|
482 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY CHAPTER XVIII.* SCIOTO TOWNSHIP-TOPOGRAPHICAL FEATURES-EARLY SETTLEMENTS-CHURCHES-EDUCA TIONAL-POLITICS-THE VILLAGES. "Neither looks had they to their doors, nor bars to their windows; But, their dwellings were open as day, and the hearts of the owners; There the richest were poor, and the poorest lived in abundance" -Longfellow. SCIOTO is a township that reflects credit on the good county of Delaware, and stands well in the sisterhood of townships. It originally lay wholly west of the Scioto River, and was composed entirely of Old Virginia military land. It was formed into a separate township December 7 , 1814, by the granting of a petition by the County Commissioners, praying for a new township to be established in said county by the name and title of Scioto, which was to comprehend all west of the Scioto River, in what was then Radnor, and to run south to the mouth of Mill Creek. In 1821, after the formation of Concord Township, the boundaries were more expressly defined, and they were to begin on the west bank of Scioto River, at Dilsaver's Ford; thence west to the Union County line; thence south with said line to the middle of Mill Creek ; thence eastwardly with the north line of Concord Township, to the Scioto River; thence up said river with the meander thereof to the place of beginning, and was bounded as follows: On the north by Thompson, on the east by the Scioto River, on the south by Concord Township and Union County, and on the west by Union *Contributed by H. L. S. Valle. County. About the year 1852, Scioto Township was allowed two school districts east of the Scioto River, the land so annexed was taken from the northern portion of Concord Township, thus interposing between Concord and Radnor, and extending to the western line of Delaware Township. Some few years later, another portion of Concord Township, situated directly west of the Mill Creek settlement, occupying the bend of Mill Creek south of it, was attached to Scioto for the convenience of those living on that tract, it being in close proximity to the voting place, and the school facilities afforded by the town of Ostrander. The present boundaries are as follows: On the north by Thompson and Radnor Townships, on the east by Radnor, Delaware and Concord Townships, on the south by Concord Township and Union County, and on the west by Union County. Scioto Township takes its name from the river Scioto, which is a corruption of the Indian Scionto a name given to it by the Wyandots. The Scioto River flows through a portion of the township. Since the change made in the eastern boundary line, along its entire course through the township, the geological features presented are those of a bed of solid limestone rock, shut in by cliffs of the same material. In many places the river has forsaken its ancient channel, compelled to take a new course by the immense deposits of drift made by the melting glaciers which choked up the channel. Where this is the case, the water HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 483 seems to have washed the alluvial soil into the old channel and upon the bottom. On every hand are marks of the glaciers. Immense granite bowlders are seen in the fields, and in the bed of the Scioto, brought, no doubt, from the North during the drift period. The tributaries of the Scioto River, which flow into it on its way through the township, are Arthur's Run and Boke's Creek. The latter, named from an Indian chief of the Wyandot nation, is of considerable size, and has its source in the northeastern section of Logan County, and, flowing southeast through Union County, strikes Scioto Township in the northern portion, and thence from a northeastern to a southeastern course, flows into the Scioto River about two miles above Millville, receiving on its way the waters of Smith's Run, which flows into it about one mile and a half from its mouth. Mill Creek flows north from Union County into the southern part of the township, and leaves it at the northwestern corner of Concord Township. The land near the Scioto River is rolling, and in many places deeply cut by the action of surface water; the result of heavy rains, and numerous rivulets formed from springs. The soil is rich, and with the "Scioto Bottoms" forms some of the finest farming lands in Delaware County. Back from the river, the land becomes more level, and is well adapted for grazing. Clay knobs are met with here and there through the township, from which excellent brick and tile are made. The lowlands of the interior have been well drained. At an early day, there were a few elm swamps, but these have in most instances been drained, and are now improved. The draining of the Burnt Pond situated on A. J. Robinson's farm, and said at one time to be the head-waters of Arthur's Run, is an instance of the improvements that have been made as regards the lowlands and swamps. This pond, which at one time was of considerable extent. has bean thoroughly drained, and is now one of the richest portions of the above-named gentleman's farm. It was named from the fact that after it had been drained, it was set on fire, and the vegetable matter which had been accumulating for years burned with great persistency, and it was a long time before the fire could be extinguished. The township is traversed by fine gravel roads from each side of which may be seen stretching away, fields rich with corn and waving grain in its season, together with fine orchards of apple and other fruit. The old Springfield, Mount