(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 200 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. About the year 1800, Andrew Barr and his five sons, Thomas, Samuel, James, William and John, came from Chester county, Pennsylvania, and settled in section thirty-three, about two miles west of Amanda, Thomas served in the war of 1812. Andrew Barr died about 1813. His descendants still live in this part of the township. George Dysinger, from near Hagerstown, Maryland, was another early settler. He located on Clear Creek, about two miles north of Amanda, and died on the homestead at a ripe old age. Among his earliest neighbors were John Hinton, Michael, Peter and Henry Ride nour, Abraham Myers, George and John Nigh, Timothy and Daniel Collins, Philip Herron and others. In the vicinity of Royalton the Aliens were the first settlers. Unlike the other settlers hereabouts, they were Yankees. It was early in 1800 that a colony of forty souls, consisting of Dr. Silas Allen, his four sons, Lemuel, Jedediah, Whiting, and Benjamin, John Searle and Abner Burnat, and their families, left the county of Royalton, Vermont, destined for distant Mississippi. Traveling overland, they reached Lancaster, and pleased with the country, they concluded to abandon their original intention and settle in this county. Section three of Amanda township was selected as the site of their future home, and in a short time they were safely domiciled. Dr. Silas Allen died there about 1822. His two sons, Jedediah and Lemuel, remained here till the close of their lives, and in their time were among the most prominent men of the county. Whiting and Benjamin removed to Delaware, Ohio. Searle lived and died here, but Burnat emigrated to Meigs county. The colonists brought with them a fine carriage, for the use of the women, but when they reached Lancaster they could go no further with it. At this time there was not a tree cut between Lancaster and Royalton, and the men must cut a roadway to their new home. The carriage was finally brought to its final destination, but was never used as a pleasure vehicle. It was stowed away, and thenceforth until it perished from decay became a " turkey roost." The settlement was in the vicinity of an Indian encampment called Tobytown, and the natives frequently paid friendly visits to their new neighbors, usually for trading purposes. They would cross the prairie in single file, the squaws carrying their pappooses on their backs, lashed to a board, and on arriving at the cabins would stand up the boards outside while they went in. Mrs. Elvira Meeker, daughter of Lemuel Allen, is still living at Royalton, at the age of ninety years. Scott's History of Fairfield county contains the following from the pen of Thomas Cole: " In the spring of 1800, three men, names not remembered, came from near Chillicothe and broke ground on the prairie in section number four, planted corn, and then returned home. They came back in due time and tended their corn twice. The next fall one of these men sold his share to Horatio Clark, receiving a horse in payment. The other two likewise disposed of their shares to parties not now remembered. In November of the same year. Wilkinson Lane, of Huntingdon county, Tennessee, settled on section eight, and was succeeded in the month of June following by Thomas Cole, who had entered the section. The family were never troubled he Indians. In a few years HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 201 Mr. Cole built a school-house on his land, hired a teacher, Abraham Cole, for eight dollars a month, and then invited all who wished to send their children and pay a pro rata share or not, as they could or would. In those days school hours were from "sun to sun," or as soon as scholars arrived. On one occasion Broad Cole, son of Thomas Cole, born in 1802, and recently decease, thought of beating the master at school some day, and after a few failures to do so, left home one morning about daybreak, but on arriving at the school-house he was greeted with a good tire, and found the master, a Mr. Smith, banking up earth against the school-house, to protect it against cold. That house was built on the north part of section eighteen. David Swope and William Long were settlers on section eight in June, 1807. In 1803 Valentine Reber came out from Pennsylvania, and entered section ten of the township, and in 1805, he brought out his young wife from Berks county, and settled on the section. Frederick Ehernman, a German, was one of the earliest settlers. His cabin was on section nine. On section ten, John Huber from Pennsylvania settled early, and lived the remainder of his life. Samuel Peters, Valentine Reber and John Hannaway were three adjoining settlers in the northern part of the township, and each had a family of fourteen children. Richard Hooker, on the southeast quarter of section eighteen, was among the first pioneers. Still others were Joseph Abrams, a blacksmith from Pennsylvania ; Thomas Mace, section thirty-three, where he kept tavern and taught school ; Henry Christy, section thirty-four ; J. P. Hamilton, an early justice and surveyor ; Francis Brothers, David Brians, John Crist, section thirty—four ; Jacob Gardner from Pennsylvania, Joseph and Edward Highlands, James, John and William Long, section nineteen ; James Morris, near Amanda ; John Owens, section twenty-five ; Thomas Selby, John Torrence, and the Whitemans. Royalton was the first village in the township, and one of the first in the county. It was laid out in 1810; Lemuel and Jedediah Allen were the proprietors ; William Hamilton the surveyor. It was laid out by the Allens that they might have the convenience of mechanical skill close at home, obviating the necessity of going to Lancaster for workmen, when their services was required. Lemuel Allen opened a tavern here in 181o, and the same year Jacob Rush, from Baltimore, brought a stock of goods to the embryonic village, and started the first store. The first school in this vicinity was on Lemuel Allen's place. He had just built a stable and determined on dedicating it by holding a school there. Sending to Granville he secured the services of Miss Sabra Case, who received $1.25 per scholar for a term of twelve weeks. She had air enrollment of about twelve pupils. Warren Case afterwards taught here. A school house was immediately built on the site of the present building in Royalton, where Public instruction has since been dispensed to the children of the village. The little town was named Royalton from the county from which the Aliens emigrated, It has never grown to any considerable extent. Its business, briefly, consists of one general store, a drug store, a furniture 26 202 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. store, two shoe shops, and two blacksmith shops. Two physicians are located here. Amanda, located in the southeastern part of the township, is a thriving village, which, in 1880, had about three hundred and seventy-five inhabitants, but now perhaps one hundred more. It was laid out about 1830, by Samuel Kessler. The first three houses erected were occupied by Mr. Spitler, a shoemaker ; Mr. Potts, a cooper, and Mr. Mouser, a blacksmith. Joseph Reed brought the first little stock of goods to the village for sale, " about a wheel-barrow load," and soon after Joseph Temple offered a greater assortment to the public. Henry Sunderman, however, was the first merchant of prominence. He first sold goods here on commission for Martin & Rogers, then went into business for himself, and carried it on extensively up to the time of his death. There are now three general supply stores, two hotels, a provision store, drug store, grist mill, one brick yard, two harness shops, two blacksmith shops, and a number of other industrial shops located here. It is claimed that four hundred thousand bushels of grain are annually sold at this point, and shipped via the Zanesville and Cincinnati Railroad, which passes through the place. Nearly all the grain within a radius of eight or nine miles is brought here, owing to the level or descending roads leading from all directions to Amanda. The village affords three practicing physicians, a neat two-story brick school house, and two churches. Central Valley Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 548, at Amanda, was instituted July 10, 1873. The charter members were : W. H. Dickson, B. Balthaser, T. J. Barr, C. H. Sunderman, T. L. Hewiston, Wm. Acton, W. B. Sunderman, P. Hewiston, H. D. Aldenderfer, George Aldenderfer, David Crites, Joseph Bechtel, Andrew Laps, and Samuel Griffith, Sr. The membership now numbers seventy-eight. Amanda Lodge of F. and A. M., No. 509, was instituted October 28, 1876. Names of charter members were H. G. Trout, Edward Griner, Levi Lawrence, J. D. Landis, B. F.Rambo, Jacob Balthaser, D. M. Miesse, J. A. Julien, and D. J.V.Wolf. The membership has materially increased. New Strasburg was the name of a town laid out many years ago, about a mile west of Amanda, but it never attained a larger size than six or eight houses. Cedar Hill is the name of a post-office in the western part of the township, where a small cluster of houses may be seen. The Presbyterian Church at Amanda was organized in 1838, with William McKinley, John Wylie and Thomas Propeck as elders. Rev. William Jones was the first minister. He presided over the church eight years. During his administration a frame house of worship was erected. The original members numbered thirteen, but within a year the little flock grew to a membership of ninety. Revs. Jewett, William Nelson, George Carpenter, A.. Taylor, William Galbreath, William McMillan and A. B. Price have successively been installed pastors. In 1879 a handsome brick church, 40x56 feet, was constructed, at a cost of $4,000. The present membership is sixty. HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 203 The Methodists of Amanda worship in a frame church which they built about forty or more years ago. Their membership is about forty. The congregation is included in the Tarleton circuit. Rev. Dixon is the present pastor. Turkey Run Regular Baptist Church is one of the oldest organizations in the township. The society was organized September 6th, 1817, by EldersEli Ashbrook and Jacob Thorp. The early meetings were held in Hooker's school house, until about 1838, when the present frame structure was erected. It has recently undergone extensive repairs. Rev. George Tusing is the present pastor. The present membership is about thirty. There are two EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION (ALBRIGHT) churches within the township. The Trinity church is located about two miles northwest of Amanda. The structure is of brick, and about 35x45 in size, erected in 1870, at a total expense of $2,500. Rev. Emanuel Tunner had charge of the church when the building was erected. The present pastor is Rev. Eli Shoemaker ; the membership about thirty. The society is an old one, and prior to 1870 conducted its religious services at Meisey's residence, and in his wagon-shed. Cedar Hill chapel is a building similar in character to the 1 rinity church. and was erected one year later. Its membership. exceeds fifty somewhat. Previously they held meetings at the adjoining school house, and at Reigle's residence. Among the early ministers of this church were Revs. Ruch, Wolpert and Downey. Fairview chapel, a Methodist meeting-house, is located near the north line of section 23, and is a neat brick. The class that worships here is not very strong. It was organized more than thirty years ago, and is included within the Royalton circuit. The Royalton Methodist Episcopal Church dates its origin back to 1809, when Rev. Ralph Lotspeach began to preach to the church-loving people of this community, at the cabin of Lemuel Allen. The services were held only occasionally for a while, and were then conducted for many years in the log school house of the village. About 1825 a frame parsonage was built by the members on the site of the present church. When it became dilapidated through age, it was removed, and the brick meeting-house now standing was constructed. It has recently been repaired. The membership exceeds three hundred. Rev. D. J. Smith is the officiating pastor. This township had its little mills, like all others in pioneer times. Amongst the earliest was Richard Hooker's on Turkey Run. When the stream was high there was sufficient water-power to grind the corn for the neighbors, but in dry weather they were compelled to patronize more distant. mills. The Ridenours owned and operated a little saw and grist mill on Clear Creek: Valentine Reber operated a distillery on section to, where a large quantity of spirits were manufactured. Richard Hooker also owned a small one. The early schools were of the typical rude class of the day. They were almost uniformly small cabins, with a huge fireplace at one end, and chimney built of logs outside., Light was obtained by removing a 204 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. log and replacing it with strips of greased paper. A rough slab extending along the walls of the building formed the writing desk. There was no floor. commonly, and when the children were at play during recess a dense cloud of dust would be raised. It was a building like this that would be used perhaps two and one-half months in a year for school purposes. and the remaining nine and one-half months the sheep and hogs would hold undisputed sway. About the only books used were Dilworth's Spelling. Book, a primer and the New Testament. Occasionally a little arithmetic was taught, but a class rarely progressed as far as the rule of three.'' HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 205 CHAPTER XXX. BERNE TOWNSHIP. Tills township was christened Berne by Samuel Carpenter, one of its earliest settlers. in honor of the Canton of Berne. Switzerland, the home of his ancestry. It is one of the largest townships of Fairfield county. comprising all of township fourteen, range eighteen, except one and one-half sections from the northwest corner, which belong to Lancaster township, and two tiers of sections. from one to twelve, inclusive. from township thirteen, range eighteen. Its entire territory embraces over forty-seven square miles. The township lies in the southeastern part of the county. Hocking River enters from the northwest, and, passing through the entire :length of the township. flows into Hocking county on the south. Its principal tributaries are Rush Creek and Pleasant Run. The surface Iis rough and hills except in the narrow valleys which skirt the streams. The soil on the hill-sides is largely argillaceous. The outcroppings rare sandstone. and in places the soil has a gravelly subsistence. The Columbus & Hocking Valley Railroad and the Hocking Canal cross the township along the Hocking River valley. The Cincinnati & Zanesville Road passes east and west through the northern part of the township. The forests of Ohio were settled first along the banks of the streams, which coursed in solitude through their unbroken density ; and Berne township, carrying the waters of Fairfield's largest stream, received a portion of the first tide of emigration that passed through the county. The earliest known white character of whom any tradition is preserved that became a denizen of the township. was John Sisco, a southern "renegade hunter, dubbed by the pioneers, "Indian John." He led the wild and free life of a hunter. living in a rudely constructed shanty or wigwam. and. as the settlers encroached on his hunting grounds. gradually moved southward until he found his eternal resting place. near Logan. The Carpenters are accredited with being the earliest permanent settlers in the township. The first land entered was that in the Hocking valley nearest Lancaster. Succeeding pioneers occupied the lands down the stream until they were all appropriated. Then the valleys of the tributaries were settled, and finally the hills. It was in 1798 that William. David. Samuel, and John Carpenter, with their father, emigrated from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and settled in sections seven and eight, in the Hocking valley, just below Lancaster. Below them were the Shellenberger ''boys, Samuel and :Henry. Their father. Henry. traveled here from Pennsylvania and entered the land. he returned to his old home and left the boys in 206 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. possession here. George Eckert, another Pennsylvanian, was next and below him. Abraham Ream, also from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, entered