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CHAPTER II.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.

THIS was one of the original subdivisions, and embraced a much larger area than it does to-day. It was erected April 30, 1810, and under that date we find the following: "Ordered, that all that tract of land comprehended in the following boundary be and the same is hereby created into a separate township, to be known as Jefferson Township, and is bounded as follows, viz.: Beginning at the lower corner of Calvin Cary's Survey, or on the Franklin County line north of Cary's. thence on a straight line west to the Champaign County line; thence south along the said line until it intersects Deer Creek Township line: thence with said line east to Franklin County: thence along said line to the place of beginning." This erection was subsequently declared void, and a second one made June 11, 1811, on which date the Commissioners " ordered that all that tract of land comprehended within the following boundaries be and is hereby erected into a separate township by the name of Jefferson. and is bounded as follows, viz.: Beginning at the south corner of Darby Township; thence with the south line of Darby Township westerly to a point running south will strike the east boundary of Mark's Survey. on Little Darby Creek: thence southward to where the State road, leading to Franklinton, crosses the Glade Run Branch of Deer Creek; thence easterly so as to include all the inhabitants of Darby Creek in said township, continuing to Franklin County line; thence with said line to place of beginning." The Commissioners continued to organize different townships. taking a part from Jefferson at various times, giving it different shapes. until its present area and formation was reached. It is very irregular in shape, stretching for about five and a half miles from north to south, and about five and a fourth from east to west. Its northern boundary is Canaan Township. On the east it is for several miles washed by the waters of Big Darby Creek. but, when near the southeastern corner, Franklin County stretches west of the creek. forming a part of the eastern as well as about one mile of the southern boundary, whilst the remainder of the southern boundary is formed by Fairfield Township, and on the west it is bounded by Deer Creek and Monroe Townships.

TOPOGRAPHY. SOIL AND TIMBER

It is for the most part rather level. yet sufficient elevations and depressions to afford excellent facilities for underdraining, which has of late years received no small amount of attention, and now there are several thousand rods of tile buried beneath the surface of what was once a non-productive region, covered with stagnant water, producing much fever and ague. Through the medium of the underdraining, the citizens of Jefferson Township have rendered it a fine and productive farming country. The northern portion of the township is level, but as it nears the central part it becomes more rolling, and finally empties the water from the flats into Little Darby, which stream has a few very abrupt and picturesque spots along its

624 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY

banks. The southern portion slopes toward the south and east, emptying its waste waters into the last-mentioned stream.

The territory in question was composed of oak openings and prairie. The soil is of a deep clay loam, capable of the highest fertility, and produces fine crops of corn, wheat, oats and grass. Wool is a staple product of the township, together with cattle, horses. sheep and hogs. Special attention is given to the raising of cattle and wool-growing. The timber of the township, of any value. mainly consists of oak, hickory and elm, whilst other varieties exist, as sycamore and such timber as is often found along streams. and of comparative little value. but not much of the more highly valued timber, such as walnut and poplar with its spreading branches. shaded the surface of Jefferson Township. The township is watered by Big Darby on its eastern boundary. and Little Darby through the center, and their small tributaries. the largest being Price's Rim.

Along the aforesaid stream are numerous springs of excellent water, some of which possess mineral substances. Little Darby. the principal stream traversing the township. enters the territory about half a mile north of the Urbana pike. and with its irregular course to the southeast makes a total distance within her limits of about ten miles. passing out of the township southeast of the village of Jefferson. and one mile and a half sough of the National road.

PIONEERS AND PIONEER LIFE.

The first white persons who settled within the present limit, of Jefferson Township were Michael Johnson, wife and eight children, who emigrated from Virginia to this section of the Northwest Territory in 1796-97. About the same time, William Lapin located in this township, and subsequently married Margaret, daughter of Michael Johnson, which family had settled about four miles northwest of the site of Jefferson. Silas Springer, another pioneer of this period, first located near Plain City, but afterward removed to this township. Full sketches of all of these families will be found in the general history of the county, to which we refer the reader for further information. The next to locate here was Reason Francis, also a native of the Old Dominion, who came to the neighborhood in 1800, and settled between the Darbys. He was quite a hunter, and loved the chase; possessed ninny peculiar characteristics, and was a shrewd. sharp businessman. Another early settler was Tobias Bright who. it is claimed, killed an Indian in 1810, at the old camping-ground on Spring Fork. near its junction with Little Darby. He was tried and acquitted. One of the Lapins also shot an Indian near the same place in subsequent years. but these events were common in pioneer days, as the Indians were as a rule, inveterately detested, especially by those who lost friends during the Indian wars. Along about the beginning of the present century, Nehemiah Gates came into the township, and remained until after the war of 1812. when he returned to Virginia, his native State, and married a Miss .Johnson, and again came to Madison County. She bore him nine children, viz., Ezra, Miar, Jacob. Henry, Mary, Eliza, Olive, Rebecca and Harriet His wife died, and he was subsequently married three times. The second and third left no issue. but his fourth wife was Susan Johnson. a sister of his first wife, who bore him two sons. Mr. Gates was a native of New York, and, after his final settlement on Little Darby, he assisted in erecting a mill on that stream. He was an industrious, hard-working man, and was much respected by the pioneers of his time. We find his name among the first juries of Madison County.

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Philip Sidener came from Bourbon County, Ky., in 1802, and settled on the Scioto River, four miles below Franklinton. He there built and operated a distillery, but was very much annoyed by the Indians, who were continually begging whisky of him, and if he would not give it, they would either buy or steal it. He was located on what is now known as the Hoffman farm, but, after a brief residence, unusual sickness induced him to sell his farm and " strike out" for the Darbys. He built his cabin on the east bank of Little Darby, about sixty rods south of the National road, and a neighbor to Reason Francis and Tobias Bright. A short time after Philip Sidener settled here, Tobias Bright and another neighbor one evening called at the camp of two Indians on Spring Fork After spending the early part of the evening, they started home. and. when a few paces away, Bright turned and shot one of the Indians dead. This cold-blooded act caused great indignation among the Indians. and spread general consternation over the settlement. A general uprising was expected. Such were the feelings. that it led to Mr. Sidener's removal to Kentucky.

The settlers who remained built a stockade; about fifteen feet high. inclosing about an acre of ground, including Sidener's cabin, in 1811. Some of the remains of the posts are yet to be seen.

The excitement soon subsided, and Mr. Sidener returned to the place of his former settlement, and built a cabin just south of the present residence of John Heath. There were no roads save an Indian trail from the Muskingum and Scioto to Mad River, passing just north of the National road. There were no stores nearer than Franklinton. no schools. and for many years religious services were only held at intervals. There were no blacksmiths and wagon-makers, but every man was his own mechanic.

