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468 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. CHAPTER XVII. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) ORANGE TOWNSHIP-THE EARLY SETTLEMENT-SOCIAL CUSTOMS IN THE WILDERNESS-HISTORY OF THE VILLAGES ETC "Eschewing books and tasks, Nature answers all he asks; Hand in hand with her he walks, Face to face with her he talks, Part and parcel of her joy."- Whittier. THE historian called upon to record the history of Orange Township from the earliest settle went, finds his duty a pleasure not unmixed with difficulties. For him no record exists, and only vague tradition, with here and there a fragment of personal reminiscence, serves, like a " will-o'-the-wisp," as an uncertain guide through the obscurity which the shadows of seventy years have brought about the early men and times. The early settlers were men and women of heroic mold. Though coming simply to find more room, cheaper lands, and to found a home, they met the trying experiences of the new country with a spirit that exhibited such characters as make the world's heroes. "The applause of listening senates to command, The threats of pain and ruin to despise, To scatter plenty o'er a smiling land, And read their history in a nation's eyes, Their lot forbade." Slowly and laboriously they toiled through the unbroken wilderness, and here reared their first cabin. Here they dispensed their frugal hospitality, spread around their humble charities, and, with heroic patience and fortitude, endured the stern fate of the pioneer, unknown and unsung of fame. And yet, "Let not ambition mock their useful toil, Their homely joys, and destiny obscure; Nor grandeur hear with a disdainful smile, The short and simple annals of the poor." What is now called Orange Township, was, before the pioneer's ax disturbed the native quiet of the woods, an unbroken forest of heavy timber. Oak, ash, beech, elm and hickory abounded, indicating a generous variety of soil. Sloping up, on either hand, from the Alum Creek on the east, and from the Olentangy on the west, the land forms a ridge of some elevation, nearly in the middle of the township, and is now traversed by the track of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railway. The soil along the river bottoms, for the most part, is a rich alluvial deposit. The ridges which rise immediately back of these bottoms, are covered with beech timber principally, indicating a clayey formation. The same is largely true of the central southern portion of the township. In the northern portions existed, in the early times, a considerable extent of elm swamp, which, under the influence of clearing and tilling, has proven fine farming land of black, rich soil. Geographically, Orange Township lies next south of Berlin, is bounded on the east by Genoa, on the west by Liberty, and has for its southern line the southern line of Delaware County, and was known in the early survey as Town 3, Range 18. Alum Creek, rising in the northern part of this and Morrow County, passes through the eastern portion, and the stream, variously called Whetstone and Olentangy, runs just west, but curves eastward enough to cut off the lower western corner of the township. It would seem, from the configuration of the ground, that these streams would afford fine drainage for the whole township, but it is complained that the higher portion of the township is most in need of artificial draining. In looking on the map, it will be observed that the southwest corner of the township is cut off by the Olentangy River, and is annexed to Liberty Township. Thereby hangs a tale. Somewhere about 1824, Ebenezer Goodrich, living on this little point of land, was elected Justice of the Peace, by the citizens of Liberty Township. There seems to have been no suspicion on his part, or on the part of any one else, that he was not a citizen of Liberty Township, and he went on performing the ordinary duties of a Township Magistrate. Finally, it dawned upon some mind that Mr. Goodrich was not a citizen of Liberty, and, therefore, not eligible for the office he held. Here was a dilemma not easily evaded. All the business of an official nature that he had done up to this time was found to be void, and there seemed to be no escape from confusion worse confounded. A remedy was found, at last, in a HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 469 petition to the Legislature, in 1826, and the Olentangy was made the boundary line of Orange, in that corner. Three places have, at different times, endeavored to concentrate the leading interests of the township within themselves, viz., Williamsville, on the Columbus and Sandusky pike; Orange Station, and Lewis Center. In this case the Bible rule of precedence has been observed, the last is now first. East Orange Post Office, more popularly known as Africa, though, perhaps, not aspiring to metropolitan distinction, should be mentioned as a marked cluster of dwellings, whose community exercises a decided influence upon the township. Orange Township was a part of the United States military lands, and in the survey of those lands was known as Township 3, Range 18. When the first settlers came into this township they found Sections 2 and 3 a part of Liberty Township, and Sections 1 and 4 a part of Berkshire Township. On September 3, 1816, a petition headed by Alpha Frisbey, asking that the original survey of Township 3, Range 18, be set off as a separate township, to be known as Virgil, was granted by the Commissioner's Court. This severely classical name was endured by the plain settlers just six days, when another petition praying for a change of name to the more prosaic one of Orange was granted on September 9 of the same year. It was in Section No. 2, then a part of Liberty Township, that the first cabin of the Orange settlement was built. Hither, Joab Norton, with his little family, came in 1807, and built his home near the house now owned by Mr. Abbott. His motive for moving into the wilds of the West seems to have been to please others rather than himself. His wife's father, John Goodrich, had become interested in the emigration movement, through a colony which had left his native town, Berlin, in Connecticut, and, possessed with the spirit of emigration, he sold his property and prepared to join his former neighbors in Worthington, Franklin Co., Ohio. Mrs. Norton, seeing her father's family about to go, at once urged leer husband to accompany them. Mr. Goodrich and James Kilbourn, an agent for Section 2 of this township, added their influence, and won him over to the project. It is not unlikely that he was easily persuaded that the West offered advantage. to him which he could not hope for in the East. He was a tanner and currier by trade, and the natural demand for the services of such a man in a new colony seemed to warrant his removal. The journey was at once undertaken. Getting together his worldly effects, he placed them with his family, a wife and three children, one scarcely a year old, in a wagon and started for the West. The start was made in September with an ox team, and it was not until the cold days of November warned them of the fast approaching winter that they reached Worthington. Here they prepared for the winter. Not content to be idle, Mr. Norton soon sunk one or two vats, and prepared to realize some of the brilliant promises of business which had dazzled his eyes in the East. His was not an unusual experience for that day. The business was not forthcoming. Nothing larger or better than woodchuck skins, and an occasional deerskin, could be had. Tired of this prospect, he at once set about finding a new business and a new home. He