810 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY,

CHAPTER XII.

SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP.

THIS township is bounded on the north by Pike and Monroe Townships, on the east by Monroe and Deer Creek, south by Union, and on the west by Champaign County. March 4, 1839, " ordered, by the Commissioners, that the following boundaries, which have heretofore been a part of Deer Creek Township, be organized as a new township, to be known and designated by the name of Somerford. to wit: Beginning at the southwest corner of Pike Township. in the line of Champaign County, thence with said line south three miles and two hundred poles to the corner between the county of Champaign and Clark, thence with the Clark County line south ten degrees west, six and a half miles to the north bank of Deer Creek, on Daniel Wilson's land; thence north seventy-seven degrees east, two and a half miles, crossing she creek and the Xenia road to a small jack oak and large burr oak on Chrisman's land; thence north sixty-eight degrees east, four miles and one hundred and eighty poles. crossing the Urbana road and Glade Run to two black oaks and two burr oaks near where George Frederick formerly lived, on A. Toland's land; thence north to the line of Monroe Township. on Schuyler Lewis' land: thence with the line of Monroe and Pike Townships north forty-six degrees west five miles to the beginning. March 20, 1840, " ordered, by the Commissioners of Madison County, that the line between the townships of Union and Somerford he so altered as to include Daniel Wilson and the land upon which he now lives into Union Township."

SURFACE. SOIL, ETC.

Throughout Madison County, there is much of a uniformity in the surface and soil of the different townships, and to a great extent the description of one is, with little variation, a representation of any other. Therefore, when we say the surface of this township is level, it is just what we have said of other townships The western portion of the township possesses the greatest altitude, as shown by its streams or creeks all flowing toward its eastern border. yet even this portion is level or slightly undulating. The soil is very rich and productive, and suitable to the raising of all kinds of grains, cereals and grass. the exuberance of the latter constituting it an excellent stock country. Along the creeks and the more flat portions of the township, the soil consists of a deep black loam, and the more undulating lands area mixture of loam and clay. The township is well watered by the creeks, which are fed by great numbers of beautiful springs, which dot the farms from one extreme to the other of the limited domain. Deer Creek, with its numerous branches, penetrates nearly all portions of the territory; George's Creek being the largest, which heads near the northwest corner of the township, and. coursing in a southeast direction, empties into the main creek, near the eastern border of the township. With all these beautiful springs and creeks, forming an ever-gushing supply of water together with its subsoil of clay, renders it proof against danger to its crops from an ordinary drought. This township, unlike many others of Madison

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County, was originally well timbered, having no prairies entirely destitute of trees; and it had a remarkable variety of timber, consisting of white, black, red and burr oak, elm, maple. locust, cherry, hickory, walnut and beech, of which the white and red oak were beautiful; and the cherry and walnut, of which, in an early day, vast quantities were cut down and burned in clearing up the land, if now in possession of the owners of the lands, would be a fortune to them. But the ruthless ax of the pioneer and the merciless torch have nearly obliterated those species from the face of her domain. It is evident. from the small streams, that we find no water-power of value, and the mills that now exist, or have existed in this township, have been run by steam power. and that the great efforts and interests of the people, with the natural advantages they possessed as above described, have been in agricultural pursuits.

PIONEERS.

To particularize the individual who first entered the vast wilderness that once existed in what now comprises the territory of Somerford Township is at this late day very difficult to do. but we have succeeded in obtaining the names of nearly fifty of the early settlers, and, as is usually the case in most new countries, we find they came in companies of several together, or at least several were found settled in the same neighborhood at about the same time.

The first settlement in this township was made in the eastern part, on or near Deer Creek. between the years of 1802 and 1805. In 1803-04, there came from Kentucky two brothers. Robert and John Scott, who probably located on what is now either the Richmond or Gwynne land, but of them we learn but little. Also, at about the same date, and from the same State, came Tobias Shields and two sons, John and Andrew, and located in the same vicinity. There were probably more of the family than these two sons, but if so, of them we learn nothing. After the organization of Madison County and of Deer Creek Township-the latter embracing a large scope of territory, including Somerford--we find John and Andrew Shields holding various offices of the township for several years. Tobias. the father, was a true backwoodsman, rough in his habits and nature; and was blind for thirty years before his death. About the same date, Charles Atchison, also from Kentucky. settled here, and proved a most worthy and useful citizen, and was probably the first Treasurer of the township after its erection. He also filled many other offices of the township. Daniel Ross was another pioneer settler of the same date. He had a large family of whom we find record of the following sons: Angus. David, John and Alexander. who were all more or less in the various offices of the township until 1836. And it is believed that, about that time or soon after, they left this county, emigrating to the West. (In 1805 came John Wilson. from Greenbrier County, Va., who, with John Arbuckle. erected a double log house, in which they both resided for sometime) He was one of the first Trustees, which office he filled four years in succession. About 1808-10, Gabriel Markle, a native of Maryland, emigrated to Ohio and settled in this township, on the place now owned by George Prugh. one mile north of the village of Somerford. on Deer Creek. Here he remained through life, and died about 1825. nearly eighty years of age. He was of German descent, a good, industrious man and a worthy citizen. He had four sons and nine daughters. who grew up and became worthy citizens, but are now all deceased. About 1811. Samuel Dickerson. a native of Virginia. settled here. He was a noted hunter, a good farmer and a respected citizen.