sections 27, 28, 33, 34, and part of 3; on Rush Creek, becoming the most extensive resident landholder in the township. All the above emigrated in 1798. Joseph Stukey entered still further down the river. Indians often visited the cabins of these early settlers, generally begging or demanding victuals. Their requirements were always complied with, and a friendly state of feeling between the two races maintained. Unless the noble red man was frenzied by whisky it was not difficult for the whites to preserve amicable relations with him. The forests at this time teemed with wild game and wild beasts. Panthers and wildcats were not uncommon, and often became the trophies of the huntsman's skill. Abraham Ream—his grandson, William Pannabaker, relates—raised a family of fourteen children—eight girls and six boys. The boys were daring hunters, and, like other frontiersmen, keenly enjoyed the sport. Absalom Ream at one time pursued a large panther till it sought refuge in a hollow log. He cut it out, first chopping holes in the log and tying the panthers feet together. Designing to keep the " varmint " a captive, he hastily built a high enclosure for it, but after its release the panther drank an excessive amount of cold water and fell dead. When Abraham Ream was lying ill, his wife took their span of horses to the brink of Hocking River to water, and while there the horses manifested signs of uneasiness, and soon of terror. With true pioneer instinct Mrs. Ream apprehended danger, and immediately hastened back with the horses to the stable. Securing them, she reached the cabin. a rod or two distant, and barred the door after her. Glancing out the little aperture that served as a window she saw a large panther with his fore-feet resting on the-low fence that surrounded the cabin, lashing his tail, and exhibiting other signs of anger. It was amid such scenes as this that the early settlements of Berne township were made. Among the earliest settlers on Rush Creek were Peter Stinespring, Henry Inesell. Henry Swartz, from Pennsylvania, and Christian and John Beery, from Virginia. Most of the first settlers came from Pennsylvania, chiefly from Lancaster and Berks counties. Some few emigrated from Virginia. William Collins, the father of John A. Collins, an early 'squire and prominent citizen ; Daniel and Abraham Moyer, Felta Pratz, and others, settled in the north-east part of the township. Walter Applegate. from Virginia, also settled very early in the northeast corner of the township. John Baldwin, a bachelor, who lived and died here, and Peter Sturgeon, from the same State : John Bibler and Michael Hansel, from Pennsylvania. and William Bryan, were early figures in the township's history. William Jackson, from Frederick county, Maryland, in 1805 came to the township. He found an empty cabin on Pleasant Run, with twelve acres of cleared land surrounding it, and moved into it in December, remaining two years. He afterwards leased and purchased other lands in the township. and died here in 1850. William Crook, from Henry county. Virginia, in 1805, settled about two miles south- HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 207 east of Lancaster. He was probably the first Justice of the township. He served in the war of 1812 as Major, was sheriff of the county, and died in this township about 1855. His six brothers, and his lather, Ephraim, preceded him here a short time, all living in the same neighborhood. Jacob Iric. from Maryland, and George See settled in the township about 1805. John Pennabaker came in 1806, from Berks. county. Pennsylvania. It is impossible to even mention the names of all the early settlers. During the first years of the century they entered very rapidly, and in 1806 there were one hundred and twelve tax-payers in the township. James Pierce is remembered as one of the earliest justices. He kept no docket, and was very positive, and sometimes arbitrary, in his decisions, but would never charge any costs for his official services. Lawsuits were very much discountenanced in the earliest pioneer days, and when once instituted, the neighbors frequently urged a settlement, and would even make up a purse for the delinquent, rather than have the legal contest proceed. William A. Collins, and others, succeeded Pierce. The Shellenbergers had the first little mill in the township. It was an insignificant " corn-cracker," which would only chop, not grind, and the customers must sieve their meal at home. Soon after a mill was erected on the Carpenter place, where the flour might be bolted by hand. It was not long, however, before George Eckert and Abraham Ream constructed mills in which the process of bolting was performed. The Carpenters built the first saw-mill. Joseph Stukey built one soon after. Sugar Grove is the only town of note. It is situated in the southern part of the township. at the junction of Hocking River and Rush Creek. It received its name from a heavy growth of sugar timber which had occupied its site. An Indian encampment had formerly stood at this place, and a large burying ground close by. Numerous skeletons have been unearthed, and many other evidences of savage occupation have been revealed. The village was laid out by Mrs. Elizabeth Rudolph. It was incorporated thirty or more years ago. Its population exceeds three hundred. At present it contains four dry-goods stores, one general store, one hotel, three churches, three blacksmith shops, three shoe shops, one wagon shop, one undertaking establishment, two-physicians, two tanneries, and one The mill is controlled by John D. Martin. of Lancaster, and has just been rebuilt. It is fed by the canal, and finds a market for its products in the mining districts below on the canal. The mill was originally built by Joseph Stukey about 1843. The school building is a substantial two-story brick, containing four rooms, three of which are now used for school purposes. The remaining room is occupied by Sugar Grove Lodge, No. 654, I. 0. 0. F, which was instituted in 1876, with eleven members. It is now prosperous, and contains sixty-two members. The first house in Sugar Grove was built about 1835. by Samuel White. It was a log cabin long since removed. It stood on the lot opposite Dennis's hotel. The first store comprised a small stock of goods, brought to the place by Christian Krebs and Jefferson Meeks. 208 - HISTORY 0F FAIRFIELD COUNTY. It was located in the upper end of town, where the tanyard now stands. Berne post-office is a station on the Cincinnati and Zanesville Railroad. It is situated in the northeast corner of the township. and contains a store, one or two shops, and two or three houses. If the number of churches in the township is an indication of spiritual welfare, Berne should be a religious township. Of the three at Sugar Grove, the German Reform church is the handsomest structure. It was erected in 1872, at a cost of $4,000. If is forty by sixty-two feet neatly furnished, and, among country churches, has few equals in attractive appearance. The society enrolls one hundred and thirty members. The old frame church, which preceded the existing edifice. was erected in 1841. Prior to that date Services had been conducted by this denomination in a church which stood two miles north of Sugar Grove, and which had been built by this and a Lutheran Church jointly. Judge Joseph Stukey and William Pennabaker were early leading members. The Evangelical Lutheran Church has had an organization in Sugar Grove for thirty years. The earliest services were held in the church two miles above the village, and afterwards in an old United Brethren church in Sugar Grove. The building now used for worship was erected in 1873, at a cost of $2, l00. Rev. Charles A. Shultz is the present pastor ; the membership, about fifty. The Sugar Grove Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1851. Revs. Samuel Harvey and A. B. See were the first pastors. The class began its existence with eleven members, and met at John Wann's house. Services were held in the school-house and the United Brethren church for a year, when the present frame church was built. The membership includes ninety-seven souls. St. Joseph's Catholic church, located three miles up Rush Creek, was built in 1853. It is a frame structure, and its dimensions are thirty by sixty feet. The membership is probably one hundred. Fathers J. Young, Langey, Gildwiler, Goldsmith, and Mavrose, have successively and successfully administered to this flock. The Spannagel Lutheran church, as it is known, occupies a spot of ground in the southwestern part of the township. Services are conducted in both the English and German languages. The frame structure still occupied by this congregation was erected forty-one years ago under the guidance of Rev. W. F. Richman. Rev. John Wagenholz had previously held services in an adjoining school house. Through deaths and emigrations, the numerical sfrength of this church has suffered greatly. The first church in the township is said to have been built by the Lutherans and German Reformers near the north line of section fourteen. It was a hewed log building and has since been replaced by a frame, which is now occupied by a strong Lutheran congregation, with Rev. Shultz as pastor. Pleasant Hill M. E. Church is a frame in the eastern part of the township, where an old log church formerly stood. It includes probably forty members. Emery M. E. Church, about midway between Lancaster and Sugar HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 209 Grove, was built about twenty years ago and is the home of a prosper- ous society, which was organized fhrough the efforts of Mrs. J. It. Pierce and named from her father. Jackson, formerly Collin's. M. E. Church is situated about three-fourths of a mile north of Berne P. O. The building has been occuppied for religious services for a period of fifty years or more but the congregation is strong and healthy. Two other churches, the Asbury M. E. and the Mt. Tabor Evangelical Association, are located near the north line of the township and have Many supporters from Berne township. 210 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. CHAPTER XXXI. BLOOM TOWNSHIP. This township was laid off in 1805. The early settlers were the Hushors, Meyers, Glicks, Clarks, Hoys, Courtrights, Scott, Crites, Messmores, Swartzes, Honinghouses, Lambs, Granels, Alspaughs, WilliamsonS, and a few others. Abraham.Van Courtright came from Pennsylvania in 1801. He married a Miss McFarlan of Greenfield township. her brother, William McFarlan, came to the county in 1799. Mr. Courtright settled first near what has long been known as the Betser church, two miles south of Lockville. He afterwards moved in the vicinity of Greencastle, where he died in 1825. His three sons, John, Jesse D. and Abraham Courtright (now dead). became the heads of large families. The Courtright homestead was where Zephania Courtright now lives. Jesse D. Courtright laid out Greencastle in 1810, and had it surveyed by John Hamilton. He lived where his daughter Mrs. Sarah Green now resides, and in this house kept hotel several years. This was the first house in the town and Mrs. Green is the oldest woman now living who is native-born of Bloom township. Samuel Weisser came from Pennsylvania in 1818, and kept the first blacksmith shop. He followed his trade continuously until he died, or for a period of forty years. He was the second Justice of the Peace, and held that office thirty-five years, was township treasurer many years, and an official member of the church fifty years. The Presbyterian church was built in 1861. Abraham, John and Jacob Courtright and J. A. Whitzel were among the founders of this society. The present elders are F. H. Courtright, G. B. Courtright and J. A. Whitzel, and the trustees Samuel Benson, Samuel Weisser, H. R. Roller, L. C. Friebley and William Swayer. Rev. John W. Woods was the first pastor. Under the ministration of Pr. A. B. Brice thirty-eight accessions were added to the church. Christian Crumley came in 1802 and settled at the head of the Hocking, one mile south of Greencastle—. He lived here till he died in 1856. Daniel Glick and Daniel Hoy came from the same State and settled west of Greencastle. Daniel Hoy settled where Isaac by now lives, and with his son, Isaac, founded the society of the Evangelical Association and built the church on that place just before the late war. Daniel Glick settled where Michael Hickle now lives. He came to the county at an early day, and when he heard of the coming of some of his relatives, met them at the State line, going the entire distance on foot but took sick and was hauled back on a sled. When the sled arrived where the Glick church now stands it stopped, and he remarked that the place would make a good burying ground. He died in this spell of sickness HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 211 and was the first buried in that yard. The first log church, was built 0011 after this event in 1807. The church is German Lutheran and the third house was erected in 1870, and is known as the "Salem Church." The ground—eight acres—was donated by Daniel and Philip Hoy, Peter Woodring and Mrs. Hoy. The Rock mill was built in 1799 and was the first of the kind in the township. The building was low down among the rocks and the grists were taken in at the gable window, and let down to the hopper with ropes. The first still-house was at the Stump Spring and was owned by J. D. Courtright. Messrs. Loveland & Smith owned the mill and the same Loveland ntered a large tract of land in the township and this land was afterards taken up by the Alspaughs, Williamsons, Granels and others. The Alspaughs, now a numerous family, are descendants of John, Michael, Jacob and Philip, Pennsylvanians, who came before the State was admitted. Jacob settled where Paul Alspaugh now lives ; Michael above Greencastle ; John where Henry Meason lives, and Philip near Winchester. John D. Alspaugh, now an old man, lives south of Jeferson and is a grandson of Jacob Alspaugh. Theodore Williamson was the head of that now numerous family. He settled where Silas Williamson now lives. His children George W., Jacob, Newton and Elizabeth Ilolderman all became the heads of large prominent families in this township. The Otterbein church was built on Newton Williamson's place near the present school house and just west of the road. Mr. Theodore Williamson, Mr. Granel, John Bolenbaugh and others were its founders. The new frame was erected prior to the late war. It is the Mt. Zion church. Lithopolis is the principal town of the township. It is a thriving place, having a population of 480, several stores, a good. graded school, a hotel, and a good weekly paper—edited by the Kramer Brothers. Frederick Baugher laid out this town in 1815, and an addition was afterwards made by Solomon Baugher. It was first called Centerville, but in 1836 it was chartered and called Lithopolis. Elilts Perry was the 'first mayor, and Isaac Cade the first clerk. Dr. E. L. Miner. W. W. Hite, father of Tatman Rite, (the violinist.) Isaac McPhadden, Louis Huber and William Cater were the first councilmen. John F. Mills is the present mayor, and John F. Stallsmith is clerk. Dr. E. L. Miner was prominent among the early settlers, of the town. He was born June 9. 1897, in Middletown, Vermont, graduated in Castletown College in 1818, removed to Royalton in 1820, and to Centerville in 1825, and there client forty-live years of his professional life. He, with Mr. George Custer, the Browns and others, sixteen in all, founded the Presbyterian society in 1834. Rev. Mr. Leonard was the first pastor in charge, and was succeeded by Rev. S. M. Wilson, who remained twenty years. Dr. Miner's wife was the first to be carried into the church.. His little daughter Mary died the year before, and was the first to be buried in the cemetery. This beautiful piece of ground lay in the middle of Dr. Miner's farm, and was intended first as a private yard for his own famiy, but was afterwards donated by him to the town. Dr. Miner 212 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. also established the Sabbath school, and after his death his second wife has carried on the good work with a zeal worthy of the cause. In 1876 she organized her mission band of young ladies and children who send about $30 annually to India ; the proceeds. principally. of needle work. Mrs. Miner is a graduate of Troy. New York, and is a highly educated lady. and was at one time the teacher of French in Dr. Williams' Academy of this place. After this church was erected, in course of time the Methodists and Lutherans each built houses. The first tanyard was kept bv.Mr. Reiley. after whom Joseph Brown owned it for many years. The Lithopolis Lodge, No. 169, was chartered September 29. 