struck north, probably influenced by Kilbourn, who had land to sell, and bought some 150 acres, where he built his home. At this time the township adjoining on the west, had been somewhat, settled, and named Liberty, a name that expressed the feelings of the early settlers, and was broad enough to take in the future township of Orange. Dr. Delano, the owner of Section 3, a resident of Woodstock, Vt., sought to give the name of his native town to the new township, and this name of Woodstock did gain a local popularity which disputed supremacy with that of Liberty, until both gave way before the present name of Orange. So late as 1812-13, commissions were dated at Liberty, and letters were directed to Woodstock, both names meaning the same place. After rearing a shelter for his family, Mr. Norton's first care was to establish a business to gain a livelihood. While not neglecting the manifest duty of a pioneer, true to the instincts of his trade, he sunk vats, and prepared to do a little tanning "between whiles." About this time, 1808, Eliaphlet Ludington came from Connecticut, and, buying land in Section 3, of Dr. Delano, built a cabin just south of Mr. Norton, their lands adjoining. A little later in this year came William and Joseph Higgins, with their families, and their mother with the younger part of her family, consisting of Josiah, Elisha, Irvin., David and two r girls. The older boys were well educated, and s possessed a high degree of culture for those days, Joseph was especially gifted as a penman, and it is said did marvelous thins in counterfeiting others' writing. Such dexterity soon gave rise to a suspicion that he signed the counterfeit bills which 470 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. were issued for the South. There was no apparent ground for this suspicion, and the family was ostensibly as much respected as ever. A cloud did, however, come over them, and, as they soon left the township, not to be heard of again, it may be related here. It appears, that, before leaving Vermont, the father of the boys had left his family, running off to Canada with a younger, if not handsomer, woman. About 1812, he came to Orange with a desire to "make up." He seems, like a prudent general, not to have omitted in his arrangements to prepare for defeat, for he brought his companion in sin as far as Berkshire, and then went forward to spy out the land. He came to the house of McCumber, and, finding the latter's stepson, young Elsbre, about to go for an errand, persuaded him to take a token to Mrs. Higgins. Old Mr. Higgins knew his wife's weak point, doubtless, and sent his pocket-book with the simple instruction, "to hand it to the old woman.' This young Elsbre, in passing, did, but, while Mrs. Higgins was contemplating the well-known relic of her husband, Mrs. Eaton rushed in on her, telling her long-lost husband was at hand. The result was a reconciliation, which operated disastrously to the family. The change was soon marked by the little community. The former high estimation changed gradually to suspicion, then to distrust, and finally culminated in the arrest of the old man, together with the three younger boys, Josiah, Elisha and Irving, for counterfeiting. Dies, metal and a large quantity of finished counterfeit coin were captured. together with some paper money. Through some irregularity in the papers, the boys escaped, and, later, through some means, the old man escaped the just deserts of his doings. The family at once left the township, and were lost to view. But to return to 1808. In this year Mr. Norton decided to return to the East on business, the importance of which was, doubtless, greatly enhanced by his longing to get a glimpse of the civilization left so far behind. Mr. Norton never became thoroughly reconciled to his new home, and it is a family tradition, that, had he not been cut off so early in life, the family would have returned to Connecticut. A letter written home, from Shippenburg, on the Alleghany Mountains, while on his way East, gives some idea of the magnitude of his undertaking. He writes that the weather was oppressively hot, that he had ridden fifteen miles before breakfast, and that, though the letter is dated July 26, 1808, he does not expect to see them again before the last of October, or the first of November. He also conveys the unwelcome news of the loss of his pocketbook, containing $25 in bank notes, a note of hand for $300, and sundry memorandum papers. This was no small loss for those days, and he notes in his letter the painstaking search he makes as he turns back to seek the lost property. Unfortunately, he found only the memoranda, and learns from some children, who saw the book hanging out of his pocket, the probable spot of its loss. He concludes that it'has been picked up by some traveler westward, and adds, " God knows whether I shall ever see it again." He made this journey twice, riding a large, strong bay horse which. bore the name of Sifax. This horse was a marked member of the family, and was especially valuable on the frontier. At this time horse-thieves were somewhat troublesome, but Sifax was not to be won, wooed they never so wisely. With a toss of the head and a parting kick, if molested, he would rush to the cabin, arousing the family with the noisy clatter of the bell he wore. On his return from the East, in the fall of 1808, attracted by the new town, Mr. Norton went to Delaware, where he established the first tannery in that place. He bought a house built on aside hill in the south part of the town, on the north part of the grounds where the university now stands. The front of the house had two stories, but the back part, from the necessities of the situation, had but one. The tanyard was immediately adjoining. Here business began to brighten, but the Nemesis of the early settler, the ague, laid its hand of ice upon him and shook him until he surrendered unconditionally. No inducement of gain could make him brave such terrors, and, selling out to one Koester, he returned to his farm. It was in this year, 1810, that Mr. Ludington lost his wife by death. She left an infant boy a few weeks old. This was the first birth and death in the settlement. Mr. Ludington, his home thus broken up and his courage gone, left for Connecticut with his infant son, and was never heard of by his neighbors in the settlement save through some vague rumors which are too indistinct to furnish data for history. In this year, the families of Nahum King and Lewis Eaton joined the settlement. These families lived and died here, and their descendants are still to be found in the township. In the following year, 1811, came James McCumber, with his third wife, and two sons by his former wives. Collins P. Elsbre, then a lad of HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 471 eleven years, accompanied his mother and stepfather. Mr. McCumber started from Dutchess County, N. Y., early in November, 1810. Taking a horse team, they came down the Hudson River and across it to Easton, Penn., thence to Harrisburg, through Charlestown, W. Va., and Zanesville, Ohio, to Granville, where the family staved three weeks. Meanwhile, McCumber proceeded west to Worthington, and later brought his family there. Their stay here, however, was of short duration. Kilbourn, who seems to have been peculiarly fitted for a land agent, interested McCumber in the land further north, and, buying 150 acres, he settled on land situated about half a mile north of Mr. Norton on the same road, their farms nearly joining. The intimacy thus begun, increased until, in later years, the families were united by the marriage of young Elsbre to Matilda, third child of Mr. and Mrs. Norton. Mr. and