PAGE 645 - PICTURE OF JAMES L. BRADLEY (DECEASED)

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DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP - 647

CHAPTER III.

DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP.

THIS township occupies a central position in Madison County. and was one of the early organized townships. It is hounded on the north by Monroe and Jefferson Townships on the east by Jefferson Township. on the south by Union Township and on the west by Somerford Township. We find on the records at the court house in London the following bearing date April 30, 1810: "At a meeting of the commissioners of Madison County, present John Arbuckle and William Gibson; ordered that all that tract of country comprehended in the following boundaries be. and the same is hereby erected into a separate township by the name of Deer Creek. and is bounded as follows, viz.: Beginning on the Franklin County line, where Jefferson Township line intersects said line, and running westward to the northeast corner of John Melville's survey on the glade; thence with the south line of Jefferson Township to the north line of Mark's survey on Little Darby Creek. including all the settlement on Spring Fork to the Champaign County line; thence with said line to the East Fork of Deer Creek. at or near Levin Gibson's ; thence in a direction to strike the southwest corner of Humble's survey: thence on a direct line to the southwest corner of the Widow Taylor's plantation; thence to the northwest corner of John Melville's survey, thence to the beginning."

From the same records we find a second erection of the township bearing date June 11, 1811, as follows : At a meeting of the Commissioners of Madison County, ordered that all that tract of country comprehended in the following boundary be, and the same is erected into a separate township by the name of Deer Creek, and is hounded as follows, viz.: Beginning at the southeast corner of Jefferson Township ; thence westwardly with Jefferson Township line to Darby Township line ; thence with said line to Champaign County line ; thence south with the said line. to the south boundary of Levin Gibson's survey ; thence eastwardly to the south boundary of Uriah Humble's tract of land, or P. Neal's ; thence eastward to the Widow Taylor's on Deer Creek : thence to the northwest corner of John Melville's survey; thence eastwardly to the county line of Franklin County, and from thence to the place of beginning." The line between Union and Deer Creek Townships was changed June 6, 1836, as follows: "At a meeting of the Commissioners of Madison County, on petition being presented. ordered that the line between Deer Creek Township and Union Township, be altered to run as follows, to wit Beginning at the northwest corner of Jefferson Melville's land, and southwest corner of John Adder's land, and to run westerly to strike the La Fayette road, ten poles south of the Glade, between B. Bowdery's and D. J. Ross; thence the same course continued until it strikes the present line which divides said townships so as to include D. J. Ross into Union Township."

SURFACE AND SOIL.

The township is generally level and the soil a deep. rich, black loam over a great portion of its territory, especially those portions which were originally in prairie, and those portions that were covered with timber and a heavy undergrowth on the more flat and level portions are a very rich black loam. Some of the land a little more rolling and broken, has a mixture of loam and clay,

648 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

with a graven subsoil; and underneath the whole is a sub-strata of limestone. When the pioneers first settled upon the lands of Deer Creek Township. they found many portions of it destitute of timber, and covered with a coarse grass, and generally very wet, some of which was covered with water a greater part of the year, and from this condition was considered by them uninhabitable, and such portions were termed barrens." Hence we find the first settlements were made along the banks of the streams, and on the more elevated lands, where the natural drainage was such as to render it habitable. The prairies and many portions sparsely covered with trees with a thick undergrowth of hazel brush and grass were often set on fire by the Indians in dry seasons, and large sections burned over often to the great danger and sometimes to the destruction of the property of first settlers. The timbered portions consisted principally of oak of various species, hickory, elm and walnut, the latter, however, has now become nearly extinct. Of the former white and burr oak predominate. There is a slight elevation of the land a little north of the center of the township, forming a small water-shed, sufficient that the small creeks and streams on the north side flow northward, and those on the south side flow southward to the principal stream of the township.

Deer Creek enters the township on its west border about midway from the northern to the southern boundary of the township, and takes a zigzag southeastern course into Union Township. In its course it receives several small tributaries-Crooked Run, Coniac Run, Glade Run, etc. The name Deer Creek originated, it is believed, from the fact that in early days it was the resort of vast herds of deer, as it is said by the early settlers that this section of country abounded with that game. Glade Run drains the eastern portion of the township. running south or southeast through the section called the Glades. These were originally open tracts of land. without timber, or very sparsely covered with trees and a heavy undergrowth ; were very wet in the winter and spring, and in the summer covered with an immense growth of coarse sass.

The soil of this township is generally naturally adapted to the growth of grass, and from its abundance of water was especially adapted to the raising of stock, of which fact its settlers were quick to perceive, and entered largely into that business, some of whom own thousands of acres of fine pasture, and count their cattle and sheep by hundreds. But in later years, as the lands have become improved, ditched and drained, the soil has become better fitted for the raising of grain; and from year to year the people are giving more attention to the raising of wheat and corn• and there is no doubt but in a few years this will be a great grain-producing township. and the raising of stock will be left to the great Southwest, with her vast and rich prairies and mild climate, where stock can he so easily raised, and with so little expense. Deer Creek was one of the first and original townships of the county. and possessing such excellent soil and natural advantages which she has, it was not strange to find the settlers early taking possession of her rich lands and dotting them over with their log cabins.

PIONEERS.

The following were the early settlers of this township, who located here between 1800 and 1830. and were more prominently known and more active in pioneer work and the organizing of society. Mr. Adair was probably the first to locate in this township. He came to Deer Creek and camped over night on its banks, and then selected his location; this was about 1802. John Adair settled on Deer Creek. on land now owned by James Wilson, in 1806. About the same year came William Blair and John Blair and settled on Glade Run, on the Plimell place. They were leading. active men of that day. John Blair was the first Clerk of the township after its organization. and held other offices; and it is believed if he had lived he would have represented this district in the

DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP. - 649

Legislature He died quite young They were of Irish descent William was a son of John Blair and was a preacher in the New Light Church. The same (1806), John Barr settled on the Beals place. John McCaul and Charles Ewing settled on the Stutson land. The latter came from Kentucky, and was Irish descent. He was a very honest, upright mail. and an excellent citizen. John Ewing settled at the same" date; was a Trustee and Treasurer of the township several years, and filled other offices of the township. John and Adam Coon settled on Deer Creek just below John Adair. William Blaine settled on Deer Creek just below John Adair, and near where the town of Lawrenceville was subsequently laid out. He was a man of considerable means for that day, and often loaned his neighbors small sums of money; was a man of influence and usefulness, and served for a time as Associate Judge. He removed West about the year 1842. The above are all believed to have settled in this township prior to 1806, and hence were the true pioneers of Deer Creek Township.