1848. William Reiley was the Worthy Master. The Old Betser church, German Reformed and Lutheran. was built on land owned by John Fellers. Andrew Meyers. Judge Chaney and. John Fellers were some of the founders. The hewed-log building was erected in 1809, but Father Kemp and others preached to this society some two or thiee years before this building was erected. Peter Meyers helped to raise one corner of the house. His death occurred not long after. Ilis burial was the first in this grave yard. The church has always been a prosperous one, and has had a good membership. Peter Meyers came to this vicinity in 1805. and settled on land now owned by Joshua Fellers. Father Bennadum was also an old settler and preached here. The land was donated and sold in part by John Fellers in 184 for the church. The new building erected in 1882, and the new cemetery, shows a flattering view of the prosperous condition of the society. The church remained union in its character for many years. Father Wise, of the Reformed Church. served the congregation over thirty years. while Father Stake, a Lutheran, remained in charge for twelve years. He was followed by Revs. John Wagenhals, Bruice and others. Austin Henry, a Presbyterian, has been called at this writing. Joshua Fellers. Jesse Brant and John C. Alspaugh are among the leading members now. The Fellers' Hill, upon which this church is situated, commands one oldie most picturesque views to be seen in the county. From this point. and with the naked eye, field after field, crossing vale, stream, hill and wood-land, a vision of beauty opens up until Newark and the heights above Granville can be seen, though the latter place is twenty miles distant. The country through here is undulating, but the soil is rich and the farmers are prosperous. Jefferson is a small town, laid out before the war of 1812, by George Hoshor, who had Hamilton to survey it and laid off sixty-four lots. It was on the military road from Wheeling, Virginia to the lakes, through this point. John Fisher. the saddler. kept the first store. It also had a hotel. but the building up of canals and railroads, at other points, took away its prestige. and now it is but a mere collection of houses. Dr. Talbot. born in Maryland. in 1798. came here in 1830, since which time he has been the leading physician. Lockville, named from the number of locks on the canal at this point. is it town no longer of any commercial importance, although formerly. the Mithours and Hoshors carried on Irlde in grain quite briskly alter the town was first laid off. It is partly in Bloom and Hardy in Violet, and was platted but at the time of the opening of the canal. HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 213 CHAPTER XXXII . CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. Clear Creek township constitutes the extreme southwest of Fairfield county. It is bounded On the north by Amanda township, on the east by Madison township, on the south and west by Pickaway county. This township presents to strangers few distinctive features. The surface is undulating, growing more hilly to the northward. The soil is varied and well adapted to agriculture. Corn and wheat are the staples. Live stock is extensively raised. The native varieties of timber do not differ materially from those of the neighboring townships, consisting chiefly of oak, ash, beech, maple; walnut, hickory, etc. The township is highly improved, the farms being small and in most cases ornamented by good dwellings and barns. Clear Creek township Immerly embraced within its limits Madison township, which was in time struck off, leaving the township as at present constituted. The principal streams of this township are as follows: Salt Creek, which enters the township at the northwest, flows a southeasterly course, leaving the township at the south center ; Sippo Creek, which flows in a southerly direction through the western sections of the township ; Dunkle Run, which rises in section 5, flows in an easterly direction, and empties into Clear Creek. Clear Creek is a stream of some importance. which flows through the northeastern sections of the township and from which the township derives its name. There are other smaller streams in the township of not sufficient importance to require description here. The first election in Clear Creek township was held at the house of Philip Shanties, April 5, 1813, at which the following officers were elected, viz.: township clerk, Joseph F. Reynolds ; trustees, George M. Nigh, Nehemiah Coldren and Joseph Hedges ; overseers of poor, Matthias Hedges and Nicholas Conrad ; fence-viewers, Stephen Julien and Samuel Bachtle ; lister, Michael Nigh ; constables. William Reynolds, William Moore, and Martin Smith ; supervisors, Harrison Moore and John Conrad; treasurer, joint Augustus. The first Justices were Michael Nigh, George Dilsaver. and John Leist. Since the tune of the first election there have served as township clerk the following: John Marks, George Valentine, William Hamilton, George S. Baker, and W. M. Wise, the present incumbent. The township officers at the present time are as follows : Justices, Amos Levan, Daniel Pickle, and Alexander Kielaber ; trustees, Allen Crites, Levi Bolender, and Henry W. Gehrett ; clerk, W. M. Wise ; treasurer, John Stout ; assessor, Cornelius Conrad : constables, Lewis Crites and George Dillsaver. The writer of this, while engaged in this work, has labored under many disadvantages, owing, in a great measure, to the utter indifference of many of the inhabitants, yet, as far as possible, the correct 214 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. data is given. The history of Clear Creek township, as near as could be learned, begins perhaps with the settlement of Jacob Shumaker, in 1797. George Stout came to this township in 18o4, and settled about one mile north of Stoutsville. Mr. Stout came from Bucks county, Pennsylvania. He was the father of seven children, all of whom are dead, except Jonathan, who was born in 1800, and is. at the present time, living in Stoutsville. George Dilsaver came to Clear Creek township about this time, and is credited with having the first horse-mill in the township. Adam Fosnaught settled in the township in 1804. John Leist, an early settler of Clear Creek township, was born in 1784 ; settled in Clear Creek in 1807. Mr. Liest was one of the foremost men of the township at this time. He was in the Legislature for a term of eight years, and a commissioner to adjust damages from constructing canals for twenty-two years. He was at Detroit and Fort Meigs, served under Harrison, and voted for ten Presidents as a member of the old Whig party. Benjamin Stbut, another old settler of the township, was born in I3ucks county, Pennsylvania, came to Clear Creek township in 18o8, and located one and one-half miles north of Stoutsville. he was the father of thirteen children, six of whom are vet living. John, David, and Simon are yet living in ,Clear Creek township. Charles Friend, a settler of 1802, is said to have built the first water-power grist-mill on Clear Creek. Peter Wolf settled in.the township in 1808. John Mooney, an old settler of the township. came from Germany and located in Clear Creek about 1803. John Stepleton settled in Clear Creek in 1797. He married Magdalena, daughter of Jacob Shumaker, another settler of 1797. There were born of this union sixteen children, but two of whom are now living—Sophia, married to Anthony Haupser, and living in Allen county, Ohio, and Joseph, living at this time in Stoutsville. Ile was born in 1815, and married in 1836 to Salome Moyer, of Perry, county. There were born of this union eight children, four of whom are still living and reside in this township. George Baker came to this township in 1812, in company with his brother, Abraham. When they came to this township they came in a covered wagon, and their only shelter consisted of some poles driven in the ground, and their only covering was the covering of the wagon, and some straw for bedding was obtained of George Sto-t, one of the neighbors at this time. The present inhabitants of Clear Creek township, surrounded by all the comforts of life, know but little of the disadvantages under which the old pioneers labored. The inhabitants of the township did the greater part of their trading in Zanesville, Muskingum county, and when they were in need of salt, nails, etc., they were compelled to drive to that place, it distance of about fifty miles ; and in this way the greater part of a week was consumed in one trip. George S. Baker, a son of the preceding, was born July 30, 1819, and still resides on the farm settled by his father in the woods. He is one of the most prominent men of the township, having the good will and confidence of the people. Ile has- held the office of township clerk for a term of thirty-live years. Ile also served in the Legislature for a term of live years. he was also a Justice of the Peace from 1851 to to 1851 , and from 1857 to 1878, making in all, as a Justice of the Peace, HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 215 twenty-four years. The three years that Mr. Baker was not a Justice of the Peace was the time that the " Know-nothing " party was in the ascendency, and succeeded in electing all their officers in this township, and during this interval Mr. Baker was commissioned as a notary public, a position which he holds at this time, having served as a notary public for a term of nine years. The writer of this feels indebted to Mr. Baker for many things connected with this work. Noah Valentine, who was born in Maryland, came to this county in 1811. He was married, January I. 1829, to Miss Mary Conrad, and commenced life with a " single dollar." He is at this time living on his farm, two miles southeast of Stoutsville. Jonas Stepleton, who was born February 25, 1823, was the owner of the first wheat separator in Fairfield county, and in this he constructed an apparatus for hulling clover. This was the first machine of the kind known at that time. Among the old settlers of Clear Creek township might also be mentioned John Augustus, Thompson Reynolds, Henry Spangler, John Zehrung, Jonathan Dresbach, Peter Wolf, and Steward Reynolds. This township is just six miles square, and contains nine school districts, each composed of a square of four sections, with a school-house where they corner, and each is supplied with a neat and substantial brick building. The cause of education receives considerable attention in this township, the schools being well provided with efficient teachers. In the early history of the township no female teachers wcrc employed. There are in this township seven churches and eight congregation's, viz. : United Brethren, two ; Lutheran, two ; English Lutheran, one ; German Reformed, one ; Evaugelical Association, one ; and Methodist Episcopal, one. The Lutherans built a log church near what is called Dutch Hollow, and it is regarded as the first. Jacob Leist was an early preacher (a Lutheran), and is remembered by. aged men as their boy-hood's early catechiser. The village of Stoutsville is located to the west of the center of the township, on the line of the Cincinnati and Muskingum Valley Railroad. It was laid out in 1854 by Benjamin Stout, one of the early settlers. It has two steam mills. The first, owned by S. K. Valentine and J. W. Baker, has a grain elevator in connection, said to be one of the finest on the line of the railroad. The second is a custom mill, owned by Benjamin Read. 'There are two dry-goods stores, owned by F. M. Pool and Simon Stout ; one drug store, owned by Luzerne Roberts ; one general grocery store, by Eli Neff; and two groceries, by James Hillard and William Lathouse ; one harness shop, one undertaker's shop, and one sawmill. Stoutsville has a fine, large school building, consisting of four rooms, erected at a cost of about four thousand dollars, and the schools are under the efficient management of the following teachers : for the grammar department, John Grove ; for the intermediate department, Miss Maggie Lowry ; and for the primary department, Miss Anna Pontius. Stoutsville has two churches, viz. : the Evangelical Association, and the church owned jointly by the Lu- 216 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. theran and German Reformed congregations. The corner-stone of the last named church was laid October 31, 1855. The 1irst pastor of the German Reformed congregation was J. B. Thompson. He was succeeded by J. C. Mar, D. M. Albright, J..W. Alspach, J. B. Gough, J. Klinger, and J. W. Barber, the present pastor. The original trustees were George Myers, on the .part of the German Reformed congregation, and Henry W. Gehrett, on the part of the Lutheran congregation. Mr. Gehrett resigned his place, which was filled by George Wolf. The first pastor of the Lutheran Congregation was the Rev. J. W. Weimer, The present pastor is the Rev. Mallet Fishburne. The church of the Evangelical Association was in 1872, at a cost of three-thousand two hundred dollars. The original trustees were Edward Dresbach, Benjamin Read, Joseph .Roof, Asbury Pool, and Dr. H. L. Ferguson. The pastors were as follows : S. E. Rife, who was succeeded by L. W. Hanky, G. W.. Ellenberger, C. M. Reinhold, .and W. A. Shisler, the present pastor. The present trustees are Benjamin Read, Levi Bolender, G. W. Upp, John Reichelderzer and Edward Dresbach. Oakland is a village of small size„ and was founded by Charles Sage. It is situated four miles east of Stoutsville, on the Amanda and Tarlton pike. Oakland has two dry-goods stores, owned by Bernhardt Kiefaber and John Lawrence ; one grocery, owned by William Smith ; one saloon, by Noah Huffman ; one blacksmith shop, and one shoe .shop. This village has within its limits a fine, large schoolhouse and two churches—the Methodist Episcopal and United Brethren. There are two post-offices in this township—Stoutsville, which receives four, mails daily, F. M. Pool, post-master ; and the office at Oakland, known as Clear Creek post-office. They receive here a semi-weekly mail. John Lawrence is the post-master. There are within this township two physicians, both located at Stoutsville, H. L. Ferguson and J. H. Axline. HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 217 CHAPTER XXXIII. GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP The surface of this township is comparatively level. The soil is good, and much fruit, corn, and wheat are raised. Being contiguous to New Lancaster, the first settlers of the county naturally located on the green fields comprising this territory. As early as in the spring of 1798. settlements were made, and in 1799 numerous families had settled at the forks of the Hockhocking. in the Claypool neighborhood. then Yankeetown, and at the Rock mills. Of those who became prominent in early settlement of this precinct, and before the year 1800, were, Isaac Meason, Captain Joseph Steward, William M'Farland, Ralph and Jeremiah Cherry, Samuel Randall, Alexander Sanderson, Daniel Bright, Jacob Dumont, Henry Abrams. John Bailar, Adam and John Westenberger, a Mr. Nail, John M'Arthur. John Morgan, Jas. Brooks, Colonel Crooks. Drake Taylor, Isaac Rice. James Wells, and some others. Settlements had been made at the three above-named places as early as in the spring and fall of 1799. Captain Joseph Steward settled, in 1799, immediately south of Judge John Graybill's, on the Columbus pike, two miles from Lancaster. His son, Levi Steward, was born in 1800, he being the first child born in the township. Ralph and Jeremiah Cherry. William McFarlin, and Samuel Randall, were also settlers of this vicinity. They entered their land on the “ squatter claim,” simply, but it was afterwards put in market and sold for two dollars per acre. The Yankeetown settlement was also made in the year 1799. James Wells settled upon the present Hooker land in 1799. Jacob Claypool, the father of Isaac, bought the land in 1805. In 1799, James Brooks, Mr. Cook, and Drake Taylor, also squatted in this vicinity. The Rock-mill settlement was made about this time also. Among those here was Michael Rice, father of Miss Van Burton. He settled immediately below the Rock mill, near the present woolen factory. This was in 1799. The first mills were established here, called the Loveland Mills, now Rock Mills, built by James Loveland and Hezekiah Smith, in 1800. They erected a saw mill, a grist mill, and also were the first to sell goods in the township. They purchased their stock for trade in Detroit, and packed them from that point. This place was at that time a rendezvous for the Indians, who came from Chillicothe every year, and would always go away loaded with lead. Where they obtaMed it has ever been a mystery, but old residents state that they undoubtedly found it somewhere in that locality. The trade then was good, whiskey: tobacco, muslins, etc., etc. From the Indians fur was taken in exchange for goods. James Reed built a saw mill soon after this lime, immediately below the Loveland Mills. 