112 HISTORY OF
CHAPTER X.
WHAT WAS DONE BY COURTS AND COMMISSIONERS IN THE YEARS 1811-12-13 AND 1814 THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST TO CITIZENS OF THE COUNTY.-- COUNTY ROADS.--COUNTY BUILDINGS-COUNTY REVENUE--WHAT IT COST TO GUARD A PRISONER AND TO BURY A NEGRO IN 1812-14--PRICES OF BARK AND RABBIT SKINS--THE GLORIOUS FOURTH COMMEMORATED BY STRONG'S SETTLEMENT.
NINTH TERM OF COMMON PLEAS JANUARY 1, 1811.
"Grand Jury--Charles Lofland, foreman, Thomas Beaty, Abraham Lyon, James Craig, Geo. Lybarger, Nathl. M. Young, J. Dunlap, John Morrison, Samuel Wilson, John Herrod, John Cook, James Herrod and James Cunningham.
" Indictments presented vs. Wm. Wallace, James Smith, Soloman Geller, John Stilley, John Barney, Franc is Spratt, John Foglesong, Benj. Barney, Andrew Clark and Samuel Arbuckle.
"This term continued three days. The minutes show but one Jury Trial : The State of Ohio vs. Henry Smith for passing counterfeit money and the Jury found him not guilty.
"Gilman Bryant was granted Licens to retail goods for 8 months, and Abner Ayres to keep a public house one year.
" An additional Justice of the Peace was added to rhe township of Clinton.
"The Indictments vs. Francis Spratt and Wm. Wallace were disposed of, each being fined $3 and costs.''
TENTH TERM--29th APRIL, 1811.
" Grand Jury--Isaac Bonnet, foreman, Charles Cooper, Robert Wright, John Hawn, Peter Bricker, Timothy Burr, Isaac Dial, Bartholomew Bartlet, Evan Holt, John Trimble, John Wheeler, James Miller, Oliver Strong.
113 KNOX COUNTY.
"Indictments were presented vs. David Demmick, Sele Simpkins.
"John Stilley appears and pleads guilty to Indictment for assault and battery found vs. him at last Term, and is fined $4 and costs. "The dignity of fighting is increased, and those who indulge in that luxury have to pay higher.
"Benjn. Barney, arraigned on charge of assault and battery, pleads not guilty, and on trial Jury so find.
"Andrew Clark, on indictment for same offence, is fined $4 and costs.
"John Barney stands a jury trial on his indictment, and is found not guilty.
"So also Samuel Arbuckle is acquitted.
"Licens is granted Benjn. Barney to keep publick house one year at Clinton.
"The case of Joseph Foos vs. Archibald Gardner is tried by a Jury, who find "that Gardner was only to pay for the improvements done by Foos on the House.'
"Two suits were dismissed, two settled by the parties, and two judgments entered for small sums.
"John Sawyer is fined $2 and costs for not attending as a witness. This being the second fine of this character in the Common Pleas Court, the penalty is increased 100 per cent.
"Licenses to retail goods are granted to Wm. H. Selby & Isaac Vore, and Tavern license to Jno. Baxter & Amoriah Watson.
"George Sapp is appointed admr. of George Sapp, decd.; Danl. Sapp & John Greer, Securities."
ELEVENTH TERM-9th OF SEPT., 1811.
"Grand Jury.-William Gass, Jabez Beers, Joseph Coleman, Casper Fitting, Abraham Darling, Jacob Young, John Green, Henry Ankeny, James Bryant, Charles Lofland, John Wheeler, David Johnson, Jonathan Hunt, Jr.
"Indictments found vs. Sele Simpkins, Thos. McBride, Benj. Rush, Francis Wilkins, John Davis, James Walker, Jr. and James Smith.
Four Jury causes came off, to wit; Andrew Craig vs. Henry McCurb & James Cunningham, Trespass on the case; Wm. W.
114 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
Farquhar vs. James Craig, for debt; The State of Ohio vs. Sele Simpkins, for felony; and James Smith vs. Samuel H. Smith, assumpsit.
"The Prosecuting Attorney entered "nolle' on Indictment vs. James Smith for not making Election returns to Fairfield C.
"The State vs. Francis Wilkins. Defendant was fined $1 for assault and battery.
"Eleven other causes were disposed of-mainly dismissed at costs of Pltff.
"John Green, Esq., of the Methodist Church, is licensed to marry people so disposed.
"Henry Markley was allowed $53.37 for services as Commissioner.
"Matthew Merrit was allowed $1.75 for services as Commissioner.
"Robert McMillen was allowed $36.75 for services as Commissioner.
"License to keep public house was granted for one year to Michael Click, John Jones, Jesse Procter, Daniel Ayers, Daniel Demmick.
"Store License was granted to Gilman Bryant, Benjn. Rush, Sand. H. Smith.
"On the return of John Heckewelder, John McConnel and Moses Koss, Esquires, who were appointed by a Joint Ballot of both Houses of the Legislature of the State of Ohio to fix the seats of Justice in the Counties of Wayne and Richland in the State aforesaid, which passed the 28th of March, 1803, who did report for the seat of Justice in Richland county aforesaid to be affixed at the town of Mansfield. Signed the 20th day of April, 1809."
Settlement with the Commissioners of Knox County, to wit : Expenditures from
Sept. Term, 1810 :
Paid out to different collectors ........................$62.00
" for wolf scalps ....................................... 12.00
" for Grand Juries ...................................... 52.75
" for Pettit Judges in State prosecutions ..... 20.20
" for Witnesses fees in same ..................... 88.15
" Sheriff for his services .............................. 65.50
" Coroner " " ...................................... 4.00
115 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
Paid Jas. Smith, as Clerk to Coin. Pleas and Comr ................. $89 95
" Public Buildings ......................................................... 111 87.5
" Accommodation of Courts ............................................ 5.50
" Edwd. Herrick, Esq., as Prosecuting Attorney .............. 100.00
" expenses of Roads, &c .................................................. 49.27.5
" Treasurer ....................................................................... 20.59
" Associate Judges ............................................................ 60.00
" Locating County and Townships ...................................... 63.50
" out for elections .................................................................35.50
" James Smith 25 dollars for books. ____
$840 07
Amount received by Treasurer to same date :
Received by fines and license.......................................$123 38 1/2
" County levy for year 1810, C T'nship ....... $113.32
" " " " Union " .......... 79.30
" " " " " Morgan " 54.30
" " " " Wayne " ........... 62.88 1/2
" " " " Madison " ....... 15.92 1/2
" State Tax for Morgan...................................... 80.89 3/4
" " Wayne ........................................ 90.33 3/4
" " Union ......................................... 30.25
" " " Clinton .................................... 161.44 1Mill.
" " State Treasurer ....................... 117.66
" " Walker & Slater's land .............. 4.25
" State Tax for 1809 ......................................... 117.00
$1050 95 1 mill
TWELFTH TERM-JANY. 6th 1812.
"Grand Jury.-Charles Lofland, foreman, Joseph Walker, Alexander Enos, Saml. H. Smith, John Stilley, Ziba Leonard, John Baxter, Moses Craig, John Spratt, Benj. Currin, James Craig, Andrew Craig, Solomon Geller."
This vacation had proven fruitful of knock-downs, as we may judge from bills for assault and battery being found vs. George Lybarger, Henry Ankeny, Samuel W. Culberson, Joseph Dunlap, John Strain, Benjamin Rush, John Foglesong.
116 HISTORY OF
Culberson was fined 6 cents and costs; Lybarger, $3; Ankeny, $5; John Foglesong, the unprecedented sum of $50 and costs. A jury in the State vs. John Davis found him guilty to the tune of $20 and costs.
Daniel Demmick is fined $1 and costs for retailing spirituous liquors without license.
The solitary civil jury trial resulted in Henry Smith obtaining a judgment of $8.12k against Oliver Strong.
There is an increasing demand for marrying officers, and we find License issued to Elisha Bowanan and James Smith of the Methodist Church.
George Coffinberry renews his Tavern License for Mansfield, and James McClure is also Licensed to entertain the publick.
Jos. Talmage is allowed $2.25 for taking the enumeration, &c.
THIRTEENTH TERM-4TH MAY, 1812.
" Grand Jury-Isaac Bonnet, foreman. Wm. Marquis, Solomon Geller, Benj. Corwin, Thos. McKee, John Stilley, Matthew Merritt, John Hawn, Ziba Leonard, Chas. Cooper, H. Ankeny, Chas. Lofland and Joseph Berry.
" Bills were found vs. Joseph Walker and James Craig, William Walker, Elizabeth Walker.
" Two causes were tried by jury-Hiram Ball i-s. Alexander Enos; verdict for defendant for costs; and The State vs. Elizabeth Walker; verdict not guilty.
" On Indictment for an affray, Joseph Walker is fined $1 and costs; and William Walker is fined for an assault and battery $3 and costs.
The following order appears upon the court minutes which " old settlers" may understand :
"Ordered, that James Walker, jr., deliver up to Benolli Gardner his daughter, Nancy, with her clothing.
" Store license issued to Isaac Vors, and tavern license to Azariah Davis, John Baxter and N. C. Boles.
" Eight judgments are entered up for sums varying from $2.07~ to $18.66
" Luke Walpole vs. Ichabod Nye, Sheriff-The Sheriff is
KNOX COUNTY 117
amerced for $6, received from Wm. Wallace and not paid over. This is the first amercement case on record in Knox county.
FOURTEENTH TERM--l4th SEPTEMBER, 1812.
" License to retail goods was granted to John Garrison, and tavern license to Daniel Ayres.
" Court remained in session but a few hours. The following entry shows the cause: No venire for Grand or Petit jury returned in consequence of a National calamity. Ordered that the court do adjourn until the next court in course.
WILLIAM WILSON."
FIFTEENTH TERM-11th JANUARY, 1813.
" Grand Jury-Win. Mitchel, foreman, Wm. Davis, Jacob Young, Henry Markley, Wm. Knight, Peter Kinry, Henry Haines, John Murphy, Cornelius Vanosdolle, John Shriuplin, John Harrod, James Craig, Oliver Strong.
" Indictnnents found vs. John Jackson and. Michael Click, Jos. Middleton, Wm. Stansbery, Leonard H. Coales.
" There were three trials by jury-Henry Smith vs. Allison Strong; verdict for pltff. $12 and costs; Eleazer Morely vs. Alex. Enos, for pltff. $56.37 and costs; Platt & Harrison vs. Enos, for pltff. 840.80.
" Store license issued to Enoch Harriss, Richard Fisllback, Gilman Bryant.
" Tavern license issued to John Davidson on payment of $6 for one year, Riclrard Fishback, Amos H. Royce, Stephen Stilwell.
Not a single State case was tried. The presumption is that the fighting men had gone to the war!
SIXTEENTH TERM-5th SEPTEMBER, 1813.
" Grand Jury.-Isaac Bonnet, foreman, James Loveridge, Solomon Geller, John Kerr, Philip Melker, Benj. Corwin, Thos. McKee, Jacob Hauger, John Dunlap, Wm. Marquis, Joseph Walker, Isaac Bean, W. H. Selby.
" Four bills were found for usual offenses. These and several other Indictments quashed for want of form. This Court continued in session three days. There were three jury trials, and many old cases on the docket were disposed of.
" Wm. C. Enos is appointed Master Commissioner in Chancery.
118 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
" Robt. McMillen allowed 8 days, $14, for Commissioner services.
Daniel Cooper " 5 " 8.75, " "
John Harrod " 5.25, " "
" Store license was granted to Anthony Banning, Stephen Butler, S. H. Smith.
" License to marry was granted to John Green and James Smith, regular ordained ministers in the Religious United Societies or Christian Church.
SEVENTEENTH TERM-10th JANUARY, 1814.
" Grand .Jurors.-Isaac Yore, foreman, John Davis, Abraham Caimes, John Grear, Nathaniel M. Young, Moses Merrit, Evan Holt, John Stilley, John Johnson, Jabez Beers, Philip Melker, James Low, A. H. Royce, John Spratt.
" Five jury causes are tried.
" License to marry is issued to Amos Mix of the Baptist persuasion.
" License to retail goods is issued to Eli Miller, Richard Fish-back, L. S. Silliman.
"C. K. Sherman is appointed Prosecuting Atto. for this co.
" Letters of administration are issued on estates of Isaac Jackson, Benj. Simpkins,
Joseph Sieberson, Joseph King and Anny Woodruff.
Our old townsman, Gilman Bryant, seems to figure about these times as general appraiser.
" James Smith, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and Clerk of the Supreme Court for the county of Knox, appoints Alexander Ellioitt Deputy in either Court, Feb. 24, 1814.
EIGHTEENTH TERM--9th OF MAY, 1814.
" Grand Jury.-Isaac Yore, jr., foreman, John Wilson, Joseph Walker, John Bean, George Low, Matthew Merrit, Isaac Bonnet, John Bricker, David Ash, Joseph Higgins, Jesse Severe and Anthony Banning.
" Four trials by jury.
" Samuel Kratzer, Esq., appointed Master Commissioner in Chancery.
" License issued to James Smith, John Green, to retail goods, and to N. C. Bowles to keep tavern.
119 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
NINETEENTH TERM-11th AUGUST, 1814.
" Grand Jurors.-Azariah Davis, Benj. Brown, Bartholomew Bartlet, Ebenezer Brown, Wm. Downs, Thomas Ireland, Wm. Henry, Jacob Rabb, David Johnson, Jonathan Hunt, jr., John Garrison, Isaac Coen, James Harrod, John Kerr, John Mills, foreman.
" Upon bills of Indictment for assault and battery, James Adams and Wm. Mefford were fined $3, each, and costs; James Martia ~10 and costs, Charles Lofland was also fined $5 and costs, and Samuel Baxter -$10 and costs, and Thos. Prather $3 and costs.
" Four trials by jury.
" John Harrod as Commissioner allowed $22.75, Robt. McMillen $29.75, Daniel Cooper $26.25, Wm. Mitchell $5.25.
" License issuegl to John Fuller, of Christian Church, to marry. L. H. Smith, Benj. Barney and Ichabod Marshal, EiL'rs. of Richard Fishback, deceased; and Gilman Bryant, Daniel Cooper and Timothy Burr, appraisers.
TWENTIETH TERM-22nd DECEMBER, 1814.
"Grand Jury-John Trimble, foreman, Thomas Axtell, Henry Markley, Jas. McCracken, Samuel Newell, Sam'l Johnson, Cornelius Vanosdall, John Adams, John Irvine, Nath. M. Young, David Johnson, Jacob Cooper, L. H. Smith.
"License to vend goods issued to Anthony Banning, Gilman Bryant, Jolrn Garrison, Eli Miller, L. S. Silliman.
"License to keep tavern issued to Jacob Nixon, Amos H. Royce. Abner Ayres, Win. Van Horne.
We have given the Court transactions for twenty terms as much for the purpose of letting the present generation know who, in those early days, performed service as Jurors and otherwise, as with the View of giving an account of what was done. By reading over these pages the names of many settlers will be known whom otherwise we could not find had lived upon our soil.
120 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
THE FINANCES IN 1812-13-14, AND THE FIRST SALE OF LAND FOR
TAXES-1812 3D JUNE.
" At settlement with the Treasurer.
Dr. Treasurer-
Amount of Land Tax 1811 ............................................... $523 76.7
do ................................................................... 20 36.2
Duplicate for Wayne 1811 ..................................................... 73 22
Do Madison .......................................................... 35 5
Do Union .......................................................... 91 50
Do Morgan ............................................................ 60 80
Do Clinton ............................................................ 204 62.5
Wolf scalps ..................................................................... 32 00
Gilman Bryant License ........................................................ 6 66.5
Am't of license, permits and fines received ............................ 81 09.5
$1129 8.6
By amount of County orders received ...................$10 79.7 1/2
do do do .......................1079 73
do do do ....................... 59 42 1/2
1149 95
1129 08 .6
At settlement balance due Treasurer. ................ $20 86.4
" Treasurer pay Henry Haines $45 19.4, for his commission on revenue Taxes 1811; for traveling trip to Zanesville $5.
" At settlement with the Treasurer June 8th, 1813.
Treasurer Dr. for-
Tavern license.....................................................$91 32
do d ..................................................... 12 49 1/2
Richland duplicate .............................................. 64 25
Duplicate for Clinton ....................................... 135 53.1/2
do Morgan .......................................... 79 80
do Wayne ............................................... 74 32
do Chester ............................................. 20 30
do Union ................................................ 90 60
do Morris ............................................... 47 36
do on duplicate now due ...................... 502 54.6
Daniel Demmich ............................................. 4
Butler's license ................................................. 30
....................................................................... 1122 82.6
121 KNOX COUNTY.
Cr. by orders produced and delivered .................. $1076 45
" Your com. per centum ....................................... 44 39
" Traveling fee...................................................... 5
............................................................................... 1125 84
Cr. the Treasurer on settlement $3.01 .
James Berry, Collector 4th District. Collector's office, Zanesville, 17th Dec., 1813, received $359 23, the full amount of the Resident Land Tax of Knox county, of John Green, Collector. 9th June, 1814-At settlement with Treasurer of Knox co.
Treasurer Dr.-
For license taverns and stores ............................................ $103 58 1/3
Cash rec'd of collector of non-residents on land for 1813 .... 451 70
County, as paid by collector, for C. Levy for 1813 ............. 405 16
960 44 1/3
Cr. by orders paid in ...........................$923 00.7.5
" Treasurer's fees ......................... 38 41
" Traveling fees to Zanesville ........... 5
966 41.7.5
Balance due to Treasurer on settlements the sum of $5 97.5, as per order number 1251."
"July 5, 1814. The Board this day examine the duplicates for County Levy for the Township agreeable to the return of the listers of Townships as follows:
Morgan Township ...................................$83 10
Union do .................................... 104 07.5
Morris do .................................... 73 40
Chester do ..................................... 31 50
Wayne do ........................................93 61
Clinton do ..................................... 140 96
$526 64.5
" Collector Green collected all on these lists and $2.58 more in Clinton township, than listed.
" The first lands sold for Taxes were in January 12th, 1815, when collector John Green sold for Abram Emmett 2-8 of lot 120 north side taxes and costs-75; and of lot 34 south side-75. Isaac Yore, jr., 4 of lot 19 south side, and 4 of 20-north side-for 75 each.
122 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
"Parts of lots belonging to John Hawn,jr., James Smith, (Skenk's creek) Nathan Majors, Ichahod Nye, John Marquis and Wm. Marquis, jr., for which he charged for deeds and acknowledgments $1.25."
ITEMS SUGGESTIVE FROM COMMISSIONERS' JOURNALS OF 1811-12-13-14.
Among the bills audited by the Commissioners iii 1811, we find one to John Butler $4, for extra services in summoning jurors and witnesses for May Term; Nicholas Kyle $.3, for use of their house for third Court, Sept. 1811; Ichabod Nye, sheriff's fees in criminal cases, 1811, $25; Associate Judges James Colville $18, W. W. Farquhar $21, John Mills $21; Edward Herriek for Prosecuting Attorney two terms, and at Supreme Court also, $9.75. A pretty cheap attorney's fee!
Order No. 626 issues to Ichabod Marshal 75 cts. for gaging a half bushel for the County standard, and 627 to James Walker for making seal for standard for Knox county.
Timothy Burr appeared and gave bond as Coroner, with Gilman Bryant and Robert Jones as sureties. Ichabod Nye gave bond as Sheriff, with John Hawn and Richard Fishbaek as sureties.
1812, January. Wm. Roberts, deputy coroner, is paid $4.45 " for viewing a dead body, for drawing the necessary writing in the same, for traveling, venire," &c. James Bryant for taking care of the dead body $5.
" Ordered that one acre of land be taken off Morgan towns hip and added to Clinton, which acre was purchased of Martin Cosner by Silas Brown, in range 12, township 6."
" The Overseers of the Poor is directed to seize and sell the property of & negro called Wm. Jackson."
