justice of the Peace. Henry was married to Cynthia Spears January 13, 1831, by Rev. William Austin. Elijah was mar. ried to Rachel Curtis September 26, 1822, by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace. William was married to Sophia Parris September 10, 1821, by Absalom Reed, Justice of the Peace. David was married to Mary Robinson May 24, 1832, by Joshua Noble, Justice of the Peace. Lucy was married to John Myers September 24, 1822, by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace. Silas was married to Anna Allen, widow of Uriah Jackson, April 11, 1822, by Samuel Reed. Tolliver never lived in Clinton County. He resided in Putnam, Muskingum Co., Ohio, and was the oldest son. Jennie married Henry Mossberry. Nancy married William Johnson. Matilda never married. They were all of a very dark complexion, but their mother was fair.
"Jesse Jackson, son of John, was married to Phoebe Sinclair January 18, 1821, by Samuel Reed, Esq. John Sinclair and Nancy Jackson were married July 30, 1829, by Rev. William M. Irvin. William and Eleanor Harr were married September 8, 1829, by Edward Adams. Stacey and Rebecca Myers were married September 29, 1829, by Edward Adams. Edward and Edith Lamb were married September 12, 1833, by Joshua Noble, Justice of the Peace. Minerva and Amor Jackson were married December 26, 1816, by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace. Ann and Job Curtis were married July 25, 1815, by Rev. William Jackson. Elizabeth and William Wollard were married December 11, 1823, by Samuel Reed, Esq. Lovecey was married to Robert Lyon August 20, 1823, by Henry Leeka, Justice of the Peace. James Sinclair, the father of this family, bought thirty-one acres of James Macher, October 21, 1824.
"Our first account of Stephen Martin is that he commenced the improvement where Moses Rees, Esq., lived, where Reesville now is. From this point he moved south and settled on the Urbana road, on the Robert Geffs farm. This he sold to Geffs. His son, Stephen Martin, was married to Martha Cur-
820 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
tis, daughter of `Old Neddy,' November 16, 1820, by Samuel Harvey, Justice of the Peace. He was the father of Eli Martin, of Stringtown. He died on the Macher Survey, 1, 027. Stephen Martin, Jr., first bought of James Macher's agent, George Lynd, 184 acres in No. 1,027, December 1, 1824. He conveyed to Levin Hubbard thirty-two and a half acres in 1,057 January 27, 1825.
LAND OWNERS IN 1027.
"Macher's Survey.-Edward Adams had forty acres; John Adams had sixty-nine and a half acres; Peter Adams had 100 acres; Thomas Draper bad sixty-nine acres; Nicholas Newlin had 100 acres; Levin Hubbard had sixty nine acres; William Elliott had sixty-nine acres; David Carter had sixty-nine acres (100); Stephen Martin had 100 acres; Stephen Martin, Jr., had fifty or sixty acres; James McVey had nine acres; Charles Martin had fifty acres; James Sinclair had fifty acres.
"The Bray Survey, No. 1,023.-This survey, at the time the colored people came out to take possession of it, was occupied to some extent by squatters. Lot No. 15, which, in June, 1832, was assigned to Old Ben, the father of Watkins Bray, who now owns it, was in possession of Jonathan Thompson, but he was not the first to settle there. A man by the name of Baxley, believed to be William, grandfather to William Baxley, of Wayne Township, was living there, it is said, as early as 1813. Matt Bray's lot, No. 18, was in possession of Silas Thrailkill. Mike Fry, the rail-splitter, lived where Lutterall's store now is. He opposed the Brays settling on the land James Reed lived where Henry Myers lives. John Parker, whose wife was a daughter of Stephen Martin, lived in a cabin on Dick's lot, No. 9. His cabin stood where Joshua Johnson's stable is. Ezekiel Hopkins lived on Old Dinah's lot.
