826 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.

WILSON TOWNSHIP.

BY R. B. PEELLE.

(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)

FOR a person who wishes to examine a subject fully, closely, carefully and truthfully, there is no portion so interesting as its genesis. Of history this is specially true. Given a reliable starting-point, and a few authentic data along the line of march, and it becomes a comparatively easy task for the historian to construct the narrative of the people or country he wishes to describe.

When we were assigned the pleasant task of writing a sketch of the early settlement and progress of the youngest of the thirteen fair daughters that compose the happy, peaceful, prosperous family of Clinton, we little thought to find evidence that within her borders was made the first improvement in our county. On the best of testimony we make the statement that as early as 1796 or 1797, while Ohio was still a part of the Northwest Territory, a family moved here, made permanent improvements, and, with little intermission, were residents here for more than half a century. A biography of Amos Wilson, the father of the family, will be almost a history in itself of our township.*He was born in New Jersey April 7, 1770; moved with his parents to Kentucky in 1784, where he lived for seven years. On the 22d of June, 1791, he married Ann Mills. In 1795, he moved to Ohio, settling in Warren County, near Waynesville, where he lived for one or two years. In 1796 or 1797, he bought 200 acres of land of Joshua Carmen, situated in Taylor's Survey, No. 738. Placing his family of wife and two children on a sled drawn by one horse, and with two young men to clear a path through the dense, unbroken forest, he started to find his new purchase and make himself a home. His directions were to travel due northeast from the Deserted Camp till he had crossed Anderson's Prairie and entered the white oak timber. By the aid of a pocket compass, he traced his way, crossed the prairie, found the white oak timber, and, supposing he was on his own land, built a cabin and began a home. This was on what is now known as the Hinkson farm, in R. Eggleston's Survey, No. 886. As his arrival was too late in the season to clear the ground and plant a crop, he concluded to break a piece of the prairie near by for corn. He did so, doubting all the time about the venture being profitable, as there were many ponies grazing in the prairie, belonging to a band of Indians who were camped on the creek near where it is now crossed by the Cincinnati & Muskingum Valley Railroad. Mr. Wilson often related in after years that he never saw even the track of a pony on the land he had plowed; that some of the squaws and young Indians were constantly on the alert keeping the ponies away from his corn, so that in the autumn he gathered a good crop.

Finding that he was not on his own land, he moved onto the next survey, which afterward proved to be Lindsey's Survey, No. 732. The place chosen this time is now known as the Cyrus Reed farm, owned by Miss Martha Douglas. Here he built a house, planted an orchard and cleared several acres of land. What he called his "flax patch" -a lot containing from five to eight acres-which was "cleared smooth," has been allowed to grow up in timber again, mach of it being now two feet and over in diameter. Here he remained until 1802 before discovering that he was again improving another's property, and not his own. In that year, Joshua Carmen came from Kentucky to look after the survey of land that he owned, bringing with him Mr. Wilson's

* See notice of Amos Wilson in Chapter V.

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brother-in-law, James Mills. When Mr. Wilson was told that he was not on his own land, he became so discouraged at the prospect of receiving no benefit from the large amount of hard labor he had performed, and having to begin anew, that he announced his intention of quitting the place and going back to the older settlements. Mr. Carmen persuaded him to give up the idea, and, as part compensation for his repeated failures, made him a present of fifty acres adjoining his original purchase, on the west side. This fifty acres is now owned by James Ritchie.

In 1802, we find Mr. Wilson on his own land, now owned by Alfred Coulter, with James Mills for a neighbor, on the south. Having made arrangements for "raising" their cabins on the same day, with the aid of help from Caesar's Creek and the Miami River, they "chose up," and did the work on a race, but so evenly were they divided, and so skillfully and willingly did each perform his task, that the two gangs of workmen met almost at the middle point in the path between the two cabins, each going to help the other. In the year 1807, the first great sorrow of his life overtook him in the death of his wife. During the year, he was married a second time to Rachel James, with whom he lived till 1818, when she fell a victim to the " Dread Destroyer." His third wife was Mary Coulter, widow of William Coulter. In 1827, he built the first brick house in this part of the county. The house is still used as a dwelling, and is in a good state of preservation. Having his farm well improved, and the country becoming too thickly settled for an old pioneer to breathe freely, he sold his possessions to Solomon Madden, and moved to Delaware County, Ind., in the year 1839. The same year he was again bereft of his companion. In 1843, he was married to Eliza Dowden. Becoming dissatisfied with his surroundings in Indiana, he moved back to Ohio in 1843, and bought his old home place again, where he remained till 1854, when he again sold---this time to John G}. Coulter-and moved back to Delaware County, Ind., where he died October 27 in the same year, aged eighty-four years six months and twenty days.

One who knew him well says that "Amps Wilson was an honest, industrious and Christian man, a bright example, both in faith and works, to all with whom he came in contact." He brought up an interesting family of fifteen children of his own, and four step-children of Mary Coulter's. Of the nineteen children, sixteen married, and all but one were professors in some branch of the church. When married, he was unable to either read or write, but his first wife taught him both. He was a Baptist preacher for many years, and two of his sons, Benoni and William, followed him in that profession. At the time of the Campbell excitement, he joined that sect, but soon left it, went back, and died in the faith and practice of the Baptist Church. His name is remembered in the township by the creek that drains nearly half of its area being called Wilson's Creek. Again in the name of the township; the first book of record has on its title page, " Record of Wilson Township, Clinton County, Ohio; organized August 20, 1850; named in honor of Rev. Amos Wilson."

Of James Mills, mentioned above, it can well be said he was an honest, industrious, progressive farmer--one who was honored and respected by all who knew him. He lived on the farm where he first settled, and which still remains in the possession of his descendants, till his death.

