348 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
MOUNT VERNON.
THE PROPRIETORS-NAME- FIRST HOUSE-FIRST TAVERN -
THE BUTLERS-TOWN PLAT-TORNADO-THE FIRST
DOCTOR-COMMISSIONERS FOR SELECTING THE COUNTY
SEAT-THEIR REPORT-THE STRUGGLE FOR THE COUNTY
SEAT-BEN. BUTLER'S "TRICK"-THE RIOT-AN INDEN-
TURE OF APPRENTICESHIP-THE HATTERS JAMES CRAIG -
JOSEPH WALKER-FIGHTING AND OTHER AMUSEMENTS -
ENDEAVORS TO CHANGE THE COUNTY SEAT-WHAT THE
LIVING PIONEERS SAY.
THE original proprietors of Mt. Vernon were Joseph Walker, Thomas B. Patterson, and Benjamin Butler. The town was laid out in 1805. One of the proprietors being from the Potomac, and thinking of the consecrated spot on its shores, suggested that the new laid-out town should bear the name of Washington's family seat-Mt. Vernon.
About 1806, Samuel Kratzer came from Lancaster to the new town site, and bought out the interest of Mr. Patterson.
Captain Walker's house was the first one within the town plat. The next buildings were two little log cabins, built by Ben. Butler, on the corner now owned by Christian Peterman-Gambier and Main streets-northwest corner. In one of these log pens Butler lived and kept tavern until he built his log cabin on the corner, which for many years continued the principal tavern of Mt. Vernon . Butler moved into it in the fall of 1805, and lived in it until 1809. It continued as the war office under successive administrations.
Among the early settlers of this part of Ohio was the Virginia family of Butlers. They were John, Thomas, Benjamin, Joseph, Isaac, and James, and all made their settlements upon Owl creek (Kakousie) and Whitewoman (Walhonding) at first. In 1800 Ben. Butler settled in the neighborhood of Dresden. In 1801 he moved to Lewisville, two miles above Coshocton, and in 1802 settled on Whitewoman, above the mouth of Kill. buck. From this place he moved to Mt. Vernon in April, 1805, where he resided until 1809, when he moved down the creek, where he remained until the time of his death, in June, 1872. Before he moved to Mt. Vernon he had purchased thirty-six acres of land of Joseph Walker, which he (Walker) had purchased of Matthews and Nigh. Matthews executed the deed to Butler. Patterson, Walker, and Butler conceived the plan of laying out a town on their possessions, and accordingly in July, 1805, it was surveyed by Robert Thompson, and recorded in the Fairfield county records.
Benjamin Butler was born in Monongalia county, Virginia. April 18, 1779, and married May 2, 1799, Leah Rogers, of Crab Orchard, Virginia, then in her sixteenth year.
Clinton-one mile and a half north-was laid out in 1804, Mt. Vernon in 1805, and Fredericktown in 1807. Neither of them amounted to much in 1808, but of the three Clinton was the most promising.
The following is the original specifications of the first plat of Mt. Vernon:
The town of Mt. Vernon is situated in the first section of the sixth township and thirteenth range. The town is laid off in blocks or squares, the streets and alleys intersecting at right angles, bears south one-fourth degree east and north one-fourth degree west, and east one-fourth north, and west one-fourth south. The lots are numbered from north to south, and from south to north successively, beginning at the northeast comer. The lots are four rods wide in front and eight rods deep. The streets are four rods wide, except High street which is six rods wide. The alleys are one rod wide each. The public square at the intersection of High and Market streets is twenty-two
rods square, including the said streets at the intersection, and is given, granted and conveyed to the purchasers of the lots and their heirs assigns and successors forever for the purpose of public buildings, etc. The said town of Mt. Vernon is owned and possessed by Thomas B. Patterson, Joseph Walker and Benjamin Butler, in three distinct and separate shares as hereinafter described, viz: Thomas B. Patterson's share or part is all that which lies north of High street; Joseph Walker's share or part is that which lies south of High street and west of Market street;
Benjamin Butler's share or part is that which lies south of High street and east of Market street, all of which shares and divisions are to be held by the said Thomas, Joseph and Benjamin, and their heirs or assigns in severalty forever. The public ground is bounded on the north be lots No. 111 and 130; on the south by lots 110 and 131; on the east by lots 73, 74, 75, and 76; on the west by lots 164, 165, 166. and 167.Given
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 349
under our hands and seals this sixteenth day of July, A. D., 1805.
Signed, sealed and acknowl- THOS. B. PATTERSON, [SEAL]
edged in the presence of us.
ELNATHAN SCOFIELD,
JOSEPH WALKER, [SEAL]
PETER BARRICK.
BENJAMIN BUTLER, [SEAL]
STATE OF OHIO,
FAIRFIELD COUNTY. Personally appeared before me, Elnathan Scofield, one of the justices of the peace in and for the aforesaid county, the above named Thomas B. Patterson, Joseph
Walker and Benjamin Butler, and acknowledged that they signed the above written instrument as their voluntary act and deed for the use and purpose therein mentioned. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this sixteenth day Of July, A. D. 1805. ELNATHAN SCOFIELD, [SEAL].
July 16, 1805.
Received and recorded. H. BOYLE, Recorder.
Soon after the town was laid out, it was visited by a tornado, the effects of which are thus described in Norton's history:
The most extraordinary event of those early times was a terrible tornado in the summer of 1808, which played havoc with the early settlers. It came up suddenly, and was very violent. It tore off the roofs of all the houses, killed most of the stock running about, and tore down all the large white-oak trees that were on Butler's thirty-six acre tract, as also many trees on Walker's land. In its course it took in Andy Craig's old stand on Centre run. Butler had nine head of horses; as the storm came up they attempted to run out of its way. Two of them were killed; one of them ran all the way to Craig's and jumped into his garden patch; its skin was torn and its flesh scratched in many places by limbs of trees hurled against it by the storm as it ran to get out of its reach. Walker had some horses killed; also Patterson, and Kratzer, and a little fellow from Virginia, who lived on the hill, named Zinn.
Norton gives the following account of Mt. Vernon's first doctor:
A little doctor named Henderson was present when the town was laid out. He was from Baltimore, Maryland, proposed the name of the place, and they all sanctioned it.
Henderson was a clever young man; his father made a regular doctor out of him, and started him out with a good horse and outfit; but he was too lazy to practice. The first time Butler saw him, Patterson came out in the lot where Butler was plowing, and introduced him to Ben, who was out of temper at the beech-roots, which were in the way of the plow. When Patterson said he was a doctor, and Henderson mentioned the fact of inoculating a child with vaccine matter, and wanted to operate on Butler's children, Ben astonished the young doctor by cursing him in very strong back-woods vernacular. Ben said afterwards: " I didn't then know exactly what inoculating meant, but I was mad, and I threatened to put my knife into him, and scared him so that he would not attempt to 'noculate any more in that town. He stayed about for a time, until he ran away with a woman; and no other doctor dared to show his face there during my stay. We had no lawyers, either, in those days."
'The first white child born in Mt. Vernon was Joseph, son of Benjamin Butler, October 23, 1806.
In another chapter mention is made of a preliminary report made to the judges of the court of common pleas, at the first session held in the county, May 2, 1808, by the commissioners, to locate the county seat for the county of Knox. There were three contestants for the honor, Clinton, Mt. Vernon, and Fredericktown.
The following is the commissioners' report:
To the Hon. William Wilson, esq., President, and John A Mills, William Gass, and William W. Farquhar, esqrs., associate judges of the court of common pleas in and for the county of
Knox, in the State of Ohio:
May it please your honors: In conformity with an act of the legislature of the State of Ohio, passed the twenty-eighth of March, 1803, entitled "An act establishing seats of justice," we, the subscribers, were appointed by a resolution of both houses of the legislature, passed on the ninth of February, 1808, commissioners for fixing the permanent seat of justice in and for said county of Knox. We do hereby make report to your honors, that having met and attended to the duties of said appointment in said county on the twenty-eighth of the present instant, and having paid due regard to the centre, extent of population, quality of soil, as well as the general convenience, we hereby declare that the town of Mt. Vernon is the most suitable place for the courts of said county to be held at, and we do hereby declare the said town of Mt. Vernon the permanent seat of justice in and for said county of Knox. Given under our hands and seals this twenty-ninth of March, 1808.
JAMES ARMSTRONG,
JAMES DUNLAP,
ISAAC COOK,
Commissioners.
The citizens of the two rival towns were not satisfied with the action of the commissioners. Efforts were made to induce the legislature to order a new count, more especially by the Clintonians, who wanted the county seat badly. One thing mentioned by the prayer of the petitioners was that the legislature enlarge the boundaries of Knox county, so as to take from Richland one tier of townships and attach them to the north part of Knox,. thus throwing Mt. Vernon out of the centre of the county. If this move had succeeded Fredericktown would have been more eligible than Clinton, yet the people of Clinton would have been perfectly willing that her northern rival should have been made happy at her expense, so the good people of Mt. Vernon be made to chew the bitter cud of disappointment. The cry of fraud was raised and reported to the legislature for effect, but that body did not see fit to make any change.
The late Benjamin Butler, in his life time, gave
350 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
Mr. Norton his version of the causes which led to the selection of Mt. Vernon as the county seat, as follows:
When I moved my family to the thirty-six acres of land which I had bought, I had no thought of ever laying out any portion of it in town lots, or of any town ever being laid out here, nor at that time had Walker or Patterson. The idea when suggested was pleasing, and we at once took up with it. Clinton had been laid out by Samuel Smith, and had never been paid out, I believe. It was started chiefly on the donation principle. Those who would put up buildings had their own time to pay for the lots.
When we got word that the commissioners were coming on to locate the county seat, we were greatly stirred up about how we should manage. Kratzer, Patterson and Walker came to see me about it, and we had a general consultation. I thought we had no chance of getting it, for I told them that they had at Clinton Bill Douglass' mill, a lot of good houses, Samuel Smith's big brick house, and plenty of smart Yankees to manage; also they, had at Frederick Johnny Kerr's mill and a lot of rich Quakers around it, and both those places looked better then our little scrubby place. Samuel Kratzer asked me what I would do about it? I said to them that I had studied out a pretty bad trick that I could manage if they would only go into it; if they wouldn't there wasn't a bit of chance for us; they said "let's hear it." I told them I would give ten dollars myself and each of them must give ten dollars to make a purse and get liquor for some hard cases we had about town and engage them to go up Clinton and Frederick, get drunk, fight, and raise Cain generally when the commissioners were up there on their tour of observation. As for us we would get two good yoke of oxen to work on the streets, and the rest of the men must take hold and spade, and shovel, and pick, and roll logs, and dig up stumps, and be fixing up the streets right, while the women and girls must get out into their gardens hoeing, and weeding, and .working; I would have the best victuals cooked and the best cheer the little old tavern could afford, so as to please the commissioners, and we might then come out first for the county seat selection.
My plan struck their fancy. Samuel Kratzer, although he was a great Methodist, didn't say a word about its being a sin to cheat them in that game, but at it we went. All fell into the plan. We had a clever fellow named Munson, from Granville, and a big fellow named Bixbee, from over about Bigbelly, who agreed to go along and each to captain a gang of the rowdies and see that it was played out right.
It was Thursday afternoon when the commissioners first came to our town. They rode up and asked me if they could stay all night; I told them it was hard fare we had, but if they would put up with it they could, and they stopped. I guessed who they were at once and passed the word around. Everything went on as we had planned it. The next morning about daylight the busiest set of bees ever collected about a hive were at work, hammering, pounding, digging, hoeing, scraping, and working on the streets and in the lots. Leah (Mrs. Butler) had breakfast bright and early. I had their horses all cleaned up and well fed, and ready, after they had eaten, to start. They wondered at the work they saw going on, and if it was kept up always as they had seen it in town. I told them we were all poor and hardworking, and we never lost any time in our little town. They said they were going up to Clinton and Frederick to see those places, and were going to fix the county seat, and wanted me to go along; but I tried to beg off that I was poor and must work, and couldn't lose the time, as it would take them two or three days to determine it. They said no, it wouldn't take them that long, and I knew well if the trick was played out well by the rowdies that they would soon he back, so I hesitated as though I would not go. Finally I told Kratzer if he would go I would, as I would like to see them fix the county seat up there, and then Jim Dunlap, who was a jovial fellow about thirty-five, spoke up and said to come ahead; the other two were sort of gruff, it seemed to me, and didn't say much, but looked solemn. They asked if we didn't expect to get the county seat at Mount Vernon, and I told them no, that we were too poor to try for it; that I felt too poor really to go up with them, for some fellow might come along and stop with me, who would want me to go with him and look at land, and even, fellow that I showed land to, gave me two dollars, which helped right smart. There were three sorts of poor-God's poor, the devil's poor, and poor devils, and that we were all poor devils; but Sam Smith was long headed, and Johnny Kerr had lots of rich Quakers to back him, so us poor devils were left out of the question.
We then rode together up to Clinton, and there the rowdies were cutting up, the fiddle going, and shouting and cursing being done of the tallest kind. When we went to go into the tavern there was a rush to the doorway, as two, men were scuffling and fighting, and before the commissioners could get in they were jammed and scuffed about, and in the din and confusion, and yells of "pull them off," "part them," "don't do it," "fair play," "hit hint again," "let 'em fight it out," etc., the commissioners backed out from the tavern, and proposed to go and look at Fredericktown. About that time old Sam Smith came up, and when he found out they were the commissioners, and going, he tried the hardest kind to get them to stop, but it was no go; they had seen enough of that place then, but promised him to call again tomorrow. On the way to
Fredencktown I talked much with them, and apologized for the way our people up there had acted. They asked me if they cut up like Indians all the time, and I told them that about Clinton
and Frederick there were a great many rich men's sons, who had no trades, and would frolic a little just to put in their time, but they were a mighty clever set of people. I pointed out to them
the pretty scenery, and bragged on the land around, but said not a word for Mount Vernon. When we got to Frederick, they stopped at Ayres' tavern and found a good deal such quarreling going on as at Clinton. I got afraid then that they might see through it, and suspect that we had a hand in getting it up, so I got down about the mill, and sat on the logs awhile with Kratzer and Patterson, and left the commissioners up at the tavern to see the fighting in the yard. Just before going in to dinner I called one of the rowdies to me and told him it was all working well, gave him more money, and told him to swear the others not to divulge the secret, and we would make it all right with 'em. After dinner the commissioners sauntered around, and I proposed going back and leaving them, as they, would want to stay all night there. I had some work to do and chores
to attend to at home before night; but they would have me wait a little while longer for them, and I did it. While there sitting on a log, we bet two gallons of wine with Johnny Kerr, as to
which place would get the county seat. When they were ready they started, and we rode back to Mount Vernon, where Mrs. Butler had the best kind of a supper cooked up, and it put the
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 351
commissioners in right good humor. She knew how to fix up things right on such an. occasion.
The men about Mt. Vernon were all quiet, and kept so, and when Dunlap asked Coyle's two boys to take a dram with him, they hung back and hesitated, until I told them to come up and take a dram with the gentleman-that there was no harm in it. They poured out the least bit of drams they ever took in their lives. The next morning the commissioners got ready to start, and I had got Knuck Harris (who came here from Zanesville), the only nigger in the country then, to sleek their horses off, and they came out looking first rate. Dunlap was a funny fellow, who thought he could hop, and bantered some of the boys to hop, but they were afraid they would be beat by him, and said it wem't no use to try as they knew he could beat them. I told him to make his hop, and he went out in the road and gate a sample; I went over it just a little, and we hopped several times, until I concluded to show him what Ben could do. I hopped so far over his furthest mark, they all laughed him right out, and he gave it up, saying I could hop some.. In those days I never found the man that could beat me. When they were about starting I asked them if they were not going back to Clinton and give it another look. They said "no," and the Clintonites never saw them any more. They wanted to go to Delaware, and asked me to pilot them a part of the way, which I did, and when I got out with them back of George Levels' place, I tried to get something out of them as what they had determined on, but they evaded my questions and gave me little satisfaction. On bidding them good by, I hoped they were not put out with our place on account of the hard fare I had given them that I had nothing nice to give them, as I kept only a little log tavern, and supplied my table by hunting and butchering, One of them remarked that if they ever came this way again, they were well enough suited to call on me. I then said that I was poor, and felt discouraged, and thought that I would quit and go somewhere else and make a better living for myself and family. Dunlap then said I was doing well enough, and must not get out of heart. And so we parted. When I got back to town all the men gathered around me to find out what was our chance. I told them what had passed between us, and that I was satisfied it would be found that our side was ahead, and 1 called them all up to take a good drink at my expense- on Mt. Vernon being the county seat. That little trick of ours, I am sure, made the scales turn in our favor, and when we knew it was established at Mt. Vernon, you can imagine we had rejoicing over it.
For some time after the settlement of the county seat question, the burden of the song of the Clintonians and of the Fradericktowners was the refrain of Maud Muller:
Of all sad words of tongue and pen,
The saddest are these, " It might have been. "
Jonathan Hunt gave this account of the volunteer work done on the streets, the day after the commissioners' arrival at Mt. Vernon:
Gilman Bryant sort of bossed the work, and being a cripple, he tended on them and gave out the whiskey and water, cheering them up as he came around, saying: " Work like men in harvest, but keep sober, boys. " Mike Click, and John Click, his brother, drove the oxen. Mike was a bully hand with a team, and made them tear up stumps, haul logs, plow and scrape, as necessary. Men never worked better on a road than that force then did. They chopped '.own trees, cut off logs, grubbed, dug down rough places, filled up gulleys. burned log heaps, and made a wonderful change in the appearance of things. It was the first work ever done on the streets of Mt. Vernon.
Bryant opened a grocery store on the lot where the "Buckingham Emporium" was afterwards erected. It was a little story and a half sycamore cabin, where he kept, powder, shot, lead, whiskey, etc., for sale to the Indians and the few whites in 1807.
There were other stories regarding this matter according to Norton's history, as follows:
Clinton and Mt. Vernon were the principal competitors for I the seat of justice. The former place at that time was the larger. It had more goods, more mechanics, more enterprises on foot, more houses, more people, and more hope for the future. It had more of New England families, more of Yankee spirit and shrewdness; and yet, with all their cunning and craftiness-all their money and management-all their efforts and inducements- Clinton lost the selection. Its generals were out generaled-its managers out-manoeuvred-its wits out-witted its Yankees out-Yankeed by the less showy and pretending men from the Potomac and the Youghiogheny, who had settled at Mt. Vernon. The choice of either one for the county seat involved the ultimate ruin of the other. Clinton made a bold effort to keep up against adverse winds. It could not sustain an appeal against the decision of the commissioners, but still it kept on for several years in its improvements, and until after the war it was ahead of Mt. Vernon in many respects. It had the first and only newspaper in the county for two years; it had the first and only church in the county for many years; it had stores, tan yards, shops of various kinds, and greater variety of business than Mt. Vernon; but after the war was over it began to decay, and its rival took the lead. The accredited account of-the location of the county seat is as follows: The commissioners first entered Mt. Vernon, and were received with the best cheer at the log tavern of Mr. Butler. To impress them with an idea of the public spirit of the place, the people were very busy at the moment of their entrance and during their stay, at work, with all their coats off, grubbing the streets. As they left for Clinton, all quitted their labor, not "of love:" and some rowdies, who dwelt in. cabins scattered round about in the woods, away from the town, left " the crowd," and stealing ahead of the commissioners, arrived at Clinton first. On the arrival of the others at that place, these fellows pretended to be in a state not conformable to temperance principles, ran against the commissioners, and by their rude and boisterous conduct so disgusted the worthy officials as to the apparent morals of the inhabitants of Clinton, that they returned and made known their determination that Mt. Vernon should be the favored spot. That night there were great rejoicings in town. Bonfires were kindled, stews made and drank, and live trees split with gunpowder.
Such is a plausible account of this matter, which we have often heard related by our old friend Gilman Bryant, who took great pride in rehearsing a fable calculated to give Mt. Vernon
352- HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
the manifest advantage in the estimation of moral and temperance men in these later times. But some of those who lived in the county at that early day, give an entirely different version of the subject, and even have gone so far as to aver that the commissioners themselves delighted, as did the rest of mankind, in taking a "wee dhrap of the crathur," and could not have been " disgusted by rude and boisterous conduct " to which they were accustomed.
And again it is suggested that "the crowd" at that day was not so great in this locality that men who had sense and observation sufficient to be selected for commissioners, would not have been able to observe and distinguish "the rowdies," and class them where they belonged.
Another old settler, whose partiality at that day was for Clinton, avers that the proprietor of Clinton, Mr. Smith, had been very illiberal in his dealings with those who wished to purchase lots in his town. He had adopted a plan of withholding from market the best lots on the plat, and keeping the corner lots to be enhanced in value by the improvements made by settlers on inside lots. At this course many of them became dissatisfied, and some of the number who had bought of him leagued with the Mount Vemonities against Clinton. We have been told by another old citizen, that two of the men living north of Mt. Vernon, and considered as in the Clinton interest, proposed to Kratzer and Patterson to help secure the location of the county seat at Mt. Vernon, in consideration of their receiving two lots apiece in the town, and that their favor and influence went accordingly.
In Mt. Vernon at that time Main street was full of stumps, log heaps and trees, and the road up the street was a poor crooked path winding round amongst the stumps and logs. Richard Roberts says that it was very rough and broken, where Mt. Vernon was located, and was the last spot on earth a man would have picked to make a county seat.
Another gentleman residing north of Mt. Vernon, and very partial to Fredericktown, thinks that by a little management that place might have been made the permanent seat of justice, when the strife was so great between the other towns. They might have got a strip thrown off of Delaware county, which might have been attached, and then Frederick would have been alike central; but Kerr and his comrades had not their eyes open to the importance of getting that five mile range with Knox, and they were left out of doors when the location was made permanent.
In the county clerk's office appears the original of a petition to the court of common pleas, to cause the removal of certain obstructions, placed in the streets and alleys of two additions to the town of Mt. Vernon, laid out by Thomas Bell Patterson, in 1811, and by Samuel Kratzer in. the same year.
The petition was presented to the court at the February term in 1817. One or both of the additions had in the meantime become the property of the late Anthony Banning. The town at that time
being at a stand still, and no sale for the lots, Mr. Banning concluded "to fence up the town," and
turn the vacant lots and adjacent streets into a corn or wheat field, as the occasion might require. This was done, hence the necessity of the petition, hereafter given, the spelling and punctuation being retained as in the original. The territory embraced in these additions commenced at Mulberry street, and embraced all of what was then known as Kratzer's (later as the Banning) addition. West of this addition a few of the citizens resided, and the fences placed across the streets and alleys were quite annoying, requiring the citizens to either climb over the obstructions or go around them; hence the following petition signed by fifty-six of the prominent business men of the village
To the Honourable William Wilson, Esq., President of the Court of Common Pleas of Knox County, and his associate Judges of the said Court-February, 1817:
The Humble petition of the subscribers, Householders, residing within the Town plat, of the Town of Mount Vernon and the addition There to; Containing in all fifty-six Householders; Situate in the first quarter of Town six and range Thirteen in the United States Military District; Laid out by Thomas Bel Paterson & recorded on the 26th of March 1811. Also the adition of the Town of Mount Vernon, Laid out by Samuel Kratzer on the 20th of March 1811, and entered on record about the same time; on the same page of the record, and agoining the above, all Intended for, and representing one Town, and your petitioners respectfully represent, That we have always Been Impress'd with a Belief that the Streets and alleys of the whole of the above recited Town Plats should be and remain for Ever open for the free use, and Benefit of the Inhabitance thareof, and under that Impression many of your Petitioners Became Purchasers of Lots in said Town; Tharefore in order that we may have all obstructions removed out of Each of the Streets and alleys, Contained in the two above recited Town Plats, and your petitioners be restored to their just rights, we Pray, That the whole of the above Described Premises may be Incorperated according to Law, and your Petitioners shall as in duty Bound for Ever Pray.
Godlib Zimmerman, Isaac Vore, jr.,
Win. Vore. John Frank,
Jno. Shaw, Robert D. Moore,
John Hawn, jr., Samuel Mott,
Henry Davis, John P. McArdle,
James Low, John H. Mefford
Abraham Emmitt, Wm. Mefford,
Nathl. Herron, Adam Coleman,
Thomas Irvine, Saml. Martin,
N. C. Boalze, Jacob Martin,
John Warden, John Dwyer,
R. M. Brown, Miriam Daniel,
Jonathan Miller, Walter McFarland,
H. Curtis, Wm. Y. Farquhar,
Wm. W. Alexander, James McGibney,
Ben. S. Martin, William Pettigrew,
James Miller, Peter Zerby,
Gilman Brvant, John Sawyer,
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 353
Daniel Moore, John Lindsey,
David Reed, John Gordon,
Fred'k. Carey, Prospher Rick,
John Ruff, John Kaebler,
George Low, Jacob Siler,
Waitsell Hastings, Jacob Swales,
Wm. L. Brooke, Wm. Bevans,
Michael Click, T. Burr,
John Wilson; Rezin Yates,
William Roberts.
This humble petition the honorable court set aside, denying the prayer of the petitioners. This state of things was not to be endured; so some fifteen of the disappointed petitioners, among whom was the late Hosmer Curtis, then prosecuting attorney, resolved to take the matter into their own hands. Meeting on the public square, they faced west, locked arms, and started on their march to secure justice for themselves. As they came to an, obstruction they began. leveling the fences to the ground, scattering rails hither and thither with all the glee of schoolboys bent on mischief. From one obstruction to another the "regulators" marched tornado could not have made more havoc in its route than did the "laughing and shouting fifteen." This work created considerable commotion in the community. Some took sides with the "raiders," while others condemned their action as lawlessness against the peace and harmony of the town. Mr. Banning entered complaint against the fifteen for riot and trespass, and the case came before the court. As the prosecuting attorney, Hosmer Curtis, was one of those against whom the prosecution was commenced, his honor the judge, appointed the late Charles R. Sherman, special prosecuting attorney. The trial caused considerable excitement, and no little amusement, as the argumentof Mr. Sherman was principally aimed against the "tall prosecuting attorney," Mr. Curtis, who had laid aside the dignity of his office, and, for once, assumed that of a "raider" against the fences of the prosecutor, Mr. Banning. The result of the suit was a finding of `'guilty" against the whole, and a fine of "one dollar and cost" rendered against each of the defendants. Thus ended one of the most amusing cases ever brought before the Knox county court.
Another relic of the past, filed away in the clerk's office, is entitled "Samuel Geddes' Indenture to William Smith," and shows some peculiarities of the past that are now obsolete. Samuel Geddes
desired to learn the hatter's trade, or at least his father thought that Samuel would make a good hatter, so forthwith the following indenture was drawn up and signed by the respective parties.
This indenture, made the fifth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-eight, witnesseth: That Samuel Geddes, aged eighteen years against the twenty-first day of November next, by and with the consent of the said John Geddes, of Knox county and State of Ohio, his father, hath of his free and voluntary will placed and bound himself apprentice to William Smith, of the town of Mt. Vernon county and State aforesaid, to learn the trade, mystery or occupation of a hatter, which he, the said Smith, in company with Adam Glaze, jr., now useth, and with him as an apprentice to dwell, continue and serve from the day of the date hereof, until the end and term of three years, three months and sixteen days from thence next ensuing, and fully to be complete and ended, during all of which Term the said apprentice his master shall well and faithfully serve, his secrets keep, his lawful commands gladly do and obey; huff to his said master he shall not do, nor wilfully suffer it to he done by others; but of the same shall to the utmost of his power forthwith give notice to his master; the goods of the said Smith he shall not embezzle or waste, nor them lend without his consent. At cards, dice, or any other games he shall not play; taverns and ale houses he shall not frequent; fornication he shall not commit; matrimony he shall not contract; from the service of the said Smith he shall not at any time depart or absent himself without consent of said Smith, but in alt things as a good and faithful apprentice, shall and will demean himself towards the said Smith and all his, during the said term. And the said Smith his said apprentice in the trade, mystery and occupation of a hatter with all things there unto. belonging shall and will cause to be well and sufficiently taught and instructed after the best way and manner he can; and shall and will also find and allow his said apprentice meat, drink, washing, lodging and apparel (both linen and woollen), and all other necessaries fit and convenient for such an apprentice, during the term aforesaid. And, also, at the expiration of said term, the said William Smith shall give the said apprentice a good freedom suit worth thirty dollars. As witness our hands and seals and the year and day first above written.
SAMUEL GEDDES,
JOHN GEDDES,
WILLIAM SMITH.
Witnesses present: G. BROWNING, ADAM GLADE, JR.
Entered on record by H. B. Curtis, recorder.
Such were the custom and practice of fifty years ago. In 1848 only two hatter shops were among trades of Mt. Vernon, viz: the shop of the late Samuel F. Voorhies, and that of the venerable
William L King. The jolly old William B. Henderson was an artisan in the shop of Mr. King, and Meigs Campbell, now of Ashland, Ohio, was a workman in the shop of Mr. Voorhies. The shop of Mr. Voorhies is still in existence, but its glory has departed-it has become the dwelling place for
354 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
horses, and can be pointed out in the alley in rear of the store of James M. Andrews.
The following extracts from Mr. Norton's history, published in 1862, continue the pictures of the early days of Mt. Vernon:
The first election Ben. Butler recollects of attending, the neighbors and himself went down to Dresden and voted in 1803 or 1804. Another election he recollects was held at Bill Douglass'. David Johnson wanted to be constable, and 'lectioneered hard, and agreed to take, on executions and for fees raccoon skins, if he was elected. But when the votes were counted, he was beaten by Dimmick. This was the first time he (Butler) voted a ticket. In old Virginia it had always been the custom to vote by singing out the name of the candidate voted for.
One of the greatest fights of that early date was between Ben. Butler and Jim Craig, in which Craig was badly whipped. Butler's hand had been tied up from a hurt, but he took off the ,poultice and gave him a severe thrashing. The next day Jim and Ben. met together and took a drink over it; the quarrel was dropped, as Jim said he deserved the whipping and would not fight it over again.
When Ben. bought his land of Captain Walker he had no thoughts of laying out a town, nor had Walker. He gave two dollars an acre for it.
Ben. helped dig the first grave, that of Mrs. Thomas Bell Patterson, the first person that died in Mt. Vernon. He says that Colonel Patterson was a very smart man, much smarter than any in the town now.
The old school house stood near where the market house stands, and the public well, with a sweep or pole, was north of it, nearly in the centre of High street. He helped wall the old well.
Gilman Bryant said when he came to the county in 1807, and landed in Mt. Vernon from his pirogue in March, there were only three families living within the then limits of the town, viz: Ben. Butler, who then kept a sort of tavern; James Craig, who kept some sort of refreshments and whiskey, on the corner, east side of Mulberry and north of Wood street; and another family, who lived south of Craig's on the opposite side of the street. These buildings were all log. On the west
side of Mulberry was a little pole shanty, put up by Jo. Walker, a gunsmith, who had a little pair of bellows in one corner, and tinkered gun-locks for the Indians. Further west, on what is now Gambier street, and beyond the town plat, stood the building occupied by Walker, also a log. There was also at that time a small log house with a roof, but the gable ends not yet filled, standing on the west side of Main street, between the present market house and where the court
house stood in 1849, which should be in High street. There was at the time living in the neighborhood, and recollected by Mr. Bryant Colville, on his farm east of town, Bob. Thompson,
where Stilley now lives; Andrew Craig, at or near the old Indian fields (on Centre run, above Turner's mill); old Mr. Walker, near Banning's mill, on the left hand side of the road; and old
Mr. Hains, south of town. Mr. Bryant brought eight barrels of whiskey by water to Shrimplin s mill on Owl creek, and from thence had it hauled by Nathaniel Critchfield's team, Joe driving, to Mt. Vernon. Tradition says that the first log shelter occupied by old man Walker was made of little round poles by Casper Fitting in 1802, but we can find nothing to sustain a claim,to its erection at so early a period. Fitting, doubtless, was the builder, we should think about 1804, though it may have been in 1803; however, as our own recollection does not extend quits that far back, we give it as it has been told to us.
Joseph Walker, sr., of whom we have been speaking, emigrated to this county from Pennsylvania about 1804, and settled near where we now write. Philip, Joe, Alexander, James, Robert and John were his sons, and he had two daughters-Sally, who married Stephen Chapman, and lives three miles south of this town, and Polly, who married Solomon Geller, a Pennsylvania Dutchman, who was one of the early settlers of Mt. Vernon, and subsequently moved into what is now Morrow county. Joseph Walker, sr., and his wife both died many years ago, and their bodies were buried in the Clinton graveyard, with no stone to mark the spot where they lie, and this record, it is hoped, may serve to perpetuate their memory. From all accounts they were worthy pioneers.
James Craig, one of the three men living in Mt. Vernon in the spring of 1807, was grit to the back bone, and was constantly harrassed by peace officers. It became almost an everyday occurrence with him to have a fight; and, if no newcomer appeared to give his fighting life variety, he would, "just to keep his hand in," scrape up a fight with his neighbors or have a quarrel with his wife-all for the love of the thing, for "Jamie was the broth of a boy." He had as high as four fights in one day with Joe Walker, who was also a game chicken. When arraigned before court for assault, ere., he would always put on his most pleasing smile, and say to the judge: "Now, will yer honor jist please be good to the boy, for he can't help it."
We have been told by an early settler of a little incident, illustrating the sports of pioneers in 1807, at James Craig's house, after he had moved out to the log cabin, erected and yet leaning, not standing, on D. S. Norton's farm, south of High street extension, on the Delaware road. Craig had tended a few acres in corn, and had the only corn for sale in that part of the county. Mrs. Rachel Richardson sent her son Isaac to buy some for bread, and after spending a short time in the village, he went out to Craig's, got his corn,, and stayed all night. The family had just got to sleep, lying down on the floor, when the wild fellows of the town came in to the doors and fired a volley over their heads. Craig at once sprang out of his bed in his night shirt, grappled with one of them, and in a short time all present were engaged in a lively little fight, just for the fun of the thing. " Knuck Harris," a "cul'ed gem'man," the first one ever in Mt. Vernon, and Joe Walker, are recollected as having been among the parties.
One of the most noted fights that ever came off in this county was between James Craig and his son-in-law, Jack Strain, and two of the Georges of Chester township. It occurred in this way: Old Jim was, as he said, in fighting humor, when, in company with Jack, coming along the road home on foot, they met the Georges near Clinton riding sprucely on horseback, and required that they should get off their horses and fight them. Parson George explained that they were in a hurry to go home, and had neither time nor disposition for a fight. But Jim swore that they must get off and fight; and there being no way of getting past them, as they held possession of the road, they reluctantly got off their horses and pitched in. Jack soon whipped his man, but it puzzled Jim to make his fight out, and the conclusion arrived at was that they had taken too large a contract when they undertook to whip the Georges. Jim, in
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 355
after years, would revert to this one fight with regret, as it was entirely uncalled for, and only provoked by his own determinanon for a trial of strength.
After the marriage of Jack Strain into his family, old Jim counted himself almost invincible. Jack was a very powerful and active man, unsurpassed for thews and sinews, bone and muscle.
The great fight of the county might, with propriety, be called that of Strain with Roof. The county pretty much en masse witnessed it. It was a regular set-to-a pnze fight not inferior, in the public estimation, to that of Heenan and Sayers. Jack fought with great spirit; he fought, if not for his life, for his wife; for old Jim swore that he (Strain) should never sleep again with his daughter if he didn't whip him.
When Craig was indicted the last time for fightirg he told judge Wilson "not to forget to be easy with him, as he was one of the best customers the court had."
In wrestling with Tucker Jim had his leg broken, which he often regretted, as he couldn't stand on his forks right. He was not a big, stout man, but struck an awful blow, and was well skilled in parrying off blows. He called his striking a man giving him a 'blizzard." He was a backwoodsman from Western Virginia, but of Irish extraction-fond of grog, fond of company, fond of fighting, fun and frolic-kind-hearted, except when aroused by passion, and then a very devil. He fought usually as a pastime, and not from great malice. His wife was an excellent, hospitable and clever woman. We have heard very many anecdotes of Craig, but have space for only one more. One of the last kind acts of the old settler was his endeavor to treat Bishop Chase when he first visited our town. Jim having heard much said of him as a preacher and a distinguished man, met him on the street, and, desiring to do the clever thing by the bishop, accosted him with an invitation to drink. The bishop was somewhat nettled at the offer, but declined going to a grocery with him, whereupon Jim pulled a flask from his pocket and insisted upon his taking a drink there. The bishop indignantly refused, and Jim apologized, if the bishop considered it an insult. "Bless your soul, bishop, I think well of you, and have no other way to show that I am glad you have come to our county but by inviting you to drink. Don't think hard of me."
Craig's family consisted of eight girls, and he often regretted that he had no boys to learn how to fight. If the girls did not fight, they did run, and run well, too. One of them, we recollect, was very fleet; many a time did she run races in the old lane, between Norton's and Bevans', and beat William Pettigrew and other of the early boys, notwithstanding the scantiness of her dresses, which then were made of about one-third the stuff' it takes for a pattern in these fashionable days of 1862.
At one time old Jim was singing to a crowd, when a smart young man, in sport, winked to those present and kicked his shins. The wink having been observed by him, he instantly drew back his fist and drove it plum between his eyes, felling him to the ground, at the same time exclaiming: There, take that, d-n you, and don't you evet attempt again to impose on old stiffer!"'
The indomitable will of Samuel H. Smith and his associates from New England, among whom we may mention the Nyes, Ichabod, captain of the troop of horse, and his brother Samuel; Henry Smith, Samuel's nephew; Dr. Timothy Burr, the Barneys, Alexander Enos, and others, kept the county in commotion about the seat of justice. No stone was left unturned. no effort untried, to bring about its transfer to Clinton. Petitions were drawn up and runners traversed the country for signers. From the official record we give the following exhibit of the disposition made of them
"December 26, 1808, Mr. Holden presented to the house sundry petions from a number of inhabitants of Knox county, setting forth that they feel much aggrieved in consequence of the ineligible and very unhealthy situation of the present seat of justice of said county, and for various other reasons therein stated, praying that the commissioners may be appointed to fix the seat of justice for the said county of Knox in some more eligible and healthy situation; which said petitions were read and referred to a committee of Mr. Holden, Mr. Owings, of Fairfield, and Mr. Blair, of Franklin and Delaware, to report their opinion thereupon by bill or otherwise."
Mr. Merwin (Elijah B.) of Fairfield, presented on the next day, a remonstrance from sundry citizens of Knox county against action as prayed for in above named petitions.
The cunning old fox managing the Clinton claim, devised an additional scheme ,hereby to bring about such increase of territory northward as would throw Mount Vernon farther from the centre than Clinton, and accordingly we find that Mr. Holden presented to the house petitions signed by sundry inhabitants of Knox county, setting forth that it will be greatly to their advantage, and to the advantage of the public in general; to have the county extended so far north as to take in one tier of townships. as it will be perceived, by the map of the State, that the county lying north of them, known by the name of Richland, is much larger than Knox, and by attaching one tier of townships to said county of Knox there will be given a more equal number of square miles to each county than there is at present; which was received and read, and referred to the same committee to whom was committed, on the twenty-sixth inst., the petitions, remonstrances, etc., on the subject of the seat of justice of Knox county. House journal, page 93, December 30, 1808.
