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100 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. form of a sugar-camp, with one square open, fronting a fire, and about the hight of a man. The Wyandot tribe at that day numbered about five hundred warriors, and were a ferocious and savage people. They made frequent attacks on the white settlements along the Ohio river, killing, scalping and capturing the settlers without regard to age, sex or condition. War parties on various occasions attacked flat-boats descending the river, containing emigrants from the Middle States seeking new homes in Kentucky, by which, in many instances, whole families became victims to the tomahawk and scalping-knife. * * The Crane Chief had a white wife in his old age. She was Indian in every sense of the word, except her fair skin and red hair. Her history, as far as I have been able to learn it. is this : Tarhe, in one of his predatory excursions along the Ohio river, on the east side, near Wheeling, had taken her prisoner and brought her to his town on the Hocking river. She was then about eight years old ; and, never having been reclaimed by her relatives or friends, remained with the nation, and afterwards became the wife of her captor. "On the 17th of May, 1796, Congress, with a view no doubt to the early settlement of their acquired possessions by the treaty of Greenville in 1795, passed an act granting to Ebenezer Zane three tracts of land, not exceeding one mile square each, in consideration that he would open a road on the most eligible route, between Wheeling, Virginia, and Limestone (now Maysville), Kentucky. Zane performed his part of the contract the same year, and selected one of his tracts on the Hocking, where Lancaster now stands. The road was opened by only blazing the trees and cutting out the underbrush, which gave it more the appearance of an Indian path, or trace, than a road, and from that circumstance it took the name of Zane's Trace '—a name it bore for many years after the settlement of the county. * * * * It crossed the Hocking at a ripple, or ford, about three hundred yards below the turnpike-road, west of the present town of Lancaster, and was called the `Crossing of Hocking.' This was the first attempt to open a public highway through the interior of the North-western Territory. "In 1797, Zane's trace having openeea communication between the Eastern States and Kentucky, many individuals HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO -101 from both directions wishing to better their conditions in life by emigrating and settling in the ' back woods,' then so-called, visited the Hockhocking for that purpose, and finding the country surpassingly fertile—abounding in springs of purest water, determined to make it their new home. " In April, 1798, Captain Joseph Hunter, a bold and enterprising man, with his family, emigrated from Kentucky and settled on Zane's trace, upon the bank of the prairie west of the crossings, and about one hundred and fifty yards northwest of the present turnpike-road, and was called ' Hunter's Settlement.' Capt. Hunter cleared off the underbrush, felled the forest trees, and erected a cabin, at a time when he had not a neighbor nearer than the Muskingum and Scioto rivers. This was the commencement of the first settlement in the upper Hockhocking Valley; and Captain Hunter is regarded as the founder of the flourishing and populous County of Fairfield. He lived to see the county densely settled and in a high state of improvement, and paid the debt of nature about 20 years ago. His aged companion, Mrs. Dorotha Hunter, yet lives, (in 1851) enjoying the kind and affectionate attentions of her family, and the respect and esteem of her acquaintances. She was the first white woman that settled in the valley, and shared with her late husband all the toils, sufferings, hardships and privations incident to the formation of the new settlement, without a murmur or word of complaint. During the spring of the same year, Nathaniel Wilson, the elder; John Green, Allen Green, John and Joseph McMullen, Robert Cooper, Isaac Shaeffer, and a few others, reached the valley, erected cabins, and put in crops. " In 1799, Levi Moore, Abraham Bright, Major Bright, Ishmael Due and Jesse Spurgeon, emigrated with their families from Allegheny County, Maryland, and settled near where Lancaster now stands. Part of the company came through by land from Pittsburg, with their horses, and part of their horses and goods descended the Ohio in boats th the mouth of the Hockhocking, and thence ascended the latter in canoes to the mouth of Rush Creek. The trace from Wheeling to the Hock-hocking at that time was, in almost its entire length, a wilderness, and did not admit the passage of wagons. The land party of men, on reaching the valley, went down to the mouth of the Hockhocking and assisted the water party up. They 102 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. were ten days in ascending the river, having upset their canoes several times, and damaged their goods. "Levi Moore settled with Jesse Spurgeon three miles below Lancaster. The Brights and Due also settled in the neighborhood. These pioneers are all dead except Mr. Moore. He resides near Winchester, in Fairfield County, blessed with all this world can give to make him happy. "James Converse, in 1799, brought from Marietta, by way of the Ohio and Hocking rivers, nearly a canoe load of merchandise, and opened a very large and general assortment of dry goods and groceries, in a cabin at Hunter's Settlement. He displayed his specimen goods on the corners of the cabin, and upon the stumps and limbs of trees before his door, dispensing with the use of flags altogether. He of course was a modest man. " The General Government directed the public domain to be surveyed. The lands were laid off in sections of one hundred and forty acres, and then subdivided into half and quarter sections. Elenathan Schofield, our late fellow-citizen, was engaged in the service. " In 1800, 1801 and 1802, emigrants continued to arrive, and settlements were formed in the most distant parts of the county. Cabin-raisings, clearings and log-rollings, were in progress in almost every direction. The settlers lent each other aid in their raisings and other heavy operations requiring many hands. By thus mutually assisting one another, they were all enabled in due season to provide themselves cabins to live in. The log-cabin was of paramount consideration. After the spot was selected, logs cut and hauled, and clapboards made, the erection was but the work of a day. They were-of rude construction, but not always uncomfortable." Here the General introduced an extract from Kendall's Life of Jackson, descriptive of log-cabins, that pleases me so well, because so perfect a picture of those primitive buildings throughout the entire pioneer age of the West and North-west, that I most gladly give it place. All who lived in the West fifty years ago will recognize every feature of the picture : FROM KENDALL'S LIFE OF JACKSON. "The log-cabin is the primitive abode of the agricultural population throughout Western America. Almost the only tools HISTORY OF FAIRPItLD COUNTY, OHIO - 103 possessed by the first settlers were axes, hatchets, knives, and a few augurs. They had neither saw-mills nor carpenters, bricks nor masons, nails nor glass. Logs notched and laid across each other at the ends, making a pen in the form of a square or parallelogram, answered the purpose of timber and weather-boarding, and constituted the body of the structure. The gable-ends were constructed of the same materials) kept in place by large poles, extending lengthwise the entire length of the building. Up and down upon these poles, lai'ping over like shingles, were laid clap boards, split out of oak logs, and resembling staves, which were kept in their place by other poles laid upon them, and confined at the gable-ends. Roofs of this sort, well constructed, were a sufficient protection from ordinary storms. The crevices between the logs, if large, wer,-., filled with small stones, chips. or bits of wood, called chinking, and plastered over with mud inside and out ; if small, the plastering alone was sufficient. The earth was often the only floor; but in general, floors were made of puncheons, or slabs split from logs hewed smooth, and resting on poles. The lofts, or attics, sometimes had puncheon floors, and rough ladders were the stairways. Chimneys were built of logs rudely dovetailed from the outside into those constituting one end of the structure, which were cut to make room for a fire-place, terminating at the top with split sticks, notched into each other, the whole thickly plastered with mud on the inside. Stones laid in mud formed the jambs and back walls of the fire-places. The doors, made of clap boards, or thin puncheons pinned to cross-pieces, were hung on wooden hinges, and had wooden latches. Generally they had no windows ; the open door and broad chimney admitted the light by day, and a rousing fire or grease-lamp was the resource by night. In the whole building there was neither metal nor glass. Sometimes a part of a log was cut out for a window, with a piece of sliding puncheon to close it. As soon as the mechanic and merchant ap-peard, sashes of two or four lights might be seen set into gaps cut through the logs. Contemporaneously old barrels began to constitute the tops of chimneys, and joice and plank sawed by hand took the place of puncheons. "The furniture of the primitive log-cabin was but little superior to the structure. They contained little beyond puncheon benches, and stools or blocks of wood for tables and chairs; 104 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. a small kettle or two answering the manifold purposes of buckets, boilers and ovens, and a scanty supply of plates, knives, forks and spoons, all of which had been packed on horse back through the wilderness. Bedsteads they had none; and their bedding was a blanket or two, with bear and deerskins in abundance." General Sanderson resumed: "The early settlers were a hardy and industrious people, and for frankness and hospitality have not been surpassed by any community. The men labored on their farms, and the women in their cabins. Their clothing was of a simple and comfortable kind. The women clothed their families with their own hands, spinning and weaving for all their inmates the necessary linen and woolen clothing. At that day na cabins were found without their spinning-wheels, and it is the proud boast of the women that they could use them. As an evidence of their industry and saving of time, it was not an unfrequent occurrence to see a good wife sitting spinning in her cabin upon an earthen floor, turning her wheel with one foot and rocking her babe in a sugar-trough with the other. " The people of that day, when opportunity offered (and that was not often), attended to public worship; and it was nothing new nor strange to see a man at church with his rifle —his object was to kill a buck either going or coming." FIRST FUNERAL. " William Green, an emigrant, soon after his arrival sickened and died, in May 1798, and was buried in a hickory-bark coffin on the west bank of Fetters' Run, a few rods north of the old Zanesville road, east of Lancaster. This was the first death and burial of a settler on the Hockhocking. Col. Robert Wilson, of Hocking Township, was present and assisted at the funeral. The deceased had left his family near Wheeling, and came on to build a cabin and raise a crop." FOURTH OF JULY. " In 1800, for the first time in the Hockhocking settlement, the settlers—men, women and children—assembled on the knoll in the prairie in front of the present toll-house [the tollhouse has since been removed farther west.—En.] on the pike HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 105 west of Lancaster, and celebrated the Anniversary of Ameri-can.Independence. They appointed no President, or other officexs of the day—no orations delivered or toasts drank. They manifested their joy by shouting, and " hurrah for America," firing off their rifles, shooting at targets, and discussing a public dinner. It may not be improper to say, that their repast was served up in magnificent style. Although they had neither tables, benches, dishes, plates or forks, every substantial in the way of a feast was amply provided, such as baked pone, johnnycake, roasted bear's meat, jerked turkey, etc. The assemblage dispersed at a timely hour in the afternoon, and returned to their cabins, full of patriotism and love of country. It was my fortune to be present on that interesting occasion." Here General Sanderson spoke of several townships that were originally in Fairfield County at its first organization, and when it embraced considerable portions of present adjoining counties. These townships have not before been mentioned in this volume, and I here allude to them in the General's own language : "Reading Township was named by Peter Buermyre, a pioneer settler from Reading, Pennsylvania. He also laid out the town of New Reading, in that township. Somerset, the present seat of justice of Perry County, is situated in this township. “Pike.—This township was named in honor of General Pike, who gallantly fell in defense of his country, at Toronto, Canada, in the war of 1812. " Jackson—Named in honor of General Andrew Jackson. " Saltcreek Township formerly belonged to Fairfield, but now forms part of Pickaway County. It was named Saltcreek from a stream watering its territory. Tarlton, a flourishing village, is in this township. "Falls Township, now in Hocking County, was named from the great falls of the Hockhocking river. " Perry Township, now in Hocking County, was so called in honor of Oliver H. Perry, the hero of Lake Erie in 1813. This township was originally a part of Hocking Township." An Incident.