Col. Thomas Hinkson was born in 1772, in Westmoreland County, Penn. His father had emigrated from Ireland in early life; had become an excellent woodsman, and visited Kentucky at a very early period. He established a station near the junction of Hinkson and Stoner Branches, which together form the South Fork of Licking River. Here the subject of this notice was raised

828 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.

until the age of eighteen years, when in the autumn of 1790, as a volunteer in the Kentucky militia, he accompanied the expedition of Gen. Harmar. He was in the battle near the Miami villages, under Col. Hardin's command, in front of the town, and witnessed the total overthrow and massacre of the detachment under Maj. Wyllis. In this battle he received a slight wound in the left arm, and narrowly escaped with his life. He was afterward in the disastrous defeat of Gen. St. Clair, but amidst the general slaughter escaped unhurt. Hitherto he bad served as a private, but was subsequently selected as a Lieutenant in the mounted volunteers from Kentucky who formed a part of the forces of Gen. Wayne against the same Indians in 1794. He was in the battle near the rapids of the Maumee, but never pretended that he had done anything worthy of distinction on that memorable day. During these several campaigns, however, he had formed the acquaintance of most of the leading men of Kentucky, and others of the Northwest Territory, which was highly advantageous to him in after life. Shortly after Wayne's battle, he returned to Kentucky, married and settled on a farm inherited from his father, situated in Harrison County, where he lived until the spring of 1808, when he emigrated to Ohio, and in 1807 settled on a farm about eight miles east of Wilmington, in what is now Wilson Township, Clinton County, but then in Highland County. He was soon afterward elected a Justice of the Peace for the latter county, and Captain of the militia company to which he belonged, in which several capacities he served until the organization of Clinton County, in 1810, when, without his knowledge, he was elected by the Legislature one of the Associate Judges for the new county. He made no pretensions to legal knowledge, nor will the writer claim anything for him in this respect further than good common sense, which generally prevents a man from making a very foolish decision.

After this appointment, he remained quietly at home engaged in the occupations common to farmers, until the declaration of war in 1812, nor did he manifest any disposition for actual service until after Hull's surrender. That event cast a gloom over the West, All of Michigan, Northern Ohio, Indiana and Illinois were exposed to savage depredations. Some troops had been hastily assembled at Urbana and other points, to repel invasion. Capt. Hinkson was then in the prime of life, possessing a robust and manly frame seldom equaled, even among pioneers. He was a man of few words, but they were to the point and for the purpose intended. He briefly explained to his family that he believed the time had come for him to serve his country. Taking leave of his family, be immediately set out for headquarters and tendered his services to Gov. Meigs, then at Urbana. The President having made a requisition on the Governor of Ohio for two companies of Rangers to scour the country between the settlements and the enemy, Capt. Hinkson was appointed to command one of these companies, with liberty to choose his own followers. This was soon done, and a company presented to the Governor ready for duty. By this time the Indians had actual possession of the exposed territory, and it was the duty of these companies to hold them- in check and keep the army advised of 'their numbers and position. In performing this duty, many thrilling incidents might be related in the life of our subject, but one or two must suffice. Having at one time ventured to the Miami of the Lake, to ascertain the condition of the enemy, they found them encamped near the foot of the rapids of that river, with a select company of Rangers, commanded by Capt, Clark, from Canada, numbering in all from three to five hundred, and under the command of the celebrated Tecumseh. The ground on the hill was for miles covered with a thick undergrowth, which enabled Capt. Hinkson and company to approach nearly within gunshot of the enemy without being seen. It was late in

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the afternoon, and while waiting for the approach of night to enable them to withdraw more successfully, the company was quietly drawn up near the brink of the hill, and directed in whispers to merely take aim at the enemy. This was rather a hazardous display of humor, but as many of his men had never been in battle, Capt. H. thought it an excellent opportunity to try their nerves. While engaged in this sport, they discovered Capt. Clark in the adjacent cornfield below, in hot pursuit after a flock of wild turkeys, which were running toward the place where Capt. H. and men were concealed. Here was a crisis. He must be slain in cold blood or made a prisoner. The latter alternative was adopted. The company was disposed so as to flank the Captain and his turkeys. The turkeys became alarmed and flew into the tree-tops, and, while the Captain was gazing up for his prey, Capt. Hinkson approached and politely requested him to ground arms, upon the pain of instant death in case he gave the least alarm. He at first made signs of resistance, but soon found " discretion the better part of valor," and surrendered himself a prisoner of war. Being at least 100 miles from the army, and in sight of such a force, Capt. Hinkson and company were in a very critical situation. No time was to be lost. A retreat was commenced in the most secret manner, in a southerly direction at right angles from the river. By traveling all night they eluded pursuit and brought their prize safely to camp.

Shortly afterward, Gen. Tupper's brigade arrived near the rapids and encamped for the night, during which Capt, H. and company acted as picket guard, and in the morning a few were selected to accompany him on a secret reconnaissance down the river. Unluckily, they were met at the summit of a hill by a detachment of the same kind from the enemy. Shots were exchanged, and the alarm now fairly given to both parties. This brought on the skirmish which ensued between that brigade and the Indians. While fighting in the Indian mode, near William Venard's, Capt. H. saw a dusky figure suddenly rise from the grass. He had a rifle never before known to miss fire. They both presented their pieces, which simultaneously snapped without effect. In preparing for a second trial, it is supposed the Indian was a little ahead of the Captain, when a shot from Daniel Workman (another ranger) sent the Indian to his long home, and probably saved Capt. H.'s life. After this skirmish, the Indians withdrew to Frenchtown, and block-houses were hastily thrown up near the spot where Fort Meigs was afterward erected, and where the Ohio troops were encamped when the fatal disaster befell Gen. Winchester at Raisin, January 22, 1813. The news was carried by express, and the main body retreated, leaving Capt. H. and company to perform the sorrowful duty of picking up some poor stragglers from that bloody defeat, and burning the blockhouses and provisions within twenty-four hours, which was done before it was known that the enemy had retired to Malden. The Ohio brigade, and others from Pennsylvania and Virginia, soon rallied again and formed a junction at the rapids, where they commenced building the fort so renowned for withstanding two sieges in the spring and summer of 1813. During its erection, Capt. Hinkson was attacked with a peculiar fever, then raging in the army, from which he did not recover fit for duty until later in the spring. With a shattered constitution, he returned to his home, and was immediately elected Colonel of the Third Regiment of the Second Brigade and First Division Ohio Militia, which was then a post of honor requiring much patience and discretion in a region rather backward in supporting the war.

