Logan County, Ohio History

432 - HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.

CHAPTER XII. *

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP - GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS - SETTLEMENT - VILLAGES - CHURCHES - CASUALTIES

" Here late the savage, bid in ambush, lay,

On roamed th' uncultured valleys for his prey ;

Here frowned the forest with terrific shale ;

No cultured fields exposed the opening glade.

How changed the scene: see nature, clothed in smiles,

With joy repays the laborer for his toils."-Meigs.

STANDING as we do down the stream of time, far removed from its source, we must retrace its meanderings with scarce anything to guide save the few moldering relics of the past which lie along the shore, and even these grow fainter and still more faint and uncertain as we near its fountain, if, indeed, they are not wholly concealed in the debris of ages. Written records grow less and less explicit, and finally fail altogether the nearer we approach the beginning of the community whose life it is our purpose to rescue from the gloom of a fast-receding past. The old pioneers are fast sinking to rest after the toils and privations of the border, whither they came buoyed up with hope and nerved with vigor, to build for themselves and their loved ones homes amid the beautiful scenery, while yet the whoop of the Indian and the howl of the wolf resounded on every side. Here and there a white-haired veteran, bowed with the weight of years and the unremitting toil of pioneer life, remains to tell us of those days "lang syne," and from their lips the writer has received the data from which to weave the fabric of this history. In some instances memory may have been at fault, trifling errors in date may be found, set should this be the ease, it is hoped these may be found of minor importance.

* Contributed by Dr. d. H. Se Cheverell.

That portion of Logan County, now known as Richland Township, lies in the extreme north of the county, adjoining Hardin Count, by which it is bounded on the north; McArthur Township lies south. Rush Creek, east; and Washington and Stokes, on the west. The surface features are those of a nearly level plain, the only exception being along the water. courses, and even them, the monotony is broken only in a slight degree. The territory is traversed by the north and middle branches of the Miami River, while the west and southwest portion, to the extent of several thousand acres, is submerged by the stagnant waters of the Lewistown Reservoir. The north branch flows across the northwest corner of the township, discharging its waters into the extreme northern portion of the reservoir. The middle branch passes westward across the entire southern portion of the township, reaching, the reservoir on lands of Jacob Fry. In the eastern portion of the township, the soil is clay, slightly mixed with gravel, and producing little else but wheat, while the alluvial soil of the western portion, may be utilized in the production of all cereals. The main products of the township are wheat, corn and grass, and the average is well up in the sisterhood of townships, composing Logan County. In a state of nature, the eastern part of Richland was covered with a heavy growth of trees, composed mainly of different varieties of the oak, while farther west, maple, hickory, walnut, and other common varieties, were found to predominate. In this portion were several small tracts, embracing an area of a few acres each, called prairies. Upon these

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the only vegetation was a rank growth of wild grass, interspersed with stunted shrubs, and about these localities was found the deadly rattlesnake in great profusion. For many years after the beginning of the settlement in Richland, malarial diseases prevailed universally, and doctors multiplied accordingly. The lands, at present, embraced within the limits of Richland, were attached to Me Arthur Township until the year 1845. At the December session of the Board of County Commissioners of this year, it was ordered. that the lands lying north of the south line of the Solomon's Town survey, in the Township of McArthur, be and the same are, hereby erected into a separate township, to be known as Richland, and that an election to perfect this organization, be held at the schoolhouse in the village of Richland, on the 20th day of December, 1845. The records of this election are still preserved in the office of the Clerk of the township, and they me the first found in the county. Following is a copy: " Richland, Logan County, Ohio. Agreeably to the order of the County Commissioners, the legal voters of the newly constituted Township of Richland met at the schoolhouse in Richland village on December 20, 1845, and organized by the selection of Eben Bain, Alvin Clark and S. Mead, Judges, and L. B. Wysons and Allen Dunn, Clerks of said election.'' The persons who were elected to fill the different official stations were: James Thompson, Alvin Clark and Samuel A. Morton, Trustees; A. S. Chapman, Clerk; Thomas Scott, Treasurer; James S. Sims, Assessor; Robert Lowry, Constable, and fire Supervisors of roads and highways. William Lease was the first Justice of the Peace elected in the township, and it is said he served twenty-one years in that capacity. The officers for 1880 are: A.. C. McClure, W. D. Spencer and S. M. Hover, Trustees; E. E. N Nafus, Clerk; T. N. Harrod, Treasurer; D. N. Cutting , Assessor; George Earick and William Bickham, Constables; H. M. Cline and John Bickham, Justices of the Peace, and seven Supervisors. The lands in Richland Township were surveyed by the Government into tracts embracing 1,000 acres each, and in those early times, when it only required a small amount of money to pay for a large tract of land, many of these 1,000 acre farms were sold entire to one individual, who in turn sold in smaller lots to the settlers. Among these extensive land proprietors were. Duncan McArthur, James Taylor and Walter Dunn.

