710 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

CHAPTER VI.
STOKES TOWNSHIP.

THIS township is situated in the extreme southwest corner of Madison County, and is bounded on the north by Clark County and Paint Township, on the east by Range Township, south by Fayette County, and on the west by Greene County. It is one of the original townships of Madison County. The records give its erection as follows: "April 30, 1810, Ordered that all that tract of country contained in the following boundary be and the same is hereby laid out into a separate township to be known by the name of Stokes, and is bounded as follows, viz.: Beginning at the southeast corner of Champaign County, and running in a southeast direction, on the north side of Big Prairie, east of John Mozer's, to the head of the East Fork of Paint Creek, and with the said East Fork, including the inhabitants on each side of said fork, to the Fayette County line; thence west to the corner of Greene County; thence with Greene County line to Champaign County line; thence with said line to the place of beginning; by order of the board." In the erection of Clark County in 1817, some of the territory included within the above-described boundaries as forming Stokes Township was cut off and taken into that county. The township elections in 1810 were held, by order of the Associate Judges of Madison County, at the house of P. Cutright. On June 11, 1810, the Commissioners " ordered that the rate of a license for a tavern in Stokes Township shall be $5 for the present year." In 1811, it was made $4. In 1853. Paint Town ship was erected, and a part of the above-described territory embraced in Stokes Township was taken to form a part of that township.

SURFACE, SOIL. ETC.

The surface of this township is generally level, with in some parts slight undulations, especially along the creeks, as there are no large streams within her boundaries. The lands have a gentle or gradual slope from her northern to her southern boundary, such that all the creeks flow from the north to the south. The soil is rich and very productive, and all the flat and more level portions are composed of a rich black loam, while the undulations and higher portions are a loam and clay, the whole underlaid with a stratum of clay, and this again with a limestone gravel. The township is generally well watered, and, with her clay subsoil, seldom suffers with drought. In her primitive conditions, as the first settlers found it, there were many acres of low. level portions in prairie. destitute of trees and covered with sedge, often six to eight feet high. Other portions were sparsely covered with trees, with a thick undergrowth of hazel brush. The timbered portions consisted principally of the various species of oak-white, black red and burr oak-with some elm. walnut, hickory and maple. white and burr oak predominating.

As stated above, the surface slopes to the south, constituting a slightly inclined plane from its northern to its southern boundary, such that the

STOKES TOWNSHIP. - 711

streams and creeks all flow southward, the principal of which are as follows: Paint Creek. the largest of her streams, enters the township from the north, passing through the Linson and Selsor lands in Surveys 5,781 and 3,983, and flows in a zigzag southern course entirely through the township, leaving it near the middle of the M. Bailey land, at a point almost due south from its place of entry into the township, and flows on through Fayette and Ross Counties, emptying into the Scioto River. just below Chillicothe. This stream is fed by a number of fine springs along its course. which, with the main creek, afford tine water for stock purposes; and we may add that the greater portion of the laud along this stream in its course through Stokes Township. embracing several thousand acres. was formerly owned by the Selsor and Slaughter families. two well-known and extensive stock-dealers of Madison County. The seconi stream in size is Sugar Creek. which enters the township from the north, and flows directly south through the center of the township into Fayette County. In the western part of the township are two small creeks, the first flowing southward through the township, a little west of the village of South Solon, and on through Fayette County. and empties into Rattlesnake Creek, of which it is a branch. The other passes through the western portion of the township, and, taking a southwest course, enters Greene County, and finally empties into the Little Miami River. These streams, located and distributed as they are through the township, give excellent opportunities for ditching and draining the lands, and, with the general richness and productiveness of the soil. constitutes them among the best lands of Madison County, or of the State.

The above-mentioned creeks are too small to afford any good water power for mills or manufacturing purposes, but, as described above, are of great value, and give to Stokes a prestige as an agricultural township.

PIONEERS.