The reader will in this narrative see nothing beyond a simple recital of facts, which is all that the unassuming character requires. He was a plain, gentlemanly individual, of a very mild and even temper, a good husband and kind father, but rather indifferent to his own interest in money matters, by

830 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.

which he became seriously involved, lost his property, and removed to Indiana in 1821, where he died in 1824, aged fifty-two years.

John Coulter was born in County Antrim, Ireland, July 18, 1777. He served in the army during the Irish rebellion of 1798. In 1803, while there was an armistice between the contending forces, he came to America, landing at New York, where he remained for a short time, coming thence to Cincinnati, Ohio. An entire stranger to the habits, manners and customs of his new surroundings, he concluded to consult Judge Symmes in reference to business matters. The Judge advised him to purchase and improve a piece of land near Cincinnati, as there was a constantly increasing demand for improved property near the city. He was further advised never to carry anything to market that he could sell for a fair price at home. Mr. Coulter followed the advice given him, and the prosperity attending his efforts proved that the Judge was correct in his estimate of business matters. His first purchase of land was on Mill Creek, which he improved and sold to advantage. In 1806, he bought of Jacob Piatt, who owned Walker's Survey, No. 743, the land now belonging to his son, John G. Coulter. He leased a part of his purchase to Oliver Simpson for a term of three years, and the latter came out immediately and began improvements near the place of the present family residence. June 11, 1807, Mr. Coulter married Margaret Gibson, a native of County Fermanagh, Ireland. In December, 1809, they moved to their new home, where they passed the remainder of their long, active and useful lives. They brought up a family of twelve children. Mr. Coulter died in 1857, aged nearly eighty years. His wife survived him nineteen years, when she was called hence at the ripe old age of ninety-two. Mr. C. was noted for his energetic, progressive method of conducting his farming operations, and did much to improve the different breeds of animals, in which he dealt largely, and of which we will speak more at length under another head.

Ramoth Hankins came from Pennsylvania in 1809, on a prospecting tour; liked the appearance of the country so well that he bought 100 acres of land in Walker's Survey, No. 743, and built a cabin on it the same year. He returned to Pennsylvania and spent the following winter. In the spring of 1810, he moved with his family, consisting of wife and two children, to his Western home, reaching their destination the 7th of May. It was not then thought possible to secure a harvest, raise a building, or have a log-rolling without an abundant supply of liquor for the hands. To partially supply this demand, Mr. H. brought from his native State a small copper still, which was used for a few years and then abandoned. This was all the distilling ever done in the limits of the township. None of his family of eight children are living. The old homestead is owned by a grand-daughter. During the latter part of his life, he was much interested in collecting relics and curiosities illustrating the habits and manners of life of the early pioneers.

From Kentucky, in 1810, came Absalom and Cyrus Reed, brothers, and settled on Lindsay's Survey, No. 732. They were extensively engaged in stock-raising, being among the first to introduce improved breeds of cattle.

John Watson, a native of Ireland, moved into this township in 1809, and built his cabin on nearly the same spot of ground selected by the late Dr. Isaac Telfair, many years after, on which to build his residence. When the Scioto Canal was being built, he moved to that part of the State, where he remained until his death. His family of six children became scattered to different parts of the country. None of his descendants, so far as known, live in this township at the present time.

William Fannon was born and brought up in Virginia. He moved to this neighborhood before 1810, and bought 200 acres of land in Taylor's Survey,

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No. 736. His original purchase is now owned by C. M. Bosworth, Silas Jacks, and the heirs of A. Douglass. His family of five boys and six girls moved to different parts of the country after they were grown, leaving none. of his descendants in this vicinity. so that it is impossible to further trace his history. He died on the land he had improved, about the year 1844.

John Peelle, son of Reuben and Rhoda Peelle, was born in Wayne County, N. C., near Contentna Meeting-House, June 2, 1781. He remained with his parents until his twenty-fourth year, engaged in the occupations common to the farmers of that day and State. At that age, he first began to master the mysteries of the English alphabet and the other rudiments of an education. of which he acquired sufficient knowledge to enable him to read printed matter readily. About this time he went into Grayson County, Va., where he remained one year. He then undertook what in those days was thought to be a long and perilous journey to the "far West," traveling through Ohio and into the Territory of Indiana as far as the place where Richmond is now situated. The writer has often heard him describe the site of that city as being then covered with the greatest amount of fallen timber he ever saw. He supposed that section of country had been devastated by a terrible cyclone similar to those so common farther west, at the present time. He returned to North Carolina from this trip well pleased with the appearance of the Western country.

He remained at the place of his birth but a short time before the "Western fever" seized him with such a strong grip that he bade the "Old North State" a final adieu, and set his face toward the new El Dorado. His first tarrying-place was in Belmont County, Ohio, where he fell a victim to the darts of Cupid, and on the 2d of December, 1807, was married to Lydia Bundy, according to the ceremony of the Society of Friends, of which they were both members. As a matter of information in regard to the method in use in that society, we here insert a copy of the marriage certificate, taken from the original copy, still in existence.

WHEREAS, John Peelle, son of Reuben Peelle and Rhoda, his wife, of the County Grayson, and the State of Virginia, and Lydia Bundy, daughter of William Bundy and Mary, his wife, of the county of Belmont, and State of Ohio, having declared their intentions of marriage with ith each other, before a monthly meeting of the religions society of Friends, held at Concord, in the county of Belmont, according to the good order used among them, and having consent of parents, their said proposal of marriage was allowed by said meeting. Now, these are to certify whom it may concern, that for the full accomplishment of their said intentions, this 2d day of the 12th month in the year of our Lord 1807, they, the said John Peelle and Lydia Bundy, appeared in a public meeting of said people, held at Stillwater, in the county of Belmont, and State of Ohio, and the said John Peelle, taking the said Lydia Bundy by the hand, did openly declare that he took her, the said Lydia Bundy, to be his wife, promising with Divine assistance to be unto her a loving and faithful husband until death should separate them; and then in the same assembly the said Lydia Bundy did in like manner declare that she took him,'the said John Peelle, to be her husband, promising with Divine assistance to he unto him a loving and faithful wife until death should separate them, or words to that import; And moreover they, the said John Peelle and Lydia Bundy, she, according to the custom of marriage, assuming the name of her husband, did as a further confirmation thereof then and thereto these presents set their hands.