812 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

George Prugh was born in Maryland. but of German descent, and married Margaret Markle, a native of Maryland. and in 1812 emigrated to Ohio and settled in what was then Deer Creek Township (now Somerford). about one mile north of the village of Somerford. where they remained till their death. He died in 1841, and she in 1864. He was a very excellent citizen, and held the offices of Trustee, Treasurer and Justice of the Peace. Two of his sons, Samuel and G. W. Prugh. now quite advanced in years, are still residents of the township. and are most honored an respected citizens. The former was born in Maryland in 1811, and the latter in this township in 1810. William Pepper a native of Maryland, settled here on land now owned by Charles Mitchell about 1810-12, as we find by the township records. He was a Supervisor in 1812. John Summers, from Virginia, settled here about 1813; was a blacksmith by trade, and perhaps the first settled in this township.

(Shedrick Preston, from Greenbrier County. Va., settled on the tract of land purchased by John Arbuckle about 1812 or 1813, as in 1814 he served as Township Trustee. Subsequently he removed to the Big Sandy. since which nothing has been known of him.) Abner S. Williard was a native of Vermont. born in 1891. He emigrated first to Canada, thence to New York, and in 1812 came to Champaign County. Ohio. and in 1815 removed to Madison County, where he lived till his death. He married Hulda Colver, who was born on the banks of Lake Champaign, in New York, in 1790. They were married in Madison County in 1817. He died December 16, 1872. She died June 3, 1801. He was a man of undoubted character. and esteemed and respected by all who knew him. David Colver. a native of ermont, settled on land now owned by Reason Louck about 1815-16. In early life he was a sailor, and followed the sea. After settling here he remained till his death. He was an active, industrious man, a rood neighbor, and a firm Universalist in religious belief. He raised a large family, who are now all deceased.

John Barrett. a native of Maryland. was a brother-in-law of John Arbuckle, they having married sisters; came to Ohio soon after Mr. Arbuckle came. and settled on the same tract of land. and lived here till his death, dying with that prevalent yet much-dreaded disease, milk-sickness. He had six children but all have moved away and sought other homes. Jacob Steele settled where Rev. Overturf now lives about 1815. Thomas Taylor came from Chillicothe, Ohio, and settled on Deer Creek. near the grist-mill, about 1515, where he lived about five rears: thence he settled on the place now owned by Thomas Woosley, on the old Columbus & Springfield stage road, and there kept a tavern in an early day. He made good improvements; was an excellent and intelligent man, and a good citizen. He raised a family of six children, who all became honored and worthy members of society. Late in life, he moved to the village of Somerford, where he died at the age of about eighty years.

Valentine Wilson, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1780. with his father's family emigrated, in 1790, to Clark County. Ky., where he remained a citizen twelve years, and in the year 1802, emigrated to Ohio and settled on the head-waters of Beaver Creek, in Bath Township. county of Greene. In 1816, Mr. Wilson removed to Madison County and settled on the head waters of Deer Creek, on land still owned by Mrs. Wilson. his widow. He was married three times. and was the father of nineteen children. He was first married in 1806, to Eleanor Judy, by whom he had six children. She died on the 5th of September, 1818. In 1819, he married Mrs. Susanna

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Umble, who became the mother of four children. She died August 18, 1825. On June 18, 1827, he married for his third wife Miss Nancy Roberts, who became the mother of nine children. Of these nineteen children, all but one grew to maturity; and of the eighteen who arrived at maturity, all but one became heads of families. Mr. Wilson died July 2, 1855, on the farm where he first located in 1816. From a small beginning on 160 acres. bought of the man who had but recently entered it, with Congress scrip in the thirty-nine years of his after life he had accumulated nearly ten thousand acres of land, and died the wealthiest man in Madison County. It is believed he erected the first brick-yard ever in Madison County. John J. Roberts settled here about 1817. He was the successor of Gabriel Markel to the grist-mill on Deer Creek. He remained in this township till his death. Sutton Potee, a native of Baltimore, Md., emigrated. with his wife and three children, in the fall of 1817. to Ohio, and settled on the farm now owned by his son Gabriel, near the National road. on Deer Creek, Somerford Township, and here opened out right in the woods. He rented three or four years. then bought the place, and remained here till his death. He married Hannah Markle. by whom be had six children. All grew to maturity. four now living. Mr. Potee was a very active, stirring man. and devoted his whole business life to farming. He was cautious in all business transactions. of firm and undoubted character, and a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. with which he united when a young man.

