319 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

CHAPTER XXXI.

PIKE TOWNSHIP.

This township, established June 7th, 1819, was named after General Pike. The first election was held the 26th of June, at the house of Michael Harter.

The entire voters in 1822 numbered nineteen. Their names we give: John Arnold, Robert Kennedy. Jacob Swails, Thomas Elwell, Wm. Wright. Aaron Wilson, John Scoles, Wm. Smith, Philip Armentrout. Benj. Austin, .Jolmn Butler. Wm. Spry, Francis Popham. David Holloway. Thomas Scoles. John Gordon, Andrew Scoles, Cyrus McDonald, and George Scoles In 1820, .John Arnold listed the taxable property, and received $5 therefor. Amity was laid out in 1832, and contains about 150 inhabitants, among them wagon makers, Adam Cole, John Scarborough ; tanners. John Nyrick, George McClurg ; shoemakers, John Cain, George Nyrick tavern keeper, Newel Dowds. There are two stores. The post-office is called "Democacry." There are three churches Baptist, Rev. Arnold, Pastor ; Methodist, Rev. Ball and Deciple. The physicians are E. Mast and W. Edwards.

In 1840, Pike contained 1,216 inhabitants; in 1850, 1,720; and in 1860, 1,454.

320 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

The brothers Bartholomew- and John Bartlett. natives of Connecticut, emigrated from Pennsylvania to Knox county in 1808, and were the heads of numerous families of Bartlett in Knox and Morrow. The sons of Bartholomew were William, David, Hugh, and Leonard and the daughters were Martha, wife of J. C. Irvine of Mt. Vernon Polly, wife of Samuel Nye Betsy; wife Winn Winship. and Mrs. Jacob Cooper, deceased. Edwin, son of William, lives on the old home place in Morris township William Bartlett, carpenter in Mt. Vernon; is one of the sons of David his other son, Simeon, lives in the west. Hugh's children were William F., George, Lafayette, Taylor, and Mary, Mrs. Shurr of Chesterville. Leonard"s children were John, George, who married Ellen Cooper, Helen, Preston, Elizabeth, Joosephine. John, sr.'s, children were Abner, and Mary, Mrs. .John Richards, who is dead. Abner's children are T. M. Bartlett, of Mt. Vernon. Sarah, wife of" Robert Maxwell in Morrow county, John D., of Wayne, Abner. Joel, Abel, Maria, wife of John Barber, Mary, Mrs. Fredericks, Loruma, wife of Alvin Casson. all of Morrow county. Of Mrs. Mary Richards children, but one child-David, at Sparta-lives in this State the others are in Vermont. When the old settlers came to Knox they settled in Clinton and Morris. The Cains--Elias and James--were early settlers. James now lives in Holmes county; Elias and his brother Robert yet in this township. The Armstrongs, Johnsons and Kirkpatricks are citizens of many years. Conrad

321 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

Doub, a native of Frankfort on the Rhine, came to this county in 1832. He is a good farmer; has seven boys living, two of" whom are in Co. H, 23d Regt.--Conrad and Lewis. John Mahaffey has since 1833 been a citizen of this township. He alone from Washington county, Pa., learnt the blacksmith trade with his brother Joe, in Mt. Vernon, and has for many years carried on business in this township.

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE

1819. Andrew Scoles 1819. Robert Silicost.

1820. Wm. Smith. 1825. Wm. McNear.

1822. Bernard Reece . 1823. Aaron Bixby.

1823. Wm. Smith. 1827. Andrew Scoles.

1825. Bernard Reece. 1830. Hugh Kirkpatrick.

1825. Wm. Johnson. 1831. F. Popham.

1829. Wm. Smith. 1831. Joh n Cochran, jr.

1833. " 1834. F. Popham.

1834. John Gordon. 1837. John Gordon.

1836. John Cochran 1837. J.Y. Barnhard.

1839. " 1840. John Gordon.

1843. John Gordon. 1842. Emanuel Wagoner.

1843. Wm. Arnold. 1846. Amos Dehaven.

1844. John Ramsey. 1846. W.W. Minteer.

1847. " 1849. "

1849. Eli Dickerson. 1852. "

1850. C.P. Frederick. 1853. R.C. Sweeney.

1852. Eli Dickerson. 1856. "

1855. H.P. Roberts. 1856. David Braddock.

1855. J.D. Hammil. 1858. Sam. Kirkpatrick.

1858. J.D. Hammil. 1860. R.C. Sweeney.

1859. John Wise. 1861. J.D. Hammil.

322 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

CHAPTER XXXII.

HOWARD TOWWNSHIP.

IN the general reorganization of March 9th. 1825. this township was formed. The land is generally rolling and well watered by Owl Creek and the Jelloways, which afford considerable water power. The Kinderhook Mills, in the days of Elliott, Warden & Co., did a fine business, and the village of Kinderhook was quite a noted place.

Howard had 590 population in 1830, and 14,586 acres of taxable land. In 1840. the inhabitants numbered 990 ; in 1850, 1,002 ; and in 1860, 1870.

The Porters emigrated from Maryland in 1816 Thomas J. died in his 83d year. Of his nine children, the living are Henry T., who married Eliza Ann Hedington, Samuel, Michael, Harriet. wife of Hiram Critchfleld. Old Squire Porter was an honest and intelligent man, who was highly esteemed by all who knew him. For nine years he served his neighbors as a Justice, and died universally lamented. Dr. Lewis R. is residing in Clinton township, much respected for his intelligence and worth.

The name of Critchfield has been common in this and the adjoining townships, and will continue so. Nathaniel, William, Joseph, John and Isaac. five brothers, emigrated from the neighborhood of Cumberland, Md., to Owl Creek in 1806. Isaac died shortly after. The others load been soldiers in the Revolutionary War, and drew pensions until

323 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

their death. Nathaniel married Christina Welker he died about 1837, and she in July, 1840. They had thirteen children, of whom the following have been generally known, viz: William, Susannah, wife of Jacob Lepley, Joseph, Catharine, wife of Peris Sprague, Jesse, Sally, wife of Jacob Lybarger, Benjamin, Mary, wife of Meshac Casteel, and Isaac, who died. Wm. Critchfield, Sr., died in 1848. His second wife, who was the Widow Barcus, survives. Their children were Reuben, Samuel, Betsy Thatcher Drusilla Thomas, Keziah Maghers, Sally Critchfield, and James and Benjami Barcus. Joseph Critchfield married Peggy Sapp; he died in 1843. Of their nine children, we have time following moranda Mary was the second wife of Col. John Greer ; Elizabeth married Robert Waddle; Catharine, George Lybarger ; Phoibe, Wm. Beckwith ; Alvin and William are in Indiana ; Isaac in Hardin county ; John in Mt Holly Joseph died in Indiana.

William, son of Nathaniel, married Elizabeth Troutman, of Somerset co., Pa ., and begat 13 children. Charles, Reuben, Sam., Hiram, Enoch, who married Maria Dixon ; Jesse, Mary Horton; Dr. S. T. Mary Porter, of Allegheny co., Md. ; William Jackson is dead ; Lucinda married Lewis Lybarger; Matilda married John Cassel; Delilah married Dr. Mast, and Catharine is at home. Hiram and Jesse are dead.

From the loins of these old soldiers have sprung a numerous tribe of athletic and hardy people. The old set were good marksmen, industrious husbandmen, thorough going yeomen, who endured

324 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

great hardships and perils in the " times that tried mens souls," and left to their hundreds of descen- dants the light of good example, and a just pride in their well spent lives.

Uriah Tracy, Marvin Tracy, James Logue, Jas. Wade, Paul Welker, Ben. Ellis, Philip, George., jr., and Isaac Dial were of the first settlers. George Lybarger, sr., George, jr., and Andrew. were among the first voters in this township. Ludwick Lybarger and his sons--Sam., Georgee, Lewis, Joseph and Jacob, have long been residents. "Old uncle George" moved west many years ago, and is now dead ; he was a kind-hearted man of the pioneer stamp.

The Dawsons and McFarlands, from Washington co., Pa., have resided in thus township since 1835, and have been excellent citizens. Henry Eckenrode, a native of Adams co., Pa., settled in this township in 1833, and has helped people it. John Hull has been here since 1820. Here too, have lived a numerous family of" Durbins, the Trolingers, Horns, Whites, Nicolses, Marlows, Millers, Magerses, Berrys. and other most excelent people.

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE

1822. Joseph McMahon. 1841. H.H. McArtor

1822. Martin Engle. 1844. "

1825. " 1847. "

1826. Amos Workman. 1850. "

1829. " 1853. "

1831. Ben Hedington. 1846. Ben Ellis.

1832. Thos. J. Porter. 1849. E. Marshal.

1835 " 1852. J. T. Beum.

1838. " 1855. "

1832. William Williams. 1858. Sam. Cake.

1835. " 1859. A. J. Ellis

1838 " 1858.Paul Welker

1840. Ben. Ellis. 1861. "

325 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

CHAPTER XXXIII.

MORRIS TOWNSHIP.

ON the 2d of March, 1812, upon petition of several citizens this township was laid off, and an order issued for an election to be held at the house of Benjamin Rush for township officers. A majority of the early settlers being natives of Morris county, New Jersey, caused the name of Morris to be selected. The officers of the election, this year. Wm. Douglass. Daniel Cooper, Wm. Thrift, Judges ; James Trimble and John Wheeler, clerks. The township was listed lox- N. C. Boalse, who was paid a $6 county order for his services. At a special meeting of the associate Judges, March 14, 1812, three justices were allowed to this township at the election ordered by the Commissioners. There were fifty voters. James Trimble was chosen Township Clerk ; Scott Durbin and James Miller, constables and James Loveridge, Treasurer. At this is period, this may be said to have been the foremost township in the county. Clinton was them in its prime, the country around was settled by the very best kind of people; the upper branches of Owl Creek, uniting within its limits, gave them some of its richest bottom lands for cultivation, and the flow of emigration brought much substantial population. At the election of 1816 there were 83

326 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

voters. In 1819, Smith Hadley listed the township, and received an $8 order for the same. The forgoing names, together with those in the list of justices, represent many of the most prominent families in this township from its organization. The names of" Smith, Cooper, Loveridge, Douglass, Bonar, Coleman, Trimble, Thrift, Wheeler. Durbin, Nye, Ball, Banning and Rush, frequently occur in these pages in connection with events in our past history. Several of the families have not a single representative now in the county. The heads of" families have died, and the descendants gone to other parts. The most active of the Clintonians long since left the field. Samuel H. Smith, the head of that settlement, drew around him many mechanics and laborers; he was an energetic, intelligent businessman, and has no one of his blood within the county at this time.

S. H. Smith, of Erie co., who we observed a few days since contributed $100 to the war fund of his township, is the only one of his children in Ohio. He is a farmer, and the largest tax-payer in that county, as we have been informed. Ichabod Nye, brother-in-law of Smith, is dead, as also is his wife. Henry Smith, the Barneys, Glasses, Enoses, Yeomans, Marshals, Harrison and Dickinson, are also gone. Alexander Enos moved to Richland co., and Wm. C. has gone to parts unknown. Ralph Granger, who sold goods in Clinton in 1815, died long since.

The Coopers, Carey, Daniel and Elias, were brothers. In 1809 Daniel moved from Butler Co., Pa., with his family, and was followed shortly after

327 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

by Carey and Elias. The latter was unmarried. Carey's sons were Charles, Elias, Hugh, John and Lewis. of whom Charles and John alone survive. His two daughters are also dead. Daniel had seven children-Thompson. Wm., George, Henrietta. and Julia. Mrs. John Ray, in this county, Josiah living in Chollicothe, Mo., and Mrs. Sara Bushfield. Elias Cooper, the old gentleman, yet still living: another Cooper of the early times was "Cousin Charlie;" they were all natives of New Jersey. Thompson recollects how prosperous Clinton was in 1813, with its four taverns with their inviting signs swinging in the breeze--kept by Ichabod Nye, Alfred Manning, John Barney and Samuel Yeoman. In the war times whisky flowed freely down the throats and business was very brisk. "Gods Barn" was then the great place of gathering for devotional purposes. The old settlers have a lively recollection of the pious labors of father Scott therein; when in the summer time, the hogs of the whole village collected together under the floor, which was about two and a half feet from the ground, and would frequently set up such a grunting and squealings as to render inaudible the voice of the good minister. It was a. great harbor for fleas and Capt. Douglass was conspicuous in the meeting with his large feet, bare, endeavoring to catch the marauders the who violated the sanctity of the place. H moved to the Wabash country and is dead, as also his son, Aaron his daughters- Sally. wife of James Rogers and Phoebe, wife of Richard Ewalt. Are living.

Wm. McCartney and Aaron dug the millrace

328 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

for Douglass. A sister of Mc. married Enoch Ogle, who kept tavern in Bellville. John Johnson, father of Tom, the old jailer, is dead. Abednego Stevens rests with Shadrach and Meshac. and Amzie Stevens, of Amazonian frame, whose foot was sixteen inches and a quarter, died long, long ago. His skeleton he wished to be preserved as model, and hence struck a bargain with a doctor by which he was to have the bones for his museum About 1832, Mr. Bicking and another merchant from Philadelphia, in passing though the county discovered his foot-prints in the snow, and got out and took the measure of the track, having never seen the like before. Verily he was a monster, and shook the earth with his majestic tread. Grim would have been but a small boy beside him. The Children of a future age may exclaim: There were giants in those days" William Mitchell was here in 1807. His children were Jacob, Nathaniel, Abigail, Mrs. John H. Mefford; Mary, Mrs. John Young; Hannah, Mrs. Wm. Mefford, Naomi. wife of Lewis Young, deceased, now Mrs. Thos. Evans; Sarah, Mrs. Cyrus Cooper; John, Silas and Wm. All now live but Nathaniel and Sarah. Nathanie1 was one of the Scouting party at the time of Copus' slaughter, and died in 1813 from disease contracted by exposure in the Indian campaign. William sr., joined the Baptist church in 1815, and continued a member until his death,, August 12, 1848. in his 83d year. he was very sociable and much esteemed. An old heir-loom of" this family is in the possession of Hannah Mefford, being a cup and saucer of peculiar construction, which belonged to

329 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

her grand-mother, one of the New Jersey matrons of the revolution. The old China set of the last century was used by General Washington when at the old homestead, near Morristown, during the revolutionary war.

James Loveridge and wife, both living, came from Morris co., N. .J., in 1805, and Richard in 1812. The latter was an inventive genius; he died several years since. There are many of this name now in Morris. Philip resides on the old farm of Richard. Loveridgeisms are peculiarities of expression in rhyme pertaining to this family. Richard got a patent for a plow in 1828 and an exclusive right to rhyme in conversation has been inherited by this family. Long may the old stock be spared to indulge their prosperity for sport in verse. They have been industrious citizens. Another Jersey accession includes the Ball brothers Hiram, Uzal, Cyrus and Timothy. Their father divided equally 1,000 acres of the best Owl Creek bottom land among them, and for half a century it has been held and cultivated by the Balls. The Ebersole family is another one of the old stock. Some of the descendants, John, Jacob, and others, have made valuable citizens. An incident of this township worthy of record occurred in the time when it was customary to warn out of townships any new commer who was likely to become a township charge. One of these settlers, by the name of Pope, having located within the limits, Silas Ball was ordered to warn him out. He remonstrated against doing so, saving, "God made man, and be has a right to a place on earth, and if

330 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

Pope is warned out of Morris he may be warned out of any other township he goes into, and it is contrary to God's will that he should have no abiding place." The warrant was fixed out and handed to him to serve, which he took as required, went to Pope's house, and taking it in his hand was about to read it, when his feelings overcame him. and he exclaimed, "Pope, I warn you off the face of God's earth" and turned around and went back with the writ. He was asked if" be served it by reading or by copy; he replied, " neither", and gave the words he employed. The result was that Pope remained, and Ball's better nature triumphed. he was a staunch Universalist, and a kind-hearted citizen.

Among the names of long standing is that of Bonar. In 1812, Barnet and Matthew. brothers, emigrated from Washington county, Pa. ; about the same time came a cousin of theirs. named Matthew, and a brother-in-law. Dr. John Byers. The latter-named Matthew moved some years ago too Illinois, where me was living at last accounts. The brother of Barnet was a bachelor, and died about 1815. Barnet died in May 1844. Aged 84, and his wife, in 1858, aged 89. They had the following children David, who died about 1816 Matthew, living in Richland county; John, who died in 1859; William, at the old homestead on Granny's Creek; Ann, wife of Gavin Mitchell, of Richland county, died in 1835, leaving a considerable family; Martha, wife of Adam Rinehart, living in this township Sarah, wife of E. P. Young, died about 1810 ; Isabel, who died about 1828

331 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

Margaret, married A. Greenlee, and died about 1850 John was a hard-working, intelligent farmer. who was highly esteemed, and died in his 54th year. from a cancer. His wife was Lucinda, daughter of Charles Cooper. She had one son Josiah who married a daughter of Charles Swan--and two daughters; Bell married Thomas Swan, also in Morris Catharine is the wife of H. Leonard of Wayne. William Bonar married A. L. Case, and has four children living. David; Elizabeth, wife of Rev. J. W. White, of Marion, Whitesides county, Illinois; Sarah Jane, and Caroline. Isabel died in 1860. William Bonar's name will be found among the Senators from this district. He is the only son of the old pioneer" now within our county limits.

Among the early incidents of this section is the following curious hunting exploit. Deer were very abundant then on Granny's Creek, and one day Barnet shot a large doe, and as it fell, and life's current was ebbing away, he discovered that she was in the pains of partuition, when he ripped her open with his knife, and took from her two fawns, one which he gave to Alex. Johnson, and the other he kept. They both lived for some time. His own, having lost its eyes by exposure to fire, first died; but the other grew up a large and healthy tame deer, and was an object of peculiar interest to the neighborhood, on account of its singular birth. Samuel H. Smith was always spry and active. During the time of his mercantile operations he received a good deal of money, and on one occasion he threw a shot-bag full of specie on the counter,

332 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

and said that any one who could run away from him with that bag, might have it. Taking him at his word, Henry Smith, who was a sprightly young man, grabbed it and ran, pursued by Sam., and. after coursing down the road some distance, finding the old gentleman gaining on him, he broke for the fence, and climbed over it into the field; but Sam., caught him, and he gave up the bag amid the shouts and cheers of Capt. Nye's horse company, who were spectators of the ludicrous scene.