JOHN PEELLE.

LYDIA PEELLE.

And we whose names are also hereunto subscribed, being present at the solemnization of the said marriage and subscription, have as witnesses thereto set our hands the day and the year above written:

Thomas Bundy, William Boswell, Amos Lundy, Joseph Arnold, William Bailey, Richard Edgerton. Joseph Middleton, William Patten, Isaac Hall, Demsey Boswell, William Hodgin, Carmon Thomas, Mary Bundy, Ruth Boswell, Mary Bundy, Phenina Boswell, Mary Williams, Rebeckah Todd, Sayrah Dowdna, Racbel Patten, Rebeckah Dood, Sarah Arnold, Ellin Strahl, Ann Vernon, George Starbuck, David Smith, Jethro Starbuck, Henry Newby, Knowis Dowdna, Zames Edgerton, Mary Strahl, Mary Dood, Agnis Hodgin.

832 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.

Very soon after their marriage they moved to Fall Creek, where they lived till 1811; in that year, they moved and settled near the place at present occupied by Bowerville. Greene Co., Ohio. At this place they only remained two years, moving on the 1st day of March, 1813, to the northwest side of Call's Survey, No. 887, building a cabin and making other improvements on land now owned by Mrs. Rosa T. Denver. While living here, they made a trip on horseback to the. old home in Belmont County, a distance of more than one hundred and fifty miles, carrying their third child, a babe of twelve months, by turns in their arms. Few women of the present day would have the bravery to undertake such a journey through an almost uninhabited wilderness, fording creeks and rivers and with few or no conveniences and comforts of life by the way. Yet our worthy pioneers met and overcame such obstacles, gathering renewed strength from each now difficulty for further triumphs. While living on Call's Survey, he made his first purchase of land in Ohio, buying fifty acres in Draffin's Survey, No. 830. Had no intention at first of ever making his home on that survey, but secured the land for the purpose of making sugar from the fine grove of maples growing there. Having bought more land joining his " sugar orchard," he concluded to make that his home, which he did in 1820, building and moving into the hewed-log house still standing on the farm, which is now owned by his son, Mark Peelle.

As a relaxation from the severe toil incident to opening a new farm, he occasionally gave himself up to the arts of Nimrod, as well as Izaak Walton, taking great delight in the pleasures of gun and rod, with each of which he was very successful. The nearest Friends' meeting when he first settled here was at Dover, seven miles distant, yet he was often to be found among the worshipers there, going on foot, hunting by the way, bringing down with his unerring rifle one or more deer,' which perhaps he would suspend from some friendly sapling until his return from meeting, when he would carry his game home and replenish the family larder with some choice venison. After he bad passed fourscore years, he was often seen in the early morning hours making his way on foot at a rapid pace across farms and fences, with rod on shoulder, in a "bee-line" for the place he well knew to be the resort of cat or perch, invariably returning with a " good mess." Hunting and fishing were his amusements and not his business; in the latter, he was also successful, accumulating sufficient of this world's goods to render him comfortable in his old age and some to spare at any time to aid the worthy poor. He was through his whole life an active; consistent member of the Society of Friends, being made much use of in the various business meetings, and often, during the latter years of his life had a few words of counsel, admonition or entreaty to give forth in the meetings for worship. December 2, 1850, after forty-nine years of wedded happiness, he was called upon to give up his wife, who was nearly seventy-three years of age. Thirteen years later, lacking one day, his summons came to cross the silent river and join his companion in the Spirit World, aged eighty-eight years and six months Their family of three boys and four girls are all living near the old homestead, except the youngest, a daughter, who is deceased.

William Gallemore was born in Guilford County, N. C., November 5, 1770, where he remained until his marriage with Mary Stanley; near the year 1801. Leaving North Carolina, the young couple went to Grayson County, Va., where they made their first home, remaining about nine years, after which time they set their faces westward, making their home for he three following years in Highland County, Ohio. On his arrival, he found his capital all told to consist of himself, wife, live children, two old horses, one wagon and $2 in money. Leaving that county, they went to Greene County, Ohio, and took a squatter's

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claim and worked on it till 1815, when they wore dispossessed. Moving to Clinton County, they settled in Draffin's Survey, No. 830, where they passed the remainder of their lives, bringing up a family of tan children, five boys and five girls, all of whom grew up and married. In the year 1811, the wife of his youth was laid in the silent tomb. In 1843, he married Jane Oren, by whom he had but one child. In the latter part of October, 1856, he was proscreated by a stroke of palsy, which resulted in death on his birthday, November 5, aged eighty years.

Of Benjamin Bentley there has been no record preserved. From various sources the information is gleaned that he was born in Wayne County, N. C., on the eve of the Revolutionary war. In commemoration of the great sorrow that came to his mother at the moment of his birth, in the loss of her husband by death, she named him Benoni, which in after years he changed to Benjamin. Under the old English law, his eldest brother inherited all of the parental estate, so that he was compelled from an early age to make his own way in the world. During his youth and early manhood, his home was with Reuben Peelle. Marrying Rebecca Pearson, he moved to Quaker Bottoms, on the Ohio River, where he remained but a short time; then removing into Highland County, made his home there for a few years, and from there he went to Clinton County, about 1812, settling in G. Carrington's' Survey, No. 935. Here, in 1818, he buried his wife. The grave is yet pointed out in the yard of what is known as the Carlyle Williams house. The year following, he married Catharine Jessup. In 1822, he moved to Draffin's Survey, No. 830, and began improving the farm now owned by the heirs of W. P. Gallemore, where he lived till his death at a ripe old age. Of Mr. Bentley's family of twelve children, eleven grew up and married, of whom six are yet living. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, whose natural talents were developed by the needs of the pioneers, so that, as occasion required, he could leave his business of farming and perform successfully the duties of carpenter, wheelwright, dentist or surgeon.

