HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 537 CHAPTER XXIII.* (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) OXFORD TOWNSHIP-ORGANIZATION-EARLY FAMILIES-PIONEER ENTERPRISES-CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. "So centuries passed by, and still the woods Blossomed in spring, and reddened when the year Grew chill, and glistened in the frozen rains Of winter, till the white man swung the ax Within them-signal of a mighty change." -Bryant. OXFORD, like some other political organizations that have passed into history, has had its rise and decline. Its earliest organization was a part of Marlborough and with it extended its authority to the lake shore. After some seven years of this subordinate rule, a petition was presented to the County Commissioners by John Shaw and others, praying for the erection of Oxford into a separate township, which was granted March 6, 1815, with boundaries as follows: " Beginning at the southeast corner of the sixth township, Range 18, United States military lands, and running thence north on the east line of Range 18 to the Indian boundary line; thence westerly on said line to the east line of Range 19 ; thence south on said range line to the south line of the sixth township ; thence east on said line to the place of beginning." Three years later, all. that part of Radnor Township which was situated due north of Oxford, and north of the Indian boundary line, was attached to this township. In 1822, on the formation of Westfield Township, Oxford furnished the territory, and in 1847, when Morrow County was formed, a strip one mile wide and five miles long was taken from the north side and added to Westfield Township. Oxford at present is five miles long east and west, and four miles wide north and south, and bounded on the north by Westfield, on the east by Perry, both townships in Morrow County; on the south by Brown, and on the west by Troy and Marlborough. The surface of the township is generally level, though somewhat broken in the northwest corner along the Olentangy River which passes through that corner of the township. Along the west branch of Alum Creek, which passes almost the entire width of the township from north to south about a half a mile from the * Contributed by J. F. Doty, Esq. east end, the surface presents the same broken features. About the center of the township, the Basin Branch forms a junction with Alum Creek. This branch is large enough to run a saw-mill, and just at this point was the site of the first mill erected in the township. The soil is generally a low black loam, originally very wet, almost swampy, but by a regular system of drainage there is scarcely an acre in the township that has not been reduced to good tillable land. In the sections noted as rolling, the soil is principally clay, but well adapted to the products of this region and is profitable for farming purposes. The timber comprises the various oaks of this climate, hickory, ash, elm, and beech. There was formerly considerable walnut, but the demand for this timber and the consequent market for it has resulted in removing all of this kind, save here and there a solitary tree. An occasional sycamore of fine growth is found and finds a ready market. The farms have nearly all been well improved and are managed with all the advantages of improved tools and methods, and prove generally profitable to their owners. Corn is the chief product, and is raised in large quantities. Wheat is also a profitable crop here and a considerable amount of it is raised. A good deal of grain is shipped annually at this point, though perhaps not so large a quantity as formerly, the farmers of late turning their attention to stock-raising and consuming their grain at home. This is one of the best shipping points between Columbus and Cleveland. The settlement of Oxford Township began nearly as early as any other part of the county, but it grew up very slowly for several years. In the year 1810, a settlement was begun in the northwest quarter of the township, around what is now known as Windsor's Corners. The first settler in this section was the father of Ezra and Comfort Olds, who built the first cabin, a log structure, twenty feet square. In the fall of the same year, or perhaps the following spring, Henry Foust, a young unmarried man, settled on a farm a short distance east of the Olds farm. He was 538 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. married, in 1812, to Mary Olds, and lived on the place until 1878, clearing the forest by his own effort, and raising a large family. The youngest child, Albert, still lives on the homestead. Old Mr. Olds often related, during the latter part of his life, of his going to election in Oxford Township when there were but five voters, who appointed him the first juror from the township in the courts of Delaware County. Two years later, a young man by the name of William T. Sharp came as far as Norton, with Gen. Harrison's army. He was not a soldier, however, and liking the country, determined to make it his home. He lived for some time in the family of Henry Foust, and later settled about a mile down the river, on the farm now owned by Albert Gillet. He raised a large family, the gentlemen of that name known in the county as stock-dealers being his sons. One of these, Samuel Gillet, lives within a few rods of the old homestead, and was, during the late war, Captain of Company D of the One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Among the first families who came here, but a few years later, was Aden Windsor, who settled on the farm at the corners. In the year 1832, he built a brick house on his farm, which was the first brick residence in the township, and it still stands a silent witness of the passing years. The owner of this residence lived but a few years to enjoy the comfort thus prepared, but the property is still in the hands of the family. About the time be erected the dwelling, Mr. Windsor put up a frame barn, across the road from his house, and it still remains, though considerably the worse for the half-century's exposure to the elements, without the protection of paint. Soon after the war of 1812, David Kyrk came into this section. He was a soldier in that war, and still lives here, nearly ninety years old, on his original farm. He is one of the very few remaining pensioners of 1812. His has been a remarkable constitution, and after a long and active life, he has only recently become unable to walk from his farm to town, a distance of four miles. In 1810, a settlement was begun in the southeast part of the township, known later as the Alum Creek District. Andrew Murphy, from Pennsylvania, was the first settler, but was joined, soon afterward, by James McWilliams, Hugh Waters, Henry Riley and Henry Wolf. Some seven years later, that section of the township where Ashley has since risen was settled by Robert Brown, his farm occupying the southwest quarter of the village. His cabin home stood on the ground now occupied by the Ashley Hotel. In the following year, Ralph Slack came up from Berkshire and settled on the farm now occupied by the southeast part of the village. His cabin was built near the site of the residence of Bennett Brundige. About the same time, his brother, John Slack, settled on the farm next east, across Alum Creek, his house being near the present residence of Joseph Evans. Elijah Smith settled on the farm now owned by Howard Rogers, about 1815, and Calvin Cole settled, about the same time, on the farm next east of John Slack. In 1819, Adam Shoemaker settled a .short distance north of the present village of Ashley, but moved, a few years later, to a point just east of the village. He had a large family of boys, who settled about him, so that at present there are more of his descendants living here than of any other of the early families. In 1823, Amos Spurgen settled on the farm now occupied by the northwest quarter of the village, and three years later, Thomas Barton settled on the farm next northwest of Ashley. The latter raised a large family, who remained here, and are now in possession of the original lands of their father. Section 3, the southwest quarter of the township, was sold to John Rathbone, of New York. His patent was issued for 4,000 acres, and was signed by John Adams, President of the United States, May 3, 1800. This land was not brought into the market, however, until 1842, when it passed to his grandson, Hiram G. Andrews, of Delaware, who immediately put it up for sale. It was laid off into forty sections of 100 acres each, and the first purchaser in the following year was Griffith Thomas and soon after, Evan McCreary bought a lot. Isaac Clark, George Houseworth and N. E. Gale were among the purchasers of this land, which sold at from $3 to $8 per acre. At this time, this land was heavily timbered, and much of it so wet that it was considered almost worthless ; for years this section was known as the "great south woods." To the early settlers the prospect must have been very discouraging, but, by great energy and industry, this section has become the abode of some of Oxford's most thrifty farmers. The lands are generally cleared, drained and in good condition for tilling, and the farms to be found here cannot be excelled in the county for their production of corn, wheat, pasture, stock, etc. The rude log cabins that sheltered the first owners have given way to HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 539 good commodious farm dwellings, several of them made of brick. Seth Slack built the first brick house in this section. The early pioneers found this township a favorite hunting-ground of the Indians, and numerous parties of the Wyandots roamed through the forests in search of game. A well-beaten trail ran along the banks of Indian Run, by which they came from their reservation. They continued to make this their hunting-ground as late as 1815, when they began to be crowded out by the whites. After this, up to as late as 1820, an old chief of this tribe, called Scionto, came to the township traps ping, and often made the residence of Joseph Cole, in the edge of Troy, his headquarters. The old chief became quite a favorite of the family, and was remarkable for his friendliness to all whites. Wolves and deer were found in abundance and an occasional bear added to the sport of the huntsman. The wolves were especially bold and troublesome, and the settlers were obliged to build a protection for their stock. The first election under its own auspices was held in Oxford at the house of Henry Foust, and later at the house of Elisha Bishop. In 1820, when James Madison was candidate a second time for the Presidency, an election was held here, at which David Elliott, John Shaw and Henry Foust were Judges. There were two Clerks, and beside the Board there were two votes cast. The first Justice of the Peace was Andrew Murphy, who was succeeded by Ezra Olds. The latter served for thirty years. The introduction of those pioneer industries which are found indispensable in isolated settlements, was quite late in Oxford. There were older settlements all about, and it was not until the people felt able to indulge in the luxury of a convenient mill, that such an enterprise found encouragement enough to start. It was not until 1832, that Milton Pierce and Henry Riley built the first saw-mill in the southeast part of the township, at the mouth of Basin Branch. Here it stood until age rendered it too infirm for service, when it was rebuilt by Lewis Powers. It still stands, owned by Benjamin Martin, but has for the past few years been out of service. A grist-mill was built about the same time, a little further up the stream, by Hosea Waters. The buhr-stones were made of large "nigger-head " bowlders, and were run by horse power. This was rather a slow way to make flour, but it proved a great improvement on the plan o going ten, fifteen or twenty miles to mill. A tannery was started by George Claypool in 1824, a few rods south of Windsor Corners. It afterward passed into the hands of Jonas Foust, and at a still later day, into the possession of James J. Sherwood. Another noticeable fact is the late date when the cabins began to be superseded by frame dwellings. It was not until 1840 that the first of these latter structures was erected for Henry Foust. A mechanic by the name of Harkness did the work, and the lumber was procured at Joseph Cole's mill, in Troy Township. The building still stands, but. forty years of exposure to sunshine and storm without the protection of paint, has given it an aged appearance. The first death in the township was that of a child of Comfort Olds, in the year 1812. No graveyard had yet been laid out in Oxford, and the interment was made in the cemetery at Norton, which was an older settlement. The grave was dug by Henry Foust. The first birth in the township was that of Job Foust. Oxford has but one village, a flourishing little town of about eight hundred inhabitants, situated just north of the center of the township, on the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railway. The original name of this village was Oxford, but was subsequently changed to Ashley. The ground was owned by L. W. Ashley and J. C. Avery, and was platted by them on June 15, 1849, the County Surveyor, Charles Neil, laying it off in sixty-nine inlots. On the 6th day of August, 1849, Henry Lamb and S. Finch made an addition of eighty-three inlots to the town, numbering from seventy to one hundred and fifty-two, inclusive. June 18, 1850, J. C. Avery, S. I Finch and Henry Lamb made an addition of fifteen inlots, from one hundred and fifty-three to one hundred and sixty-seven, inclusive. Two years later, Messrs. Lamb and Finch platted ten outlots, from A to K, inclusive, and, in 1860, L. W. Ashley added three more lots. Hugh Cole and John Doty made a small addition in 1877, making a total of 183 in and out lots. In May of the year succeeding the platting of the village, Lewis Purmort started a small grocery and dry-goods store on the Shoemaker farm, one-half mile east of Ashley. Later in the year, Aloy Patee built the present Ashley Hotel, and was its first proprietor. In the fall, Purmort moved his stock of goods into what is now the gentleman's sitting room of the hotel. He remained here for about a year, while he built a storeroom on Lot No. 33. 