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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY - 601 CHAPTER XXX.* GENOA TOWNSHIP-TOPOGRAPHICAL-SETTLEMENT-RELIGIOUS AND EDUCATIONAL-MILLS AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS -POST OFFICES. "Where is the patriarch you are so kindly greeting? Not unfamiliar to my ear his name, Nor yet unknown to many a joyous meeting In days long vanished-is he still the same? " -Holmes. GENOA TOWNSHIP, named by Elisha Bennett from the town of Genoa, in Italy, is situated south of the township of Berkshire, in Range 17, and is known as Township 3. The western half of Genoa formerly belonged to the old township of Berkshire, while the eastern half was in the town- * - Contributed by H. L. S. Vaile. ship of Sunbury. When Harlem was formed, it took in all of what is now Genoa, which latter was set off from the former June 4, 1816, and, at present, is bounded as follows: On the north by Berkshire ; on the east by Harlem; on the south by Franklin County, and on the west by Orange Township. In is composed entirely of United States military lands, and is a full township, being five miles square. The principal stream which enters the township is the Big Walnut, called in some sections the Gehenna and Big Belly. It received the name of Big Walnut in 602 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. this township, from the fact that its banks and bottoms were covered with a dense growth of black-walnut trees, which have long since, in a large degree, disappeared, and now, when black-walnut lumber commands a high price, and finds a ready sale both in this country and in Europe, we are not surprised that the farmers and old settlers speak in a regretful manner, of the loss sustained by the lavish use of this timber for fence rails, at an early day. Thousands of rails have been split, and old dug-out canoes made from logs that to-day would be worth hundreds of dollars. The doors, floors and sometimes even the walls of the cabins were made from this wood, and it is related, that, in clearing the land along the banks of the Big Walnut, the early settlers used to chop the tree in such a manner that it would fall into the creek and thus be carried away by the current. The Big Walnut flows though Genoa Township from north to south, just east of the central part, with a very winding course, receiving from both the east and west a number of small tributaries. In the early settlement, the waters were alive with fish. Game of every description was found in the forest that lined its backs, and the Indians held this locality in high favor; and expressed many regrets when called upon by the whites to vacate the land which had been bought from them, and, when removed beyond the treaty line, would avail themselves of every opportunity to come down and hunt. The soil is quite rich. In a few localities there are deposits of sand and gravel ; beds of clay are frequently met with which have been utilized in many instances by the farmers, as the fine brick houses scattered throughout the township will abundantly testify. Along the course of the Big Walnut occasionally are to be found rich bottoms which bear abundantly, but which are frequently overflowed by the spring and winter freshets, although these inundations tend in some instances to make the raising of a crop a hazardous undertaking. However, the mud deposited by this overflow is an excellent fertilizer, thus compensating by an increased yield for the occasional loss of a crop. One of the greatest freshets experienced in this locality took place in September, 1866, at which time the bottoms were flooded. Sheep, hogs and cattle were drowned; haystacks and parts of buildings were seen going down stream. About the same distance west of the central portion of the township is what is called the Ridge, a high piece of land forming the "divide" between the waters of Alum Creek, in Orange Township, and the Bin Walnut. On either side of this water-shed the land becomes comparatively level. However, alone the course of the Walnut on the west, it is badly broken; east of the same, it is rolling. The land is naturally well drained, although in some localities and especially on the bottom lands, artificial drainage is absolutely necessary. In its geological aspect, the township presents some interesting features. Along the west bank of the Big Walnut; about two wiles below the town of Galena are seen a wonderful shale deposit. Here in one place, the road called Yankee street makes a curve, and, rising with a hill, follows along the very edge of the highest shale cliffs to be found in Delaware County. For fifty, and, in some instances as high as sixty feet, the cliffs rise almost perpendicularly from the bed of the' Big Walnut. The view from the top of the cliff is very fine, but the danger to be met with sometimes, as the following incident will show, detracts very materially from the romance of the scenery. Ira Bennett, who lived in the township, was traveling homeward one dark night, riding a blind horse, and when he had reached the locality where the road is so near the edge of the precipice, his horse lost the track, and walked off the cliff. Bennett in his descent grasped a