—" At the June term of 1802 (Court of General Quarter Sessions)—Emanuel Carpenter, Sr., Nathaniel Wilson and Amasa Delano, Justices, on the Bench--the Court ordered 106 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. the Sheriff to take Alexander White, Attorney-at-Law, into custody. and commit him to prison for one hour, for striking Robert F. Slaughter, also an Attorney-at-Law, in presence of their Honors, when in session. I note this circumstance to show that the Court, at that early period, did not suffer an indignity to pass unpunished. CONVENTION ELECTION. " The first popular election held in the county of Fairfield, was for two members of the Convention to form the Constitution of the State of Ohio. It took 1 lace on the 12th of October, 1802, and the following was the result of the poll : Emanuel Carpenter 228 votes Henry Abrams 181 " Robert F. Slaughter 168 " Philemon Beecher 144 " William Trimble 124 " bamuel Carpenter 15 " Samuel Kralzer 4 " Ebenezer Larimer 1 " Brice Sterril 1 Hugh Boyle 1 " The two first were elected. "The members of the Convention assembled at Chillicothe on the first day of November, 1802, and organized by electing Dr. Edward Tiffin, President, and Thomas Scott, Secretary; and after framing the first Constitution of the State of Ohio, adjourned on the 29th of the same month. The Constitution was not submitted to the people, but to Congress for approval; and on the 1st day of March, 1803, the State of Ohio was admitted into the Union as a Sovereign State." General Sanderson made brief reference to the ancient mounds and fortifications found in Fairfield County, in common with all parts of the West and North-west sections of the North American Continent. Nothing can be known concern.. ing these relics of an extinct people, except the fact that they are. Mere mention of the principal monuments of this kind within the limits of the county will be all, as I think, that modern history requires. The most important of these is that above the rock-mill, seven miles from Lancaster, on the Lithopolis road. Another embankment, inclosing some ten or twelve acres, near Bauher Church. There are others in Berne Township, near Ream's HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 107 Mill. But as verbal descriptions without diagrams would fall short of satisfaction, and as the mounds constitute no part of the history of the county, the notice of them closes here. WAR OF 1812. I am able here to transcribe, from Sanderson's pamphlet, the organizations of two companies commanded by him in the war with England, in 1812 and 1813. His first company enlisted in Fairfield County in 1812, to serve one year. The following shows the organization : Captain, George Sanderson ; Lieutenant, David McCabe ; Ensign, Isaac Larimar ; Sergeants, John Vanmeter, John Smith, James Larimar and Isaac Winter; Corporals, James White, Daniel Hudson, Robert Cunningham and William Wallace; Privates, George Baker, William Brubeck, Daniel Baker, Robert Cunningham, John Dugan, John Davis, William Edmonds, Reese Fitzpatrick, John Hiles, Christopher Hiles, Thomas Hardy, Philip Hines, Archibald Darnell, William Jenkenson, William Jenkens, Samuel Johnson, Isaac Finkbone, John Kerley, Joseph Loifiand, John Collins, Chas. Martin, John McIntire, Jacob Monteith, Jonas Monteith, Jacob Mellon, Daniel Miller, William McDonald, William McClung, Henry Martin, William Nelson, Joseph Oburn, Cornelius Post, William Ray, John Swiler, Daniel Smith, Jacob Sharp, Thomas Short, Samuel Work, Joseph Whetson, Henry Shoupe, John Huffman and Samuel Nolan-42. This company, with all its officers, on the 16th day of August, 1812, was captured by the British in command of General Brock, or rather surrendered by General Hull, and were paroled not to enter the service until regularly exchanged. The exchange did not take place until May, 1814. In the meanwhile, many of the privates and officers re-enlisted on account of the perfidy of General Hull in surrendering them when there seemed, according to the best judgment of the Americans, no occasion for it. Under this belief the men disregarded the parole. General Sanderson was one of the members who re-enlisted before the exchange, and in April, 1813, he mustered another company from the counties of Franklin, Delaware, Fairfield, and from portions of the Western Reserve. The following is its constitution: 108 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. Captain, Geo. Sanderson; 1st Lieutenant—; Quartermaster, Abner P. Risney ; 2d Lieutenants, Arora Butler, Andrew Bushnell, John H. Mifford, Abraham Fisk; 3d Lieutenant, Ira Morse; Ensign, William Hall. Sergeants: 1st, John Van-meter ; 2d, Chaney Case ; 3d, Robert Sanderson ; 4th, John Neibling ; 5th, Luther Edson. Corporals : 1st, John Dugan ; 2d, John Collings; 3d, Peter Carey; 4th, Smith Headly; 5th, Daniel T. Bartholomew. Musicians : John C. Sharp, drummer; Adam Leeds, fifer. Privates: William Anderson, Joseph Anderson, John Atkins, Joseph Alloways, Thomas Boyl, John Bartholomew, John Berryman, Henry Bixler, Abraham Bartholomew, Samuel Bartholomew, James Braden, Sheldon Beebee, James Brown, John Beaty, Eli Brady, Charles Burdinoo, John Battiese, Daniel Baker, John Busley, Thos. Billings, Daniel Benjamin, Henry Case, Archibald Cassy, Joseph Clay, Holden R. Collins, Blades Cremens, Chester P. Cabe, Nathan Case, Chaney Clark, Almon Carlton, Stephen Cook, David Crosby, Jesse Davis, Asa Draper, Walter Dunham, George Daugherty, Enos Devore, Benjamin Daily, John Evans, Joseph Ellinger, Peter Fulk, John Forsythe, Daniel Filkall, John Faid, Ephraim Grimes, Wm. L. Gates, Elenathan Gregory, Joseph Gibson, Samuel Gause, John Hunt, James Hagerty, Josiah Hinkley, John Hall, Frederick Hartman, David Hughs, Perlin Holcomb, John Harter, Jacob Headly, John Harberson, John has, Ambrose Joice, James Jones, John Johnson, James Jackson, John L. Johnson, John Kisler, James Kincaid, George Kyssinger, Jonathan Kittsmiller, Samuel Kinisman, Joseph Larimon, Frederick Leathers, Henry Lief, Amos Leonard, Merinas W. Leonard, William Lanther, John McClung, Peter Miller, Morris McGarvy, Joseph McClung, John McElwayne, Francis McCloud, Hosea Merrill, John McCarkey, Joshna Mullen, James Moore, Thomas Mapes, John McBride, Wm. M. Clair, Henry Mains, Andrew Miller, John McConnell, Alexander McCord, William Harper, Isacher Nickerson, George Osborn, Geo. Parks, Samuel Pratt, Powel Pain, Benjamin Burkhart, Luther Palmer, Arzell Pierce, John Ray, David Ridenour, William Reed, Geo. Raphy, Elijah Rogers, Asa Rose, Joseph Straller, Henry Shadley, Christian B. Smith, Perry Spry, John Sunderland, Christian Shypower, David Severs, John Severs, Henry Skolls, Ephraim Sum- HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 109 mers, Henry C. Strait, Jonathan Sordan, Jacob Shoup, Chas. Smith, Mynder Shears, Adam Senor, John Smith, T. Sharp, S. Sheanar, G. Shadwick, S. Taylor, J. Trovinger, F. Tesler, B. Thorp, F. Tucker, I. Thorp, J. Twadle, P. Vancleaf, I. Vanney, A. Walker, A. White,I. Weaver, I. Wheeler, T. Wheatly, D. Walters, J. Wright, J. Welshaus, C. Wolffly, F. Williams, W. Wallace, A. Wilson, W. Watson, J. Young, H. Zimerman, D. Zeigler, D. Woodworth, S. Tyler, G. Tennis, L. Vanney, J. Wilson-157. SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF FAIRFIELD. Here follows a list of all the members of the General Assembly of Ohio, from 1808 to 1876, inclusive, who were citizens of Fairfield County. The date shows the year of their election : Representatives. 1808—Patrick .Owings and Elijah B. Merwin. 1809—Thomas Swearingen and Thomas Ijams. 1810—Thomas Swearingen and Thomas Ijams. 1811—Thomas Ijams and Richard Hooker. 1812—Richard Hooker, Nathaniel Wilson, Sr., and George Nye, Sr. 1813—Emanuel Carpenter, John Leist and Benj. Smith. 1814—Benj. Smith, Richard Hooker and John Leist. 1815—Benj. Smith, Richard Hooker and John Leist. 1816—John Leist, Jacob Claypool and Jacob Catherlin. 1817—Daniel Smith, Robert F. Slaughter and John Leist. 1818—Ddniel Smith, John Leist and Jacob Claypool. 1819—Robert F. Slaughter and John Leist. 1820—Wm. Trimble and Valentine Reber. 1821—Robert F. Slaughter and George Sanderson. 1822—Geo. Sanderson and Jacob Claypool. 1823—Geo. Sanderson and Robert F. Slaughter. 1824—John Leist and Robert F. Slaughter. 1825—Geo. Sanderson and Wm. W. Irvin. 1826—Wm. W. Irvin and Samuel Spangler. 1827—Wm. W. Irvin and Samuel Spangler. 1828—Samuel Spangler and John Chaney. 1829—John Chaney and David Ewing. 1830—David Ewing and John Chaney. 1831—David Ewing and Samuel Spangler. 110 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. 1832—David Ewing and M. Z. Kreider. 1833—Jos. Stukey and John M. Creed. 1834—Joseph Stukey and J. M. Creed. 1835—Wm. Medill and John M. Creed. 1836—Wm. Medill and John Grabill. 1837—Wm. Medill and John Grabill. 1838—John Brough. 1839—Lewis Hite. 1840—Charles Brough. 1841—William McClung. 1842—John Chaney and Wm. McClung. 1843--Jacob Green and Jos. Sharp. 1844—David H. Swartz, and Andrew Foust. 1845—Andrew Foust and David H. Swartz. 1846—Salmon Shaw and David Lyle. 1847—David Lyle and Salmon Shaw. 1848—Daniel Keller. 1849—Daniel Keller. 1850—Christian Baker. Here the rule changes by the new Constitution, under which the Legislature is elected every two years, the first General Assembly under it being chosen in 1852, and thereafter every other year. The following dates refer to the meeting of the Legislature, instead of, as previously, the year of choosing its members. 1852—Christian Baker. 1854—Samuel H. Porter. 1856—John Chaney and David Lyle. 1858—B. W. Carlisle and T. W. Bigony. 1860—B. W. Carlisle. 1862—J. C. Jefries. 1864—Edson B. Olds. 1866—U. C. Butler. 1868—U. C. Butler. 1870—Geo. S. Baker and Jesse Leohner. 1872 —Jesse Leohner. 1874—George S. Baker. 1876—Adam Seifert. It will be observed that in the early Legislatures of the State, there were two or more members of the House of Representatives from Fairfield each year, notwithstanding the popula- HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 111 tion was comparatively sparse; but it is to be remembered, that at first the county was more than four times its present area. The first contraction of its borders was by the formation of Licking County, in 1808, which fixed our northern border on its present line ; then by the creation of Perry County, in 1817, fixing mainly our eastern boundary. Both Newark and Somerset were originally in Fairfield County. Considerable territory was also taken from the original Fairfield County, as established by proclamation of Governor St. Clair, on the 9th of December, 1800, by the formation of Pickaway and Hocking counties. In the Senate of Ohio, the names of actual residents of Fairfield County are here inserted, beginning also in 1808, and coming up to 1876. The county has much of the time been represented in the Senate by men from other counties forming the Senatorial District; and as the districting has frequently been changed, Fairfield has only had her proportion Senators. 1808—Elenathan Schofield. 1809—Jacob Burton and Elenathan Schofield. 1810—Wm. Trimble and Robert F. Slaughter. 1811—Robert F. Slaughter and Wm. Trimble. 1812—William Trimble. 1813—William Trimble. 1814—William Trimble. 1815—William Trimble. 1816—William Trimble. 1817—William Trimble. 1818—Richard Hooker. 1819—Richard Hooker. 1820—Elenathan Schofield. 1821—Elenathan Schofield. 1822—Elenathan Schofield. 1823—John Creed. 1824—Jacob Claypool. 1825—Jacob Claypool. 1826—Robert F. Slaughter. 1827—Robert F. Slaughter. 1828—Robert F. Slaughter. 1829—Robert F. Slaughter. 1830—Robert F. Slaughter. 112 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. 1831—Robert F. Slaughter. 1832—Samuel Spangler. 1833—Samuel Spangler. 1834—Samuel Spangler. 1835—Samuel Spangler. 1836—Samuel Spangler. 1837—Samuel Spangler. 1838—Samuel Spangler. 1839—Samuel Spangler. 1840—Samuel Spangler. 1841—Samuel Spangler. 1844—John Chaney. 1845—John Chaney. 1848—Henry C. Whitman. 1849—Henry C. Whitman. 1850—Andrew Foust. 1856—John T. Brazee. 1858—Newton Scleich. 1860—Newton Scleich. 1862—Alfred McVeigh. 1864—John M. Connel. 1870—Michael A. Daugherty. 