"Thomas Gillespie was the father of James, Thomas, Jonathan and Alexander Gillespie. One of his daughters, Betsey, married -- Taylor. Polly married Silas Lothey. All came to Ohio from Harrison County, Ky. Thomas, Sr., settled where William Elliott, Esq., lived. James Gillespie, the tavern keeper, settled near his father, where the road turned, formerly, to go up to where Thomas, Jr., lived. He had a tan-yard there. Thomas settled where the family continued to reside. Jonathan did not live long after coming to Ohio. He resided with his father. He left a wife and two children, who afterward moved to Clermont County, near Goshen. Isaac Gillespie was born on Lee's Creek November 27, 1812. He had a brother born there in 1810. Susannah Elliott was about four years older than Isaac. Elizabeth was next younger than Isaac. James Gillespie's first tract was in the Tench Survey, No. 729, containing fifty acres. It was surveyed for him by Nathan Linton, June 23, 1815. The second tract, of ten acres, on the northwest side of the first tract, was ran off for him by Linton, May 27, 1821. On February 15, 1814, he was granted a license to keep tavern at his house in Greene Township until the next court, 112 days; price, $1.34.
"Silas Lothey and Mary, his wife, sold ninety acres of land, part of Henry Lee's Survey, No. 1,112, to Henry Leeka, January 29, 1816; consideration, $250. They moved away years ago, and, when last heard from, were living at Ironton, on the Ohio.
" Lewis Vimont (name uncertain), executor of John Savery, deceased, in a bill in chancery filed against Elizabeth Criswell, deceased, et al., states that, in the month of June, 1811, Savery sold to George Criswell 150 acres of land in E. Meade's Survey, 808, beginning at a stake in William Jackson's south west line, north corner to Moses Paris; thence with his line south forty-one and one-fourth degrees west 240 poles, to a stake, corner to Paris; thence north forty-six degrees west 100 poles, to it jack-oak; thence north forty-one
WAYNE TOWNSHIP. - 821
and three-fourths degrees east 240 poles, passing William Hunt's corner at seventy-seven and one-fourth poles to a stake, corner to Hunt, in David Evans' line; thence with Evans' line south forty-six degrees east 100 poles, passing his corner at fifty-two and a half poles to the beginning.
"Rev. William Newcomb was born August 6, 1777, in what was at that time Mercer County, * Penn. He died in Clinton County, Ohio, April 15, 1868. aged eighty-nine years seven months and nine days. His home was at Centerville. His wife, Anna, died April 21, 1857, aged seventy-one years. Mr. Newcomb is said to have been a schoolmate, in Pennsylvania, of Rev. Robert Dobbins, and Mrs. Elizabeth Elliott, mother of William Elliott, Esq., Mrs. Morton and others. Mary Newcomb was married to John Hardwick September 20, 1837, by William Millican. Justice of the Peace. Hannah Newcomb and John Young were married March 16, 1826.
" John Allen. frequently spoken of as Squire John Allen, was an early settler of the East Branch of the middle prong of Lee's Creek. His residence is now a part of the stock farm of David A. Terrell. He served as a private in the Virginia State troops; was placed upon the pension rolls in 1833, at which time he was seventy-two years of age..
"E. Meade's Survey, 808.-Thomas Mason owned 100 acres in this survey February 23, 1813; David Evans, 100 acres February 23, 1813; Rev. William Jackson; Solomon Sharp, ninety-three and three-fourths acres, February 25,1813; William Masters, seventy-two acres, February 25,1813; Joshua White, February 25, 1813; William Stewart, 300 acres, February 26, 1813; William Antram, fifty acres, February 28, 1813; William Hardwick, 138 93/100 acres, February 26, 1813; Moses Paris, 228 3/4 acres, February 27, 1813; Elizabeth Criswell, 150 acres, February 27, 1813; William Hunt, seventy-nine acres, January 28, 1814; William Hunt, 150 acres, February 27, 1813; Jacob Tanner, William Paris. fifty-one acres; James Dougherty, twenty acres; Henry S. Due, January 28, 1814; James Jackson, 1813. Ice and Snow owned forty-one acres of land in Survey 1,009, in the name of S. Jones. He died April 29, 1860, aged seventy-nine years two months and sixteen days. Mary, his wife, died July 8, 1864, aged seventy-three years four months and four days.
"Ransdale's Survey, No. 1, 027. --James Macher was charged for taxation with two surveys, numbered 1,027, of 1,000 acres each, and remained so charged for each subsequent year from 1804 up to 1809, inclusive, when the following transfers were made: One hundred acres were sold to David Carter, September 6, 1809, by John Hopewell, the agent of Macher, at $2.25 per acre. The beginning corner was the south corner of Whitacre's Survey, No. 1,023. One-half the price was to be paid in two years, and the remainder in two years more; no interest. Witnesses to the agreement, Aden Antram, John Jackson. One hundred acres to John Jackson; 101 acres to Joseph Rooks; 100 acres to Joel Shinn, out of one of said surveys. The balance, 599 acres, together with the whole of the other survey, remained charged to the said Macher up to the year 1818, inclusive. [Letter of Auditor of State to Bebee Treusdell, County Auditor, May 25, 1844.]