bush, and finally succeeded in reaching the top of the cliff, more frightened than hurt. His horse was found dead the next morning at the base of the cliff. At another time, Lewis McLeod was but little wore fortunate. While riding along near the same spot, the night being dark and his horse blind in the eye next to the precipice, the horse saw alight from the other side of the road, when he shied and went over the cliff. McLeod sprang from the horse's back just in time to save himself from going over, but his horse fell to the bottom. The next day, a party upon going to the spot where the accident happened, to their great surprise found the horse alive at the bottom of the cliff, although somewhat bruised. They succeeded in getting him home, and in a few day, he was apparently ready to try it again. In some places along the Big Walnut, there is an outcropping of Waverly sandstone, which is excellent for building purposes, although the quarries in Trenton and Berkshire are more generally worked, and the stone is said to be of rather a superior duality. In some places in the beds of shale, there is found a thin layer of limestone of inferior grade. On account of the ease with which it can be quarried, however, it is sometimes used for building PAGES 603 & 604 MISSING HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 605 purposes, but one trial is sufficient for the most venturesome house-builder. After being taken from the bed and exposed to the air, beat and frost, it begins to crumble, and the builder soon finds that his house is liable to come tumbling down. The first settler in what is now Genoa Township was Jeremiah Curtis. He started from his home, in Hartford, Conn., with his family, July 9, 1804. His conveyance was a three-horse team, and, after seven weeks of travel, he arrived at the town of Worthington. In 1805, moved to Berkshire, where he built a cabin and planted a nursery-the first in the county-from seed brought from Connecticut. He had been here but a short time, when he bought of Col. Byxbe a section of land on Yankee street, and, about the year 1806, moved on to this land, situated on the Big Walnut, near the oxbow head of the creek. At this early date, there was no mill nearer than Chillicothe, and the wheaten flour that he brought back with him from a trip to that place, was the first in the locality. Soon after he located, he built a grist and saw mill, and a still-house. Salt was $5 per bushel and Zanesville the nearest place to get it. In 1811, fearing the effect of the war, which was soon to take place, he, for the protection of his family, moved to Marietta. He lived but a short time after moving to that place, dying of spotted fever June 21, 1813. He was a man of indomitable energy and perseverance, as well as sound judgment. After his death, his son, afterward the Hon. John Curtis, moved the family back to the firm on the Big Walnut. John was ten years old when his father came to Ohio and had to bear his share of the trials of a pioneer life. He ultimately became a man of great influence and held a number of positions of trust and honor. In the winter of 1806-07, John W Williams, a local minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, came to this locality and erected a cabin on the hill near where the covered bridge crosses the Big Walnut, at what was known as Williams' Ford. It was not until the summer of 1807 that he moved his family, consisting of his wife and ten children, into their new home. He found this country almost an unbroken wilderness, and, like a true, earnest pioneer, worked as well as prayed. In the daytime, the blows of his ax could be beard resounding through the woods, while in the even ing he gathered his family about him and held a service of prayer. When Sunday came, he would repair to the home of one of the early settlers, and deliver a sermon to those who had assembled. His first sermon was preached in the cabin of Joseph Latshaw, on the farm now occupied by John Roberts. Mr. Williams was the first minister in the neighborhood, but lived only five years after he had erected his cabin. His son William remained with him until 1812. In that year, he joined a detachment of the army which was on its way to Fort Meigs, and was under Harrison when that fort was besieged by the British and Indians. After the war, he returned to his father's, and located in the immediate vicinity. He died a number of years ago. Thomas, another son, settled near by, on the creek. His oldest son, James, was the first white child born in the township. Thomas is dead, although his descendants still live in the old brick house on Yankee street. Joseph Latshaw came here about 1807, from New England, and at first entered Berkshire, where he remained but a short time, when he moved into Genoa, and located upon the land now owned by John Roberts. This settlement was in the northern part of the township, southwest from the town of Galena. Here he erected his cabin and immediately cleared about four acres on the bottom opposite. At that time, this bottom was covered with driftwood, which served as a convenient source from which to gather his fuel. He remained on this farm until 1810. In the spring of that year, Hezekiah Roberts came to