William and Charles Soward, two brothers, settled on the James D. Statler land about 1817. The latter subsequently removed to Logan County. The former remained in this township through life. They were men of character and good business ability. William started in life poor, but became quite wealthy. Amos Howard was horn on Goose Island, in the Connecticut River. Grafton County. N. H.. April 9, 1775. He married Miran Mills, born March 18, 1774; were married :March 22, 1796. In 1808. removed to Virginia; in 1809, came down the Ohio River in a flat-boat and settled on the site where he died Amos Howard became a settler of the northwest part of Somerford Township about 1817-18 and lived and died there. He was burned to death about 1843. He came here a poor man, but, by industry and economy. and close application to his business, he accumulated a good competency. He had two daughters and one son. The daughters never married. but died single. and the son. Amos J.. and his children he possessed of all the property. Amos J. settled on the home place. and lived there through life. He died April 16, 1882. The Howard family have ever been known as most worthy and respected citizens. John Cory settled in the north part of the township about 1818, and served as a Justice of the Peace. Eli Williams a native of Virginia, settled on the D. Ward place about 1818-20.

Thomas Orpet. a native of Maryland. married a sister of George Prugh. and settled on Deer Creek. on land now owned by William Arbuckle, about 1818-19. Subsequently he bought seven acres near Mr. Gabriel Potee, where he died about 186. He was of German descent, uneducated, and would never educate his children, believing it dangerous and injurious to become educated. Erastus Hathaway, a native of New York. and a ship carpenter by trade. settled with his family on land now owned by Hiram Richmond. about 1818-20, and lived and died here. He purchased his land of John Caperton. a native of Virginia. who settled here about 1814, but who, about 1882. returned to his native State. Mr. Hathaway was a man

814 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

of character and ability, and served as Trustee and a Justice of the Peace. James and Dwyer Brown, two brothers. were natives of New York, but became residents of Somerford Township about 1818-20. James was born June 21, 1795. He first emigrated to Canada. and thence to Ohio. His wife. Mary Ann. was born in Virginia in 1803. They were married in Madison County. He died March 13, 1875. Dwyer Brown married a Miss McMullen, and subsequently moved West. Mr. James Brown was an excellent neighbor and citizen, a useful member of society, and was intrusted with many of the offices of the township. He raised a large family of children, who became useful members of society. and whose characters are above reproach.

Ansel Bates came to this township and settled just north of Tradersville. on land now owned by Thomas Bales, about 1818. He finally died in Champaign County. Of his children, we mention Asa Ansel. Elijah, William, Sylvanus and Zenas. The last two mentioned were twins. These sons for several years were quite prominent and well known in the affairs of the township, but finally they all emigrated to the West. William Scott settled near the Charles Rigdon place about 1820. He married Betsey Rigdon. Subsequently. he moved to Pekin, Ill., where he died. They were a good family and esteemed citizens. Charles Rigdon came here from Champaign County and settled about the same time 1820-21. Richard Baldwin, it is believed, came here from Chillicothe and settled on the Rigdon place, in Surveys 9,285 and 10,626 about 1820, where he resided till about 1837. He moved to Mechanicsburg. where he resided till death. He was one of this township's best citizens. and served as a Justice of the Peace several years. Samuel Houston was a native of Pennsylvania, and settled here about 1820. He married Elizabeth Arbuckle. by whom he had two children, deceased. He was an intelligent and well-educated man He taught school, and was Township Clerk, and resided here till his death. Michael Statler, a native of Virginia settled where his son now lives. on the Urbana road. about 1824, where he died about 1842. His wife survived him about thirty years. Mr. Statler was killed while cutting down a tree upon which another had lodged, which fell on him.