"Macher, by George Lynd, his agent, to Luther McVey, made a deed for fifty acres in Survey 1,027, dated November 19, 1822; same, by the same, to Peter Adams, for fifty acres, dated November 19, 1822; same, by the same, to Stephen Martin, for 100 acres. dated November 19, 1822. Luther McVey conveyed twenty-five acres to George Summerson August 6, 1823, and to David Tyler twenty-five acres, same day. Deed of James Macher, by Green, to Absalom Adams, for 151 1/2 acres, December 1, 1824. Macher to Stephen Martin, for 184 acres, December 1, 1824. Stephen Martin to Levin Hubbard, for
* Mercer County was not erected until long after 1777. - P. A. D.
822 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
thirty-two and a half acres, dated January 27, 1825, James Macher to Charles Martin, for seven acres of land, dated October 21; 1824. James Macher tc James Sinclair, for thirty-one acres, October 21, 1824. Macher to Nicholas Newlin for 101 3/4 acres, dated November 9, 1824. William Newlin to Nicholas Newlin for fifty acres, dated April 9, 1825; James Macher to William Elliott, for sixty-eight acres, dated December, 1824; Richard Lyon to Luther McVey, for sixty-seven acres, dated February 2, 1828; Luther McVey to Edward Curtis, for twenty-eight acres, dated April 11, 1832; Absalom Adams to Edward Adams, for forty acres, dated January 27, 1825; William Adams to Peter Adams, for twenty-five acres, January 22, 1829; Edward Adams to Isaac N. McVey, for forty acres, August 16, 1831; William Sinclair and five others to Robert Haines, for thirty-one acres, dated September 21, 1833; Luther McVey to James Morris, for 104 acres, dated January 3, 1833.
"Samuel B. Green's Survey, No. 1,708, sold out by Philip Root Thompson.-Thomas Babb, 265 acres, May 4, 1814; Hugh McWhorter, 100 acres, May 4, 1814; William Haworth, 261 acres, May 4, 1814; Ellis Pugh, 335 acres, April 18, 1815; Samuel Reed, 100 acres, April, 1818; James Barrett, 118 acres, April, 1811; Timothy Jones, 115 acres, October 20, 1819; Silas Thrailkill, 102 acres, October 18, 1819; John Parker, 63 acres, October 18, 1819; David Stokesberry, 165 acres, October, 1820; William Stewart, 140 acres, September, 1825; Timothy Jones. 144 acres, October 4, 1825; James Cummings, 100 acres, October 4, 1830; Benson West, July 30, 1833; Luther McVey, 94 acres, September 2, 1833.
"Peter Davis was an early settler on Lee's Creek. He settled on the farm and near where Ryan Van Pelt now lives. He died at the same place, on the J. Currie (1,065) Survey.
"Stephen Martin conveyed to Levin Hubbard thirty-two and a half acres of land in No. 1,027, January 27, 1825. He owned sixty-seven and a half acres in 1843. Levin Hubbard was father of Levin, Jr., John and others. He died June 19, 1849, in the eightieth year of his age, and was buried in the Lutterall Graveyard. Joseph Canter now owns the Levin Hubbard land
"Marmaduke Eastlack, on March 24, 1854, gave his deposition in the case of Hallam versus Evans et al. This suit embraced a large tract of land in the Moss, Bowen, Gray and Foster Surveys. In his deposition, he says: `I settled within half a mile of the land' which was at that time supposed to be involved, though the claim after the date of the deposition was greatly extended, so as to take in land much nearer than the distance named. `I settled on the place where Samuel P. Cole resided. I resided on the Cole farm about twelve years. There were no persons living near me, and the country was all a wilderness at the time. Aden Antram settled on the land where Daniel Adams now lives, as I understand. Shortly after I settled on the land, William Antram settled there. Aden and Robert Antram settled there soon' after William, and each one claimed their respective places. My horses and cattle ran in the range when I first settled there, and as long as I lived there, except during the winter'
"Abigail Eastlack, wife of the above, says: 'We lived near the land twelve years and one month. We moved there April 7, 1814, and moved away May 7, 1826. There was one neighbor in about one mile on the Urbana road south, and one about three miles southwest. The balance of the country all around for miles was a wilderness. Aden Antram was the first that settled near us, and William next, and Robert next. Robert Antram's wife was at our house June 13, 1816. I think that Robert Antram settled there the fall before.'