1872—Michael A. Daugherty. In 1842 and 1843, Nelson Franklin, of Pickaway, represented the District of Fairfield and Pickaway in the Senate. In 1846 and 1847, the Senator from Fairfield and Pickaway was Edson B. Olds, of Pickaway. After the adoption of the new Constitution, in 1851, Fairfield was associated with Hocking and Athens, and Lot. L. Smith, of Athens, was chosen Senator in the two terms of 1852 and 1854. In 1866 and 1868, Wm. R. Golden, of Athens, was Senator from the same district. In the General Assembly of 1874 and 1876, Robert E. Reece, of Hocking, was Senator for the District of Fairfield, Hocking and Athens. FAIRFIELD IN THE REBELLION OF 1861. Sixteen years have been registered on Time's scroll since the patriotism of this great nation was aroused by the lightning's flash, anouncing that Fort Sumpter had been fired upon by HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 113 the Confederate guns. It is difficult, at this somewhat distant period, to chronicle with specific minuteness the full extent of the part Fairfield County took in the four years' war that followed. Her soldiers were so widely distributed, and so variously; her officers passed through so many promotions; so many were consigned to southern graves from the fields of carnage; the hospitals and southern prisons; that nothing short of a thorough canvass of the rolls could show it all. It is a work of altogether too great a magnitude for our plan. While I record the names and ranks of the officers, to the extent that existing facilities allow, I would be glad to register the names of every volunteer from the county, because every one that went out deserves equal mention. This will not be compatible with a three-hundred page county history. It may be that some omissions may occur of names even of officers. Should this be found to be so, the only apology the author can offer is, that he has accomplished all that his possibilities have permitted. To Colonel J. M. Connel, Capt. Geo. Blaire, Capt. J. M. Sutphen, Gen. N. Schleich and others; and to " Ohio in the War," by Reid, I am indebted for valuable aid in the war record of Fairfield County. During the progress of the war, according to the best estimates attainable from available data, there were in the field from this county, including drafted men and hundred-day men, about the aggregate of three thousand soldiers. Two drafts were made for small numbers, but the drafted men, with few exceptions, it is believed, subsequently volunteered into the regular volunteer service. And moreover, the townships acted with a surprising promptness in filling their respective quotas, by a liberal system of hiring recruits by voluntary contributions of money. Large sums were contributed for this purpose. At one time, viz.: in August, 1862, the county had sent out two hundred men in excess of her quota. Within twenty-four hours after the President's call for 75,000 voluni,eers, on the 15th of April, 1861, one company from Lancaster was on its way to the seat of war, commanded by Captain J. A. Stafford. Seventeen days afterwards, viz.: on the 2nd day of May, two other companies were organized under Captains J. W. Stinchomb and Henry H. Giesy. On the 23d two other companies were accepted—Captains C. D. Clark and. - 8 - 114 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. Michaels. As early as the 20th of September of the same season, there were eight full companies in the field from the county, all for three years' service. In all, Fairfield had in the war, including two full companies of cavalry, seventeen companies, not including volunteers who were sent to regiments beyond the county, and drafted men. It is proper here to remark, that the citizens of this county, from the inception to the close of the war, contributed freely and liberally, clothing, provisions, medicines and other requirements for the sanitary supplies. At once, it may be said, that it is probably not presuming too much to say, that perhaps no county in Ohio presents a fairer war record than Fairfield. Following are the assignments of Fairfield companies, as far as ascertainable: THREE MONTHS' SERVICE. Company A—Captain, J. A. Stafford ; 1st Lieutenant, Thos. M. Hunter; 2nd Lieutenant, Ezra Rickets; 101 strong. This company was assigned to, the 1st O. V. I., Colonel Alex. M. McCook. After the mustering out in August the company was reorganized for the three years' service; Stafford, Captain ; E. T. Hooker, 1st Lieutenant; J. M. Wiley, 2nd Lieutenant. In February, 1862, Stafford was promoted to the rank of Major, and First Lieutenant Hooker to the captaincy ; H. Fullerton, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Lancaster, Chaplain. Benj. F. Smith went out aq Colonel of the regiment. The 17th O. V. I. was organized at Camp Anderson, on the Fairfield Fairgrounds. The county furnished two companies to this regiment. Captains, H. H. Giesy and J. W. Stinchomb; 1st Lieutenants, A. Ogden, John Wiseman ; 2nd Lieutenants, Leo Noles, J. C. Watson. This regiment reorganized for the three years' service in August, 1861, with J. M. Connell for its Colonel. To this three years' regiment Fairfield furnished five companies; Captains, B. F. Butterfield, J. W. Stinchomb, Ezra Rickets, A. Ogden, Daniel M. Rea; 1st Lieutenants, Benjamin Showers, A. P. Ashbrook, Irwin Linn, Wm. Cook, O. W. Brown; 2nd Lieutenants, Henry Arney, Daniel Sullivan, Seth Collins, O. B. Brandt, Theodore Michaels ; Chaplain, A. F. Fullerton. HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 115 Thirtieth O. V. I.—Three years' service; Hugh Boyl Ewing, of Lancaster, was appointed Colonel of this regiment. No Fairfield company. Forty-Sixth O. V. I.—One company from Fairfield. Captain, H. H. Giesy ; 1st Lieutenant, Emanuel Giesy ; 2d Lieutenant, Charles H. Rice. Sixty-First O. V. I.—This regiment first formed at Lancaster, and used the starch factory building for a barracks. It contained one Fairfield company. Captain, Daniel Schleich ; 1st Lieutenant, George J. Wygnm ; 2d Lieutenant, Edward Hay. Newton Schleich, of Lancaster, was its first Colonel. The regiment was subsequently, in April, 1862, re-organized at Camp Chase, when Colonel Schleich was, I believe, assigned to another regiment, and was subsequently promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. Sixty-Second O. V. I.—In this regiment, Clemens F. Steel, of Lancaster, served as Major and Lieutenant-Colonel. No Fairfield company. Ninetieth O. V. I.—Two Fairfield companies entered the Ninetieth. Captains, Alvah Perry, R. Carpenter; 1st Lieutenants, J. M. Suphen, A. Keller; 2d Lieutenants, George W. Welch, Samuel Widner. (As a general thing, the officering of the companies at first going out is only given. Subsequent promotions are difficult to follow). One Hundred and Twenty-Third O. V. I.—To this regiment Henry B. Hunter, of Lancaster, was assigned as Lieutenant-Colonel. No company from the county. Fifty-Eighth O. V. I.—One company. Captain, Ezra Jackson; 1st Lieutenant, Wilford Stires; 2d Lieutenant, Wm. H. Hulls. One Hundred and Fourteenth O. V. I.—Colonel, John Cra-dlebaugh. One company. Captain, Isaac Butterfield ; 1st Lieutenant, Joseph Bury. One Hundred and Seventy-Eighth O. V. I.—Colonel, J. A. Stafford. One company from Fairfield. Captain, Charles Cravinor ; 1st Lieutenant, Patrick McGrew; 2d Lieutenant, John Sears, of Lancaster. 116 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. CAVALRY. There were two companies of cavalry from Fairfield in the service. The first went into the first regiment of Ohio Cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Valentine Cupp, of Walnut Township. Of this company, Lafayette Pickering was Captain; Peter B. Cool, 1st Lieutenant; Joseph Pierce, 2nd Lieutenant. The second company served in the 11th Regiment of Ohio Cavalry, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel W. O. Collins. Its Captain was John Van Pearce, of Lancaster; 1st Lieutenant, Thomas P. Clark ; 2d Lieutenant, John Reeves. The foregoing is a condensed history of Fairfield County in the Southern Rebellion, which began in April, 1861, and terminated with the surrender of General Lee in the spring of 1865, and is as complete, perhaps, as a mere county history demands. As remarked in the outset, omissions may have occurred that should have found mention. Such omissions, if any, have not been intentional, but rather from the inability of the compiler to trace the diffusion of all of Fairfield's men. Errors may also have crept in, but for which the author is not responsible, since he has followed carefully the records and personal statements of parties interviewed. In the main, however, the record of Fairfield in the rebellion will be found correct. It is to be borne in mind that a history of the war has not been intended, but only Fairfield County in it. There were many deaths, and promotions, and resignations, continually occurring, which would be quite too voluminous for the author to collect. All this belongs rather to the history of the rebellion, and can be found in the rosters of "Ohio in the War," by Reid, to which please refer—the war of 1861-1865. PROMOTIONS. Among those promoted and serving as Captains and Lieutenants at different times, I notice the following names, additional to those already mentioned, which were personally known to me. Captains, Gilruth Webb, Willis G. Clark, Emanuel Richards, Daniel Sheets, Thomas R. Thatcher, James F. Weakley, Geo. E Blaire, John B. Eversole. HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 117 First Lieutenants, A. J. Davis, Caleb B. Sharp, Levi Cornwall, Jacob M. Ruffner, George Rainey, James Outcault, Allen rittler. Second Lieutenants, Theodore Michaels, Wm. H. Pugh, Levi :lornwall, Lyman W. Barnes, James Strode, John Matlock, O. E. Davis. AN INCIDENT. I can find room but for a single incident among thousands in which Fairfield men distinguished themselves: Colonel Connell, in command of the Seventeenth Regiment, was ordered to defend a ford on the Cumberland river, at a place known as Mill Springs. When some two or three miles 'rom the rebel position, he took with him ten men, in addition to Captain Ezra Rickets and Lieutenant Sifer, and advanced on a reconnoitering expedition. He stationed his men Is pickets, who, becoming alarmed, fled back to camp. The Dolonel advanced alone to an eminence in front of the enemy's camp, where, at a bend in the road, he suddenly encountered band of mounted rebels, not exceeding thirty yards off. they suddenly dashed toward him, unslung their carbines, Ind shouted the challenge. The Colonel put spurs to his horse, Ind fled under the harmless fire of his pursuers; but unfortunately, the animal stumbled and fell, leaving his rider stunned ipon the road. In this perilous dilemma, Captain Rickets, being attracted by the firing and the challenge, dashed up, ind dismounting, assisted the Colonel on his horse, and instantly turning, discharged his revolvers at the advancing memy, dashed on foot into the thick woods, and both reached he camp in safety. BANDS IN THE REBELLION. During the progress of the war of 1861-1865, there were two full bands from Fairfield County in the field. The members of the 17th Regiment Band—the second one here mentioned—were, I believe, entirely citizens of this county. In the Brigade Band—the first in order—there are a few names from other counties. The following letter from Capt. Wolfe, has been kindly furnished me by him, and is complete : DR. H. SCOTT—Dear Sir: At your request I herewith transmit to you the history of our regimental band, which was in the service 118 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. of the 61st O. V. I., Colonel Schleich, at their quarters in Lancaster, during the summer and fall of 1861. Names of Members.—E. W. Wolfe. leader ; E. R. Pierson, O. B. Shoemaker, R. B. Alexander, T. M. Summers, C. C. Norton, J. S. Norton, J. J. Anderson, Geo. Marsh, John Gardner, John Bussart, Isaac Newhor-ter, Samuel Ney, John A. Mayes, T. Shaw, T. E. Williams, Otis Criger, S. Rockey, John White, H. Huff, L. Huff, I. N. Wolfe, E. Himrod, E. Hulbert, George Cromley, George Lutz, John Clinger. The band was mustered out in May, 1862, by order of the War Department, immediately after which it was mustered into Gen. Hugh Ewing's Brigade, as Brigade Band. During the operations about Vicksburg, Miss., the band became disabled by death and sickness, and was again discharged by special order from the War Department, in May, 1863. After this the band was reorganized as Post Band at Camp Chase, where it remained till the close of the war, and was finally mustered out on the 4th of February, 1865. Very truly, E. W. WOLFE. SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT BAND. The members of this band were entirely, or nearly so, from about Lancaster. They were attached to the 17th O. V. I., and served in the Army of the Tennessee. For information concerning this band, I am indebted to Robert Gates, of Lancaster. The following are the names of the members: George Blaire, leader; David Stalter, second leader; James Horne, Robert Gates, Anthony Steck, Michael Steck, Jacob Lehman, William Lehman, Louis Geiss, William Getz, Wm. Stalter, Mr. Taylor, George Gage, Thomas Pugh, Mr. Bean, Noble Gates, Newton Pierce (fifer), Mr. Card (drummer). The band was mustered out at Nashville, on the 9th of September, 1862, after a service of nearly one year. Robert Gates re-enlisted in the Second Heavy Artillery, on the 8th of August, 1862, and served till August 7th, 1865, and was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, August 27th, 1865. George Blaire was, subsequent to the mustering out of the band, commissioned as Lieutenant, and was taken prisoner and held in Libby prison at Richmond, Va., during most of a year. There were three deaths of members of this band during their term of service, viz.: Jacob Lehman died on the 19th of December, 1861; Thomas Pugh died on the 8th of January, 1862, and Mr. Beall died on the 3d of February, 1862. There were likewise two deaths in Mr. Wolfe's band, during their term of service, viz.: H. Huff and J. Huff, both dying in the month of April, 1863. HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 119 HOCKING VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. This society was organized in Lancaster on the 18th of February. 1865. Its object, as set forth in its preamble, was the general promotion of the floral and horticultural interests, or an improved system of gardening. The call for the initial meeting, which took place on the 26th day of January, 1865, was signed by the following names : John A. Fetters, F. J. Boving, Charles Dunbar, John C. Boving, J. C. Kinkead, Ambrose Bender, John D. Martin, John Gravit, H. V. Weakley, John S. Snyder, S. A. Griswold and John Clark. Of these, three have since deceased, viz.: Charles Dunbar, John C. Boving and H. V. Weakley. Officers of the Society.