The Duhamels, Amos and Henry, in 1824 emigrated from Frederick, Md. Henry now lives near Maumee City; Amos in Franklin, Ill., with his third wife. By his former wives he had eleven children; number by the present not known. Of these we have the following account: Peter C. resides in Morris township; Emily, wife of Geo. W. Litt, in Pike township; Frances Jane wife of James Logsden, is in Iowa; Louisa Ann, wife of David Spickler, in Allen county. Peter C. learned the carpenter trade with Robert Spears, Bellville, and works at it. The Cosners were very industrious citizens. Old "Uncle Philip" was noted as being one of" the most successful tobacco growers. Peter Rush is another of the old stock of farmers. The Winterbothams were a highly intelligent family, none of whom are now in Knox. Of the number of children is Mrs. Ann Stephens, the accomplished authoress, residing in New York; John H., an energetic business man, in Fort Madison, Iowa ; Robert. in Columbus; Samuel, in Iowa ; and William, in Wisconsin. Adam Rinehart, another valued citizen, within his family, re-

333 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

sides here; also the Cassels, Swans, Pearres, John Lamb, and Henry Johnson. Benjamin Rush, of M orris county, N. .J., with his wife, Margaret Logan, also of said county, emigrated with their children, Job, Andrew M., Mary, Johannah and Margaret, to this township, from Morris township, Washington county, Pa. The two latter are dead; other children, born in this township, were Eunice, Sarah Ann and Lucinda. Benjamin died in March, 1849, in his 80th year, and the old lady in October, 1858, in her 85th year. They were among the best citizens. Richard Ayres, John Erwin, and Mrs. Galloway, were also early settlers. Of these, the only remaining trace in this county, is Erwin's daughter, Mrs. Mary McFarland. John Wheeler, a carpenter, married a daughter of Mrs. Galloway, and moved to Sandusky, taking with him Mrs. Galooway and her son, John Sawyer, first black-smith at Clinton, and a good horse-shoer, emigrated to Indiana, and died. His only descendant in this county is Mrs. W. O. Johnson. In 1830, the population of Morriis was 812. and 13,066 acres of land were listed for taxation. In 1840, there were 1,079 inhabitants; in 1850, 1,028; and in 1860, 1,013.

Of the fifty men who voted at the first election in Morris, James Loveridige is the only one living in this county.

The Clinton post-office was the first in the county. Its various Postmasters were Samuel H. Smith, Richard Fishback, Ichabod Marshal and S. H. Smith, The last known of it, Andrew Clark was acting as deputy postmaster, in 1819.

334 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

Smith"s house was the first one erected in the village. Samuel Ayres and Amoriah Watson got out the timber, Loveridge and Douglass helped to raise it. They all boarded with Loveridge during the work. Douglass had Wm. McLoud put up the first stone house in the county. John Miller, the first dresser of buck-skin for breeches, hunting shirts, etc., married Patsey Zerrick; she is living on the old farm with her sister Edna, the only representatives of the old Virginian Daniel, who died in 1851, aged 86.

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE

1812. John Trimble, Benjamin Barney, Joseph Coleman.

1816. Wm. Poulass re-elected in 1819.

1816. Jos. Cobeman re-elected on 1819.

1819. James Dickson.

1820. Alfred Manning.

1822. Carey Cooper.

1823. Uzal Ball re-elected in

1826.

1823. John Trimble; re-elected on 1826.

1830. James Adams; rc-elected in 1833 and in 1836.

1831. B. H. Taylor.

1832. Uzal Ball.

1835. B. H. Taylor; re-elected on 1838 and 1841.

1836. Thompson Cooper; reelected in 1839, '42, '45.

1837. George Irwin ; re-elected on 1840

1840. John Durbin.

1844. Alex. M'Grew re-elected in 1847.

1847. B H. Taylor.

1848 John H. Winterbotham;

1848. Wm. Bonar.

1850. Benj. B. Brown.

1851. Thompson Cooper

1852. Jolon Dwyer

1853. Izal Ball ; re-elected ito

1856. Allen Scott

1854. John McIntyre.

1855. B.F. Smith.

1856. Allen Scott.

1857. John McIntyre.

1859. J. L. Jackson.

1861. John McIntyre.

1862. J. L. Jackson.

335 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

CHAPTER XXXIV.

WAYNE TOWNSHIP.

ONE of the first townships was named for the distinguished, brave General Wayne, more Generally known by the sobriquet "Mad Anthony" In the general reorganization it was reduced to its present limits appearance of the general surface of the country is beautiful. It is well watered, well timbered, healthy, and possessed of uncommon attractions for a home. In 1830, it listed 16,258 acres of land for taxation, and contained 1,047 inhabitants; in 1850, 1,864 ; and in 1860.1,789. We have given the officers and voters at the first election. In 1811, the Judges were Joseph Denman, Daniel Ayres, James Trimble ; Clerks, John Trimble and Wm Johnson. In 1812, Henry Roberts listed the township. John Kerr, Samuel Wilson and Daniel Beers were then Judges ; Willis Speakman and Joseph Townsend, Clerks. In the list of Justices and names heretofore given will be found most of the early settlers who exerted an influence upon the society of this section. It can not be expected that we shall enumerate all the good citizens of different periods; the limits prescribed for our work preclude such an idea. The lands upon the South Fork and East Fork of Owl Creek are unsurpassed in fertility, and the water

336 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

power thereon has been so improved as to give the producers every facility for acquiring a competency.

Fredericktown, the principal mart of business for the farmers of the north western portion of Knox was laid out in 1807, by John Kerr, with its Streets "First or Donation," " Second st.,' "Third or Sandusky st '' Fourth st .," "Vine alley,'' Chambers st .," State road and Main st.," and "Strawberry Alley." The original tract upon which it is situated belonged to Mr. Sulivant. of Franklinton, who, with commendable liberality, gave John Kerr his choice of 50 out of 4,000 acres, including a mill seat, if he would settle upon and build a mill there. Accordingly in the fall of 1807, he constructed a dam raised a little log house and set one run of stone to grinding or "cracking corn." On this 50 acres the town was laid out, and Kerr then bought 450 acres around it. W. Y. Farquhar was the surveyor, and the name of Frederick in honor of the old home, in Maryland was given to this town in the wilderness. W. Y. Farquhar erected and occupied the first cabin in Fredericktown ; it was a little stake and rider pen 18 feet square.

The next family to pitch their habitation within the plat was that of Mrs. Ayres, and her sons. David and Abner, at once became leading men John Milligan and Jeduthan Dodd, from Ten Mile, Pa., came shortly after, with their connections, John and Jacob Cook and Jacob Haldeman, In 1809, Rachel Richardson bought out the little improvement of' John Cook, and settled there with her family, consisting of William, Isaac N., Polly

337 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

and Nancy, who subsequently married Samuel Watson and John Wright. Charles McGowan, a droll old Irishman took a lease near by, and Thomas Durbin, Samuel Wilson and Thomas Townsend, Quakers and John Walker, who subsequently married a Shurr, came also. In 1812, within the town were nine log cabins and one frame building; Shops, hats all told. Willis Speakman, Rachel Richirdson, John Garrison, John Vennum, and the Ayres' families, at one time, occupied all these.

Mr. Garrison opened the first store in 1812, and then dwelt in the only frame; it was situated where the Methodist Church now stands. He is the only one of the then settlers within the village now Living and has, led a migratory life.. He is a native of New Jersey; married near Philadelphia; moved to New York; thence to Knox County, where he sold goods for several years; thence to Mansfield; from there to Detroit; back again to Knox; off again Chicago, Ill., and now resides, at Cedar Falls, Iowa He has been merchandising at each point and in his 91st year enjoys good health. Three of' his children are in Iowa one in Detroit, and another, Mrs. Richard Roberts, in this comity. This year he visited this county, and saw his great-grandchild and many other descendants in Berlin and Wayne.

Nicholas McCarty was the second merchant. He moved from Mount Vernon to this place. In July, 1817, N. McC. & Co. closed up their mercantile business and left their notes and accounts with

338 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

Abner Ayres, Esq., for settlement, and also a quantity of lake fish. The mother of Mr. McCarty died at Fredericktown; he moved to Indiana, and for many years drove a prosperous trade at the State capital. In 1853, he returned to Frederick on a mission of filial affection, and erected a monument at his mother's grave. In 1855, he paid the debt of nature, leaving a large family in prosperous circumstances. During, his life he was a zealous Whig, and represented the capital district in the Senate of Indiana, and was also the candidate of his party for Governor of the State. He had the respect and confidence of all, and well deserved the title he bore,- "Honest Nic. McCarty."

James Rigby, who so long and faithfully followed merchandising here, is yet living in the enjoyment of good health, surrounded by his children and friends, one of the oldest inhabitants. George Girty was another merchant, who left this section about 1815 for other parts. Joshua Vennum, the first house-joiner, built the first frame house in the village. None of his name, survive in this county.

Mrs. Wolf kept the first board ing-ho use. She is dead long since. Her oldest son, Peter, lived on a farm near the Burkholder flat, which be sold to Henry B. Carter, who was a brother to Jacob Cook's wife, and moved to Knox County in 1810. Samuel Wolf was a sterling, man-lived in Richland, and served as Sheriff. When the county went wild for Jackson be was an Adams man, and consequently "done for politically." Her daughters have done well. Artemissa married lawyer May. of Mansfield Eliza, as elsewhere related, Mr.

KNOX COUNTY. 339

Drennan, and Mary married and lived in the neighborhood of Lancaster. The first tavern was opened by Abner Ayres, and with a slight intermission during the war, when, for good and sufficient reasons. his, brother Daniel took it; the same hotel was, kept up for more than forty years. "Uncle Abner" was not any "great shakes" in the way of dancing attendance on guests, but "Aunt Amy" did know how to have the culinary department carried on; and, we do affirm, that for making good brandy mince pies, and brandy peaches, she was unsurpassed by any of womankind since Eve eat the forbidden fruit. She knew just when, where, and how to apply the spirit to make it most palatable, as all of the generation, who feasted there well know. They have both departed to a better land, leaving the record of a life spent in contributing to the Happiness of their fellow-creatures. Abner served as Captain in the war of 1812, as a Justice of the Peace fifeen years, and Associate Judge seven years, a Comity Commissioner three, years, and Postmaster near forty years. He was as quiet, unassuming and well disposed man as ever were shoe-leather.

The first preaching was in the little schoolhouse, heretofore spoken of as a Fort, etc. In it ministers of various denominations held forth at stated times,. About 1820 the Presbyterians undertook to build a church, but, having started out on too large a scale, they were compelled to succumb, and the building, in its unfinished state, a mere shell, was sold to Absalom Thrift, who converted it into a ware-house, and it is to this day used as a livery

340 HISTORY OF

stable. Some time after, the Universalists, , who have ever been quite numerous in this locality, erected a spacious frame church, which they have since occupied, until for a few years past the supply from some cause has ceased. The Presbyterian, made another effort, and built the present excellent edifice; and the Methodists, and Baptists have also fine churches. The population is of' a decided "go to meeting" character; they have also been noted for their zealous efforts in behalf of Temperance have kept up various organizations of' a reform class for many years.

The first blacksmith was Thomas Ayers, who went to work in 1808, and continued for many years. The first school was kept by Wm. Y. Farquhar, the first shoe-shop by Osgood Dustin. The first hatter was Celestial Le Blond, a little frisky Frenchman, whose vote, in 1811, is entered as "Celestial Light" oil the poll-books. He was the son of a wealthy French gentleman, and had to flee from his native land in consequence of having killed all antagonist in a duel He frequently received from his father remittances of $500 or so, but made very foolish bargains. With money once sent he bought a mill-seat, set about erecting a mill where Shalers now is, and "broke flat" by the time he got a saw-mill up. The premises were then sold to Christopher Brollier, and by him to David Shaler, all energetic millwright. Shortly after this Celestial received another remittance and moved to Bellville. In 1838 he went to France obtained a considerable sum of money, and returned with a large stock of goods. He died at

KNOX COUNTY. 341

Bellville leaving a very respectable family. An old man named McCoy, a sort of cobbler, tried his hand at cloth shoes for the women at an early day. The men then generally wore moccasins A singular freak of another creature, in 1809, has been related to us. His name was Ebenezar Taylor, and he undertook to do work in the shoe line, but before he got fairly started an itinerant preacher came along and Ebnezar was so taken with his discourse that he followed him off, leaving his kit of tools, and in estray animal, which he had taken up, and advertised, and has never been heard of since. Speaking of shoemakers reminds us of a somewhat noted man in these parts, Jedediah Peck, who attempted to get up a patent way of making boots, having last and tree all together, but found that it was easier to make them on than to get the boot off the tree, which after vain attempts, he concluded to fasten to the house and hitch a mule to pull it off. His house was built around a walnut tree, and it was considerable of a curiosity to travelers to see a tree growing out of' the top of a house. Jedediah and his wife died without issue and his two pretty nieces, who dwelt with him are, also gone.

In 1815, Capt. John Williams, of Frederick,, Md. bought out John Kerrs' mill property and at the same time started a store in the village. He brought out $40,000 in money, and dissipated the country. He was a man of talent, clever and sociable, and is spoken well of by all Old settlers. If e came to this county in 1814 with his family. His children are much scattered.

342 HISTORY OF

William lives in Peoria, Illinois; Thomas in Henry county, in that State, as also Rachel, wife of Col. Prather, in the same county, Eliza, wife of' Milton Bevans, in Fulton county, Illinois. Pendy died in Illinois, Abraham in this county, and Gist W. in Missouri, in 1852. His son States, now livesin Morris. But two of Capt. John William's family are today living in this county, Emaline, wife of Frank Wilkins, of Liberty, and Dan., who is living with States, his nephew, in Morris. Dan. was born in Frederick, Md., October 6th, 1792. His four sons are doing well. Clark and Charles reside in West-Newton, Allen county, John and Milton B. in Berlin. Clark married Ellen Lane, and Charles her sister Jane. Milton married Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Roberts. The post office kept from its establishment by Abner Ayres, until in 1850, B. J. Lewis succeeded him; in May, 1852, Thomas A. Reed vice Lewis, resigned; L. S. McCoy followed and his successor was Geo. Ball.

In 1840, Fredericktown contained 500 inhabitants in 1850, 712; and in 1860, 790, of whom 16 were negroes. The place, some twelve years since, put on city airs, and with Geo. W. Woodcock as mayor, and T. A. Reed, Recorder, carried on a right sharp crusade against the "doggeries." The warfare was subsequently taken up by the Common Pleas Courts, and for a time better "order reigned in Warsaw. Of late years, however, we have been informed that there has been "something rotten in Denmark," and the spirits have assumed at times a very bold and threatening ap-

KNOX COUNTY. 343

pearance. Taken altogether, however, Frederick may be said, daring its existence, to have been a model town in the line of "law and order." In 1816, the entire township cast but 81 votes.

The 4th of, July, 1817, was duly commemorated at Anson Brown's, , in Fredericktown. Daniel Beers was chosen Moderator, and Anson Brown, Clerk. the Committee of arrangements consisted of Christian Holderman, Job Allen, Munson Pond, Joseph Munson Pond was Officer of the Day. Job Allen commanded the volunteer company; Jabez Beers was Reader ; Truman Strong, Orator. Benjamin Jackson, Anson Brown and Benjamin Jackson, jr., conducted the Singing. The Rev. John Cook and James Scott were present and last, but not least, Alvin Bateman was Toast Master A good dinner was eaten, and all felt glorious The McCutchens, Strubles, Cochrans, Craven's, Sagerses, Beerses, Leonards, Thrifts, Harters, Strongs and Corbins, were among the early settlers. Of the Cochrans, William and Samuel were young men of good mind. The former is dead and the latter, a preacher of celebrity, in N. Y.; Josiah M. is quartermaster in 43 Reg't., O.V. Jabez Beers was one of the old settlers, and his son, Joseph, lived in Frederick at an early day.

Dr. John Byers located here in 1812. He moved west about 1835, and is now living in Hardin co. His three sons emigrated to Arkansas; Thomas and John are both dead, William yet lives at Batesville, Ark. The boys acquired considerable distinction as Attorneys. The old gentleman was one

344 HISTORY OF

of the earliest practitioners of medicine in this township. Dr. David Wadsworth, another physician died many years ago. His son, T. B., died a soldier in the Mexican war ; and his daughter, Eliza Ellen, Mrs. Struble, is the sole survivor of the family. The Bryant's have been quite numerous in Wayne, and among them James has been prominent; he was a very strict man, of the steady and straight "Sunday go to meeting" kind, and an his neighbors to the west did not walk in his ways. He called their settlement "Sodom," a name it has since borne not withstanding that it has had in it many first rate citizens. Nicknames, once given and received, are hard to be obliterated.

An old settler upon Granny's Creek is Truman Ransom, who with his family located in 1824, where he has ever since resided. Mr. Ransom was a native of Connecticut, and, with his father's family, moved to this State in 1812 and settled on. The Muskingum, near its mouth. He there married Miss Temperance, daughter of' Thomas Lord, whose grandmother was a daughter of' Col. Oliver, one of the officers in command at the time the Marietta settlement was attacked by the Indians Her father was Judge of the Court of Washington county, and a prominent member of' the " Ohio Company." Of' Mr. R.'s seven children, one is dead ; Edwin and Albert are living, in Missouri; Thomas in liberty ; Bryan, William Wallace and Robert Bruce in Wayne. Mr. It. has been a hard Working man and has met with various streaks of' ill luck; his losses have been heavy, by fire and water and his escape from the jaws of' death has

345 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

been almost miraculous. His dwelling house with much furniture, was burnt up in the spring of 1852-to his damage some $2000. In attempting to cross Owl Creek with a wagon and four-horse team he lost all, amounting to $800, and did well to get off with his "own skin whole." Having a small mill site on Granny's Creek, he erected, in 1828, a saw-mill. that is yet in operation.