Mrs. Elsbre, at this writing, are still living, a hale and hearty old couple of eighty and seventy-four years respectively, doing the work of the house and farm, upon their own responsibility, with as much apparent vigor as in years ago, and the historian is under obligations to them, and to papers in their possession, for many of the facts which appear in these pages. The first actual residence of McCumber's family was in the cabin left vacant by Mr. Ludington. The land purchased of Mr. Kilbourne was then in all its virgin grandeur, untouched by the remorseless ax of the pioneer. A place was to he cleared, and a cabin put up, and the little family found plenty for stout hands and willing hearts to do. While the men chopped trees, cleared away the brush, and rolled up the timber for the cabin, the women folks prepared comforts and such adornments for the inside as only womanly taste and ingenuity could provide in such times. In the fall they took possession of their frontier mansion, about 12x18 feet, and dispensed a hospitality commensurate more with the largeness of their heart than the smallness of their home. About this time, the cloud of war which culminated in the following year, began to cast its portentous shadows over the new settlement. By the treaty o Greenville, this county had been freed from Indian domination, and the Wyandots were only seen as they came down on hunting expeditions. But the trouble brewing on the frontier seemed to * Since the above was written, a distressing accident has removed Mr. Elsbre from this world. On February 16, 1880 while attempting to manage a bull, which he had driven into a stable, the infuriated animal turned upon him and gored him to death. promise a serious experience for the unprotected settlements. As early as 1809, application for permission to form a rifle company had been made by Joab Norton and others. Permission was granted, and on June 24, of the same year, a company was organized with Mr. Norton as Third- Sergeant. The company was composed mostly of Liberty men, and consisted of some forty officers and privates. Mr. Norton's rise in military affairs seems to have been rapid, marking him, inasmuch as the promotions were secured by popular elections, a favorite with his company. On the 12th of September of the same year, he was raised to Sergeant Major, to a lieutenancy on September 6, 1811, and very soon afterward to a captaincy of his company. This organization was composed of the best material that the settlements afforded, and were uniformed and equipped in a way that made their wives and sweethearts envy the bravery of their dress! An old copy of the by-laws adopted by the company sets forth with minute particularity the prescribed uniform. It is provided, That each and every member belonging to our company shall uniform himself as follows, viz., with a black hat or cap, and a bearskin on the same, and a cockade, and a white feather with a red top on the left side of the same, said feather or plume to be of seven inches in length, also a black rifle frock or hunting shirt, trimmed with white fringe, and a white belt round the same, and a white vest and pantaloons and white handkerchief or cravat, with a pair of black gaiters or half-boots and black knee-bands." It was further provided that the wearing of this uniform should be enforced by sundry fines. To be delinquent in the matter of hat, bearskin, plume, frock, vest, pantaloons, or gaiters, subjected the offender to a fine of 50 cents for each and every particular. In the matter of knee-bands, the fine was fixed at 6 1/4, cents. To be absent from muster on account of drunkenness, waywardness or otherwise, threw the delinquent upon the discretionary mercy of the majority. Such was the discipline of the early military forces, and such the brave array in which they decked themselves. To the mind of the casual observer, the suggestion of that school-book poetry - "Were you ne'er a schoolboy And did you never train, And feel that swelling of the heart You ne'er can feel again ?" is irresistible. But this organization meant more than "boy's play," and it was soon called upon to act a manly part. 472 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. In June of 1812, orders came from Gov. Meigs to Capt. Norton, to call out his force, and, taking up a position on the "boundary line," to defend the frontier settlements against any hostile incursions. Capt. Norton at once promptly prepared to obey. There was a hurried summoning of the members of the company; there were hasty preparations for the husbands, brothers, and lovers, in the cabin homes scattered through the settlements, and many a brave but anxious woman's . heart suppressed its sorrowful forebodings to cheer their dear ones on in the path of duty. An old copy of an address made to the company by Capt. Norton on the occasion of their final muter before starting on their march, has the rang of the true patriot and enthusiastic leader. said he : "Fellow officers and soldiers of the Rifle Company: It is with pleasure I see so many of you assembled on this occasion. Many of us have met on this ground frequently and spent a day in the performance of military tactics, drank our grog and retired to our several homes, but this is a more serious call. We are now called on by the Executive of this State to go and protect our frontier from savage hostilities, provided they are offered. I have this much to say in your praise at this time, you have ever manifested a willingness to do your duty on every assemblage we have had since I have belonged to the company, but the thing is now not nominal but real. We are now to go into actual service, and let us view the subject on the worst side. Are we to meet with hideous savages painted in hideous warlike colors, threatening us with all the savage barbarity which imagination can paint? What are they? They are but the simple tools of British intrigue sent forth to disturb us of those superior blessings which we enjoy above that nation. They are hirelings, and of course, cowards, sneaking in here and there and doing a little mischief, and then running off. But you, my brave fellows, are freedom's children, born in a land of liberty and plenty, and, of course, will never submit to bondage. Let Britons, let savages, or any others of equal numbers, encounter with us, and we will maintain our rights. Such are the sentiments of my heart., and such, I trust, are the sentiments of yours." Here is voiced a knowledge of the causes of the war; a just appreciation of the danger's to be met, and a brave patriotism that expects to achieve success in spite of obstacles. It is not difficult to believe that the hearts of his followers were fired with enthusiasm, their courage strengthened, and their confidence in their leader redoubled, by this address. The dramatic utterances of a Caesar or a Napoleon could do no more. Preparations for breaking camp having been completed; Capt. Norton at once put his command upon the march for the "boundary line." He reached this point just on the north boundary of what is now called Norton Village. The history of the company at this point seems to have been rather uneventful, or the tradition of their doings has been lost. He afterward proceeded with his command to Sandusky, where he was engaged in building a block-House. He was here when Hull surrendered Detroit, and, in a letter home, gives a brief account of that affair. He also writes that when the block-house is finished he will have the command. In that event, he proposes to bring his family to him, and desires his wife to make the necessary arrangements for renting the farm. Among the papers preserved by his