Luther Newcom, a Yankee. settled here about 1820, and was among the first teachers. William Harber. a native of Virginia. and the only surviving one of his father's family-who were all killed by the Indians when he was but a child, he having escaped by secreting himself in the tall grassgrew to manhood, married, and settled in the north part of this township about 1825. He raised a large family of children. but who, in after years. all moved away, since which nothing is known of them. Samuel Wilson came here from Paint Township. and settled in the west part of this township, in Survey 6,078. about 1825. but remained here only five years, when he removed to Illinois. where he died about 1872. He was a very moral and worthy citizen. and. while residing in Illinois, he became a devoted member and worker in the Methodist Church. William Kirkley settled in the north portion of the township, on land owned by Thomas Bales, about 1825-30. He died on the farm now owned by D. Ward. He married Mary Cowan. who was an excellent Christian woman. Peter Smith, a native of Clark County, Ohio. settled here about 1825. Subsequently he became quite noted as a school-teacher and as a literary man. He removed to Illinois about 1842. where, in 1880 he was killed by being run over by a train of cars. Samuel and John H. Kennedy. natives of Virginia. settled here quite early. probably about 1815-20. The latter became a prominent and useful

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PAGE 816 - R. M. JOHNSON

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citizen: was a Justice of the Peace forty years: also Probate Judge from 1864 to 1876.

Jonathan Markle, a brother of Gabriel Markle, it is supposed. came here and settled at the same time of his brother, and lived and died near where his son Philip now lives. Ezra Markle of same family, was also an early settler. and they were all worthy citizens, and among the true pioneers of this township. A few others who were here prior to 1830, we mention the following: John Nagley. Asa Owens, George Vance, Bennett Warren. Benjamin Hull. Levi Umble, John Osborn, John Groves, Henry Groves, Noah Marsh. Newman Mitchell, Joseph Geer, James Geer and John Osborn.

Still later from 1830 to 1840, we find the following settlers, who have been quite prominently connected with the growth and prosperity of the township: Gardner Lewis and his son, Schuyler, who were natives of New York. but settled here in 1830. He died in 1862. Mr. Schuyler Lewis is now one of the prominent and large landowners and stock-dealers of Madison County, and a Rood neighbor and respected citizen. Rev. Eli Adams, a native of Maryland. settled in the extreme west part of this township. where he died in 1870: was a most excellent man and minister of the Gospel. A. J. Clingan a native of Maryland, settled in Somerford in 1839 and has now resided here forty-three years; is a tailor by trade, which business he has followed many years. He has at different times had intrusted to his care all the important offices of the township, and is now a Justice of the Peace. John M. Houston. a native of Kentucky, emigrated to Clark County. Ohio. in 1814. where he married Maria E. Cartmell. a native of Clark County. They settled in this township in 1837; removed to London in January. 1877. where he died January 29, 1879. He served as a Justice of the Peace and as a Trustee of the township for several years. He was an active member of the Methodist Church. and a Steward in the same for many years.

Although the above may be an imperfect list of the pioneers or first settlers of Somerford Township. and some of the dates of their settlement may not be exact. yet we feel that at this distant day. with the limited sources at hand. the above is so complete as to give to the rising generations quite a comprehensive view in retrospect of the noble men and women who entered this then unbroken wilderness, braving all dangers of Indians and wild beasts. and the miasmas and malaria with which the atmosphere was then filled: baring the brawny arm to give the stroke of the ax to fell the mighty "kings of the forest:" living in the rude log structures called houses. with but little to wear and but little to eat. and that of the roughest kind and enduring trials and deprivations innumerable-and all this for what? That their descendants might see. possess and enjoy the beautiful homes and fine farms of the present day. with their attendant comfort And yet how comparatively few of the present generation have a true appreciation of the toils and labors of those devoted ancestors: And how many there are who take an interest in recording upon the pages of history their names and noble works to commemorate them and save them from an irretrievable oblivion.

ELECTIONS AND TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.

It appears that all records of elections of this township from its organization in 1839 up to 1858 are either lost or destroyed. From 1858 to 1875 we find the following officials duly elected:

Trustees--1858. James W. D. Statler. Alexander West and John B

818 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

Lauck; 1859, wanting: 1860. A. J. Kennedy, Alexander West and Washington Wilson; 1861, Alexander West. Washington Wilson and John H. Markle; 1862. Washington Wilson. Henry M. Comfort and John H. Markle; 1863, A. H. Lewis. A. J. Howard and Henry M. Comfort; 1864. Washington Wilson. William Allen and John M. Houston; 1865, Washington Wilson. John M. Houston and Gabriel Prugh; 1866, missing; 1867, Isaac Fox, John B. Lauck and G. M. Potee. 1808, W. Wilson, John B. Lauck and S. Kennedy: 1870. J. M. Williard, M. V. Fox and S. H. Markle. 1873, J. B. Lauck. J. M. Markle and George Prugh; 1874. George Prugh, G. Bales and J. W. Cartzdafner: 1882. William Seward, J. Potee and T. F. Lauck.