During the summer of the year 1810, James Hill and family, consisting of a wife and six children, and Samuel Tidd, a brother-in-law, with his wife, left the shore of Lake Erie, in Ashtabula County, for that far away "land of promise,'' Zanestown (now Zanesfield), of the superior advantages of which the most wonderful stories were told. The mode of transit, a team of horses; the route along blazed lines, through dense woods, in many places almost impassable. At last, after many wearisome days of travel, they reached the end of their journey. They remained at Zanesfield seven years, removing to the southwest portion of what is now Richland Township during the early summer of 181;, Mr. Hill erected his cabin upon the form now owned by James Sims. Samuel Tidd settled just south, in what is now McArthur Township. None of either family are now living n the vicinity except Mrs. Nancy Colvin, a daughter of Mr. Hill, who now lives in Hardin County, and to whom the writer is indebted for many facts of early history. Soon after Mr. Hill's arrival Thomas Rutledge and Thomas Burton, who each (lad a numerous family, located in the immediate vicinity. These three families are the pioneer settlers in Richland Township. William Lease settled near in 1823, and spent the remaining

434 - HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.

years of his life upon the farm he first improved. Lorenzo bowling first occupied the farm now owned by William Scott. William Thompson lived on the present William Wallace farm. Martin Hill made the first improvements on the James McClure farm. Joseph Wilmuth settled on the lands forming the site of the present hamlet of Northwood prior to 1830. Henry Hendricks, agent for James Taylor, occupied the farm now owned by William Reed. John L. Hemphill was proprietor of the lands upon which Richland village was laid out. James Boyer became the owner of the 1,000-acre tract embracing the Indian village of Solomon's Town. Jacob Powers lived on the S. P. Johnston farm. Lewis Wysons was the original occupant of the farm now owned by Dr. T. L. Wright. James Gray also lived near Richland, and was among the early settlers. James Harrod lived on the John Key's farm until 1852, when he removed to Hardin County, where he still resides. Rev. Thomas Clarke, William Holt, Samuel Jenkins, Lemuel Liles and William Brooks came at the same time, and settled between Belle Centre and Nortltwood. Jacob Sessler occupied a farm on the Miami River; Robert Scott located immediately west of Belle Centre; William Wallace was also one of the settlers of this period. Daniel Colvin was proprietor of a portion of the lands now embraced in the village of Belle Centre; Robert Mitchell lived on the farm now owned by Milton L. Anderson. Alexander King, a native of Pennsylvania, located permanently in Richland, in 1829; he still occupies the old homestead. William Johnston became a resident of the township about the same time. Robert Scott lived near Northwood. J. S. Johnston came to Richland in the summer of 1833, and has been prominently connected with the mercantile and educational interests of the township the greater portion of the time since. Robert Boyd is among the later arrivals; he owned the Isaac Patterson property. Gersham Anderson located near Northwood in March, 1837; a son, Milton L., and a daughter, Susan, who came with the parents, now reside near Belle Centre. The father died in 1843, after which Milton engaged in school teaching for several years, in Logan and Ross counties. Cornelius Jameson settled in the township in the fall of 1837; he now lives in the village of Belle Centre. The settlement of this township differs from many others in this part of the State in this, that the first settlers were largely from the Eastern States. Their characteristic enterprise is plainly manifest in the improvements and general thrift seen in every part of the township.