123 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
The Commissioners held their meetings at different places as the following orders show:
" To John Jones 50 cents for house rent last meeting." " To ---- Ash 75 cents for same this meeting."
A new court-house is being erected, and the Journals state that
" Solomon Geller and George Downs did receive by subscriptions $745."
On the 10th of April, 1812, the following entry is made
" The Commissioners this day did examine the court house built by George Downs and Geller, and do receive the same."
No sooner is the new court house ready for use than the Commissioners become involved in trouble about its occupancy, by different sects, as will be explained by the following entries on the Journal:
" Whereas, a number of the inhabitants of this county has made application for the use of the court house in Mount Vernon, for the purpose of occupying the same for preaching and holding public worship therein; it is, therefore, ordered that the different denominations of christians are allowed to occupy the same for the aforesaid purpose provided that each denomination shall have the use of the same for one meeting once in four weeks; provided also, that the different denominations aforesaid shall meet and mutually agree upon the time or times they shall hold the same, which shall be in force for one year unless they do not agree on the times they shall hold their meetings aforesaid, and each denomination failing to clean up the house and have the same in as good repair as they found it within three days, it shall forfeit their privilege aforesaid, and shall at all times be liable to make good all damages done by such denomination at their meetings aforesaid; and James Smith shall keep the key of the house aforesaid; it is further provided, that each denomination aforesaid shall furnish the said house with at least fifty feet of good strong Benches for the use of the house aforesaid, which shall be left there for the use of all publick busi-
124 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
ness which shall be necessary previous to such denomination occupying the said house for the purpose aforesaid."
Eminently catholic and practical-especially the Bench part!
The brethren could not occupy together in unity, and accordingly the Commissioners on the 8th of June, 1813, pass this resolution:
" Resolved, That the court house, from this date, be closed and kept lockt from all denominations except courts."
This brought about a cessation of hostilities, and again petitions poured in for use of the court house agreeing to agree as to tune of using it, &c. Thereupon Commissioners Herrod, Cooper and McMillen, on the 22d of June, meet for the special purpose of ordering
" That the court house be opened as formerly by and under the same rules as formerly."
One great difficulty was that the Methodists were unwilling to let the " New Lights," who had split off from them, come in under the order as first made. These were times fraught with great peril to the churches, as elsewhere recorded.
The following order appears: " Treasurer pay to George Davis 75 cents for being accommodating with load of wood for the court."
John Lee is paid $2 for riding with returns of Senatorial election of 1812 to Newark. John Shrimplin endeavors to get a road from his mill, which Wm. Darling, James Rightwire and John Green report as not of public utility, and the petition is rejected. Stephen Stilwell is taxed fourfold for refusing to give in four horses to the lister for
125 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
taxation, and Amos Yarnard is also taxed fourfold upon one horse. Samuel Kratzer is allowed $1.62 1/2 for iron for the jail, and Archibald Crofford $4.75 for iron and labor done on the jail. The rate of taxation on taverns in 1812 is $8 for all located on Market St., Mount Vernon, all others on other streets of Mount Vernon and on road from Mount Vernon to Newark and in Fredericktown $7, and all others in the county $6.
In 1814, July, Francis Hardista is taxed fourfold for refusing to return seven head of cattle to the lister. G. Downs and J. Martin are allowed $80 for shutters for court house. And the court house, but recently erected, is found to need alteration and repairs, so Solomon Geller purchased the job of making certain repairs for $799.70. The county, at this time, seems to have had a troublesome prisoner, as the following payments were made for standing guard over the prisoner, Beldon :
"Calvin Hill 3 niglrts, $1.50; Wm. Dehart 10 nights and one day, $5.50; Henry Burge for 9 nights and one day, $5; James Irvine 19 nights and one day, $10; John Cramer 13 nights and one day, $7; Thomas Sprague one night, $1; Samuel Kratzer for guarding, $7.50; Jacob Woodruff, $14.75; Samuel Breese, constable, .95; Michael Click for trailing after prisoner Beldon, $1 Eli Gregg $1 for aiding in committing A. Beldon to jail, and Wm. Dehart for trailing after Beldon, $3."
Thus the snug little sum of $58.20 was expended in guarding, because Mike Click had convinced the people that, as he said, the "jail is not,-worth one tam !"
126 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
VARIOUS NOVEL ITEMS AND ADVERTISEMENTS OF THESE TIMES.
" FRIENDLY ADVICE!!
"The person who made so free as to borrow my AXE without my liberty, is respectfully solicited to return it immediately-otherwise, he will find his Axe, like the Indian's GUN, to cost more than it comes to. He can either leave it himself or by proxy at my wood pile.
T. BURR.
March 1, 1813."
Oak bark for tanning was worth in April 1813, at Clinton, $2.50 per cord. Samuel H. Smith was then carrying on a tanyard there.
A concert was held at Mt. Vernon, in the court house, May 6th, at 10 o'clock, P. M., under direction of M. ID. Lewis, of different singing societies in the county. " All those who feel willing to participate with us are earnestly solicited to attend."
May 3d. James Smith's Vindication is now published, and offered for sale at Clinton and Mount Vernon-" for resisting the ecclesiastical power and authority of their Episcopal dignity, Michael Ellis and David Young."
" TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
" This may certify that I was present when Mr. Isaac Beam examined a trunk and bundle belonging to Polly McCracken, for table cloths, but found nothing resembling such in either trunk or bundle.
T. BURR.
May 3, 1814."
George Paul, Col. 27th Infantry, was appointed, by Maj. General Harrison, to take command of the recruiting service for the 27th Reg't., and established his office at Zanesville, March, 1814.
"Samuel H. Smith having added a large stock of goods to his former assortment, will trade for butter, sugar, country linen, rye, corn, hides, deer skins and furs. Doct. T. Burr is duly authorized
127 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
to attend to his business, and will prescribe GRATIS to purchasers of drugs and medicines, &c.
December, 1813."
John H. Piatt, of Cincinnati, advertises, April 4th, 1814, for. 5,000 barrels flour, and 200 barrels whisky delivered at Fort Meigs, " or at any convenient place on the Lake shore to save transportation by land."
Samuel H. Smith gave 75 cents per dozen or 96 cents in fine hats, for Rabbit skins.
GRAND CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM'S BIRTH-DAY, 1814.
On the morning of the 4th of July the flag of the United States was hoisted near Mr. Zebulon Ashley's dwelling house, on a liberty pole 68 feet in length, and the day was celebrated by a respectable number of the citizens of Strong's settlement and its vicinity. After an elegant dinner 18 toasts were drank, accompanied with the discharge of musketry. From the number we
extract the following :
" The President of the United States, prefers republican principles to British tyranny-May the Constitution be his life guard.
" The American Sword, which is drawn in defense of our country-May it never be returned till it has pierced the heart of our enemy.
" Perry and his brace crew on Lake Erie-May they ever be victorious while their swords are drawn in defense of America.
" The United States of America-May they ever be too independent to be governed by any other nation.
" Success to the American Eagle, not forgetting Great Britain, hoping its kingdom may be brought down."
The others alike partake of the warlike spirit engendered by the war, and breathe hate and defiance to the foe.
128 HISTORY OF
CHAPTER XI.
THE ECCENTRIC CHAPTER IN OUR EARLY HISTORY-BEING ALL THAT IS KNOWN OF THE HISTORY OF JOHNNY APPLESEED.
AN original character flourished in this part of the country at an early day, who was always conspicuous in times of excitement and danger, and his vigilant care of the early settlers entitles him to a tribute at our hands. The sobriquet of Johnny Appleseed attached to him, though his real name was Chapman, in consequence of his being ever engaged in gathering and planting appleseed and cultivating nurseries of apple trees. Many of the earliest settlers recognized in him an old acquaintance, who had wandered about for years along the streams of western Pennsylvania, engaged in the same pursuit and preparing the way for those who might follow upon his trail to have their own orchards.
He would find suitable spots of ground along the banks of creeks and rivers, in which to make small clearings, and there he would plant the seed he had gathered, fence in the ground, and then leave it to germinate and grow in coming years into fine nurseries, which he would have in readiness for the coming settlements. He would make just as many nurseries as he could get seed to plant, and
129 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
he never lost any time in gathering and preparing for the future. He did not restrict his operations to the settled portions of the country, but went into the wilderness regions and among the Indians and wild beasts, having his trust in God and fearing no harm.
In personal appearance he was prepossessing, when one could get sight of his eves and well formed head; about medium height, quick and restless and uneasy in his motions, and exceedingly uncouth in dress. In truth he cared not what he wore, nor who before him might have worn the garment upon his back-whether it was too large or too small for his person. The greater part of his traffic with the world was in exchanging his trees, at a nominal price, for old worn out clothes. He incased his person, at all times, in what might be called thrown away garments. For covering to the head he was not particular whether he wore an animal's skin, a cloth, or tin case. He has been seen with head gear of each kind, and without foot apparel of any description. For a time, after the war, he wore an old military chapeau, which some officer had given him, and thus accoutred he came suddenly upon a dutchman, who had just moved into the country, and scared him most to death as he stood in his bare feet with " one tam muscle shell cocked on his head." The sides were ripped, and as it flopped in the wind-on a head covered with long black hair, a face with a long beard and dark black eyes peering out from the vast undergrowth, and a body enveloped in a coffee sack with
130 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
a hole through which he had run his head, it was enough to frighten any honest dutchman almost out of his wits.
He lived the roughest kind of a life-slept the greater part of the time in the woods-by the side of logs-and on the bare ground. He was harmless and inoffensive-always striving to save the feelings of mankind and of the brute creation. Very many anecdotes are remembered characteristic of Johnny Appleseed. The following show the native goodness of his heart : One night he built his camp fire at the end of a hollow log, in which he intended to pass the night, but as a bear and her cubs had a pre-emption claim to the hole in the tree, he moved his fire to another spot and slept all night on the snow, exposed to the storm, rather than disturb the varmints. Another time, when he had a camp-fire near the creek where the musquitoes were very bad and flew into the blaze and were consumed, he took off his tin head gear, filled it with water, and put out the fire, saying, " God forbid, that I should build a fire for my own comfort that should be the cause of destroying any of his other created works." And still another is that one morning he was bitten by a rattlesnake, and some time after he related the circumstances with tears in his eyes as he said " poor fellow! he only just touched me, when in an ungodly passion I put the heel of my scythe on him and killed him."
He had the following told at the expense of his bare feet, which had become hardened beyond belief by long usage " out of doors" and exposure to the cold. At one time he crossed Lake Erie on
131 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
the ice barefooted, and when night overtook him- the man traveling in company with him was frozen to death-but old Johnny, by rolling about on the ice, kept warm, and in aftertimes was none the worse for it.
An old citizen of Mansfield vouches for the following : A traveling preacher was at one time holding' forth on the scriptures in the public square, to a miscellaneous audience, when he exclaimed, "where is the barefooted christian traveling to heaven ?" Johnny Appleseed was among the auditors, laying flat on his back on a piece of timber, and he stuck his bare feet high in the air and cried out " here he is!"
This artless child of nature was a man of much intelligence, and in his day and generation, much as he was hooted at and derided by the scoffers and jibers of the country, yet did he in his life time perform far more of good than they all did. if it is true, as claimed, that he who causeth a single blade of grass to grow, or plants a single shade tree, is a public benefactor, how much greater is the meed of praise due to poor old Johnny Appleseed, who caused thousands of fruit bearing trees to grow, and hundreds of orchards to blossom and bear fruit for the people. What lasting obligations are we not under to him here in Knox county -in all central Ohio-in western Pennsylvania- in northern Indiana-and of a verity in all the " Great West," for our present most excellent fruits.. God preserve his memory! To help perpetuate it we have devoted this Chapter in our History-to be read by many whose parents and relatives would
132 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
have fallen victims to the relentless hate of the savage had Johnny Appleseed not have traveled from settlement to settlement along the Mohican, Owl Creek, the White Woman, the Muskingum, the Tuscarawas, and other water courses, notifying the families of the pioneers of the approach of danger. Much, very much, may also be due this man of peace, this child of nature, for his kind offices among the children of nature in turning their hearts from wrath and averting their purposes of destruction. Reader-think of these things. Native Owl Creeker ponder over them and cherish the memory of good old Johnny Appleseed.
The promises he made he faithfully redeemed. Among other evidences of his keeping his word, we have the following :
In 1819, Isaiah Roberts, then on his way to Missouri, finding no boat at Zanesville ready to start on the trip down the river, footed it to Marietta., and on the road met with Johnny Appleseed, who promised to call at his fathers in Knox county, and tell him where he parted with him, etc. Shortly after, Johnny made his appearance one night about dark, and was cheerfully received. He then had an old tattered coat and slouched hat, with hair and beard uncut and uncombed, and barefooted. After eating some supper, he espied a copy of " Ballou on Atonement," which he took and read for some time by candle-light, thinking at first it was good Swedenborg doctrine, and desired to take it with him; but after he read further, and found the kind of doctrine it inculcated, he threw it down indignantly, expressing his disappointment, and in
133 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
a few moments after stretched himself out, and went to sleep.
Johnny Appleseed sometimes clipped his beard with scissors, but never used a razor. His nurseries, near Mount Vernon, were located at the following places : One in the then called Indian Fields, on the north bank of Owl Creek, directly west of Center Run, and another on the ground where James W. Forrest established his pottery, and known more recently as Rich's pottery.
The last time he was in this country, he took Joseph Mahaffey and pointed out to him two lots of land, at. the lower end of Main street, west side, about where Morey's soap factory was carried on, which he said belonged to him, and sometime he might come back to them. The tail-race of the Clinton Mill Company passed along there, and some of the ground has since been washed away by the water, and upon another portion stands the Mount Vernon Woolen Factory building. He has not been seen about here since 1829; but many a stray apple-tree that has been found upon the borders of our streams, marked the spots where the barefooted pilgrim had marked his way.
In 1837, the Rev. John Mitchell, when traveling on the Plymouth Circuit, met him traveling along the road on foot and in his shirt sleeves, as contentedly as a prince. He told him then that he lived " out west."
Johnny Appleseed in religious belief was called a Swedenborgian ; in truth, he was of the primitive Christian style, taking little thought for the morrow, satisfied that God would provide for his
134 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
people, living in meekness and humility, and walking uprightly. He had his peculiarities-who have them not - He had his frailties-who is clear of them - No wonder the Indians liked him. They could read his character at a glance. All was revealed by his eye, clear as the sunlight of God. He was without selfishness; he sought not to intrigue with or cheat them-he would do them no wrong. He put confidence in their honor, and they never would do him wrong. Many and many a time has that faithful old hermit traveled through the settlements on foot and alone, putting his countrymen on their guard. Often have we been told of these trips by those who have passed and now are passing away. Of him it was strictly and literally true, as sung by the poet :
" Man wants but little here below,
Nor wants that little long."
A few apple-seeds-a few sprouts-a few old books to read, and life to him was full of happiness. He had been favored with education, men knew from his knowledge of books, and his desire to read and have others read induced him at times to distribute Swedenborg's books, and when he had not enough to go around the company he would tear them in pieces, and give a part to each. Nothing more was known of his early days. It was said that he was from Connecticut-a stray Yankee- who wandered off from the fold into these wilds, but no one knew for certain as to who he was, where he came from, or what became of him. We will give, however, to such as feel an interest in his
135 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
history all that we have been able to gather of his later years.
Having disposed of many of his nurseries, and having others destroyed in part, which had began to grow from fourteen bushels of apple-seed last planted by him on Owl Creek, the Black Fork of Mohican, and the Whetstone, he concluded to migrate farther west, and managing to get an old mare or two loaded with seeds, he left this part of the country for Sandusky prairie; and from thence made his way west,* planting nurseries, and living after the manner he did here, till finally the old fruit ripened, and was gathered near Fort Wayne, Indiana, leaving nothing save the fragrance of good deeds and charitable acts to teach the future that such a being as Johnny Appleseed had ever been and passed like an exhalation-the moisture of the morning's dew dried up by the heat of the sun at meridian
* Note. Silas Mitchell informs us since the above was written that in the fall of 1843, when living in Whitesides county. Illinois, Johnny Applseed passed through that county on foot, and stopped all night with Aaron Jackson, son of Ziba. and left in the morning, stating that he was then from the Iowa prairies on his way to a Swendenborg convention in Philadelphia.
136 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
CHAPTER XII.
KNOX COUNTY DURING THE WAR-POPULATION PRETTY MUCH AT A STAND STILL-EVENTS--VOLUNTEERS, &c.-SOME INCIDENTS OF A MORE STIRRING CHARACTER--A TOUCH OF INDIAN WARFARE--FORTS AND BLOCK HOUSES ERECTED TO SAVE LIVES AND SCALPS.
THE settlements in Knox county being upon the borders, it may be presumed that the news of the declaration of war in 1812, and the threatening aspect of affairs kept our citizens wide awake and active. The Indians at that time were far more numerous upon Owl Creek, Mohican and in all parts of this country than the whites, and they required the closest kind of watching to keep them from depredating, killing and scalping the people. North of our present county line, the settlers were few and far between, and the county of Richland at that time made its returns to, and for judicial and other purposes was a part of, Knox. Hence within our borders, we may say, were enacted some of the deadliest scenes of slaughter . The killing of the Seymours and Rufuer, and the massacre at Copuses are within the recollection of many of our oldest citizens. From several of those who were at the time familiar with these horrid murders we have obtained full statements, but as from the termination of the war, and the organization of Richland to the present, the scenes where the tragedies
137 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
were enacted have belonged to our sister county, we will not go into detail in regard to them.
The people clustered together more closely than formerly, and at once made calculations for succor and plans for defence from the savage foe. A blockhouse was constructed at Frederick, and surrounded with pickets. After the war the building was converted into a school house. It was a frame, built on the square under direction of Captain Ayers, and moved on wheels to a point near where the railroad now runs. It was used for church and educational purposes for many years. Many families went to the fort at Frederick for safety. William Mitchell prepared his house for a siege-made heavy batten doors with iron bars, port holes for guns, etc. One of his boys rode express, another kept out with scouting parties, and the old man with two workmen, who staid with him, were constantly on the hook out for attack. The girls practiced shooting with rifles, so as to be ready for a large force of Indians at any time, and with his two dogs, " Gunner" and " Rover," that two story log house was prepared for one fight at least.
At John Lewis' was erected a blockhouse, where that neighborhood could defend themselves.
Upon the tax duplicate of Madison township, for the year 1811, is found the names of "James Copus, 4 cattle, 40 cents ;" " Philip Zeamore, 1 horse, 30 cents," and "Frederick Zeamore, 2 horses and 2 cattle, 80 cents," as returned to the commissioners of our county.
These men were among the victims of Indian barbarity in the commencement of this war. The
138 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
Seymour's lived on the Rocky or crooked fork of the Mohican, a little stream which headed above Mansfield. They were plain, simple minded people, who had been cultivating a small patch of ground and making slow but sure improvements on their location. Their nearest neighbor was a dutchman named Martin Rufner, who lived in a little cabin with only a small dutch boy. The Seymour family consisted of Frederick and his wife, and their children Philip and Catharine. One night four Indians were seen about dark prowling around the neighborhood of Seymour's house, and Rufner went to their house and urged Philip to go over to Mr. Copus and get help from there to capture them. No sooner had he started than the Indians entered the front door, when they were received in a friendly manner, and Catharine at once prepared supper for them, but the Indians instead of eating at once set upon the household and proceeded to kill and scalp them. Rufner was a very strong man and fought like a tiger, but he was soon overpowered, killed by two balls through his body, and left scalped in the yard and with several of his fingers cut off by a tomahawk. The father, mother and daughter were killed and scalped. In a few days after this an attack was made by a party of Indians upon the cabins of Mr. Copus, who lived at the Black fort. Some men belonging to a scouting party were at the time stopping at his house, and four of them had gone ~o a spring a few rods off to wash, when they were fired upon by the Indians who were hidden from view. Three of the men were killed and the fourth escaped into the house with a
139 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
bullet in his thigh . Mr. Copus, when in the act of looking out the door to see what was the affray, was shot in the breast, and the door was at once closed, and a vigorous resistance made to the attack of the savages, who came on with terrific yells and a volley of balls. The daughter of Mr. Copus was shot in the thigh, and herself and mother for safety stowed away in the cabin loft. One of the men had his arm broken by a ball, and the house was completely riddled by bullets. Several of the Indians were killed, and at length, after an hour's hard fighting, they withdrew from the field.