Isaac Hudson. who, in 1802, located where John Murray now lives, is believed to have been the first white settler within the precincts of Stokes Township, and it was at his house that the surveyors and Commissioners met preparatory to establishing permanently the boundary line between Greene and Madison Counties. This was in September, 1810. It appears he did not remain a resident here long after this, but removed to near Vincennes, Ind.. where, during the war, he was killed by the Indians. He was a son of Skinner Hudson, a native of England, but who, while young, left his native land. emigrating to America. and became an early settler in Kentucky, and in 1804 came to Madison County, Ohio. and settled with his son Isaac, who preceded him two years previous and here he remained till his death, and was buried in the family burying-ground. given and established by himself. This family met with all the trials and dangers of the wilderness. This was a regular camping-ground of the Indians for several years. John K. and Austin, two sons of Skinner Hudson, were reared and grew to manhood in this township. The former was born in Kentucky in 1799, and came with his father to this township. He married Hannah Mahaffey, a native of Adams County, Ohio. They had twelve children. five now living. John K. owned 266 acres of land, a part of which is the site of the village of South Solon, which Mr. Hudson and Mr. Douglass laid out in 1833. Mr. Hudson was a man of undoubted character. and an active useful and worthy citizen. And of the Hudson family, while we speak of them as the first to penetrate the wilds of Stokes Township, we may add that they were ever first and foremost in the improvements and progress of

712 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

the country, in the promotion of morals, education and Christianity. They were ever hospitable, kind-hearted and good neighbors, just such persons as were needed tie open out a new country, and lay the foundation of true principles to make the country prosperous and happy. John K. Hudson died in 1872.

James Curry, a native of Pennsylvania, married Isabel Roland and emigrated tie Ohio. and settled in Stokes Township. on land now owned by John S. Moon. in 1805. He remained a citizen here through life. and was the father of eight children, of whom only one survives-William. now a resident of South Solon. Of his children who are deceased. Harrison was born in Stokes Township in 1816, and here grew to manhood under the sturdy influences of pioneer life. He married Sarah Mahaffey and raised one child, who is now the wife of Milton Marsh, Postmaster at South Solon. Mr. Curry was quite prominent in the political affairs of the township. and held several offices; served as a Justice of the Peace twenty-one years. He died April 21, 1871. John Kelso settled on the tract of land where Jacob Smith now lived in 1808, but we learn no particulars connected with his future life from that date. Noble Ladd settled on Skinner Hudson's land about. 1808. Andrew Rea, a native of Virginia, became a settler of Stokes Township about 1808 or 1810, and located on land now owned by the Gordons. He had a large family of children, of whom were William, Robert, Thomas. James and Jessie.

John Moon, a native of North Carolina, emigrated to Ohio, making the entire journey in a wagon, and settled on land in the north part of Fayette County. near the Madison County and Stokes Township line, in 1808, where he remained till his death. He was the father of tun children, of whom three now survive--John L., a resident of Stokes Township; Simon. a resident of Fayette County, Ohio; and Jane, now a resident of the State of Illinois. Of the deceased of this family, Aaron married Rosanna Powell, and settled on the place now owned by Lewis Bozarth about 130, and here resided till his death, in the summer of 1865. He was a man very highly esteemed and respected, and a leading and reliable man of this community. He served as Township Trustee for twenty-five years. and as Treasurer twenty-six years. Jonathan, the second son. married Catharine Davis, and settled on land near his father. In 1837, he sold out and moved to Illinois In 1841. he returned to Fayette County, and in 1844 purchased the farm adjoining William Thomas, where he resided till 1878 and then removed to South Solon, where he died May 29, 1881, in the eightieth year of his age. He was also a man of more than ordinary merit, very upright in all his dealings, just and charitable tie all and a most worthy and useful citizen of the community where he lived. He held the office of Trustee twenty-three years. He was a worthy member of the society of Friends, as were the Moon family generally His widow still survives, and resides in South Solon, aced eighty-one years. Jams Moon was the third child of John Moon, and settled in this township prior to his brother Aaron, locating on the farm which he subsequently sold to Aaron. and about 1835 removed to the State of Indiana, where he died. Enoch Moon. a fourth son. and brother of the above, settled in this township and resided here several years. thence moved to Indiana and died in that State.