Vernon & Pittsburgh Railroad, now known as the Short Line Branch of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis, crosses the southern portion of the township, in direction south and west. Boke's Creek is the historical stream of Scioto Township. Upon its banks and near its mouth were placed the cabins of the first settlers. It is said that when the whites first came to the locality, they found the Indians friendly, and gained from them information which in those days was very valuable, namely, the location of the Salt Licks, the fords in the river, and the haunts of the water-fowl and deer, but no longer is the Indian seen in the forests, or in his birch canoe, skimming the waters of the Scioto. He has gone, and a few squalid savages wandering over the Western Plains are all that remain of the great Wyandot Nation. The common necessaries of life were difficult to procure. A journey of forty and fifty miles to find a market for their skins, and in exchange get a few things that were necessary for their comfort was no uncommon thing. It must be remembered too, that these routes were not over graded pikes and bridges, which to-day make even a journey of necessity one of pleasure and interest. But they journeyed on pack-horses, over Indian tails, thanking a kind Providence when the fords of the river were passable, and for their safe arrival at their destination. In September, 1805, Richard Hoskins and his family, consisting of four boys and three girls, came over, in a packet-ship, from Wales, and, immediately upon their arrival, set out for the frontier. At that time there were no roads leading to the great Northwestern Territory, excepting few that followed Indian trails and led to the forts on the border. These roads were used for the purpose of transporting to the forts supplies of food and munitions of war. and for miles, were cut through dense forests. Over these roads, with pack-horses, Richard Hoskins determined to brave everything for home and happiness. He struck out, and. after a long and tedious journey, arrived to Franklinton, Ohio, in December,1805. In the following May (1806), he again " broke camp " and started north, on the Sandusky Military Road; reached the mouth of Boke's Creek, and settled there. There are none left of the original family, all having died, although there are several distant relatives living in Ostrander and in Marysville. At about the same time, and so close, in fact, that priority of date of settlement remain; 484 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. somewhat in doubt, there came and settled on land near Hoskins, Zachariah Stephens, and, from the best information that can now be obtained, it is probable that he settled in June of the same year, 1806. Immediately upon his arrival, Stephens set to work and built a log cabin, finishing it a short time before Hoskins had completed his, and so has the honor of having built the first log cabin in this township. In the following year, assisted by Richard Hoskins and James McCune, together with help from the town of Franklinton, he put up the first saw-mill in Scioto Township, at the mouth of the creek. In November, 1807, Richard Hoskins went to Franklinton for supplies, and, on his return, was accompanied by James McCune and his family, who settled on a farm near Hoskins, in the latter part of November, 1807. James McCune and his family came from Ireland, and, hearing glowing accounts of the then Western country, turned his face in that direction, arriving in Franklinton in 1805. Growing discouraged at what he considered a poor opening in that vicinity, he was induced by Hoskins to move up the Scioto to Boke's Creek, settle on a fine piece of land and clear up a farm. His wife, who at present survives him, still lives on the old homestead, and, in her energy, is to be found a representative pioneer woman. Stewart Smith, an Irishman, whose father was in the rebellion of 1798, "left his home in Ireland, and, in August, 1808, came to Ohio and settled on Boke's Creek, near the run that bears his name. In the year 1809, three families came to the vicinity, Joseph Shrupe, Jacob North and Zachariah Williams. Shrupe came from Pennsylvania and settled on the bank of the creek opposite the mouth of Smith's Run North came from the East and settled near the creek. Zachariah Williams and his family also settled on the creek. Williams had barely gotten his cabin up when he died, and was buried on the bank of Boke's Creek This being the first death in the township. Phillip Horsham came to the settlement in 1809, and immediately upon his arrival put up a grist-mill, the first in the township. This mill was situated at Millville, on the site now occupied by the mill owned by Frederick Decker. In 1815, finding that milling did not pay, be began the manufacture of liquor in a small still-house near where Millville new stands He continued in this business until 1822, when he sold out to Thomas Jones. Jones remained in the business for a number of years, and, at last, retired by selling out. his interest to Joseph Dunlap, who continued to manufacture until 1836, when the entire business died out. Richard and Evans Carr came into the township in the following year-1811. Tyler did not live in the township, but, when he first came, j worked in Hoskins' mill. After working in the mill some few years, he bought the land upon which his son now resides, and upon which he lived until his death-October 23, 1855. Evans Carr settled near the town of Ostrander, where he still resides. John Sherman (not the present Secretary of the United States Treasury), came to the township from the State of Kentucky in 1814. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Vincent, his son, settled down near the Union and Delaware County line, where he died in 1862. His wife came to the township from the Blue Grass State in 1822, and still lives with her son, P. J. Sherman, on the old farm. John Lawrence came to Scioto Township in 1814, and at once began to clear a farm at Edinburg (formerly known as Fairview), in close proximity to the farm of Mr. James Dodds. In the following year he died, and was the first one buried in the cemetery at that place. In the same year that Lawrence came to this locality, John Cratty cut his way through the woods, and settled on a farm near the present site of Ostrander. He was born January 23, 1792, and came from Butler County, Penn., in 1813. When the town of Ostrander began to assume a prominent aspect, he moved into it, and made his home with his son, D. G. Cratty. He is a man who, throughout his life, has identified him; self with the growth and advancement of the best interests of the township, and is highly respected by the citizens of Ostrander. He is one of the few survivors of the war of 1812, and a man whose hair is "silvered o'er with the snows of many winters." For over sixty years, he has been upon the roll of the surviving soldiers of the war of 1812. The Dodds were natives of Pennsylvania, and, in the year 1813, came to Ohio. Over the mountains with their dangerous roads, and across the rivers, whose fords were almost impassable, journeying with tireless zeal and indefatigable energy, overcoming all difficulties, they at last reached Derby Plain, where they remained until 1815, when they moved to this township. On the 15th day of March of that year, they settled on Little Drill Creek, near the present hamlet of Edinburg. The mother of this family-Polly Dodds-died in HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 485 1815, a short time after they came, and was the second one buried in the cemetery at Edinburg, where, in the northeast corner, her gravestone, covered with moss, is still to be seen. The father -Andrew-died in 1820. When they settled in this locality, there were no roads in the township excepting the old military road, which passed north on the west bank of the Scioto River to Sandusky. In 1819, Joseph Dunlap began the survey of the first east and west road through the township, and James Dodds-a son of Andrew carried the chain, which h he now speaks of with great satisfaction. He was born in 1794, and lives in the hamlet of Edinburg-a hale old man of eighty-four. His wife still stands by his side, as she did fifty years ago. a help and a blessing. Joseph Dodds another son three years older than James-enlisted in the war of 1812, and served several months: He died on his brother's farm in January, 1879, aged eighty-seven. James Liggett came to this locality from Virginia in 1817 , and settled right in the woods, upon land now comprised within the incorporated . town of Ostrander. He was a man of great energy, and intensely interested in the growth and prosperity of the township. Quite a pleasant anecdote is related of him, which shows his political tendencies. He was at one time acting as a juror in Delaware, and, by a strange coincidence, there happened to be a gentleman from another portion of the county by the same name acting also in a similar capacity. Of course, after meeting each other, they began to look up relationship. "You spell your name the same as myself, I believe," said James Liggett. "Yes," said the gentleman. "You were originally from Virginia." "Yes," said the man." You surely must be a relative of mine but, by the way, what are your politics ? " "I am a Whig." said the juror. "Oh, the d-1, you are no relative of mine ! I never saw a Liggett that was not a Democrat," and they parted forever. Asa Robinson, father of A. W. Robinson, settled on the Scioto River, near the mouth of Big Mill Creek, in 1815. He was a native of Massachusetts, and his wife was from Pennsylvania. They came to Franklin County in 1807. He died in 1866, but his wife is still living, at the advanced age of ninety-four years. In the following year, 1816, William Ramsey and H. G. Smith entered the township. Ramsey was born in the State o Kentucky on January 18, 1780. He located on the bank of Mill Creek. His father, John Ramsey, served as a soldier through the entire war of 1812. William died in March, 1878, at the advanced age of ninety-eight. Smith came from Massachusetts. He took an active part in the late war, and was a Captain in the Delaware artillery. Solomon Carr came from Germany to Virginia in 1815, and from there to Ohio in 1817, settling upon the farm owned at present by his son, G. S. Carr, which is a part of the land comprised within the limits of Ostrander. George Bean was a native of Hardy County, Va., and came to Ohio from the Old Dominion in 1817, settling in Ross County, where he remained until 1819, when he removed to Scioto Township, and cleared a farm on; Mill Creek. His son, Benjamin, now owns the farm. Although a large and spacious farmhouse is now the home of the latter, still the old cabin that his father first built, and in which he lived, has been allowed to remain, and stands just north of the residence, a fitting landmark of the past. Mr. Bean was one of the first Justices of the Peace in this township. The Deans came into the State from Pennsylvania before it was admitted into the Union but it was not