On the thirtieth of December, on motion of Mr. Thomas Morris, of Clermont, and seconded, Ordered, that Mr. George Clark, of Columbiana and Stark, be added to the committee appointed on the the twenty-sixth inst., on the subject of the seat of justice of Knox county, and the matters to them from time to time referred.
On the twelfth of January, 1809, on motion, and leave being granted, Mr. Holden presented at the clerk's table two remonstrances, of the same purport, from sundry inhabitants of Knox county, remonstrating against petitions presented to this house, praying for a review of the seat of justice of said county, and a removal of it from Mt. Vernon to some more eligible and healthy situation. The remonstrants therein set forth that they are fully of opinion that, unless a fraud or neglect be made to appear against the first viewers appointed by the legislature at the last session for the purpose of permanently fixing the seat of justice of said county, that your honorable body will not grant a view barely for the purpose of gratifying self-interest; that, in consequence of the seat of justice being established at Mt. Vernon, a number of lots have been purchased and improved, and also that upwards of four hundred dollars have been appropriated for the building of a jail, and for other reasons, by the aforesaid remonstrants set forth, more particularly praying that the said petition praying for the removal of the seat of justice aforesaid may be rejected; and the same being received and read,
356 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
were referred to the committee upon that subject appointed on the twenty-sixth ultimo.
On page 145, House Journal, January 14th, 1809, the following entry stands: On motion, and . by leave of the house, Mr. Holden, from the committee appointed on the twenty-sixth ultimo, presented at the clerk's table a report, as follows: "The committe to whom was referred the petition of sundry inhabitants of the county of Knox, praying that one tier of townships lying south of Richland county be attached to the said county of Knox; also sundry petitions from the inhabitants of said county, praying that commissioners be appointed to review and fix the seat of justice of said county in some more healthy and eligible situation than Mt. Vernon; have, according to order, had under their consideration the said petitions; and are of opinion that the prayer of the said petitions is unreasonable, and ought not to be granted."
Monday, January 16th, said report came up, and it was Ordered, that it be committed to a committee of the whole house, and made the order of the day for Saturday next.
On the twenty-fifth of January (House journal, page 181), Mr. Merwin moved for the order of the day, whereupon the house, according to order, resolved itself into a committee of the whole house, and, after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Jewett reported that the committee, according to order, had under their consideration a report of the select committee, made on the fourteenth inst., on the petitions of sundry inhabitants of Knox county, and had agreed to the said report; and the same being read was agreed to by the house, viz: that the petitions aforesaid are unreasonable, and ought not to be granted.
At the ninth session of the general assembly, held at Zanesville, December 3, 1810, the subject of removal of the county seat from Mt. Vernon was again agitated. By the Senate Jonrnal, page 163, we find that Mr. Trimble presented a batch of petitions, praying a review, which was referred to a committee. On page 166, we find Mr. Trimble, from committee, reported that, in their opinion, commissioners ought to be appointed to examine and make report to the next legislature the place they think proper for the seat of justice of Knox county. The said report was read. A motion was made that said report be committed to a committee of the whole senate, and made the order of this day; and on the question thereon it was decided in the negative. On motion, Ordered, that the further consideration of said report be postponed till the first Monday in December next.
At the next session it received its final quietus. Mt. Vernon had improved in the intermediate time very much, and thenceforth its stat was in the ascendant. Clinton continued but a few years longer as a bnsiness place, and after the departure of its chief worker to other parts, its people moved to Mt. Vernon, Fredericktown, and elsewhere, and not one of the old inhabitants remains to tell that Clinton has been an important town in the history of Knox county.
The following regarding the early days of Mt. Vernon has been gathered from the living pioneers of the city, among whom are N. N. Hill, Isaac Hadley, Dr. J. N. Burr and others.
When Mr. Hill came, about 1813, there was but few houses on what is now Main street; the larger part of the town was on West Gambier street, between Main street and the railroad. Here the business of the town was carried on, and down near the end of the street lived Joseph Walker, in a large two-story, yellow painted, frame house the best house in the town. The first brick building in the town was the schoolhouse, which stood on Mulberry street, east side, a little south of the present high school building. It was taken away only a short time ago. Mr. Hill made sugar one spring in the lower part of town, there being quite a sugar grove in the western part of the plat below Chestnut street.
The first tavern, Benjamin Butler's, stood on or near the corner of Gambier and Main, about where Jenning's store now is. This building, during the war of 1812, was converted into a block-house, and used as a place of refuge and safety for citizens. The building stood upon a bank, the door being reached by several steps. It was again used as a tavern after the war, and was known as the "war office" many years on account of the many fights that occurred there.
The Indian chief, Armstrong, from Greentown, came frequently to town and often got drunk at Butler's tavern. On one occasion, while "Abe" Emmett was drilling his company of militia, Armstrong got in his way and annoyed him-very much. After telling the chief many times to keep out of his way without effect, Emmett finally knocked him down. This had the desired effect, but the chief never forgot it. Sometime after this, Armstrong, accompanied by three other Indians, met Emmett and Riverius Newell in the woods, when Armstrong asked, "Is your name Emmis?" "Yes sir, my name is Emmett." "What for you fight Indian?" said the chief. "Because you kept getting in my way." "You fight Indian now?" said the chief, making a motion to draw his tomahawk. "Yes!" said Emmett, with an oath, and immediately drew his tomahawk, while Newell cocked his gun and brought it to bear upon one of the other Indians. This determined attitude not being relished by the Indians, a truce was called and the parties separated.
When Butler moved to his farm his tavern passed into other hands, and among .the landlords about that time, who followed Butler were David Ash
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 357
and John Davidson,. Marylanders. Ash was much of a gentleman, and kept the tavern for a number of years.
The second tavern in the town was started on Main street, in a log building which stood on the lot next to and north of N. N. Hill's brick block. John Haron kept it awhile and then moved to his farm, located in what is now the northeast part of town, a little beyond the present court house. He turned his tavern. over to his son-in-law, Got leib Zimmerman, who was from Hagerstown, Maryland. Montgomery Brown, another son-in-law, followed Zimmerman, and kept the tavern as long as it was used for that purpose. Upon the sign (which was one of the most important things about all the old taverns), was painted a full sized portrait of General Wayne.
The third tavern in Mt. Vernon was a frame building, and stood on the lot on Main street, where Warner Miller for many years kept store. It was two stories in height, painted white, and was called the Green Tree Tavern, having a green tree painted on its sign. It eras kept first by Mordecai Vore, who sold it to Judge Eli Miller, and he in turn sold it to Charles Timberlake, who kept it some years. After him came Constance Barney, who rented it, kept a hotel and run the first stage line from Mt. Vernon to Sandusky. He subsequently continued this stage line to Columbus. After Barney, the hotel was kept by Andrew Plummer and others, until it was taken away to make room for the present brick block.
The Kenyon House was the first brick hotel in Mt. Vernon, and was built by T. W. Rogers, who occupied it some years as a private residence, then remodelled it for a hotel This became a very popular hotel and was well patronized for many years. Killin Winne was the first landlord. The first building was a large white frame, which, after some years, was taken down and the fine brick erected. It stood on the southwest corner of Main street and the public square, and was taken down by Mr. A. Wolf, who erected the present large business block in its place.
George Lybrand erected in 1840, the building, yet standing and for many years known as the
"Lybrand House." It stands on the west side of Main, between Front and Gambier streets, and is
owned at present by Jerome Rowley, whose son is the present landlord.
The Curtis House, on the southeast corner of Main street and public square, was erected in 1876, by Henry B. Curtis, and is a fine building.
Gas works were established in Mount Vernon in 1857; the incorporators being John Ramsey Judge Eli Miller, Henry B. Curtis and others. The capital stock was thirty-five thousand dollar. This company erected the present works on Water street, at the foot of Mulberry. About 1858, N. N. Hill and Columbus Delano purchased a controlling interest in the works and thereafter managed them until within a few years. About eight miles of pipe were laid under the superintendence of Mr. Hill, who was secretary and treasurer of the company more than twenty years.
The first postmaster in Mount Vernon was Gilman Bryant, who also kept the first store. His little store room stood on "stilts," on the southwest corner of Gambier and Main streets, diagonally across the street from the "War office," on the lot for many years occupied by Mead's store. It was swampy and muddy in that region and the building stood five or six feet above the surface of the ground on piles driven into the ground, and was reached by several steps, from the street.. Bryant and Burr were the merchants and principal men in the new town. Bryant kept the post office a number of ye years and was followed by Alexander Elliot, Judge Eli Miller and Isaac Hadley-the latter still living in the city. Miller kept the office, the next door north of where the First National bank now stands (northwest corner of Main and Vine streets). Isaac Hadley says the next postmaster after himself was Benjamin Sinith, and was selected in the following manner: A wire was stretched e between two trees, quite high, and the man who could throw a coon's tail over the wire, was considered qualified for the office of the postmaster. A man named Jones was the first to throw the coon's tail over the wire; he accomplished the feat by purchasing a few shot at a neighboring grocery, and attaching them to the tail, thus giving it weight Jones did not take the office, but gave it to his friend Benjamin Smith, who was a son of James Smith, a Methodist preacher and justice of the peace many years. For half a century or more
358 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
the post office has been kept in the neighborhood of the corner of Vine and Main streets. James McGibeny was postmaster in 182.5.
In 1825, when Dr. J. N. Burr came to Mount Vernon, the larger part of the town was still west of Main and south of Chestnut streets, but there were a number of houses scattered along Main street and perhaps half a dozen on Gay street, which is east of and runs parallel with Main. Hazelbrush and timber covered the larger part of the eastern part of the city. There were also half a dozen or more houses on Main street, north of the square. The principal merchants at that time were Burr J: Bryant, John Moody, Daniel S. Norton, Samuel Mott, Eli Miller, J. B. Rogers and Anthony Banning; all carried general stocks of merchandise, and did business almost entirely by exchange, money being very scarce. Rogers was located on the southwest corner of Main street and public square; Gilman Bryant was opposite, where the Knox county bank is now located; under the Curtis house, and below Bryant, in the same block, were three or four other stores. Norton was located on the present site of the Woodward block.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
MT. VERNON-CONTINUED.
EXTRACTS FROM THE OHIO REGISTER AND NORTON'S HIS-
TORY CONCERNING THE EARLY DAYS OF MT. VERNON
1814 TO 1830.-GROWTH OF THE. CITY.-ITS BOUNDA
RIES.-POPULATION.-A PICTURE OF MT. VERNON IN 1830
THE OHIO REGISTER, published at the village of Clinton in 1814 and 1815, is a relic of
the past, containing a few items worthy of preservation. It was printed in quarto form, pages nine
and one-fourth by seven and three-fourth inches, three columns to a page, and published by Smith & McArdle. Mr. Smith was the proprietor of the village of Clinton, and made gigantic but unsuccessful efforts to have his village selected as county seat. He was a man of great energy, and his advertisements showed that he was engaged in many enterprises, among which may be mentioned a dry goods and grocery store, drug store (with Dr. Timothy Burr as prescription clerk), a book store, Lanyard, real-estate agent, etc. His grocery department was both a wet and a dry one, as appears from the following extract from an advertisement:
I also intend to keep on hand, for sale by the barrel, or less quantity, whiskey of the very best quality.
Matters worthy of record are to be gathered more from the few advertisements than from the editorials, for the latter are scarce, indeed, hardly ever embracing more than four or five lines of the paper, as the following will make evident:
We have received a copy of the charges exhibited against Brigadier General Hull. Their great length precludes their insertion this week. We shall publish them next week.
That was the amount of editorial matter in the paper for May 24, 1814.
The selections of the Register were mostly devoted to the events of the War of 1812, which to the citizens of that day was a theme of great interest.
April 19, 1814, a Dr. Burge offers his services to the citizens of Mt. Vernon and the neighboring country. "Having," as his advertisement proclaims, "been a successful practitioner in physic, surgery, and midwifery, he solicits a share of patronage among other gentlemen of the faculty."
A cotemporary of his, and a successful practitioner, was Dr. Timothy Burr.
James Miller informs the trade that he is in immediate want of a good journeyman tanner. All interested are invited to apply to him or Dr. Burr, in Clinton.
June 21, 1814, John Wheeler advertisesf or "two hundred bushels of wheat, to be delivered at William Douglas' mill during the month of August next."
Gilman Bryant, postmaster, advertises the following uncalled for letters remaining in the office
at Mount Vernon, July 1, 1814: Abraham Albert, Samuel Arbuckle, William Biggs, Jonathan Burch, James Crage, Simon Dudgeon, Peter Doty, George Dial, Frederick Herring, Mr.Kratzer, Samuel Lewis, William Lydick, John McKee, John H. Melleck, John Mills, George Melleck, Abraham Rader, James Selby, Michael Schafer, George Sapp, Philip Smith, Samuel H Smith,
James Strange, Isaac Setton, Joseph Workman,
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 359
James Waid, Jane White, Thomas White. Such advertisements as the above aid in recalling to memory many of the old pioneer settlers of the city and county.
August 9, 18:4, Samuel and James Selby inform the people of Mount Vernon, that they have lately established themselves in the hatting business.
Under same date John Sawyer and Abel Cook, blacksmiths of Clinton, give notice of having dissolved partnership-Sawyer continues.
Dr. G. B. Maxfield informs the citizens that he has opened an office in Fredericktown for the practice of his profession, and that he has taken board at the house of John Kerr.
November 19, 1814, Dr. W. Hastings calls upon all those indebted to him to come forward and pay up their liabilities by the twenty-fifth day of December next.
Married-On Tuesday, January 22, 1815, by Joseph Walker, esq., Mr. Abraham Emmett, to Miss Sally Zerick, both of Mount Vernon.
J. Brown opens a house of entertainment in Mount Vernon, at the sign of "General. Wayne." The location of the house is not stated.
Married-On Tuesday evening, January 24, 1815, by Benjamin Barney, esq., Mr. Seely Simpkins, aged eighty-eight years, to Mrs. Elizabeth Ask, aged twenty-eight.
Mr. George Girty, having purchased the stock in trade of Mr. Gilman Bryant, gives notice under date of February 28, 1815, that he has just received and is now opening in the house formerly occupied by Mr. Bryant, a general assortment of dry goods and groceries from Philadelphia and Baltimore.
George Dickinson gives notice that he has on hand a quantity of chairs and trunks, to which he invites the attention of the people of Mount Vernon and vicinity.
The Register of March 14, 1815, contains a copy of the treaty of peace between Great Britain and the United States.
Died-In Clinton, on Friday, April 14, 1815, Mr. Seely Simpkins, sr., aged eighty-eight years. He left a young widow of twenty-eight years of age, and had been married two months and three weeks. About a week previous to his death Mr. Simpkins had been elected to the important office of fence viewer.
May 9, 1815, Hosmer Curtis, esq., inform the citizens of Knox county that he has changed his place of residence from the town of Newark to that of Mount Vernon. He respectfully asks a share of the legal practice in the courts of the county.
June 13, 1815, Robert Irvine announces to the people that he has opened a drug store in Mount Vernon.
April 21, 1816, the Ohio Register appears in the town of Mount Vernon, under the sole management of Mr. John P. McArdle, Mr. S. H. Smith retiring, devoting himself to his many enterprises in Clinton. No doubt Mount Vernon afforded better facilities for the enterprise than Clinton, then in its decline, while Mount Vernon was rapidly increasing in population and business.
So far as editorial enterprise is concerned the Mount Vernon Register is no improvement on the Clinton Register; marriage and death items generally appearing at the head of the editorial column.
Major Samuel Kratzer has, by purchase, become interested in the town with Messrs. Patterson, Walker, and Butler, and through the agency of Joseph Brown, offers forty in-lots and out-lots for sale, April 24, 1816.
May 1st, Messrs. Bryant & Burr give notice they have just received a large invoice of new goods. It is presumed the firm was formed by Gilman Bryant and Dr. Timothy Burr, although that fact is not made patent by their advertisement.
As an item of interest in these latter days of cheap postage, the following will be interesting
Rates of postage. On single letters, for any distance not exceeding thirty miles, six cents; over thirty, and not over eighty miles, ten cents; over eighty and not over one hundred and fifty miles, twelve and one-half cents; over one hundred and fifty and not four hundred miles, eighteen and one-half cents; over four hundred miles, twenty-five cents.
Married-on Sunday, May 5, 1816, in Mt. Vernon, by Rev. James Smith, Doctor Timothy Burr, to Miss Rachael Thrift, daughter of the Rev. William Thrift.
Sudden Death. Departed this life on Friday afternoon, May 17, 1816, Samuel Zimmerman, son of Gotleib and Eva Zimmerman of this town, aged eleven years, one month and twentynine days. His death was the consequence of eating a small portion of the root of a wild parsnip, said to be rank poison. His illness was short. but pains excruciating, which terminated his existence in about ten minutes.
May 22, 1816, Miss Fulton opens a milliner's shop at H. Curtis', second door southwest of the court house, on High street. One peculiarity
360 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
of this advertisement is the peculiar spelling in two words; southwest appears as "sow west," and sewing is "sowing." These errors may be charged to the printer, and not to the faulty education of the young lady who offers her services to the fair ladies of Mt. Vernon. The editor in his next issue corrects the typographical errors.
Francis Wilkins notifies the public that he will, on the 2d day of June offer sixty merino sheep for sale in Mt. Vernon.
In the Register of May 30th, A. and T. Gormly announce that they have opened a new store in Mt. Vernon opposite Mr. Zimmerman's inn, and John Wilson, "with the greatest respect" informs his customers he has just received a fresh supply of new goods.
Married.-On Thursday, the 23d of May, 1816, by Elder James Smith, Mr. John Shinniberry to Miss Ruth Yoakum.
A meeting of the citizens of Mt. Vernon and its vicinity will be held at the court house to-morrow evening, June 6, 1816, for the purpose of devising ways and means for constructing a bridge across Owl creek at this place. Many citizens.
As no further notice of this meeting is taken by the Register the people of the present day are left in the dark as to its result.
In the Register of June 12, 1816, the following item of distressing interest is given:
Died.-On Monday, the 3d instant, Mr. Abner Hill, aged 25 years. His death was occasioned by the fall of a limb of a tree. The premature exit of this young man is sincerely regretted by all those who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. Survivors remember, " In the midst of life we are in death."
Mr. Abner Hill was an uncle of Mr. N. N. Hill, a venerable citizen of this city.
June 19th, John Mocabee notifies the public that he has taken the tavern stand well known as the "Rising Sun," in Clinton, formerly occupied by Mr. E. Ogle. His "bar" is supplied with the best of liquors, foreign and domestic.
July 3d, Jonathan and Eli Miller request those indebted to them to come forward and pay up, as they are about proceeding to Philadelphia to purchase their fall goods.
On the same date N. C. Boalse informs the public that he has commenced tavern keeping at the well known stand of John Davidson, in Mt. Vernon, at the sign of the "Traveller's Rest."
J. Brown openes a tavern in Mt. Vernon, "sign of the Ohio Hotel."
John Sawyer and Adney Colman opens a butcher shop in Mt. Vernon, July 27th. July 24th Mr. Thomas Irvine also announces that he is engaged in the butchering business.
Robert D. Moore, July 31st, offers his services to the people of Mt Vernon as physician and surgeon.
Married.-On Sunday evening last, August 11, 1816, by the Rev. James Smith, Mr. Daniel S. Norton, of Connellsville (Pa), to Miss Sarah Banning, daughter of Mr. Anthony Banning, of this town.
August 21st Mr. James Miller turns his advertisement upside down, and says he has opened a new store in the house lately occupied by Mr. John Wilson, wherein can be found a large and elegant assortment of dry goods, groceries, etc.
The same date appears a notice of a petition to be presented to the next legislature, praying for a law to be framed for incorporating the town of Mt. Vernon.
Mordecai Bartley of Richland county, represented the district composed of Richland, Knox and Licking in the senate, and Jonathan 'Mills represented Knox county in the house of representatives, in the legislature the winter of 1816-17.
A careful perusal of the columns of the Register fails to give any information as to the fate of the
petition to incorporate Mt. Vernon.
Samuel Kratzer gives notice, August 28, 1816, "to all whom it may concern," that he shall make application to the next court of common pleas, "to vacate certain streets and alleys in the town of Mt. Vernon, viz.: The east end of Chestnut street, the length of one lot adjoining the graveyard; also, the west end of Sugar street, the length of one lot; likewise, certain streets in the second addition of said town of Mt. Vernon.
September 4, 1816, B. Bentley gives notice that he has just received for Joseph S. Newell, an elegant assortment of merchandise.
About November 20, 1816, the gentlemen of Mt. Vernon desire to put on airs - they advertise for a barber.
William W. Alexander, November 27, 1816, notifies the citizens that he still continues to carry on the tailoring business at his home in Mt. Vernon.
Same date Jesse B. Thomas offers at public auction, "two hundred lots, in the town of Mt. Vernon," the sale to take place on the twelfth of December next.
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 361
Perhaps nothing so quickly indicates the decline, or increasing prosperity of a place, as the publication of the uncalled for letters at the post officethus Samuel. H. Smith, postmaster of Clinton, January 1, 1817, publishes a list of seven uncalled for letters-so much for the decline. Gilman Bryant, postmaster for Mt Vernon, publishes a list of similar letters at the same date, which contains the names of eighty persons doing business with the Mt. Vernon post office.
There swims no goose so grey, but soon or late. She finds some honest gander for a mate.
Married.-On Saturday evening, February 22, 1817, by William Douglass, esq., Mr. Elijah Webster, to Mrs. Elizabeth, disconsolate widow of Mr. Ask, alias , alias , alias Simkins.
Died.-Suddenly, on the 8th of March, 1817, Master William T. Bryant, infant child of Gilman Bryant, esq.
March 26, 1817, the following notice appears:
Ohio Missionary Society.-We are authorized to state that a society has been formed in this State, for the laudable purpose of propagating the Gospel among the everlasting heathen of Connecticut and the parts adjacent. The first meeting of the society sill be held in Zanesville, on the 20th of May next, for the purpose of selecting suitable missionaries for the performance of the arduous undertaking. It is hoped that all who are favorable to the cause will contribute their mite to effect so desirable an object.
March 19, 1817, Coleman & Dixon open a boot and shoe shop in Mt. Vernon.
The following item in the Register of April 30, 1817, was of great interest to the citizens of Mt. Vernon and of Knox county:
At the last session of the general assembly of this State, sixty thousand dollars of the three per cent. fund was appropriated to the laying out, making and repairing roads in this State; and appropriated equally among the several counties. For the county of Knox is as follows:
On the road from Mt. Vernon to the north line of Knox county, leading to Mansfield, one hundred and seventy-five dollars; and two hundred and twenty-five dollars from Mt. Vernon to the south line of said county, on the road leading to Newark, by Azariah Davis; and fifty dollars on the road leading from Jonathan Hunts to Robinson's mill; and one hundred and fifty dollars on the road leading from Mt. Vernon to Coshocton by Abraham Darling's; and fifty dollars on the road leading from John Tibits on Mobeken to Mt. Vernon; where the said road intersects the road leading from Coshocton to Mt. Vernon; and two hundred dollars on the new State road leading from Mt. Vernon to Columbus, to be laid out in opening said road; and the sum of two hundred dollars on the said new road leading from Mt. Vernon towards Wooster, to be laid out in opening said road; and the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars, on the State road leading from Mount Vernon to the county line in a direction towards Zanesville, to be laid in opening said road; and fifty dollars on the road from Mt. Vernon to Granville.
The above appropriations from the State were highly appreciated by the people of Mt. Vernon.
Sixteen dollars per month were paid laborers in those days-and that amount was considered high
wages.
On the eighth of ,January, 1817, says the Southern Patriot, it was so dark in the city of London that candles were lighted at mid-day. Every American knows that the eighth of January is the anniversary of the glorious battle of New Orleans; the result of which literally put the city of London in mourning. It was indeed a dark day for England.- Ed. Register.
About this time Samuel H. Smith gives notice that he intends to apply to the court of common
pleas to vacate the greater part of the town of Clinton.
May 14, 1817, Wilson and Martin it appears have recently established a cabinet shop in the
house formerly occupied by I. Wilson as a storehouse, Market Square, Mount Vernon.
May 20th William W. Alexander, William Pettygrew and William Cranch, give to the public a
schedule of prices for tailoring.
The subscribers to the new school-house, proposed to be erected in Mt. Vernon, are requested to meet at Messrs. Richardson and Vore's tavern on Saturday afternoon, June, 1817, at four o'clock.
This year the fourth of July was honored by military display, banquet, toasts, songs, etc., both
at Mt. Vernon and Fredericktown.
July 9, 1817, Dr. William L. Brook commences the practice of physic and surgery in Mt. Vernon.
Married - On Thursday evening, July 17, 1817, by the Rev. James Smith, Mr. Isaac Vore, jr., to Miss Polly Martin, both of Mt Vernon.
In 1817 there were twenty-two chartered banks in Ohio, among which were the German bank of Wooster, the Granville bank and the Owl creek bank of Mt Vernon.
On the twenty-sixth of August, 1817, John Williamson, Samuel Pyle, Peter Zarby, James King and William Giffin, millwrights, met at Zimmerman's inn in Mt. Vernon, and established a schedule of prices.
One peculiarity of pioneer days was that all houses kept for the entertainment of "man and beast" were known as "taverns" or "inns." In 1880 such places are unknown. The pioneers copied the English inn, and also the manner of making "signs" for those establishments. The sign was the most important thing about them, and
362 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
the most noticeable, being generally suspended in a frame placed on top of a high post in front of the door, and consisting of a brilliantly painted horse, eagle, or some other animal or bird, or the head of some general or other prominent man.
February 4, 1818, another milliner offers her services to the ladies of Mt. Vernon, viz.: Miss Ann
Davis, also Miss Mary Lindsey, March 18, 1818, offers "her services as milliner, mantuamaker and glovist." She could be found at the house of Benjamin Martin, corner of Vine and Market (now Main) streets.
Died-Suddenly on Friday, March 13, 1818, Mr. Matthew Bonar.
Moody and McCarthy opens a new store in Mt. Vernon, April 1, 1818.
During this year Alexander Elliott is the postmaster at Mt. Vernon, and Andrew Clark is assistant postmaster at Clinton.
James Smith, April 4, 1818, advertises new goods for sale, in the house of Gilman Bryant, and, concludes as follows: "Clerk's office removed to this stand, and young ladies for sale at seventyfive cents."
In 1814 there were only eleven newspapers published in Ohio; of this number were the Ohio Register, the Zanesville Express and Muskingum Messenger, printed at Zanesville. Books of all classes, school, history and literary, were published from these early printing-offices. Even the Ohio Register office helped to swell the number, that the literary taste of the early pioneers might be indulged. The first noticed in the columns of the Register of 1814, was "James Smith's Vindication."
August 1, 1814, Putnam & Israel, of Zanesville, issued notice of their publishing in the office of the Zanesville Express Rollins' ancient history, in eight duodecimo volumes, of four hundred pages, at the low price of one dollar per volume. Egyptians, Carthaginians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Medes, Persians, Macedonians, and Grecians, were the themes of the different volumes. A great undertaking for a pioneer press.
Smith & McArdle, of the Register office, issued proposals for publishing by subscription, at their office, a history of the American Revolution, written in scriptural, or ancient historical style, by Richard Snowden. To which "will be added, The Columbiad, a poem on the American war," in thirteen cantos, by the same author. The price of the volumes, containing between two hundred and twenty and two hundred and fifty pages, duodecimo, was 'one dollar to subscribers; to non-subscribers, one dollar and twenty-five cents.
In 1816, the Register office having been removed to Mount Vernon, the editor, Mr. McArdle, who was also a bookbinder, gave notice in his paper that the publication of the Ohio Register would be suspended for two weeks, as he "had a large amount of binding for the State, which must be done promptly." In 1880, with a population of twenty-seven thousand three hundred and thirty, of which five thousand two hundred and forty-nine are within the limits of Mount Vernon, Knox county has not a bookbinder within its limits.
On the morning of the 4th of July, 1814, the flag of the United States was hoisted near Mr.
Zebulon Ashley's dwelling house, on a liberty pole sixty-eight feet in length, and the day was celebrated by a respectable number of the citizens of Strong's settlement and its vicinity. After an
elegant dinner eighteen toasts were drank, accompanied with the discharge of musketry. From
the number we extract the following:
The President of the United States, prefers republican principles to British tyranny-May the constitution be his life guard.
The American sword, which is drawn in defence of our country- May it never be returned till it has pierced the heart of our enemy.
Perry and his brave crew on Lake Erie-May they ever be victorious while their swords are drawn in defence of America.
The United States of America-May they ever be too independent to be governed by any other nation.
Success to the American Eagle, not forgetting Great Britain, hoping its kingdom may be brought down.
The others alike partake of a spirit engendered by the war, and breathe hate and defiance to the foe.
The following interesting items are from Norton's history:
In February, 1815, George Girty opened at store in Mt. Vernon, and also one in Fredericktown. There was but little increase the number of businessmen or in other respects this year.
On the eighth of April a "singing assembly" of ladies and gentlemen, comprising difterent singing societies in the county, gave a grand concert at the court house in Mt. Vernon, at 1 o'clock P. M. All persons feeling willing to unite and partici. pate in the exercises came. It was one of the olden kind of
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 363.
gatherings, like the "old folks' concert" given in Mt. Vernon this spring of 1862, as we have been assured by one of the yocalists who participated in both " singing assemblies."
In these war times, when some are disposed to grumble at the low rates soldiers receive, it may be well to remind them of the pay in 1815. In March the pay of non-commissioned officers and privates in the army of the United States was reduced to the following prices: To each sergeant-major and quartermastersergeant, nine dollars; sergeants, eight dollars; corporals, seven dollars; teachers of music, eight dollars; musicians, six dollars; artificers, ten dollars, and privates, five dollars.
Samuel Mott had come all the way from Vermont to practice law in the wilderness, and was the first lawyer resident in the county. Enos was the second, who, one of the old settlers, says, had just been made at home, and "wasn't lawyer enough to hurt."
May 9th, H. Curtis informs his friends and the public that. (luring the vacations of the courts, clients will find him in the town of Mt. Vernon. In 1817 he became a fixture of the county, and here remained until 1858.
At the October election this whole county polled three hundred and forty-five votes. Alexander Enos was chosen representative; John Shaw, sheriff; Jonathan Miller, commissioner; Dr. W. Hastings, coroner.
Richland county, at this election, gave for representativeWinn Winship, one hundred and fifty-six; A. Enos, twentytwo; Robert McMillen, ten.
The following "furwan" we copy verbatim from the Register of January 29, 1817
"TAKE NOTICE-That eye have left my wife Isebelah Irelands bead and board and eye know furnwan env person or persons creeaditing hit. on my account as eye shall not be accountable for env of her deats or contracts from this date likewise eye furwan env person or persons for purchasing eny property whatever til her former deats is al paid up.
JOHN IRELAND."
The little log school-house on the public square had served its time, and at private houses schools had for some time been kept, when the public spirited men in Mt. Vernon started subscriptions to build another.
June 7th. The subscribers to the new school-house proposed to be erected, met at Richardson & Vore's tavern to choose managers, etc. .
June 18th. The small-pox having made its appearance at Newark, caused a great excitement in the quiet village of Mt. Vernon, The inhabitants ran to and fro, not knowing what to do. A public consultation was had, and Dr. R. D. Moore wrote and published a little treatise on the subject, giving the origin of the disease, the views of " the immortal Jenner" upon "the grease," "cow-pox," "small-pox," etc., and concluding as follows: "The small-pox has been for some months past travelling northward, and is now within a short distance from this place. The subscriber will attend on every Saturday at his house in Mt. Vernon, for the purpose of vaccinating.
Anderson Searl, of Mt. Vernon, on the eighteenth of June, publishes that he will not pay a certain note given to William Shinnibery for a certain black and white muley cow, to be delivered to him next harvest; "the said note being given in part consideration of a certain horse sold to me by said Shinnibery for a sound horse, which I have since found to be unsound."
The 4th of July was celebrated by the Mt. Vernon artillery company, under Captain Joseph Brown; with all the pomp and circumstance of war. The day was duly ushered in by a national salute-a grand parade came off a sumptuous dinner at Richardson & Vote's inn, and toasts, spee speeches and wine made it a merry occasion. The Declaration of Independence was read by Doctor Robert D. Moore. Among the toasts were the following:
" The Constitution, the grandest work of human genius-May it long stand the proudest monument of Republican solidity.
" The memory of our departed American heroes front. W-arreli down to the brave Pike and Lawrence.
"Faction, the bane of republican governments--May it never be suffered to impair confidence in our legally constituted authorities.
"May the words Federalist and Democrat be exchanged for the prouder appellation of-" I am an American citizen. "
"The fair Daughters of Columbia-Always lovely, but more divinely enchanting when attired in homespun, smiling on the patriotic brave.
" By Captain John Shaw-May brother Jonathan watch John Bull with the eye of an Eagle."
The grand jurors in the common pleas court June 23d, Royal D. Simons, foreman-returned seven bills of indictment. Albert Sherwood, by verdict of jury, recovered seventyfive dollars from William Williams for assault and battery; and in suit of the State William Williams was fined fifteen dollars and costs. Thomas Wilkins and John Roop are each fined five dollars and costs for assault and battery; and John Strain and Roop each fined five dollars and costs for an affray, and Robert Butler was fined. fifteen dollars and costs.
James Trimble renews his tavern license; also Michael Harter, John Davidson, Gotlieb Zimmerman, and Richardson & Vore:
On application of Anthony Banning and Samuel Kratzer for the vacating of a part of the addition of the town of Mount Vernon. the application is overruled at the cost of the applicants.
Samuel H. Smith's application for vacating part of the town of Clinton was continued; and also continued in the October term, 1817.
Ordered that a certificate issue to pay expense of coroner's inquest over the body of William Conaway, jr.; also of N. Butler.
John Frank & Co., July 17th, offered iron, castings and salt, being both chartered and cash articles in this place, and solicit their friends to whom they gave a short credit last winter to come forward and discharge their respective accounts.
They are informed that the paper of the Owl Creek bank, of Mt. Vernon, and that of Canton, and the Farmers' and Mechanics' bank, of Steubenville, will be taken, etc.
Luke Walpole brings to Mt. Vernon a quantity of salt, and leather, to exchange for beef and pork, delivered in Zanesville the coming winter.
October 16th Frederick Falley. proprietor of Venice has one thousand lots for sale, and invites all classes of mechanics and business men to locate there. About this time it was the supposition that Venice would become the future shipping point for Knox county, and Norton & Banning established a storage, commission and mercantile house at Venice, on the Sandusky bay. As evidence that this belief was general, we may cite the act of the legislature of 1817, declaring that the road to be made by the Knox, Richland & Huron Turnpike company shall terminate at the town of Venice, on Sandusky bay.
364 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
Robert D. Moore, as agent for the Mary Ann furnace, situated on the Rocky fork of Licking, brings to the notice of our citizens a large assortment of castings of superior beauty and quality, and asks them to encourage manufactories.
Daniel S. Norton notifies those who were in debt to him on the sixteenth of August last, to pay up while they can in the paper of the country.
Anthony Banning advertises a large lot of leather, which he will sell for hides or chartered money; or chartered money will be given for hides.
Jesse B. Thomas cautions "all persons (indiscriminately) against cutting, destroying, and removing timber from, or otherwise trespassing upon my lands on the Hamtramck section, as I
have given my agents (Messrs. John Roberts and John Warden), positive instructions to prosecute all."
"TAYLORS ' PRICES.-We, the subscribers, of Mt. Vernon. have agreed to establish the following prices for tailoring, viz: Great coats, four dollars and fifty cents; broad-cloth coats, four dollars; common homespun, three dollars and fifty cents; common pantaloons, one dollar and twenty-five cents; vest, one dollar and twenty-five cents; pantaloons with buttons on the legs, one dollar and seventy-five cents; ditto, welted, one dollar and fifty cents; cherrivallies, laced, three dollars; plain, ditto, two dollars and twenty-five cents; ladies' coats, three dollars and fifty cents. Any extra work on the above articles shall be priced according to the work.
"WILLIAM W. ALEXANDER.
"WILLIAM PETTIGREW,
"WILLIAM CROUCH.
"May 20, 1817."
William Giffin and Peter Zarley got up a meeting of mill wrights, at Zimmerman's inn, on the twenty-sixth of August, for establishing a bill of prices for their work. At this meeting John Williamson, Samuel Pyle. Peter Zarley, James King, and William Giffin were present. Among the items we find-"For a double-peered grist-mill, three hundred dollars; for a double peered saw-mill, two hundred dollars; for a meat spout two dollars; meal trough, three dollars; hopper, four dollars, etc." .
Jacob Myers, Patrick Nellans, Robert Robertson, Samuel Hoppers, Samuel Vance, John Byan, John Cottle, John Kinsey, and David Porter, agree upon honor to support the said bill of prices.
"The person who took away a mattock from my building, without leave, is requested to return the same immediately, or his name will be given to the public (besides prosecuting), as it is well known who purloined it."
"TAKE CARE.-The persons who was so kind as to take away without leave, a pair of stretchers and a broken singletree, or, the twenty-ninth of August; they were laying on the green between Messrs. Bryant & Burr's and Mr. J Frank & Co.'s stores, are requested to return the same immediately to the subscriber, and save themselves trouble. They had better return them before they are troubled with a call from Mr. Constable.
JAMES THOMPSON '
MOUNT VERNON, September 5, 1817."
Noah Rude has a chestnut sorrel horse stolen from James Bryant's pasture on the night of the fifth of September and offers a reward for him.
At the district court of the United States, held at Chillicothe on the ninth of September, Samuel Bunting was indicted on a charge of robbing the mail between Newark and Zanesville, and was sentenced to the penitentiary for one year.
Horse thieves about this time became so bold that Joseph Berry had, on the morning of the nineteenth of September, a mare, saddle and bridle stolen from the door of James Thompson in Mount Vernon, just after he had hitched her, and gone into the house.
Samuel Mott, candidate for senator, September 11th, sends out to the electors of Licking, Knox and Richland, the first printed address we have been able to find. He says, among other things, that he has "been induced to become a candidate from the encouragement of many substantial and respectable citizens in the district."
In the Register, of September 11th, we find tickets announced as the choice of Chester, Morris, Morgan and Miller townships.
There were many aspirants for political promotion. Among the number we find, for governor-Thomas Worthington, Ethan A. Brown, James Dunlap.
For congress-Peter Hitchcock. John G. Young. David Clendenan.
For senate-William Stanbery, esq.. William Gavitt, esq., Major Joseph Brown, Samuel Mott, esq., Benjamin Manin, esq., Waitstill Hastings, Henry Smith, Mordecai Bartley.
For house of representatives Jonathan Miller, William Mitchell, Munson Pond. John Warden, Alexander Enos, Judge Thomas Coulter for Richland county, William W. Farquhar.
The Ohio Register, of August 28th, having contained this notice:
"There is another gentleman who very kindly offers his sec, vices as representative in the State legislature; he is extremely modest, though very popular,- he, therefore, believes that it will amply suffice, at this time, to make public the initial letters. only, of his name. They are " R. B."
Expectation, on tip-toe, was gratified by the following explanatory card:
"September 3, 1816.
Mr. McArdle: .After my respects to you, as you have been so good as to insert the two first letters of my name, (1 presume it has been from the solicitations of my friends) I wish you to insert my name in full, as I am a candidate, and determined to oppose William Mitchell; and forward your hill to me, and you will much oblige yours, etc.
