FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 325 Woodman of America and the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, with the ladies auxiliary. There is an extensive tile factory which produces a vast amount of superior drain tiling annually. With it is coupled a saw-mill for cutting native lumber. This plant is owned by J. W. Rife & Son, and was established about 1906. OTHER HAMLETS OF THE TOWNSHIP. Besides Good Hope, there are, or have been, in this township towns as follows: Rockville or Rock Mills, in survey No. 2925. This place has a history running back almost a century. The mills and a store and small shops made up the sum total. Stephen Yoeman was first to locate there in 1815. He built the mill and constructed the dam. Convenience is the name of another hamlet. It is a station on the railroad and was once embraced in the farm of W. R. Hukill. This, too, is a platted village. There are also flag stations on the railroad line of the Ohio Southern system, known as Bogus Road and Ghormley. None of these are places of much commercial importance today. CHAPTER XXVI. MARION TOWNSHIP. Marion is one of the three townships bordering on the eastern line of Fayette county. It was originally a part of Madison, from which it was separated July 18, 184o. On its north is Madison township, on the east is Pickaway county, on the south is Union and Wayne and on the west is Union. Wayne and Paint townships. Its population is now about eight hundred, not including that portion of the village of New Holland within this county. Coming directly to the first settlement of Marion township, it should be stated that it occurred thirty odd years prior to the township's organization. Among the earliest in the vanguard of pioneers in this part of Fayette county was John Uriah Blue, who came in from Virginia in 1804 and settled on North fork of Paint creek, on land later owned by Charles McRea. He remained there until his death in 1820. Either that year or in 1805 came William Curry, a celebrated counterfeiter, who was also from the Old Dominion state, and who squatted on land afterwards owned by Smith and Jonathan Chaffin. Curry belonged to an organized band of counterfeiters and horse thieves, of which the Funk family were members, with their headquarters at Curry's house. Curry was finally arrested and sent to the Ohio penitentiary for fifteen years. As early as 1808, possibly a year earlier, came John McCarty from near Frankfort, Ross county, settling on land bought of General McArthur. and there he resided until called by death in November, 1844. In 1810 Edward Wilcox located where Smith Chaffin later lived. He was a worthy citizen and resided here until 1832, then removed to Illinois. Nathaniel and William Newman emigrated from Virginia in 1810, and also held part of the land subsequently owned by Smith Chaffin. In 1810 another settler named Peter Blue came from Virginia. He was another excellent addition to the pioneers and died in 1848. Jonathan Shepherd, born in Hardy county, Virginia, in 1787, emigrated at the age of fifteen years with his father's family to Ross county, one-half mile from Frankfort. In 1810 he came to Marion township, purchasing a FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 327 four-year lease of one John Dixon. In 1815 he bought three hundred acres of land, in Quarrell's, in Quarrell's survey No. 607, of Cadwallader Wallace, where he immediately made settlement and lived there until his death in April, 1862, at the advanced age of seventy-two. He was one of the original members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Salem chapel. Daniel Grubs, a Virginian, emigrated to Kentucky, then to Marion township in 1812, locating in G. Reinch's survey No. 6522. He spent much time in hunting and many were the panthers, bears, wolves and deer killed in his hunting exploits. He died in 1838. A Pennsylvanian named Adam Turner came into Marion township from Ross county in 1814, locating on military survey No. 628, consisting of one thousand acres, purchased from John Johnson, a Revolutionary soldier, a part of which land was in Wayne township. He remained until 1835 and removed to Indiana. His public spirit did much towards developing Wayne and Marion townships. George Bohrer, of Hagerstown, Pennsylvania, born in 1776, accompanied his father's family to Berkeley county, Virginia, where he lived until 1799, when, with his bride, he located near Steubenville, Ohio, remained until 1814, then moved to Marion township, this county, buying land of Uriah Blue, in survey No. 6941. He moved to Washington C. H. in 1827 and there engaged in the dry goods and millinery business with James Woods, continuing until 1829, then moved to New Holland and set up in a similar trade there. He continued there until overtaken by death, in October, 1832. He was the father of eleven children, all of whom grew to be men and women of importance in Fayette county. He was zealous in the work of the Methodist Episcopal church, and donated the lot on which the Salem church was erected. Horatio Walker, Daniel Beats, Samuel Coover, George Slaughter, Joseph and Jonathan Bryan, were all early settlers in Marion township. Walker came from Virginia. Beates was from New Jersey, originally, but emigrated from Virginia to this county. Slaughter was from Delaware. Coover was a Pennsylvanian, who arrived here from Kentucky in 1812. He was a tailor and worked at his trade; later he became known as an extensive land speculator and materially aided many to secure homes in Marion township. He died in 1830 with a fortune, honestly accumulated. Bryan settled on Paint creek, where he spent a long and very useful life as both farmer and stock raiser. As early as 1818 came Charles Beatty from Virginia, settling on land Bought of Samuel Drew, later owned by William Clark. 328 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. James Murray, a Pennsylvanian, came to Ross county, Ohio, when twelve years old, with his father, James H., who settled four miles west of Chillicothe. He helped lay out that place and was the first representative from Ross county. During the War of 1812 he served as general, while his son was a major of militia, which guarded the frontier. Immediately after the marriage of young Murray, he settled on a farm in Marion township, while the parents of his young wife settled on an adjoining tract of land. Murray was elected associate judge. He was an original member of the Bloomingburg Presbyterian church. Thomas Cook, Sr., was born in Delaware and came to Ohio in about 1808, settling in Ross county. He later moved into Marion township, this county, located on a tract of land subsequently owned by Hezekiah Brown. He then removed to Indiana and died. He was probably another soldier in the War of 1812. Moses Thompson, an Englishman by birth, moved to Delaware in 1720. He served in the Revolutionary War under Washington. His