JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.


Jefferson, named in honor of the third President of the United States, and the largest but one in the county, is located in the northwestern part of the same, being bounded on the north by Madison County, on the east by Paint Township, on the south by Union and Jasper townships, and on the west by Greene County. For a more specific description, date of organization, etc., see general history of the county. Paint Creek forms its eastern boundary proper, while Rattlesnake enters in the north and crosses the entire township, flowing southwestwardly, while the numerous tributaries of these streams traverse it in various directions. According to the statements of old settlers, Rattlesnake is named from an old Indian chief, whose camp was on land now owned by Clement Shockley. Sugar Creek, flowing almost parallel with Rattlesnake, obtained its name from the great abundance of sugar maple on its banks.


The surface is generally level, with occasional ridges and low rolling hills. The soil is black and productive; large crops of grain are harvested each year, especially between Sugar and Rattlesnake creeks. It was originally timbered heavily with elm, hickory, oak and sugar maple, but the ax and saw have caused sad havoc with the dense forest, and since the completion of the railroad, coal is being very generally used for fuel. Travel is facilitated by the Springfield Southern Railroad, and five free pikes, of which a more extended notice will be given subsequently.


EARLY SETTLEMENTS.


Chief among the military surveys of this township, are tracts bearing the names of McArthur, 2,000 acres; Washington, 2,000 acres; Kearns, 1,000 acres; Duff, 2,000 acres; Dunn, 1,000 acres; Mosely, 1,000 acres; Pendelton, Spottswood and others. These surveys have been divided into small tracts, and are owned prin-


638


JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 639


cipally by the pioneers and their posterity. The early settlers; unmindful of the great importance attached thereto, kept no chronological record, hence our task is a difficult one.


From the limited data at our command, we infer that the family of William Robinson, sr., was among the first who settled within the limits of this township. This family, which consisted of father and four sons, were natives of North Carolina, whence they removed to Virginia.


In the year 1801, they came to this state and settled in Greene County, about five miles southeast of Xenia, where they remained a few years, then came to this township—perhaps in 1804. The elder Robinson, located on the present site of the town of Jeffersonville, occupying a cabin situated on the lot now in the possession of Richard Fox. William Robinson, jun., took possession of a tract of land, just across the creek from the village, now known as the " Wright farm," and occupied by Thomas Bruce. Two of the sons, Thomas and Abner lived on the present Lewis .Janes' farm; the other son, named Nicholas, on land now belonging to Charles Gray, on Rattlesnake Creek. Singleton, a son of William Robinson, jun., resides in this township, and enjoys the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen.


Aaron Kendall, and family, left Stafford County, Virginia, in 1805, and settled in this township on part of the Washington survey. The father eventually traveled back to Virginia and died there. The remainder of the family grew up and scattered ; consequently not a descendant is now living here. The old homestead is owned by the heirs of the late Charles Harrold.


In the year 1809 or 1810, George Creamer and three sons, Michael, Joseph and David, came from Berkeley County, Virginia, and settled on Sugar Creek, on laud still owned by his descendants. George Creamer, jr., came in 1813, and located in the same neighborhood. This family held prominent positions, and took an active part in the development of the country. George was the first justice of the peace; David was justice of the peace and surveyor; Joseph, Michael and David participated in the war of 1812. The senior Creamer died in the year 1825, and his sons have all followed him. Their descendants still survive, and practice the many virtues laid down by their ancestors.


Soon after the Creamers took their departure from their Virginia home, they were followed by Marshall and Jacob Jenkins,


640 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.


who resided in the same neighborhood—Warm Springs, Berkeley County. Marshall Jenkins removed to near Sugar Creek, where now resides the relict of John Parrott, deceased. He lived there about twenty years, then removed to Port Williams, in Clinton County, this state. Jacob took possession of a tract of land, a part of which is now occupied by Mr. Hooker, and lived thereon till 1850, when he divided the same amongst his children and removed to Jeffersonville, where he died in 1865. A part of the old homestead is still in the possession of his posterity.


Prior to 1812, a Carolinian named John McKillep came here, and located about two miles north of .Jeffersonville, (descendants still reside there) with wife and three sons :John, William and Daniel. Mrs. McKillep was held in high repute for her services among the settlers as midwife, and because of the scarcity of physicians, was in great demand.


It should he remembered that there are two surveys in the name of Duff in this township ; the east survey was settled by Patrick Kerns, who immigrated prior to 1810, and cleared a piece of ground adjoining the farms of Jenkins and Creamer. He built a two story log house, which was in appearance far iii advance of its day and generation, which was standing and occupied as late as 1874. The western survey was purchased by Peter Harness, in 1811, and divided among his sons, giving each a good farm.


Joseph Hidy settled at an early day near Paint Creek, and owned a. large tract of land in Paint Township. Michael Carr owned land in this township, but resided in Paint.


John Killgore, with his wife and a large family, emigrated to Greene County, Ohio, from Kentucky, in 1801, and located in the immediate vicinity of Xenia, where they remained several years; then, because of the scarcity of game, they determined to change their quarters. Accordingly, the elder, accompanied by several of his sons and a neighbor named James Kent, proceeded to explore the country east of Xenia, and finally entered this township. The first trace of civilization disclosed to their eyes was a "turnip patch," near the cabin of Philip Powell, located in close proximity to the present residence of Mr. McKillep, survey No. 1,344. They struck the branch called Benbow Creek, and followed the same through the farm now owned by Perry Killgore, to its mouth at Sugar Creek, and here a bear was shot by one of the party. Perceiving smoke arising from near a spring on the present Blessing


JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 641


farm, they proceeded hither and discovered a party of Indians in camp. The latter were friendly, and invited the Killgores to remain over night, which invitation was thankfully accepted, the bear being served for supper. On the following day they went to Madison County, selected a tract of land, erected a cabin, and moved into the same with their families, remaining till 1808, when one hundred and twenty-five acres in this township, extending from Perry Kiligore's house to the road. east of the same, were purchased. Here they remained till 1812, engaging in farming and hunting. At the outbreak of the war of 1812, one of the sons named James, went to Kentucky with Nathaniel Scott, and manufactured saltpetre. John went to Chillicothe, enlisted in the service, and died at Chillicothe while guarding prisoners. His coffin was made by Joseph Hidy. His son, John Clark, volunteered, and was taken to Upper Sandusky, where he remained until the close of the war, when he returned to his home. The Killgore farm was purchased of Thomas Posey at seventy-five cents per acre. At the death of the elder Killgore, it was purchased by two of his sons; one of the brothers, Clark, eventually became sole owner, and at his demise, his son Perry bought out the several heirs, and still retains the old homestead. The latter was born in 1822, in the old house, which is still standing, and was built prior to the marriage of Clark—about 1820. The various members of the old family are deceased, and their descendants scattered.


We are indebted to Mr. Perry Killgore for a list of the pioneers who settled in the immediate vicinity of his home.


Philip Powell, who lived near the "turnip patch" above mentioned, came during the years intervening between 1801 and 1804, and afterwards removed to Indiana, where he died. He was a Kentuckian by birth.


Solomon Green lived on the present T. L. Rowan farm, but remained a short time only. It is said of his son William, that he brought from Kentucky and wore the first pair of boots ever brought to this settlement, which gave him the sobriquet of " Bill Boots."