family, relattng to this period, are several letters written to Capt. -Norton, which present a vivid picture of the situation. One dated Clinton. Knox Co., Ohio. August 4, 1812, reads as follows: Sir :-By request of Mr. Joseph Rickey's wife, I request you to inform him that his child is in dangerous situation: has been sick some time, and wishes, if in your power, to give him a f furlough to come home for two or three weeks. I am, sir, with due respect, yours etc., RICHARD FISHBLACK CAPT. NORTON, Sandusky. SIR:-Be pleased to give my compliments to all your company; and tell James Miller to treat them with a gallon of whisky, and next mail I will send a bill to pay for it. R. F. Whatever may be the truth as to the traditional character of ladies' postscripts, the one in the above letter was certainly not less important to the company at large than the body of the communication. Another letter informs the Captain that one who has been furloughed to attend the sick-bed of his wife, is still needed at home. His wife is not expected to live from one day to another, but, if the exigencies of the service, demand it, his brother will proceed to the company and take his place. Thus, "will a man lay down his life for his friend." Such were a part of the trials of the frontiersman, whose burden was borne in the cabin its well as in the camp. Eventful careers that beat"1 glory in their wake do not measure the cost of a nation's progress. Like the coral reef whose broad dimensions span only the tombs of countless HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 473 myriads of minute workers, so the civilization and country of which we are so proud to-day, have been nurtured and protected through the privations and struggles of thousands who never dreamed of a career. Thus the frontier soldier, patiently bearing his trials in obscurity, may draw consolation from the same source with England's inspired poet. "They also serve who only stand and wait." It seem' from subsequent events that Capt. Norton for some reason failed to secure the command of the block-house at Sandusky, and retired with his company to his home. While encamped near the lake the troops and inhabitants were greatly distressed by miasmatic diseases, not thoroughly understood, which rapidly undermined the system. This is probably the reason for his early retirement. Other causes, no doubt, contributed their shire. The payment of the troops was very irregular and uncertain, the commissary department was none of the best, and the demands of a frontier farm all tended to make the case a pressing one. On his laying down the sword he addressed himself to the demands of his farm. He was soon induced, however, to go at his trade, and, removing to Delaware, engaged in the tanning business, working for Koester, to whom he had previously sold. He worked here but a short time, when the germs of disease which were implanted in his system while at Sandusky wrought his death. He died July 17, 1813, leaving a wife and four children-Desdemona, now Mrs. Colflesh, living at Lewis Center; Edward. since dead ; Matilda, now Mrs. C. P. Elsbre, and Minerva, now living in Wisconsin. Thus passed away, in his prime. the first settler of Orange Township Township -a man of deep piety, of cheerful disposition and large executive ability. He was born in Berlin, Conn. in 1780, and died in Delaware. He was buried with Masonic honors in the first cemetery laid out in the city. In addition to his military honors, he was commissioned January 28, 1812, as Justice of the Peace. His commission was dated at Liberty, and the seal of the State was affixed at. Zanesville. After the settlement of the estate but little was left for the family. The war had prevented the development of the firm, and had deranged business, but what affected the result more directly was a circumstance growing out of his position in the truly. While in command of his company, a large amount of rations in his hands was in danger of spoiling and proving a dead loss to the Government. Desiring to save this waste, he sold them, and turned the proceeds over to the proper officer. After his death, however, Col. Meeker, the Quartermaster General, brought suit against the estate and collected the amount, leaving barely the year's support allowed by law. Mrs. Norton lived to see her children in comfortable homes of their own, and passed her declining years in peace and plenty. She was born October 12, 1779, and died November 27, 1855, and was buried in the Liberty Presbyterian Church cemetery, where a tombstone bears the name of her husband as well as her own. The wedding of C. P. Elsbre and Matilda Norton occurred in 1825. For a year or two he worked upon a rented farm, but soon after bought the farm he now lives upon. In 1826, he, in partnership with one Tripp, started a "still " in the southwest part of the township, off in the woods near a spring; but the water was too strongly impregnated with iron for successful operation, and the business was removed to the Thomas farm, on the Whetstone. Here they conducted the business for a year with tolerable success, manufacturing about two barrels per day. They found their market at home, and, with no revenue officials to molest them, they did a thriving business in pure whisky at low prices. Mr. Elsbre soon sold his interest to a Mr. Thomas, but the business ran along only about six months and was then discontinued. Mr. Elsbre moved to his present firm in 1848, and has been working it ever since. He has had eight children, only three of whole are now living; two near by on firms of their own, and the third, a son, lives with him. A peculiarity of the early settlement of this township seems to have been that there were two distinct streams of emigration coming in. One passed up where the turnpike now is, in the wake of Norton, and the other following the trail which passes along Alum Creek. The earliest settler on this stream, now in the township, seems to be Mr. Samuel Ferson, who, with his father and family, came from Pennsylvania, and lived in various parts of the State for short periods, finally coming, after the death of his father, to the place where he now lives. This was about 1819. With Mr. Person came his brothers, James, Paul and John, his sister Sallie, and a young lady, Margaret Patterson, who afterward became the wife of John; all, at that time, unmarried. They found a Methodist settlement on the ground, most of whom had become involved during the panic, which succeeded the s war of 1812, and selling out left the country. Among the names which tradition has preserved 474 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. are those of the Arnolds, Stewarts, Asa and John Gordon. Little more is known of these persons, save the Gardners, whose descendants are now living in this neighborhood. The rest accomplished but little for the permanent settlement of the township and soon left to be heard of no more. The Ferson family all married and lived here until their death, save James Ferson, who lived here some three years, when he went to Michigan and engaged in teaching the Indians. In 1825, Samuel Patterson. with his father and mother and two sisters, settled on the property where he now lives. These settlements were all on the east, side of the creek. In the year preceding, David Patterson. Cyrus Chambers. Thomas McCloud and Nelson Skeels had established their homes on the west side. Lee Hurlbut seems to have preceded them some years on this bank of the Alum Creek. He came here soon after the war, in which he served a short time as substitute for his father and established himself where he now lives. The marks of the squatter were found here at that time, but there