The clothing was of buckskin, flax or linsey; the wants of the people were few; game was plenty, and there was not much to stimulate the people to exertion, as there was but little market for any surplus they might produce.

Quite a number of the early settlers engaged in making whisky as the only thing they could transport to Chillicothe and profitably exchange for other goods. The greatest bulk they took in exchange was salt, an actual necessity. It is claimed that the whisky made then was whisky. and not the poisonous stuff men get crazy on nowadays.

As in all countries where mental culture is neglected, bone and muscle are at a premium. Physical power was the standard of merit in pioneer days. This, of course. led to many personal conflicts. Musters were held at Philip Sidener's house about every three months, and it is said that it was no uncommon thing to see twenty to thirty men with their coats off, either fighting or ready to see fair play between combatants. At that time. there was a strong feeling existing between the Darbyites and those living on Deer Creek They scarcely ever met without having a rough-and-tumble time to prove who were the best men John, better known as "Chunky" Johnson was an acknowledged leader among the Darbyites. He was, how ever, not a quarrelsome man, but was always ready to enforce his claim of physical superiority by fighting any one who disputed it. A Mr. Graham was the "' bully " among the Deer Creekers, but, fortunately for both, he and Johnson never came into personal collision.

At that date, about half of the township was prairie, or barrens, thought to be of but little value, and in consequence, the settlement was all made along the streams. The first ground plowed in Jefferson Township. of which we have any definite knowledge. was that lying between the Na-

628 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY,

tional road and the railroad, just east of Little Darby. At least. this was Mr. Sidener's first cultivation. The Indians were in the majority perhaps ten to one. They were peaceable. lazy. and mostly honest, rarely stealing anything from the whites. The squaws would raise a little corn, working with their hoes, but their main reliance was on hunting. The younger ones used their bows and arrows to kill game. Jonathan Alder. living a few miles up the creek then, frequently visited Philip Sideuer. There was but little money in circulation, and what they had was gold and silver: small change was scarce, and to remedy this a silver dollar was cut into pieces passing for their value. Sometimes a shrewd operator would cut a dollar into nine pieces, instead of eight. and still pass them for the fractional parts, "nine-pence." or one-eighth of a dollar.

We now reach the fall of 1806, in which year Rev. Lewis Foster came from Pennsylvania and took up the land previously built upon by Jonathan Alder. On this farm Francis Downing, son-in-law of Lewis Foster. settled. near the present site of Foster Chapel. Francis Downing and wife had one child, and in February. 1807, another child, Jemima. was born. John Tomlinson. another son-in-law of Rev. Foster. came in the fall of 1806. with two children. They settled in a log cabin which had no floor, and there wintered. The building was entirely surrounded by the primeval forest. It was chinked, but the openings were not plastered. The spring following, a second hut was erected, and each occupied their respective houses. and life began in earnest. They remained long enough to open out good farms, when Tomlinson's family moved to Northern Ohio. and none of the posterity now remain in the county. Of the Downing family, all moved to Indiana, save Jemima, the widow of the late Israel Brown, and the only one now living in the county. Her four brothers are scattered over the far West.

In 1806 came Rev. Lewis Foster, wife and six single children, viz.. John, Joshua. Cassandra, Benjamin. Joseph and Rachel, and one married son. Thomas. They settled south of the present site of the chapel, on land given them by their father. Rev. Foster. After clearing up the farm and remaining until about 1835, they all moved to Illinois. Rev. Foster in early life embraced the faith of the Methodist Church, and commenced preaching while in Pennsylvania. Soon after coming to Ohio. his Christian walk and zealous work in behalf of the church soon enabled him to organize a society at his residence.

During his entire residence in Madison County, he served as a local minister. He died in Illinois, aged nearly one hundred years, and followed preaching until within a. few weeks of his death. To-day, Foster Chapel stands as a monument to his Christian walk and zealous work in its behalf.

By tradition, we record the year 1803 as that in which the settlement of William Johnson took place in Jefferson Township. He was more familiarly known as "Uncle Billy " Johnson. His place of nativity was in Virginia, but he was married in Pennsylvania. When coming to the Little Darby, he and wife had two children, and then settled about one and a half miles southeast of the present town of Jefferson. He was through life a farmer, and lived in Madison County until about 1842. when he settled in Franklin County, where he died one year later, and his wife followed him about 1845. Their family consisted of ten children, who were mostly of the early born citizens of the county, viz., Hannah, Sarah (died in Pennsylvania). Robert, Mary, William. Patrick, Susan, David, Henry and Catharine.

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Uncle Billy " Johnson was a man of small stature, rather chunky, very stout, and possessing a strong constitution.

Nathaniel, Henry and Robert Frakes were among the settlers prior to the war of 1812. They took up their abode on Little Darby. and soon the cry of the Indian war was heard, and they all three took part in the struggle, in which Robert and Nathaniel were killed. Henry soon after died. About the same time, we chronicle the name of Michael Dickey. who settled near the W. O. Browning farm. now owned by Mr. Bradfield. Prior to the war of 1812. we find the settlement of a second Robert Frakes. who was a native of England. but married in Pennsylvania. where two children were given the union, and then they settled in Jefferson Township. When he came to the neighborhood it was conceded that a valuable man had come, as he was a cooper by trade, and probably the first one to meet the wants of the few settlers then in Jefferson Township. In connection with his trade, he did some clearing and farming as the former would not furnish him constant employment. He died about 1830 and his wife subsequently. He was small, industrious, energetic. and a man of strong constitution.

We now home to the settlement in Jefferson Township of probably the first colored man, Moses Nickens, who came in the year 1810. He was a soldier in the Continental army under Gen. Washington, and went forth to bear arms in the battles of 1812 from Madison County. As a neighbor. he was obliging and sociable; as a citizen be was industrious. peaceable and inoffensive; but as a husband he was brutal, and neighbors frequently rescued his wife from his fury. He remained a resident quite a number of years, but finally died in Columbus, Ohio.

About the same date as the preceding settler came Isaac Rubert. from Virginia. He. with four children. viz., Benjamin, John. Mary and Phoebe. settled near the old grist-mill on Little Darby. which was in an early day known as the Gates -Mill. Benjamin Rubert married Elizabeth, eldest sister of the late David Sidener. The Rubert family were generally all well respected citizens, and filled a favorable place in the circles of society and the community at large.