sons, John Moses, Jesse, Thomas and Joshua, all emigrated to Ohio in 1805. The son, Thomas, was born in Delaware in 1771. He finally located in Marion township, this county, was twice married and had numerous children. He settled on Compton's creek. He was a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church, and his house was the stopping place for all the ministers who chanced to come that way. He died on his farm in 1847. The Hawkins family was another of the early arrivals in the township. They came from Virginia. In 1827 came Elihu D. Scott, from Ross county. He located on land purchased of William Newman, and remained there until 1847, moved to Van Wert county and there died. Benjamin Glaze accompanied his father's family to Union township in 1805, remained at home until he attained man's estate, married, lived on his father-in-law's farm until 1829, then bought two hundred and fifty acres of wild land, of Thomas Carey, in the Ladd and Newell survey No. 9128. Perhaps no better citizen ever lived within Marion township in than pioneer William Strope, who was justice of the peace thirty-eight years and who died in 1881. He was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1805, and died in New Holland, this county. He had lived in Ohio since boyhood. He was a bright Freemason, but never professed religion or held a membership in any church. The history of schools, churches, etc., will be found in the general chapters of this volume, with those of all other sections of Fayette county. Concerning early milling, it should be said that Adam Turner built a FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 329 grist-mill and saw-mill on his own land in 1818. This was the first water-mill in Marion township and was operated more than twenty years. He finally moved to Indiana, after which this mill was run by John Cooper, and later by William Lucas. A postoffice (only one in the township), was established at the tannery of Armor Lloyd in 1851, but was discontinued after one year. The tanneries in this township were that of John Myers in about 1820 and one run by Amor Lloyd in 1845. The last named was built near the Otterbin church, and was operated ten years, then sold to Thomas Thompson, closed it shortly afterwards. The first election in Marion, after the township's organization, was held at the house of John McArthur, July 18, 1840. VILLAGES. The only villages in this township are Manara, a mere hamlet, and a part of New Holland, the greater portion of which is situated in Pickaway county. The Pennsylvania railroad runs through this township from Washington C. H. to the northeast, with New Holland as a station point, on the county line. Manara is situated on the Bloomingburg and New Holland pike. New Holland is a good, enterprising business point, with a few acres of platting in its incorporate limits which are situated in Fayette county. There are a number of residences, but no business portion of the town is within Fayette county. Johnson's Crossing is also within Marion township, about three miles to the southwest from New Holland; here there is simply a country store for the accommodation of the near-by farming community. CHAPTER XXVII. PAINT TOWNSHIP. Paint is the central sub-division of the county, on the northern border. with Madison county at its north, Madison and Marion townships at the east, Union and Jefferson townships at the south and Jefferson township at its west. Its population in 1910 was, including the village of Bloomingburg, two thousand and seventy-nine. Its chief pike is the Bloomingburg and Midway road. It was named from the creek that forms one of its boundaries. It was one of the original townships of Fayette county at its organization. Nature` has made this a fertile domain. The wash from Paint creek gives a natural fertilizer for its otherwise naturally rich soil. EARLY SETTLEMENT To George Coil must be given the distinction of having been the first white man to enter this township with the intention of becoming a resident. It was in the very early days of the last century—about 1802--when this the man of push and genuine enterprise came in and erected his cabin and at once set about clearing up land which he might utilize as a farming spot. But little is known of him, where he came from or how many years he remained in the county. But records point to the fact that he must have been the first settler. In 1803 William Hays emigrated from Kentucky, settling on Big Walnut, where he remained until 1805, then moved to this township, settling on a portion of survey No. 1063, on the banks of Paint creek, with his father James and the family, consisting of David, John, James, Jr., Rankin, Benjamin, Jane, Mary, Hannah, Elizabeth and Sarah. William and John served as privates in captain McElwain's military company, which was ordered out, to Fort Sandusky, where they assembled and built the fort. At the close of the war they returned home and farmed. It was also in 1805 when Solomon Salmon, of Delaware, came to Paint creek country, settling on the low lands later owned by his son Perry. In 1880 Perry Salmon had in his possession the military patent for four hun- FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 331 dred acres granted to Solomon Salmon, assignee of John McClain, assignee of Benjamin Parker, assignee of William Johnston, assignee of Samuel Kercheval, assignee of Thomas Jenkins, only living representatives of Joshua Jenkins, a sergeant in the Revolutionary War. The date of survey of said tract was many years prior to the signing of the instrument by James Monroe, March 26, 1819, several years after possession had been taken by Solomon Salmon. Perry, a relative of his, accompanied him and settled on land owned later years by Gideon Vezay. In the eighties the old cabin erected by him was still standing where built. From 1805 on the tide of immigration swept in extensively. Among these men was Solomon Sowers, who erected the first mill on Paint creek ; Samuel Robins, the pioneer school teacher and justice of the peace ; Jacob Pursley, the first blacksmith ; John Oliver, the first carpenter ; Joseph Parris, a soldier in the War of 1812, and also of the Revolution ; Leonard Parris, of the War of 1812, a farmer and hunter, and stock raiser ; Jeremiah Smith, another soldier, and scores of others whose names have long ago been forgotten. Nathaniel Tway, of New Jersey ancestry, but born in Ohio, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and saw three years and a half service. At the battle of Brandywine a ball from the enemy's ranks was lodged in his heel, but otherwise he was uninjured. He came to this county in 1810, working for various farmers by the day. In 1812 his father, John Tway, and the family came out here and located in Paint township, near the Madison county line. Nathaniel later bought land of the Funks, the title of which not being clear he was unable to hold the