—The officers of the first permanent organization of the society were, Joseph C. Kinkead, President; R. J. Black and F. J. Boving, Vice-Presidents; J. D. Martin, Treasurer ; J. C. Weaver, Librarian ; J. C. McCracken, Recording Secretary; J. A. Fetters, Corresponding Secretary. The above officers were all living in March, 1877, except J. C. Weaver, Librarian, who died in February, ultimo; and John C. McCracken, Recording Secretary, who died a few months since in the West. On the first day of November, 1865, the membership of the society was fifty-four in number, and the following are the names : M. A. Daugherty, H. V. Weakley, John C. McCracken, Jas. Scott, John Gravit, Thos. H. White, P. B. Ewing, John A. Fetters, Robert J. Black, S. A. Griswold, J. D. Martin, Robert Work, R. J. Peters, C. Pairan, C. Spielman, Thos M. Young, Emanuel Fetters, B. F. Reindmond, Martin Landis, D. Talmadge, J. W. Lewis, T. O. Edwards, Robert Black, C. M. L. Wiseman, Daniel Ward, T. Brumfield, M. Effinger, J. C. Kinkead, Henry Borchers, C. F. Garaghtz, F. J. Boving, John C. Rainey, John S. Snyder, J. D. Clark, David Stalter, John Rhodes, J. C. Weaver, A. Dennis, E. E. Meason, J. R. Mumaugh, Kinnis Fritter, Samuel Barr, Salem Wolfe, John Artz, L. H. Olds, J. T. Busby, R. H. Hooker, George Hoffman, C. F. Shaeffer, Daniel Ream, JacobMayer, G. A. Mithoff, John B. McNeal and William Van Hide. 120 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. Ten of this number have deceased previous to the first of March, 1877, as follows : H. V. Weakley, John C. McCracken, Emanuel Fetters, T. 0. Edwards, Henry Borchers, John C. Rainey, J. C. Weaver, E. E. Meason, Salem Wolfe and Daniel Ream. The society holds bi-monthly meetings in Lancaster, viz.: on the second and fourth Saturday's of each month. It pays premiums on best samples of products, which premiums are awarded by special committees. Fruit-growing is a special feature of attention by the society. The meetings of the society are characterized, after business, by a free interchange of opinions, theories and experiences, and thus individual discoveries and improvements become the common property of the society, and of the community by publication, March, 1877. POLITICAL. Previous to the year 1832, the elective franchise was exercised in Fairfield County, as in all other parts of the country, by the prerogative of each elector in casting his ballot for the best men to carry out the best measures for the common weal, according to the voter's best judgment. In other words, political party lines had not yet been established. There were, however, differences of opinion as to the safest and best forms of government, and these differences of opinion were mainly between the National Republicans, strictly, on the one hand, and on the other, those who favored the doctrines promulgated by Alexander Hamilton and others, which contemplated a stronger central power in the Constitution and Laws. This was denominated the Federal Party. It is not necessary here to enter into a history of the Hartford Convention, or the principles proposed there. They met with little favor, and amounted to nothing as against American Republicanism. The Federal Party nevertheless had sufficient potency to create more or less agitation in the political affairs of the country for a great many years. As early as 1828, grave national questions began to agitate the country, among which were the policy, or otherwise, of an American National Bank; a high tariff for the protection of American industries; the improvement, at the National expense, of the rivers and harbors within the United States, etc., etc. The great question of State Sovereignty had ceased to be HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 121 an absorbing theme since the adoption by the States of the Federal Constitution. The abolition of African slavery in the States was at that time no more than beginning to incubate, and had scarcely made even a riffle on the surface of the affairs of the country. The agitation of the question was about equally contemned by all, but especially the churches, if the Quakers and Scotch Presbyterians be excepted. Among the other churches only individual exceptions existed. But in 1832 these questions of policy took form, and rove the masses in two distinct political parties of very nearly equal balance. One division of the people supported Andrew Jackson for the Presidency in that year, and assumed the name of the Democratic Party. The other division adhered to Adams and Clay, and denominated themselves the Whig Party. The Jackson, or Democratic Party, was dominant in Fairfield County, and has ever since, with two exceptions, maintained a majority of the popular vote, ranging from eight or ten to sixteen or eighteen hundred. The two exceptions referred to, were in the years 1843 and 1854. In 1843 the question of " hards " and "softs " came up on the currency question, the latter carrying the county by a decisive majority, and electing to the Legislature one Democrat and one Whig, irrespective of old party lines. This was for some reason denominated the "Cork-Leg Party." In 1854, what was equally oddly named the " Know-Nothing Party, " for the time submerged all other parties and elected their entire ticket in the county by respectable majorities. But in the following year the Democratic Party re-established its lines, which are still maintained. The Whig Party, respectable in members, and in the ability and intelligence of its leaders, nevertheless remained in the minority during its existence, unless the two years spoken of might be claimed as Whig victories. The Whigs, in 1843, were the acknowledged Soft Money Party, and probably unanimously voted the Cork-Leg ticket. And so in 1854, they nearly all went into the Know-Nothing organization, which, with a portion of the Democratic party, secured the triumph of that ticket, and electing men from both the old parties. In 1856, the Philadelphia Convention to form a Presidential ticket for that year—a Convention composed of old line Whigs and Know-Nothings—organized the Republican Party, and upon its platform a majority of the Whigs of the county took posi- 122 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. tion, together with more or less Democrats, constituting the Republican Party of Fairfield County. This party maintains about the same numerical comparison with the Democratic Party that the Whigs previous to 1854 did—the number of Democrats coming into it being about equal to the number of Whigs going over to the Democrats. The Whig Party, therefore, is to be regarded as having been disbanded in the early part of 1854. RELIGIOUS. The histories of all the religious societies and church organizations within Fairfield County, will be found in the following pages, as complete as it has been possible to make them. Some of the church records I found very defective ; in other instances none could be found. It has been my aim to go back to the very first nuclei of the societies, at the beginning of the settlements at the ending of the last and commencement of the present century. If I have failed, in some cases, it has been because no information at all could be obtained. Much of what I have collected has been from the personal statements of oldest citizens, and slight errors may, therefore, have crept in, since I find all do not remember things alike. As a whole, however, the history may be accepted as entirely correct in the main. To ministers and laymen of the various churches, I acknowledge my obligations for the courtesy they have shown in affording me important aid. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The first Methodist Society in Fairfield County was formed in the year 1799. The little band seems to have been formed into a class under the management and advice of one Edward Teel, who had previously been a class-leader in Baltimore County, Maryland. Its place of meeting was at the cabin of Mr. Teel, three miles east of Lancaster, and, I believe, on Zane's trace. The names of the members, when the society was first formed, and at the time when first visited by Rev. James Quinn, then a young Methodist preacher, were Ed- HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 123 ward Teel and wife, Jesse Spurgeon and wife, Ishmael Dew and wife, Nimrod Bright and wife, and Elijah Spurgeon and wife —in all, ten. The first quarterly-meeting ever held in the county was at the house of John Murphy, at which were present Bishop Asbury and Daniel Hitt, the latter a Presiding Elder in Baltimore Conference. It is believed that the first class formed in Lancaster was in 1812. Its membership at first was : Jacob D. Betrick and wife, Peter Reeber, Sarah Reeber, Christian Weaver, Elizabeth Weaver, George Canode, Mary Canode, and Thomas Orr and wife—ten in all. The first place provided for public worship in Lancaster was erected in 1816. It was a small frame edifice, and stood on the site where the present brick church building now stands, on the hill. Rev. Jas. Quinn preached the first sermon in it from a carpenter's bench. Lancaster then belonged to the Hockhocking circuit. In 1801, Joseph Chenowith was the preacher in charge on the circuit, and returned at the close of the year 366 members. This seems wonderful, when it is remembered that emigration to the Hocking Valley first began in 1798, only three years previous. In 1802, Nathaniel B. Mills supplied the circuit, and in 1803 and 1804 James Quinn, assisted the latter year by Joseph Williams. From this time up to 1811, both Lancaster and Fairfield County were included in Hockhocking circuit. Between 1811 and 1830, the church had so extended that several circuits had been formed, Fairfield circuit being one of them. At the close of this period of nineteen years, the membership of Fairfield circuit was 1,276. During the nine succeeding years, Lancaster was made a half station, with a few appointments in the country, and the following preachers filled the station : Zachariah Connell, William Young, John Ferree, Edward D. Roe, William H. Lowder, Levi White, W. T. Snow, John G. Bruce, Charles Swain, William T. Hand, Charles R. Baldwin, John Reed and Charles R. Lowell. The present brick church was built in 1838 and 1839. In 1840, Lancaster made was a station, since which time the following preachers have filled it : In 1840, Henry Baker, one year; in 1841, Wm. R. Anderson, one year; in 1842, Wm. P. Strickland, two years; in 1844, R. S. Foster, two years; in 1846, M. Dustin, one year; in 1847, Granville Moody, two years; in 1849, William Sutherland, one year; in 1850, Moses Smith, 124 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. one year; in 1851, Ancel Brooks, two years; in 1853, N. Westerman, one year ; in 1854, James M. Jamison, two years ; in 1856, E. M. Boring, one year; in 1857, Joseph H. Creighton, two years; in 1859, Wm. Porter, one year; in 1860, C. E. Felton, two years; in 1862, C. A. Vananda, two years; in 1864, T. H. Phillips, two years; in 1866, L. Taft, two years; in 1868, B. N. Spahr, two years; in 1870, T. R. Taylor, three years; in 1873, Joseph H. Creighton, one year ; in 1874, T. W. Stanley. Mr. Stanley is, in 1877, in his third year. The dates refer to the year of appointment. The total membership of Lancaster station in 1876, as furnished by the pastor, is about 600. The following paper, prepared and kindly furnished me by the Rev. Mr. Stanley, pastor of Lancaster Church in 1876, shows the operations of the Methodist itinerancy within Fairfield County and adjacent territory, for seventy-six years, beginning with 1800: "1800-The first Methodist society was formed in Fairfield County in 1800. The circuit was called Muskingum and Hocking. Preachers : Jesse Stoneman and James Quinn. It was in Baltimore Conference. 1801-Jos. Chinowith. 1802-Little Kanawha and Muskingum, N. B. Bird. 1803-Hockhocking, Asa Shin. 1804-(six months) James Quinn, John Meek. The work was now in the Western Conference. 1804-(six months) James Quinn, J. P. Williams. 1805-John Meek. Jas. Oxley. 1806-Jos. Hays, Jas. King. 1807-Fairfield Circuit, W. Patterson. 1808-Ralph Lotspeich, John Bowman. 1809-Ralph Lotspeich. 1810-Francis Travis. 1811-Isaac Quinn, James B. Finley. 1812-(This year the Ohio Conference was formed). Fairfield, Wm. Lambden. 1813-Archibald McElroy. 1814-Chas. Waddle. 1815-Chas. Waddle, M. Ellis. 1816-Jas. Quinn, John McMahon. 1817-Michael Ellis. 1818-Sadosa Bacon, Peter Stephens. 1819-Abner Gough, Henry Mathew. 1820-Abner,Gough, Chas. Thorn. 1821-Wm. Stephens, Zarah Coston. 1822-Wm. Stephens. 1823-Jas. Gilruth, J C. Hunter. 1824-Chas. Waddle, Homer Clark. 1825-Leroy Swormstedt, James Quinn. 1826-Jas. Quinn, Jas. Laws. 1827-Jas. Laws, Gilbert Blue. 1828-Jacob Young, C. Springer. 1829-Z. Connell, H. S. Fernandez. 1830-Samuel Hamilton, H. S. Fernandez. 1831-(Fairfield Circuit was divided this year into two parts, Lancaster and Rushville). Lancaster District was formed in 1819. The following have been the Presiding Elders : 1819-Chas. Waddle. 1820-Jacob Young. 1821-Chas. Waddle. 1822-25-Jacob Young. 1826-29-David Young. 1830-31-Leroy Swormstedt. The HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 125 District was now included in Zanesville and Columbus District, till 1851. 1851-54-Zachariah Connell. 1856-J. L. Grover. 1856-59-D. D. Mather. 1860-63-J. W White. 1864-67-B. N. Spahr. 1868-Jos. M. Trimb e. 1869-72-W. T. Harvey. 1873-76-T. H. Hall. Rushville Circuit was formed in 1831, and from it have been divided off several other Circuits ; but it exists as a flourishing charge this day. 1831-Sam'l Hamilton, J. Hooper. 1832-J. Carper, J. Young. 1833-J. Carper,.Jr Armstrong and S. H. Holland. 1834-J. Armstrong, R. S. Kemper and B. Cooper. 1835-Jas. T. Donahoo, E. D. Roe. 1836-James T. Donahoo, Moses A. Milligen. 1837-C. W. Swain, W. T. Hand. 1838-James B. Gurley, F. H. Jennings. 1839-M. P. Kellog, W. M. D. Ryan. 1840-M. P. Kellog, A S. Murphy. 1841-Jacob Young, A. Carroll. 1842-John W. Young, B. A. Cassot. 1843-John Fitch. 1844-W. R. Davis. 1845-W. R. Davis. 1846-J. W. Stone. 1847-J. W. Stone. 1848-John Fitch. 1849-W. Webster. John Fitch. 1850-Levi Cuninngham, G. G. West. 1851-Levi Cunningham, J. T. Langman. 1852-J. T. Langman, W. S. Benner. 1853-Samuel Harvey, Samuel Tippet. 1854-Samuel Harvey, R. Doughty. 1855-R. Doughty, R. Pitzer. 1856-S. C. Ricker, T. G. Ross. 1857-S. C. Ricker, T. G. Ross. 1858-A. Fleming, N. Speck. 1859-A. Fleming, N. Speck. 1860-D. Mann, J. C. Gregg. 1861-D. Mann, J. C. Gregg. 1862--W. C. Hollida, H. Gortner. 1863--W. C. Hollida, H. Gortner. 1864-U. L. Jones, B. Ellis. 1865-U. L. Jones, B. Ellis. 1866-R. B. Bennet, J. Y. Rusk. 1867-R. B. Bennet, J. Y. Rusk. 1868-R. B. Bennet, J. Barringer. 1869-J. Barringer, G. L. Seits. 1870-G. L. Seits, J. T. Finch. 1871-J. H. Baker, J. H. Beery. 1872-F. F. Lewis, J. H. Beery. 1873-F. F. Lewis, R. H. Griffith. 1874-F. F. Lewis. 1875-F. S. Thurston. 1876-F. S. Thurston. Royalton Circuit was formed in 1840. 1840-Thomas Laikins, Alexander Morrow. 