From 1806 to 1810 came in the following settlers: John McDonald came from Tennessee and with his family settled at the Upper Glade on the Stutson land in 1808, and his father, John McDonald, who died in 1811, was the first person who was buried in the McDonald or Upper Glade Burying-Ground. Mr. McDonald's son John still survives; was five years old when brought to this county, and here has spent his life, a period of seventy-four years, nearly three-quarters of a century. This family have been identified with the growth and progress of the township from its first organization and have been among her most worthy and upright citizens ; ever prompt and active in the organization of schools and churches, and in the general moral and Christian progress of their community. Mr. McDonald has spent a life of industry, and as a result of his untiring labors and economy, has become one of the wealthiest farmers of the township and now owns 3,000 acres of land.

Thomas, John and Eli Gwynne located on Deer Creek ; the former in 1816 laid out the town of Lawrenceville, became very wealthy and died leaving a large estate. They were very active business men, and for some years carried on quite a mercantile trade in Urbana and Columbus. A large family of the Ross name located here on Deer Creek - Angus, John, Daniel and Alexander Ross, the former kept tavern at Lawrenceville. James Brown also located here on the opposite side of the creek from Mr. Ross. Curtis Ballard and David Foster were two settlers of this period of time. Charles Atchison was one of the prominent settlers of this time : was Township Treasurer in 1812, probably the first to hold that office in the township. James Wright and Daniel Wright were two settlers on the Glade in 1808. The latter lived a long and useful life. He served in many of the offices of the township ; was a Trustee for many years. Samuel Duncan and William Noteman settled on the west of Deer Creek, nearly opposite William Blaine, who was on the east side. Noteman was born on the ocean, and was principally raised in Madison County and was married September 28, 1817, and finally he settled on the place now owned by John Lohr. He died January 14, 1827. Aaron Delano, William Lawrence, Gilman Lincoln, and a Mr. Fudgy, all located in this neighborhood about this period of time. Benjamin Garrett with his family located on Coniac Run in 1808, where he built a block-house to protect them from the Indians. Soon after, he located on the Garrett farm where he died. He was a native of Virginia; emigrated to Kentucky in 1805, came to Chillicothe in 1807, and there to Madison County. About 1812 came Jarvis Pike, Doris Pike, Benjamin Pike, and settled on the Glade north of the National road. Jacob Sidener, a native of Kentucky. with his father Philip Sidener, a native of Virginia, came to Jefferson Township, where he died. About 1811, Jacob, with his sister settled on the old Ewing farm now owned by George G. McDonald. In 1818, they settled on the place where W. Clark Sidener now lives (for

650 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

further particulars of his life and family. see sketch of William Clark Sidener). About 1815, John Plimell settled on the Glade. Isaac Jones and Zachariah Jones from Tennessee, James Chriswell. John Wiseman, Jesse Abbey and Henry Cay were all settlers at Lawrenceville the same year. Samuel Bowdry located where La Fayette now is in 1815. John Davidson settled on Deer Creek in the year 1817.

Others of the early settlers who located in this township prior to 1320, we mention Asa Wright. Ira Wright, John Garby, James Logan, John McNutt, John Clernoe, Joshua Littler, Nite Adair, James Stout and Franklin Clark; the latter, settling in the neighborhood of Lawrenceville. was a man of considerable prominence, and held several local offices : was a Justice of the Peace several years. He died October 1, 1844 aged sixty-six years. William McCoy was a pioneer who deserves more than a passing notice. He came here at least as early as 1813, and we find him elected to office in 1819. In 1824, he was elected a Justice of the Peace, which office he tilled a number of years. He was a man of great integrity of character, and a very worthy and useful citizen of the community. Another early settler whose life was fully identified with the growth and progress of this township was William Minter. who was born in Virginia ; was married in Kentucky. and in the spring of 1829 came to this county and located about one mile north of La Fayette. He laid out the town of La Fayette : was a man of public enterprise. and with his means and influence did much for the advancement of this community, and was a much esteemed and valued citizen ; and several of his children, who still survive and reside in La Fayette, are valued and respected citizens.

There are many names of valued citizens who settled here at a later day from 1830 down whose lives and labors have been spent in this township and whose memory will long be cherished by those who knew them but to love and respect them ; but as our effort is more especially to save to memory. from oblivion, the first settlers and their noble works and sacrifices, space forbids our further extension of the list. of those worthy old patriarchs and pioneers. But, if the reader will carefully peruse the records given hereafter in this work, of the township officers. from 1813 to 1852. and also in another place, the names of the householders of each school district in 1826-1827. he will there be made acquainted with the greater number of all the settlers.

CONFLICTS AND TRIALS.

Sickness and death, in their varied forms. were constant visitors to the early settlers. This flat, wet country was full of the germs of miasma. But one of the most dreaded of the diseases of that day was the "trembles or milk sickness," which carried off many of the first settlers. Of those who died of this disease, we mention William Adair and wife. Mrs. Samuel Adair. Mrs. Joseph Adair, Samuel Bowdry. Aaron Delano, and five persons of the Cady family. But. as the country became improved, this terrible disease disappeared. The mode of burying the dead was to get a four-horse wagon and team, if they could be had, to go after the coffin and to haul the corpse to the grave. In the early days, farming was carried on in a very limited manner: utensils were scarce. and of the most rude kinds. They had the "bar-shear and shovel-plow," and wooden-toothed harrows ; wagons were very scarce : horses were worth $35 to $50 ; cows. from $ 7 to $11; three-year-old steers (fat), $8 to $11 per head ; fat hogs, $1 to $1.50 per hundred weight; potatoes, 10 to 15 cents per bushel : hay, $2 to $3 per ton ; salt, $6 per barrel ; and no coffee was kept for sale in the country.

The greater part of the barrens and much of the timbered land was lying out, and the wild animals roamed at will over this domain. Deer and turkeys were plentiful ; forty to fifty deer could be seen in a day, and often

DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP. - 651

seventy-five to one hundred turkeys in a flock. There were gray and black wolves, wild cats, foxes, coons. polecats, minks, porcupines, opossums, and wild hogs. The latter wintered out and grew fat on nuts, acorns, and plums, which were in abundance. Preachers received from $75 to $85 per year ; school-teachers. from $10 to $15 per month ; and laboring hands from $7 to $10 per month ; and all the above generally paid in trade.