The particulars of the Seymour massacre, we have got from a Knox county man who was near the scene, and saw the place where the hellish deed was committed the next day. William and Richard Roberts had been for some time engaged building a mill for Andrew Newman, within one mile and a half of Seymour's. The night they were killed the dog kept up such a disturbance that Newman aroused those in the house, telling them "by shure Indians about, I know py my tog"-the Indians were then always uppermost in the thoughts . The guns were got in readiness-a man named Shere helped load them as Newman cried out "by shure I shall spill all my powder, I can't load the gun "-and the snore axes were also laid hold of, expecting an attack. There was no sleep for that night, and early in the morning word was got from Mr. Hill's, a neighbor, that Seymour's family was killed. Upon examination about where the forebay had just been raised, several moccasin tracks were discovered, and the evidence was clear that the Indians had medi-
140 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
tated an attack there, but feared they were too strong for them to succeed. During the night howling as of wolves had been heard about where the race and dam had been dug. There were but the four men at Newman's. Within an hour from the time of hearing of the massacre, Newman got up his team and took all of his tricks to Mansfield . William Roberts at once rode around to Seymour's and viewed the scene.
After this a trader in Mansfield, by name of Jones, was killed and scalped by the Indians on an out lot north of the houses near where the depot of the railroad now is. He had a wife and two children. The Roberts' had at that time a job of work about one of the blockhouses. The news of this was carried by Johnny Appleseed, on horseback, to the Richardson neighborhood, and thence on to Frederick. The greatest excitement prevailed throughout the country, and many amusing thin gs were said and done in this general panic. Among the most ludicrous was that of Samuel Wilson, who lived near the Quaker meeting house, and was so badly seared that he rushed from his house with overcoat on and his pantaloons under his arm, and in that condition ran all the way to Frederick.
Application was made to Gov. Meigs for Rangers, and he sent an order for a company of twelve to be raised by Abner Avers, whose beat was assigned them on the frontier, and this, with other bodies out, kept quiet in the settlements.
The friendly Indians of the Delaware tribe in this portion of country were mainly of the Greentown gang. That place, so much talked about by
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early settlers, was about eight miles northeast from the Richardson settlement, in Knox county, and within twelve miles of the Mansfield blockhouses. It was situated in the township of Green, laid out by our commissioners the 7th of January, 1812. The Indian village contained about sixty huts, and a council house built of posts and clapboards, sixty feet by twenty-five feet was its size. From 300 to 500 Indians congregated about it. During the summer various acts of hostility were attributed to this band, and many of the whites, whose friends and relatives had been killed by the Indians, were disposed to make no distinction between tribes, but to kill an Indian whenever it could safely be done. Collisions between parties of settlers and Green-town Indians became frequent, and it was at length determined to drive them from the soil. Two distinct races of people never have or can long live together in peace-one or the other must remain as subjects, or seek homes and freedom elsewhere. This little band of Indians became impressed with this historical truth and made ready to leave-some few, however, were loth to depart from the hunting grounds of their youth-the graves of their fathers-the homes of their race.
This was no time for sympathy with the race, and no tears were shed or regrets expressed by the settlers when the order come from the government for their removal. Under direction of the United States authorities they were removed via. Mansfield to Urbana, and thence to other western lands. From three of our old citizens, then young soldiers of Major Kratzer's command, we have gathered
142 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
the particulars of their transfer, and have been told of a most brutal act committed by some white men, which shows more fully than language can express, the feelings of the greater part, if not all of this christian people. At the Mansfield station, our good old pastor, then of the Methodist, but subsequently of the New Light persuasion, James Smith. was officiating as Chaplain to the Regiment-for even in those early times soldiers thought such an officer necessary to their welfare. While there an Indian and his plighted squaw came up to the Reverend Smith to have him marry them in the most approved manner of whites. While the guard were looking at the performance of the ceremony, an old Indian and his daughter made their escape, but before they got a mile off they were discovered by two men from Coshocton, named McCulloch and Morrison. Morrison shot the old Indian, who ran a short distance and fell to the ground. The young girl fled to the woods. The men having shot the Indian ran back to the blockhouse greatly excited and told their exploit, and under Kratzer's orders Sergeant Gilkison, with a squad of twelve, followed up the Indian to the spot where he lay bleeding from the wound of a bullet in his chest, and to Gilkison's inquiry as to who he was, he replied " a friend." Morrison and McCulloch having joined the band at this answer, the latter exclaimed " d--m you! I'll make a friend of you!" and struck at his head with his tomahawk. And then stamped his foot on the neck of the dying Indian and sunk his tomahawk in his head. Sergeant Gilkison tried to prevent this fiendish act but could not accomplish
143 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
it. Many of the old settlers tell of this feat of McCulloch's with great gusto, and add that he subsequently roved about among the western wilds taking revenge for two of his brothers who had been killed by Indians, by waylaying and shooting down and scalping every friendly or hostile Indian he met.
Such are some of the traditions of frontier life. The early settlers underwent many hardships and privations; but their sufferings from the savage foe were greater than the imagination of their descendants who occupy beds of down at night and cushions of quilted ease by day-who dress in silks, satins, and fine velvets with furbelows-who clothe themselves in purple and fine linen-can realize or comprehend.
MUSTER ROLL OF CAPT. JOSEPH WALKER'S COMPANY, UNDER THE COMMAND OF COLONEL LEWIS CASS, MUSTERED TO THE FIRST OF NOVEMBER, 1812.
Joseph Walker, Captain, engaged 8th June for 12 months.
R. M. Brown, Lieutenant. Saml. Everett, 1st Corporal.
John Elliott, 1st Sergeant. George Dickinson, 2d "
John Barney, 2d " Josiah Trimbly, 3d "
Archd. Crawford, 3d " Lewis Grindstaff, 4th "
Peter Kyle, 4th "
PRIVATES :
Abram Emmett,
Saml. Yoman,
Michael Barton,
Jacob Wolf,
John Smith,
Harley Strong,
Alex. Enos,
John Wefford,
James Wood,
John Sunderland,
David Elwell,
Alexr. Walker,
Philip Walker,
Robert Davidson,
Andrew Welker,
Powel Welker,
Paris Sprague,
Isaac Rogers,
Joseph King,
John Ryan,
John McConnell,
Benjn. Simpkins,
Rivenus Newel,
Daniel Swagert,
Emanuel Hawn,
Adam Lynn,
Michael Davis,
Nicholas Kyle,
Wm. Wallace.
Rawley Clark,fifer.
Henry Clemmens,
drummer
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Among the number of volunteers was JOHN H. MEFFORD, a native of Connelsville, Fayette co., Pa., who at the time of the breaking out of the war was teaching school in Hawkins' neighborhood, about flye miles from Shrimplen's mill. He served under Capt. Walker and also in Capt. John Spencer's company, of which last he was a lieutenant and had command after Hull's surrender.
After his return to Mount Vernon he married Abigail Mitchell, and worked at his trade, as a saddler, in partnership with his brother. He served the people as Justice of the Peace and as Associate Judge, and was a man of much popularity. He was possessed of some poetical talent, and it is said, by some, was the author of a noted song about " Hull's surrender." He was a good singer, which, in early times, in a country, is considered a great accomplishment. He died at Findlay about 1845, leaving two boys and three girls . His widow survives, and with the family now resides at Norwalk.
Another was Richard Montgomery Brown, whose name will be found as Lieutenant in Capt. Walker's company. He was born in Massachusetts, of revolutionary stock. His father, Samuel Brown, was under Montgomery at Quebec, was taken and imprisoned 9 months, and was subsequently a pensioner of the U. S. His father emigrated to Brooke county, Virginia, and from thence to the neighborhood of St. Clairsville, Ohio, in 1805; from there, in Oct., 1811, Richard M. moved to Mount Vernon, and engaged at his trade as a chairmaker and house painter. He has been in three new countries where the Indians yet were inhabitants. When he lived
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in Brooke county, Va., no roads were then cleared out, nor streets in Wellsville or St. Clairsville. Indians then and there were plenty and savage. He volunteered at Mount Vernon, June 8th, 1812, and was mainly instrumental in getting up the company to which he belonged. One company was then raised at Newark and another at Granville. Enos was then Col. and Kratzer Major of the militia. Major Munson, the recruiting officer, came to Mount Vernon when the Regiment was out on parade, and on call for volunteers the whole company of Joseph Walker, with Brown as Lieutenant, turned out. There were 42 in the company. Emanuel Hawn was to have been Ensign, but no election was gone into for that office on account of a quarrel with the Clintonites. They volunteered for one year, and served until surrendered by Gen. Hull, in August. This company mustered in a Regiment, of which Lewis Casswas Col., and the other officers, my informant believes, were Munson, Major, and Norton, Adjutant.
The company rendezvoused at Urbana with regiments of Col. McArthur and Col. Findlay, of Hull's brigade, and from thence marched to Detroit. They were piloted on an Indian trail to Detroit, by roads which were cut out from the Scioto to the Maumee, and from there to French Creek and River Raisin, etc., following trails. A band, part Indians and part white blood-the Zanes and McCullochs, of Zanesfield near Bellefontaine, who had intermarried with Indians, and they had half breed children, acted as principal pilots. When Hull surrendered, Walker's company returned by
146 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
Greentown, Black Fork of Moliican and Wooster. The militia of the county was then called out en masse by Major Kratzer, and every man in Mount Vernon went out to guard the frontier but old George Lybarger, who was left in charge of the women and children. When Fort Meigs was beseiged Lient. Brown, now Captain by brevet, says that two thirds of the men in the county went on to the Fort, and after the siege was raised he returned, having in his company Swigert from Fairfield, a man from Coshocton and some from other counties. All men who could go--impelled by the sense of danger went without delay-singly and not waiting for battalions.
Capt. Brown in 1816 married Mary Hawn, and settled down to his trade, at which he succeeded in making a competency, and now in his 73d year, with his wife and a portion of his children yet lives in Mount Vernon. Two of his children, James F. and Mrs. Elizabeth Updegraff, now reside in Wisconsin; two, Samuel R. and George W. in Colorado Territory, and one Mrs. Mary Sapp in Nebraska.
Colonel Alex. Enos, was one of the number surrendered up by General Hull, and on his return he attempted to take command of the men raised in Knox county, but Major Kratzer contended, that as he was a prisoner of war, he had no longer a right to the command.
Another active man in these times was Captain John Greer, who raised a company in the eastern part of the county, of which Daniel Sapp was Lieutenant, and George Sapp, Ensign.
The regimental adjutant was John Stilley; surgeon, Dr. Timothy Burr; chaplain, Rev. Jas. Smith.
147 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
CHAPTER XIII.
NOTABLE EVENTS OF 1815.
NINETEEN INDICTMENTS FOR FIGHTS AND FRAYS.--NEW ROADS ESTABLISHED.--THE JAIL A COSTLY THING.--LICENSES TO PREACH, TO SELL AND TO ENTERTAIN--THE SUPREME COURT FOR SEVEN TERMS.--THE OLD FOLKS SING.-- WHAT PAY SOLDIERS RECEIVED IN OLDEN TIME.-THE LAWYERS GET INTO THE COUNTY.-ELECTION OF 1815 FOR STATE AND COUNTY OFFICERS.
The Grand Jury at the spring term of Common Pleas Court consisted of Anthony Banning, foreman, John Merritt, Peter Bricker, John Hawn, David Hawn, John Green, Wm. Marquis, George Davis, Moses Craig, James Strange, Azariah Davis, Jacob Martin, Benjamin Bell and Gilman Bryant. They returned 19 indictments for "assault and battery" and "affrays." Quite a number of the parties plead guilty, and were fined. $2 and costs. Of this Grand Jury but one man is now living. Adnal Hersey, of the Christian Church, was licensed to marry. John Cook, of the Baptist, was also licensed to do the same. Samuel Mott was appointed Muster Commissioner in chancery. Tavern licenses were granted this year to Jonathan Hunt, Elisha Cornwall, Abner Ayres, John Baxter and A. H. Royce; and store license to Nicholas McCarty, George Girty, Eli Miller, Anthony Banning, L. S. Silliman, Gilman Bryant, John Wilson and
148 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
James N. Ayres. Two important roads are opened this year, namely: from Mount Vernon towards Sandusky, under the supervision of John Lewis, as commissioner, for which he is granted by the county commissioners orders for $100, and is paid $15 for his services; another, a road opened by Benjamin Rush, as commissioner, to Mansfield, for which services he is paid $9, and $200 is expended by the county in work upon the same. Among the bills paid in November, 1818, by the commissioners, are: to Anthony Banning, for 182 1/2 lbs. iron, and brick for jail, $26.55, and Archibald Crofferd, for the following work for the county: 1 pr. hand-cuffs, $3: 1 hasp, 50 cents; shackles and hasp, $1 .50; 2 grates, $13.80; eight spikes, 50 cents-$1950. The job of making further improvements to the jail and jailor's house is given to Wm. Douglass at $125. The commissioners were determined, if possible, to make the jail burglar proof. That little log thing was a great institution truly--a first rate concern to sink money in, without any prospect of ever getting it back.
SUPREME COURT-1810-16.
The first session of the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio held in Knox county was on the 3d day of August, 1810, by Honorables William W. Irwin and Ethan Allen Brown.
James Smith was appointed clerk for seven years.
The only cases were those of the State vs. Ichabod Nye and Samuel Nye. Upon oath by the defendants that they did not believe an impartial trial
149 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
could be had, the venue was changed to Licking county.
E. Herrick, Esq., attended as prosecuting attorney.
The second session was held May 1st, 1811, b two causes were on the docket. Sylvenias Lawrence, for the use of Benjamin Rush, vs. George Davidson, and James Peuthres vs. Samuel Kratzer; both of which were dismissed. No other business was to be transacted, and the court adjourned until the next court in course.
The third term was held April 9th, 1812. In addition to the former cases the docket shows the following: Joseph Butler vs. Elizabeth Vendrew; Wm. W. Farquhar vs. James Craig; Andrew Craig vs. Henry McCart and James Cunningham; James Smith vs. Samuel H. Smith; Henry Smith vs. Benjamin Berney; Henry Smith vs. Samuel H. Smith and Benjamin Barney; and Thomas Slater vs. Lovina Slater. Attachments were issued vs. Amos Yarnold and Alexander Enos for refusing to attend as witnesses.
The ease of Slater vs. Slater is the first divorce question ever presented in Knox county.
The fourth term was held on the 2d of August, 181:3, by Thomas Scott ami Ethan A. Brown.
Wm. C. Enos was qualified as attorney and counselor at law as the law requires.
The case of Lawrence for use of Rush is dismissed tor want of bond to prosecute the appeal.
In Craig vs. McCart and Cunningham, judgment of non-suit is entered, because of non-appearance of Plaintiff. Farquhar vs. Craig is continued, and the
150 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
defendant is to pay all costs of this term within six months, or judgment, &c. John Jones vs. Joseph Cherry Holmes and George Lybarger the complainent being thrice called did not appear, nor any person to prosecute this suit for him, therefore the injunction is dissolved and bill dismissed. The injunction case of Benjamin Barney vs. Henry Smith is heard by counsel, and the injunction is made perpetual, plaintiff to pay all costs. James Smith vs. Samuel H. Smith is argued by counsel, and the court decide that the defendant go hence, without day, and recover of plaintiff costs, &c. David Davis vs John Cambridge, removed from Licking county, is continued. Slater's divorce petition is dismissed at cost of plaintiff. Lewis Dent and Co. vs. John Wheeler--judgment for plaintiff for $493.80 and costs. Another divorce case, Isaac Bonnet vs. Elizabeth Bonnet, is continued at cost of plaintiff to be paid in six months, and upon condition that he give personal notice to the defendant of the pending of this suit in six months.
On the evening of the 3d of August, having spent two days, court adjourned.
The fifth term was held August 13, 1814-Judge William W. Irwin and Ethan A. Brown.
John Williamson vs. Samuel Farquhar is continued at defendant's cost.
Isaac Bonnet vs. Mary Bonnet, divorce. "After argument the court continued the cause under advisement until the Coshocton Supreme Court. Their decision to be certified from that or some other Court to this Court." The first jury cause ever tried
151 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
in the Supreme Court for this county is that of Wm. W. Farquhar vs. James Craig.
Jury Wm. Harriss, John Harriss, John Sawyer, Jacob Cooper, John Kerr, Bartholomew Bartlett, John Davidson, John Wilson, Thomas White, Francis Mitchell, Isaac Bonnet and Benjamin Martin. Verdict for plaintiff, $103.60. A motion is made by defendant for a new trial, argued by counsel, and overruled by Court.
The State of Ohio vs. Martin D. Lewis. On indictment by Grand Jury of Licking county for larceny. On motion, and affidavit of defendant. The Court ordered venue to be changed to this comity, on defendant giving bond of $500 and security in $200 to appear first day of next term. Henry Markley becomes his security. After two days' session, Court adjourned.
The sixth term was held August 7th, 1815. Judges Ethan A. Brown and John A. Couch, who produced his commission in room of Hon. Thomas Scott, resigned, &c.
The only jury trial was that of Samuel Mott vs. Gilman Bryant. Jury--Isaac Vore, Sr., John Yennoins, Samuel Durbin, James MeGibeny, Joseph Hunt, .John Arbuckle, Thomas Williams, Moses Merrit, George Dial, Wm. Sapp and John Stilley. Verdict for plaintiff, .$5 and costs. Josiah Hedges vs. Samuel Kratzer, Andrew Craig and George Davis. Default against defendants, and cause continued for inquiry. Anthony Banning vs. Samuel Kratzer and .John Williamson. On motion of plaintiff's counsel for dismission of appeal, on hearing the arguments of the parties by their
152 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
Counsel, it is therefore ordered that the motion be overruled.
August 8th, 1815. John Williamson vs. Samuel Farquhar. Continued till next term, on motion and affidavit of plaintiff, and at his costs. Wm. W. Alexander vs. John Wilson. Suit dismissed at costs of defendant, except docket fee in court below, which is not to be taxed to either party. Anthony Banning vs. Samuel Kratzer- and John Williamson. Decree by court for plaintiff, "as per decree on file, signed by Chief Judge."
The above is a faithful abstract of all the business of this, the sixth, term of the Supreme Court.
The seventh term was held August 15th, 1816, by Judges Brown and Couch, the latter having produced his commission for seven years from the 14th of February, 1816. But one cause was tied by jury-Moses Robison vs. Isaac Dial. Verdict for plaintiff, $104.80 and costs. Williamson vs. Farquhar is again continued, with leave to amend, and at costs of plaintiff. Stephen H. McDougal, assignee of Wm. Taylor, vs. Enoch Harris. Judgement by default, for $88.80 and costs. There are four other cases upon the docket, in all of which our old friend Samuel H. Smith figures as Plaintiff or defendant. The other parties are Robert Fulton, Erasmus Beaty, Levi Davis, Joseph Walker, administrator of Philip Walker, and John Walker. On the 16th court adjourned till next court in course.
The entire business of seven terms of the Supreme Court for Knox County we have given, that our readers may form an idea of the amount and
153 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
kind of business dispatched, as also of the old settlers then participating in time luxury of law
OTHER MATTERS OF SOME DEGREE OF INTEREST.
In February, 1815, George Girty opened a store in Mount Vernon, and also one at Fredericktown. there was but little increase in the number of business men or in other respects this year.