In th e Granny's Creek school-house a Temperance Society was gotten up many years ago, and also a Sabbath-School, which has been well attended. Regular preaching has been had also since 1830, by the Methodist, Episcopal, Presbyterian and other denominations.

But two men are now living in the neighborhood of Frederick who were young men grown n in 1812-Richard Roberts, of Berlin and Jacob Mitchell. The first of these helped cut the first road out from Mt. Vernon to Frederick, under the supervisorship of Joe Walker; and the second rode express for General Harris on in the war of 1812. Then they were both boys full of mettle and spirit. and their fathers were among the old men of the settlement and now their fathers are dead, and they in turn are old men--heads of families--grandfathers-yes, great grandparents--and a new generation is upon the stage of action. What changes they have witnessed in their lifetime, little as we may he disposed to think things change before our vision in this fast age!

346 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

1808. Wm. Y. Farquhar. 1809. Daniel Ayers.

1812. Abner Ayers. 1816. Abner Ayers.

1815. W.W. Farquhar. 1819 "

1818. " 1822. "

1817. Daniel Beers. 1825. "

1821. Anson Brown. 1831. George H. Bull.

1826. David Wadsworth. 1831. "

1829. Byram Leonard. 1834. "

1830. " 1837. "

1830. Michael Sockman. 1837. Byram Leonard.

1830. John Allen. 1840. John Lewis.

1836. Samuel Bryant. 1843. A. Greenlee.

1839. " 1846. G.W. Woodcock.

1842. " 1849. "

1845. " 1852. "

1848. " 1855. "

1846. Peter Ink. 1855. W.G. Strong.

1849. J.B. Roberts. 1856. T.V. Parke.

1851. Mitchel Lewis. 1858. Henry Philips.

1852. Geo. T. Potter. 1859. D.S. Beers.

1855. " 1860. W.D. Bonner.

1857. A. Greenlee. 1862. D.S. Beers.

1860. " 1862. Wm. Wyker.

347 KNOX COUNTY

CHAPTER XXXV.

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.

This township, as at present bounded, was created March 9, 1825, and, in a spirit of freedom, styled Liberty. in 1830, it contained 553 inhabitants in 1840, 1,205; in 1850, 1,320; and in 1860, 1,251. Mt. Liberty contains about 150 inhabitants. It occupies all elevated position, and being situated upon the State road to the capital, and in the heart of a productive country on Dry Creek, it has been a place of considerable business. It was by T. G. Plumer, and laid out by Samuel Thatcher and George Beardshear, Oct. 8, 1835. It has two stores, kept by E.D. Bryant and Judson Hildreth; a grocery by Daniel Veatch ; a tavern, by John Thompson ; two cabinet shops by S. Wilson and by J. W Jackson and C. K. Lineweaver; two mantuamakers, Miss Samantha Severe and Miss Mary Veatch ; the carpenters are John Inscho, Arthur Pratt, Joseph Crosby : shoemakers, Jas. Cleghorn, Wm. Cleghorn, Philip Crable ; wagonmakers, J. A. Mostetler, David and George Mosteller, and Daniel Burkholder; two mills are run by Youngblood and Weller, and Peter Shafer. There are two churches, Methodist and Disciple. The Higginses, Coyles, Humphreys, Severes, Carerys, Hollisters, Magoons and Gearharts are among the earliest in this section, and their descendants are quit

348 HISTORY OF

numerous The most extensive families are the Brickers, Lewises, Ewalts and Rineharts. Of the old stock we shall give a brief account; as to the new, their name is "legion," and it would be too prolix for the general reader did we attempt to sketch them.

Lewis Bricker, Sr., of Greene county. Pa., had a very large family, and determined to distribute them in i the western country, where lands were cheap and he could provide them with farms. Accordingly he bought 1,600 acres of land in this new country, and started the elder members of his family to it in the spring of 1810. Of the number were Peter Bricker, and George Lewis, his brother-in-law. They came out to this wilderness region, camped one night, and the next morning hitched in their teams, and by noon were on their way back. They reported the country wild, and they did not believe it ever would be settled They saw many Indians, and heard the owls too -whooping and the wolves howling all night ; and unaccustomed to these things. they agreed with their wives to let the land go to the devil before they would risk their lives and their children in the Owl Creek regions, which they believed to be the next thing to if not quite the infernal regions. Their father, accustomed to frontier life, and knowing also the value of lands in this country determined in the fall to make another effort at a settlement. Accordingly he sent another delegation of his tribe, and continued the work until he got into this township the following children : Peter, George, John, Jacob, David, Solomon, Lewis, Catharine, Rachel

349 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

and Mrs. George Lewis, who have in their own time peopled the wilderness region, felled the forest trees and cultivated the ground, multiplying the original by the double rule of three." Peter Bricker had a dozen children, and George Lewis sixteen; George Bricker eight; John Bricker, who came about a year later, Jacob. who came about 1813, five ; David came about 1817, and had six; Solomon came out the same year, and added eleven children; ; Lewis came in 1819, he had six ; Catharine married John Conkle about 1827, and had six children; Rachel married John Pruner, and had seven. All of the original Brickers remarried in Liberty, except David, who is in Morgan township.

George Lewis is dead. Of his sixteen children, eleven are living, viz,: Jacob, John, George, Isaac, Ben, Peter, Solomon, Sarah, wife of Alex. Craig, Phebe, Susannah Gardner, and Rachel Burkholder.

The children of old George recollect when their father went to Shrimplin's mill With a grist of corn, and left his wife and family alone, with nothing to eat and the Indians prowled about the premises, and they feared they would not be found alive on his return.

Joseph Shaw, Zach. and Bazil White, John Hobbs, with their families, emigrated from Western Pennsylvania about 1834, and the Tarrs, Coleses. Crafts, and other good families have followed them and the Greater portion of those in the "Wolf Settlement," so styled for Christopher Wolf, Esq., are from the same locality

350 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

Between two of the old settlers there grew up a quarrel in 1815, and a lawsuit ensued before James Smith, J. P. The Reverend James, by practice as well as profession, a peace-maker, proposed that the parties should have a friendly talk, and settle the difficulty without recourse to law. Accordingly they sat down on a log and Solomon Shaffer began in his broken pronunciation-"Now Mr. Lyingbarger" "sthop," cries George Lybarger, in an angry tone "my name is not Lyingbarger, but Lybarger, by G----, do you wish to insult me, Shaffer?" "My name is not Shaffer, but Shaffer, don't call me Shaffer, or tammed if I don't knock you down,"-and the parties sprung at each other, when James commanded the peace in the iiame of the State, and the difficulty between the belligerent old dutchmen had to be settled by the law at last.

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

1822. Frederick Carey. 1844.Christopher Wolf.

1825. " 1850. "

1828. Francis Wilkins 1853. "

1831. " 1856. A. Dalrymple.

1831. Christopher Wolf. 1846.John Inscho.

1833. " 1852. James Severe.

1837. Joseph Suaw. 1855. "

1839. W. E. Davidson. 1858. "

1842. " 1858. J. H. Tarr.

1842. Win. Oram. 1861. "

1842. Joseph Shaw. 1861. Arthur Pratt.

1847. Christopher Wolf.

351 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

CHAPTER. XXXVI.

HILLIAR TOWNSHIP

Was laid off from Miller, upon petition of its citizens, August 28, 1818. It is the southwestern township of the county. The first settlement was called '' Houck's" and was principally made up of the families of James and Jacob Houck and Joseph Jennings, who erected the first cabins, and graced the principal Building, through Mr. Lamson, with the first brick chimney put up in this township. This settlement was about one mile southwest of the present village of Centerburg. When the township was formed the settlers agreed to the name of Hilliar in compliment to Dr. Richard Hilliar, who was then the largest landholder residing in the limits ; he dwelt in a cabin in the southwest corner. It had 16,000 acres of land upon the tax list in 1830. In 1832, there were but 40 voters. In 1840. The population was 1,012 ; in 1830, 1,141 ; and in 1860, 1,088. Centerbnrg, its principal mart of business, is on the old stage route from all the "north countrie" to the State Capital. It is 13 miles from Mt. Vernon. We have heard it said that it received its name from the fact that Harvey Jones presumed it to he the exact geographical center of Ohio; and many long years ago, when politicians and legislators threatened to move the Capital.

352 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

some of the oldest inhabitants there believed it might become the Capital of the Buckeye State. If such a thing was hinted at by members who occasionally had the good luck in cold weather and muddy roads to call on Harvey Jones, enjoy his feast of fat things, and rest in his soft and downy beds, it is no wonder that by contrast with the then Columbus fare they "smiled" at the idea, and took another encouraging horn upon the strength of it with "mine host." As early as 1820 travel from Northern Ohio to the Capital through or by this route dates. Business may be said to have started with Mr. Jones, who was the most enterprising man at Centerburg from 1834 until 1848. He was quite corpulent, jovial, kind-hearted man, who held out by unmistakable sign that he had good fare, and enjoyed the good things of this world.

In the early days the people were disposed to pull together at elections. It was their custom to meet when the day of voting came round, and canvass in a friendly manner the merits of candidates, and to make their voice felt by voting plumpers. The electors would set upon logs before any ballots were cast, and read over the names upon the tickets, and settle all conflicting opinions by voting unanimously for the same men. In this way they made, as an old one of their number said, the candidates who were defeated to howl,'' and caused aspirants to look with fear and trembling for the returns from Hilliar. In 1818, the entire vote was 17, unanimous for Ethan A. Brown for Governor ; Benj. Martin. Congress ; John Spencer, State Senator ; W. W. Farquhar,

353 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

Representative. In October, 1824, there was one stubborn man who would vote for Allen Trimble for Governor ; the other 14 votes were cast for Morrow. The first place of public entertainment kept in this part of Knox county was by Joseph

Great difficulty was experienced by the early settlers in getting to and from mill. We find as early April 26, 1810, Jacob and James Houck, Joseph Jennings, John and Josias Simpson, Henry Mat thews, John Karr, John Hinton and others, met at doctor Hilliars farm and united in petitioning for a road to Douglass' mill. The prayer was granted, and Wm. Gass, Charles Cooper and Isaac Bonnet were appointed viewers. They met at Clinton at the time named, but refused to proceed to view what, in their opinion, was an unnecessary road. Nothing daunted, the few petitioners added two or three more names to their request and sent up another petition on the 17th of September, and Jabez Beers, Henry Roberts and William Mitchell, reappointed viewers, and Ichabod Marshal, surveyor. The viewers met and the surveyor declining to act, S. H. Smith accompanied them as surveyor, and returned a report and plat of the road, 16 miles in length--the surveyor reporting "it can he a tolerable good road, is very good ground, but the viewers say that at this time it would be too burthensome to the county to open said road." Ordered, therefore, that the same cannot be granted

The citizens then began petitioning for a new

354 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

township, which they succeeded in getting in August, 1818, and the first election was held at the house of Thomas Merril. The Judges of that election were Joe Jennings, Jas. Houck, Jas. Pell ; Clerks, John Borden, Wm. Reynolds. In 1819, Jacob Houck listed Hilliar, and was paid a county order therefor. The same duty he performed, for like pay, in 1820. The Judges of election, October, 1820, were Joseph Jennings, James Severe, Wm. Reynolds ; Clerks, John Borden. John Davis. Henry Matthews, Benj. F. Hilliar. John Severe, James Fell and John Fell were other early voters. The Messmores, Mahannahs, Hollister's and Bottomfields were other settlers oof a later period. John Thomas projected a town in 1834. but it never made headway. Rich Hill is a new business point that is thriving considerably.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

May 10, 1819, the Court of Common Pleas allowed Hilliar one Justice, and in July, Jacob Houck was elected.

1822. Wm. Reynolds. 1827. John Borden.

1824. Jacob Houck. 1830.

1835. Harvey Jones. 1833.

1838. " " 1836. Daniel Nofsinger.

1839. Ferdinand McLene. 1841. Gideon Sutton.

1812. " " 1844. "

1845. Daniel Wolf. 1847. N. Borden.

1848. " " 1850. "

1851. David F. Halsey. 1851. E. Nichols.

1854. D. S. Lyon. 1854. "

1857. T. M. Owen. 1857. "

1860. Simon Shaffer. 1860. "

KNOX COUNTY. 355

CHAPTER XXXVII.

MILFORD TOWNSHIP.

This township was created in 1823, March 3d., out of territory taken from Miller. The land is generally level and soil fertile. The first election was held the first Monday of April, 1823, at the school-house near the center.

It received its name in the following manner. The settlers met together and various names were presented; among the number Judson Lamson proposed that it should be called Milford, taking the idea from his native town New Milford, Connecticut. Some objection was offered to every other name but this, and in consideration of the fact that Mr. Lamson was one of the oldest settlers, and also its being a New England name-those present being all from "Down East"- it was adopted.

The settlers at that time were Uzziel Stephens, from Vermont; Gardner Bishop, Stephen Hawkins. John Jeffries, Jesse Smith, Harris Hawkins, from Rhode Island; Win. Beardslec and John Beards-lee from New Haven, Ct.; Judson Lamson from New Milford, Ct.; Aaron Hill from Massachusetts.

The original stock now living are upon the lands selected by them at first, and the children and

356 - KNOX COUNTY

families of the departed, as a general thing, reside upon the old home tracts.

They were industrious, temperate and orderly citizens, and their families have followed in their footsteps closely, as is customary in the land of steady habits. There was no store or trading establishment in this township; the citizens transacted their entire business at the county seat. James Smith preached the first sermon and the ministers vial duties since have been principally discharged by the Christian Church.

Wolves were very plenty and impudent in this township at an early day. One of the incidents of those times was as follows: When Platt G. Beards1ey was a boy, and out cow hunting, he lost his way and came upon a considerable sized swamp which at first he took to be a clearing ; as soon as he came by its side a gang of wolves set up their infernal howling, he took to his heels badly scared, and ran along Sycamore creek, the wolves following close at his heels ; as he neared home the dogs rushed out and attacked the wolves, when one of the clogs was torn in pieces by the wolves, and Platt made his escape into the house.

By the census of 1830, 498 inhabitants were then reported within its limits, and 13,472 acres of land returned for taxation. In 1840, the population was 1,157 ; in 1850, 1,349 ; in 1860, 1,084.

The two prominent points are styled the "Five Corners" and "Lock"-the latter is a post-office, at the county line, where there is some business transacted by the citizens of Knox and Licking.

Judson Lamson was born July 14, 1779. In

357 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

1817 he settled where he now resides. By trade a brickmason, after preparing quarters for his family, he went to Mt. Vernon to purchase some supplies, and, on entering a store kept by " Uncle Jimmy Smith" to buy a few articles, he heard him regret- ting that he had no mason at hand to lay up a piece of his stone wall that had fallen down ; when Mr. Lamson told him that he could do it for him, and the bargain was struck, and he went right at the job and completed it to Mr. Smith's satisfaction. Daniel S. Norton shortly after met him on the street anti informed him that he held his note, given to Dr. Lee for medical service in attendance on his daughter, who had been sick from his entering the country. The note was for $10 ; and Mr. L. told him that he had no money to pay him, and did not know when he would have so much as money was a. scarce article in those times. Mr. Norton at once replied, I do not want your money, but your work if the note is right-accordingly, house where N. then resided, on the lot where Judge Hurd now lives, on Main street. While working there old John Warden, who lived opposite, came across and said, " you. beat all men to work I have ever known, you do two days work in one." And the remark was literally true. He subsequently worked on the brick building, where Daniel S. Norton formerly resided, on High street, near the railroad depot, now the "Buckeye house," and did almost all his other work at the mills, quarrying stone, etc. Mr. L., and his son Levi J., have contributed greatly to the improvement of

358 HISTORY OF

Mt. Vernon and the surrounding country. Among the buildings erected, under his superintendence, we may mention the Pyle block, Browning & Miller's block, Norton block, on Main street, the residence of C. Delano, Esq., and many other of the best structures in town and county. Mr. L. also worked at his trade in various parts of this county and Licking county. He has also been a successful farmer, and now, at a good old age, enjoys a competency and the respect of his fellow-men. His son, Levi. J., and his daughter, Mrs. W. A. Disney, reside near him, and other descendants in the west.

The McKowns were among the settlers at the time of organization, and worthy of notice at our hands The old patriarch, James McKown, was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and wounded at the Battle of Brandywine. In 1820, with a portion of his family, he moved to this county from Virginia, and died in 1850 at the good old age of 98. His wife survived until 1852, when she died, aged 103 years. We recollect well the zeal of the old soldier in behalf of General Harrison for the Presidency. He was master of ceremonies at the great Barbecue of 1810, when the big ox was roasted whole. Of his children we make this record :- Gilbert McKown moved from Milford to Virginia ; James moved to Illinois, where he has since died ; Phoebe, wife of Joseph Tegarden, lives in Linn county, Mo.; Samuel came to this county in 1820, and settled where he died, in his 70th year, in 1861. Nine children are living, to wit: Rev. Samuel S., of the Christian Church, now in Northern Ohio ;

KNOX COUNTY. 359

Isaac John, Hosmer, and Gilbert E.; Minerva, Mrs. Ira Gearhart, Cynthia, Mrs. David Gotshall, Emaline L.,. Mrs. John Gotshall, and Miss Margaret, all of this county. Gilbert E. is a resident dentist. Mt. Vernon. John Jeffries had six children : of this number those who survive are, Mary Ann, wife of' Smith Bishop ; Laura, widow of David Hill ; Almira, wife of Johnston King. and Olney Jeffries, of' Mt. Vernon. Preserve Smith and Dr. Hayes have been residents for many years.