remains now no clew to his identity. Mr. Hurlbut's father came from Pennsylvania and was the father of twenty-three children, most of whom were living and came into the township with him. Mr. Hurlbut was a good hunter and spent his leisure time with his gun, frequently bringing in five deer as an ordinary day's trophy. He was a man of strong proslavery proclivities and was passively opposed to the operations of his neighbors in forwarding runaway slaves. He gave the name of Africa to the spot properly known as East Orange Post Office; because of its anti-slavery propensities, a name that is likely to endure as long as any other. The first mill in this township was a saw-mill, erected and owned by John Nettleton, about the year 1820, in the southeast part of the township. Fifteen years later it was changed to a grist-mill. and at once became noted for the fine quality of its flour. It 1838, it was sold to one Lichter, from whom it came into the family of the present owner, A. L. Tone. in 1845. The same stones do duty now as of old, and they maintain, thanks to the present excellent miller, the old-time prestige of the mill. Later, a saw-mill was built further to the south, by Fancher, but it has long since passed away. Here, perhaps. the story of the early settlements shoal; properly close, and yet the historian is loath to part company with those who lived so near to natures heart. Plucked from homes of comfort and rudely transplanted in the wilderness, they drew from-nature the comforts and adornments of a home, and decked their firesides with those social and domestic virtues which so often force from these later times a sigh for "the tender grace of a day that is dead." From the necessities of the situation, the hospitality of the early settlers was as, spontaneous as it was generous, and they early became imbued with that spirit of philanthropy which Horace hags embalmed in verse, "Non ignara mali, miseris succurrere disco." Every new-comer found a cordial welcome, and willing hands were ready to aid in rolling up a cabin. Neighborhoods for miles about were closely allied by early social customs, which, in the spirit of true democracy, only inquired into the moral worth of their devotees. The lack of markets made food of the plainer sort abundant and cheap. Hospitality was dispensed with a lavish hand, and traveler, were not only Housed and fed without cost, but, all possessing that touch of nature which makes the whole world kin. he was sent on his journey. bearing,: with him the kindly benedictions of his host and a heart-felt God speed. The very earliest times, however; were not marked with such generous profusion. The first settlers were often driven to the very verge of starvation, and for years were forced to make long, wearisome journeys through an unbroken wilderness. over unbridged streams, frequently on foot, to procure the necessaries of life. For a year "Mr. McCumber's family lived almost entirely without meat of any kind. Game abounded; but there were no hunters in the family, and the demands of the clearing prevented the development of any possible latent talent in that direction. For weeks the family of Mr. Norton depended solely upon bread made from Indian corn grated up; and all were forced to go as far as Circleville with wheat for flour. Mr. Elsbre relates how his step-father and himself went out to Franklin County. thirteen miles east of Worthington, for the first meat they had. There they bought a hog, killed, dressed it, put it in bags and carried it on their shoulders home. The difficulty the early settlers met with in acquiring stock can hardly be appreciated at this day. Sheep were unknown and horses were only less unfamiliar. Cattle and hores were easily kept, so far as feeding was concerned, but another difficulty involved them. The woods abounded with wolves and bears which soon learned the toothsome qual- HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 475 ides of beef and pork. No end of devices were invented to protect these valuable adjuncts of the early settlement from these wild marauders, but with limited success. Time and again were the early settlers aroused from their sleep to find the hope of a winter's supply in the clutches of a bear, or hopelessly destroyed by wolves. Hogs were allowed to breed wild in the woods. Occasionally they were brought into a pen for the purpose of marking them, by sundry slits in the ears. Such occasions were frequently the scenes of extreme personal danger and called forth all the intrepid daring inculcated by a life in the woods. The animals more than half wild, charred upon their tormentors, and then it was expected that the young man would quickly jump aside. fling himself upon the back of the infuriated beast, and. seizing him by the ears, hold him sufficiently still to perform the necessary marking. These hogs were sold to itinerant buyers who collected them in droves, taking them to Zanesville, swimming the Muskingum on their way. The shrewd settler always sold his hogs, the buyer to deliver them himself. This often proved the larger part of the bargain, and the dealer, wearied out and disgusted, would be glad to compromise the matter by leaving the hoes and a good part of the purchase price with the settler. `The distance of markets was a Great source of discomfort to the early settler. For years, salt, and iron of any sort could only be procured at the cost of a journey of from twenty to sixty miles, to Zanesville, Circleville or elsewhere. Mr. Samuel Ferson relates that on the event of his marriage, desiring to buy a new hat, for the occasion he went to Worthington, Delaware and Columbus, and could not sell produce enough to buy the hat. He had five dollars in silver in his pocket, but the scarcity of that metal made it doubly valuable. There was no other resource. and he reluctantly produced the price of the hat. This scarcity of currency was another very serious obstacle with which the early settler had to contend in this township: and various devices were adopted to mitigate the evil. "Sharp shins," or in more intelligible phrase, divided silver-half and quarter dollars were largely in local circulation, but, as these were current only in a limited locality, it afforded only a temporary relief. Another device adopted later, was the issuing of fractional currency by merchants, in denominations as low as six and a quarter cents Exchange among farmers was simply a system of barter. Notes were given to be paid in neat cattle or hogs. There was also a distinction made whether these were to be estimated at cash or trade price. When the note was due, if the principals could not agree as to the value of the animals the matter was adjusted by arbitrators. The difficulties of travel in the early day naturally suggest themselves, and yet it is impossible at this day to realize the situation. The only roads were a succession of "blazed" trees, while every stream flowed, untrammeled by bridges, to their destination. Gradually the necessities of the case demanded greater facilities, and the road was chopped out, so that by dint of skillful driving and strong teams, a light load could be brought through on wagons. The mail was carried on horseback, and this was the only thing that might be called a public conveyance. An incident related by Mr. Ferson gives a vivid picture of some of the difficulties encountered, and of the persevering energy by which they were overcome. His brother. William, who had Bottled at Columbus. had come to Orange to visit his brothers, before he returned to the East not to come back again. He had no team of his own, but if he could get to Zanesville by a certain time, he could get transportation