On the 8th of April a "Singing Assembly'" of ladies and gentleman comprising different singing societies in the county, gave a grand concert at the court-house in Mount Vernon, at 1 o'clock P. M. All persons feeling willing to unite and participate in the exercises canine. It was one of the olden kind of gatherings, like the "Old Folks Concert" given in Mount Vernon this spring of 1862, as we have been assured by one of the vocalists who participated in both "singing assemblies".
In these war times, while some are disposed to grumble at the low rates soldiers receive, it may be well to remind them of the pay in 1815. In March the pay of non-commissioned officers and privates in the army of the United States was reduced to the following prices: To each sergeant major and quartermaster-sergeant, 9 dollars; sergeants, 8 dollars; corporals, 7 dollars; teachers of music, 8 dollars-, musicians, 6 dollars; artificers, 10 dollars; and privates, 5 dollars.
Samuel Mott had come all the way from Vermont to practice law in the wilderness, and was the first lawyer resident in the county. Enos was the second, who, one of the old settlers says, had
154 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
just been made at home, and "wasn't lawyer enough to hurt."
May 9th, H.. Curtis takes this way of informing his friends and the public that line has chanced his place of residence from Newark to Mount Vernon, and, in the vacations of the courts, clients will find him in the town of Mount Vernon. In 1817 he became a fixture of the county, and here remained until 1858, as elsewhere told.
At the October election this whole county polled 345 votes. Alexander Enos was chosen Representative; John Shaw, Sheriff; Commissioner, .Jonathan Miller; Commissioner, Dr. W. Hastings.
Richland county, at this election, gave for Representative-Winn Winship, 156; A. Enos, 22: Robert McMillen, 10.
155 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
CHAPTER XIV.
MASONIC INSTITUTIONS.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF MASONRY IN KNOX COUNTY.-ITS ORIGIN --CHRONO--LOGICAL STATEMENT OF ITS EARLY EVENTS AND PUBLIC TRANSACTIONS--AND THE PRESENT CONDITION OF THE VARIOUS ORDERS.
To the members of the craft the early history of Masonry is of deep and abiding interest It dates hack in the history of our county, as in that of the world, to a very remote period and its ancient transactions will in the future be regarded with greater concern. The space allotted to this branch of our work Will allow but brief mention of the organization and action of Mount Zion Lodge as established at Clinton, and subsequently removed to Mount Vernon, and a chronological statement of public occurrences, celebrations, funerals, etc.
The first meeting of delegates from all the Lodges in the State of Ohio was held at Chillicothe, on the first Monday of January, A. D. 1808, A. L 5808. whereat, on motion of Brother Lewis Cass, it was resolved "that it is expedient to form a GRAND LODGE in the State of Ohio." General Rufus Putnam was elected on the 7th of January Rt. W. Grand Master, and other business pertinent to permanent organization was transacted. At the Grand
156 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
Communication held at Chillicothe the 2d day of January, A. L. 5809, A. D. 1809, a petition was presented, signed by Brothers Samuel H. Smith, Nathaniel W. Little, Richard Fishback, William Little, Alexander Enos, Jr., Ichabod Nye and Thomas Brown, praying this Grand lodge to grant them a charter, to form a Lodge, by the name of Mount Zion Lodge, No. --," which was read, and on motion seconded,
"Ordered, that until a charter can be made and granted to said brethren, for the aforesaid purpose, they shall be entitled to receive a dispensation therefor."
By reference to file proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, held in Chillicothe, A. L. 5810, A. ID. 1810, we find " Samuel H. Smith, representative of Mount Zion Lodge, No.--."
In the same year that Knox county was organized the initiatory steps were taken for the organization of a Masonic lodge; the petition drawn up for this purpose, as above recited, was presented in the first month of the following year, 1809, and the original dispensation was numbered "7," though subsequently changed to "9."
The first Master of the Lodge was Samuel H. Smith. The first Public installation of officers was Samuel H. Smith, W. M.; Alfred Manning, S. W.; Ichabod Nye, J.W.; Samuel Nye, Treasurer; Oliver Strong, Secretary; Wm. F. Roberts, S. D.: James Miller, J. D.; Wm. Bartlett, Peter Wolf; Stewards; Richard Fishback, Tyler.
Among the members of the Lodge in 1811 and 1812 were: Amoriah Watson, George Downs, Peter
157 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
Kinney, John Barney, Abner Ayres, John Wheeler, Charles Barney, R. N. Powers, Charles Lofland, Jesse Proctor, Wm. Winship, Rufus Crosby, Nicholas C. Boalse, P. M.
Among the visiting brethren were: Wm.Erwin, Wm.Andrews, John Clark, Robert Glass, Lemuel Chapman, Samuel Choate, P. M., Riverius Newell, P. M., from Vermont.
The standing committee for 1811 consisted of Nicholas C. Boalse, Oliver Strong, Alfred Manning.
The Representative to the Grand Lodge in Chillicothe, January, 1812, was Alfred Manning.
Royal N. Powers succeeded Samuel H. Smith as W. M., and he was also elected Representative to the Grand Lodge. Alfred Manning was W. M. after Powers.
Daniel Dimmick was made a W. M. June 20th, 1812, and Lewis Jones, Richard Crooks, Thomas
Rowland, Garret E. Pendergrass, Major Phineas. Reed, among others, were also raised.
Ammoriah and Samuel Watson, at their request were permitted to pay their dues as quarterly members.
In October it was voted to remove this Lodge to the brick house in Clinton belonging to Bro. Samuel H. Smith.
Samuel Everett and Valentine Giesy were among the visiting members.
John Greer, John Garrison, John Haldeman and Thomas McClure were initiated in January, 1813.
Winn Winship and Levi Jones are considered quarterly members. Their residence, like the Wat-
158 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
son's, was in Richland county, a considerable distance off.
June 24th, 1813, St. John the Baptist's day, was duly commemorated. An able oration was delivered by Bro. Winn Winship, and in procession the brethren marched to Bro. Boalse, and partook of a sumptuous dinner. Among the items of the Stewards bill, appears-" this, with the musician's bill, ~-. Our venerable friend and brother, Judge Ezra Griswold, of' Delaware. this spring gave u s an interesting account of' this celebration. He was present as one of' the musicians, belonging to the first hand organized in-this part of the State; he at an early day went far as well as near to celebrations, etc.
The Judge formerly lived at Worthington, and is one of the pioneers of the press in this State.
Among the brethren of the mystic tie present were Gilman Bryant, George. Downs, James Low, Lothrop Shirtliff, from New York, Wm. Anderson.
In 1814, at the meeting of the Grand Lodge in Chillicothe, Samuel H. Smith was the Representative. The returns at this time show 27 members, 3 fellow-crafts and 3 apprentices. one suspended and one expelled.
John Shaw, Ichabod Marshal, Robert Buchanan, Samuel Yeoman. James L. Priest, Edward Wheeler, George Dickinson, Daniel Ayres, John P. McArdle, Cyrus Langworthy and G. B. Maxfield are among the number initiated and receiving the Master's Degree this year.
The Rev. Bro. Fuller delivered a discourse to
159 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
the Masonic Society of Mount Zion Lodge, in Clinton, on Wednesday, May 8th, 1814.
Mount Zion Lodge, No. 7, celebrated the festival of St. John the Baptist at Clinton, on the 24th of June, at 10 o'clock A.M., by public procession and a sermon at the meeting-house by Rev. Bro. Josephus S. Hughes.
On the 27th of December, Bros. John Shaw, J. P. McArdle and Ichabod Marshal, the Standing Committee, agreed . with Bro. Ichabod Nye for Lodge-room and refreshments the ensuing year.
Among the visiting brethren were Samuel Chapman. Samuel Choate, P. M., Thomas Munson, Jo5e1)h Brown, Wm. Bartlett and John Hawn.
The first funeral attended by the fraternity in this county was that of Richard Fishback, merchant, of Clinton, who died in his 36th year, and was buried with Masonic honors on the 23d of May.
1815.--The anniversary of St. John the Baptist was celebrated in Clinton by procession and the delivery of addresses by Bros. Vandeman and Curtis. Among the brethren present were Martin M. Kellogg, Wm.Wallace, ---Hallerman, ---Forbes, Benj. Helman and Daniel Dimmick.
The Lodge proposed to contract for the new Lodge-room, and the committee reported the amount of money in the coffers for said purpose, $134.80. In November a resolution passed, requesting the Grand Lodge to grant authority to change sessions to Mount Vernon.
The second Masonic funeral was that of Bro. Robert Glass, December 3d, 1815.
160 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
In 1816, Winn Winship was Representative to the Grand Lodge.
Among the visiting brethren of this year were Wm.Webster, Robert D. Moore, of Youghiogheny Lodge, No. 10, Pa., and John Warden, of Pa.
The Standing Committee of this year consisted of John Shaw, Timothy Burr and Joseph Brown.
There are very many items of deep interest connected with the history of the Lodge at Clinton. The action of the pioneers of Masonry in Knox will in the distant future be regarded with much curiosity by those whose privilege it is to lift the vail and tread within its sacred precincts. For the present we rest.
MOUNT ZION LODGE, NO. 9 AT MOUNT VERNON.
By virtue of a dispensation of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, predicated upon a petition included in a resolution of De Witt Clinton Lodge, No. 9, introduced May 8th, 1816, and passed by a vote of the brethren on the 5th of June thereafter, and taking into consideration also the reasonable request of said prayer that said Lodge may be removed from Clinton in Knox county to Mount Vernon in said county, and authorized to hold their meetings at said town of Mount Vernon, by virtue of the present charter, Henry Brush, Grand Master, and by resolution of Grand Lodge at their last Grand Annual Communication, did grant full power and lawful authority to hold their regular and special meetings at Mount Vernon.
Done at Masons' Hall, Chillicothe, this 7th day of March, in the year of our redemption 1817, and of Masonry 5817.
By the Grand Master, HENRY BRUSH.
R. KERCHEVAL, Grand Secretary.
A meeting was accordingly held by the Free and Accepted Masons, inhabitants of Mount Vernon. on the 5th day of April, 1817, A. L. 5817, at the
161 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
court-house. Pro. Joseph Brown, Chairman, and Bro. Robert D. Moore, Secretary. The communication from the Grand Lodge was read and accepted, and a committee to draft a system of By-Laws for the government of the Lodge was appointed, consisting of John Shaw, John P. McArdle and Joseph Brown.
Ordered, that the next meeting be held at the court-house, on the 11th inst., for the purpose of organizing a Lodge. On motion made and seconded, that we must meet at 3 o'clock P.M. of the 11th inst.; decided in the affirmative, and adjourned in harmony.
MOUNT VERNON, 11th April, A. D. 1817, A.L. 5817.
At said communication of Mount Zion Lodge, No. 9, the organization of the Lodge was effected, and the By-Laws reported and adopted. Bro. Alfred Manning, W. M.; John P. McArdle, S. W. p. t.; Robert Buchanan, J. W. p. t.; Joseph Brown, Se. p. t.; Jonathan Miller, T. p. t.; Robt. D. Moore, S.Th p.t.; Ilosmer Curtis, J. D. p. t.; Gilman Bryant, T. p. t.; John Shaw, John Robert, John Warden and Orange Granger, Visiting Brethren.
On the 6th day of June the following officers were regularly elected, viz: Alfred Manning, W. M.; John P. McArdle, S. W.; John Shaw, J. W.; .Joseph Brown, S.; Gilman Bryant, T.; Royal D. Simons, S. D.; Robert Buchanan, J. D.; John Roberts, S.; James Miller, T. On the 24th day of June they were installed at 9 o'clock A. M., and the anniversary of St. John the Baptist was duly commemorated. A procession was formed, under direction of Bro. Robert D. Moore, as Marshal, and, after marching to the court-house, a sermon was delivered by the Rev. James Smith, and the Lodge walked in procession to Mr. Zimmerman's tavern and partook of a sumptuous dinner. Those present
162 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
and participating were: Past Masters Royal D. Simons, Robert D. Moore, Samuel H. Smith, and Riverius Newell; Master Masons, G. B. Maxfield, William Bartlett, John Warden, Reeve Chapman; and visiting brethren, Hosmer Curtis, Wm.Guyan, Shipinan, Ichabod Nye, Lemuel Potter, A. P. Ashley, Samuel Nyc; Fellow Crafts, Andrew C. Johnson and Wm. McCartney.
The members of Mount Zion Lodge, No. 9, of F. and A. Masons, met at Masonic Hall, in Mount Vernon, at the hour of 9 o'clock A. M., June 24th, 1817, for the purpose of celebrating the anniversary of Saint John the Baptist. The Rev. James Smith delivered the address.
Alfred Manning was the Representative to the Grand Lodge in 1817.
This year Henry Brush, of Chillicothe, was R.W. G.M., at Grand Lodge July 5th. Philemon Beecher, of Lancaster, Deputy.
From the Minutes of the Grand Lodge at Chillicothe we extract the following, relating to one who, for many years, resided in our county-a public benefactor, distinguished as well for his masonic zeal and faithfulness as for his piety and learning:
"August 4th. The Reverend Philander Chase delivered the address to the Grand Lodge.
"Ordered, that the sum of $50 be paid out of the funds of the Grand Lodge to the Rev. Bro. Chase, as a testimony of respect for the discourse delivered by him yesterday."-Minutes, August 5th, 1817.
Since we undertook this work, we have met with an aged brother who often sat by the side of Bro. Chase in the Lodge room, and gave us several in-
163 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
teresting incidents in the masonic life of the Bishop.
August 1st, 1817, Alexander Elliott and Emanuel Hawn were duly initiated E. A.; on the 5th of September they became F. C.; and, on the 3d of October, Master's decree conferred on the former, and Nov. 2d, on the latter.
Andrew C. Johnson was the first Master raised in this Lodge, September 5th, 1817.
Andrew Clark and Samuel Pyle received the first degree September 5th, 1817; the second, October 3d ; the third, November 2d.
Samuel Hawn, E. A., Oct. 3d; F. C., Nov. 2d; M. M., Dec. 5th.
1819, January l2th.-Fee of Bro. Joseph Moody to become F. C., paid in chartered paper $4, and of Bro. Nicholas McCarty, in Owl Creek paper, $5.
The Festival of St. John the Baptist was commemorated, in 1818, by a public procession, address at the court-house, and dinner at Joseph Brown's. Rev. Bro. Nathan B. Johnson delivered the address.
The first masonic funeral by this Lodge, after its removal to Mount Vernon, was that of Andrew M. Roberts, who departed this life April 17th, aged 27 years. He was consigned to mother earth April 18th. Bro. Thomas Rigdon preached the funeral discourse at the court-house from these words- "Be ye also ready."
Bro. Royal ID. Simons, W.M.; Nicholas McCarty, Secretary.
The Lodge had the satisfaction of commemorating St. John the Baptist's anniversary in their
164 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
new hall in the second story of the new brick school house on the hill.
Royal D. Simons was the Representative to the Grand Lodge in 1819, and also in 1820. Among the officers of the Grand Lodge elected at the latter communication was M. Rev. Philander Chase. Grand Chaplain.
December 27th, 1820, a public installation of officers of the Lodge took place in lower room of the Lodge building where a sermon was delivered by the Rev. Joseph Carper. Alexander Elliott, W.M.
April 27th, 1821, M.W. John Snow, G2~.L, visited the Lodge.
The second masonic funeral was that of Bro. N C. Boalse, August 10th, 1821.
1822. The Festival of St. John the Baptist commemorated. A procession was formed by John Shaw, Marshal, and marched to the court-house. where the oration delivered by Brother Cook. at Sandusky, in 1819, was read by Bro. Jo. Brown. after which the brethren partook of an elegant dinner at Mr. Eli Miller's tavern, and then returned to the Lodge room. Among the visiting brethren in attendance were-Samuel Wolf, John W. Harter and James Mumford from Mansfield; Wm. Allison and John Allison from Lodge No. 123. Waynesburg, Pa. ; Wm. Coonrod, John F. Adams. Alvin Corbin, Abner Avres, and others.
The Representative to the Grand Lodge at Columbus, in 1823, was Bro. Royal D. Simons.
In 1824, H. Curtis and Joseph Brown were the Representatives.
The anniversary of St. John the Evangelist was
165 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
Commemorated by the Lodge December 27th. 1824. Bro. Joseph Brown, as Marshal, formed the brethren in procession, and after marching to time Presbyterian Church, and hearing an address by Rev. James Scott, the officers elect were duly installed according to ancient usages, and the Lodge and brethren present then returned in solemn procession to the Lodge room. H. Curtis, W.M.
The funeral of Bro. John Warden was attended by the lodge, May 25th, 1825; Thomas Ridgdon acted as Chaplain. The ceremonies were performed according to ancient usage.
The Rev. Bro. Badger, Elder of the Christian Church, delivered a masonic address in Mount Vernon, January 31st, 1826.
1826. The anniversary of St. John the Baptist was duly commemorated. The Masonic Address was delivered by Bro. Ahab Jenks, of Granville.
August 26th. Bro. Royal D. Simons was, by the Lodgee, buried according to ancient usages. Bro. Benj. H. Taylor superintending Marshal ; Wm. Bevans Marshal for the Fraternity. Elder James Smith delivered the funeral discourse.
1827. Bro. H. Curtis was the Representative to the Grand Lodge.
1828, June 24th. The brethren in procession, under direction of Bros. Day and Tracy, marched to the Presbyterian Church, where an excellent discourse was delivered by Bro. James McMahon after which a very good dinner was served up at the house of Bro. W. E. Davidson.
1828. H. B. Curtis was the Representative to the Grand Lodge.
166 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
1829. H. Curtis and J. N. Burr were Representatives.
1830, January 26th. Bro. John Shaw's funeral attended by the Fraternity.
1833, January 29th. John Roberts was buried by the brethren of this Lodge. He was in his 73d year.
1835, March 30th. Bro. Riverius Newell was buried by the craft. In the fall of 1837, Mount Zion Lodge moved to the present Lodge room, in Bro. Huntsbery's block.
1839, .June 24th. This anniversary was duly celebrated by the Lodge. The oration by Bro. Adam Randolph, in the court-house, was listened to by a very large concourse of Masons and citizens. A most excellent dinner, provided by Bro. T. Burr. was disposed of in proper manner, and every thing passed off harmoniously.
1840, February 16th. Bro. Dr. Lyman Wright was buried, at Fredericktown, by the members of Mount Zion Lodge.
1841, June 24th. This anniversary was becomingly commemorated. Bro. David Spangler, of Coshocton, delivered the address, and Bro. T. Burr prepared the dinner. Address delivered in the Methodist Episcopal Church. The Mt. Vernon Choir and Mt. Vernon Band discoursed appropriate music.
At 2 o'clock P.M., June 25th, a procession was formed, under direction of Bro. Johnston Elliott, to attend the funeral of Bro. John Sherman, who was buried according to ancient usage's.
August 27th. Funeral of Bro. T. G. Plummer.
167 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
September 7th. The funeral of Bro. John E. Davidson.
1843, December 13th. The funeral of Bro. Hill Runyan.
1844, June 24th. A public celebration of this anniversary occurred. Bro. T. G. Drinker, of Cincinnati, delivered the address. Many brethren from Newark, Zanesville, Columbus, West Carlisle, Loudenville and Mansfield participated in the ceremonies of the day.. Isaac Davis was Marshal, and John A. Holland, of Wooster, Assistant Marshal. An excellent dinner was provided by Bro. Mackey, and the day passed off harmoniously.
On the 27th of December, the anniversary of St. John the Evangelist was commemorated by a social party in the Hall, whereat the officers elect were publicly installed, and an appropriate address delivered by Bro. C. Delano.
December 15th, 1846, Bro. James Haves, of Miller township, buried by the Lodge in due form.
1847, February 8th. An act to incorporate the Master, Wardens and Brethren of Mt. Zion Lodge No. 9, was passed by the Legislature, and accepted.
1848, August 3d. Masonic funeral of Bro. Crandal Rosecrans, near Homer.
1849, February 8th. Masonic funeral of l3ro. Jonathan Miller.