During the period of the war of 1812 dates the settlement of David Harriman and family. on Little Darby, near the grist-mill below Jefferson. He and wile soon after died, and among the children we are able to record the names of David, Enoch. Job and Elizabeth. They subsequently settled near Springfield and Xenia. Ohio. John T. Sidener, Sr., brother to the pioneer Philip Sidener. died in Kentucky. and his wife subsequently, when in advanced age came to Jefferson Township, where she died. One of their sons. viz., Jacob, who was a native of 'Maryland, was married in Kentucky, to Lucretia Blair (a distant relative of the Blairs of this township). Soon after Jacob was married, he entered the war of 1812 from Kentucky; he served until its close, and in a short time thereafter, he, wife and two children came to Jefferson Township. settling about two miles south of the present village of Jefferson. He was a land-owner and farmer through life, and possessed a common characteristic of the pioneer Sideners-reticence. He and wife both died in Madison County. Their immediate posterity were ten in number, all of whom are now deceased; but six of his (Jacob's) grand-daughters are now residents of Madison County, and are daughters of Margaret (Sidener) Zinn, viz., Mrs. James Peene, Mrs. L. D. Hull. Mrs. Quinn Bradley. Mrs. T. B. Roberts. Mrs. -- Tresensider and Mrs. D. Brown: the two latter reside in London, and the four former in and about Jefferson. While we are writing of the family. even though the

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settlement does not come chronologically in order, we will mention the name of John T. Sidener. Jr. (a brother to Jacob). He was also a native of Maryland, but in 1828 came from Fayette County, Ky., to Madison County, and settled about two miles south of the town of New Hampton, or the present site of Jefferson. While in Kentucky, he married Margaret Hickey. who was born and raised in Scotland. On coming to Ohio, they had ten children, and settled on land which he (John T.) had previously purchased. It was all in the natural wilds and undeveloped condition, but he soon transformed it into open and productive fields. He, however, only lived until March 30, 1839, when death overtook him. His widow survived him five years. Two of their children are now living, viz., Jeannetta, wife of David Duncan; and Eliza, wife of G. P. Simpkins. Among the early settlers of New Hampton were Samuel Sexton, one of the founders of the place. He and family came to Jefferson Township about 1818. He was a teacher. and one of the early Justices: a native of New Jersey, and an excellent citizen. About ten years after coming to Ohio. he buried his wife. His second wife was the widow of Moses Pippet, who was also an early settler of the place then known as New Hampton. Subsequently. New Hampton's population was increased by the coming of Samuel Sexton. Sr., wife and son-in-law, William Jones. eldest son of Samuel Jones. They remained a few years, when both families became dissatisfied and returned to New Jersey. from whence they had migrated.

Samuel Jones emigrated to Ohio about the same time (1818), with his wife and nine children. viz., William (married as given above), Abigail. Mary A., Abraham, Samuel. Jr., Isaac. Sarah A. (died in New Hampton). as did also Thomas. and Susan. who, after burying her mother in 1823, returned to her native State with her father. Of Mary and Abigail we can learn nothing, but Samuel. Jr., Abraham and Isaac remained in Jefferson Township, where, in fact, the former and latter both died. Abraham subsequently settled near Sandusky. Ohio, where he resided until death.

We find the Ayle family as being early settlers of Jefferson Township, and mention the name of John Ayle, whose father, Valentine Ayle, was a native of Germany, a patriot of the Revolution, and was captured on the ocean. He subsequently settled in Virginia, but finally died at Georgesville, Ohio. John was a native of Martinsville. Va., and reached Jefferson Township about 1828. He ever after remained in the township until his death, August 17, 1861. He was twice married. By the first union, four children were born, two of whom are living, and one in this county. His second wife was Elizabeth, widow of James Cannedy. Her maiden name was Griffith. She was a native of Pennsylvania. and died in Madison County. She and John Ayle had a family of eight children, three of whom are now living.

Among the earliest settlers of Jefferson Township was James Burnham, son of James and Tamma (Holt) Burnham, who, during a life of sixty-six nears-forty of which were passed in that township. in the plain. substantial occupation of farming was widely known as a public-spirited and leading citizen, always ready to assist in every enterprise designed to promote the public welfare. and always occupying positions of public trust till near the close of life, when failing health forbade. He was born in Windham County. Conn.. December 12, 1791, and came to Ohio in 1817, with a large train of emigrants, over fifty of whom were Burnham s, and who settled in Madison. Union and Champaign Counties. James Burnham located in the northwest part of Jefferson Township. where for years he kept

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 631

hotel on a stretch of the Columbus & Urbana Stage Route, then very thinly settled, and whence he removed, about 1832, to a farm adjoining Jefferson, then not yet laid out.

In those earliest days of settlement, when Indians still prowled around. military organizations were thought useful as well as ornamental, and a brigade of cavalry was organized from the counties of Madison and Union, and perhaps Champaign. Of this brigade Mr. Burnham was appointed General, and for many years its parades were marked days in the calendar.

In very early days. Mr. Burnham was elected County Commissioner, and was continuously re-elected to this responsible post for a period fifteen or eighteen years. He was also, in very early clays, elected Justice of the Peace, and was re-elected to that office till his successive terms amounted to over thirty years. and till in 1854, he declined a re-election. In all these positions. and wherever known his name was a synonym for integrity, good judgment and fidelity to every trust.

In 1823. Mr. Burnham married Mary Ann Jones, whose family was from Pemberton, N. J.. and who was a sister of Rev. Isaac Jones, so widely known throughout that region. Mr. Burnham died January 6, 1857, leaving his widow, who survived him nine years, and three sons and a daughter. The eldest of these, James S., is editor and publisher of the Index, a weekly newspaper at -Minneapolis, Kan. The second. Lester A., occupies the paternal farm, near Jefferson; and the third son, John, is located at San Jose, Cal. The daughter, Emma. survived her father only two years, dying in the bloom of early womanhood. Besides these, two daughters died in childhood, and a third. Mary, in 1848, two years after her marriage to Thornton Ross. The younger brothers of James Burnham located in Jefferson Township-Nathan and Lester H., the former of whom died in November, 1882, and is sketched in another place. The younger, Lester H., died about 1866, and his widow and children removed to Kansas. Especial mention should be made of the unswerving courage and loyalty to conscience of Lester H. Burnham, who, with N. C. Davis and Moses Byers, made up the trio of Abolitionists and underground railroaders of the county for many years, when to be such was to be the object of general scorn and derision, and who assisted loads of fugitives on their weary way to Canada, then the nearest land where a black man could safely shout liberty. These men aided in the organization of the Republican party, and saw the triumph of their principles when slavery perished by the very sword it had drawn against freedom. N. C. Davis is still living, and resides near Mechanicsburg, Ohio. Moses Byers removed to Iowa about the year 1850.

The emigration of the Foster family brought, in its turn, the family of Thomas Timmons. who was born in Pennsylvania. He was a son of Peter and Elizabeth Timmons. both natives of Pennsylvania, where he died, but Elizabeth came to Ohio and died about the time of the late war. Thomas was raised in his native State. where he married Hannah (Silvers) Peoples. They had one child when they bought and settled on the Lewis Foster farm. There he lived until his death, October, 1864. He bad, however, buried his wife in 1853, and at his death left his second wife a widow. He was the father of eleven children, five of whom are living now, viz., Rebecca, Mary, Thomas F., Laura and Asa T. Thomas Timmons was an industrious and frugal pioneer. He was a man of rugged constitution, and, though not wealthy, placed himself in comfortable circumstances. He was much interested in the establishment of what is now known as Alder Chapel, and liberally assisted to that end. He was of a quiet turn, and very atten-

632 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

tive to his interests at home. He was well estimated in the minds of the people.

