HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 1325 died on the Ohio river twenty miles below Gallipolis, and James, who died in the eastern part of Illinois, Aug. 28, 1839. Joseph Rannells came to Vinton County and bought land which at that time was in Hocking County. He died July 1, 1848. His wife died in Cumberland in June, 1838. They reared five children—Thomas, Sarah, Samuel, David and JLseph Watson. Thomas Rannells was born April 12, 1813. He was reared in Guernsey County and came with his father to Vinton County. He was raised to hard work and commenced helping his father clear his farm in Guernsey County as soon as he was old and strong enough to handle an ax. He was married in Guernsey County, near Concord, April 6, 1841, to Mahalia McCreary, who was born near New Concord, April 11, 1820, a daughter of Alexander and Leah (Hughes) McCreary. After the death of his father the homestead farm passed into his hands, the deed bearing date 1846, two years before his father died. The place has since been in his possession until the past few years when Mr. Rannells's health failing him and not being able to carry on the duties of the farm it was transferred to his children. Mr. and Mrs. Rannells have nine children—Mary E. (wife of William Vance, of Kansas), Joseph A., Hylas B., Leah J. (wife of Vernon Stiers, of Swan Township, Vinton County), Sarah, A. (wife of Eugene Cable, of Nelsonville, Athens County), Thomas M., James W., David V. and William S. George W. Rickey was born in Morgan County, Ohio, Jan. 25, 1836, a son of Benjamin F. and Mary (Morgan) Rickey. He is the second son of a family of nine children. When he was six months old his father moved to Athens County, where he still resides, at an advanced age. Mr. Rickey's early life was spent on the farm, and his education was received at the district schools, also at the Atwood Institute, Albany, Athens County. His intentions were to fit himself for a teacher, and during the time he was attending school he taught three winter terms in the district. At the close of his studies he was given a school, and for the next nine years he taught winter schools, and during the summer months worked for his father on the farm. Mr. Rickey was married Jan. 23, 1870, to Susan R. Bray, a daughter of John Bray, and a woman of many estimable qualities. Mrs. Rickey was born Jan. 31, 1842, in Hocking County, now Vinton County. A short time after his marriage Mr. Rickey purchased eighty acres of land in Swan Town. ship, and afterward made additions to it, having at present 131 acres.. June 9, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, Eighty-seventh 1326 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. Ohio Infantry, for three months, and was discharged at Camp Delaware, Ohio, Oct. 1, 1862. He participated in the battle of Harper's Ferry and in that battle was taken prisoner. The brigade was endeavoring to hold the ferry but were surrounded by the enemy and cut off from recruits. The conditions of the surrender were that they receive three days' rations and set back in their own lines. Aug. 9, 1863, he enlisted in the Ohio National Guards for. five years and was assigned to Company H, Thirty-sixth Regiment. In May, 1864, when the call was made for 100-days' men, he was transferred from the National Guards and mustered into the United States service, through which he served, and was discharged Sept. 3, 1864, and from the " Ohio National Guards " in May, 1866. In 1860 he united with the Protestant Methodist church at Albany, Athens County, and upon his removal to Vinton County transferred his membership to the Methodist Episcopal church; situated near his residence. His wife is also connected with, and in her religious faith was reared in, this church. Politically he has associated himself with the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Rickey have five children—John A., born Oct. 15, 1871; Harley F., born Jan. 17, 1875; Lester, born May 23, 1877; Mary C., born April 24; 1879, and Orra A., born Dec. 10, 1880. John Schlotterback, born Oct. 11, 1847, in Swan Township, Vinton County, is the sixth child of Henry and Mary Ann (Reynolds) Schlotterback. In 1861, although young in years, 'he enlisted in Company I, Seventy-fifth Ohio Infantry. They went to Cheat Mountain, and thence to McDowell, where they encountered the enemy in a skirmish, and remained in camp about a week. The next move was across the Shenandoah Mountains and there received an attack from the enemy and fell back to Monterey. At this place they had a fight; were overpowered and fell back to Franklin, Va. During this time the regiment was under command of General Milroy, of Indiana. At Franklin General Fremont joined them with his army and took command. From this place they marched to Strausburg, in the Shenandoah Valley, and followed the rebel General Jackson up the valley to the Kenoyeway Valley. They had a fight at Cross Keys, which resulted in the defeat of Jackson's army, which retreated across Shenandoah River and burned the bridge. From that place Fremont fell back to Middleton and then went into camp, remaining two months. At this camp Fremont resigned and General Pope took command: The next move was across Blue Ridge to Sperrysville, in Rappahannock County, where HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 1327 the army lay in camp about three months. From Sperrysville they marched to Cedar Mountain, and reached there in time to wind up the fight, with General Banks, against the rebels under Longstreet and Jackson. 