Genoa, from Luzerne County, Penn., bought Latshaw out, and began planting corn in the bottom land that had been cleared. The supplies he had brought with him had given out, and it became necessary to procure an additional stock. In the mean time, a child had been born to him, and it was necessary to obtain some luxuries for the mother. So he started through the woods, and, by following the Indian trail, reached the town of Zanesville, where he succeeded in getting what supplies he could carry, and returned home to his wife, who was anxiously awaiting his arrival. He made another trip to Zanesville soon after, and while there purchased a number of young apple-trees, which he set out on the land opposite his cabin. Roberts was a blacksmith, and immediately put up a small log shop just east of ` his cabin, the first of the kind in this section. In this shop he worked until his son was large enough to take his place. Roberts assisted to erect the old Custis mill, the first in the township, and a was one of the first men who raised a crop of flax He bought the old Copeland mill, and, moving it 606 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. to the west side of the creek, ran it for several years. His son, "Long" John Roberts, so called on account of his great height, was the second white child born in this township. When his father ceased to work at the blacksmithing trade, John took his place and 'worked continually for forty years. At present, he is obliged to relax his accustomed labors on account of ill health. The house he occupies was built in 1813, and he has lived in it since that time. David Weeks entered the township in the latter part of 1807. He was from Saratoga County, N. Y., and located on land now occupied by Shoaf, south from the present village of Galena. Weeks has been dead for a number of years. William Cox came into the settlement the same year that Weeks put up his cabin. He was from Pennsylvania, and in his passage over the mountains had to undergo many hardships, nearly freezing to death one night in the great forest west of the Alleghanies. After countless difficulties, he succeeded in reaching Worthington, from which place he soon after entered Genoa Township, and settled on the Big Walnut, in the "Ox Bow" bend of that creek. He immediately put up his cabin, and ontinued to live upon and improve his land until his death. Marcus Curtis, a brother of Jeremiah Curtis, and Elisha Newell, with their families, both from Connecticut, arrived in the settlement in 1808. The former purchased a tract of 681 acres of land on Yankee street, in the northeast part of the township. He it was who accompanied his brother to Chillicothe, and helped bring back the first supply of wheaten flour seen in this locality. Marcus, not long after his arrival, began the manufacture of brick from clay found on his farm, and built the first brick structure in the township. The house is still standing on Yankee street, a short distance below Jay Dyer's. He was the first, also, to introduce the Durham breed of cattle into the township. Newell located his family on Yankee street, in close proximity to the Curtises. A few years after, he purchased the saw and grist mill which Jeremiah Curtis had erected, and began running both mills, but not being very successful, he sold out in about a year to Hezekiah Roberts, after which be confined himself to farming. Alexander Smith, whose sons and relatives are at present prominent members of the community, came to Ohio from Pennsylvania in 1808. He settled upon land situated nearly in the central part of the township, and was a man prominently identified with its interests, both agriculturally and politically. For many years, he was an Elder of the Presbyterian Church. Fulrad Seebring, grandfather of William and Washington Seebring, came into this section in 1810, and set to work at once reclaiming his grant from the great forest trees. This land was located on the east side of the Big Walnut, near C. Roberts, and the first clearing that he made was on a rich "bottom " of the creek. His cabin was situated near Big Walnut, and thus an abundant supply of water for stock and other purposes was afforded. Ary Hendricks came in 1810, and located on land southwest of Galena. He took an active part in the early settlement of the township, and was one of the first officials. Thomas Harris and his son-in-law, Henry Bennett, came to this township in 1810. They were originally from Pennsylvania and emigrated from that State to Hocking County in 1805, where they remained until 1808, when they followed the Indian trail north and entered what is now Harlem Township, but which, at that time, was included in the township of Sunbury. They remained here two years, then in 1810 sold their land, upon which some improvements had been made, "forded" the Big Walnut near the covered bridge, which spans it where the road that leads to Harlem crosses, came to what is now Genoa Township. They at once set to work and raised comfortable log cabins. Bennett's cabin was situated near Yankee street, on the farm upon which his son, H. Bennett, resides. After he had been in this locality for some time, he erected a substantial frame house, which is still standing. Thomas