28 218 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY Alexander Sanderson came in 1798. In 1800, Henry Abrams came from Chillicothe and settled on this land, and the well known General married one of Abrams' daughters. This marriage occurred in 1803, and was the second in the township ; Thomas Dawson to Sallie Abrams being the first. In the same year Henry Abrams built the first hewed log house in the township. The first school of the township was taught by a Mr. May. The cabin school house was erected in 1802, on the Shuff farm. Greenfield was laid out in twos, being named from its green fields. Colonel Crook was the first tax collector, and afterwards sheriff of the county. The present officers of the township are : trustees, Jacob Claypool. Solomon Smith and E. M. Miller; clerk. Henry Holmes ; treasurer, John W. Wilson ; justices, Samuel Coffman and D. C. Keller ; constables, B. M. Wiley and Elijah Freeman ; assessors, A. H. Ginder and Marion Hanna. Isaac Meason, father of John Meason, was the first to settle, locating where the late Elijah Meason resided in 1798, and Levi Stewart, now of Lancaster, is the oldest native born in the township. David Bright built the first still house, near, where John Bright lived in an early day,: and soon thereafter a great number sprang up. The wolf, bear, deer, panther and Indians were numerous until about the year 1810, by which time they had decreased. One of the pioneer mothers at the township was Mrs. Sarah Carlisle. She was sister to Mrs. Margaret Ewing, mother of Thomas E., William and James Ewing. She came to the county in 1799. In 1802 she married Nathaniel Wilson, of Hocking township, and then moved with her family where her son. B. W. Carlisle afterwards lived. In 1807 Mr. Wilson died, and in 1813 she was married to Thomas Carlisle. He came to the county in 1811, was a Justice of the Peace many years. He died in 1844. The first church of the township was built by the Lutherans, in 1813, although it is probable the Methodists held services prior to this time, in old father Meason's house, near Pleasant Summit, but the society did not build until the year 1840. This summit divides the waters of the Hocking and Walnut Creeks. Hand and Milligan were the first circuit riders. The house still stands, but the society is about to move the location. John Williams was the first preacher in the township, he settled in 1800. In 1816, Wallace, a Scotch Covenanter, tried to establish a society and build a church, but he failed. In 1847 the Methodist society, under Rev. David Swartz, founder and first local preacher, built a church in Havensport, but they have just lately joined themselves in part to the Carroll M. E. Church. The United Brethren in Christ built the Hopewell church, near the Rock Mill, in the beginning of the late war. William and Martin Coffman and William Stanberry were the founders. The society has always been small. The Methodists of Carroll have the largest society in the township. It was organized in 1838, - under the leadership of Elijah Dove and Harry Messmore. The last named member was a noble man and soon after this died, leaving the principal work to devolve upon Mr. Dove, who has labored continuously since that time, when he was about HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 219 the only male member of the church, till now, having seen the society increase in numbers, to one hundred and twenty-five. Elijah Bing and Jacob Adams were the first circuit preachers, and came on the circuit in the years 1842 and 1843. Among those who followed these men were Rev. James Dillruth, the earliest M. E. preacher in the township, James Hooper, A. B. See, Samuel Harvey, Richard Pitzer, Samuel Bright and Henry Dortner. The new church was built and dedicated in July 1854. Rev. Connell preached the sermon. Rev. B. D. Storer is the present and an able pastor. Joseph Dove is the superintendent of the Sunday school, now in a flourishing condition. There are three villages within the limit of Greenfield ; Carroll, the principal town, at the junction of the Hocking Canal with the Ohio, and on the line of the Flocking Valley Railroad ; Havensport, one and a half miles northeast of Carroll : and Dumontsville four miles north of Lancaster. Carroll was laid out by William Tong, after the completion of the canal. His dwelling house was the first structure of the kind, erected on this ground, and a part of it is still standing, now owned by Isaac Graybill. He also built the first mill. This building was a frame structure, and is now used by Saylor & Ebright, for a ware house, but it was moved to its present location from the run near the depot. This town has always been a good grain market, and the trade in cereals has been an advantage to the town. Mr. Saylor is the oldest living representation born in the town. He was with Mr. William Breck, who opened a ware house as early as 1832. many years, but has carried on since 1862 with Mr. N. S. Ebright. The firm handles about 60,000 bushels of wheat and corn annually. Mr. Tong was a contractor on the canal. He built the State dam, but before he fairly got the town laid off, he died. William Breck started the first store. He also opened the first hotel. This property is now the Ashbell House. After the completion of the canal, there was much travel by boat, and it was not uncommon for the landlord to make beds on the floor to accommodate his guests. There are at present three hotels, several stores, a good grist mill, a good two-story school house, a church, three physicians and a Masonic lodge in the town. This lodge, the Napthalia, was established in 1855. Dr. A. T. Aldred and Mr. Henry Saylor, of Carroll, were among its charter members. Dr. Aldred is its present Worthy Master. Havensport was platted by Isaac Mavens about the time of the completion of the canal, or in 1831, and was a boat station : it was at one time a flourishing little town. Mr. George Zimmerman built the first hotel, which he kept for a long time ; there was also a warehouse and store kept by Judge Martin. an M. E. church, built in 1847, and generally a physician in the town. Dr. Aldred practiced his profession in the village Some twelve years. The town has gone down and there is but a mere collection of a few houses. The little town of Dumontsville, Owes its existence to Jacob Dumont. a Frenchman. The Greenfield Academy, at one time an important institution, was built by Jacob Claypool for school and church purposes, about the year 220 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. 1830. Dr. Williams, a ripe scholar and a well known writer and author, taught the school about ten years, and many of the leading men of the county were chiefly educated there. The buildings are still standing. and are about five miles out from Lancaster, on the Claypool farm, but the noted educator and self-educated man is gone. He was not brilliant, but a thorough classical scholar, a fine grammarian and an unequaled lexicographer, in his day, but greater in nothing than his simplicity. HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 221 CHAPTER XXXIV. HOCKING TOWNSHIP. Hocking township was the home of the first settlers in this region of the country, and in part only. contains some of the fair fields, after which the county was named. The northwestern portion of this township is somewhat undulating, but rich in soil, and produces large crops of all kinds of grain. The whole of the southeastern portion is made up of valleys and hills. The soil is sandy and shallow ; on the ridges of the bills nothing can grow except ferns, mountain laurel, pine trees and a few hardy shrubs. Pasture is very poor and the timber, mainly chestnut, oak and pine, attains to a considerable size. The old red sandstone predominates, and generally leaf mould and vegetable deposits are found mixed with clay and iron. In the extreme southeastern corner of this township, is the State Farm, consisting, of 1210 acres of' ground, or nearly two sections of laud which meet at opposite corners. At this junction are the buildings of the institution. The buildings consist of the Main building, the Ohio. Hocking, Muskingum, Cuyahoga, Scioto, Huron , Miami, Erie, Maumee, and Union family buildings, shoe, brush, blacksmith, tailor, paint, carpenter, bake shops, carriage, meat, ware, engine, gas, ice, corn and green houses, water tower, hospital, mending room, knitting room, chamber of reflection, laundry, two horse barns, a piggery. cow barn, and out buildings. The land upon this site was formerly owned by a Mr. Reber, near the spring of which is where he had his dwelling-house. He had four large buildings where the main buildings are now, and the farm was principally used for raising tobacco. Mr. Henry Meyers owned this land, and it was he who sold it to the State, receiving as compensation about $15. per acre. In 1857-58, Charles Remelin, of Cincinnati, prevailed upon fhe State Legislature to establish a Reform School for unruly boys, and at his suggestion the first log structures were erected, and on January 30, 1858, the first ten boys were received into the institution from Cincinnati, himself being appointed as its first superintendent. Since then, there have been 3,586 boys received, there being 538 now remaining. The estimated worth of these buildings in 1876 was $200,000., and the cost to the State for each boy was $118.00. Geo. E. Howe succeeded Mr. Remelin, and remained in charge many years. Mr. Charles Douglass is the present superintendent. Just north of the State Reform Farm is a natural curiosity worthy of the many visits made to see it—it is a large rock, in area comprising an acre of ground, and is situated upon the summit of the Old Stump Hill. This hill is near the old Lancaster and State Farm road, and just south 222 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY of and adjoining Mr. Uhl's farm—is probably 150 feet in height. The rock upon this hill is from forty to seventy-five feet in height, and some years since was named " Christmas Rock." This rock at one time, probably at the time of the great earthquake at the crucifixion of Christ, was cleft from end to old, from top to bottom, laterally and lengthwise, into fissures, there being at least a baker's dozen of them. These fissures are in some cases but a foot or so in width, others being four .or five feet, but in all cases rise perpendicularly from forty to sixty or seventy feet in height ; from end to end, some extend in length 300 feet. Standing above these fissures one has a picturesque view of the valley's and hills looking towards Lancaster, this city being six miles off, and visible to the eve at this point. The pioneers of this township were the first settlers of this county. Of these early settlers may be mentioned Joseph Hunter, the Greens, Shaefers, Sturgeons, Woodrings, Reeces, Wilsons, Converse and others. Some of these were early on the ground, and were generally from some eastern State, coming to Pittsburgh in wagons, thence unloading their effects into a flat-boat, would float down to the mouth of the Hocking River, and from there would take dugouts or canoes and make their way to the new settlement or to New Lancaster, as it was then known. Prominent among. these pioneers was the first settler, Joseph Hunter, a man of dauntless courage, and of sterling worth, and father of Hocking H. Hunter, one of Ohio's leading lawyers ; he came with his family from Kentucky, and settled on Zane's Trace, about one hundred and filt3r yards northwest of the present turnpike road crossings, which place became Hunter's settlement ; this was in April, 1798, and at that time Captain Hunter was the only white man known to be in the county. He felled trees and erected himself a cabin and lived until in the year 1846, when he died; his widow, Dorothy, Hunter, died several years thereafter. Some two weeks after the settlement of Captain Joseph Hunter, Isaac Shaefer and a few others came down the Ohio and up the Hocking River and stopped a few clays with Captain Hunter, looking up a location, but not being suited, went to Sugar Grove, and soon after to where the old Deffenbach Mill is, and then built the original mill that afterwards went by that name. Mr. Shaefer came from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania ; there were in this company, who came with Mr. Shaefer, Mr. Abraham Ream and family from Reamstown, Pennsylvania ; after settling in this county, he established what was subsequently known as the Ream's Mill. In 1799 Isaac Shaefer married Julia A. Ream, and in 1800 there was born unto them Delilah S Shaefer, the first white child in the county, it our informant is correct. This honor has generally been given to Hocking H. Hunter, the lawyer, who first saw the light of day August 1st, 1801. There were besides Delilah. Joab, Isaac, John, Rachel, and Sarah Shaefer, children of this pioneer couple, who lived and died in this county, with but one or two exceptions. Mr. Ream's daughters were married to John Pannebaker, Abraham Shaefer, Isaac Shaefer, Joseph Stukev, Lewis Hershberger, and Henry Aneshensel, all of whom were liteivise well known in the county in an early day. The Green family were prominent as being among the first in the 224 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. township also. William Green came in 1798 also, but soon after his arrival sickened and died. His was the first death, and his body was buried in a hickory bark coffin on the west bank of Fetter's Run, a few rods north of the old Zanesville road, east of Lancaster. The elder John Green settled just south of Van Burton's. and on land near. He was married to Mrs. Bilderback, who, with her former husband, had been taken prisoners at Wheeling, Virginia, while salting their cattle, one Sunday morning, and carried to Chillicothe, where her husband, Mr. Bilderback, was scalped, and where she made her escape. The Coateses were at the Crossings in 1799, and Samuel Coates, Jr., as early as 1800, became postmaster for the new settlement, as once a week the mail was carried, by the Zane Trace. from Wheeling to Maysville. James Converse was the first store-keeper. he lived near where Robert Peters now resides. In 1801 his house was used for an assembly room, where the settlers had met to make proYisions for a defense against a supposed attack the Indians were about to make, but the conference ended in a fight and a brawl among themselves. Near the foot of the Baker Hill is where Hunter built his mill, on Hunter's Run. When Green come he followed this run up until he came to the knob, now the Beck property ; here he killed a bear and a deer, and afterwards located on that spot. It is claimed by some that Allen Green. his son, was the first white child born in the county. Maurice Reece emigrated from Pennsylvania in 1799 and settled just north of Spurgeon's Knob, at which place James Hunter taught school as early as 18or. Andrew Hunter, son of John Hunter, emigrated from Virginia with Maurice and Jesse Reece in 1800 and settled where Andrew Hunter now lives. The above mentioned settlers were among the very first who came to the county. The township, after 1800, received many additions, and emigration rapidly set in so that clearings, cabin raisings, etc., became the order of the day, and the settlement naturally extended, its limits, land being taken up along the Muddy Prairie and Arney Runs, the same as on that of Hunter's. Every early settlement, as soon as practicable, erected mills. Those first in use were Hunter's, Ream's, and Shellenberger's ; later still, one was built on Muddy Prairie, and one oil mill on Arnev's Run. This latter mill was located where the engine-house for the State Farm is now, and was owned by one Daniel Arney. who, in order to obtain sufficient amount of water for grinding purposes. would he required to save it for days and weeks at times. There was a mill just below this oil mill, in Madison township, that complained of this matter; and the disagreement finally led to a law suit that