'The following day the entire army under. Banks marched to the Rapidan River. The rebels had burned the bridge and the army went into camp about three weeks. From this place they marched back to Sulphur Springs on the Rapidan, thence on the next day a. forced march of twenty-five miles to Freeman's Ford. At this place the field artillery was called into action. The next day one brigade of General Blinker's division crossed the river and made an attack while Mr. Schlotterback's company was holding guard over the ford. The brigade that crossed was obliged to fall back, which brought Mr. Schlotterback's company into action with the rebels, during which two of their men were killed—Washington Burtnett and William H. Earnhart, of Vinton County. From this place they marched up the river. to Bull Run. On the last day of the engagement at this place the Seventy-fifth Ohio was called into it, during which Mr. Schlotterback received a severe wound from a minie-ball through the left leg. For four days he lay upon the field where he fell, without anything to eat or drink. He was then taken to the hospital on the battle-field, where he lay four days longer, and then went to the Columbian College Hospital at Washington, where he lay about a month, during which time his leg was amputated. He remained at this hospital about three months, and was discharged and came home about Feb. 1, 1863. Mr. Schlotterback remained at home about a year, when he went to Indiana and remained there a year. He then returned home, and in March, 1865, was married to Delia Wing, who was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, May, 1848. Mr. Schlotterback then settled down and has resided in the county since, following the occupation of a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Schlotterback have seven children—H. E., born Jan. 10, 1866; Buena Vista, born Feb. 18, 1868; Philip S., born Dec. 23, 1871; Ellenora, born Feb. 6, 1873; Hollis B., born May 18, 1875; Lizzie N., born Sept. 20, 1877; Estella M., born Feb. 22, 1880. Andrew Shurtz was born Oct. 31, 1825, in Muskingum County, Ohio. He remained with his father till his death, and after that, when the estate was settled, he bought all the heirs' claims and now has possession of the home property. He was a Whig in politics, and afterward a Republican. He served as Assessor of Swan Township in 1864–'65, and was one of. the Township Trustees about four 1328 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. years. His grandfather left his native country (Germany) to avoid being drafted into the German army, and upon reaching this country was sold to pay his passage, and after working five years at the weaver's trade was set free. He died about 1796. John Shurtz, father of Andrew, was born in Northumberland County, Pa., March 6, 1790. In 1804 he came with his mother, Mary Shurtz, to Ohio, and settled in Muskingum County, where he was reared to manhood. At the age of twenty-three he married Elizabeth Stone, a native of Pennsylvania. She died in 1831 leaving a family of four sons and two daughters, of whotn the four sons are still living. Mr. Shurtz was afterward married to Doretta Louisa Vogeley, native of Germany. They were blessed with two sons and one daughter, of whom one son and the daughter survive. In 1837 he moved with his family to Hocking County (now Vinton County), and settled on the place where Andrew Shurtz now resides. Here he bought 240 acres of land. Mr. Shurtz's death occurred Aug. 2, 1852, and his wife died Sept. 12, 1875. He was Township Trustee for several years. In politics he always affiliated with the Whig party. G. L. Shurtz, born June 16, 1841, in Swan Township, Vinton County, a son of John and Louisa (Fogeli) Shurtz. He is the youngest of their three children. Henrietta is the widow of Samuel Wilson; Philip, deceased, entered the army in the One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Regiment; was taken sick from exposure at the siege of Vicksburg, came home shortly after his discharge and died. G. L. Shurtz, the subject Of this sketch, was reared on the homestead farm now owned by Andrew Shurtz. He was married May 25, 1875, to Kate Specht, daughter of John and Catharine Specht, formerly old citizens of this township. A short time previous to his marriage he bought his present property, containing 160 acres on sections 10 and 11, afterward adding to it eighty acres. He also owns 160 acres on section 14, which has been in his possession since 1860: His fine stone residence, which was erected in 1882, at a cost of between $5,000 and $6,000, is one of the finest in Vinton County, situated on the main road, commanding a fine view from