June 24th. St. John the Baptist anniversary duly commemorated. The address delivered by Bro. Rolla H. Chubb.
1852, May 7th, Masonic funeral of Bro. T. Winne.
" August 28th, Masonic funeral of Bro. Marvin Tracy.
1853, December 11th, Masonic funeral of Bro. Sylvester Pond.
168 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
1854, September 1st, Masonic funeral of Bro. Jacob B. Brown.
1855, October 1st, Masonic funeral of Bro. John A. Holland, of Rockford, Ill.
1856, December 7th, Masonic funeral of Bro. William Bevans.
1857, March 13th, Masonic funeral of Bro. Johu Butler, of Rosco Lodge, No. 190.
1857, December 16th, Masonic funeral of Bro. William Cope-land.
1858, April 29th, Masonic funeral of Bro. J. Phifer.
1859, May 12th, Masonic funeral of Bro. George White.
1861, September 22d, Masonic funeral of Bro. Lorin Andrews.
1862, January 20th, Masonic funeral of Bro. W. R. Greer.
" April 6th, Masonic funeral of Bro. James Huntsbery.
" " 30th, Masonic funeral of Bro. Robert Lurkins.
The following brothers have been in attendance on the Grand Lodge:
1830, J. N. Burr, James Huntsbery, Jonas Ward.
1831, Jonas Ward.
1832, P. Sprague, W. Bevans, L. Lake.
1833, J. Ward.
1836, W. Bevans, Alexander Elliott.
1839, W. Bevans, A. Randolph, at Lancaster.
1840, B. F. Smith.
1841, J. N. Burr, B. F. Smith, James Huntsbery.
1842, B. F. Smith, T. Winne.
1843, " J. N. Burr, Isaac Davis.
1844, " M. Tracy.
1845, " J. N. Burr, J. B. Brown.
1846, " " M. Tracy.
1847, J. B. Brown, S. P. Axtell, M. Tracy.
1848, " "
1849, " G. W. Williams
1850, " J. N. Burr, W. Dunbar
1851, " " G. W. Trus
1852, " "
1853, " G. W. True, James Smith, Jr.
1854, G. W. True, G. W. Stahl, B. F. Smith.
1855, " " F. B. Plimpton.
169 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
1856, Dennis Smith G. W. S tahl, S. P. Axtell.
1857, G. W. True, J. N. Burr, S. P. Axtell.
858, J. N. Burr, J. C. Devin, "
1859, John Adams, S. P.Axtell, J. B.Beardslee, Dr. J. N. Burr, D. G. M.
1860, C. S. Pyle, S. P. Axtell, J. B. Beardslee.
1861, " "
Present Officers-C. S. Pyle, W. M.; W. B. Brown, S. W.; J. D. Beardslee, J. W.; James Huntsbery, Treasurer; S. P. Warden, Secretary; H. W. Owen, S. D.; L. B. Curtis, J. D.; J. R. Wallace, Tyle r.
Standing Committee, 1862 -J. N. Burr, S. P. Axtell, N. E. Lewis.
Relief Committee-L. B. Curtis, Thomas Harvey, John Ringwalt
Among the members of this Lodge of long standing we may mention the venerable William Beardslee. who was made a Master Mason at Stephentown, N. Y., in 1804, who in 1817 represented Center Star Lodge, No. 11, in the Grand Lodge of. Ohio, at Chillicothe, and whose three sons-Job H. G., Wm. B., and John B.-- are also of the craft.
Adam Pyle, our much-respected townsman, was made a Master in 1821 ; and Dr. Jonathan N. Burr is time oldest Past Master in this part of the country. In 1825 he was raised in this Lodge, in 1829 became its W. M., and since then has. served in that position longer than perhaps any Master in the State. For his zeal and fidelity he was presented by the brethren of Mt. Zion Lodge with a beautiful Past Master's Jewel in 1852 ; and the Sir Knights for like cause in 1859 presented him with a Templar's sword. Long may this bright light be permitted to illustrate the virtues of Masonry.
170 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
Thrall Lodge No. 170, Fredericktown, was chartered October 18th, 1849.
First Officers-Chancy Hill, WM. ; T. V. Parke, SW. ; A. Keller, J.W. ; J. Wages, Treasurer ; 0. W. Rigby, Sec'y; D.C. Beach, S.D. ; D. P. Coffinbury, J.D. ; N. S. Reed, Tyler.
Number of members, 32.
Ohio Lodge No. 199, Bladensburg ; Chartered October 28th, 1851.
Eli Farnum, WM. ; A. C. Scott, SW. ; G. M. Hill, J.W. ; F. Bebout, Treasurer J. H. Miller, Sec'y ; G. Upfold, S.D.; J. N. Hurry, J.D. ; Johnson Hill, Tyler.
Number of members, 26.
Antioch Lodge No. 286, located in Danville, was chartered Oct. 26th, 1856.
First Officers Under Charter.-John White, W. M. ; Wait Whit. ney, S. W.; U. B. Kinsie, J. W.; S. WV. Sapp, Secretary; M. Hildreth, Treasurer; Z. Hibbetts. S. D., , J. D.; A. S. Church, Tyler.
Chartered Members-John White, Wait Whitney, U. B. Kinsie, Samuel Kinsie, Isaiah Hieth, S. W. Contier, Z. Hibbetts, John Biggs, Daniel Hess, B. S. Church, A. S. Church, Miner Hildreth, S. W. Sapp, B. Casteel, C. W. Page.
First Initiation in Lodge-Henry Hibbetts.
Present Officers.- M. Hildreth, W. M.; S. W. Sapp, S. W. ; A. S. Church, J. W.; Calvin Simmons, Secretary; Alonzo Gardner, Treasurer; John C. Gaines, S. D.; Henry Hibbetts, J. D.; Mark Greer, Tyler.
Present number of members, 45.
Clinton Royal Arch Chapter No. 26, was created the 16th day of May, 1842, under a dispensation from the Most Excellent Comp. G. D. Hines, Dept. G. H. P. of the Grand Chapter of the State of Ohio.
171 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
First Officers. N. Burr, E. II. P. ; B. E. Smith, King: James Huntsbery, Scribe ;------, Secretary ; C. Delano, P. 5~ B. H. Taylor, C. of H.; S. W. Burr, R. A. C. ; A. Corbin, A. C. Rowland, J. Garrison, Masters of the VaiL ; Joseph Muenscher, Chaplain.
On the 20th of May, the above officers were duly installed by M. E. G. D. Hines, Dept. G. H. P.
Officers in 1862.-S. P. Axtell, E. H. P.; J. N. Burr, King; W. M. Mefford, Scribe; Dennis Smith, C. of H.; J. B. Beardslee, P. S.; W. B. Bown, R. A. C.; 0. M. Arnold, G. M. 3d Vail C S. Pyle, G. M. 21 Vail; R. D. Huntsbery, G. M. 1st Vail; James Huntsbery, Treasurer ; S. P. Warden, Secretary ; J. R. Wallace, G.
Standing Committee, 1862.-J. N. Burr, O. M. Arnold, J. B. Beardslee.
Clinton Encampment No. 5, of Knights Templars and Appendant Orders, was instituted at Mount \ernon on the l2th of October, 1843, b virtue of authority amid a letter of dispensation granted for that purpose by William James Reese, General Grand Generalissimo of time General Grand Encampment of the United States of America. The grant was to B. F. Smith, Joseph Muenscher, Isaac Davis, J. M. Smith. and A. D. Bigelow.
First Officers of the Encampment.-Sir Joseph Muenseher, G. Coin. ; Sir B. E. Smith, Gen. ; Sir A. D. Bigelow, Capt. Gen.; Sir J. N. Burr, Prelate; Sir C. Delano, S. W.; Sir Isaac Davis, J. W.; Sir James Huntsbery, Treasurer ; Sir T. Winne, Recorder ; Sir Adam Randolph, Standard-hearer; Sir Joseph Hildreth, Sword- bearer; Sir E. W. Cotton, Warden; Sir D. D. Stevison, Sentinel.
Present Officers.-Sir J. N. Burr, G. Com.; Sir Dennis Smith, Gen.; Sir J. B. Beardslee, Capt. Gen.; Sir Adam Randolph, Prelate; Sir William Mitchell, S. W.; Sir S. P. Axtell, J. W.; Sir James Huntsbery, T.; Sir S. P. Warden, R.; Sir Wm. Sanderson, Jr., Standard-bearer ; Sir W. M. Mefford, Sword-bearer; Sir E. W. Cotton, Warden; Sir J. R. Wallace, Sentinel.
Number of Sir Knights, 31.
172 KNOX COUNTY HISTORY
CHAPTER XV.
THE OWL CREEK BANK OF MOUNT VERNON.
ITS PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HISTORY.-LET IT BE RELIEVED FROM ODIUM!
THE history of Knox county would be incomplete without a faithful and true account of an institution with the above euphonious name, located upon the banks of Owl Creek, and within the sacred precincts of Mount Vernon. The engraving above gives a view of one of "the owls" issued by this bank. They were of every denomination from the shinplaster form of 6 1/4 cents up to $10. The paper engraving and finish of the notes, although not so perfect in every respect as those issued by banks in the present day, nevertheless is of a higher order than those put forth by the so-called " Confederate States of America," of which Cotton is king, and Jeff. Davis vicegerent. From the journals and old files of that day, as far as accessible, we have compiled the following.
There being great complaint of the scarcity of
173 KNOX COUNTY HISTORY
money after the war, large numbers of people in various cities and towns in the United States, and more particularly in the West and Ohio, conceived the idea of multiplying the quantity of paper in lieu of money by manufacturing what is called a " currency." Among other points, those of Mount Vernon determined to engage in the business of making money. As early as December, 1814, a meeting was held, and articles of association for the organizing of a bank, to be called the " Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon," were entered into. fixing the capital stock at $150,000, divided into shares of $50 each, payable in installments of not exceeding $5 each, and appointing certain commissioners to open stock books, &c. Petitions were then presented to the Legislature, praying for a charter; and after having petitioned the Legislature for an act authorizing such an association, and been denied the grant, determined to "go it alone," on their own hook.
On the 10th day of April, 1816, the first meeting of record of those who inaugurated the Owl Creek Bank was held at the court-house in Mount Vernon, and as this is the most important of all events in the early history of Knox county, we give the proceedings entire of this the first meeting, and also of the first meeting of the Board of Managers on the 17th inst.
" Agreeable to previous notice, there was a meeting at the courthouse on April 10th. Jonathan Miller was called to the chair, and Joseph Brown appointed Secretary. The following independent sentiments were set forth:
"Resolved, That we have by the Constitution of this State guar-
174 KNOX COUNTY HISTORY
antied to the people of this State a full and fair right and privilege to have charters granted when we shall petition the legislative body of this State for that purpose. We, the undersigned, having complied with the requisitions of the Constitution, and will continue so to do, without waiving our rights and privileges.
"Therefore be it resolved, That we do form ourselves into a company for the purpose of establishing a bank in the town of Mount Vernon, Knox county (Ohio).
"2. Resolved, That the following named gentlemen be appointed managers of said bank, and to draft articles of association and by-laws for the future government of the company, viz.: James Smith, Wm. Mitchell, M. Merritt, Abraham Darling, Hosmer Curtis, John Warden, Gilman Bryant, Jonathan Miller, L. S. Silliman, Benjamin Martin, Joseph Brown, John Green and Jacob Young.
" From this number a committee was appointed to draft the articles, who met at the house of Joseph Brown on the 17th April, and adopted the following:
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF THE STOCKHOLDERS OF OWL CREEK
BANK OF MOUNT VERNON.
" BE IT KNOWN, That we, the subscribers, having formed a company and limited partnership, do hereby agree and associate with each other, to conduct banking business in the manner hereinafter specified, under the name and title of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon.
" And we do hereby covenant and mutually agree, that the following are and shall be the fundamental articles of this our association, by which all persons who are parties hereto, or may in future transact business with this association, shall be bound and concluded:
" ARTICLE l. The capital stock of the company shall be two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, current money of the United States, with the privilege of extending it to five hundred thousand dollars, and of commencing business so soon as twenty-five thousand dollars is subscribed-to be divided into shares of fifty dollars each.
"ART. 2. The books for the subscription of said stock, shall be opened on the first Monday in March next, at such places and under such agents as the commissioners may think proper, at the hour of ten o'clock in the morning, and continue until three o'clock
KNOX COUNTY. 175
in the evening of the same day, and from day to day during said hours, until the whole number of shares are subscribed for. The books thus to he opened, are to be under the direction of the following named commissioners, viz: Jonathan Miller, James Smith, Gilman Bryant, John Warden, Benjamin Martin, H. Curtis, W. Mitchell, M. Merritt, A. Darling, Jacob Young, John Green, L. S. Silliman and Joseph Brown. At the time of subscribing, there shall be paid to the commissioners or their agents, on each share subscribed for, the sum of one dollar ; the further sum of two dollars and fifty cents shall be paid on each share, within ninety days thereafter, at such place as the commissioners shall appoint, of which due notice shall be given; the residue in such portions and at such places as the directors hereafter to be chosen shall appoint ; they giving at least sixty days notice thereof in the public newspaper of the county: Provided, such installments shall at no time exceed two dollars and fifty cents ; neither shall any subsequent installment be called for until a previous one has become payable.
" ART. 3. No person or persons, body politic or corporate, shall he permitted on the first day to take more than one hundred shares, and if the shares are not all taken on that day, the foregoing part of this article is not to operate.
" ART. 4. If it shall so happen, that more than the stipulated number of shares may be subscribed for, the commissioners shall apportion them by deducting from the highest subscription; and if more persons subscribe than there are shares, the commissioners shall determine by lot to whom such shares belong ; and as soon as may be thereafter, receipts shall he issued to the stockholders, and certificates of the amount of stock held by each.
" ART. 5. If any stockholder shall fail to pay his, her, or their installment, to the amount of three dollars on each share at the time or times, or in the manner heretofore specified, such stockholder shall forfeit to the use of the company all monies paid antecedent to such failure or default; however no forfeiture of stock shall take place, after three dollars on each share shall have been paid. But to secure the regular payment of any installment or call, after five dollars on each share hath been paid, such stockholder shall not be entitled to a dividend until such installment or call shall be fully paid; and the dividend thereafter to be paid to such stockholder (as well upon the money regularly paid as upon the money paid
176 - HISTORY OF
after default) shall be calculated Only from the time when said installment shall be fully paid.
" ART. 6. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by thirteen directors, and a president, whose place, if chosen from among the number of directors, shall be supplied by the choice of that body, the whole of which is to reside within the county of Knox; and five directors, together with the president, shall form a board or quorum for the transacting of all business of the company. Each director shall be a stockholder at the time of his election. and shall cease to be a director if he should cease to be a stockholder; and the number of votes to which each stockholder shall he entitled, shall be in proportion to the stock he may hold, follows, viz : For the first five shares, One vote ; for ten shares, two votes ; and for each additional ten shares, one vote : and no stockholder shall be entitled to vote, who has not held his stock six calendar months next preceding the election, except as to the first election-all stockholders, residing within five miles of Mount Vernon, shall vote by ballot in person, and those who reside I greater distance from Mount Vernon than five miles may vote by proxy, which at all elections is to be made in such form as may be directed by the board.
" ART. 7. The first election for directors shall be on the fourth Monday in May next, under the superintendence of the commissioners four of whom shall form a quorum. The directors so elected shall take their seats at the hoard the day following their election. and they, or a majority of those present, shall proceed immediately to the choice of a president, all of whom shall continue in office for one year, and until their successors shall be regularly elected and qualified. All future elections for directors shall be held annually on the fourth Monday in May, under the superintendence of three persons, being stockholders, to be appointed by the president and directors for the time being, of which at least four weeks notice of the time and place shall be given by advertisement in the public papers in Knox county. The bank shall be established as near the court-house, in Mount Vernon, as may be thought most convenient by the board of directors,
" ART. 8. As to vacancies.
" ART. 9. The president, directors, and superintendents of elections, before they enter upon the duties of their respective offices. shall take the following oath or affirmation, as the case may be
KNOX COUNTY. - 177
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will impartially, faithfully, diligently and honestly execute the duties of a of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon, conformably to the constitution and articles of association of the same, and the trust reposed in me, to the best of my skill and judgment. And the cashier, the tellers, hook-keepers and other officers, shall also take a similar oath or affirmation, and shall besides give bond with security to the satisfaction of the president and directors for a faithful discharge of the duties in their respective stations.
" ART. 10. The board of directors are hereby fully empowered to make, revise, alter or annul, such rules, orders, bye-laws and regulations for the government of the company, and that of their officers and others whom they may think proper to employ, as they or a majority of them shall, from time to time, think expedient, not inconsistent with law or these articles of association, and to use, employ and dispose of the joint funds or property of said company (subject only to the restrictions hereinafter mentioned) as to them or a majority of them may seem expedient.
" ART. 11. As to signatures to bills, &c.
" ART. 12. As to books.
" ART. 13. The board of directors shall have power to appoint a cashier and such other persons as they may think proper to employ for executing the business of the company, and to establish the compensation to be paid to the president, cashier, and others respectively; all which, together with all other necessary expenses, shall he paid out of the joint funds of the company.
"ART. 14. Two-thirds of the directors shall have power to call a general meeting of the stockholders, for purposes relative to the concerns of the company, giving at least two months notice in the public newspapers of the county, and specifying in such notice the object or objects of such meeting.
" ART. 15. The shares of the capital stock at any time, owned by any individual stockholder, may be transferred on the books of the company, according to such rules as (according to law) may be established in that behalf by the board of directors; but all sums for which the stockholder is liable, as drawer, must be satisfied before such transfer can be made.
" ART. 16. No transfer of stock in this company shall be considered as binding on this company, unless made in a book or
178 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
books to be kept for that purpose by this company. And it is hereby further expressly understood that any stockholder who shall transfer in manner aforesaid all his stock or shares in this company, to any person or persons whatever, shall cease to be a member of this company, and that any person or persons whatever who shall accept a transfer of any stock or share in this company, shall become a member of this company according to these articles of association.
"ART. 17. It is hereby expressly and explicitly declared, to be the object and intentions of the persons who associate under the title and firm of the president and directors of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon, that the joint stock or property of the said com. pany (exclusive of the dividends to be wade in the manner hereinafter mentioned) shall alone be responsible for the debts and engagements of said company, or to whom they shall or may become indebted by such engagements, and no person or persons to whom this company may in any wise become indebted, shall on any pretence whatever have recourse against the separate property of any present or future member of this company, or against their persons, further than may be necessary to secure the faithful application of the funds thereof to the purposes to which by these presents they are liable. But all persons accepting any bond, bill, or note, or other contract of this company, signed by the president and countersigned or attested by the cashier of the company for the time being, or dealing with it in any other manner whatever, thereby give credit to the said joint stock or property of said company, and disavow having recourse, on any pretence whatever, to the person or separate property of any present or future member of this company, except as above mentioned. And nil suits to be brought against the president for the time being, and in case of his death or removal from office, pending any such suit against him, measures shall be taken at the expense of the company for substituting his successor in office as defendant, so that persons having any demands upon the company may not be prejudiced or delayed by that event; or if the person suing shall proceed against the person first named as defendant (notwithstanding his death or removal from office) this company shall not on that account, take advantage of such proceedings by writ of error or otherwise ; and all recoveries had in manner aforesaid shall be conclusive upon the company, so far as to make the funds or joint stock of this company liable for such
KNOX COUNTY 179
amount, and no further ; and the company shall immediately pay the amount of such recovery out of the joint stock, but not otherwise ; and in case of any suit in law, the president shall sign his appearance upon the writ, or file common bail thereto, it being expressly understood and declared that all persons dealing with said company agree to these terms and are to be bound thereby.
" ART. 18. Dividends of the profits of the company, or so much of said profits as shall be deemed expedient and proper, shall be declared half yarly in every year, and shall from time to time be determined by a majority of the directors present, at a meeting to be held for that purpose, and shall in no case exceed the amount of the net profits actually acquired by the company, so that the capital stock of the company shall never be impaired by dividends ; but the directors shall he at liberty to retain at least one per centime upon the capital, as a fund for future contingencies.