Whilst mention has previously been made of the pioneer, Philip Sidener, we deem it nothing more than due a pioneer family such as they to more particularly outline them further, as what has been said in regard to the pioneer was in connection with other events.

Philip, as previously stated, came to Ohio early in the present century, and remained until his death, which occurred about the year 1828. He was a peaceable pioneer and frontier woodsman; had many combats with wild animals, which then roamed the forest of Ohio and frequently came in contact with the Indians, but, as they were generally peaceable, as well as he, they never bad any trouble, save once, when he received a wound in the arm, which he carried to his grave. He was a noted pioneer, of rather a discontented nature. His son David was born in Kentucky about 1790, and died at Columbus, Ohio, in May, 1880, at a great age. He matured in Jefferson Township; was not a large man, but was vigorous, energetic, and possessed a strong constitution. He was determined in his undertakings. and possessed the trait of economy, which placed him among the substantial farmers of the county. He served from Madison County in the war of 1812, under Gen. Hull, and was taken prisoner at Hull's surrender. taken to Canada, where he endured many privations connected with the military prisoners of that day. He returned home, and, soon after the close of the war, married Elizabeth Hann. a native of New Jersey, and died in 1833, leaving as her posterity eight children. seven of whom are now living. David's second wife was Nancy Bond, of whom five children were born, and three are now living. His settlement was on the farm now owned by John Heath, about one mile south of Jefferson. There he lived until the Centennial year, when he located in Columbus, Ohio. At the time of his death, he had lived a widower fourteen years. He and family were generally members of the Methodist Church. His political affiliations were given to the interest of the Old-Line Whig and Republican parties.

ROADS.

For months and years after the whites began to penetrate the wilds of the territory in question, there were no roads but a few Indian trails, the most prominent one of which we have previously merely mentioned. It passed rather westerly through the township, entering just north of the National pike. However, the first route cut out for a thoroughfare was the old State road. It entered the territory in question a little south of the National pike, passing westward. bearing a little to the north. crossing the line of the National pike just in front of the residence of James Peene, and continuing in almost the same direction through the township. It was a thoroughfare from east to west, and great stage-loads of passengers were hourly seen going by the few pioneer huts then along the line. This, however, was not long open for travel until a road was opened from Amity to Georgesville, being a line almost due north and south. or at a right angle from the State road.

Next in order came the great National pike, which was surveyed almost on the fortieth parallel, through the township. very nearly due east and west. It awakened the interest of the people, and many who had as yet thought little of settling in Madison County were now induced to come from the East and make their homes along such a great road. It added new facilities, increased travel. enlarged business and gave the people new

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 633

thoughts. The great pike resulted in the abandonment of the State road, and now few traces of it are to be seen. After the building of the National pike. the roads became more and more numerous, until now they cross the township at right angles and triangles, and are too numerous to mention. The roads are for the most part pikes, and in every instance are free of toll, which speaks well for the enterprise of the citizens.

EARLY INCIDENTS. CUSTOMS AND REMINISCENCES.

The earliest incident of note we have to place upon record is a bear chase by Reason Francis, which must have taken place as early as 1805. He was one day wending his way homeward on horseback through the dense forest, when he discovered a large bear. which he decided to give chase. The thought was executed by putting his horse under a good speed; but, after a long and continuous chase through the woods. and his horse being almost exhausted. the bear struck on a trail, or path, which led by the pursuer's house, standing then on the east bank of Little Darby. Down the path the chase continued. and, when passing by his house, he succeeded in getting his dog to pursue the animal. which soon resulted in treeing bruin near the creek. The clog was very vicious, and, when the bear ascended the tree, he fastened his teeth so firmly in the bears' ham that the bear carried him up the tree. Upon reaching the first limb, which chanced to be one partly decayed the bear hoped to rest and free himself from his enemy; but alas! the limb broke and down came dog and bear, the latter seizing the dog in his squeezers and making him howl terrifically, when Francis. with his tomahawk. came up and buried it in the skull of his victim, releasing his faithful dog. The horse had been so completely exhausted that he soon afterward died from the effects.

About 1825, there was a wolf den near the residence of the late A. R. Haynes. The animal made its usual visits south to the plains, on the Roberts and Heath farms, to catch sheep. A large pit was dug in the ground near his path. covered over with a board arranged on a pivot, and bait suspended in the air. The animal scented it and became the desired victim. Rev. Isaac Jones was called to the scene. A forked stick was procured and placed over the animal's neck. Mr. Jones then had some one hold the stick. keeping the wolf close to the ground, and he descended, chained and gagged the animal came out and took the wolf to John Mills' grist-mill, where he was kept to fight dogs for a long time. The wolf-trap was thoughtlessly left open. and subsequently a neighbor's cow became a victim of the same trap. After several long and continuous searches. she was given up as being strayed off, but was finally found. after a long while, in the wolfpit in almost a decomposed condition. Rev. Jones seems to have been much given to hunting. In 1835, when game was becoming scarce, a large crowd assembled for a wolf-hunt. and such other animals as might be within their intended circle. Rev. Jones was appointed to climb a tree. and when the game was driven near him, to do the shooting. As he was ascending the tree, a Mr. Pitcher handed him his gun and the hamwer caught on Pitcher's sleeve, resulting in tiring off the gun, and the ball passing through Jones' wrist. crippling him for life. His attendant physician was .Jonathan Alder. The accident badly affected the hunt, but still a few wolves and some deer were caught.

LICENSES.

We feel that it will not be out of place to record an act of the Commissioners at a meeting of June 2, 1812, "ordering that each tavern of

634 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

Jefferson Township should pay an annual license of $4." The same was ordered in 1813. An act of the Commissioners of 1847 was that each physician then practicing medicine in Jefferson Township should pay a license for such privilege to the amount of 53 for that year. The only physician we find in the township at that time was David Wilson, of Jefferson. who became subject to the established act.

EARLY INDUSTRIES, TAVERNS AND STAGE ROUTES.