all directions. Politically he is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Shurtz have three children—Ira, Minnie and Kie. Mr. Shurtz is one of the successful farmers of the county. When he began life for himself he had $300, and by his own good management, backed up by an indomitable will and energy, has raised himself td the present prosperous position he now enjoys. HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 1329. E. H. Wallar, son of William S. and Sarah A. (Camp) Wallar, was born Feb. 9, 1842, in Guernsey County, Ohio. He moved to Vinton when eleven years old where he lived with his father till he was eighteen. He married Cordelia, daughter of Benjamin Reynolds, an old pioneer of Vinton County. They have two daughters —Viola D., born March 21, 1867, and Susan L., April 14, 1868. Mr. Wallar enlisted in the Union army in Company F, One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Infantry, Aug. 19, 1862. He participated in the battles of Chickasaw Bay, Arkansas Post, Champion Hills, siege of Vicksburg and others. He was mustered out of service at Houston, Texas, Aug. 18, 1865. After the close of the war he bought 200 acres of land, being the old homestead of his father, upon which he lived till 1871, when he sold it and bought 240 acres in Swan Township, where he lived ten years. In October, 1880, he purchased his present farm on section 22 containing 160 acres, on which, in 1881, he erected a fine dwelling at a cost of $1,500. With the exception of $950 received from his father his success in life is due to his own efforts; he now owns one of the finest farms in Swan Township. Politically Mr. Wallar is a Republican. He has been a member of the Board of Township Trustees for a number of years until 1883. William S. Wallar, father of our subject, was born in Loudoun County, Va., Oct. 20, 1809. He was reared in Guernsey County, Ohio, and Aug. 8, 1828, he married Sarah A. Camp, born Aug. 12, 1810, in Guernsey County, and daughter of Robert Camp. They had a family of seven children, four still living—Jasper N.; E. H., our subject; Sythia A., wife of Thomas B. Phillips; Mary L., wife of A. J. Vest. William S. bought a farm of 120 acres near Claysville where he remained about twenty-three years. In 1851 he sold his farm and resided in Clinton Township, Vinton County, for seven years. He then bought 230 acres in Swan Township, on section 9, where he died Aug. 18, 1860. His wife died March 412, 1881, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Thomas Phillips. John Wallar, father of William S., was a native of Virginia, of Dutch-Irish descent. He moved with his family to Guernsey County, Ohio. He died in Cambridge City, Ind., about 1840. Stephen R. Willie, deceased, was born in Greenbrier County, Va., Sept. 14, 1804, a son of Ammill and Mary (Hix) Willis. He lived in Greenbrier County till he was about twenty-three years old. From the time he was ten years of age he was obliged to work, and aside from his immediate necessities would give his - 84 - 1330 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY. earnings to his parents. His father was afflicted so as to be unable to work and was somewhat dependent upon his children. There were twelve children in their family—James was killed in Virginia by the falling of a tree; John, Jonathan, Stephen, Samuel, William, Hannah, Margaret, Jane, Mary, Elizabeth and Ammill. About 1827 Stephen Willis left his home in Virginia and came to Ohio, locating in Athens (now Vinton) County. He went to work for Aaron Lantz (who married a cousin of Mr. Willis) and remained with .him for some time after his marriage. He was married March 31, 1829, to Hester Stevens, who was born near Chillicothe, Ohio, Nov. 30, 1811, a daughter of James and Rebecca (Webb) Stevens. When Mrs. Willis was a small child her parents came to this county. In 1834 Mr. Willis bought a farm of eighty acres in Elk Township where they lived about four years. In 1838 he entered the present homestead place. The first entry was forty acres, and after a few years sixty acres more were bought, there being now 100 acres in the farm. There were eight children born to them, all of whom are still living—James, Mary Ann, Rebecca, George, Parcels, Hamilton J., Margaret J., Wm. A. James is a resident of Brooklyn, Schuyler County, Ill.; Mary Ann, is in Central City, Merrick County, Neb. ; Rebecca, on the homestead; George, in Brooklyn, Ill.; Parcels, in Hamilton, and Margaret J., in Hamilton County, Neb., and Wm. A., on the homestead. Mr. Willis died May 5, 1864. He was a prominent member of the Methodist church; was a Class Leader in the church and an exhorter and devoted several years of his life to preaching. Mrs. Willis is still residing on the homestead. Captain John Siverly Witherspoon, son of John and Mary (Siverly) Witherspoon, was born in Oil City,Venango Co., Penn., Dec. 4, 1836. He was reared in Pennsylvania, and in the summer of 1859 came to Vinton County,. Ohio, and the following winter taught school in Zaleski, Ohio. He spent the summer of 1860 at school in his native State, and in the fall of that