" ART. 19. If the directors shall, at any time, willfully and knowingly make or declare any dividend which shall impair the capital stock, all the directors present at the making or declaring such dividends, and consenting thereto, shall be liable in their individual capacities to the company, for the amount or proportion of said capital stock so divided by said directors; and each director who may be present at the making or declaring such dividends, shall be deemed to have consented thereto, unless he does immediately enter in writing his dissent on the minutes of the proceedings of the board, and give public notice to the stockholders that such dividend has been made.
" ART. 20. These articles of association and agreement shall be published three times in the public newspapers of the county, at least two months before the books are opened ; and for further information, to all persons who may transact business with, or in any manner give credit to this company, every bond, bill, note, or other instrument or contract, by the effects or terms of which the company may be charged or held liable for the payment of money, shall specially declare in such form as the board of directors shall prescribe ; that payment shall be made out of the joint funds of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon, according to the present articles of association, and not otherwise ; and it is hereby expressly declared, that no engagements can be legally made in the name of said company, unless it contain a limitation or restriction to the effect above recited.
180 HISTORY OF
"ART. 21. The company shall in no case be owners of any real property, except a site for banking business, or directly or indirectly be concerned in trade, or the purchase or sale of any goods, wares or merchandise whatever (bills of exchange and bullion excepted), except such lands, goods, wares, or merchandise as may be truly pledged to them by way of security, or conveyed to them for debts due, owing or growing due to the said company, or purchased by them to secure such debts so due to said company. " ART. 22. This association shall continue until the fourth Monday in May, one thousand eight hundred and thirty; but any number of stockholders, not less than fifty, who together shall be proprietors of not less than five hundred shares, may, for any purpose relative to the institution, at any time apply to the president and directors to call a general meeting of the stockholders, and if by them refused, the same number of stockholders, proprietors of not less than that number of shares, may and shall have power to call a general meeting of the stockholders, giving at least two months' notice in the public papers in Knox county, specifying in such notice the object or objects of such call.
" ART. 23. Immediately on the dissolution of this association, effectual measures shall be taken by the directors then existing, for closing all the concerns of the company, and for dividing the capital and profits which may remain among the stockholders, in proportion to their respective shares.
" In witness whereof, we the undersigned have hereunto set our names or firms, this - day -, one thousand eight hundred and
Shortly after the opening of subscription lists, the following notice was published:
"NOTICE.
" It is requested that all persons holding books for the sale of shares in the Owl Creek Bank of Mt. Vernon, will be pleased to receive the installments due thereon, and forward the same by the 20th day of the present month.
B. MARTIN,
JOS. BROWN, } Bank
JAMES SMITH, Commissioners.
"MOUNT VEENON, July 3d, 1816."
KNOX COUNTY. 181
The preliminaries having been arranged, the bills are ready to circulate, and the officers publish the following- in the Register, page 175, which explains the modus operandi:
" MOUNT VERNON, Sept.__181_.
" Sixty days after date, for value received, we promise to pay JAMES SMITH,
at the house of L. S. Silliman, the sum of____________________________________without defalcation.
" Credit the Drawer.
"A.M
. } Endorsers
"C.D.
" J. P., Drawer."
[L.S.] "THE STATE OHIO",
County, ss.
" Before mc (A. B.), a Justice of the Peace for the county of- aforesaid, came C. D., who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, whereas, be has thrown B note into the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon for discount ; saitli, that, if discounted, he will take no advantage of any statute law of this State ; and farther this deponents saith not.
" Signed, CD.
" Sworn and subscribed before me the - day of-, 181- "
A.B.,J.P."
"The above form of a note you will please to insert in your paper, which note must be executed with two good endorsers, without a blot or interlineation. The endorsers' names must appear written on the back of the note as well as at the foot. The form of an affidavit is given, which must be made by the drawer, and accompany the note. By Order of The Board of Directors.
" JAMES SMITH, President.
"L.S. Silliman, Cashier.
"September 13th, 1816."
182 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
On the 20th November, 1816, L. S. Silliman. Cashier, notifies the stockholders of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon that an installment of $2 on each share is requested to be paid within sixty days.
March 6th, 1817, a dividend of six per cent., on account of stock actually in Bank, was declared.
At a meeting of the Directors of the Bank, the following resolutions were unanimously adapted, Viz:
" WHEREAS, Unfavorable constructions have been put on the twentieth section of the Articles of Association ; Therefore.
" Be it Resolved, That no Director, or any other person shall have a right to draw any money out of said Bank, without giving their notes with sufficient endorsers.
" Resolved, secondly, That a preference shall at all times be given to the Stockholders, in the accommodation of loans, to double the amount of all money by them actually paid in.
" B. MARTIN, Chairman.
" G. BRYANT, Secretary.
"June 3d, 1816.',
July 9th, 1817.--All persons indebted are notified that they must pay " at the rate of from 10 to 50 per cent., in proportion to the amount of their loans."
As showing the feeling existing in regard to such Banks in the winter of 1816-17, when the Owl Creek Bank was applying for a Charter, we give this anecdote: Two persons of color, at Columbus, quareled; one, wishing to make his antagonist as contemptible as possible, called him " a d--d UNCHARTERED son of a b--h." And it became very fashionable at the Capital to apply the term unchartered to all evil doers.
183 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
In these times of evil talk, and while the public were busy crying down this institution, there were occasionally to be found parties willing to " give the devil his due." The following extract from the Zanesville Express of December 16th, is an instance in point:
" Notwithstanding so much has been said against the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon, we are assured that two gentlemen, a few days since, presented bills at that bank for a large amount, which were redeemed with chartered paper and specie."
About this time an enemy of the Bank killed a tremendous big Owl, and brought it into the town and rudely threw it down upon the counter, exclaiming, " There, d--n you, I've killed your President."
The Bank building was located where Adam Weaver's hardware store now is. It was a rough, vet substantial piece of workmanship, a mixture of the Done and Corinthian styles of architecture, weather-boarded, with four-penny nails thickly driven through its batten-door and window-shutters, so thieves should not cut in and steal. On the ground it covered about fourteen feet square, and was one low story in height, and painted red!
The bills rapidly depreciated under the heavy blows given. There seemed to be no stopping the clamor against the Bank.
The principal circulation in Knox county was Owl Creek, and we find very many advertising for it. Of the merchants advertising for it were James Miller, and Burr, Green & Co.
184 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
"William Stanbery offers to sell "The Craig Farm," at present occupied by Major Joseph Brown, to the highest bidder for Owl Creek Bank paper.
" J. Brown offers to sell 156 acres of land near the town of Mt. Vernon, in the Hamtramick section, for such paper.
" Owls-All persons indebted to the subscriber, are requested to make prompt payment, for I am in want of OWL CREEK PAPER.
JOHN SHAW.
" N. B. Those indebted for taxes, for 1817, are also requested to pay with the same."
The paper when presented was at first redeemed by the Bank with chartered paper, and the stockholders and parties interested endeavored to sustain its credit by various devices. Among other plans adopted to keep up the paper was the following, which we give as showing the disposition of stockholders to pay, and the strenuous efforts resorted to:
" OWLS.
" OWL CREEK BANK OF MOUNT VERNON,
January 1st, 1818.
" Whereas, several reports have been circulated, some of which are false, and injurious to the credit of the Bank, with respect to certain measures adopted by the Directors: Therefore, for the purpose of suppressing the further propagating of such false rumors, the Directors have thought proper to exhibit to the public, and to the stockholders, a fair and accurate statement of the measures actually determined on by them, and which has been the subject of such reports. The Directors have observed with regret the depreciation of the Owl Creek paper of late, and particularly in Knox county ; they have been fully convinced that the principal cause of the sudden fall of the Owl Creek paper is owing to the circumstance of the difficulty, or almost the impossibility of obtaining such goods as are wanted by the citizens with this kind of paper.
" With a view, therefore, to obviate these difficulties, and at the same timo to draw out of circulation the paper of the Bank, we have entered into the following contract with Burr, Green & Co.,
185 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
viz. Said Company, on their part, have undertaken to bring on a complete assortment of goods, and to retail the same for Owl (reek paper, at prices as low as thcy can be purchased for in chartered paper, and to take assignments on judgments in favor of the Bank, or wait until the Bank can with convenience exchange ; and for all paper thus collected, the only privilege granted to said Company is a loan of $700 of such money as will pay carriages, to be made use of for that purpose, and to be paid back in good chartered paper, in installments, within one year. Given under our hands.
"James Smith, William Mitchell, Jonathan Miller, Benjamin Martin, John Warden, John Hawn, Jr., John Shaw, Gilman Bryant, hosmer Curtis, Wm. Y. Farquhar"
"PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN,
That a meeting of the stockholders of the OWL CREEK BANK OF MOUNT VERNON, will be held at the Banking House in Mount Vernon, on the 12th day of March, 1818, for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of closing the business of said Company, and to transact any other business relative to said Coinpany which may be thought proper when met. Dated at Mount Vernon, this 6th day of January, 1818.
" Nathaniel Johnson, Jonathan Miller, Godleib Zimmerman, Benjamin Rush, I. N. Richardson, John Shaw, John Hawn, Jr., William Douglass, Samuel Mott, John Wilson, J. M. Banning, James MeGibeny, James MeGibeny for Joseph S. Newell, James Miller, Joseph Brown, L.. S. Silliman.
" N. B. All the stockholders are particularly solicited to attend on said day."
The course of true hove never did run smooth. in the career of banks as well as of nations and individuals, there are " ups and downs," drawbacks and obstacles to prosperity ; and parallels in history are always to be met with. Jackson throttled the United States Bank ; Sam Williams seizes the gullet of the Owl Creek Bank: Jackson denounces
186 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
Nicholas Biddle ; Williams attempts to play the tyrant over James Smith: Jackson removes the deposits ; and Sam Williams refuses to deposit.
The banking question gets into the papers, and the public mind becomes much distracted thereat. Several communications appear in August and September of 1816 in regard to the Owl Creek Bank. The office of Bank President was no sine-cure in those days, at least of the Owl Creek Bank, for we find that the chief owl was compelled at all times to defend his institution from the stump and the press. The Lancaster, Zanesville, Mt. Vernon and other papers of those days, contain many articles from the pen of James Smith in reply to attacks of Dr. Moore B. Bradley, Sam'l Williams and others. Some of the papers show much acerbity and bitterness of feeling; but, from our standpoint of observation, we must say that our old friend James Smith beat them all.
In a communication of August 6th, 1817, replying to an article in the Ohio Spectator, in regard to a meeting of the farmers, mechanics, merchants, and innkeepers of the town of Mansfield, county of Richhand, and State of Ohio, on the 11th of July, 1817, James Smith pointedly says:
" If, sirs, your sympathy has been awakened for unfortunate persons who have received the paper, I hope you will shortly be prepared to discharge your engagements with the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon. It would be an insult upon your good sense for me to tell you, that for you to refuse the paper of this bank, while you are in debt to the bank, is a full sacrifice of every spark of honor. If you, sirs, and such characters as yourselves, would pay your engagements, or one half thereof, the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon would be completely prepared to pay and give sat-
KNOX COUNTY. 187
isfactory exchanges for their notes in circulation. Your honors, sirs, we look after no longer, but your purses and property will have to be tried. Tavern bills and pills* ought to be paid for in this paper as well as in the Mansfield.
" * * * * I would advise you to be industrious in collecting the paper, as you know you soon, or at the next court, will have judgment against you. The Owl Creek paper will answer you as well as specie. * * * * * I censure no person, not in debt to the bank, for rejecting the paper ; both the principle of moral justice and honor enjoins on every person indebted, to receive it. The sooner, sirs, you procure this paper, it will be the better for you. This bank will shortly be prepared to make general and satisfactory exchanges. JAMES SMITH.
" P. S. The editors of the Ohio Register and the Ohio Spectator will confer a favor on Messrs. Bradley and Williams, as well as myself, by giving the above a place in their respective papers.
" J. S."
Samuel Williams replies in the Ohio Register of August 20, in a very long article addressed to ,James Smith, President of the Owl Creek Bank, &c., in which he evidently lets his temper get the better of his judgment by such expressions as these:
" You, sir, are President of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon, you are Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, a Justice of the Peace, and, sometimes, preach the Gospel of Jesus, as I am informed-in politics a professed republican; all of these callings you profess to fill with fidelity, nay, in some you have sworn to discharge their incumbent duties according to the best of your abilities. * * * You have prostituted the official duties and obligations as a Justice of the Peace to subserve its interest by administering unconstitutional oaths. Were you not sworn to support the constitution of this State and of the U. States n the oath of office? Yet swearing individuals not to take advantage of the statute law to prevent the collection of your illegal demands. * * You loaned us your bills in order
* Bradley was a doctor - Williams a tavern-keeper.
188 HISTORY OF
to destroy those rights you profess to admire, the rights of managing our pecuniary concerns. That when we assert our independence, like freemen, you threaten us with destruction and tell us we are in your net, and at your mercy, the mercy of your religion, your integrity, your republicanism-your official virtue, the potent demand of one great Owl debt."
To this communication of great length-the bank President replies with vigor-we have space to extract but a paragraph which maybe called a clincher:
* * * "I think it unnecessary to answer your charges against me, when you charge my official, political and religious principles; all you say about it only exposes yourself. Had you kept silent the public had not known your baseness. Truly, Samuel, you was one of the persons that took a solemn oath to take no advantage of any statute law to prevent or stop the payments of your hank engagements. You brag of your full purse ; you are then without excuse if you imagine you took an unconstitutional oath. Will you violate that oath to atone for the crime? You ought to be ashamed to let any person impose on you so far as to publish your black crimes with an idea of injuring me. If your purse is so full and heavy pay up your bank engagements. Strangers, citizens, and your neighbors too, will have much more confidence in you. FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS of the trash you mentioned will be received of you in place of gold and silver."
On the 28th February, 1822, a paper was drawn up and signed by certain of the subscribers, binding themselves to give their motes, with security, by the last of March next, to John Shaw, John Triinble and Samuel Mott, trustees, whenever the sum of $15,000 shall be subscribed, for the purpose of settling up the affairs of the Owl Creek Bank. As every thing calculated to throw light upon this mysterious subject may be regarded as worthy of
KNOX COUNTY 189
preservation, we give the names of the parties subscribing, and the amounts and conditions affixed:
Gilman Bryant ........................................................................$600
Allen Scott ............................................................................ 200
Joseph Talmage, in trade at trade prices ............................. 150
Henry Markley, in trade at trade prices ...................................... 700
Eli Miller, 1/2 in Owl Creek paper and 1/2 trad........................... 200
Jonathan Miller, in good trade or Owl's Creek paper .............. 100
Wm. Mitchell, in Owl Creek paper or cash .......................... 400
Hosmer Curtis, in something as good as the debts ................ 400
Moses Merritt, in Owl Creek paper or trade ........................... 150
Jacob Young, in Owl Creek paper or trade .......................... 300
Robert Giffin, in good trade at cash price ................................ 300
Jas. Shaw, in property .................................................................. 300
John Trimble, in good trade at cash price ............................... 250
Jonathan Hunt, in good trade at cash price ............................... 150
Jos. Brown, in good trade-say whisky ........................................ 100
Samuel Mott, in trade ................................................................. 100
Henry Davis, Owl Creek paper or cash ...................................... 400
John Hawn, in property ................................................................ 70
John Hawn,jr., $300 in traid and $500
John Troutman, in good trade or Owls........................................... 200
THE FAMOUS OWL CREEK BANK CASE.
Robert Giffin, Joseph Talmage, Jacob Young, William Douglass and others, on the 21st of August, 1829, by Thomas Ewing, their solicitor, filed a Bill in Chancery in the Supreme Court of Ohio for the county of Knox, against Jacob M. Banning and others, claiming the defendants whose names were set up in said Bill as Stockholders in the Owl Creek Bank, and demanding that they should be decreed to account, pro rata, for their shares of stock held to apply in payment of a certain suit prosecuted by one Luke Walpole upon the paper of said bank, and upon which a judgment thereon
190 HISTORY OF
was recovered by said Walpole at the September term, 1826, against the parties complainants and Abraham Darling, John Ewalt and William Mitchell, for $8,445 20, and costs of suit. Upon said judgment executions having been served out and levied upon the lands of complainants, and they demanded that those who were with then in equity alike bound for payment of the same should be required to liquidate their proportion of the same, and for such other further and complete relief as they were in equity and good conscience entitled to at the hands of the court.
These parties admitted themselves to have been stockholders to the amounts following, to wit:
Robert Giffin, 25 shares, contributed $200-cash deposited in bank.
Joseph Talmage, 10 shares, contributed $250.
William Douglass, 70 shares, contributed $600.
Jacob Young, 10 shares, contributed $500.
Of the other judgment debtors to Walpole, Wm. Mitchell had 25 shares, and paid $500 ; Abraham Darling 25 shares, and paid $500 ; and John Ewalt had 20 shares, and had paid nothing.
The stockholders to the bank were never fully known by reason of the mutilation or alteration of the books, which took place pending a suit between Luke Walpole and some of the stockholders. The bank was entered one night, and the large box that contained the papers carried off, and subsequently the box was found in a thicket of hazel, east of town, broken open, and the books and papers scattered about with several of the names of stockholders obliterated. The testimony in this case,
KNOX COUNTY 191
the proceedings of the court, and reports of the Receiver, exceptions to his report and final decree, make one of the largest volumes of record in the Clerk's office of Knox county--duly labeled "The Owl Creek Bank Case." From this official, and authoritative record we copy the names and shares of stock of parties alleged to have been partners in the firm, name and style of the "Owl Creek Bank."
Hosmer Curtis ....................................................50 shares paid $500.00
Jonathan Agnew ...............................................20 " 30.00
William Critchfield ........................................... 5 ..........
Insley D. Johnson ............................................ 5 ..........
Joseph Critchifield ........................................... 10 " 133.00
James Barkhurst ............................................... 5 " 66.00
Robert Dalrymple ............................................... 12 " 350.00
James M. Gibeny ................................................ 15 " 725.00
Allen Scott ....................................................... 10 " 250.00
Joseph Mann ...................................................... 10 .........
Gilman Bryant ...................................................... 50 " 900.00
John Green ............................................................ 10 ..........
John Hawn ........................................................... 15 " 150.00
Philip Melker ...................................................... 50 " 510.00
John Stilley .......................................................... 25 " 200.00
John Shaw ............................................................ 10 " 316.00
Wm. Darling, of Richland county ............................. 10 ........
James Boltom ...................................................... 20 " 160.00
George Davis .......................................................... 20 ........
John J. Tulloss ......................................................... 10 " 50.00
Jonathan Hunt ........................................................... 24 " 150.00
Abel A. Webster, of Richland .................................. 50 .........
Eli Miller ............................................................... 50 " 250.00
Benjamin Rush ......................................................... 10 " 266.00
Henry Markley ......................................................... 25 " 375.00
Kicholas Riley .......................................................... 25 " 500.00
Henry Davis .............................................................. 20 " 625.00
Jacob M. Banning ..................................................... 50 " 150.00
192 HISTORY OF
Gothieb Zimmerman ................................................. 20 shares paid $345.75
W. Y. Farquhar ........................................................... 20 " 125.00
Nathaniel Critchfield .................................................... 10 " 133.00
Francis Wilkins ............................................................... 25 " 100.00
Eli Gregg ................................................................... 10 " 58.00
Jacob Lepley .................................................................... 20 .........
Samuel Mott .................................................................. 30 " 125.00
Aaron Hill ...................................................................... 10 .........
Thomas Irvine .................................................................. 20 .........
Jonathan Miller .................................................................... 50 " 350.00
John Trimble ..................................................................... 15 " 316.00
James Smith ...................................................................... 50 .........