ROBERT BUTLER.
J. P. McARDLE''
Colonel John Greer about this time felt the importance of his milritary commission, and issued an order to the commandants of companies in the county of Knox to send two men from each company to Mr. Boalse's inn, to nominate suitable persons to represent the counties of Knox, Licking and Richland. Whereupon there appeared, on the thirteenth of September, the following persons:
From Captain Parcel's company, Truman Strong and David Shaw. From Captain Cook's company, Captain John Cook and Isaac N. Richardson. From Captain John Venom's company, Joslah B. Day and John Trimble. From Captain A. Emmet's company, William Bevans and Benjamin Warner. From Captain Cooper's company, Jacob Hanger and Jonathan Burch. From Captain Squire's company. James Miller and John Tullos. '
The result of this caucus or military dictation-the first of the kind ever known in this country, was the nomination of Waitstill Hastings and Jonathan Miller.
Nominating caucuses were also held in Richland and in Licking counties this year. The contest waxed very warm; circulars
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY - 365
and handbills were much circulated, and all manner of electioneering was resorted to at this election. The result, however, was that out of four hundred and eighty-five votes for governor cast in the whole county, Thomas Worthington received four hundred and twenty-four majority. Peter Hitchcock had four hundred and sixty-three majority for Congress; and the county gave small majorities for Martin for senator and Miller for representative.
Samuel Mott received one vote in Clinton, three in Morris, eight in Stiller, and none in Chester, Wayne, Jackson, Union, or Morgan. Connected with this election is the following anecdote, which is. altogether too good to be lost: Gideon Mott, the brother of Sam, who teas a very plain man, yet full of wit, was responsible for it. He said that he dropped in to see Mrs. Mott on the night of the election, and while there Samuel got home from Richland county, where he had been electioneering, and was asked how the election had gone in Clinton. He replied " I got one vote," Mrs. Mott exclaimed, That's always the way it is-if you had only been at home, Samuel, and voted, you would have got two!"
Josiah L. Hill, of Green township, offers himself as a candidate for representative of Richland county in the following pithy address:
"The usual theme of candidates, in my standing, are many loud-swelling words full of legislative wisdom, or rather of their own egotism, and to harangue every neighbor in their way with
the prospect of a State road or a turnpike, by measures of which one-half of our citizens will become wealthy inn-keepers, and the other half their happy customers, with their pockets flushed
with money drawn from a new country bank to be erected on a new-fangled system, and thus all are to be rich and happy. But such language as this hath never fallen from my lips since the
days of my youth, when under the passions of love and addressed to females of my age, and I shall not again resume this theme until I become a widower; but while I speak for myself
to men of understanding and discernment, and not to women, I have only to say that I stand a free-will offering at the altar of your good pleasures. Should I succeed in my election I shall feel it incumbent on me to use my feeble endeavors, by lawful license, to gratify my constituents, and this is all the flattery I have to make use of. My abilities are too small to boast of, which, with my character, are now for you to enquire into.
So I remain the public's devoted servant,
JOSIAH L. HILL.
GREEN TOWNSHIP, September 15, 1816."
Whereupon Thomas Coulter withdraws his name from the list.
At the election this year, four hundred and seventy votes were cast in Richland county-of which Worthington had a majority of three hundred and fifty-three, Hitchcock four hundred and thirty-three; and for Senator Mordecai Bartley received three hundred and thirty-nine, William Gavitt seventyseven, Joseph Brown twenty-three, Samuel Mott ten, Benjamin Martin six, Waitstill Hastings six. Samuel Williams was elected representative.
Benjamin Martin, for senator, puts forth the following address:
'To the electors of the district composed of the counties of Licking, Knox and Richland:
GENTLEMEN-As I am offering myself as a candidate to represent the inhabitants of the above district in the State senate, I think it- my duty to lay before the public a copy of official papers, which I hope you will read, and thereby satisfy your minds in regard to my political character. The first of my certificates has reference to the oath of allegiance.
"I do hereby certify that Benjamin Martin, of Bedford county hath voluntarily taken and subscribed the oath of allegiance and fidelity, as directed by an act of General Assambly of Pensylvania, passed the thirteenth day of June, 1777. Witness my hand and seal the tenth day of October, A. D., 1785.
JAMES MARTIN."
"Bedford county, State of Pennsylvania, ss.
We, the subscribers, justices of the Peace, & c., in and for the county of Bedford, do hereby certify to all who a may concern, that we have been acquainted with the bearer hereof, Benjamin Martin, son of James Martin, esq., of the county aforesaid these several years past, and that we have not heard of anything to operate against his character as an honest young man; but on the coutrary, that he has behaved himself as a good Whig and a friend to his country. And he being desirous to go from here to the lower parts of the State to transact some business and see his relations; therefore, all persons are requested to permit the said Benjamin Martin to pass and repass, he behaving himself as a good and faithful citizen ought to do.
Given under our hands and seal, the twentieth of April, in the year of our Lord 1784.
BENJAMIN DOUGHERTY,
DAVID HESPY."
"SIRS-Having always in view, as my polar star, the principles contained in the above oath and certificate, I have with a steady mind, either as a private citizen or as a public servant, pursued that kind of policy which would best promote the interests of our country, as the principles of general suffrage; for I always have and ever shall be of opinion, that when a man has enrolled himself in our militia muster-rolls, and has paid State and county tax, that in consequence thereof, he is and ought to be entitled to all the privileges and advantages of the government; and any policy or law, which, in its operation, would tend to lessen those privileges would be an invasion on the natural and inherent rights of man. Those, gentlemen, are the principles which I ventured in my life to establish, and the remaining part of my days shall go to maintain them.
Written by the public's humble servant and real friend,
BENJAMIN MARTIN."
The difficulty of collecting debts, in part at this time, may be judged of by the following unique notice of Sheriff Shaw:
PUBLIC NOTICE.-My friends and the public are hereby informed, that should they have large sums of money to collect, not to bring suit in the court of common pleas, in expectation of thereby obtaining their just demands in a reasonable time. I have been induced to publish this friendly caution that the public may not censure me for neglect in my official capacity. In order to show where the fault lies, read the following plain statement:
I have been assiduously endeavoring to collect the amount of an execution ever since I have been sheriff of this county, and have as yet received no money. The associate judges grant bills of injunction successively, after I have had the property ready for sale, which has procrastinated the collection of money. There have been two on the aforesaid execution; the judgment was rendered at the December term, 1815, for Erkurius Beatty. Therefore, if the laws of this State will keep a
366 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
man out of his money three years after judgment is rendered, I would seriously advise my friends not to bring suits for debts due them, but rather remove to some other State or country where they may obtain justice.
JOHN SHAW,
Sheriff of Knox county.
September 4,. 1816.
The fall term of the court of common pleas came on December 24, 1816.
GRAND JURY.- Isaac Vore, sr., foreman, Abednego Stephens, Thomas Townsend, Zebulon Ashley, David Jackson, Robert Work, William Lepley, William Kittle, John L. Lewis, Samuel Durbin, Robert McMillan, Anthony Banning, Francis Wilkins, Francis Blakeley, and Thomas Fletcher.
They found six bills of indictments. Tavern license was granted to Anson Brown and Jonathan Hunt. Store licenses to John Williams, James Rigby, James Miller, John Shrimplin, Bryant & Burr, Eli and Jonathan Miller, and Anthony Banning. Shadrack Ruark, of the Methodist church, was licensed to marry, and James Craig was fined fifteen dollars and costs for assault and battery.
[The foregoing quotations from Mr. Norton's book have been given nearly verbatim, partly to indicate the spirit of the times and show the rather crude condition of the pioneers in a literary way, and partly for the names of the pioneers, which appear in various places.-The Editor.]
In 1820 there were only seven brick houses in Mt. Vernon, and of these two only remain to mark the past. The building on the northeast corner of Mulberry and Vine streets, now occupied by O'Conner, grocer, is one; the second has been so improved and modernized that its past appearance can scarcely be recalled to mind even by the oldest residents, and to others its existence is forgotten. At that time what is now Mr. Joseph M. Byers' pleasant residence, northwest corner of Gay and Vine streets, was but a small onestory building upon the east end of the lot. The old building is yet there, and is still not there, for the modern improvements have completely hidden it from view. At that time the little brick was occupied by William Vore, a teamster.
In 1826 Mt. Vernon contained eighty dwellinghouses, one printing office, a brick court house and jail, a merchant-mill, a saw-mill, a cotton factory, and within six miles, nine grist-mills and saw-mills, and three carding machines.
Up to the settlement of the county seat question, Clinton was far in advance of Mt. Vernon and even Fredericktown, although about two years younger than its more fortunate rival, seemed to offer greater advantages for the county seat than Mt. Vernon. That matter having been decided, however, probably in a great measure by Ben Butler's "trick," the destiny of the town was thus decided it was to become a city.
From 1805 to 1811: no territory was added to its limits as the increase in population was no more than sufficient for the original plat. Since the latter date the following additions have been made: Joseph Walker's, January 15, 1811; Samuel Kratzer, March 20, 1811; Joseph Walker made a second addition, September 11, 1:816; Mr. Hamtramck, November 15, 1826; Mr. Shaw, April 3, 1828; Trimble's addition was made May 5, 1832; Banning s, September 12, 1832: Burgess', October 12, 1832: Jesse B. Thomas', August 2, 1836; Norton's Western, February 4, 1837; Eastern addition, April 13, 1837; Samuel Kratzer's second, July 9, 1838; Mr. Norton made two additions in 1841, one March 25th, and the other July gist; Norton's, Northern, November 29, 1845; Potwin and Raymond's, December 31, 1845 ; Thomas, Warden & Brown's, May 22, 1848; Brown's Executors', June 9, 1848; Factory, July 5, 1848; M. M. Beam, June 23, 1849; Benjamin F. Smith's, April 7, 1852; Russell & Hurd's, March 14, 1853: Norton's, Southern, May 20, 1853; Blackman's, April 11, 1854; S. B. Doty's, September 18, 1854; Sturdevant's, September 27, 1854; A. Banning Norton's, October 31, 1854, Norton's Great Western, December 8, 1854; Norton's Island, December 28, 1854; P. Lothorp's, January 22, 1855: Henry B. Curtis', May 7, 1855; John Irvine's, November 7, 1860; Henderson's, January 3, 1861; George K. Norton's, February 12, 1862: H. W. Owens, April 21, 1862; Henry B. Curtis', October 8, 1862; J. F. Hobbs', January 12, 1863; Henry B. Curtis', December 1, 1863; George K. Norton's, May 11,
1864; Sheahan & Quade's, November 8, 1866; John Purcell's, March 2, 1867; James Worley's,
March 20, 1867; Joseph Watson's April 1. 1867; Adam Randolph's, August 22, 1868; H. B. Rogers', December 18, 1868; Adam Snow, April 10, 1869; C. H. Osborne's, January 14, 1871 ; Arthur Greer's, September 7, 1871; G. B. Potwin's Executors', July 20, 1871 : James Rogers', August 7, 1872; James Rogers' Eastern, November 25, 1872; H. O. Taft's, February 8, 1873; Boynton R Hill's,
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 367
February 21, 1873; Frederick Vohls', May 13, 1873; Sherwood's, July 7, 1873; John Wilson's, July 26, 1873; Rogers & Doyle's, Ootober 9, 1873; and Newham & Williams', April 30, 1874.
February 26, 1845, the State legislature passed an act entitled "An Act to Incorporate the Town of Mt Vernon, in Knox county," the first section reading as follows:
SEC. I. Be It Ordained by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, That so much of the town of Mt. Vernon, in the county of Knox, as is comprised in the limits hereinafter described, that is to say, all the in-lots, streets and alleys, and other public grounds bordered by the same, within the old original town plat and its several recorded and confirmed additions, together with all fractions of lots or parcels of ground lying between the old town plat and either of said additions, especially to include such fractions or portions of ground not already laid out into town lots, as lie between the south line of Hamtramck street, anti the north line of Burgess street, extending between the Hamtramck addition and Norton's addition; and so much of like ground as lies north of the south line of Chestnut street, extending east to the Coshocton road, and to include one tier of in-lots of usual size on the north side of Chestnut street, so extended as aforesaid; also embracing the following groundscommencing at Lambton square, at the junction of the Mansfield and Wooster roads; thence along the Mansfield road to the intersection of the north line of the cross street or road, to the new graveyard; thence along the north line of said cross street to the graveyard lot; thence north and so running around said graveyard lot and including the school-house lot to the southeast corner thereof; thence following the aforesaid graveyard street to the east line of the Wooster road; thence southward along the east line of the said Wooster road and the east line of Gay street, as extended to North street; thence west to Main or Market street; thence north to the place of beginning, except such lots and streets in any of said plats or, additions as have been vacated; Provided, That this exception does not exclude the vacated lots and streets east of Division street, and north of Front street in the Eastern addition, but the same are hereby included in the limits according to the eastern boundary of said addition, as originally laid out and recorded-be, and the same is hereby created into a town corporate, to be known by the name of the town of Mount Vernon; Provided, That all ground here after laid out and recorded as town lots, or additions to said town, by name or otherwise, if contiguous thereto, shall, from the time of being so recorded, be included within the corporate limits of said town and constitute a part thereof.
Further provisions of the above quoted act of incorporation, divided the town into five wards, and allotted one councilman to each ward, and provided for their election, and also for the election of one mayor, one recorder, one town treasurer, one town marshal, and one street commissioner.
Eight years later, by the passage of the following sections, the legislature enabled the town to become a city of the second class:
SEC. XIX. of the municipal code, passed May 3, 1852, provides for the election of two trustees for each ward.
SEC. XXI. Any town which by the special act of incorporation has been divided into wards, shall be denominated a city of the second class if the council shall so determine.-Ohio Law, passed 1853.
The completion of the Sandusky, Mansfield S Newark railroad, about 1846, enabled Mount Vernon to take a long step forward, and thus avail itself of, the privileges granted by the legislature. The several additions made to the city in 1873, were caused principally by the completion of the Cleveland, Mount Vernon & Columbus railroad.
On the second of March, 1870. the city council passed "An Ordiance Defining and Establishing the Corporate Limits of the City of Mount Vernon, Ohio." The provision of the ordinance reads as follows:
SEC. I. Be it ordained by the City Council of the city of Mt. Vernon, That the City Corporation Line of the City of Mt. Vernon be, and is hereby established by the following described lines, to wit:
Beginning at the southwest corner of the north abutment of the bridge at the south end of Main street, and running thence S. 53 1/2°, E. 20 50-100 rods along the stone wall south of John Cooper's Steam Engine works, to the southeast angle thereof. Thence N. 83 1/2°, E. 516-100 rods to the southeast angle of John Cooper's fence, on the west side of Gay street. Thence S. 83 1/2°, E. 12 40-100 rods to the southwest corner of the Factory addition. Thence by the courses and distances bounding the south side of said addition to the southwest corner of Curtis, and Byer's lot, being lot No. 34 in said addition. Thence N. 83 1/4,", E. 25 80-100 rods, continuing along the south line of said addition. Thence N. 74 1/4°, E. 32 60-100 rods along said south boundry, and by the same course to a point on the east line of Ridgely street, and near the south line of Water street. Thence N. 2°, E. 136-100 rods on east line of Ridgely street to a point on the south side of the Springfield, Mt. Vernon and Pittsburgh railroad line. Thence S. 80°, E. 38-100 rods to a white oak 28 inches diameter, S. 73 1/4, E. 21 52-100 rods S. 64°, E. 27 16-100 rods along the south side of said railroad line to the centre of Allen Beach's alley. Thence N. 1 3/4°, E. 28-100 rods along the centre of said alley to a point 12 rods south of the south side of Gambier street. Thence S. 73 1/4°, E. 114 40-100 rods on a line parallel with the south side of Gambier street to the east line of Clinton township. Thence N. 2°, E. 94 50-100 rods on said township line to the south side of the new Gambier road. Thence N. 88°, W. 37-100 rods along the south side of said road to a point in line with the east side of Centre Run street. Thence N. 2°, E. 98-100 rods along the east line of Centre Run street to the centre of Coshocton road. Thence N. 70', E. 14 12-100 rods along the centre of said road to John Flynn's southeast corner. Thence N. 175,°, W. 13 92-100 rods to said Flynn's northeast corner in the the centre of the " Harkness road." Thence N. 88°; 20 W. 166 86-100 rods along the centre of said road to the southeast corner of Mrs. Plimpton s lot, known as " Round Hill." Thence N. 2°, E. 41 90-100 rods along the east side of said lot, to a point in line
368 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
with the north side of Curtis street. Thence on said line N. 89". W. 43 50-100 rods to the east side of McKenzie street. Thence N. 2°, E. 24 84-100 rods to the south line of land owned by the heirs of Rev. James Scott, deceased. Thence N. 31 1/2°, E. 36 5.100 rods across said Scott's land, To feet north of the stable, and along the northeast side of an alley, across and to to the west side of Wooster road. Thence on the west side of said road N. 40 1/2*, E. 13 40-100 rods to the northeast corner of John McGibney's lot. Thence N. 49 1/2°, W. 12 40-100 rods along the north line of said lot, to the northwest corner thereof. Thence N. 88 1/2°, E. 26 50-100 rods along the north side of land owned by John McGibney to the east side of the cemetery. Thence N. 2°, 10, E. 39 80-100 rods on the east side of the cemetery to the northeast corner thereof. Thence N. 88°, 50` W. 18 92-100 rods on the north line of said cemetery to the east line of the Catholic cemetery. Thence on said east line N. 2°, 10' E. 8 60-100 rods to the northeast corner of said cemetery. Thence S. 76 1/4', W. 43 8-100 rods along the north side or said cemetery and Mr. Pollock's lot, to the west side of the Mansfield road. Thence along the west side of said road N. 14°, W. 25 75-100 rods to the south side of a road on the north side of lands owned by widow Trimble's heirs. Thence continuing along the south side of said road S. 76 3/4', W. 39 80-100 rods to the angle thereof. Thence S. 68°, W. 24 rods along the south line of said road, to a point in the line with Mr. Flaharty's east line. Thence o n said east line N. 15 1/2`, W. 12 60-100 rods to said Flaharty's northeast corner. Thence S. 72°, W. 25 84-100 rods along along the north line of Flaharty's lot to the east end of the alley north of the tannery. Thence across the east end of said alley N. 22°, W. 67-100 rods to the north side thereof. Thence S. 72°, 11 68-100 rods on the north side of said alley, and to the west side of Sandusky street. Thence on the west side of said street N. 21°, W. 6 80-100 rods to the northeast corner of John Cassil's lot. Thence on the north side of said lot S. 68 3/4°, W. 60 25-100 rods to the west side of the Baltimore 6: Ohio railroad. Thence along the west side of said railroad to the north line of Norton's northwestern addition. Thence S. 68 3/4°, W. 10 rods to the northwest corner of said addition. Thence S. 41 1/2`, E. 25 50-100 rods along the west side of said addition to the west side of said railroad. Thence along the west side of said railroad by the curves and tangents thereof 156 50-100 rods to a point 4 feet west of the west end of the race bridge abutment and 9 rods north of the north line of Chestnut street. Thence N. 88 1/4°, W. 60 23-100 rods through lands of George K. Norton, James Rogers and others to the east line of lands owned by heirs of John Mitchell, deceased. Thence N. 1 3/4°, E. 7 20-100 rods on said Mitchell's east line to the northwest corner of said land. Thence N. 89°, W. 78 62-100 rods along the north line of said John Mitchell's, Silas Mitchell's John Gotshall's, Sapp and Rogers' land to the northeast corner of lands formerly owned by Samuel Hookaway. Thence S. 1 1/2°, W. 91 62-100 rods along the east line of said land and through lands of Israel and Devin, to a point 8 2/3 rods south of the line of Wood street extended. Thence S. 89°, E. 115
14-l00 rods to the west line of lot No. 10 in Norton's Southern addition. Thence south 2°, W. along the west side of lots 10 and 11, 6 35-100 rods to the southwest corner of lot No. 11, the same being on the south line of said southern addition. Thence S. 89°, E. 8 rods on the south line of said lot No. 11, to the west side of Norton street. Thence N. 2°, E. 8 rods on he west side of said street. Thence S. 89° E. 19 rods along the south side of lots marked " S. Gray" on city map, to the west side of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. Thence S. 58 1/4°, E. 22 rods along the west side of said railroad to a point on the north side of the old race. Thence S. 64°, E. 35 48-100 rods along the north side of the old race, to a point from which an elm tree about thirty inches in diameter bears S. 17°, W. 64 links distant. Thence S, 70 1/2°, E. 35 rods to the place of beginning.
SEC. 2. That William McClelland, the city solicitor, be and hereby is directed to prosecute the proceedings necessary to effect the annexation contemplated in section first of this ordinance.
SEC. 3. That the foregoing ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and due publication.
In 1830, Mt Vernon contained about five hundred people. The following extracts from a letter written in 1871, by a gentleman now a prominent merchant in Gambier, gives a picture of the town in 1830, as well as some account of the changes in forty years:
In passing down Main street, the other day, I could not but notice the great change that has taken place since I knew the town. I came to Mt. Vernon in 1827, so that by the beginning of 1830, I was pretty well acquainted with the town and the people. The whole make of the ground has been changed, and there are very few buildings now standing (1871) which were then (1830) in existence, or if standing, have been moved to other streets. Commencing at the upper end of Main street on the east side, there is yet standing what was then the residence of H. B. Curtis, esq., now occupied by him as an office, and formerly by the Knox County National bank. North of this until you get above what was then a deep valley, there is not a vestige of the town of 1830 now standing. Above where this valley then was, stood a brick house now owned, the writer thinks, by Mr. B. F. Criswell.
The next building south of H. B. Curtis', then standing, is now owned by Samuel Israel, esq., and then the residence and mercantile establishment of Dr. Timothy Burr. South of this until you get below Gambier street, there is not a single building now standing that was then in existence. Passing the George building, now occupied by Armstrong & Miller, on the comer of Main and Gambier streets, there are two or three old acquaintances, but so dressed up they are scarcely recognizable. The brick now occupied by Samuel Clark, known as the Jacob Martin house, the writer thinks was then in existence. From this to the bridge he sees no old acquaintance.
Passing to the west side of Main street, let us go north of the valley before spoken of. Here is found a part of a brick dwelling that has been added to and remodelled, built, the writer thinks, by William Watkins. The story' was, that said Watkins having broken his leg, was prevented from going out to work, and not knowing what to do with himself until his leg got well, conceived the idea of laying up the walls of a house. By the assistance of his wife and neighbors, he was helped to the spot every morning, where lie sat and laid brick all day, his wife tending mason.
South from this until you come to the building occupied by J. Stauffer & Son, the old town has all been swept away. This building was then occupied by Hugh Newell as a hotel. It was one of the notables of the town.
Passing down the street nothing of old acquaintance is seen
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 369
until we get below Woodward block. There we come across a little group of frame houses, two or three in number.
The next old acquaintance that strikes the eye is the building at the southwest comer of Main and Gambier streets- Potwin's Phoenix building-looking all the better for having been purged by fire. It was in 1830 one of the "institutions" of the town, known as The Golden Swan Inn, kept by Thomas Irvine. Here the county courts were held. Here in the west wing, up stairs, was the (tall of the Thespian society. From this to the bridge there is nothing standing of the buildings of 1830.
Let us return to the north endof Main street, and note some of the then buildings and their uses:
The Whig paper was then published by William Bevans in a little one-story red frame, where Mrs. Dr. Thompson now resides. The next building south was the residence of H. B. Curtis, before mentioned. On the corner where Dr. J. J. Scribner' s drug store now is, was a frame house, the residence of William Y. Farquhar, then treasurer of Knox county. Next, the residence of Dr. Timothy Burr, before noted. Next, south on the corner stood a little one-story frame, the office of Dr. Maxwell. Back of this, fronting the public square, was the ;mall brick residence of P. L. Norton. On the site of those old buildings stands the Norton block-the corner room occupied by Dr. Israel Green as a drug store, and the upper story by offices of the Cleveland, Mt. Vernon & Columbus railroad. On the next corner, now occupied by the Knox County National bank, in the ''Curtis house" block, was a brick building occupied by Gilman Bryant as a store. But before crossing the public square, I should have noticed on a bank, at least twenty feet above Main street, at the southeast corner of Main and High streets, was a large pile of brick and nearly three sides of a wall of what used to be the court house. (I might mention here in passing that a new court house was under contract, and was afterwards built on the northwest corner of Main and High streets.) Another feature which should not be omitted. On the north side of High street, and a short distance east from Main, stood a building whose iron grated windows and gloomy aspect, told all persons travelling through the town that the building was intended to be a warning to evil doers, and was put in a conspicuous place that all might see and order their steps accordingly.
From Bryant's corner south the next building was a brick occupied by Sherman & Browning as a store. Next was a small one-story frame occupied as a shoe shop and law office Next stood a large frame, occupied by Eli Miller as a residence and store, in which was. the post office, Mr. Miller being then postmaster. On the southeast corner of Main and Vine streets, was a frame building occupied by S. J. Updegraff as a store. That frame was moved off, and now forms a part of the residence of Daniel McDowell, esq., and on its site is the Ward block. Next, a frame building in which Mr. James Huntsberry kept a saloon (grocery it was then called). After this came the tailor shop of Adam Pyle. The Democratic paper was published near here. Next, where the Odd Fellows' building now stands occupied by C. A. Bope's hardware store, was a two-story frame hotel and stage house, kept by Calvin Anderson. Next two or three small frames, in which were J. W. Warden's law office, Dr. J. N. Burr's office, John Gregg's harness shop, and a drug shop, the proprietor's name not now remembered, also the residence of Isaac Vore. Next to this, where the Peterma building now stands, was a hewed log building, weathe boarded, occupied by S. Rowley as a tavern, and was familiarly known as "the old war office." On the southeast comer of Main and Gambier streets was a two-story frame building occupied by William E. Davidson as a tavern. Then follows Silers' residence and hat shop. Charles Sager, Jacob and Joseph Martin, and some others not now remembered.
On the west side of Main street where N. N. Hill resides was a two-story frame occupied by William Mefford. Next south on the ground now occupied by the fine residence of Hon. Joseph C. Devin, was a long one-story red frame building used as county offices.
On the southwest corner of Main and Chestnut streets, was a small frame house used as a bakery by William Mackey. Next a two-story frame occupied by Dr. J. W. Russell, and as a select school. The second story became the hall of the Mount Vernon Lyceum. 'this building, like many of early days, became a traveller, but cast anchor, I believe, on the south side of Gambier street, near Main.
The next building was Washington Hall, a hotel, kept by Hugh Newell, before spoken of.
Crossing the public square, the corner now known as the Kirk Opera House block, and occupied by Stadler the clothier, and Van Aikin's boot and shoe store, was covered by a two story frame, the residence of J. B. Rogers, and the mercantile establishment of J. B. Rogers & Co. West of this building and fronting to the north, were two or three small frames, in one of which T. W. Rogers kept military goods, and in another D. D. Stevenson kept a shoe shop. In their places are now the fine business houses built by Raymond and Sperry. Next south of J. B. Roger's store was a small frame building on the ground now covered by the store of J. S. Ringwalt. Next to this, where James Rogers' hardware store now is, stood a small one-story frame, occupied by Anthony Banning, jr., as a store. This was formerly the building occupied by the Owl Creek bank. It had a double batton door and window shutters filled with nails, "burglar proof." The paint, which was nearly gone, had been red. Next to this, on the corner, was a two story brick, occupied by James S. Banning as a store and residence.
Where the Woodward block now stands was a two-story frame, the store of A. & S. Elliott. Next to this stood a frame occupied by P. L. Norton as a store. Jacob Banning 's store came next. These two last named buildings can still be seen. Then came Zimmerman's tavern, a good sized wooden building, two-story front with a wing fn the rear. Next, the residence of R. M. Brown, a little back from the street. The site of these two last named buildings is now occupied by the large three story brick edifice built by R. M. Brown, and occupied as places of business by Browning & Sperry, T. B. Mead, and W. B. Russell's drug store. Next the residence of Mr. Brown, on the corner, was a brick, the residence and business place of J. E. Woodbridge.
Just across the street was the "Golden Swan Inn," before spoken of. The building is now occupied on the ground floor by the dry goods store of H. C. Swetland, and the drug store of Baker Brothers, and the second story by the Democratic Banner newspaper and job office. Next to the Golden Swan came a small frame or two, and then another tavern almost on
d the bank of the creek.
One more business establishment I will mention, and then be done with the west side of Main street. This was Morey's soap factory, on the bank of the stream, and a little west of the
street. It was here that mischievous men and boys sent
370 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
strangers and others not posted for any article not found at any of the stores. If butter was scarce, and a person seen walking up and down street with a plate in his hand, he was told Morey had plenty. So from a needle to an anchor, it mattered little what was wanted, they were sent to Motey. The latter was considerably bored by these practical jokes, but yet not quite so hazily bored as those who were sent there.
The places for public worship then were few. The Presbyterian church stood on the site of the present fine edifice. It was a low, square. four-roofed brick, covering quite a space of ground, and capable of holding several hundred people. It passed away long ago. Its successor, a large frame building, was burned, and now the third building occupies the ground. The building then occupied by the Methodists was standing until a few months since, and in 1830 was also used as the Fifth ward schoolhouse. Its upper story was then used as a Masonic lodge.
In the early part of 1880, this old landmark was razed to the ground, to make place for the residence of William R. Brown, the present mayor of the city.
Another school-house in the southwest part of the town was frequently used for preaching.
The above comprises all the places then used for public worship known to the writer. Elder Rigdon did occasionally preach in his own house, west end of Chestnut street.
Of the persons then living the majority have passed away. Of the members of the bar the writer knows of only one representative, the Honorable H. B. Curtis; of the clergy none. Of the medical fraternity, Drs. J. N. Burr and J. W. Russell.
Mt. Vernon in 1830 claimed no less than eighteen merchants. All have passed from earth, the late J. E. Woodbridge being the last of the old timers who was called away.
Of the list of young men and boys then acting in the capacity of clerks in the various stores in 1830, only eight were living in 1871, viz: V. W. Miller, now of Newark, Ohio, then with Sherman & Browning; G. B. Burr, now of Texas, then with his father, Dr. T. Burr; George W. Martin, then with A. & S. Elliott, now of Lancaster, Ohio; Milo Lewis, then with D. S. Norton, near the mills, now of Washington city; C. G. Scott, then with Philo L. Norton, now of Gambier; P. Jones, then with S. J. Updegraph, now of Coshocton county, Ohic. N. N. Hill came that year with S. P. Warden; Mr. Hill clerked for Samuel Mott, and Mr. Warden for A. & S. Elliott. Mr. Warden resides in Athens county, and Mr. Hill in Mt. Vernon, being the only one of the eight, who is a resident of the city in 1880.
Of the different trades and occupations but few can be named who are now living. In the shoe business in 1830, were Isaac Hadley and James Hutchinson. Mr. Hutchinson is still in the business, while Mr. Hadley lives a retired life. In the tailoring business Adam Pyle and William Petti. grew are the only ones named by the above writer. Mr. Pyle is dead Joseph Martin, now living, is the cabinetmaker named. Of hatters, the names of none are mentioned, although he says there were a number in 1830. Of tanners, none; of chair makers, one, Daniel McDowell, still living, but not in the cabinet business; of bakers, S. A. Mackey is living: of gunmakers, none are living; of saddlers and harnessmakers, no names are mentioned; of silversmiths, J. B, Brown was then the only one, and he long since passed away. His son and successor was not then born.
Of the change in the surface of the ground, a few particulars may be mentioned. The public square then was sadly turned up towards the setting sun. On the east side of Main street it has been taken off about twenty feet, while on the west side where the new cistern has been recently put in, it has been filled up fully fifteen feet. A summer or two ago when Mr. Wolff was digging a pit for coal, north of his fine block, the workmen cut through no less than three distinct side walks, the first one being met not less than three feet below the surface. When Gilman Bryant built the market house in 1832, his contract was to fill in twelve feet before he laid the pavement.
High street from a point east of the court house, has been cut down all the way to Main, and from Main street west it has been filled up. Notice the brick house south nearly opposite the present court house. It had a stone story put under it since 1830.
That brick house is now a thing of the past A new and beautiful Baptist church is soon to be erected on its site.
Main street north from Chestnut, had been cut through a hill to the valley previously mentioned This valley running east and west, is now nearly filled.
CHAPTER XL.
MOUNT VERNON-CONTINUED.
LIST OF MUNICIPAL OFFICERS-THE PRESS OF MOUNT VER-
NON-PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
THE town of Mount Vernon was incorporated February 22, 1830, and placed under the government of a mayor, recorder, and a board of trustees, now better known as the common council.
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 371
Of the government of the village and town prior to 1830, no records can be found.
From 1830 up to April, 1880, the following were elected to the different borough, town, and city offices, and includes the names of all elected during that time except for during the years between 1835 and 1845, when the records were lost or mislaid. This loss, for the sake of a continuous history, is much to be regretted.
1830-Samuel Mott, mayor; Johnston Elliott, recorder; Jonas Ward, James Martin, Marvin Tracy, Gilman Bryant, Daniel McFarland, council.
1831 - William P. Burgess, mayor; Marvin Tracy, recorder; G. B. Maxfield, J. N. Burr. J. E. Woodbridge, 1. \Y. Forrest, Adam Glaze, jr., council.
1832-William P. Burgess, mayor; S. \'l'. Hildreth, recorder; William Y. Farquhar, Richard House, John Dwyer, Jacob Siler, Julia S. Roberts, council.
1833-S. W. Hildreth, mayor; T. W. Rogers, recorder; John Sherman, Hugh Neal, Jacob Martin, Timothy Cotopry, Luther Freeman, council.
1834-John W. Warden, mayor; S. W. Farquhar, recorder; Alexander Elliott, G. Zimmerman, Jacob Andrews, Hught Bartlett, Daniel McFarland, council.
1835-S. W. Hildreth, mayor; S. W. Farquhar, recorder; Jacob Andrews, Johnston Elliott, Eli Miller, Jonathan Beach, Hugh Oglevee, members of council.
The act incorporating the town of Mt. Vernon, divides the town into wards, and allots one councilman to each ward, and provides for the election of other town officers, viz: one treasurer, one marshall, and one street commissioner.
1845-Isaac Davis, mayor; James Smith, jr., recorder; first ward, Johnson Elliott; second ward, lob Evans; third ward, Rollin C. Hurd; fourth ward, Henry B. Curtis; fifth ward, Charles Cooper, members of council; Alexander C. Elliott, treasurer; Charles L. Bennet, marshal; James L. Young, street commissioner.
1846-Jacob B. Brown, mayor; James Smith, jr., recorder; first, James E. Woodbridge; second, Hugh Oglevee; third, Rollin C. Hurd; fourth, Sewell Gray; fifth. Hosmer Curtis, members of council; Alexander C. Elliott, treasurer; Clark L. Bennett, marshal; James L. Young, street commissioner.
1847-Jacob B. Brown, mayor; James Smith, jr., recorder; first, James Relf; second, N. N. Hill; third, W. R, Sapp; fourth, Sewell Gray; fifth, Daniel Axtell, members of council; Alexander C. Elliott, treasurer; Clark L. Bennett, marshal; Adam Glaze, jr., street commissioner.
1848-C. P. Buckingham, mayor; James Smith, jr., recorder; first, James Lafever; second, H. McFarland; third, D. Clark, fourth, Horatio L. Miller; fifth. Daniel Axtell, members of council; Alexander C. Elliott, treasurer; Clark L. Bennett, marshal; Johnson Elliott, street commissioner.
1849-Joseph S. Davis, mayor; James Smith, jr., recorder; first, Benjamin Giles; second, Henry W. Ball; third D. Clark; fourth, Horatio S. Miller; fifth, Charles Cooper, members of council; Alexander C. Elliott, treasurer; Abraham Emmett, marshal; David Morton, street commissioner.
1850-Joseph S. Davis, mayor; James Smith, jr., recorder; first, Benjamin Giles; second, John Miller; third. A. Ban. Norton; fourth, John A. Norton; fifth, Charles Cooper, members of council; Alexander C. Elliott, treasurer; Joseph S. Martin, marshal; one street commissioner elected by each ward; one police officer elected by each ward.
1851-Joseph S. Davis, mayor; James Smith, jr., recorder; first, Benjamin Giles; second. Merrett M. Beam; third, A. Banning Norton; fourth, Sewell Gray; fifth, Thomas Evans, members of council; Alexander C. Elliott. treasurer; Russell Crandall, marshal; one street commissioner elected by each ward; one police officer elected by each ward.
1852 Joseph W. Vance, mayor; James Smith, Jr., recorder; first. Benjamin Giles; second, Milton L. Mills; third, Charles G. Bryant; fourth Nathaniel McGiffin; fifth, Casper Fordney, members of council; Alexander C. Eliott, treasurer; Squire McDonald, marshal; one street commissioner elected by each ward; one police officer elected by each ward.
1853-E. S. S. Rouse, mayor; James Smith, jr., recorder; first, Samuel Davis; second, J. H. McFarland; third, G. B. White; fourth, William M. Mefford; fifth, Casper Fordney, members of council; Alexander C. Elliott, treasurer; Jacob Capel, marshal; one street commissioner elected by each ward; one police officer elected by each ward.
1854 Jacob B. Brown, mayor. died September 1, 1854; James Smith, jr., city solicitor; Alexander C. Elliott. treasurer; H. K. Robinson, marshal; (two from each ward) first, Samuel Davis two years, A. A. Stoughton one year; second, Job Evans two years, E. S. S. Rouse, jr., one year; third, John W. White two years. George B. White one year; fourth, Benjamin B. Lippitt two years, W. M. Mefford one year; fifth, Joseph Gardiner two years, Casper Fordney one year, members of council; one street commissioner elected by each ward; one police officer elected by each ward; Joseph S. Davis, city clerk, elected by council.
1855-Thomas Cooper, mayor; James Smith, jr., city solicitor; Alexander C. Elliott, treasurer; H. K. Robinson, marshal; first, A. N. Stoughton; second, William Sanderson Sr.; third George- B.- White; fourth, W. M. Mefford; fifth, David Martin one year, Joseph Scarbrough two years, members of council; one street commissioner elected by each ward; one police officer elected by each ward; Joseph S. Davis. city clerk, elected by council.
1856-Thompson Cooper, mayor; William McClelland, city solicitor; Alexander C. Elliott, treasurer; Thomas S. Jacobs, marshal; John People, street commissioner; first, George W. Hank; second, job Evans; third S. W. Farquhar, fourth, Joseph Mahaffey; fifth, Dennis Smith one year, Joseph Wolf two years, members of council; Joseph S. Davis, city clerk, elected by council.
1857-George W. Steele, marshal; Alexander C. Elliott, treasurer; Frederick Bumpus, street commissioner; Samuel Israel, J. H. McFarland, board of education; first, Benjamin Giles; second W. M. Bonn; third, George B. White; fourth, Nathaniel McGiffin; fiith Dennis Smith, members of council; Joseph S. Davis, city clerk, elected by council.
1858-Thompson Cooper, mayor; Charles B. Church. marshal; William McClelland, city solicitor; Alexander C. Elliott, treasurer; Russell Crandall, street commissioner; Edward Catkins, S. L. Taylor, board of education; first, Jonathan Graff; second, job Evans; third, John W. White; fourth, B. B. Lippitt; fifth, John H. Roberts, members of council; Joseph S. Davis, city clerk, elected by council.