year returned to Vinton County, where he has since resided. He was one of the first to enlist in the three-months' service in 1861, and went out in Company D, Eighteenth Ohio Militia. At the expiration of his term of service he continued readinglaw at MeArthur, which study he had commenced some time previous. In July, 1862, he enlisted in the three-years' service, in Company B, Ninetieth Ohio Infantry. He was commissioned First Lieutenant, and remained with this company nine months. April 14, 1863, he was commissioned Cap- HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 1331 tain of Company I, which he commanded till he left the service. He received a wound in 1864 at Kennesaw Mountain which unfitted him for duty, and his resignation was accepted Feb. 14, 1865, at Huntsville, Ala: He left the army on the 27th of that month and reached home March 2, 1865. He was married while in the service, Oct. 13, 1861, to Delilah E., daughter of William and Nancy Albin. They have had a family of five children, four of whom are living—John Plyley, William Franklin, Ianthe Ellen, Charles Henry. Mr. Witherspoon's early life was spent around furnaces in the mining districts of Pennsylvania, his education till he was twenty-two years of age being very limited. Since that age he has devoted himself to study and now holds a. five-year certificate to teach. In 1864 he purchased his present farm and moved to it March 20, 1865. Since then he has been engaged in farming and teaching. Since 1867 he has taught during the winters with the exception of the winter of 1881, and has also taught select schools three summers, at which he has been very successful. In politics he is a Republican. In the fall of 1865 he was elected Justice of the Peace to fill a vacancy, which office he held two years when he resigned it. John Witherspoon,our subject's father, was born near Pittsburg, Allegheny Co., Pa., and his wife, Mary (Siverly) Witherspoon, is a native of Masonville, N. Y. They had eleven children of whom only two sons and two daughters survive, eight having been reared to maturity. Two sons, David P. and William V., enlisted in the late war,in the Seventy-fifth Ohio Infantry, Company I. They gave up their lives in defense of their country at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. Mr. Witherspoon died in the spring of 1852. Mrs. Witherspoon is still living and resides with our subject, John S., in Swan Township, Vinton County. JACKSON. Harry Bishop was born in England, Feb. 18, 1832, and the same year he came to America with his parents, Samuel and Mary Ann (Balstone) Bishop, also natives of England, who settled in Beaver Township, Noble Co., Ohio. Harry was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. July 4, 1854, he married his first wife, Elizabeth A. Mercer, daughter of Joshua and Ann (Burr) Mercer. They were the parents of eleven children; of these the following are living— George W., Amanda E., Samuel J., Mary A., Margaret E., Julia C., David F. and Annie E. His wife died Feb. 22, 1880, and he was married to Susan J. Dolison, daughter of James and Mary Dolison. One child, Josie B., has 1332 - HISTORY OF HOCKING. VALLEY: been sent to bless this union. Mr. Bishop is a, prominent farmer of Vinton County and possesses 160 acres of good land. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and also four of his children. Politically he is a Republican.   John S. Hawkin, one of the prominent farmers of Jackson Township, was born in Elk Township, Vinton Co., Ohio, July 18, 1823. He was reared on a farm and received his education in the common schools of the country. Feb. 5, 1856, he was married to Miss Catherine Appleman, born in October, 1833, daughter of Levi and Savilla (Tatmun) Appleman, natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively. They have been blessed with eight children—Jasper, Allen, George W., Abraham L., Rebecca, Mary, Oliver and William. Mr. Hawkin has by his industry and energy accumulated a good property, having at the present time a fun farm of 163 acres highly cultivated on which is found plenty of iron ore of the best quality. In politics Mr. Hawkin is a Republican. His parents, Jacob and Ann (Switzer) Hawkin, were natives of Virginia and came to Ohio in a very early day.   Dr. George Rineheart was born in Greene County, Penn., Jan. 1, 1832, a son of Steven and Sarah (Wyscarver) Rineheart, who were natives of Pennsylvania. He came to Noble County, Ohio, in the fall of 1841. He was reared a farmer and educated in the common schools. He was married Aug. 14, 1854, to Miss Annie Bishop, born June 6, 1837, a daughter of Samuel and Mary A. (Batstone) Bishop, who were natives of England and came to the United States in 1832. They have had five children—Samuel (deceased, Feb. 14,1880), Enson, Iantha (married Israel Albin), George and Lolo. He bought a farm of 160 acres in Vinton County, and by adding to it is at the present time owner of 418 acres of excellent land. He has practiced medicine during his life but to no great extent. He has a large tobacco warehouse and a well-stocked farm, and has about 400 head of sheep. He is a member of the Masonic order and a Republican in politics.   