until 1829 that they settled in this township, near the present town of Ostrander. About thirteen years ago, the father dying, the family moved into what is now the village of Ostrander, where Samuel D. Dean, the son, at present resides. W. C. Winget, one of the most honored and respected citizens of Scioto Township, came in 1827. In 1853, Mr. Winget started the first store in the present town of Ostrander, which at that time did not contain a half a dozen houses. He still occupies the same old building, where he can always be found, waiting upon the good people of the town. Among those who came at a later date are William Loveless, who came from Maryland and settled in 1828, and who is now following his occupation as a farmer, just beyond White Sulphur Spring Station, and W. G. McFarlin, who settled at White Sulphur Station in 1837, and followed the occupation of mason for a number of years. His mother, sisters and brothers came here with him. The family came to this locality from Stark County, but. were originally from Maryland. J. P. Owen settled in the township in 1834, and is a native of Wales. The first marriage in the township was that of Robert Perry, who wooed and won the fair Sarah Hoskins. The ceremony took place in the log cabin of Richard Hoskins in 1808, and was performed by the Rev. Cloud, a Methodist minister, who had traveled all the way from Franklinton for 486 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. that purpose. In the fall of the same year, Isaac Smart took unto himself pretty Margaret Smith. The first birth that took place was that of Hugh Stevens, a son of Zachariah Stevens, and the second birth was that of James McCune. The first death was that of Z. Williams, who died in 1809, and was the first one buried in the old cemetery. on Boke's Creek. The second death was that of John Lawrence, who died at Fairview in 1815, and was buried in the cemetery at that place. The Rev. Mr. Cloud, who married Robert Perry and Sarah Hoskins in 1808, was most likely the first minister to enter the township, but whether he preached on that occasion is not certain, though quite probable. However, the first minister that came into the township for the purpose of preaching, was the Rev. Hughes, who held meetings at. the cabin of Zachariah Stevens. To whom belongs the honor of being the first physician to practice in Scioto is not now certain, but it lies between Dr. Skinner, of Darby Plains, and Dr. Lamb, of Delaware. The country was so sparsely settled that there was no resident physician in the township, and the sick were attended by those from Delaware and other towns. The first store opened was at Millville by Benjamin Powers and Joseph Dunlap ; Mr. Riggers was also interested in it. The first goods offered for sale were brought in by traders for the purpose of trafficking with the settlers and Indians. They generally put up a little shanty, and remained for a month or two, taking away with them furs and skins in large quantities. The first postmaster was Harry Riggers, who kept tavern at what was then known as " Riggers' Ford," on the Scioto, at the point where the Riggers' bridge was afterward built, and where the covered bridge on the Marysville pike is now situated. The mail was brought at first by messengers on horseback, then by the stage coach, over the old Sandusky Military Road. This tavern was a famous resort for travelers. It was the second one opened in Scioto Township, the first being by James Flannigan. The first Justices of the Peace were John Cratty and David Shoupe, who, sitting on an old salt barrel, used to deal out even-handed justice to all. From a notice by John H. Mendenhall, Township Clerk, in April, 1855, we find that the following township officers were elected : Trustees, David Davids, Benjamin D. Good, William Honitor ; Justice of the Peace, Henry B. Fulkner ; Township Treasurer, William Warren - Township Clerk, C. D. Wolf; Assessor, Philander C. Board; Constables, John Grove, Henry C. Hunt; Supervisors, John Van Briner, H. G. Smith, John Taylor, Samuel Strickler, Peter Baily, Luther Gabral, Martin Smith, Samuel Taylor, Luther Winget, I. B. Stotenberg, E. A. Ackerman, F. W. Felkner, Henry Caylor, David Phillain, William Stockard, John P. Owens, Philander Beard, D. F. Hontz, N. W. Sprague, B. Carr, D. Smith, John Decker, A. Trop, H. Wolford. The present township officers (1879) are as follows : Trustees, Joab Leggett, J. W. Jones, Almon D. Good; Treasurer, William M. Warren, Jr.; Clerk Joseph Crawford ; Constables, Joseph Leggett, E. W. Cuberly, W. P. Irwin ; Supervisors, Amos Claflin, J. J. Decker, William Stover, Adam Newhouse, B. T. Benton, Alexander Newhouse, H. G. Smith, A. McFarland, Calvin Furgeson, John Gabrial, Daniel Mangans, Josephus Philipp, Frank Willis, Joseph Bean, Emery Sherwin, David Freshwater. The words of love and light which first greeted the ears of the earliest settlers of Scioto Township were delivered in the cabins of Richard Hoskins and Zachariah Stevens, through the thatched roof of which beams of the sun came streaming down. The date of these first meetings cannot be definitely fixed, but the facts gathered indicate as early as 1810. In the year 1814 or 1815, three Presbyterian families, v viz., William Cratty, John Lawrence and Andrew Dodds, settled in the neighborhood of Little Mill Creek, and, at first, connected themselves with the church at Delaware, which, at that time, was organized and in a flourishing condition, under the Rev. Joseph Hughes. The journey to Delaware, in those days, was quite an