During the early years of the settlement the inhabitants were compelled to make extensive journeys to get their grain ground. To go twenty or thirty miles through unbroken forests, was no small undertaking, and as each grist was ground in the order of its reception at the mill, the trip to and from the mill often consumed days of valuable time. Frequently the "stump mortar" would be brought into use. A cavity burnt into the top of a stump, and a spring pole to the end of which the pestle was attached, formed the mechanism of this primitive "flouring establishment," and he who produced the motive power for this rude appliance slowly obeyed the scripture injunction: "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat thy bread;" others prepared the corn by cutting it from the cob with a plane. "Hulled corn" made by soaking the grain in a weak solution of lye, to remove the hull, and afterward boiling it, was a common article of food eaten with butter and maple sugar, it was amongst the luxuries of life. The writer remembers one night, so many years ago that he does not care to be exact as to date, being obliged to seek lodging

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in a little moss-covered log cabin on the the banks of the La Belle Rivere, after a weary jaunt amongst the hills of Washington County, a huge dish of "hulled corn" garnished the evening board, and whether it was this or the keen appetite, it is difficult to state; yet, the recollection of that supper still lingers like a delightful dream about memory's pathway. The pioneer grist-mill in Richland Township was built by Joseph Wilmuth about 1830. It was a small affair, built of logs, and stood on the banks of the Miami River, near Northwood. After a few years, Gersham Anderson purchased this property, and soon replaced the old log building with a substantial frame one. This was furnished with two run of stone, and was well adapted to the wants of the community. The building is still standing, though its wheel is silent and all going to decay at this time a lame steam grist-mill at Belle Centre, and a portable saw-mill adjacent, furnish ampler facilities for the accommodation of the inhabitants. Early in the settlement Samuel Mitchell put in operation a tannery, about one mile west of Belle Centre, on the farm now owned by William Scott. This was in active "blast" for several years; now closed. The first thoroughfare in Richland Township was made along "Hull's Trace," running from Cherokee to Richland village, and thence northwestwardly. A level, graveled turnpike now passes over nearly the save route, forming one of the many traversing different parts of the township. The Cincinnati, Sandusky & Cleveland Railroad passes through the township.

In July, 1832, John Hemphill, then an extensive landowner, conceived the idea of a village on the lice then traversed by the gay "turnouts" of the Springfield and Sandusky Stage Company, and accordingly the services of James W. Marmon, County Surveyor, were called into requisition, and in due time the plat of the town of Richland appeared. Lots were offered for sale, and soon a number of log buildings were erected. From the largest of these was a sign bearing the device: "E. Bane-At Home." This was the pioneer house of entertainment. A man named Williams put a stock of goods into another, and thus the mercantile interest was established. Albert Chapman was appointed Postmaster, and Richland postoffice came into existence, and now the success of the embryo village was apparently assured, In time a church organization was effected, and a small frame meeting-house erected. Next, a schoolhouse arose amid the stumps, where late towered the giant forest trees. The settlers increased; frame dwellings began to appear, and Richland was on the high tide to a great future Messrs. Johnston & Mitchell had opened an extensive stock of general merchandise. The project of building the Mad River and Lake Erie Railroad now began to be agitated, and at last the survey was completed and the route established. It was thought Richland did not manifest sufficient interest in the enterprise and finally inducements were offered for the location of a village, some two miles to the northward. J, S. Johnston became the champion of the new village, and worked heartily for its establishment, The main issue seemed to be, which should secure the location of the water tank, this being considered a valuable matter in those early days of railroads. The battle waxed warm, and anvils were fired, long and loud, whenever either side gained a point. At last Belle Centre (as the new village was called) secured the coveted prize, and the glory of Richland village, of late so full of promise, departed forever. The post-office was removed to Belle Centre; the hotel closed, and the church went to decay. It is now a "flag station," and only a small number of scattering buildings mark the site of this once flourishing hamlet, while Belle

436 - HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.