CHAPTER XLVIII.   EAGLE, HARRISON AND RICHLAND TOWNSHIPS-IN AGRICULTURE, POOR-IN MINERAL DEPOSITS, FAIR.   EAGLE-WHEN ORGANIZED-DIVIDED BY HOCKING-FIRST ELECTION, MAY 9, 1818, AND IN 1850 GAVE REMAINDER TO VINTONAREA AND LOCATION-THE OLD PIONEER-RELIGION AND EDUCATION-STOCK AND VALUATION.   HARRISON TOWNSHIP-A PART OF ROSS TOWNSHIP IN 1798 -TOPOGRAPHY-WELL WATERED-A PART OF JACKSON IN 1818- THEN AGAIN OF ROSS-POPULATION- RAPID GAIN-CHURCHES, SCHOOLS-STOOK AND VALUATION.   RICHLAND TOWNSHIP-THE LARGEST TOWNSHIP -SOME GOOD LAND-ITS ASSESSED VALUATION-STOCK REPORT-NORTH PART GOOD FARMING LAND-SOUTH PART, MINERALS, IRAN ORE AND COALA PARTIAL LIST OF SETTLERS-CH URCHES, SCHOOLS AND MILITARY-BIOGRAPHICAL.   EAGLE.   AN INDEPENDENT MUNICIPALITY   Eagle Township was a portion of Hocking County when that county was organized April 25, 1818. At that time it included the present township of Jackson. Dec. 2, 1831, Jackson was taken off of Eagle.   The first election in Eagle Township was held May 9, 1818, at the house of Moses Dawson.   June 2, 1831, the Commissioners of Hocking County cut off the north tier of sections from Eagle Township and added them to Salt Creek Township of Hocking County, leaving Eagle Township but five miles north and south by six east and west. The following winter what remained of it was transferred by special act of the General Assembly to Ross County where it remained until Vinton County came into existence in 1850. It was then, with Harrison, transferred to Vinton County to make up her required territory. Thus Eagle Township had been some sixteen years a part of Hocking County and almost sixteen years a part of Ross.   - (1333) -   1334 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY.   LOCATION, AREA, ETC.   The township is located in the northwestern part of the county, and is bounded on the north by Hocking County, on the east by Jackson Township, on the south by Harrison Township, and on the west by Ross County. It has been well timbered and it has water in abundance.   Salt Creek runs diagonally through the township, from northeast to southwest, with several tributaries, and Pike Run rises in the northwest corner and runs south along the western border about a mile from the Ross County line and flows into Salt Creek about one mile before the latter stream passes over the line into Ross County. Pretty Run, on the east side, about one mile from its northeast corner, running south through the east side of section 13, and then turning southwest, after a course of nearly three miles empties into Salt Creek on section 22, passing through sections 24 and 23.   FIRST SETTLERS.   Among the first settlers of Eagle Township were Moses Dawson, John Ratcliff, Lawrence Rains, Jonathan Francis, Joshua Pickens, William Vanderford, Sr. These pioneers with their families nearly all settled on Salt Creek and Pretty Run between the years 1812 and 1820.   The first mill was built by Lawrence. Rains in about 1813. It was located at the mouth of Pike Run, on Salt Creek. Another was shortly after erected on Pretty Run by Solomon Cox.   The first postoffice was established in 1859 at Eagle Mills (from which it took its name), through the efforts of Miles Ratcliff, who was appointed first Postmaster. Another postoffice was established in 1882 on Pike Run, with E. H. Bennett the first and present Postmaster.   The first church was built by the Christians on Pike Run, and near by was erected the first school-house.   CHURCHES.   The Methodist Episcopal Church, located on section 22, was erected in 1879, through the efforts of the Rev. William Ricketts, who has since been in charge of its pastorate. Its original members were very few but it now has a good membership which includes many of the best citizens of Eagle Township. In 1879 the   HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 1335   people erected a church on section 21 which is of no particular denomination—Union church, open to all. It has no regular pastor and is used mostly by the Disciples. This denomination has a church in the northern part of the township which was the first house of worship within its borders.   SCHOOLS.   The educational facilities of the township have kept pace with its growth, and it has at the present time six schools within its limits. There are also six school-houses, which are all comfortable frame buildings. Eagle Township had, June 1, 1883, an assessed valuation of personal property amounting to $44,055. There are neither towns nor furnaces in the township, and this is mostly of farm product and stock. It had of the latter at the date of its last assessment, 188 horses, 317 cattle, 805 sheep and 319 hogs within the township. There are two other townships which have a smaller personal property valuation. The township has some coal within its border, but not so filled as the townships lying east,   HARRISON TOWNSHIP.   IT ONCE BELONGED TO ROSS.   