Probably the first man to keep a store within the territory to which we are. limited was a Mr. Gilmore. who opened up soon after New Hampton was laid out. He was a one-legged man. and it was quite inconvenient for him to get around. He soon concluded to take in a partner. and in accordance a Mr. Dalby became associated. but the latter had two legs and only one arm: but the business was managed quite well, after all. Dalby would get the goods, do the selling, and Gilmore would tie them up, and thus they followed their business. Dalby became the first merchant in Jefferson, here after mentioned. It is generally believed that Benjamin Pike kept the post office and tavern in New Hampton as early as 1825, but we think that the first tavern within the limits of the township was kept by a Mr. Atkinson on the State road, about one hundred rods north of the residence of John E. Roberts. The building was a hewed log, and formed a comfortable inn for that day, but it ceased to do business when the National pike was completed. Atkinson remained there until his death. Just west of this about a quarter of a mile, on the same road, was another tavern, but the proprietor's name is uuknown. Another tavern was kept in New Hampton by a widow lady, whose name is given us as Tacy Widener. We next come to a tavern opened by J. W. Simpkins, on the National pike, where the American Hotel stood, in Jefferson, which was followed up in the village, until, at one time (1844 and 1845), there were five hotels kept in Jefferson, by the following parties. viz.: R. S. Nichols, Nathan Patterson. Baltzer Mantle, James Hughs and George Chapman. For a number of years there have been two, but the devouring flames destroyed the American in the spring of 1882, and the Mantle House, kept by E. H. Hill, is the only one open for business in the township.

The old stage company, known as Neil, Morse & Co., was established in an early day, when they traveled the State road. They continued business, and, when the National pike was built, it added new facilities to their enterprise. Thus they enjoyed the great road until the building of the railroad. They usually ran from three to five coaches each way daily through Jefferson, and made business lively.

CHURCHES.

The first society organized within the present limits of Jefferson Township was that of Foster Chapel, which met at the residence of Rev. Lewis Foster in 1808, and organized a small society. We are able to give a few of the names constituting the original class: Lewis Foster and wife; Joshua, John, Benjamin and Joseph, four sons of Rev. Foster, and their wives; Rebecca Tomilson; Cassa Dwyer; Joseph Downing, his brother Frank and their wives; John Hayden, wife and family. Among the first ministers who served the class were Revs. William Simmons, Daniel Davidson and Rev. Finley. They worshiped in their respective homes alternately until in March, 1825. when Rev. Foster and wife deeded two acres and forty-three poles to a body of Trustees for the sum of $10, and for the purr

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pose of erecting thereon a church building. The Trustees at the time were John Hayden, Frank Downing. John Buck, John Foster and Joseph Powers. The deed was acknowledged before Squire Samuel Sexton, of New Hampton. A comfortable hewed-log church was soon erected, wherein the notes of praise were sounded to the All-Wise, and their hearts rejoiced in the privileges they then enjoyed. Now the ground is ornamented with a comfortable as well as a neat and attractive brick church. The present Trustees are Chauncy Beach, John Millikin, Owen Harbage, Philip Tewax and A. J. Dickerson. The last named is now serving as Class-Leader.

The Methodist Church of Jefferson -The society at Foster Chapel had grown and cast its seed in the vicinity of the village of Jefferson, but not until 1833 was there a class organized here, which consisted of about ten or a dozen members, a part of whose names we are able to record. viz.: Ezekiel Arnett and wife; a Mr. Mortimore and wife, who lived in a log house where the residence of James Peene now stands and in whose house the society was organized: Mrs. Jarvis Pike and Mrs. Mary Lewis. The officiating minister was Rev. Gavett. They were industrious and zealous in the good work begun. and erelong the class numbered almost double as many as at first. They worshiped in Mortimore's residence mostly until 1836. when they commenced holding their meetings in the schoolhouse in Jefferson. where they were served by Rev. Sutton. They experienced some unpleasantness with the Universalists, who also used the same building. and in 1837, even though the flock was small, and financially not able, they had the will, and also found the way, to erect a substantial frame church. on Lot No. 50, in the village of Jefferson. While in this house, the society still enlarged. and in 1862 a more modern and comfortable brick edifice was erected at a cost of about $2,000. They have a good bell of 1,378 pounds, a parsonage, and the total value of the property is about $5,000. Their present membership will number about one hundred and seventy-five, and they have an interesting Sabbath school.

Blair Chapel.--Methodism still continued to grow in the township of Jefferson and in 1844 we find, largely by the efforts of the Blair family that a society was organized about four miles northwest of the last-mentioned congregation. In the year above given. Rev. J. W. Young, of the Marysville Circuit, was solicited to come and organized the society, which resulted in the following members: John Blair and Jency, his wife, G. W. Blair, R. C. Blair, Jacob B. Coon. J. C. Coon, Elizabeth Tillman. Leonard Thomas. J. Zadock Chapman, Hiram Stodard and Eliza Stodard. Four of the original class are now living. The church has had numerous revivals, and swollen its membership to about seventy in all, and is new served by Rev. ---. For nine years after the society was organized, they worshiped in the residence of G. W. Blair, when they all threw their mite together; Mr. Blair donated a lot from his farm, and a frame church edifice was constructed. plain but comfortable, at a cost of about $700, and was dedicated in the fall of 1853. by Rev. Uriah Heath. The building served them a period of twenty-nine years, with the nominal expense for repairs of $20-a striking illustration of economy. At present there is a substantial brick church, five miles northwest of Jefferson. nearing completion, on the farm of E. B. Haynes. who donated the lot on which it stands. The building is 32x52. with steeple and bell. It is to be completed at a cost of about $2,600.

The Baptist Church of Jefferson.-Among the early settlers of New Hampton we find the most of them from New Jersey. and the majority of

638 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

them clinging to the persuasion of the Baptist Church. The date we are unable to give, but, during the early part of the third decade of the present century. Rev. Isaac Jones' labors resulted in organizing the first, society of Baptists in this township. They first worshiped in a very plain log hut, which stood about twenty paces west of the gate entering the Hampton Cemetery. Its ceiling was only about eight feet high, covered with clapboards. Subsequently, however, a brick, as they thought of modern style, was erected, and, if now standing, would be near the center of the cemetery. It was 20x32, and twelve feet ceiling, which served them until about 1843, when they built their present frame in the village of Jefferson; but now a new and handsome church edifice is expected in the near future.

Rev. Jones labored hard in the cause of Christianity in his chosen church, possessing unwavering fidelity. The people were industrious and determined to sustain the cause. Rev. Jones continued his ministerial labors here until his death, in 1842. The church now numbers seventy-six members, and prosperity still seems to stretch forth an inviting hand. They are served by Rev. L. R. Meers, the present incumbent. The church property is in the hands of a Board of Trustees, composed of J. T. Colliver, M. D., George Silvers and C. C. Jones. The present Church Clerk and Treasurer are Quinn Bradley and L. D. Hull, respectively.