Harris, the old pioneer, died at the advanced age of one hundred years and six months. His son, Samuel Harris, was frozen to death in his wagon, on his return from hauling provisions to the soldiers at the North. Some thought that he was killed and robbed by two men who were with him on his return, but this is not generally considered the fact. Elizabeth Harris Bennett, widow of Henry Bennett, is the oldest living person in Delaware County, and one of the first women that came to this locality. She was born in New Jersey, on the 10th of May, 1778, and is at present one hundred and two years of age. She was married to Henry Bennett on the 22d of February, 1794, in Pennsylvania, and accompanied her husband, and her father, Thomas Harris, to Ohio, and took part in all their movements preliminary to the permanent settlement made in Genoa in 1810. For a woman of her age she is wonderfully preserved, HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 607 having all her faculties intact and seeing without the aid of glasses. Byxbe Rogers was an old Revolutionary soldier, and served under Washington and other commanders seven years. He was with the" Father of his Country " when he made his famous crossing of the Delaware River to attack the Hessians at Trenton in 1777. Rogers came to Ohio from the State of Pennsylvania about 1809, and settled for a short period in Knox County. Having disposed of his property in that locality, for a large grant of land m this section, he moved up here in 1810 and located the farm now occupied by Henderson. For the first few years, he was actively engaged in clearing his land. His influence contributed largely to the formation of the new township of Genoa. He died in 1825. Jacob Clauson came from Luzerne County, Penn., in 1810. He was induced to emigrate from the latter State by Hezekiah Roberts and accompanied him hither. He was a shoemaker by trade and the first one of that calling that came to this settlement. When Roberts bought his farm and cabin from Latshaw, Clauson purchased a small piece of ground from him and, erecting a little cabin, commenced his occupation of shoemaking. After remaining here a short time, he found that the business did not warrant his remaining and he closed up his shop and journeyed to Franklinton for the purpose of getting work. While looking for work in that town, he assisted in raising the first log cabin upon the site where now stands the city of Columbus. Finding that work of his trade was as scarce in Franklinton as where he had just left, he returned to his former place of residence, and began to clear a piece of ground, and continued to occupy himself as a farmer until his death. Elisha Bennett, one of the earliest settlers, came here from Pennsylvania, by way of Harlem, as early as 1809. His glory lies in the fact that when it was decided to organize and erect a separate township from Harlem, and the project was carried into execution he had the honor of naming the same. When he came to Genoa, he settled on land near the Maxwell Corners, and died there a number of years ago. Jonas Carter settled here, and was from New England, at an early date, and located his grant on the Big Walnut, which is the farm now owned and occupied by Jay Dyer. He erected his cabin on the rising ground just east of the creek, and began clearing a small lot on the "bottom," but becoming discouraged from some reason or other, he sold out to Jonathan Dyer, and moved into the State of Indiana, where be died. Dyer lived upon the land until his death. Johnson Pelton and Sylvester Hough settled here in 1812. They were from the East, and entered the present limits of this township by way of Berkshire, settling on land just south of Galena. They have passed away, with a majority of those of that day. Mitchum started for this township from New England, with his family, and while on his way, took sick at the town of Cadiz, Harrison Co., Ohio, and died there. The rest of the family continued on, and reached this locality where they settled. In connection with his son, Hines Mitchum, a very interesting story is related. He was a very religious man, and used to journey to great distances, for the purpose of participating in the church exercises. Moreover, he was an excellent singer, and his presence was often sought, and always appreciated. There was a quarterly meeting (it will be seen by this that he was a good Methodist) to be held at the little town of Westerville, in Franklin County, on a certain evening, and as the meeting was to close with singing and other appropriate exercises, he was cordially invited to attend, and, on the afternoon preceding the evening of the day on which it was to be held, he started for Westerville. At that time, a dense j wood stretched away for miles in every direction, and there was not even an Indian trail leading from the settlement on the Big Walnut, in Genoa Township, to the town of Westerville. But Mitchum, trusting in his knowledge of the woods, started in the direction of the town. Dusk found him quite a distance from his point of destination, and he was plodding along, unmindful of the shadows that were creeping down upon him, when he was startled by a long howl, which sent the blood