lands. William Squire, born in New Jersey in 1756, enlisted during the Revolution, when eighteen years old, as a private in his uncle's company, serving with much credit. The family, then consisting of himself, wife and four children, settled first in Ross county, Ohio, but later removed to this township. He paid two dollars and a half per acre for the land he purchased. There were several settlements on the road leading through Bloomingburg. One Lambert lived on the site of the village grave-yard, and Isaac Boner also lived near him. Col. James Stewart, mentioned elsewhere, settled here early and the commissioners of the new county of Fayette held their first meeting at his cabin in the spring of 1810, which was before the matter of a county seat had fully been fixed upon. In 1812 he was elected colonel of the Fayette county regiment in the Third Brigade of Ohio militia. He was a Presbyterian and aided in the organization of the church at Washington C. H. and 332 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. at South Salem. He helped survey the county into townships and located many settlers on their lands. He died in May, 1862, honored by everyone in the county. They had a large family of sons and daughters to do honor to the family name in this county. MINOR INCIDENTS. The wife of Judge Joseph Gillespie brought with her the first colored woman ever seen in Fayette county. She came from New York state in 1817, by wagon. She was called Ruth Platt, and lived to attain a great age at Washington C. H. The Funk family had many bad members within its fold. One was perhaps the meanest and most viciously cruel disposed of any man known to have resided here. It is related for a truth that he skinned a wolf, and then allowed the live animal to go forth into the forest unprotected by a covering. THE VILLAGE OF BLOOMINGBURG. This is the only considerable village of Paint township. Its location is in the southeastern part of the territory, running to the south line of the township. At one date it was a husky rival of Washington C. H. Its many present population is about six hundred, according to the 1910 census. In many ways there clusters much of historic interest about this little village. From a former record of the county, published in 1881, it appears that much pains was then taken by residents there to give a correct history, as best could be compiled at so late a date, and from this we take the liberty of quoting freely. The village was laid out in 1815 by Solomon Bowers. It was believed at that time, as well as many years later, that it would one day become tje seat of justice for Fayette county. The square on the corner of Main and Cross streets, where later stood the frame school building, was set apart for public grounds, having in mind the court house, probably. There were also thirty-seven other lots laid off. The village was known as "New Lexington." The county records show this fact. Though named, legally, New Lexington, it was usually called the "New Purchase." This was on account of it being located on lands of the early purchase. Tradition has it that Doctor Gillespie wanted it re-named for his old home town in York state, Bloomingburg. While he was keeping store in the old Central Hotel building, he proposed to "treat" the male inhabitants provided they agreed to the alteration. The proposition was accepted and Colonel Myers, then in the FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 333 Legislature, introduced a bill changing its name. The act was passed February 5, 1847, which was thirty-two years after its first platting and original naming. The first election was held for municipal officers February 24, 1847. The officers elected were : Mayor, Joseph Counts, Jr. ; recorder, J. M. Edwards; trustees, John Gunning, Samuel Worrell, James M. Willis, William S. Carr and J. N. McLaughlin ; George W. Worrell was appointed marshal. In February, 1848, the corporate limits were extended eleven rods in each direction, and in May, 1878, by adding one hundred and twenty rods on the north and east, seventy on the west, and extending to the Union township line on the south. In 1876 it was voted by the citizens of the village to levy five mills tax “ for sewers, drains and ditches." Four sewers were constructed. A village prison was also provided in 1876. This was a strong frame structure. In January, 1880, the old ordinances were all repealed and new ones to conform to the new state laws and in keeping with the times. SOME EARLY EVENTS. William Bryant erected the first house. It was a log building which where later the Central hotel was built. The earliest residents in Bloomingburg were Matthew Gillespie, John , John Duff, Mrs. Gilmore and Mrs. Rosebone. In 1817 there were about ten cabins, one being owned by John Rutt. Colonel Stewart and Matthew Gillespie kept a store on a portion of the Stewart farm, and sold to all the early residents. Mr. Williams ran a tan-yard. In the spring of 1817 James Dunning started a shoe shop; Thomas Cessler a blacksmith shop; one McCoy a hatter's shop ; Messrs. Seth and Eustace were the first tailors, and William Weeks the pioneer wagon-maker. John Oliver, a carpenter, also kept a tavern, finally in 1826 moving to Pennsylvania. The earliest cabinet-maker was H. Bryant ; the first school teacher was Doctor McGraugh, followed by Mr. Stone. Dr. George Allen was the first physician. MILLING INDUSTRIES. About 1833 William Carr erected a flouring mill on the east bank of Paint Creek, a mile south of the county line. The building was a small struc- 334 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. ture, but attracted wide attention and to its yard came teams and grists from far and near. The waters of Paint creek furnished abundant water-power It was in operation many years, but eventually, as the people demanded a better drainage for their lands, the power of the stream was weakened so much so that finally the mill had to be abandoned. After standing idle many more years, it was afterwards torn down. A smaller structure, however, was erected on its old site and more modern meal-making machinery was installed. It was owned at one time by John Martin. It was a saw-mill and corn grinder, but no wheat burrs were added. When Carr's mill—the earliest mill—was built it made a little settlement, which increased year after year. It was finally named "Carr's Mills.” In 1880 it had a population of about one hundred. Its business consisted of two blacksmith shops, one dry goods store, one exclusive grocery store, m notion house, one boot and shoe store and the mills. In 1880 a frame church was erected by the Baptist denomination, with Walter Yoeman as pastor. About 1827 a woolen industry sprung up in the township. Philip Dodridge, later of Circleville, started a carding machine in the town of Bloomingburg, continuing a year. The machinery was driven by horse-power and tread-wheel. He sold to Eber Patrick, a