Samuel Herrod was born in 1776, and became an early settler of Greene County, Ohio. He was married in 1810. His wife, Hart', was born in 1790, and they settled in this county and township about 1814 or 1815, sharing the labors and trials of the early settlers. He died in 1857, and

STORES TOWNSHIP. - 713

his wife in 1866. He became quite a large land-owner, and his sons still larger. Samuel Hornbeck, a native of Bourbon County, Ky., became a settler in this township, on the land now owned by H. Bateman, about 1815 or 1816 and remained a resident of this township till his death, July 26, 1888. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. They had fifteen children. Ten grew to maturity--five sons and five daughters-of whom only two now survive-Nancy. now Mrs. Moon, who resides in Fayette County; and Samuel. a resident. of South Solon. Jacob Selsor was born in Virginia, and, when but a boy, came to Ohio and settled in Stokes Township about 1815 or 1820. and here married Elizabeth McHenry, who was born in Kentucky. He died in 1842, and his wife in 1864. Of their children, and a much-respected neighbor and citizen is Christopher Selsor, who was born in this township. and still resides here. Christian Selsor also settled here about the same time, and was well known in early years, and hold many of the offices of the township. and sustained well the general reputation of the Selsor family.

David Selsor was born in Virginia in 1806, a son of John and Mary Selsor, who were also natives of Virginia. and emigrated to Ohio when David was but a boy, probably about 1815 or 1816, and settled here in this township. where they remained till their death. David, when but a boy of sixteen, commenced his career as a farmer and stock dealer, exhibiting in his boyhood days that aptness and shrewdness as a trading man and financier which in after years. won for him wealth and laurels, and who was known from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean as one of the largest stockdealers of Ohio, and perhaps second to none for fine-blooded stock. At the time of his death, January 12. 1882, he owned nearly three thousand acres of land. on whose broad acres roamed a large amount of stock, much of which were of the finest breed,, of blooded animals. In the summer of 1882, after his death. this stock was sold at public sale and prominent fine -dock dealers from various States of the Union and from Canada came to make purchases. Mr. Selsor's career as a business man was a remarkable one. While politicians have sought for honors in the great battles of the political field and only a few have been able to reach the pinnacle of fame: and while professional men have delved deep into the labyrinths of science endeavoring to bring forth some new fact or principle which shall bless mankind and thus establish for them an undying reputation-here we see an example in the common occupation of a farmer and stock-dealer, one who has gained an exalted position. and inscribed his name upon the highest battlement of success. and, like the names of all who have arisen to distinction, whether politically, professionally or otherwise will be indelibly written upon the pages of history and be read and known in- generations yet unborn. Stokes Township can thus claim a prestige for being the home of this noted and remarkably man

George Linson was born in Virginia January 7, 1790: married Elizabeth Hutsinpillar who was born December 24. 1792. They emigrated to Ohio and settled in Stokes Township about 1815, where they resided till their death. Mrs. Linson died in June, 1845. Mr. Linson died in April. 1855. Mr. Linson came to this county when it was new and almost a wilderness, and bore a good share of privations, but became possessed of a tine farm and a large competency; was a man of undoubted character, and a highly respected neighbor and citizen. They raised a family of children, who grew up and became prosperous and honored citizens. Two of their sons reside in Paint Township. where then own large and valuable farms.

714 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

Isaac McHenry, a native of Kentucky, born June 4, 1801; he married Christina Selsor. who was born in Virginia. Mr. McHenry came to Stokes Township when a boy, probably about 1816 or 1818, and was married hare. His wife died in 1S32. He married for his second wife Miss Nancy Flood, who survived him. He died in 1874. William. his son, who was born in this township in l825, still resides here, an honored and respected citizen. who has here spent his entire life. Mr. Burley was an early settler in this township. on land now owned by S. H. Smith. in the South part of South Solon. The exact date of his locating here cannot now be ascertained, but he kept a hotel at quite an early day. He came here from North Carolina.