EARLY CONDITIONS.

With the first settlers, when the greater portion of this country was in its wild, unimproved state. and cattle. sheep and hogs were allowed to roam at large, and often were not seen for weeks and months by their owners, it became necessary to protect them in their just claims to their own stock: to distinguish. beyond any doubt, one man's stock from that of his neighbor, and to accomplish this. legislation came to their aid and enacted laws. declaring that each owner of stock, by having his own special mark branded upon his stock, and having the same recorded by the clerk of the township where he resided. should thus be protected in his ownership. from any claims of any other person or parties to the stock bearing such said mark. This privilege was embraced by the first settlers of Deer Creek Township, and was continued in use for many years.

In the Township records in 1810, we find recorded the following : John Arbuckle's mark for neat cattle is--- "An under clop in each ear." Recorded June 2, 1810. Tobias Shields' nark for cattle, sheep and hogs is A swallow fork in the left ear, and a slit in the right." Recorded June 3, 1810. Charles Atchison's mark for cattle. sheep and hogs is A crop of each ear, and an upper bit in the left." Recorded July 12, 1810. John Adair's mark for cattle, sheep and hogs is-" An upper half crop in each ear." Recorded September 5, 1810. Samuel Ewing's mark for cattle, sheep and hogs is A crop of the left ear. and a slit and under bit in the same." Recorded October 21, 1810. William Blaine's mark for cattle. sheep and Bogs is-"A swallow fork in each ear." Recorded September 20, 1810. And thus the records continued, ad libitum, with stock owners for many years.

EARLY ELECTIONS AND TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.

From the township records. the first election we find was held in the spring of 1812. and from that (late to the present year (1882) we find regular elections held and recorded. with few omissions, and from these records we find the officers duly elected as follows:

Trustees.-For the years .John Arbuckle. John Wilson and John Shields: 1814-John Barrett. Joint Wilson and Shedrick Preston; 1819-G. Markly, Samuel Culberson and Charles Atchison: 1821-Andrew Shields, David Colver and Erastus Hathaway: 1822-Richard Baldwin. John Davidson and Erastus Hathaway; 1823-Charles Atchison. Erastus Hathaway and John Davidson: 1824-John Arbuckle. Angus Ross and Benjamin Pike; 1826-John Arbuckle. Benjamin Pike and Valentine Wilson; 1821-John Arbuckle, Benjamin Pike and John Roberts; 1828-John Arbuckle, John Cory and Benjamin Pike; 1829-John Arbuckle, John Cory and John Davidson; 1830-John Davidson, George Prugh and Abner S. Williard; 1834-John Davidson. George Prugh and John Thomas; 1836-.John Davidson. John Roberts and William Hull; 1837-William Hull. John Davidson and Joseph C. Gear: 1838-William Hull, John Ewing and Joseph C. Gear: 1839-Daniel Wright. John Ewing and Reason Lotspeich: 1840-Daniel Wright. J. W. Davidson and H. G. Sothoron: 1841-William Minter, John Davidson and Thomas Croshaw: 1844-Abraham Simpson. Thomas Croshaw and George G. McDonald: 1846-Stanly Watson, Daniel Wright and William Snodgrass: 1847-Daniel Wright, William Snod-

652 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

grass and James W. Tallman; 1848-Daniel Wright. G. G. McDonald and James W. Tallman; 1850-Daniel Wright. G. G. McDonald and John McDonald. Junior: 1851-Daniel Wright, James Wright and John Plimell: 1852-Daniel Wright. G. G. McDonald and C. W. Martin; 1853-Daniel Wright, Adam Saunders and C. W. Martin; 1855-Daniel Wright. W. B. Rafferty and C. W. Martin; 1856- Daniel Wright, George Lohr and C. W. Martin; 1857-Daniel Wright. John Lohr and G. H. Busick: 1860-Daniel Wright, Jesse Smith and C. W. Martin; 1861-Daniel Wright, W. T. Davidson and D. W. Williamson; 1862-Daniel Wright, G. G. McDonald and William Curtain; 1863-James Dun. Jessie Smith and William Curtain; 1864-John A. Amos. W. H. C. McCoy and J. B. McDonald; 1866-C. W. Martin. W. H. C. McCoy and J. B. McDonald; 1867-James Dun, James Plimell and W. R. Fox; 1868-James Dun, James Plimell and George Kaufman; 1869-William Curtain, James Plimell and George Kaufman; 1870-William Curtain, James Plimell and A. B. McMurray, 1871-T. B. Wilson, James Plimell and William Jones; 1872-Edwin Dun, James Plimell and William Curtain; 1874-William Beals, James Plimell and T. B. Wilson; 1875-William Beals, James Plimell and Allen W. Thurman; William Beals, James Plimell and T. B. Wilson; 1877-William Beals, James Plimell and William Curtain; 1878-W. H. Jones, James Plimell and William Curtain; 1879-W. H. Jones, William Bierbaugh and George Kaufman: 1830 -George Kaufman, Alexander Husk and William Bierbaugh; 1881-W. H. Jones, Alexander Husk and William Bierbaugh; 1882-T. B. Wilson, L. Headley and George Kaufman.

Treasurers.-1812-18-Charles Atchison; 1819-21-George Prugh; 1822-23-John Ewing; 1824-28-Angus Ross; 1829-30-John C. Wagoner. 1831 -37-Erastus Hathaway; 1838-41-Joseph Bell; 1842-45-Calvin Anderson; 1846-47-John McMullen; 1848-62-Abraham Simpson; 1863-John Minter; 1864-66-James Simpson; 1867-78-William C. Minter; 1879-80-Alfred Willett; 1881-William Dillow; 1882-Alfred Willett, the present incumbent.

By the official acts in recording the marks for stock, it appears that from 1810 to 1812, the time of the first record of an election officially recorded, John Blair performed the work of Township Clerk, and since that election the Clerks have been as follows: 1812-15-John Blair: 1816--20-Angus Ross; 1821George R. Pearce; 1822-23-James Brown; 1823-24-S. Houston; 1824-25 -Franklin Clark; 1825-36-Daniel Ross; 1837-M. Statelier; 1838-39-A. Simpson; 1840-Franklin Clark; 1841-43-A. K. Adair; 1844-48-E. McCormack; 1849-53-J. H. Badley: 1854-55-W. H. C. McCoy; 1856-62-J. H. Badley; 1863-L. C. Hendren; 1864-65-J. H. Badley; 1866-S. E. Baker; 1867-S. N. Marsh; 1868-76-B. McCampbell; 1877 -L. W. Nu^fer; 1878-B. McCampbell; 1879-82-Wesley Crouch. present incumbent.