The brothers Beardslee, William and John, natives of Stratford, and the Hawkinses, Harris and Stephen, natives of Rhode Island, may be classed among the early settlers who contributed to the advancement of Milford The Beardslees are descendants of the Rev. John Beardslee, of Stratford, on Avon, Shakespear's Home. William Beardslee married Eunice Gardner, of Hancock, Berkshire co., Mass., and emigrated west. They moved to Ohio. and we find William a resident of' Granville in 1814 : subsequently of Homer, and from thence, in 1818 he cut the road with his own hands for three miles to get to his land, where he afterwards resided. the road to this day is known as the Beardslee road. Their sons now living are Col. Platt G., of Milford, Job H. G., of Union county, Dr. Wm. B., and John Binns, of Mount Vernon. The daughters living are Catharine, widow of Eras-tus Rouse, deceased, Betsy, wife of George L. Benedict, Adaline, wife of Lieut. Nathan Bostwick, all of this county. Mary, who married Arnold Hildreth, is dead. William Beardslee, sr., at the advanced age of 79, and his wife , aged 76 years,

360 - HISTORY OF

are living in this county, surrounded by children and grand children to the number of 70. John Beardslec married Mary Fitch, of New Haven, Ct., and emigrated to Knox. Their children are Geo. F., of Milford, Dr. Charles, editor of the Herald, Oskaloosa, Iowa, Henry, Galesburg, Ill., Elizabeth. Wife of Nathaniel McDaniel, Mary and Melissa. The original Hawkinses were Harris and Stephen. The former had the following children : Ephraim, Harris and Daniel, all living at and about t he old homestead, and Charles in Illinois. Margaret, twin sister of Harris, married Almon Mitchel, Martha married Mr. Rice, and Clarissa died. Stephen Hawkins is dead. His first wife, who was a Belknap, is also dead, and of' their children the following have died : Col. Emor B., Joseph, Stephen and Laura. Their son William married Miss Reach. They are now living in Milford, and Sally Ann and Mary. two girls, the latter by second marriage survive.

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE

1823. Nath'l Stougtton. 1826. Nath'lStougton.

1823. John Stephens. 1829 '' "

1826. John Jeffries. 1830. Sylvanus Mitchell.

1829 '' " 1833 "

1832. " " 1838 David L. Hill.

1835. Smith Bishop. 1841. ''

1836. Platt G. Beardsley.1842. Joseph Montagna.

1839. " " 1845. Emor B. Hawkins.

1848. James Conden. 1849. Smith Bishop.

1848. Wm. Orme. 1852. John Litzenburg.

1851. " 1855. Silas Jaggers.

1854. John Stephens. 1858. David Pattison.

1857. " " 1861. " "

1860. Geo. F. Beardslee.

361 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

CHAPTER XXX VIII.

MILLER TOWNSHIP

The first time this name occurs on the Journals reads thus:--" Miller Township special election, 1816. June 4 th. judges Jonathan Hunt, jr., Wm . Bare Lemule Chapman; clerks, James Miller, John Mott thus Miller appears to have sprung suddenly into existence as a township With out any of the preliminary symptoms, or pains and pangs of partition. One thing We do know, and that is this, the township was named after one of earliest settlers James Miller Esq., a very worthy gentleman who possessed to an extraordinary degree the respect and confidence of his compeers He was a small man, With a strong mind and excellent sense; a native of Vermont and in company with Turner, a deist, who was a quick, clever old man, and wrote poetry, and went about repeating it, made the first settlement. John Olney, and Emor Harris, Cyrus Gates and James Sealts were also early settlers. They were mostly from Vermont and Rhode Island. In early times this was called the "Beech Settlement."

Its population in 1830, was 548; in 1840, 977; in 1850, 1,064; in 1860, 996.

One of the first houses was a small log cabin, in the south-east corner, put up by Vance, whose sons

362 - HISTORY OF

John and Jacob, with their families, are living in the township Cornelius Thompson of Hardy Co., Va., settled in this township in 1810. His son now lives near the old home, in his 52d year ; his daughter, Mrs. Scott is at Pataskala, Licking co. The Hildreth name has long been associated with this township. The old stock came from Marlboro, Ct. Wm. Hildreth emigrated to Zanesville, in 1812, and here in 1828 ; he died, and his children living are John M. in Mt. Vernon ; Wm. at Scott's Corners, Union co.; Arnold and Epaphro in Miller township.

In 1816, at the October election, 33 votes were polled: for Worthington, 32; Ethan A. Brown, 1. The judges of election and clerks in 1816 and 1817 were Rufus Ward, Wm. Campbell, Jonathan Hunt, Jr.. Timothy Colopy and John H. Simonds. In 1818, the same officers except Campbell, whose place was supplied by Titus Hill ; and these constituted the board of election of 1819. In 1820, Rufus Ward James Miller and Wm. Beardslee were judges, and Timothy Colopy and Enoch F. Kinney clerks. In 1821, the same, except Miller, whose place was supplied by Phineas Squire.

The old veteran, Rufus Ward, is worthy of special notice as a faithful soldier, who participated in the battle of White Plains, the capture of Burgoyne, and various other battles of the Revolution. He was born at Boston, Mass., in 1758, married Elizabeth Barnes, of Southington, Conn., and emigrated from Vermont in February 1811, to the place where he died September 8, 1831, in his 76th year. His widow died June 19, 1819, aged 85, and was a U.S.

363 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

pensioner for many years. Seven children survive, viz: Mrs. Mary Hinds, in Indiana ; Mrs. Elizabeth Rowley, widow of Samuel ; Mrs. Abigail Gabriel, wife of John Gabriel, of Columbus ; Jonas, collector, at Piqua; ; Rufus, farmer, of Miller ; Dr. Truman, druggist, at Mt. Vernon; ; and Levi, merchant, at Bellville. Emma, Wife of Alpheus Chapman, is dead, as also her husband.

Col. Royal D. Simons emigrated from Connecticut in 1816. He was a man of education and talent possessed of a very social disposition, and served the people as Assessor and Representative for several terms. His children living are Louisa, wife of J. W. Lybrand, and Caroline, wife of C. P. Young, both residing at Richland Center, Wisconsin. Mrs. Lybrand's only child living (George D.) is at the same place.

Timothy Colopy, a warm-hearted Irishman. had lived in Maryland and Virginia until 1813, when he settled in this township. He died in Mt. Vernon in his 68th year, and his widow died about 1852, aged 72 years. His surviving children are Mary, Mrs. Levi Sapp, Sarah, Mrs. F. J. Zimmerman, and Matilda, wife. of H. Conley, in Iowa. Timothy was a devout Catholic and a zealous Democrat, liberal and generous, public-spirited and benevolent. He was an excellent Justice of the Peace, and a much-esteemed citizen.

Col. Emor or Harris emigrated from Rhode island in 1817; died in 1850, aged 58. His wife, Sarah Sweet, whom he married in Rhode Island, is living in her 65th year. They had eight children ; Five survive, viz.: Caroline, wife of R. C. Walker, in

364 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

Delaware county; Mrs. Mary Miller ; Emor Brown also a native of this township ; and Henry and Sarah, upon the old home place.

Philip Dennis, of Maryland, for many years resided in this township with his is accomplished wife. Ann Dennis, who deceased in 1854. They were among the most intelligent and best citizens.

"The Four Corners' was the name by which the principal settlement went. A post-office was established at this point, February 15. 1839, called "Hildreth's" and Miner Hildreth was appointed master. After Hildreth resigned. the name was changed to Brandon, and H. C. Lockwood was appointed. In the spring' of 1851., H. removed to Danville, where he is engaged in the mercantile business. Brandon is six miles from Mt. Vernon, and four from Homer. It Has Two churches, two stores, two blacksmith and wagon shops, one steam sawmill, one tavern. The denominational preaching is Methodist, Episcopal, Baptist and Christian. Revs. John Mitchell and Moffett, Methodist. Rev. M. Herod, Christian, Rev. J. G. Tunison, Baptist. are the regular ministers.

CONSECUTIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

1816. John Mott, jr., and re-elected in 1819, 1822 and 1825.

1816. John J. Tulloss, " "

1820. James Miller, and again elected 1825.

1825. Royal D. Simons. 1828. J ohn Morey

1831. Tim. Colopy. 1832. Nathaniel Losh.

1831. Emor Harris, re-elected 1834, 1837, 1840 1843, 1846 and

1849.

1826 E. S. S. Rouse, re-elected 1839 and 1842.

1845. James Ozborn, re-elected 1848.

1850. Erastus Rouse, re-elected 1853 and 1856.

1851. W. B. Beardslee.

1850. Rufus Ward, re-elected 1853, 1856, 1859, and 1862

1858 Jesse Babbs, re-elected 1861.

KNOX COUNTY 365

CHAPTER XXXIX.

MORGAN TOWNSHIP.

In the first division of the county one of the four town ships was called Morgan in honor of the brave native of New Jersey, Jersey Daniel Morgan the distinguished General in our Revolutionary war. who was a member of Congress from 1795 to 1799. and died July 6, 1802 ; and in the general reorganization of townships in March, 1825, it was reduced to its present limits. Under the old dispensation we find the total number of voters at the October election, 1809, to have been 13. In October. 1813 Moses Merrit. Jacob Hanger, Abraham Carnes were Judges ; John Dunlap and John Boyle. Clerks the number of voters had increased to 27, and among them were Jonathan Agnew, Ben. Leonard, Wm. Beam, Wm. Knight, Geo. Cooper. Philip Melker, Jacob Smith, and Smith Hadley. Other early settlers besides the above named. Were John Losh, Philip Smith, Thompson and Michael Mills, Abner and David Brown, Joseph and John Harris, John and Adam Fox, John Vance, sr., and John, jr., Jacob Rabb, Azariah Davis, Titus Rigby, Cornelius Callighan, and the Harrods, The only ones of this old set now known to be living are Smith Hadley, Levi, Wm. and Sam. Harrod, and Philip Smith. Hadley is in Centerbnrg, Levi and

366 - HISTORY OF

Sam. Harrod in Clay, and Wm. Harrod in Indiana, where he moved some fourteen years ago. Philip Smith lives on Big Run, where he first located. His sons James and Wm. are in Clay, his daughter, Mrs. Henry McLain, is in this township, and Rebecca, wife of George Swank, lives in Union county. John J. Tulloss, a Captain in the war of 1812, emigrated from Fauquier co., Va., in 1807. He was a brick maker, school teacher, and farmer, first in Licking and afterwards in Knox ; his widow is living, aged 76, with her children.

In 1816, at the October election, there were 35 voters. Among these was Caleb Pumphry, who died in 1817. There is not one of this family now living in the county. They were very kind and hospitable, zealous Methodists, and as their house was a sort of head-quarters for itinerants, the fame of Pumphry's tavern, as it was called, was quite extensive. Bernard Reece was another old settler: and another was Wm. Green, of Maryland, who moved into Morgan from Licking co., in 1816 ; he died in 1856. Of his 10 children the only ones living are Daniel of Harrison, Hugh of Chesterville, Mrs. B. McClurg and Mrs. J. Kegg in Indiana.. Another father of 10 was Bennet Thompson, of Va., whose only child now in Knox is James, who was born in this township in 1827, married Mahala, daughter of Jesse Larue, in 1850, and has six children, of whom George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, now five years old, are twins.

John F. McLain emigrated from Seneca Co., Pa., in 1828, and was for many years a prominent citizen. He was a large operator in stock and farm-

KNOX COUTNTY. 367

ing, and about 1836-8, was interested in a store in Mt. V ernon ; he died in 1858, in his 61st year. His sons, Charles S. and Abijah, are in Morgan. and Wm. in Wyandot co. His daughters, Mrs. Sarah Welsh and Mrs. Amelia Hufty are in Crawford co. ; Mary, wife of Morgan Booze and Cassandra. Levi Sellers are in this township. C. S. married Miss Berryhill ; Henry Miss Smith, and Abijah, Miss Hook.

Simon Litzenhurg emigrated from Washington co. Pa., to this township 1829, bought part of the celebrated prairie farm, and has lived upon it ever since. He is now in his 79th year. Henry Barnes married one of his daughters, and Dr. M. H. Litzenburg, of Cheviot, is one of his sons.

The West brothers and the Ewarts are deserving of notice. The former were natives of Brooke county, Va. Samuel, in 1830, emigrated from Washington county, Pa., and is now in his 77th year. His wife, Mary Clear, was also a native of Virginia and is yet living. Of their eight children, four are living-Alexander Clear at the old homestead; William H., of Logan county; Thomas in Morrow county ; and Samuel, a Baptist preacher. in South English Iowa. Amos West, Sr. is living, in his 72d year; has had 11 children, of whom those living are: Enos, in Tazewell county, Ills. ; William in Morgan; Joe in Pleasant ; John in Le Roy, Ills. ; Amos in Buchanan county, Iowa; Margaret in Morgan ; Ann Eliza, wife of John Penick ; and Elizabeth Woodruff. These are descendants of Jonathan West, one of the first born in Brooke county, Va.

368 - HISTORY OF

The Ewarts are from Greene county, Pa.. and natives of Ireland-Robert and John, and their sisters. Mrs. Haver and Mrs. Ewart. John died in 1858. Haver emigrated from Green county, Pa. They are intelligent and industrious people.

Jesse Mattocks, a native of Erie co. Pa., married Elizabeth Johnson, and has had six children is worthy of note for two reasons first, he has served 13 years as constable, and second he furnished the country round with their baskets for gathering corn, for many years, and therein has been a benefactor.

In 1830, the inhabitants numbered 653, and 16,582 acres were upon the tax list; in 1840, there were 912 inhabitants; in 1850, 823; in 1860, 688.

CONSECUTIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

1810. John Harrod. 1839. Jacob Sperry.

1815. John Green. 1833. James H. Smith.

1817. Peter Veatch. 1836. John Clutter.

1818. Jacob Hanger. 1839. "

1819. John Wheeler. 1842 "

1822. John W heeler. 18 45 "

1825. " 1848. C. S McLain.

1830. Ziba Leonard. 1854. "

1821. Jacob Hanger. 1854. "

1824. " 1855. John Miller.

1821. " 1858. A. H. Thornhill.

1830. Jacob Sperry. 1860. Cary Bell.

1833. " " 1860. James Campbell.

1836. "

KNOX COUNTY. 369

CHAPTER XL.

PLEASANT TOWNSHIP

March 9, 1825, this township was created, and named on account of its delightful views, its settlement was much retarded by large landholders. In 1830, it had 918 inhabitants ; in 1840, 1,888 in 1830. 909 ; and in 1860, 828. Among its earliest and best settlers were the Melkers, Grahams, Veatches, Laymans, Herrods, Hunts, Patricks, Bechtels, Buckinghams, Walkers, Stinemetses, Schnebleys, Beatys, Lettses, Crawfords, Crouses, Colvilles, Morrisons, Swans, Rohrers, Dunns, and their connections. The settlers Have been principally from Western Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland. Several good mill seats within this township have been improved and occupied by John Kerr. Elisha Gibbs, the Morrisons, Nortons, Hadley and Miller ; and several distilleries have in the past been propelled successfully. The principal business has been farming and stock raising, at which many have grown rich.

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

1825 David Ash. 1845. Robert Graham.

1825. Frederick Ruhror. 1848. "

1828. " 1851. "

1831. " 1854. "

1832. James Parks. 1861. Henry McLain.

1832. Silas Brown. 1839. Jas. D. Porter.

1835. " 1842. "

1837. Alvin Foote. 1845. Richard Hunt

1858. H 3nry McLain. 1848. "

1827. harvey Brown. 1851 "

1835. Robert Graham. 1854 John Colville,

1839. " 1857. J. V. Parks.

1842. " 1860. "

370 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

CHAPTER XLI.

CLAY TOWNSHIP.

ON the 9th of March, 1825. this township was created, and honored with the name of the great American commoner, Henry Clay. The surface of the country is uneven, the soil is generally very fertile, and the tillers of it have ever been among our foremost for industry and intelligence. In 1830, the population was 1,300, and upwards of 15,000 acres were returned for taxation. In 1840, the inhabitants counted 1,304 ; in 1850, 1,210 ; in 1860, there were 1,098 white and 10 colored persons. There were six industrial establishments, producing to the value of $10,830. Among the old settlers were Ziba Leonard, I. D. Johnson, the Elliotts, the Greens, the Barneses, Vances, Pollock, Paul, Harrods, Larrisons. Insley D. Johnson. from about 1823 until 1837, was in business, and during the latter part of his mercantile existence was one of the heaviest operators in produce in Central Ohio. David Lawman, of Rockingham co., Va., came here in 1832 ; he is engaged in farming and milling. The Boggs family have been among the good citizens of this township for many years. The oldest was William, a native of Virginia, His son William, the first white child born in Belmont, died in Richland co., about 1835. William, sr., died about 1854, aged 98 years, and

KNOX COUNTY. 371

Elizabeth his wife died in 1861, aged 93 years. Their children, John and Ezekiel, born in Belmont, have been long known to our citizens. Ezekiel served as Representative, and died in 1853. His wife is living in Clay. John Boggs married a daughter of one of the old settlers, Catharine Stephenenson. Mary married Wallace McWilliams, and lives in Kansas.

Martinsburg has ever possessed a very patriotic population. At the celebration of July 4, 1861, addresses were made by Henry Hervey and A. J. Lyon. and a good dinner eaten. An accident occurred to mar the pleasures. John Clark had two of his fingers shot off by discharge of a small cannon. Martinsburg contains 300 inhabitants. It was part styled Hanover, and the other part Williamsburg, and the present name is a compromise. The following are the artisans and business men Philo Higgins, blacksmith ; E. Hardiman, tailor ; wagon maker, Wm. Henderson ; saddlers, M. L. Dayton. J. M. Rowland ; shoemakers, S. Kidwell, S. Hollabaugh, S. D. Rouse, M. Chandler, A. Lyon ; Wm. Penick carries on a tanyard ; A. & R. Barnes and Thomas Rodgers are the merchants ; M. L. Dayton sells groceries ; D. Booze keeps the tavern. The physicians are D. H. Ralston, Peter Pickard. and S. B. Dodd. There are five churches: Presbyterian, Rev. H. Hervey ; Methodist, Rev. A. .J. Lyon ; Free Presbyterian, Rev. J. Whitam ; Baptist, Rev. G. Tunison ; Associate Reformed, Rev. G. Torrance. Its schools are good, and the Rev. Henry Hervey deserves special commendation for his long and faithful service in the cause of christi-

372 HISTORY OF

anity and education. For over 35 years he has devoted himself zealously to the work in this place J. M. Coulter is Principal of the Academy A. S. Kerr and Miss Susan Jennings are also teachers. The only men now 1iving in the village who were here in 1822 are W. McCreary, C. Barkalow, and W. McWilliams. The post-office was established by the name of Hanover in 1820, and Changed afterwards to Martinsburg. The postmasters have been I. D. Johnson (S. P. Warden, deputy), McCeary, Johnson, W. McWillaims, and W. McCreary.