curdling to his very heart. He knew that sound too well to be mistaken. It was the hungry, famished cry of the gray wolf. Soon he heard the same cry at the north, then at the south, and then from every direction. He knew that he was surrounded, that he had not a moment to lose, so, selecting a tree that stood near, he was soon hid among its branches, and none too soon, for scarcely had he seated himself on one of the limbs, than, with a mighty bound, a huge wolf sprang upon the spot he had just vacated. In a short time, the entire pack assembled at the bottom of the tree; and expressed their disappointment in howls of baffled rage. Mitchum appreciated the fact that he was in rather an uncomfortable position. Night was fast approaching, and the 608 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. idea of remaining in that tree until the next morning was anything but pleasant. Suddenly the thought struck him, that he would sing. The idea was certainly a novel one, but worth the attempt, so, striking up one of his familiar airs, he poured forth the notes in his most melodious strains. He had sung but a short time, when he was surprised to find that the wolves had ceased howling, and thus encouraged, he continued singing, while they all sneaked off. Whether they left in disgust, or felt the overpowering influence of his voice, he never said, but it is related that when he arrived at Westerville, just after the meeting closed, he gave an account of his experience by saying that he had just come from a praise meeting, where the voices were naturally strong, but needed cultivation. Comfort Penney came to this locality about 1812, and was one of the first to erect his cabin on the "Ridge." He was from Pennsylvania. Lanson Gooding came about. the same time, and located near Penney, on the " Ridge." He was from the East, and in 1814 taught one of the first schools in the township. The building was a log cabin, and was situated on the farm of Ralph Smith. John Roberts, an early settler, came from the Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania, and when John Butler, the Tory leader, together with Brant and his Mohawks, swept into that beautiful valley and began massacring the settlers, Roberts fled to the fort, and when that was taken, he succeeded in escaping to the Federal lines near Philadelphia. After the close of the Revolution, he settled in Pennsylvania, whence he moved hither before the war of 1812, and settled on Yankee street. When a detachment of Harrison's army came through the western part of Genoa, on its way to Delaware via Berkshire, he joined it, and was under Harrison at the siege of Fort Meigs. After peace was declared, he returned to his home on the Big Walnut, where he continued to reside until his death. Duell, the first physician in the township, came at an early date. Dr. Skeels was also an early settler. William Hall came to Ohio in 1806, with the man to whom he had been apprenticed in Goshen, Conn., and settled with him at Worthington. He was born in Vermont, and at this time was sixteen years of age. He remained here until early in 1811, when he, in company with a friend, started for Connecticut, via Cleveland, on foot, arriving there in the early part of the summer. On their way through the woods, near Cleveland, they were one day confronted by a huge panther. Both being unarmed, they each seized a club, and after a great deal of yelling and flourishing of their rude weapons, succeeded in scaring him away. Soon tiring of the monotony of an Eastern life, he returned to Ohio in November of the same year. In 1812, he responded to a call for volunteers to help locate and cut out the old military road, over which supplies were transported to Fort Meigs. Mr. Hall soon after was appointed a recruiting officer, and succeeded in raising a company for the regular service, and was commissioned a First Lieutenant. His company was attached to the Twenty-seventh Regiment of infantry, the Colonel being Lewis Cass. He was with Harrison at Detroit, and in the invasion with Canada, and took part in the battle of the Thames. After this battle, which eventually ended the war in this direction, he was discharged, having served his country for three years. In 1815, he married Polly Curtis, and settled on the Curtis farm, in this township, where he spent his life. From 1816 to 1819, there came into the township the families of Diadatus Keeler (who was a very enterprising man, and the first to introduce fine-wooled sheep, and the China and Berkshire breed of hogs), E. Washburn, Jacob Hartburn, Abraham Wells, Eleazar and George Copeland. Dr. E Eleazar Copeland was a man who, upon his advent into the township, began to use all his energy and resources for the promotion of its best interests, and was connected with nearly all the pioneer industries. He was drowned in the waters of the Big Walnut, under the following circumstances: He was part owner of a saw-mill situated on that stream, and, during a continuance of low water, there had accumulated a great many logs about the mill. A sudden and heavy rain having raised the water in the creek, the logs were floated off, and began going down stream in the current. His wife, noticing this fact, suggested that her