Assessors-1858. John H Kennedy: 1859. A. H. Lewis; 1860, J. M. Kirkley: 1861, Laban Guthrie: 1862. J. M. Kirkley: 1863. A. J. Kennedy: 1864, Laban J. Guthrie: 1865. N. M. Lauck; 1866. S. F. Saunders; 1867, T..1. Guthrie: 1S68. V. H. Prugh; 1870, Laban J. Guthrie; 1871. James Arbuckle: 1874. James Williard: 1875. Laban J. Guthrie: 1882, Harris P. Markle.

Treasurers-1858. A. H. Lewis; 1850, Clinton Taylor; 1860, George W. Prugh: 1863. J. V. Melvin; 1864, George W. Prugh: 1866. Washington Prugh; 1868. George W. Prugh: 1870. V. H. Prugh; and 1882, present incumbent. William Clingan.

Clerks-1858. A. S. Clingan: 1859. Elijah Hull; 1863, J. W. D. Statler; 1864, A. J. Clingan; 1870. James Arbuckle; 1872, Etherial Wilson: and 1882, D. W. Coberly. present incumbent.

Justices of the Peace-1859, Alexander West; 1860, E. Hull; 1861, A. J. Kennedy: 1864. Hamilton Wilson: 1867. A. J. Clingan; 1870, A. J. Clingan; 1871. Isaac Fox: 1873. William Soward; and 1882. A. J. Clingan. the present official.

Constables-James H. Palmer and Eli Williams. 1858; James H. Palmer and Argus W. Kirkley. 1859: A. W. Kirkley and J. D. Henderson, 1860-. James H. Guthrie and J. D. Hendeson. 1862; J. W. Geer and John West. 1863: John West and Sutton Potee. 1864; James H. Guthrie and A. J. Clingan. 1865: A. J. Clingan and Charles Yardly, 1866; Charles Yardly and F. M. Candler. 1867; Charles Yardly and John D. Henderson, 1868; George McCorkle and Jasper Candler. 1870; John Bigelow and David Lamplin. 1871: Jasper Candler and John Bigelow, 1872; James Dillow and John Bigelow. 1873: Andrew J. Clingan, 1875; and the present incumbent. George Barber and John Neer. for 1882.

SCHOOLS.

The early settlers of Somerford Township to a great extent were from Virginia and Kentucky. having been raised in those States, where slavery was a legal institution, and where there was no free school system and no encouragement or support given by their governments to the work of education: hence the masses of the people were generally uneducated, and among this class of honest. yet illiterate people were many who were dissatisfied with the institution of slavery and its incubus of ignorance, and were anxious to free their children and their posterity of their baneful effect. They learned of the rich and fertile soil of Ohio and its freedom from slavery and a flood of emigration set in. and these then Western wilds were rapidly peopled by these sturdy yeomanry. and Madison County and Somerford Township were the recipients of a goodly number of them. Here was the untutored savage, and the primitive wildness of all his surroundings and

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the white settler here stood as "master of the field." He felt the responsibility that rested upon him in the work before him, of preparing homes and creating political institutions, whose benign influences should bless his posterity for ages to come; and he fully realized his lack of education to till intelligently the various political offices of this new yet rapidly growing, country. Hence we find them early taking steps for the education of their children. There were no schoolhouses, and the first settlers were generally poor. and it was about as much as they could do at first to keep " body and soul together." But as soon as was possible. a few neighbors would unite in their efforts by each subscribing a certain amount toward hiring a teacher to hold school in one of their houses. a rude log cabin, where he would receive the children of said subscribers, and from the most primitive books teach them the first rudiments of an education. These first teachers were usually paid from $8 to $12 per month, and " boarded around." For many years schools were supported entirely by subscription. till finally the people saw a necessity of a public and general provision for educating the masses. As by the first process of supporting schools by subscription, many were too poor to contribute. and others were too ignorant or penurious. and hence the children of such were deprived of all advantages of schooling. So, through the legislative power of the State. laws were enacted and, from time to time. provisions made, until the present free school system of Ohio has been reached, and now no child is debarred from the privilege of attending school from six to twenty-one years of age.