David Polly, and Risdon, were early residents of the neighborhood. The latter married Elizabeth, a daughter of John Killgore, sen.


In about the year 1815, Stephen Hunt removed to the farm


642 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.


which had been lately vacated by Polly. He was a carpenter, surveyor, blacksmith, and justice of the peace,—held the latter office many years, and pursued his various avocations successfully; eventually removing to Illinois.


Samuel Hornbeck occupied the farm now owned by Abram Blessing. Being subject to frequent attacks of fits, his wife was told that a permanent cure might be effected by taking off his under garment and burning the same. At the next attack the remedy was given a trial, resulting in the loss of the garment, but proving a failure otherwise.


Moses Thomas settled on Sugar Creek, just south of the tenement house now owned by Eli Mock, in 1825, and engaged in blacksmithing.


Just below Moses Thomas, lived James and Andrew Wicker, who were natives of North Carolina. The former afterwards re-moved to Illinois with Jonathan, his father-in-law.


William and John Horsey settled early on the farm now owned by Amos Williams. John devoted himself to hunting and shooting the game which was here in abundance.


John Mock was born in North Carolina, January 8, 1780. In 1800, he married Mary Horney, of the same state, and, accompanied by her emigrated to Ohio, settling in Greene County, in 1802. He assisted in the erection of the first dwelling house in Xenia, which of course was of logs. He remained in Greene until 1853, at which time he removed to this township, locating on the farm now owned by his son Hezekiah, which contained five hundred and nine acres, and was purchased of William Kerr for $1,000. Mock was a participant in the Indian war, and guarded the Minerva block house. Upon his arrival here, he engaged in farming and continued till his death, which occurred in 1862—his wife preceded him about four years. They had eleven children, of whom nine survive; six live in this county, two in Greene, and one in the State of Illinois. At his death, he had seventy-eight grand-children.


Joseph Kent, who came with the Killgores, remained with them till 1808, then removed to Madison County where he spent the remainder of his days.


JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 643


OFFICIAL.


The original boundaries of this township, and the various changes of the same, together with the date of organization is given in another part of this work ; hence, a repetition is deemed unnecessary. Through the courtesy of A. Bush, Esq., we have obtained access to the records from 1816 to 1881—making a complete record with the exception of a few years—and extract as below :


The following officers were elected on the first day of April, 1816, and " sworn in " on the sixth day of the same month: Justice of the peace, Thomas Robinson ; trustees, Jacob Jenkins, Joseph Kendall and Nicholas Robinson ; constables, William McCandless, and Price Landfare ; supervisors, Samuel Wicker, John Miller, George Pence and James Sanderson ; treasurer, John McKillep; lister, William McCandless ; overseers of the poor, Patrick Kernan and John Williams; fence viewers, Jacob Jenkin and David Creamer; the later was appointed at a subsequent meeting of the trustees ; clerk, David Creamer.


March 3, 1817, the trustees met at the house of William C. Blackmore and issued orders as follows : John Miller, supervisor one year, $3.00; Samuel Wicker, received, $5.25 for a like service; Jacob Jenkins, trustee one year, $6.00; for serving in the capacity of supervisor one year, James Sanderson and George, each $225 ; Joseph Kendall, trustee, $4.00 ; Joseph Creamer, per cent of funds, 98 cents ; David Creamer, clerk, $4.00 ; following which appears this entry : " Settled all accounts with the treasurer, and there remains $1.22 in the treasury."


March 21, 1818, John Fenel was paid $2.62 1/2 cents for his services as deputy supervisor, the fraction was paid in " sharp shins" or " cut-money."


June 28, 1824, William Longbridge, constable, was commanded by John Ryan, an overseer of the poor, to "summon Samuel Thornton and Lida Thornton to depart out of this township, and of this writ make legal service and due return."


The trustees, on May 24, 1834, bound to James Fent, as an. apprentice, George Seamer, aged eleven, until he shall attain the age of twenty-one. Conditioned that the said Fent shall clothe, maintain and educate said Seamer, and at the expiration of his term of servitude, shall present him with a Bible and two suits of clothes. This is the first transaction of the kind on record.


644 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.


The records on the main have been well kept, and are simply indicative of the business transacted by the officials. The above extracts were made with a view of showing the great changes made in the management of affairs.


We submit below a complete list of the principal township officials from 1816 to 1881. At times it has been difficult to ascertain definitely the names of persons elected each year, to which should be ascribed any inaccuracy that may occur:

1816

Jacob. Jenkins, Joseph Kendall, Nicholas Robinson, trustees.

David Creamer, clerk.

John McKillep, treasurer.

William McCandless, assessor.

1817

Nicholas Robinson, Aaron Kendall, Joseph Kendall, trustees.

David Creamer, clerk.

John McKillep, treasurer.

Joseph Creamer, assessor.

1818

Joseph Kendall, James Horney, Patrick Kenan, trustees.

David Creamer, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

Joseph Creamer, assessor.

1819

George Benson, N. Robinson, Joseph Kendall, trustees.

David Creamer, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

Joseph Creamer, assessor.

1820

Isaac Hagler, James Herr, Joseph Kendall, trustees.

David Creamer, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

George H. Creamer, assessor.

1821

Isaac Hagler, Joseph Kendall, Patrick Kenan, trustees.

David Creamer, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

George H. Creamer, assessor.

1822

Isaac Hagler, Joseph Kendall, Richard Ayres, trustees.

David Creamer, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

George H. Creamer, assessor.

1823

Joseph Kendall, Richard Ayres, George Benson, trustees.

David Creamer, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

George H. Creamer, assessor.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 645

1824

Isaac Hagler, N. Robinson, William Janes, trustees.

A. Keran, clerk.

Daniel Horney treasurer.

George H. Creamer, assessor.

1825

William Janes, N. Robinson, Joseph Creamer, trustees.

Azariah Keran, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

Sylvester Jenks, assessor.

1826

N. Robinson, Joseph Creamer, William Janes, trustees,

Azariah Keran, clerk.

Daniel Horner, treasurer

1827

George Benson, Joseph Creamer, Wm. Robinson, trustees.

John B. Dowden, clerk.

Daniel Horney, clerk

1828

Wm. Robinson, Wm. Wiley, Charles Wilson, trustees.

George Benson, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

1829

George Benson, J. Creamer, Andrew Hardway, trustees.

Hiram Jenkins, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

1830

N. Morrison, W. Robinson, James Kirkpatrick, trustees.

Stephenus Hunt, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.,

1831

N. Morrison, Wm. Robinson, Joseph Straley, trustees.

George Creamer, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

1832

William Robinson, George Benson, N. Morrison, trustees.

M. B. Wright., clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

1833

N. Morrison, William Robinson, George Benson, trustees.

M. B. Wright, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

1834

James Sanderson, Wm. Robinson, Joshua Creamer, trustees.

Thomas Lucas, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

1835

Garret Vanorsdoll, George Benson, Reuben Carr, trustees.

Thomas Lucas, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

1836

Garret Vanorsdoll, George Benson, Reuben Carr, trustees.

Jacob Creamer, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

646 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.


1837

Patrick Herns, John Mills, William Janes, trustees.

Jacob Creamer, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

1838

Chipman Horney, David Creamer, Amos Flood, trustees.