Centre, the mere favored rival, has become a respectable village. J. S, Johnston removed his stock of goods to this place in 1847, and opened a store in a building, the corners of which rested on four stumps. A man named Horton opened a boarding- house here soon after, and the subsequent year George Hartin built the brick hotel now under the management of M. McIntire. In 1846 the site of Belle Centre was covered by a swat orchard. It was created a town corporate in 1867, the first election being held on April 1st of that year. Following are the officers elected: J. H. Brown, Mayor; T. S. Patrick. Recorder; George Earick, Treasurer; John Morton, F. M. Bergert, B. F. McKinnon, David Herron, and John Dennis, Council. The roster for 1880 is: George Young, Mayor; F. M. Bergen, Clerk; P. O. Ellis, Treasurer; B. W. McKinnon. R. M. Hosack, T. N. Hawed, W. L. Sickles, Jacob Earick and J. J. Wright, Council.

Prior to the incorporation of the village, a small number of individuals, members of that noble brotherhood whom the greatest men of the world have delighted to honor-the Masonic Order-held an informal meeting, the result of which was the formation of Belle Centre Lodge, No. 347, F. & A. M. The charter of this society is dated October 18, A. L. 5864, and bears the names of the following constituent members: J. A. Rodgers, J. W. Creswell, A. C. Gossard, William Ramsey, John Patterson, John Iierns, Henry Hinkle, Harvey Howell, Joseph Paullucci, John Lunger, Jacob Earick, John Roberts, R. H. Trumbull, D. N. Cutting, John L. Clark, R. B. Simpson, W. S. Wysong, H. A, Ramsey and A. C. Ramsey. The lodge convened in the hall over Ramsey's store until the fall of 1877, when it removed to its present elegant rooms in the second story of J. D. Campbell's building. The regular communications are held en Wednesday evening of each month on or before the full moon. The society has steadily increased its membership and its usefulness, now numbering fifty-four members, among whom the utmost harmony prevails, Following are the succession of Masters: J. A. Rodgers, John Lunger, John Iierns, T. C. Laughlin, D. N. Cutting, C. W. Hinkle, and George R. Archer, who at present presides. Following this we find the sister society, Odd Fellowship, taking root in the vicinity. Belle Centre Lodge, N o. 558, I. O. O. F., was organized during the summer of 1873. Its charter, which bears date September 12 of that year, contains the names of the following charter members: J. C. Porter, O. Howell, P. C. Ewart, Thomas N. Harrod, F. M. Lansdown, George Liles and James B. Mustain. J. C. Porter was the first presiding officer and E. E. Nafus is the present (1880). The membership has increased to forty. The regular meetings are held in Earick's block on Saturday evening of each week. Financially, the society- is "above the tide."

A large society of the Patrons of Husbandry formerly existed in Belle Centre, but is not now in active operation. The Soldiers' Memorial Association of Richland Township was organized on May 30, 1879, with H. M. Cline. President; E. E. Nafus, Secretary; and A. F. McConnell, Treasurer. Its object: "The perpetuation of the memory of the dead heroes of the war." Through the efforts of this society and its friends, the beautifully solemn memorial service of strewing flowers upon the graves of the sainted soldier dead, is performed on each recuring thirtieth day of May.

A weekly paper, the Paragrapher, has been published for some time past in Belle Centre, by D. W. Thompson. It was a thirty-two column quarto, patent inside, and neutral in politics. Not receiving a sufficient patronage its publication was recently suspended. Following is Belle Centre in 1880:

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Two dry goods, two grocery, two drug, two millinery, one jewelry, one hardware, and two tinware stores; six blacksmith, two carriage and three shoe shops; one bakery, one cabinet maker, two wagon makers, hotel, two liveries, one steam-grist, and one steam saw-mill; sash and door manufactory, the works, an extensive grain warehouse, four churches, and one school. Northwood, a little hamlet situated on the line between Richland and McArthur, will be found in the history of the latter township.