undertaking, as they were compelled to ford the Scioto, which. at certain seasons, was a dangerous, if not an impossible, undertaking. When this trip was impracticable, the neat most available place of worship was in a log meeting house at Darby, in Union County. The only route of travel to this was over a trail through the dense woods. About the year 1816, several other Presbyterian families were added to the settlement, and a number located on the Scioto River. With these acquisitions it was deemed advisable to organize into a separate church. A meeting was held and the proper authorities petitioned for the power, which was granted, but with a proviso to the effect that they should join with those in Radnor Township, and that the church be known as the Presbyterian Church of Radnor. This was HISTORY OF DELAWARE ARE COUNTY. - 487 acceded to, and the organization consummated in the year 1816. The connection continued until the year 1834, when those of Little Mill Creek neighborhood, having received considerable accessions, were constituted, by the authority of the Presbytery at Columbus, under whose jurisdiction they were at that time, into a separate organization, consisting of twenty-four members, and to be known as the Little Mill Creek Presbyterian Church. The following are the names of the original members: James Dean, Hannah Dean, Hannah R. Dean, James Flannegin, Margaret Flannegin, William Cratty, Sr., Sarah Cratty, William Porter, Eleanor Porter, Samuel D. Dean, Eleanor Cratty, William M. Flannegin, Jane Flannegin, Mary Flannegin, Nancy M. Flannegin, William C. Dodds, Mary Dodds, Joseph Lawrence, Mary Lawrence, Eleanor Winget, Alexander Ross, Nancy Ross, Sarah Dodds. Nineteen members of the twenty-four were from the church at Radnor, and three were from the church at Marysville, in Union County ; the rest were from the church at Delaware. William Cratty, Sr., William Porter and William C. Dodds, were elected Elders. The church, which served as the meeting-place of this society, was the first built in Scioto Township, and was located at Edinburg, about one mile north of Ostrander, on the bank of Little Mill Creek. It was built of hewn logs, and the work was contributed by the members. It was not provided with permanent seats for some time, in consequence of which, during service, the church presented a novel appearance, the congregation providing their own seats, being principally chairs used in their wagons riding to and from church. It was not until the year 1836 that a minister was secured as their regular Pastor, when the Rev. James Perigrin was called to the charge, he also filled the pastorate of the church at Marysville. He remained in charge about eight months. when, finding the work too difficult, confined his labors to the church at Marysville. In the fall of 1837, the two churches again united in securing the services of the Rev. W. D. Smith. He commenced his labors upon the 1st day of January, 1838, giving one-third of his time to the church at Little Mill Creek, for which he was to receive $133.33 per annum. In the year 1862, the church was removed to Ostrander, at which time its membership was fifty; it is now about sixty-six. Shortly after its removal, the name was changed to the Ostrander Presbyterian Church. At this time, the Rev. W. Mitchell was in charge, since which time the following have served as Pastors, and in the order named: The Rev. O. H. Newton, of Delaware; Rev. H. Shedd, Rev. Mason, Rev. I;. Snodgrass, Rev. John Price, Rev. T. Hill. The Sabbath school, in connection with the church, was established in the year 1827, and has been continued ever since without an interruption, and, probably, very few Sabbaths have passed without a meeting. The Regular Baptist Church is situated upon Mill Creek, in the southern part of the township. The first efforts to organize this church took place in the year 1828, and were but partially successful. Previous to this date, Elder Drake had held meetings in the cabins of the early settlers, and seems to have been one of the first to agitate the question of an independent church. The first permanent organization took place about the year 1835 or 1836, with a membership of eighteen, at which time a log meeting-house was built. Since the time of its organization five hundred persons have been received into the membership, either by letter or baptism, showing the earnest work that has been going on in this church. The present membership numbers 100, hard at work and enthusiastic. The log structure was used until the year 1853, at which time a fine brick church was built, costing $1,000. The Rev. W. S. Kent is the present Pastor. The Millville Christian Union Church was the outgrowth of several denominations, and at first held its meetings in the Protestant Methodist Church, which that organization kindly offered theta. It was in that church that a few members gathered on August 5, 1866, to hear the Rev. James F. Given, of Columbus. The first charge council met at Millville, About the year 1867, and engaged the Rev. W. W. Lacy to preach for theta, the remuneration thereof to be $300 per annum. From that date until 1869 the membership so increased, and the enthusiasm and zeal was so great. that in that year they built a fine frame church at a cost of $1,400, which was dedicated at once by the Rev. George Stevenson, and thus they who were a short time before the recipients of others' charity, could point with pride to their church, the finest in Millville, if not in the township. This marked prosperity did not last long, and