(It is believed that the first school ever held in what is now Somerford Township was in the Arbuckle neighborhood.. The first house erected for school purposes was about 1818. when a round-log, house was built on the place now owned by C. Arbuckle. This was of the most primitive kind, with greased paper for windows. This house was succeeded by several others, each a little better constructed than its predecessor, till about 1850 a next and comfortable frame house was erected near where the present house stands. ) This frame house was occupied till about 1872 when the present brick house was erected. This is known as District -No. 3. It now enumerates thirty-six scholars. Present Board of Directors: Martin Gowens. M. Goodyear and -- Gardner. Another early established school was the one in Mr. Potee's neighborhood. The first session of school held here was about the year 1823, which was in an old round-log house, built by Mr. Umble for a dwelling. About 1825, a good hewed-log house was erected on the northwest corner of Valentine Wilson's farm. for school purposes. which remained in use for at least fifteen years, when it was burned down. Then another hewed-log house was erected on the same farm. which had been built for the purpose of a church. but was never used but little as such. and was appropriated for school purposes. and remained in use as such till 1859. when a frame house was erected on M . Potee's land, which was used till 1873, when the present neat brick house was erected. The present Board of Directors are James Prugh, William Tingly and Philip Markle.

The above schools in Districts No. 3 and 4 are an illustration of the beginning and progress of the schools of the township from its first settlement down to the present time. Now the township has six good school-houses-four brick and two frame. The schoolhouse at Somerford is a two story brick, having one room above and one below. It was erected in 1872. This had been preceded by two frame houses, the last of which was built in 1870 and in two years after caught fire and burned down, and then the

820 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

above-mentioned brick house was erected. Present Board of Directors are Dr. E. G. Kieffer. M. V. Fauver and James Arbuckle.

This township can now compare favorably with any other in the county in the quality of her schoolhouses, and in the condition and progress of her schools. And what a contrast in the school privileges of to-day and those of seventy-five years ago! It would be useless to attempt to portray it: language is inadequate to express it. and the minds of the rising generation can but imperfectly realize it. Then the child had to go miles through the woods, and over almost impassable mud roads; enter a rough log schoolhouse: sit upon a slab seat: warm before a fire-place which occupied all one end of the house. where were piled logs which it took two or three big boys to roll in: learn what little he could from the simple and primitive books of that day: all that was his privilege. just for a few days in the winter, when his father had nothing for him to do at home, or when the weather was so bad and inclement that it was impossible to work out of doors. And further, if in participating in the above the child's conduct or behavior did not come up to the standard which the teacher thought it ought to. he had the sure privilege of a thorough application of a goad hickory switch. which were then very plentiful. and in the dextrous use of which the schoolmaster of that day was very proficient. The child of to-day has a fine brick schoolhouse near his father's fine residence. or but a short distance from it. over a solid gravel road. where he enters and en joys the finest of furniture. and the room heated by a good coal stove to any degree of comfort: has the best improved books, from which the lessons are explained and illustrated by charts. maps, globes and other apparatus to elucidate and make clear to the mind of each child the subject of the lesson, And not only this, but these privileges are extended to him from six to nine months every year. The rod is seldom used by the teacher of today. He studies the mind of his pupil. understands his nature• gains his confidence and controls him by love. Truly. the child of to-clay, as compared with that of seventy-five years ago. lives in a golden age.

CHURCHES.

The political philosopher recognizes our schools and free school system as the bulwark of the nation, but the young mind as well as the more mature. must be molded and tempered by the Divine Instructor in order that the great power given by the acquired intelligence obtained by our grand educational institutions may he rightly directed so as to promote the greatest interests of our people and nation, to make them truly great and happy. And from the earliest dawn of our nation created by the wisdom courage and intellect of our forefathers has been recognized the value and imperative necessity of churches, that their benign power and influence may hand in hand with all intelligence and progress: being to the intellect as the governor to an engine. or the rudder to the vessel, to direct and control. The pioneers of this township realized this fact, and they early proceeded to organize churches.

The first church organized in this township was by the Methodists, about 1828, at the house of Charles Soward• by Rev. James B. Austin. with the following members: Sutton Potee. Charles Soward. Joshua Davis and Samuel Wilson, with their wives. with Sutton Potee as Class-Leader. About 1834. the organization changed the place of holding their meetings to Somerford. and their services were held in private houses and in the schoolhouses till about 1843-44. when a brick house was erected in the east

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part of the town. There services were held till in the fall of 1873 when they tore down the church, and the brick were used to help build the present house, which is located in the western part of the village, at a cost of about $1,700. This house was dedicated to service by Rev. Granville Moody on October 25, 1874. This church has had its times of prosperity and its times of waning. At the present time it is enjoying a fair degree of prosperity, and the prospects for its future growth and usefulness are quite promising. The membership is now about fifty, with Rev. J. F. Lewis as their minister, and Mr. Hughs as Class-Leader.