The history of religious organizations in Richland Township dates from the year 1819. Mrs. Nancy Colvin states that during the summer of this year a minister of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, named Roberts, held several meetings at her father's (James Hill) house, and here a small class was formed in the fall following. This was composed of James hill, his wife and three children, Nancy, John and Polly, John and Polly Ritchie, a negro named Tom, and several Indians, with unpronounceable names. This was the foundation of Methodism in the township. Subsequently Rev. William Brooks came to live in the vicinity and the place of meeting was changed to his house. Here William and Samuel Brooks, Samuel Liles, and Daniel Colvin, with their wives, were added to the membership. Meetings continued at the house of Rev. Brooks until his removal from the township in 1841, when they were continued at Daniel Colvin's and at the schoolhouse, until 1850. At this time a small, brick meeting-house was erected in the village Belle Centre, This building was occupied until increased membership and attendance rendered a, larger structure necessary. The present commodious brick edifice of this society was completed in 1872. It is in size forty by sixty feet, with a tower, and cost originally $3,000, but repeated damages by storms has swelled the amount fully $2,000 more. The present membership is sixty. A Sabbath School was formed by M. L. Anderson, many years since This has now an attendance of seventy the entire year-E. E. Nafus, Superintendent Rev. J. S. Blair is the present Pastor of this church. B. W. McKinnon, W. S. Sickles, C H. Shields and M. A. Smith, Jr., C!ass Leaders, and M. L. Anderson, Steward. The seed sown in the Hill neighborhood caught root and eventually resulted in the formation of a second class in that portion of the township ship. This has become quite a flourishing so ciety, and meets for worship in McGraw Chapel, a neat frame building in the vicinity where formerly dwelt James Hill.

The Disciple Church was formed in the year 1839, at the dwelling of James Harrod who lived some two miles southeast of the present site of Belle Centre village, by the Rev. William Dowling. The constituent members were James and. Samuel Harrod Samuel Jerkins, Hugh Bickham, Samuel Stillwell, Alexander Patrick, Hulsey and Obadiah Howell, Samuel Dennis, Henry Bennett, Robert Lorentz, Jesse Roberts, and John Rudicill with their respective wives and Mary Cooper, Rebecca Hover. Nancy McIntire and Elizabeth Howell. Regular service was continued at. Mr. Harrod's until his removal to his present location, in 1852. For about a year the society met in a school-house, house, and in 1853 removed to their church edifice ,just completed in Belle Centre village. The membership has greatly increased and now numbers 140. The early settle: Pastors were John Stannard, Robert Lorentz John Winters, and Quincy Randall; Richard Windbigler is the present Pastor. The chore officers are: James and Miner Harrod, and John Lile, Elders; E. G. McIntire and George Finn Deacons. A Sabbath School has been held in connection with this church, at intervals, since the first formation. Its present attendance numbers sixty; George Finn, Superintendent.

438 - HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.