Since the foregoing was written. the patriotism of Clay and Morgan has been verified, by the spontaneous uprising of the hardy sons to defend the soil of Ohio from invasion, when. under Captain Norton, and Lieutenants Bell and Mercer. they responded to Governor Tod's call ; and. assisted by Capt. Baugh and Lieutenants Mefford and, Church. and Captain Israel's companies, they saved Cincinnati from the devouring Seccessionists.

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

1827. James Elliott. 1831. W. MeCreary

1830. " 1834. "

1533. W. Spratt. 1837. "

1839 James Paul. 1840. "

1842 " 1843. "

1845. Wallace McWilliams. 1846. "

1846. John Boggs. 1855 Mercer MeFadden,

1848. Wallace McWilliams. 1857. W. McW illiams.

1849. John Boggs. 1858. Isaac Bell.

1851. W. McWilliams. 1860. W. McWilliams.

1852. John Boggs. 1860. James Elliott.

1854. W. McWilliams.

KNOX COUNTY. 373

CHAPTER XLII.

JACKSON TOWNSHIP.

IN honor of General Andrew Jackson, the Commissioners, on the 4th of September, 1815, erected this township. John Mills, Jacob Lepley, and Joseph Kerr were the first judges of elect ion, James Thomas and David Melick the clerks.

In 1816, there were 35 voters, Jacob Lepley was the first ,lister, and Abrabam Carpenter first appraiser. This, the south-eastern township of the county, is watered by the Wakatomika ; the ground is generally rolling, but quite productive. In 1830 the inhabitants numbered 626; in 1840 994: in 1850. 1,080: in 1860, 960. The only town and post-office is Bladensburg; it contains 200 inhabitants.

Washington Houck kept the first tavern, in 1833, and continued it, with short intermission, till the present date. Thomas Axtell kept the second house of entertainment, about 1838 ; he was a good citizen, and emigrated to Indiana. James Loveridge for a short time kept tavern; and John Hannah now keeps the hotel.

The first goods sold in this town were by John Wheeler, who was for many years engaged in merchandising at Bladensburg. He took great delight in the militia training's, being a captain; in the Christian church, being an elder; in the Whig

374 HISTORY OF

party, being a committee-man. In all respects, long was John Wheeler a good citizen; he now lives, at an advanced age, in Iowa, The second store was carried on by W. Houck, who for twelve years sold goods. T. Axtell, Peter Berry, James Loveridge, Alphonso Byam, T. & C. L. Marquand, have also sold goods there. the present merchants are, Mark Hammond and Samuel Richard.

The first Disciple Church in the State was gotten up by John Wheeler, W. Houck, Elijah Harris, and their wives, about 1833. They have a neat Church edifice, of which the Rev. Van Voris is minister. The Presbyterians have also a church building, in which Rev. Brough officiates The Cumberland Presbyterian Church was the first house of worship built in the township. Thos. Axtell was the most active in getting up the church. James Elliott was mainly instrumental in building the O. S. Presbyterian meetinghouse, the Methodists worship in the Presbyterian Church.

The present mechanics are, John Upfold, tailor ; Thomas Hilman, wagon-maker ; Lew. Husser and Wilson Hartupee, blacksmiths ; the Baltzells. Andrew, John and Joseph, and James Ross, shoemakers ; Lemuel Hall, carpenter ; Richard Mavis, cabinet-maker, A good school is kept up in the village, of which Mr. Campbell is teacher.

A grist-mill is in the town, formerly carried on by Houck, now by James Gaub. Within a half mile, another mill is carried on by Mr. Schooler.

About 1852, James Harris started a pottery, which is now owned by James Green. The clay is excellent, and some very good ware has been

KNOX COUNTY. 375

turned out at this manufactory, which is sold in adjoining towns.

Among the old citizens whose names should appear in this sketch are Adam Earlywine, Jacob Stricker, G eorge James Melick, William and Robert Wilson, Daniel Blue, John Hammel, Wm. Braddock, the Hills, the Horns, The McCammets, the Halls, the Dennys and Stephensons,

Washington Houck, of Huntington county, Pa., moved to Knox county, Clay township, in 1805, where he resided until 1833, when he moved to Jackson.

Joseph Scott, Wm. Rawdon, David and Daniel Stricker, Daniel Mossholder Peter Miller, Philip Dennis, George Holt and Christian Baughman, have been citizens of long standing.

Col. James Elliot, long a resident of Clay, who has oficiated as Justice and Representitive, now resides in Bladensburg.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

April 15, 1815, two justices were allowed this township. to be chosen at the house of Joseph Kerr.

January 13, 1816 . Jacob Lepley and David Melick were elected, and Lepley was re-elected in 1819 and in 1822.

1820 Thomas Hall 1838. W. K. Corbin.

1823. " 1836. S. C. Porterfield.

1824. David Melick 1847. James Myers.

1827 " 1847. A. C. Scott.

1829. John Stephenson. 1850. W. H. Blue.

" R.C. Davis. " James Myers.

1832. " 1853. Daniel Gault.

1835. " ". W.K. Corbin.

1838. " 1856. J.S. McCammen.

1831. A. Darling. 1859. "

1832. W. K. Corbin. 1857. James Blunt.

1835. " 1860. Wm. Darling.

376 HISTORY OF

CHAPTER XLIII.

BUTLER TOWNSHIP.

THIS township was created in March, 1825, and named after Richard Butler, Major-General of the U. S. A., killed by the Indians in the great battle between them and Gen. St. Clair, Nov 4. 1791 He was one of the bravest of the brave, and as he lay upon the ground helpless and bleeding from wounds received in the battle, the savages scalped and tomahawked him.

We have been at considerable pains to find out the origin of the name, and were led for some time to believe that it was given in compliment to the sturdy old settlers, the Butlers, but have become satisfied from our investigation that the object Was to perpetuate with the names of Gens. Knox. Harrison, Jackson, Pike, the fame of the ill-fated brave Richard Butler. The land is generally rough and broken, and the population has usually been smaller than in any other township. The wild and picturesque scenery, giving an air of romance to much of the country, we must believe contributes to the health of the people, if we take Joe Stotts, Ben. Butler, Nich. Riley, Geo. Sturge on, Abe Darling. and others of the oldest settlers now living, as evidence. The Lepleys, Jacob, George and Joseph. the Shrimplins, Abraham and William, the Camp-

KNOX COUNTY. 377

bells, the Morningstars, the Horns, the Hammills, the Carpenters, the Burkholders, the Cogginses, the McLarens, the Darlings, the Wolfs, the Melicks, the Gambles, have been long residents of this township. John Busenburg, Philip Ely, Benj. Hugh, John Jones, Sam. Cermerer, Jesse Ashcroft, W. Beaty, Job Lewis, Elijah Farquhar, Wm. Seamen and Ephraim Thornberg also lived in it many years ago. Orange Hollister for many years was one of the most active and useful citizens, spending many thousand dollars among the people erecting mills and machinery for their benefit ; he is now 1iving in Iowa and Ben. Butler is operating the mills. Robert Griffin was another useful man in the milling line, and his death was much of a loss. John R. Gamble was much noted for his business qualifications, Nicholas Riley emigrated from Washington co., Pa., in 1805, to Coshocton co., and in 1807 to Knox he is in his 82d year, We have the fo1lowing account of his offspring William lives in Illinois ; Harriet, wife of Abraham Darling, is in Wayne ; Eliza, wife of Isaac Wood, Rachel, wife of John Welker, jr., Susan, wife of Geo. Spurgeon, and Almira, wife of Amos Wolf, all live in Illinois ; Abraham is dead ; George, Nicholas and Hannah live in Butler ; and Mary, Mrs. Wm. Parks, lives in Hancock county.

In 1830, the population was 419; in 1840, 647; in 1850, 763; and in 1860, 727. About 1817, a post-office called Owl Creek was kept by Abraham Darling as postmaster, but the Judge, some fifteen years ago, became tired of and gave it up. Many years since there was a store kept in this township.

378 HISTORY OF

and a post-office was established thereat called Hollister's," but it has been discontinued.

Uncle Bob and Aunt Hetty Giffin were noted characters. They selected the most romantic spot on Owl Creek for their residence, and amid the rough, rugged and wild scenery known in olden time as "the rocks"-of later days as "the caves" they dwelt and raised a large and respectable family. As early as 1820, they put up Giffin's mills we say they, for everything thereabouts was their joint work, and could not have been created without the two were united in the undertaking. He was quite, peaceable, with a well-developed mind and an uncommon good judgement. She was violent, resolute and determined, with a strong heart and great Physical power. What ever plans were matured and work determined upon. she put into execution with a warrior spirit.

CONSECUTIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

In 1820, Joseph Dunlap was a Justice in this "neck f woods,'' and was again elected in 1824 ; in 1825, Jacob Lepley; in 1826,

1829. David Campbell. 1831. Charles Nyhart.

1831. Horatio G. Cooley. 1837. Eli Cummings.

1834. " 1840. "

1837. Wm. Coggins 1840. James McLaurin.

1841. David Barnhard. 1843. Wm. Coggins.

1844. " 1843. C. Musser.

1848. James Frisby. 1846. "

1849. C. Musser. 1851. C. C. Gamble.

1852. " 1852. C. Tym.

1858. C. C. Gamble. 1855. Doty Farmer.

1860. Wm. Killer. 1857. Jas. McCamment.

1861. Joseph Hammill.

KNOX COUNTY. 379

CHAPTER XLIV.

HARRISON TOWNSHIP.

ON the 9th of March, 1825, another township laid out, and named after General Wm. Henry Harrison.

In 1830, there were 726 inhabitants ; in 1840, in 1850, 751 ; and in 1860 778.

The earliest settlers were Wendel Melker, Adam Lybarger, the Gorsuches, Peter Wolf, Joseph Horn, Benjamin Horn, Andrew Casto, the Dudgeons, the Biggses, the Schoolers, Philip Melker, Isaac Cohen, Arthur Fawcett, the Welkers. The Dudgeons, among these, deserve more than a passing notice. Three brothers and a sister, at an early day, settled in this wilderness region. In company with their father, they had crossed the Atlantic in 1801. Simon. Moses, and Hugh Dudgeon, brothers, were natives of Ireland, who came to this country poor and penniless, and by honest industry acquired a competency. Simon had served six months as a British soldier in the Revolutionary war, He was in his 26th year, of great physical strength, resolute and determined. He landed in the city of New York with only an English shilling in his pocket, which he paid out to a washerwoman for washing his clothes. he worked, as he could get employment, in Vermont, Connecticut and New

380 HISTORY OF

York, and lived with his father and brothers, Thomas and Hugh, for eight years, until he accumulated $1,000; and with that, in 1810, he started from Delaware county, N. Y., west to hunt a better location, visited Knox county and bought the tract of land upon which he erected his house and lived until death. He went to Washington county, Pa., married, and returned to his land in 1811. The issue of this marriage was ten chi ldren. Nine are now living, to wit: Charles. Moses. David, Simon, May, John, and Andrew in Harrison township William, Jane, Mrs. Horn, in Auglaiz county. Simon. Sr. first bought three quarter sections land, and added to it by purchase till, at his death he had 712 acres. He was very industrious and domestic in his habits.

Paul Welker, one of the oldest settlers in that part of the county, tells. with much humor, the way in which he first became aware of Dudgeon being in the county. He was out hunting one day, and having chased a deer into some under brush in some frog-ponds, was startled by the sound of an axe cutting wood; he stealthily approached the spot from whence the noise proceeded, expecting to find an Indian, when, greatly to his surprise, he discovered our pioneer chopping trees to make cabin. He had not heard of this new comer. and could but express his astonishment that he should have chosen a spot back of the big frog ponds for a house. Forbidding as the place then was. Simon by dint of labor, there made his living, and left to his children, as its result, an estate of over $25,000. besides some $10,000 advanced to them during his

KNOX COUNTY. 381

life time. They now own over 1,500 acres of land in that vicinity. Simon died of apoplexy in the street. Mt. Vernon, in his sixty-ninth year. Two of his brothers died of this same disease Thomas, in Delaware county, N. Y., and Hugh, in Knox county, February 16th. 1861. Moses, another brother, died in this county about thirty years ago. Their sister, Mrs. Young Love, is now living near Fredericktown.

The Lybarger family became quite numerous also. Adam died in April, this year. He had risen from dinner , after eating very hearty, and walked into the yard to get a stick of wood for the fire, when he dropped dead.

Wendel Melker, with his brother Philip, moved into this country from Virginia in 1808. All that survive of the Melker name in Harrison are four children-all mutes.

Silas Ralston, Joseph and Martin Horn, "blathering John " Wolf and John Trout man were other notable setlers of long standing.

Arthur Fawcett was, like the Dudgeons, from the Emerald Isle., and felt the effects of poverty, in early youth. After a time he too makes his way to the "great West," and is found in this county, in 1810, clearing land, upon which he has since resided. he is now in his 77th year, and his wife, Susannah, in her 67th year. They have had ten children-eight now live, viz; Samuel, who married Elizabeth Biggs, daughter of James Hayes. He was horn in Harrison township, in 1816, and now lives in Butler. Philip, who married Mary Ellen Vance, lives in Illinois ; Elizabeth, wife of

382 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

Geo. W. Schooler, in Allen county ; Lucinda. wife of Hamilton Marshal, in Allen county ; and the following in Harrison township Anna, wife of Isaac Hays ; Mary, Mrs. Ralph Faucett ; John. who married Hannah Washburn ; Icetas, who married Rebecca Barnett ; and Catharine, wife of Joseph Horn.

Andrew Casto moved into Marion county, and died sixteen years ago. None of his blood now live in this county. Isaac Coen, another of the earliest settlers, died, with none here to represent him. Joseph and Benjamin Horn died about the same time, eight years ago. the Biggs brothers William, Noah and Jeremiah-came to this township about 1811. The Schoolers settled in the neighborhood, where that name is now found, in 1818. John Schooler died in 1853; he was from Beaver county, Pa.,: had twelve children-nine now 1iving. Isaac is at Carthage, Jasper county. Mo. George and Rachel, Mrs. Ashbourne, live in Auglaize county, James in Coshocton ; William, Joseph, Moses and Samuel are in Harrison. Both the justices of the peace in the township are sons of John Schooler. the people of Knox county twice honored him with a seat in the Legislature; he died some eight years ago, much lamented by a large circle of relatives and friends.

Marvin Tracy held many public positions, and was universally respected for his honesty and integrity. Paul Welker and John Troutman have been hard-working farmers of good reputation.

Nathaniel Ross emigrated from Greene county, Pa., in 1811, and is yet living, in his sixty-ninth

KNOX COUNTY. 383

year. His brother, Samuel, came out in 1817, and is now sixty-three years of age. These men have been useful citizens. The first brick house in this township was that of Nathaniel Ross.

The first road laid out was from Mt. Vernon to Coshocton. The proprietors of the town were all from the East, and they then believed light must be sought from that quarter. They did not know there was a Lake Erie, or if they did, they did not seem conscious that the great commerce and trade of this section must be drawn north and south ; hence, supposing that travel would be most from east to west, they laid out the town with this view-making its principal street, "High," the widest, and "Market," the present Main Street, much the narrowest.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE

Within territory have been the following Justices: 1819.

Marvin Tracey, re-elected in 1822 and 1825.

1825. John Schooler. 1836. Asa Freeman.

1829. Isreal Dillon. 1839. "

1834. Ben Ellis 1842. "

1834. " 1845. "

1835. Nathaniel Ross. 1847. M. W. Schooler.

1837. Hugh Miller. 1848. Wm. Marlow.

1840. " 1849. Marvin Tracy.

1843. " 1852. Jonathan McArtor.

1850. Moses Dudgeon. 1855. "

1853. " 1856. M. W. Schooler.

1855. Sam. F. Schooler 1858. Jonathan McArtor.

1862. " 1859. M. W. Sclooler.

1862. Jacob Hays.

384 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

CHAPTER XLV.

UNION TOWNSHIP.

At the session of the Commissioners March 9, 1825 this old township, notwithstanding its name,was dismembered and reduced to its present portions Among its earliest settlers are many names by this time familiar to the reader: there were the Critchfields , the Lepleys, the Butlers, the Darlings, Wm. and Abraham: the Shrimplins, Abraham, John and Samuel; ; the Durbins, Ben. and W m. the Elwells, the Spurgeons, the Sapps. the Rightmires, the Louges, McMillen, Williams, Titus, Hibbetts, Greer, Stotts, George Davidson, Charles Ryan, Wm. Shaw, John Arnold, and the Welkers. Shortly after came John Konkle, Gasper Richcreek, Jacob Black, David Melick, John Earlywire, Valentine Dial, and George Freshwater. The Judges of election Oct. 10, 1809, were James Rightmire, John Wood, and Thos. Elwell. These were at that time the principal families of the powerful Creek nation ; representatives of almost all these are to he met with in this county. In 1811, the officers of election were Wm. Sapp. Thomas Beaty, George Sapp ; Daniel Sapp and Jacob Draper.

At the October election, 1810, there were but 23 voters. in 1816 the number had increased to 45.