practical manufacturer, who sold to Mr. Parker, and removed to Washington C. H. Parker soon sold Mr. Carr, who moved the machinery to Indiana. ANTI-SLAVERY DAYS IN BLOOMINGBURG. It should ever be remembered that Bloomingburg was a station on the "underground railroad" (a system by which slaves were secreted and at the time unlawfully spirited to the North), and along with that fact there were many interesting incidents, which if they could be published would make a volume at once interesting and valuable. Here the runaway slaves were fed and clothed and sent on their way toward the north star and freedom in Canada. It took much courage and defiance of the United States laws, at that time, to help a slave out of his bondage. These exertions were prompted by an intelligent conviction that human slavery was not right. The Presbyterians were ardent supporters of the anti-slavery cause, and in 1834 held a series of meetings at which the question was discussed. One of the settlers. James Claypole, in his blind opposition to the movement, refused to attend the meetings. Finally, one evening, urged by his clerk, he attended a meeting and occupied a back seat. He was soon interested and was convinced that he was wrong, and the following day himself drafted a constitution for FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 335 the organization of the anti-slavery society—among the first, if not the first in all America. Slave hunters had but little use for Bloomingburg after this society's organization. Here the cabin, the garret, stable, hay rack and barns, as well as the Kitchen and parlor's, were open to the weary wanderers in search of freedom. Hundreds of them, in need of food, clothing and money, found the true Samaritan here with open hands. When "conductors" came around there was no question asked. There were many hair-breadth escapes, many strange incidents in individual experience. The labor of getting a warm meal for the shivering fugitive, the long and cold drive in the darkness of the night, with hearts burdened by anxious thoughts, with no possible motive of a selfish character, are sufficient testimonials to the strength of the sentiment upon which such heroic activity was based. The colored folks appreciated these things and after the Civil War had forever set them free, many came here and located permanently. THE TEMPERANCE QUESTION THEN AND NOW. It would be an error for one to think. upon visiting Bloomingburg today, that it had always been noted for temperance and sobriety. Far from it ! The pioneer came to the county, bringing along with him excellent receipts for making rum, and it was made whenever it was found necessary to replenish the household supply of that "necessity," for such it was then looked upon. Liquor was found in every house, indeed many in the churches regarded the traffic in ardent spirits as consistent with Christian character. It was thought needful, as an expression of genuine hospitality. The economy of the times justified its manufacture and sale and the farmer in its use, because it gave employment and opened up a market. Merchants believed it necessary to entice customers to trade through its influence. At an early day in this locality there were numerous peach orchards, and five distilleries, in and near Bloomingburg, were required for the manufacture of the fruit into peach brandy. On Saturdays a number of persons were in the weekly habit of assembling at the various dram-shops, imbibing freely of the liquor, and then retire to the rear of the old Baptist church "to fight it out." This state of affairs went on for many years until the better element in the community started a reformation. Foremost in this work of exterminating the curse from town was Judge Gillespie, who gathered, at his own expense, a vast array of statistics showing the amount of money and time spent for the purpose of getting whisky. His figures were not believed. 336 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. and the opposition took a new census, as it were, of the situation, and were then convinced that the Judge was correct. It was, however, a long, hard struggle, but gradually the evil disappeared. Some held out persistently. A member of the Presbyterian church continued to sell and to justify the moderate use of ardent spirits, and at a discussion the question was asked if Jesus would keep a rum-shop? Its bold and direct aim reached the heart of the religious whisky dealer, and that night he resolved to quite the questionable traffic. The entire community then signed an article, in which they agreed to exclude King Alcohol from the community. It was a great innovation in Bloomingburg, and made it a different village for all time. The rule has been for decades that liquor has not been used in the community save by the low and baser class. For a history of the schools and churches and lodges of this village and the township in which it is situated, the reader will be referred to general chapters giving the history of all of these. THE POSTOFFICE HISTORY. The various postmasters at Bloomingburg who have served since the establishment of that office in 1819 are as follows : Archibald Stewart, appointed March 22, 1819 ; P. B. Doddridge, June 4, 1825; James Stewart; March 22, 1833; J. F. Claypool, October 20, 1834; Smiley Hughes, December 8, 1835; George S. Fullerton, April 3, 1839 ; H. C. Stewart, February 1, 1841 ; William R. Southward, April 23, 1842; A. C. Putnam, June 7, 1845; William R. Southward, October 23, 1846; James Gunning, July 14, 1849; William R. Southward, May 1, 1850; T. B. Sheets, December 29, 1854; George W. Gordon, May '10, 1859; Orville Gunning, July 23, 1860; James Gunning, December 7, 1861; William D. Gibson, May 6, 1865; M. W. Stewart, November 17, 1869; William J. McCoy, June 23, 1874; J. Y. Stitt, April 2, 1883 ; Lucius O'Brien, December 2, 1885 ; George W. Gordon, June 13, 1889; Isaac N. Hanna, September 5, 1893; Lucius O'Brien, October 5, 1895: James F. Sheets, June 18, 1897; F. E. Whiteside, January 16, 1911. This is a fourth class postoffice and the last fiscal year it transacted a business amounting to nine hundred fifteen dollars and seventy-one cents. It has two rural delivery routes and is a well conducted postoffice. FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 337 MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS. Bloomingburg, first known as New Lexington, was incorporated in 1847 and the Legislature changed its name to Bloomingburg. Its earlier records are not at hand, hence we give the list of mayors from 1880 or for a period of thirty-four years, which runs thus : 1880, James Judy, who served to 1890; 1890-98, C. T. Lynch; 1898-1908, J. W. Yore; 1908-1910, L. D. Minnix; 1910-11, J. W. Yore; 1911-12, Theodore Allen; 1911 to present date, O. W. Creath. F. M. McCoy has been town clerk for the last fourteen years. The 1914 officers are : 0. W. Creath, mayor; F. M. McCoy, clerk ; J. M. Jones, L. D. Minnix, L. Willinger, L. D. Exline, Mr. Dickey and Mr. Yeoman, councilmen. The only protection against fire is a bucket brigade of volunteers who use water from near-by wells and cisterns. The streets are well cared for. The lodges and churches at present are : The Methodist Episcopal. Presbyterian and colored Baptist churches and the "Holy Rollers," as termed, and the Masonic, Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America lodges. There is also a strong Grange lodge. 