John Hanken, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

1839

B. B. Mills, C. Horney, Membrance Blue, trustees.

J. B. Creamer, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

1840

B. Latham, G. Vanorsdoll, J. Horney, trustees.

J. B. Creamer, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

1841

G. Vanorsdoll, J. Horney, Bela Latham, trustees.

J. B. Creamer, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

1842

J. Horney, G. Vanorsdoll, H. Sanderson, trustees.

J. B. Creamer, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

1843

J. Horney, G. Vanorsdoll, H. Sanderson, trustees.

J. B Creamer, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

1844

J. Horney, G. Vanorsdoll, H. Sanderson, trustees.

Timothy Jayne, clerk.

Daniel Horney, treasurer.

Simon Creamer, assessor,

1845

H. Sanderson, G. Vanorsdoll, J. Horney, trustees.

Timothy Jayne, clerk.

Reuben Carr, treasurer.

Wilson Lancaster, assessor.

1846

Harvey Sanderson, Garret Vanorsdoll, Jeffrey Horney, trustees.

Timothy Jayne, clerk.

Reuben Carr, treasurer.

M. B. Wright, assessor.

1847

Harvey Sanderson, Garret Vanorsdoll, William Robinson, trustees.

David Creamer, clerk.

Reuben Carr, treasurer.

M. B. Wright, assessor.

1848

Garret Vanorsdoll, Jesse Williams, John Lucas, trustees.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 647


 

William Hill, clerk.

Reuben Carr, treasurer.

M. B. Wright, assessor.

1849

John Parrott, H. Sanderson, W. Lancaster, trustees.

B. C. Fewell, clerk.

Reuben Carr, treasurer.

J. R. Sanders, assessor.

1850

John Parrott, Harvey Sanderson, Wilson Lancaster, trustees. David Creamer, clerk.

J. P: Edwards, treasurer.

J. R. Sanders, assessor.

1851

H. Sanderson, G. Vanorsdoll, S. Sheley, trustees.

Abram Bush, clerk.

J. P. Edwards, treasurer.

J. R. Sanders, assessor.

1852

S. F. Johnson, H. Sanderson, G. Vanorsdoll, trustees.

A. Bush, clerk.

Richard Fawkes, treasurer.

J. R. Sanders, assessor.

1853

H. Sanderson, G. Vanorsdoll, Jacob Creamer, trustees.

A. Bush, clerk.

Richard Fawkes, treasurer.

J. R. Sanders, assessor

1854

H. Sanderson, Jacob Creamer, G. Vanorsdoll, trustees.

A. Bush, clerk.

Richard Fawkes, treasurer.

William A. Cremer, assessor.

1855

G. Vanorsdoll, M. B. Wright, Anderson Horney, trustees.

A. Bush, clerk.

Richard Fawkes, treasurer.

Singleton Robinson, assessor.

1856

G. Vanorsdoll, A. Horney, Ezra Compton, trustees.

A. Bush, clerk.

Richard Fawkes, treasurer.

Singleton Robinson, assessor.

1857

Joseph Hidy, G. W. Janes, Charles Harrold, trustees.

A. Bush, clerk.

Richard Fawkes, treasurer.

Singleton Robinson, assessor.

1858

G. W. Janes, Charles Harrold, J. B. Creamer, trustees.

648 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.


 

A. Bush, clerk.

Richard Fawkes, treasurer.

Singleton Robinson, assessor

1859

G. W. Janes, Willis Hays, J. M. Porter, trustees.

A. Bush, clerk.

Richard Fawkes, treasurer.

Benjamin Wilson, assessor.

1860

G. W. Janes, J. N. Porter, John McKillep, trustees.

A. Bush, clerk.

W. T. Howard, treasurer.

Benjamin Wilson, assessor.

1861

G. W. Janes, J. M. Porter, John McKillep, trustees.

A. Bush, clerk.

W. T. Howard, treasurer.

Singleton Robinson, assessor.

1862

G. W. Janes, J. M. Porter, Willis Hays, trust s.

A. Bush, clerk.

W. T. Howard, treasurer.

M. B. Wright, assessor.

1863

J. B. Creamer, G. W. Janes, Willis Hays, trustees.

A. Bush, clerk.

W. T. Howard, treasurer.

M. B. Wright, assessor.

1864

J. B. Creamer, J. R. Vanorsdoll, Willis Hays, trustees.

A. Bush, clerk.

William T. Howard, treasurer.

Joseph Browning, assessor.

1865

J. B. Creamer, J. R. Vanorsdoll, Willis Hays, trustees.

A. Bush, clerk.

William T. Howard, treasurer.

Joseph Browning, assessor.

1866

Henry Miller, J. R. Vanorsdoll, C. K. Higbee, trustees.

A. Bush, clerk.

L. Goldman, treasurer.

Abram Bush, assessor.

1867

Henry Miller, J. R. Vanorsdoll, C. K. Higbee, trustees.

A. Bush, clerk.

L. Goldman, treasurer.

Abram Bush, assessor.

1868

J. R. Vanorsdoll, J. B. Creamer, C. Higbee, trustees

.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 649


 

J. R. Creamer, clerk.

L. Goldman, treasurer.

Abram Bush assessor.

1869

J. R. Vanorsdoll, J. B. Creamer, L. D. Crow, trustees.

H. Carr, clerk.

L. Goldman, treasurer.

Singleton Robinson, assessor

1870

Abram Bush, L. D. Crow, J. R. Vanorsdoll, trustees.

O. W. Marshall, clerk.

L. Goldman, treasurer

C. Williams, assessor.

1871

Abram Bush, L. D. r w, J. R. Vanorsdoll, trustees.

O. W. Marshall, clerk.

L. Goldman, treasurer.

A. Bush, assessor.

1872

L. D. Crow, J. R. Vanorsdoll, E. L. Carr, trustees.

O. W. Marshall, clerk.

L. Goldman, treasurer.

Singleton Robinson, assessor.

1873

G. W. Janes, W. C. Fent, L. D. Crow, trustees.

M. S. Creamer, clerk.

O. K. Corbitt, treasurer.

Henry Sharp, assessor.

1874

G. W. Janes, W. C. Fent, H. K. Mock, trustees.

O. W. Marshall, clerk.

O. K. Corbitt, treasurer.

Henry Sharp, assessor

1875

W. C. Fent, G. W. Janes, Nathan Creamer, trustees.

C. W. Gray, clerk.

O. K. Corbitt, treasurer.

Henry Sharp, assessor.

1876

G. W. Janes, W. C. Fent, G. L. Bush, trustees.

C. W. Gray, clerk.

O. K. Corbitt, treasurer.

Henry Sharp, assessor.

1877

N. Creamer, W. C. Fent, W. T. Howard, trustees.

C. W. Gray, clerk.

O. K. Corbitt, treasurer.

Henry Sharp, assessor.

1878

N. Creamer, W. C. Fent, W. T. Howard, trustees.

650 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.


 

C. W. Gray, clerk.

John B. Fent, treasurer.

Joab Harper, assessor.

1879

W. C. Fent, G. L. Janes, B. F. Johnson, trustees.

C. W. Gray, clerk.

John B. Fent, treasurer.

Joab Harper, assessor.

1880

B. F. Johnson, E. L. Jones, M. K. Wright, trustees.

C. Marshall, clerk, vice Gray, resigned.

John B. Fent, treasurer.