Isaac Richardson ................................................................... 5 " 66.00
John Hibbits ..................................................................... 10 " $200.00
Jacob Draper ...................................................................... 10 " 200.00
Henry B. Carter ................................................................. 10 " 100.00
Wm. Robeson .................................................................... 20 .........
James Severe ......................................................................... 8 .........
Rebceca Harris ...................................................................... 25 .........
Jonathan Rapp ................................................................... 10 .........
Wm. Bevans ......................................................................... 20 .........
Wm. W. Farquhar ................................................................... 15 " 265.00
All of the county of Knox-
James M. Taylor, 10 shares.
John Cully 10
A. H. Caffee . ... 10
Noble Landon... 10
A. Warthen .... 10
Silas Mead 10
Joseph Fulton 10
Jonathan Conard ... 10
Wm. Robinson 70
Wm. W. Gault 50
John Houston 67
Benj. Warner 10
All of the county of Licking--
Jacob Been 10 shares.
John Badger 6
Hiram Ball 9
Matthew Kelly 10
Benj. Mochaber 8
Henry Vaught 10
Buckingham, Sherwood and Eben P. Sturges, traders, under the name and style of Sherwood & Sturges, 20 shares, all of whom are of Richland county, and
KNOX COUNTY. 193
Elijah Newcomb, 17 shares ; Thomas Butler, 50 shares, paid $330-both of Coshocton county.
John Beckwith, 5 shares, of Perry county.
Jacob Morris, 5 shares, of Perry county
Samuel B. Carpenter, 15 shares, of Huron county.
John Leyland, 10 shares, of Huron county.
Enoch Harris, 15 shares, colored man, of Marion county.
John Morris, 20 shares, of Wayne county.
John Shrimplin, 20 shares.
Adam Johnson, of Coshocton county, 50 shares
Isaac Dillon, of Muskingnm cottnty, 50 shares.
George Reeve, of Muskingum county, 50 shares.
Robert Dalrymple, 50 shares.
James Barcus, 50 shares.
Wm. Critchfield, Sr., .50 shares.
Wm. Darling, 50 shares.
James Rightmire, 50 shares.
Insley D. Johnson, 50 shares.
Jacob Cook, 50 shares.
The above named were claimed, as above represented, by the bill of complainants, to have been interested in the concern ; and having been duly subpoenaed and brought into court, their own answers and testimony, of much extent, was given as to who the partners were, &c. While some few plead the statute of limitations, in addition to other testimony, the greater number-to their credit be it said-confessed the soft impeachment, and expressed themselves ready to stand the consequences.
Henry B. Curtis was appointed Master Commissioner, and, after a thorough and searching examination, he made, on the 18th of September, 1837, a very elaborate and able report. Having, upon his appointment, caused publication to be made by
194 HISTORY OF
newspaper to all interested, either as creditors or partners, of his appointment to chose, and finally settle, as far as practicable, the concerns of said Bank, and having before him all the testimony. He determined the relative position of the parties defendant, and discharged from liability, as stockholders, of that number Jacob M. Banning, Wm. Bevans, Isaac Dillon, George Reeves, Sturges and Sherwood, Francis Wilkins and Matthew Williams, for insufficiency of proof
At the said September term of Supreme Court, A.D. 1837, Judges Reuben Wood and Peter Hitchcock approved said report, by which it appeared that the sum of $26,796.20 was required to be raised to meet and discharge the present unpaid debts of the Company, in Owl Creek Bank Bills, commonly called; and the liabilities of the parties defendant being established equal, it was further ordered that said sums, as assessed by said Master Commissioner's report, be paid by said parties to him, and the cause was continued for further report.
Several of the parties defendant, by their Attorneys, filed exceptions to said report, and, as to their tights, and for further examination, the papers in the cause are referred to H. H. Hunter, Esq.. of Lancaster, as Special Master, who, at the September Term, 1838, submits a partial report, as to certain parties referred to hum, and Still further reports, as by testimony, the following additional stockholders equally liable, viz: Solomon Geller. owner of 20 shares ; John Hawn, Sr., 15 shares: Nathaniel Johnson, 60 shares (50 of which being
195 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
transfers from Jonathan and Eli Miller) ; William Blackburn, 20 shares ; Matthew Merritt, 4 shares; G. B. Maxficld, John Troutman and N. M. Young, 10 shares each. At the same time the Special Master concludes with this statement:
" It is believed that no man can, at this time, possess himself of the facts necessary to do exact justice in the case. Though it is believed that much additional evidence, with proper exertions, may be collected, to render the case more perfect. All which is respectfully suggested.
"H. H. HUNTER, Spl. M. C.
At the September Term, 1839, Judges Peter Hitchcock and Frederick Grimke allowed complainants leave to amend their bill, and make the newly-discovered stockholders parties, &c.; and the Court continued H. H. Hunter Special Master for further investigation, and with more extensive powers.
At the September Term of 1840, Master Commissioner Hunter submitted his final report, concluding with a statement of accounts and an aggregate amount remaining due-$17,457.27; and the Court, upon further hearing of exceptions by counsel and arguments for their respective clients. decreed accordingly, and continued the appointment of Henry B. Curtis as Receiver, to collect from the parties the sums assessed against them, and to pay off the judgment creditors, &c.
At succeeding terms of the Court, various orders were made, as necessary in the progress of the cause, and upon the reports of the Receiver of his action had in the premises.
And thus the case " dragged its slow length
196 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
along," until the final report of the Receiver was filed, and the cause finally disposed of upon exceptions taken by Miller & Dunbar, of attorneys for certain defendants, which were overruled by the District Court in chancery, 16th of June, 1859-and an entry upon the journals expresses the satisfaction of the Court at its termination-by the Receiver in having disposed of the remaining assets by sale under order of Court, for an amount sufficient to liquidate all outstanding indebtedness.
" It is now, therefore, ordered and decreed, that said report be forthwith approved, and sale fully confirmed,' * * "and this whole case is accordingly discontinued."
" The undersigned, now, therefore, regarding substantially- all interests adjusted and settled in behalf of party creditors, and the assets for that purpose exhausted, recommends that the suits pending be finally dismissed from the docket, without prejudice to the rights of the assignee to collect the balances against party creditors, standing unsatisfied, agreeably to former reports and decrees in this cause. The undersigned reports all costs paid, as far as known to him, and, as he believes, in full.
" In taking leave of the case which, for more than thirty years, has occupied a conspicuous position on the docket of this court, and in closing the trust which, for more than twenty year s, has been confided to the undersigned, he takes leave to congratulate the court on the final adjustment of the whole matter, and to express his profound thanks for the confidence so long continued. without which, the vexed, complex, and protracted labors of the case would have been rendered much more onerous, and the results obtained proved far less satisfactory.
"To the parties (many of the original of whom have departed this life since the commencement of this suit) and to their heirs and representatives the full record of this case-while it may recall some reminiscences of an unfortunate enterprise and its calamitous results, will also remind them of many incidents, and profitable lessons in the school of experience, and be, for all time to
KNOX COUNTY 197
come, the veritable history of "The Owl Creek Bank of Mt. Vernon."
Such is, in brief, the history-more particularly the legal history-of the Owl Creek Bank ; an institution which, in part from its outre name, has acquired more notoriety than any outre that has ever existed in America-if not in the world fame of the " United States Bank" was not more widely extended. Its failure created no greater dismay. Nations civilized and tribes savage have seen and handled its money. In its brief life, yet protracted existence, it has been cursed most by those whom it befriended, and wronged most by those who professed to be its friends.
The evil day came upon it-even in its early youth; before it had become fall grown, the keen frosts nipped it. Its crest fell and its petals closed in, because too much light struck in on it suddenly. Its head wilted; it fell ; and great was the fall thereof. Its sunshine friends deserted when the cloud portended the coming storm-some who had received its money and upon whom it had showered benefits, and some who had lent their credit and volunteered their names to the infant, deserted its cause, and attempted to plead infancy and limitation in bar. As within the human kind, when life is almost extinct, doctors are often called in only to attend upon the corpse ; so, in this instance, lawyers were brought in at the eleventh hour to the wake. In the last pangs opiates were sought be administered, and the sleep of forgetfulness was invoked by a few; bat to their credit be it said, that less than a half dozen of all the defen-
198 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
dants in Knox county invoked the aid of the act of January 25th, 1810-pleading, accordingly, the statute of limitations ; or that other plea, in bar, of like character-that the partnership or association they had formed, to make themselves rich, was contrary to an act to prohibit the issuing and circulation of unauthorized bank paper.
To their honor be it said that the stockholders of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon-the hardy old pioneers-the Darlings and Youngs and Mitchells and others, who knew so well how to fell the forest; to hunt the wolves, deer and bear; to till the soil; to clear off the wilderness, and so little of banking as not to be classed as experts by financiers of more modern date, yet came up " to the scratch," and redeemed "the promises to pay" of their bank officers.
It is true, that the arbitrament and final settlement of its affairs went to law ; but, under the circumstances, it was a matter of necessity that the equities should 1)e adjusted by the courts. Almost every one of the parties were willing to pay their proportion of the debts at the first ; but each thought it but right to pay his own proportion and no more. Hence the ablest of the men learned in the law at that time accessible, were " called" to take a hand in the Owl Creek Bank case. Among the number thus employed were Thomas Ewing, Henry Stanbery, H. H. Hunter and W. W. Irwin, of Lancaster ; C. B. Goddard, C. C. Converse, C. W. Searle, Wyllis Silliman and Geo. James, of Zanesville ; David Spangler, of Coshocton ; Judge Orris Parish, of Columbus ; W. Stanbery, G. B. Smythe
199 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
and I. Dille, of Newark ; Jacob Parker, of Mansfield ; Benjamin S. Brown, R. C. Hurd, J. C. Hall. C. DeLano, H. Curtis, J. K. Miller, W. Dunbar and M. H. Mitchell.
Of the entire number of parties defendant named ut these pages, but five, so far as known, survive. to wit our venerable townsmen, Aaron Hill and Eli Miller ; our noted countrymen, John Troutman and Nicholas Riley ; and H. Curtis, Esq., now residing in Keokuk, Iowa. And of the 24 attorneys engaged in the case, but 13 are now living.
Of the Judges who have heard this great cause at different stages of its progress, Calvin Pease. Joshua Collett. Peter Hitchcock, Jno. C. Wright and N. C. Read, are dead.
Finally--, after thirty years in the courts, this case, noted as that famous one of Jarndyce vs. Jarndyce, was brought to a close, the last dollar of its issue presented redeemed, and, forty-three years after its birth, " all that was of earth and earthy" of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon, was consigned to its resting place-the Great Book of Records.
200 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
CHAPTER XVI.
INCIDENTS AND EVENTS OF 1816
THE FIRST PAPER AT MOUNT FERNON.-GLEANINGS FROM THE OHIO REGISTER-SOME ACCOUNT OF THE BUSINESS MEN OF THAT TIME-OF THE MARRIAGES, INCREASE OF POPULATION, ETC-SOME OF THE DEATS-ADDRESSES OF CANDIDATES.-KING CAUCUS APPEARS-ELECTIONS. -PRICE OF SALT, ETC.
ON Sunday evening, April 2Sth, the people were thrown into great consternation by "A Phenomenon--A dark place appeared on the north part of the Sun ; it appeared gradually to move towards the centre. What wonderful event this is the forerunner of is yet unknown, whether it be the fall of empires, kingdoms, or of more important events. This appeared on the evening of the 4th day after the first paper was issued at Mt. Vernon. Wonderful circumstance!
Rattlesnakes were quite common, and their bites frequent about these times-hence the Ohio Register publishes, May 8th, an efficacious remedy for the bite. An application of kali preparation to the wound, and a lump the size of a hazel nut dissolved in vinegar to be swallowed during effervescence every twenty-five or thirty minutes.
"COLD WEATHER FOR THE SEASON. "5 DOLIARS REWARD?"- Taken from the OHIO HOTEL, in Mt. Vernon, on or about the 15th of April last. (either intentionally or through mistake) a dark colored GREAT COAT, with a cape somewhat larger than ordinary, and
KNOX COUNTY 201
the collar lined with snuff-colored velvet. If said Great Coat was taken through design, the subscriber will exchange small clothes for it if returned to him by the person who took it away ; or the above reward will he given to any other person who will deliver it to J. Brown, in Mt. Vernon, or to
JOHN FRANK.
May 15, 1816.
Samuel H. Smith gives notice, April 23, 1 816, that he has for sale 7,800 acres which he has just "subdivided into LOTS, from 100 to 300 acres to accommodate actual settlers."
"John Wilson, with the greatest respect, would inform his customers and the public in general, that he has just received a fresh supply of NEW goods, consisting of Morocco slippers, &c. all of which he will dispose of on the most moderate terms for cash or approved Country produce On the 24th of July he advertises himself " west of the court house and next door south of Mr. Anthony Bannings, where he will sell salt by the barrel at $2 per bushel, or $2.25 by the siugle bushel," &c.
" Dr. Robert D. Moore, engaged in the practice of Medicine. from his medical attainments, hopes to render general satisfaction."
As showing the wild nature of our county seat, at that time, and the difficulties of raising children in a new country, we insert the following obituary notice as we find it in McArdle's style of publishing--the first article under the editorial head, May 22d, 1816:
"SUDDEN DEATH-Departed this life on Friday afternoon, the 17th inst., Samuel Zimmerman, son of Gotleib and Eve Zimmerman, of this town, aged eleven years, one month and twenty-nine days. His death was in consequence of eating a small portion of the root of a wild parsnip, said to be rank poison. His illness was short, but pains excruciating which terminated his end in about 40 minutes-leaving behind him an affectionate father, tender and loving mother, two brothers and three sisters, who greatly lament the irreparable loss of a dutiful son and brother.
202 HISTORY OF
In youth's bloom day I'm called away,
My parents are behind;
Of this fine boy who would have been their soy,
Had he been spared to live.
But God in mercy called me home
His wisdom to fulfill,
He gave me birth and gave me breath,
And blessed be his will.
look on me and you will see
A youth knipd in the bud,
Here I cant stay, I must away
To appear before m God.
My Pappy and Mamma I fear will fret
At loosing of their Son ;
But dry up your tears, appease your fears.
My time was fully come.
An accident it seemed to be,
Which brought about my end;
But God does all things for our good,
And Christ is our sure friend.
Then why should I fear deaths stern bolts.
Since Christ for me did die
For all in Mount Vernon, old and young,
The force of death must try.'
Bryant and Burr, under date of May 1st, 1810, give notice that they " have just received a fresh supply of new goods, consisting in part of fine and coarse cloths, cassimers, velvets and cords, vesting, bombarzets, factory muslins, silk for dresses and bonnets, silk and cotton shawls, silk and Madrass handkerchiefs, cotton and worsted hose, a few fashionable bonnets, &c., &c., all of which w-ill be sold cheap for wheat, rye, oats, sugar, bacon, homemade linen, rags, furs and CASH. Ready for trade and barter-sell is the word!"
203 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
Having formed this arrangement, another partner-ship about this time entered into, which continued for life. It is thus published in the Ohio Register of May 8th:
"HYMENIAL.
"Lovers, you well may envy them,
Whom such fair joys adorn;
His hand receives a Diadem
And she has lost a Thorn.
Married on Sunday last, (May 5th, 1816,) in this town, by the Rev. James Smith. DOCTOR TIMOTHY BURR to Miss RACHEL THRIFT, daughter of the Rev. Wm. Thrift of this county."
"Married, June 2d, 1814, by the Rev. Mr. George, Mr Daniel Conger, to Miss Elizabeth Roberts. 'And God said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply and replenish the earth."
John Garrison, having laid off the town of Ed- winburg on an elevated spot of ground, six and a half miles west of Mansfield. on the State road, offers lots for sale May 8th, 1816, and advertises the public that a large spring of water is in the center of the town. Poor Edwinburg! alas, death, stole gently upon the innocent, and not a mark of the place is now visible upon any map
The following specimen from the Ohio Register of June 12th, 1816, is the first effusion of a lovesick swain on Owl Creek's stormy banks. It is to be hoped that the " youth" was "relieved:"
" MR. M'Ardle By inserting the following Acrostic, you will particularly oblige your friend and well wisher,
ALPIIONSO.
"TO MISS M_____S_______
"May Heaven on thee her choicest gifts bestow;
In thy dear breast may every virtue glow:
Sedate and modest, wise, kind, and free-.
Such may thy character forever be.
204 HISTORY OF
Most charming fair, the loveliest of your kind,
And most accomplished, both in form and mind,
Receive this humble tribute to your fame.
Yet far beneath what your just merits claim.
"Such winning sweetness decks your beauteous face,
No other maid possesses half such grace
Your unaffected beauty, free from art
Dehights and captivates each youthful heart
Engaging fair, then let thy pitying breast
Relieve a youth whom love has robbd cf roe:
Miss Mary Fulton rcspectfull informs the inhabitants of Mount Vernon and its vicinity, that she has opened a Milliners Shop at H. Curtis', Esq.. second door Sow West of the Court House on High street, where she intends keeping on hands an elegant assortment of fashionable bonnets, caps, &c. Plain sowing done in the neatest manner and on the shortest notice. May 22d, 1816."
" A gentleman who arrived at Xenia, O., about the I 15th of April. from Vincennes, states that seven soldiers belonging to Fort Harrison, had been killed by the Indians. It was unknown to what tribe they belonged."
" On the 18th of April last, the Steamboat Maria, Captain Lovell, arrived at Cincinnati from Marietta, bound to Boston, Mass. with a cargo of pork, flour and lard."
Another store is opened at Mount Vernon by A. & T. Gormly, from Pittsburgh, in May, 1816. They advertise " an assortment of the manufactures of Pittsburgh, to wit : two stills, iron in the bar, &C., &C."
At about this time the principal travel was to Zanesville. J. Reeve advertises that he keeps tavern at the sign of the BEAR, formerly occupied by Co1. J. Perry, on Main street, Zanesville, and closes with the following notice:
"N. B-Travellers will be supplied with a Way bil1 I, giving an account of the Roads and Distances to the principal towns in the United States."
205 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
At this time John Hamm, Marshal of the District of Ohio at Zanesyille, paid Invalid Pensioners of the United States at his office in that place.
William Kattle, living' in Clinton township, near Charles Cooper's one mile West of Clinton, lost one pretty good chunk of a grey horse, and a chesnut sorrel with a Roman nose and a white strip inclining down one of his nostrils."
In July, John Sawyer and Adney Coleman commenced butchering in Mount Vernon, and keeping beef at their slaughter-house every Tuesday and Friday morning at reduced price.
Thomas Irvine also advertises as a butcher, and wants to purchase hides and fat cattle.
Alexander Elliott found, on Saturday morninr, Sept. 2lst, on Market street, six dollars in bank bills, which he advertised as wanting an owner.
James Moor acting' Sheriff of Richlamd county, Sept. 25th. 1816, proclaims through the Ohio Register that the people of Jefferson township are expected to vote at the house of Mr. Bell, on the Clear Fork on the second Tuesday of October next.
Six cents reward is offered, September 16th, by J. & S. Selby for George Huntsbery, an apprentice to the hatting business (through the persuasions of some intriguing persons) induced to run away ; but no charges paid for returning said boy
Andrew Thompson & Co. carry on the WOOLEN AND COVERLET WEAVING at Henry Oldacre's, near Jalnes Dunlap's, on Licking Creek.
The firm of A. & T. Gormly is dissolved September 11th, and Thomas Gormly continues the business.
206 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
In September, B. Bentley opened for Jos. S. Newell an extensive assortment of goods. which were for sale or exchange for butter, beeswax, linen. grain, rags, bags, or feathers.
" To substantial citizens a credit will be given without any enhancement of prices."
" To ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.-YOU are hereby notified that a petition will be presented to the next Court of Common Pleas. for the county of Knox to vacate a certain part of the town of Mount Vernon, viz: Lots No.29, 30, 31, 32, 33 34, the property of L. S. Silliman, together with the streets and alleys adjoining.