"Marmaduke Eastlack died in 1860, aged ninety years. Their daughter Abigail married Jonathan Carey, who lived near Clear Creek Meeting-House.
WAYNE TOWNSHIP. - 823
"Evan Evans was born in New Jersey on the 4th day of April, 1754. He died February 18, 1847, aged ninety-four years ten months. His son, John Evans, was born November 17, 1791, and died in July, 1874. Lydia Evans, daughter of Evan Evans, was born in the year 1789. She married -- Gossett. Rebecca Evans, another daughter, married Richard Iliff. Iliff and Gossett lived on the Upper Gray Survey; were there before the year 1811, where Marmaduke Eastlack, Samuel P. Cole and David P. Quinn lived Curtis Bales married Hannah Evans.
"Jesse McKay died November 5, 1864, aged eighty-three years three months and twenty-five days; was buried at the Geffs Graveyard. He lived in Fayette County. He came to the Rattlesnake country in 1807. His brothers, Robert and John McKay, came at the same time. Their father, Job McKay, came the next year. All settled together.
"William Moore came to Lee's Creek, to the Moore Survey, with his father, John, and his brother, Abram, two hired men and a young colored woman. They drove about sixty head of cattle from Kentucky. The girl was to have her freedom if she would stay and cook for them six months. She did not serve her time out, however, but ran away to Chillicothe. The father, John Moore, and his son Abram, returned home in about six weeks. One of the hired men stayed two months, and one three. The Moores came from near the Blue Licks. When William Moore came to the neighborhood, Simon and Joel Leeka, and James Rees were already there. Simon lived on the Newton Henry place, Joel adjoining and just below him. The farm where Rees lived is now divided; the part on the south side of the road is owned by Edward Thornburgh; that on the north side, by Absalom Adams. Edward Thornburgh once owned the place now owned by James Moore, formerly owned by David Woodmansee.
"Stephen Hockett lived across the creek from Thornburgh, They both moved to Indiana a short time after the Woodmansees came out. David Hockett, at the time of Moore's coming, was a squatter on the branch, below Samuel Moore's.
`He had a little cabin with a few trees cut. away from around it. He sold out to Humphrey Nichols.
"Isaac Woodmansee, near Quinn's Mills, Wayne Township, was born in Monmouth County, N. J., May 31, 1785, and came to Ohio in 1816. He was twice a resident of Clinton County; the first time was near New Vienna; the last, on the farm where he resided in 1868. His father, Samuel Woodmansee, of New Jersey, died at the age of eighty-two years.
THE RHONEMUS GRAVEYARD.
"David Reed, son of Samuel Reed (who died on the Zurface farm), died April 16, 1855, aged sixty-eight years.
"Alfred Reed died June 12, 1861, aged forty-one years seven months and seventeen days. Richard Rollison died October 26, 1867, in the seventy-ninth year of his age. William Rhonemus died July 1, 1856, aged sixty-eight years one month and one day. Christian Rhonemus died December 24, 1863, aged eighty-four years; Elizabeth, his wife, died October 5, 1841. aged fifty-eight years. Rachel Rhonemus, mother of William and Jesse, died April 3, 1835, in the ninety-second year of her age. Andrew Rhonemus, her husband, died May 30, 1819, aged seventy-one years. John Matthew died September 11, 1854, aged seventy-eight years thirty-seven days; Rachel, his wife, died December 18, 1820, aged thirty-nine years six months six days. Matthew, infant daughter of Rhoda Matthews, aged one month and twenty-four days. Luther McVey died September 3, 1862, aged seventy-five years eleven months
824 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.
and eleven days; Jane, his wife, died December 22, 1859, aged seventy-five years and ten days. Solomon Sharp died March 20, 1845, aged seventy-nine years five months and ten days; Rebecca, his wife, died November 3, 1836, aged eighty years nine months and eighteen days. William Sharp died June 13, 1860, aged seventy years and five days. Rev. William Newcomb was born August 6, 1777, and died April 15, 1868, aged eighty-nine years seven months and nine days; Rev. William Newcomb was licensed to solemnize marriage by the Court of Common Pleas of Clinton County at December term, 1820; Anna, his wife, died April 21, 1853, aged seventy-one years and five days. Robert West died July 12,1848, aged seventy-two years nine months and fifteen days; Henrietta, his wife, died December 17, 1854, aged seventy-eight years ten months and nineteen days. David Stokesberry died May 11, 1841, aged sixty-three years; Sarah, his wife, died August 25, 1853, aged sixty-five years three months twenty-two days. David Mourton died December 20, 1860, aged sixty years and one month; he was married to Elizabeth Elliott on the 22d of July, 1823, by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace.