The following history of the Presbyterian Church at Belle Centre is from the pen of Rev. A. J. Clark : "In the year 1832 Rev. Thomas B. Clark left Eastern Ohio and settled in the northern part of Logan County, some two or three miles from the present site of Belle Centre. He devoted himself to missionary work in this and adjoining counties, and about 1833 or 1834 he organized a Presbyterian Church in this vicinity. A division of the church occurred in 1837, and in about 1839 Rev. Pogue formed a church of the New School near Richland village either of these organizations had a house of worship, but met in a grove, barn, dwelling or school-house. Their services were infrequent, and, after a term of years, ceased altogether. The present Presbyterian Church at Belle Centre was formed from the fragments of the two churches and a few others who had settled in this community, by Rev. H. R. Price, J. H. Gill and Elder Samuel Hover, on December 9, 1852. Following are the original members: Rebecca Zimmerman, Susan Gabby, Elizabeth Hemphill, Eleanor Hemphill, Samuel Lambert, Eleanor Lambert, Mary Hemphill, Elizabeth C. Hukill, Hazzard Hopkins, John Zimmerman, Alvin Clark, Jane Scott, James Dunlap, J. L. Hemphill, Mary J. Martin, Maria Laughlin, William Yates, Margaretta Yates, Joseph Patton, Margaret E. Patton, C. C. Scott, Sarah Deer, Andrew Yates, Francis Mains and Sarah Philbrick. Of these only four are still members of this church (1880): Mrs. Mary Clark, Eleanor Lambert, Jane Scott and Francis Mains. Rev. J. A. Meeks was the first Pastor, who remained until 1855. William Young succeeded him for three years. Amos Bartholomew assumed charge early in 1859, and remained almost continuously until near the close of the year 1867. H. M. Shockley was Pastor from about 1870 until the close of the year 1876. Rev. A. J. Clark, the present Pastor, began his labors here August 1, 1877. This society has always been united with the Huntsville church in one pastorate, and the ministers formerly resided there. Rev. Shockley was the first to reside at Belle Centre, and the present Pastor resides there. Having no house of worship, the society met for a time in the old Methodist Church, and also in the schoolhouse. Under the leadership of Elder Clark it was resolved to build. This was accomplished principally by volunteer work, Mrs. Copt. Mains boarding the workmen without charge, and all giving liberally. The church is of wood, and was first occupied in 1854 or 55. The society has no manse or parsonage, though one is greatly needed. Following are the names of those who have served as Ruling Elders: Alvin Clark, James Dunlap, James Ritchey, Joseph Clyde, William McClain, William F. Lowrey and James S. Sherral. The present session of Elders consists of: Archibald Jameson, Josiah R. Laughlin, Seth Taylor, Samuel Harbert and William R. Ritchey. Of this number, Alvin Clark served from the organization, until his death, in August, 1878. The list of Deacons, is as follows; William McClain, John A. Hemphill, John L. Clark, Josiah R. Laughlin, R. B. Simpson, William Hoon, William Hemphill, S. H. Bergert and C. Zahler. A Sabbath School has been held in connection with the church, probably from the beginning. The membership of the church is now 165. In common with the 5,500 churches of the United States, this society holds to the system of doctrine, commonly called Calvinistic, as contained in the Westminster Confession, and to the Presbyterian or representative form of church government:

The writer is indebted to Dr. M. D. Willson for the data embodied in the following sketch of the Reformed Presbyterian Church at Belle Centre. For many years the members of the Miami congregation, who dwelt

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in and about Belle Centre, desired the parent church at Northwood to furnish them with preaching at least a portion of the time. This request was granted, and for a time occasional service was held. Prior to the union of the United oiled Miami congregation the matter was earnestly canvassed in relation to the formation of a separate organization at Belle Centre, and as early as 1877 a petition with that end in view was presented to the Presbytery. This was reported upon favorably, and Rev. H. George, J. L. McCartney and James Wylie, Ruling Elder, were appointed to effect an organization. This was consummated during the summer of 1877. Cornelius Jameson, Wlliam McClure and Dr. M. D. Willson were elected Elders, and Alexander C. Liggitt, Robert M. Wylie and Ebenezer Hosack, Deacons. The original membership numbered thirty-eight. A subscription was immediately circulated, and the requisite funds pledged for the building of a house of worship. The Deacons with J. B. Torrence and Dr. Willson were appointed a building committee, and the work pushed forward so vigorouslyy that the building was enclosed before winter. It was not completed, however, until the fall of 1879. The building is of brick, with tower, stained-glass windows, and modern furniture. The entire cost was $3,500. During the interval prior to the occupancy of the church, the congregation met in the house of the Presbyterian Society. Rev. J. Lynd was the first settled Pastor. The membership at this time (1880) is seventy-two. A Sabbath School was formed early in 1877, and has now an average attendance of fifty children; Alexander McConnell, Superintendent. A history of the Northwood churches will be found in connection with McArthur Township history.