with a man who made periodical trips to Baltimore. with a six-horse team and wagon to match. He prolonged his visit till the last moment. and then started with his effects and his family in a neighbor's wagon for Zanesville. On reaching the Big Walnut, the stream presented anything but an inviting appearance to the impatient traveler. Swollen by a freshet, the water, banks high, rushed along with a frightful current, bearing upon its surface large trees and masses of drift-wood. Like Caesar at the Rubicon, there was no way but to go forward. A rough "dugout" was discovered on the other side of the river, and, by dint of vigorous shouting, attention was secured from the inhabitants of a cabin near by. To the increase of their perplexity, it was learned that the man was away from home, but the woman, nothing daunted, when she learned their position, prepared to ferry them across. The wagon was completely dismembered, its contents divided in small packages, and this frontier woman, with the nerve and skill of a Grace Darling, landed every article safely on the other side. The horses were swam across, the teamster holding them off as far as possible, to prevent their upsetting the insecure craft. Mr. Person describes it as one of the most trying incidents of his life. his standing upon the brink of the stream and witnessing his brother's 476 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. wife and three children tossed, as it seemed, hither and thither in the mad current of the river. Another incident, related by Squire Strong, of Lewis - Center, illustrates the capabilities of the women of the early settlements, though of a more domestic character. The scene is laid in Norton Village, in 1819. A girl who had been working for Mrs. Wilcox, of that place, had a very attentive young man, and, coming to the conclusion to accept each other for better or for worse, they decided to go to her home in Knox County to have the marriage ceremony performed. They invited her brother and Squire Strong, then a young man always ready for a frolic, to accompany them. Each one furnished his own conveyance. as it was clone on foot., and on Saturday night they reached her home, having accomplished the twenty-eight miles in some nine hours, the bride being, in the language of Squire Strong, "the best horse of the lot." After the preaching services on the following day, the ceremony was performed, and the guests sat down to a wedding-feast better suited for men and women of such physique than for the dyspeptics of a later day. Such a ready adaptation of means to ends, and such persevering energy in overcoming the natural obstacles of their time, may well cause the octogenarian of to-day to sigh over the degeneracy of our times. No history of these times seems to be complete without some referenee to the Indian. and yet there is but little to be said of him in connection with Orange Township. The treaty of Greenville had removed his habitation above the northern line of the county before the early- settler. came. The abundance and variety of game, however. attracted numerous hunting parties of the Wyandots, but their visits were marked by nothin g of any special interest. Occasionally a party, with skins or sugar to sell, would pitch their camp on some spot about which lingered some Indian tradition, and served as an attraction for the children of the settlers. Sometimes. on a bright night, the children would steal upon them unawares, and watch their uncouth gambols on the moon-lighted sward, but, on being discovered and approached by the braves with threatening gestures, they needed no second bidding to retire. There is no record of any disagreement with the settlers of this township, nor of their appearance later than 1812. Beyond the few marks of the surveyor, there were no roads to guide the first settler save the Indian trails. These seem to lead somewhat along the line where the pike now is and along the banks of Alum Creek, and on these lines emigration seems to have come in. It was riot. long before these main routes were blazed out, and this sufficed until the winter of 1812-13. During the war of 1812, these roads became of vast importance in a military point of view. All the stores for Harrison's army, as well as powder and shot from the State capital, had to puss over these two lines of communication, and it was no unfrequent thing to see long lines of pack-horses bearing supplies from Chillicothe to the army During the winter that Harrison quartered at Delaware a detachment of twenty-five men was sent to put up bridges over the streams, and to chop out the road through the Norton settlement. A like work was clone for the Alum Creek road. which was, perhaps. more used for the army than the other. The soldiers detailed for this duty obeyed with treat. reluctance. The axes with which they were provided proved to be poor things made of cast iron, and broke to pieces at the first trial. They were then forced to borrow of the settlers, and as all could riot be supplied a part took their turn each day at hunting. a turn of affair. they seemed to enjoy. The roads thus laid out sufficed, with what work the settlers put upon them each year. In 1820, the State road was laid out. and the citizens of the townships along the line made "bees" and cut it out to the county line. On January 31, 1826, the Legislature passed an act chartering the Columbus & Sandusky Turnpike Company. They were given the right to appropriate land and material very much as they pleased. The road-bed was eighteen feet wide, graded up from the sides where ditches were constructed eighteen inches deep, with tollgates every ten mile, Mr. C. P. Elsbre contracted and built seven-eighths of a mile of this road, and afterward kept the toll-gate, near Mr. Gooding's farm, until it was removed. This road at once became the main thoroughfare for through travel. The stage line used this pike and all transportation was greatly benefitted by its construction. Some years afterward, however, it became a great nuisance. The road was neglected ; the stage line and heavy teaming cut it up and rendered it almost impassable, at certain times of year, for any but those who could afford to sacrifice horse-flesh in the wholesale style of a stage company. This, naturally, nave rise to considerable dissatisfaction, and a movement was inaugurated which dispossessed the monopoly of this road, though not without. some resistance from the company. In this town PAGE 477 - PICTURE OF NICHOLAS MONEY PAGE 478 - BLANK HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 479 Mr. Elsbre, as gatekeeper, made a vigorous defense of the property put under his protection, even, it is said, to the extent of brandishing his rifle. He, however, succumbed to numbers, and the tollgate was soon a thing of the past. There seems to be some doubt as to the time when this road reached Orange. It is put in 1835 by those in position best able to know, and other dates seem to agree with this time. It must be remembered, however, that such an enterprise was of greater difficulty at that time than it would be now. Capital was less readily enlisted in such enterprises, and facilities for building such a road far less abundant. In 1835, Anson Williams bought of De Wolf, who owned Section No. 3, a thousand acres covering the site where Williamsville now is. He first established himself in the southeast part of this tract, but, in the following year, came to the site of Williamsville, and, in December of that year, laid out what he promised himself would soon be a thriving village. The first man on the spot was, probably, William Dutcher, who purchased land from Mr. Williams, and settled there the year