1841-Moses A. Milligen, G. S. Creager. 1842-James Gilruth, Thos. Hurd. 1843-A. Morrow, John C. Havens. 1844-Joseph Morris, Jas. Hooper. 1845-Joseph Morris, J. T. Langman. 1846-Jas. Laws, J. T. Langman. 1847-James Hood, J. B. Morrison. 1848-J. B. Morrison, A. B. See. 1849-B. Ellis, S. C. Riker. 1850-B. Ellis Henry Lewis. 1851-A. M. Alexander, B. Mark. 1852-A. M Alexander, D. Sharp. 1853-S. M. Bright, J. W. Steele. 1854-S. M. Bright, J. W. Steele. 1855-G. G. West, John Kemper and I. D. Day. 1856-G. O. West, H. Gortner. 1857-H. H. Ferris, J. T. Miller. 1858-H. H. Ferris, J. T. Miller. 1859-T. H. Hall, W. C. Holliday. 1860-D. Smith, J. W. Young. 1861-D. Smith, E. Sibley. 1862-E. Sibley, A. Fleming. 1863-S. M. Merril, A. Fleming. 1864-J. W. White, F. A. Spencer. 1865-J. W. White, J. Stewart. 1866-C. M. Bethauser, H. Culp. 1867-C. M. Bethauser, L. T. Hannawalt. 1868-C. M. Bethauser. 1869-J. C. Gregg. 1870-J. C. Gregg. 1871-J. C. Gregg. 1872-S. C. Riker. 1873-S. C. Riker. 1874-T. H. Bradna. 1875-F. F. Lewis. 1876-H. B. Westervelt. 126 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO Tarlton Circuit was formed in 1841. It embraced quite a portion of the west part of Fairfield County. 1841-Daniel Roe. 1842-James Laws. 1843-James Laws. 1844-A. Morrow, P. P. Ingals. 1845-A. Morrow, P. P. Ingals. 1846-Joseph Morris, D.H.Sargeant. 1847-Joseph Morris. 1848-A. Carrol. 1849-A. Carrol. 1850-A. Nelson. 1851-J. W. Steele. 1852-J. W. Steele. 1853-J. H. McCutcheon, H. Gartner. 1854-J. H. McCutcheon, E. D. Fink. 1855-D. C. Howard, R. B. Bennet. 1856-R. D. Anderson, E. W. Kirkham. 1857-G. G. West, H. L. Whitehead. 1858-G. G. West, H. L. Whitehead. 1859-J. T. Miller, I. F. King. 1860-J. T. Miller, B. Ellis. 1861-A. Carrol, B. Ellis. 1862-W. C. Filler, T. R. Taylor. 1863-W. C. Filler, J. P. Lacroix. 1864-W. Z. Ross. 1865-E. Sibley, J. M. Weir. 1866-E. Sibley. 1867-T. H. Hall. 1868-T. H. Hall. 1869-T. H. Hall, J. Rickets. 1870-W. H. McClintock, W. T. Jones. 1871-W. H. McClintock. 1872-F. S. Thurston. 1873-F. S. Thurston. 1874-F. S. Thurston. 1875-T. Mackey. 1876-I. Mackey. Baltimore Circuit was formed in 1842. 1842-Moses A. Milligan, Joseph Carper. 1843-James B. Gurley, P. P. Ingals. 1844-James B. Gurley, E. O. Bing. 1845-C. C. Lybrand, Jas. Hooper. 1846-James Hooper. 1847-James Gilruth, B. Mark. 1848-S. Harvey, R. Pitzer. 1849-S. Harvey, A. B. See. 1850-A. B. See, David Lewis. 1851-B. Ellis, J. S. Adams. 1852- R. Doughty. 1853-R. Doughty, A. M. Alexander. 1854-A. M. Alexander, Isaac D. Day. 1855-S. M. Bright, H. Gartner and J. T. Donahoo. 1856-S. M. Bright. 1857-N. Speck, E. W. Kirkham. 1858-W. Z. Ross, B. Ellis. 1859-W. Z. Ross, B. Ellis. 1860-A. Fleming, C. C. Lybrand. 1861-A. Fleming, C. C. Lybrand. 1862-J. Mprtin, N. Speck. 1863-J. W. Young, N. Speck. 1864-H. G. G. Fink, C. A. Phillips. 1865-H. G. G. Fink. 1866-H. H. Ferris. 1867-Wm. Beacham. 1868-H. L. Whitehead. 1869-S. C. Riker. 1870-F. T. Lewis, T. C. Reade. 1871-F. T. Lewis. 1872-J. W. Baker. 1873-J. W. Baker, L. C. Brooks. 1874-J. W. Baker, W. Z. Filler. 1875-J. H. Beery. 1876-J. H. Beery. West Rushville Circuit was formed in 1854. 1854-C. C. Lybrand, H. Gortner. 1855-C. C. Lybrand. 1856-W. C. Filler. 1857-W. C. Filler. 1858-R. Pitzer. 1859-R. Pitzer. 1860-T. H. Hall. 1861-T. H. Hall. 1862-W. Z. Ross. 1863-W. M. Mullenix. 1864-J. Stewart. 1865-T. R. Taylor. 1866-H. L. Whitehead. 1867-H. L. Whitehead. 1868-J. H. Acton. 1869-J. H. Acton. 1870-H. H. Ferris. 1871-T. H. Brodrick. 1872-T. H. Brodrick. 1873-T. H. Brodrick. 1874-W. T. Jones. 1875-W. T. Jones. 1876-W. T. Jones. HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 127 Maxville Circuit was formed in 1855. 1855-Levi Hall, J. W. Stump. 1856-N. Speck, H. L. Whitehead 1857-B. Ellis. 1858-R. D. Anderson, S. M. Bright. 1859-R. D. Anderson, J. M. Adair. 1860-W. C. Holliday, J. Robinson. 1861-W. C. Holliday, W. M. Mullenix. 1862-H. G. G. Turk, J. M. Adair. 1863-H. G. G. Turk, Jno. Brown. 1864-N. Speck. 1865-S. Rankin, G. L. Seits. 1866-S. Rankin. 1867-J. W. Lewis. 1868-J. W. Lewis, J. Rickets. 1869-J. W. Lewis. 1870-E. O. King, J. H. Beery. 1871-H. B. Westervelt, J. F. Kemper. 1872-H. B. Westervelt, R. H. Griffith. 1873-J. T. Finch, W. F. Filler. 1874-J. T. Finch. 1875-This year called Junction City. This Circuit embraced a part of Fairfield County. 1876-W. Morris, J. P. Langley. Junction City Circuit was formed in 1874. 1874-J. F. Kemper. 1875-J. W. Baker, J. M. Langley. Carroll Circuit was formed by a division of Baltimore Circuit in 1874. 1874-W. F. Filler. 1875-C. H. Warren. 1876-J. H. Postle. New Salem Circuit was formed by a division of Rushville Circuit in 1874. 1874-J. H. Beery. 1875-B. F. Thomas. 1876-B. F. Thomas. Lithopolis Circuit was formed in 1839. 1839-Jacob Young, David Lewis. 1840-Jacob Young, T. A. G. Phillips. 1841-Jas. Gilruth, T. A. G. Phillips. 1842-J. T. Donahoo W. Litzinger. 1843-J. T.Donahoo,C. C. Lybrand. 1844-Jas. Laws, Sheldon Parker. 1845-Jas. Laws, Sheldon Parker. 1846-5. Bateman, A. Carroll. 1847-A. Carroll, J. S. Brown. After this the circuit was called Groveport, embracing the same territory in Fairfield County. Groveport Circuit was formed in 1848. 1848-J. S. Brown. 1849-J. Hooper, R. Doughty. 1850-E. B. Chase, A. Fleming and J. S. Vail. 1851-J. W. Clarke. 1852-Jacob Young, L. Taft. 1853-S. M. Merril, D. Young. 1854-F. A. Timmons, J. Martin. 1855-F. A. Timmons, J. Martin. 1856-Levi Cunningham, C. C. Lybrand. 1857-O. C. Lybrand, H. Gortner. 1858-S. Fleming, S. Bateman. 1859-S. Fleming, S. Bateman. 1860-H. H. Ferris, F. F. Lewis. 1861-H. H. Ferris, F. F. Lewis. 1862-S. C. Riker, A. Carroll. 1863-S. C. Riker, A. Carroll. 1864-J. Mitchel, S. M. Dottahoo. 1865-S. Tippett, J. E. Moore. 1866-S. Tippett, J. E. Moore. 1867-S. Tippett, A. Brooks. 1868-D. Horlocker. 1869-D. Horlocker. 1870-D. Horlocker. 1871-S. M. Bright. Canal Winchester Circuit was formed in 1872, embracing the Fairfield County part of the appointments. 1872-W. H. McClintock. 1873-W. H. McClintock. 1874-W. H. McClintock. 1875-W. C. Holliday. 1876-W. C. Holliday. Pickerington Circuit was formed in 1851. 1851-A. Fleming, D. Lewis. 1852-R. Pitzer, D. Lewis. 1853-R. Pitzer, J. Young. 1854-J. Stewart. S. M. Merril. 1855-J. Stewart, C. M. Bethauser. 1856-F. A. Timmons, W. Z. Ross. 1857-W. Z. Ross, W. P. Grantham. 1858-T. D. Martindale, C. C. Lybrand. 1859-T. D. Martindale, W. S. Benner. 1860-W. C. Filler, W. Benner. 1861-W. C. Filler, H. G. G. Fink. 128 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO 1862—J. F. Given, B. Ellis. 1863—E. Sibley, J. F. Langman. 1864—E. Sibley, C. C. Lybrand 1869—C. M. Bethauser, T. H. Brodrick Then in 1865, the name was changed to Reynoldsburg Circuit. 1865—S. C. Riker, J. M. Adair. 1866—S. C. Riker, J. C. Gregg. 1867—S. C. Riker, J. C. Gregg. 1868—J. C. Gregg, T. H. Brodrick. 1870—C. M. Bethauser, T. H. Brodrick. 1871—R. B. Bennett. 1872—R B. Bennett. 1873—M. V. B. Evans. 1874—M. V. B. Evans. 1875—M. V. B. Evans.
PROTESTANT METHODIST CHURCH. A Protestant Methodist Church was organized in Lancaster a little previous to the year 1840, and continued its existence a number of years. During its existence it had a respectable membership and a regular succession of pastors. It also owned a commodious church edifice on Chestnut street. The society has now been disbanded a numier of years, and the building has passed into the hands of the Regular Baptists, and is their present place of worship. The constituent members have deceased and moved away, and there are no records to be found from which to obtain a history of the organization. REGULAR BAPTIST CHURCH. The Regular Baptist Church was organized in Lancaster in 1817, by Rev. George Debott, who was its first pastor. The constituent members were six, viz.: Isaac Church and wife, James Lowrey and wife, Stephen Whittlesey and Anna Bruen. The last-named died recently at the great age of 106 years. The other five are deceased. Mr. Debott also lived to a very advanced age. Rev. William White, father of thelate Dr. James White, of Lancaster, succeeded Mr. Debott as pastor, and continued in that relation for many years. Rev. Samuel Carpenter was the next pastor; he began his labors in that relation in 1829, which was only broken off by his death, which took place in the summer of 1870. The maximum number of the membership at any given time was about fifty, though much of the time it was below that. The present membership, in 1876, is stated at twenty, and the present pastor is the Rev. William Fisher. Very soon after the organization, the members built a frame church edifice on Chestnut street, south of the Talmadge House, which they occupied until it was consumed by fire, in about the year 1864. The ground was subsequently sold for HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 129 fifteen hundred dollars, which sum was used in the purchase of the present church building. There are at this time four other churches of this denomination within the county, some of which are said to have been organized previous to that of Lancaster, especially the one at Thornville. The Turkey Run Church, north of Amanda, has a membership of forty or fifty. Walnut Creek Regular Baptist Church was constituted on Saturday before the second Sunday in January, 1816, with eleven members. Beyond tbis there are no accessible records from which further particulars can be obtained. BAPTIST CHURCH (NEW SCHOOL). [I understand this church disclaims the appellation "New School," but claims to be Regular Baptists.—AUTHOR]. This church was organized in 1842, with a constituent membership of twelve persons. Very soon after the organization, they erected a fine brick church building on the west side of North Columbus street, on the corner of Columbus and Mulberry streets. Within the thirty-four years of its existence it has, with the exception of a very brief period, been regularly supplied with stated pastors. The following are the names of the pastors, in the order of their succession : Rev. J. M. Courtney, Rev. S. T. Griswold, Rev. J. B. Sachet, Rev. E. F. Strickland, Rev. S. G. Dawson, Rev. T. R. Powell, Rev. Wm. Sharp, Rev. H. A. Lyon, Rev. E. Dannels, present pastor. The present membership is stated at ninety. The church sustains a flourishing Sabbath-School. PLEASANT RUN BAPTIST CHURCH. Alfred Mesnard has kindly furnished me the original and continuous books of record of the Pleasant Run Regular Baptist Church, of which he is the present Secretary. It will be seen by the following extract from the first page, that the church was first constituted in the year 1806: April the 19th, 1806, then met according to appointment and opened our meeting with prayer and praise. Second—proceeded to business, - 9 - 130 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. with choosing our Moderator, Martin Coffman. Third—we also chose Samuel Coiner for our Clerk ; so ending our meeting with praise and thanksgiving. MARTIN COFFMAN, Moderator. SAMUEL COMER, Clerk. Then follows the minutes of succeeding business meetings, occurring in May, June, July, August, September, October, and so on, at which Lewis Sites acted mostly as Moderator, and Samuel Corner as Clerk, with occasionally Martin Coffman as Moderator, on up to August, 1809, at which time the church had a membership of ninety, whose names here follow precisely in the order of the record. Rev. Lewis Sites, sr., was the first pastor of the Pleasant Run Church. The names of the members are copied literally as they stand on the twenty-first page of the first church book of records, which leaves it difficult to understand why the interruption occurs at the number 50: NAMES OF THE MEMBERS OF PLEASANT RUN CHURCH :
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 131 Baptised since our last :
The omission of number 33 in the list, reduces the number to 89, by supplying the numbers 72, 76, 77 and 78 with names, which we are allowed to think were not remembered. The record literally quoted, is a relic as well as history, and on that account valuable. So far as is known, not one of the above persons is living today. Pleasant Run Church is a living church at this time, with a few less than one hundred members. The congregation has continued its place of worship from the first, viz.: in April, 1806, up to the present spring of 1877, on the same spot where it began, which is a short distance north of Strickler's Cross-roads, in the north-east corner of Pleasant Township. They have a commodious church edifice, sometimes spoken of as Strickler's Church, and sometimes as the Baptist Church, though the title they assume is that of the Pleasant Run Church. It is a melancholy thought, that the ninety persons once composing that body, so full of life, and love, and Christian zeal, and filling their places in all of life's affairs, are no more. Their voices are all silent, and their forms have disappeared. They have passed to their reward in the better land. The present pastors of the church are: Revs. Schofield and Barker. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. A Presbyterian Church was organized in Lancaster at a very early day. The Rev. John Wright settled here in the year 1801, and continued pastor of the church up to 1835, when he was succeeded by Rev. William Cox. 132 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. They held their meetings in the old Court-house during a number of years, when they built a small brick church, or chapel, on the lot where the present church stands. I have not been able to ascertain the date of the building of this little chapel, but the best recollections fix it a little prior to the year 1820. In 1835, Mr. Wright left Lancaster and settled in Indiana, at which time William Cox became the settled pastor of the Presbyterian Church, and remained until 1854, when he accepted a call to the Church of Piqua, in Miami County, at which place he closed his life a few years subsequently, and was interred in the cemetery east of Lancaster. The present church edifice was erected in 1835. Below is given the succession of pastors from 1801 to 1876: Rev. John Wright from 1801 to 1835; Rev. William Cox from 1836 to 1854; succeeding him were Rev. J. M. Lowry, Rev. Robert Galbraith, Rev. Webster, Rev. George Fullerton, Rev. Worden, Rev. Muse, Rev. Snodgrass, and the Rev. J. R. Boyd, who is the present pastor. Besides these there were several supplies who remained short periods, whose names I have not the means of finding out. The present communion is about two hundred persons. There is likewise a full Sabbath-School that meets every week. The following incident is deemed worthy of mention here, because it took place on the lot now owned by the Presbyterians, and also because it belongs to the history of Lancaster. The occurrence took place some time previous to the building of the little brick chapel. It has been related to me by Dr. Charles Shawk, who as a boy was an eye-witness, and by others. There are probably many persons living who can recall the affair. I give it in substance as narrated by the Doctor. Peter Reeber owned the grounds, and had in operation on them a horse-power mill, in which corn, wheat, and other grain was ground. He also had a log barn, that stood nearly on the site of the present church, but a little more up the Mill. On one Sunday the barn was struck by lighting and set on fire. The citizens rushed from all directions and began the work of trying to put out the fire. The wells in the vicinity were soon exhausted, when a bucket-line was formed to a pond of water near by, and the muddy water passed up, by which the flames were at last extinguished, and the build- HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 133 ing partially saved. Two oxen in the barn at the time were killed by the lightning. In the management of the bucket-line, Thomas Ewing and Adam Weaver fell out, and came to blows, so tradition says. It is to be borne in mind that personal notes and references in this work are limited to pioneers. The following items are relics of the early days, and will be of interest to Presbyterians and others, as mementos, but especially the descendants of first settlers about Lancaster. Mr. Joseph Work, of Ireland, was an early settler, and a first member of the Presbyterian Church of Lancaster. Robert, John and Henry Work, of this vicinity, are his sons. Mr. Work came to the United States about the year 1792: CERTIFICATE.—That Joseph Work, from the Kingdom of Ireland, has lived from his infancy within the bounds of this congregation, always maintaining a fair moral character ; has been admitted to Church privileges in said congregation, and may safely be admitted to Christian Society where in providence his lot may be cast. WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM, Pastor. ST. JOHNS TOWN, 25th June, 1792. RECEIPT.—Received of Joseph Work, one of the collectors for Hocking Congregation, one dollar, on my first year's salary. JOHN WRIGHT. January 14th, 1807. RECEIPT.—Received of Joseph Work, one of the collectors for Hocking Congregation, fourteen dollars and fifty cents, in part of my first year's salary. JOHN WRIGHT. December 17th, 1806. RECEIPT.—Received of John Smith, two dollars on my salary for Hocking Congregation. JOHN WRIGHT. December 13th, 1814. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT WEST RUSHVILLE. To Rev. L. D. Smith, pastor of the Presbyterian Churoh at West Rushville, I am indebted for the following information : Rush Creek Presbyterian Churech was organized A.D. 1806, by Rev. John Wright. The ruling Elders were Wm. Larrimer and Wm. Trimble. Mr. Wright continued to be pastor of the church at Rush Creek for about twenty-seven years. Rev. James Anderson succeeded him, and remained about twenty years. This brings the history of the church down to about the year 1853, when Rev. J. Milligen became pastor. At this time Fielding Alford,. David Abright, D. Y. Davis and Wm. Thompson were Elders. Rev. Milligen was succeeded by Rev. J. 134 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. M. Drake, and he by Rev. H. R. Peairs. This was in 1863. In 1866, Rev. C. C. B. Duncan came, and was succeeded in 1871 by Rev. J. L. Gourley; and in 1874, the present minister. L. D. Smith, took charge, with Elders David Abright, D. Y. Davis, Edward Johnson, John W. Dilger, R. Kagey and Wm. Clenaghan. The present membership of the church is 120. Our church building is a frame, and was erected about twenty-two years ago, and is the third erected since the organization of the society. L. D. SMITH, Pastor. EPISCOPAL PARISH OF ST. JOHN. THE BETHEL CHURCH, Four miles south-east of Bremen, was organized in 1832, by Rev. Francis Bartlett. In 1852, Rev. J. Milligen was pastor of Bethel Church, and Isaac Larimer, John Sherwood, Aaron Work, Geo. McCandlish and James Black were its ruling Elders. Rev. J. M. Drake took charge of the church in 1858, and was followed by Rev. H. R. Peairs; and again, in 1866, Rev. C. C. B. Duncan assumed the pastorate. In 1872, Rev. J. L. Gourley took charge, and in 1874, Rev. L. D. Smith, who is its present pastor, in 1877. Its present membership is 60. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT BREMEN. The Bremen Church was organized on the 21st of October, 1844, by a committee of Licking Presbytery, consisting of Rev. Jacob Little, Rev. H. Boutelle and Rev. A. Duncan. The first pastor mentioned was Rev. J. Schlosser. The first elders were Daniel Rodahafer, John Ashbaugh and Wm. Rowles. Their reported number of members in 1856, was fifty-seven communicants. In this year, Mr. Schlosser's connection with the church ceased, when he was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Griffith. In 1859, the Rev. S. J. Humphrey took charge. In 1865, Rev. C. C. Hart, of Logan, supplied the congregation. The Elders then were John Ashbaugh and J. Leib. In 1870, Rev. W. M. Galbraith was preaching there. In 1871, Rev. J. L. Gourley was the supply; and his connection ceased as pastor in April, 1873. In November, 1874, the church employed the Rev. L. D. Smith, of West Rushville, to give them one-fourth of his time, and he was still supplying the congregation in July, 1877. The number of communicants in January, 1876, was forty-two. The Presbyterians also have societies at Amanda, Lithopolis and Greencastle, with regular pastors, but up to the time of going to press they have failed to return specific statements. HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 135 The present pastor of Lithopolis Church is the Rev. Mr. Brown, who also supplies the Church at Greencastle. The Greenfield Presbyterian Church, four miles from Lancaster, on the Carroll road, has been supplied since its first organization by the Rev. J. R. Boyd, of Lancaster Church. LETTER OF WM. J. REECE. DR. H. Scorn : The Protestant Episcopal Parish of St. John was organized in Lancaster during the Year of Grace 1835, and the Rev. Shrlock A. Bronson was its first rector. The present church building was erected during the influential rectorship of the Rev. Alvah Guion. The prominent active laymen who co-operated with him, were Messrs Henry Kutz and Wm. P. Creed, Esqs. When the church was competed, these gentlemen assumed and paid off the then existing debts, and it was then consecrated by the late Rev. Bishop McElvain. After Mr. Guion, the following clergymen were rectors, in the order in which their names are here written, viz.: Rev. Messrs. Daniel Risser, J. M. C. Bonte, Frederick Grey, Henry D. Lathrop, E. Owen Simpson, Wm. Brittain, John Scott, A. S. Gorrell and Edward B. Cartmell, who resigned his clerical position in the church October, 1875, to accept that of Principal in the Lancaster High School. Very truly yours, WM. J. REECE. ST. PETER'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH. This church was organized in Lancaster at a very early period in this century. Rev. Mr. Steck was its first pastor, and continued in that relation for a great many years, and was succeeded by Rev. J. Wagenhals ; at least his succession is the information given to the writer. No records are known to be in existence, and I can neither fix the exact year of the first formation of the Society, nor the number and names of the constituent members. The ground was deeded to the church by Jacob Beck, the elder, first member. The Society subsequently built a two-story log church edifice on the site of their present brick building, sometimes spoken of as the Canal Church. Subsequently this log structure was removed, and a two-story brick substituted. This was destroyed by fire in 1846. This church was incorporated by act of the Legislature in 1840. The names of the incorporators were : Henry Arnold, Geo. W. Bantler, Christian Baesster, Christian Baughman, Henry Orman, Philip Bope and Coonrod Crumley. 136 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. After the burning of the brick church in 1846, the German members purchased the ground and built the present church building. The ministers who have filled the pulpit since the retirement of Rev. John Wagenhals were : Rev. H. Burcher, Rev. Leon Hart, Rev. Speilman and Rev. Mechling, present pastor. Present membership, 600. FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH OF LANCASTER. The first English Lutheran Church of Lancaster was organized as a distinctive congregation, in the year 1843, with a constituent membership of about twenty persons. The organization was effected by the withdrawal of the English members from the parent church of St. Peter's, in part. For about three years after the separation, the two societies continued to worship in the same house. After the building was burned, in 1846, the English, having sold out their interest to the Germans, purchased ground on Columbus street, and erected upon it the same church edifice in which they now meet. The house was built in 1846. The succession of pastors, from 1843 to 1876, has been as follows : Rev. John McCron, one year ; Rev. Charles F. Shaeffer, three years ; Rev. A. J. Weddle, three years ; Rev. L. Kizer, one year ; Rev. J. Hamilton, two years ; Rev. J. F. Reindmond, seven years; Rev. Samuel Sprecher, two years; Rev. N. J. Knisely, two years; Rev. Charles Steck, one year; Rev. John B. Helwig, four years; Rev. John O. Hough, one year ; Rev. G. W. Halderman, six years. The membership in 1876 is computed at about two hundred persons, there remaining in the body about half a dozen of the original members. The foregoing statements have been furnished me by the present pastor, Rev. G. W. Halderman. GERMAN REFORM CHURCH. I am indebted to the courtesy of Mr. Emanuel Giesy, for the following synopsis of the history of the German Reform Church in Lancaster, which he obtained from the church records. I insert his letter entire : DR. H. SCOTT: The following notes may be of use to you, as in reply to your request. The German Reform Church of Lancaster was organized by the Rev. George Wise, about the first of October, 1816, with twenty members, and he continued to be its pastor up to the year 1838. During that time he also preached to other congregations in Ross, Pick-away, Hocking, Perry, Licking and Franklin counties. HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 137 In March, 1818, the congregation purchased a lot in Carpenter's Addition, on Columbus street, and built a house of worship, which was first used as a school-house, but was, in 1832, dedicated to the service of God as a house of worship. In this house the congregation continued to worship until 1845, in which year their new church on Chestnut street being completed, they moved into it. Mr. Wise was succeeded by the Rev. Henry Willard, who filled the pulpit six years, and was succeeded by Rev. Jesse Steiner. He was succeeded by Rev. Jeremiah Good, who served the congregation three years; and was succeeded by Rev. Henry Brinkerhoff, serving the congregation two years; and was succeeded by Rev. John Rike, who died in the midst with his armor fully polished. Mr. Rike was succeeded by Rev. P. D. Sehory ; and he by Rev. G. W. Meckling, who was succeeded by Rev. H. Hock man. After him came Rev. John Swander, who was followed by Rev. L. Strassrnan; and on the first of April, 1872, the Rev. Wm. Hale, the present pastor, settled in the congregation. The name of the church edifice was, shortly after the coming of Mr. Hale, changed to Grace Reform Church. The present membership is 225. Respectfully, E. GIESY. THE IMMANUEL'S CHURCH. The first German Evangelical Lutharan congregation of unaltered Ogsburg confession was organized in Lancaster, O., on January 31st, 1849, the constituent members being twelve in number. Rev. F. W. Richman was the first pastor. Succeeding him have been the following ministers, in the order in which their names occur. The dates refer to the year when each pastor took charge : Rev: J. P. Kalb took charge in 1852; Rev. F. W. Faclinger in 1857 ; Rev. J. L. Daib in 1868; Rev. M. Merz in 1859 ; Rev. J. F. Niethamer in 1885 ; Rev. E. J. Fredrick in 1866 ; Rev. G Sclum in 1869; Rev. C. A. Frank in 1870; Rev. E. Kaeler in 1873; Rev. C. A. Frank again in 1876. This church was constituted by withdrawing members from St. Peters' Lutheran Church, in the year 1849. The primary object of the withdrawal as set forth, was, to institute purely German services. Immediately after the separation, the members of Immanuel's Church purchased a lot on Chestnut street, between Broad and High streets, and proceeded forthwith to erect a church building, which being completed, was dedicated as a house of worship in 1852. This organization recognizes a voting qualification, viz.: only male members of the age of twenty-one years and upwards exercise that franchise. Of these, there are in the congregation seventy. The communing members of the congregation, in 1876, upon the return of Rev. Mr. Frank, numbered two 138 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. hundred and fifty-five. The children of the congregation at the same time numbered about fifty. Rev. C. A. Frank, p stor. CATHOLIC CHURCH. LETTER OF HON. P. E. EWING. "St. Mary's Church of Lancaster, Ohio.