Justices of the Peace.-The first whose election appears upon record was George Prugh, who was commissioned September 26, 1818, since which the records give elections as follows : September 1, 1821. George Prugh and John Shields; October 2, 1824, John Cory and William McCoy ; October 9, 1827, George Prugh and William McCoy ; October 12, 1830, John Kennedy and Franklin Clark, and re-elected October 8, 1833 ; October 13, 1835, Ansel Bates, Jr. ; August 2. 1839. and August 13. 1842, Franklin Clark ; October 11, 1842, John McMullen ; November 1, 1844, A. Simpson ; October 25, 1845, John McMullen ; November 6, 1847. A. Simpson. October 10, 1848. John McMullen: October 30, 1850, A. Simpson; October 12, 1852, James S. Hume: October 29. 1853, A. Simpson ; April 3, 1858 J. H. Badley December 18, 1862, A. Simpson : April 23, 1864. J. H. Badley and D. W. Williamson ; April 2, 1866. W. H. C. McCoy ; April 1, 1867, Hamilton Wilson ; April 5, 1869, A. C. Sager ; April 4. 1870, Christian Volca ; April 3,1871,

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Carl Stewart ; April 1, 1872, A. C. Sawyer ; April 6. 1874, Hamilton Wilson ; April 6, 1875, A. C. Sager ; April 2, 1877. L. W. Nufer ; April 6, 1878, A. C. Sager and J. C. Martin ; April 7, 1879, A. Husk ; April 5, 1880, A. Arbogast ; April 9, 1881, Absalom Sager : April 3, 1882, S. C. Teeters.

Early Constables.-1812-William Noteman and William Atchison ; 1813 .4-John Ross and James Ballard ; 1819-Alexander Ross and Jacob Steele ; 1821-Asa Wright and James Brown ; 1822-Alexander Ross and James Brown ; 1823-James Brown and G. W. Pike ; 1824-David Ross and James Brown. The present incumbents, 1882, are, Edward Temple and Charles Smith.

We now give a few of the officers known in that day as Fence Viewers : 1812 - John Arbuckle and Thomas Gwynne ; 1813-Thomas Gwynne ; 1819Thomas Gwynne and Alexander Ross ; 1821-Isaac Jones ; 1822-Alexander and Joseph Adair ; 1823-Gilman Lincoln and Alexander Ross ; 1824-25 - John Clernoe and Thomas Groves ; 1826-John McDonald and Samuel Houston.

In the days of the pioneers, and for many years after the settling of this country, there was no County Infirmary or other public provision made by the county for the care of the indigent or the infirm ; but the noble-hearted hers of that clay never let the poor or infirm suffer for the necessities of life. we find them early making provision for such through official authority of townships, and on the records of Deer Creek Township we find from their t elections a class of officers known as Overseers of the Poor, whose duty was to look after and provide for all such needy and unfortunate persons. a office according to the records, was filled by the following persons : 1812-Daniel Ross and William Marp ; 1813-Curtis Ballard and Thomas Gwynne ; 1819-Jacob Steele and D. Foster ; 1821-Sutton Potee and Angus 1822-24-Charles Ewing and Gabriel Markle ; 1825-John Roberts and John Shields; 1826-George Prugh and .John Shields. This office was finally abolished. and for many years no such office has existed.

Supervisors.-We give a few of the first years of this office only: 1812-Curtis Ballard and William Pepper; 1813-John Blair and Curtis Ballard; 1814 Robert Scott and William Noteman; 1819-21-Ezra Markle. William McCoy and Angus Ross; 1822-William McCoy. James Brown. Ezra Markle, Charles Atchison and Joseph Adair, and as the country improved, and new roads were built, necessarily the number of Supervisors were increased, until now (1882) there are eleven elected to that office in this township.

Listers.-For many years after the organization of the township, the name or office of Assessor was not known among the offices, but to perform a similar duty they elected "Listers," some of whom were as follows: 1812-William Pepper; 1813-John Shields and John Arbuckle; 1814-David Foster and Thomas Gwynne; 1819 - J. Ewing and Isaac Jones; 1821-22- Asa Wright; 1823-James Brown; 1824-John H. Hume: 1825-James Brown. and thus continued for several years till finally the term Lister ceased and Assesors were elected. In 1858, L. B. Wright was elected to this office, and has been re-elected every year since, a period of twenty-five consecutive years. The elections were held in Lawrenceville or more generally known as "Limerick," till the spring of 1837, since which they have been held at La Fayette, now the only village in the township. In the early days, the Treasurer was required to give bonds for $300: now he is required to give bonds for $7,500, thus exhibiting quite a contrast in amount of funds and responsibilities of the office.

SCHOOLS.

The early settlers of Deer Creek Township, like the pioneers of most countries, realized fully their lack of education. and as soon as possible en-

654 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

deavored to provide ways and means to educate their children. The country was sparsely settled. and many of the children had long distances to travel over almost impassable mud roads to attend the first school established. which made it quite discouraging to both parent and child. But the undaunted will and perseverance of those unflinching noble men and women, soon overcame all obstacles. and the settlements rapidly increasing in numbers from accessions from other countries and States. they were soon enabled to dot the township over with schoolhouses at reasonable distances apart. Although the first schools were held in rude log structures. with puncheon floors and slab seats, with none of the comforts and conveniences of the schoolhouses of the present day, and though the roughness of these structures was in exact keeping with the unpolished and limited qualifications of the greater portion of the teachers of that day yet they answered their purpose. being the best they could have under the circumstances ; they served as a beginning a foundation and stepping-stone to something better and but a few years elapsed ere the rapid increase of population with attendant improvements and advantages enabled them to have better schoolhouses and better teachers.