1859-Ephrain Hogle, marshal; Alexander C. Elliott, treas-
372 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
urer; James Worley, street commissioner; William L. King, Levi B. Ward, board of education; first, Benjamin Giles; second E. S. S. Rouse. jr.; third, G. B. White; fourth, N. McGiffin; fifth, Dennis Smith, members of council; Joseph S. Davis, city clerk, elected by council.
1860-Thompson Cooper, mayor; Timothy M. Bartlett, marshal; Alexander C. Elliott, treasurer; William McClelland, city solicitor; James Worley, street commissioner; Samuel Israel, J. H. McFarland, board of education; first, John Ponting; second, Henry W. Ball; third, A. Ehle; fourth, B. B. Lippitt; fifth, John H. Roberts, members of council; Joseph S. Davis (elected by council), city clerk.
1861-Columbus F. Johnson, marshal; Alexander C. Elliott, treasurer; George Black, street commissioner; Edward Catkins, Joshua Hyde, board of education; first, E. W. Cotton; second, C. H. Miller; third, George B. White (two years), W. R. Hart (one year); fourth, W. B. Brown (two years), William L. Smith (one year), members of council; Joseph S. Davis (elected by council), city clerk.
1862-Thompson Cooper (resigned), W. C. Cooper (by- council), mayor; George W. Steele, marshal; William McClelland, city solicitor; Alexander C. Elliott, treasurer; George Black, street commissioner; William L. King, E. W. Cotton, board of education; first, John Porting; second, H. W. Hall; third, H. Ransom; fourth, W. L. Smith; fifth, John H. Roberts, members of the council; Joseph L. Davis (elected by council), city clerk.
1863-William C. Cooper, mayor; Calvin Magers, marshal; George Black, street commissioner; Henry W. Owen, Jared Sperry, board of education; first, John F. Phillips; second, William Bergin; third, George B. White; fourth, William B. Brown; fifth, Dennis Smith (resigned); W. A. Bourids, members of council; Joseph S. Davis (elected by council), city clerk.
1864-Edmund V. Brent, mayor; Calvin Magers, marshal; William McClelland, city solicitor; George Black, street commissioner; Joseph Muenscher, Joseph S. Davis, board of education; first, Henry Errett; second, John Hildreth; third, Henry Ransom; fourth, William L. Smith; fifth, John H. Ransom, members of council; Joseph S. Davis (elected by council), city clerk.
1865-Calvin Magers, marshal; George Black, street commissioner; William L. King. Frederick D. Sturges, board of education; first, H. H. Greer (two years), Benjamin Giles (one year); second, James Rogers; third, George B. White; fourth, John N. Lewis; fifth, William A. Bounds, members of council; Joseph S. Davis (elected by council), city clerk.
1866-Edmund V. Brent (resigned); Joseph S. Davis (by council), mayor; Allen Ingram (resigned); Calvin Stagers (by council), marshal; William McClelland, city solicitor; G. M. Bryant, street commissioner; Charles Cooper, Jared Sperry, board of education; first, E. W. Cotton; second, Dennis Corcoran; thiid, Henry Ransom; fourth, W. L. Smith; fifth, John H- Roberts, members of council; Joseph S. Davis (elected by council), city clerk.
1867-Joseph S. Davis, mayor; Calvin Magers, marshal; D. W. Wilson (resigned), street commissioner; M'. H. Smith (resigned); D. W. Chase (by council); Joseph S. Davis, board of education; first, H. H. Greer; second, W. I,. Simons; third, George B. White; fourth, John N. Lewis; fifth, Ephraim Hogle, members of council; Oliver F. Murphy (elected by clerk), city clerk.
1868 Joseph S. Davis, mayor; William McClelland, city solicitors; Calvin Magers, marshal; Frederick D. Sturges, William L. King, board of education; George Black, street commissioner; first, G. B. Potwin; second, Thomas W. McKee; third, Henry Ransom; fourth, Silas Cole; fifth, John H. Roberts, members of council; Oliver T. Murphy (elected by council), city clerk.
1869-Calvin Magers, mayor; Jerome Rowley, street commissioner; T. E. Monroe, Charles Cooper, board of education; first, Samuel Sanderson; second, C. M. Hildreth; third, John W. White; fourth, G. E. Raymond; fifth, Ephraim Hogle, members of council; Oliver F. Murphy (elected by council), city clerk; John N. Lewis (elected by council), civil engineer.
1870-Joseph S. Davis, mayor; William McClelland, city solicitor; Oliver T. Murphy, city treasurer (office abolished); Joseph S. Davis, D. W. Chase, board of education; first, h. W. Wright; second, John Fry; third, W. J. S. Osborn; found,, Silas Cole; fifth, John H. Roberts, members of council; C. S. Pyle, city clerk (elected by council).
1871- John A. Mitchell, marshal; James A. Wing, street commissioner; W. B. Russell. Henry Errett, Joseph M. Boyd, board of education; first, Samuel Sanderson; second, F. M. Ball; third, John W. White; fourth, G. E. Raymond; fifth, L. B. Curtis, members of council; C. S. Pyle, city clerk telected ! by council); John N. Lewis, civil engineer (elected by council.
1872--Joseph S. Davis, mayor; William McClelland, city solicitor; A. R. McIntire H. Stephens, W. S. E Errett, board of education; first, G. W. Wright; second. H. H. King; third, Noah Boynton; fourth, Nathaniel McGiffin; fifth, William B. Brown, members of council; C. S. Pyle, city clerk (elected b) council); D. C. Lewis, civil engineer (elected by council.
1873-Calvin Magers, marshal; Lyman W. Marsh, street commissioner; Joseph M. Byers, Joseph S. Davis, board of education; first, James M. Andrews; second, Enianuel Miller; third, G. W. Burn (two years); C. E. Critchfield (one year; fourth, G. E. Raymond; fifth, William Mahaffey, members of council; C. S. Pyle, city clerk (elected by council); D. C. Lewis, civil engineer (elected by council).
1874-Thomas P. Frederick, sr., mayor; William McClelland, city solicitor; Hezekiah Graft, William P. Bogardus, board of education; first, John Pouting; second, H. II. King third, N. Boynton (resigned); George Winne; fourth, N. McGiffin; fifth, W. A. Bounds, members of council; C. S. Pyle, city clerk (elected by council); D. C. Pyle, civil engineer selected by council).
1875-Calvin Magers, marshal; William McClelland, city solicitor; Benjamin Grant, A. R. McIntire, board of education; Lyman W. Marsh, street commissioner; first, James M. Andrews; second, .A. B. Moore; third, Jefferson C. Sapp; fourth. G. E. Raymond; fifth, John Moore, members of council; C. S. Pyle, city clerk (elected by council); D. C. Lewis, civil engineer (elected by council).
1876-Thomas P. Fredelick, sr., mayor; William M. Koons, city solicitor; William B. Russell, Joseph. S. Davis, board of education; first, John Ponting; second, C. M. Hildreth; third, G. W. Bunn; fourth, C. G. Smith; fifth, Christian Keller, members of council; C. S. Pyle, city clerk (elected by council); D. C. Lewis, civil engineer (elected by council).
1877-Calvin Magers, marshal; Otho Welshymer, street commissioner; W. P. Bogardus, Hezekiah Graff, board of education; first, Wood Fuller (resigned), W. A. Forbes; second, S. L. Batter; third, O. G. Daniels; fourth, S. H. Jackson; fifth, John Moore, members of council; C. S. Pyle, city clerk (elected
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 373
by council; D. C. Lewis, civil engineer (elected by council). 1878-William B. Brown, mayor; William M. Koons, city solicitor; Alexander Cassil, Dr. Joseph C. Gordon, board of education; first, James M. Andrews; second, Arthur Adams (two years), H. Young Rowley (one year); third, G. W. Bunn; fourth, Silas Cole; fifth, Christian Keller, members of council; C. S. Pyle, city clerk (resigned), Joseph S. Davis (both elected by council); D. C. Lewis, civil engineer (elected by council
1879-Calvin stagers, marshal; Otho Welshymer, street commissioner; A. R. McIntire, Joseph S. Davis, board of education; first, J. H. Branyon; second, H. Y. Rowley; third, H. Lauderbaugh; fourth, Samuel H. Jackson; fifth, John Moore, members of council; Joseph S. Davis, city clerk (elected by council); Austin A. Cassil, civil engineer (declined), D. C. Lewis (both elected by council).
1880 - William B. Brown, mayor; John B. Waight, city solicitor; W. F. Baldwin, John M. Ewalt, board of education; first, James C. mine; second, John Kelly; third, D. W. Chase; fourth, Silas Cole; fifth, Christian Keller, members of council; Joseph S. Dads, city clerk (elected by council); Austin A. Cassil civil engineer (elected by council).
THE PRESS OF MOUNT VERNON,
The first paper published in Knox county was The Ohio Register in July, 1813, in the village of Clinton,. by Smith & McArdle.
Samuel H. Smith was the proprietor of the town of Clinton, and John P. McArdle was a good practical printer. Mc Ardle emigrated from Ireland, March 17, 1801, and came to this county in 1809.
After two years of tribulation the office was transferred to Mount Vernon, where the Register was first issued, on the twenty-fourth of April, 1816, bearing the following motto: "Aware that what is base no polish can make sterling." Dr. Burr is the possessor of a bound volume of this little eight by ten paper, containing its first issue.
In its first editorial after removing to Mount Vernon, the editor says that the Register shall not be a receptacle for party politics, or personal abuse.
October 15, 1817, the first six months of the second volume of the Register having been completed, the editor calls upon subscribers to pay up old scores
For without this one thing necessary, it is impossible to expect that we can live; money would be preferable, but if that is scarce with you, rags, wheat, rye, corn, and almost all kinds of market produce will be taken in payment.
On the fifteenth of April, 1818, volume 11, No. 52, was issued. Those who were in arrears and so often and so politely requested to call and settle, did not do so; the large quantity of paper could not be paid for in cash, John P. McArdle goes down under the debt and the Register office is closed.
From this period until 1844 no paper was published uninterruptedly as long as the Ohio Register. Various new papers were started and the editors became dissatisfied, the publishers discouraged, and, after a little experimenting with journalism, went to some more profitable business, engaged in some new enterprise, or left the country.
During this time the ablest men who were connected with the press, and the most violent in opposition to each other, were Charles Colerick and William Bevans. They were arrayed against each other as candidates for office, and each for several terms held the position of sheriff of the county. Both were from western Pennsylvania-Bevans from Fayette, and Colerick from Washington county -and were well skilled in political wire-working and manceuvring. In the division of parties the former was for Adams and the latter for Jackson. The great bone of contention, however, was the county printing, and that might, with much truth, be said to have been the only principle at issue between them.
About 1822 Charles Colerick, With his brothers, John and Henry, made their appearance in this county, while Bevans was sheriff, and established a small printing office.
In 1824 Edson Harkness, a printer, surveyor, and school teacher, emigrated from "down east" to Mt. Vernon, and in 1825 started, in company with John Barland, a newspaper, which he styled The Knox County Gazette. After publishing it two years, he sold out, in 1827, to James Harvey Patterson, from Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and William Smith, from Washington county, same State, who, under the firm of Patterson & Co., continued its publication until 1829, when they transferred the establishment to William Bevans, who carried it on under the name of The Western Aurora, until 1831, when he disposed of it to William P. Reznor, who had learned his trade in the office and lived with Bevans. In 1832 C. P. Bronson became associated with him, and for a time the paper was published by Bronson & Reznor. In October, 1833, Dan Stone bought out the concern and carried on the business a few months alone, when Dr. Morgan 1. Bliss became his part-
374 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
ner and the business continued under the firm name of Stone & Bliss, until November 29, 1834. On account of severe and protracted illness Mr. Bliss withdrew, and Dr. Lewis Dyer became connected with the paper as editor. In January, 1835, Dyer was succeeded by Dr. John Thomas, who, being like his predecessor, of a philosophical turn of mind, and inclined to treat upon physiology, hygiene, temperance, and the laws of health, found the age unsuited for moral reform, and suddenly abdicated the tripod, leaving Dan Stone alone in the business. Mr. Stone continued the publication until May 16th, when he published his valedictory, and soon after the paper went out of existence. This office was first established in a small frame house where Mrs. Dr. Thompson's residence now stands, on lot No. 113, Main street; subsequently it was on the lot where General Jones formerly resided, on the west side of the public square, and from thence was moved into the second story of the market house.
In 1838 a new office was established here, and a paper issued called The Western Watchman, by Samuel M. Browning. For a few months John Teesdale was connected with this paper as editor, and was about purchasing the establishment; but, being a philanthropic Englishman, he happened to insert an abolition article, and found it advisable to leave suddenly. In October, .1839, the paper was published by S. Dewey & Co., but for a very short time. A new candidate for public favor called The Family Cabinet made its appearance and was published a few weeks only. This brings the history of the press representing one party up to 1840; the other side follows.
The Colericks, as heretofore stated, came from Washington, Pennsylvania, where their father had a printing office at a very early day, and they had been brought up to the business. They were intelligent and energetic men and labored under great disadvantage for many years, as did other newspaper men in this county. In 1827 their paper was called The Democrat and Knox Advertiser. In March, 1831, Samuel Rohrer purchased the office and published the paper. In October, 1832, F. S. & P. B. Ankeny became proprietors, enlarged its size and called it The Mt. Vernon Democrat and Knox Advertiser. The name was changed the next year to Looking Glass and Whig Reflector, This printing-office was also migratory in its disposition, having been, during its existence, on Mulberry street, on the lot where the late H. W. Ball resided; on the old Jeffries' lot where Hoover's marble factory is, and in the second story of the frame where Bird's store now is, on South Main street.
In June, 1835, Charles Colerick established The Day Book, which was conducted by him with much energy and spirit until he volunteered as a soldier and went to Texas, when the office was bought by Delano & Browning, and the paper was continued by William Byers until in the winter of 1837-8, when it was transferred to S. M. Browning.
When the campaign of 1840 opened, the Whigs, who had become dissatisfied with the abolition sentiments of John Teesdale, and caused him to give up the publication of that paper, found it necessary to pass resolutions in their county convention, inviting Whig editors to view this location; and ap. pointed a committee to advertise in the leading Whig journals in the State for some one to come on and publish a paper. Under this call James Emmet Wilson, a son of judge James Wilson, of Steubenville, came, and started The Knox County Republican. About six months afterwards he as. sociated with himself as publisher, Milo Butler, his brother-in-law. This paper was started under most favorable auspices in the triumphant campaign of 1840, yet in the fall of 1841 It was discontinued by reason of the inability of the said Wilson and Butler to give the patrons a "live Whig paper." Wilson and Butler went to preaching. In 1842 William H. Cochran, who was teaching school in Newark, came up, rented the office, and issued The Times; and from that office has been continued a paper, under different names, editors and proprietors, until the present day-The Mt. Vernon Republican ends the list. This paper has been known to its readers as The Times-The Republican Times-The Ohio State Times, etc., and has been conducted by Cochran and Silmon Clark, G. E. Winters, O. B. Chapman and James F. Withrow, J. W. Shuckers, the Republican joint stock company, H. M. Ranney, W. C. Cooper, Rev. J, H. Hamilton, Wilkinson & Knabenshus, C. Wilkin. son, and Harry G. Armstrong & Co. The present
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 375
editors and proprietors are Messrs. Baldwin & Taylor, who purchased the concern February 10, 1881. Names may have been omitted of other persons who, for short periods, edited the paper.
After The Day Book office had been purchased and merged into The Western Watchman, an effort was made to establish another paper, and The Democratic Banner was started in April, 1838, by Chauncey Bassett and Joel Robb. During the summer it was edited by C. J. McNulty, but upon its sale to Edmund I. Ellis, it was continued without an editor during 1839, and, until it was sold to John Kershaw in 1841, was issued without an editorial, except as some partisan would furnish it an article. Kershaw edited and published it until in June, 1844, when he sold it to E. I. Ellis. It was then edited by G. W. Morgan until 1845, when it was sold to David A. Robertson, who after a short time resold it to Ellis, who continued its publication until its sale in November, 1847, to William Dunbar. The latter had associated with him in its publication for some six months, George W. Armstrong. For the remainder of his time Mr. Dunbar edited and published it himself until 1852, when he resold it to E. J. Ellis. In December, 1853, it was purchased by Mr. Lecky Harper, then of The Pittsburgh Post, who has since edited and published it. During Mr. Dunbar's management, a daily Democratic Banner was published in the winter of 1852, for thirty days.
Upon the nomination of General Taylor to the presidency, in 1848, the editor of The Times refused to support the Taylor and Fillmore ticket, because Zachary Taylor lived south and owned slaves; whereupon another printing-office was opened in Mount Vernon.
The new paper was styled The Mount Vernon True Whig, and was published seven years. It was edited during the campaign of 1848 by Joseph S. Davis; in 1849-50-51-52, by John W. White, and the remainder of its existence, by A. Banning Norton. For three years Norton's Daily True Whig was published with the motto of David Crockett-"Be sure you're right, then go ahead." Its support was almost wholly derived from the purse of its editor, who bore it until the "pressure" became too heavy, when its publication was discontinued, in March, 1855.
Several short lived newspapers have made their appearance in the county. The Rainbow, edited by the Rev. A. Sanback, was published a short time in Mount Vernon, and then removed to Fredericktown, then to Bellville, and from thence to Tifn. The Lily, edited by Mrs. Amelia Bloomer, of the Bloomer costume notoriety, was published here about 4 year, and then taken to the far west. The Western Home Visitor, established in Mount Vernon by E. A. Higgins and edited by E. S. S. Rouse, esq., was a well conducted paper, but too large for its price. Soon after it started a half interest was sold to David C. Bloomer, and in about ;ix months Bloomer became sole proprietor. After two years The Visitor was taken to Columbus. Then came The National, with Agnew & Ragnet, publishers, and William C. Gaston, as its editor. It championed the cause of the " Lecomptonites" but after its defeat it went out of existence. The Knox County Express was started by Agnew & Tilton, in December, 1860, and in 1862, was published by C. M. Phelps & Co., and edited by judge S. Davis. The Express was finally merged with The Moxnt Vernon Republican then in the hands of the Mount Vernon Republican Publishing Company.
During the early stages of the greenback excitement in 1877-8, several new papers sprang up throughout Ohio in advocacy of that doctrine. Two made theirappearance in oneweekin Mount Vernon, viz : The Knox County National Advocate, edited and published by Joseph H. Watson and William A. Agnew, two of Mount Vernon's young typos, and The Knox County National, edited and published by John Lennon, a young member of the Knox county bar. It soon became evident that one paper was all the new party could support, and the latter withdrew from the field. Both papers appeared on the new plan prevalent throughout the west-that is, both had patent "insides," the second and third pages being edited and printed at Cleveland, while the first and fourth pages were edited and printed in Mount Vernon. The National Advocate, after one year's existence, finding its support insufficient, was turned into a Republican paper by dropping the word National. The plan did not seem to work for after a short struggle The Advocate suspended. During the exciting local campaign of 1878, Watson & Agnew,
376 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
for about two months, issued a daily two cent edition as a Republican campaign paper.
The Floral Gazette, a monthly magazine published by George Park, is an adjunct of his flower and seed store, and is intended as an advertising agent. The Broadax, a temperance monthly, edited by an advocate of that cause, was published about a year.
A few words regarding the pioneers of the press in this county, and of their successors .may be interesting in this connection.
John P. McArdle, the first practical printer, removed to one of the northwestern counties, where he resided many years, honored and respected, and where- he died a few months since at an advanced age.
Samuel H. Smith was residing in Texas some twenty years ago. His present residence, if living, is unknown.
Charles Colerick died after having served a campaign in the Texan war of independence, where he assisted in achieving, though he did not live to behold the recognition of her independence.
General William Bevans, after having served his fellow-citizens creditably in many official positions, has departed.
Dan Stone, a quiet, unassuming man of much goodness of heart, died in this town, where his widow and two sons still reside.
Dr. M. L. Bliss' death occurred shortly after he left the paper.
James Harvey Patterson moved to West Union, Adams county, and, after the death of his wife, went south.
John Thomas was a very singular genius, well read, particularly in anatomy, geology and other ologies, but was subject to the "blues," and did not enjoy life. He would not drink out of a cup or saucer that had a crack or flaw in it, nor eat with a knife that he did not see scoured bright-consequently he worried himself out of the world before his time.
W. H. Cochran and H. M. Ramsey died with the editorial harness on-both much lamented; both leaving widows.
S. M. Browning died at Burlington, Lawrence county, about 1852; his widow is a resident of this city, in her eighty-third year.
Dr. Dyer resided awhile in Fredericktown and went to Iowa He is dead.
Reznor removed to Illinois. His fate is unknown, as is also that of Harkness, who; some twenty years ago, also resided in Illinois, and was noted for his large nurseries of excellent fruit trees.
Kershaw is, or was, an attorney living in Philadelphia.
Bronson removed to Boston, and died there some years ago.
D. A. Robertson was appointed United States marshal for Ohio in 1844, which office he held four years. In 1850, then a resident of Lancaster, he was elected a member of the Constitutional convention of Ohio from Fairfield county, and resigned after holding the office three months to accept the appointment of United States marshal for Minnesota, taking up his residence in 1850 at St. Paul. December 10, 1854, he issued the first number of the Minnesota Democrat, which became, under his management, the leading Democratic paper in the then territory. In. 1856-7 he visited Europe. He was a member of the Minnesota house of representatives in 1859-60, mayor of St. Paul in 1860, and sheriff of Ramsey county in 1863, serving in this office two years. He is dead.
C. J. McNulty, one of the most brilliant attorneys of his day, represented Knox county in the Ohio house of representatives during the sessions of both 1841 and 1842, and was afterwards clerk of the Lower House of Congress. In 1846 he volunteered as a private soldier in the Mexican war, died en route to the scene of strife, and was buried at Helena, Arkansas, by his comrades.
William C. Gaston is at present practicing law at Steubenville.
Mr. Ragnet, after marrying one of Mt. Vernon's fair daughters, took up his residence in Iowa.
Those living in Mt. Vernon at this time are Hon. Columbus Delano, General G. W. Morgan, Hon. Lecky Harper, Judge J. S. Davis, C. Wilkinson (who lives a retired life on a farm a short distancs from the city, while his late partner, Knabenshue, is superintendent of the Lancaster schools), J. A. Tilton, Benjamin F. Agnew, Harry G. Armstrong, and John W. White.
A. Banning Norton has been for a long time a resident of Dallas, Texas, and pays the City of his
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 377
birth a visit once or twice a year. He has held several important official positions in his adopted State. At present he is one of the Federal circuit judges of Texas, a position he held once before. He edits and publishes a paper styled Norton's Union Intelligencer.
The first book printed in Knox county was The American Revolution, written in scriptural or ancient historical style, printed by Smith & McArdle at the office of the Ohio Register, in Clinton in 1815. The second book, from the same press, was The Columbian, a poem on the American war, in thirteen cantos, by Richard Snowden, thirtyeight pages. The next was James Smith's Vindication. There was also published at the Ohio Register office A Caveat against the Methodists, by a Gentleman of the Church of Rome.
In 1830 C. & J. Colerick published a Directory of Knox County, compiled from the tax list by Edson Harkness. In 1835 the Laws and Ordinances of Mt. Vernon were printed by the Day Book office and bound. In 1852 the Charter and Ordinances of Mount Vernon were printed by the True Whig office, and bound, making a work of fifty pages. In 1879 was issued from the Republican office, Revised Ordinances of the City of Mount Vernon of a General Nature. This work contained ninety-four pages and was bound. In 1878 the same office published The History and Rules of the Mount Vernon Public Schools, by Joseph S. Davis, A. M., forty pages. An Essay on justification by Faith, with Particular Reference to the Theory of Forensic Justification, by Joseph Muenscher, A. M., rector of St. Paul's church, Mount Vernon, sixty pages, was issued in 1847.
In 1858 John W. White published George Seymour, or Disappointed Revenge, a drama in three acts, -and the same year, The Book of Chronicles, humorously illustrated, being A History of the Dissensions among the Harmonious Democracy of Knox County upon the Kansas Question. A fewyears later Mr. White issued from the press of the Ohio State Journal The Ambitious Shoemaker A Farce without a Plot-One Act. In 1876 he published his Mount Vernon Directory for 1876-7, from the press of the Gambier Argus, one hundred and sixty pages.
In 1862 the Rev. Dr. Muenscher published A Commentary on the Book of Proverbs, four hundred duodecimo pages; and also A Treatise on Biblical Interpretation, three hundred and fifty pages, duodecimo.
From the Acland Press, Gambier, a number of pamphlets and small works have been issued pertaining to church and ''college affairs. Among others, Tissue's Greek Forms, a valuable book, by one of the professors.
A few years prior to the death of the late judge Hurd he published his standard law book On Habeas Corpus, which has already been supplemented by a second edition under the immediate supevision of his son, Hon. Frank H. Hurd, now of Toledo, who followed with one of his own On Homestead and other Exemptions. Hon. Charles H. Scribner, then of Mount Vernon but now of Toledo, was the author of a valuable work entitled Treatise on the Law of Dower. A copy of these three law books can be found in almost every law library in the State as well as in other States and are valued as standard works.
In 1862 A. Banning Norton issued from the press of Richard Nevins, Columbus, Ohio, A History of Knox County, it being the first work of the kind ever published relative to the early history of the county. - The book contained four hundred and twenty-four pages.
THE SCHOOLS OF MOUNT VERNON.
The following history of the Mt. Vernon schools is from the pen of Joseph S. Davis, A. M:
In attempting to write even a brief history of the schools of Mt. Vernon, we labor under some difficulty, from the fact that in the earlier schools no record of their proceedings, plan of government, or mode of education, was kept; or, at least, if any record was kept, it has not been preserved.
We have no correct information as to the exact date the first school was established, but this is not material, since the time fixed is near enough to the true period for all practicable purposes.
We deprecate a resort to tradition, which might he amusing, but not instructive or satisfactory, and direct our attention to the collection of well authenticated facts, and to their proper arrangement in chronological order. In the year 1805, the town of Mt. Vernon was laid out 'by Benjamin Butler, Thomas Bell Patterson, and Joseph Walker, and a plat thereof filed for record in the recorder's office at Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio. In the year 1808, by an act of the legislature, the county of Knox was carved out of the territory of Fairfield county, organized, and Mt. Vernon selected as the county seat.
About this time the pioneer settlers upon the town plat, with families rapidly increasing, feeling the imperative necessity of
378 - -HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 379
PLATE PLAN OF THE CITY OF MT. VERNON
affording their children some opportunity and accommodation for acquiring at least the rudiments of an education, determined to make some provision for this important object.
The result of this determination was the erection of a small log school-house on the southwest quarter of the public square near the line of High and Main streets, in size about fourteen by sixteen or eighteen feet, one story-in height, covered with clapboards nailed on, lighted by small windows, and heated by a large old-fashioned fire-place, with no furniture but the teacher's chair, rough slab benches for pupils' seats, desks made of boards attached to the walls, inclining inward and a little downward, on which the pupils placed their books, slates, and materials for writing. The benches and desks were so arranged that the pupils all sat with their faces toward the wall, and backs to the teacher, except the primary class, which was being instructed in the mysteries of the English alphabet.,
This rude, humble, primitive structure was the first school- house built in Mt. Vernon; and, in its day, answered an excellent purpose, although its rough walls were not adorned with any charts, maps, pictures, or other modem contrivances, to attract the attention and instruct the mind of the pupils,
The only ornament that relieved the unbroken and monotonous view of rough log walls, was a map of the town of Mt. Vernon, drawn by the teacher with his pen, to exhibit his skill and dexterity in wielding that little instrument. On this map was delineated the buildings that had been erected in town, and most prominent among which was this humble educational edifice. In the southwestern part of the town plat was graphically portrayed the tall wild grass, the thick undergrowth of the native forest, with a few large trees, and upon a branch of one of these perched a lonely owl, in all his silent, solemn wisdom, overlooking, like a guardian angel, the rise and progress of the town, embryo city, of Mt. Vernon, and the beautiful stream bearing his name."
The name of this teacher and artist is lost to us, but his excellent work has long outlived his memory, or the recollection of his name.
The many worthy men who taught school in this humble edifice have gone to parts unknown, and most, if not all of them, to their final account. But the descendants of two of them are yet quite numerous in this country. Thomas Irvine, a native of Ireland, located in Mt. Vernon in the spring of 1811, and was induced by his neighbors to assume the character and occupation of a pedagogue, and taught the children of the town in this humble building very acceptably to his patrons. Also John Roberts, of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, moved to and settled in Mt. Vernon in 1816, and taught school two successive winters in this school-house upon the public square. Both these gentlemen were afterwards honored by their fellow-citizens with an
* There is little doubt that this is the same map that appears upon the records of Fairfield county, a cut of which is here given. The only contradiction to this view of the origin of the map is the date (1805), which may have been placed there by mistake. That it appears upon the records a, here given, the following is evidence:
" LANCASTER, OHIO, March 16, 1881.
"The county recorder and myself have this day carefully examined the records of this county in reference to the above plat of Mt. Vernon and find the same correct, the date being July 16, 1805.
"E. ACKERS, County Auditor."
The date is evidently an error, as the town was laid out July 16, 1805, the date of the map, while the map itself shows a town several years older.
election to the ofce of justice of the peace, and served in that capacity many years.
Henry B. Curtis, esq., informs us that he remembers this school-house very well, and describes it as an old dilapidated building in the spring of 1817.
No doubt time and neglect had so far wrought the work of decay upon this building that its days of usefulness for school purposes had passed, and it waspermitted to disappear. Its removal afforded a site for the erection of a new and more imposing structure, generally known as the market house, in which the physical wants of the people were supplied. But, in the lapse of a few years, the market house had to yield to the inexorable law of public opinion, and be removed from the square. The population of the town having largely increased, more extensive school accommodations were required than this primitive structure afforded, even had it been thoroughly repaired and properly cared for.
At a public town meeting, called for the purpose, subscriptions were made, and a committee appointed, with full power to collect the same, and procure additional means by voluntary contributions sufficient to purchase a lot and build a new school-house.
The committee thus appointed entered immediately upon the discharge of the trust reposed in them, and purchased two lots on Mulberry street from John Williamson, of Lancaster, Ohio, and on the twentythird of August, 1817, John Williamson and wife conveyed said lots, Nos. 166 and x67, in the town of Mt. Vernon, Knox county, Ohio, by deed of general warranty, as a j site for a school-house, to Joseph Brown, James McGibney and Robert D. Moore, trustees of the school-house in Mt. Vernon, and their successors in office. By the vigorous and united efforts of the school trustees, the citizens, and the masonic order of the town, a very respectable two-story brick building was erected on these lots in the year 1818.
The masonic order, under some agreement or arrangement with the school trustees, built, finished and occupied the second story of said building as a lodge-room, while the first story was prepared and used for school purposes.
The means raised having been exhausted in putting up and enclosing the walls, the room remained unplastered, but was furnished with slab benches for seats, and rough board desks placed against the walls, similar in style and arrangement to those used in the original school-house on the public square. This was the second school-house erected in the town of Mt. Vernon. Joseph Chapman, a brother of the late judge Chapman, of this county, taught school successfully a number of terms in this building. It was occupied on the Sabbath for religious services by the different denominations of Christians who had no church building in town, and also the meetings of a literary society were held therein.
About the year 182.1 the citizens of the town resolved to finish this school-room, and Henry B. Curtis, esq., having taken a very active part in soliciting and procuring the means, was appointed, by a public meeting, a committee of one to design the changes and superintend the completion of the same. Under his good judgment and management the room was neatly plastered, and re-seated, in a more comfortable and modern style, entirely changing the whole intemal arrangement by placing the seats against the walls and the desks in front of them, so that the scholars would face the teachers. The central part of the room was an open space, occupied by the teacher, and the classes when called up to recite.
380 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
After the passage of the general law establishing free common schools in the State of Ohio, the schools of this town were under the management of the Clinton township trustees, and so continued until the year 1845. But they were slow in growing into public favor, on account of the prejudices of caste, and reluctance on the part of many of the best citizens to patronize them. Some of the more wealthy and refined, fearing that evil consequences might result from the mingling of the children of all classes of society in the free common schools, preferred to send their children to private select schools. To overcome this prejudice, and to improve, develop, and perfect the free common school system, so as to gain the confidence and support of the public, was the work of many years.
In the meantime private schools were well sustained. Rev. R. R. Sloan established a school and academy, which was successfully conducted more than twenty years, in which a high educational standard was maintained, and the youth of the town, both male and female, were well trained and liberally educated. This high school, taught by Mr. Sloan, assisted by his estimable wife and such male and female teachers as he found it necessary to employ, prospered until the free graded school system grew- into public favor. It was then converted into a female seminary, which flourished for a time, and began to decline, and finally, for the want of sufficient patronage, was closed up.
By an act of the legislature, passed February 26, 1845, the town of Mount Vernon, in Knox county, Ohio, was incorporated. In the charter thus granted the town was divided into five wards by metes and bounds, and authorized to elect one councilman for each ward, and among other provisions the following is made in reference to the schools : Each ward shall constitute a separate sub-school district of said town, subject to the regulations hereinafter provided. The mayor and common council of the town of Mount Vernon shall have the control and regulation of the school districts within said town, in the same manner as the same is now held by the trustees of the township; and shall also be a board of school directors for said town, subject to all the regulations and requirements of the act for the support and better regulation of common schools, except as hereinafter provided. Each councilman, by virtue of his election as such, he a special school director for the ward in which he resides and the election of school directors, as provided for in the thirty-second section of said act, shall, so far as this corporation is concerned, be dispensed with; all taxes for building, purchasing, repairing or furnishing schoolhouses and lots shall be equally assessed upon all property in the sub-district where such expenditure shall be required, and shall be expended for the benefit of such sub-district only; and such sub-district shall have in all respects the same power to purchase lots, build, repair, or finish school-houses, and assess taxes therefor, and do all other acts that other school districts can lawfully do; and the mayor and common council, acting as a board of school directors for said town, shall appoint a district treasurer, other than the treasurer of the corporation, who shall give bond and security, and perform all the duties required of him by law.
According to the directions of this act, an election was held on the seventh day of March, 1835, and the officers therein provided for were elected. On the eighth day of March the mayor, recorder, and councilmen-elect, met and formally accepted the said charter, organized thereunder, and, as they constituted the board of school directors for the town, their names are here inserted
Isaac Davis, mayor; James Smith, jr., recorder.; Johnston Elliott, First ward; Job Evans, Second ward; Rollin C. Hurd, Third ward, Henry B. Curtis, Fourth ward; Charles Cooper, Fifth ward; members of council.
The first action taken by this body in regard to the schools was in September, :845, when the following resolutions were adopted
On motion, resolved that George B. White be and he is hereby appointed school treasurer for. the school district of this town, and required to give bond and security according to law."
Resolved, That the recorder act as clerk of such school district, and that he cause to be taken an enumeration of the youth of said district, distinguishing between the children of the different wards.
Resolved, that the general compensation of school teachers for district schools in said town (to commence, as near as may be, on or about the first Monday in November next) shall be twenty-two dollars per month-each to provide him or herself a suitable room, fuel, and furniture, to be approved by the directors; and when the directors . furnish room or stove, or either, a reasonable deduction to he made in the above named compensation.
Resolved, That in each and every engagement of a school teacher the directors reserve to themselves the right of visitors, with power to dismiss such teacher for such cause as to them shall seem right and proper.
It will be observed by the adoption of these resolutions the mayor and common council, acting in the capacity of a board of school directors, exercised great caution in the employment of teachers, by inserting in their contracts a clause reserving the right to visit the schools, and the power to dismiss the teacher for any cause which to them might seem just and proper. It is presumed this precaution was taken to avoid any vexatious litigation to case a teacher was so unfortunate as to be dismissed for apparent, if not real, deficiency in either morals, government, scholarship or skill to successfully impart instruction. An agreement containing such a clause was, in all probability, suggested by and owing to the legal acumen of two distinguished lawyers, members of the council, and when signed by the teacher transferred the jurisdiction and power of determining the justice and propriety of his removal from the judicial tribunals of the country, and vested the same solely in the board of school directors.
At this time, the only public school-house in the town was the old two-story brick on Mulberry street, in the Fifth ward, and by neglect it had become so dilapidated as to be unfit to be occupied for school purposes, without thorough repairing. In this condition the school directors and Mount Zion lodge, No. 9, Free and Accepted Masons, of this town united in executing a lease of said school-house for the term of fifteen years to R. R. Sloan and John K. True for educational purposes, upon condition that they should repair and build an addition to said school-house. It appears incredible that competent teachers could be procured at the price above specified. The meagre sum left, after paying rent for a suitable school-room, and providing furnitnre and fuel, was a very small compensation to the teacher for his services, showing that the labors of the teacher in the common free schools at that time were not esteemed very valuable, and certainly they were not very lucrative.
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 381
Yet some very worthy and competent persons were employed, and taught the public schools of the several sub-districts of the town in the winter of x845-6-such as D. M. Camp; Charles Conklin, A. Spaulding, G. W. Stahl, Lafayette Emmett, afterwards a judge of the supreme court of the State of Minnesota, Mrs. P. A. Nicholas, Miss Helen Curtis, Miss Louisa Burgess, and others.
Our citizens not being fully satisfied with the tardy progress . of the schools under the existing laws applicable to the town, became anxious for a change, and being favorably impressed with the report of the successful working of the Akron system of schools, desired to have the same adopted in Mt. Vernon.
The law entitled, "An Act for the support and better regulation of the common schools in the town of Akron, passed February 8, 1847, authorized the election of six directors of the common schools who shall meet and organize by the election of a president, secretary, and treasurer, and shall be a body politic, and corporate in law by the name of the board of education of the town of Akron. It shall have the entire management and control of all the common schools in the said town of Akron, and all the houses, lands, and appurtenances already provided for school purposes, as well as those hereafter to be provided. Said town shall, in law, constitute but one school district, and all moneys accruing to said district for school purposes, under any law of the State, shall be paid over to the treasurer of said board of education.
"The council to appoint three competent persons to serve as school examiners for said town.
"The board to certify to the council the amount of money necessary to erect buildings, and the amount necessary to be raised, in addition to the money accruing to said town under the general school laws of the State, to defray all other expenses of said school system during the current year. And thereupon the town council shall proceed to levy a tax sufficient to meet such expenses of building and repairing schoolhouses, and for the maintenance of free schools in Akron during the whole year, customary vacations only excepted."
These are the provisions of the law, which formed the basis of the school system sought to be introduced into our town and, by virtue of the law passed February 14, 1848, the provisions of the Akron school law could be extended to any incorporated town or city in the State, whereupon two-thirds of the qualified voters thereof shall petition the town or city council in favor of having the same so extended.
Under thus law, petitions were circulated, numerously signed, and presented to the council in the form following:
"To the mayor and common council of the town of Mt. Vernon. The undersigned, legal voters of the town of Mt. Vernon, petition your honorable body to have the provisions of the act entitled An act for the support and better regulation of common schools in the town of Akron, and the amendatory acts thereto, passed by the Forty-sixth general assembly of this State, carried into effect in this corporation, as provided for.in an act passed February 14. 1848."