540 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY He moved into his new building and continued his enterprise about three years, when he disposed of the business. Mr. Purmort has engaged in various enterprises and is still a resident of Ashley. In the spring of 1850, he and Milton Smith built a saw-mill on the railroad grounds for the company. In the following year, Hiram M. Shaffer built a frame storehouse on Inlot No. 69, and the firm of Miller & Mulford, of Mount Vernon, put in a stock of dry goods. About this time a post office was established here, and J. H. Miller, one of the above firm, was the first Postmaster. Before this, Westfield was the nearest place to get mail. In 1850, Adam Sherman built a small house on Lot No. 104, in which he started a saloon, and, in the same year, William B. Belknap built the first frame dwelling-house on Lot No. 29. The prospects of the village seemed flattering for a rapid and healthy growth, and enterprising men were eager to establish their business in the promising little town. Among the earliest firms were Robert Morrison and Stephen Morehouse, Jr., who erected a frame storehouse on Inlot No. 4, and put in a stock of dry goods. They continued the business but little over two years, when they sold out to J. S. Brumback, who carried on the business only a short time. A year or two after the laying-out of the village, Benjamin McMaster, Joseph Riley and Israel Potter erected a grain warehouse on Lot No. 72. In 1853, Mr. McMaster became sole proprietor, and carried on the grain business for a few years, when he sold out to Breeden & Place. Jesse Meredith built a grain warehouse on the railroad grounds, about the sane time the other one was erected, and combined the grain business with the duties of station agent. The warehouse was used also as a freight depot. In the same year, Adam Sherman built a store on Lot No. 73, and a Mr. Clark started a dry-goods store in it. The pioneer blacksmith-shop of the village was started in 1852, by A. B. Morehouse. A rake factory was started in a building erected for the purpose, by Purmort, Fitzgerald & Co., in 1853, but it only continued operations about a year, The Methodist Episcopal Church bought the building, and, moving it on to Lot No. 70, fitted up for a place of worship. This building is at present used as a private dwelling by T. Chapman. On the 3d day of March, 1855, a petition, signed by some fifty residents of the village, was filed with the Auditor of Delaware County, praying for the incorporation of the village of Ashley. At their June session, in 1855, the Board of Commissioners heard and granted the petition, and on the 30th day of the following August, 1855, the first election for officers was held at the school. house. James Culbertson was elected Mayor; A. Pater, Recorder, and Jesse Meredith, S. Joy, Levi Shisler and Samuel Shisler, Councilmen, who served until the following regular spring election. At this time, L. D. Benton was elected Mayor; J. M. Coomer, Recorder, and Solomon Joy, Samuel Shisler, S. B. Morehouse, A. G. Hall, and George McMaster, Councilmen. Benjamin F. Fry was the first Marshal, and Solomon Joy the first Treasurer. The first ordinance passed by the council was for the suppression of intemperance. In the spring of 1857, B. F. Fry was elected Mayor. In 1862, a special school district was formed of the village, and a few of the adjoining farms, and a new school building erected, with two rooms. This building was used until 1877 , when the growth of the school required more room, and a fine two story schoolhouse, with four commodious rooms was built. The school is now carried on with four departments, under the successful management of David E. Cowgill, whose energy and industry, together with his competent assistants, have brought the Ashley schools up to a standard second to none of the surrounding graded schools. On the 26th day of February, 1868, Howard Matthews, Grand Master of Masons of Ohio, issued his dispensation to S. Moore, J. F. Doty, J. P. Clark, J. W. Hoff, William E. Palmer, W. I W. Stratton, J. L. Wray, L. A. Coomer, John Field, E. B. Morrison, J. B. Richardson, Henry Sutton and E. M. Conklin, to organize a lode of Free and Accepted Masons, at Ashley, and on the 8th day of April, 1868, the lodge was constituted and numbered 407. At the meeting of the Grand Lodge, at Dayton, Ohio, on October 20, 1868, a charter was issued to the lodge, with the following officers: S. Moore, W. M.; J. F. Doty, S. W.; E. B. Morrison, J. W.; John Field, Treasurer ; J. L. Wray, Secretary; Henry Sutton, S. D.; L. A. Coomer, J. D.; James P. Clark, Tiler. Since its organization, the lodge has made about sixty masons, and changed its quarters from a small room in the third story, to a nice commodious room in the second story. On the 22d day of June, 1869, Lodge No. 421, I. O. O. F., was instituted with the following officers Washington Granger, N. G.; C. C. Smith, V. G.; D. H. Clifton, Secretary ; T. M. Leeds, Per. Sec- HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 541 retary : I. Barton, Treasurer. The following were charter members: J. L. Wray, A. A. Wood, H. L. Cross; G. Carpenter, A. P. Oliver, Thomas N. Barton, L. P. Slack, H. Baxter, William Everett, and W. S. Porterfield. The lodge is in flourishing condition, and has about fifty members. On June 21, 1870, an encampment was instituted, with the following officers and charter members: W. Granger, C. P.; E. M. Conklin, H. P.; A. Y. Conklin, S. W.; S. A. Smith, J. W.; L. E.. Hyatt, Scribe, and A. A. Wood, Treasurer; members, Samuel Llewellyn and W. E. Palmer. The growth of the village for the last thirty years has been steady and uniform, and has come up from a cross-roads settlement in the woods to a thriving village, second to none of its kind in the county. At present, the village contains three dry-goods stores, three grocery and provision stores, one hardware and implement store, one drug store, one jewelry store, one grain warehouse, one clothing store, two boot and shoe stores, two harness-shops, two saloons, one flouring-mill, two carriage-shops, two emblem factories, three blacksmith-shops, one hotel, one distillery, two sawmills, three planing-mills, and two cooper-shops. Three churches have their places of worship here the Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist. There is, perhaps, as much stock shipped from this station as any other way station on the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railway. During the past year (1879) there were loaded and shipped from Ashley, 249 cars of stock, consisting of 84 cars of cattle, 83 cars of sheep, and 84 cars of hogs; in all, 1,400 head of cattle, 16,679 head of sheep, and 4,910 head of hogs. The earliest church organization in Oxford Township was the Methodist Episcopal Church. Tradition is authority for the statement that society of this denomination was organized at Winsor Corners as early as 1815. They accommodated themselves with such rude structures as the circumstances of the case afforded until 1857 when they built a neat frame building, which was dedicated by Elder Wilson, then presiding over that conference. In February, 1839, Rev. E. S Garitt, of this denomination, came from Muskingum County and bought the Houston farm situated about three-quarters of a mile southeast of Ashley. In the following year, with considerable ministerial enterprise, in company with the Shoemaker family, he erected a log cabin a few rods north of his house. The logs were hewn square on the inside, while the furniture and fittings for church service profited by the attention of a mechanic, Mr. Samuel Shoemaker. Mr. Garitt dedicated the building and has conducted services in it and about here for the last forty years. He is universally respected, and there is scarcely a family that has fairly gained a residence within a radius of five miles of his home, but that sometime had called upon him to marry the living or bury the dead. The church thus organized held its services in the old log house until the spring of 1852, when the meetings were transferred to Ashley. Here the church occupied the log house built by Robert Brown for a dwelling, and afterward the town schoolhouse until April, 1855, when they bought the building now used by T. Chapman as a residence. In December, 1866, the church sold this building, and, from that time until 1868, they used the Presbyterian place of worship, which they finally bought, using it up to the present time. The first regular Pastor was the Rev. L. Warner. Their present minister is the Rev. S. L. Yourtee. In 1861, Rev. Mr. Banaam organized a Wesleyan Methodist Church from the remains of an Episcopal Methodist society, which had existed for some years in the Alum Creek District. A little later, they put up a place of worship, which is known as the Oxford Church, and is situated about three miles southeast of Ashley. The Baptist Church was organized in the Ashley neighborhood in June of 1835, by Rev. Daniel Thomas. Seven years later, the society built a frame building near the present site of the cemetery. Here they worshiped until 1851, when they moved their building to Ashley, where it still serves them as a place of worship. On April 27, 1852, a committee, consisting of Rev. Henry Shedd, Rev. John W. Thompson, Rev. William S. Spaulding, and Elders John Mateer and John McElroy, having been appointed by the Franklin Presbytery to go to Ashley to establish a Presbyterian Church, met and proceeded to organize a society as directed. The first Elders were Z. P. Wigton and Henry Slack. On May 24, 1857, James M. Eckles was added to the list of Elders. Rev. Henry Shedd was the first minister of the church. In the summer of 1853, the society purchased Lot No. 27, in Ashley, and two years later built a place of worship, which they used until 1868. Six years later, the society sold this building to the Methodists and erected a neat brick building, in which they still worship. 542 -HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. There is a membership of about forty persons. The present Pastor is Rev. W. E. Thomas. The first Sabbath school in the township was organized in a small log house in the Alum Creek District, on the farm of James McWilliams, by James M. Eckles in the year 1841. Mr. Eckles was especially interested in this work, and conducted this school for ten years. In 1851, he organized another in Garitt District, and conducted it some three years, when it was removed to Ashley and united with others to form the Union Sabbath School, which is still maintained. Their services are held in the Presbyterian Church building, and Mr. Eckles is still in his favorite service, as Assistant Superintendent. Four Sunday-schools are maintained in the township; one at the M. E. Church at Winsor Corners; one at the M. E. Church in Ashley; the united school of the Presbyterian Church at Ashley, and one at the Wesleyan Church at Oxford. Schools began rather late, the first schoolhouse being erected about 1826. There are conflicting traditions as to where it was situated, but the weight of evidence seems to be that a spot within two or three rods of the residence of Thomas M. Leeds is its site. It was a round-log affair, 18x22 feet, and furnished with the rude necessities of a frontier school. Levi Phelps, a Baptist minister, was the first teacher. About the same time, a schoolhouse was erected a few rods south of Winsor Corners. This building was used a few years, when it was replaced by a hewed-log cabin. In the course of a few years, this building gave way to a frame, which was used until 1857, when the Methodist Church bought the site. Besides the special school district in Ashley, there are six school districts, four of which are supplied with good, substantial brick schoolhouses. The other two are furnished with wooden structures. All are supplied with modern school furniture. We cannot refrain from giving a few words to the military and political record of the township, even with the risk of adding to a subject fully treated elsewhere. At the breaking-out of hostilities in 1861, Oxford was among the first to respond to the call of the Governor. As early as May 1, 1861, Capt. Jesse Meredith, who gained: that rank in the Mexican war, had raised a company, and reported to the Governor as ready for duty. The company was soon ordered to report to Camp Chase, and on June 15, 1861, was mustered into the service as Company C, of the Twenty-sixth Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. The commissioned officers of the company at its organization were Jesse Meredith, Captain; E. A. Hicks, First Lieutenant ; William Clark, Second Lieutenant. The company re-enlisted, and remained in the service during the war. Of this company, twenty were killed and fifteen were carried off by disease, counting about one-third of the company who did not survive the service. On August 1, 1862, a second company was raised in Oxford, which was officered as follows: Captain, Samuel Sharpe; First Lieutenant, Joseph A. Schebles; Second Lieutenant, S. B. Morehouse. This Company was mustered into the service as company D, of the One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, August 13, 1862, and served until the end of the war. It is but just to say that surrounding townships contributed members to these companies. Politically the township has been Whig, and, later, has given a regular Republican majority, varying from sixty to eighty. Several of Oxford's children have reached distinction politically, among whom may be mentioned, William P. Reed, now deceased, formerly a prominent member of the Delaware bar, and represented this Senatorial District in the State Legislature. Ezra Riley served several years as an infirmary officer; J. F. Doty, as Auditor from March, 1869, to November, 1873 ; John Chapman, as Clerk of the Court., being elected in 1873 and again in 1878, and Cicero Coomer, as County Treasurer, being elected in 1879. HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 543 CHAPTER XXIV.