—There were Catholic families among the very earliest settlers of the town and county. "From 1820 to 1822, the first Catholic Church, a small frame building, was completed at the foot of Chestnut street. " In 1841 the brick church on the north-east corner of High and Chestnut streets was completed for occupancy. "In 1864 the new church, the large and elegant edifice now occupied by the congregation, was completed. In the same year the old brick church was remodeled for use as a parochial school. "A small frame building for a pastoral residence was built in 1844, adjoining the old brick church. This building was removed to the eastern side of the church property, and a substantial brick addition made thereto in 1868, making the present pastoral residence. "Until 1839 the congregation was under the care of the Dominican Fathers of St. Joseph's, Perry County. In that year the Rev. J. M. Young was sent by the Bishop of Cincinnati, and remained in charge for fifteen years, until 1854. when he was promoted to the new See of Erie. He was succeeded here by the Rev. Henry Lange, who remained for ten years, and until his death early in 1864. Rev. J. W. Brummer was temporarily in charge for a few months, and was succeeded in August by Rev. Bernard Evers, who, on account of failing health, returned to Cincinnati in the early part of the next year, where he died soon after. " Rev. Dr. Daniel O'Regan came in May, 1865, and was here something more than two years, when ill-health compelled him to relinquish labor. He joined his family in Dubuque, Iowa, and died there. " The next in order was Rev. F. J. Rudolph, who remained from July, 1867, until May, 1868, when, on the division of the Diocese of Cincinnati, he preferred to retire to that part of it remaining under the Archbishop of Cincinnati. "Rev. Louis Decailly came in 1868, and remained until the early part of 1874, when he was transferred to Newark, and was succeeded here by Rev. N. E. Pilger. Father Pilger remained only a few months, when he was transferred to Delaware, and Rev. J. B. Schmidt took charge of the congregation, where he still remains. "In June, 1875, Rev. Gabriel Volkert was assigned as assistant pastor, and served until his death here in September of the same year, when Rev. F. J. Campbell was appointed to the place. " The Parochial School has an average attendance of two hundred and twenty, who are instructed by a corps of four Dominican Sisters, and, one male teacher for the large boys. "The St. Mary's congregation, aggregating about sixteen hundred souls, numbers 260 families, with an annual average of fifteen marriages, and seventy-five baptisms. "Missions.—As the Lancaster congregation increased in numbers, it was found desirable to establish three mission churches in the southern part of the county. Afterwards a resident priest was assigned to their exclusive care. HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 139 "At the 'Sacred Heart' Chapel, near Bremen, there are twenty-eight families; at St. Joseph's,' near Sugar Grove, there are thirty-two families; and forty families at the chapel of `Our Lady of Good Hope,' in the south-eastern corner of the county." OMISH MENNONITE CHURCH. To Joseph Kurtz, of Pleasant Township, I am indebted for valuable aid in collecting notes of history of this religious denomination in Fairfield County, sometimes improperly called the "Ormish Church." Simon Menno was a Catholic priest of Switzerland, where he was born in the town of Friesland, in Mitmarsum, in the year 1495. At the breaking out of the reformation of the sixteenth century, he dissented from the Catholic church, and became the compeer of Luther, Malangthon, Zwinglius, and others, in carrying on that great work. He soon secured a numerous constituency, among whom, of his immediate disciples, were also many learned and influential men. Hence the denomination known as Mennonites. JACOB AMEN. Jacob Amen was also a native of Switzerland, and a zealous preacher of the Mennonite doctrine. He flourished during the seventeenth century. He was not the founder of a sect, strictly, though he taught some views differing with Simon Meno, thereby securing personal followers. This was the origin of the Omish, or Amish Church, the name deriving from Jacob Amen ; and in the United States the title they assume is that of Omish Mennonite. They maintain a distinct church organization, nevertheless. In 1848, there were estimated to be in the United States one hundred and twenty-five thousand Mennonites, including the adherents of Jacob Amen. The Omish Mennonite Order have some distinctive views and practices that merit special mention. They administer baptism by pouring. They hold war to be forbidden by the authority of Christ. They pay no fixed salariesto their preachers. They will not take an oath, nor resist force by force. They do not allow one of their members to become a public charge, but provide for the poor within the church. Any member in regular standing has the right to speak in the public congregation, and expound the Scriptures. In gen- 140 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. eral doctrine, such as the incarnation, the atonement, the trinity, and regeneration by the new, or spiritual birth, they are accredited as being orthodox. Their public worship is conducted similar to all other orthodox denominations of the Evangelical branches of the Christian Church. The Omish Mennonite Church took its origin in Fairfield County in 1834. The principal settlement of them has been in Pleasant and Berne townships. In former years they were more numerous than at present, their numbers having diminished chiefly by moving away. They have at present no church building, but hold their meetings in private houses. Within the history of the church in Fairfield County, the following preachers have resided among them : David Zook, Bishop ; Jonathan Zook, Jacob Hartzler, Rev. Gingrich, David Hartzler, Joseph Yoder and Solomon Stutzman. At present, May, 1877, Jonathan Zook is their preacher. They assume the plain, or Quaker garb, and are everywhere recognized by their dress. Their intercourse is at all times friendly and assuring; and in their dealings they are faithful, and, as a rule, strictly reliable. This is a cardinal part of their religion. Sober and temperate in their lives, they command the confidence and respect of the community. As a rule, they are industrious and frugal, and it would be very rare to find an idler among that people, commonly spoken of as the " Ormish. " By common reputation, the Omish women have acquired the reputation of being very superior butter-makers. And such is their known faithfulness, that the word of an Ormish man is always current in all his contracts. THE EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION (ALBRIGHTS). The denomination commonly spoken of as "Albrights," but properly the Evangelical Association, had its beginning as a distinctive church organization first in the State of Pennsylvania, about the year 1800. The first members were called "Albrecht's Leute" (Albright people), after Jacob Albright, the founder of the church. Mr. Albright was converted in 1790, and during the succeeding ten years preached and exhorted more or less until, about 1800, he had a great many followers, when he founded a society with the above title. At first the membership was confined to the Germans, because all their services were held in that language. HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 141 In doctrine and creed the " Association " is Armenian and Evangelical. Their iteneraucy and forms of government, as likewise their modes of worship, are very much like the Methodists. From their organization, and during their weakness in numerical force, they suffered the usual persecutions of new sects, until now, in 1877, they have acquired a strength and popularity that places them among the leading Protestant denominations of the world. The following letter, kindly prepared for me by Rev. Andrew Swartz, furnishes the history of the Evangelical Association in Fairfield County : DR. H. SCOTT : The following is a condensed history of the Evangelical Association in Fairfield County : In the year A. D. 1816, the first missionary visited this county, viz. : Frederick Shower, father of the Shower brothers who are now doing a successful business in the shoe and boot trade in Lancaster. He commenced operations on Big Rush Creek, among the Swartz and Einsel families. An organization was soon formed in that neighborhood, followed by others in Greenfield and Liberty townships. After a few years the first circuit was formed, bearing the name of Lancaster Circuit, but embracing portions of Fairfield, Hocking, Ross, Pickaway and Franklin counties. For a number of years the meetings of the society were held principally in private houses. The first church edifice of the denomination in this county was erected on the land. of Mr. John Bright, on Poplar Creek, Liberty Township, about the year 1830. For the first forty years of her labors among our population, her exercises were conducted almost exclusively in the German language, and as a consequence her increase in membership was not as rapid as might have been expected, had the religious exercises been conducted in the language of our coun try. About twenty years ago the Pennsylvania element of our church, which formed the basis of the several societies in the county, waked up to the importance of saving the youth for the church of their choice, and yielded their own preference in language for the benefit of their children. The growth and development of the denomination has been more rapid since said change was effected. Old societies have been strengthened, and a number of new ones formed. The denomination now numbers fifteen societies in Fairfield County, each one having their own house of worship; and there are now five resident pastors in the county. The denomination has its strongest hold in Liberty Township, where, in the last two years, over eight thousand dollars have been raised for new church edifices. There is a Sabbath-School in connection with almost every society, into which schools nearly one thousand children and youth are gathered every Sabbath. By this it will be seen, that the Evangelical Association has a bright future in Old Fairfield. That she may live and prosper, and be made a great blessing to our population for all time, is the earnest wish, sincere desire, and fervent prayer of the writer. Respectfully, ANDREW SWARTZ. May 26th, 1877. 142 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO DUNKER CHURCH. I obtain the following history of the Dunker denomination of Christians in Fairfield County from John Hunsacker, of Rush Creek Township, he having been a preacher and bishop in the order for many years. The society at one time numbered about one hundred members, but at present, viz.: in May, 1877, their number is reduced to about seventy, chiefly by emigration. They have three church buildings—one, a mile and a quarter south of Bremen; one, eight miles south-west of Bremen; and one on Durbin Run, five miles south-west from Bremen. The title they assume is, the "Brethren Church," the name Dunker, or Tunker, having been applied to them derisively, as will presently be seen. There is no other society of the Brethren in Fairfield County besides that on Rush Creek and the Raccoon. They have been styled Die Toeufer," or Baptists, the German words, Die Tceufer, meaning to dip, because they baptize by dipping, or plunging under the water. The ordinance is administered by the candidate kneeling in the water, while the administrator plunges the body forward, head foremost, three times, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost ; hence Realer, or dipper. For the same reason they have sometimes been called tumblers. The origin of the order was in Germany, soon after the beginning of the great reformation; and from their mode of baptism they were sometimes called German Baptists. Their first emigration to America was in the fall of 1819, when about twenty families came over and landed first in Philadelphia. The denomination has peculiarities that deserve special mention. First, their general doctrines are Armenian. They have no written or published creed, but take their title from Matt. xxiii, 8—" One is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren." Their dress is the plain Quaker garb. They likewise use a plain and unostentatious form of speech. They will neither take an oath nor go to war. They do not go to law, nor take interest for money loaned. [This rule has been modified so that sometimes now they take lawful interest, but never from their poorer brethren.