the decay and death of the church was almost as rapid as its growth had been, and to-day it is without a regular membership. The Methodist Episcopals occupy their building, although they do not own it. The following ministers had charge of the church from its foundation to the time at which it 488 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. ceased to exist as an organization: The Revs. W. W. Lacy, G. W. Hogans, J. W. Hoskins, Purdy King and Hawnawalt. The Protestant Methodist Church was formed by members who had become dissatisfied with the Methodist Episcopal denomination, and, leaving that society, built a frame structure in the town of Millville in 1844. The building was small, but accommodated the wants of the members until 1857, when it was rebuilt and re-dedicated by .Thomas Graham, but it is now on the decline. The Wesleyan Methodists originated from a series of union meetings, which were held with the Presbyterian Church at Fairview in the year 1854, and with the zeal and energy characteristic of new votaries, they immediately set to work, and, although their numbers were few, they succeeded in a short time in building a very substantial frame church, which, in the year 1859, was dedicated with imposing ceremonies. The church teas at that time located about one mile west of the town of Ostrander, and had a large and flourishing congregation, and everything seemed to prophesy a long and prosperous future; but soon after the war, it was noticed that. the lamps of enthusiasm were burning low, and that the old time zeal was rusting with inactivity. It was impossible to infuse new life and spirit into its members, and, in 1870, the fire in the altar died out. leaving the Wesleyan organization a thing of the past. In the mean time, another society, that of the Methodist Episcopal, had sprung into existence, and, although young, was making great headway, and day by day, it continued to grow, and finally absorbed into its membership the remnant of the Wesleyan Church, upon the extinguishment of that organization. After the Wesleyan society had ceased to exist, it became necessary for them to dispose of their church, and, inasmuch as the Methodist Episcopals had treated them with such kindness, and a large number of the old members of the former had become members of the latter organization, it seemed peculiarly fitting that they should donate their edifice to them, and they did this in 1870, upon the following conditions: First, that the Methodist Episcopals would bind themselves to move the building to a suitable location in the town of Ostrander. and hold their meetings there, which proposition was agreed to, and in compliance with which it was taken from its position west of Ostrander and moved about halfway toward the town, when for want of funds with which to defray the expense, it was deposited in a field, where it remained for two years. About the year 1874, Mr. Welch, of Delaware City, took the matter in hand, and caused it to be moved to the present location in North street, Ostrander. The church was dedicated the same year, and the first Pastor was Rev. Boyer. The following Pastors have since officiated, William Dunlap, W. W. Davies, now a professor in the Ohio Wesleyan University, J. W. Donnan and the present incumbents, Lucas and Crawford. This church has been supplied in late years by young gentlemen from the university at Delaware, who propose to enter the ministry as a profession. The United Brethren Church is pleasantly situated on the road from Millville to Ostrander, about two miles from the latter town, and is a frame structure, which cost about $600. The church was dedicated in the year 1866, by Bishop Weaver, of the Northern Ohio Conference. Previous to the building of the church, the society held their meetings in the schoolhouse, which stands opposite, and, at times, in the homes of the farmers. The first minister that held the charge was Chancey Barlow. The present Pastor is E. Barnard. The Methodist Episcopal Church, which is situated about a mile above the United Brethren Church, and a short distance from the town of Millville, is a frame structure, and does not differ materially from that belonging to the United Brethren. It is somewhat larger, and cost about $1,000. It was dedicated in 1869, but at present there is no preaching within its walls, the Methodists having concentrated all their energies at Millville. The Methodist Episcopal Church at White Sulphur Station is also a frame structure, and was built about the year 1864-65. In style and finish it, resembles the general form of country churches. The subscription was gotten up by James Noble, and the amount paid was $1,000. This society was organized as far back as 1837. Its first meetings were held in a little log house, which stood 150 rods from where the present structure now stands. The latter was dedicated by Rev. Dr. Gurley, who at present resides in Delaware. The first minister was Stephen Fant, at present engaged in the manufacture of patent pills. The following ministers have been in charge since its foundation : Stephen Fant, Isaiah Henderson. Daniel D. Strong, John Parlett, John S. Kalb, John Omarod, William Dunlap, Rev. Boyer, J. H. Bethard, Anothian Gavitt, Christian C. HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 489 Wolf, W. W. Davies. At present there is no preaching at this church. The pioneers, at a very early date, turned their attention to that institution, which at present forms one of the brightest features of our government the common schools. In a rude hut, once owned and used by James McCune as a cattle shed, was taught the first school in Scioto. Soon after, a house was put up on the bank of Boke's Creek, of slabs from the neighboring saw-mill. Since that time there has been a vast improvement and change, as the following statistics will abundantly prove State tax for school purposes for the year end- ing August 31, 1879 ........................................