* THOMPSON TOWNSHIP- TOPOGRAPHY-EARLY SETTTLEMENT-MILLS, BRIDGES AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS - INCIDENTS - RELIGION AND EDUCATION-POST OFFICES. "That tells Of days and years long since gone by." TROMPSON TOWNSHIP, named after one of the earliest Governmental surveyors, comprises within its boundaries a portion of those lands described in this work, under the title of Virginia Military Land. It was erected into a separate township June 5, 1820, by the granting of the following petition descriptive of its boundaries: Beginning at Delsaver's "Ford," on the Scioto River, thence due west to the Union County line, thence north on said county line to the old Indian boundary line, thence with said boundary line east to the Scioto River, thence down said river to the place of beginning. The boundaries as thus described were not altered in the least, until February 24, 1848, when, by the specific act of the Legislature, the new county of Morrow was formed, and a portion from the northern art of Thompson was given to Marion County. The present boundaries are as follows: On the north by Prospect Township in Marion County, on the east by Radnor, on the south by Scioto Township, and on the west by Union County. The Scioto River forms the eastern boundary line of the township, and presents in its winding course and geological formation the characteristic features found to be possessed by it in the other townships. There are the same bold, rocky cliffs, and solid channel-bed of limestone, and the huge granite bowlders scattered here and there tend to make the appearances identical. The river receives as tributaries from the west, Tau Way Run and Fulton's Creek. Most of its way through the township, the river is narrow, and in some places quite deep. At "Broad Ford" it suddenly widens, and here we have an illustration of what the river might have been, were it not for the rock-bound cliffs that control its waters. In the spring and fall, the river often becomes very deep from the rains and melting snow, when it goes "booming" along its course ; * Contributed by H. L. S. Vaile. but this swollen state lasts but a few days, and its fall is as sudden as its rise. The sudden increase and decrease in the size of the river is accounted for by farmers upon the theory that the land, being now so thoroughly cleared from the brush and logs which acted in former times as a natural dam to the waters, has nothing to govern the action of the creeks and artificial drains, consequently the water rushes off in a perfect torrent for a few hours, and then subsides. The river, depending upon the tributaries; must follow the same law of rise and fall. Tau Way Run rises in Union County, and, after pursuing a southeasterly course across Thompson Township, flows into the Scioto River a short distance north of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Tau Way is the name of an Indian tribe who, at an early date, occupied the banks of the river. This tribe belonged to the Wyandot Nation, and were noted for their peaceable disposition and friendly feelings toward the whites. Fulton's Creek also rises in Union County, and, flowing almost parallel with Tau Way Run, empties into the Scioto River about two miles and a half below the run. Fulton's Creek was named from a Mr. Fulton, and the circumstances connected with its designation are of a sad character. Fulton was a person universally liked by all his fellow: pioneers, and accounted one of the most successful hunters of his day. The Indians coming down to the little settlement situated where Pickrell's Mills now stand, to do their trading, would invariably ask after Fulton, the "great hunter." One day, he shouldered his rifle and started for the forest, telling his friends that he was "off for a hunt;" that he would return soon and bring them a deer. His favorite hunting-ground being on and near this creek, he started in its direction. As he reached the edge of the forest, he stopped for a moment and waved his hand to the Indian trader, who stood watching him from the door of his shanty. He turned and entered the dark woods. This was the last time he was ever seen. The following day, some of the settlers inquired if Fulton 544 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. had come in, but none having seen him, it was concluded that he had gotten so far from home, and night coming on, he had camped in the woods. The day passed and the next, and a week went by, but still, from the known disposition of the man, no great anxiety was manifested. It was not until the middle of the second week of his disappearance that the neighbors and friends began to feel alarmed. It was concluded to wait until the first of the next week and then, if Fulton remained absent, a party should be organized and go in search of him. This was accordingly done and, striking the trail where he had entered the forest, it was followed to the creek. At this point, all trace of him was lost, and, although parties scoured the country for miles in every direction, he was never found or trace of him discovered. Of course, many conjectures were indulged in. Some thought that he had been killed and his body burned by the Indians, they being so envious of his reputation as a hunter. Others imagined that he had left the settlement of his own volition, while a few advanced the opinion that, while pursuing game, he might have sunk in a swamp or bed of quicksand in or near the creek. As a lasting tribute of respect, the stream was named after him. A long narrow ridge follows the west margin of the Scioto River, in many places being deeply cut by ravines which have been washed out and gorged by the many small streams from the back lands in finding an outlet into the waters of the river. West of this ridge the land becomes more level. In the northwestern portion of the township the land is very low, only broken here and there by clay knolls. Drains six or seven feet deep are the only means by which these low, wet lands are rendered tillable. In the northwestern portion of the township, there are found stratified beds of sand and gravel. Between Tau Way Run and Fulton's Creek there seems to be a natural basin in which at an early date were found elm swamps. The land bordering the creek is clayey, while back from them are "bottoms" of loam. The country in some localities is well wooded, but along the river the land has been considerably cleared. This is accounted for from the fact that the ridge was well drained and seemed the best adapted for building sites, consequently the adjoining woodlands were cleared first. The land bordering on the river still seems to be the favored ground for farming purposes and the interior to this day remains thinly settled though now rapidly filling up. The land has an abundance of moisture, being well watered by the Scioto and its tributaries. In the extreme northwestern part of the township, there is an outcropping of the Oriskany sandstone, while the great body of the drift land lying to the westward of the Scioto is superimposed upon beds of limestone. In some localities this limestone is very soft, and when exposed to the action of the sun's rays and the disintegrating power of the air, turns white, and, crumbling to pieces, gives material aid and strength to the soil. The farming lands throughout the entire township are well cultivated and very rich, but along the "bottoms" it is held in especial favor and demands a high price. The cleared land, as regards the raising of cereals, bears abundantly, and the productions are of a general character. The first settler that came into what is now Thompson Township was Samuel Weaver, who came from the southeastern part of Virginia in the fall of 1808 to Chillicothe. Hearing glowing accounts of the land in the township from one of the surveyors, he concluded to start the following spring and locate his grant. Accordingly, in the early part of March, we find him on his way, reaching this locality about the 1st of April. Having disposed of his grant, he located on land belonging to a man by the name of Hill, and situated just south of Clark's survey. His arrival becoming known to the Welsh settlers, near Delhi, they crossed the river and assisted him in raising his cabin. He commenced to clear the land, and continued to work it until his death. One day his wife, upon returning from the field, where she had gone to assist her husband in some labor, was horrified to find a huge snake taking milk from the cup that stood at the side of her sleeping babe. To add to her terror, the child, as if feeling the influence of her presence, awoke, and, seeing the fascinating object so near, stretched out its dimpled hands toward the snake. The mother, smothering the cry that came to her lips, quietly stole away and placed a pan of milk on the doorway. The snake, thus attracted, left the side of the laughing child, and, when it was at a safe distance from the babe, the brave woman killed it. Michael Dilsaver came to this locality, soon after Weaver and his family moved in the township, and settled at the ford that bears his name in the southeast corner of the township. It was not until 1816 that James Cochran, a native of the Keystone State, came to this township. He entered Ohio by way of Wheeling, and, after stopping a short time at Zanesville, HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 545 reached Dilsaver's ford in the spring of 1817, and following the trail north for a short distance, settled on land now occupied by J. W. Cone. Immediately upon his arrival, he erected a log cabin near the mouth of Fulton's Creek, but, during a freshet, the water in the river and the creek having risen and endangered his home, he was compelled to move to the high ground a short distance west of the mouth of the creek. About 1827, Cochran built the first grist-mill in the township. It was constructed of logs, and located on Fulton's Creek, not far from its mouth. The dam at first was of brush, but soon after made more substantial by means of heavy logs. That a mill was not erected until this late date arises from the fact that the early settlers found it quite convenient to go to Millville, in Scioto Township, where a mill had been established at an early date. Cochran was energetic and enterprising, doing much toward opening up the then new country. John Swartz came to this locality in 1818, from Highland County, Penn., but was originally from New Jersey. He was an old Revolutionary soldier, having served for some time under the immortal Washington. Swartz was. accompanied by his four sons, and settled on land near what is now known as Pickrell's Mills. He with the help of his sons, put up a cabin, and, having cleared a tract of land, sowed it in wheat, but the anticipated crop proved an utter failure, and, after a few trials, which showed the same result, the project was abandoned. It was several years before any of the farmers could again be induced to try the experiment. Swartz died in 1841, and left two sons, Jacob, who still lives on the old farm near the mills, a hale old man of eighty, and Henry. Sebastian, another son, was in the war of 1812, and died in 1822. Henry was also in the same war. The following story concerning him appears in the history of Ohio : " About 1820, a party of