1914 BUSINESS FACTORS Attorney—Humphrey Jones. Agricultural Implements—Hester & Son. Bank—The Peoples Bank (private). Blacksmiths—Charles Storts, Charles Groff, F. M. McCoy, W. T. Elliott. Barbers—Henry Walters, G. H. Caster. Coal—Frank McDowell, Leach Exline. Drugs—J. Y. Stitt. Dray—Grant Leach. Department Stores—Scott Brothers, Taylor Brothers, J. N. McClure. Elevator—W. A. Howland. Groceries—Scott Brothers, Taylor Brothers, J. N. McClure, W. N. Harris, Lohr & Foster. Hotel—The Enterprise, by Mrs. Vance & Sons. Hardware—Hester & Son, J. M. McClure. Harness—Hester & Son. (22) 338 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. Livery—Thomas Lee. Millinery--Mrs. E. S. Tanner. Meat Market—William Friend. Physicians—Drs. G. W. Holdren, E. H. McDonald. Plumber—C. J. Noble. Pressing and Cleaning—Jacob W. Washington. Restaurants—Jess Stewart, P. Allen, M. O. Rison. Stock Dealers—Sherman Wilson, W. J. Jefferson, G. W. Gardner, Jo Yeoman. Shoe Repair Shop—Calvin Austin. There is a building and loan company in the town that is over a quarter of a century old and has paid as high as fourteen per cent. annual dividend. H. A. Pinkerton is the secretary. CHAPTER XXVIII. MADISON TOWNSHIP. This is the extreme northeastern subdivision of Fayette county. Madison civil township was ore of the original townships made at the organization of the county in 1810. Its history, then, goes back one hundred and ten years as a precinct of the county. It is bounded on the north by Madison county, the east by Pickaway county, on the south by Marion township, and on by Paint township. Its population in 1910 was reported as being one thousand two hundred and thirty-three. SETTLEMENT. It appears that 1807 was the date of the arrival of Samuel Myers, the first settler to locate in the then wild district of what is now Madison township-that being three years prior to the organization of this county. By birth Myers was a Pennsylvanian, born on June 11, 1776. Later the family moved to Virginia, and in 1807 the son Samuel emigrated to this county, at the age of thirty years. He located on Deer creek, near the mouth of Duff's fork, in this township, and in the northern part of survey No. 463, entered in the name of Thomas Overton. After remaining until 1816, he moved to Compton's creek, in Paint township, where he became a heavy farmer and stock raiser. He drove his cattle, after fattening them on the rich grasses, to Lancaster and Chester counties, Pennsylvania. When the War of 1812 was started, he was commissioned captain of militia, November 11, 1811. During the siege of Fort Meigs, and for gallant conduct, he was elected major on the field. He represented Fayette county in the General Assembly of 1813 and again in 1818. He was also a justice of the peace for over thirty years and taught the first school in Madison township, near the site of present Waterloo, in the winter of 1809, walking almost three miles to and from the little hut of a school house. John Baldwin, a native of Virginia, born in 1749, espoused the cause of the colonies in the great struggle for national independence. He was a captain of militia, which company he raised himself and also equipped it for 340 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. service. He further paid his own men for the term of their enlistment, which almost exhausted his goodly fortune. This was returned in shape of continental money, but it was so depreciated that it was almost valueless. He received a large tract of land in the Virginia military reservation, which he located partly in Madison county and partly in Madison township, Fayette county, Ohio. It is known as the Wallace-Baldwin survey, No. 9721. His wife died before he left Virginia. He had twelve children by her. A few of his sons accompanied him to this county; also one of his sons-in-law, the remainder of his sons coming in a little later. Jonah settled in Madison township. He died in September, 1850, aged seventy-seven years. William, born in Virginia, settled on his father's land in Madison, soon after his father's arrival here. He died in 1823, aged fifty years. Richard Carson, the son-in-law of John Baldwin, born in 1781, came from Virginia with Baldwin and settled on lands given him by Baldwin. Edmund Clarridge, born in Maryland, in 1789, moved with his father in 1798 to Ross county, Ohio. Edmund enlisted near the close of the War of 1812 and served until its close. He had just moved to Madison township before his enlistment, and at the end of his service returned and there spent the remainder of his life. He served for many terms as a justice of the peace, and was also clerk and treasurer of his township. He died in 1868,owning a finely improved farm of a hundred and sixty acres. He and his wife were the parents of sixteen children, whose names and life-work in this county are well known. Col. Joel Gregory, a New Yorker, moved to Athens county, Ohio, at a very early date, bought property and started a grist mill, saw mill and carding machine just below- the town of Athens. There he was made a colonel of the militia. In 1815 he sold his property in Athens county and moved to Madison township, Fayette county. He owned a large amount of land in this county and divided it among his sons, as they desired. He was in the Revolutionary War. He was elected to the Legislature here two terms, to when that body yet convened at Chillicothe. At the age of sixty-five years,, he died in this county, greatly esteemed by all. Nearly every other member of the Gregory family made their mark in this and adjoining counties, and had to do with the development and military protection of the frontier country, through and after the War of 1812. James Jones, Sr., was born in Pickaway county in 1813, at a point about three miles below New Holland. In early boyhood he had the ill fortune to be bereft of his mother, and after his father's second marriage, his home becoming unpleasant, he left and began working for others by the month FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 341 Wages were very low and capital hard to accumulate, but, in a limited way, he was able to start in a business of his own, which eventually led to his good circumstances in life. He died in 1871, having lived in and near Yankeetown many years. He had the misfortune to have to pay the debts contracted by others to the large amount of fifty-three thousand dollars. Yet