Joseph Thomas, a native of North Carolina. settled in Paint Township. on land now owned by Mrs. Huffman. probably in 1813 to 1818. He was generally better known as the "White Pilgrim." He made the journey from North Carolina on foot. and soon after returned to his native State and married a Miss Ridenhour. and brought her to his new home in the east part of Stokes Township. He was a preacher in the Christian Church. and. shortly after locating here, had preaching at his house, and soon organized a church, of which he was pastor for several years. He also traveled and preached at many other places over the surrounding country, and was one of the ablest defenders of the faith and doctrines of that church ever iii this section of the county. He was also an active worker and a prominent man in the Masonic order, and was finally sent into the Eastern States to travel in the interests of that order. and while there took the small-pox, with which he died. Subsequently, some minister of that denomination visited his grave, and wrote and published a very expressive and beautiful hymn on his life and character. Two of his children now reside in Yellow Springs. Greene Co., Ohio-Caleb and Mrs. Carr. whose son is the proprietor of the large nursery at that place.

Lot Bozarth, a native of Virginia, was born in 1792 and emigrated to Ohio and became quite an early settler of Stokes Township, on the land where his son Lewis still resides. Here he married Nancy Rea, who was born in Maryland in 1802. Subsequently. they moved to White County. Ind.. and resided a few years, then returned to Stokes Township. and here remained till their death. He died April 7, 1872, and his wife March 12, 1878. Mr. Bozarth was a kind neighbor, and a good citizen, and held several of the offices of his township. The above may truly he called the pioneers of Stokes Township, all being settlers here prior to 1820. Many others who settled here later perhaps did as much pioneer work and endured as many trials as some who came earlier, and deserve a record of their lives in the history of the county equally as much as they. and we will now record some of them, with their families.

EARLY SETTLERS.

Jessie Pancake was born in Virginia in 1801. He emigrated to Ohio and settled in Ross County in 1812: thence, about 1820 or soon after located in this county, in Stokes Township. where he married Martha Cooper. who was born in this county in 1814, of a true pioneer family. Mr. Pancake spent his life here, and became one of the honored and well-known citizens of this township, and held many of its offices, and was a most worthy citizen. His wife died in 1839, just in the bloom of womanhood. He died in 1877. He made farming his business through life, and became owner of 1,200 acres of good land. His son John resides in Stokes Township, and is a large and respected farmer, owning 700 acre of land. Thom-

PAGE 715 - BLANK

PAGE 716 - PICTURE OF JOHN PRICE

STOKES TOWNSHIP. - 717

as Cooper, a native or North Carolina, whom we have here placed among the list of early settlers, we believe to have been a pioneer, and perhaps settled here as early as 1810 or 1812, and should have been classed with the pioneers, but. from lack of certainty about the date of his locating, we have placed his record here. We find he located on land now owned by John Pancake and Mr. Slaughter. He was a man possessed of a very limited education, but of a sprightly, active mind and good business tact, but died early in life, yet owned about one thousand acres of land, and doubtless. had he lived, would have become wealthy. He died about 1840.

Peter Slaughter. a native of Virginia. emigrated to Highland County, Ohio, in an early day; about 1820-25. removed to this county and settled in Stokes Township, on Paint Creek, where he resided till his death in the fall of 1864. He married Elizabeth Cooper, by whom he had eleven children. Ten grew to maturity, and four now survive-Mary, Abigail. Matilda and Nancy. The last three reside on the old homestead place. Mary resides in Illinois. Mr. Slaughter married for his second wife Anna E. Lynch, by whorl he had three children, one now living-Henrietta. Mr. Slaughter commenced life in very limited circumstances, but was possessed of a business tact, of mind, full of energy and activity; entered largely the stock business, and became one of the largest stock-dealers of the county, and was well known in others as well as in Madison County. He probably bought and sold one thousand head of cattle yearly. In an early day, he took many large droves of cattle over the mountains to Lancaster. Penn. He was a man who loved hunting, and enjoyed life well. He was soon possessed of an extensive acquaintance and an unlimited credit, which he maintained through life, and died wealthy, owning 3,000 acres of land.