Indians came down from the north to hunt on Fulton's Creek, a custom which they frequently indulged in, and were ordered away by Henry Swartz. They replied that they would not leave their time honored hunting-ground. That, although the land belonged to the white man, the game belonged to the Indian. They also claimed that inasmuch as they were friends they ought not to be molested. A few days after this, two of their number were missing, and they hunted the entire country over without finding them. At last they found evidence of human bones where there had been a fire, and immediately charged Swartz with killing and burning their missing companions. They threatened vengeance on him, and until his death he had to be constantly on his guard to prevent being waylaid. The matter never was legally investigated, but it was supposed by some. that he, with the assistance of a man by the name of Williams, really disposed of them in the manner above stated." The same year that Swartz settled in this locality, Simeon Lindsley and John Hurd came to Thompson, and settled on the old military road, directly south of where Swartz had located his land. They were both from Vermont. Roswell Field, an industrious Canadian, entered the township about the same time, and settled on the banks of the river, a short distance north of Dilsaver's Ford. He was the first carpenter in the township, and erected the first frame house. When the township was formed in 1820, Field was elected Justice of the Peace, and performed the marriage ceremony for the matrimonially inclined until a minister had settled in the neighborhood. The next settlers in the township were Samuel Broderick and Joseph Russell, who came in the latter part of the year 1819, settling on Clark's survey, about three miles north of the mills. Russell and his family came here from Connecticut, and, buying 318 acres of land heavily timbered, began to clear. These were all the settlers in the township at this date, and it was not until between 1828 and 1838 that others began to make their homes here in any considerable numbers, and the settlements that were made being principally along the river, the interior was neglected until quite recently. The first grist-mill erected in Thompson Township was on Fulton's Creek, about half a mile from the mouth of the same, and where the present mill is located. It was built by James Cochran about 1827. A few years after, Fields erected a sawmill at the same site, and the gristmill having in the mean time become rather dilapidated, Fields rebuilt it. In 1830, Jacob Swartz built the first saw-mill in the township, which is still in existence, and runs whenever there is sufficient water. It is situated on the west bank of the Scioto River, about two rods below Pickrell's grist-mill. It is now the property of Mr. Pickrell. In 1844, J. W. Cone, who had served an apprenticeship in the old Delaware woolen mill, built a similar institution in this township, which for thirty years was the pride of this section. It stood where Pickrell's grist-mill now stands, and the old dam which backs up the water for the use of the latter furnished for many years the motor-power of the 546 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. factory. It was not until 1868 that steam was introduced for the purpose of running the mill, and from sparks blown from the engine the latter took fire, and was burned down in 1874. In 1877, H. P. Pickrell, who formerly ran the gristmill at Ostrander, came to this place, and where Cone's woolen-mill stood he erected the large gristmill which is now in full operation. There is a small saw-mill, the property of Clark Decker, situated in the extreme northeastern portion of the township, on the Scioto River. It was built about 1863. The first bridge over the Scioto River in this township, connecting it with Radnor, was not built until 1869. It is a wooden bridge, covered and spans the river on what is known as the road to Delhi. Prior to the time it was built, the only way the people had for crossing the river was to ford it, and the most favorable spot for this purpose is called the "Broad Ford," on the south erg boundary line of the township. Jacob Swartz built a large flat-boat and a canoe, by means of which he used to ferry the people across when the river was high. In about 1875, a small covered bridge-a wooden structure-was built across Fulton's Creek, on what is known as the Fulton Creek road, about a mile west from the mill on the same road. The first birth of a white child that took place in Thompson Township was that of Susanna Cochran, a daughter of James Cochran. She was born in the year 1817. The first death that took place in the township, was that of Michael Dilsaver. In 1821, Mrs. Margaret Swartz died, and she was taken to the little cemetery on Boke's Creek, in Scioto Township. It does not take a very fertile imagination to picture forth the effect this solemn procession made upon the mind and heart of the early settler, as it wended its way along the river road to the tombed and silent city of the dead. But even the terrors of death are for a short time dispelled by the happy surroundings of those who are about to clasp each other's hands, and thus with rapture beaming in their countenances join destinies for the journey down the thorny path of life. And so it was undoubtedly with the first marriage, when Catherine Swartz was wed to William Travers, the ceremony of which took place in the year 1822, and was performed in the log-cabin of John Swartz, father of Catherine ; in this case, Squire Fields officiated in uniting those "Two souls with but a single thought, Two hearts that beat as one." From all directions the young people gathered to witness the ceremony, and after it was concluded, they assembled on the puncheon floor of the cabin and the fiddlers having been notified, the dancing commenced. Of course the splinters in the floor interfered somewhat with a long chassez, and, by sticking into the bare feet of the dancers, made a proper rendition of 'balance to `yer' partner " also a little precarious ; still it was a happy occasion, and the supper composed of venison and wild honey was not at all bad. The first schoolhouse was a small hewn-log cabin, and was situated on Fulton's Creek. In this rude temple of education, James Crawford first taught the pioneer boy and girl the rudiments of that knowledge, which many times they had to undergo such hardships to attain. The first cabin ever erected in this township was put up by Samuel Weaver about 1809, and was, in construction, similar to all the log cabins of the pioneers. The first apple-trees introduced into the township was set out by Jacob Swartz, who bought them from a man on Mill Creek. The first tannery that began operations was built about 1845, by Israel Waters, and stood near where Pickrell's Mills now stands. The building has long since been destroyed. Roswell Fields himself, the first carpenter, erected the first frame house in the township, and Jacob Swartz the second. The first brick house was put up by Hoskins. Joseph Cubberly was the first blacksmith, and opened his shop and began operations in the year 1825. The first store in the township was opened in a frame house near where Pickroll's Mills are now situated, and was owned by Joseph Cox. Prior Cog was clerk in the store. Fletcher Welch, acting as an agent for Anthony Walker, of Delaware, sold goods on Swartz's place before the store was opened, but Indian traders used to come up to the little settlement long in advance of either of the above-mentioned parties. Dr. Mathias Gerehard was the first resident physician in the township. The first tavern was kept by John Detwiler, who also for thirty years carried on the business of selling liquor, when the establishment was sold out and never started again. Thomas Lavender was a brick-maker, the first in the township, and burned the first kiln of brick, and built one of the first brick houses. In following through the history of the settlement of this township, it will be noticed that but comparatively few families found homes here at so early a period as in adjoining townships, and it HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 547 was not until a late date that a sufficient number had been added to the neighborhood to enable them to support those institutions that are necessary adjuncts to the well-being of all civilized communities. It is not surprising then that churches and schools were not instituted here until after they were enjoyed in almost every other locality throughout the country, Radnor and Scioto Townships being contiguous afforded opportunities for those living in Thompson for worship, and it was to churches in these localities that the good people would make their regular Sunday journey. These, of course, were at times attended with some difficulties. The Scioto River intervened between Radnor and Thompson ; this had to be forded, which in times of high water was not only a dangerous undertaking, but in the flooded stages impossible. Thus were the devout who journeyed in that direction either compelled to forego their accustomed pilgrimage to the temple of God, or avail themselves of similar privileges afforded in Scioto. It was not until about the year 1840, that religious organizations began to take shape here. About this time, the New Lights or Christians formed their society, and in 1843, erected a church on Tau Way Run, the Rev. Isaac Walters officiating as their first minister. Here they held their services until 1873, when the church burned down, it is thought through the act of an incendiary. Nothing daunted, and with commendable zeal, they immediately commenced their plans for anew building, and this they completed in 1875, the site being one mile west of the old church. They now have periodical preaching, and the charge is not in a very flourishing condition. The Methodist Episcopal organization, it is supposed by some, existed prior to that of the Christian, but this is in doubt. The first meetings of the Methodists were held at the residence of Joseph Russell, and then in a small lob church put up by them, in union with the Disciple society. In this they worshiped under ministrations of the Rev. Ebenezer Webster, who was on the Richwood Circuit, this charge having been placed under that jurisdiction. A few years later, they were changed to the Delhi Circuit, and the congregation assembled at the house of Henry C. Flemming to hear the " word expounded," changing occasionally to other conveniently situated residences, and at times holding services in the neighborhood schoolhouse. In 1867, they were again changed, at which time the little charge was placed on the Prospect or Middletown Circuit, and there they gathered together in their little circles, constant in their adherence to faith and duty. During this unsatisfactory state of affairs, in 1868, they began agitating the question of building a temple of their own. Accordingly one-fourth of an acre, situated on the State road, a short distance north of the covered bridge, was bought for a site, including space for a burying-ground. A subscription having been raised, work was immediately commenced for the construction of a frame building that would amply satisfy the wants of the people. At this time, the society embraced in its membership but two male members, Henry C. Fleming and James Maize. To them belong a great share of the credit for the present prosperous condition of the organization. However, the ladies, constituting as they did a large majority of its strength, must have wielded an influence in shaping the course of affairs that cannot be ignored, and to them, undoubtedly, is due great praise for their active cooperation in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the society. The new church was finished the latter part of December, 1869, and dedicated the lst day of January, 1870, by Rev. Benjamin Powell, at that time on the Delhi Circuit, Rev. Caleb Hill being the Pastor in charge at the time. The first class was composed of the following: named persons: James Maize and wife, Henry C. Fleming, Ann Evans and James Fleming. The church has now a membership of forty-four, and is in a prosperous condition. Since the new building has been in use the following clergymen have filled the pastoral charge: Caleb Hill, A. D. Mathers, William Lance, Frank B. Olds, Henry Pilcher, John Hills and Benjamin Powell. Fulton's Creek Methodist Church is situated in the western part of the township, near the creek from which it takes its name. Their present meeting-house was built in 1868, and cost $1,100. It is a frame structure, conveniently located for the accommodation of the people, and well adapted for its purpose. The original trustees were Thomas Armstrong, John Kennedy, Thomas Love, John G. Curry. Lewis Wolfley and Henry Perry. It was dedicated by the Rev. Mr. Henderson, the present Pastor being Benjamin Powell. The organization j existed some years before the present church building was erected, the information in relation to time and its early condition not being accessible. The New Disciple or Campbellite denomination have a comfortable frame church, situated in the 548 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. north central part of the township, which was built in 1853, and dedicated the same year. The organization existed as such previous to that date. The first school building erected in the township was of hewn logs. The fireplace was constructed of mortar made from mud and straw; a greased paper pasted over an aperture which had been made by cutting out a section of the logs, served as a window for lighting the interior. The door was swung on wooden hinges, and, as the boards which entered into the construction had not been I well seasoned, the door sagged, leaving a huge crack at the top. Here, in this rude excuse for a building, James Crawford exercised the functions of a teacher half a century ago. In winter, the wild wind blew the snow through the cracks and crevices, and drove the smoke into the room as it swept down the great, wide chimney. The amount of fuel consumed was enormous, and, as the scholars huddled around the fire, the smoke filling the room, hiding for a moment the face of the teacher, that same old sharp thorn from the wild apple would come into play, and the cry of agony from the unsuspecting victim could be heard above the roar of the storm without. But to-day how changed. Instead of the little cabin schoolhouse on Fulton's Creek, the only one in the township, we now see eight comfortable buildings devoted to school purposes, with modern equipments. in which a competent corps of teachers impart a good and thorough knowledge of the common branches. The following are the school statistics of the township: Moneys on hand September 1, 1878 ........................... $ 705 92 State tax ....................................................................... 