To show the rapidity with which the township was populated. and the progress in the establishment of School Districts in a few years, as well as to give a knowledge of the families that then lived in the township, we will give a list of the families in each School District at quite an early day. School District -No. 1. in 1826- Amos Howard, Sidney Addison. Amos J. Howard. John Cory. William Scott, Anry Brown, James Brown. Joel Burnsides, Asa Bates, Benjamin Landon. John Negley. Richard Baldwin, John Summers. William Kirkly, Ansel Bates. Elijah Bates, Asa Owens. John Canaber, David Reece, Thomas Gillespie. Samuel Dickison, David Culver and Abner Williard. Total, twenty-three families. District -No. 3. in 1827-Thomas Orperd, George Prugh, John Osborn, John Groves, Joseph C. Geer, Henry Groves. John Arbuckle. Erastus Hathaway, Charles Atchison, John Kennedy. John Shields. David Ross. John Ross, Fanny Shields. Blackwell Parish. Benjamin Bowdry. Uriah Hancock. John Hamond. Henry Prugh, Noah Morris. and Thomas Taylor. Total. twenty-one families. District 3. in 1830-John W. Simpson. Eli W. Gwynne. Elizabeth Owens. William R. Lawrence. John C. Wagoner. Franklin Clark. Zachariah Jones, Jemima Jones. William Blaine. Alexander McMurray. Mathias Furrow, William Minter, Hiram Edwards, William McCoy and William T. Davidson. Total, fifteen families. District No. 4. in 1827-Benjamin Pike, Joshua Littler. John Calhoun. Asa Wright, John Clernoe. Samuel Ewing. John Ewing. Charles Ewing' Daniel Wright. John McDonald. Sr., Thomas McDonald. John McDonald. Jr., Elizabeth, Jacob Sidener, John Plimell. Sr.. John Plimell. Jr., John McNutt and John Adair. Total, nineteen families. District -No. 5, in 1827-Alfred Garrett. Robert M. Adair. Jessie Stout. Elizabeth Adair. Edward K. Adair, John Davidson and William T. Davidson. Total, seven families. District -No. 6, in 1827-Timothy Beach. Robert Scott. John Scott. Gabriel Markle. George Vance. William Soward. Charles Soward. Barnet Warren. Valentine Wilson, Samuel Wilson, Eli Williams. Robert Taylor. Jonathan Markle, Sutton Potee, John Roberts, Benjamin Hull. Solomon Porter and Levi Humble. Total eighteen families. These school districts have since the above dates been changed, and the present districts are not numbered as then; and the township at that time embraced more territory than now as other townships have since been organized. and Deer Creek township made smaller. The above enumeration shows that. from the very few families that resided in the above mentioned territory in 1807. in the short space of twenty years. they had increased to 103 families, established into six school districts.

The first schools were often held in private houses before the people were

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able to erect buildings expressly for school purposes. One of the first schools we gain an account of was held in a small log building twelve feet square, situated in Lawrenceville, opposite the house of Isaac Jones; this was about 1816. The first teacher was a Yankee by the name of Turtlott. There were but few scholars, and the teacher was paid with money raised by subscription, which amounted to about $8 per month, and the teacher boarded around." He was very rigid in his discipline, as were most of the schoolmasters " in that day: and he extended his authority over the children at their homes, or on the road as well as in the schoolroom, and if any trouble arose among them that came to his knowledge he chastised them severely, and it was considered all right; in fact, rigid discipline was as much expected as that they learn from their books, which were of the most primitive kind. These subscription schools were the only schools to he had for many years as in that day there was no school tax or public money from any source for the support of schools; hence, in every neighborhood, wherever the settlers became numerous, and able to support a teacher at those very low wages, a school would be held in some private house. if there was no schoolhouse.

The first house erected expressly for school purposes, of which we find an account, in this township. was built on what is now H. W. Smith's farm, about one mile south of La Fayette, near where his barn now stands. It was built of round logs, puncheon floor, clapboard roof and door. The front of the fireplace was the width of one end of the house, and greased paper, instead of window glass, through which light was admitted to the room. The first teacher who taught here was a Yankee by the name of Clark. Another teacher who taught extensively throughout the township was Mr. John Gillingham. Subsequently a school was established on the Curtain farm, one mile or more east of the one mentioned above. This was in an old log cabin, so low that the scholars could not stand up straight, and they had to take out the joists overhead in order to give standing room. But as the years advanced the country became thickly settled, roads were extending in all directions, progress and improvements of all kinds were marching onward, wealth was increasing, and every neighborhood needed and could support a school, good frame and brick houses were erected, and now there are six school districts, with as many good schoolhouses.

District No. 1. at La Fayetee, has a large frame house with two rooms. and supports two teachers ; wages of teachers-females. $35; males. $50 per month. Board of Directors, Valentine Wilson. H. Wilson and A. N. Fox. District No. 2 is located on the Upper Glade. The first schoolhouse in this neighborhood was a log house of the most primitive kind. and was built on John McDonald's land, south of the present school building, near where the railroad now passes; this was about 1814 or 1815. This house was succeeded by another log house, located north of the present one. on the north side of the pike. This was again succeeded by the present comfortable frame house. which was erected near the Upper Glade Methodist Episcopal Church, in which for many years the "young ideas have been taught to shoot." The present Board of Directors are. L. B. Wright. James Plimell and Clark Sidener. District -No. 3. Coniac Run District," is located on the old Curtain farm. The first building was a hewed-log house. erected on a lot donated and deeded expressly for school purposes. and can never be used for any other purpose. This housed remained in use till 1860. when the frame house was built. The enumeration of this district is now about twenty-five scholars. Present Board of Directors. John Lohr. William Bierbaugh and J. B. Garrett. District No. 4: The first schoolhouse erected here was a frame, located on the National road, just %vest of John Spider's residence; and built about 1843. It is believed that John Amos was the first teacher. In 1856-57. the present frame house was erected.

658 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

The enumeration of this district is about thirty scholars. They usually have school taught about nine months every year. Teachers are paid from $40 to $50 per month. District No. 5- "Dun District "-is of more recent organization. The lands in this neighborhood were owned by a few persons, and for a long time the number of school children were limited. and they had no school nearer than La Fayette. In the spring of 1859, they erected the present school building, and the first school was organized June 4, 1859. The first teacher was Rev. John Haight. since which they have had regular school sessions. No. 6-a joint subdistrict, known as the "Beach School District "-was organized in the spring of 1872, from Deer Creek. Somerford and Union Townships, and a neat brick house erected the following summer. Mr. Freeman was the first teacher. First Board of Directors, Dr. W. M. Beach, C. D. Converse and William T. Arick, who have filled the office to the present time. The school tax levied in this township, in 1881, was $2,700. Average pay of teachers, $30 to $50 per month.

CHURCHES.