at death he left a landed estate of thirteen hundred acres of highly cultivated land to his sons. He was a devout Methodist for twenty years. He was greatly missed by his community when called by death. John Leavell, a native of Virginia, who served seven years in the Revolutionary War, started in 1786 with his family, from Culpeper county, to remove to Kentucky, but stopped in Greenbrier county, where, in the winter of 1786-87, he died, and in the spring his widow went on to Kentucky, where her sons erected a log cabin. While watching her son fell a tree near the cabin, she became excited for fear it would fall on the house and running away was caught by the falling tree and instantly killed. There were eleven children in her family. One son, John Leavell, born in Culpeper county, Virginia, in 1774, came to Ross county, Ohio, and squatted on Congress land, on the east side of the Scioto, a short distance from Chillicothe. He did not remain over one year and, not being suited with the outlook, he went to Pickaway county, near Williamsport, where for a year he dealt in stock. He was collector of taxes in Ross county in the period from 1816 to 1820. In 1816 he bought land on Duff's Fork; in 1.822 he married and to this union were born nine children. He died in 1854, owning a thousand acres of valuable land. John Nutt, an early settler in Madison township, came from near Winchester, Virginia. Shortly after arriving in this township, he bought two hundred acres of land, a half of which he gave to his son James, who, with his family, occupied the same. Mr. Nutt died aged one hundred and one years of age. The son married in Virginia and had a family of thirteen children. It will be observed that the early settlers were, for the most part, in the habit of having extremely large families ; race suicide had not become a national curse, as it has in more recent years. Robert Abernathy, a native of Virginia, was born in 1786 and when grown up he married and emigrated to Williamsport, Pickaway county, Ohio, in 1815, rented land on Deer creek on Round Bottom, where he raised two crops. In the autumn of 1817 he purchased ninety-seven acres of land in Overton’s survey. He made a good farmer and capable citizen, and at death left a good property at Mt. Sterling, where he died in 1852. Ephraim Moore, born in Delaware, came to Ross county, Ohio, in 1805, 342 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO settling at the mouth of Deer creek, where he rented land of Colonel Evans. After about two years he removed six miles further up the creek, near Yates mill, in Pickaway county, where for four years he farmed. He next moved to Williamsport, remained till the close of the war of 1812, then moved to Shelby county, coming to Fayette county between 1820 and 1822, settling on the Batteal Harrison farm, in Madison township. Later he resided with his son at Waterloo. He had a. service of twelve days in the War of 1812, when he was wounded, and hired a substitute to fill his unexpired time. He died at his son Isaac's home, aged one hundred and one years of age. He was the father of nine children. Sometime prior to 1815, William Morgan emigrated from Virginia and settled on land first leased and later purchased, on Duff's fork, in the Armstrong survey. He was considered a wealthy man, owning eight hundred acres where he lived, a farm on the Big Darby, near Harrisburg, Franklin county, and another on Deer creek, one mile from Yankeetown. He made his wealth by grazing cattle, which he drove to the Baltimore and Philadelphia markets. He died in 1855. EARLY STORES AND SHOPS. The first store in Madison township was opened by Adley Gregory, in 1815, at Yankeetown, which he conducted until another was opened in 1825 a half mile north of Yankeetown, on the Mt. Sterling road. John Johnson operated the last named store in one part of his dwelling. He continued in trade until his death, some six years later. About this date, for three years, near Yankeetown, Robert Leach conducted a general store. He was succeeded by others, the same stock changing hands frequently. Between 1864 and 1867 James Graham started a dry goods store at Madison Mills, continued a year and sold to George Franklin. The store was destroyed by an explosion of a keg of powder in the cellar, the loss of the stock being complete. The evidence of a pre-arranged plan was so thorough that he never tried to collect his insurance. David Harrison opened a grocery store at Madison Mills in 1860, conducted it two years, then sold to George Ladd, an Englishman. Crow and Sons were running the store there in the late eighties. The early blacksmiths were Joseph Withrow, 1823, near Yankeetown; Otho Williams, in 1834 ; David Saint, in 1874; Alexander Clark, 1860 Thomas Scott, 1864. FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 343 MILLS. At some time just prior to 1817 John Gilmore built a water-power mill on Deer creek, one mile to the north of Waterloo, which he operated for a number of years. He was succeeded in that project by Samuel Pancoast, who continued to run it fifteen years longer. The mill was then sold to Colonel Sharp, who attached a distillery to the plant. He continued eight years and sold to Samuel Pancoast, Jr., and he in turn to John Messmore, who owned the property in the eighties. After a few years he tore down the old mill, erected a three-story frame mill and put in two sets of burrs, one being intended for wheat and one for corn. In 1879 a patent purifier was added and then "new process" was added, allowing him to produce first class patent flour, as it was termed. Both he and his son, R. W. Messmore, afterwards did an extensive business there. In about 1832 or 1833, John Gilmore, after losing the above pioneer mill, by litigation with Mr. Pancoast, erected a mill two and a half miles above, on what is called Island branch of Deer creek, in the Overton survey, No. 463. After a dozen years he was succeeded by a colored man named Sylva, and very soon thereafter it was abandoned altogether. William Harrison built a large steam flouring mill—the Madison Mills-in 1859. After doing a thriving business five years, he sold it and eight acres of ground to Andrew Shriver, of Ross county, who, failing to meet his payments, was relieved by John Harrison, who took the property over. A few years longer and the mill was dismantled and the machinery removed to Stuckey's mill, at Washington C. H. At the same time the grounds and buildings were sold to Abraham Lindsey, whose son, A. C. Lindsey, in 1880, bought new machinery at a cost of five thousand dollars and opened up, doing extensive and profitable milling business. Thomas Lindsey located a portable saw-mill on East fork of Paint creek, one southeast of Madison Mills, in March, 1881. Later the mill was moved a mile northwest of White Oak. In 1822 Samuel Pancoast started a single carding-mill at Pancoastburg and operated the same about seven