410 00 Irreducible fund ........................................................... 26 84 Local tax for school and schoolhouse purposes, ......... 1,033 36 Total ................................................................................$2,177 12 Total of expenditure ................................................... $1,858 02 Number of districts or subdistricts .............................. 8 Number of schoolhouses ............................................. 8 Total value of school property .................................... $2,200 00 Number of male teachers employed within the year ................................................................... 6 Number of female teachers employed within the year .................................................................... 8 Average wages of male teachers ................................... $ 30 00 Average wages of female teachers ................................ $ 21 00 Number of teachers' that taught through the entire year (ladies) ................................................... 2 Average number of weeks the schools were in session .................................................................. 25 Number of, male pupils enrolled within the year ........................................................................... 83 Number of female pupils enrolled within the year ............................................................................ 97 Average monthly enrollment (boys) ............................... 91 Average monthly enrollment (girls) ................................ 77 Number of male pupils enrolled between the ages of 16 and 21 ....................................................... 21 Number of female pupils enrolled between the ages of 16 and 21 .................................................. 9 The schools of the township are in good condition, and, as the country is becoming more thickly settled, they are rapidly filling up, and erelong another demand will be made for a new schoolhouse, to meet the wants of the increasing attendance. Thompson Township is at the present time strongly Democratic, and it appears that but twice in the history of the township has it been carried by an opposite party. In 1854, the Know-Nothing party organized secretly and succeeded in carrying the township. The origin and secret workings of this party are well known to most of the old politicians, and it is sufficient to say that at that time, by a combination of issues, this party succeeded in carrying the election. In 1855, the Democrats made a square fight against them, but again they succeeded in gaining all the offices excepting that of Assessor. In 1857, on account of the decline of the dominant party, the Democrats carried the township, and this was the death-blow of the Know-Nothing organization here, which, after that date, presented no opposition. The following statistics show the relative strength of the two parties at the last election : Governor Charles Foster, Republican, 79 ; Thomas Ewing, Democrat, 146 ; Gideon F. Stewart, Prohibitionist, 2. Lieutenant Governor-A. Hickenlooper, Republican, 79 ; M. V. Rice, Democrat, 145 ; J. Sharp, Prohibitionist, 3. State Senator, Thomas Joy, Republican, 81 ; F. M. Marriott, Democrat, 142. State Representative - John Jones, Republican, 92 ; D. H. Elliott, Democrat, 128. What is now known as Pickrell's Mills Post Office, at one time went by the name of Eagletown, Cone's Mills, etc. It consists of a few houses clustering around the mill and store now j owned by Pickrell. It is situated on the old mill nary road about a mile above Delsaver's Ford. This point is one of the oldest settled in the township, and at one time bid fair to become quite a village, but the few industries located at the place dying out for want of proper encouragement, together with the burning of Cone's woolen factory, sealed the fate of the little place. At present, the saw and grist mill are the only industries. A PAGE 549 - PICTURE OF ISRAEL POTTER PAGE 550 - BLANK HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 551 small store on the east side of the road, at which the post office is situated, enjoys a precarious existence. H. P. Pickrell is the present Postmaster. Patterson Post Office was the dignified title held by an old frame house situated on the military road a short distance north of the mouth of Fulton Creek. At this point McCausland distributed the mail for the township and hence the name. Since the establishment of the post office at Pickrell's Mills, the other has been discontinued. HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY - 551 CHAPTER XXV.* BROWN TOWNSHIP-HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE-EARLY SETTLEMENT-WAR AND POLITICS -COUNTY INFIRMARY-CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS-VILLAGES. "Long winters have flown over the scenes of the past, And many have turned gray in the winter's cold blast, While others only dream of the time that is gone ; They are bent by the years that are fast rolling on." McDonald. THE history attaching to this subdivision of Delaware County really begins about 1804 or 1805, with the discovery of salt in the vicinity, although the first permanent settlement within the present boundaries of the township extends back no farther than 1817. The lapse of sixty-three years (1817 to 1880), imperceptible in the estimate of an eternity, is a long hiatus in human life. It removes two generations into darkness and dust, and places another in their seats who have nearly run their course. We ask the reader to accompany us in imagination back over the years that are gone, and behold the country clothed in primeval forests, and peopled with the "noble red man." He knew the labyrinthian avenues of these dark and gloomy forests, as we know the roadways of the present day. Wild game abounded in endless profusion for the sustenance of this portion of the human race. Looking still further, we see the pioneers hewing out a home for their loved ones. Slowly the wilderness changes into productive farms, and the hunting-grounds of the wild sons of the forest are transferred to the distant West. Where erst stood his wigwam, now rise, as if by enchantment, the palatial homes of his pale-face successor, and those concomitants of civilization-the church and the schoolhouse. Where the ground was cleared off for the war-dance, are now smiling fields and orchards of the finest fruits. Coming down to a later period, we find ignorance and superstition displaced by education, truth, refinement and religion ; the long rides on horseback or in * Contributed by Dr. S. W. Fowler. wagons, over rough and almost impassable roads are superseded by the iron track and the railway car. A thousand and one conveniences that the pioneer never dreamed of appear to us actual necessities. Brown Township is a division of the county that is replete with historical interest. Originally, it occupied the central portion of the county, and, later, the north central portion, lying in Range 18, and, by the United States survey, is Township 5. It is bounded on the north by Oxford, on the east by Kingston, on the south by Berlin, on the west by Delaware and Troy, and is in area a full township. Just when Brown was erected into a separate and distinct township is among the lost arts, or rather, the record book of the County Commissioners' Court, containing this valuable information, has been spirited away or destroyed, probably the latter, leaving a gap in the proceedings of the honorable court from 1822 to 1831. When Delaware County was formed, it was divided into three townships, viz., Berkshire, Radnor and Liberty. In this division, one-half of the territory now included in Brown was in Radnor, and one-half in Berkshire. At the first meting of the County Commissioners' Court (June 16, 1808), Delaware Township was created. This took from' Radnor that portion of Brown contained in it, and gave it to Delaware, while the balance of Brown remained in Berkshire, as before. The formation of Peru Township (now in Morrow County), April 22, 1817, took one-quarter of the present territory of Brown. It has thus changed hands frequently since the formation of the county, and somewhere between 1822 and 1831, probably about 1826, Brown Township was created. The township has but one large stream of water -Alum Creek. It passes through the eastern part, entering near the northeast corner and flowing 552 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. south passes out near the southeast corner into Berlin Township. There are several small streams that flow into Alum Creek, some of which have their source in the township. Some of these little streams are noted for having been the ancient sites of Indian encampments, at a time when the Scioto Valley formed a part of the hunting-grounds of the Delawares and Mingoes. Leatherwood Run takes its name from a shrub found growing upon its bank. This peculiar shrub was much sought after by the early settlers, who used both its bark and wood for a variety of purposes. Leatherwood Run has its source in the south part of Oxford, and flows south through Brown, emptying into Alum Creek near Eden Village. Along this run in early times were three Indian encampments, more particularly mentioned elsewhere. Big Run rises in the central portion of the township, and flows southward into Berlin, where it mingles its waters with those of Alum Creek. Sugar Creek, a small stream, rises in the western part and flows into the Olentangy at Delaware. Here it has been utilized by Mr. Vergon, who has constructed an artificial lake which is supplied with water by this little stream. Three small streams in the southeastern part are called respectively, Longwell's Run. Dutton's Run and Matthews' Run. The land east of Alum Creek is particularly adapted to grazing. In close proximity to the creek, it is broken and of a rather thin soil, while at a greater distance it is gently undulating, and not only good grazing land, but well adapted for farming, the soil having less clay and more rich black loam than the rolling land near the creek. Along the west bank of the Alum, the land is also undulating, and was the first to be brought under the influence of the settler in the present township of Brown. The grand old elms with their long sheltering arms were rapidly reduced to ashes; the giant oaks that had withstood the storms and tempests of centuries, soon found their way into fences surrounding the newly opened fields of the pioneer. The land further west was low and wet, defying horseback or wagon travel through its swamps, and even barring roadways for years. Owing to the tile and open drainage systems, however, this section, this wet, swampy land, once considered worthless under the sway of the prudent husbandman, has become the most productive in the township. The roads and highways that were located on the highlands and took circuitous routes to the county seat, have long since passed away, and now direct roads, graded and graveled, are passable all the year round. Among the attractions which brought the early settlers to the territory included in Brown Township, was the "Salt Lick," as it was called. When the United States Government sent its agents to survey the country, a salt lick was discovered in the northeast quarter of what is now Brown, from which the Indians procured this much-needed article. A reservation was made by the United States of 4,000 acres, and deeded to the State for educational purposes. This was called