The first school in Richland was taught in the Hill settlement, but of this the writer has been unable to learn any thing except that the date was prior to 1825. The only school of which anything authentic can be found, was taught by Milton L. Anderson in a little log house standing on the south bank of the Miami River, on land now owned by William Pollock, during the summer of 1839. Mr. Anderson says: "The rod was plentifully used, and in the majority of cases was merited." That primitive method of instilling the rudiments into the minds of the youth has happily been abandoned. Yet, whether that or the present " stuffing" process was the most commendable is a question For the parents of the present thin-chested, hollow-eyed students to determine. The present status of the school interest in the township is as follows:

Whole numher of pupils enrolled.................... 312

" amount paid teachers......................... $1,122

" number schoolhouses...........:.............. 6

Value with furniture and grounds................. $2,500

The writer has been unable to gain any authentic data. of the Belle Centre special school district except that given in the report of the Board of Education which is as follows:

Whole number of pupils enrolled............... 242

" amount paid teachers......................$1,336.80

One school building, with rooms................ 4

Value with furniture and grounds............... $2,500

Near the southern boundary of the Township, on lands now owned by A. C. McClure, Esq., is the site of the ancient Indian village of Solomon's Town, which, tradition states, was, prior to the dawning of the present century a populous community of the Wyandots. The name was given to it in honor of a venerable chief of the nation who resided at this point. History records the fact that, in about 1800, Tarhe, or the Crane, chief of the Wyandots, had an abiding place here. The residence of Mr. McClure is situated near the center of the former village, immediately across the pike, which, by the way, is constructed on "Hull's Trace," is an extensive

440 - HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.

gravel ridge of a nearly uniform height, extending in a northwesterly direction. Not far from the southeastern extremity of this elevation is a circular mound of about 100 feet in diameter, a perfect oval, surrounded by a ditch, the bottom of which is at least six feet lower than the summit of the mound. Perhaps sixty feet to the northward, along the apex of the ridge, may still be seen the stump of a rnonster white oak tree. Far up in the limbs of this monarch of the forest was built a rude. lookout, or sentry-box, from which a watch was kept of the surrounding country, commanding an area of many miles in every direction. Still farther to the northward the land is level for some distance, and along this the unfortunate prisoners were compelled to run the gauntlet. The statement that Simon Iienton once suffered this indignity here is doubtless an error. To the south of the mound at the distance of some twenty-five rods, stands the blackened and tottering remains of the large elm tree under which, local tradition puts it, Simon Kenton was a second time placed in captivity.

Antrim's history of Logan County states, after the life of Iienton had been saved by that notorious renegade, Simon Girty, in whose whole life this one act is the only white spot, he was clothed, furnished a horse and equipments, and in company with his benefactor, roamed about the country. After some time spent in this manner, a war part of Indians returned from an expedition to Wheeling, where they had suffered defeat and the loss of several warriors, killed and wounded, and foil of revenge, "determined to kill any of the whites who came within their grasp:' Iienton was the only white man near, and being at Solomon's Town, with Girty, a messenger was sent to him (Girty), requesting his immediate attendance at a grand council to be held at Wapatomica, and that he bring Kenton with him. "The two friends met the messenger on their way," hence it is hardly probable they were sitting beneath the wide spreading branches of the elm before mentioned, within the circular enclosure, the red men held their council. Here was discussed the great questions of peace or war. Here was the hapless victim doomed to a fate worse than death, and here occurred the traditional pow-wows and dances of the Aborigines. A few rods east of Mr. McClure's residence is the immense spring spoken of in connection with Solomon's Town. In this vicinity for many years was held the annual muster of the militia, events upon which the few surviving ex-militia delight to dwell, recounting with much evident satisfaction the many bloodless battles fought on these occasions. Some five years since, when the Miami turnpike was being constructed, the workmen engaged in hauling gravel from the northern extremity of the gravel ridge, unearthed a great number of human bones, which from their size indicated that the original owners were people of immense stature. Numbers of copper beads were also found, and one fine specimen of ax stone pipe.