KNOX COUNTY. 385

Having traced out the Critchfields, Darlings, and other families who have contributed abundantly to- ward the peopling of this county, we cannot pass by the Sapps. Four brothers-Daniel, George, Joeseph, and William, emigrated from Allegheny county, Md., in 1806, and the Sapps of the present day are descendants of them, and of their uncle George, who came out in 1810 ; of another Sapp. Adam, who came about 1820 ; and of yet another, a cousin, known in the neighborhood as "Kentucky George," to distinguish him from the other Georges, who had preceeded him. Daniel had a dozen children, of whom Hon. Wm. R., S.W., Dr. Enoch and Dr. Silas have been widely known. Mrs. J. Wauls. of Brown, and Mrs. J. Stover, of Mt. Gilead are only daughters living, George married Catharine Arnold ; and of their nine children six are living in the county Levi is upon the old homestead. He has had eleven children ; and of this number is Wm. C., merchant, Mt. Vernon. Joseph's numerous family went to Illinois. William's dozen children are scattered-only two of them are in Knox now Of Kentucky v George's fourteen children we have not space to give an account. James, associated with Wm. J. Morton, in the shoe store in Mt. Vernon, is his grandson. The original roots above named have produced over 200 shoots.

The Rightmires, James and Harrison ; the Shrimplins, William, Samuel and Absalom ; Solomon Robinson and Gilman Hawn, with their families. well represent the hardy old stock. John Welker, Sr. lives upon the farm he cleared in 1809. His

386 HISTOTRY OF

brother-in-law, Jacob Baughman, and his old neighbor, Wm. Robison, yet exchange greetings with him ; his brother-in-law, Wm.. Lydick, died recently. Many trips these old settlers made, with horse and pack-saddle, to Zanesville for salt and other necessaries. In the war of' 1812, John Welker served as a high private, and has received a land-warrant for his services ; and that, is the highest position he ever sought. He erected the first brick house in this part of the county. A man of sterling worth, he has commanded the respect of his neighbors, while he has reared up a family of fourteen children-only one of whom, Daniel, now resides in this county. The Rev. John, Jr., in Illinois, and Judge Martin have acquired considerable reputation for ability.

The towns of Danville, Millwood and Cavallo are in this township. The first is one of the oldest in the county. For the past twenty years it has not improved much. It is the oldest post-office in the eastern part of Knox its post-masters have been W. R. Sapp, Enoch Sapp. G. H. Davidson, and S. W. Sapp. Cavallo was a great place on paper in the days of the Canal fever. While Isaac Means, S. W. Farquhar, W. V. Richardson, D. S. Fairchild, C. Keller, H. Thomas and others lived there it had much trade. From 1843 to 1848 were its best days ; then, almost all the exports and imports of Knox were through this port, four large warehouses were erected, and goods were sold by wholesale; now, the only man living within its limits is Nelson Thatcher, and his neighbor on the old Butler farm is Solomon Gearner. The future

387 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

will only know of this fast place from this page of our history.

MILWOOD received its name in consequence of the first mill in this locality having been built in the woods. Elisha Gibbs was the venturesome individual who first carried it on; John Hawn succeeded him, and it has been known since as Welker's mill. The first settlers around the early mill were principally of the Welker family. The village contains about 150 inhabitants, and was laid out by John Hawn. James Britton built the first house in the town plat--a little hewed log cabin, which has been weatherboarded to give it a more modern look. Two of his sons, Lewis and Reuben. are here ; James and the rest of his family reside in Iowa. Col. Israel Dillon for many years was a leading business man ; he also moved to Iowa. Jacob Garret put in the first tanyard about 1829. and is yet carrying on the business. The Spragues and Carpers of other years are generally in the west. Sam. Welker, the pioneer in keeping "entertainment for man and beast," had the following poetical notice painted over his bar:

"As many a man has trusted to his sorry,

Pay to-day; and I will trust to morry!"

He kept tavern in the old style; always had plenty to eat and drink of the substantial kind, his table literally groaning under its load; his welcome to guests was a good deal of the order of the old Dutch landlord, who said, "Shust make yourselves perfectly at home: I wish to God you were all at home;" and all felt that they were at liberty to

388 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

wait upon themselves. Nevertheless, Sam. was a jovial fellow, and his house was a favorite With wayfaring men and those disposed to he joyful. The students of Kenyon occasionally navigated the waters of Owl Creek to Welker's port. Among other trips made there was one in 1833, in a canoe, by R. C. Hurd and Herman Canfield, late Lt. Col. of the 72d Regiment, killed in the battle of Pittsburg; to the memory of our departed friend we will say, that a more honorable and noble youth never lived.

There are three neat church edifices; the Disciple, built in 1858. The building committee consisted of Lewis Critchfield Albert Ellis. and Wm. Moody; Pastor-Rev. Wm. Moody. The Methodist, built about 1856 through the exertions of Jacob Hammond, who has resided here over thirty years. The Presbyterian, built in 1853 The present Elders are Jesse Wintringer, John P. Smith Rev. J. Newell, Pastor. This church was mainly established by Rev. John Burns, A.M., a graduate of Kenyon College, was its minister, from 1854 until his death, in April, 1859. The merchants are Christian and Peterman, R. McCloud and Lewis Britton. The postmasters, since 1831, John Welker, Jr., Michael Miller, L. Britton and J. Hammond

S. Israel, Esq., has put in a substantial dam, improved the old mill, and added carding-machines to the stand. Frank Israel superintends the establishment. Wm. McCloud, a native of Scotland, now in his 66th year, who, in 1816, settled at Clinton, and worked as a stone-cutter until 1840, is here,

389 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

With his son. Another stone-mason, John Meginnes resides here; two blacksmiths, D. Saltsman and Josiah Horn; two carpenters. Joseph Butts and Harris Johnson.

The land of this township is generally rolling and hilly , especially in the eastern part where the Mohican courses its way, and upon Owl Creek, which through the southern part, affording much valuable water power. In 1830, the population was 851, and 10,867 acres of land were on the tax list. In 1840, the inhabitants counted 1,098 ; in 1850, 1,192 ; and in 1860, 1,104.

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

1809. George Sapp and Jacob Lepley werc elected, and the former re- elected

in 1812.

1812. Nocholas Riley. 1817. Robert Mcmillen.

1819. Daniel Sapp. ; re-elected in 1822 and 1825.

1819. Jacob draper. 1826. Ben. Butler.

1829. Charles Waddle. 1832. James Cain.

1832. Daniel Sapp; re-elected in 1835.

1832. Joseph Sapp. "

1832. Jacob Black, "

1834. Tim Welker, jr., 1834 and 1837

1836. Josias Ewing. 1857. John Shaw.

1837. Andrew Black. 1841. Jos. L. Workman.

1840. John Welker, jr., ; re-elected in 1843 and 1846.

1842. George H. Davidson, " 1845, 1848 and 1851

1849. Michael Miller, " 1852.

1847. Elias day. 1849. Wm. Mcloud.

1844. Sam. Mckee. 1855. Jacob Ross.

1854. Wm. walker ; re-elected in 1857 and 1860.

1855. Jacob Hauger. 1857. Washington Hyett.

1858. Andrew Beach. 1860. Freeman Snow.

1860. J. W. Bradfield. 1862. Nathan Parsons.

390 HISTORY OF

CHAPTER XLVI.

COLLEGE TOWNSHIP.

COLLEGE was organized December 21, 1838, and so named in consequence of its being the seat of Kenyon College, and all the land belonging to that institution.

The first election was held at the public house in Gambier kept by M. W. Vore. The ofticers then elected were Trustees, O. Lane, J. McMahon, M. W. Vore ; Clerk, D. L. Fobes ; Constables, O. Welchymer, and N. Head ; Overseers of the Poor. J. Kendrick and W. Claytor ; Treasurer, M. T. C. Wing; Fence Viewers, T. G. Odiorne, G. C. Johnson. N. Weaver; Supervisors, W. M. Lane and A.K. Fobes. The voters in the early elections numbered from 20 to 30, and almost all of these Were connected with the institution as professors, a gents, keepers of boarding-houses, or other establishments dependant upon the College for a sustenance.

At the spring election, 1839 J. McMahon, T. G. Odiorne and M. W. Vore were elected Trustees A G. Scott, Clerk ; and M. T. C. Wing, Treasurer. Mr. Odiorne, the only Trustee living, is now President of an Insurance Company in Cincinnati, and is an efficient business man. M. T. C. Wing was re-elected again and again, until he declined serving in 1842, when G. W. Meyers was chosen Treasurer. Mr. Meyers was one of the earliest

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY 391

PICTURE OF BEXLEY HALL

Settlers of this township; a good practical printer and bookbinder, the first in these two trades on "the hill;" he has contributed much to the preservation of works in the libraries of the institution For many years he "ran the machine" of the Ac land Press, and now resides at Mt. Vernon. The printing office was the gift of liberal-minded English Protestants to Bishop Chase in 1825, and

392 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

received its name in honor of Lady Acland, the fair donor who started the subscription. Upon this has been published various literary and religious articles calculated to advance the cause of learning and religion. The students of the College have at several periods projected publications of a literary character ; the last, the "Kenyon Collegian," a very creditable magazine, was continued for several years, The first store was called the Bishop's store, from having been commenced by Bishop Chase for the purpose of furnishing work hands with necessary articles, and to supply the boys, so that no excuse could exist for going "to town." This was carried on until in the fall of 1833 an arragement was made with Mr. White. of New York, by which that business was to be entirely Under his control, and M. and G. B. White thereupon located at Gambier. The former remains there, and the latter at this writing is one of the most valued citizens of Mt. ernon. The Whites are natives of Derby, Ct. The "Bishop's store" was managed for many years by Robert Burnside, until a short time before its discontinuance N. W. Putnam had it in charge. The Whites continued in partnership until 1838, when D. Topping and N. W. Putnam opened a store, and Daniel S. Norton and A. G. Scott established another. Topping & Co., with A. J. Douglass. kept for a few years, when it was closed. and Mr. T. moved to Illinois ; Mr. P. is yet living on the hill ; Mr. Scott has uninterruptedly resided there, and by his close attention to business, in which for many years has been alone, has acquired a compe-

KNOX COUNTY 393

PICTURE OF MILNOR HALL

tency. A. B. Norton for several years was engaged in the merchandizing and milling business at Gambier. At this time there are the two stores of A. G. Scott & Co.. M. White & Co., and a drug and book establishment of Mr. French. Other branches of business have been carried on here; E. Pearce, Witt & Mulford, and G. J. W. Pearce

394 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

in the boot and shoe line ; Russel Clark, Mr. Clements, A. K. Fobes and J. Waugh have carried on the tailoring. Mr. Sharp in early times was the brewer and baker, in a large stone house in the rear of the main College building now obliterated by time's effacing finger. J. S. Sawer since 1837 has supplied the students and liberal disposed with ice cream and varieties, and many of the boys fed under the Dotheby regime gratefully remember the good cookery and pies of Mrs. Sawer. The hotel and boarding-houses have been kept by Douglass, Vore. Johnson, Bell, Witt, Sims. Riley, and Wright, the latter now holding forth in fine style. The old College mill erected by Bp.. Chase many years ago went into decay and at that seat Daniel S. Norton put up one of the finest mills on the river. The '' Kenyon Mills" flour acquired a good reputation. The post-office, upon Bp. Chase's application, established in 1826, has been the greater part of its existence managed by that excellent public officer M. T. C. Wing. About 1846, partisan violence, through the machinery of a county convention and central committee, brought about the appointment of Benoni Elliott, a student from the District of Columbia. In 1849., M. T. C. Wing was again appointed ; in 1853, James Young ; in 1857, E. G. Riley ; and in 1861, Joseph Leonard. The principal church is Rosse Chapel, bearing the name of its founder, Lady Rosse, eminent for piety and good works. It is a very neat amid chaste stone edifice, situated in Harcourt Parish, named for like cause, and in the rear of the church is the beautiful cemetery where rest the dead of Gambier. The

KNOX COUNTY 395

PICTURE OF ROSS CHAPEL

parish officers elected Easter Monday, 1862, on the Union ticket, are A. G. Scott, H. L. Smith, Wardens ; B. L. Lang, A. Buttles, M. White, J. Leonard, J. S. Sawer, S. T. Bourne, N. W. Putnam, E. S. Balcom. Delegates to the Convention, B. L. Lang, A. G. Scott, S. T. Bourne, The M. E. church is a neat frame, erected in 1854 by subscription of liberal citizens. The present minister is

396 - HISTORY OF

Chilton Craven. The Trustees are d. L. Fobes,. J. T. L. Jacobs, F. Clippinger, F. Penh orwood, G.J.W. Pearce. The Cumberland Presbyterians have preaching regularly at their church. One-half mile north of the Public Well. The Rev. Larrimore is the present minister ; J. Bennet and T. Minard, trustees. The various College buildings and matters of interest Connected with them will appear under the appropiate head. Gambier is a beautiful little village, where those who desire to withdraw from the noise and bustle, the cares and vexations of the active world, can have a safe retreat. A more quiet and secluded spot cannot be found on this continent; of the old residents on the hill, it may with truth be said:

"Along the cool sequestered hill of life,

They kept the noisless tenor of their way"

scarcely realizing that the great busy world is all around them. To them we commend Lord Kenyon's motto: "Magnanimiter erueem sustine." ."

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

In 1839 John Powell and C. S. Johnson were elected, but the latter, being a student, up on protest of the Bishop against his acting, resigned, and A. G. Scott was chosen in May, 1840 ; re-elected in 1843 and in 1845 ; in 1846 resigned. 1845 G. C. Johnson ; re-elected 1848. 1842-A K. Fobes. 1844 -E. M. Gwin ; re-elected 1847. 1847-B. Elliott. 1850-N. W. Putnam ; reelected in 1853 and 1836. 1833-P. L. Fobes. 1855-J. H. C. Bonte. 1856-Norman Badger. 1857-John Cunningham ; re-elected 1860. 1859-George J. W. Pearce.

KNOX COUNTY - 397

CHAPTER XLVII.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP.

Picture of James Scott VDM

So often, during the progress of this work, have we had occasion to speak of events occurring with-

398 HISTORY OF

in this township, and of its prominent citizens that we shall not occupy much space in addition to that necessary for its list of justices. It is One of the four townships created at the organization of the county, and, containing the county-seat, has been the central field of operations heretofore quite minutely described. The land is all good; the citizens, generally moral and industrious. It is well watered by the Ko-ko-sing, Dry Creek and Center Run, and possessed of every article necessary for convenience and health of the inhabitants. The greater part of its wealth and population is within Mt. Vernon, and at this place the business is generally carried on. The township is divided into convenient school and road districts, and the whole is embraced in one election district, which polls usually 1,000 votes. This township, outside the city limits, contained in 1860, 884 whites. The aggregate value of land, as equalized by the State Board, was $543,473.

MOUNT VERNON steadily increased in population and wealth until the present war withdrew a large portion of the citizens from industrial pursuits and caused a general depression, from which the recovery will come with peace. In 1860, there were 61 industrial establishments within the city limits, and the value of products was $704,050. The aggregate population of the five wards was 4,147, of whom 46 were colored persons. The aggregate value of lots and buildings, as equalized by the State Board, was $723,239. We have collected much information, in regard to this place, from its foundation to the present time, which we may here-

KNOX COUNTY. 399

after give to the public in a volume. The limits prescribed to this Work preclude us now. The citizens have certainly cause to congratulate them-selves upon the growth, prosperity and health of the place-upon their many and great advantages. moral, social, educational, religious. The unsurpassed water-power-the superiority of the locality for manufacturing must cause its continued prosperity. Norton's Mills, the Mount Vernon Iron Works, the Kokosing Foundry, the Woolen fac- tory, and other manufacturing establishments and the superiority of Mount Vernon mechanics, have contributed much to the advancement of the city and county. In the not far distant future, this city will be one of the foremost in the interior of Ohio.

The Knox Mutual Insurance Co., incorporated in 1838 went into operation with C. P. Buckingham, H.B. Curtis, G. Browning, J.E. Davidson, C. Delano, E. Miller, I. Hadley, D. S. Norton and Abel H art, as Directors. Gen. Buckingham was for many years President, and Richard Thomas, Secretary. Present officers: G. W. Hauk, J. Sperry. J. Blake, J. M. Byers, C. Cooper, R. C. Hurd, C. P. Buckingham. W. McClelland, Directors. G. W. Hank, President, and Wm. Turner. eeretart and Treasurer. The first loss sustained was by the burning of Rev. M. T. C. Wing's dwelling ; amount paid, $900.

The Knox Co. Bank, organized in 1847, with Henry B. Curtis, J. W. Russell, C. Delano, J. B. Thomas and Sewall Gray, Directors. Capital stock, $100,000. Henry B. Curtis has been its

400 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

President from that time. Its Cashiers-J.C.Ramsey, L.S. Lewis, J.F. Andrews and Hugh Ogilvie.

The Bank of Mt. Vernon was organized April 1862. Direectors : J. W. Russell, Prest.; C. Delano, M. Thompson, W. H. Smith, F. D. Sturges. Mr. Sturges is Cashier, D. W. Lambert, Teller.

CONSECUTIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

1806 . John Mills 1837. Timothy Colopy.

1808. T.B. Patterson. 1839. B.F. Smith.

1809. Matthew Merritt. 1839. Robert Hickman.

1811. Samuel Kratzer. 1840. Wm. Welsh.

1811. Silas Brown. 1842. B.F. Smith.

1811Allen Scott. 1842. R.F. Hickman.

1815. James Smith. 1842. E.W. Cotton.

1815. Benjamin Barney. 1843. Wm. H. Cochran.

1817. Benjamin Martin. 1845. Benjamin McCracken.

1817. Stephen Chapman 1845. E. W. Cotton.

1818. John Roberts. 1846. Nathan Giffin.

1820. Wm. Y. Farquhar. 1846. W. H. Cochran.

1820. Benjamin Martin. 1846. Truman Ward.

1821. John Roberts. 1848. E.W. Cotton.

1822. John H. Mefford. 1849. W.H. Cochran.

1823. Wm. Y. Farquhar. 1850. Joseph S. Davis.

1824. John Roberts. 1851. Emmet W. Cotton.

1825. James McGibeny. 1853. Joseph Davis.

1826. John Roberts. 1854. Thompson Cooper.

1830. Gideon Mott. 1855. Samuel O. Beach.

1830. Wm. Bevans. 1858. Thompson Cooper.

1831. S.W. Hildreth. 1858. Thos. V. Parke.

1833. Thomas Irvine. 1858. W.H. Cochran.

1834. S.W. Hildreth. 1860. C.C. Baugh.

1836. Johnston Elliott. 1860. Thompson Cooper.

1836. Thomas Irvine. 1861. Henry Warner.

KNOX COUNTY 401

CHAPTER XLVIII.