the "salt reservation." Some years later, perhaps about 1804 or 1805, Dr. John Loofbourrow, moved into what is now Berkshire Township. He was from Virginia, and located on what afterward became the Eckelberry farm, but after a short time sold out and moved to the Durham farm, as it is called, lying just east of Alum Creek, on the Delaware and Sunbury Turnpike. Here be lived and practiced his profession for many years. He had with him his old faithful man, "Friday," Oko Richey (colored). This old darkey, it is said, was ever mindful of and faithful to his master's interest. When Dr. Loofbourrow learned from some friendly Indians where they obtained their salt, with his servant and a few of these Indians, he made a visit to the locality, which he found only about five miles to the north, and just up the creek from his own settlement. He and Oko procured large iron kettles, built a furnace and commenced the manufacture of salt. Although a very slow process, they produced the article in sufficient quantities to partially supply the inhabitants, and thus very soon became noted salt merchants. After some twelve years, this salt business was investigated by other parties, who thought they saw in it an enterprise of untold wealth. In 1817, these parties went to Columbus, and succeeded in securing from the State a, contract, leasing to them 1,000 acres of land adjacent to, and 300 around, the salt lick and on the salt reservation, for a term of twelve years. The provisions of this contract with the State were, that the contractors should bore to the depth of at least 200 feet, unless salt water in paying quantities was sooner reached. They were to leave the well tubed with good copper tubing at the expiration of their lease. Loofbourrow now withdrew from the business, and soon after removed to Wisconsin. The contractors at once commenced boring for salt, and went to a depth of 480 feet, and even then failed to find salt water in paying quantities. HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 553 To their great disappointment, they found their visions of wealth rapidly dissolving into thin air. They notified the State authorities, who in turn reported to Congress, and that august body ordered the salt reservation to be surveyed and sold. Accordingly, a Mr. Carpenter, of Lancaster, Ohio, was authorized to survey it, which he did into 100-acre lots. In November, 1826, these lots were sold to the highest bidder; the early settlers and contractors being allowed the refusal of the lands which they had been for sometime improving, a business they had found more profitable than boring for salt. As we study the history of our country, and ponder over its early settlements, we naturally ask, "whence came the pioneers ;" for necessarily they must bring with them their industry, morality, Christian influence, and the well-established customs of their native places. Their ideas, to a large extent, form and mold the future importance of their neighborhood and vicinity. Decades, even centuries, scarcely suffice to obliterate the influences left upon a country by its pioneers. Thus it was with Brown Township. Its early settlers were mostly from New York and Virginia, the oldest, most refined and aristocratic sections of the American Union ; sections where law and order, education and religion, hold a high place in the minds and hearts of the people. The first permanent white settler in Brown Township was Daniel G. Thurston, in the spring of 1817. But as far back as 1809, a settlement was made in the extreme southwest corner, by a man named Erastus Bowe, from Vermont. He built a cabin and called the place Bowetown, though it was never, we believe, laid out as a town, or populated, except by Bowe and his family, consisting, at the time, of his wife and two children. He remained here but a short time, when he went to Delaware. He resided in Delaware until 1817, and then removed to Tiffin, where he died in December, 1863. But few now remember anything of him, and Mr. Thurston is generally recognized as the first permanent settler. He moved into the township from the eastern part of Berlin, which, at that time, was the central part of Berkshire Township. He had settled in that region upon his arrival in the county in 1810, but, in the spring of this year (1817), moved into Brown. He was originally from Clinton County, N. Y. With his family, a few goods packed into a large wagon, which was drawn by four good horses, he left his home in the East, carrying with him the good wishes of the many friends left behind. Along the lonely route were seen occasionally "Cities and towns, dim and mysterious, Like something pictured in the dreams of sleep; A hundred streams, with all their wealth of isles, Some bright and clear, and some with gauze-like mists Half-veiled like beauty's cheek;" these were some of the scenes that relieved the long and tedious journey of its monotony. Traveling over mountains and through the dense wilderness, subjected to numberless exposures, he reached, finally, his place of destination on Alum Creek. He located on the summit of the first little hill west of the creek, on what is now known as the Delaware & Sunbury Turnpike Road. This road, or but a trace then, wound along under the hill, following the river toward the Eaton settlement, as it was termed. Here his long journey ended ; a cabin was at once built, into which he moved with his family and his brother Isaac, who had accompanied him to the West. The latter went to work in a distillery that had been raised at no great distance, while Daniel himself worked in a saw and grist mill near his rude home. In 1817, seven years after he had settled in the county, he sold out to Ebenezer Loofbourrow, who had just arrived in the neighborhood from Virginia. After Mr. Thurston sold out to Loofbourrow, he moved into the present township of Brown, where he had to begin his pioneer life over again, as it were. With the blue canopy of heaven for shelter, Mother Earth for a bed and the forest as walls of protection, he proceeded to carve out a new heme. He soon had logs cut and on the ground for a cabin, a few days more and the cabin was reared, the clapboards placed on for a covering and a floor of puncheons added to the building. His family now occupied this "palace of logs," and his companion, with that instinct and refinement natural to woman, soon rendered it attractive and homelike. When his cabin was completed and his family located, Mr. Thurston entered into a copartnership with James Eaton, who lived a short distance south of him, and a man named Steven Gorham. These gentlemen formed the company, and were the contractors in the famous salt speculation, of which we have already spoken, and the lessees of the "salt reservation." His new home was on this reservation, or on the "salt section," as it was usually delineated. Shortly after his location, Mr. Gorham 554 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. moved in, but, after the failure of the salt business, left in disgust, and was lost sight of. Isaac Eaton erected a cabin a little north of Mr. Thurston's, in a short time after the latter's settlement. These, with Isaac Thurston, were, for several years, the only settlers in the present limits of Brown Township. With becoming reverence, we may add in this connection, that Daniel Thurston worked in the "fear of the Lord," and "eschewed evil." "The Lord blessed him," and he "waxed rich and multiplied" He died in 1843, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife outlived him twenty-one years, and died in 1864 at the age of eighty-two years. She saw the country twice convulsed in war, but died without being permitted to witness the peace which finally crowned the great rebellion. She and her husband had born to them thirteen children, all of whom reached the years of maturity. They followed in the footsteps of the father-multiplying abundantly. As a matter of some interest to our readers, we devote a little space to the genealogy of this prolific family. The children of Daniel Thurston were Harriet, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Samuel, Sarah, Phoebe, Norton, Vinal, Eunice, Fannie and Barbara. Harriet first married Dr. Monroe, and, after his death, married Dr. John Loofbourrow. She had two children when she moved to Wisconsin, and died. Mary married Israel Wood, a Quaker (who lived in Peru Township, then in this, but now in Morrow County). She died fifteen years after her marriage, leaving twelve children. Joseph married in 1826, a daughter of B. F. Loofbourrow, who at the time was living on the Thurston farm. There were born to him ten children, all of whom, with one exception, we believe, are now living. Elizabeth married Ralph Longwell, a soldier of 1812, and who died in 1874. In 1879, his widow drew a pension due to the soldiers of 1812, by an enactment of Congress. She was the mother of thirteen children. Sarah first married Lyman Thrall, and, after his death, Andrew Thrall, a brother, who is now living in Southern Ohio. Phoebe married William K. Thrall, and has but one child, Mrs. T. S. Scott, of Eden. Norton married a Miss Jones, and died in 1817. He was the father of six children. Vinal married a Miss Plant; eight children was the result. Eunice married Norton Harden; she died, leaving eight children. Fannie married H. Walker, and had born to her six children. Samuel married, and had born to him eight children. Barbara married William Livingston and was the mother of ten children. These were the families and the children of Daniel Thurston, numbering in all one hundred, twenty and two; and the number of all the generations of this old patriarch down to the present time are "two hundred, eighty and seven souls." To his son, Joseph Thurston, now an active old gentleman of seventy-eight years, we are indebted for most of these facts, as well as much of the history of the township. He is possessed of a strong mind and is in excellent health. The companion of all these years is equally as vigorous as her husband, and together they recount the reminiscences of the early times, with the liveliest interest. The spring after his marriage, he erected a cabin on the one hundred acres of land he purchased at the sale of the " salt section," a purchase that joined his father's place. He paid 80 cents per acre for it in the following payments: One-twentieth of the entire amount down, and of the remainder, one-fourth in sixty days; one-fourth in two years ; one-fourth in three years, and the last remaining fourth in four years ; all without interest and without taxes. The first year he cleared ten acres of ground. This he planted in corn, the result of which was a beautiful crop. He fed the corn to hogs, which he sold at $7.25 per hundred pounds, and some cattle, " pastured in the woods," were sold at from $6.00 to $8.00 per head. The money thus obtained was applied in payment for his land, and for the necessaries of life. Some years later, Mr. Thurston bought 200 acres of land for which he paid $3.00 acre. He moved on to this last purchase where he lived until 1868, when he sold out and moved to Wisconsin. He there embarked in the drug business and continued it for eleven years, then disposed of his interest and returned to Delaware County. The early settlers of this section were not without their Indian experiences. Although the Indians were supposed to be friendly, yet they were looked on with some suspicion by their white neighbors. The Thurstons, being one of the first families to locate in this region, and that sometime prior to the removal of the Indians to reservations further west, enjoyed a more extensive acquaint once with them than settlers who came at a late date. They (the Indians) used to bring them game and furs to trade for corn and as a genera thing behaved well. The elder Thurston, who had a little mill, would grind their corn for them and was on the most intimate terms with them HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 555 and known far and wide among the neighboring tribes. When Joseph was a small boy, but nine years old, he was one day sent out for the horses, which, when not in use, were allowed to run at large in the forest. He wandered through the woods for hours, but after a long and fruitless search, he gave up finding them, and started to return home. After traveling for some time, he became lost in the forest, but finally struck an old Indian trail, which he followed some distance, when, much to his surprise and consternation, he came upon an Indian encampment, where he was warmly welcomed (?) by an army of dogs, and forced to take , refuge in the nearest tree. The commotion produced by these ferocious beasts brought an old Indian from his wigwam, to investigate the cause of so much disturbance. To the astonishment of the lad, he discovered in him an old friend of his father, while the Indian, quite as much astonished as the boy, found the game "treed " by his dogs to be none other than the son of his old friend Thurston. The dogs were called off, and the boy invited to come down from his exalted perch. After he had related his adventure, a young Indian was ordered to catch a couple of well-trained ponies. Upon one of them he was placed, while