Henry Sharp, assessor.





JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.


1816, Thomas Robinson ; 1817, George Creamer, Stephenus Hunt ; 1818, James Kerr; 1821, David Creamer; 1822, William Janes; 1825, David Creamer ; 1827, Stephenus Hunt ; 1828, David Creamer, John C. Killgore ; 1831, George Benson, Stephen us Hunt; 1834, David Creamer, S. Hunt; 1837, Thomas Lucas, George Benson ; 1838, Jacob A. Rankin; 1840, Thomas Lucas; 1841, Jacob A. Rankin, Jacob Creamer; 1843, Thomas Lucas; 1844, Jacob A. Rankin, Ezekiel H. Crow ; 1846, Thomas Lucas, David Creamer, Ezekiel H. Crow; 1848, Timothy Jayne, Jesse Carr; 1851, Jesse Carr, Timothy Jayne; 1853, Thomas Lucas; 1854, David Creamer, Ezekiel , H. Crow ; 1856, J. M. Lucas; 1857, David Creamer, Elias Straley ; 1859, Charles Harrold; 1860, James Straley, E. H. Carr; 1861 Joseph Hurless ; 1863, James Straley, Jacob Creamer ; 1865, John W. Sayer; 1867, E. P. Conner; 1868, Jacob Creamer, John W. Sayer; 1869, J. M. Blessing; 1870, James Straley; 1871, Joseph Hurless, A. W. Blessing; 1873, James Straley, 1874, Joseph Hurless, L. D. Crow ; 1876, Samuel R. Straley ; 1877, Joseph Hurless, L. D. Crow ; 1879, James Flax; 1880, Joseph Hurless, W. G. Creamer.


CHURCHES.


THE FREE CHURCH ASSOCIATION.


In about the year 1848, the citizens of Jeffersonville organized a society which had for its object the erection of a Church, to be


JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 651


non-sectarian in its character, i. e. to be occupied by the various denominations, alternately. The stockholders met March 6, 1848, and purchased a part of the school lot in district number 13, and decided to erect a house of worship thereon, which was to be of frame, fifty-four feet in length and thirty-eight feet in width. It was stipulated that the house should be used by all denominations, and the "Sons of Temperance" were granted the privilege of building a stairway to the garret and occupying the same, provided they made the necessary improvements. Its friends subscribed $983.57, in addition to which separate funds were raised for the stoves and lamps, the latter by the ladies. The church has been occupied by the Methodist Episcopal, Universalist, and Methodist Protestant denominations, and is in charge of a non-sectarian board of trustees; it was remodelled in 1869. Present directors: William Blessing, O. W. Marshall, W. H. Jones, M. D., Joseph Hurless, J. B. Bush.


FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF JEFFERSONVILLE.


This church was organized August 5, 1860, by Rev. E. Moore, of Locust Grove, Adams County, Ohio, in the Union meeting house. The following officers were elected on the 29th of the same month: William Palmer, Joseph Hidy, John F. Gregg, deacons and trustees; Gilbert Ferrell, treasurer; H. K. Pearson, secretary. Rev. Moore continued pastor for a period of eight years, and was followed by Rev. W. S. Bacon, of Cincinnati, who had charge one year, and was succeeded by Rev. L. D. H. Corwin; he in turn was followed by Rev. Tucker, who preached three years ; at the expiration of which Rev. Miss Prud Le Clerk—a distant relative of Napoleon Bonaparte—preached, she died December 25, 1878, and was followed by Rev. Saxton, of Columbus, who preached one year, and was succeeded by Mrs. L. D. Crossly, of Woodstock, Champaign County, Ohio, the present incumbent. In 1873 the organization began the erection of a neat brick structure, and finished the same in the following year at a cost of $4,000. The funeral of the late Gilbert Terrell, a staunch supporter of the church, was conducted in the building ere it was completed. One hundred and twenty-one persons have subscribed their names to the constitution since its organization ; the present membership is sixty-three. Services once each month. Sabbath-school every summer.


652 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.


PLEASANT VIEW CHRISTIAN (CAMPBELLITE) CHURCH.


This church was organized June 30, 1877, by P. P. Glass, with fourteen members, at the residence of Benson Glass. The organization proceeded at once to the erection of a house of worship, meanwhile holding services in the school house. The new building, a neat frame, thirty by forty, was completed in March of the following year. 'Squire James Flax is elder, and has preached regularly and acceptably since the formation of the society. Services are held every Sabbath. Membership, eighty-four. Sunday-school during the summer season.


THE PLEASANT VIEW BAPTIST CHURCH.


This church was organized in the old school house, near Pleasant View, by N. M. Longfellow, with about twenty-five members, in 1865-6. They began the erection of their present building, a frame, thirty-six by forty-eight, soon after. The following ministers have been in charge : Churchill, Moore, , Perry, Longfellow, (son of N. M. Longfellow), Mcllvaine, the present incumbent. At present there are about fifty members. Sabbath school every Sunday.


FIRST M. E. CHURCH.


This church is located on the farm of Milan L. Smith, military survey number 1256. An organization was effected in about the year 1865, at the school house in the same neighborhood, and the building is a frame about forty feet long and thirty wide. The Methodist Protestant society has held meetings alternately with the Methodist Episcopal. Both societies at present have a small membership and ere long will cease to exist.


WEST LANCASTER M. E. CHURCH.


The original society was organized at the house of Joseph Straley, who resided about one and one-half miles southeast of West Lancaster, in about the year 1850. For a time meetings were held in a school house on the same farm, when it was determined


JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 653


to erect a log church on the Jamestown and Washington road, one and one-half miles east of West Lancaster, in which services were held till 1858-9, when work was commenced on the present, a frame forty-eight by thirty-six. Owing to the outbreaking of the civil war, the work was dilatory, and the house was not completed until 1863. Among the early and prominent ministers are the following: Alfred Hance, Adams, who went to Texas ; Joseph Tremble, now at the Western University; T. W. Stanley, S. S. Stivers, Cartridge, and R. I. DeSelm, present incumbent. The church is now in the Jeffersonville Circuit and London District.


SECRET ORGANIZATIONS.


ODD FELLOWS.


Jeffersonville Lodge No. 454, I. O. O. F., was organized July 20, 1870, with the following charter members: J. M. Blessing, Joseph Hurless, R. Fox, A. J. Aldridge, O. W. Marshall, E. L. Jones, George H. Creamer, and Lewis Bentz.


The first officers were: Joseph Hurless, N. G.; 0. W. Marshall, V. G.; Lewis Bentz, R. S.; A. J. Aldridge, P. S.; J. W. Blessing, T.; J. J. Tompson, W.; J. H. Creamer, C. ; J. W. Janes, I. G.; G. W. Janes, O. G.; J. W. Haymaker, R. S. N. G.; A. W. Blessing, L. S. N. G.; Milton Miller, R. S. V. G.; O. K. Corbitt, L. S. V. G.; Milton Miller, R. R. S. S.; S. N. Corbitt, L. S. S.; J. M. Porter, J. W. Janes, O. K. Corbitt, trustees.