Alder Chapel Universalist Church was organized as a society in the spring of 1860, known as the First Universalist Church of Jefferson Township, though there had been for years occasional visits of Universalist ministers, directed to the interest of the vicinity. In the year the society was organized. Thomas Timmons deeded a half acre of ground in consideration of $50, on which to build a church edifice, and the same year a comfortable. plain, but neat structure, 28x40 feet, was erected, at a cost of about $1,000. including the bell. The society now numbers twenty-three members, and is served by the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Crosley, of London, Ohio. Since the re-organization in 1S74, it has been regularly served. and it has since that time also been designated as Alder Chapel. and is under the control of a Board of Trustees, viz.. C. G. High. Stephen Carry and D. J. Cutler.

St. Simon and Jude's Catholic Church.-The settlement of Catholics dates quite early between Columbus and Springfield, but very sparsely for a time. They were, however, visited by different clergymen about every three months, who held services in the respective dwellings of the members subsequently in the Town Hall of Jefferson. In this manner was Catholicism nursed in its infancy in Jefferson Township. but not until the year 1864 was the subject of a church edifice agitated. when Rev. John M. Conway took the matter in charge. Soon afterward, a subscription was begun and favorably patronized. In 1866, Edward Buck donated the lot for the church, and in the spring of 1867 the foundation was begun and the cornerstone laid May 19 of the same Year, by the Rt. Rev. Sylvester H. Rosecrans, Bishop of Columbus, Ohio. The building is a brick, 34x67 feet. and was completed to the tower under the management of Father Conway. It was dedicated by Bishop Edward Fitzgerald, of Little Rock, Ark., October 31, 1860, and has since been served by the Revs. F McGrath. J. M. Thisse, J. A. Burns. H. Kiffmeyer and W. F. O'Rourke. under the supervision of Father Conway, but in March of 1873, Rev. B. M. Muller took charge, and is the present pastor. In the meantime, the standing debt has been released, and, during 1879. a tower and belfry, ninety-one feet in height. erected. and furnished with a good hell of 1,234 pounds at a total cost, building and

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 639

all, of about $7,000. Nearly seventy families worship in the building, of which about nine are German.

African Methodist Church. -In the year 1865, the spirit of Methodism was first kindled among the colored people of Jefferson, of whom we may mention the names of Marv Smith, Andrew Bayless and wife, David Slago, Louisa Walker, Pereene Ricks. Mary Cooper, and a few others. They were first visited by Rev. Edward Wright, and through his efforts a few accessions were made. and the society regularly served with a minister ever since. Their membership is composed of twenty-five. The society first worshiped in private dwellings, and mostly assembled at the house of " Mother " Smith, whose door was always open and her reception warm to any who might choose to enter. The second step was, by and by, to rent a house; though very poor, it answered the purpose, and finally, in 1870, they purchased their present property, which is the old academy and grounds. The building is very plainly furnished, the total value of grounds and building being estimated at $1,000. It is under the control of a Board of Trustees, composed of Martin V. Ricks, Henry Jones and Washington Boone. The first-named Trustee is also Class-Leader, as well as one of the Stewards. with Henry Jones and Henry Grimes.

SCHOOLS.

The first efforts toward enlightening the minds of the young and drilling, them in the way they should go was brought about by the feeble but fruitful effort of Lucinda, widow of Thomas Jones. She was better known by her maiden name. Lucinda Burnham. She procured a subscription and taught a school of a few scholars about 1823, in a log hut that stood on the present site of Pleasant Hill Cemetery. George Pike, an early settler in the vicinity, and from New Jersey. followed farming and teaching school. He taught in the same cabin as his predecessor. but not until about 1826. The cabin was of the rudest kind-round poles or logs, chinked with split sticks. and plastered with mud, greased paper drawn over openings to admit the light, a huge fire-place, puncheon floor, slab writing desks and seats, which would present to view a wonderful contrast if compared with the modern built and furnished ones of this latter quarter of the nineteenth century. It was generally the case in those days. that the man whose abilities were superior to the most illiterate rustic, could, if he gained the sympathy and confidence of the people. and their support, teach a subscription school: but in this Jefferson Township may feel proud of not having to own. In 1826 or 1827. one of the best of citizens. viz., Samuel Sexton who was a man of considerable ability, and above all, a gentleman-began teaching. At this time. Mr. Sexton was a widower. and, having a double log house. he obtained subscription and taught a session or two in one room of his dwelling. In this school. Abraham, Cynthia, Abner, Rhoda, Mary, Lewis, Martin and Catharine Johnson. Jacob Gates, Henry Penny and a few others, whose names we have been unable to obtain, were taught.

About 1830 or 1831. there was a better and more comfortable school building erected, and probably the first real schoolhouse in the township. It was built just west of the present residence of Mary Vickers, which was used until the year 1836, when a frame building succeeded it, but located in the village of Jefferson. The schools of those days were vastly different from the present ones. Whilst we have our rooms ornamented with charts, maps and globes. the most prominent ornament in those days was a good supply of beech withes. which were used for the same purpose that teachers now

640 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

overcome by moral suasion. The earliest records of the township, if any were kept. have been lost, and the earliest dates and statistics we can accurately give are in the year 1840. when we find there were seven districts. with a State tax of $217, and local tax of $157.28, total of $374.28, which was proportional to the enumeration divided among the several districts, as follows: District No. 1. with thirty-two pupils. $29.94; No. 2, with forty-nine pupils, $45.85; No. 3, with forty-eight pupils $44.91; No. 4, with 101 pupils, $94.30: No. 5, with twenty-six pupils. $24.33; No. 6 with ninety-eight pupils. $91.70; No. 7. with forty-six pupils. $43.05; total number of pupils. 400: total cash. $374.28-making an average of nearly 94 cents public fund annually to each pupil in the township.

From this onward, we find schools more numerous and qualifications of teachers better, until now they have eleven schoolhouses in the township, and generally supplied with either a graduate of some good normal school, or a self-made teacher of determined will. The houses are all brick save one, principally new of modern style and furniture, and good schools are maintained. There are, however. four fractional districts, viz.: No. 8. which is formed from Jefferson. Monroe and Deer Creek: No. 3 is formed from Fairfield and Jefferson. and No. 1 is formed from Canaan and Jefferson. The Board of Education is composed of eleven members, viz.: No. 1. L. U. Alder; No. 2, Philip Durflinger: No. 3, Joshua Truitt; No. 4, Abner Johnson; No. 5. Isaac H. Hambleton; No. 6, D. S. Conklin: No. 7. S. K. King: No. 8, John Seaman: No. 9, J. M. Wilson; No. 10, E. B. Haynes; No. 11. Owen Harbage. The last named is President of the Board. The frame building previously mentioned in Jefferson was succeeded, in 1843, by an academy, which Jeremiah Olney was instrumental in organizing. The institution was conducted by a stock company, but soon failed to meet their expectations and sank into oblivion as an enterprise such as it was intended, but not until 1856 was the building bought by the School Board from Horace Putman, who had bought it of Olney. We are led to believe that about this time Jefferson was set apart as a special school district, and the building last mentioned served the district until 1868, when a new and handsome brick was completed, at a cost of $17,000, including grounds and furniture. The building is two-story, 50x72 feet, contains six rooms, and a large hall, 25x50. The schools are in a good condition, and superintended by Prof. F. Pearson, with four assistants. The School Board is Jacob McNeal. Dr. J. N. Beach. Dr. J. T. Colliver. John E. Roberts. Eugene Babb and J. J. Booth, the last named being Clerk of the Board.