Of Mark Pearson, who came from North Carolina in 1812, his brother Isaac from the same State in 1815, Thomas Greer, from Ireland, and the Babb brothers-Peter, Jasper and Thomas-little is known, except that they made improvements here before 1820, which for this township has been chosen as the latest date for claiming the honor of being a pioneer settler. For some persons and events, more space has been occupied in this imperfect sketch than for others equally worthy, for the simple reason that definite records have been preserved of them. Gladly would the same amount of particulars have been given of each if it had been possible.

During the next thirty years, the population increased so rapidly that the inhabitants began to feel the great inconvenience of having no organization for the transaction of legal business. The Board of County Commissioners at the close of that time acted upon and granted the prayer of the petitioners, which is here inserted:

Special session, August 20, 1850. This day the Commissioners met pursuant to adjournment. Present: Joseph Hoskins, Azel Walker, Enos L. Lacy

This day a petition was presented to the Commissioners of the county praying for a new township, to be taken from the townships of Richland, Union and Liberty, as set forth in a petition signed by a majority of the householders residing within the boundaries of the proposed new township, of which the following is a copy, to wit:

To THE COMMISSIONERS OF CLINTON COUNTY: Your petitioners, citizens of Clinton County, Ohio, respectfully represent that we labor under great inconvenience on account of our very remote situation from the place of holding elections, and from the place where the other township business is transacted, in consequence of which we respectfully but most earnestly ask you to establish a township to be taken out of Union. Richland and Liberty Townships, to he bounded as follows, to wit:

834 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.

Beginning at the Fayette and Clinton County line, NOW- said line crosses the Until east line of A. Belmain's Survey, No. 927; thence southwesterly with tile line of said survey to the east corner of Edward Dow's Survey, No. 880; thence with tile southeast line of said survey to the east corner of Thomas Shaw's s Survey, No. 844; thence with the southeast line of said survey to the corner or Edward Survey, No. 749; thence with the southeasterly line of said survey to line east corner of William Taylor's Survey, No. 736; thence with the. southeast line of said survey to it, south corner, and east corner of William Lindsey's Survey, No. 732; thence westwardly across, said survey to its west corner, and east corner of Thomas Bland's Survey. No. 885; thence northwardly with the northeasterly line of said Bland, Survey to it, north corner. and the east corner of William White's Survey, No. 2.714, in Union Township; thence northwardly and with the northeast line of said Survey No. 2,714 to the west corner of Richard Call's Survey, No. 887, and at ornear tile line of Union and Liberty Township,; thence in a northeasterly direction to the northeast corner of Liberty and northwest corner of Richland Townships, in tile Greene County, line; thence eastwardly with tile north line of Clinton County to the place of beginning, which limits as here prescribed contain the amount of territory required by law to constitute a township.

We, your petitioners. now claim it as an act of justice, inasmuch as there is left in each of the townships from which the proposed new township is to be taken ample amount of territory to still constitute a constitutional township, that our petition be granted as now asked for, and which is signed by citizens and voters in the district included in the limits of the new township, July 13, 1850.

Signed by Edmund Thorp, John G. Coulter, Edwin Raleigh, Harvey H. Hankins, James W. Fannon, John Hinkson, Jr., William G. Brown, John Oliver, Jr., Absalom Douglass, John Coulter, M. A. Douglass, S. A. Douglass. Jeremiah Sturgeon, Franklin Jones, J. B. Degroot, Isaac Turner, Robert Joncs, William Reed, Robert Sturgeon, William Rhinehart, Anthony Brown, William Jacks, Floyd Ferris, Jesse Carter, Joseph Robinson, G. H. Washington, Reuben Peelle, Mark Peelle, Benjamin Bentley, Isaac Pierson, Jonathan Mills, Amos Wilson, James R. Mills, B. R. Washington, Mills Johnson, Elbert Chance, William Story, Benjamin Barnes, Abi Oliver, Everett Oliver, Isaac Lamb, Reuben Mills, Eri Lamb, James Fannon, George Jay, E. Daugherty, S. A. Bowermaster, William Greer, John Lyon, John S. Oliver, John Carter, Andrew J. Jay, Wilson Carter, Samuel Leming, James T. Bryant, Joshua Thorp, Jesse Walker, Joseph C. Girard, I. C. Williams, H. H. Bruce, Isaac Gerard, John Sturgeon, J. A. Brag Robert S. Eastham, Jesse C. Everest, Miler Podell, Elihu Tichnor, I. P. Lenue, John Wood, William Thorp, E. A. Spencer, James Glover, William Oliver, Elisha Gallemore, James Greer, Enos Johnson, M. H. None, Mark Pierson, Harvey Jackson, Etbeldred Woodward, Anderson Horney, John B. Oliver, Richard Edwards, John Carter, Jr., James Lyons, Bassele Bailey, John D. Ralson, Talbot Johnson, William Peelle, William Small, Malcomb McKennie, James T. Johnson, John Hoover, John B. Spencer, W. D. Bryant, Daniel Furnace, Isom Lamb, Joseph Lamb, William Watson, Isaac Sheim, Joshua Gallon, C. R. Spencer, John Haines, Stephen Carroll, Israel Early, Jesse Moore, John Fannon, William Williams, John Williams, Matthias Brewer, Joseph Oliver, J. T. F. Johnson, John Mills, Malen Griffin, Ezekiel Everest, William Everest, John Umphlett, H. S. Moorman, G. K. Dawson, Moses S. Hunt, William M. Shein, Lewis Hunt, Joshua Joiner, Ozaias Goodson, William Bentley, C. W. Watson, Samuel Davidson, James Richey, Alfred Sheinn, Bennett B. Arnold, D. A. Harper, James Rooner, James Ellis, R. Clements, William Nevergall, William McPherson, Alfred Coulter, Edward Shein, Isaac Telfair, David J. Mills, Christopher Ellis, Henry Miller, William Miller, Tate Wright, Samuel Jackson, William Bloom, Aaron Bloom, John Rhinehart, Thomas Sturgeon, John C. Dowden.