Fletcher East or Tradersville M. E. Church was organized in the schoolhouse it is believed about 1838. Among the first members who organized a class were Moses Bales, Rev. Eli Adams, Mr. Geer, Isaac Newman, Charles Rigdon, William Davidson, and their wives; also Edwin West and his wife, Margaret, and daughter. About 1843-44, they erected a frame house, in which services were held for many years. In 1873, the present house-frame-was erected, at a cost of about $2,200. The church at one time was quite large in membership, and prosperous, but in later years has decreased very much by many moving away. and others by death. Its membership now numbers about seventeen, 'with Reason Lauck as Class Leader and J. H. Davis as minister. Some of the first or early ministers of this church were Revs. Eli Adams, George Boucher, Cherry, Conrey, Ellsworth, Williams. Keck, Jackson, Fiddler. Hull, Havens and Smith. .

The Christian Church at Somerford.-This church was organized May 1, 1847 by Daniel Sommers and John Simmerman, with six members, as follows: Daniel Sommers and his wife. Rachel Sommers; John Simmerman and his wife, Martha Simmerman; John Bradley and his wife, Judv Bradley-who covenanted to take the Holy Scriptures as a sufficient rule of faith and practice. and Christian as the only name for the followers of Christ. The church, since its organization, has been administered to by the following ministers: Daniel Sommers and John Simmerman officiated jointly for two years, with but three additions to the church. The second to fill the pastoral office was Samuel Wilson, who filled the pulpit for four years, and under whose services there were added to the church sixty-five members. The third to preach to this people was C. A. Morse. who labored three years, and received thirty-five members. Daniel Griffin was the fourth pastor. who served the church eight years, during which period were added to the church 125. The next to administer to the church was William S. Manville, who filled the pulpit two years, and added forty-two. The sixth and last, who has faithfully labored for a period of sixteen years to shed abroad the light of the Gospel to this people is Rev. W. M. Overturf, and who has during this time been permitted to extend the hand of fellowship to 320, and welcome them to the household of faith. Thus, since the organization of the church, there have been added about six hundred members. Although the church. when organized, was weak in numbers. and for two or :tree years labored under discouraging circumstances, having no place to meet but in the schoolhouse. yet their faith was strong, believing the promise of the Divine Master that " where two or three are gathered together in my name, there will I be in the midst of them." The promise was verified. In 1850, their church edifice was erected. and the little band had a home and a place to worship. The light of divine truth began to prevail. and. under the earnest labors of Rev. Samuel Wilson. many were added to the church: and since that time the lights and shades have come and gone. and, like all organizations, they have had their seasons of prosperity and

822 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

discouragements, but its growth has been steady and substantial. and at the present time (1882) the church has enrolled 135 members.

CEMETERIES.

Most of the burying-places of this township are old family grounds for interment, established by the first settlers, some of which have been fenced in and carefully preserved. while some have become entirely obliterated. the grounds now being in the open pasture field, and not a mark or vestige , of anything left to inform the passer-by that there. underneath the sod, lie the remains of all that was mortal of many a noble sire.

One early burying-ground and perhaps the first place in the township used for interring the dead. is situated on the old Arbuckle place. when their family and many of the neighborhood. probably several hundred bodies, have been placed in their silent graves. This cemetery is well fenced. and will remain cared for and preserved as long as the descendants of the Arbuckle family reside in the vicinity. Another burying-place of the early settlers was located on the Gwynne land. but it is now all in open pasture. There is one located on the Stateler farm. one near the grist-mill. and 'ins at Somerford. Although there were some other places scattered hero and there over the township in early days. Yet those noted above appear to have been the principal places of burial.

MILLS.

There have been but few mills of any permanency in Somerford Township. Although in early times there were a few rudely constructed sawmills, run by water from the small creeks, which only remained in existence a short time: and later, some portable steam mills have been in use, and moved from point to point as temporary necessity required. Yet there has been and is but one mill of any permanency. and that is the one now owned by John Cartzdafner, situated about three-quarters of a mile northwest of Somerford. At this place. about 1514, Gabriel Markle erected a saw-mill run by water, and, a year or two later, he erected a grist-mill. This mill he continued to run about ten years. when he was succeeded by John Roberts, who conducted business there several years. since which it was in the ownership of several different persons. It was finally destroyed by fire while in the ownership of James Smith. who again rebuilt it. At one time. this mill did quite an extensive business, and was a great convenience to this neighborhood as prior to its erection the people were compelled to go many miles, over almost impassable mud roads, to have grinding done. Soon after the war of the rebellion, this mill was purchased by John Cartzdafner. who has continued to run the mill to the present time.

TOWNS.