As civilization and Christianity go hand in hand in their onward march, and as the venerable old pioneers penetrated the wilds of the western domain, carrying with them the inventive genius of the arts and sciences. producing mills, machinery and the implements of agriculture, so necessary to the thrift and comfort of this new country ; so. in their hearts, brought they the spirit of Christianity, so necessary to the healthy development of their spiritual natures, and to the foundation of salutary laws, and the cultivation of true morals to make a people great, prosperous and happy. Hence, we find in the early settlement of Deer Creek Township no exception to this general law ; and, as soon as a sufficient number of settlers bad located within a neighborhood, an effort was made to convene them together for the purpose of worship and hearing the Word of God. And amid all the trials and dangers surrounding them in this wilderness, filled with Indians and wild beasts ; and amid the miasmas and malarious diseases with which the atmosphere of this country was then filled, how strengthening and supporting to the spiritual nature, when the physical was worn down by toil, dangers and disease, were these social gatherings for worship, and the recognition of a dependence upon the Supreme Ruler of the universe ! They had no fine churches, and no means to build them ; neither would they have been in accord with the surrounding circumstances. But they did the best they could. For several years the more devoted opened their houses to the preaching of the Word of God. and, whenever a preacher could be obtained, the notice would be given, and the settlers would gather from miles around, and the little log house would resound with songs of praise and words of grace.

It is probable that the first church organized in the present limits of Deer Creek Township was that at the Upper Glade, known as the McDonald Church. Further below, on the Glade, was a settlement of Methodists, of whom the Melvin family were numerous and active, and a class was early established and a church organized. But it was too far distant for the people of the Upper Glade to attend ; so, about 1812, a class was organized at the Upper Glade, with the following members : John McDonald, Jacob Sidener, Samuel and John Ewing, Daniel Wright and John Adair, with their wives. Their meetings were first held at the houses of the settlers ; and one where they convened most often, and whose latch string " was ever out to the itinerant preacher, was the house of John McDonald ; and from him and others of the McDonald family has the church received a strong support from that day to the present. After the building of the log schoolhouse on Mr. McDonald's land, as spoken of under the article of schools, their meetings were held there ; where they were continued, and where they had preaching as often as possible, till, about 1836.

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the members contributed of their means and erected a frame building, on the site of their present brick house. In this house they worshiped until the building became so dilapidated that it was unsuitable to be longer occupied, when they again resorted to the schoolhouse. Finally the members and people rallied, and contributed freely of their means, and, in the fall and winter of 1873, the present neat and comfortable brick church was erected. When ready for dedication, in March, 1874. it was clear of debt, lacking $40, and George G McDonald came forward with two $20 bills, cleared all indebtedness, and the church was dedicated free from all incumbrance.

During almost three-fourths of a century since the organization of this church by the above mentioned venerable pioneers of about a dozen souls, many precious and stirring revivals have been had, and many a soul made to rejoice in the glad tidings of salvation. The church prospered and increased in membership, till at her greatest prosperity it probably numbered seventy or seventy-five members. Although at the present time the church is greatly decreased in numbers, and a kind of spiritual dearth seems to prevail, yet it is to be hoped that the good and pious examples of these worthy ancestors may not be in vain, and that the good seed by them sown, may yet, by Divine Grace, in clue time spring forth and bear fruit in the hearts of their descendants and followers till it shall produce a rich and abundant harvest.

Among the early settlers along Deer Creek, we do not learn of any regularly organized and established church till after the laying-out of the town of La Fayette. About 1843. a few Methodists met together, and under the leadership of Rev. Silas B. Chase of Mechanicsburg, organized a class as follows Reason Lotspeich and wife, James Wright, John Shryack, J. H. Badley, Rachel Badley and Sarah Warner-seven in all with Reason Lotspeich as leader. Their first meetings were held in the schoolhouse. They were received into the Jefferson Circuit of the Chillicothe District, and from that time they had preaching quite regularly. About 1849, they erected the frame church, which still stands in the village. This house was dedicated in June, 1849, in presence of David Kemper, Presiding Elder. Their first minister was Alanson Fleming ; he was succeeded as follows : In 1850, by John W. Locke and James T. Bail ; 1851, by William Sutton and Thomas L. Loyd ; 1852, by William Sutton and John C. Fulton ; 1853-54, by Samuel T. Middleton and William Z. Ross : 1853-56, by Archibald Fleming and Henry H. Ferris ; 1857, by William Sutton and Samuel P. Tippet ; 1858, by William Sutton and James Finch; 1859, by John W. Young and James Finch ; 1860. by John W. Young and William P. Grantham ; 1861, by Levi Hall and William P. Grantham 1862, by Levi Hall and Jacob S. Adams ; 1863, by F. F. Lewis and Jacob S. Adams. After this date, we find the church has been served by the following ministers in the order in which they are mentioned : Rev. Charles Lewis. Mr. Middleton, Mr. Burns, Mr. McLaughlin. Mr. Anderson. William Lewis, I. B. Brodrick, S. D. Hutsenpillar, C. A. Naylor. C. W. Bostwick and F. F. Lewis ; the latter is the present minister in service. This church is not large in her membership, and for several years has lacked that vitality and spiritual growth which the Christian cause should have in this part of God's heritage. But it is to be hoped that clays of refreshing grace will come and the dormant energies of her people be aroused, so that she may yet stand forth as a tower of spiritual strength to wield her powers against evil and spiritual darkness.

Dun Lawn Church.-The last church built, and the only one not mentioned that now exists in this township, is the "Dun Lawn Church," in the extreme north part of the township on the Urbana, Mechanicsburg & Jefferson Pike. This is a neat frame building, erected in 1858. The lot upon which it is located was given or leased by Mrs. Mary A. Thurman for the purpose of a church which should be open and free for all denominations in which

660 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

to worship. It was deeded in trust to D. W. C. Sawyer. Walter A. Dun and Robert G. Dun. The lease to be perpetual so long as the church remains in use for the above specified purpose. The church was erected by the following persons : John G. Dun, James Dun. R. G. Dun. D. W. C. Sawyer. W. A. Dun. Mrs. Mary A. Thurman and Mrs. Nathaniel Sawyer. The first minister who preached here was Rev. Finley, of London.

Christian Church.-About 1843. the following persons under the leadership of Rev. Jesse B. Ferguson. a son-in-law of James Marks. met and organized into a body politic as a Christian or Disciple Church. viz : T. J. Shryack. Ann Minter, now Mrs. Rogers, Joseph Rafferty and wife. William Rafferty and wife, William Foos and wife. and Nancy Marks. nine persons in all. During that year. many additions were made. and ere its close the church consisted of forty-three members. Meetings were held and preaching dispensed in the schoolhouse till 1849. when a frame house was erected which served them many years. The church was quite prosperous for some time. and reached a membership of probably eighty or more persons. The lot for the church was given for the purpose by William Minter. The first minister was Rev. Jesse B. Ferguson, who was succeeded by James Henry. and he by Rolla Henry, after which there was no regular minister. and soon the vitality of the church was lost. She decreased in membership, the organization was disbanded, and the church building sold about 1877. since which they have had very little preaching. and at present, have no regular organization as a church.