Moses Thomas was a native of North Carolina, and married Catharine Williams, a native of Virginia: were married in the latter State, and emigrated to Fayette County, Ohio, in 1825, and soon after to Madison County and settled in Stokes Township, where they remained till death. Two of their sons, Benjamin and William, have remained residents of this town. ship, and are among its most prominent and reliable farmers: have held many of the offices of the township, and are highly respected citizens. William Cooper, a native of North Carolina, emigrated to Fayette County. Ohio. when a young single man, and in 1828 married Elizabeth Merriman and settled in Stokes Township. where he has spent his life, and is an upright and honored citizen of the community. His wife died in 1865. Jacob Smith was the eldest of six children of Mathias and Margaret Smith, who emigrated to Cincinnati in 1806, and in 1807 removed to Greene County and settled on Beaver Creek where they died. Jacob was born in Maryland in 1803, and was reared in Greene County, Ohio, and married Amanda Herrod. settled In Stokes Township. this county, in 1836, on the place now owned by Mr. Clemons. Here he opened out in the woods. and has performed his full share in the improvement of the country. The west and north part of the village of South Solon is built on hi land. He is now quite aged having resided in this township fifty-six years. and is an honored and respected citizen. Joel Ervin born in Ohio in 1811. settled in this township in 1830-35.

TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.

We can find no records of elections of the township earlier than 1833: therefore. commencing with that date, we give the following list of officers:

Trustees-1833, Christian Selsor, Aaron Moon and Ross Rowand; 1835. Ross Rowand. Aaron Moon and Jacob Smith: 1836. Richard King,

718 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

Jacob Smith and Aaron Moon: 1837-39. Richard King, Aaron Moon and Jesse Pancake: 1840-41, Aaron Moon. Joseph Hunt and Samuel Hornbeck; 1842. Lot Bozarth, Aaron Moon and Samuel Hornbeck; 1844-45. Jesse Pancake, Aaron Moon and Lot Bozarth; 1846. Aaron Moon. Jesse Pancake and James Hornbeck; 1847-53, Aaron Moon. Jonathan Moon and James Hornbeck: 1854-55, Jonathan Moon, James Hornbeck and D. Elder Johnson; 1856, D. Elder Johnson, Aaron Moon and Jonathan Moon; 1837-58, Aaron Moon. Jacob Smith and Jonathan Moon; 1859, Aaron Moon. Jonathan Moon and Richard Whiteman; 1860, Jonathan Moon, James Hornbeck and Richard Whiteman; 1861. Samuel Griffith. Richard Whiteman and Andrew Gordon; 1862. Jonathan Moon, James Hornbeck and Samuel Griffith; 1863, Jonathan Moon, Jackson Brock and Samuel Griffith; 1864-67, Giles Gordon. Jonathan Moon and Samuel Griffith; 1868, Jonathan Moon. John L. Moon and John Pancake: 1869-70. Jonathan Moon, Giles Gordon and Jackson Brock ; 1872, Jackson Brock, Samuel L. Griffith and William Thornton: 1872, William Thornton, J. C. Hays and J. M. Lucas; and the present incumbents in the office. 1832, are John M. Lucas. James K. Brock and A. H. Baughn.