Harrison Township lies in the southwest corner of the county, and is in area six miles square, with the exception of two sections in the northwest corner, which belong to Eagle Township. The surface of Harrison is very hilly and broken. It is well watered by Middle Fork of Salt Creek and Pigeon Fork, also by numerous branches in the different parts of the township, which, taken together with its excellent grazing land, afford ample resources for sheep-raising, which is one of the industries of the township, together with general farming.   Harrison Township is bounded on the north by Eagle, on the east by Richland Township, on the south by Jackson County and on the west by Ross County and Eagle Township.   PIONEERS.   Among the Pioneers of Harrison Township were: James Brady, Morris Humphrey, Solomon Wilkinson, Joseph and William Dixon, Joseph Baker and John Nicholas. These nearly all settled on Middle Fork of Salt Creek and on Pigeon Fork.   1336 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY.   In 1840 the population was 631; in 1850, 580; in 1860, 780; in 18'1'0, 782, and in 1880, 1172. Thus it will be seen that Harrison has not been behind her sister townships in her growth. The citizens of Harrison Township depend entirely upon the agricultural products for their sustenance as there are no other business interests in the township with the exception of two small stores, one kept by Mr. Gibson and the other by H. H. Thacker, the latter at Raysville.   There are in Harrison Township eight school districts, each provided with comfortable school-houses.   CHURCHES.   Harrison Township has only two churches, one Disciples and one United Brethren. The Disciples were the first to erect the church, which is known as Corinth, in 1870. It is located on section 35, a short distance from Raysville. The first preacher was Rev. T. M. Pinkerton, and the pastorate is now in the charge of the Rev. A. J. Waltz. At the present time the membership numbers about 100, including many of the best citizens of Harrison Township. The United Brethren built their church soon after, and have a good membership, and are in a flourishing condition.   STOCK AND ASSESSED VALUATION.   The assessor's returns for June 1, 1883, gives 229 horses, 495 head of cattle, 1,554 head of sheep and 329 hogs. Of the two latter the farmers should have quadrupled the number. Its assessed valuation of personal property is the smallest in the county, and foots up only $32,025.   RICHLAND TOWNSHIP.   IN RESPECT TO SIZE AND QUALITY.   Richland Township is the largest in area of all the townships in the county. It contains forty-two full sections, or 26,830 acres, most of which is excellent land. It is drained by various small streams, of which the most important is the Middle Fork of Salt Creek. This enters the western edge of section 7, and meanders through sections, 7, 6, 8, 5 and 4, leaving the township from the northern side of section 4. The land is adapted both for grazing and for agriculture, and there is also a good store of minerals, both coal and iron, especially in the southern part. Richland Furnace,   HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 1337   in the southern part, on section 4, produces iron in large quantities and of a good quality. Richland is bounded on the north by Jackson Township, on the east by Elk and Clinton townships, on the south by Jackson County, and on the west by Jackson County and Harrison Township, of this county. No railroad runs through the heart of Richland, but the Cincinnati, Washington & Baltimore (formerly the Marietta & Cincinnati) touches its southern border.   The assessed valuation of the township, June 1, 1883, that is of personal property, footed up the snug amount of $96,530. Its stock as returned by the assessor numbered in horses 384; there were 695 head of cattle, 5,256 head of sheep, and of hogs 324. It ranks fourth in sheep and fifth in cattle, and the first in horses. The northern part is better for agricultural productions than the southern part which, while grasses seem to thrive and it would be an excellent cattle range, is too rough and broken except in small patches of valley to do any large amount of farming work. The iron and the coal, however, will fully make up what it lacks in agricultural facilities.   Richland Township was organized in about the year 1824, as a portion of Ross County, to which it then belonged. Upon the organization of Jackson County it became a part of that county, and when in 1851 Vinton County was formed Richland was cut off from Jackson County and attached to the new county.   The following is a partial list of the old settlers of Richland Township: Henry, John, Abraham, Job, William and Joseph Cozad and their families; John A. Swepston, James and Solomon Redfern, Robert Clark, Levi Davis, Samuel Darby, Enoch Dixon, John Loving, George Claypool, Philip Waldron, George Waldron, Nathan Cox, Jeremiah Cox, Samuel Cox, Samuel Graves, James Graves, William Graves, Henry Graves, Nathan Graves, Jonathan Graves, Joseph Graves, Thomas Graves, William Graves, Jr., John Graves, Eli Graves, William Hutt, Charles Hutt and Lemuel Hutt.   