the Indian boy mounted the other, and, acting as guide, led him through the forest, and after several hours' ride, he was restored to his already over-anxious parents. It was shortly after the Thurstons settled in Brown Township that Isaac Eaton came, and located just a little north of them. He was a son of Joseph Eaton, who was among the early settlers of Berkshire. He worked at the salt wells with Thurston and Gorham, and, after the failure of the project, he turned his attention to farming and improving the land where he had squatted. Here he lived and kept "bachelor's ball " for ten years, when he accepted the sensible advice, that " it is not well for man to be alone," and took unto himself a" helpmeet." He was married to a Miss Root, of Peru Township. At the sale of the "salt reservation," he bought the land he had improved, upon which he lived until 1838, when he sold to William Williams. This place lies adjacent to the old church and school grounds, and is still occupied by Mr. Williams. One of the traces left by the Mound-Builders, and the only one noticeable in this immediate section, is on this farm. This relic of a prehistoric race is but a few rods from Squire Williams' house. It is cone-shaped, the summit standing some eight feet above the level of. the surrounding ground, and is about forty feet in diameter at the base. A ditch, two feet deep, surrounds it, outside of which is a wall, or embankment of earth, about one foot and a half high and about two feet wide. In the east side of this wall or embankment is a bridge like opening, resembling a gateway. This mound was opened, and in it were found portions of a well-preserved skeleton, charred remains of wood, and a few other unimportant relics, pertaining to this lost race of people. William Williams, who bought out Isaac Eaton, came from Fairfield County to this township. Three years after he located here he was chosen Justice of the Peace, an office he has been elected to from year to year until the present time. He has also served the county as Treasurer two terms, from 1846 to 1852, and as an Infirmary Director three years. He has likewise served the township in the capacity of Clerk and Treasurer, and been often chosen administrator of estates and guardian of minor heirs. In all of these positions, his duties have been discharged with a faithfulness and fidelity that is rare in these degenerate days. With the exception of the first three years, he has held official position ever since he has been a resident of the county. Emigrants came in rapidly, and soon the entire salt reservation was settled up. One of the first families to move in after those already mentioned, was that of Benjamin McMasters, who came in about 1826. This pioneer of county and State was born in New York September 24, 1795, and was the third in a family of four children. His father died when he was quite young, and his mother moved with her family to Ohio in 1813, and located on the Scioto River, in Franklin County. He worked here for some time in a sawmill, the first one built on the Scioto. It was in this mill that the lumber was sawed used in the construction of the old State House at Columbus. In 1814, the McMasters family moved to the village of Worthington, and lived for a time in part of the house in which Col. Kilbourn kept a tavern. In the latter part of the same year, Benjamin came to Delaware County. His first work was the clearing-up of twenty acres of land for a Dr. Warren. In 1817, he went to Champaign County, and the next year married a daughter of Lemuel G. Humphrey, of Liberty Township, Delaware County. His wife lived but a few years. After her death, he came back to this county, 556 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. where, in a year or two, he married again. At the sale of the salt section, in Brown Township in 1826, to which reference has been frequently made, he purchased 100 acres of land, upon which he at once built a cabin of the regular pioneer pattern. He moved into it one night between 9 and 10 o'clock, late in December, and snow on the ground at the time some fifteen inches deep. His worldly wealth consisted of one yoke of steers, one heifer, ten bead of young hogs, a dog (all early settlers had a dog), a small supply of household goods, a few provisions and $50 in money. Here he lived until 1851, when he started a warehouse and formed a business partnership in Ashley, where he still resides. In the spring of 1852, he sold his place to his son Horace, who still occupies it. For many years, the latter has devoted much attention to fruit culture, and stands deservedly high in that branch of business. His large and well-assorted orchards produce from one to two thousand bushels of apples annually, with other fruits in considerable quantity. He has just completed a cider mill and press, which is most perfect in every particular, and has a capacity of 150 barrels a day. The same years that brought to Brown Township the pioneers we have already mentioned, witnessed the arrival of others, who, at the same land sales, purchased themselves homes. Among them we may mention Andrew Finley, J. Fleming, Zenas Leonard, James, George, Ralph and E. Longwell, S. Harlow, Charles Cowgill, John Kensill and others. With such an influx of immigration, the township rapidly settled up. Among those who came at a later date were John Walker and William Finley. Walker came from Virginia in 1832, but was a native of Ireland. He was born in 1784, and died upon the place of his original settlement (in this township) at the great age of ninety-eight years. Finley was a son-in-law of Walker, and settled first in Kingston Township, but after a few years moved into Brown. He bought 100 acres of land, upon which he still lives with his son, and is now ninety-two years old, but growing somewhat feeble. His wife is living, and remembers quite vividly the stirring scenes of those early times, when the country round about them "was all woods" and stocked with game of all kinds. The same year of Walker's settlement in Brown, a young man named Charles Neil, now better known as "Uncle Charley Neil," came in. He was also from Virginia, and also married a daughter of Mr. Walker. Mr. Neil carried on an ashery, and taught school for some ten years, when he was elected County Surveyor. This office was given to him by the people of Delaware County from 1842 to 1864, without any solicitation on his part. In the latter year, unknown to him, he was nominated, and, afterward, elected to the office of County Auditor, which office he held for two terms. During his second term as Auditor, he was elected Mayor of the city of Delaware by an overwhelming majority. A short time after the settlement of the Thurstons, Eatons and others already mentioned, Hugh Cunningham came from Pennsylvania and located on what is now called the Hann farm. He was the father of fifteen children, all of whom reached the years of maturity, and of the number there were three pairs of twins. He died in 1824, and his children have all followed him, except one-Mrs. Torrence, who lives at Mount Vernon, Iowa, and, at an advanced age, is enjoying good health. In 1827, Hugh Lee located in Brown Township, on what was then called the Peter Baker farm, but is now owned by Mr. Snedeker. He was a branch of the illustrious Lee family-a family that has produced as many great men as any in our country. As a proof that the family did not deteriorate in him, a son, John Calvin Lee, who was born while his father lived on this place, and who spent his childhood here, rose to the rank of Brigadier General during the late war, and, after its close, was twice elevated to the position of Lieutenant Governor of the State. In 1867, and again in 1869, he was elected Lieutenant Governor on the ticket with Hon. R. B. Hayes, now President of the United States. A more extended notice is given of both of these gentlemen in another chapter of this work. Dr. Lyman Potter, who lives near the north line of the township, is a native of New York, and settled in Peru Township in 1821, and, in 1844, moved into Brown. When somewhat advanced in life, he began the study of medicine with old Dr. Carney, of Berkshire, one of the early practitioners of the county. After his term of reading, and after practicing some years, Dr. Potter attended lectures at the Starling Medical College at Columbus, from which he graduated in 1850. He then returned to his old location (the village of Eden) and continued practice until his removal to the farm where he now resides. After locating upon his farm, he attended those in the immediate neighborhood who required his professional services, but did not make it his business exclusively. He assisted in organizing the first medical society in the county, HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 557 and has always been an active member of it. He has produced some able papers before the society on different subjects, and is considered a deep thinker and forcible writer. He says that the only public position he has ever held, of which he feels proud, was that of Treasurer of the Bounty Fund during the late war. This position he held from his first election until the close of the war relieved the county of the necessity for such a fund. Israel Potter, a brother of the doctor, settled in the same neighborhood and at the same time. He is still living, a prosperous farmer, and devotes considerable attention to wool-growing, and owns quite a number of very fine sheep. In this age of plenty, it is somewhat difficult to realize what straits the pioneers were sometimes subjected to. They often had to pay 60 cents a pound for coffee, and when cash was short, parched corn or burnt potatoes served as a substitute for Rio and Java. Calico was 40 and 50 cents a yard, and if the wife and daughters were able to obtain one calico dress a year they deemed themselves peculiarly fortunate, and robed (except on state occasions), in linsey-woolsey, produced by their fair though strong hands. Sugar was manufactured from their own "camps," and, when sold, brought from 4 to 6 cents per pound. Joseph Thurston, his father, the Longwells, Loofbourrows, Thralls, and a few others, raised a little wheat. All that was not required for home consumption found a ready market at Zanesville, seventy-five miles to the southeast, where it was sold at from 37 to 50 cents a bushel. This was mostly taken in trade, barely enough money being received to pay taxes. When this market broke up, they found a better one at Sandusky, on Lake Erie, a distance of about 100 miles. This market, though farther off, was better, as here they received $1 per bushel for wheat, and other surplus produce found as ready a sale. But this has all passed away. The building of railroads has brought markets to our homes; the age of progress has done away with the pioneer cabin, and left, in its stead, the commodious farmhouse of the thrifty granger, and the ladies, bless 'em ! can have as many new dresses as their hearts desire and their means will allow. Politically, Brown Township has been one of the stalwart Republican strongholds, ever since the organization of that party, and, prior to its organization, was quite as Whiggish as it is now Republican. These principles were introduced by the early settlers, who were from sections of the Union where such ideas predominated among the masses of the people. They came here thoroughly imbued with their political sentiments-sentiments which they did not fail to instill into the minds of their children. Their fathers and grandfathers were soldiers of the Revolution, and had fought for liberty, and thus came honestly by their Republican sentiments and principles. Upon the dismemberment of the old Whig party, the transition to a party claiming much the same political ideas, was quite natural. Thus the large majority of the people in this township drifted into the newly formed Republican party, and so it has remained to the present day. The patriotism of Brown is as lofty as any portion of Delaware County. Most of the early settlers were descended from Revolutionary stock, and in the war of 1812 and the Indian wars of the times, many of its citizens bore an honorable part. In the Mexican war, too, Brown Township was well represented. The names of these Mexican warriors, however, could not be obtained. But, when the alarm sounded in 1861, and war became inevitable, then it was that the old Revolutionary fire blazed out and the patriotic principles of the people shone bright as the summer sky. Regardless of party bias or political prejudices, her sons were found at the recruiting office to "enlist for three years, or during the war." In soldier graves some of them are sleeping to-day. Our space will not permit the mention of all who went from this township, and hence we will not undertake it. A few of those who fell in the fight are noticed as their names occur to us: Perry Wigton, lost his life in Arkansas; Robert Bell came home and died; John and Alexander McCay and J. K. White were killed on the Red River expedition ; Elmer Thurston, John Ashburn and James Porter were killed at Chattanooga, Tenn., also William Hume and F. Wigton. "Not forever have they left us, Those for whom we