GROVE GRAVEYARD.
"Joseph Bennett died the 30th day of the 10th month, 1865, aged eighty-four years two months and fifteen days; Ann. his wife, died 2d month 17th, 1857, aged eighty-four years six months. Jesse Bennett died 10th month 8th, 1846, aged forty-six years four months. Jesse McKay died November 3, 1864, aged eighty-three years three months twenty-five days. Ann Adams died November 1, 1864, aged forty-four years. Peter Adams died December 4, 1858, in the seventy-second year of his age; Polly, his wife, died May 30, 1869, aged seventy-seven years four months twenty days. Mary Lutterall, wife of Robert Lutterall, died December 5, 1857, aged fifty-six years and twenty-three days. Ice and Snow died April 29, 1860, aged seventy-nine years two months sixteen days; Mary, wife of Ice and Snow, died July 8, 1864, aged seventy-three years four months and four days. David Grove died February, 1855, in seventy-third year of his age. Harrison Geffs was born February 11, 1814, died November 25, 1844, aged thirty years nine months and fourteen days. Richard Crawford died April 3, 1856, aged fifty-three years three months and thirteen days; Esther, mother of Richard Crawford, and widow of James, of Pennsylvania, died November 13, 1845, aged seventy-seven years five months and eight days. George R. Doggett died November 8, 1865, aged seventy years seven months seven days. Levin Hubbard died June 19; 1849, aged eighty years. Henry Grove died October 19, 1849, aged thirty years and four days.
LUTTERALL GRAVEYARD.
"Jacob Grove died November 15, 1860, aged eighty-six years and eight days; Catharine, his wife, died December 2, 1862, aged ninety-one years and twenty-nine days. David Grove died April 16, 1863, aged fifty-five years eleven months and eighteen days. Sarah, wife of Edmund McVey, died January 3, 1850, aged thirty-six years two months and twenty-six days. Mary Carter died February 7, 1873, aged eighty-six years six months six days. Richard Lutterall died March 23, 1848, aged fifty years seven months eight days.
ELLIOTT GRAVEYARD.
"James McVey died April 21, 1859, aged seventy-two years eleven months and twenty-seven days; Keziah McVey, his wife, died June 23, 1860, aged seventy-three years one month and twenty-six days. Jane Elliott Pierce died January 14, 1872, aged seventy years eight months and twenty-eight days. William Elliott died September 28, 1839, aged sixty-five years nine months
WAYNE TOWNSHIP. - 825
and three days; Elizabeth, his wife, died April 13, 1860, aged seventy-seven years seven months and sixteen days. Stephen Martin died April 28, 1844, aged forty-five years. Michael Fry, the rail-splutter, died April 13, 1866, aged seventy-one years three, months thirteen days. His wife, Jane, died May 4, 1867, aged sixty-four years. Edward Curtis died November 3, 1843, in the eighty-third year of his age.
"Christian Barger was born in Montgomery County, Va., August 8, 1776. He died on board the steamboat Lancet, at Birmingham, at the mouth of Apple Creek, Perry County, Mo., December 24, 1844. Martha Price, his wife, was born in Augusta County, Va., October 1, 1781. She died in 1847, in Cars County, Ind., north of Logansport. Burger and wife were married in Montgomery County, Va., January 22, 1801. Thomas Barger was born in Montgomery County, Va., May 7, 1802, died in Warren County, Ohio, January 7, 1804. Elizabeth Barger was born in Warren County, Ohio, May 30, 1806. William P. Barger was born at the Pope Mill March 12, 180-. Christian Barger was born in Highland County, Ohio, April 25, 1815. He died in Fayette County, Ohio, July 1, 1830. Philip Barger, older than Christian, came to Lee's Creek before Christian--not long, however. Christian Barger was living on the Thomas Conner farm in the fall of 1806, and was a squatter there. He is supposed to have come to Lee's Creek that year."