ended in compelling Mr. Arney to let the water off at least within certain periods of time, and in breaking him up. Hamburg is the only town or village in the township. It is in the southern portion, on the old Chillicothe road, and was formerly, during the days when the only mode of travel was by stage, an important point on the old Zane's Trace, but it has lost the grandeur of its former prestige, and is now but a mere collection of a few houses, a store, a school HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 225 and a church or so. It was probably laid out by William Medill, soon after the War of 1812, and the first house built by him is now owned by Mr. John Hyde, and is still standing ; it was used quite awhile for a hotel. During the palmy days of Harrison's time, this General was said to have frequently stopped there in company with other noted personages of his time. Mr. Henry Siver, the present infirmary director, started the first store in this place, in 185 t. A tan yard was kept by Mr. John Kniester. He lived in one part of the building, and worked in the other. The Lutherans established a society in this town, and built a church as early as 1850. They also built again in 1882. Soon after the erection of the Lutheran church, the Methodist society also erected a building. The membership of the church is now very small. About one mile west of Hamburg, where Jacob Kerns, Jr. now lives, was the Cross Keys Hotel, kept for many years by Jacob Kerns, Sr., who came to the county as early as 1812. Mr. Jacob Kerns also erected a log school house on his place, soon alter his arrival, for the accommodation of the early settlers. Just west of Jacob Kerns place, and on the land now owned by H. W. Kerns, is a Methodist Church building, erected in 1875. This society worshiped in an early day, in a brick house on the Old Sawyer farm, just below that point. On the Lancaster and Circleville turnpike, in the western part of the township, is the Mt. Zion Church, erected as early as 1835. The Brethren Church, one and a half miles southeast of Mt. Zion Church, was established about the same time. The Lutherans also built a church on Mr. Beck's property. This building was erected just before the late war. 29 226 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. CHAPTER XXXV. LIBERTY TOWNSHIP LIBERTY lies between Violet and Walnut, in the northern tier of townships. It was so named at the request of the first settlers who were from Switzerland. They had emigrated from a laud where theii liberties had been much restricted, and they desired to perpetuate the change to freedom, hence the name of Liberty. The surface of the township is generally flat, being slightly undulating near the villages of Basil and Baltimore. When first settled, it was densely timbered with maple, beech, elm. hickory and other varieties of hard wood, but the large amounts destroyed in clearing the land, and used for fuel, building and fencing, has denuded the forests to such an extent, that but little timber of value remains. \Valuta Creek, the principal stream of water, passes across the southern part of the township in a meandering course. Poplar Creek, its principal tributary, rises in the northwestern part of the township. Little Paw Paw Creek heads in the northeastern part of Walnut, and flows in a southerly direction into the Walnut. The Ohio Canal crosses the southwestern part of Liberty. A portion of the Refugee tract of land is located in the northern part of the township. Various bands of Delaware, Wyandotte and other tribes of Indians, wandered about this and other townships, for several years after the first white settlements commenced. It was a common occurrence for the men and boys of both races to engage in wrestling, jumping and foot races. The site of the present village of Basil is said to have had several of the meeting places, where the whites and Indians would frequently engage in these amusements. The Indians had cleared tracts of land and planted some corn, which with their game enabled them to obtain quite a comfortable subsistence. They also made considerable quantities of maple sugar during the spring season. They frequently exchanged their skins and furs with the whites, for flour, salt, lead, powder and other commodities: They were particularly desirous of exchanging their peltry for whisky, of which they were very fond. During the war of 1812 the settlers were often alarmed by reports of hostile Indians coming into the township. There was a fort at the house of Judge Burtons, in Pleasant township, to which the women and children were taken, when an alarm was given. The fighting men of the settlements would rendezvous at Lancaster, until after the scare had subsided. The first settlers of Liberty township were emigrants from Switzer- HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 227 land and Pennsylvania. It cannot now he ascertained who was the very first settler of the township. Christisn Gundy and family came from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1809, settling in the southern part of Liberty. on Walnut Creek. He erected a small log cabin, having a blanket for a door. His descendants still reside here. David Brumback came to Liberty about 1803, locating in the southeastern part of the township. Among the early Swiss settlers were Nicholas Bader, Joseph Alt and Jacob Showley, who settled in Liberty, prior to 1806. They transferred their household goods from Pittsburg in flat boats, down the Ohio River, to the mouth of the Hocking, at which place they put them into canoes and rowed them to the Falls of f locking, near the present village of Logan, and from there conveyed them through a dense wilderness, to their future homes in Liberty. Francis Bibler came from Virginia in 1805. He located in the southwestern part of the township. He erected a cabin, which stood near the residence of John Chapman, of Basil. For several weeks after first settling here, the family subsisted entirely on wild game, not having any bread in the house. The nearest flouring mill was at Chillicothe, to which place the settlers would go for their flour and meal. Rev. Henry Leonard, who was born in 1812, and still resides in the township, furnishes the following list of families, who resided in Liberty township prior to the winr of t8it , viz. the Eversoles, Cooks. Campbells, Zirkles, Hiesers, Alts, Heistands, Apt, Finkbone, Kernerer, Paff, Bolenbaughs, Rouch, Newell, Blauser, Browns, Shriners, Knepper, Moreheads, ̊lingers, Wrights, Tusing, Growilers, McCalla, Switzer, Amspach, Heyle, Farmers, Leonards, Sann, Rouch, Zirkles, Sagers, Robert Wilson, Nicholas Bader, Christian Gundy and several other famine's. Many of the descendants of these first settlers are still residing here. The first cabins of the pioneers have long since disappeared, and have been superseded by substantial brick and frame structures. Prior to the construction of the Ohio Canal, prices for all kinds of produce were very low. At one time Mr. Bibler, of Liberty, went to Lancaster to sell some wheat. One of the merchants said to him, “I cannot use the wheat now for any purpose, but if you wish to bring it and empty it in the street, I will give you twelve and one-half cents a bushel for it." Another of the old settlers drove a lot of hogs to Zanesville, with the expectation of receiving $1.50 per hundred for them. Mr. Buckingham, one of the early merchants of the city, refused to give him that price for his porkers, which so displeased the old settler, that he refused to sell them at all, and left them in the streets of the town, to take care of themselves. In a few weeks they all returned to the old place. Ginseng grew in large quantities in the woods, and the settlers depended upon the sale of this root to pay their taxes, as it brought a, fair price. Jacob Showley built the first grist mill in Liberty. It was in operation by horse power. One of the first roads in the township was the Black Lick. The 228 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY Refugee road, in the northern part of the township, was another of the first roads laid out. The Baptists were probably the religious pioneers of Liberty. The members held their meetings in private houses, until the erection of a church at Baltimore, in 1832. Rev. Martin Kauffman was one of the first ministers of this denomination to preach in the township. Rev. John Hite and Lewis Madden were early Baptist ministers. The Mt. Zion Reformed church is situated about two miles northwest of Basil. The society -was organized in 1844. Among the early influential, working members of the society were Samuel Wilkins, Peter Weaver and Enoch Beighler. From a membership of ten or twelve in 1844. the church has increased to about one hundred and forty-five, in 1882. The same pastors that have had ministerial charge of the Basil Church, have officiated for this society. A Sunday school has existed in connection with this church, since ibout the time of its organization. The present superintendent is David W. Wilkins. Two of the early ministers of the Reformed Church, were the Rev. George Weise of Lancaster and Rev. Henry K. Zerbe. Rev. Frederick Shower, a minister of the Evangelical or Albright Church, frequently preached in this township. In 1830 a small church was erected on Poplar Creek. There are two villages in this township—Baltimore and Basil. Baltimore, the older and larger village, is situated in the southeast part of the township. It was laid out in 1824, by Mr. Henry Hildebrand. He first named it New Market, in honor of his native village, New Market, Virginia. Subsequently it was changed to Baltimore. It has at this date (July, 1882) a population of about six hundred, and is gradually increasing. For several years after the completion of the Ohio Canal, Baltimore was a place of considerable importance. Large quantities of wheat, corn and other produce were purchased by the business men of the village, and shipped via the canal to eastern markets. Wing and Atwood built the first grain warehouse. Amos Sweazy built ;mother Warehouse a short time afterwards. Wing, Ruffner & Coulson in 1835 built the first grist mill in the village. These warehouses and mills were located on the banks of the canal, and for many years the owners transacted a very flourishing business, but when the railroads became general, the business of the place sought localities favored by the railroad and the town was at a stand still for several years. The building of the Ohio Central Railroad and its location through the village has given an impetus to business, and it is slowly but surely increasing. At this time the village contains one hotel, two dry goods stores, two groceries, one general merchandise store, two warehouses, two flour mills, one planing mill, one undertaking establishment, one drug store, one harness shop, etc. At an early date in its history, the village sustained a flourishing newspaper, called the Baltimore Tines. It originated about 1832 and existed for some three or four years. A. D. Rawlings was the publisher. Among the early physicians were Drs. S. S. Gohegan, William Quinn and Helmick. Miss Julietta Lampson and Lockwood McMul- HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 229 ien were of the first school teachers in the village. A serious accident occurred in 1835, which resulted in the death of three individuals. Services were being held in the Baptist church, a brick structure, when the gable end of the church, next to which the pulpit was located, suddenly tell in killing the three referred to and wounding several others. The minister officiating made a narrow escape from death. In 1861 a tire occurred which destroyed the hotel and drug store, and three barns. The Methodist Episcopal Church of Baltimore was organized about 1829. Among the first members of this class were Lyman Terrell, Amos T. Swazy, William Taylor and wives, the Reeses and others. Revs. Zachariah Connell, Levi White and Samuel Hamilton were of the first Methodist ministers, who officiated for this society. A short time after the organization, a small brick building was built by the members, in which they held their meetings until about 1838, when the present lnime church was constructed. The church is in a flourishing condition at this time and sustains a Snnday-school, which enjoys a good degree of prosperity. There is a cemetery in connection with this church which was laid out about the time the church was organized. The Baltimore. Baptist Church was organized about 1832, at which date a neat substantial brick church was built. John Abram, Jacob I3ibler, Joseph Bibler, Joseph Stouder and theii- wives were among the early members. For several years prior to the organization of the Baltimore church, the members held their meetings at various houses in the township. These meetings were frequently addressed by Elders John Hite, Martin Kauffman, Louis Madden and others. Rev. Louis Madden was the first pastor of this church and remained such many years. There has been no regular pastor for some years, and the membership is small at this date, 1882. There was a society of Presbyterians in the village several years since. A brick edifice was erected, which was subsequently sold to the village for a school house. The church never attained to much prosperity. There is a flourishing union school in the town. Professor J. J. Wagner with three assistants constituted the corps of teachers, employed during the last term. The school building, which is constructed of brick was built about 1857. Baltimore Lodge, No. 202, 1. O. O. F., was instituted June nth 1852. The charter members were : Casper Fiddler, A. L. Simmons, H. L. Nicely, William Potter, J. Bartholomew, William J. Smart, J. Schlosser, James Pugh, Job McNamee, Thomas M. Watson, Jacob Ketner, john H. Weakly, Frederick Graff, William Paul and Elijah Warner. Whole number of members in July 1882, ninety-two. Liberty Encampment, No. 169, I. 0. 0. F., of Baltimore, was Organized July 14th 1873. The charter members were : Jonas Messerly, J. J. Hausberger, A. L. Gearhart. Daniel Langle, V. H. Gin-der, J. W. Whiteley, Samuel Rader, Daniel Olinger, W. P. Littlejohn, Josephus Norris, F. G. Littlejohn, W. H. Oliver, John Javoi; T. I. Arnold, Peter Roshon, J. W. Chapman, R. S. Broch, S. S. Weist, Frederick Born, William Cook. The lodge does not hold any regular meetings at this date. Baltimore Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was instituted Oc- 230 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. tober 22, 1873. Harrison Applegate, William 0. Myers, W. W, Luckey, J. H. Schmrtzer, D. H. Sands, J. R. Brandt, William Cook, John Sanns, Samuel Fenstermacher, E. K. Grube, G. W. Watson, Thomas Srnurr, James W. Buchanan, Daniel Albright, Lewis Shearer, were the charter members. There are now about sixty-five members at this date, July, 1882. The lodge erected a brick building in 1873, in which they hold their sessions. The I. O. O. F. Lodge also erected a neat and commodious brick hall in 1879 at a cost of sixteen hundred dollars. The Ohio Central Railroad passes through the village. A neat frame passenger depot was erected by the company for the accommodation of the many persons, who take the trains at this point. Large quantities of wheat and other cereals are purchased at this place and shipped to eastern markets by way of this railroad. The Ohio Canal transacts but a small amount of business since the advent of the railroad. Not more than one or two boats a week pass through Baltimore during the season. At one time, during the palmiest days of the canal, several hundred boats, passing each way, would go through the town during the summer and fall. Immense quantities of produce were shipped by canal boats to northern and eastern points. Basil is situated three-fourths of a mile west of Baltimore. It is a a neat and flourishing village of some three hundred inhabitants. It was laid out in 1825, by Jacob Goss. Jonathan Flattery surveyed the lots when the village was laid out. Henry D. Bolle was the first merchant in Basil. He kept his store in a log cabin. His first stock of goods was stored on a shelf twelve feet long and one foot wide. Subsequently he put up shelving and a rough counter. After selling goods for two years, he sold his stock to a Mr. Leonard, who, commencing with a capital of one hundred and fifty dollars, in a few years, built up quite an extensive trade. Henry Yanna erected the first hotel. he carried on, also, a butcher shop and sold large quantities of meat to the contractors on the canal. Ile had for his sign, an ox painted on a hoard, which