Clerks-1833. Samuel Harvey; 1834. Isaac Harrow; 1835-42, James Thomas; 1843-45. Hugh Orr: 1846-54, James Thomas; 1855-57. C. E. Chaney: 1858-59, Hugh Orr; 1860-61. J. Mack Lucas; 1862-63, Owen Garlough: 1864-65. Harrison Hardacre: 1866-70. John D. Moon: 1871-72, T. S. Cooper. The present Clerk now in office. 1882. is T. S. Cooper

Treasurers-1833-54, Aaron Moon: 1855-60, William Thomas: 1861-65, Aaron Moon; 1866, J. J. Hudson: 1867-70. John Paulina 1871-72. J. M. Lucas: and the one now serving, 1882, is L. C. Brock.

Justices of the Peace-1833. Christian Selsor; 1835. Richard King; 1836, Joseph Hunt: 1838. Richard King; 1839, Joseph Hunt: 1844. Stephen Maxey; 1846. James Kilgore: 1858, Harrison Curry; 1860, William J. Bonham: 1861. John M. Lucas.

Assessors--1843-62, Benjamin Thomas: 1863-71, James Hornbeck; 1872. Benjamin Thomas; 1882. Moses Thomas.

Constables-1833, Samuel Messmore and David Williamson: 1834, Isaac Harrow and Aaron Moon; 1835. Harrison Curry and Samuel Messmore; 1836. Bushrod W. Mason and 1837. Hiram Hougham and George W. King; 1838, Harrison Curry and William Chappell: 1839. John Glenn: 1843. Thomas McIntire and Hugh Orr: and present ones in office (1882) are Milton Marsh and George Mahoy.

Supervisors--1833. Christian Selsor, John Hudson and James Hornbeck: 1834, James Hornbeck. Christian Selsor and Ross Ramond: 1835, James Moon. Alexander Nelson, William Hudson. Christian Selsor and Abner Eches: 1836, John F. Hudson, Abner Eches. Richard King. Jacob Selsor and A. Nelson; 1837, Peter Slaughter, Richard King, Harrison Curry, John F. Hudson and David Carter: 1838. Harrison Curry. Thomas Clemons, Jesse Pancake. David Carter and Richard King; 1839. Abner Eches, Jesse Pancake. Thomas Clemons, Cyrus King, Daniel Daugherty and Thomas Ellis: 1843. James Thomas. Isaac Clemons. Daniel Daugherty. David Stroup and Charles Rakestraw.

Fence Viewers-1833. Joseph Thomas. Sr.. and Edward Stubblefield: 1834. Christian Selsor and Raper Ramond. 1835, Robert Rea and Moses Woodard; 1838. George Curry and Isaac Clemons: 1539, William Jones and James Thomas; 1843, Isaac Parker and George Simmerman.

Overseers of the Poor--1833, James Hunt. James Moon and John

STOKES TOWNSHIP. - 719

Clark: 1831. Aaron Moon, Samuel Harvey and Samuel Hornbeck; 1835, Robert Rea, 1838, George W. King, Jesse Pancake; 1839, James Hornbeck and Harrison Curry; 1840, James Hornbeck and Harrison Curry.

We have only given the names of those who filled the offices, for a few years, and, in fact, the two last offices mentioned only existed a few years later than the above dates. Could we have found the records back to 1810. it would be interesting to know who first occupied those positions.

In 1833. the earliest record that appears to have been preserved, the total expenses in settling with the Trustees. Clerk, Treasurer and Supervisors. were $10.57. of which the Supervisors received $8.50, thus exhibiting the fact that the most important offices of the township at that day were not very attractive for the remuneration they brought. In 1833, the Treasurer's was 57 cents: in 1882. it was $19.78, showing quite an increase in the amount of funds passing through the Treasurer's hands from 1833 to 1882.

TOWNS.