CEMETERIES.

The oldest of these sacred spots in Jefferson Township is that at Foster Chapel. which was used as a burying-ground as early as 1808. when the burial of a child of a Mr. Maythorne first dedicated the ground to the purpose for which it is now used. The original lot was, as we find most early cemeteries, without much regularity or order but an addition has since been made, and order and regularity are maintained. It is under the charge of the Board of Township Trustees. The location is an admirable one for its purpose, and is known far and near as containing the remains of Jonathan Alder.

From the gravestones that mark the resting-places of about the first interred here, we find the following: During 1810. Jane Buck and Jane Smith; 1812, Hannah Alder and Thomas Foster; 1814, John Kilgore and Margaret Alder, 1815. J. Blont: 1817. Anna Morris and her son John;

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 641

1818, Henry Smith; 1820, Elizabeth Moore, John Belsher and Thomas Tomlinson; 1821, Elizabeth Powers and an infant son of Paul Alder; 1823, Rachel Downing, Walter Powers, Harry and Henry Smith. Among the elder persons interred here we record the following: John Kilgore, eighty-five years; Thomas Kilgore, eighty years nine months and twenty-four days; and Elizabeth Timmons, seventy-seven years four months and six days. The monument of Ambrose Beach marks the doorstep of the original church building. He was an old pioneer of Canaan Township, and an honored citizen.

New Hampton Cemetery, containing about two acres and located near the village of Jefferson, was laid out and granted by Samuel Jones in the year 1823, and in the same year he dedicated it by the interment of his wife. Among a few other early interments, we find Daniel Sexton in 1823; Sarah. wife of Samuel Sexton, in 1827. and Elizabeth, their daughter, in the same year. Anna, wife of Levi Hann, died in 1831; and Anna, wife of Jacob Hann, in the year following. This cemetery contains the remains of Rev. Isaac Jones. who was interred in 1842. The grounds were never regularly laid out, hence no systematic order was maintained, and under the control of no special body or company; but for the last few years it has been managed by the officials of the township to which it belongs.

Pleasant Hill Cemetery is located about one mile west of Jefferson, and contains five acres, including the fence and hall of the pike. It was laid out by Sebastian Roberts in 1864. The first interment was Thomas, father of Sebastian Roberts, in September of the year in which it was laid out. and in December of the same year was interred Susan, widow of Thomas Roberts. In 1869, the founder's body was laid to rest in the yard. The cemetery remained in the hands of the widow and his heirs until the fall of 1880. when it was bought by an incorporated stock company of ten members. The company was fully organized March 7, 1881, and the following Board of Officers elected: Trustees are Dr. J. N. Beach, Dr. J. T. Colliver. Quinn Bradley, Dr. Charles Snyder and Martin Kuehner; the last-named was chosen President; Jacob McNeal, Secretary: and W. W. Fellows, Treasurer. Since the yard was laid out, lots have been for sale. Good order and system have been maintained.

Another of the cities of the dead is Blair Cemetery, located four miles northwest of town, and containing one acre of land. It was donated to its sacred purpose in 1853, by G. W. Blair, and on May 1 of the same year, it received the body of Rebecca J. Blair. the donor's daughter. It now contains about two hundred interments and. in consequence of its location, is sometimes called Pleasant Hill. It has always been free for interments, and G. W. Blair looked upon as General Superintendent. but is under control of the Township Trustees.

Calvary Cemetery is nicely located three-fourths of a mile south of the Catholic Church. on the Lilly Chapel pike. and consists of two acres, which was donated for the purpose by John Fry in 1877. It was consecrated November 14 of the same year by Archbishop J. B. Purcell, of Cincinnati, and has ever since been the burial-place of the Catholic people of this vi cinity. whose loved ones are asleep in the Lord.

JEFFERSON (FORMERLY NEW HAMPTON).

In an early day, the settlers needed a point closer than Franklinton for some one to keep in store such necessaries as were likely to be handled by the pioneer merchant. In consequence, on July 5, 1822, Samuel Jones

642 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

and Samuel Sexton acknowledged the original plat of New Hampton and signing of deed, before Justice A. Burnham. There were three streets east and west, viz.. Main, North and South streets, each sixty feet wide; two alleys east and west, viz.. Jones and Sexton. The streets north and south were five in number, and the first three were each sixty feet in width, and the last two mentioned were forty-nine and a half-Friend. Center, Pearl, Union and Prairie. There were ninety-three lots, mostly four by ten poles in size. The town-had accumulated a store or two. two or three taverns, a post office, about seven families, and a Baptist Church, most of which have heretofore been spoken of. It was not long after the National pike was opened until all business and dwellings were moved to the great road, and the pioneer village, save the church. sank into utter oblivion. Benjamin Pike. one of Hampton's citizens, was Postmaster, hotel-keeper. and for a number of years served in the State Legislature. as what they termed " Second Mate. "

Since the town of New Hampton was the beginning of Jefferson, we deem it not inappropriate to continue the history of the last-named village, which is frequently improperly called West Jefferson, in consequence of the post office being so named. The town was laid out in September, 1831, by Rev. Isaac Jones. who owned the land. The lots, sixty-four in number. were surveyed in the same fall, by James Millikin. father of the hardware merchant of the place, at this writing. Unlike most villages, a few years only elapsed until, on April 24, 18:34. dates the first meeting of the Town Council at the post office to incorporate the place and have special laws and government, as the citizens deemed advisable.

At this meeting, John W. Simpkins was chosen President. David Wilson, Recorder: and the following the Common Council: David Mortimore. Ferrin H. Olmsteadt, James Roberts, Wilson Graham, Abraham Hare. Joseph Powers. the last-named was chosen Marshal. Ezekial Arnett was appointed the first Street Supervisor.

The first ordinance the Council passed was to charge circus shows, etc.. the sum of $10 license for every twenty-four hours' exhibition. At the same meeting, they passed an ordinance to charge a grocery-keeper the sum of 435 license a year. In May, 1834. the Council passed an ordinance that the President should have for his services and stationery annually $12, Recorder, $10: Marshal. 45. and Treasurer. 45. The second meeting of the Council, all members were present save Olmsteadt, who, by motion of Abraham Hare, was fined $1 for non-attendance. Subsequently. James Roberts was also fined $1 for non-attendance. but it was refunded to both in August of 1834. The first calaboose was built in 1835, at a cost of about $60.