A a meeting of the council, held February 1, 1849, the following proceedings were had:
"On examination the council find that petitions are now presented in the form aforesaid, signed by three hundred and thirty-three of the qualified voters of this town; and further, that at the last election for officers of this corporation, the whole number was four hundred and sixty-one who voted at said election, and that, taking the same as the basis upon which to determine the number of qualified voters, it is declared that two-thirds of the qualified voters aforesaid have petitioned the town council in favor of having the provisions of said act extended to the town of Mt. Vernon. Therefore, in pursuance of the statute in such case made and provided, it is hereby declared by the mayor and common council of the town of Mt. Vernon, that the provisions of 'An act for the support and better regulation of common schools in the town of Akron,' and the several acts amendatory thereto, be extended to the said town of Mt. Vernon."
It was further resolved that the recorder give notice, as required by law, to the legal voters of the town, to meet in their respective wards, at the usual places of holding elections, on the first Friday of March next, and then and there to elect, in addition to the other corporation officers, six directors of the common schools of said town, by general ticket.
At the annual corporation election, held March 2, 1849, and in pursuance of said notice, C. P. Buckingham, Abel Hart, Job Evans, Jonathan N. Burr, James L. Young, and Samuel Israel were elected school directors.
On the eighth day of March, the school directors elect met, and organized by the election of C. P. Buckingham as president, James Smith, jr., as clerk, and Samuel Israel as treasurer. On the same day, the council appointed William Dunbar, Sewal Gray, and Rolin C. Hurd school examiners for the common schools of said town.
April 3d Henry B. Curtis, esq. was, by a unanimous vote, chosen a director of the common schools of said town, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of James L. Young.
All the offices being now filled, the whole machinery of the Akron school system was in working order in the town of Mt. Vernon. The board of education, after estimating the amount of money necessary to be raised for building school-houses, and continuing the schools during the current year, certified to the council a tax of-mills, to be levied and collected according to law, and proceeded to procure and adopt plans, specifications and estimates for the erection of the necessary school buildings, iucluding a grand central building in which instruction in the higher branches was to be given. The people, now comprehending more clearly the extent of the provisions of this law, and the power of taxation conferred upon the board of education, became dissatisfied and alarmed at the heavy expense this system would entail upon the town, fearful that the advantages to be derived from the system could not fully compensate for the great burden of debt it would necessarily impose on them, and which they felt illy able to bear-they therefore determined to appeal to the legislature for relief, and on the-day of - 1850, an act was passed exempting the town of Mt. Vernon, in Knox county, Ohio, from the provisions of the Akron school law. Thus, before the contracts for building school-houses were let, and the schools fully organized under said law, the same was repealed. The schools again reverted to, and continued under the management of the mayor and common council of the town.
The agitation consequent upon the adoption and repeal of the Akron school law increased the spirit for educational progress, and the desire for greater efficiency in the common school system. The necessity for some better accommodations, in the way of school buildings, was still more apparent.
The treasurer of the board of education was, by law, on request of the council, required to transfer to the town treasurer all school funds collected, and unexpended by said board. The
382 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
same, amounting to $2,879.57, was, under direction of the council, distributed to the several wards, or sub-districts, as follows: First ward, $756.12; Second ward, $468.00; Third ward, $641.47; Fourth ward, $586.41; Fifth ward, $427.66. With this fund on hand, it was thought advisable to add thereto, by local taxation, an amount sufficient to build a comfortable schoolroom in each of the sub-districts; and, in furtherance of this object, the council, on the twenty-fourth day of April, 1850 recommended the holding of school-meetings, and ordered that notice thereof be given, as follows: "The qualified voters of the town of Mt. Vernon are notified to meet in their respective wards, on the eighteenth day of May, 1850, at three o'clock P. at. Those qualified to vote in the First ward, to meet at E. W Cotton's law office; those in the Second ward, at the shop of Henry W. Ball; those in the Third ward, at the Kremlin; those in the Fourth ward, at the court house; those in the Fifth ward, in the basement of the Congregational church; and then and there, for their respective wards, forming sub-school districts, to determine by vote upon the purchase of a lot or lots; and also in like manner, to determine how much money shall be raised for such purchase, and the erection of such school-house, and the furnishing of the same, in and for their respective wards and districts," etc., etc.
In pursuance of this notice, meetings were held at the time and places therein specified, and the proposition submitted to purchase lots and build school-houses, and theamount of money to be raised for such purposes, were all determined in the affirmative by the vote of a majority of those present. The proceedings of these meetings were promptly rcported to the town council, and accepted. Thereupon, it was ordered that a tax be levied to raise the amount of money recommended; that lots be purchased in the First, Second, Third, and Fourth wards, as sites for school-houses, and that suitable school buildings be erected thereon. Committees were appointed to carry out the object of this order. Lots were purchased designs for schoolhouses adopted, contracts for building the same let, in the First ward, July x, 1850, to Carden and Madden, masons, and E. Armstrong, carpenter; in the Third ward, September 2, 1850, to John Jennings, mason, and Daniel Clark, carpenter; in the Second ward, May, x851, to Solomon Smith, mason, and J. W. Rumsey, carpentar; and in the Fourth ward, to John Jennings, Mason, and J. W. Rumsey, carpenter. The erection and furnishing of the buildings, the grading and enclosing the lots with good substantial fences, were completed under the direction and supervision of Benjamin Giles, in the First ward; M. M. Beam, in the Second; A. Banning Norton, in the Third; and Sewal Gray, in the Fourth ward. In the Fifth ward, it was determined by the citizens to purchase the lease of R. R. Sloan, repair, reseat, and occupy the old brick school-house on Mulberry street.
By the latter part of the year 1851, each of the five wards of the town, for the first time in its history, was provided with a public school-house, with ample and convenient accommodations for all the children of school age.
New life and vigor were infused into the teachers and school authorities, means were provided by taxation to continue the schools in session at least seven months during each year, divided into two or more terms, as circumstances -might require. Rules were adopted for the government of teachers and scholars. The schools gradually increased in usefulness, and prospered as well as schools of the same grade in other portions of the State.
But, up to this time, only the ordinary branches of a common school education were taught in the town schools, such as are taught in the common schools of the rural districts.
In 1854, the incorporated town of Mt. Vernon was advanced to the grade of a city of the second class, under the general law of the State, entitled "an act to provide for the organization and government of municipal corporations," and authorized to elect two trustees for each ward, who became the school directors for their respective sub-school districts of the city.
The spirit of progress was prevalent, and to keep step with this advancement, greater improvement in the public school system was demanded. Petitions were presented to the city council for the establishment of graded schools, including a high school, and the introduction into the same of the higher branches of education. The school directors, taught prudence by experience, and caution by sad failure in the introduction of the Akron school system, long hesitated as to the propriety of making such a radical change.
But petitions of like character continued from time to time to be presented with more earnest entreaty, convincing the city council that higher and more extended educational facilities were not only demanded, but would be sustained by the enlightened voice of a large majority of the citizens. These petitions were respectfully received and considered, but favorable action thereon was delayed until the twenty-eighth day of March, 1856, when the prayer of the petitioners was granted, and the following ordinance duly passed by the city council
An ordinance to provide for the appointment and election of the board of education for the public schools of the city of Mt. Vernon.
SECTION 1. Be it ordained by the city council of the city of Mt. Vernon that the board of education for the public schools of said city shall consist of six members; that at the first regular meeting of the city council for the month of April, in the year of our Lord 1856, the city council shall appoint the members of said board, who shall have the qualifications of electors resident within said city.-two of whom shall hold their offices for one year, two for two years, and two for three years, and until their successors shall be elected and qualified; that the qualified electors of said city meet in their respective wards, on the first Monday in April, in the year of our Lord 1857, and each and every year thereafter at the place designated or provided for holding municipal elections therein, and elect by ballot two members of the board of education for said city, having the qualifications aforesaid, to serve for the term of three years, and until their successors are elected and qualified.
SEC:. 2. That in case of a vacancy in said board of education, by death, resignation, or removal,, it shall be the duty of the city council, within sixty days thereafter, to appoint some suitable person, having the qualifications aforesaid, to fill such vacancy for the unexpired term of such de-ceased, resigned, or removed member.
In compliance with this ordinance, on the ninth day o April, 1856, Walter H. Smith, Samuel Israel, Henry P. War Gen, Mark Curtis, Levi B. Ward, and Jacob W. Lybrand were, by the city council, duly appointed a board of education for the city of Mt. Vernon. And afterwards, to-wit: on the fourth day of February, 1857, the term of office for each member of said board was fixed, by resolution, as follows: For one year, Messrs. Smith and Israel; for two years, Messrs. Warden and Curtis; for three years, Messrs Ward and Lybrand.
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 383
Thus passed forever from the city council the management of the public school of Mt. Vernon.
Following are the names of the teachers from 1845 to 1857: Adam Randolph, Hull Bixby, Benjamin Magers, Gilman B. Stilley, Lewis L. Murphy, David Galusha, Caleb D. Hipsley, Henry Graham, John M. Taylor, Samuel Glenn, John M. Andrews, B. A. F. Greer, E. W. Muenscher, \Its. Rebecca Howard, Mrs. Lucinda Andrews, Mrs. Polly Ann Nichols, Sarah W. Burgess, Hannah J. Dunn, T. M. Cannon, Lucena P. Curtis, Clarinda Curtis, Hannah L. Conger, Kate Opdyke, Mary E. Rogers, Felicia H. Scott, Delia A. Galusha, Elizabeth Moore, Harriet N. Kerr, Jennie Kerr, Hannah C. Morrison. Sue Forsythe, Deborah Day, Mary P. Fister, Mary W. Evans, and Mary Mitchell.
The members of the board of education appointed by the city council met at the law office of Delano, Sapp & Smith, on the fourteenth day April, 1856, accepted the position and trust, and were duly qualified, as required by law. Samuel Israel, esq., was chosen president of the board, and Joseph S. Davis, by virtue of his office as clerk of the city council. was by law made the clerk of the board of education.
The board immediately proceeded to transact the business entrusted to its care, and commenced to carry out the objects contemplated in its formation. But it will be observed that its progress was without any apparent haste, cautiously teeling its way step by step, and closely watching the movement of the public pulse at each onward step, until the final consummation of the plan was secured beyond doubt. Messrs. Curtis, Warden, and Lybrand, under instruction from the board, examined and suggested several suitable sites for a union school-house, ascertained the price at which they could be purchased, and furnished an estimate of the probable cost of building. The following preamble and resolutions, introduced by Walter H. Smith, esq., were adopted:
'WHEREAS, In the opinion of this board, it is necessary and proper to provide a central or high school for the city of Mt. Vernon; therefore,
"Resolved, That a special meeting of the qualified electors of said city be holden on the second day of June, A. D. 1856, at 1 o'clock P. M. of said day, at the council chamber in said city, to decide any questions which may be deemed important in relation to the cost and location of the building or buildings for said school, and the amount of city tax to be levied for that purpose, and any other provisions necessary for the establishment of said schools.
"Resolved, That this board fix, as their estimate of the probable cost of said building or buildings, the sum of ten thousand dollars.
Due notice of the meeting was given, and the qualified electors of the city assembled at the time and place mentioned and organized by the appointment of Samuel Israel, esq., chairman, and J. S. Davis, clerk. The object of the meeting was briefly explained that, as the board of education of the city estimated the probable cost of erecting a central school building at the sum of ten thousand dollars, and as several written propositions have been submitted, it is for this meeting to determine by vote the location and the amount of tax to be levied for the purchase of site, and the erection of said central school building. Hosmer Curtis, esq., offered a resolution, which was adopted, "that it shall require a majority of all the votes given at this meeting to determine and fix the location of the high school under consideration." The vote was then taken, and, after the same had been carefully counted, it appeared that five hundred and thirtyeight ballots had been cast, of which number five hundred and six were in favor of the proposition to raise by tax ten thousand dollars for buildings, and the George W. True site, socalled, at four thousand five hundred dollars, was selected by a very decided majority overall others. The result of this meeting of the citizens was reported to the board of education at their meeting held June z, 1856, when :he following resolution was offered by H. P. Warden, and adopted
"WHEREAS, This board is satisfied that due notice was given of the object, time and place of holding a special meeting of the qualified electors, resident within said city at least twenty days previous to the holding thereof, and that a majority of electors at such meeting assembled did then and there vote for the assessment of a tax of ten thousand dollars for the erection of a central school building, and did select by vote the George W. True site, so called, at four thousand five hundred dollars, and authorized the levy of a tax for the payment thereof; therefore,
"Resolved, That the sum of fourteen thousand five hundred dollars be and the same is hereby assessed on all taxable property, both real and personal, within the limits of the city of Mt. Vernon for the purpose of purchasing a site and erecting central or high school buildings thereon-five thousand of which is to be levied this year and the balance in the years 1857 and 1858, and that the same be forthwith certified to the auditor of Knox county, Ohio."
W. H. Smith and H. P. Warden were authorized to investigate the title, and, if found satisfactory, to complete the contract with George W. True for the purchase of school-house site, consisting of eight lots lying on the west side of Mulberry street, between Hamtramck and Burgess streets, Mt. Vernon, Ohio.
The special care and control of the school in each ward was conferred upon the member of the board from the same, with power to employ teachers, provide light, fuel, etc., and the maximum price to be 'paid male teachers was fixed at forty dollars, and female teachers at twenty-five dollars per month of twentytwo days. This shows a considerable improvement in the matter of compensation to teachers, and indicates a better appreciation of their labors. A higher grade of school was established in a rented room in the Kremlin, as the beginning of a graded school system, and the most advanced scholars in the different ward schools were selected and placed therein.
The estimate heretofore made of the probable cost of a central high school building was wholly arbitrary, and without reference to any particular design or plan, or whether there should be erected one or more buildings; but the ideas upon this subject now began to assume shape and some degree of certainty, as will appear by the passage of resolutions May 4, 1857:
"Resolved, As the sense of this board, that it is expedient to erect a school edifice sufficiently large to accommodate all the scholars of the city, should it hereafter be thought for the interest of the city to concentrate the entire system in one building.
"Resolved, That it is expedient to proceed at once to mature a plan, and, after sufficient notice, to enter into a contract for the erection of such a school edifice as is contemplated by the above resolution."
Messrs. Auld and Miller, architects, were employed, who visited and critically examined the public educational buildings in
384 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
other parts of the State, and with the advice, suggestions, and assistance of some members of the board, designed a plan for the union school house in Mt. Vernon, furnished drawings and specifications for the same, which were, after careful inspection and due deliberation, adopted by the board.' Notice of the letting of said work was given by publication in the newspapers of Mt. Vernon, and printed copies of the specifications made for such building were extensively circulated, and mailed to professional contractors in other cities of the country. On the twenty-sixth day of October, 1857, the bids were opened, and out of the eight competitors for the job, the bid of Henry Hailer and Joseph Gardner was accepted, and the contract for building the Union school-house awarded to them, on condition that they would enter into a written agreement, such as the board of education shall approve, containing a bond in the penal sum of twenty thousand dollars, with good and sufficient security, to the satisfaction of the board, for the faithful performance of the work, and the completion of the same on or before the first day of August, 1859.
The Union school building and furniture, the site and the improvement of the same, cost about thirty thousand dollars double the amount at first contemplated. To meet this in, creased expenditure, the board found it necessary to levy for building purposes each .year for a number of years, the full amount authorized by law, in addition to the ,special levy authorized by a vote of the citizens.
Samuel Israel, esq., president of the board, superintended the erection of the central .school building, and the improvement of the grounds thereto appertaining, being at all times subject to the direction of the board of education.
The year 1859 marks a new era in the history of the public schools of the city. The new union school building now approached completion, and the three years spent in its construction had been advantageously occupied in preparation for the radical change. The old free common schools of the city gradually emerged into the new, better systematized, and more expanded system of graded schools. In the summer of 1859, the board of education employed William Mitchell, esq., an experienced and successful teacher, to take charge of, and superintend the city public schools. He was an industrious, energetic man, possessed of great firmness, good executive ability, and a rigid disciplinarian. His services proved invaluable to the board in preparing, organizing, and inaugurating the new system. Four grades of schools were established-primary, secondary, grammar, and high school. The scholars of the city were examined, classified, and placed in the grade of school their scholarship justified. A course of studies and text-books necessary and appropriate for each grade of school, were carefully selected and adopted. .A well digested series of rules and regulations for the government of the city schools, setting forth the duties and obligations of teachers as well as pupils, was prepared and printed for use and distribution.
It was determined that the school year should consist of ten months, of four weeks or twenty days each, and be divided into three terms, with a vacation of one week intervening between them-the first term to commence on the first Monday of September, and continue four months; the second and third terms to be three months each, then a long vacation during the months of July and August. A full corps of teachers, thirteen in number, besides the superintendent, was employed, consisting of Misses Ann V. Scott, Malinda Ward, A. D. Yale, J. Hubbard, and Minerva Laughrey, for the primary schools located in each of the five ward school-houses; Misses H. M. Whitman, E. J. Dawson, C. E. Yates, and Mrs. C. Curtis, for the four secondary schools; Mr. George Mitchell and Miss Theresa Thrall, for the two grammar schools; Mr. John N: Cassil and Miss A. Hubbard were the assistant teachers in the high school. All the schools of the city, except the primary, were concentrated in the new Union school building, under the immediate control of the superintendent. This new building is heated throughout by steam, the rooms well ventilated, and furnished with the latelt and most approved style of furniture, and every convenience for the comfort of the pupils, and every facility for acquir. ing a thorough knowledge of the branches studied, was provided. Thus was the graded school system, including the high school, introduced; and, by the first day of November, 1859, was in full operation in the city of Mt. Vernon, working to the satisfaction of all persons interested.
The schools prospered from the start, and soon attained a high rank, and continued to grow in popularity and usefulness, until in a short time they were recognized and considered by eminent educators equal to the best conducted schools in the State. They have been successfully managed, and have maintained their superior position and good reputation to the present period.
In 1867, the course of studies and the rules and regulations were thoroughly revised and improved. At different times, when the best interest of the schools seemed to require it, certain text-books have been dropped, and others more modem and better adapted to school-work substituted.
Other changes have taken place. Three schools of an intermediate grade between primary and secondary have been established, and one unclassified school, all located in the ward school-houses, and doing profitable work. A writing and commercial department, under the management of Captain H. Stevens, has also been established.
A substantial two-story brick school-house, with four large, comfortable rooms, was commenced in 1873, and completed in 187.7, situated on an elevated site at the west end of North street in the Fifth ward of the city, purchased of Dr. J. W. Russell, and three schools are now being taught therein. Fowler and Armstrong were the principal contractors.
In the summer of 1877, a very neat and substantial two-story brick school-house was erected in the Second ward, southeast corner of Scott and Vine streets, and a primary school is being taught therein. O. W. Hubbell was the contractor. The completion and furnishing of the building, the grading, improving, and fencing of the lots, was done under the direction and supervision of the committee on buildings and repairs.
The city public schools have had four superintendents. Captain William Mitchell, the first, was employed by the board for six consecutive years, and great credit is due to him for the high standard of order and proficiency the schools attained during his term of service. His successor was Colonel P. C. Hayes, who served faithfully, without anything remarkable occurring, for the term of one year, at which time his connection with the schools terminated. The third, Charles A. Baker, was a graduate of Dartmouth college, New Hampshire. So far as scholarship is concerned, he was apparently fully competent for the position, but he unfortunately failed in government, the most important qualification of a good superintendent, and resigned after a service of five months. Richard B. Marsh, the present incumbent, is the fourth, an alumnus of Kenyon college, an accomplished scholar and experienced teacher, who, by invi-
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 385
tation of the board of education, took charge of the city public. schools in the year 1867. He has ever since superintended and controlled them with uniform success, gradually elevating the standard of scholarship, and more than maintaining the deservedly high and enviable reputation of the schools. He has devoted himself with great earnestness to the cause of education, to advance the best interests of our schools, and performed the duties required of the superintendent with scrupulous punctuality and fidelity.
The graded school system has been in operation about twenty-two years, and during that time many changes have taken place in the members of the board of education. After the appointment of the first board, the following named persons have been elected, and served at different times as members of the same, viz.: J. H. McFarland, S. L. Taylor, E. Calkins. William L. King, Joshua Hyde, E. W. Cotton, Jarred Sperry. H. W, Owen, Rev. Joseph Muenscher, Joseph S. Davis, F. D. Sturges, Charles Cooper, Rev. T. E. Monroe, D. W. Chase, William B. Russell, Henry Errett, J. M. Byers, H. Stephens, W. S. Errett A. R. Mclntire, H. Graff, W. P. Bogardus, Benjamin Grant, J, C. Gordon, and W. F. Baldwin.
Presidents of the board and their terms of service: Samuel Israel, esq., seven years; E. W. Cotton, esq., two years; Rev. Joseph Muenscher, one year; Mr. Jarred Sperry, one year; Walter H. Smith, esq., two years; Rev. T. E. Monroe, three years; Joseph S. Davis. esq., nine years.
It is more than seventy years since the first school was opened at Mt. Vernon, and now behold the contrast! In the beginning, a log-cabin school-house, illy lighted and heated, rough walls, chinked and daubed; rude slab benches and desks, with a single teacher only, engaged in the work while preparing for some other occupation, and often only partially qualified to instruct in the simple primary branches. To enjoy these scant and limited school privileges, the pupil was required to pay tuition for each term attended. At present, witness the large, commodious hrick buildings, well finished and furnished, with pleasant and beautiful surroundings, school-rooms large and airy-well lighted, heated, and ventilated; seats and desks the most comfortable and convenient; teachers well educated and trained, who devote their entire time to the work, and make teaching a profession, fully competent to instruct in all of the branches, from the primary to the most advanced studies taught in the highest grade of schools, and with ample provision for continuing the schools ten months in each and every year. These splendid school advantages are within the reach of every person of school age in the city, without money and without price, free as the air we breathe, yet how few of the many children enrolled in the public schools receive the full benefit of instruction in all the grades. Scholars may be observed dropping out and drifting away at all stages of the course, from the primary to the last year of the high school. Perhaps not over ten per cent. of those who enter the high school ever complete the full course, and graduate. What is the remedy? What measures can be adopted to enlist the feelings of these wayward, straying children, and enable them to appeciate these superior school privileges, and embrace the golden opportunity of profiting by them? What plan can be devised to induce parents to more earnestly cooperate with the school authorities in securing a larger attendance in the public schools, and for a greater length of time, so that a higher percentage of instruction, with greater mental culture, can be obtained? These are questions worthy of serious consideration by all citizens who feel a deep interest in the welfare of their children, their school, and their country.
The following were the teachers in the high school;
Messrs. John N. Cassell, H. W. Owen, T. J. Newman ; Misses A. Hubbard, Frances D. Turner, Harriet Carter, Kate Wilson, E. A. Burr, ---- Taylor, Harriet Robinson, Sarah Muenscher; Mrs. Maria P. Grant, Mr. Daniel Butterfield, O. C. Williams; Misses ---- Perrin, Ella Dodge, Emily Patterson, Mary K. Lambe, Lizzie Hemler, Mary F. Parmenter, Hellen Cohen, Sarah L. McWilliams, Kate R. Cooper, Ermina J. Day; Messrs. J. C. Woodward, J. H. Richards.
The following is a catalogue of graduates from the high school:
1864-Perry Gribben.
1865- J. M. Rowe, Emily Patterson, M. Stauffer, Alice Buckland, Sarah Rector, Julia Irvine, Elizabeth Thompson.
1866-Lizzie B. Sperry, M. Emily Durbin, Rose E. Farquhar. Ida E. Irvine, Mary R. Lewis, Rose A. Lippitt, Nora Parke, Louisa Bowers, Ella A. Vance, Rilla Young, M. Curran Farquhar.
1867-Laura L. Bascom, Minnie E. Miller, Adda Smith, Rose E. Ingram, Letitia S. Elder, Nettie Ball, Anna Lewis, Mr. A. M. Hills.
1868-Mary Lane, Amanda Lewis, Belle Stevens, Perlie Stauffer, Louisa Turner.
1869-R. Annie Barr, Louisa Beam, Ella M. Bechtol, Sarah L. Curtis E. Chubbie Hyde, Etta Ingram, Alice M. Lewis, Alice Lane, Lou L. Peterman, H. Kate Parke, Maria L. Rowley, Ella L. Reeves, Carrie M. Thompson, Emma White, Austin A. Cassil, James F. Hood, R. M. Morgan, Orlando V. Price, Hervey Scribner, Royal S. Dewitt.
1870 - Mary E. Calkins, Julia S. Norton, Harry A. Sturges. William T. Colville.
1871-Adelaide E. Brown, Amanda Brown, Mary E. Brown, Emily Cohen, Catharine Fordney, Alice Reynolds, Sarah Smith, Elizabeth R. Willis, Mr. Frank R. Moore.
1872-Robert W. Colville, William E. Ewalt, Mary Thompson, Carlie F. Benedict, Anna M. Blair.
1873-Flora K. Benedict, Selena K. Hodgins, Elizabeth A. Smith, Alice M. Trick, Elizabeth E. Wells.
1874-Luella Mitchell, Marion Smith, Belle Shaw, Ida Tudor.
1875-Carne C. Pyle, Emma T. A. Bridge, Selena L. Trick, Agnes R. Montgomery, Mary L. Rowley, Frances L. Willis, Martha A. Power, Clam J. Tudor, Emma V. Huston, Anna Trimble, Flora M. McDonough, Charles Page Peterman.
1876-Mary R. Snook, Charlotte E. Shaw, Jessie White, Ella E. Shaw, Anna R. McCay, Clara J. McKay, Fannie J. Blanchard, Jennie Chapman, Charles W Doty, A. Baldwin Morton.
1877-Harry Martin. Sue R. Miller, Flora L. Stephens, Frank Harper, Emma Trott, Louis Lane, Sam R. Gottshall.
1878-Annie Severns, Belle Pickard, Herbert Ewalt.
1879-Margaret M. Ward, Olive M. Williams, Clam Mastellar, Linda DeVoe.
1880 - Iva Shroule, Lou Martin, Will E. Fisher, Lois Bishop, Edith M. Marsh.
386 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
CHAPTER XLI.
LITERARY AND OTHER SOCIETIES.
THE POLEMIC SOCIETY-MT. VERNON LITERARY SOCIETY
MT. VERNON LYCEUM-DRAMATIC ASSOCIATION-ME-
CHANICS' SOCIETY-THE FRANKLIN-KNOX COUNTY HIS-
TORICAL SOCIETYLATER LITERARY AND OTHER ASSO-
CIATIONS-MASONS-ODD FELLOWS-KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS
KNIGHTS OF HONOR-ROYAL ARCANUM-KNIGHTS OF
THE RED CROSS-PENNSYLVANIANS IN KNOX COUNTY.
THE first society of a literary character, established at Mount Vernon, was the Polemic society, in 1815, which was kept up until 1817, and included among its members the more talkative and social citizens. It was converted into a Thespian society, and was well sustained for many years. Theatrical performances were generally gotten up every winter for a number of years, and were very creditable to those concerned. The object was to spend the long winter evenings agreeably not to make money. Lawyers, doctors, merchants, and students lent a hand as occasion required. Among the active and valuable upon the boards were Dr. R. P. Moore, Philo L Norton, J. W. Warden, Charles Sager, T. G. Plummer, Jacob Davis, William Smith, S. W. Hildreth, S. W. Farquhar, Eli Miller, Henry B. Curtis, T. W. Rogers, Isaac Hadley, John Colerick, J. S. Banning, and Calvin Hill. The exhibitions were usually at the court house, or at the Golden Swan
inn, now known as the Swetland and Banner office corner. The clothing, equipments, and scenery were of very rich material. One of the old actors says "it was most splendidly illustrated with gorgeous paraphernalia in most profuse variety, and transcends representation."
Joseph Mozier, now an artist of distinction and character in Rome, Italy, was a member, and took an active part in the exhibitions. He was also an active and useful member of the Mt. Vernon lyceum, of 1830.
The Mt. Vernon Literary society was formed in the year 1816.. Among the members of this association were Joseph Brown, Hosmer Curtis, R D. Moore, Gilman Bryant, Timothy Burr, Daniel S. Norton, Samuel Mott and Henry B. Curtis, the last of whom was its last librarian. It had a very good collection of standard works, which, in the end, were divided among its stockholders.
The Mt Vernon Literary society, organized in the winter of 1821-2, by a number of young bachelors of the town, to-wit: Dr. Norman Murray, David Wadsworth, Henry B. Curtis, John W. Warden and James Bebee. Members subsequently admitted were Benjamin S. Brown, S. W. Farquhar, N. N. Hill, and Samuel R Curtis. The organization existed several years. The society expired by reason of the young men becoming absorbed in the more active duties of life.
The Mt. Vernon lyceum, in 1830, was formed and well sustained many years. At the session of the legislature, 1833-4, it was incorporated, and high hopes were entertained of its being a permanent organization. Henry B. Curtis, president, in an inaugural address, delivered January r, 1834, speaking of the aim and of the society says: "We have now assumed a different and more imposing attitude. Having adopted a public charter, we from this time become a part of the history of the State; and let us at least hope that the account which its faithful pages may hereafter give of us and of our transactions shall be such as would not make us blush, could we be permitted to see them." It was the best literary association and the longestlived ever in Mt. Vernon. It continued in successful operation until 1842, and numbered among its active members many of the best citizens of Knox. Its regular meetings were held at the court house, and the public generally and ladies particularly attended its sessions. Literary essays, orations and discussions were the chief entertainments.
Among the number of those who have died may be named-Benjamin Brown, David Dunn, John A. Holland, S. W. Hildreth, M. A. Sayre, Daniel S. Norton, T. W. Rogers, W. A. Hoey, T. G.
Plummer, Dr. M. L Bliss, Hosmer Curtis, E. Sparrow, M. H: Mitchell, Rollin C. Hurd.
Among those who moved to other places are William Byers, J. H. Kinney, J. C. Hall, G. Hathaway, J. G. Chapman, J. B. Foster, D. C. Dunlap, James «'. Miller, Joseph Mozier.
Among the survivors in this county are Columbus Delano, Henry B. Curtis, Dr. J. N. Burr, and J. S. Davis.
The lyceum established a very good library of several hundred volumes.
About the year 1830, a regular amateur dra-
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 387
matic association was organized, and continued in existence until about 1840. The representations took place. in the second story of the the Huntsberry building, now known as the old Masonic hall. At that time the whole of the second story was one large room, and, for theatrical purposes, answered very well. The prominent members were F. J. Zimmerman, William Thompson, James Blake, James Smith, E. C. Vore, Benjamin F. Smith, Benjamin Colopy, N. N. Hill, Thomas Shaw, David Brentlinger, Elijah Stevens, Alexander Elliott, and Jacob B. Brown. One farce gave the citizens great amusement, and is often spoken of yet, viz : "Raising the wind." Among the cast of characters were-"Jeremy Diddler," F. J. Zimmerman; "Peggy, the Beautiful Maid at the foot of the Hill," was well sustained by Thomas Shaw. David Brentlinger was the company's singer and ventriloquist. The orchestra consisted of N. N. Hill, Benjamin Colopy and Alexander Elliott. Stage managers, B. F. Smith and F. J. Zimmerman.
In 1834, a Mechanics' society was formed, which continued till 1840, and enlisted I. B. Brown, G. C. Lybrand, E. Alling, D. McFarland, Abel Hart, sr., and nearly all the workmen in this vicinity..
In 1839, a society called the Franklin, was organized for mental improvement, by John Lamb, Robert Thompson, Benjamin McCracken, W. H. Oldham, Isaac J. Allen, W. P. Griffith, W. T. Curtis, R. S. Thomas, and others, which was well sustained for three or four years, and then went down.
In December, 1849, several gentlemen of Mt Vernon set about getting up a historical society for Knox county, and, in 1850, a constitution was drawn up and signed by "thirty-two gentlemen, fourteen of whom," writes Mr. Norton, "have passed from earth. Twelve years have passed by, the society long since was numbered with the things that were-and this-(the History of Knox County)-comes the nearest to being a report of anything that yet has emanated from any of its members."
Mr, Norton gives the following names of the members of the Historical society:
Hosmer Curtis, Gilman Bryant, Joseph Muenscher, M. E. Strieby, Jesse B. Thomas, James Scott, Daniel S. Norton, M. H. Mitchell, Henry B. Curtis, R. C. Hurd, R. R. Sloan, A, Banning Norton, C. P. Buckingham, G. W. Morgan, C. Delano, Walter Smith, M. W. Stamp, N. N. Hill, George Browning, Matthew Thompson, J. C. Ramsey, J. N. Burr, Samuel Israel, W. Beam, J. W. Vance, W. H. Smith, John C. Stockton, D. Potwin, John W. White, J. H. Peacock. Samuel Mower, John W. Russell. Hosmer Curtis was chosen president; G. Bryant. vice president; R. C. Hurd, treasurer; Rev. J. Muenscher, corresponding secretary; M. E. Strieby, recording secretary; R. R. Sloan, cabinet keeper.
In 1856, Zohar Blair, Noah Hill, Robert Thompson, Daniel Clark, and Samuel Davis, started The Mechanics' Mutual Protection association, which, after two years, was merged in the Brotherhood of the Union, and continued till 1854.
In 1856, Rev. Dr. Muenscher formed a new Mt Vernon Library society, that continued in existence till some time in 1864.
In 1856, Dr. T. Eugene Clark, Robert Buck, J. Q. Buck, William A. Bounds, Thomas Wilson, C. Springer, and John W. White, associated. together and formed "The Atheneum," for amateur theatrical representations. They were assisted by Mrs. J. Q. Buck, Miss Irene Swan, and Miss Sallie Swetman, of Cincinnati, and Miss Julia Irvine, of New York City. The association continued for two years, and numerous performances were given the citizens.
On the evening of Monday, February 16, 1874, an association of young ladies and gentlemen of
this city, gave an amateur dramatic entertainment, at Wolff's Hall. The pieces selected were the
popular drama entitled "All that Glitters is Not Gold," and the laughable farce of "The Quiet
Family." The Banner of February 20th, speaking of the first night's performance, says: "The
house was crowded to overflowing, and everything passed off to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. The audience were so well pleased with the performance that it was repeated, by general request, on the next evening."
On the evening of May 4, 1874, the same association placed upon the boards the pleasing drama of "Down by the Sea," and the roaring farce of "Raising the Wind." This entertainment was given under the auspices and for the benefit of the Mt. Vernon Silver Cornet band. The performance of these two pieces gave as much, if not more, satisfaction to the audience than the performances of February 16 and 17, 1874
On the evening of February 25, 1876, the same
388 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
association presented to the people, at Kirk Hall, "The Honeymoon," for the benefit of the Soldiers' Monument The city newspapers of the day claimed that the members of the association surpassed their previous performances. The play, by request, was repeated the next evening. The programme of "The Honeymoon," was thought worthy, by the committee, of a place in the corner stone of the monument.
As an act of justice to the ladies and gentlemen composing the Amateur Dramatic association, of this city, as he proceeds of all their entertainments,, were devoted to charitable and benevolent purposes, their names, which are as follows, are here preserved
Ladies-Mrs. Maine C. Stahl, Mrs. Lu. M. Buxton, Misses Laura Bascom, Belle Stevens, Ella Davidson, Letitia S. Elder, Virginia Sapp, Clara M. White, Carrie Thompson, Clara A. Bergin, Martha Irvine, Bessie Devin.
Gentlemen-Messrs. Colonel William C. Cooper, Colonel Alaxander Cassil, Captain Will A. Coulter, John W. White, Frank R. Moore, Austin A. Cassil, D. T. Ramsey, L. B. Curtis, Clifford Buxton, Charles M. Hildreth, Charles W. Pyle, O. H. Tudor, Clarence B. Harper, Jack Harper, S. H. Reynolds, W. G. Clucus.
About the same time two or three other Thespian companies were organized, and gave several public entertainments, the two most prominent were by "The Ten Nights in a Bar-room" association, and "The Kirk Opera House" company. The latter association, under the management of Mr. Leroy G. Hunt, met with great success. Their specialty was "Fanchon" and "The Ticket of Leave." Miss Lizzie Evans made her debut as "Fanchon, the Cricket," and achieved a brilliant triumph. She is now the leading lady in one of the many travelling combinations, and receives special praise from the press in all parts of the State.
In the winter of 1875 '6, some of the scholars of the Mt. Vernon high school, formed "The Pi Delta Psi society," and held weekly meetings. On the evening of May 26, 1876, the society gave a grand dramatic entertainment at Kirk hall. The entertainment was highly appreciated by a large and intelligent audience. The programme was an excellent one. Among the performers were Charles M. Pepper, Samuel R. Gotshall, Flora Stephens, Emma Shaw, Ella Shaw, Charles «'. Doty, Sue Miller, May Snook, Kate E. Swetland, Jessie White, A. William Marsh, Harrie Martin, Louis Lane, Frank Harper, Clara McFarland, Jennie Chapman, Mary Sapp.
June 28, 1876, the scholars of "Saint Vincent De Paul's Parochial school," of this city, gave a
delightful entertainment at Kirk hall.
The names of the young performers were: Katie Henegan, Belle Henegan, John Henegan, Frank
Henegan, Katie Hayes, Mary Muldowney, Mary Weber, Flora Bechtol, Annie Purcell, John Taugh er, Julius Rogers, Mary Payne, Alary Brent, Julia Johnson, Mary McCarthy, Walter Brent, Mary Barrett, Katie Mead, Mary Mead, Mary Kelly, Mary Dermody, Bertha Brent, Annie Barrett, Maggie Henely, Annie Henegan, Ella Weber, Lizzie Lawler, Annie Magers, Ella Sheehan, Minnie Brent, Birdie Brent, Annie Barrett, Aggie Purcell, Katie Flanagan, Thomas Connor, Emma McKane, Henry Weber, James Kelly, William Dermody, Thomas McCale, James Murphy, Clarence Sapp, Walter Porter, Fanny Taugher, Mary Reynolds, Ella Porter, Annie Brent, Willie Sapp.
This last association still keeps up its organization, and appears before the public two or three times every season.
MOUNT ZION LODGE NO. 9, F. AND A. M.
At a meeting of the Grand Lodge held at Chillicothe, January 2, 1809, a petition was presented, signed by Samuel H. Smith, Nathaniel W. Little, Richard Fishback, William Little, Alexander Enos, jr., Ichabod Nye and Thomas Brown, praying for a dispensation to form this lodge. The petition was granted and Mount Zion Lodge No. 7 was instituted in the village of Clinton in 1809. Some' time afterwards the number was changed from seven to nine.
The first officers of this lodge were, Samuel H. Smith, W. M.; Alfred Manning, S. W.; Ichabod Nye, J. W. ; Samuel Nye, treasurer; Oliver Strong, secretary; William F. Roberts, F. D.; James Miller, J. D. ; William Bartlett and Peter Wolf, stewards, and Richard Fishback, tyler.
Samuel H. Smith was the first representative to the Grand lodge, in 18io. The first masonic
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 389
funeral was that of Richard Fishback, a merchant of Clinton, May 23, 1814. The first celebration of the day of St. John the Baptist, took place June 24, 1813. An able oration was delivered by Winn Winship, of Mansfield, after which dinner was had at the house of Mr. Boalse. The second celebration of the day was on June 24, 1815, in Clinton, procession and the delivery of addresses by Messrs. Vaudeman and Curtis.