And being satistied that thirty days' previous notice of such intended application had first been given by advertising in three public places within the boundaries of said proposed new township, the Commissioners being also satisfied that it is necessary to erect a new township as prayed for by said petitioners, and as fully set forth by a plat and survey. made by Hiram Madden, surveyor, and this day presented by said petitioners to the County Commissioners, by which they are satisfied that the said proposed new township embraces a territory of more than twenty-two square miles Thereupon, the Commissioners granted the prayer of said petitioners, and direct that a township shall be laid off and established according to the boundaries described in said petition, plat and survey, by the name of Wilson Township; and direct that the boundaries as set forth in such plat and survey be recorded as required by law, together with the proceedings had by the Board in relation thereto.

At the same meeting of the County Commissioners, they made the following allowance for platting and surveying the township:

To Hiram Madden, surveyor, 9 days at $1.50............................ $13 50

To Edwin Raleigh, chain-carrier, 6 days at 75 cents...................... 4 50

To James Glover, chain-carrier, 6 days at 75 cents....................... 4 50

To Edmund Thorp, marker, 6 days at 75 cents........................... 4 50

WILSON TOWNSHIP. - 835

As a final act in the creation of the new township, the Commissioners ordered an election held for said township of Wilson, on Saturday, the 7th day of September, 1850, at the tavern of H. H, Bruce, in the town of Lewisville, for officers of said township, to wit: Three Township Trustees; one Township Clerk; one Township Treasurer; one Township Assessor; one Township Constable. From the township records we take the following account of the first election, held September 7, 1850:

"Between the hours of 8 and 10 o'clock A. M., a lawful number of the voters of Wilson Township being present in the town of Bloomington, proceeded to nominate Edmund Thorp, Samuel Elisha Gallemore, Judges of Election, and Jesse Everest and H. T. Moorman, Clerks. Proceeded to the election of three Trustees, one Clerk, one Treasurer, one Assessor and one Constable for Wilson Township. On examining the votes given, the following persons were declared duly elected: Trustees, Anderson Horney, H H. Hankins, John G. Coulter; Clerk, Absalom Douglass; Treasurer, William Peelle; Constable, Isaac Turner; Assessor, Isaac Turner."

They were all duly qualified and assumed the duties of their respective offices on the 10th day of September, 1850.

At the same time and place, and with the same Judges and Clerks, an election was held for Justice of the Peace, which resulted in Seymour A. Douglass being chosen for the place. His commission bears date September 14, 1850, was sworn into office September 21, 1850, and gave bond in the penal sum of $1,000, with William Reed and Absalom Douglass for sureties, September 27, 1850.

The first settlement by the Township Trustees is recorded as follows, March 3, 1851:

Order No. 1, To Anderson Horney, township funds...................... $ 2 25

Order No. 2, To H. H. Hankins, township funds........................ 2 25

Order No. 3, To J. G. Coulter, township funds.......................... 2 25

Order No. 4, To A. Douglass, Township Clerk, township funds.........4 80

Order No. 5, To I. C. Williams, poor funds................ ..... .. ... . .. . 3 10

Order No. 6, To Elisha Gallemore, township funds........ ... 75

Order No. 7, To Edmund Thorp, township funds......... . . .. . . .. . .. . . . 75

Order No. 8, To Isaac Turner, township funds........... . . . .. . . .. . .. . 75

Order No. 9, To Samuel Furnace, township funds....................... 75

Order No. 10, To J. C. Everest, township funds........................... 75

Order No. 11, To Treasurer Richland Township, township funds........19 50

Order No. 12, To Treasurer Richland Township, poor funds.............. 10 50

Order No. 13, To Isaac Turner, township funds........................... 1 75

Order No. 14, To A. Douglass, township funds............................ 3 25

Order No. 15, To John N. Wood, township funds......................... 5 00

Order No. 16, To H. H. Hankins, township funds.................................... 75

A comparison of the above with the settlement day of the present year will be proof enough that we have made progress in the amount of money required to carry on the business of the township. On the same day, the Trustees " laid off" the township into six school districts, which number is still retained. They also levied a poor tax of 1 mill on the dollar and a township tax of the same amount.

At the second township election, held April 7, 1851, there was no change in the officers elected, except in Trustees. William Reed was chosen in the place of H. H. Hankins. At this election Supervisors were also chosen, as follows: District No. 1, Adam Long; District No. 2, James Ritchie; District No. 3, Reuben Peelle; District No. 4, Eri Lamb; District No. 5, John D. Holson; District No. 6, Benjamin Barnes. A school tax of 2 mills to the dollar was voted on, on the grand levy, and resulted in ninety-three votes being cast for the school tax and forty-six votes against it, which shows that the people of the township were very much in favor of educational privileges for the youth.

836 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.

At the same election, the question of Clinton County subscribing $200,000 to aid in constructing the Cincinnati, Wilmington & Zanesville Railroad was submitted to the electors of the township, with the result of 141 votes being cast in favor of the subscription and only 12 in opposition.

Having thus hastily sketched the progress of the township from the first settlement to its complete organization, and given the number of votes for and against the tax for the support of common schools and internal improvements, showing our section of the county to be heartily in favor of them, we leave this part of our subject by saying that we would gladly have given the roster of the brave boys who nobly went forth in the "dark days of the rebellion" at their country's call, but as we have no means of giving a complete list we forbear lest injustice be done.

LEWISVILLE.

Lewisville, the only village in the township, was "laid out" in 1842 by the County Surveyor,, Peyton West, for James Degroot. It began small, and has bravely held its own. By the census of 1880, it contained a population of 169. It contains two dry goods and grocery stores, one drug store, two shoe shops, two blacksmith shops, one general repair shop, two carpenter shops, one wheelwright, two physicians, two church organizations, a flourishing Sabbath school and a post office by the name of Bloomington. It is situated on the Urbana road, four miles north of Reesville, on the C. & M. V. R. R., and the same distance south of Bowersville, on the Cincinnati, Columbus & Hocking Valley Railroad.