years. About 1829 he secured a partner, a Mr. Muzzy, from Springfield, Ohio, who added fulling and finishing machinery. Then they secured John Messmore, an expert in such work, and another carding machine was added. Ten years later hand-spinning machinery was put in—these were known as "Billie and Ginnie." It was not many years before John Messmore was sole owner, and he, in 1835, added a 344 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. condenser and spinning-jack, thus continuing to card, spin, do the fulling process, dying, and finishing, until 1860, when steam power was added to run the machinery in dry and low-water seasons. Five years later his son succeeded him, and soon it became the property of Appleton Mowry, who finding the larger mills and factories too much to compete with, sold off most of the machinery for old iron, and was content at manufacturing stocking yarn. VILLAGES OF THE TOWNSHIP. There are now a number of very small hamlets within this township, the larger of which has less than three hundred population. These villages are Pancoastburg (old Waterloo), with about two hundred and fifty people; Cook, with seventy population; Madison Mills, with less than a hundred and fifty people. What was originally called Waterloo is in the extreme southeastern part of the township, on the road leading from Chillicothe to Urbana. It was laid out June 20, 1816, by Isaac Pancoast and Jesse Woodson, and occupies a part of the James survey, No. 470. The first lots, ten in number, were auctioned off in September of the year of the platting. This was the second, or replatting, as no lots were sold at first, so in 1829 Pancoast again platted his town over. The first house was erected by Nathan Loofborrow, after the re-survey had been effected. Prior to that there had been a log cabin on the site. The second house was erected by John Messmore in 1833-34. was a brick building. Nathan Loofborrow opened a store in part of his dwelling soon after the last surveying. He continued five or six years and sold to Rowland Wilson and a Mr. Jackson, of Mt. Sterling. They were short-lived. Prior to this store was that of Thomas Littleton, who began merchandising and kept it up until his death, about twelve years later. J. W. Blizzard closed out this stock in 1860. With the flight of years many have been engaged in trade at this village, and their names may appeal to some reader, who may know of or be related thereto, hence they are subjoined : Vance & Bailey, Girton & Phebus, J. W. Moore, Shreve Gaskill, A. P. Littleton, Daniel Kelley, J. W. Smith, Wharford Young, J. W. Gaskill, B. T. Corkwell, George D. Ladd, W. H. H. Timmons, James Lewis, Wesley Geoley, R. W. Messmore, Wickman & Leach and E. A. Peasley. The last named opened a dry goods store in 1879, when J. W. Moore started in the grocery trade. In 1850 A. S. Decker commenced to run a harness shop at this point and FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 345 in the late eighties was still furnishing such work and goods for that section of Fayette county. A shoe shop was put in by A. Howser, in 1879. The earliest blacksmith of Waterloo was in 183o, in the person of Mr. Tracy, who at that date was eighty years of age, hence only wielded the sledge a few years longer. Others of that trade were Messrs. McClelland, John Timmons, Adley Bostwick, who was killed by the falling of a pile of native lumber. Also William Scott ran a shop later than this. Bostwick patented a plow which his apprentice manufactured. At the present date, summer of 1914, the business at this point is chiefly in the hands of : F. W. Hatfield, hardware ; C. A. Richardson, groceries ; M. R. Scott, general dealer; R. L. Hutchison, general dealer ; D. M. Norris, blacksmith; J. H. Richardson, postmaster. There are churches as follows : Methodist Episcopal, Christian, Christian Union societies. The present school house was erected in 1889. CHAPTER XXIX. CITY OF WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE. Washington C. H., the county seat of Fayette county, is located near the central portion of Union township, on Paint creek, and occupies a part of land entry No. 757, which consisted of twelve hundred acres and belonged to Benjamin Temple, of Logan county, Kentucky, who donated one hundred and fifty acres to Fayette county for a county town, or seat of justice. The deed conveying this land to the county was made December 1, 1810, by Thomas S. Hind (through a power of attorney from Temple) to Robert Stewart, who was appointed by the Legislature of Ohio as "director of the town of Washington," and who had the town laid off sometime between December 1, 1810, and February 26, 1811, the latter date being he day on which the town plat was recorded. The name "Washington Court House" was not given to the place until later. This was affixed in order to not confuse a town in Guernsey county, this state, with this one. it was a quite a common custom in both Virginia and Maryland to have the affix of "C. H." to many of their county seats, and hence, as many of our early settlers came from those states, it was but natural that some such affix be made. After the change was made it was almost universally used and not until a few years ago was there any attempt to cut off the "C. H." at the end of Washington. Petitions were freely circulated in 1911, and an exciting campaign was had over the proposed change, but when all was over it appeared that a majority of four hundred was in favor of retaining the affix of "Court House," and so it will probably always remain. The postal department will not admit of two offices by same name in any one state. At the time this county was organized th was no such law, otherwise this difficulty might all have been remedied. few years since the government changed the name Washington, Guer county, to "Old Washington," to distinguish it from the county seat Fayette county, for much trouble arose over the distribution of mails f. these two Ohio points. The fact is, that the Ohio Legislature gave this town—the seat of justice of Fayette county—the name of "Washington,' and also when it was incorporated in 1831 it was incorporated as "Washing. FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 347 ton.” So, legally, it has never had the "C. H." attached to it, but is so called on by common consent. FIRST BUSINESS EVENTS. Joseph Runk was probably the first merchant in Washington C. H. And occupied a hewed-log building, one end of which he used for a dwelling, on the east corner of Main and Market streets. He began business there perhaps as early as 1811, and continued until 1813, when he became financially in straits, and his property was sold to Samuel Waddle, step-father of Judge D. McLain. About the time Runk began business at the place above located, or probably a little later, Peter Hefley opened a small store on the southeast side of Court street. Henry Snyder and Jesse Mulloy