Cemeteries.-In the settling up of Deer Creek Township, as has been the conditions in all new and unimproved countries, we find the first pioneers followed the streams and located on the higher and drier portions of the country first ; in fact, it was a necessity as many of the more flat and more level portions of the country were so wet and unhealthy in their primitive condition that it was unsafe and inexpedient to locate upon them. Hence we would expect to find the first burial places for the dead in the regions of these first settlements. Many of the first places to receive the dead of the early settlers were private family burying-grounds : some of these we will mention. On the Gywnne estate, we learn, were one or two such burial places, where rest the remains of several of the early pioneers : but now, not a vestige remains to mark the hallowed spot. or to tell the passer-by that there underneath the sod rests all that was mortal of many a noble sire. The confines are now all obliterated. and stock roams at will over their graves and feed upon the green grass that grows above their sleeping forms. Another of' these burial places is found further down Deer Creek, near Mr. Headley's. which was known as the Davidson Burying-Ground, as it was located on his farm. It is now all in the open woods pasture and is nearly obliterated ; although we are informed that the dead of the Davidson family have been removed to other and a permanent cemetery, yet a few graves remain whose headstones tell the following : Joseph McCray, died May 28, 1848, aged sixty-two years, nine months and five days. John W. McDonald, died December 3, 1850, aged twenty-six years ; and Mary Jane, wife of John W. McDonald, died March 2, 1852, aged twenty-five years. Further still down the creek on the farm of J. B. Garrett is the Garrett family burying-ground, which principally contains the dead of the ancestors of that family. This is still inclosed and tolerably well preserved ; but we are informed that the family premeditate removing them to a more permanent place.

One of the earliest and still well-preserved burial places is the Upper Glade, or McDonald Cemetery. This was on the farm of John McDonald, and contains the remains of most of the early settlers of the neighborhood. This lot was dedicated by the reception of the body of John McDonald. Sr., who died March. 1811, aged seventy years. Of other early pioneers who are buried here. we mention : Charles Ewing, died May 24,. 1848. aged ninety-three years

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Barbara, wife of Charles Ewing. died December 4, 1854, aged eighty-five years ; John Plimell, Sr., died August 3, 1849, aged eighty-four years ; John Plimell died May 13, 1877, aged seventy-six years; Samuel Ewing died November 13, 1852, aged sixty-two years, and John McDonald died January 17, 1852, aged seventy-four years. Further up the Glade Run, a little south of the National Road is located the Wright Cemetery. This has always been a family burying place and contains the remains of the ancestors of the Wright family, and a few deceased persons of the immediate neighborhood.

The only cemetery in Deer Creek Township. which is the public property of the township, owned and under the care of its trustees, is the La Fayette Cemetery, located on the National road just west of Deer Creek. The land upon which this is located was formerly owned by Stanley Watson, and the lot first dedicated to this purpose by the reception of the body of Rachel, wife of J. Shryack, who died July 12, 1838. The second person buried here was Sarah, wife of Andrew Anderson. who died December 6, 1838 ; the third was Stanis Miles, died December, 1838. Some other early settlers who were prominently known, whose remains are here interred, are the following : Effa, wife of Stanley Watson, who died November 12, 1839, aged twenty-eight years: John Moore, died November 10, 1839. aged seventy-seven years ; Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Bell, died October 2, 1843, aged thirty-seven years ; Franklin Clark, died October 1, 1844, aged sixty-six years; and Stanley Watson, died October 8, 1847, aged forty-nine years. This tract of land upon which the burying-ground is situated. was subsequently purchased by James Wilson, who set apart for burial purposes the lot embracing between one and two acres, which was continued as a receptical of the dead, and to make it more permanent, and that it might have the care and protection that such a place should have, in 1874. Mr. Wilson deeded it to the Trustees of the township, who in 1878 purchased sufficient ground of Mr. Wilson to make it embrace five and three-eighths acres, for which they now have a deed. They have nicely improved and fitted up the same. with good gravel roads and walks, and ornamented it with evergreens and shrubbery, and it is now one among the prettiest of rural cemeteries, and speaks well for the township in which it is located.

TOWNS.

This township possesses but one village and one post office-La Fayette. At the time of the organization of Deer Creek Township, there was no town or village within its limits, and there were but few roads of which the principal one was the old stage route. from Columbus to Springfield. a horrible mud road, in which stage coaches and wagons often mired hub deep, and had to he pried out with rails or some kind of levers. which often delayed them on their journey, and the good nature of the passengers was severely tried. This mud road and stage route passed through the center of the township and through the Gwynne farm. In 1816, Thomas Gwynne commenced laying out lots for a town on the east side of Deer Creek, one and a half miles northwest of where La Fayette is now situated. This town was named Lawrenceville. but was always better known as "Limerick." In about two or three years, the following families had settled there : Isaac Jones, who came from Tennessee; James Chriswell, who was the first blacksmith, a very peculiar and eccentric character; he was succeeded by John Wiseman; Zacariah Jones. a brother of Isaac Jones. and also from Tennessee; Gilman Lincoln; Angus Ross. who, about 1816, erected a frame house and kept the first and only tavern ever in the town; and Jesse Abbey and Henry Cay were early settlers; these were the principal settlers who composed the town. In one room of Isaac Jones' house. Mr. Gwynne placed a small stock of groceries and such other necessary articles as the wants of the people of that day demanded. But the progress of the country was ever

662 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

onward. and improvements were rapid, and in 1836-37 the National road or turnpike was completed through this township, and the stage route and all travel from Columbus to Springfield and the West was transferred from the old mud road to the new National road. In consequence of this new and beautiful road, there was a great increase of travel, and in 1837 William Minter, who owned a large tract of land upon which the town of La Fayette is situated, commenced to lay off lots for the town, which was named La Fayette, in honor of Gen. La Fayette.