TOPOGRAPHICAL FEATURES.

The surface of the township is either level or gently undulating, with sufficient natural fall to admit of easy drainage. It is divided into two nearly equal portions by the water-shed between the Scioto and Little Miami Rivers, which here runs in a nearly north and south direction. On the western side the descent is quite abrupt to Anderson's prairie, which occupies the larger part of that side, and is drained by a creek of the same name. On the eastern side the land slopes off much more gradually to the beds of Wilson's Creek and Little Rattlesnake. These three streams are the natural outlets for the surplus water. No springs of water are found here. Wells and cisterns are depended on to furnish water for all purposes. The soil is a rich, black loam, or a yellow clay of excellent quality, easily tilled, and producing abundant crops of all kinds of grain and grass grown in this latitude. Of the 15,753 acres included in its limits not a single one is classed as waste land.

TIMBER.

When first settled, the township, except Anderson's Prairie, was covered with a heavy growth of timber of the best quality, consisting of the various kinds of oak. but chiefly white and burr, black walnut, several varieties of ash, elm, maple, hickory, and numerous sugar orchards. The latter furnished an abundant supply of sugar and molasses for the pioneers. The timber supply of the township is still plentiful. When first settled, the woods were almost free from underbrush, which sprang up so thickly in after years.

OCCUPATIONS.

From the very first this has been almost exclusively an agricultural and stock-raising community. There have been no attempts at manufacturing beyond the common necessaries of life. For many years after it was first settled, the inhabitants depended on the mills along the Miami and Mad Rivers for a supply of breadstuffs. About 1825, Samuel Williams built a grist-mill on the

WILSON TOWNSHIP. - 837

land now owned by H. H. Hunt, which was considered one of the greatest conveniences in the country. It was what was known as a " draft-mill," the power being furnished by horses attached to levers, the owner of the grain to be ground frequently furnishing the motive power. There was so much grinding to be done that the mill had often to be run day and night to supply the demand About 1830, Elijah Jessup moved to this mill and followed his trade of hatter until his death. Absalom Douglass, on Walker's Survey, and George Jay, on Shaw's Survey, built steam saw-mills that manufactured a vast amount of lumber. In Lewisville there was a steam saw and grist mill, and a grist mill in operation for many years. All of these mills were long since numbered with the things of the past.

On the lot owned by J. N. Douglas a tannery was carried on for many years. The first blacksmith shop was on the land of Col. Hinkson, who em. ployed a smith from Cincinnati to do the work Since then, there have been numerous blacksmiths, shoe and carpenter shops in different localities for public convenience.

ROADS.

The Urbana trace, which Simon Kenton gave an Indian $100 to " blaze" from the Ohio River to Urbana, crossed this township. It followed pretty much the same route now occupied by the road of the same name: Other township and county roads were established as the needs of the inhabitants required them. They all remained in a state of nature till the road improvement laws of the State went into effect. The Urbana road was the first one improved under the laws, at a cost of $5,200 per mile, and is now known on the records of the County Commissioners as Road Improvement No. 13. Four other roads have since then been improved, or are under contract. No good gravel pits have been found in the township, so that the cost of a road here is much more than where they abound.

IMPROVED STOCK.

A number of men living in this township at an early date became deeply interested in improving each of the different breeds of farm animals. Absalom and Cyrus Reed were probably the first to bring in improved cattle, of the breed then known as Patten cattle, so named from the man that made the importation. John Coulter brought from near Cincinnati the first improved swine of the breed called China hogs. He also improved his neat cattle by breeding from the herd imported by Lewis T. Sanders, of Kentucky, in 1817, and, later, from animals imported by the Ohio and Kentucky importation Company of 1834. By 1853, there was such a demand for Short-Horn cattle that the Clinton County Importation Company was organized. John G. Coulter and H. H. Hankins were the prime movers in the organization and soliciting subscriptions to the stock of the company, which amounted to $18,000. The officers elected were: President, Hon. B. F. Hinkson; Treasurer, Col. T. L. Carothers; Directors, M. Rombach, Nathan Perrill, William Palmer, Benjamin Wright, David Persinger.

A. R. Seymour, of Fayette County, and John G. Coulter and H. H. Han kins, of this township, were chosen as agents to go to Europe. They went to England early in the year 1854. A. R. Seymour returned home within a short time, leaving the others to do most of the buying. They selected, from ten of the best herds in England, twenty-six Short-Horns, which they sent over in charge of Edward Lawrence, an experienced herdsman. We have been unable to obtain a complete list of the herd, but insert a few, showing cost and selling price: as

838 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.

This, known as the "Clinton County Importation of 1854," was a loss, financially, to the company, but of incalculable benefit to the community in enabling them to improve their stock more readily than before. From it, principally, sprang the herds of the late H. H. Hankins and John G. Coulter, which have had a national reputation.

SCHOOLS.

The early pioneers were enthusiastic advocates of the subject of education. Free schools were unknown. Houses had to be built and teachers paid by the voluntary contributions of the people. Yet, as early as 1810 or 1812, there were two houses built in this township for school purposes-one in Lindsey's Survey, now the property of Silas Jacks; the other, in G. Carrington's Survey, on the land now owned by James Hoblett. Others were built as needed in different localities, one on the ground now occupied by the Peelle Cemetery, from which fact it was long known as the "Old Schoolhouse Place." These were all primitive structures, similar to those often described in print, and the course of study not extensive, but thorough. The "three R's" included the curriculum. In the winter, school hours lasted from daylight till dark, with as many classes as pupils, and with the invariable rule that one who came first should have the privilege of the first recitation. In these schools was found the true spirit of self-development, a system that produced a class of men capable of filling with honor any public or private position in life. Our present rigid, ironclad system could learn many useful lessons from the schools of those days.

Between the years 1850 and 1866, the Society of Friends supported an excellent select school in a frame house situated near their meeting-house. It has been removed to the farm of H. H. Hunt, and is now in use as a dwelling. There are none but public schools in the township at present.

RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS.