In 1815, a resolution was passed requesting the Grand lodge to change the place of meeting to Mt. Vernon. The petition was granted and a proclamation to that effect issued by the grand master, March 7, 1817. The first meeting under this proclamation was held at the court house April 5, 1817. Joseph Brown was chairman and Robert D. Moore secretary. The communication from the Grand lodge was accepted, and a committee consisting of John Shaw, John P. McArdle and Joseph Brown was appointed to draft by-laws for the government of the lodge; and it was decided that the next meeting be held at the court house on the eleventh for the purpose of organizing a lodge.
The following is from the minutes of this meeting:
MT. VERNON, April 11, 1817.
At said communication of Mount Zion Lodge No. 9, the organization of the lodge was effected and the bylaws reported and adopted. Brothers Alfred Manning, W. M.; John P. McArdle, S. W.; Robert Buchanan, J. W., Joseph Brown, secretary; Jonathan Miller, treasurer; Robert D. Moore, S. D.; Hosmer. Curtis, J. D.; Gilman Bryant, tyler; John Shaw, John Roberts, John Warden and Orange Granger visiting brethren.
The following regular officers were elected June 6th, succeeding: Alfred Manning, W. M.; John McArdle, S. W.; John Shaw, J. W.; Joseph Brown, S.; Gilman Bryant, T.; Royal D. Simons, S. D.; Robert Buchanan, J. D.; John Roberts, S., and James Miller, T. These officers were installed June 24th at 9 A. M., and the anniversary of John the Baptist duly commemorated. A sermon was delivered in the court house, after which the lodge marched in procession to the tavern of Mr. Zimmerman where a dinner was prepared.
The first Mansonic funeral of this lodge after its removal to Mt. Vernon, was that of Andrew M. Roberts, April 18, 1819. Thomas Rigdon preached the funeral discourse at the court house from the text "Be ye also ready."
The celebration of John the Baptist's anniversary took place in the new Masonic hall, in 1819, in the second story of the then new brick school house on Mulberry street The building is no longer in existence, having been taken away in 1880, by William B. Brown, mayor, for the purpose of erecting on the spot his dwelling.
Dr. Jonathan N. Burr is the oldest past master in this part of the country. He was a member as early as 1825, and in 1829, was made W. M. Since that time he has served in this position many years. He is yet living, though past four score.
At present (1881) this lodge meets at Masonic hall, northeast corner of Main and Vine street, the first Friday evening in each month. The officers are W. F. Baldwin, W. M.; N. P. Whitesides, S. W.; Frank R. Moore, J. W.; D. W. Chase, treasurer; S H. Peterson, secretary; A. W: Marsh, S. D.; W. R. Fobes, J. D.; James R. Wallace, tyler.
Clinton Royal Arch Chapter No. 26, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, was erected the sixteenth day of May 1842, under a dispensation from the Most Excellent Companion G. D. Hines, deputy G. H. P. of the grand chapter of the State of Ohio, and the first officers were duly installed by the above named companion, on the twentieth day of the same month.
The first officers were: J. N. Burr, E. H. P.; B. F. Smith, king; James Huntsberry, scribe; C. Delano, P. S.; S. W. Burr, secretary; James Huntsberry, treasurer; B. H. Taylor, C. of H.; S. W. Burr, R. A. C.; A. Corbin, A. C. Rowland, and J. Garrison, M. of vails; Joseph Muenscher, chaplain.
Officers, July 1, 1880: Com. Oscar M. Mulvany, H. P.; Com. C. Sherman Pyle, king; Com. Dr. Samuel C. Thompson, scribe; Com. Austin A. Cassil, captain of host; Com. Frank Moore, P. S.; Com. Edward M. Wright, R. A. captain;. Com. Alexander Cassil, treasurer; Com. Samuel H. Peterman, secretary; Com. W. Frank Baldwin, G. M. of third vail; Com. Milo K. Huntsberry, G. M. of second vail; Com. William R. Cassil, G. M. of first vail; Com. James R. Wallace, guard. Stated meetings-at Masonic hall, northeast corner of Main and Vine streets, the second Friday of each month.
Clinton encampment No. 5, of Knight Templars and appendant orders, Mt. Vernon, Ohio, was in-
390 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
stituted at Mt Vernon on the twelfth of October, 1843, by virtue of authority and a letter of dispensation granted for that purpose by William James Reese, general grand generalissimo of the general grand encampment of the United States of America. The grant was to B. F. Smith, Joseph Muenscher, Isaac Davis, S. M. Smith, and A. D. Bigelow.
First officers: Sir Joseph Muenscher, E. Com-; Sir B. F. Smith, general; Sir A. D. Bigelow, captain general; Sir J. N. Burr, prelate; Sir C. Delano, S. W.; Sir Isaac Davis, J. W.; Sir Sames Huntsberry, treasurer; Sir Thomas Winne, recorder; Sir A. Randolph, standard bearer; Sir Joseph Hildreth, sword bearer; Sir E. W. Cotton, warden; Sir E. D. Stevenson, sentinel.
Officers July 1, 1880: Sir Richard B. Marsh,
E. Com.; Sir John M. Armstrong, generalissimo; Sir Alexander Cassil, captain general; Sir Austin A. Cassil, S. W.; Sir Oscar M. Mulvany. J. W; Sir Daniel «'. Chase, prelate; Sir William B. Brown, treasurer; Sir Samuel H. Peterman, recorder; Sir Samuel S. Mather, sword bearer; Sir William Sanderson, jr., standard bearer; Sir George W. Sandford, warden; Sir James R. Wallace, sentinel. Nights of meeting, the third Friday evening of each month.
MOUNT VERNON LODGE NO. 20, I. O. O. F.
Fifty years from December 23, 1880, the first subordinate lodge of Odd Fellows was introduced into Ohio, and Cincinnati became the pioneer location for an order that rapidly spread all over the State. Ohio Lodge No. 1 was instituted at Cincinnati December 23, 1830, and now there are six hundred and ninety-two working lodges scattered over the territory of Ohio. The little Knox county village of Amity, in Pike township, according to the statistics of the order for the year ending December 31, 1879, the last made public, has the honor of closing, at that time, the progressive history of an order whose object is to "Visit the sick, bury the dead, and to educate the orphan." And nobly has that object been carried out in the last half century, and the past is a sure guarantee for the future. Starting with one subordinate lodge at the close of 1830, two years elapses before Cincinnati organized a second lodge-Washington Lodge No. 2-and at the close of the year 1879, Cincinnati numbers twenty-nine lodges, and there are also a few scattered in different parts of Hamilton county, June 21, 1843, Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 20 was instituted, nearly thirteen years after Ohio No. 1 came into existence, showing the increase in the number of lodges was not rapid, yet it was healthy. The last annual report of the Grand lodge of 1880 shows that eight charters for new subordinate lodges were granted, so that at the close of the half century Ohio will have within her borders seven hundred lodges of Odd Fellows.
The first meetings of the Grand lodge were held quarterly, and were composed of the past grands in and around Cincinnati who thought proper to attend, paying their own expenses, which mode was continued long after the adoption of the annual meetings. At present the State is divided into seventy-eight representative districts, allow. ing a representative for every five hundred and forty-two members, who are paid a per diem, and allowed mileage for traveling expenses. The Knot county lodges are attached to district No. 53, composed of twelve subordinate lodges, with an active membership of five hundred and ninety-two. The district comprises Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 20, Ellicott No. 267, Quindars No. 316, Sycamore Valley No. 553, Centerburgh No. 666, Owl Creek No. 686, and Bartholo No. 692, of Knox county; Chester No. 204, Sparta No. 268, Bennington No, 433 and Johnsville No. 469, of Morrow county; and Galion No. 215, of Crawford county.
During the thirty-seven years Mt. Vernon lodge No. 2o has been in existence, she has had enrolled upon her list of members over five hundred names. Withdrawals, deaths, and immigration have cut them down to sixty-eight active members at the close of the year 1879. The four oldest in membership of those sixty-eight are, respectively: William M, Bunn John Cooper, Abraham Ehle, and John W. White Although Mr. Ehle retains his membership in No. 20, he is a resident of one of the northwest counties of the State.
Charter members : Richard Blake, Liberty Waite, Lorenzo D. Nash, William Sullivan, and Robert Wright. Of these five charter members none are living.
First officers; Richard Blake, N. G.; Liberty Waite, V. G.; Lorenzo D. Nash, secretary; William Sullivan, treasurer-all deceased.
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 391
The following were initiated at the first meeting: D. A Robertson, James R Wallace, Miller Moody, Matthew H. Mitchell, and Thomas Winne. Messrs. Miller Moody, Mitchell, Winne, and Robertson are dead. Mr. Wallace holds membership in Quindaro, No. 316.
Officers, January 1, 1881: Thomas Brown, N. G.; Peter Allen, V. G.; J. C. Levi, secretary; W. R Hart, P. secretary; R. N. Kindrick, treasurer; Richard Smale, I. G.; Samuel Newby, O. G.; C. A. Merriam, sitting N. G.
This lodge meets in hall No. 1, Kremlin block, every Wednesday evening.
QUINDARO LODGE NO. 30, I. O. O. F., of Mt Vernon, was instituted June 9, 1857, by dispensation from the Right Worthy Grand lodge of Ohio, by Deputy Grand Master A C. Glenn, acting under a dispensation from Grand Master W. C. Chidsey, assisted by several past Brands from Mt Vernon Lodge No. 20.
Charter members: G. B. Arnold, J. M. Byers, A. C. Elliott, J. Frank Andrews, John Lamb, T. P. Fredrick, sr., and John Jennings, all having received withdrawal cards from Mt Vernon Lodge No. 20, for the purpose of forming a new lodge in the city.
First officers installed; Joseph M. Byers, N. G.; T. P. Fredrick, sr., V. G.; G. B. Arnold, sec'y; Alex. C. Elliott, Per. sec'y; J. Frank Andrews, treasurer.
Initiated at first meeting: Israel Underwood and L Munk.
Officers January 1, 1881: Evan Jones, N. G.; J. O. Bushfield, V. G.; S. W. Graff, Per. sec'y; Ira Phillips, sec'y; George R. Martin, treas.; George Singer, I. G.; S. P. Weaver, O. G.; John McFadden, sitting P. G.
Representatives to the Grand lodge of Ohio: Joseph M. Byers, J. Frank Andrews, T. P. Fredrick, sr.
Meetings are held in their. hall, over the hardware store of C. A. Bope, every Tuesday evening.
The career of Quindaro has been, from the start, a brilliant one, and its prosperity has been equal to any lodge within the limits of central Ohio. The hall now occupied has been used by the lodge from its organization, first at a yearly rental from James W. Miller, and then by purchase. A few
years since, not only the lodge room, but the whole building, became the property of the lodge by purchase.
Kokosing Encampment, No. 38, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Mt Vernon, was instituted March 29, 1849. The encampment branch is the highest rank in the order, and is made up of the fifth degree members . of subordinate lodges. The standing of encampment members depends upon their good standing in the subordinate lodges.
Charter members-I. M. Campbell, S. W. Gribben, A. Ehle, L G. Prentis, R C. Kirk, Henry Phillips, A. P. Mather, and U. Stevens.
Messrs. Gribben, Prentis, Phillips, Mather and Stevens are dead. Mr. Campbell is a citizen of Ashland; Mr. Ehle is a citizen of one of the northwestern counties, and Dr. R. C. Kirk severed his connection with the order some years ago.
First officers-L M. Campbell, C. P.; A P. Mather, H. P.; R C. Kirk, S. W.; A. Ehle, scribe; L. G. Prentis, treasurer.
Initiated at the first meeting-W. M. Bunn, J. A Shannon, T. T. Tress, John Cooper, Robert B. Wright, and John Eichelberger.
Messrs. Shannon, Tress, and Wright are dead Mr. Eichelberger is a citizen of Mansfield.
Officers January 1, 1881-R N. Kindrick, C. P.; W. R. Hart, H. P.; Thomas Trick, S. W.; E. Conkling, S. W.; J. B. Warren, scribe; T. W. Linstead, treasurer; William People, inside sentinel; Samuel Newby, outside sentinel.
The lodge meets in Hall No. 1, Kremlin block, the second and fourth Friday evenings in each month.
Representatives to the Grand encampment, since the adoption of the new constitution in 1855 -W. M. Bunn, John W. White, J. Frank Andrews, Henry Phillips, W. R Hadt, A C. Elliott, T. P. Frederick, sr.
Messrs. Andrews, Phillip, and Elliott are dead. W. R Hart is the present representative.
Officers Grand encampment-William R Hart, R AV. junior warden 1874-5 ; William R Hart, most worthy chief patriarch, 1877-8.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
Timon Lodge, No. 45, Mt Vernon, was instituted on the eighteenth day of April, 1872, by Dr. L
392 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
Firestone, G. C., assisted by brethren from Wooster and Mansfield.
First officers and charter members: W. A. Crouch, C. C. ; J. Monroe Hill, V. C.; Richard F. West, prelate; Edward Vincent, K. of R and S.; John M. Armstrong, M. of E.; William T. Elwell, M. of F.; Henry H. King, M. at A.; William B. Norton, I. G.
Those first initiated were J. H. Trimble, Hon. A J. Beach, William M. Haper, Samuel H. Peterman, J. Allen Mitchell.
Officers, January 1, 1881: Charles W. Pyle, P. C.; Henry C. Smith, C. C.; Clarence B. Harper, V. C.; William C. McFadden, prelate; Frank Harper, K. of R S.; John H. Stevens, M. of E.; V. J. Pealer, M. of F.; Ira Buckley, M. of A.; C. C. Buckingham, J. G.; E. J. Walton, O. G.
The lodge meets every Thursday evening in their Castle hall, Raymond block, southwest corner of High street and public square.
The following are the past chancellors since organization: W. A. Crouch, Richard F. West, J. Monroe Hill, Henry H. King, John H. Stevens, J. D. Haymes, R B. Bingham, Samuel H. Peterman, S. C. Thompson, William Appleton, LeRoy G. Hunt, H. C. Parker, J. W. H. Tiffiny, Frank N. Bunn, Jacob M. Tompkins, William M. Harper, John B. Waight, Charles W. Pyle.
Representatives to the Grand lodge- W. A. Crouch, 1873-4; John H. Stevens, 1875-6; Samuel H. Peterman, 1877-8-9 ; Dr. Samuel C. Thompson, 1880-.
Present number of members-one hundred and sixty.
Section No. 180 of the Endowment Rank, K. of P., was instituted May 31, 1878, by Colonel J. S. Crall, of Mansfield, Ohio. Its first president was J. M. Tompkins, and its first secretary and treasurer Samuel H. Peterman. The membership in the first class is eighteen, and in the second twenty-eight. The former pays an endowment of one thousand dollars, and the latter two thousand, on the death of a member. The regular meeting night is the last Monday of each month.
KNIGHTS OF HONOR.
Knox Lodge No. 31 K. of H., of Mt. Vernon, was organized October 1 1874. Its first officers were:
S. C. Thompson, past dictator; Hezekiah Graft, dictator; S. S. Baker, vice-dictator: W Sanderson, assistant dictator; J. F. Myers, guide; W. W McKay, reporter; W. Cochran, financial reporter; A. Vance, treasurer, S. Wright, sentinel.
The lodge meets every Wednesday evening at their hall, third floor Sperry's block, southwest side of,the public square.
Officers, January 1, 1881: J. J. Tultz, past di rector; J. H. Branyan, director; H. S. Weirick, vice director; E. S. Kingston, assistant dictator; R C. Hunt, chaplain; D. F. Ewing, guide; William H. Spencer, reporter; F. A. Davis, financial reporter; William Jamison, guardian; S. L Baker, treasurer; George Wythe, sentinel; W. F. Gantt, C. G. Smith, D. F. Ewing, W. J. Homer and R G. White, trustees. Representatives to Grand lodge-C. G. Smith; alternate, D. F. Ewing.
Deaths since organization: Thomas McBride, Isaac W. Russell, M. D., James Farrar, David Sewalt.
Present number of members, one hundred and two.
ROYAL ARCANUM.
Mt. Vernon Council, No. 11, was instituted in Mt Vernon August 21, 1877.
Its first officers were: Dr. S. C. Thompson, past regent; W. F. Baldwin, regent; D. P. Wooton, vice regent; Thomas H. Eustace, orator; W. B. Dunbar, secretary; H. Y. Rowley, collector; S. L. Baker, treasurer; W. F. Gantt, chaplain; C. G. Smith, guide; W. T. Critchfield, warden; D. Z. Grubb, sentry.
Officers for 1881: H. Y. Rowley, past regent; John H. Stevens, regent; Charles H. Chain, vice
regent; S. L Baker, orator; W. B. Dunbar, secretary; W. F. Gantt, collector; J. C. Scott, treasurer; John B. Castner, chaplain; John B. Warren, guide; Ezra Hunt, warden; W. P. Helms, sentry; John H. Stevens, H. Y. Rowley, E. Sharpnack, Isaac Rosenthall, and W. F. Baldwin, trustees. Repre. sentative to Grand lodge, Leroy G. Hunt.
Present number of members, fifty-eight.
This council, on the death of a member, pays to the family of the deceased three thousand dollars.
St. Vincent De Paul's Benevolent society was organized August, 1873.
The first officers were: John Henegan, presi-
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 393
dent; C. O'Boyle, vice-president; John Lawler, secretary; Dennis Corcoron, treasurer.
The officers for 1881 are: James Britt, president; Matthias Kelly, vice-president; Thomas Hays, secretary; Michael Shehan, treasurer; James W. Logsden, marshal.
The society meets semi-monthly in St. Vincent hall, corner Main and Vine streets.
KNIGHTS OF THE RED CROSS.
This order has just been instituted in Mt. Vernon by the members of St. Vincent De Paul's Catholic church. The origin of the order dates back to the eleventh century (1069) when Pope Urban II., at the council of Clermont, invested the nobles about to take part in the crusade against the Saracens, with the Red Cross. The Knights of the Red Cross of the present day are not called upon to wage physical warfare, but a spiritual warfare against the evils of the day-against intemperance, impurity, irreligion, and all manner of vice, by their example and admonition. The Mt Vernon chapter have engaged, through their pastor and spiritual director, a suitable hall in which to hold their meetings and drill. In order to make the institution attractive, to the young men of the congregation, particularly, military drill forms a marked feature of the exercises of the chapter. In course of time the members are duly knighted and receive, at the hands of the grand commander of the order, their uniforms, which are usually very handsome. Regular meeting nights occur on every alternate Sunday night. Drill night every Friday, at St. Vincent hall. The chapter starts out here with a membership of over forty.
First officers - Samuel J. Brent, president; Thomas Hayes, vice-president; M. M. Kelly, treasurer; J. F. Stoeckle, secretary; William Hunt and Thomas Brannigan, guardians; and Rev. T. J.
Lane, chaplain.
PENNSYLVANIANS IN KNOX COUNTY,
is the present theme of conversation throughout the county. The object sought is an organization of native Pennsylvanians and their descendants, residents of the county. A preliminary meeting was held on the nineteenth of January, 1881, and a committee of five appointed to draw up and present at a future meeting a programme for consideration, to perfect as far as possible arrangements for a reunion of all natives of Pennsylvania, now residents of the county. That committee consisted of Messrs. G. W. Morgan, John F. Gay, W. C. Culbertson, John Welsh, and David C. Lewis. The adjourned meeting met at the court house, Saturday afternoon, February 5, 1881. The report of the meeting was adopted. It proposed an organization, with a president and vice-presidents, one from each township in the county, a secretary, treasurer, and an executive committee of five persons. A committee of arrangements was appointed to make arrangements for a reunion and picnic to take place on the fair-grounds, sometime during the coming summer or fall, on a date to be fixed by the president and executive committee. Addresses, orations, etc., are to be delivered on subjects pertaining to the object for which the meeting is convened.
About one hundred persons interested in the call, attended the meeting of the fifth of February, and completed the organization by electing the following officers: General G. W. Morgan, president; Hon. R. C. Kirk, vice-president; C. S. Pyle, secretary; Joseph M. Byers, treasurer; Jackson, James P. Ross; Butler, Jacob Lepley; Union, Wilson Buffington; Jefferson, James Withrow; Brown, A. M. Vincent; Howard, Robert Cassil; Harrison, Martin J. Horn; Clay, E. O. Bebout; Morgan, Benjamin Smith; Pleasant, Joseph V. Park; College, Frank Scoles; Monroe, John McElroy; Pike, W. W. Walkey; Berlin, Michael Hess; Morris, H. C. Wilson; Clinton, John Welsh; Miller, J. F. Barnhard ; Milford, W. T. Turner; Liberty, T. F. Cole; Wayne, Joseph Duncan; Middlebury, John C. Levering; Hilliar, Demas Bucker; Mt. Vernon -First ward; Dr. J. Hess; Second ward, Thomas McCreary; Third ward, W. C. Culbertson; Fourth ward, David C. Lewis; Fifth ward, David C. Montgomery, township vice-presidents; W. C. Culbertson, G. A. Jones, J. F. Gay, Thomas Odbert and William B. Banning, executive committee.
394 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
CHAPTER XLII.
MOUNT VERNON-CONTINUED.
THE BUSINESS OF THE CITY-THE OWL CREEK BANK-THE
KNOX COUNTY BANK-FIRST NATIONAL AND SAVINGS
BANKS-THE KNOX COUNTY MUTUAL INSURANCE COM-
PANY-THE EAGLE MUTUAL-THE MUTUAL AID ASSOCIA-
TION-THE BUSINESS MEN OF 1850-THE MANUFACTUR
ING BUSINESS OF THE CITY-LIST OF AGED MEN.
THE history of Knox county would be incomplete without a brief account of the Owl Creek bank of Mt. Vernon. The notes issued by this institution were of every denomination, from six and. one-fourth cents up to ten dollars. The paper, engraving and finish of the notes, although not so perfect as those issued by the banks of the present day, were fair specimens in the art of engraving. From the journals of the bank and from the files of the Ohio Register, the only paper then published in the county, the following account is compiled:
There being great complaint of the scarcity of money after the war, large numbers of people in various cities and towns in the United States, and more particularly in the west and Ohio, conceived the idea of multiplying the quantity of paper in lieu of money, by manufacturing what is called "currency." As early as December, 1814, a meeting was held, and articles of association for the organization of a bank, to be called the Owl Creek bank of Mt. Vernon," were entered into, fixing the capital stock at one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, divided into shares of fifty dollars each, payable in installments of not exceeding five dollars each, and appointing certain commissioners to open stock books, etc. Petitions were then presented to the legislature, praying for a charter; and after having petitioned the legislature for an act authorizing such an association, and been denied, the people determined to go ahead without State authority.
On the tenth day of April, 1816, the first meeting on record of those who inaugurated the Owl Creek bank was held at the. court house in Mt. Vernon, and as this is one of the most important events in the early history of Knox county, the proceedings of this meeting, and also of the first meeting of the board of managers are noted.
"Agreeably to previous notice, there was a meeting at the court house on April l0th. Jonathan
Miller was called to the chair, and Joseph Brown was appointed secretary. The following independent sentiments were set forth:"
Resolved, That we have by the constitution of this State a full and fair right and privilege to have charters granted when we shall petition the legislative body of this State for that purpose. We, the undersigned, have complied with the requisitions of the constitution, and will continue to do so, without waiving our lights and privileges.
Therefore be it resolved, that we do form ourselves into a company for the purpose of establishing a bank in the town of Mt. Vernon, Knox county.
2. Resolved, That the following named gentlemen be appointed managers of said bank, and to draft articles of associn. tion and by-laws for the future government of the company, viz: James Smith, William Mitchell, M. Merritt, Abraham Darling, Hosmer Curtis, ,John Warden, Gilman Bryant, Jona than Miller, L. S. Silliman, Benjamin Martin, Joseph Brown, John Green, and Jacob Young.
A committee appointed for that purpose, drafted articles of association, by which the bank teas to be governed, embracing twenty-three distinct propositions. Article I, reads: "The capital stock of the company shall be two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, current money of the United States, with the privilege of extending it to five hundred thousand dollars." The bank was to commence business as soon as twenty-five thousand dollars were subscribed. The stock was divided into shares of fifty dollars each. Jonathan Miller, James Smith, Gilman Bryant, John Warden, Benjamin Martin, Hosmer Curtis, W. Mitchell, M. Merritt, A. Darling, Jacob Young, John Green, L S. Silliman, and Joseph Brown, were appointed commissioners to open books and receive subscriptions for stock. Article VI, provides: "The affairs of the company shall be conducted by thirteen directors, a president and a cashier." James Smith was elected president, and L. S. Silliman cashier.
The legislature refusing to grant a charter to the institution, the stockholders elected to proceed
without it, and do business, depending upon the honesty of the borrowers, they pledging themselves to waive all rights the laws of the State might give them not to withhold payment from an institution not recognized by the laws of the land. Every borrower was required to make the following declaration under oath before some justice of the peace: "Before me (A B.) a justice of the peace for the county of aforesaid, came C. D., who being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that,
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 395
whereas, he has thrown a note into the Owl Creek bank of Mt. Vernon for discount; saith, that, if discounted, he will take no advantage of any statute law of this State; and farther this deponent saith not'' Under those conditions the bank commenced doing business.
On the sixth of March, 18 71, a dividend of six per cent. was declared, and the stockholders were sanguine of reaping a harvest. So long as the bank had money to loan its unchartered condition was no detriment to its usefulness. Its funds ran out some of its stockholders neglected or refused to pay up their shares-notes became due, and an effort was made to collect them-then came hard times. People were suddenly convinced of the deep sin, if not crime, of fostering an "unchartered" monster in their midst. Samuel Williams, a tavern keeper of Mansfield, had borrowed five hundred dollars, and after taking an oath that "he would take no advantage of any statute law of the State," refused its notes when tendered him for hotel bills, and also refused to redeem his notes discounted, and freely used the columns of the newspapers of the day to destroy the institution that had aided him when in need. A Dr. Moore B. Bradly arrayed himself on the side of Williams in the work of destruction, and others followed suit. With a depleted treasury, the institution attempted to stem the torrent, but in vain. In these times of evil talk, and while the public were busy crying down the institution, a few whole souled persons were found who came to its aid.
The bank building was located where James Rogers' hardware store now is. The building was about twenty feet square, and contained two rooms, a front and a back room. It was a log building, weather-boarded. Its doors and window shutters were protected with large headed nails.
The stockholders to the bank were never fully known by reason of the mutilation or alteration of the books, which took place pending a suit between Luke Walpole and some of the stockholders. The bank was entered one night and a large box that contained the books and papers carried off. Subsequently the box was found in a thicket of hazel, east of town, broken open, and the books and papers scattered about, with several of the names of stockholders obliterated. The
testimony in this case, the proceedings of the court, and reports of the receiver, exceptions to his report and final decree, make one of the largest volumes of record in the clerk's office of Knox county, duly labelled "The Owl Creek Bank Case." From this official and authoritative record the.names of parties and shares of stock alleged to have been connected with the "Owl Creek Bank" are taken, as follows:
KNOX COUNTY.
Shares. Paid.
Hosmer Curtis . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 $500 00
Jonathan Agnew .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 20 30.00
William Scritchfield .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Insley D. Johnson................ . . . . . . . . .. . . . . 5
Joseph Critchfield .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 133 00
James Barkhurst .. . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. 5 66 00
Robert Dalrymple ................ . . .. . . . . . . .. . 12 380 00
James McGibeny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 725 00
Allen Scott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 250 00
Joseph Mann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Gilman Bryant . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 900 00
John Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
John Hawn . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 150 00
Philip Welker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 510 00
John Stilley .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 25 200 00
John Shaw . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 316 00
William Darling, of Richland county . . . . . . 10
James Bolton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 20 160 00
George Davis . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
John J. Tulloss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 50 00
Jonathan Hunt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 150 00
Abel A. Webster, of Richland ... . .... .... . . . . 50
Eli Miller. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 250 00
Benjamin Rush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. .. 10 266 00
Henry Markley .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 25 375 00
Nicholas Riley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 500 00
Henry Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. 20 625 00
Jacob M. Banning.................... . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 130 00
Gotlieb Zimmerman .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 345 75
W. Y. Farquhar. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 20 125 00
Nathaniel Scritchfield .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10 333 00
Francis Wilkins .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 100 00
Eli Gregg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10 58 00
Jacob Lepley .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Samuel Mutt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 125 00
Aaron Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Thomas Irvine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Jonathan Miller . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. 50 350 00
John Trimble .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 316 00
James Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. 50
Isaac Richardson .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 66 00
John Hibbitts ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 10 200 00
Jacob Draper: .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 200 00
Henry B. Carter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . 10 100 00
William Robeson .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
James Severe .............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Rebecca Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Jonathan Rapp . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
396 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
Shares. Paid.
William Bevans .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
William W. Farquhar . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . 15 265 00
Elijah Newcomb, of Coshocton county . . . 17 350 00
Thomas Butler, of Coshocton county . . . . . 50 350 00
LICKING COUNTY.
Shares.
James M. Taylor . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 10
John Cully. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
A. H. Caffee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Noble Landon .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 10
A. Warthen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10
Silas Mead ....................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Joseph Fulton ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Jonathan Conard .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . .. 10
William Robinson .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
William W. Gault . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
John Houston . . .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . .. . .. . . . 67
Benjamin Warner ........................... . . . . . . . . . 10
RICHLAND AND OTHER COUNTIES.
Shares.
Jacob Been.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Hiram Ball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Benjamin Mochaber ............................... . . . . . . 8
John Badger. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Matthew Kelly ................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Henry Vaught .......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Buckingham. Sherwood, and Eben P. Sturges, traders, under
the name and style of Sherwood & Sturges . . .20
John Beckwith, of Perry county . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Jacob Morris, of Perry county .................... . . . . . 5
Samuel B. Carpenter, of Huron county ................ 15
John Leyland, of Huron county . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 10
Enoch Harris, colored man, of Marion county .. .. 15
John Morris, of Wayne county . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
John Shrimplin .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Adam Johnson, of Coshocton county . .. . . . . . . 50
Isaac Dillon, of Muskingum county . . . . . . . . . . 50
George Reeve, of Muskingum county ............... 30
Robert Dalrymple . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
James Barcus .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . .. . . . . 50
William Critchfield, sr .. . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
William Darling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 50
James Rightmire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 50
Insley D. Johnson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 50
Jacob Cook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
The above named were claimed to have been interested in the concern; and having been duly subpoenaed and brought into court, their own answers and voluminous testimony were taken. While some few plead the statute of limitations, in addition to other testimony, the greater number to their credit be it said confessed their connection with the bank, and expressed themselves ready to stand the consequences.
Henry B. Curtis was appointed master commissioner, and, after a thorough and searching examination, he made, on the eighteenth of September,1837, a very elaborate and able report. Having, upon his appointment, caused publication to be made by newspaper to all interested, either as creditors or partners, of his appointment to close, and finally settle, as far as practicable, the concerns of the bank; and having before him all the testimony, he determined the relative position of the parties, and discharged from liability as stock holders of that number Jacob M. Banning, William Bevans, Isaac Dillon, George Reeve, Sturges & Sherwood, Francis Wilkins, and Matthew Williams, for insufficiency of proof.
At the September term of the supreme court, 1837, judges Reuben Wood and Peter Hitchcock approved the report, by which it appeared that the sum of twenty-six thousand seven hundred and ninety-six dollars and twenty cents was required to be raised to meet and discharge the present unpaid debts of the company in Owl Creek bank bills; and the liabilities of the parties defendant, being established equal, it was further ordered that said sums, as assessed by said master commissioner's report, be paid by said parties to him, and the cause was continued for further report.
Several of the parties defendant, by their attorneys, filed exceptions to said report and as to their rights, and for further examination the papers in the cause were referred to H. H. Hunter, esq., of Lancaster, as special master, who, at the September term, 1838, submited a partial report as to certain parties referred to him, and still further reported, as by testimony, the following additional stockholders equally liable, viz: Solomon Geller, owner of twenty shares; John Hawn, sr., fifteen shares; Nathaniel Johnson, sixty shares (fifty of which being transfers from Jonathan and Eli Miller; William Blackburn, twenty shares; Matthew Merritt, four shares; G. B. Maxfield, John Troutman, and N. M. Young, ten shares each. At the same time the special master concludes with this statement
"It is believed that no man can, at this time, possess himself of the facts necessary to do exact justice in the case. Though it is believed that much additional evidence, with proper exertions, may be collected, to render the case more perfect. All of which is respectfully suggested."
At the September term, 1839, judges Peter Hitchcock and Frederick Grimke allowed the complainants leave to amend their bill, and make the
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY - 397
newly-discovered stockholders parties, etc.; and the court continued H. H. Hunter special master for further investigation, and with more extensive powers.
At the September term of 1840, Master Commissioner Hunter submitted his final report, concluding with a statement of accounts and an aggregate amount remaining due-seventeen thousand four hundred and fifty-seven dollars and twenty-seven cents; and the court, upon further hearing of exceptions by council and arguments for their respective clients, decreed accordingly, and continued the appointment of Henry B. Curtis as receiver, to collect from the parties the sums assessed against them, and to pay off the judgment creditors, etc.
At the succeeding terms of the court, various orders were made, as necessary in the progress of the cause, and upon the reports of the receiver of his action had in the premises.
And thus the case "dragged its slow length along," until the final report of the receiver was filed, and the cause finally disposed of upon exceptions taken by Miller & Dunbar, attorneys for certain defendants, which were overruled by the district court in chancery, on the sixteenth of June, 1859-and an entry upon the journal expresses the satisfaction of the court at its termination-by the receiver in having disposed of the remaining assets by sale under order of the court, for an amount sufficient to liquidate all outstanding indebtedness.
The following extract is from the receiver's report:
The undersigned, now, therefore, regarding substantially all interests adjusted and settled, in behalf of party creditors, and the assets for that purpose exhausted, recommends that the suits pending be finally dismissed. from the docket. without prejudice to the rights of the assignee to collect the balances against party creditors, standing unsatisfied, agreeably to former reports and decrees in this cause. The undersigned reports all costs paid. as far as known to him, and. as he believes, in full.
In taking have of the case, which for inure than thirty years has occupied a conspicuous position on the docket of this court, and in closing the trust which, for more than twenty years, has been confided to the undersigned, lie takes leave to congratulate the court on the final adjustment of the whole matter. and to express his profound thanks for the confidence so long continued. without which the' vexed, complex. and protracted labors of the case would have been rendered much more onerous, and the results obtained far less satisfactory.
To the parties (many of the original of whom have departed this life since the commencement of this suit), and to their heirs and representatives, the full record of this case. while it may recall some reminiscences of an unfortunate enterprise, and its calamitous results, will also remind them of many incidents and profitable lessons in' the school of experience, and be, for alt time to come, the veritable history of the Owl Creek bank of Mt. Vernon.
Upon the filing of the final report of Mr. Curtis, as receiver, the court caused the following order and decree to be entered in the docket, as its judgment:
It is now, therefore, ordered and decreed, that said report be forthwith approved, and sale fully confirmed and this whole case is accordingly discontinued.
Such is, in brief, the history of the Owl Creek bank of Mt. Vernon, an institution which acquired great notoriety.
The Knox County National bank was originally organized in 1848 as the Knox County bank, a branch of the State bank of Ohio, with Henry B. Curtis, J. W. Russell, C. Delano, Jesse B. Thomas, and Sewall Grey, directors; Henry B. Curtis, president. John C. Ramsey, Levi L Lewis, and J. Frank Andrews were at different periods its cashiers, under its old organization. In 1865, after the passage by Congress of the national banking law; this institution elected to continue business under the national law, the State banking law having expired by limitation. It then assumed the name of the Knox County National bank. Its present capital is one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, and it is now one of the foremost institutions of the city. Mr. Curtis still continues its able and efficient president. The cashiers in its national character have been Hugh Oglevee, L, B. Curtis, and John M. Ewalt. Of the different cashiers Messrs. Ramsey, Andrews, and Oglevee have deceased. The present board of directors are: H. B. Curtis, president; J. N. Burr, vice-president; and Messrs. N. N. Hill, Charles Cooper, and Henry L Curtis. John M. Ewalt is cashier, and Edward W. Pyle, assistant cashier. Its surplus fund is twenty-one thousand seven hundred and sixty-three dollars.
The First National bank was organized in April, 1862, under the name of Bank of Mount Vernon, J. W. Russell, president; Columbus Delano, Mathew Thompson, Walter H. Smith, F. D. Sturges, directors; F. D. Sturges, cashier; D. W. Lambert, teller. Capital, one hundred thousand dollars. Electing to do business under the national law it
398 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY
assumed the name of the First National bank after the passage of that law. Messrs. Sturges and Lambert hold their old positions at this time. Upon the retiring of Dr. Russell, the Hon. Columbus Delano was made president. The present board of directors consists of Columbus Delano, president; John W. Russell, vice-president; and F. D. Sturges, D. W. Lambert, and H. H. Greer. Its present capital is fifty thousand dollars.
Knox County Savings bank was incorporated September 13, 1873, under the act of February 26th, of that year, and commenced business December 29th of the same year. The present officers are: Jared Sperry, president; Samuel Israel, vice-president; John D. Thompson, treasurer; Samuel H. Israel, cashier; Jared Sperry, G. A. Jones, John D. Thompson, Samuel H. Israel, O. M. Arnold, Alexander Cassil, and Thomas Odbert, trustees. These gentlemen are all well and favorably known in this part of the State, and under their management the bank occupies a high position among the financial institutions of the State. The capital of the bank is fifty thousand dollars.
The Knox County Mutual Insurance company was incorporated by a special act of the general assembly of the State of Ohio, March 14, 1838, giving it an existence co-equal with the older fire insurance companies of the State. It commenced issuing policies in August, 1839. Its first board of officers were: C. P. Buckingham, president; Samuel J. Updegraff, secretary; E. G. Woodward, treasurer; and for directors: C. P. Buckingham, Henry B. Curtis, George Browning, J. E. Davidson, S. J. Updegraff, Columbus Delano, B. S. Brown, Else Miller, and Isaac Hadley. Of the whole number of officers named only Messrs. Buckingham, Curtis, Delano and Hadley are living. The transactions and operations of this organization have been characterized by prudence and economy. In 1843 Mr. William Turner was installed as secretary, which position he still holds. For a period of nearly forty years he has devoted his superior financial and executive ability to his work, during which time he has established a reputation
of which he may justly feel proud; and to his ability, in a great measure, are due the success and
prosperity of the company. It has now been several years since Robert Thompson was chose president of this company, and Mr. S. L Taylor, general agent. Each of these gentlemen have large business experience.
The Knox County Mutual now has a well secured capital of about one million dollars in premium notes, and a cash surplus of about fifty thousand dollars-thirty thousand dollars of which is invested in United States four per cent registered bonds, which are held as a reserve fund, to be drawn upon in case of extraordinary losses, and thus avoid the necessity of heavy assessments. This company has paid over four hundred thousand dollars in fire losses, and the average annual assessment on notes since the organization has been two and one-half per cent, or one-fourth annual cash rates. The policy of this company is to keep their risks well scattered, and to take none extra hazardous.
The Eagle Mutual Fire Insurance company was incorporated May 31, 1879, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars in premium notes and closed the year 1879 with a report to superintendent of insurance, showing a gross capital of over eighty thousand dollars, the result of its first year's business. The company was organized mainly through the efficient and energetic efforts of Mr. J. J. Fultz, its present acting secretary, assisted by Mr. J. B. Castner, late of Toledo, Ohio.
The "Eagle" does a conservative and purely mutual business, and is officered by the following gentlemen, who are well and favorably known: David C. Montgomery, president; General G. W. Morgan, vice-president; J. J. Fultz, secretary; Hon. John D. Thompson, treasurer; Hon. William C. Cooper, legal adviser, and John B. Castner, general agent.