This is truly a rural township. possessing but one town, or rather village. within its territory-South Solon which was laid out in 1833, by J. K. Hudson and Andrew Douglass. The latter built the first house, and was the first blacksmith in the village. John Nolan opened the first store, and was the pioneer in the mercantile trade. Dr. Simmerman, a root and herb doctor. and possessed of some Indian blood in his veins, was the first physician, and it is said was quite skillful in treating disease under his system. The town grew very slowly for many years as it had no railroad or other stimulus to promote its growth or to create business. The entire township was without a railroad until about four years ago, and all grain, stock, and all productions of the farmers. were hauled to some distant town for a market or for shipment: and as a result of this, when the farmers were at these distant towns. they made their purchases of dry goods and groceries for home consumption: hence there was little inducement for men of means or business ability to locate or invest in South Solon. And thus matters remained until. In 1878, the Springfield Southern Railroad was built, and passed through this village. connecting it with Springfield and the coal-fields of Southeastern Ohio. This opened a way for shipping the productions of the country made, as it were. a home market, and the same year, immediately upon its completion. John Hudson erected a warehouse and grain elevator. The farmers now hauled their grain here and sold it, and shipped their stock. This created quite a business. Men were in demand, and this created a demand for houses. They were built, and the town began to grow. Goods and groceries of all kinds were now in demand, and merchants found an opening for the profitable investment of capital. From this time the town had a gradual but steady growth. This railroad, which at first was a narrow- gauge. was in 1880 transformed to a standard-gauge, and is doing quite a large and thriving business. By examining the shipping books of the agent of the road, we were surprised at the great amount of shipping from that small town. There will probably be from 600 to 800 cars of stock, grain, lumber, etc.. shipped from that station during the year 1882. The business of the town now comprises the following: General store, by W . C. Rickards: general store by William O'Shaughnessy: grocery, by A. Simmerman: grocery and post office, by M. Marsh: harness shop, by Miller & Townsley: blacksmith shop by O. M. Porter; blacksmith shop, by A. Bash: carriage and buggy manufactory, by Joseph Hidwell; boot and shoe shop: saloon, by Riley Harper; saloon, by M. C. Clark; saloon. by Jerry Neville: livery and sale stable, by Stephen Maxey; saw-mill, by

720 - HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.

William Haines; grain-dealer. J. J. Hudson: brick manufacturer. J. F. Crawford: and physicians. H. H. McClellan. J. S. Smith and O. G. Fields.

SCHOOLS.

There is perhaps nothing in the history of a country in its growth. progress and advancement, which presents a more striking contrast than the schools of the first settlers and the schools of to-day: or, more properly, the absence of schools in that day, compared with the fine schools and advantages that are now enjoyed for the education of the young. For the pioneers of this country had a mission to perform. The land was covered with the mighty forest trees. which the horny hand of toil must first remove in order that the soil might be-made to produce the necessaries to support the physical man. and the support and growth of the intellectual had to from necessity. be made a secondary matter. But as soon as the circumstances would permit we find them endeavoring to provide ways and means for the education of their children, and in this work they had to rely entirely upon themselves and their own resources to accomplish it, as then. and for many years after. there was no help by State or otherwise to establish or support schools. Hence. their only alternative was to band together as soon as there were enough in a neighborhood to make it feasible, and each subscribe a certain amount, then hire a teacher. and in some house call the children together, where the teacher would meet with them and impart to them such instruction as they were able to receive. or the rude text-hooks and limited qualifications of the teacher of that day could give: and as soon a they could, they would combine together and cut down and prepare logs, and erect a house for school purposes. These were of the most rude and primitive kind. and are fully explained elsewhere in this work. Thus were carried on the schools of the first settlers of Stokes Township till the school laws of Ohio were enacted which rendered material aid to the work of education. Now they could levy a tax and appropriate the means to furnish houses and opportunities for the free education of every child in the community. Of course. the tax was a prescribed amount, and the value of property was then limited, and the amount of schooling limited accordingly: but as property and wealth increased. o did the advantages for schools and of obtaining an education increase, and have continued to do so up to the present time. which now, it would seem. had reached almost to the maximum of attainment..