In June, 1879, a part of the membership, in the absence of the other brethren, voted to surrender the charter, sold the furniture, and appropriated the proceeds, with four hundred dollars belonging to the lodge, to the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Jeffersovile. The absentees instituted suit for the recovery of the property, and the question is now in the common pleas court at Washington for adjustment. A reorganization was also made, and following officers elected: Joseph Hurless, N. G.; W. C. Wilson, V. G.; George Miller, R. S.; J. N. Yates, P. S.; Richard Fox, T.; Jacob R. Hosier, Joseph Hurless, J. J. Thompson, trustees.


The present officers are : S. R. Estep, N. G. ; D. W. Perkins, V.


654 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.


G.; George Miller, R. and P. S.: R. Fox, T.; J. R. Hosier, W.; J. N. Yates, C.; W. C. Wilson, I. G.; T. G. Ware, O. G.; Joseph Hurless, R. S. N. G.; J. G. Reese, L. S. N. G.; John Curry, R. S. V. G. ; E. I'. Zimmerman, L. S. V. G.; J. .T. Thompson, R. S. S. ; Jacob Dieterle, L. S. S.


TOWNSHIP HOUSE.


The trustees of Jefferson Township met June 24, 1871, to select and purchase a site on which to build a township house. After due consideration, and examining all the locations offered, it was agreed to purchase of .J. W. Haymaker part of in-lot number twelve, situated in the village of Jeffersonville, and pay one hundred and forty dollars for the same.


INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL.


The pioneers of Jefferson, in common with the new comers of other localities, enjoyed no opportunities for trading at home. Grain and other products were conveyed to Cincinnati, Springfield, and Oldtown; much time and labor being required in making these trips. It soon became apparent that nothing could be gained so long as there were no facilities for converting grain into flour, and timber into lumber, in the near neighborhood, and various devices were invented to attain this end.


Perhaps the first mill worthy of record was erected by William Robinson, on Sugar Creek, opposite the present farm of J. B. Creamer. It was decidedly a primitive affair.

Another water-mill was erected on the same creek by William Blackamore, and used for grinding corn.


Jacob Creamer, in 1840, erected a sawmill, in the present limits of Jeffersonville, where the covered bridge now stands, and afterwards added a corn-cracker. During the wet season lumber was shipped across the creek on a raft, and taken to the village. The lumber, which was white and burr oak, was used in the construction of houses, barns, and fences. Edward Gray had charge of


JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 655


it, and in the spring when the water was low, frequently "put his shoulder" to the water-gate in order to put the machinery in motion.


David Creamer had a sawmill on the land now in the possession of Wallace.

The various dams have long since been abandoned, and the various mills are now propelled by steam.


RAILROADS.


For nearly half a century, the enterprising citizens' of Jefferson have agitated the propriety of constructing a steam railroad through its limits. When the voters of this county were called upon to declare by ballot, whether one hundred thousand dollars should be issued, in bonds, to aid in the construction of the Cincinnati, Wilmington and Zanesville Railroad, via Washington, this township voted yes ! The Dayton and Southeastern Railway project was defeated, while the question of issuing a certain amount of bonds for the purpose of building the Springfield, Jackson and Pomeroy Railroad, was decided in the affirmative; however, the bill authorizing the township to issue the bonds was declared unconstitutional, and for the time being the project was abandoned.


In the winter of 1874 and 1875, the matter was taken up by William Blessing and C. W. Gray and violently agitated. A meeting was called, speakers invited, and a rousing meeting was held. The quota for this township was $35,000, and was filled in a short time through the indefatigable labors of Willis Hays, Isaac Glaze, George Janes, M. B. Wright, C. W. Gray and William Blessing. The land owners all responded liberally. Work was commenced in the spring following, and completed in the fall of 1877. At the completion of the road it did a fair business, which has continued to this day. In the following year the affairs of the road were placed in the hands of a receiver, who sold the same to the Springfield Southern Railroad Company—the present operators. The old organization is still kept up, Mr. Blessing being the director from this place.


656 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.


ROADS.


Our forefathers enjoyed none of the advantages offered by the complete network of pikes and roads of the present day, the blazed road being the only means of traversing the almost impenetrable forest. When a certain number of freeholders desired the "blazing" of a new road, a petition was presented to the county commissioners praying for the same. That honorable body appointed three disinterested persons as viewers, and on their recommendation if no serious objection was made, the road was surveyed and declared established.


The first public highway running through Jefferson, was an old Indian trace converted into a state road, and now usually termed the Jeffersonville and Bloomingburg pike. Another road extended from Washington to Jamestown, and was a great thoroughfare for western emigrants. These, with the road leading from Jeffersonville to South Charleston, constituted the principal thoroughfares.


The township records, prior to 1876, being lost, we have no means of ascertaining the condition of the public highways on and after the immediate organization of Jefferson. In that year there were seven districts, as follows : No. 1, beginning at Alexander Sanderson's, thence down Rattlesnake Creek to the county line; James Sanderson, supervisor. No. 2, beginning at the Xenia road near Sanderson's, thence up Rattlesnake to the county line near Clemons'; John Wirk, supervisor. No. 3, beginning at the crossing of the Missouri, thence to the line of Greene County; Alexander Sanderson, supervisor. No. 4, beginning at Isaac Workman's, thence out the state road to the crossing of the Missouri; George Pence, supervisor. No. 5, beginning at Isaac Workman's, thence up the county road to the long bridge near Blakemore's Mill; Patrick Kerran, supervisor. No 6, beginning at long-bridge near Blackamore's Mill, thence out the county road to the county line ; William Popejoy, supervisor. No. 7, beginning at the county line near Aaron Kendall's, thence down Paint to the crossing of the same ; Aaron Kendall, supervisor. The roads received more attention from time to time, and were enclosed in smaller districts. At present, five pikes and a number of dirt roads attest the excellent facilities offered the traveling public.


JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 657


MISCELLANEOUS.


The first marriage was solemnized between William Aurley and Lucy Kendall, at the house of Aaron Wood ; Squire Joel Wood officiating.


Patrick Kerran (or Kerns) was the first blacksmith, and followed his trade for many years. He brought his forge with him, and was assisted in striking the iron to be beaten, by his wife.

Thomas McGarraugh was the first physician. He lived at Washington and visited his patients on horseback. He enjoyed a good reputation, and afterwards served his county as associate judge and representative.


James F. Boyer and George Sharrette were the pioneer brick-makers; D. McCoy, the first merchant; Joseph Hidy and Stephanus Hunt, the first carpenters.


The counterfeiters who infested this county in the early days, frequently victimized the good citizens of Jefferson, though we have not learned of any organized gang that was located in their midst. In later years, when Alfred Walston removed to the blacksmith shop originally occupied by Moses Thomas, .he found concealed in the same, a mold for the production of bogus silver dollars. How and when the device was placed there has been a mystery to this day.


Richard Douglass, of Chillicothe, and one of the first practitioners at the Washington bar, owned a tract of land in this township containing about twelve hundred acres, which was in charge of his brother, an ex-sea captain, who was well versed in marine matters, but a flat failure as a farmer.

Richard, or "Dick" as he was familiarly called, was very quick tempered, but usually regretted his violent outbursts of passion the next moment. One winter he purchased a large flock of sheep and put them in his brother's care, who managed to preserve half of them—the others died from sheer neglect, and were placed in a heap and covered with straw. On the following spring, Dick visited his farm, and upon discovering the dead sheep exclaimed, " what in the h—1 ! "—but regretting the hasty remark, lifted his eyes reverently to heaven and said, " God forgive me !"