served the double purpose of a sign for his tavern and butcher shop. Peter Daring kept the second tavern in the village. At that date hotel business was profitable and these two hotels did a good business. The construction of the canal caused an influx of strangers. such as has never been equaled since. There are in the village two drug stores, two dry goods stores, one general merchandise store, two carriage shops, two hotels, one butcher shop, one tin shop, one hardware store, one tbundry, one flouring mill, four physicians, etc. A school-house was built in 1881. Professor Frank Schisler, with two assistants, have charge of the schools. The village is on the line of both the Ohio Canal .and the Ohio Central Railroad. The citizens have erected a neat brick passenger depot, the first depot, a frame structure erected by the railroad company. having burned a short time after its completion. The company refusing to build another depot, the citizens succeeded in securing means for the building of a more substantial structure than the first one. HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 231 The village has the benefit of two mails a day via the Ohio Central Railway. John W. Chapman is the postmaster. With one or two exceptions, the first inhabitants of Basil are dead. Even all the original log and frame structures have disappeared. No traces of the first citizens remaiN. Many of the early inhabitants of Basil and Baltimore, and surrounding country, are laid away, awaiting the final summons, in the beautiful cemetery that lies between the two villages. Basil Lodge, No. 111, Knights of Pythias, was instituted October 23, 1877. The charter members were Samuel R. McCleary, T. J. Arnold, G. H. Godden, R. R. Carter, Adam Roley, Emanuel Kinsch, Lyman Norris, John Shoub, B. F. Hamer, Noah Snider, Frank Cook, Isaac Grube, Benjamin Emch, Julius Shetzley, William Greer, David Kumler, W. H. Poll, William D. Caslow, and B. F. Roley. The order erected a hall in 1879. Present membership, about sixty. There is but one church in Basil—the Trinity Reformed. It was organized in 1844. The first male members of Trinity Church were Henry Leonard, Joseph Alt. Jacob Giesy, Peter Roshon, John Urben, John Downy, Joseph Carminy, Peter Caley, Nicholas G. Messerley, John Leonard, George W. Tossing, Henry Switzer, and John Goss. The first pastor of Trinity Church was key. Henry K. Zerbe, who served the congregation from the time of its organization until July or August of the following year, when he died. The Rev. Jesse Schlosser was the second pastor, who continued in that, relation until about 1853. He was succeeded by Rev. John Pence, who served the charge about one year and six months, when he resigned his pastorate. After his resignation the charge was without a regular pastor for eighteen months. During this time the congregations of Trinity and Mt. Zion Reformed churches were occasionally supplied with preaching by ministers of the Reformed and other branches of the church of Christ. The Rev. John Ruhl was the next pastor, and his pastorate continued about four years. The Rev. John Vogt, D.D., commenced his services as pastor about 1860, and served as such until January, 1863, when he was succeeded by Rev. Adam C. Kendig, who served the class about one year, when death severed the relation as pastor and people. The present pastor, Rev. G. H. Leonard, assumed the pastorate of Trinity Church January 15, 1865. he has continued to serve the congregation regularly since that date. At the beginning of the present pastorate the number of members in the Trinity congregation was about eighty-five, and the present membership is nearly three hundred. Trinity Church was completed in 1847. There is a properous Sunday-school in connection with this church, having George W. Kumler as superintendent. 232 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. CHAPTER XXXVI. MADISON TOWNSHIP. Madison township was established in t812. The first families in the township were the Shaeffers. Isaac Shaeffer, Abram Shaeffer, Martin Landis, Sr., and Abram Ream, came from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in the spring of 1798, coming from Pittsburg in flatboats, ascending the Flocking River in dug-outs, and landing at "Hunter's Crossings" a week or so after Hocking H. Hunter's father and family arrived. They came merely to spy out the country, and soon returned home, but came again, probably, in the fall of that same year. Isaac Shaeffer settled near the Defenbaugh mill, which he built in 1804. Andrew Shaeffer settled where Mr. Koehler lives now ; Martin Landis where his son, Martin Landis, now lives. The arrival of these men, being the first of the township and county, it is needless to add that all was a wilderness. Their little round cabins were of the simplest, rudest make, and such only as one or two men could. of themselves, in a few days erect. Isaac Shaeffer married Julia Ream, and Andrew Shaeffer, his brother, married Barbara Ream, her sister, both daughters of Abram Ream, the pioneer and builder of the old Ream mill. Martin Landis married Barbara Shellenberger, and had brought his family, consisting of wife, his child, David, and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Shellenberger, with him. These men all entered large tracts of land and industriously improved the country, building mills, school-houses, shops, etc. A Mr. Pickle was the first blacksmith in the township. The shop was built on Mr. Landis's farm. Soon after this shop was built a Mr. James Whitecotton, from North Carolina, built a blacksmith shop near Clear- port, just opposite where Mr. Van Wey now lives. The first school-house in the township was built on Mr. Landis's farm, also near his present house. This building burned down, and another was built on the same ground. Mr. Cole, an old gentleman, was the first teacher in the township. was the first teacher in the townshi . Mr. Andrew Shaeffer, Valentine an William Wolf, built a school-house, soon after this, on the Shaeffer farm, in which a Mr. Phillips taught a long time. This house was used also for an election house. The Landis school-house was used by the Mennonites for a church, where a Rev. Mr. Welde, the first minister of the township, often preached. The first mills were built by Messrs. Landis, Friend, and Shaeffer, about the same time. The Friend mill was the uppermost one, and built in the edge of the township. The Landis mill was on his place ; the wheel was a flutter. The most important, and probably the first, was the Shaeffer, afterwards known as the Defenbaugh mill. This was built in 1804, and in 1807 was sold to Adam Defenbaugh, who kept it until 1827. It was afterwards owned HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 233 by Augustus Boden, John Crooks, and Daniel Stoneburner, brother-in-laws ; Dr. George Boestler, of Lancaster, and his brother, Daniel ; Joseph Dum, of Amanda ; Daniel Defenbaugh, Samuel Campbell, and Isaac Marshall. Mr. Marshall tore it down in 1873, and started the store now at that place. The Peter I lays mill was where the widow Boulsby now lives. It was sold about 1830 to James Goben and Jesse Bright: Samuel and Ephraim Loman had it a few years. Mr. Slife Waldon had it afterwards. Just below this, at Written Rock, was the old Ring and Rice mill. That also did a good business. Augustus Boden had a distillery also at the Defenbaugh mill, and just above this point is the Terry mill, built by Frederick Welscheimer, who was killed in Amanda afterwards by being thrown from a horse, in front of Mouser's tavern. His widow ran it some years after his death, and it was then. sold to Amos Rice, who had it in 1838. Young, John Lyon, and James Terry afterwards owned it. Sebastian Carpenter built a gristmill on Muddy Prairie, and it was afterwards owned by Christian King, John Lysinger, Eliot Griffith, Isaac Wolf, and is now owned by the Guysie heirs. The upper mill on Muddy Prairie was built by Isaac Shaeffer, the saw-mill as early as 1815, and the grist-mill as late as 1830. It was owned afterwards by Joab, his son, and now by S. V. Wolf and a Mr. Shaeffer. William Guy also had a mill on Clear Creek, near Mr. Landis, also a distillery, in an early day, but both went down in a few years. Ezra Wolf built one at the head of Kuntz's Run. John George Mack, who came from Pennsylvania in 1812, built a mill on Oil Run in 1836. He died in 1853. Samuel Watson also had a mill below the Terry mill. This was swept away by a freshet, and was never rebuilt. The powder-mill was built by Sebastian Carpenter in a very early day on the race near Dr. Rutters, and where the road makes a turn towards Clearport. A Mr. Jacob Biller also had a powder-mill where John Abbott's house is now. Emanual Carpenter, the father of Sebastian, coming to Clearport as early as 1800, bought a large tract of land, part of which is now owned by John Abbott. His son, Sebastian, carried on the powder-mill for many years,. and manufactured a good quality of rifle powder. he made his charcoal of sumach wood ; his saltpeter was obtained in quantities under the rocks in the hills, but the sulphur from the east. A large mortar was filled with these ingredients and mixed by pestals run with water-power. The powder was grained by taking a quantity, on a board and combed down with an ordinary brush. A little water would he sprinkled on the mass occasionally to prevent the friction from igniting it. It was dried in ovens under which hot air was made to pass. t Still-houses were numerous in this township. As the early settlers could not flatboat their produce to market down Clear Creek, they had to make their corn into "lake water " and drink it. For the manufacturing of this article almost every section or so of land had a still-house. The first one in this region was an old-fashioned copper still, brought out by Samuel Shaeffer (brother to Isaac and Andrew), who came in 1802, and settled where Jacob G. Shaeffer now lives. He would manufacture about eighteen gallons of whisky a week. Silas Philips had 30 234 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. one on property now owned by John Marshall, Sr., opposite Van Wey's ; Frederick Welscheimer, one on the farm now owned by William Johnson; and Johnny Dindora, the famous one on the road from Hamburg to Hopewell. One was operated by James Watson, opposite Squire Abbott's house ; one by William Guy, on George Reigle's place ; one by Andrew Pearce, on John Landis's property, and another hard by. There were also shops, carding machines, spinning-bowl factories, sickle factories, etc. A Mr. Akers, first a blacksmith, manufactured sickles afterwards. He had his shop at the Defenbaugh mill as early as the year 1824. His grindstone was turned by water-power. On Kuntz's Run, a stream that empties into Clear Creek at this mill, a little above the wolf den, where the water poured over a rock, a Mr. Graham had a spinning-bowl shop. The lathe was turned by water, and the stream was strong enough to whiz it constantly. He would, however, turn out but a wagon load at a time, then peddle. This hollow was, from this circumstance, called " Spinning-bowl Hollow." At its confluence with Clear Creek, Augustus Boden had a still-house. There was also a woolen factory in the neighborhood. Among those who were first in Madison township after the Shaeffers arrived were Emanuel Carpenter and family, Valentine and William Wolf and families, the Marfins, Hedges, Macks, Abbotts, Van Weys, Tooles, and many others. These early settlers would go to Orin Abbott for goods and groceries at the Defenbaugh mill, where he kept the first store in the township, and many of them would attend church in the old school-house, on Martin Landis's place, where the Mennonites held forth. A regular place for worship was not built until in the year 1826, when the St. John's (Lutheran) church was erected on the Sweyer farm, Rev. Steck being the first pastor, then John Wagenhall, who served fourteen years. Its membership at one time increased to two hundred. The building was torn down in the fall of 1877 and a new edifice was erected in Hocking township in that year. Rev. W. H. Brown was the first pastor here. The officers are George Kerns, Jacob Simon, elders ; H. W. Kerns and John Oberdorfer, deacons ; Ezra Valentine, Isaac Kerns, Frank Kerns, trustees ; J. boner, secretary and treasurer. Rev. J. Beck is pastor. The second church was built by the Methodists in the year 1834, and called Hopewell. Many of the old settlers will remember the debating society and religious service carried on in the school house at this point long before the church was built. The second building, the one now standing, was erected in 1844. John DeLong, John Carpenter and others were the principal men. Revs. Bruce and Hand were the first preachers ; Rev. Dickson is pastor now. The third church was the German Reformed, built in 1842; called Mt. Carmel. Rev. Henry Dilliard was the first pastor. The fourth church was Mt. Zion, built by the United Brethren, in the southwest portion of the township ; Rev. Little was the first pastor. Moses Shaeffer built the church. The fifth church was built by the Lutherans in the northeast por- HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 235 tion of the township, on lands donated by Frederick A. Martin, and was built in 1852. Pine Grove church was built in 1858, by the United Brethren. It stands in Rich Hollow. Clearport is a good business point in the edge of the hills and on Clear Creek within easy distance of one of the most fertile valleys in the State. It was established in 1853. Orin Abbott was in charge of the store and with Isaac Shaeffer and others succeeded in getting a mail. Mr. Abbott had the first store, and afterwards his sons, John and Lafayette Abbott, now Lafayette Abbott alone. The store is one well filled with a general assortment of goods, that would do credit to any place. Drs. Rutter and Huffner attend the sick. Dr. Porter was formerly a physician of this place. 236 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. CHAPTER XXXVII. PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. Pleasant township was so called, because of the extent of the fertile land found within its borders. The surface of the township is generally even or slightly rolling, and the land is all tillable. Pleasant Run, the principal stream, rises in the western part of the township and flows east and south, passing into Berne township. Ewing's Run heads near the center of this township, and flows southwardly into Berne. These streams have small tributaries, which furnish considerable water power. Notwithstanding the large amount of timber that has been consumed, and used for various purposes, this township is still well timbered with sugar, walnut, oak, hickory, elm and other varieties of hard wood. At its first sett1ment, squads of Delaware and Wyandotte Indians 'frequenty camped in various parts of Pleasant township, remaining for several weeks at a time. While they were camped here, they were principally engaged in hunting the wild game, which was found in great abundance. They lived peaceably with the settlers, and frequently visited the log cabins of the whites, for the purpose of exchanging venison and other game for corn meal, bread, etc. An incident occurred at an early date in the history of this township, which came near severing the friendship existing between the aboriginals and white settlers. David Ewing, in company with several other settlers, were engaged in a hunting expedition. They noticed in the bushes what they supposed to be a bear. Mr. Ewing fired at the object, which proved to be an Indian squaw. Being severely wounded by the shot, the squaw cried piteously, when the hunters discovered their mistake, and dreading the vengeance of the Indians, in case they were apprehended, they fled with all possible haste to their homes. The Indians were soon on the track of the hunters, and followed them to a Mr. Arnold's cabin, which they entered. Mrs. Arnold was seated with a young child in her arms. As soon as the Indians reached the cabin, one of their number raised his rifle to shoot Mrs. Arnold, but another of the band rushed forward and pushed the gun aside, just in time to save her life. She pleaded earnestly for her life, protesting that her husband had not been out hunting that day. In a short time Mr. Arnold with some of his neighbors came, who finally succeeded in satisfying the savages that Mr. Arnold was innocent, when they departed from his cabin. Pleasant township was settled at an early date. As early as 1798. settlements were found in the