In 1836-37 was constructed, by the General Government of the United States, one of the greatest improvements of that day and age- the National road. This road passed through the southern portion of Somerford Township, from east to west, and here, as in Deer Creek Township and elsewhere all along its line. from the immense travel and business over it, sprang up almost innumerable hotels or places of public entertainment. There was prior to the commencement of this road, no town or village within the territory now embraced in Somerford Township. In 1'336, Joseph Chrisman surveyed and laid off some lots and started a town, which was named Somerford. Mr. Chrisman kept the first tavern, and also opened

SOMERFORD TOWNSHIP. - 823

the first store. The first Postmaster was William Eaton. Mr. Weeds was the first toll-gate keeper, just below Somerford, and then Mr. Smith, at Somerford, received the office. The first physicians were Drs. Putnam and Craun. The town is now a pretty country village. with the following business places: W. L. Clingan. dealer in dry goods. M. V. Fauver, groceries; J. A., Evans. groceries; Henry Bunton. blacksmith: John Neer. blacksmith; W. M. Evans. hotel; E. G. Keiffer, physician: and M L. Sprague. physician. It has two churches, one schoolhouse. brick, with two rooms Or apartments, and a brick town hall, erected in 1877 at a cost of S2,600. About five miles north of Somerford is located a small hamlet known as Tradersville. This contains about half a dozen houses, with one small store and one church. These comprise the towns of Somerford Township.

SECRET SOCIETIES.

On May 10, 1871, the Grand Lodge I. O.O. F. of the State of Ohio granted a warrant and dispensation to the following persons and their successor legally and duly elected to constitute a lodge to be known by the title of Somerford Lodge. No. 481. I. O. O. F.: V . H Prugh, T. F. Prugh, James W. D. Statler, H. P. Markle, H. H. Harris. William Harris. A. T. Prugh. Patrick Powers. Newton Potee, David Bales. F. M. Candler. S. F. Saunders Jackson Wilson and Alexander Wilson. On July 15, 1871. the lodge way duly instituted by Rodney Foos. P. G., Special Deputy. with the following charter members: V. H. Prugh. Jackson Wilson, T. F. Prugh. Alexander Wilson. Patrick Powers. A. T. Prugh. William Harris, H. P. Markle, H. H. Harris, J. W. D. Stateler, David Bales, F. M. Candler. Newton Potee, S. F. Saunders. John Furrow, Oscar Dickison. and Joseph Ward; with the following officers duly elected and installed: James W. D. Statler. N. G.: V. H. Prugh. V. G.: H. P. Markle. Secretary; A. T. Prugh. Permanent Secretary: David Bales, Treasurer. The present membership (October. 1882) is seventy-six, officered as follows. Thomas Cornwell, N. G.: George Barber. V. G.: C. G. Markle, Secretary: C. E. Arbuckle, Permanent Secretary: W. L.. Clingan. Treasurer.

Somerford Division. No. 80. Sons of Temperance, was duly instituted October 21, 1881, with the following charter members: Delia Arbuckle. Emma Eckles. Hamilton Orpitt, M. C.. Sprague, S. T. Holland. Anna Fawver. Charles Prugh. Emma Stanford. Annie Snediker. John Turner. Mrs. Josie Prugh, Francis Stanley, Mrs. R. Dayton. S. A. Holland. Claudius Potee, Charles Wilson. N. B. Wilson. Mrs. Jane Overturf, A. G. Cartzdafner, Hannah Geer, Jennie Potee, Mary Arbuckle, Addie Cartzdafner, O. A. McCauley. Avrill Potee, Minnie Payne. S. M. Holland. Mary McCauley, Granville Potee, W. L. Clingan, Jonathan Geer, Elmer Overturf. Elmer Rodgers, Jacob Wilson. Joseph Eckles and Amanda Holland. E. J. Morris. G. S. ; J. P. W intermule, G. W. P. The following officers were elected : M. C. Sprague. W. P.: Emma Eckles. T. W. P.: Delia Arbuckle. W. A.: Silas Holland, R. S.: Addie Snediker. A. R. S : A. G. Cartzdafner. F. S.: W. L. Clingan, Treasurer: S. M. Holland. C.: Minnie Payne. A. C.: Addie Cartzdafner. I. S.: and Hamilton Orpitt. O. S.

The present membership (October, 1882) is fifty-six. officered as follows: A. G. Cartzdafner, W. P.: D. W. Coberly, P. W. P.. Ida Snediker. W. A.; James H. Clingan. R. S.: Addie Cartzdafner. A. R. S.; Byron Cartzdafner. F. S.: W. L. Clingan. Treasurer; Hannah Overturf. Chaplain: M. C. Sprague. Conductor; Delia Arbuckle. A. C.: A. Potee. I. S.: and K. T. Markle. O. 5.