In the fall of the year 1844-5, a party of emigrants, who were on their way from Virginia to a western state, encamped in the


658 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.


woods on the Washington and Jamestown road, on the site of West Lancaster. With them were two young men named Martin and McClung, who were prospecting, and having overtaken the emigrants, concluded to accompany them to the West. It was on the evening of the fall election, and two young men, named respectively Hiram Hosier and Henry Smith, were returning from the polls at Jeffersonville in a jolly mood, and on horseback. One of them, it is alleged, upon arriving at the camp, conducted himself in such a manner as to insult the women, and aroused the indignation of the men, who proceeded to chastise them. The party attacked retreated about two hundred yards, then charged upon the assailing party. In the melee which ensued, Hosier, it is said, encountered McClung, and struck him on the head, inflicting a dangerous wound, from the effects of which he died in a' few hours. Hosier was arrested. The case, however, was postponed from time to time. It was finally brought to trial, and Martin, the prosecuting witness, having been bribed to abscond, the jury disagreed—standing eleven for conviction and one for acquittal. The prosecuting attorney eventually nollied the charge.


On the 20th of April, 1843, a party of young men went to a wedding at Straley's—then in Jefferson, but now in Jasper Township—to " bell." They were attacked by those inside, and Antrim Hankins, son of Thomas R. Hankins, was shot, and died on the following clay. John Hidy was arrested and charged with committing the deed. He was admitted to bail,—his father going his security,—left the country, and never returned.


SCHOOLS.


The antiquated school building, with its huge fireplace and greased paper windows, is well remembered by the pioneers of Jefferson, many of whom obtained their "book larnin" in the same.


David Creamer is remembered as the first teacher in the vicinity. He taught three months each year, in a log cabin on the farm of Jacob Jenkins. Other schools were opened soon after in other portions of the township, and the subscription school system became general.


On the 18th of March, 1826, the township trustees divided Jef-


JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 659


ferson Township into seven school districts, the first of which included the property of George Coil, Peter Fisher, Richard Baughn, Joseph Creamer, Samuel Christy, David Creamer, Simeon Creamer, William Young, Thomas Jones, Peter Winkle, Isaac Hegler, Daniel Dougherty, John Wicker, Joseph Levally, and George Price.


The second district embraced the lands of Marshall Jenkins, George H. Creamer, Michael Creamer, Samuel Straley, George Harness, Robert Wiley, William Wiley, William Popejoy, James McCoy, Jacob Jenkins, Azariah Keran, Patrick Keran, John Wright, George Benson, Samuel Corbett, William Fent, Thomas Morgan.


Third district: Sarah Conner, Susanna Rose, James Conner, Philip Fent, George Fent, Charles Wilson, Mrs. Fewell, John Sharret, Peter Harness, Jacob Harness, Adam Harness, Arthur Harness, William Janes, James Kerns, Joseph Hurliss, Sylvester Jenks.


Fourth district: Chipman Horsey, John McCalep, Andrew Wicker, John Fewell, William Stevenson, Daniel Horney, Henry Short, Mrs. Horney, Daniel McKellip, Miss Thomas, John Horney, William Horney, James Wicker, Jeffrey Horney.


Fifth district: John Moon, John Kerran, William Clemmons, Daniel Sharron, Mrs. Kendall, Andrew Hardway, Miss Killgore, Joseph Hunt, John C. Killgore, Jonathan Moon, John Clemmons, Thomas Devault, Nicholas Devault, Philip Powell, Stephanus Hunt, William Halliday, Robert Powell, William Robinson, Mr. Fritz, Jacob Reinzel.


Sixth district: John Mills, Joseph Kendall, Henry Brammer, James Witty, Stephen Cornwall, William Robinson, Nicholas Robinson, Fick Redden, William Kendall, John Riddle, Adam Allen, William Hidy, Benjamin Hidy, Benjamin Ryan, Jesse Enos, Joshua Merriman, Girard Scott, Edmund Brammer.


Seventh district: Benjamin Greathouse, James Sanderson, John Hidy, Solomon Soward, William Ryan, Joseph Ryan, Harvey Sanderson, Alexander Sanderson, Joseph Straley, William Mormon, Samuel Key, John Coice.


The old logs were gradually torn down, and frame buildings erected in their stead. Later, the number of districts was increased to thirteen, and substantial brick buildings were built.


660 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.


JEFFERSONVILLE.


Jeffersonville is a finely situated village of six hundred and twenty-eight inhabitants on the banks of Sugar Creek, on the line of the Springfield Southern Railroad, eleven miles from Washington, eighteen miles from South Charleston, and is located in one of the finest agricultural districts of Ohio. The farmers in the surrounding country use the latest improved agricultural implements, the land is level, and the productiveness of the soil is unsurpassed. In riding over the township, and viewing the numerous farm houses and out buildings, dotted so near to each other, one is reminded of a vast suburb near a large city teeming with people and industry.


For the last year business in the village has made rapid strides, and at this writing there is not a vacant dwelling house in the place. The railroad has brought new industries and enterprises, and mechanics are steadily employed at fair wages.


FIRST SETTLERS.


As has been seen, William Robinson was the first resident in the limits of the village; however, there was no trace of a village at that time, consequently he can not be considered as the first resident of Jeffersonville.


In the year 1831, Walter B. Wright and Chipman Robinson, who owned one hundred acres of the present village, recognizing the fact that the establishment of a trading point in or near the center of Jefferson Township was a public necessity, laid off the same into town lots, the surveying being done on the first of March by Stephanus Hunt, and disposed of them at five dollars each.


The first house was erected by Robert Wiley, on Main Street. It is still standing, and owned by the heirs of David Creamer. Wiley afterward removed to the West. The lot was known as No. 1.


William Devault, Reuben Carr, Jacob Jenkins, Edward Jenkins, and M. B. Wright, who was living in the frame residence near the Universalist Church when the town was surveyed, were among the first settlers.


Edward Gray, though not one of the first, was an early resident of the village; and as he has been, and is still, one of the most enterprising citizens, we append a short sketch of his life:


JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 661


He was a native of Morgan County, Virginia, and came to Ohio in the fall of 1836, with his father, Michael, and the family of the latter, ten in all, traveling on the newly completed National Road. Upon their arrival in this county, they stopped at Michael Creamer's, a brother-in-law of the elder Gray, while the latter went to Highland County, with a view of examining the land. Unable to find a suitable location, he returned and purchased a tract of land one mile southwest of Jeffersonville (now occupied by Jacob Gray), containing two hundred acres, of Mr. Pavey, of Leesburg, at three dollars per acre. They began clearing up the place, then a dense forest. Edward removed to town a few years later, and engaged in the mercantile business, establishing a good trade, which is still enjoyed by his sons. At Mr. Gray's earliest recollection, Jacob Creamer, Edward Popejoy, Benjamin Wright, Thomas Devault, George Hardway, Reuben Carr, and Calvin Woodruff; were the only residents of the village.


Edward Popejoy opened the first store, on the lot lately occupied by the hardware and provision store of C. W. Gray & Bro., with Calvin Woodruff as clerk.