The new town soon grew to be of considerable importance in consequence of the National road. just completed. and ere a great while it was not an uncommon occurrence to see daily the five hotels thronged with travel and the street lined with stages and horses. Among the early merchants were Mr. Dolby, who built the Mantle House, keeping tavern and store in the same building. Thomas Mortimore. J. W. Simpkins, W. J Black. J. Hancock, W. Graham, Nathan C. Davis, who associated with Calvin Horr. Abraham Hare was a hatter by trade, and opened business in the new town. J. W. or Squire Simpkins kept the first post office. which was designated West Jefferson. The town seemed to grow rapidly, and large business firms located here. In fact, at one time it was the leading business point in the county.

.JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. - 643

In 1846, O. H. Bliss. with his father. Dr. Bliss, established a large wholesale and retail dry goods trade, but. during their mercantile career, Dr. Bliss died, and the business finally became extinct. Mills. a pork-house and other establishments were erected and successfully carried on. but when the Little Miami Railroad was completed through the place, it demoralized the trade of the National pike and badly affected the business of the village, which had sprung up as a blossom, now to wither and die. The town contains a population of about eight hundred, four churches. a good school building, six physicians. several dry goods and grocery stores. two drug stores. one carriage factory and two blacksmith shops, two hardware stores an undertaker. one hotel and a number of saloons.

Jefferson, by the statistics of the railroad, is increasing in business, a can be seen by the following receipts of West Jefferson Station way-bills for the rear ending December 1875, which was $4,515.54: for 1878, it was $5,934.97: and 1881 it was $6,261.03. The receipts for tickets sold in 1878 were $3,642.60: and for the year ending December, 1881, $4,972.70, which shows a steady increase both in travel and goods received at the station.

The railroad traverses the township from east to west, making a distance in the territory of about six miles.

SECRET SOCIETIES.

Madison Lodge. F. & A. M.. No. 221, located at Jefferson. was granted a dispensation under the hands of the Grand Master, W. B. Hubbard, on January 30, 1852. and the following were charter members: Benjamin Crabb. John Melvin, T. J. Stutson. Samuel Davidson. O. P. Crabb. George J. Archer. James Parks and Richard Acton. While laboring under the dispensation. Benjamin Crabb served as W. M.; John Melvin. S. W.: T. J. Stutson, J. W. They labored under the dispensation until October 22, 1852. at which time a charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of Ohio. At the first meeting after the lodge had been chartered, November 8..1852, the following officers were elected: Benjamin Crabb. W. M.: John Melvin. S. W. ; Thomas J. Stutson. J. W.: James Parks. Treasurer: O. P. Crabb, Secretary: Samuel Davidson, S. D.: Albert Downing, J. D.: R. Acton, Tiler. The lodge then consisted of nineteen members. They have done much for the establishment of Urania Lodge. No. 311. at Plain City, and contributed members thereto. The present officers of the society are: T. J. Stutson. W. M.: George A. Brookman, S. W.: W. A. Boyd, J. W.; J. T. Colliver. Treasurer; Jacob McNeal. Secretary: J. J. Booth. S. D.: J. C. Olney. J. D.: A. Miller. Tiler: Abner Johnson and John E. Roberts. Stewards. They have a neat and comfortable hall, well furnished.

Lodge No. 412 of the I. O. O. F. is located at Jefferson. was instituted under a dispensation of the Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio. by James Turner, Grand Master, on June 2. 1869, with the following as charter members, viz.: J. C. Blair, David Oakley. W W. Fellows. J. H. Randall, G. C. Deems. William Peene. William C. Welling, with J. C. Blair as N. G.; J. H. Randall as V. G.. G. C. Deems. Secretary: W. W. Fellows, Treasurer. On the evening of the first meeting, the following made written applications and were initiated. viz.: A. D. Burnham, W. H. Stutson, N. B. Blair. Martin Kuehner, J. A. Beals. W. E. Oakly and Wilson Jones. The Trustees then elected were A. D. Burnham and W. W. Fellows. The following are the officers: .Jacob Martin, N. G.: W. L. Dayton, V. G.. J. H. Beam, Secretary: Webster Olney. Treasurer. The workings of the

644 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

lodge have been favorable, and furnished the charter members of two other lodges, viz., of Rome and Lilly Chapel.

WEST JEFFERSON BOOK SOCIETY.

This society was organized in the spring of 1875, besides which there was a branch society consisting of twenty-five members. The main society bound itself to supply $400 worth of serial reading matter. The object of the society was to encourage a taste in the community for good reading, believing that, if such a taste is once established, it will do more to cultivate. refine and civilize mankind than all that spasmodic reformers can accomplish. Unfortunately, the society was of short life, and in August, 1875. Mat Stutson bought the books and put them in his circulating library.

MANUFACTURING.

About 1814, Nehemiah Gates erected a grist-mill on Little Darby. about one mile above Jefferson. but little of the early history of it is known. However, in 1817 he was succeeded by John Mills. and in 1819 he attached a saw-mill on which, it is believed, the first lumber was sawed in the township, and was used for the first frame house of the territory in question. Subsequently he added a carding machine. So long as the machinery was operated it remained in the name of the Mills family.

Next in order comes the saw-mill of Isaac Jones. which he contemplated building where the present grist-mill stands, but, from a little unpleasantness arising between him and the managers of the National road in regard to the race crossing the road, he abandoned the location and erected it in Jefferson, on Little Darby, and it was known as a flutter mill. In 1836. he erected on the same site a grist-mill. run by an undershot wheel. A few years later, he connected a carding machine, and ran the three enterprises until his death; at the same time followed his profession. The widow sold the machinery to Thomas Cartmill, who soon after erected a new saw-mill, yet standing, and added the second carding machine in 1848. He conducted the enterprises until 1857, when he erected a new grist-mill farther down the creek, and now operated by John Renner. This mill was built at a cost of about $5,000. Cartmill doing the most of the work, as he is a fair mechanic. It had an overshot wheel fourteen feet ten inches in diameter. The mill was started with two run of buhrs, but now has four. The builder operated the mill from 1858 to the spring of 1880. when the present owner took charge. It is known as Oak Ridge Mill. in consequence of it being built on a ridge once thickly-covered with that stately forest tree. About 1834, John Johnson erected a saw-mill about five miles up Little Darby from Jefferson. and ran it about nine years. when John Byerly succeeded him, and operated the mill until about 1870, since which it has passed into utter oblivion.

In 1847, Charles Roberts erected a saw-mill on Little Darby, about one and a half miles below Jefferson, which has ceased to be operated. The year 1852 marks the time when George W Blair erected a saw-mill on Little Darby. five miles northwest of Jefferson. It was operated and did a large business for about twenty-five years. but in the meantime the building was once destroyed by fire and a new one erected.