husband, who was an excellent swimmer, should enter the water and try and save them. The doctor leaped in for the purpose of gaining the other side, but when about in the middle, he was seized with cramps, and after a vain effort to reach the bank, sank under the turbulent waters, and was drowned. This occurred on Wednesday, and although people gathered from every direction to search for his body, it was not found until the following Sunday, and then under circumstances which were very peculiar. It was understood throughout the section that a thorough search was HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 609 to be made on that day, and a great crowd had gathered for that purpose. John Roberts and his brother-in-law, Mr. Smith, had left the main party, who were exploring near where be went under, and began to search farther down stream, on the west bank. Having sat down nearly opposite the mouth of Spruce Run to take a rest, John Roberts' attention was attracted by the hum of flies, and watching them closely, he saw them go in and out of a small bole which had been made by one of the searching party in a sand-bar. He went down to the spot, and, after scraping away the sand, he discovered the body, face downward, completely covered with sand and driftwood. Joseph Linnabauf, an industrious and energetic farmer, came to Genoa Township a few years previous to the Copelands. They emigrated from Luzerne County, Penn., and settled in the south central portion of this township. Dusenbury and Roswell Cooke came somewhat later than the Copelands. The latter was the first to introduce thorough-bred cattle into this township. There is an old tradition which has been handed down through the early settlers, that somewhere along the course of the little creek called Spruce Run, opposite the mouth of which Dr. Copeland's body was found, there is a lead mine. The pioneers relate that often a body of Indians would come down to this locality, and, after hunting a few days, for the purpose of removing any suspicion that might be aroused, they would go up this creek, and, after remaining for some time, would pass north, loaded with lead, which was almost pure. A number of attempts have been made since to discover the mine, but without success. The Rev. E. Washburn came with his wife to Genoa in the winter of 1816-17, when society and all else in this newly settled country was comparatively in a primitive state. Money was almost unobtainable, and that little in circulation was, in many instances, unstable and depreciated. Necessities were more difficult to secure than luxuries are now. Under such circumstances, and amidst these trying conditions, it would appear that a field of great usefulness was open to the advent of a man like Mr. Washburn. He was a universally esteemed and loved father in the Presbyterian ministry, an ordained and appointed missionary of the Cross, but was solely dependent for support upon his labor and the voluntary contributions of the people among whom he devoted his untiring energies. At the time of his coming, there resided on Yankee street only the families of Jonas Carter, John Curtis, William Hall, William Cox, Marcus Curtis, Johnson Pelton and Sylvester Hough. Previous to Mr. Washburn's arrival, there had been but one sermon preached by a Presbyterian clergyman within the present limits of the township, and not one had been preached upon the Sabbath day. He immediately commenced preaching throughout the regions which are now embraced in the townships of Blendon, in Franklin County, Genoa, Berkshire and Trenton, in Delaware County, and continued so to preach until the year 1829 or 1830. He often spoke of the many acts of kindness and fraternal regard he and his family received from the bands of the early settlers and pioneers of the forest. Just previous to his coming; there had been organized by the Rev. Mr. Hughes, then of Delaware, a Presbyterian Church in Berkshire, the members of which were scattered over Genoa and adjoining townships, but, on looking for the records, none were found; so that, in 1818, the church was again formally organized, and Samuel Thompson, Julius White and John Brown were chosen and ordained as its Ruling Elders. Mrs. Rachel Curtis, Mrs. Katy Curtis, Ralph Smith, William Hall and Alexander Smith were members of the Berkshire Church, but resided in the vicinity. In 1830, the Presbytery set off the members who resided in the vicinity, and constituted them into a separate church, known as the "Presbyterian Church and congregation of Genoa." The members who were thus set off were sixteen in number, and, as near as can possibly be ascertained, were Marcus Curtis and Katy (his wife), Ralph Smith, Rachel Curtis, William Hall, Alexander Smith, Nancy Allen, Freeman Chester, Simeon Chester and Clarissa (his wife), Diadatus Keeler, Eleazar Copeland, Obediah Seebring and Abigail (his wife), Mary Foote and Augustus Curtis. Just previous to this time, the Rev. Mr. Washburn was living upon a tract of land containing a few acres, which he had purchased and improved, situated on the farm then owned by William Hall, nearly opposite the road leading to the mill, a little north of Mr. Roberts' residence on Yankee street. He continued to