The Baptists held the first religions services in the township at the house of Amos Wilson, with Joshua Carmen as their preacher, during the early years of the present century. For many years, the services of that denomination were frequently conducted by Amos Wilson; either at his own or James Mills' house. At present, they have no organization in the township. John Coulter, fresh from the scenes and triumphs of early Methodism in the old country, and full of pious zeal for the propagation of religious truths, made arrangements and had services at his own house, by preachers of that denomination, soon after his arrival, in 1809. The good seed then sown has borne continual fruit, as there has been one or more congregations ever since. At present, there are two Methodist Episcopal and one Methodist Protestant Churches.

At James Douglass', the Presbyterians, soon after settling here in 1816, began holding services under the name of mission work. Some of the minis-

WILSON TOWNSHIP. - 839

ters who officiated were William and James Dickey, from Bloomingburg; Samuel Carothers, from Greenfield; and Gilliland and Burgess, from the Ohio River. These were all active, aggressive, energetic workers for the cause of Christ, and patiently endured privations and hardships unnumbered in order to carry the glad news into the depths of this wilderness country, to its isolated inhabitants. At present, there are two congregations in the township.

William Gallemore, John Pearson, John Peelle and some others that settled in the western part of the township between 1810 and 1820, were either members of the Society of Friends, or had been brought up by members of that denomination. As early as 1820, they were gathered into an "indulged meeting " i. e., a meeting under the care of the committee set apart for the duty by a superior body. This body was Centre Monthly Meeting of Friends. When Dover Monthly Meeting was "set up," in 1824, the "indulged meeting" here was given into its charge as being in its limits. The first official mention we find of it is the following minute on the records of Dover Monthly Meeting, 6th of the 11th month, 1824:

"The subject of the indulged meeting on Grassy Run coming before this body, resulted in the appointment of John Oren, Daniel Bailey, Jonah Frazer, Moses Frazer, Thomas P. Moorman, Gayer Starbuck and Charles Atkinson to sit with them from time to time, render them such advice as they may be enabled, and report to a future meeting. Also, to report a Friend for Overseer of that meeting to next meeting."

The month following the date of the above extract, we find that John Pearson's name was proposed as Overseer, and the meeting united in his appointment to that office. Annually, for the following five years, a committee was appointed by Dover Monthly Meeting with similar powers to the above. In the year following the "Hicksite Separation," we find the following minute under the date of " the 16th of the 4th month, 1829: " " The committee appointed to visit the indulged meeting on Grassy Run made. the following report: We, of the committee, attended to that appointment, had a conference with the members of that meeting, and are united in judgment that the indulgence thereof has continued as long as is profitable. (Signed.) David McMillen, Nathaniel Carter, Mahlon Haworth, Charles T. Moorman, Moses Frazier, William Shields, Daniel Bailey, Phoebe Haworth and Lydia Oren, which this meeting unites with, and discontinues the indulgence of Grassy Run Meeting.

" Alexander Oren, David Bailey, Jonah Frazier and James Bryan are ap. pointed to attend that meeting, inform them of the above proceedings and report to the next meeting." The next month, they reported, and the following was entered on the record: " The Friends appointed to attend the laying down of Grassy Run Indulged Meeting report it is complied with."

Three months after, the following petition was forwarded:

TO DOVER MONTHLY MEETING, TO BE HELD THE 16TH OF 7TH MONTH, 1829.

Dear Friends: The Friends of Grassy Run having conferred together, are united in requesting for an established meeting for worship, to be held on first and fourth days in each week. Also, a preparative meeting, to be held on fourth day preceding monthly meeting Week. Signed: John Peelle. WIliam Gallemore, George Stout, Joel Hunt, Jesse Hiatt, John Patterson, William Gallemore, Jr., Cephas Atkinson, Jesse Carver, John Pearson, Lydia Peelle, Mary Hunt, Mary Gallemore, Phebe Stout, Leviey Hiatt, Dinah Wyles, Rebecca Patterson and Hannah Pearson. Which, claiming the attention of this meeting, we appoint David Bailey, Charles T. Moorman, Daniel Bailey, Joseph Doan, Jr., and George Carter to visit them, in conjunction with a committee of women Friends, endeavor to judge the propriety of granting their request, and report to next meeting.

The following month, the committee reported progress, and asked for further time. " Under the date 19th of the 11th month, 1829, we find the committee continued on the request of Friends living on Grassy Run for an established meeting, report they have attended to the appointment, and are free their

840 - HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.

request be granted, which report is united with by this and women's meeting, and directs the request forwarded to the quarterly meeting."

Center Quarterly Meeting appointed a commutes to consider the propriety of confirming the request, which reported that " they had visited Friends of Grassy Run, had a solid opportunity with them, and, after mature deliberation, are free their request for a meeting for worship be granted, to be held on first and fourth days, except fourth day in quarterly and monthly meeting weeks, but granted not the preparative, which was united with and the meeting established 5th month, 19th, 1830."

There has not been a single failure to hold meeting on the days set apart for that purpose since the above date. For several years the Friends met for worship at the homes of the different members, principally at William Gallemore's; but in 1828 they built themselves a house of hewed logs, on a lot of, land now owned by the heirs of W. P. Gallemore, which was used until 184-,' when the present frame structure was erected, on a lot donated by John Peelle for that purpose, situated one-half mile northeast of Lewisville. The contract has been awarded for a brick building, to be finished the present season, which will complete the circle of kinds of houses-log, frame, brick. The name Grassy Run is taken from that of a small tributary of Anderson's Fork that passes near the first meeting-place. There has generally been a resident "recorded minister," the names of those officiating being John Pearson, Cornelius Douglass, George Carter, his sons Wilson and Cyrus E., the Douglass brothers, John Henry and Robert W., Eunice Winslow, William P. Gallemore, Lewis Hunt, John M Pidgeon and Isaiah Peelle. At the "head of this meeting" for forty-five years sat John Peelle (and very rarely was his place vacant), a length of time almost unprecedented, even among as long-lived people as the Quakers. But he, with all of his pioneer associates, having successfully performed their parts in the grand drama of life, have long since gone to join the great silent majority.