The first house was a small frame, erected by Joseph Bell. Others were soon built, and the great amount of travel made a demand for public entertainment. and Calvin Anderson opened out and kept the first tavern. Soon a second was in operation. kept by John McMullen ; then a third, built by Stanley Watson and kept by Mr. Coleman ; and. finally, a fourth was kept by Joseph Bell. These all did a " rattling business," as stake load after stage load of passengers drove up for their hospitalities. The first store was kept by William Warner, who still survives, and now resides in London. The second merchant was Alfred Russell, and the third. Stanley Watson. These were succeeded by Abraham Simpson and others. The first blacksmith was Jacob Snider, whose son was the first child born in the town, and in honor of which was named Lafayette by Mrs. William Minter. Dr. Samuel McClintick was the first physician, and Dr. Anklin the second. These were succeeded by Drs. Fields. Rogers, Beach. Hornback and others. The present practicing physician is Dr. Teeters, who came from Athens County. Ohio. The town now contains one dry goods and General store : one drug and grocery store ; two blacksmith shops ; one wagon shop, and one large tile factory and saw-mill combined run by steam-power ; one church-Methodist and one schoolhouse. The first Postmaster was John Minter. The present incumbent is Rev. James Simpson. In 1881, the township erected a large brick town house. 30x46 feet. two stories high-a hall above and town house below. It is substantially built. on a solid stone foundation, with good shutters to all the windows. It is pleasantly located on the corner of the public square. and speaks well for the public enterprise of the citizens of Deer Creek Township. The old town of Lawrenceville, or Limerick, has long since become extinct : the land embracing the town lots was purchased by Eli Gwynne. and turned into a pasture-field. and now not a vestige remains to indicate that there was ever a town located there. Such are the constant changes of time.

PIKES.

This township, for many years, was without pikes, or any good gravel roads, and being possessed of a very rich, deep soil, had, perhaps. more than an average of bad mud roads. But in 1836-37, was constructed through this county one of the greatest enterprises of our Government of that day. The Government of the United States commenced to build a turnpike from Cumberland, Md., extending westward through all the Western States. There were then no railroads, and no great thoroughfare from the East to the West, and the great flow of emigration Westward, and the increasing traffic and demand for better communication between the East and the West, caused the Government to enter upon this project. It was a great undertaking, and would not in that day have been attempted by any power less than the General Government. This great road passed from east to west through the center of Deer Creek Township, and was the first and only pike built for many years through this township or county. It was completed about 1837. It was truly wonderful the amount of travel over this road for many years ; and hotels-or taverns as they were called in that day sprang up all along its line. and of these Deer Creek Township had its share. not less than six or seven being within her borders. There were two or three

DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP. - 663

in the eastern part of the township, and four at La Fayette, and all did good business. It was not uncommon to see atone time from eight to ten four-horse coaches in La Fayette loaded down with passengers and baggage. But, after the railroads passed through the country, this road lost her prestige ; stages and passengers disappeared ; hotels were vacated. and the great bustle and rattle of stage coaches, and the shrill whistle of their bugle-horns were heard no more all this is now a reminiscence of the past ! Yet the road remains. and is one of the best ever made in our country, and will ever stand as a monument to the enterprise of the Government that projected it.

Another pike, whose advantages this township enjoys, is the Urbana, Mechanicsburg & Jefferson, which passes through the northwest corner of the township in a southeast course till it arrives at the Dun Schoolhouse. where it strikes the boundary line between Deer Creek and Monroe Townships, and continues on that line to the eastern terminus of the township and on through to the village of Jefferson. This pike was first built by a stock company, and was completed about 1859. It remained a toll road till about 1876 or 1877, when that portion within Madison County was purchased and turned over to the county, and has since been a free pike. The London & Jefferson pike was built a few years later. The London & Plain City pike was built to La Fayette in 1868; thence completed through to Plain City in 1873; and now (1882), they are building a pike from London to the Union County line, known as the Beach road: also have surveyed and nearly graded one called the Lucas road, running from the National road in a northeast course to the Franklin County line. These, when completed. will give this township twenty-four miles of free pike, which will probably equal any township of its dimensions in the county.

EARLY MARRIAGES.

The following were some of the early marriages, of whom one or both of the parties lived in Deer Creek Township

John Plimell to Miss Lewis, John McDonald, Sr., to Miss Byers, John McNutt to Miss Rossel. Bartholomew Melvin to Miss Adair, John Ewing to Miss Prugh. Jacob Sidener to Miss Ewing, Hiram Edwards to Miss McCoy, Samuel Adair to Miss Byers. George Stout to Miss Garrett. Jesse Stout to Hiss Moore, William Davidson to Miss Smith. Joseph Adair to Mrs. Coon, Elisha Moore to Miss Coon. John McDonald. Jr., to Miss Davidson. Mathias Furrow to Miss Plimell. James Brown to Miss Smith. John Moore to Miss Coon, John Dooley to Miss Plimell, Henry Prugh to Miss Logan, Edward Adair to Miss Frederick. James Johnston to Miss Adair.

The Justice of the Peace did the marrying. generally. Of their number. Patrick McLene was very popular with the young folks.

It was fashionable for the Squire to have the groom salute the bride with a kiss at the close of the ceremony, and very otten the Squire would follow suit. Whether it was sealing the ordinance with a kiss or not, there was not the amount of applications for divorces as there are at the present day. Then try the old fashion!

On one occasion, a pair of darkies were united in marriage, and the Squire told him to salute the bride. The groom replied that after him was manners. but the good Squire backed out. Some of the weddings were conducted as follows: They would invite the old and the young; after the wedding, then supper; then the old folk and children would go home. The young folk would stay and have a dance. if they could get a fiddler; if not, they would get some one to sing or whistle while they danced. The next day after, they went to the reception dinner all on horseback. They would start two or three ahead to get a bottle of whisky and to let the folk know they were coming; and the one who had the swiftest horse obtained the bottle.. and had the honor of carrying

664 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

it back to the company; he would call a halt, and treat the crowd, always giving the bride the first dram; then they would march on. take dinner, then have another dance, stay till morning and then go home.

AN INCIDENT.

The following is a tale of pioneer days. with, of course, no names given A young man went to see a young lady, both of good families. The young lady had several brothers, and they kept a number of hounds to hunt coon, which was a good business in early days. Well, after the young couple had talked until time to go to bed, the young lady told the young gentleman where to retire, and, by some mistake, one of the hounds obtained an entrance into the room. The young gentleman laid his pants down on the floor ; but they being made of buckskin-which were very fashionable in those early days ; the hound, being hungry, ate one leg off his pants. In the morning, when he arose, he wished himself at home ; but she furnished him a pair of pants to wear, and sent him on his way rejoicing.