$ 646 50 Irreduceable fund .................................................. 41 96 Local tax for school and schoolhouse purposes ... 1,371 55 Total tax .........................................................$5,048 26 Amount paid teachers within the year in Primary Department ........................................ 2,113 50 Fuel and other contingent expenses ..................... 654 64 Grand total ..................................................... $ 2,768 14 Balance on hand September 1, 1879 .................. 2,280 12 Number of school districts .................................. 11 Number of schoolhouses ..................................... 11 .Number of rooms ................................................ 11 Total value of school property ............................ $ 8,000 00 Number of teachers necessary ............................. 11 Number employed during the year...................... 18 Number of male teachers ..................................... 8 Number of female teachers ................................... 10 Average wages of male teachers per month........... 32 Average wages of female teachers per month......... 24 Number of male teachers who taught the en- tire year................................................................. 2 Number of female teachers who taught the entire year . ........................................................... 1 Average number of weeks of session ........................ 24 Rate of local tax for 1878-79, mills ............................ 1 Bate of local tax for 1879-80, mills ............................ 1-10 Number of male pupils enrolled during the year ........................................................................ 222 Number of female pupils enrolled during the year ........................................................................ 139 Total number enrolled ........................................... 361 Average monthly enrollment of males ....................... 155 Average monthly enrollment of females .................... 108 Total monthly enrollment ...................................... 263 In the Primary Department, males .............................. 110 In the Primary Department, females ........................... 95 Total in Primary Department ................................. 205 Number of males enrolled, between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one ....................................... 47 Number of females enrolled between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one ........................................ 22 Total ......................................................................... 69 Millville is a small hamlet pleasantly situated on the west bank of the Scioto River, about half-way between the covered bridge on the Marysville pike and the mouth of Boke's Creek. The old Sandusky Military Road passes through and forms the main street of the town. A good road partially graded and graveled connects it with Ostrander, while branching out from it in several directions are pikes leading to Delhi, Delaware, Ferrisburg, Richwood and Marysville. The nearest railway station is at White Sulphur, on the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad, about two miles and a half directly south over the old military pike road. Millville, as its name suggests, was called so from its mill privileges, and the fact, that the old grist and saw mill stood here before the foundation of the town. Millville has a large mill, two churches-the Christian Union (now occupied by the Methodist Episcopals), and the Protestant Methodist-a fine carriage and wagon shop, two blacksmith-shops, and a brick store in which the post office is located. At one time in its history, Millville was the largest hamlet in the township, and had a bright prospect for the future, but the railroad robbed it of its birthright and attracted the greater interest to Ostrander. Over the brick store is the lodge-room of Ruff ner Lodge, No. 330, I. O. O. F. It was organized and the first installation of officers and initiation of members took place in October, 1856, in the hall they now occupy, which is large and well furnished. It is in an excellent condition, having thirty members and a large sum of money in the treasury, besides owning their block and hall. It is related as an extraordinary fact that although this lodge has been in existence for so many years, the members have never as yet been called upon to defray the burial expenses of a dead brother. The lodges at Ostrander and Ferrisburg, in Union Count, are outgrowths from this, and are evidences of the earnest work of its members. The following are the names of the charter members William P. Crawford, William G. McFarlin, Thomas Silverthorn, Joseph Frankenfield, Hugh M. Stevens, James Cox and George Crawford. Of these W. G. McFarlin is the only one who takes an active part in the lodge proceedings. The present officers of the lodge are as follows : Adam Newhouse, Noble Grand; Marshal Howison, Vice Grand; I. Z. Calvin, Recording Secretary; J. T. Shrup, Permanent Secretary; J. W. Jones, Treasurer; Chancey Pearl. Inside Guardian, and W. G. McFarlin. Conductor. 