Reuben and Jesse Carr engaged in the selling of dry goods. Later, a store was opened by Judge Bereman and Daniel Daugherty.


Hiram Duff was the first blacksmith, Joseph Garnes the first tanner, and Dr. Boarer the first physician.


Jacob Creamer, now living at Mechanicsburg, in Champaign County, was millwright, carpenter, and surveyor.


In the month of February, 1840, Mr. Howard removed to the village from Washington. At that time there were seventeen buildings, the most of which were log, and altogether the little settlement presented an isolated appearance.


Edward Popejoy kept a store and blacksmith shop. Gilbert Terrell was also engaged in the mercantile business. William Robinson, now living in Washington, had a saddle and harness shop in a small log, 14x16 feet. E. H. Crow was the only tailor.


H. H. Pearson came to the village in about the year 1843, and opened a grocery and liquor store. He did a good business, and rapidly accumulated a fortune; but finally went to Defiance, Ohio, where he lost most of his wealth. He is now a resident of Oakland Valley, Franklin County, Iowa,


662 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.


CORPORATION.


From the official records now in possession of the village mayor, we copy the following act to incorporate the town of Jeffersonville, in the county of Fayette :


SECTION 1. Be it: enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, that so much of the township of Jefferson, in the county of Fayette, as is comprised within the limits of the town plat of the town of Jeffersonville, together with all such additions as may hereafter be recorded thereto, be and the same is hereby created a town corporate, and shall hereafter be known as the town of Jeffersonville.


SEC. 2. That it shall be lawful for the white male inhabitants of said town, having the qualifications of electors of the General Assembly, to meet on the second Monday of April next, and on the second Monday of April annually thereafter, and elect, by ballot, one mayor, one recorder, and five trustees, who shall be house holders, and shall hold their offices one year, and until their successors are elected and qualified; and they shall constitute the town council.


SEC. 3. That at the first election under this act, they shall choose, viva voce, two judges and a clerk, who shall each take an oath, or affirmation, faithfully to discharge the duties assigned them, and at all elections thereafter, the trustees, or any two of them, shall he judges, and the recorder, clerk; and at all such elections the polls shall be open between the hours of ten and eleven a. m., and close at three o'clock p. m. of said day ; and at the close of the polls, the votes shall be counted and proclaimed, and the clerk shall deliver to each person elected, or leave at his usual place of abode, within three days thereafter, a written notice of his election, and the person so notified, shall, within ten days of the time of receiving such notification, take an oath, or affirmative, to support the constitution of the United States, and of this State, and also take an oath of office.


SEC. 4. The mayor, recorder, and trustees, shall be a body corporate and politic, with perpetual succession by the name of the "Town of Jeffersonville;" shall be capable of acquiring and hold-real and personal property; may sell and convey the same; may have a common seal, and may alter the same; may sue and be


JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 663


sued ; plead and be impleaded ; answer and be answered unto ; in any court of equity, in this state or elsewhere ; and when any suit is commenced against the corporation, the first process shall be a summons, an attested copy of which shall be left with the recorder at least ten days before the term thereof.


SEC. 5. That the mayor, recorder, and majority of trustees, shall have the power to make such by-laws, ordinances and regulations for the health and convenience of said town, as they deem advisable; provided, the same be not inconsistent with the constitution of the United States and of this State ; and they shall have power to fill all vacancies caused by death, removal or otherwise ; to appoint a treasurer, town marshal, and such other town officers as they may deem necessary ; to prescribe their general duties, and to require such security as they may deem necessary to secure the faithful performance of those duties; to remove at pleasure; to fix and establish the fees of officers not established by this act.


SEC. 6. The mayor shall be a conservator of the peace within the limits of said corporation, and shall have the jurisdiction of justice of the peace, in criminal and civil cases, and shall have the same fees as justices of the peace are entitled to for similar services; he shall give bond and security, as is required of justices of the peace, and an appeal may be taken from the decision of the mayor to the court of common pleas, in the same manner as appeals are taken from the decision of justices of the peace.


SEC. 7. It shall be the duty of the recorder to keep a true record of the proceedings of the town council, which record shall at all times be open for the inspection of the electors of said town, and the recorder shall preside at all meetings of the corporation, in the absence of the mayor, and shall perform such other duties as may be required of him by the by-laws and ordinances of said corporation.


SEC. 8. The town council shall have power to levy annually a tax for corporation purposes on the property within the limits of said town, returned on the grand levy made subject to taxation by the laws of this state; provided, that tax shall not exceed in any one year three mills on the dollar; and the recorder shall make a duplicate thereof, charging each individual an amount of tax in proportion to his property as assessed in the grand levy. of taxation, which said duplicate shall be certified and signed by the mayor and recorder, and delivered to the marshal, who shall proceed to


664 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.


collect the same in the same manner and under the same regulations as county treasurers are required by law to collect county and state taxes ; and said marshal shall, as soon as such tax is collected, pay the same over to the treasurer of the corporation.


SEC. 9. That said town council may appropriate any money in the treasury for the improvement of the streets and side walks, or other improvements, and may have the use of the jail of the county for the imprisonment of persons liable to imprisonment ; and all persons so imprisoned shall be under the care of the sheriff; as in other cases.


SEC. 10. That the mayor and common council to require by ordinance every able bodied male person above the age of twenty-one years, resident within said town, to perform labor on the streets and alleys of the same not exceeding two days in any one year, and which shall be in lieu of two days labor required under the present laws regulating roads and highways ; and upon refusal to perform such work under the proper supervision, the delinquent shall be liable to the same penalties as are provided by law against persons refusing to perform the two days labor required in said law ; they shall also have the exclusive right of forming the road districts, within the limits of said corporation, and the appointment of suitable supervisors for such district when formed, who shall be governed in the performance of their duties by the by-laws of said corporation ; and all road taxes charged on the county duplicate on property within the limits of said town, shall be worked out under the direction of the proper supervisors, within said town, as the said town authorities may, by resolution, designate and point out ; and all taxes charged for road purposes aforesaid, on property within the limits of said town, and collected by the county treasurer, shall be paid into the hands of the town treasurer aforesaid, to be specially appropriated by the mayor and common council to road purposes within said town.

C. ANTHONY,

Speaker of the House of Representatives.

GEORGE J. SMITH,

Speaker of the Senate.


March 17, 1838.


I, Jacob Creamer, recorder of the corporation of the town of Jeffersonville, Fayette County, Ohio, do certify the foregoing to be a true copy of the charter of said town.

Given under my hand this 16th day of April, A. D. 1845.

JACOB CREAMER, Town Recorder.


JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 665


EARLY ORDINANCES.


We give extracts of some of the ordinances by the village council. It appears that the ordinances were copied into the record some years after their passage, and not in their regular order. Thus the first ordinance (recorded page 5) was passed April 14,1845, while an ordinance recorded on page 6 was passed April 26, 1838 :


April 26, 1838. That if any person or persons shall run a horse or horses in any of the streets or alleys within the limits of said town, they shall, on conviction, be fined in any sum not more than five dollars nor less than one dollar, at the discretion of the mayor.


June 15, 1838, it was ordained that the council shall meet on the first Monday of March, annually, to settle with the different officers of the corporation, for which they shall receive an order on the treasurer, attested by the recorder, for the amount allowed by the council; to be paid out of any moneys in the treasury except road funds.