township. It cannot be ascertained who, was the first settler. William Green was one of the very first to settle 238 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. Of later settlers was Jacob Moyer, who came from York county, Pennsylvania, in 1815. He first settled in Rush Creek township. he resided some years in Rush Creek when he removed to Pleasant township, where he has ever since resided. Balser Rutter emigrated from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1815. Daniel Keller came from Pennsylvania, in 18(38, settling near the center of the township. The first road in Pleasant township was the one leading from Wheeling to Maysville, known as Zane's Trace. It crossed the southern par e township. About 1838 it was changed to a turn, pike, and is now known as the Zanesville and Maysville turnpike. A few years subsequent to the completion of Zane's Trace, the old Newark and Lancaster road was laid out, which was subsequently changed to a turnpike. The Ohio Central Railroad runs across the northeast corner of this township. The first grist mill in the township was erected by John Hampson, about 1808. It was situated near the present village of Pleasantville, and was operated by horse power. Its capacity was but a few bushels a day, but was considered a great institution by the early settlers of Pleasant township. Another of the first grist mills, was erected by a Mr. Arnold. It was situated on Arnold's Run, near where the County Infirmary stands. It was a raccoon burr mill, having a capacity of ten or twelve bushels per day. It was operated by water power, and when the stream dried up, the settlers had to go to Chillicothe or Zanesville to have their grist ground. Thomas Ewing built the first distillery in the township, about 1808. The first saw mill was built by Mr. Arnold. He operated it in connection with his grist mill. Both the grist and the saw mills have long since disappeared. The Eagle wagon manufactory is situated about four miles east of Lancaster, on the Zanesville and Maysville Pike, and was built in 1854 and '5, by George Nichols, who has ever since that time been the proprietor of the same. An immense number of wagons and vehicles have been manufactured at these works, both for the citizens of Fairfield and other counties. Since the introduction of imported wagons and buggies into the county, the business of the establishment has materially decreased. One of the first school houses erected in Pleasant township, was in the southwestern part of the township, on the farm now owned by Mr. Radibaugh. It was a small, unhewed, log structure. Among the first school teachers in this township, were Roswell Mills and Isaac Sinniff, who taught in a small log school house, situated in the eastern part of the township. A Mr. Newman was also another of the early teachers. Pierce Kennedy was one of the first teachers in the southern part of Pleasant. He taught in a school house which stood near the old Seceder, now United Presbyterian, church. The humble log buildings, in which were educated many of the fathers and mothers of old Fairfield. have been replaced by more substantial and commodious brick and frame structures. The religious interests of Pleasant township have been well provid ed for, The Pleasant Run Baptist Church, was probably the first regu- HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 239 lar church organization in this township, having been organized as early as 1806, by Rev. Lewis Sites, Sr., who was also the first pastor of this society, continuing in that relation for several years. A short time after its organization, a log structure was erected in which the society held its meetings for many years. Some years since a neat frame edifice was built, in which the congregation now worship. This church was a prosperous one from its commencement. The first members, as appear from the records of 1809; still preserved, were William Hopwood, Abraham Hite, Magdalen Ruffner, Elizabeth Warner, Adam Geiger, Conrod Hite, Aaron Powell, Sister Powell, Martin Coffman, Ann Coffman, Magdalen Wise, Ann Miller, Elizabeth Histand. Frank Bibler, Mary Bibler, Andrew Hite, Ann, Samuel, John and Ann Hite, Christian Hover, Susan Musselman, Barbary Hite, Samuel and Elizabeth Comex, Sister Hannah, Sister Bibler, Christian and Mary Cagy, John Hite, Sister Cussman, Jacob Bibler, Jacob Bibler, Jr., Katy Bibler, David, John and Barbary Bibler, Lewis and Ann Sites, Christiana Woolf, Emanuel Ruffner, Ann Spitler, Jacob Spitler, Timothy and Phebe Collins, Barbary Beaver, Magdalen Taylor, Joseph Stider, John Moorhead, Christian Coffman, Mary COffman, Smith Goodens, Aaron Ashbrook, Eli and Katy Ashbrook, Neeley Bibler, Magdalene Spitler, Magdalena Hite, George White, Jacob and Susan Spitler, Jacob Musselman, Peter Spitler, John Hite, Betsy Bibler, Mady Hopwood, Abraham Hite, John Rifler, Abraham Hitler, Sister Keller, Cissa Miller, Joseph Hite, James Davis, Thomas Warner, Susanna Spitler, Martin Histand, Sissy Studer, Jacob Studer, Sister Brumlang, Mary, Jacob and Barbary Bibler. The Pleasant Run Baptist Church was in 1809 one of the most prosperous, both numerically and financially, of any of the country. Baptist Churches in Ohio. It is situated in the northeast part of Pleasant township, the society having continued its place of worship in the same locality of its first organization, down to the present time. Not one of the many members living in 1809 are alive at this date, 1882. Rev. D. G. Barker, who officiated as pastor of this church for several years past, died in January, 1882, and the society is without a pastor at this date, 1882. About one hundred members are in full connection at this time. The Pleasant United Presbyterian Church was organized as early as 1807 or '8, by Rev. Abraham Craig, of Kentucky. The church is located in the southwest corner of Pleasant township. For several years after its organization, the meetings were held in a tent during the warm season, and it is now often referred to as the "tent church," from this fact. David Martin, Charles McClung, David Williams and Robert Brown-and wives were of the the first members. Rev. Abraham Craig, who organized the church, was the first pastor and remained such for many years. His successors, as far as known, were Rev. Benjamin Waddle and Rev. E. Collinhead, who was pastor twenty-one years, Rev. Buchanan and Rev. R. Boyd, who is the present pastor. The society first organized as a Seceder church, but several years since, when the Seceder and other branches of the Presbyterian Church were merged into the United Presbyterian Church, the congregation accepted the union, and went over as a body to the United Presbyterians. Some twenty years ago a frame church HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 241 building, so that the dimensions of the infirmary building was increased to one hundred and eighty feet in leng-th by forty-five feet in width. The cost of the improvements made in 1870 was twenty-eight thousand dollars. There are one hundred and seventy acres of land connected with the infirmary, all cleared with the exception of about fifteen acres. In connection with the main building for the inmates, there is a superintendent's dwelling, thirty-six by forty-five feet in size, also constructed of brick. There are one hundred and thirty-three inmates at the present date, February, 1882. Mr. Henry Sieber, the present superintendent, has officiated in that capacity for the past sixteen years. Pleasantville is situated in the northeastern part of Pleasant township, on the line of the Ohio Central Railroad, and is a flourishing village of about five hundred inhabitants. Since the advent of the railroad it has rapidly increased in population, and is steadily growing. It was laid out in 1828 by John Boston, who built the first house, a dwelling, in the village. John Tennant opened the first store about 1832. He afterwards sold his stock of goods to Frederick Lamb. G. R. Hartman was also one of the early merchants. The first hotel was kept by John Spitler. A post-office was established about 1840. Pleasantville has about doubled its population since the completion of the Ohio Central Railroad in 1880. Prior to that date, but little business was transacted in the village. At this time the village contains two churches, two dry goods stores, kept by William Steward and David C. Sutphen ; four groceries, kept respectively by W. L. Buchanan, Joseph Hite, George Buchanan and T. H. Henry ; one flour mill operated by David Pence and Company, one drug store by Mills and Son, one blacksmith shop, one wagon maker, one hotel, one harness shop, one planing mill, one carriage shop, one hardware store, two shoe shops, two barber shops, one marble factory, one undertaking establishment, two butcher shops, etc. Fairfield Lodge, No. 163, I. 0. 0. F. of Pleasantville, was instituted October 7, 1850. The charter members were : Thomas O. Wilson, William Buchanan, William Cupp, Jacob Bope, Thomas Andrews; Benjamin Walters, John T. Irick, Solomon Weaver, Job McNamee, Adam Shaw, Thomas A. Bratton, Martin Kagay, N. C. Miller, Samuel Cupp, Jas. Brown and Thos. Kidwell. At this date, February, 1882, there are about one hundred members belonging to this lodge. The Pleasantville academy was built in 1860. The academy has two large brick buildings, each about forty-five by seventy feet in dimensions. In one of these, the north building, are situated the chapel, recitation rooms, cabinet and society rooms. In the south building are rooms for students, reading-room and boarding hall. About the buildings is a beautiful campus, furnishing ample and pleasant recreation grounds for the students. The first board of trustees were David Huber, James Hampson, Jonas Hite, Noah McNaughton and John M. Ashbrook. The present directors are Jesse Brooks, James McNaughton, W. B. Hoover, Noah A. Ashbrook, James Hampson. George Fleming was the first Professor. The present teachers are Superintendent Rev. E. H. Scott, assisted by Mrs. E. H. Scott and W. H. Dye. There are three courses of study in this institution, for each of which certificates of graduation are given, as follows : Classical course, which includes 31 242 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. all the Greek, Latin, and two other studies each term, throughout the course. Scientific course, which includes all the Latin and other branches, in connection with the natural sciences and mathematics, sufficient to make four studies each throughout the course ; English course, which requires all the English branches. The Methodist Episcopal Church of Pleasantville was organized, as near as can be ascertained, about 1830, by Rev. Jacob Hooper. Mrs. Hanson, Mordecai Bull and wife, Mrs. Sain, Mrs. Friend, Joseph Friend and wife, Mrs. Irick, Mrs. Caran, James Stevenson, Jane Geiger, Sarah Turner were of the early members of the society. Rev. Jacob Hooper, who resided near Pleasantville, preached at this church several years, when he removed to the west and- died a short time afterwards. About 1840 the edifice, in which the church now worship, was erected. The present membership of the church is about thirty. There is a Sunday-school in connection with this church, having Charles Mills as superintendent, and Nelson Patterson, assistant superintendent. The same ministers that preached to the Rushville and Salem Churches, noticed in the history of Richland township, proclaimed the Gospel unto this society until the division of the circuit in 1874. Since 1874 the ministers have been Revs. J. H. Beery, B. F. Thomas, Pastal, Haigler, and Sayres, the present pastor. The Pleasantville Methodist Protestant Church was organized about 1858, by Rev. J. I-I. Hamilton. The same year the present commodious church building was erected. The first members of this flourishing church were Samuel, Magdalena, Lemon, Jacob, Almedia, Mary, Catharine, Mary A., and Elizabeth Culp, Elizabeth Hall, Martha Garner, Elizabeth Garner, Mary Keller, Ellen Lamb, Martha Keller, Sophia Caldwell, and Emanuel Keller. Prior to this time Rev. E. S. Hoagland effected an organization as early as 1840 or '41, which society in a few years became extinct. But a small number of the first members of the present organization remain, having died or removed to the west. Benjamin F. Flowers, the oldest member in point of years now living, has been a member of some Christian church since 18;5, when he, at that time a resident of Virginia, made a profession of religion. He was a soldier in the last war with Great Britain. Rev. J. H. Hamilton was the first pastor of this church. His successors in the pastoral relation were Revs. Peter Arnold, Brown, Jeremiah Biddeson, Amos Biddeson, William Tipton, W. L. Baldwin, E. S. Hoageland, Carey, William Hastings, George W. Hissey, Samuel Lancaster, I. M. Woodward, C. J. Sears, N. T. Brown, I. H. Freese, I. W. Southard, F. A. Brown, V. H. Brown, John Baker, J. M. Langley, F. W. Link, J. W. Thompson, D. G. Shirer, and T. H. Scott, the present incumbent. This church is in a prosperous condition, having at this time a membership of about eighty individuals. There is a flourishing Sunday-school in connection with this church. Professor W. H. Dye is superintendent. Colfax is a small village of some twenty-five or thirty inhabitants, situated 'on the Zanesville and Maysville pike, about four miles west of West Rushville. It contains a store and seven or eight dwelling-houses. It also has a post-office and a daily mail, the mail route being from Rushville to Lancaster. HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 243 CHAPTER XXXVIII. RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. Richland township was so named because of the fertility of its land. In 1817 two sections were detached from the eastern part of this township and annexed to Perry county. As now constituted it has an area of six miles in length and four miles in width. The surface of the country is broken and hilly in the eastern, and level in the western portions of the township. The land is about all tillable and very productive, yielding large crops of wheat, corn, and other cereals. Rush Creek is the principal stream, and crosses the eastern part from north to south, emptying into Big Rush Creek near the village of Bremen. There are many fine springs, which afford abundant water for all necessary uses. Richland township, when first settled, Was heavily timbered with beech, sugar, hickory, oak, and elm, and although much of this timber has been consumed in the clearing of the land for fuel and building purposes, considerable forests of beech, sugar, and oak remain, more especially in the eastern part of the township. At its first settlement, and were many years afterwards, deer, wild turkeys, and other wild game, were very numerous, but at this time but little wild game of any kind remains. For several years after the first settlement of Richland there was an Indian encampment near the present -village of West Rushville. They had constructed at this place a rude log fort, around which they built their habitations. They were of a peaceable and friendly disposition, and rarely ever molested the early settlers. They would frequently visit the homes of the pioneers, bringing venison and bear meat, which they exchanged for corn-meal and hominy. The first settlers of Richland township were Virginians, Marylanders, and Pennsylvanians, the Marylanders predominating. Edward Murphy was probably the first settler. He came from Maryland to this township in 1798, spending the winter of 1798-9 here. He returned to Maryland in the spring of 1799, and permanently removed to Richland in 1800, locating land on section seventeen. He raised a family of two sons and three daughters, only one now living, Theodore, who was born in this township in 1811, and who still resides on the farm where he was born. Mr. Murphy has never been out of the State nor enjoyed a ride in the. cars. Judge William McClung was another of the first settlers, and a prominent citizen of this township. He came to Richland in 1803. He was of unblemished reputation. He was a Justice of the peace. a member of the Legislature, serving two terms, and an Associate Judge under the old Constitution. During the War of 1812 he served as a soldier. being a member of General Sanderson's regiment, and was included in Hull's surrender at Detroit. He was many years an active and beloved member of the Presbyterian Church 244 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. of West Rushville. He died September 8, 1876, in his eighty-fourth year. His widow, Mrs. Jane McClung, died at West Rushville in