490 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY The village of Ostrander is the largest in Scioto Township, and is situated in the south central part on the Short Line Branch of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad, about seven miles and a half from the town of Delaware. It takes its name from a Mr. Ostrander, who, as a civil engineer, surveyed the line for the railroad. Great exertions were made by the representatives of Edinburg and Millville in the interest of their villages to cause the proposed railroad to be located through their respective places, but the decree was otherwise, and it took the present route, much to the disappointment of those who had labored so zealously in the interests of the neighboring Hamlets. The results are that upon the once bare clay bill stands the little village of Ostrander, while its rivals, Edinburg and Millville, have gone into a decline. The town of Ostrander was laid out in the year 1852 by I. C. Buck, and originally consisted of 104 lots. The railroad passes through the center of the town in direction west and east, and the waters of Little Mill Creek flow just east of the town, touching the corporate limits. Although the town was laid out in 1852, it was not incorporated until May 18, 1875. The first Council met April 5, 1876, and there were present, Mayor, D. G. Crafty ; Treasurer, W. C. Winget ; D. C. Fay Clerk. The Council consisted of T. Mangans, J. H. Fields, Samuel Stricklin, G. S. Carr, F. W. Brown J. B. Roberts. The present Mayor is H. B. Felkner; Treasurer, W. C. Winget, and Clerk, D. C. Fay. The first Postmaster was M. C. Bean. Abner Said now fills the position, the post office being in his store. The first store was that of W. C. Winget; the first drug store was opened by Mr. Merriman; the first physician was Erastus Field, who carne to Ostrander in 1849, where he now lives; Dr. Fay is another of the prominent physicians; the first blacksmith was William Fry, and the first tavern-keeper was Samuel Stricklin. The lodge of Odd Fellows was organized November 2, 1871, and the delegates who were authorized to institute it were from Marysville, Delaware, Ruffner and Beachtown. The lodge itself is an outgrowth from the Ruffner Lodge, at Millville, and was instituted by Grand Master H. Y. Beebe. It is the only secret society in Ostrander, and at present is in a very flourishing condition, having forty-three members. The following-named gentleman were the charter members: Daniel Dowart, D. G. Cratty, Robert McMillian, Isaac Anderson and D. C. Fay. The present officers are as follows: John Pounds, Noble Grand; James Jennings, Vice Grand; Homer J. Cowles, Recording Secretary ; D. G. Cratty, Permanent Secretary. The lodge-room is a very pleasant one, situated in a large frame building opposite the store of W. C. Winget. Ostrander has a good brick school building, in which is held a primary and high school. The following statistics will show its standing: State tax, $120 ; irreduceable fund, $7.84; local tax for school and schoolhouse purposes, $558.93; from fines, licenses, or tuition of non-resident pupils, $29.20; total, $747.85. Amount paid teachers for the year-primary, $150 ; high school, $360; total amount, $510. Amount paid as interest on redemption of bonds, $15.97 ; amount. paid for fuel and contingent expenses, $190 ; grand total of expenditures, $715.97 ; balance on hand, $31.88; total valuation of school property, $1,600 ; number of teachers, 2. Fairview, now called Edinburg, is the oldest village in the township. As early as the year 1815-16, the families of William Crafty, John Lawrence and Andrew Dodds came to the banks of Little Mill Creek, as we have elsewhere stated, and settled in the immediate neighborhood of each other, thus forming the nucleus for the hamlet. It is supposed that shortly after this, the town was laid out, and a plat made. Who platted it, and when it was recorded, are not known, as there is no date to the record. The town was laid out into twenty-seven lots. The principal street, running east and west, was called Harrison street. The streets running east and west were Columbus street, Franklin street. and East street. On account of its beautiful location, it was called Fairview. Soon after the plat was made, others came and settled in the place, and it began to grow rapidly. Its situation and surroundings being so favorable, it was thought the place thus scarted would become of considerable importance. These anticipations were warranted, in a measure, by its gradual growth, and years later, when there were prospects of the railroad being located through its limits, it seemed as if their hopes were to be realized. But upon its taking its present route, about one mile to the south, the establishing of Ostrander as a station in such close proximity proved the death of Fairview. The people of enterprise, and those interested in shipping, were soon compelled to move to the railroad station, and but a few buildings now remain to denote the location. HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 491 The station at White Sulphur was established for the convenience of the Girls' Industrial Home, located in Concord Township. The station is established at the west end of the iron bridge, over the Scioto River, about five miles west from Delaware and two east from Ostrander. It takes its name from the Sulphur Springs at the " Home," and consists of only a few houses and a grain warehouse. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) |