June 15, 1838. The council passed an ordinance creating the of-flee of supervisor, and defining his duties.


September 3, 1838. That every person wishing to exhibit a show, shall pay a license not less than fifty cents nor more than ten dollars. Any person exhibiting a show without complying with the above act shall be fined in a sum not less than two nor more than twenty dollars.


April 17, 1839. That the marshal shall be entitled, as constable and for collecting any tax that may be levied by the council, the same fees as county treasurers are allowed for similar services. The supervisor shall be entitled to the same fees as township supervisors ; this applies also to town treasurer. The mayor, recorder, and trustees, shall be entitled to seventy-five cents per day necessarily employed in all business enjoined on them by the act incorporating said town, not otherwise provided for.


April 14, 1845. Be it ordained, etc., that all ordinances, resolutions and by-laws of said town be : "Be it ordained, or Be it resolved by the council of the town of Jeffersonville."

An ordinance passed on the same date, provided that all ordinances, etc., passed by said council be posted up in some public place in said town by the recorder, within ten days after passage.


April 14, 1845. That the sidewalks on the streets shall be nine


666 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.


feet wide, and the ditches four inches from the edge of the sidewalks on a gradual descent from the sidewalk, thence on a gradual ascent to the center of the street.


April 14, 1845. That if any person owning or having the charge of any living property, and it dies within the town limits, or any other nuisance so as to cause an odious smell, shall remove the same outside the city limits of said town. Failing to remove after being notified by any citizen, he shall be liable to the marshal for all expenses incurred by such removal, and pay a fine of not less than twelve and a half cents nor more than one dollar, at the discretion of the mayor.


April 14, 1845. That any person setting up any grocery for the purpose of retailing spirituous liquors, or any person selling by the dram or less quantity than one quart (except for medicinal purposes) shall be fined in any sum not more than five dollars nor less than one dollar for each offense.


Ordinances were passed April 14, 1845, creating the office and defining the duties of the town marshal, regulating the duties of the mayor, providing for the better preservation of the streets, alleys and sidewalks of the town; for the better regulation of hogs.


On the 28th of August, 1852, ordinances took effect to prohibit the sale of intoxicating liquors within the town limits ; to prevent certain immoral conduct ; to prohibit places of significant or habitual resort for tippling and intemperance ; prescribing certain du-ties and powers of the marshal.


The council ordained, 1852, that there shall be levied for corporation purposes for the year 1852, two mills on the dollar for every dollar of the valuation of taxable property within the corporation limits. The same year it was ordained that the council shall have power to appoint some suitable person to keep and sell spirituous liquors for medicinal and mechanical purposes.

December 13, 1864. Passed an ordinance requiring owners on Main Street to construct sidewalks, to provide for street and alley crossings.


An ordinance regulating the sale of goods and merchandise at auction, was passed August 13, 1870.


November 8, 1879. That hereafter all places where intoxicating liquors are sold shall be closed at nine p. m. of each day and remain closed until six a. m. Any person failing to comply with the provisions of this ordinance shall be fined in any sum not less than ten dollars, nor more than fifty dollars.


JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 667


The corporation limits were enlarged April 9, 1880, by the annexation of the following described territory. Beginning at a tack in the center of the bridge over Sugar Creek, on the Jeffersonville and Charleston Pike, N. 36̊ W., 137 feet from a point in the old corporation line in the centre of said pike (now street,) thence N. 48̊ 34' E., crossing the line between Clansing and Howard at 504 feet, 823 feet to a tack in the top of the middle cap of the Springfield Southern railroad bridge over Sugar Creek. Thence 63̊ 23' E., 728 feet to a stake in the east side of the Midway pike. Thence N. 82̊ 45' E., 986 1/2 feet to a stake on the lands of said Howard and a corner to Howard's addition to Jeffersonville. Thence S. 7̊ 15' W., 785 1/2 feet to a stake in the line between Howard and Fent and Creamer. Thence S. 88̊ 47' E., 710 feet to a stake in a line of said Howard, and a corner to said Fent and Creamer and L. Janes, known as the Linn corner. Thence S. 2̊ W., 1570 feet to a stake in the center of the State road and a corner to said Janes and Fent and Creamer. Thence N. 89̊ 5' W., 410 feet to a stake in the center of said State road at its intersection with the Plymouth road. Thence with the center of said Plymouth road S. 48̊ W., 394 feet, to a stake in the center of said road. Thence N. 89̊ 58' West, through the lands of George Janes, crossing Sugar Creek at 1191 feet the center of the C., J. & Mt. Sterling railroad, at 1573 feet, the line between Janes and Mrs. E. W. Terrell, at 1591 feet, the corner to Mrs. Terrell and the school house lot at 2256 feet, 2531 feet to a stone, corner to George Jones and the school house lot. Thence N. 6̊ 47' W., crossing the center of the Jamestown Pike at 429 feet the line between Dr. L. A. Elster and William Bruce at 609 feet, 1524 feet to a stake on the lands of said Bruce. Thence N. 46̊ E., crossing the line between said Bruce and P. Thompson at 70 feet, 549 feet to the beginning.


The foregoing ordinances are taken from the "Ordinance Book" of the town council. Many of the early measures have been re-pealed by the passage of similar acts.


THE OUTLOOK.,


The outlook for the future of the now thriving little city is flattering. Aside from the already completed railroad, there is a fair prospect for the construction of another road from Columbus, Ohio, to Maysville, Kentucky, crossing the Springfield Southern at this


668 - HISTORY OF FAYETTE COUNTY.


point. The town has verily awakened from her lethargy, and today she can lay claim to superior shipping facilities. We see no reason why Jeffersonville should not continue to thrive. In the fall, the handling of grain alone, at the elevator and mill, will bring lively times. The following is the result of a research for the various kinds of traffic carried on:


Three dry-goods stores, five groceries, one shoe store, one grocery and general hardware store, two barber shops, two blacksmith shops, two drug stores, four saloons, one harness shop, one meat and provision store, two hotels, one furniture store and undertaker, one carriage and wagon shop, one lawyer, three physicians, one gunsmith, two grain dealers, one coal dealer, one bakery, two milliners, three carpenters and builders, one grist and sawmill, one steam grain elevator, one livery stable, one tin shop, one printing office, one plasterer, one painter, one bricklayer, two shoe shops, two tailors, one Masonic and one Odd-fellows lodge, one township house, three churches, and a good school house.


PLEASANT VIEW.


Pleasant View, a little hamlet containing about fifty houses, is located on the Jamestown and Jeffersonville Pike, about four miles from the village.


In December, 1875, James Flax conceived the idea of establishing a trading point for the benefit of the surrounding country, opened a store, and kept a general country stock. About two years ago a steam sawmill was erected, and proved successful from the start. A number of new houses have since been erected, and the settlement bids fair to increase steadily.


BUSINESS INTERESTS.


The business interest is represented as follows : General store, S. Ryan; blacksmith shop, Thomas Scott; physician, Dr. Jesse Limes; sawmill, S. C. Jeffries; attorney-at-law and justice of the peace, James Flax.


A grocery and dry-goods store was destroyed by fire recently, and has not been rebuilt.


JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP - 669


Spiritual instruction is offered through the medium of two handsome church edifices.


The youth are instructed in the common branches in a substantial, one-story brick school house.