supply his neighborhood with preaching until some two years after he removed his residence to Blendon. On the 19th of February, 1831, the session of the Genoa Church met for the first time, the Rev. Ahab Jinks being Moderator, and Diadatus Keeler and Eleazar Copeland Elders. These men 610 - HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. were appointed by the Presbytery, and as there is no mention made on the records of their ordination, it is presumed they were Elders in the Leburn, or Blendon Church, at the time of their transfer to this organization. The Rev. Ahab Jinks continued to minister to the congregation until 1836, when he was succeeded by Rev. Calvin Ransom. During this year, fourteen members who resided in Trenton Township and its immediate vicinity, were set off and organized as the First Presbyterian Church of Trenton. In 1837, Mr. Jinks was again the stated supply, and so continued until 1841. During the year 1840, a protracted meeting was held, in which the Rev. Mr. Cable assisted the minister in charge. In 1842, the Rev. John McCutchen was their Pastor, and continued to minister to the congregation one year. In 1844, the Rev. R. De Forrest came and preached as an evangelist for the space of about eight weeks. In the succeeding year, 1845, the Rev. Mr. Avery officiated, and continued his ministrations one, or perhaps, nearly two, years. From the year 1845 to the year 1850, the congregation enjoyed the labors of the Rev. Mr. Whipple, Rev. Milton Starr and Rev. M. Brown. In 1850, the Rev. Warren Nichols occupied the pulpit and remained until about the close of the year 1852. In the summer of 1853, the Rev. David Coyner, then a licentiate of Franklin Presbytery, was employed, and continued his labors for two years and part of a third. From the fall of the year 1855 until the summer of 1856, the pulpit was vacant. At that time, the Rev. Homer McVey then a student of Lane Seminary, during his vacation preached for the charge occasionally. August 1, 1856, the Rev. Warren Jenkins-from whose discourse, delivered January 1, 1860, we have gathered the information in relation to the church, and other items of interest-entered upon his labors, and, at the time this sermon was delivered, had supplied this congregation and that of Trenton alternately. Following him, and for the space of three years and five months thereafter, the Rev. Mr. Coyner had charge, since which time there has been but little preaching, and, for a number of years, they have had no regular Pastor. In the summer, however, they have a Sunday school. When the church was first organized, it held meetings in the schoolhouse then standing in the rear of the present residence of Augustus Curtis. In the year 1837-38, the present house of worship was erected, and the same was dedicated the 8th of December, 1838. The Methodist Episcopal Church existed as an organization as early as 1840, worshiping in schoolhouses and cabins of the settlers. It was not until 1849, they commenced to build at Maxwell Corners a frame church at a cost of $800. The church was dedicated by an English minister named Taylor. The ministers who have held this charge are as follows : George G. West, Havens Parker, William Porter, Havens Parker, Samuel C. Riker, Martindale, Brown, Dr. Gurley, Hooper, Ellis, Adair, Elliott. This denomination existed and worshiped in this church until about 1865. At that time, the ministers in charge, Revs. Adair and Elliott, declined preaching longer on account of political differences, and brought the matter before the Quarterly Conference. The conference decided the church to be a non-organized band, and appointed a committee, consisting of John Milicent, Bijah Mann and Elijah Adams, to sell the church edifice. This committee immediately advertised the church for sale, and H. Bennett bid it off for $336 for the Christian Union denomination, which had been formed out of the dissolution of the Methodist Episcopal society. The church was then rededicated, about 1866, by the Rev. Green, from Columbus, who have organized it. The ministers that have officiated since its last organization are as follows : Green, Gates, Stephenson, Durant, Allen, Mann and Flag. The Rev. Mr. Stephenson is now in charge, and hold meetings every two weeks. It is not uncommon, at this day, to hear the rising generation wondering how it came that these old pioneers and their immediate descendants possessed such "good common sense." Nature was the inimitable book from which they gained the inspiration that was to make the "wilderness bloom and blossom as the rose," and if perchance they were able to attend, in the dead of winter, the little log schoolhouse on Ralph Smith's farm, where in 1814 Lanson Gooding taught the rudiments of learning, they realized that they were enjoying a boon too sacred to be idly thrown away. Lanson Gooding has long since disappeared, and the log schoolhouse, too, is gone. Near its site stands a substantial frame school building that is a credit to the township. A large brick schoolhouse is situated near the covered bridge, at the old Williams' Ford, and the Curtises, Williamses, Halls, and the sons and daughters of other well known pioneers, who used to tramp through the snow for the purpose