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS.

Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 20, was duly instituted on the 21st day of June 1813, by a dispensation from the R. W. Grand Lodge of Ohio, by D. D. G. Master J. T. Blain, acting under a dispensation from G. M. Thomas Sherlock.

Charter Members--R. Blake, L. Waite, L. D. Nash, W. Sullivan. and R, Wright. The following officers were duly installed: R. Blake, N. G.; Liberty Waite, V. G.; L. D. Nash, Secretary; W. Sullivan, Treasurer. Initiated at the first meeting: J. K. Miller, D. A. Robertson, and J. R. Wallace.

Celebrations.--The first public celebration was June 22, 1844, D. T. Disney, of Cincinnati, Orator; the second, June 21, 1848 Rev. Mr. Doolittle, of Columbus, Orator; the third, June 19, 1851, Rev. A. T. Mather, Orator.

Officers January 1, 1862.-H. D. Brown, N. G.; Edwin Rogers, V. G. ; J. D. Haymes, Secretary ; J. W. White, Financial Secretary ; R. N. Kindrick, Treasurer. Truestees,--Joshua Hyde, W. M. Bunn., H. Phillips.

Representatives to the Grand Lodge of Ohio.-W. M. Bunn, R. C. Kirk, A. C. Elliott, and J. W. White.

Ellicott Lodge No. 267, was instituted at Fredericktown, April 11, 1855, by M W. G. Master T. J. McLain, assisted by Past Grands W. M. Bunn, J. W. White, J. F. Andrews, R. C. Kirk, J. W. Ly brand, A. C. Elliott, and G. W. Shurr.

Charter Members.--A. Love, T. Mosure, G. Cole, B. F. Mosure, R. Cole, N. B. Rowley, G. W. Condon, J. Z. Griffith, A. Snow, Jr.,

402 HISTORY OF

J. B. Roberts, and J. W. Condon, The first officers installed were: G. W. Condon, N. G.; J. Z. Griffith, V. g. A. Love, Secretary; R. Cole, Treasurer. Initiated at the first meeting D. S. Headley. C. G. Mount, and R. Ewers. The only public celeb ration was July 4, 1857, P. G. John Lamb, Orator.

Representatives.--P. G. J. Z. Griffith in 1857, and P. G. Issacher Rowley in 1860.

D. D. Grand Masters-P. G. J. Z. Griffith, 1857; P. G. G. W. Condon, 1860.

Officers, 1862.--J. C. Ebersole, N. G.; D. T. Montague, V. G. E. J. Breese, Secretary; N. F. Strong, Financial Secretary; W. D. Morrison, Treasurer. Trustees-I. Rowley, J. W. Porch, A. Stephens.

Quindaro Lodge No. 316, was duly instituted June 9, 1857, by a dispensation from the R. W. G. Lodge of Ohio, by D. G. Master P. G. A. E. Glenn, acting under a dispensation from G. M. W. C. Chidsey.

Charter Members.--G. B. Arnold, J. M. Byers A. C. Elliott. ,J F. Andrews, J. Lamb, T. P. Frederick, and J. Jennings. Officers installed: J. M. Byers, N. G. ; T. P. Frederick, V. G. G. B. Arnold, Secretary; A. C. Elliott, Financial Secretary; J. F. Andrews, Treasurer. Admitted on card: M. McFarland, A. J. Beach W. C. Cooper, J. Jennings. Initiated : I. Underwood and L. Monk. The dedication of the new hall, No. 109 Main street, was June 9, 1858. A supper was given to the members of the Order. P. G. Rev. Glancy delivered an address.

Representatives.-P. G. J. F. Andrews, P. G. J. M. Byers.

Officers, 1862.--J. M. Byers, N. G. E. B. Shinabery, V. G.; H. Graff, Secretary; W. McGaughey, Financial Secretary; J. F. Andrews, Treasurer. Trustees.-P. G.'s J. F. Andrcws, G. B. Arnold, J. R. Wallace.

Kokosing Encampment No. 38, was instituted at Mt. Vernon, March 29, 1849, by Grand Chief Patriarch Williams, assisted by J. H. Wheeler as Grand

KNOX COUNTY. 403

High Priest, H. B. Horton as Grand S. W., J. S. Clark as Grand Scribe.

Charter Members.--J. M. Campbell, S. W. Gribbon, L. G. Prentiss, R. C. Kirk, H. Phillips, A. EhIe, A. P. Mather, U. Stephens. Officers.--J. M. Campbell, C. P.; A.P. Mather, H. P.; R. C. Kirk, S. W. A. Ehle, Scribe ; L. G. Prentiss, Treasurer. Initiated at the first meeting: W. M. Bunn, J. A. Shannon, T. T. Tress, J. Cooper, J. Eichelberger, R. B. Wright.

Officers January 1, 1862.-J. W. Porch, C. P.; A. Harnwell, H. P.; K Shinabery, S. W. ; R. N. Kindrick, J. W.; J. W. White, cribe J. Hyde, Treasurer. Trustees.-J. Hyde, W. M. Bunn, Henry Phillips.

Representatives to the Grand Encampment of Ohio.--Since the adoption of the new constitution, in 1855, the following Patriarchs, viz: W. M. Bunn J. W. White, J. F. Andrews.

404 HISTORY OF

CHAPTER XLIX.

VARIOUS PUBLIC OFFICERS.

SENATORS IN STATE LEGISLATURE.

FROM the Senatorial District of which this land formed a part before the organization of the county, and after its first settlement, we find in the fourth General Assembly, at Chillicothe, Jacob Burton ; in the fifth session, Elnathan Scofield, In the sixth session, Jacob Burton appeared AND was Qualified as Senator from Fairfield, Licking and Knox. in 1809, the Senators from these counties were Elnathan Scofield and Jacob. Burton. In 1810, Wm. Trimble and Robert F. Slaughter were the Senators, and they continued as such while the sessions were at Zanesville. In 1812, at Chillicothe, the Senator was Wm. Gavit, and we were in the same district with Richland and Licking for many years. William Gass, Mordecai Bartley, John Spencer, John Shaw and Daniel S. Norton were Senators until the course of political alliance changed, and new connections were formed. The north and south union was severed, and we were associated with the counties to the cast until the adoption of the new Constitution in 1851; sometimes, in districting, Knox was put with Holmes at other times with Coshocton, and then again with both counties. Since that period our associations have been with

405 KNOX COUNTY

the west, embracing Morrow, until, in 1861, the district was made to include Wayne, Ashland and Richland. Beside the Senators aforementioned, we have had the following electcd at the periods named, the term of the office being two years, viz.: In 1829, Thomas Rigdon ; in 1831, Wm. Gass; in 1832, Byram Leonard ; in 1834, Wm. Ravenscroft: in 1836, Peres Sprague ; in 1838, James Matthews: in 1840. Byram Leonard ; in 1842 John Johnson: in 1844, Jacob Koch; in 1846, Nicholas Spindler; in 1848, Asa G. Dimock ; in 1850, L. Van Buskirk. Under the new Constitution we have had-in 1851. L. Van Buskirk; in 1853, John T. Creigh; in 1855. Robert C. Kirk ; in 1857, Davis Miles ; in 1859, Wm. Bonar; and in 1861, Davis Miles.

REPRESENTATIVES.

1807. Philemon Beecher. 1829. Byram Leonard.

" W. W. Irwin. 1830. John Greer.

1808. E. B. Merwin. 1831. Charles Colerick.

" Patrick Owings. 1832. John Schooler.

1809. Alexander Holden. 1833. "

1810. Jeremiah Munson. 1834. Peres Sprague.

1811. William Gass. 1835. "

181 2. Samuel Kratzer. 1836. Martin Tracy.

1813. William Gass. " S. W. Hildreth.

1814. Samuel Kratzer. 1837. Marvin Tracy.

1815. Alexander Enos. 1838. James Elliott.

1816. Jonathan Miller. 1839. Byram Leonard.

1817. Waitstil Hastings. 1840. D. L. McGugin.

1818. W. W. Farquhar. 1841. C. J. McNulty.

1819. R. D. Simons. 1842. C. J. McNulty.

1820. " 1843. George Ankeny.

1821. " 1844. James McFarland.

1822. H. Curtis. " George Ankeny.

1823. R. D. Simons. 1845. W. H. Smith.

1824. Thomas Rigdon. 1846. E. W. Cotton.

1825. John Shaw. " James McFarland.

1826. Wm. Robinson. 1847. E. W. Cotton.

1827. Thomas Rigdon. 1848. L. Van Buskirk.

1828. Charles Colerick. " Jacob Voorhies.

406 - HISTORY OF

1849. Ezekiel Boggs. 1855. B. F. Smith.

1850. Eli Glasgo. 1857. W McCreary.

" S. F. Gilcrest. " W. B. Cox.

1851. James Witherow. 1859 ".

1853. Jacob Merrin. 1861. Wait Whitney.

1855, George W. True.

COMMON PLEAS JUDGES

Who have presided in the districts in which this county has been Situated. are William Wilson, of Newark ; Alexander Harper, of Zanesville ; Ezra Dean, of Wooster ; Jacob Parker, of Mansfleld ; Levi Cox, of Wooster ; James Stewart, of Mansfield ; Rollin C. Hurd, of Mt. Vernon ; Sherman Finch and Thomas C. Jones, of Delaware. Of this number Judges Hurd, Finch and Jones have been elected by the people ; the others were chosen by the Legislature.

CLERKS OF COMMON PLEAS.

Charles Lofland, James Smith, Isaac Hadley, S. W. Farquhar, and A. C. Elliott have served as Clerks. Prior to 1851, they were appointed by the Judges ; and since that time, the two last named have been elected by the people. Among the Deputies who have performed longest service, were Henry B. Curtis, E. C. Yore, Horatio S. Miller, F. P. Griffith, A. C. Elliott. The Clerks of the Supreme Court have been Jas. Smith, Alexander Elliott and A. C. Elliott.

ASSOCIATE JUDGES.

1808. John Mills, Wm. W. Farquhar, Wm. Gass.

1810. James Colville, April 30th, in place of Gass, who goes into Richland county.

1813. Jacob Young in place of Farquhar, resigned, Dec. 12th.

1814. Samuel Kratzer, May 9th, in place of Mills

KNOX COUNTY 407

1815. John Trimble and Abrahaam Darling.

1818. John H. Mefford in place of Darling.

1819. Stephen Chapman.

1820. Joseph Brown James McGibeny.

1827. Anthony Banning.

1834. Eli Miller. 1841. William Bevans.

" Abner Ayers. " Isaac N. Richardson.

" James Elliott. 1846. William McCreary.

1838. Williain Bevans. 1848. Jacob B. Brown.

1839. Richard C. Davis. " B.H. Taylor.

By the adoption of the new Constitution, the office was abolished.

COUNTY AUDITORS.

1820. W. Y. Farquhar, the first officer of this description, was appointed at this date, to value the lands for taxation ; and when the law creating A dist inct bureau passed, having been Clerk of the Board of Commissioners and conversant with its business, he was reappointed annually until 1824, from which time the people have elected for a term of two years.

1824. Alexander Elliot. 1844. K. Winne.

1826. " 1846. M. M. Beam.

1828. Marvin Tracy. 1848. "

1830. " 1850. B. F. Smith.

1832. " 1852. "

1834. S.B. Kenton. 1854. John Lamb.

1836. " 1856. "

1838. " 1858. S. W. Farquhar.

1840. " 1860. "

1842. " 1862.JohnD. Thompson.

PROBATE JUDGES.

The New Constitution created this office, and at the first election, in October, 1851, for Probate Judge, to serve three years, commencing February, 1852, Sam'l F. Gilerest was elected, entered upon the duties of his office February, 1852, and at the

408 HISTORY OF

expiration of his term was a candidate for re-election, and beaten, 1854, by Joseph S. Davis.

1857. Joseph S. Davis was re-elected.

1860 Thomas V. Parke.

MEMBERS OF CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.

The Convention that framed the present Constitution of Ohio, was held in 1851. Knox and Holmes formed a district, and the Deligates elected were Matthew H. Mitchell and John Sellers, Democrats, over Rollin C. Hurd and John H. Wheeler. Whigs.

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION.

Daniel S. Norton, James McFarland,

Byram Leonard, S. T. Canard.

Henry B. Curtis,

TREASURERS.

Until 1825 this office was filled by appointment of Commissioners each year, and from that time the people elected for a term of two years. The period, at which each Treasurer was chosen, we append:

1808. Henry Haines. 1841. James Blake.

1815. George Downs. 1847. Jacob W. Lybrand.

1816. James McGibeny. 1851. J. H. McFarland.

1817. Gilman Bryant. 1855. John Beaty.

1819. James McGibeny. 1859. Alex, Greer.

1825. W. Y. Farquhar. 1861. H. H. Greer.

1838. S. W. Farquhar.

COUNTY COLLECTORS.

The Commissioners appointed annually the collector of personal tax, and that upon lands of residents. In 1820, the duties of this officer were somewhat changed, and, in 1817, the office was

KNOX COUNTY. 409

abolished by law, and its business transferred to the County Treasurer.

1808 Silas Brown ; amount 1821. Benj. Jackson. Jr.

of bond $658.87. 1822. R. D. Simons.

1809. James Smith. 1823. Joseph Brown.

1812. John Greer. 1824. John Shaw.

1817. John Shaw. 1825. Silas Brown.

1819. Eli Miller. 1827. Jacob M. Banning.

1820. William Bevans.

In 1822, a system of cutting under was commenced by competitors for this office, as we find that the State tax was collected this year for 2 3/4per cent., and County tax gratis ; the next year Brown underbid 1/4 per cent, and Shaw in 1824, capped the climax by proposing to collect both State and County tax gratis!

ASSESSORS.

Assessors have been in our history of two kinds -Township and County. The county were appointed by the Commissioners until, in 1827, the people by law were required to elect such officer ; and after 1841 the office for the county was abolished, and the old system of Township Assessors was re-established.

Prior to 1827, the Commissioners appointed, as Assessors. R. D. Simons for 1824 and '5 Marvin Tracy in 1826, and Hill Runyan in. 1827, who served from March until the October election, when he was elected for two years. In 1829, John Greer was elected, and, having resigned in October, 1830, Daniel McFarland was elected and continued until, in 1831, Henry B. Carter was chosen, and served two terms. In 1838, Uzal Ball was elected ; in 1840, Wait Whitney

410 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.

1808. Joseph Walker, John Harrod, John Lewis.

1808. Henry Markley, Matthew Merrit, and Wm. Douglass were elected Oct. 11th ; and, by lot, it was declared that Markley continue three years, Merrit two. and Douglass one.

1809.William Douglass. 1833 David Shaw.

1810. Robert McMillen. 1834. Silas Brown.

1811 John Harrod. 1835. William MeCreary.

1812. Daniel Cooper. 1836. David Shaw.

1813. William Mitchell, ap 1837. Thomas Wade.

pointed by Court May 1838. Christopher Wolf.

9th, 1814, vice Harrod, 1839. Thomas Axtell.

deceased. 1840. Thomas Wade.

1814. William Mitchell. 1841. Christopher Wolf.

1815. Jonathan Miller. 1842. Thomas Axtel, Henry

1816. Moses Merrit. Prather.

1817. William Mitchell. 1843. Henry Prather

" John Warden vice Miller 1844. James Witherow.

1819. Gilman Bryant. 1846. William Babcock

1820 Abner Ayres. 1847. James Witherow.

1821. John W h eeler. 1848. Robert Graham

1822. John Kerr. 1849. W. M. Babcock.

1823. Abner Ayres. 1850. Wait Whitney.

1824. John Stilley. 1851. George McWilliams.

1825. Daniel Sapp. 1852. Abraham Darling. M H.

1826. Byram Leonard. Mitchell vice Whitney,

1827. Levi Harrod. resigned.

" Gilman Bryant appo'ted. 1853. George W. J ackson.

1828. Peres Sprague, Jabez 1854. ewal Gray.

Beers. 1855. John McElroy.

1829. Francis Wilkins ; Wil- 1856. Jacob Bell full term.

liam McCreary for 3 W. McClelland, vice

years, Francis Wilkins Gray, resigned,

for 1 year. 1857. W. McClelland.

1830. David Shaw vice Wil- 1858. John Mcelory

kins. deceased. 1859. Jacob Bell.

1831. John Jeffers for 3 years, 1860. Wm. McClelland.

David Shaw 2 years. 1861. J. W. Bradfield.

1832. William McCreary. 1862. John S. McCamment.

SHERIFFS.

1808. Silas Brown, appointed by Thos, Kirker, Acting Governor of the State. June 6, till October election, and reappointed by Governor Samuel Huntington, October 11, 1808.

1811. Ichabod Nye. 1815. John Shaw.

1813. John Hawn. 1817. "

KNOX COUNTY. 411

1819. Alexander Elliot. 1842. Absalom Thrift.

1820. William Bevans. 1844. "

1822. " 1846. David C. Montgomery.

1824. Charles Colrick. 1848. "

1826 " 1850 Thomas Wade

1828. John Shaw 1852. "

1830. Hugh Neal 1854. Lewis Strong.

1832. " 1856. Israel Underwood.

1831. Isaac Hadley. 1858. "

1836. " 1860. James S. Shaw.

1838. Wm. Beam. 1862. Allen Beach.

1840. "

The following persons have acted as Deputy Sherrifs at different periods: John Cramer, Isaac Hadley, Resin Yates, Ben. Jackson, Henry Prather. D. C. Zimmerman, Johnson Elliott, Jesse B. Rogers, W. Beam, S. B. Kenton, E. W. Cotton, W. D. Headley, Stiles W. Thrift, D. C. Montgomery, John Beaty, T. P. Morton, James Myers, J. Underwood T. V. Parke, Josiah Cochran, George W. Steele.