before. Mr. Williams' son-in-law, Isaac Bovee, also preceded Mr. Williams some months. Preparations were at once began to realize on his sanguine hopes in regard to the village he was founding. He built a large frame house for hotel purposes, and opened up, in one apartment, the threefold business of grocer, storekeeper and liquor seller. It is hardly to be expected that his anticipations would have taken so lofty a flight, unassisted by the imagination of others, and it is suggested that a Mr. Saulsbury, who lived near, a carpenter and joiner by trade, with a sharp eye to business, stimulated the natural ambition of Mr. Williams. The event proved that the prospect of the village's future growth was built on a sandy foundation. There was, at this time, a good hotel further north, where the stage changed horses, and which continued to do the bulk of the tavern business. This hotel was built of brick, in 1827, by Mr. George Gooding. Mr. Saulsbury was once or twice elected Justice of the Peace, and added to the importance of the aspiring village, by establishing the first manufactory of the township. In company with Squire Truman Case, he obtained permission of the State Penitentiary authorities, who then monopolized the business, to manufacture grain cradles. It is said that they turned out a superior article, using the artificial bent snath, which was then a novelty. Mr. Saulsbury has been lost sight of, but Messrs. Williams and Case died in the township, leaving a number of descendants, who are still there. Nothing now remains of Williamsville to mark the site of its former aspirations, save a church, built by the Methodists, but now occupied by the United Brethren. Lewis Center as a village dates from the completion of the railroad through that point in 1850. The first settler in or very near that spot was John Johnson, who built his cabin in 1823, just east of the railroad, in what was then but little more than a body of water diluted with a little earth. The spot is marked by a well he sunk, and is now a good piece of meadow land. The Johnson family is remembered as a rough, hardy family, to whom even the ague had no terrors. A cabin was rolled up in the moisture, and a log bridged the way to the door. The first store kept at this place was by McCoy Sellers, and stood near the railroad track when it cane through. The building is still there, and is occupied as a residence by Mrs. Colflesh. The name was given by William L. Lewis, whose widow still resides there. At the time the railroad was built, the company desired to make a station at that point, if the land could be donated. Mr. Lewis and his family had lived there, but at this time he was in California, his family being in the East. His property in the West was left in the care of Mr. Elsbre, who communicated the proposition of the railroad company. After consulting her friends, Mrs, Lewis gave her consent, and it was decided to make this the stopping-place in the town. Mr. Lewis returning soon afterward, found great objection to the location of the depot, and the company finally abandoned the site. Through the influence of friends, he afterward waived the objection, and the present depot was placed there. Lewis Center now contains, in addition to a good cluster of residences, the usual country store, a grocery, a warehouse, a shoe-shop, two blacksmith-shops; a cooper-shop, Which turned out 6,000 flour barrels during last year, a good-sized school building, and two churches. A liquor saloon ekes out a scanty subsistence here. The post office is kept in the store and has two mails per day. A lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows is established here. They were organized in 1870, and built a hall for their meetings. By some mismanagement on the part of some one, the lodge has become hopelessly involved, and the prospect at this writing is, that they will surrender their charter. Orange Station had its origin in the difficulty attending the establishment of Lewis Station. 480 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. When the site was given up there, Mr. George Gooding, the elder, offered the company the use of ten acres so long as they would keep a depot there. This proposition the company accepted, and have maintained an office there until within the year past, when it was vacated. When this station was first established, Jarvis, who had kept store at Williamsville, moved his trade to that place. He left in the second year of the late war - 1862 - and was succeeded by a small grocery, which went with the depot. A post office was established here, but that was closed in the latter part of 1878. East Orange Post Office does not seem to have had any special founding, but, like Topsy, "just growed." It is located on the east side of Alum Creek, where the roadway narrows between the hill and creek. It contains one or two houses and a blacksmith-shop, beside the Wesleyan Church building. The Methodist denomination was probably the first church influence that found its way into the wilderness of Orange Township. A Methodist settlement on the east of Alum Creek is among the earliest traditions, and a church of that denomination was established in this neighborhood as early as 1828. Later, another was organized at Williamsville, but seems to have died out at an early day. In 1843, the fierce agitation of the slavery question in that body throughout the land, culminated here, as in many other places, in a separation-the anti-slavery portion organizing the Wesleyan Church. Their first services were held in a cabin on the flats, near the present residence of Samuel Patterson, with Rev. Mr. Street as Pastor. This church started with a membership numbering twenty-nine, which has since increased to fifty. In 1876, they built a modest building on the hill, at a cost of $800, where they now worship. In 1864, an M. E. Church was organized at Lewis Center, with a membership of twelve, which has since increased to ninety members. Their building, which cost at war prices $2,600, was dedicated November 4, 1866. In 1871, a parsonage was built, at a cost of $2,000. Since its organization, the church has maintained a Sunday school without a break, which now numbers about fifty members. A Catholic Church was organized here in 1864, and a frame building for worship put up. They are in a languishing condition, and have services each alternate Tuesday afternoon. A United Brethren Church was organized at Williamsville in 1877. This church occupies the building erected some years ago by the M. E. Church, but, at present, is not a very vigorous organization. Among the earliest traditions before church organizations were effected, is found the name of Elder Drake, a Baptist preacher, who was one of the earliest settlers of Delaware City. He held services weekly at the house of Nathan Nettleton, an early settler on Alum Creek. Another name is that of a Presbyterian preacher, Rev. Ahab Jinks. He held frequent but not regular service about the neighborhood until the organization of a church in Berlin gave his followers a regular place of worship. The earliest Methodist preacher was the Rev Leroy Swampsted, a rigid disciplinarian. an energetic worker and a man of good executive ability. He stood high in the estimation of the church at large, and was, later, agent of the Book Concern in Cincinnati. The organization of the first Sunday school is attributed to James Ferson, the older brother of Samuel Ferson, of this township. This school was organized in 1821, and held its sessions in the cabin of Mr. Ferson for three years, when his departure for Michigan temporarily broke it up. It is not surprising where so firm a stand was taken in regard to anti-slavery