shed our tears; Not forever shall our mourning, Darken long and weary years." Going back to the early history of the township, we find that the first marriage in this pioneer settlement was a daughter of Daniel Thurston, who married Israel Wood in 1818. He had emigrated from the old home of the Thurstons in New York, and was married to Miss Thurston by a minister of the Gospel, in the log cabin of her father. We may appropriately mention in this place, that Mr. Thurston's large family of girls were noted far and 558 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. wide for their great beauty, as well as their industry and economy. From this, or some other cause equally cogent, the venerable parents were soon left daughterless, but their loss was invariably the gain of somebody else. Some ten years after settlements commenced in the township, the messenger of death entered its precincts, to warn its denizens of their mortality, and that sooner or later they "must render up an account of the deeds done in the body." The first death was an infant child of James Longwell. It died in 1828, and was the first burial in the old graveyard, just north of Eden Village. This cemetery was laid out by Isaac Eaton the same year that this interment was made. It has been pretty well populated since that time. The law had its first representative in Daniel Thurston, who was elected Justice of the Peace in 1821, an office he held three terms. Old Dr. Carney, of Berkshire, was the first practicing physician who administered to the physical wants of the people of Brown. From 1817 to 1842, he and Dr. Loofbourrow, who lived near Alum Creek, were the doctors for this section. About 1842-43, Dr. Howell settled in the township and practiced about a year. Then Dr. Lyman Potter came in. The Drs. Carothers practiced here also, and Benton and Gosler, and later, Thurston, Willis and Ross. And, lastly, Dr. J. H. Smith, who is now an active physician in the township. The early training of the pioneers of Brown Township soon made itself felt after their settlement in the wilderness. Though their trials and cares were heavy, they found time to read a chapter from the old Bible, and return thanks to God for preservation and protection. The first society formed in the neighborhood was in 1828, and of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. It was organized at Mr. Thurston's, and consisted of himself and wife, Joseph Thurston and wife, Zenas Leonard and wife, and Phoebe Thrall. Once a week they would meet together, and, as they were without a shepherd, prayer-meetings only were held. Soon after the Methodists got well into the harness, the Presbyterians commenced work. They organized a society at Mr. Thurston's, as his cabin seems to have been a kind of religious headquarters. For a number of years, these two societies continued their meetings under these limited circumstances. At length, a society of the New School Presbyterians was formed, with the following members: John Hestwood and wife, Hugh Lee and wife, Robert Kinkaid and wife, James Kinkaid and wife. They built a church of hewed logs, in which they worshiped for several- years; the Methodists also occupied it on special occasions. In 1841, a frame church building was erected by the congregation near the same spot. But they allowed their imagination to run away with them, and laid their foundation on such an extensive scale, that they were unable to complete the building. Finally they tore it down, and of the material erected a smaller one upon the same site. This building was superseded by a more pretentious one in 1855, and the old church converted into a residence, which is now occupied by Norton T. Longwell. The first Pastor of this congregation was Rev. Mr. Jenks, who had charge of a church in Kingston Township at the same time. There were others who took an active part in the formation of a Free-Will Baptist Church, and, in 1836, built a log church near the site of the Presbyterian Church. The original members were John Moore, Thomas Cowgill and wife, Isaac Eaton and wife, Orlando Root and wife, Zenas Root and wife, Thomas Agard and wife, Spofford Root and wife, Nathaniel Arnold and wife, and Isaac Thurston and wife. Rev. Isaac Eaton was the Pastor, assisted occasionally by Rev. S. Wyatt. In 1848, some twelve years after its organization years of more or less usefulness-it was discontinued as a society. The next year, after the disbanding of this society, the Baptists and Methodists, together with Charles Neil, O. D. Hough, Vinal and Norton Thurston, and Thomas Hargraves, with their families, built the church in the village of Eden. Rev. William Godman, a son of Lawyer Godman, of Marion, was the preacher in charge of the circuit at the time the church was built. He was a graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan University, and a minister of considerable merit. About the time that church influences began to be felt and recognized in the community, steps were also taken looking to the education of the rising generation. Several years had elapsed since the first settlement had been made in the township, and, as yet, the youth had only been instructed at home in the simplest rudiments. So, in 1830, Mr. Thurston, and his son Joseph, Isaac Eaton, Longwell, Loofbourrow and a few others met together, and, after a short discussion of the subject, sought out a favorable spot on the banks of Alum Creek, near an ever-flowing spring of pure water, and proceeded to erect a log schoolhouse. This temple of learning, the first in the HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 559 township, was in the vicinity of the churches, and just north of Eden. In this primitive structure, the children met for the first time to feast from the storehouse of knowledge. Mr. Griffith was the first teacher. He had moved to the settlement a few years before from New England. His wife soon succeeded him as teacher, and filled the position until they decided to return to their Eastern home. Isaac Eaton was the next teacher. As the population increased, more .extensive school facilities were demanded, until, at the present time, there are in the township ten school districts, in each of which is a comfortable school building. The average attendance at school is as follows: Males, 90; females, 63; State tax, $1,105.79 ; county tax, $425.39. In the early time, if each neighborhood could get a three-months school during the winter season, it was as much as they dared expect. Now the school term is from six to nine months annually. The county infirmary, or poor house, is located in Brown Township. An institution of this kind did not become necessary until quite a late date. When such a necessity did arise, about 1852, a purchase of 113 1/2 acres of land was made of Joseph Blain. This land lies half a mile east of Eden, five and a half miles east of Delaware, and is very near the center of the township. In 1854, a large and substantial brick building was erected, 40x140 in dimensions. The yard is large, and a little rivulet winding through it renders it quite picturesque. As yet there are very few shrubs or trees to adorn it, aside from a thrifty young orchard planted in the rear of the buildings. In 1856, an addition was built to the infirmary as an asylum for the insane. This building was small and uncomfortable, and, in 1874-75, another was built, much larger and more commodious, and comprising all the modern improvements usually found in such buildings. In 1870, it became evident that the farm was too small, and 105 acres additional were purchased from John L. Thurston, which, with the original tract, makes a large and splendid farm. The institution is in an excellent condition, and, under the present administration, everything moves on like clockwork. The first Superintendent was Eli Jackson; the present is Mr. Glass ; the attending physician is Dr. J. H. Smith, of Eden, who does all the professional business for $200 per annum-the medicines furnished by the county. The last report of the institution showed the number of inmates to be 84 ; adult males, 31; adult females, 25 ; children, males, 22 ; children, females, 6. The products of the farm last year were 3,000 bushels of corn; 500 bushels of wheat; 1,000 bushels of oats, and 800 bushels of potatoes. A more extended history of the infirmary is given in another chapter, and hence little can be said here without repetition. The township has the benefit of one railroad, the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis, or Bee Line, which passes through the western part, and is the first railroad built through Delaware County. It has been of considerable benefit to the township in bringing the best markets to the very doors of its citizens. Leonardsburg, or Eden Station, is the principal shipping-point, and is located near the north line, six miles from Delaware. It was laid out by S. G. Caulkins in 1852, and was called Leonardsburg for, A. Leonard, the first merchant. He opened a store in the place the first year it was laid out as a village, and, soon after, built a grain warehouse. Mr. Leonard was also the first Postmaster. He was succeeded a few years later in the Post Office Department by A. R. Livingston, the present incumbent. The business of the store and warehouse is carried on by Livingston Brothers, who, for a number of years, have done a large shipping business in grain, wool and other farm products. The Grangers also have a store in the village which has a large trade, with that fraternity at least. A further improvement in the little town was the erection of a church in 1861, by the Methodists. It is a frame edifice, and cost about $1,200, and was built under the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Gowdry. The church has a membership at present of twenty-four, under the pastoral charge of Rev S. L. Yourtree, of Delaware. A flourishing Sabbath school, under the superintendence of William Jewell, is connected with the church, and maintained the year round, with an average attendance of about twenty-five pupils. The village of Eden was surveyed and laid out by Isaac Eaton, for the proprietors, Daniel G. Thurston and Isaac Leonard, who owned the land. The location was chosen at the crossing of the road running east and west, and the one running north and south along the creek, as an eligible site for a prosperous village. The first house in the village was a log cabin built by John Finley; the first frame dwelling was put up by William Williams, soon after his removal to the neighborhood. This extravagance of architecture created quite a stir among the people, and stimulated others to make 560 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. similar improvements, and soon the little town could boast of several imposing frame buildings. Joseph Leonard was the first merchant in Eden. Hitherto the people had been going to Delaware to buy the few goods required to satisfy their limited wants ; but Leonard now accommodated them nearer home. He had the trade all to himself until 1838, when Williams & Loofbourrow opened a store, and thus created competition. A large and handsome schoolhouse was erected in 1840, to accommodate the growing population, and is still in use, though having been in the meantime thoroughly renovated and remodeled. In 1830, Ezekiel Longwell built a saw-mill on Alum Creek, within the limits of the village. Lumber had been rather scarce, before the building of this mill, and rather difficult to obtain. The demand for lumber thus created was supplied by Longwell's mill. Several years previous, a small saw-mill had been erected some three miles up the creek, but had never amounted to much as a lumber manufactory. It has been abandoned for some time, but the remains of it are still standing-a landmark of early times. As Longwell's mill began to show signs of age and rough usage, it was repaired by William K. Thrall, who also built a grist-mill in connection with it, which is yet in active operation. About 1829-30, a blacksmith-shop was opened by C. Thrall. It was twenty-one years after the first settlement before there was a post office in the township. The citizens received their mail at Berkshire and Delaware. In 1838, the Government commissioned C. M. Thrall, Postmaster at the village of Eden, and called the office Kilbourn. A little later, a tavern was opened by Seymour Scott, the first in the place, and for a number of years he furnished "accommodation to man and beast." Alum Creek, in this section, being too deep to cross in safety, on horseback or with teams, for a large portion of the year, led to the construction of a bridge at a very early day. The first effort was a rough wooden structure, and was built by John Elliott. It was used until condemned as unsafe, when it was replaced by a more durable one. This last one was built by James Landon, and is still in use. B. F. Loofbourrow (now of Delaware) at one time operated a carding machine in the village. He sold it to S. Scott, who added a spinning jack, and for several years carried on a spinning and carding factory. The present town hall of Eden was built by subscription, and is used for all public meetings. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)