Henry Cozad entered land adjoining Allensville, which he laid off in 1837 and named in honor of William Allen. Mr. Cozad was the first merchant in Allensville, and also the first Postmaster. The second merchant was Marcus Miller. The postoffice was established in 1839, before which time there had been an office one mile east of Allensville, called Riley. James Redfern was the first Postmaster at this point.   1338 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY.   The first school-teachers were: Thomas Johnson and Solomon Redfern, who were followed by Britton Stephen and John Darley.   The first preachers were: Solomon Redfern and --- Harvey, of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Noah Clark, Jonathan Bryan and John Swim, of the Christian church.   The Methodist Episcopal Church was built about the year 1848. The first members were: Solomon Redfern and wife, Archibald Drake and wife, and William Clark and wife.   The Christian Church was built not long after the Methodist church. Before the erection of church buildings meetings were held in the school-house, and before that in private dwellings.   Pleasant Chapel was organized in 1867 with fourteen members. They commenced the erection of a church the following year, which was completed about the close of the year. It cost $1,200 and was dedicated Feb. 22, 1869. Its first Pastor was the Rev. Sollers. The church is an off-shoot of the Methodist Episcopal church.   The first and only mill in the township—a grist-mill with sawmill attached—was built in 1843 or 1844 by Benjamin Rains.   In the early days of Richland Township a military company was maintained, composed of members from Harrison and Richland townships. The company consisted of 100 men, with Nathan Graves as Captain. They had regular " training days," and many interesting reminiscences of those meetings were often recalled by the older residents.   BIOGRAPHICAL-EAGLE.   Erastus R. Bennett was born in Morgan County, Ohio, Feb. 21, 1838, the son of John and Sarah (Beaver) Bennett, his father a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of Ohio. He was reared on a farm, receiving his education in the common schools, and for the past sixteen years has taught during the winter. He enlisted Feb. ,22, 1865, in Company D, Fifty-eighth Ohio Infantry, and served till September of the same year. He was married March 10, 1859, to Sarah M. Burgoon. They were the parents of five children, three now deceased. Mrs. Bennett died in 1866. May 30, 1868, Mr. Bennett married Mary Ellen Poling. They have had a family of four children. Mr. Bennett was elected Justice of the Peace Jan. 26, 1883. He has held the same office two terms   HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEYS - 1339   in Hocking County. He owns three acres in this and seventy-five in Hocking County. He has a store of general merchandise and is Postmaster at Pine Run. He and his wife are both members of the Methodist church at Mt. Carmel, Hocking County.   Samuel G. Darby was born in Jackson Township, Vinton County, Sept. 9, 1851, a son of Steven and Margaret (Grains) Darby, natives of this county. He was reared a farmer and educated in the common schools with the exception of one term spent at Wilmington College in Clinton County, Ohio. Sept. 21, 1873, he was married to Miss Eby E. Stevens, born Nov. 28, 1853, a daughter of John and Mary (Lonkester) Stevens. This union has been blessed with the following children—Ida May, born June 4, 1874; Delvan D., May 12, 1876;. John S., Sept. 29, 1882. Mr. Darby was elected Township Clerk April 2, 1877, holding the office ever since with the exception of one year. He has ninety-seven acres of land on section 22 and is one of the prominent farmers of Eagle Township. He and his wife are members of the Christian church.   Robert Kidnocker, merchant and Postmaster at Eagle Mills, was born Jan. 11, 1834, in Morgan County, Ohio, a son of Goodlief and Lucinda (Miller) Kidnocker. His father was a native of Germany and came to the United States when about twenty years old and has resided in Morgan and Hocking counties, Ohio, ever since. He died April 16, 1883, aged over seventy-one years. Mrs. Lucinda Kidnocker was born in the State of Ohio in 1809. She is still living and quite active considering her age. Robert, our subject, worked on a farm till sixteen years of age when he followed the business of steam-bolting till he was twenty-one years old. He then returned to his home in Hocking County remaining there one year, and was there married, April 23, 1856, to Sarah, daughter of Daniel and Louisa (Moody) Eveland. They have been blessed with five children, three of whom still survive—Claracie, Annie and Ellsworth. Those deceased are Belle and an infant. Mr. Kidnocker has accumulated a large property. In 1876 he purchased the Eagle Mills on Salt Creek, Eagle Township, and also runs a large dry-goods and grocery store at this place. On March 11, 1883, he bought the Gamble's Grist-Mill, on Buck Creek, in Indiana. He also owns property in Adelphi, Ross County, and in Vinton County, and ten acres of land where he resides.   