THE OHIO MUTUAL AID ASSOCIATION.
An association having for its object the mutual protection and relief of its members, and for
the payment of such stipulated sums of money not to exceed four thousand dollars-to the
families or heirs of deceased or disabled members (or to themselves prior to death), as may be
by certificate of membership provided-was incorporated September 4, 1879. The association began business at once, and at the end of the first year had a membership of nearly two thousand. The officers of the association are-Hon. John D,
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 399
Thompson, president; General G. W. Morgan, vice-president and legal adviser; J. J. Fultz, secretary and actuary; David C. Montgomery, treasurer, and S. C. Thompson, medical director.
Following is a list of the business men of Mt. Vernon in 1850. At that date the stores kept a general assortment. There were but few dealers in groceries alone, and in no instance did the merchants confine themselves to dry goods alone.
The principal merchants were R. C. Kirk & Co., D. Potwin & Co., William Beam, R. M. Brown & Son, Hugh Cooper & Co., A. N. Stoughton, Hill & Mills, A. E. Davidson, Jonathan Weaver, George B. Potwin, H. H. Curtis, D. S. Norton, sr., Warden & Burr, James Blake, Horatio S. Miller, C. G. Bryant, L. B. Ward, Richard Ridgeley, Robert Irvine, James George, N. Updegraff, J. E. Woodbridge, E. C. Vore, James Hutchinson, Daniel Axtell, J. W. Miller & Co., G. A. Jones & Co., J. A. Graff, Washington Hendricks.
The druggists were C. P. Buckingham & Co., M. Aberneythy, H. M. Ramsey & Co., J. N. Lewis & Co.
The chair makers were Daniel McFarland, Daniel McDowell, J. H. McFarland, Noah Hill, Joseph Jacobs, Raphael Pyne.
The brick and stone masons were John Jennings, Thomas Drake, James A. Lane, Henry Ransom, Solomon Smith, Albert Mitchell.
The proprietors of livery and feed stables were Richard Keene, William Combs, George Crouse, C. L. Bennett.
The brick makers were I. & T. Wood, Tramel Harle, Benjamin Magers, Jacob Blocker.
The silversmiths were J. B. Brown, C. H. Strieby, Joshua Hyde.
The foundry and machine works were Coopers & Clark, M. C. Furlong. Buckingham & Upton.
The photographers were Ayers & Larabee, William Oldroyd.
The iron and hardware dealers were John McCormick, Adam Weaver, Henry Rook & Co.
The cabinet makers were Joseph S. Martin, James Relf, Daniel McDowell, Jacob Martin, Henderson & Weirick, Abraham Bolyer.
The carpenter and joiners were Daniel Clark, O. W. Hubbell, Jacob Clayton, Blair Cummings, W. A. Bounds, Henry Haller, John M. Lane, P. C. Lane, A. Hart, sr., Jesse Blair, R. B. Bingham, E. Armstrong, Joseph C. Emery, Benjamin Giles, David F. Randolph, David Martin, John H. Roberts, J. S. Stout, William Fordney, Parrott Rathell, L. M. Fowler, John Phillips, Russell Smith, Dennis Smith; Joseph Giles, John D. Bartlett, Charles Bechtol, Lester B. Gardner, S. J. Devoe, John Dwyen John W. Rumsey, William Clements.
The saddle and harness makers were George W. Hauk, William Mefford, W. H. Mefford, E. Alling, F. J. Zimmerman, Samuel Clark.
The butchers were James C. Irvine, Joseph Bechtol, Allen Beach, sr., Allen J. Beach, Archy McFarland, Aaron Sharp.
The coopers were Samuel Taylor, John Miller, F. D. Miller, Henry W. Ball, William Ball, Jacob :Miller, Charles Miller, James Ball.
The tanners were Hugh Oglevee, sr., Harrison Stotler, N. Williams, sr., N. Williams, jr., James McFarland, Lyman Hendricks.
The carriage and wagon makers were Columbus C. Curtis, William Sanderson, sr., Dennis Corcoran, John A. Shannon, George Blocker, Condy Jacobs.
The hatters were S. F. Voorhies, Meigs Campbell, William L. King, William B. Henderson.
The blacksmiths were A. K. Laughrey, J. and J. Blocker, Joseph Mahaffey, Jonathan Graff, Hezekiah Graff, Abram Ehle, William Mahaffey, Amos Roberts, Isaac Cole, Silas Cole, Frederick Kraft.
The stage drivers and teamsters were Russell Crandell, John W. Martin, George Keller, Otho Welshymer, William Wright, Jacob Styers.
The threshing machine manufacturers were M. C. Furlong, A. Baker.
The soap boilers were judge Larre (colored), Samuel Jackson (colored).
The painters were William M. Burin, Raphael Payne, Alex. Elliott (mute).
The clothiers were A. Wolff, G. W. Williams & Company.
The hotels were, Lybrand house, Jacob W. Lybrand; Kenyon house, George Winne; Mansion house, David Kilgore; Ohio house, Abraham Hughes; Franklin house, C. F. Drake; Railroad house, Douglas Harle; Indian Queen, James Emery.
The dentists were C. M. Kelsey, A. J. Reeve, George W. Lewis.
400 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
The tinners were: Job Evans, James Huntsberry, John S. Fairchilds, Jefferson J. Wolf, Thomas Durbin, John Cooper, Isaac B. Hart.
The tailors .were: D. J. McDonald, Adam Pyle, George W. Lewis, John Upfold, Russell Clark, David Hildebrand, William Upfold, William Perkins, David D. Johns, Edward Wilcox, John P. Lewis, Jacob Martin, J. W. F. Singer, Benjamin H. Lewis.
The boot and shoemakers were: George C. Sher, Daniel. McGrady, Samuel Small, George M. Vore, Edward Taylor.
The Mt. Vernon Woollen company were: Henry B. Curtis, president, Norman N. Hill, secretary.
The bakers were: James Cole, John Boyd.
The newspapers were: Ohio Times, William H. Cochran; Banner, William Dunbar & George W. Armstrong; True Whig, John W. White & E. A. Higgins.
The boot and shoe dealers were: C. L. Manville, Miller & White, Weaver & Miller, G. B. Arnold, Justus B. Bell, E. S. S. Rouse, jr.
The plasterers were: James R. Wallace, Samuel Steinmetze, Andrew Lauderbaugh.
A miscellaneous list shows the following: Johnston Elliott, postmaster; Joseph Muenscher, life
insurance agent; B. B. Lippitt, book seller; E. T. Cohen, portrait painter; Mehurin & Co., marble
works; William Turner, secretary Knox Mutual; John W. White, telegraph operator; J. H. Minor,
boarding house; W. Robertson, chemist and fancy dyer; Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Sloan, female institute; Daniel S. Norton, miller; Russell, book binder; T. M. Bartlett, auctioneer; J. A. Andrews, sash and blind manufacturer; Casper Fordney, gunsmith.
The following is a brief account of the most important manufacturing interests of the city.
The Mt. Vernon Iron Works was established in 1834 by Charles Cooper (the senior member of the present firm) and Elias Cooper, under the firm name of C. & E. Cooper. This firm was succeeded by the said Charles Cooper, with others, under the following firm names: C. Cooper, C. Cooper & Co., Cooper & Clark, Mount Vernon Iron Works, C. & J. Cooper, C. & J. Cooper & Co., and, finally, November 31st, 1869, on the sale by J. Cooper of his interest in the works to the remaining partners, by the present firm of C. & G. Cooper & Co., composed of Charles Cooper, George Rogers, Frank L Fairchild, and C. Grey Cooper.
Their works have from time to time been improved and enlarged to meet the ever-growing demand for their production.
The magnitude of these works, the variety and completeness of their special tools and machinery for manufacturing; their location near the best and cheapest coal and iron markets of Ohio, and their facilities for shipping at low rates to all points, enable them to successfully compete with other large manufacturing houses.
Their engines and mills are of the most approved designs, and the volume of their business justifies them in employing the best mechanical skill.
They were the first to manufacture a successful traction engine for the American market.
This was in 1875, and it was, at first, regarded by them as an experiment. The engines were a success, however, and greatly pleased their customers. For the first two years they gave pur. chasers the option of taking off and returning the traction gearing at the end of the season, if it did not give satisfaction, or if actual use did not convince the owner that it was worth the extra price charged for it. In no case did a purchaser avail himself of this option. They first advertised the engine in their circulars for x876, and during that year and the year of 1877 they made and sold one hundred of them. Their sales would have been much larger had they been prepared to furnish the engines, but, being doubtful of the extent of the probable demand for traction engines, they accumulated for stock during the winter and spring months of these years, a large number of common farm engines, expecting to be able to build traction engines during the selling season, as fast as ordered. Their experience in 1876 and 1877 satisfied them as to the merits of their traction
engine, and also demonstrated the fact that it was greatly preferred to the common farm engine where ever introduced. Profiting by this experience, in 1878 they built traction engines for stock, and the result was they put out over two hundred that year, and yet so great was the demand that they were obliged to
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 401
decline one-third of their orders during the busy season, more than three-quarters of their farm engine orders being for traction engines. Their trade in 1879 ran still stronger to traction engines, and although they put out about three hundred they were again obliged to decline a large number of orders.
Finding that they would be compelled to still further increase their productive capacity to meet the growing demand for their engines; they decided to increase their works, and during the fall of 1879, added to them two large buildings and considerable new machinery, with a view of increasing the yearly manufacture of traction engines to about five hundred, in addition to their other work.
Although the traction engine seems to be their specialty, the firm manufacture a large number of portable and stationary engines of all sizes and patterns, suitable for any and every purpose for which steam engines are used; as well as saw-mills and mill gearing, and machinery of every description.
The firm has recently added a variety of sizes of a combined portable and stationary steam engine, and also a very popular slide-valve engine, with the Corliss' style of bed-plate, as well as a common slide-valve engine with expansion gear adjustable by hand. These, added to other stationary, portable, and farm engines, constitute a large assortment, and, with their saw-mills, gristmills, etc., enable them to offer their patrons a larger and more complete assortment to select from than can be found in any like establishment in the country.
C. and G. Cooper & Company employ, continually, a large number of workmen. The works are justly celebrated and sustain a high business character.
The Cooper Manufacturing company, foot of Main street, Mt. Vernon, is the successor of the Kokosing Iron Works, originally established by Messrs. C. P. Buckingham and Henry P. Upton, who erected the main building in 1849. The large two-story building fronting on Water street was erected by the firm of Cooper & Rogers, who purchased the establishment from Mr. Buckingham, about 1867. The firm of Cooper and Rogers was composed of Charles Cooper, John Cooper and George Rogers. Various changes were made in this firm, until in 1875, the establishment became known as the Cooper Manufacturing company, since which time it has been managed by a board of directors, of which Mr. John Cooper is president, and Mr. Nevil Whitesides, secretary.
The specialty of the present company embraces all the branches pertaining to engine building, foundry, mill furnishing and contracting. They have a large and complete establishment, and one of the largest lines of patterns in the country. Their foundry is provided with all the necessary machinery for handling readily the loam, dry and green sand castings, and their machine shops with the most powerful tools for finishing the same. Their make of horizontal steam engines range in power from an eight-horse to a four hundred-horse power. They manufacture three classes of stationary engines, viz: The Babcock & Wilcox automatic, the independent cut-off, and the plain slide-valve. They are of the modern girder bed-plate pattern, very accurately and elegantly built.
They also manufacture improved high pressure portable steam engines and boilers, improved portable standard and pony saw-mills, Cooper's combined grain steamers and heaters, general machinery castings of every description, and also the improved Reed & Buckingham patent adjustable spring grist-mills. This mill differs from all other portable mills in these important features, viz: The mode of balancing the bed stones; the method of preventing vibrations in the bed stones, and the manner of attaching the runner to the spindle. Special points of the above mill are simplicity, durability, capacity for work, its freedom from choking, and its reliability. There are three sizes of this mill-No. 1 merchant mill, thirty-six inches diameter of stone; No. 2 merchant mill, thirty inches diameter of stone; and No. 3 corn mill, twenty-four inches diameter of. stone. This firm also manufactures flour bolts with two, four, six, or any required number of reels, besides buckwheat and corn meal bolts. They are also extensively engaged in making the whole machinery for erecting and furnishing complete, large custom mills, with any required number of buhrs.
In 1872 this establishment shipped one of their celebrated portable steam engines and saw-mills to
402 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
Japan, intended for the Japanese government. The shipment was made over the Baltimore & Ohio railroad via Mansfield, and Chicago to San Francisco, thence by steamer to Japan. A few years previous the same establishment, then in the hands of General C. P. Buckingham, shipped a threshing machine to Australia. During the fall of 1872, this establishment built for the General Government, under contract, two iron light-houses, weighing over three hundred tons each, which are now doing service on the southern coast. During the month of January, 1881, this establishment built and shipped another light-house for the Government, to be placed on Paris Island, on the coast of South Carolina. It was built in the shape of a tripod, and from the foundation to the apex the distance is one hundred and thirty-one feet. This is the first structure of this pattern that the Government has ordered, the design being a new one. The work was so well done and conformed so accurately to the designs, plans and drawings, that when it was erected all the numerous parts came together like clock work. Mr. Nevil P. Whitesides and Mr. John M. Doyle, attaches of the Cooper Manufacturing company, were sent to Paris Island to superintend its erection. This company has now under way and partly done, a large number of iron cases for the protection and safety of valuable models accumulating in the patent office at Washington city; this contract alone amounting to over sixty thousand dollars.
This company has now a full force of skilled workmen at work night and day turning out work for all parts of the country.
Banning & Willis began the manufacture of furniture in 1872. Their factory building is one of the most spacious and substantial brick structures in the city, covering a ground space of fifty-two by one hundred and thirty-two feet, three and a half stories in height, with ample yard room. The place covers an entire block. An engine of sixty horse-power supplies the motive power, and a force of forty men are constantly employed in the various departments. The business will not fall far short of sixty thousand dollars per annum. The trade is not confined to this city or county, but extends to many of the adjoining counties.
McCormick & McDowell also manufacture furniture, conducting an establishment supplied with all the modern machinery for that purpose, all operated by steam power, and superior workmen. Their wareroom is located in the Woodward Opera House block, and their workshop on West Vine street.
Mr. C. Mitchell conducts a planing-mill on San. dusky street, near Chestnut.
This mill was formerly operated by Messrs. Roberts & Clements, and Mr. J. Anderson, but has been owned and managed by Mr. Mitchell for three years past. Originally a very good mill, the present proprietor made many material improvements. It is provided with the latest improved machinery, operated by a steam .engine of adequate power. Doors, frames, sash, blinds, mouldings and scroll work of all kinds are manufactured. Four or five competent mechanics being countinually employed. The yearly business is rarely less than ten thousand dollars.
The Linseed oil manufactory of James Israel is located on the corner of West Gambier and Norton streets, and was originally started by Mr. Henry Johnson, who was succeeded by the firm of Johnson & Israel, the latter gentleman coming into sole possession in 1870. The oil mill is thirty by one hundred and twenty feet in size, and the machinery is operated by a thirty-five horse-power engine. The warehouse here is forty by fifty feet in dimensions, and at Howard station, fifteen miles west on the Cleveland, Mt. Vernon & Columbus railroad is another equally large. The articles manufactured are raw and boiled linseed oil, oil cake and oil meal, very largely used for food for stock by stock growers in all parts of the country. Grain and seeds of all kinds are also dealt in to a large extent, consignments of which are continually being made. The business amounts to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars per annum, for the prompt transaction of which the facilities are especially complete in every respect. Direct connection is had between the warehouses and the Baltimore & Ohio railroad and the Cleveland, Mt. Vernon & Columbus railroad, while the counting-rooms are in wired communication with the Western Union and the Atlantic & Pacific telegraph offices.
The Mt. Vernon Bridge company was recently incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 403
for the building of wrought iron bridges. It has a paid up cash capital of forty thousand dollars. The president is Mr. John S. Braddock; its secreary and treasurer, Mr. John M. Ewalt; and the management and superintendency are in the hands of Mr. P. E. Lane and the secretary. This company is in command of excellent facilities, a large corps of experienced and faithful workmen, and ample steam power. It has already done considerable substantial work in this State, and has been compelled to enlarge its works in order to meet the requirements of a growing patronage. At a recent meeting of the stockholders a dividend of six per cent was declared.
The leather manufactory of Penich & Ransom is located on West Gambier street, and came into their hands in 1878, up to which time it had been carried on by Mr. George E. Raymond. The works consist of a tannery, eighty by one hundred feet, seventy vats, and three large finishing rooms, heated by steam throughout, and furnished with the most improved appliances. A twenty-five horse-power engine is operated by steam from a forty horse-power boiler. Two rotary pumps for liquor and water are in constant action. A working force of a dozen' hands is employed, and the capacity of the establishment is six thousand pieces per annum.
The Norton City mills were established in 1817 by the late Daniel S. Norton, who continued to operate them up to his death, October 25, 1859, when they came into the possession of his son, George K., who continued to operate them until his death. The mill known as the "old red mill " was first etected. A carding and fulling-mill, a saw-mill, and a custom flour-mill are in operation within its walls. The large four-story frame merchant mill was erected about 1845. Attached to these mills is a large three-story frame warehouse, and a large granary for the storing of corn. Some years since a stock-yard and hay scales were added. In 1875 this extensive property was rented by Messrs. James Rogers and Samuel J. Brent, who kept both mills in constant operation up to the fall of 1879, when Mr. Brent retired from the firm, having been elected clerk of the court. Mr. Rogers continued in possession, and conducted the mills to January 1, 1881, when he
was succeeded by Mr. A. A. Taylor, who became the owner of the property by purchase. The splendid quality of the flour he produced has gained a high local reputation, and the mills are taxed to their full capacity to supply the growing demand.
The Eagle City mills, West Vine street, were put in operation July, 1876, by E. J. Chase, a practical miller. Its four run of stone and a corn sheller are operated by steam power. The building is a two-story brick, and is fitted up with all the modern improved machinery necessary to render it a model grist-mill, and is pushed to its utmost capacity to supply the demand made upon it.
The marble and granite works of I. M. Hoover, are located on the corner of West Gambier and Mulberry streets. In February, 1866, Mr. Hoover purchased this business from Mr. L. C. Barnes, under whose. management it had been carried on many years. The building occupied is twenty-six by forty-eight feet in dimensions, and is supplied with all the machinery, tools and workmen requisite for first-class production.
The marble works of I. B. McKenna are located on the northwest corner of the public square. This firm erected the present soldiers' monument on the square, and was established about ten years ago.
Among the manufacturing establishments may be mentioned the carriage and buggy factories that daily turn out vehicles of superior finish and workmanship. The business now carried on by Mr. Hezekiah Groff was originally established by Mr. William Sanderson, sr., over a quarter of a century ago, and is noted for its excellent workmanship. David Sanderson, has a large establishment for the manufacture of carriages near the depot of the Cleveland, Mt. Vernon and Columbus railroad. Mr. George D. Neal has a similar establishment near the Rowley house. In the fall of 188o his works were partially destroyed by fire. They have been repaired, and Mr. Neal is busily engaged in stocking his salesroom. Abraham Stokes has been manufacturing wagons at his establishment on North .Norton street for a number of years.
In addition to the foregoing several smaller establishments are in active operation, and every year
404 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
contribute not a little to swell the manufacturing business of Mt. Vernon, among which may be mentioned the pump factory of H. K. Cotton. The "Collins force pump" is meeting with an extensive sale. There are also several cigar factories, among them being those of C. F. Brent, a wholesale establishment; T. P. Fredericks, jr., established in the Kremlin block in 1877, and R A. Kendrick, west side of South Main street. These establishments' employ quite a number of workmen.
The Cleveland,. Mt. Vernon and Columbus railroad, considerably augmented the manufacturing as well as other business of Mt. Vernon, and at the present date the entire business of this pleasant little city is in a healthy condition, and the city itself seems to be moving forward.
The population, according to the census of 1870, was four thousand eight hundred and seventy-six By the census of 1880, the population by wards was as follows: First ward, one thousand and fifty-one; Second ward, six hundred and thirty-four; Third ward, nine hundred and sixty-seven; Fourth ward, nine hundred and thirteen, and Fifth ward, one thousand six hundred and eighty-four-total, five thousand two hundred and forty-nine.
Following is the list of residents of Mt. Vernon who are eighty years of age or over. The frst column is the year in which they were born. Their ages added make four thousand two hundred and sixty, and their average age is eighty-three and two third years:
1799-Michael Boyle ................................81
1799-Samuel Bryant ............................... 81
17941-Anson Buckland ......................... 86
1797-Mrs. Sophia Browning ...................83
1798-William Broadhurts ....................... 82
1798-Philo Bixby .................................... 82
1785-Mrs. Sarah Calkins ........................ .95
1789 James Crowl ................................... 91
1793-Mrs. James Crowl............................87
1791-Mrs. William Curtis ........................89
1799-Henry B. Curtis................................81
1794-Matthew Cochran .......................... 86
1799-George Crouse .................................81
1792-Thomas Evans ................................ 88
1800 - S. G. Freelove................................ 80
1800 - Martin Flynn ................................. 80
1800 - Margaret Flynn ............................ 80
1792-Mrs. Eliza Graham.......................... 88
1798-Martha Graham ............................... 82
1705-Isaac Grant ....................................... 85
1799--Mrs. Isaac Grant ............................ 81
1794-Abel Hart, sr .................................... 86
1795-Isaac Hadley .................................... 85
1800 - John Hersh ..................................... 80
1798-Diana Hunt ...................................... 82
1799-Ricbard Hookway ............................. 81
1796-Mrs. Nancy Kindrick ........................ 84
1798-Catharine Keigley ............................. 82
1797 John Linn ...........................................83
1798 -Rev. Joseph Muenscher ....................82
1797-Mrs. Lydia Mitchell .......................... 83
1800 - Mrs.. Ann Martin ............................ 80
1793-Nathan Magers ................................. 87
1793-Mrs. Nathan Magers ........................ 87
1798-Mrs. H. M. Mefford........................... 82
1799-John Miller ....................................... 81
1800 -- Elizabeth Noble ............................. 80
1794-Eliza Phillipps ................................... 86
1800 - Elisie Perrin ......................................80
1790-Mrs. Samuel Rowley ......................... 90
1795-E. S. S. Rouse .................................... 85
1798-Mrs. E. S. S. Rouse............................. 82
1788-Mrs. :Mary Roberts ............................ 92
1800 - John S. Roberts ................................ 80
1794-,John True ...........................................86
1800 - Samuel Taylor ...................................80
1799-Mrs. T Vantassel................................. 81
1796 John S. Wartley.................................. 84
1800-Nahum Williams ................................. 84
1800 -Stephen Welsh ................................... 80.
CHAPTER XLIII.
MOUNT VERNON-CONCLUDED.
THE CITY CHURCHES-THE PRESBYTERIAN-METHODIST
EPISCOPAL-METHODIST PROTESTANT-FIRST BAPTIST
ST. PAUL EPISCOPAL-ST. VINCENT DEPAUL-CONGREGA
TIONAL-DISCIPLE-LUTHERAN UNITED PRESBYTERIAN -
AFRICAN METHODIST.
IN THE summer and autumn .of 1999 a company, consisting of nine or ten families living in Green county, Pennsylvania, concluded to form themselves into a colony for the purpose of emigrating to the territory of Ohio, of which Knox county now forms a part. The patriarch, or the oldest man of the colony, was William Leonard, then in his eighty-third or eighty-fourth year. Previous to the time, when on an exploring expedition looking for land, in company with one or two others, he met with some men, owners of large tracts of military lands in this State, who conducted him to the place where Mt. Vernon now
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 405
stands, then an unbroken wilderness, and showed him a tract of eight hundred and forty-seven acres one mile south of Mt. Vernon, on the Newark road, which he bought, paying for the same one dollar and fifty cents per. acre. He then returned to Pennsylvania to make arrangements for removal. These, for some reason, were not completed until about 1804, when the following persons started for their wilderness home: William Leonard and his oldest son, Amos Leonard; John Mills and family, Henry Haines and family, Ebenezer Brown and family, William Knight, Ziba Leonard, sr., and his son Benjamin, and Peter Baxter.
They arrived here about the first of May, 1804. and commenced at once to improve the land above referred to. After the spring crop had been planted, and the cabins and shanties erected, a few of the emigrants went back to Pennsylvania to aid in removing the remainder of the colony. On the fourteenth day of November of the same year, they returned, bringing with them the family of Peter Baxter, Levi Harrod and family, and the family of William Knight. On the day of their arrival a daughter of Peter Baxter died, having been taken sick on the journey. She was the first white person known to have been buried in the county. With two or three exceptions the members of this colony were professors of religion. Those belonging to the Presbyterian church were William Leonard, Amos Leonard, Ziba Leonard, sr., Ebenezer Brown, Rachel Mills, wife of .John Mills; and Mary Knight, wife of William Knight.
The history of Presbyterianism in this region probably begins with these settlers, they being the first of that denomination in the county. Although the Methodist and Baptist denominations had a few representatives in the colony, there was no sectarian feeling among them. By mutual agreement they were accustomed from the first to meet together for prayer and conference on the Sabbath and Thursday evenings at Ziba Leonard's, his home being the largest and most central. Their weekly meetings were somewhat peculiar, but very interesting. They were attended by the principal part of the colony. The religious services were followed by a supper, which was partaken of by all present.
Early in the spring the little colony was re-enforced by the addition of the families of Abner Brown, sr., and Abner Brown, jr., from Green county, Pennsylvania, and of John and Jacob Cook, from Washington county. They were, however, without a minister of the gospel. There was not one living near enough to afford them even occasional preaching. This, of course, detracted much from their spiritual comfort, as well as subjected them sometimes to great inconvenience, as is evident from the following incident: During the summer (probably 1805) two. young men, Daniel Dimick and Amoriah Watson, millwrights by trade, came into the neighborhood, and entered into a contract with William Douglass, who had some time previous to this joined the colony, to build him a mill. They were here but a short time until they succeeded in forming a contract of a more tender and serious nature that of marriage-with two daughters of Ziba Leonard. The day for the solemnization of the marriage was fixed, and every preparation made, when on the evening before the day of the nuptials, it was discovered that there was no one who was properly authorized to solemnize marriages nearer than the town of New Lancaster, fifty miles distant, and reached only by a bridle path through the forest. The wedding of course could not be deferred. The proper official must be had, even if he should come from New Lancaster. Accordingly two men, Peter Baxter and Henry Haines, set out that very evening for that place. After riding all that night and all the next day, they returned about midnight of the second day with the necessary papers, a justice of the peace and his constable, and immediately upon their arrival the marriage ceremony was performed in the presence of the waiting assembly, which consisted of nearly all the settlers, together with a number of Indians.
In the spring of 1805, the patriarch of the colony, William Leonard, who had been its religious leader, died, in his eighty-seventh or eighty-eighth year. He was a good man, and his loss was deeply felt. He was buried on his own land under the shade of a wide-spreading beech.
His son, Amos Leonard, by common consent, became the leading person in the ecclesiastical affairs of the settlement. He was a very worthy, consistent man, and was for many years of great spiritual service to the people.
406 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
The following spring and summer brought a large accession of emigrants from Green and Washington counties, Pennsylvania, among whom were other families of the Harrods and Browns, together with those of the Hunts, Dotys, and Boyles, settling mostly south of the Leonards, thereby extending the boundary of the colony to what was known as the Bell settlement. These families, together with that of James Loveridge, who settled north of Mt Vernon, constituted the additions to the Presbyterian element of the settlement during that year. The home of Jonathan Hunt, being more central, was chosen as the place for meeting on the Sabbath instead of Ziba Leonard's.
About 1806 Rev. James Scott visited the new settlement and preached in the house of Ziba Leonard, sr., the first Presbyterian sermon preached in the county. In 1806 Mr. Scott preached a few sermons in Newark, and it was probably about that time that he visited this place.
The town of Clinton had been laid out, and some improvements made in it. Mt. Vernon was laid out in 1805. Additions of families, principally from Pennsylvania, were frequently made. Among them were the Presbyterian families of James Colville and Robert Work.
In the summer of 1806 or 1807, the members of the settlement concluded that the time had come for erecting a house of worship. Selecting a place for it on the road south of Hunt's, Amos Leonard cut the logs and the neighbors hauled and raised them. The logs of which the church building was made were unhewn, the roof was of clapboards, and the floor was the bare earth. Round logs laid on the ground constituted the seats. Two small poles of the proper height set in the ground, with a board pinned on the top of them, formed the pulpit, and a board laid on two pins driven into a log immediately behind the pulpit, made the seat for the minister. Thus rudely constructed and incomplete, was the house dedicated to the worship of God, probably the first house of worship in the county. The dedication service was undoubtedly performed by Father Scott. A part, perhaps the most, of those who worshiped in that house in the summer of 18o8, were organized into a church by the Rev. John Wright, of Lancaster. It was first called "Ebenezer," that being the given-name of the oldest man in the organization.
Prior to 1808 a church had been organized at Clinton. Among its members were James Loveridge and wife, James Colville, wife, and two sisters, Robert Work and wife, Mrs. Park, .wife of James Park, Josiah Day, Edward Marquis and wife, and Isabel Bonar, wife of Barnet Bonar. April 5, 1809, the three churches in the county, Ebenezer, Clinton, and Frederick, had together only twenty-eight members.
When it became apparent to the members that the old building at Clinton (erected about 1814) must be abandoned, and a r-ew house for the use of the congregation put up, arrangements were made for locating the church in. Mt. Vernon, but the construction of the building was not determined upon until 1821. The congregation in the meantime worshiped in the old court house, which was used in common by all denominations. The place where the church now stands was chosen as the site for the house. Land being cheap, and a good deal of ground being needed for hitching places, and also for a burial place, the entire square, with the exception of the two lots where the Third ward school-house stands, was procured.
Some time during the year 1821 a house of worship was commenced. The church being small, not numbering over fifty members, and money being scarce, it was no small undertaking. The greater part of the building fund was raised by selling seats from a plat of the interior of the church previous to its erection. From the sale of fifty-three seats two thousand three hundred and one dollars were realized. The highest paid for a seat was forty dollars, the lowest ten dollars. The seats were the property of the purchaser absolutely. From subscriptions one hundred and thirty-six dollars were realized, making in all two thousand four hundred and thirty-seven dollars. March 15, 1824 the building was finished, and all accounts there on paid. It was found that the cost was two thousand four hundred and thirty-seven dollars, just the amount previously secured. The building was of brick made by Stephen D. Minton. The structure was fifty by forty-five, and stood with its gables east and west. In each end were large double doors, which opened into an aisle seven feet in width, extending the whole length of the
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 407
building. On the south side were two single doors, each of which opened into an aisle four feet in width which terminated in the main aisle just described. In the central portion of the building at suitable distances apart were four posts to sustain the roof, such a thing as a self-supporting roof being then unknown. The pulpit was on the north side, and according to the prevailing style of church architecture, was five feet from the floor, and was reached by six steps. The height of the building was fourteen feet. Immediately in front of the pulpit was the singers' stand. This was two feet and a half from the floor, and was reached by three steps. There the leader of the singing, or what was then called the clerk, sat. The stand was furnished with what in those days was regarded as indispensable-a sounding board The pulpit, the singers' stand, and the sounding board were painted blue. The rest of the house was without paint of any kind. September 13, 1827, the name of the congregation was changed from Clinton to that of Mt. Vernon.
Mr. Scott continued to minister to three churches, living here, and preaching every third Sabbath in each place. On the fifteenth of April, 1840, he resigned his charge of the Mt. Vernon church. After this he continued to preach in the surrounding country, and in vacant places till within two weeks of his death, which occurred September, 1851, in the seventy-eighth year of his age. Mr. Scott was born east of the mountains, probably in Chester county, Pennsylvania, about the year 1773. He was of Scottish descent. His parents removed to Washington county, Pennsylvania. He graduated at Cannonsburgh in the early history of that college, and first preached in this country sometime during the summer of 1806, beginning his regular labors here probably in 1807. Being at that time unmarried, he boarded with James Loveridge. Mr. Loveridge's house being a small cabin, the only place which he could afford him for a study was the loft reached by a ladder. It was without a window. Its only means of lighting in the day time was a knot hole in one end.
About the year 1841-2, the old brick church was torn down, and a new one erected. It was built of wood, was eighty feet long, forty-five feet wide, and twenty-one feet from the floor to the
ceiling. From May, 1841 to April, 1844, the church was under the charge of the Rev. Chauncey Leavenworth. In July, 1844, the Rev. P. R. Vanatta commenced his labors with the church. In the fall of 1849, the Rev. William Hamilton was engaged to supply the church which he did until the following spring, when he accepted a call from the Fifth Presbyterian church, Cincinnati. In June, 185o,'the Rev. Louis L. Conrad commenced preaching here with a view to settlement, but in September following he declined the call and returned to Pennsylvania The Rev. R. C. Colmerry became pastor of the church in 1851, and continued to the fifth of August, 1856. The Rev. J. N. Shannon occupied the pulpit a short time, but ill health compelled him to decline the call to become their regular pastor. After Mr. Shannon, came the Rev. M. A. Sackett. He had occupied the pulpit but a few Sabbaths when the church edifice was destroyed by fire. The members were somewhat depressed at this loss, but not cast down. Before the ashes were scarcely done smouldering they held a meeting in which a large amount was subscribed and the work initiated. A new brick house of worship was put under contract and urged to completion, which is yet standing. It was erected on the site of its two predecessors. The house and its furniture cost about eight thousand dollars. Soon after the dedication of the new church, which took place on the fifteenth of April, 1860, a regular call was given to Mr. Sackett, which he declined. The Rev. D. B. Hervey was ordained and installed pastor January 16, 1862. Since Mr. Hervey retired Revs. O. H. Newton and A. K. Bates have officiated. At present (March 1881) the church is without a pastor.
A good Sunday-school has been connected with the church since its organization.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Methodism was first introduced into Ohio between 1788 and 1792, in the vicinity of Cincinnati, and in Jefferson county, opposite Wellsburgh, West Virginia. Francis McCormick crossed the Ohio river from Kentucky, and located at Mellville, Clermont county, Ohio, between 1792 and 1796, and probably organized the first Methodist society in the Northwest Territory. William McKendree, afterwards bishop, was sent to the west in 1801 to
408 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
take supervision of the societies in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Western Virginia, and part of Illinois. He was ragarded as the father of western Methodism.
Methodism was introduced into Mt. Vernon in 1812 by Enoch Ellis, who preached at times in the court house and in the log cabins. The first Methodist Episcopal church (a frame one) was built in 1831, on the hill where the high school building now stands. It is to be regretted that the larger part of the history of the Methodist Episcopal church in Mt Vernon (between 1812 and 1831) is involved in obscurity, and that those immediately interested in it have failed to keep a record, especially one that would throw light on its early history. The history of no other church in the city would, perhaps, be so full of interest as this; yet, while the history of others is comparatively complete, no official record has been kept, or, if kept, has either been lost or neglected; and all the history that can be collected at this late day must be obtained from old citizens, whose memory, on this point, is somewhat indistinct and vague. This station is under the care of the North Ohio conference. About 1850, the old Mulberry church edifice becoming too small to accommodate the large congregation who worshipped therein, the members agreed to form two charges, to be known as the east and west charges. Some time previous, the late Anthony Banning had left the Methodist Episcopal church and cast his lot with the Protestant Methodist church, and had, with pecuniary aid, obtained from the members of the last named church, erected what in after times became known as the "Banning chapel." Desiring to return to his first love, Mr. Banning deeded his chapel to the Methodist Episcopal church. The chapel thereafter became the western charge and was for some years under the pastoral care of different itinerants, the first of whom was Rev. James Wilson. In 1852 the old chapel was torn down, and on its site the present building was erected, now known as the Lutheran church. The members who attached themselves to the eastern charge purchased the lot on the southeast corner of Gay and Chestnut streets, and in 1852 built the present church edifice. This charge was under the pastoral care of the Rev. Joseph Kennedy, and under his superintendency the building was erected. In 1865 the two charges were united, and the "Banning Chapel" property was sold to the members of the Lutheran church, who still own it.
Of the early members arid preachers but a few only can be recalled. Of the early members, James Smith, Benjamin Brown, and Anthony Banning are named. Smith and Banning both were preachers for many years. James Smith afterwards attached himself to what was called in those days "New. Lights," many of whom in after times became known as "Disciples." Joseph Carper preached here in 1818, and John Crawford in 1824. Abner Goff and Henry C. Pilcher rode the Mt Vernon circuit in 1829. Revs. Hickman, McMahan, John W. Powers, French, Quigley, Breckenridge, Samuel Mower, Thomas Wilson, Hildreth, Nicholson, Sheppard, G. W. Bush, and others, ministered to the people at different dates, the precise years cannot be ascertained. The Rev. Bush was the first pastor after the two charges were united. The Rev. Samuel Lynch was presiding elder for several years. Rev. P. B. Stroup was pastor in charge during 1879 and part of 1880. Rev. E. Persons is the present pastor, and Rev. Stroup presiding elder. Although the church now numbers over three hundred members none can date their membership back beyond 1830, or if any, their names cannot be recalled. William Sanderson, sr., and William Mitchell, united with the church in 1831, and Abel Hart, sr., in 1835.
The first Sabbath-school was started in 1831 by William Burgess, George Cables, and William Sandersor., sr., under whose care it continued many years. It numbers now over one hundred and fifty scholars.
The church owns a parsonage on West Chestnut street, and the Gay street church, both valued at about fifteen thousand dollars.
METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH,
Mulberry street, was constituted by the union of the Wesleyan Methodist church that had been organized in 1861, and had erected a church edifice on north Mulberry street in 1852, and a Methodist Protestant church organized about the year 1832, which had erected a house on South Mechanic street, between High and Vine streets, about 1838.
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 409
Later a neat but small parsonage had been erected near the church.
During the early part of 1865, the. Wesleyan Methodist church and the Methodist Protestant church of the northern part of the United States were agitating the subject of a union of the two bodies. In view of this it was thought, on the part of leading members of both churches in Mt. Vernon, to present an opportunity for a union. After consultations and preliminary meetings to consider the subject, February 14, 1865, at a meeting held in the Wesleyan Methodist church, Rev. L. R Roice was made chairman and Rev. John Lamb recorder. A committee previously appointed made the following report: .
Articles of agreement for the union and government of the Methodist Protestant and Wesleyan Methodist churches in the town of Mt. Vernon:
PREAMBLE.
WHEREAS, God in the openings of his Providence has given us an opportunity of uniting the two churches in one, as we believe for the furtherance of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and for the salvation of souls, it is our duty to improve the present opportunity, and we hereby agree to unite and form one church, to be known at present as the Union Methodist Church in Mt. %lemon, and to be governed by the following rules until such time as the contemplated convention shall give a name to the churches so uniting
First, We retain all means of grace held and practiced in both churches, such as class, prayer, and conference meetings, baptism and the Lord's Supper.
Second, That all officers of the church, such as leaders, stewards and trustees, shall be elected by a vote of the majority of members of the church present at any meeting called for such purpose.
Third, All the members are eligible to vote on all matters pertaining to the church, and all matters concerning the church shall be decided by a majority vote.
Fourth, The primary principles being the same in both churches, to wit: the admission, trial and expulsion of members, the same are therefore adopted.