Nathaniel Herron wants immediately two or three Journeymen Carpenters ; also one or two apprentices.
Alexander Enos has for sale one first rate and one second rate wagon.
The members of the Mount Vernon Polemic Society met at the court house October 17th. at G o'clock, P. M.
On the 23d of November Win. Y. Farquhar, Clerk, exposed to sale, at 12 o'clock, " sundry works and repairs to be done to the court house," by order of the Commissioners.
Huron and Wayne, Coshocton and Richland county advertisements are inserted in the Ohio Register.
Jonathan & Eli Miller, Nov. 27th, advertise that they are receiving new goods from Philadelphia: groceries, imported liquors, morocco leather shoes. queensware, &c.
J. & S. Selby, hatters, on the 7th September, at public venue, disposed of all their traps. Among
207 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
the articles enumerated were a two wheeled pleasure carriage ; also a handsome sleigh, a rifle gun, a number of first quality hats, &c. ; and the following choice tit bit for our early citizens: Epicures, here is something for you!.--A PET CUB BEAR will also be sold to the highest bidder! You Seldom meet with such a chance as this."
George Dickenson, in November, offered a reward of one cent for the return of a runaway apprentice boy, named Michael Fairchild, between is and 19 years of age, short thick set, light complexion, cunning and rogueish.
John Greer, Collector for Knox county, on the 7th December, at Major Joseph Brown's tavern, offered for sale 47 lots for taxes, amounts due ranging from 4 cents to $1.50.
Samuel H. Smith, August 7th, advertises as just finished a lot of LEATHETR-Sole and upper, kip and calf for sale wholesale or retail, at Clinton.
James Miller, August 21st, opens a new store in Mount Vernon, in the room lately occupied by Mr. John Wilson.
Hugh McMahon carries on a tanyard at Clinton, and he warns people against purchasing leather of Samuel H. Smith, as he has a claim on it. Whereupon Samuel comes back upon him in the flowing unique style
" Mr. McArdle--Sir: In your paper I observe a caution to the public, by Hugh McMahon, forewarning them from meddling with his property. I would ask Mr. McMahon how far his claims extend? Does he still hold a claim to the store of goods in the town of Delaware, into which he entered by the window, in the night in the absence of the storekeeper? Or has he relinquished his
208 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
claim to the goods in hopes of having better success with Leather I would advise said McMahon to go to work and endeavor to obtain a livelihood by honest industry, and shun the counsel of the man who would advise him to thieving or perjury in order to gratify his revengeful passion.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
S. H. SMITH."
A meeting of citizens of Richland county was held at the house of Samuel Williams, Esq., in the town of Mansfield. John Garrison. Esq.. was called to the Chair, and C. R. Pollock appointed Secretary and they resolved to support Thomas Worthington for re-election as Governor, Peter Hitchcock, Esq., for Representative in Congress, and Joseph Brown, Esq., for Senator, to represent Knox, Richland and licking counties. The proceedings were ordered to be published in the Trump of Fame, in Trumbull county, and the Ohio Register.
"Was found, on the Main street, Mt. Vernon, a calico dress pattern. The owner, by giving an accurate description thereof. and paying for this advertisement, may have it again. Enquire of the Printer.
Mt. Vernon July 10, 1816."
From a song of these times we extract the following' hits at members of Congress for voting to increase their pay, which, since the passage of the great tax bill of June, 1862, will be read with a lively interest:
Our stills you tax most dev'lish high.
You promised that it should die
When wars were o'er one year gone by
That you'd relieve us:
But here you told a thumping lie.
A thing most grievous.
209 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
Ye tax our whisky day by day,
That you may riot, sport and play-
Perhaps on Sunday ye do pray
To make amends;
Whether or not, ye are on the way
To have no friends.
Were told you sport and drink and game,
If true, dear sirs, do blush with shame-
If true or false ye have the name,
And mores the pity ;
Rise quick. and tell us who's to blame,
In some committee.
There are many verses, but the above will suffice as showing' the spirit in resistance to the tax on spirits, &c.
About this time, Nov., 1816, aristocratic notions entered the heads of some of our citizens, and an advertisement appears-
"A BARBER WANTED-A Barber will, probably, meet with good encouragement in this place (Mount Vernon.) It would make it an object well worth the attention of any one who could devote part of his time to any other business."
Population in the county began to increase quite rapidly by immigration, and in the natural way. As showing something of the stock in those times, we take from the Register a statement in regard to David Wilson, Sept., 1816, in his seventy-eighth year, who " has had four wives and by them forty two children. His oldest child is but sixteen years younger than himself. His second wife had five children, at two births, in eleven months. Mr. Wilson is a native of Pennsylvania- drinks grog freely-converses with ease and affability-and sup-
210 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
ports his family by labor. He has worn a hat twenty-two years, which is still passably decent."
Old Captain Wilson was well known to his neighbors as one of the liveliest old pioneers. Sonic of his stock yet survive in old Knox.
That there was unexampled fecundity at this time among our people, we may still further note tlle fact that, on the 0th of December, a petition front the west was presented to Congress, by Mr. McCoy, from an honest couple, who represented that they had been united in wedlock's happy bonds for 27 vears-in which time they have added to our pOpulation 20 children, 19 of whom are living, and whom they have maintained by the product of their manual labor. On that score they pray Congress for a donation of public lands to make their declining years more easy. The Journals show its reference to the committee on Public Lands.
We still further find by the Ohio Register, Vol. 2, No. 11, that a " Mrs. Contzeu was delivered of four children-three boys and one girl, all likely to do well."
From the publication of Marriages, by McArdle, we take the following of parties well known to the citizens of the county:
" July 30th, 1816, by Rev. James Scott, Mr. John Frank to the amiable and accomplished Miss Sarah Hickman.
" July 4th, by Abner Ayres, Esq., Mr. Isaac Williams, of Rich-land county, to Miss Sally Bartlett, of this county.
"October 26th, by Jacob Hanger, Esq., Mr. Nathaniel Davis to Miss Patsey Doty.
"October 20th, by Benjamin Barney, Esq., Mr. William Wager to Miss Margaret Bixler.
KNOX COUNTY. 211
" December 4th, by James Smith, Esq., Mr. John Strain to Miss Maria Craig.
In the issue of August 14th, 1816:
HYMENIAL.
'The laws enacted by our God,
Peremptorily bind
Man to unite in silken ties,
With lovely womankind.'
" MARRIED-On Sunday evening last, by the Rev. James Smith, Mr. DANIEL S. NORTON, of Connelsyille, Pa., to Miss SARAH BANNING, daughter of Mr. Anthony Banning, of this town."
" Though Heaven had made him such another world
Of one entire and perfect Chrysolite,
He would not exchange her for it."--Shakespeare.
" Married-On the 26th of December, by John Young, Esq., Mr. James Harris to Miss Mary Logan; also Capt. John Stiltz to Miss Margaret MeCulloch.
"On the 12th December, by Rev. Henry George, Mr. William Bryant to Miss Elizabeth Norton.
"At Frederick, by Abner Ayres, Esq., Mr. George Ayree to Miss Jane Garrison. " At Mansfield, Mr. Henry Ayres to Miss Jane Hoy, daughter of Capt. Wm. Roy, of Richland county.
Samuel Mott, candidate for Senator, Sept. 11th, sends out to the electors of Licking, Knox and Richland, the first printed address we have been able to find. He says, among other things, that he has " been induced to become a candidate from the encouragement of many substantial and respectable citizens in the district."
In the Register, of Sept. 11th, we find tickets announced as the choice of Chester, Morris, Morgan and Miller townships.
There were many aspirants for political promotion. Among the number we find, for Governor
212 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
Thomas Worthington, Ethan A. Brown, James Dunlap.
For Congress-Peter Hitchcock, John G. Young, David Clendenan.
For Senate-William Stanbery, Esq., William Gavitt, Esq., Major Joseph Brown, Samuel Mott, Esq., Benjamin Martin, Esq., Waitstill Hastings, Henry Smith, Mordecai Bartley.
For House of Representatives-Jonathan Miller. William Mitchell, Munson Pond, John Warden, Alexander Enos, Judge Thomas Coulter for Rich-land county, William W. Farqnhar.
The Ohio Register, of August 28th, having contained this notice:
"There is another gentleman who very kindly offers his services as Representative in the State Legislature; he is extremely modest, though very popular ; he, therefore, believes that it will amply suffice, at this time, to make public the initial letters, only. of his name. They are " R. B."
Expectation, on tip-toe, was gratified by the following explanatory card:
September 5th, 1816.
Mr. McArdle: After my respects to you, as you have been so good as to insert the two first letters of my name, (I presume it ions been from the solicitations of my friends) I wish you to insert my name in full, as I am a candidate, and determined to oppose Wm. Mitchell; and forward your bill to me, and you will much oblige yours, &c.
ROBERT BUTLER.
J. P. MCARDLE."
Col. John Greer, about this time, felt the importance of his military commission, and issued an order to the commandants of companies in the county of Knox to send two men from each com-
213 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
pany to Mr. Boalse's inn, to nominate suitable persons to represent the countes of Knox, Licking and Richland. Whereupon there appeared, on the 13th September, the following persons:
From Captain Parcel's company, Truman Strong and David Shaw. From Captain Cook's company, Capt. John Gook and Isaac N. Richardson. From Captain John Venom's company, Josiah B. Day and John Trimble. From Captain A. Emmet's company, William Becans and Benjamin Warner. From Captain Cooper's company, Jacob Hanger and Jonathan Burch. From Captain Squire's company, James Miller and John J. Tullos.
The result of this caucus-or military dictation- the first of the kind ever known in this county. was the nomination of Waitstill Hastings and Jonathan Miller.
Nominating caucuses were also held in Richland and in Licking counties this year. The contest waxed very warm; circulars and handbills were much circulated, and all manner of electioneering was resorted to at this election. The result, however, was that out of 485 votes for Governor cast in the whole county, Thomas Worthington received 424 majority. Peter Hitchcock had 463 majority for Congress ; and the county gave small majorities for Martin for Senator and Miller for Representative.
Samuel Mott received 1 vote in Clinton, 3 in Morris, 8 in Miller, and none in Chester, Wayne, Jackson, Union and Morgan. Connected with this election is the following anecdote, which is altogether too good to be lost: Gideon Mott, the brother of Sam, who was a very plain man, yet full of wit,
214 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
was responsible for it. He said that he dropped in to see Mrs. Mott on the night of the election, and while there Samnel got home from Richland county, where he had been electioneering, and asked how the election had gone in Clinton, and when he replied "He got one vote," Mrs. M. exclaimed- " That's always the way it is-if you had only been at home, Samuel, and voted, you would have got two !"
Josiah L. Hill, of Green township, offers himself as a candidate for Representative of Richland county in the following pithy address:
" The usual theme of candidates, in my standing, are many loud swelling words full of legislative wisdom, or rather of their own egotism, and to harangue every neighbor in their way with the prospect of a State road or a turnpike, by measures of which one-half of our citizens will become wealthy inn-keepers, and the other half their happy customers, with their pockets flushed with money drawn from a new country bank to be erected on a new fangled system, and thus all are to be rich and happy. But such language as this hath never fallen from my lips since the days of my youth, when under the passions of love and addressed to females of my age, and I shall not again resume this theme until I become a widower; but while I speak for myself to men of understanding and discernment, and not to women, I have only to say that I stand a free will offering at the alter of your good pleasures. * * * Should I succeed in my election I shall feel it incumbent on me to use my feeble endeavors, by lawful incense, to gratify my constituents, and this is all the flattery I have to make use of. My abilities are too small to boast of, which, with my character, are now for you to enquire into.
So I remain the public's devoted servant,
JOSIAH L. HILL.
Green Township, Sept. 15th, 1816."
Whereupon Thomas Coulter withdraws his name from the list.
215 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
At the election, this year, 470 votes were cast in Richiand county-of which Worthington had a majority of 333, Hitchcock 433 ; and for Senator Mordecai Bartley received 339, Wm. Gavitt 77, Joseph Brown 23, Samuel Mott 10, Benjamin Martin 6, Waitstill Hastings 6. And Samuel Williams was elected Representative.
Benjamin Martin, for Senator, puts forth the following address
To the electors of the district composed of the counties of Licking, Knox and Richland:
GENTLEMAN As I am offering myself as a candidate to represent the inhabitants of the above district in the State Senate, I think it my duty to lay before the public a copy of official papers, which I hope you will read, and thereby satisfy your minds in regard to my political character. The first of my certificates of the oath of allegiance.
I do here by certify that Benjamin Martin, of Bedford county, hath voluntarily taken and subscribed the oath of Allegiance and Fidelity, as directed by an Act of General Assembly of Pennsylvania, passed the 13th day of June, 1777. Witness my hand and seal the 10th day of October, A. D.,1783.
JAMES MARTIN.
Bedford county, State of Pennsylvania, ss.
We the subscribers, Justices of the Peace, &c., in and for the county of Bedford, do hereby certify to all who it may concern, that we have been acquainted with the bearer hereof, Benjamin Martin, son of James Martin, Esq., of the county aforesaid, for these several years past, and that we have not beard of anything to operate against his character as an honest young man ; but on the contrary, that he has behaved himself as a good WHIG and a friend to his country. And he being desirous to go from here to the lower parts of this State to transact some business and see his relations ; therefore, all persons are requested to permit the said
216 - HISTORY OF
Benjamin Martin to pass and repass, he behaving himself as a good and faithful citizen ought to do.
Given under our hands and seal, the 20th of April, in tlte year of our Lord 1784.
BARNARD DOUGHERTY
{L.S.} DAVIS ESPY
Sirs-Having always in view, as my polar star, the principles contained in the above oath and certificate, I have with a steady mind, either as a private citizen or as a public servant, pursued that kind of policy which would best promote the interests of our country, as the principles of general suffrage; for I always have and ever shall be of opinion, that when a man has enrolled himself in our militia muster-rolls, and has paid State and county tax' that in consequence thereof, he is, and ought to be entitled to all the privileges and advantages of the government ; and any policy or law, which, in its operation, would tend to lessen those privileges would be an invasion on the natural and inherent rights of man. Those, gentlemen, are the principles which I ventured my life to establish, and the remaining part of my days shall go to maintain.
Written by the public's humble servant and real friend,
BENJAMIN MARTIN."
The difficulty of collecting debts, in part at this time, may be judged of by the following unique notice of sheriff Shaw:
" Public Notice--My friends and the public are hereby informed, that should they have large sums of money to collect, tiot to bring suit in the Court of Common Pleas, in expectation of therehy obtaining their just demands in a reasonable time, I have heen induced to publish this friendly caution that the public may not censure me for neglect in my official capacity. In order to show where the fault lies read the following plain statement:
" I have been assiduously endeavoring to collect the amount of an execution ever since I have been sheriff of this county, and have as yet received no money. The associate judges grant bills of injunction successively, after I have had the property ready for sale, which has procrastinated the collection of the money. There have been two on the aforesaid execution ; the judgment was rendered
KNOX COUNTY. 217
at December term, 1815, for Erkurius Beatty. Therefore, if the laws of this State will keep a man out of his money three years after judgment is rendered, I would seriously advise my friends not to bring suit for debts due them, but rather remove to some other State or country where they may obtain justice.
JOHN SHAW, Sheriff of Knox Co.
September 4, 1816."
The fall term of Court of Common Pleas came on December 24, 1816.
"Grand Jury--Isaac Vore, sr., foreman, Abednego Stephens, Thomas Townsend, Zebulon Ashley, David Jackson, Robert Work, Wm. Lepley, Wm. Kittle, John L. Lewis, Samuel Durbin, Robert McMillan, Anthony Banning, Francis Wilkins, Francis Blakeley and Thomas Fletcher.
"They found six bills of indictments. Tavern license was granted to Anson Brown and Jonathan Hunt. Store license to John Williams, James Rigby, James Miller, John Shrimplin, Bryant & Burr, Eli & Jonathan Miller, and Anthony Banning. Shadrach Ruark, of the Methodist church, was licensed to marry, and James Craig was fined $15 and costs for assault and battery.
"A Hint--Promises, without performances, are like clouds without rain the subscriber finds it indispensably necessary (these hard times) to call upon those of his friends who are indebted, lest they should forget him. he feels very sorry that a few broken promises should interdict all social intercourse: therefore, he earnestly solicits them to come forward and enable him, like an honest tuan, to meet those who have reposed confidence in him.
" J. BROWN.
"N. B. I have a quantity of whisky for sale, either by the barrel or gallon, at my tavern in Mount Vernon. J. B.
"MOUNT \ERNON, June 12, 1816.
"J. Brown's tavern, called the 'Ohio Hotel."
"Mr. John Mecabee gives notice that he has commenced tavern keeping in Clinton, at the well known stand of the " Rising Sun," formerly occupied by Mr. E. Ogle. That the house is large and commodious for the reception of ladies, gentlemen, and travelers. June 19"
The 4th of July was celebrated in becoming style
218 HISTORY OF
at several points in the County, as will be seen from the following notices:
"At a meeting of a number of the inhabitants of Knox county, held at the house of William Mitchell, Esq., June 12th, to make arrangements for the Fourth of July, William Mitchell, Esq., was appointed Chairman, and Doctor G. B. Maxfield, Secretary. The following resolutions were unanimously adopted
" 1st. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to conduct the business of the day. Accordingly the following gentlemen were chosen, viz: Wm. Mitchell, G. B. Maxfield, Job Allen, N. M. Young, John Garrison and John Lewis.
" 2d. That the day he kept as a day of Thanksgiving, and all ministers of the Gospel living within a reasonable distance be invited to attend, and that they meet at the house of Captain Job Allen, about three-quarters of a mile south of Fredericktown, at 9 o'clock A.M.
" 3d. That an invitation be given to all that wish to unite with us. The business of the day to commence at 9 o'clock A. M.
" 4th. That the following named gentlemen be a committee to superintend the singing, which is to be part of the performance of the day: Benjamin Jackson, Sen., Jacob Young, John Mefford and Benjamin Jackson, Jun. All those who are completely acquainted with all or either of the parts of vocal music are requested to make it known sometime previous to forming for the march, as it is intended to practice certain tunes.
" WM. MITCHELL, Chairman.
G. B. MAXFIELD, Secretary."
In the issue of July 10, 1816, we have a notice of the proceedings celebrating the Fourth, in pursuance of the arrangements made at the meeting before noticed:
"Agreeably to previous arrangements to celebrate the 41st anniversary of American Independence, a respectable company of between three and four hundred persons met at the house of Captain Job Allen, and having formed a procession, they moved in regular order to the place appointed for public worship. A very suitable and impressive discourse was delivered by the Rev. Henry George,
219 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
from Gallatians v: 13 ; and, after a short intermission, the attention of the audience was again called by the Rev. James Smith, who delivered an excellent and comprehensive discourse from Luke xx : 25. The singers took their seats by themselves, and the greatest decorum was observed throughout the day. The devout exercises being ended, a highly gratified audience dispersed in harmony, nothing having occurred to marr the pleasures which a decent commemoration of the birth day of our National Independence is calculated to produce."
The paper of July 21st contains a communication giving an account of a celebration "by a very respectable number of citizens in Wayne township, at the dwelling house of Mr. William Drake. The day was ushered in by the discharge of musketry from a volunteer company commanded by Captain Israel R. Dalrymple. The Declaration of Independence was read by Mr. Jabez Beers, and a patriotic and very animated oration delivered by Mr. Truman Strong." Some of the toasts are rather spicy. Witness the following:
" Each Monarch of the Earth-The Island of St. Helena their dominion, and Bonaparte their landlord."
" The factious Americans, or English devotees-Dartmoor prison their cradle, and Captain Shortland their nurse."
" George Cabot, President of the Hartford Convention-May the warm sun of Republicanism melt the tory frost from off his head and heart ; and may he cast off his pernicious principles as the reptile doth its skits"
"John Bull-Twice has he attempted to destroy the liberties of America, and twice has he witnessed the futility of his attacks on the sons of freedom's soil."