CORONERS.

1808. Jonathan Craig elected 1832. W. E. Davidson.

April 4. 1834. Andrew Vance.

" John Merritt, appointed 1836. "

Oct. 11. 1838. "

1809. John Butler appointed. 1840. Richard Hunt.

1811. Dr. Timothy Burr. 1842. Asa Freeman.

1813. " 1844. "

1815. " 1846. Michael Miller.

1817. " 1848. "

1818. Dr. Robert D. Moore. 1850. Alexander Love.

1819. Dr. Waitstil Hastings. 1852. "

1820. Dr. E. G. Lee. 1854. William Bonar.

1822. James McGibeny. 1856. Albert Ellis.

1824. Hill Runyan 1858. "

1828 " 1860. John W. Leonard.

1830. George Low. 1862. M. M. Shaw.

PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS.

The first officer answering to this description was Samuel Kratzer, Esq., who sort o' officiated in be-

412. HISTORY OF

half of the State when no better qualified person was present. He was not an attorney, but appears to have been allowed fees for his services. Edward Herrick was the main reliance in this branch in the early courts, until 1812, when Samuel Mott was appointed on the 14th of March. In January, 1814 Charles R. Sherman was appointed, and at different torn s. W. Culberson, Wyllis Silliman, Hosmer Curtis, John W. Warden, and other attorneys, were appointed by the court, as business required, until in 1833 the Legislature provided for the Prosecuting Attorney's election biennially by the voters of the county, who have made the following selections:

1833. Benjamin B. Brown. 1848. Lafayette Emmett.

1835. Columbus Delano. 1850. Clark Irvine.

1837. " " 1852. William Windom.

1839. M. H. MitchelL 1854. W. F. Sapp.

1840. M. A Sayre. 1856. " "

1842. J. K. Miller. 1858. W. C. Cooper.

1844. " " 1860. " "

1846. Lafayette Emmett 1862 Frank H. Hurd.

SURVEYORS.

The Court of Common Pleas until 1831, appointed the Surveyor of the county, and the office was filled by the following persons:

1808. Samuel H. Smith appointed.

1810. John Dunlap appointed June, In place of Smith, resigned.

1815, Wm. Y. Farquhar. appointed April 15, and resigned 1827.

1827. Edson Harkness appointed.

The act of the Legislature of March 3d, 1831, having prodded for the election of this officer for a term of three years, the first elected by the people was, in

1831. Edson Harkness 1840. T. G. Plummer.

1834. Thomas G. Plummer. 1843. T. C. Hickman.

1837. T. C. Hickman. 1846. David Gorsuch.

KNOX COUNTY. 413

1849, David Gorsuch. 1858. David C. Lewis.

1852. T. C. Hickman. 1861.

1855. David C. Lewis.

COUNTY RECORDER

The Judges of the Court of Common Pleas appointed this officer until 1829, at the October election, the people chose a Recorder. Under the former system, the term of service was seven years ; under the present, three years.

1808. Gilman Bryant, May 2d, until 1815.

1815. Alexander Elliott, May 2d, until 1822.

1822. Henry B. Curtis.

The Legislature of 1828-9 having provided for appointment of Recorders by county Commissioners, where office becomes vacant prior to October, the Commissioners appointed-

1829. John A. Colerick, May 29th, in place of H. B. Curtis, whose term had expired.

1829. Hill Runyan was elected in Oct., and served until 1838.

1838. David Montgomery " " 1847.

1847. ELijah Harrod " " 1857.

1856. Calton C. Baugh " 1859.

1859. Elijah Harrod " " and re-elected 1862.

INFIRMARY DIRECTORS.

1842. John Hobbs, J. F. 1851. Timothy Colopy.

McLain. 1852. John McCamment.

" Wm. Borden. 1853. G. W. Jackson.

1843. W. Borden. 1854. J. B. McGrew..

1844. Abraham Darling. 1855. Thomas Rogers.

1845. C. A. Drake. 1856. Thomas Larrimore.

1846. Abraham Darling. 1857. E. J. Whitney.

" Absalom Buckingham. 1858. Thomas Rogers.

1847. G. W. Jackson. 1859. Thomas Larrimore.

1848. Abraham Darling. 1860. E. J. Whitney.

1849. Christian Musser. 1861. Asahel Allen.

1850. G. W. Jackson. 1862. James Scott.

414 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

CHAPTER L.

It will be expected that a history of this county will devote more than a passing notice to the memory of that citizen of whom, in July, 1819, the editor of the Times said, "We are of opinion that none of the earliest pioneers of our town have ever done so much to promote its growth and prosperity as Mr. Norton. If Mt. Vernon is specially indebted to the enterprise and liberality of any one man, that man is Daniel S. Norton."

The Democratic Banner of Nov. 1, 1859, says "One of our most eminent and highly valued citizens died suddenly, of congestion of the lungs, on Tuesday morning, October 25th, aged 72 years." The following extract from that notice of his death evidences the regard and opinion entertained for his services and its republication will not be inappropriate:

"He first visited Mt. Vernon in the spring of 1816, and. in the summer of that year, introduced the first complete Carding Machine in this part of the State, and set it up at the mill of William Douglas, now occupied by J. S. Banning, In the summer of 1817, he moved to Mt. Vernon, and in the fall of that year, having secured the admirable mill seat and water power which his sagacious eye had discovered the summer previous, he built the mills, which, improved and enlarged from time to time, as the wants of the county required, he continued to occupy and operate until his death.

KNOX COUNTY. 415

"He engaged also in the mercantile business, and carried it on prosperously for many years. He erected a woolen and a cotton factory, and an oil mill, and engaged extensively in agriculture and the raising of cattle and horses, and contributed much to the improvement of the stock of both in the county.

"He was elected to the Senate from Knox and Richland counties, and while in that body took lively interest and an active part in inaugurating and establishing the wise canal policy of the State, He was a member of the committee appointed to welcome De Witt Clinton. At the canal celebration in July. 1825, he first met Bishop Chase, who served as chaplain on that occasion, and during the interview he suggested to the Bishop the eligibility of site grounds which were afterwards chosen for the location of Kenyon College. He contributed liberally to the establishment of that institution, and was always its steadfast friend.

He was always among the foremost in all public enterprises calculated to increase the growth of the town, or improve and develope the resources of the country.

As a man of business, he had no superior. Prompt, energetic and deliberate. He appeared to see the end from the beginning. and his plans wisely laid, were worked out with a precision which commanded the admiration of all.

A man of social qualities, he was the pride of the society in which he lived. Remarkable for his address and conversational power, his extensive reading, his acute observation and his wonderful memory, he attracted notice wherever he appeared, at home or abroad, and entered no circle which was not entertained and instructed by his presence.

He had a keen perception of merit in the young and not a few owe the beginning of their prosperous career in business, to his kind and wise patronage. He was ever ready to aid the industrious, and had a lively sympathy for the unfortunate, It was a touching sight to see the poor gather around his bier, and not the least of a good mans reward, to hear them call him blessed:'

A Brief statement of some of the events of his life, evincing his indomitable spirit, extraordinary business qualifications great liberality and genuine patriotism, may follow the tribute from another pen. The first American settlers in the Attakapas of Orleans were the Nortons, who for several years endured contentedly the perils and privations in that, then foreign, clime, until sick ness and death reduced their number and deprived them of their

416 HISTORY OF

head ; and the management of the affairs of Mrs. Ann Norton, and nine children, devolved entirely upon the young Daniel S. who, possessed of a peculiar business mind and an adventurous spirit, carried on various trading operations in the territory and the Mexican provinces. His papers, care-fully preserved, show many ventures that few would have the nerve to undertake; and yet success invariably crowned his efforts. Some of his practical operations are worthy of notice. He introduced the first sugarcane in the Attakapas, and established that it could he cultivated successfully. His active and well informed mind, and inventive genius, was always striving to make improvements and he first directed attention to the navigation of the Bayous and rivers, and was interested in the first boat that engaged in their trade. He traveled on the first two boats that made trips on the Mississippi, and subsequently on the first boat built by a company at Brownsville, Pa.. and run by Capt. Gregg on the lower Mississippi and Red River. His suggestions in construction and navigation, his knowledge of the rivers and the country, contributed much to those enterprises.

It was with the view of carrying on a trade with the southern country that he located at Connelsville, and engaged in erecting machinery for manufacturing ; and hence his deep solicitude for successful navigation of the rivers, to promote which he carried on correspondence, published articles, made investments, and labored industriously. The first Cotton Factory on the Youghiogheny he erected, and operated successfully, bringing the raw

KNOX COUNTY. 417

cotton from his old home in Louisiana. His lands in that country were of great value, and his business there for about half century was faithfully attended to by Gov., Johnson, as his agent, who has informed us of his unsurpassed reputation as a business man. He never relinquished the idea, which he had entertained though life, of returning there to live, and which was only broken in upon by his coming to this county to marry, and being still further irresistibly attracted by the fine water power, fertile lands and beautiful prospects of Owl Creek.

The building of machinery and improving of mills and manufacturing establishments may be said to have been the ruling passion of his life. We find a petition presented to the General Assembly of Ohio, when it met in Chillicothe, by Daniel S. Norton, John H. Piatt and Herman Long, of Cincinnati, Asa Norton, of Kentucky, and Abraham Baldwin, of Pennsylvania, who had associated in manufacturing business, asking for encouragement of woolen manufactories, etc. The first complete carding machines, west of the Allegheny mountains, were put up by Daniel S. Norton, and our venerable townsman, Wm. Reeves, says that he first saw him, in 1805, at Tom Smith's mill, on Whitewater, setting up machines.

I have often heard father laugh about how his father caused him to trade a valuable lot in Cincinnati for a little sorrel pony, saddle and bridle, and leave there for his home in the Attakapas. Another trade that amused him very much was that of a set of machines, to a man named Lowrie, for a scholar-

418 HISTORY OF

ship in Transylvania University, which his father, who had given him what he deemed sufficient education at Middlebury College, did not relish; nevertheless, he procured his books and took out the value in Latin, Greek, and mathematics, &e. There he formed the acquaintance of many young men who have since become eminent in the country, and that friendship and regard for Henry Clay which caused him to cling to his fortunes through good and through evil report.

His career in this county--his efforts to promote education, home manufactures and internal improvements; his contributions to objects calculated to benefit the public; his assistance to old settler in purchasing their farms and stock, making improvements, and providing for their families; his kindness to friends, and generosity to relatives will long be remembered. His love of country was undoubted, and the blood of the Revolution never coursed through veins more determined to perpetuate "Liberty and Union," His liberality and patriotism in the War of 1812, the Texan Revolution and the Mexican War is on record; and were he living today, he would be faithful to the Union and true to the principals of the Constitution.

NOTE--The cultivation of the cotton plant attracted his attention. and among his papers of 1810 are calculations as to its culture and manufacture. He planted the first black seed in the Southwest (it had been brought from the Bahamas), and he was the first experimenter with the hirsutum and herbaceous in that locality.

419 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

CHAPTER L (2)

(Note: I have added the "(2)" here the book has two chapter "L's" in it.

(dck, 20 Dec.2000)

KENYON COLLEGE AND THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.

This valued institution of learning and religion was founded in this county by the Rt. Rev. Philander Chase, first Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Ohio, upon Section one, Township six. and Range t welve, U. S. Military Lands. The preliminary steps to its establishment were taken at Worthington, by commencing a school, in 1825, under an act of incorporation for a "Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Ohio." In pursuance of this purpose. Bp. C. visited England, and obtained very liberal donations for the cause ; and the surpassing beauty of the present site secured its selection. In his annual address, 1826, he thus speaks "July 22d. This day, for the first time, in company with a number of gentlemen, I explored the lands now rendered so interesting to us on account of their many advantages for the location of the seminary and college." Two of the gentlemen alluded to were Henry B. Curtis, Esq., and Daniel S. Norton, whose statements in regard to that "interesting" occasion we have; and that of the former, as published in the Kenyon Collegian, we had designed giving entire, but our limits will not permit. In fact, we can only allude to the establishment of

420 HISTORY OF

the college, with the promise of giving at an early day a complete history of the institution, its founder and benefactors, for which we have now a large amount of interesting material in manuscript. The college lands, 4,000 acres, on both sides of the Kokosing, five miles below Mt. Vernon, were purchased of Wm. Hogg, Esq., of Brownsville. Pa., who made a generous donation in consideration of the object ; and by a unanimous vote of the Convention of 1826 the site of Kenyon College was settled forever.

Views of Kenyon College, Ascension Hall, Bexley Hall, Milnor Hall and Rosse Chapel, the principal buildings of the Institution, appear in this work. They tell of the pious and devout labors of Bishop Chase, whose lithograph is also given, and of his very worthy successor, Bishop McIlvaine. They also speak, more than tongue can tell. the liberality and nobleness of the Christian people of Great Britain and of the United States, who have been graciously moved to give of their abundance to this noble object. To Henry Clay, whose influential letters gave Bishop Chase access to the British heart, we are also deeply indebted.

Kenyon College to-day stands erect, having passed through many periods of tribulation and gloom. With an able corps of instructors, trustees and friends, zealously devoted to her interests, a bright future is before it. In our forthcoming work, we will prove, by showing what it has done for the country, that the expectations of its friends have, in great part, been realized.

In 1827, the foundations of the work were laid

KNOX COUNTY. 421

on College Hill commanding the most beautiful view in the whole country The place is noted for health, as the Institution has been for the thoroughness of its course of instruction. Among the very able officers at the present time are-Rt. Rev. G. T. Beddll, Rev. T. M. Smith, Rev. M. T. C. Wing, Rev. J. J. McElhinney, of the Theological Faculty, and Professors John Trinible, H. L. Smith, B. L. Lana, Francis Wharton, H. D. Lathrop and G. T. Chapman, of the College.

The Kenyon Grammar Schools in charge of Rev. A. Blake, at Gambier, and Rev. Peter S. Ruth, at Worthington, are valuable adjuncts, and well sustained.

The Libraries of the College and the Philomathesian and Nu Pi Kappa Societies, containing over 15,000 volumes, and an abundant supply of literary food are ever accessible to the student.

The present Trustees of the Institution are Rt. Rev. C. P. McIlvaine, D.D.D.C.L, President; Rt. Rev. G. T. Bedell, Vice President ; Rev. S. A. Bronson, D.D., Rev. E. Burr, D.D., Rev. James McElroy, D.D., Rev. H. B. Walbridge, Rev. Lewis Burton, Rev, J. E. Grammer, Hon. J. W. Andrews, Hon. R. C. Hurd, Hon. C. Delano, Gen'l Kent Jarvis, Wm. Proctor, Esq., Dr. J. N. Burr.

422 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

CHAPTER LI.

THE FAMOUS RACE OF SEELEY'S BULL vs. TOM'S HORSE.

ONE of the " "phunny" characters in our county's history is our old friend Seely Simpkins, who is now in his 70th year, and was horn in West Jersey, the precise spot he doesn't know-nor is it material to the thread of this discourse. In 1804, when five Years old he was brought by his father from Morgantown Va. and his recollection of Mt. Vernon runs from the time Capt. Walker lived in a little log hut close by the old sulphur spring. Seeley says that its water had a great medicine reputation with the Indians. He was a great favorite with the Squaws and pappooses, by reason of his uncommon musical talent. He could mimic any sound of varmint or human surpassed the lute of Orpheus, and out-whistled all creation. He furnished the music for early musters, and when it took four counties to make a regiment he gave a challenge to out-whistle any man within them. He recollects with much pride the encomiums of Adjutant Stilley, who, he says was "the best judge of swill music then in the country. He frequented race tracks, and drew crowds and supplied hoe-downs on demand. for a long time he labored under the disadvantage of making his pilgrimages on foot, but having the good luck to hear at preaching that '' Balaam took his ass and saddled

423 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

him." he concluded to take the next thing to it- his bull--and saddle and ride him. He was a nice little muscular brute, raised by him, and being gentle, was trained so that he traveled right smart on Seeley's Circuit. Often have we seen Seeley in all his glory ride to the mill with his grist, and while it was being ground he would take an airing around the town, whistling as he went. The races were usually on the flat front of Norton's mills, and there Seeley acquired "immortality and fame." On the occasion of a grand race, when the Critchfields, Sam, Arbuckle, and the Creek nation were in town in their strength, a race was gotten up by Hugh Neal, John Gregg, and John Kellifer, between Selley's bull and Tom Irvine's horse. The stakes were up; judges took their stand and expectation on tiptoe was soon gratified by the entrance of the steeds. At starting, the little bull's tail received a sudden and severe twist, causing him to bellow lustily as Seeley with "vaulting ambition pricked the sides of his intent;" and goaded to desperation, bull pawed the earth and sped on with all his might, while the air was rent with the shouts and yells of the spectators, frightening him almost out of his skin. The horse, altogether unused to such "noise and confusion," inclined to balk, shied to one side, and trembling from fear, could not be brought to the "outcome" in time, and the judges honestly pronounced in favor of Seeley's bull. Amid the applause of the large concourse. Seeley proudly mounted his charger, and as he stroked his neck, complacently

424 HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY

took the wager, and rode home a happier man than ever in his life before or since. The poet says:

"Honor and fame from no condition rise ;

Act well your part-there all the honor lies."

Seeley has done this, and his name is inscribed on the page of his country's history, to be remembered long after those who have laughed at his career shall have been forgotten.

To the READER-We rest-not insensible to the fact that we may, in your estimation, " have done those things which we ought not to have done, and left undone those things which We ought to have done;'' but there is no help for it now. Our field was entirely new, and but very few papers are accessible at this early day in our history-the future writer will have still less, and this work may prove advantageous to those who succeed us. We have not sought to embellish, but simply to give plain statements of old matters. Several thousand families have been named and omissions of any of the old settlers have been unintentional. The multitude crowding upon us has caused us to give less notice to several of our best citizens than we designed. Errors, typographical and otherwise, may exist; attribute them to the peculiar circumstances that surround us in these days of war and join us in prayer for a return of the good old times of peace, prosperity and happiness.