Two events in the later history of this township would seem to warrant more than a passing notice at our hand. The first is the never to be forgotten cyclone in the early summer of 1873; the second, the still more terrible murder of Allie Laughlin, occurring two years later. May 9, 1873, ought surely to go on the record as the "Black Friday'' of Belle Centre. Between 3 and 4 o'clock on the afternoon of the date given, the dense black clouds which obscured the heavens like a pall, were rifted, and instantaneously the storm king began his terrible work of destruction. The first evidence of the storm was upon the farm of Mrs. Alexander Thompson where a valuable orchard was entirely destroyed. Continuing eastward it wrought devastation at William Wallaces', in buildings and orcharding.

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HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY. - 443

Next it struck the village of Belle Centre, and for a few brief moments it appeared as if the end of the world had come; the awful darkness: the crash of the falling buildings, mingled with the shrieks of the frightened populace, made all a scene that might well appall the stoutest heart. The first damage to the village was the entire demolition of John Reagen's brick house, without injury to the wife and infant daughter. James Shafer's house was carried across the lot with lust slight injury to the inmates. The Methodist Episcopal Church just completed was unroofed, and the tower blown down; the Presbyterian Church slightly damaged; Howell's hotel entirely demolished; Nafus' carriage manufactory and dwelling, and Bergert's wagon shop were unroofed and otherwise injured. The school building was rendered entirely worthless. The teachers, observing the approach of the storm, dismissed the children and thus prevented, what must otherwise have been a serious loss of life. Those were the main buildings damaged, and strange enough, no lives were lost. The following year a second storm visited the village, damaging the Methodist Episcopal Church to the amount of $400 and slightly injuring other property in the vicinity.

The data from which the following sketch is written is furnishcd by E. E. Nafus, Esq. Perhaps the most terrible crime which has blackened the fair pages of Logan County's history occurred within the borders of Richland Township. Yet. while we thick with horror of the fiendish brutality of the worse than savage murderer, it is consoling to know that justice, sure and certain, quickly followed. The circumstances are briefly as follows: James Schell, a Canadian, had resided with his family for some years on the farm of ----- Laughlin, near Belle Centre. Having contracted an intense hatred fur his employer, he lost no opportunity to do him injury. Mr. L. had two houses burned under circumstances that pointed to Schell as the cause, but nothing was done about it. Mr. L., being strictly upright, believed others the same. On Wednesday, September 22, 1875. Schell induced Miss Alice Laughlin, daughter of his employer, to accompany himself and wife to the reservoir to gather wild plums. Returning late in the day, he stated that " Allie was lost." The news spread like wild-fire, and soon the country for miles around was aroused. A strict search was instituted, which resulted in finding, on the day following, the dead and brutally mangled body of the girl. Schell was arrested, and so intense was the feeling against hint that, it was with difficulty the excited citizens were prevented from hanging him on the spot. Better counsel prevailed, however, and he was taken to Bellefontaine and lodged in jail. The day following at the inquest, Mrs. Schell testified that her husband had killed the girl for revenge on her father; that he Iraq burned the buildings before mentioned, etc. A few words will tell the sequel: At about twelve o'clock Friday night a crowd of at least 1,500 people surrounded the jail. The doors were battered down, Schell taken to a. tree in the court house yard, a rope placed about his neck and over a convenient limb, and after a few minutes' time being given the wretch for remarks, he was swung into eternity.

During the war of the Rebellion the Township of Richland came nobly to the front. Her sons went bravely forth to battle for the right, and many never returned, while other bear sad proofs of the bloody conflict in their empty sleeves and crutches which support their maimed bodies. The voices of freemen sleeping lowly on Southern fields, and in the prison pens, bring to mind the time when

"The valiant lines of the blue and the gray

Stood ranked is proud and stern array,

All eager, all ready for deadly affray.''

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