Fifth, It is recommended that the trustees of both churches dispose of the presept church properties, as soon as possible to the best advantage, with a view to purchasing a new location and erecting a new meeting-house.
The above report was submitted by a committee composed of John Lamb, D. L. Travis, William Tathwell and Matthew Thompson. After due consideration it was by vote unanimously adopted Fifty-four names were enrolled, and the organization completed. The services of the Rev. J. H. Hamilton, then living in Fredericktown, were secured as pastor. It was resolved to hold a meeting for the transaction of business each month, and that communion services be held monthly.
The first meeting under this arrangement was held March 25, 1865, when ninety-four additional names were added to the list of membership, making in all at that date a membership of one hundred and fifty-four. At this time the following officers were elected: S. H. Jackson, leader; Rollin Beach, treasdrer: John Moore and D. W. Wilson, stewards; Matthew Thompson, D. L. Travis, R. Beach, S. H. Jackson and John Lamb, trustees. With the church thus organized, it was prepared to go forward in all the work of church organization.
At an early period the sale of the Methodist Protestant church and parsonage was affected through the agency of Dr. Matthew Thompson, one of the trustees, and a lot purchased from General G. A. Jones, and one from W. B. Brown, both located on the corner of Mulberry and Sugar streets. It was the design to erect a church house and parsonage on these lots, but in the meantime the Congregational church adjoining was offered for sale; and after some time spent in negotiations the church was purchased for two thousand one hundred dollars, a deed given and reported to the church, October 26, 1867. This church was taken possession of October 1st, same year. The Wesleyan Methodist church was sold to Christian Keller for eight hundred dollars, August 5, 1867.
In the month of May, 1866, a convention of Non-Episcopal Methodists was held in the city of Cincinnati, at which a basis of union was established and a discipline adopted. This church was represented in this convention by Matthew Thompson, as delegate, and in view of this the following paper was proposed and adopted in the month of August following:
WHEREAS, The Wesleyan Methodists, Methodist Protestants of the North, and Independent Methodists, at a convention held in Cincinnati in May last, for the purpose of forming a union of all Non-Episcopal Methodists, adopted a constitution and suggested a discipline; and as this church was represented in the convention by a delegate: therefore,
Resolved, That this congregation adopt the constitution and discipline of said convention, and that hereafter we be known as "The Methodist Church of Mt. Vernon-"
In this way association was formed with the Methodist church and the Muskingum conference.
In May, 1877, a convention was held in the city
410 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
of Baltimore, at which a union was effected between the Methodist and the Methodist Protestant churches south, in which the last name was taken by the whole body, so that this church is now known as "The Methodist Protestant Church of Mt Vernon."
Since its organization in 1865, it had for pastor, J. H. Hamilton, six years; H. B. Knight, two years; D. Trueman, one year; W. Hastings, one year; J. A. Thrap, three years; E. H. Scott, one year; and J. H. Gray, who is now serving his second year.
Under the labors of the first pastor the number of members was increased to three hundred, and the number in attendance at the Sabbath-school was over three hundred. The church in which they worship, and two valuable lots adjoining, were owned free from debt. These lots were afterwards sold for two thousand two hundred dollars, and the amount used in building a parsonage and improving the church edifice. During the winter of 1867-8 a series of meetings was held from December 1st until March 1st, and one hundred and fifty-five were received into the church. On the first of April, 1868, the pastor, J. H. Hamilton, baptized fifty-four persons, twenty-three by sprinkling in the church, and thirty-one by immersion in the race near Norton's mill.
The Muskingum annual conference has held two sessions in the church, and in both cases the members acknowledged that they were hospitably entertained by the church and people who kindly assisted.
Many persons who have been members of this church, lost their connection with it by removal, united with other churches, and some proved unworthy of membership, and their names have been dropped from the list. Sixty have died. George Cassil, the first on the list of members, died soon after the organization. He was followed by Garret Brown and Dr. Matthew Thompson. The last named was suddenly killed by being thrown from his sulky seat, and his feet, becoming fastened in the gearing, the horse ran away, dashing his head against whatever came in the way, so that when the horse's speed was checked and the doctor released, he was unconscious, and survived but a few moments. This sad accident occurred on the Wooster road, some miles from Mt Vernon, June i9, 1867. The whole community was shocked on receiving the news of this sad occurrence. All knew him; all held him in high regard, for the noble spirit and generous impulses shown in his life. His funeral was attended by people from all parts of the country. The number was so great as to largely fill Main street in front of his residence, from the public square to Sugar street. His pastor, J. H. Hamilton, addressed the people from a position in front of his residence, and it seemed as though the whole multitude were in tears. Many followed his remains to their last resting place, but among them all, excepting his own family and immediate relations, none felt his loss more keenly, or shed more honest tears over his death than the pastor and members of the church with which he was connected.
Resolutions of regret in view of his death, and of tenderest sympathy for his family, were passed and entered upon the journals of the church.
The church now numbers one hundred and sixty-five members, is steadily moving forward, and is laboring to bless and elevate the people.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
In Howe's Ohio Collections occurs the following:
The first licensed preacher in the county was Willtam Thrift, a Baptist. He was from Loudoun county, Virginia, came in 1807, and traveled on foot preaching in the cabins of the settlers.
The above is probably incorrect, as Rev. James Scott is believed to have been in the county as early as 1806, or earlier.
The First Baptist church was organized under the name of the First Baptist church of Mt. Vernon, December 15, 1835. Of the thirteen members who signed the original compact, only five are now living. Henry Cosner was the first pastor. The first service was held in the Methodist Episcopal church on Mulberry street, on the site of the present union school building; then in a select school building on Vine street, the present home of Joseph Jacobs. The church after this migrated from place to place for a period of one or two years, when a location was effected in a ward school-house, now the home of the worthy sexton of the church, Mr. John Hancock.
HISTORY Oh' KNOX COUNTY.- 411
The church worshipped in that little twelve by sixteen room until the erection of the church building now used by the church, on Vine street, adjoining the home of the sexton.
The first parcel of land, eleven feet from the east halves of lot two hundred and twenty-three and two hundred and twenty-four, was purchased by the church from Truman Ward and wife, May 8, 1841. The second parcel, sixty-four feet by fortyfour feet, was purchased from judge Eli Miller, in July, 1841. The balance of these lots, including the sexton's house, was purchased from judge Miller, April 1, 1851
The present church building was built in 1841. The membership numbered sixty at that time. It was built by voluntary subscription. The original paper contains eighteen names, and eight hundred and eighteen dollars were subscribed; of this amount four hundred and ninety-seven dollars were in cash, and the balance, three hundred and twenty-one dollars, in building materials, dry goods, etc. From a book in which an account seems to have been kept, the whole amount subscribed for the building of this house appears to have been one thousand seven hundred and nineteen dollars and twenty-five cents; from which one thousand three hundred and seventeen dollars and twenty-two cents were realized.
The church prospered, and in sixteen years three hundred and sixty-six members had been added by letter and baptism, and the membership had increased from thirteen to two hundred and thirty-nine. Since its organization fifteen ministers have been called to the pastoral charge, viz:
1835, Henry Cosner, three years; 1838, James Seymour, six months; 1839, Elder Beckwith, one year; 1840, Ezra Going, six months; 1840, Elder Smedmear, two years; 1843, David E. Thomas, two years and three months; 1845, E. T. Brown, five years; r 850, J. B. Sackett, four years; 1854, George Leonard, three years; 1856, L. Raymond, six months; 1856, J. L. Richmond, four years; 1860, no pastor four years-occasionally supplied by J. B. Sackett; 1864, J. W. Icenbarger, six years; 1870, A. J. Wiant, five years; 1875, F. M. Iams, three years and six months; 1879, F. C. Wright, who is the present pastor.
Three hundred and eighty-eight members have been added to -the church within forty-five years, an average of eighteen per annum. The largest number reported one year (1849) was two hundred and eighty-eight.
In 1848 the house was enlarged by an addition of sixteen feet to its north end.
While this temple has maintained an uniform exterior (a weather-beaten and mosscovered appearance), its interior has undergone numerous transformations. Conspicuous for its shape, height and size, was a huge wooden structure called the Pulpit, which concealed the minister, except his head and face, while in a standing position, and completely hid him from view when he sat down. Through the influence of Mr. Icenbarger, the present neat and ornamental pulpit was substituted.
The place known as the gallery for the choir, and the heating arrangements have both undergone a change.
November 25, 1872, a subscription was started for money to purchase a new building lot. A committee was appointed to select and purchase a lot, consisting of Messrs. Ward, Young and Sperry. A piece of land opposite the court house, fronting on High street, was purchased from Messrs. Curtis & Israel for three thousand five hundred dollars. The money was to be paid in four annual payments. The sum subscribed was two thousand nine hundred and eighteen dollars; and the Ladies' Sewing society donated nine hundred and thirty-five dollars and fifty cents. Had all the money subscribed been promptly paid a fine surplus would have remained, but the failure to pay seven hundred and five dollars, and the in terest on notes for back payments, while none accrued on the subscriptions, soon turned the balance against the church, so that in order to meet a standing obligation, the committee was compelled to sacrifice a portion of the lot. On the first of April, 1877, twenty-seven feet off the east side was sold to Messrs. McIntire & Kirk for seven hundred and fifty dollars.
It was designed, at the time, the lot was purchased, to raise money and build a house, but the financial storm of 1873 so changed business affairs that it was impossible to raise the necessary amount for building. With symptoms of health and perma-
412 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
nent reaction the question of building a new house began to be agitated. After a protracted effort the form of subscription for this purpose was agreed-upon October 1, 1879. The conditions of the subscriptions are: That the sum of eight thousand dollars shall be subscribed by the members of the church, in valid subscriptions, in six months from date, otherwise to be null and, void. This, with money derived from all other sources, is to be appropriated to the erection and completion of such a building as the building committee, trustees and church my agree upon. Under no circumstances is the church to be involved in debt. , Subscriptions are payable in four eqnal installments, one-quarter April, 1880; one-quarter October, 1880; one-quarter April, 1881, and one-quarter October, 1881.
Messrs. Bedell and Larimore, and Mrs. Ward and Mrs. Thompson were appointed a committee to secure subscriptions. The members have responded liberally and voluntarily. The work seemed to lag at one time, but the volunteer addition of two ladies to the committee, Miss Annie Barr and Miss Annie Briggs, gave the cause a new impetus. One hundred and fifteen names are appended to the subscription paper, with an aggregate amount subscribed of seven thousand three hundred and seventy-nine dollars. The foundation of the church building has been laid, and the work will soon be pushed to completion.
ST. PAUL'S PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
This parish is now entering upon its second half of the first century of its existence. Many, of the early fathers of the church are still living. When this parish was first founded, Mt. Vernon was a village of some fifteen hundred inhabitants. The centre of population was the public square. There were already in the town three church organizations, the Presbyterian, the Methodist, and the Baptist.
Before the parish was founded, Bishop Chase had, June 21, 1825, visited Mt. Vernon, and preached and baptized one child. In August of the same year he commenced preaching in the old court house, standing on the public square. Previous to this, missionary services were held here by Revs. Intrepid Morse, Samuel Johnston, and others.
With the year 1829, the life of the parish as a distinct church began. In the month of May of that year, a meeting was held at the law office of Benjamin S. Brown to consider the question of establishing in Mt Vernon a church in communion with the Protestant Episcopal church. On the tenth day of June, of that year, an adjourned meeting was held in the same office, at which an organization was effected. The following resolutions were adopted: That
It is expedient for the friends of the Protestant Episcopal church in this place to organize themselves into a society and become a body corporate. That
We, inhabitants of Mt. Vernon and vicinity, assembled under the provision of- an act of the legislature of the State of Ohio, passed February 5, 1819, for the purpose of incorporating religious societies and regulating the same, do agree to and hereby do associate ourselves as a society by the name and title of Union church, to make provision for the due celebration and proper performance of divine worship according to the rules and usages of the Protestant Episcopal church in the United States, and to transact all kinds of secular and conventional business pertaining to the parish as we are authorized to transact according to the above mentioned act, and the constitution and canons of said church as adopted by the diocese of Ohio: also that of the general convention of said Protestant Episcopal church in the United States.
We, the undersigned, hereby acknowledge and declare ourselves friends of said Episcopal church, and our desire to support it; and do unite ourselves as a society or congregation by the name above written, and for the purpose aforesaid.
To the above paper the following names were I signed:
C. P. Bronson, Samuel Mott, Hosmer Curtis, J. N. Burr, Benjamin S. Brown, James S. Banning, John Clements, John Clements, jr., Samuel Sparrow, John W. Russell, Ebenezer Ailing, John Sherman, and H. B. Curtis.
After the name was changed from Union to St. Paul's church, the following additional names were added:
Columbus Delano, David Potwin, H. S. Miller, J. Weaver, M. W. Stamp, J. W. Davis, M. Abernethy, Richard Phillips, W. L. King, Walter Turner, Samuel J. Updegraff; Warner Terry, Truman Ward, T. W. Rogers, C. P. Buckingham, George Browning, M. White, G. B. White, M. H. Mitchell, and others.
The church existed under the name of the Union church down to August 17, 1831, when it was changed to St. Paul's church. The first parish meeting was held September 7, 1829. At this meeting the following officers were elected: John Clements, warden; Samuel Sparrow, Daniel S. Norton, Jesse B. Thomas, Henry B. Curtis, vestrymen. John Clements was elected a
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 413
delegate to the Diocesan convention, to be held at Gambier on the ninth of September following. To the record of this meeting the name of C. P. Bronson is signed as rector. The Rev. Mr. Bronson did preach for the congregation for some time, but probably never officiated as the regular pastor of the parish.
The first recorded movement in the direction of a church building was made at a meeting of the parish, February z, 1830. The meeting adopted a resolution "declaring it expedient to proceed to the erection of a building for the accommodation of the congregation as a place of worship."
Prior to the erection of a church edifice the congregation worshipped in the old Presbyterian church, the odd court house, and then in a small frame school-house that stood on Vine street, near the present Baptist church. At the meeting mentioned above, the proper committee was appointed to carry into effect the wishes of the meeting. The committee consisted of Rev. C. P. Bronson, H. B. Curtis and B. S. Brown. The lot upon which the church now stands, was purchased of Isaac Newell, for two hundred dollars.
The first annual meeting, subsequent to the act of incorporation was held Monday, April 12, 1830, at which meeting the following officers were elected: John Clements, senior warden; Ebenezer Alling, junior warden; Samuel Mott, Hosmer Curtis, Jesse B. Thomas, John W. Russell, John Sherman, James S. Banning, Henry B. Curtis, vestrymen; J. N. Burr, treasurer; B. S. Brown, clerk; John Clements and Ebenezer Alling, delegates to Diocesan convention.
With such energy did the building committee work, that on the sixth of May following the comer stone of the first Episcopal church building was laid. This interesting ceremony was performed by Bishop Chase, who on the same day united in marriage Dr. Jonathan N. Burr and Miss Eliza Ann Thomas, the first marriage recorded in the parish history.
The church was opened for the sale of pews on the twelfth day of September, 1831. During this year Mrs. James S. Banning, Mrs. Jesse B. Thomas, and Mrs. H. B. Curtis were appointed a committee to obtain money with which to purchase a bell and an organ. The organ was not purchased, but the bell was obtained, and for nearly fifty years it hung in the tower.
The name of the Rev. Mr. Bronson is not mentioned in, the parish record after the month of March, 1830. August 17, 1831, the Rev. William Sparrow, a professor in Kenyon college, was requested to take the rectorship of the parish. He was instituted into the duties of his office by Bishop Chase, and held the rectorship for two years and six months, performing the duties of his office without compensation. Bishop McIlvaine consecrated the first church building on the second Sunday in September, 1833.
Rev. Mr. Sparrow resigned the parish in February, 1834, and was succeeded by the Rev. Anson B. Hurd.
At a vestry meeting, June 23, 1834, the use of the church was granted-to the Methodist Protestant congregation, with the exception of its use after candle lighting.
In 1836 the church, finished in 1832, was declared to be unsafe; that it was actually going to pieces; and Columbus Delano, George Browning and T. W. Rogers were appointed to take into consideration the ways and means of building a new one. After considerable delay it was decided by the congregation to take down the old church and place the new building upon the same site, but changing its front to High street instead of Gay, as it before stood. May 30, 1836, the sum of four thousand dollars having been subscribed for building a new church, a plan presented by Mr. C. P. Buckingham was adopted, and the building began. In the latter part of 1837, the new church was so far completed as to enable the congregation to worship in the basement. The building was finished and ready for consecration in the spring of 1839, which service was performed by Bishop McIlvaine, July 21, 1839. The new church, when completely finished and furnished, cost the congregation twelve thousand dollars.
The Rev. Mr. Hurd resigned the rectorship July 23, 1839, leaving a membership of ninety-seven at the close of his ministry.
Benjamin S. Brown, an influential member died in 1830. The Rev. William Halsey succeeded Mr. Hurd, but resigned May 12, 1841. At a meeting of the vestry held June 5, 1841, a call was extended
414 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
to the Rev. Joseph Muenscher, then a professor in the theological seminary at Gambier, and accepted, and on the fourth day of July, same year, he entered upon the public duties of the parish. During the year 1842, mainly through the efforts of Dr. Muenscher, an organ, costing six hundred dollars, was placed in the church, and continued in use for twenty-four years. During the year 1853 a schism occurred in the church. Several members withdrew and formed themselves into a new organiza. tion under the name of Christ church. Subsequently the schism was healed and the recusants received back into the fold.
Rev. Dr. Muenscher resigned his charge of the parish February 13, 1855. During the rectorship of Dr. Muenscher the parish suffered a severe loss by the death of some of its most prominent members, among whom were John Sherman, 1841; John Ridgely, M. D., 1843; Mrs. Mary P. Buckingham, 1844; Timothy W. Rogers, 1845; Rebecca Thomas, 1851, whose name stands first on the communion list of the parish; Marcus W. Stamp, M. D., 1852, of whom the record says "a communicant of the church of great moral worth;" Hon. Jesse B. Thomas, 1853, one of the active members of the parish, who "was at a former period of his life distinguished as a judge, and as a member of the United States Senate."
After the resignation of Dr. Muenscher, the Rev. J. Rice Taylor was called to the parish, and continued in charge up to August 30, 1859, when he was succeeded by the Rev. J. H. Bonte. It was during Mr. Taylor's ministry that such an impetus was given to the Sunday-school work of the parish by the active and earnest cooperation of the laymen of the church. This work became more and more prosperous until St. Paul's Sunday-school under its superintendent, Columbus Delano, stood in the front rank of those west of the mountains.
August 29, 1859, a proposition was received from Columbus Delano, offering to present to the parish the present rectory, providing the debt due James E. Woodbridge, being the balance due o the new church, was provided for. Henry B. Curtis also proposed to deed the parish twenty-five feet of ground adjoining the land mentioned by Mr. Delano, and Mr. M. L. King proposed to deed fifteen feet of ground upon the same condition. James E. Woodbridge offered to relinquish . all -claims against the church, now amounting to one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven dollars and ninety-two cents, provided the sum of one thousand dollars should be secured to him payable in three installments, in six, twelve, and eighteen months, with . interest and the privilege granted him to bid thirty dollars on a pew at the annual meeting without charge for the same. These propositions were 'accepted, and December 17, 1859, the sum required was paid, and a release of all claims obtained from Mr. Woodbridge.
The Rev. Mr. Bonte having been appointed chaplain of the Forty-third regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, resigned the rectorship January 26, 1862. During this year James Huntsberry died, the church lost "a consistent and devoted member," and the city "an exemplary and upright citizen." August, 1862, the Rev. George B. Reece accepted a call to the parish. On the death of Milo Abernethy, an early and attached member of the church, he left in his will a legacy of five hundred dollars for its use. This money was used in enlarging and improving the rectory. Mr. Reece resigned October 23, 1865. Although without a rector, the year 1866 witnessed some great changes. The organ was taken down, and a melodeon substituted. The four stoves were taken down and out, and a heating apparatus placed in the basement.
January, 1867, Rev. Robert B. Peet became the rector of the parish. During that year the melodeon lost favor and was replaced by a new organ costing eighteen hundred dollars. In 1868 the stained glass windows were added at a cost of over six hundred dollars. Mr. Peet resigned the rectorship February 20, 1871. In this year Eliza Russell died. From the earliest history of the parish she had been an active and consistent member of it. She possessed a broad and Christian spirit, delighted in goodness, and zealous in all good works.
The present rector, the Rev. William Thompson, entered upon the discharge of his duties in 1872. From that time to the present the parish has steadily advanced in numbers and in strength.
February 12, 1874, death removed from their midst judge Rollin C. Hurd. The vestery, as an
expression of respect for his memory, passed the following resolution:
HISTORY OF KNOX. COUNTY. - 415
That we shall cherish the memory of his pure, upright and useful life, his consistent and beautiful Christian character, his cheerful readiness to respond with liberal hand to every worthy cause of benevolence and charity, his genuine and large-heated sympathy with those in trouble and affliction, and his uniform kindness and charity toward all with whom he came in contact.
Mrs. Sarah B. Norton died the same year. She was one of the oldest members of the church, and one of the active members in every active work. During the year 1878 the parish sustained another great loss in the death of Elizabeth Curtis. "She became a communicant in 1834, and through a period of forty-four years, her membership in the church, her attachment to its services, her interest in its welfare, her cooperation in the work remained unimpaired and unbroken." The window in the south side of the church building, placed there as a memorial by her children, in its beauty fitly represents her life, and in the motto, "Gentleness," truely sets forth her character. The beautiful silver communion set used by the church was one of her benefactions. The beautiful font was the gift of Mrs. R. C. Hurd.
In April, 1875, a movement to repair the church building was referred to a committee, who reported what repairs were needed and estimated their cost at three thousand dollars. The necessary sum was raised, and the work of repairing began in May, 1875. The repairs, or rather additions, were a chancel, a vestment and vestry room, placing the organ and choir under the eye of the congregation, painting the church inside, etc. As usual, the committee brought the church in debt some thirteen or fourteen hundred dollars.
The beginning of the year 1879 found the church with a debt of one thousand three hundred and sixty dollars. Miss Emma P. Bridge, to express her love for the church, offered to cancel the entire debt upon the condition that the vestry should paint the exterior of the church and build a substantial fence around the churchyard. These improvements have been made, and to-day the parish is free from debt.
Hardly had these improvements been begun before Columbus Delano requested the vestry to permit him, as a mark of his affection for the church, to place in the west tower the sweet toned bell which now calls the congregation together.
The church numbers two hundred communicants, and contains one of the best organized Sunday-schools in the eity, numbering one hundred and eighty scholars. The school is under the superintendency of Rev. William Thompson, the present rector.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL'S (CATHOLIC) CHURCH.
Among the first Catholic families who settled in and around Mount Vernon were the brother's, Timothy and William Colopy, (1814), John P. McArdle, David Morton, William Brophy, Charles Colerick, and at a later date the families of Michael Boyle, (1835), Thomas McMullen, (1840), and many others. Probably the earliest Catholics in this section of the State were those who settled at or near Napoleon, Holmes county, the settlement being known in early times as the °French Settlement;" and those who settled around what is now known as Danville in Union township. These people were at first supplied by missionaries, whose circuit embraced a large territory, including Zanesville and Mansfield, and their visits were made as regularly as circumstances would permit. The first church organization in the county was effected at Danville, to which place the communicants from Mount Vernon and the "French Settlement" repaired at stated times to worship.
Clergymen from the Dominican order at Somerset, Perry county, were the most regular in their attendance upon the scattered communicants, among whom may be mentioned the Reverend Fathers Fenwick, (afterwards Bishop), Young, Martin, Howe, O'Leary, Collins, McAleer, and in
1839 came Father Lamy, (now Archbishop of Sante Fe, New Mexico), who severed the people eight years, and in 1847, Father Bulgar, four years. In 1851 Father Brent took charge of the parish, and remained in charge until his death in 1880. Father Thomas J. Lane, after that sad event, took charge of the parish.
The early meetings in Mount Vernon were held in private residences, as owing to prejudice the other church edifices, and the court house, used by church organizations having no church buildings, were closed to them. The residences thus used were those of David Morton, William Brophy, Timothy Colopy, Frederick J. Zimmerman, and the houses of other members large enough for the purpose.
416 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
As the worshippers increased by immigration from older States, the necessity of a house of worship became apparent. The large and spacious grounds, still owned by them, on the northeast corner of High and McKenzie streets, running north to Chestnut street, were purchased, and .in 1839 a small brick edifice was erected, roofed and plastered, and in that unfinished condition was used as a chapel; but only for a brief period, as early in 1840, the house was destroyed by fire, necessitating the- congregation to return to private residences for places of worship, until the church could be re-built and finished, which was accomplished with as little delay as possible.
From time to time additions were made to the structure, required by the rapid increase of membership, until the present large and commodious edifice was completed A few years since a chime of three hells was placed in the tower on the south end of the building. About 1855 a fine brick parsonage, two stories high, was erected on the north, or Chestnut street front of the lot.
The church building was set back in the lot far enough for the erection of a much larger building in front, to be built when the other building became too small to accommodate the congregation. In fact, nearly all arrangements were made in 1873 to erect a magnificent building on the open space in front, but for some reason the plan was laid aside for a more convenient season. The time seems not far distant when a larger and more commodious church edifice will be a necessity.
The first pastoral visit of Archbishop Purcell, of Cincinnati, was made just after the destruction of the first church by fire, and the resident members were compelled to look around for a room large enough to accommodate the expected congregation from all parts of the county, and from the French settlement in Holmes county. The Banning chapel, on North Sandusky street, was enclosed, but not finished. Mr. Banning endered the use of his chapel to Mr. Morton, which was by him thankfully accepted. The large house now owned and occupied by Hon. Joseph C. Devin, then owned by Hon. Henry B. Curtis, was in an unfinished state. Mr. Curtis tendered it to Mr. Morton for the occasion, but as he had just accepted the offer of Mr. Banning, the offer of Mr.
Curtis was declined with the sincere thanks of the resident members.
As stated before, the members were few in number and scattered over the county, mostly in the eastern portions of it, the first Catholic church being erected in Danville, where the resident clergymen resided. In the early days of the county the Catholics were compelled to resort to Danville, when no services were held in Mt. Vernon at private residences. The first church edifice at Danville was a neat frame building. A few years since a large brick edifice was erected there. Service was held at Danville and Mt. Vernon on alternate Sundays. In 1874 the two stations were separated, and each given a resident priest. The communicants in Mt. Vernon number about four hundred, embracing those who reside in and around Gambier, as well as in other parts of the county, west, south, and north of Mt. Vernon.
In 1875, under the superintendence of Father Brent, a neat two story frame school-house was. erected on the southeast end of the church lot. In this building a parochial school was established, and the charge of it given to Sisters Johns and Theresa, of the order of Saint Francis, and under the supervision of Father Brent. The Sisters were diligent and faithful to the trust reposed in them, and the school was soon in a flourishing condition. It has now on its roll one hundred and thirty scholars, with a daily attendance of over one hundred.
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
was organized July 26, 1834, under the name of "The Free Presbyterian church." This organization was an off shoot of the Presbyterian church of this city, (a large majority of its founders having been members of that church), who were joined by a few Congregationalists. They were all more or less in sympathy with what afterwards became the New School division of the Presbyterian church.
The first session consisted of Stephen Conkling, Allen Scott. John Trimble, James McGibeny, and James Trimble. The church had no ecclesiastic connections until August 1, 1836, when, by its delegates, it united with the Western Reserve Congregational association. About four months after its organization, Rev. Benjamin Higbee became its first pastor. His laborious and successful ministry
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 417
continued about three and a half years, during which time a house of worship (the house now owned and occupied by the Mulberry Street Methodist Protestant church) was begun and completed. On his own recommendation, the Rev. Mr. Higbee was succeeded in his pastorate by Rev. Edward Weeds, who remained four years. He was succeeded by the Rev. M. E. Strieby.
During Mr. Strieby's pastorate a strong desire was felt to change the organization to the Congregational form. Steps were at length taken, and the change consummated on the thirtieth of April, 1849. After due deliberation, a new constitution, together with the former brief summary of faith, and a series of standing resolutions were adopted, which breathed strong anti-slavery and temperance sentiments.
The house of worship was freely thrown open for conventions, whose object was to purge the State and National politics from the overshadowing crimes of liquor traffic and slavery. In 1852, a prohibition convention was held in their house of worship, which nominated Joseph W. Vance, of Mt. Vernon, for State senator, and A. Greenlee, of Fredericktown, for representative, pledged in favor of the Maine law. Abolition conventions were heartily welcomed, and for this reason it acquired the name of "Nigger church," and its members were loaded with opprobrium without stint, and sometimes maltreated. An incident occurred in this connection which may be worth preservation.
A man by the name of Allen was to lecture on slavery at the church on a given evening. When the time came, his arguments were met by the pungent logic of rotten eggs, and the meeting broken up. Next morning preparations were made to give Allen a free ride out of town on a rail, clad with a garment of tar and feathers, but while the crowd was being collected together by martial music under a banner bearing the appropriate motto, "No free discussion," Allen fled. Being hotly pursued, he passed in at the back door of David H. Drake's dwelling, one-half mile north of town, and instead of tarrying, took to the woods from the front door, shielded from view by the house. The crowd soon came up and surrounded the house, demanding the fugitive. Mr. Drake said to them: "Gentlemen, you have the privilege of the house; go right in and take him." After a diligent search, Mr. Drake urging them to make it thorough, they gave it up; and Mr. Drake showed his usual hospitality by bringing a bountiful supply of bread and butter out into the dooryard, and inviting his visitors to take a lunch with him. That over, all returned as cheerful and as happy as a company of marauders returning from a raid upon a deserted hen-roost.
Mr. Strieby, after serving the church as pastor a number of years, was succeeded by the Rev. S. C. Leonard, and after him came the Rev. T. E. Monroe, whose pastorate lasted twelve years. During Mr. Monroe's time it was found that the church edifice on Mulberry street had been outgrown by the society, and a new one was accordingly undertaken on the corner of Main and Sugar streets, and pushed to completion at a cost of about thirty-two thousand dollars, and was dedicated December 13, 1868, Revs. M. E. Strieby and C. S. Leonard officiating. The pastorate was then successively filled by the Rev. I. C. Billman and the Rev. E. B. Burrows till' 1879, when the Rev. R. T. Hall was called, and entered upon his labors on the first Sunday of September, of that year. The church now numbers three hundred and fifty members.
Rev. Russell T. Hall was born in Richmond. Vermont, October 6, 1844. He was educated at Oberlin college, Ohio, and at the Union Theological seminary, New York. He was ordained September 8, 1870, as pastor of the Congregational church at Pittsford, Vermont, where he remained until September, 1879, when he came to Mt. Vernon and took charge of the First Congregational church. He married Miss Mary A. Tyler, of Brooklyn, Ohio, September 2, 1869, by whom he had two children, only one of whom is now living. He was a member of company H, of the Forty-third Ohio volunteer infantry, for a short time during the war of 1861.
THE DISCIPLES CHURCH.
The following history of the Disciple or Christian church is chiefly gathered from the records of this Christian organization kept by the late Rev. R. R. Sloan.
Subsequent to a number of discourses, at sundry times during the winter of 1849 and 1850, by Elder
418 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
Jonas Hartzel, on the Elementary Principles of the Gospel-the first of said discourses being delivered in the court house, the second in the Baptist church, and several in the Methodist Protestant chapel on Friday evening, the twenty-fifth of January, 1850, Elder J. H. Jones, of Wooster, Ohio, commenced a series of discourses on the Elements of the Kingdom, continuing one week.
During the day sessions the subject of church organization was freely discussed by many present, who, having hitherto made the "good confession, clave to the one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one hope." During this Christian interviewa number having expressed a desire to unite on "the Bible alone," as their only and allsuffrcient rule of faith and practice in things religious, and their only creed or book of church government-Elder J. H. Jones, acting as an evangelist of the congregation of Disciples, meeting in Wooster, Ohio, proceeded to organize the congregation, of which he made the following memorandum
"The thirty-first of January, 1850, the Disciples' congregation was organized in Mt. Vernon, and Brother Robert R. Sloan ordained overseer, and Brother Samuel B. Doty, deacon, by the prayers of the brethren, and the laying on of the hands of J. H. Jones, evangelist."
"Whereupon, in behalf of the congregation, the right hand of fellowship was extended by Rev. J. H. Jones, to the following persons: Robert R. Sloan, Samuel Rinehart, Elizabeth Rinehart, Eli Miller, Samuel B. Doty, Margaret Doty, John Boyd, Harriet T. Holmes, William Babcock, Melinda Richmond."
From this small beginning (ten members) the church membership increased slowly from time to time, so that on the thirtieth of December, 1850, the church contained twenty-two members. The meetings during the year were held in the Protestant Methodist chapel.
The first death among the members of the church was that of Rebecca B. Riggs, which occurred on the thirty-first of October, 1851, at the residence of Dr. Hayes. The next death noticed is that of Robert A. Boyd, March 11, 1860.
A note, by the clerk, of the transactions of the year 1865, is worthy of notice: "During the year there were one hundred and thirty-seven discourses preached, one hundred and five of them by the regular pastor. There were fifty-four names added to the register."
Pursuant to previous notice, the members of the congregation met in the Protestant Methodist chapel, at 7 o'clock P. M., March 5, 1851; R R Sloan being called to the chair, it was unanimously resolved that Mr. Sloan be authorized to purchase in trust for the congregation, a certain lot of ground (on the north side of his residence lot), of Robert Irvine; for the sum of three hundred dollars, and to hold the same for the benefit of the congregation.
This purchase was accordingly made on the sixth of March, 1851.
At a meeting held January 15, 1853, Samuel Rinehart, Eli Miller and John Boyd were elected trustees, and R. R Sloan, clerk.
It was during the administration of these officers that the present neat church edifice was erected, on the south side of East Vine street. It cost four thousand three hundred and forty-one dollars and seventy-one cents.
The following ministers and elders preached to this congregation between the winter of 1849-50 and 1872: Jonas Hartzell, J. H. Jones, R. R. Sloan, Isaiah Jones, Isaac Errett, D. S. Burnett, S. R. Norton, J. Dowling, Rufus Conrad, D. J. Matthews, R L. Howe, E. Goodwin, A. M. Atkinson, Bush, Wheeler, D. R. Whitcomb, Ebenezer McElroy, Samuel Matthews, F. King, R. Moffett, W. H. Taylor, Barker, W. H. Delano, John Encill, Serles, Kissinger, W. L. Speer, Abbott, Hissey, S. F. Pearre, Thomas K. Davis, Millholland, A. B. Green, E. B. Cake, E. J. Chase, John G. Fee, L. F. Bittle.
The regular pastors were A. R. Sloan, W. H. Taylor, L. R. Norton, D. J. Matthews, R. Moffett, L. F. Bittle, J. H. Gavin, J. E. Harris, L. Southmayd, M. D. Adams.
The Sunday-school organized with a class of twenty-five under the superintendency of R. R. Sloan. The subsequent superintendents have been Henry Errett, D. R. Whitcomb, Isaac Strickle, W S. Errett, E. J. Chase, Colonel A. Cassil, D. W. Chase.
The present enrollment is one hundred and twenty-one, and the present membership of the church is about one hundred and fifty.
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 419
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH.
The Evangelical Lutheran church, of Mt. Vernon, is almost a thing of the past. Its membership never was numerous, but was composed of some of the best citizens of the town and surrounding country. Of the early history of the Lutherans in the country but little is known, as it dates far back in the past. The most numerous body of Lutherans is attached to St. John's church, located in Pleasant township, and the church in the city was mainly organized by members from that church, among whom may be mentioned Frederick Keifer and wife, Henry Beckley and wife, and others, who were joined by the few members living in the city, Peter Hoke and wife being of the number. In 1864 a few of these united and purchased the church building erected by the membership of the western charge of the Methodist Episcopal church in 1852, under the superintendency of the Rev. Mr. Wilson. When the eastern and western charges united in 1864, Mr. Kiefer, Mr. Hoke and other Lutherans purchased the church edifice on North Sandusky street, for two thousand four hundred dollars. For a few years the church maintained regular pastors, kept up regular preaching and maintained a Sunday school. Death, migration, and members attaching themselves to other church organizations soon left the remaining membership too small to retain a regular pastor. Its pulpit has been vacated since 1876, except when occassionally occupied by some itinerant, The Revs. Pringle and Cochel were the last regular pastors. The remaining members are now negotiating for the sale of the church edifice.
UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The United Presbyterians at one time had an extensive church membership in the county, and were under the pastoral charge of the Rev. J. H. Peacock, who for some years faithfully ministered to their spiritual wants. Under his superintendency the church edifice, northwest corner of Main and Sugar streets, was erected. This was in 1852. The last preacher in charge was the Rev. Pollock, whose sudden death while on his way home from evening service a few years since is fresh in the memory of all. The church is occasionally used by missionaries of that persuasion, travelling through the country. The site of this church edifice was originally purchased for school purposes, at the time the city adopted the Akron school system, and a part of the building material had been placed upon the ground. When the city discarded. that system the site was purchased by the church members and friends, and the present building erected.
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The early records of this church organization have been mislaid or lost, consequently an accurate account of its early history cannot be given. The first ascertained Methodist among this people in Mt. Vernon was James A. Rails, a local preacher, who came here from Virginia in December, 1865.
There were quite a number of colored people here prior to the coming of Mr. Rails, but they had been connected with the churches in and around their old homes long before they immigrated to Mt. Vernon, and retained their religious belief until they united and formed this church.
The meeting, preliminary to the organization, was held in the basement room of the East Vine Street Christian church, the Rev. John Beatty, of Zanesville, officiating. The date of this meeting was about 187o. After an appropriate prayer by James A. Rails, local preacher, the subject of church organization was introduced. A constitution was signed by all present who were willing to aid the organization, among whom were Riley Jenkins and wife, James A. Rails, Clara Rails, John W. Rails and wife, J. W. Hackley and wife, Charles White, Mary Lewis, Titus Hill, Everett Giles, Jonathan P. Simmons, M. W. Balar, Perry Wilson, Milton Newman, Samuel Simmons, and others. From that time to about 1873 weekly meetings were held in private residences, the basement rooms of the Christian and the United Presbyterian churches, and a room in the third story of the Kremlin block. In 1873 or 1874 arrangements were perfected to erect a church building. The ground was purchased, and the walls of the house raised to the square when the funds gave out, and the building was left in that unfinished condition until 1876, when, by the liberality of the citizens, sufficient money was raised to finish the building.
From the time of organization to the present
420 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
the following pastors have had charge of this congregation: Reverends Jones, John Gassaway, Jesse Henderson, Thomas, Daniel Mason, Walter Lowry, William Davidson, Charles White, and Jesse Henderson, the present pastor. For a few years the members sustained a resident pastor, having service every Sunday. At present the churches at Newark and Mt. Vernon are one charge under the pastorate of Rev. Henderson, services being held every alternate Sabbath. This church held camp-meetings on the fair grounds in 1879 and 1880, which were largely attended by members from the neighboring cities, the bishop of Baltimore superintending. The church numbers forty members, and the services on the Sabbath are kept up with great regularity and interest
Stewards for 1881 : L. R Jenkins, M. W. Balar, J. P. Simmonds, John Wright, J. W. Hackley, Jackson Tate, A. Gibson and Charles White.
This church established, and yet maintains a Sunday-school.
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