December, 1811. The Ruffners were early settlers. Emanuel Ruffner emigrated from Virginia in 18o5, settling in the western part of this township. He was a Revolutionary soldier. His son-in4aw, a. Mr. Friend, residing in Richland, has in his possession a continental bank-note, calling for two hundred and " fifty dollars, redeemable at the Virginia treasury, on or before December 30, 1792. This note, it is said; was a portion of the money he received for his military services. He died in 1848, aged ninety-one years. The Winegardners have lung been resident here. Herbert Winegardner came from Shenandoah county, Virginia, in 1806. He purchased laud near the village of Rushville. But one of the family, a son of Herbert, lives in the township. He is the largest landholder in the county. In connection with Mr. Winegardner's history it would be proper to mention a noted robbery, which occurred some years since. Winegardner had a large sum ot money secreted in his residence. This was known to a step-son of his, not residing in the neighborhood. The young man, in company with two other persons, gained access to the house, one night, and robbed Winegardner of some twenty thousand dollars. The step-son was arrested. tried, and convicted of the robbery, and is now serving his term in the Penitentiary. The other two robbers escaped. A portion of the money was recovered. Phillip Sain, in company with several families of the Turners, Plummers, Ijams, and Koutz's, came from Maryland about 1802. They located Government lands in the eastern part of the township. A portion of the colony settled in Perry and Muskingum counties. Among other early settlers who came into Richland township prior to 1806 were George Miller, Joseph Custard, Samuel Carpenter, Frederick Bashore, Ephraim Anderson, Peter Black, John Bond, Samuel Ray, John and Peter Drum. Charles McClung, Edward Young, Robert, Isaac and Ebenezer Laremore, David Hardy, Adam Householder, Richard and Martin Polen, Thomas, John, James and William McCormick, William Holt, Christian King, Henry Beery, William McGillness,David Neeley, John Head, John Kerr,'Daniel and Isaac Kemper, James Rowland, Thomas Davis, John Cook, William Wiseman, Jeremiah Conway, John Godfrey. and John Kiger. The culture of tobacco was the principal occupation of the first settlers of Richland township, Joseph Ijams. of West Rushville, and William Coulson. of East Rushville. being the principal dealers and purchasers of tobacco at that time. The first road opened in the township was the one known as Zane’s Trace, leading from Wheeling to Limestone, now MaySville. Kentucky. This was the first public highway opened in Ohio, and was completed in 1797. It passed through the present villages of East and West Rushville. About 1840 this road was made a turnpike. and is now know' as the Zanesville and Maysville turnpike. There was an immense, travel along this road for many years after its completion, Edward HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 245 Murphy kept a hotel near this road, a short distance from West Rushville. Among the many distinguished guests, who partook of the bounties of this hotel at various times, were General Andrew Jackson and Hon. Henry Clay, who stopped at his hotel while en route to Washington City. The old hotel, now a rather dilapidated structure, is still standing, and is occupied by a grandson of the original proprietor. The Ohio Central Railroad, the only one passing through the township, was completed in i880. It runs across the township from north to south, passing midway between the two villages of East and West Rushville. The first grist-mill in this township was built about 1808 by Moses Plummer. It was constructed of unhewed logs, and stood near the bridge across Rush Creek, between the two Rushvilles. There was a saw-mill in connection with the grist-mill, erected a few years after the building of this mill. by Wilson and Hamill, which was the first sawmill in Richland. All traces of these two mills have long since disappeared. The first marriage in the township was that of Edward Murphy to his cousin, Sarah Murphy, in 1802. The first child born in Richland was Mary Turner. The educational interests of Richland's youth early occupied the attention of the settlers. At first the schools were held in the log cabins of the pioneers. In a few years rude log school-houses were erected, which, in turn, were replaced by the more substantial frame and brick structures of the present time. Among the early school-teachers were John C. Whitridge, who taught school in a log building on section 28. The religious sentiments of the people were early developed. The Methodists were early in the field. There was a Methodist camp meeting established in the Stevenson settlement as early as 1806 or '7, and is claimed to be the first camp meeting in Ohio— It was continued annually for several years. Revs. James B. Finley, Charles Waddle, James qpinn, Jacob 'Young and Asa Shinn, were attendants and participants in these meetings. The first church erected in this township was about 181o. by the Methodists. It was located on section 28, and was sa. small log building, Among Harper early members of this church were, Philip and Barbara Sain, William arper and wife, William Johnson, John Sunderland and wife and Isaac Ijams. Revs. Charles Waddle, James A. Shinn and James B. Finley, were of the early ministers. The organization was merged into the East Rushville Methodist Episcopal church about 1830. The Pleasant Hill Methodist Protestant Church was organized about 1831 by Rev. William B. Evans. The meetings were first held in the baker school house. about the year 1842, when the present frame edifice was erected. Henry Eveman, Jesse Stevenson, Mathias Himes, James Miller, Mrs. Baker, Mrs. Sands and Rebecca Miller, were of the first principal members. The following have been the ministers having charge as pastors of this organization : B. Evans. George Evans. John Clark, F. L. Flowers. Joel Dalby, D. Y. Osterman, Wilson. William Reeves. T. Fairchild, William Munhall, D. 246 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. Kinney, Thomas Potter, Israel Thrap, Samuel Catlin, William Marshall, William Avey, J. H. Hamilton, T. Arnold, A. Brown, Ezekiel Hoagland, Jeremiah Biddeson, A. Biddeson, William Tipton, William Baldwin, Samuel Cory, J. Case, William Hastings, J. M. Woodward, C. J. Sears, N. T. Brown, J. H. Freece, J. W. Southard, J. W. Thompson, D. G. Shires and T. H. Scott, the present incumbent. The present membership is about sixty. A Sunday school was organized about 1844, which has about forty scholars. Lewis Eyeman is superintendent. The Christian Union Church was organized by Rev. A. S. Biddeson, September 15,1867, with a membership of eighteen persons, as follows: John Cloud, W. J. Dick, N. Grubb, Nelson Cloud, John F. Berry, A. M. Van Tassell, M. E. Dick, Ellen Van Tassel', Mary Baker, Mary Van Tassell, Diana Cloud, Susan Hanson, Nancy Cloud, Ellen Hock.. ingberry, Jane Grubb, Henry Woollard, Sr„ Samuel and Sarah E. Berry. The first officers were : chief elder. A. M. Van Tassell ; financial elder, John Cloud ; recording elder, W. J. Dick. The church was erected in 1868, at a cost of about seventeen hundred dollars. The pastors of this church have been Rev. Philip G.Underwood, assisted by Rev. R. W. Graham ; Joshua B. Clover, and Henry G. Duckworth. There are about one hundred and fifty members belonging to the organization at this time. There is a flourishing Sunday-school in connection with the church, organized about 1868. There are two villages in Richland township-East Rushville and West Rushville. They are one mile apart, and on opposite sides of Rush Creek. the stream being midway between the towns. East Rushville was laid out by Joseph Turner, about 1808. It was first called Clinton, but was subsequently changed to East Rushville. It was on the line of Zane's Trace, and in early times the village enjoyed a large degree of prosperity, owing to the large numbers of travelers and emigrants passing along this route. The first store was kept by Patrick Owens. McLaughlin was another of the early merchants. Mrs. Mary Bopses kept the first hotel and John Markwuth the second one. At an early date there were four hotels in the village, all receiving a good patronage. Drs. Nathaniel Waite and Ide were of the first physicians. Caleb Copeland was the first blacksmith. Large quantities of tobacco were purchased by the early merchants and shipped to Eastern markets. East Rushville has at this time a population of about two hundred. The village contains two dry goods stores, one drug store, three groceries, one hotel, one harness shop, two blacksmith shops, one undertaking establishment, two physicians. etc. Rushville Lodge, No. 211, of Free and Accepted Masons, was instituted at East Rushville, in October, 1852. The charter members were William Coulson, Daniel Baker, David Wilson, John P. Hodge, N. P. Teele, Nathaniel B. Coulson, William Van Sant, James Cutshall. The present membership is forty-seven. There is but one church organization and edifice in East Rushville, the Methodist Episcopal. It is a continuation of the first church organized by the Methodists in Richland township, about 1811, heretofore stated, and which was transferred to East Rushville about 1831. HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 247 A short time after the transfer a substantial frame church building was erected. The following persons have had ministerial charge of this church since its transfer : 1831, Samuel Hamilton, J. Hooper ; 1832, J. Carper, J. Young ; 1833, J. Carper, J. Armstrong and S. H. Holland; 1834, J. Armstrong ; 1835, James T. Donahoe, E. D. Roe ; 1836, James T. Donahoe, M. A. Milligan ; 1837, C. W. Swain, W. F. Hand ; 1838, James B. Gurley, F. H. Jennings ; 1839, M. P. Kellogg, W. M. D. Ryan,; 1840, M. P. Kellogg, A. S. Murphy ; 1841, Jacob Young, B. A. Cassott ; 1843, John Fitch ; 1844-5, W. R. Davis ; 1846-7, J. W. Stone ; 1848, John Fitch; 1849, W. Webster, John Fitch ; 1850, Levi Cunningham, G. G. West ; 1851, Levi Cunningham, J. T. Langman; 1852, Levi Cunningham, W. S. Benner ; 1853, Samuel Harvey, Samuel Tippett ; 1854, Samuel Harvey, R. Doughty ; 1855, R. Doughty, R. Pitzer ; 1856-7, S. C. Ricker, T. G. Ross ; 1858-9, A. Fleming, N. Speck ; 1860-1, D. Mann, J. C. Gregg ; 1862-3, W. C. Honda, H. Gortner ; 1864-5, U. L. Jones, B. Ellis ; 1866-7, R. B. Bennett, J. Y. Rusk ; 1868, J. Barringer, R. B. Bennett ; 1869, J. Barringer, G. L. Seits ; 1870, G. L. Sects, J. T. Finch ; 1871, J. H. Baker, J. H. Beery ; 1872, F. F. Lewis, J. H. Beery ; 1873, F. F. Lewis, It. H. Griffith ; 1874, F. F. Lewis ; 1865-7, F. S. Thurston ; 1878-9, Samuel Rankins ; 1880, W. H. Sayre ; 1881, J. M. Adams. The ministers' having pastoral charge of the East Rushville Church, also preached to all the congregations embraced in the Rushville circuit. West Rushville was laid out by John Gams about 1815, and is a pleasant and ordinary village of about one hundred and seventy-five inhabitants. At an early period of its history, the town enjoyed a large measure of prosperity on account of the tobacco trade, and the travel, but of late years, a comparatively small amount of business has been transacted here, as compared with early times. William Kilgore was the first merchant in the town. Dr. Nathaniel Wait was the first physician. A postoffice was established about 1840, George Young being the first postmaster. The village at this date, 1881, has two dry goods stores, one hotel, one school house, and two churches, Presbyterian and Methodist. Philo Lodge. No. 392, I. O. O. F., was organized, July 12, 1867. W. B. Strickly, Joseph McFee, H. L. Whitehead, J. M. Strickler, Charles McClung, James Henderson, Michael Keelm, C. C. B. Duncan, and Jacob Lamb were the charter members. The membership in 1881 was about sixty. The Rush Creek Presbyterian Church of West Rushville was organized by Rev. John Wright, of Lancaster, in 1806. The first church was a log building situated about two and one half miles south of town, on the Thompson farm. A brick church was erected in West Rushville, and the society removed to that place in 1830. Among the early members were William Trimble, Judge William McClung and William Larimore. About 1852 the church was struck by lightning and destroyed. The present frame edifice was built about 1854. Rev. John Wright was the first pastor, and continued in that relation until 1832, when he was succeeded by Rev. James Anderson, who remained 248 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY. pastor until 1853. The pastors since 1853 have been,- 1854-7, Rev. J. Milligan ; 1858-61, Rev. J. M. Drake ; 1861-3, vacant ; 1863-5, Rev. H. R. Pierce ; 1866-70, Rev. C. C. B. Duncan ; 1871-3, Rev. John L. Gourley ; 1874-7, Rev. S. D. Smith ; 1878-81, Rev. R. A. Watson, who is the present incumbent. There is at this date, December, 1881, one hundred and forty-one members in full connection with the church. A flourishing Sunday school has been sustained for many Years. John Kennedy is the present superintendent. The Methodist Episcopal Church of West Rushville, is an outgrowth of the camp-meetings held in the Stevenson settlement, and was organized about 1832. The ministers since and including 1854 have been, 1854, C. C. Lybrand, H. Gortner ; 1855, C. C. Lybrand ; 1856-7, W. C. Filler ; 1858-9, R. Pitzer ; 1860-1, T. H. Hall ; 1862. W. Z. Ross ; 1863, W. M. Mullenix ; 1864, J. Stewart ; 1865, T. R. Taylor ; 1866-7, H. L. Whitehead ; 1868-9, J. H. Acton ; 1870, H. H. Ferris ; 1871-3, T. H. Brodrick ; 1874 , W. T. Jones ; 1877-8, Samuel Rankins ; 1879-80, W. H. Sayre ; 1881,J. M. Adams. A commodious frame church was erected about 1855., in which the society hold its meetings. There is a good Sabbath school connected with the church. HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY - 249 CHAPTER XXXII. RUSH CREEK TOWNSHIP. Rush Creek lies in the southeastern part, and is the most eastern portion of Fairfield county. It is bounded on the north by Richland township of Fairfield, and Reading township of Perry county ; on the south by Marion township of Hocking county ; on the east by Jackson township of Perry county ; and on the west by Pleasant and Berne townships. It is six miles square, and contains thirty-six square miles or 23,040 acres of land. It became a township in 1804, and was surveyed by Elnathan Schofield, an early citizen of Lancaster, who also surveyed this part of the county. It was originally two miles longer than it now is, latitudinal, but in 1840 it was made two miles shorter north and south, than it now is, by the creation of what was known as Auburn township, whose existence was of short duration, for in 1851, lIockinv: county encroaching upon the borders of Fairfield, Auburn was divided equally between Rush Creek township of Fairfield and Marion township of_ Hocking, which made Rush Creek a complete township for the first time. It is probable that it was originally formed from Pleasant, Berne and Richland townships. The surface for the first part is undulating, the most rugged portion being found in the northeastern part. , The valleys along Rush Creek and Raccoon Creek are broad, considering the size of the streams, and all the land is quite fertite, and all arable but a small portion. The valleys, environed by the hills, and the monotony of ,the hill land, broken by the valleys, presents a beautiful landscape. Dotted throughout by farm dwellings and barns. school houses and churches, the scene is truly home-like and comforting, and the traveler is constrained that the bard of civilization and culture has not neglected its influence here. The principal streams are Big Rush Creek, Little Rush Creek and Raccoon Creek. Big Rush Creek comes in from the northeast, and flows southwest, joining Little Rush Creek a little east of the center of the township. Little Rush Creek flows from a short distance west of the central northern part. through the township. passing out two miles farther east than where it enters at the north ; it almost equally divides the township into two parts. Raccoon Creek has two branches, one flowing from the northwest, flowing directly south to about one mile west and a little south of the central part of the township, where It is joined by the branch from the central west and Berne township, from whence they flow in a southeastern direction and empty into Rush Creek two miles south of the centre of the township. From the northeast, three small streams flow south into Big Rush Creek. From the northwest flows a small stream in a direction south- 32