ran a store for awhile, then Mulloy retired, and Snyder carried on the business. Pierce Evans came with a large stock in 1814. He was soon followed by Samuel Evans and sons, from Highland county. Pierce Evans built a store room on the site of the old Toledo, Dayton & Baltimore depot and ran it until 1822, when he failed. Samuel Evans and sons continued for a time, sold out, and went into the tavern business on the corner of Court and Fayette. Waddle & McGara started a general country store in 1817, the former running the store and the latter practicing medicine, which was continued until 1822. When Pierce Evans failed, his goods were taken up by John Boyed and the business was carried on for years by James Shivers, who also kept drugs, and when he retired he was succeeded in the drug business by Daniel McLain. In 183o there was a firm by the name of John McManis & Company. Samuel Yeoman, William McElwain, Webster Melvin & Company and Henry Robinson & Company were in business about 1838-40. In connection with his store, Peter Hefley also sunk a tanyard in the space to the rear of his store room and exchanged goods for hides. In this manner he carried on business for several years. This was the first tan-yard at Washington C. H. and was started shortly after he opened his store. The next tannery at Washington C. H. was started by McQuita & Stran in 1820, on the north corner of Court and North streets. This business was continued five or six years. In 1838 Jesse L. Millikan started a tannery on Main street, near the Cincinnati & Muskingum Valley depot and carried on the business five or six years. Henry Fletcher, in about 1812, opened a blacksmith shop on the south corner of Court and Fayette streets, which, if not the first, was among the ery earliest blacksmith shops in Washington C. H. He carried on the business at this point fifteen or twenty years. 348 - FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO. Robert Casna was the first saddler, followed by Samuel Young, George Upp and Robert Wilson. Doctor Baldrick was the first physician in town, but stayed only a few years. He was followed by Doctor McGara. Baldrick was also a Presbyterian minister. Zimmerman, Benjamin and .1 Hinton, James, David and Joseph Hopkins were all physicians and residents. G. Dempsey was the first school teacher and James Clark one his successors. Sampson Dempsey was the first justice of the peace John Popejoy the next. WASHINGTON C. H. IN 1815. The following is taken from an old account and portrays well the appearance of the town in that early year : In 1815 Washington C. H. consisted of a few scattering log houses. The only brick in the village was the newly completed court house. There were two taverns. One was kept by William Harris in the house now occupied by Mrs. Parvin, on Main street, north of the jail; the other on the corner now owned by Henry Dahl, corner of Court and Main streets, by Jacob Jones. They were both cabins, with roofs of clapboards. In the winter of 1815 Thomas McDonald opened a good public house, distinguished by a good shingle roof, on the lot built up by Colonel Yeoman. There were three dry goods stores, kept by Evans & Sons, Millikan & Snyder and Rank & Patterson. Their entire stock would not make a wagon load. There crossed Court street, on the site of Robinson & Herbert's building, a stream called Plug run. It was spanned on the street by a puncheon bridge. Heavy rains destroyed this bridge and required its reconstruction. West of the run there were but three buildings, a saddler and gunshop on the south side and a cabin on the north side, where is the residence of Doctor Rush. The town, on Court street, extended east to the corner now owned by Mrs. Evans. Where Millet resides stood a tanyard and two cabins. On Main street there were log houses as far north as Judge Priddy's corner ; all beyond was woods. On Market street scattering cabins stood along from the corner on which stands the Methodist Episcopal church; west to the creek, north of Market, was a thicket where Mother Hubbard, a colored 1 Oman, shot quails and rabbits as well as a man. The grounds and residence of Benjamin Brown were an oak wood, in which stood the two-story log house of Samuel Buck, the lawyer. Henry Pursley's home stands where Jesse Millikan, the first clerk, recorder and postmaster, had built a two story log dwelling. The tavern kept by Harris had for a sign the likeness FAYETTE COUNTY, OHIO - 349 of Monroe or Madison. The people gathering in town on Saturday to trade and drink, shot out one of the eyes of the sign. The town site was heavily wooded with white oak and for years their great stumps blocked the streets, wherein wagons sank axle-deep in mud. There was a one-story school house built of round logs upon the lot on Market street where stood the old Methodist Episcopal church. Scholars came to the school from the DeWitte settlement four miles east of Washington C. H. The town had no churches. Methodists and Presbyterians met at the court house and held prayers at private cabins. There were but three or four Baptists in the town, to whom Revs. Yeoman, Bell and Snelsen preached at intervals. Bands of Cherokees and other tribes came to town and stayed for weeks. In 1813 Joseph Rank sold to Samuel Waddle inlots Nos. 10, 13, 20, 21 and outlots Nos. 1, 6 and 20 for ten thousand dollars. The same property was sold by the administrator of the estate in 1824 for one thousand dollars, showing the depreciation in property after the war. In 1846 Washington C. H. contained a Presbyterian church, a Methodist Episcopal church, an academy, eight stores, two printing offices, two woolen factories, one saw-mill, two grist-mills and ninety-seven dwellings. In 1889 the city had increased to the following : The Herald, the Fayette Republican, Ohio State Register, the Commercial Bank, People's and Drovers' Bank, Merchants' and Farmers' Bank, a Presbyterian, Christian, Methodist, Catholic, two colored churches and a Baptist church ; also had the Janney & Manning machine shops, Fayette Creamery Company, White & Ballard's shoe factory, a sash, door and blind factory by A. Coffman & Company, the Ludlow soap factory, and flouring mills. As late as the nineties on the last Tuesday in every month there was held a public stock sale in the streets of the city, and on some occasions as high as six thousand four hundred head of cattle were sold in a single day. FIRST AND EARLY EVENTS. It seems pretty well established that the following are among the first events of the city : The first white man's house was built by and for a Mr. Crusuer. It was erected in 1.807 of rough logs cut from the forest where it stood. The first store was kept by Joseph Houk ; the second by Peter Hofler, after which came Messrs. Robert Waddell, Pearson and John Evans. The pioneer saddler and harness-maker was Robert Casna. The earliest physician to practice the healing art was Doctor Baldrich,