One of the first public schools in this township was in an old to house on the land now owned by James Crawford. and was situated near where his gate is now located. The first teacher was Mr. Burley. This was about 1830. The next schoolhouse was a cabin erected on the place now owned by John Murray. There was also a log house built for school purposes on Samuel Harrod's land about 1831. The first teacher here was Mr. Sears. who was rigid in discipline to the extreme, and created some difficulty in the neighborhood through his uncalled-for severity to his scholars. This, however, was not much of an exception in that day, as good physical powers and ability to chastise his pupils was almost as great a requirement in that day as were intellectual qualifications. As the township filled up with settlers in different parts of her territory, so these primitive schools were established; and as the wealth and comforts of the people increased, so they increased and improved their schools, until now (1882) this township has ten school districts, with as many good schoolhouses. all either good frame or brick buildings. comfortably seated and well furnished with the best approved furniture and school paraphernalia.

STOKES TOWNSHIP. - 721

District No. 1, situated just south of South Solon, on the Hudson farm, in 1881 enumerated twenty-one scholars. District No. 2, located on B. Thomas' farm, enumerated forty-nine; District No. 3 (Gossard's) enumerated forty-four; District No. 4 (Foster) enumerated twenty-nine; District No. 5 (Pancake) enumerated twenty-nine: District No. 6 (Stroup) enumerated thirty-five; District No. 7 (Gordon) enumerated twenty-one; District No. 8 (Corbitt) enumerated forty-two; District No. 9 (Selsor) enumerated thirty-two; District No. 10 (South Solon) enumerated ninety-three; also throughout the different districts there are enumerated eighteen colored children; total enumeration. 412 school children. Levied for school purposes, April 17, 1882, for tuition. $3,500; for incidentals. $1,335: total, $4,835.

CHURCHES.

There are but two church edifices in Stokes Township, and only one denominational. About 1835, a number of persons of the Protestant Methodist faith met and organized as a church, and soon after purchased a hewed- log house. located on the place now owned by Alexander Simmerman, which had been built for a dwelling. This they fitted up for church purposes, and in which they held services under Rev. Dolby, Rev. Harvey and others for about four or five years. when they disbanded. From this time forward, there was no regularly organized church, but there were services and preaching had quite often in the schoolhouse, by both the Methodist and Christian denominations, till, in 1860; the present frame church at South Solon was erected, and in 1861 was dedicated to service. This is known as the People's Church, and is not a denominational church, but is open and free for all Christian sects in which to hold service. At the present time, Rev. Ewing, of Springfield. a minister of the Protestant Methodist Church, and Rev. Yeoman. a Baptist minister, hold services here regularly.

Grassy Point Christian Church was organized in 1832, by Rev. Joseph Thomas, better known as the " White Pilgrim." with thirty charter members. some of whom were as follows: Joseph Thomas, Jr., Samuel Hornbeck, Thomas Green. Margaret Green, James Hornbeck, Catharine Messwore. Samuel Messmore, Sarah Thomas, Maria Hornbeck and Polly Carr, now a resident of Fayette County, Ohio; John Lohr. of London, Ohio. and Sophronia Carr, a daughter of the White Pilgrim, who resides at Yellow Springs, Greene Co., Ohio. Preaching and services were held for several years at the house of Rev. Thomas. Finally. under the preaching of Joseph Thomas. Jr.. about 1845, a hewed-log house was erected for church purposes. in which services were held for a period of about fifteen years. The church grew in strength numbers and usefulness, and about 1860 the present frame house was erected, and was dedicated to the service of God in 1861.

Joseph Thomas, who organized the church. was its first minister. He was succeeded by the following: Rev. Enoch Harvey, James McInturf, Joseph Thomas. Jr., John Greene, Benjamin Seaver, Louis Greene, James Hornbeck, Daniel Griffin, Caleb Morse, W. N. Overturf, Jonathan Pugh and W. B. Fuller. Since the organization of this church, there have been enrolled nearly six hundred members. The church is situated in a fine country. and in a neighborhood .of church-going people, and they usually have good congregations, and on special occasions, as their yearly meetings, have immense gatherings. At the present time, the church numbers 100 members. with Rev. W. N. Overturf as pastor.