—ED.] The men commonly wear their beards long. They celebrate the Lord's Supper with love-feast, washing of feet, kiss of charity and the right-hand HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 143 of fellowship. They also anoint the sick that they may recover. In referring to this denomination, the Rev. E. Winchester, English Missionary, says : " They are industrious, sober, temperate, kind, charitable people, envying not the great, ner despising the mean. They read much; they sing and pray much; they are constant attendants upon the worship of God. Their dwelling-houses are all houses of prayer. They walk in the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly, both in public and private. They bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The law of kindness is in their mouths; no sourness nor moroseness disgraces their religion; and whatsoever they believe their Savior commands, they practice, without inquiring or regarding what others do." It is their custom, and they hold it a religious duty, at their big meetings, to spread a large table and feed the " multitude." The first establishment of the Dunker, or Brethren denomination, in Fairfield County, was about the year 1809, on Rush Creek and the Raccoon in the eastern part; and the number of the constituent members was about twenty-five. The following are the names of the principal members at that time : Casper Hufford and wife; Isaac Beery and wife; John Beery and wife; Henry Beery and wife; Solomon Hufford and wife; Daniel Hartsough and wife; George Bright and wife; Frederick Friezner and wife; Jacob Hunsaker and wife; Abraham Beery and wife; Jacob Stoner and wife ; John Miricle and wife; Abraham Hufford and wife; Sally Hartsough; and perhaps a few others not remembered. Their first religious meetings were held in the cabins of the members, respectively. Their first preachers were (they do not use the prefix Rev.) : Elijah Schofield rind Jacob Staley. Sometime after the organization, George Bright and Isaac Beery were chosen as their paeachers ; and, subsequently, Daniel Snider often came from Perry County and preached for them. In 1938, Philip Stoneburner was established in the church, and continued to preach about ten years, and was succeeded by John Hunsacker, who continued until 1857, when he was ordained Bishop, and continued until 1871. Joseph Hendricks was chosen preacher in 1851, and ordained in 1857. Between 1871 and 1877, Daniel Hartsough, Michael Moore, Abraham 144 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. Stemen and John Hufford supplied the congregation as their preachers. "The German Baptists, or Brethren (Dunkers), have dispersed themselves almost through every State in the Union, more or less, but they are most numerous in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio and Indiana. It would be difficult to give a regular statistical account of these people, as they make it no part of their duty to keep an exact account of the number of their communicants. * * None of their ministers receive any pecuniary compensation for any services they perform pertaining to the ministry. * * Their ministers will not perform the rites of marriage if there are lawful impediments against it in the parties. " PROBATE JUDGES. The office of Probate Judge, in Ohio, was created in 1852 by the provisions of the new State Constitution adopted in that year. The functions of this Court were previously performed by the Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, and by the Associate Judges. Marriage licenses, previous to the Constitution of 1852, were issued by the Clerk of the Court. The first Probate Judge elected was Joel Rodibaugh, in 1852. Before his term expired he resigned, and Jesse Leohner was appointed to serve out the time. In 1854, Virgil E. Shaw was elected, and held the office three years. In 1857, Jesse Loehner was elected, and re-elected the two succeeding terms, serving, in all, nine years, or up to 1866. In 1866, Abram Seifert was elected, and re-elected in 1868, bringing the time up to 1872, when Wm. T. Rigley was elected and again in 1875-and is the present incumbent. The term of the office, as fixed by the Constitution, is three years. CLERKS OF COURT OF COMMON PLEAS. Hugh Boyl was appointed Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas for Fairfield County at its first session in 1803, and served uninterruptedly until about 1833, when Dr. M. Z. Kreider was appointed in his place, who served up to 1842. Joel Rodibaugh was then appointed, and held the office until the adoption of the new Constitution, in 1852. By the provisions of the new Constitution, the Clerkship became an HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 145 elective office, and Martin Cagy was first elected, and served the first Constitutional term of three years. John Radibaugh succeeded him, serving also three years. John C. Rainey was next elected for the two succeeding terms, aggregating six years. After him Jesse Vandemark held the office six years, followed by Chas. F. Rainey six years, his second term expiring in February, 1876. In October, 1875, George Grabill was elected, assuming his office upon the expiration of Mr. C. F. Rainey's second term, in February, 1876. Hugh Boyl continued Clerk of the Supreme Court until the time of his death. SHERIFFS. Edward B. Thompson, 1824 to 1828. George D. Sites, 1828 to 1832. Nathan Wetherby, 1832 to 1834. Silas Tam, 1834 to 1838. Thomas Edingfield, 1838. Samuel Ewing, 1840. " ‘ 1842. Elias Perry, 1844. " " 1846. Oliver H. Perry, 1848. " “ 1850. James Weaver, 1852. Wm. Potter,1854. Aaron W. Ebright, 1856. " “ 1858. James Miller, 1860. " " 1862. Emanuel Shisler, 1864. “ " 1866. John D. Jackson, 1868. " “ 1870. William Bush, 1872. “ " 1874. George See, 1876. Among those known to have served as Sheriffs of Fairfield County previous to 1820, is George Sanderson and William Crook, but whose term of office, or the exact date, I have been unable to fix. TREASURERS. The office of County Treasurer, properly, was created by law in 1828. Previous to that time, tax collectors were appointed by the County Commissioners, viz.: from 1802 to 1827. During that time of twenty-five years, the taxes were so collected and paid over to the treasurers, who, I believe, were also appointed, but I have been able to learn only two or three of their names from tradition, the only source of information in the absence of records. Since 1828, the list of County Treasurers for Fairfield County stands as follows : - 10 - 146 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO Adam Weaver, 1826. Jacob Beck, 1830. Ewel Jeffries, 1837. Asa Spurgeon, 1841. Jephthah Newkirk, 1845. Francis Lilley, 1849. Peter C. Bennadum, 1857. O. E. Davis, 1861. Bateman Beaty, 1863. Jacob Baker, 1867. Jacob Baker, 1867. Henry A. Martens, 1875. Edward Grabill, 1853. The dates show the year of election. The following incident has been related to me by a friend of one of the old-time Treasurers. The lesson it contains might be utilized. When Jacob Beck went out of office, in 1837, and when his settlements with the Commissioners and the State had been completed, he found he had on hand a surplus sum of between four and five hundred dollars. His accounts were all closed, and the question was, where did the money belong? He insisted it belonged to the State. His political adversaries wanted to charge him with irregularity. It subsequently turned out that the State Auditor had erroneously transferred that amount from Muskingum to Fairfield County school fund. COUNTY SURVEYORS. Previous to the year 1823, there does not seem to have been any legally constituted Surveyors for the County of Fairfield. Since that time the following men have served as County Surveyors, in the order and time below : Samuel Carpenter, 1823 to 1826. Ezra S. Hannum, 1856 to 1867. Jonathan Flattery, 1826 to 1836. Frank H. Carpenter, 1867 to 1869. Salmon Shaw, 1836 to 1842. Levi Hartzler, 1869 to 1874. Wm. J. Card, 1842 to 1849. Ezra S. Hannum, 1874 to 1876. Gabriel Strunk, 1849 to 1854. Charles Boreland, Jr., 1876. Wm. Hamilton, 1854 to 1856. The foregoing record of Probate Judges, Clerks of the Court, and County Surveyors, is completed up to the year 1876. In compiling the succession of other county officers I have experienced difficulties, some of which, after much labor and patient research, I am compelled to regard as insurmountable. The files of the Ohio Eagle between 1810 and 1838 are wanting. From them we could have shown the annual and biennial election of officers. In the Gazette office the files are still more incomplete. The Court-house records are so voluminous and miscellaneously disposed, as to render the research too onerous to be undertaken clear through the seventy-six years of the HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 147 civil history of Fairfield County. I am, nevertheless, under great obligations to the county officers for their kindness in affording me help in the prosecution of my researches during the last year, by which I have obtained valuable information. The files of the Eagle from 1838 down, are complete, with the exception of one volume and a few mutilations. Following are the dates of the election of the respective officers, which I have no doubt are entirely correct: COUNTY AUDITORS. After the most thorough search through the Court-house records, I have been unable to go behind 1820 in the list of Fairfield County Auditors, as follows : Samuel Carpenter, 1820 to 1828. Thomas U. White, 1829 to 1832. Henry C. Widler, 1833 to 1837. John C. Castle, 1838. " “ 1840. “ " 1812. Alfred McVeigh, 1844. “ ” 1846. Wm. L. Jeffries, 1848. “ ” 1850. “ " 1852. James W. Towson, 1854. A. J. Dildine, 1856. " “ 1858. Wm. Robinson, 1860. “ ” 1862. Wm. Shopp, 1864. “ ” 1866. Louis Blaire, 1868. “ " 1870. John C. Hite, 1873. " " 1875. PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS. Wm. W. Irvin, 1838. " “ 1840. “ " 1842. Washington Van Ham, 1844. Emnnuel Giesy, 1846. Wm. R. Rankin, 1848 " “ 1850. Virgil E. Shaw, 1852 Alfred Williams, 1854 James W. Stinchomb, 1856. James W. Stinchomb, 1858. Wm. T. Wise, 1860. Tollman Slough, 1862. " “ 1864, Wm. A. Shultz, 1866. “ " 1868. John G. Reeves, 1870. " “ 1872. “ " 1874. Thos. H. Dolson, 1876. COUNTY RECORDERS. Hugh Boyl, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, did the recording of the County, in connection with the County Clerkship, up to about 1830, as is supposed, when Wm. Gruber was appointed, and after him Henry Miers. These latter two men filled up the interregnum between Hugh Boyl and Mr. King, 148 - HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. who took charge of the office in 1837. There may be one or two inaccuracies in the following dates, but not important: Wm. L. King, 1837 to 1848. John K. Baker, 1849. Adam Syfert, 1859 to 1852. E. C. Hannum, 1854 to 1856. Adam Syfert, 1857 to 1864. Timothy Fishbaugh, 1866 to 1876. JUDGES OF COURTS OF COMMON PLEAS. Alexander H. Keith was Judge of Common Pleas for Fairfield County from about 1837 to 1850. Henry C. Whitman succeeded him, and remained on the bench until about 1860 or 1861, when he resigned, and P. B. Ewing was appointed to fill out his time. In 1862, Philadelphus Van Trump was elected, serving until his election to Congress in 1867, when Silas H. Wright was chosen, and has continued up to this time. Judges Swan and Grimpky preceded Judge Keith, but their time I have not the means of fixing definitely. In a former chapter we have given several of the early Judges of the Common Pleas, beginning with Judge Wyley Silliman, who opened the first Common Pleas in Fairfield in the year 1803. Following him was Judge Belt, and then Robert F. Slaughter, who was on the bench a number of years. A BAND OF HORSE-THIEVES, AND HOW THEY WERE BROKEN UP. The following statement, in substance, has been given me by more than one of the older citizens, and is therefore probably correct in its main features, as I find only slight discrepancies by the different narrators : The time of the occurrence was not far from 1820—perhaps a little later. There was a band of horse-thieves and counter-fiters infesting the southern portion of Fairfield County, and the country below. Possibly some of them lived in surrounding counties; but, be that as it may have been, their place of rendezvous was ascertained to be three or four miles south, or south-west of Lancaster, in what is commonly known as " Sleepy Hollow." The number of the thieves was not exactly known, but it came to be understood that six or eight of them were in the habit of meeting at a house in Sleepy Hollow. They were rough and desperate characters, and their leader, HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO - 149 who was well known, was a man of powerful strength and activity, and as desperate and daring as he was strong. Several attempts to make arrests and break up the lodge had been unsuccessful, the villains defying all law and all the posse that had undertaken their capture. Thomas Ewing was the Prosecuting Attorney for the county at the time of the final descent upon their den, and upon report being made that they could not be taken, he said the conclave must be broken up, and asked that he might be deputized as special constable for the occasion. His request was granted, and having, by some method, best known to himself, learned the night and place of their meeting, he proceeded to select and organize his posse comitatus, composed in part of the following names : Nathaniel Red, Christian Neibling, Adam Weaver, Christian King, David Reece and Elenathan Schofield. At a suitable hour, when the darkness of night had "in her sombre mantle all things clad," the company, equipped with ropes and other implements that might be needed in the execution of their mission, mounted their horses and proceeded down through the hills in the direction of the cabin where they expected to find their birds. Having arrived in the vicinity of the lodge, they halted under the cover of a thicket, and began the reconnoiter. They soon found that they were on the right track, and having matured their plans, they surrounded the house silently, and bursting the door, rushed in without giving a moment's time to extinguish lights or attempt escape. The thieves were holding their conclave in the second story, and instantly each deputy attacked his man, Mr. Ewing selecting the leader as the most powerful man of them all. Within a very brief space of time every man of the robbers was securely bound, with a single exception—Mr. Schofield's adversary was about proving too much for him, which fact coming to Mr. Ewing's notice, he at once went to his assistance. While the tying of this last man was in progress, the leader, who had regained his feet, threw himself backwards through the window, bound as he was, and, strange to say, actually succeeded in making good his escape. It was a fearful risk, but he did it, and was never subsequently heard tell of. It was supposed that he was assisted by the women below. The balance of the robbers were taken to town and lodged in jail, and subsequent, I believe, every one sent to the Penitentiary. record. |