of attending the little log structure near the same spot, if alive, could HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. - 811 scarcely be made to realize the great changes and improvements that have been made. Perhaps the accompanying statistics will be of interest to some Balance on hand, Sept. 1, 1878, $932.72. Local tax, for school and schoolhouse purposes, $1,230.03 total, $2,667.80. Amount paid teachers, primary, $1,173; amount paid for site and buildings, $480; amount paid for fuel and other contingent expenses, $150 ; total amount of expenditures, $1,803. Balance on hand, September 1, 1879, $864.80. Number of districts or subdistricts, 9; number of schoolhouses erected during the year, 1; cost of schoolhouses erected during the year, $498. Number of schoolhouses, 9 ; number of rooms, 9. Average number of weeks in session, 24. Total value of school property, $4,500. Number of teachers necessary to supply schools, 9 ; number of different teachers employed, gents, 4 ; ladies, 5 Average wages per month, gents, $30 ; ladies $22. Number of teachers who taught the entire year, ladies, 2. Rate of local school tax for 1878-79, 2 mills ; rate of local school tax for 1879-80, 1.9 mills. Number of different pupils enrolled within the year, boys, 180 ; girls, 125. Average monthly enrollment, boys, 170 ; girls, 125. Average daily attendance, boys, 160 ; girls, 120 Number enrolled between ages of sixteen and twenty-one, boys, 45 ; girls, 46. Jeremiah Curtis built the first mills in the town ship, and the first still-house, which were situated on the Big Walnut, on the farm now owned by Stephen Ulry. Curtis only ran the mill a year w two, when he sold out to Elisha Newell, who ran it about a year when, the dam and buildings be coming undermined and unsafe, he sold out to Hezekiah Roberts. Roberts built a race across hi farm, erected a three story, hewn-log grist-mill, and putting in the running gear of the old mill began to do business. This was in 1816, and at that early date they had no buhr-stones but had to work with what were know as "nigger heads." This mill ran until 1839, when it was burned down, owned at the time by a man named Duncan. It was rebuilt and soon after sold to R. C. Barnum, who sold out to Lewis Mahany. Under the latter's ownership, steam was introduced and it ran for a number of years, when business having become dull, the mill was sold to Mathias Roberts, who took the steam gearing out and took it to Illinois and put it in a new mill in that State. At present, there is nothing left of the mill excepting the frame-work. The dam has long since disappeared having been carried away during a heavy freshet. About 1826 or 1827, Squire Hough and Dr. Copeland put up a grist and saw mill down where Yankee street crosses the Big Walnut. The gristmill had but one run, which was made of flint ride-stone. After they had run the mills a short time, they were joined by a man named I. S. Carpenter, and through his influence and his co-operation, they built a brick dry-house and put machinery in the mill for breaking hemp, which at that time was raised upon nearly all the farms in this vicinity and formed the principal staple. McLeod, who came to this locality from Pennsylvania at rather an early date, put up a saw-mill about 1838 on Big Walnut Creek, just east of where Mr. H. Bennett now lives. The dam was made from logs and stood for many years. There are only two bridges in the township, one near Maxwell Corners and the other at Williams' Ford. The former was built about twelve years ago. The latter was built by the Sherman brothers. Both are wooden structures, and covered. The State road connecting Columbus and Galena was surveyed by Barack Weeks about 1821 or 1822. There was an old State road connecting Worthington and Berkshire, which ran through the western part of the township. A detachment of Harrison's army is said to have traveled over this road from Worthington on their way North. It has not been used for some fifty years. The Columbus & Mount Vernon Railroad follows the ridge through the township, running southwest and northeast. There is simply a flag station at what was formerly the Genoa Crossroads, and the people are compelled to go to Galena if they desire to avail themselves of the advantage of railroad traveling. Maxwell Corners, formerly known as Maxwell Post Office, is the nearest approach to a town in the township. It at present consists of one store, a church, and a few frame houses, and is situated on Yankee street, in the southern part of the township. A survey was once made, and a town laid out, the name of which was to be Inglesbe, but the plat was never recorded. After the post office at the Genoa Cross-roads had become defunct through the neglect of Dr. Badger, who moved away without naming a successor, the office was placed at Maxwell. It existed here for a short time, when on one occasion the mail carrier having got drunk, the Postmaster, Thomas Kline, resigned, and this office also perished, although at present there is an effort being made for its restitution. The first post office in the township was at the residence of Marcus Curtis, and he was the first Postmaster. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) |