principles, that there should be felt an active interest in the welfare of escaped slaves. It was a fact well understood at an early day, that the Pattersons were prominently active in the service of the " underground railway." Much service, in a quiet way, was rendered to fugitive slaves ; but no pursuers ever came to this part of the township. A single exception to this rule, in the west part of the township, is related by Mr. Elsbre. A negro lad came to his cabin about Christmas, 1834, calling himself John Quincy Adams. He stayed with him until the following summer, when one day as they were at work on the pike, two negroes came up and recognized John Quincy. They proved to be runaway slaves from the same neighborhood as John. These facts excited in his mind a lively apprehension, and, fearing that they would be pursued and he involved in the general capture, he left that night, not to be beard of again for some years. His fears were only too well founded. The pursuers were put upon the trail of the boys by a neighbor-Mark Coles-who had previously known their master, and, one bright September night, as Mr. Elsbre sat with his little family enjoying a social chat with a neighbor, the door of his cabin was rudely opened, and a burly six-footer strode HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 481 in, carrying a club sufficient to fell an ox with. He proceeded, without uttering a word, to examine the trundle-bed where the younger children lay, and, with a glance toward the bed where Mrs. Elsbre lay with a two-weeks-old child, he wheeled toward the ladder and attempted to mount to the loft. This was too much for Elsbre's equanimity. '' He had repeatedly asked the meaning of the demonstration, but got no answer, and, seizing his gun from its place, he ordered the intruder to come down, or he " would put him on the coon-board in a minute." The rifle was unloaded, but," like the old lady in the story, he saw the frightful hole in the end, and came down to parley. Matters had rather changed base in the meanwhile, and Mr. Elsbre chose his own place for further talk. Still threatening with his gun, he drove the ruffian out of the cabin and the inclosure, to where his assistants awaited him. The negro boys who had been sleeping upstairs, becoming aroused, took the first opportunity of escaping through a back window. Assured of their escape, Mr. Elsbre satisfied the hunters that there was nothing there belonging to them, when they left, not to disturb him again. In the year 1854, some thirty freed negroes were sent from North Carolina to the Patterson neighborhood to find homes. Their mistress had freed them in her will, and directed her executor to send them here. On their arrival, the friends of the anti-slavery movement were called together, and homes provided for all. They settled down in that neighborhood and stayed until, in the course of natural changes, the most of them have been .lost sight of. One of the pleasantest facts in the history of Orange Township is the prominent place which the public school occupies from first to last. Hardly had the first settlers rolled up their cabins, and cleared enough space to raise subsistence for their families, before the schoolhouse makes its appearance. The first settler barely reached this township in 1807, and eight years later we find the settlers drawing on their scanty means to give their children the beginnings of an education. In 1815, Jane Mather, the daughter of an early settler and the widow of a soldier of 1812, opened a school in the cabin of John Wimsett on the State road. Here she drew together a few of the settler's children, the beginning of District No. 1. As the attendance increased, a small log cabin was put on the east side of the road near where Mr. Dickerson lives. This cabin, if it could be produced now, would be a subject of more interest than the seven wonders. The cabin inclosed a space of about twelve by fourteen feet. The cracks between the logs were "chinked " and plastered with mud, save where for the purpose of light they were enlarged and covered with greased paper. Split logs provided with legs stood about the sides of the room, on which the drowsy school-boy of ye olden time conned his book. The school-books were the result of the provident care of the mothers, who thoughtfully packed them when starting from the East., and were not remarkable for uniformity of series. Who was Jane Mather's successor tradition saith not, but the old schoolhouse stood until about 1827, when it was destroyed by fire. It was replaced by a hewed-log house, provided with windows, a long inclined board along the side for a desk, and seats containing less timber. In 1822, Chester Campbell taught a school a little south of where Samuel Ferson now lives, but further than the bare fact, the historian has been unable to discover anything. Three years later a Mr. Curtis taught a singing school there. The date of the first frame schoolhouse is not known, but it cannot be far from 1850. It was located in Mr. Ferson's neighborhood, and for some years was the especial pride of that. district and the envy of others less favored. The first brick schoolhouse was erected in 1868, in District No. 4, and cost when completed for use about $1,000. Seven of the eight districts in the township are thus provided. Blackboards and school furniture of the most approved pattern are found in each, marking an advanced position in this matter. The average attendance at each school throughout the township is about twenty pupils. The average price paid teachers per month is $28, the teachers providing their own board. The lowness of this price is explained by the fact that most of the teachers are ladies employed both summer and winter. There is also one special school district in Lewis Center. Here a school of two departments is maintained in the winter, and of a single department in the summer. The town-house was built of brick, in the center of the township, at a cost of $825, in 1871. As is frequently the case, the question of its location was a vexed one. The people of Lewis Center naturally desired to bring every possible attraction to that point, and others preferred to have it centrally located. Trustees were nominated with the understanding that the building should be put as a majority of the votes should indicate. For 482 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. sufficient reasons, doubtless, it was thought best to ignore this stipulation, and a movement was made to build it at the Center. An injunction was interposed, and another election had, which resulted in placing it where it now stands. In noticing the public institutions of the township, it will be in place to mention one it almost had, but failed to get. Bishop Chase, the uncle of a renowned nephew, for some time a resident of Worthington, where he taught school in his own house, was greatly interested in educational matters. In connection with another minister of the Episcopal Church, be conceived the idea of founding a college under the auspices of that denomination. He selected a spot on the farm of Mr. David Bale, in the southeastern part of the township, as the site for his proposed college. He interested the settlers in his project, and one day in the year of 1818, or thereabouts, they got together and cleared about ten acres. Shortly afterward he went to England to solicit subscriptions to put his college on its feet. Here he met with considerable success, but he never returned to Orange Township. His proposed college was built at Gambier, and called Kenyon for the lady who contributed a large amount to its construction. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)