Nelson Lee was born in Hocking County, Ohio, Sept. 10, 1826, a son of James and Hannah (Barttson) Lee, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Ohio in 1814 and settled in Swan Township, then   1340 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY.   in Hocking County, but now in Vinton. He was reared in this connty receiving his education in the primitive log school-house. When twenty-four years of age he went to work at the carpenter's trade, but in April, 1859, bought 102 acres of land in Jackson Township and went to farming. In 1866 he sold this farm and bought 200 acres in the same township where he only remained a year. He now owns eighty acres in this township. For the past eight years he has been a preacher of the gospel. He was married Nov. 11, 1858, to Rachel Jordan, daughter of James and Sarah A. (Bolener) Jordan, who was born Oct. 10, 1839. They are the parents of six children-Sarah R., born Jan. 26, 1860, died Nov. 23, 1874; John, born Aug. 21, 1861; Hannah E., born July 29, 1863; Pinkney W., born Jan. 4, 1875; Charles S., born April 15. 1877, and James H., born Feb. 10, 1881.   William Ratclif, born in Eagle Township, Vinton Co., Ohio, Feb. 16, 1857, son of Jeremiah and Ruth (Brown) Ratcliff, who were natives of Ohio. He was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. Oct. 6, 1878, he married Mellie Graves, born April 23, 1857, and daughter of Nelson and Marina (Peecher) Graves, natives of Virginia. They were blessed with one child-Clifford J., born March 9, 1880. Mr. _Ratcliff has followed farming all his life. He has held several offices of the township and at present is Road Supervisor. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Concord. In politics he is a Republican.   Joshua J. Speakman was born in Eagle Township, Sept. 29, 1832, a son of Joshua and Mary (Wyckoff) Speakman, his father a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Virginia. His father came to Ohio in 1808 and located in Ross County. In 1812 he came to Vinton County and settled where his son now lives. Joshua J. Speakman was reared to the life of a farmer and has always followed that occupation, and now has a fine farm of 203 acres. He was married Dec. 13, 1855, to Fannie, daughter of David and Delilah White. Seven children were born to them---Samantha J., born Sept. 26, 1856, married David Burgood in September, 1875; Samuel V., born Oct. 21, 1857, married Ida Miller in March, 1880; Simon E., born July 13, 1860; Sarah L., Nov. 29, 1862, married William Crider in 1879; William David, born Jan. 2, 1865; Elizabeth E., March 9, 1867, and Albert N., Feb. 16, 1869. Mrs. Speakman died in August, 1870. In October, 1871, Mr. Speakman married Matilda J. Ramey. They are the parents of seven children-   HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 1341   Cora B., born July 26, 1872; Charles W., May 7, 1874; Mary A., born Nov. 28, 1875, died Oct. 2, 1876; Calvin L., born July 4, 1877; George R., born June 7, 1879, and an infant, born Sept. 14, 1881, died Dec. 23, 1881. Mr. Speakman is a member of the United Baptist church at Nit. Zion.   William R. Yaple was born in Ross County, Ohio, Oct. 17, 1833, the son of Samuel and Maria (Thompson) Yaple, the former a native of New York and the latter of Virginia. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He was married Nov. 29, 1869, to Elizabeth A., daughter of William and Mary (Vincent) McDonald. They have had five children, four now living—Wallace D., Albert S., Mary A. and Ara E. Arthur died May 8, 1874. Mr. Yaple came to this county in 1810. He has 320 acres of good hill land, well improved. He has held the office of Township Treasurer since 1867. In 1863 he was in the Kirby-Smith raid through Kentucky, which was the only part he took in the Rebellion.   HARRISON.   Isaiah H McCormick was born in Wyandot County, Ohio, a son of James and Mary A. (Savage) McCormick, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of New Jersey. His parents were married in 1832, and had a family of seven children, six of them sons, Isaiah H. being the second. All these sons were in the late war, and I. H. was the only one wounded. He enlisted in Company A, Fortieth Illinois Infantry, July 27, 1861. He was in a number of engagements, and was wounded twice at Shiloh. He was mustered out as Captain of Company E, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Ohio Infantry, Sept. 18, 1864. He was married March 18, 1864, to Rachel L. Walker, daughter of Marcus H. and Harriet L. (Ratcliff) Walker, who was born Nov. 22, 1842. They have had four children, only three now living—Charles E., Cora E. and Elley,W. Annie L. died Aug. 4, 1870. Mr. McCormick educated himself by his own labor. He taught school and thus obtained the means to enable him to attend Otterbein University at Westerville three years. He is now the principal merchant at Raysville, carrying a stock of general merchandise, valued at $3,000. He at one time owned 1,100 acres of fine land, and at present owns 1,000 acres. When he returned from the army he had $300, and in 1867 began business in Raysville. He is a Knight Templar Mason, an Odd Fellow, a member of the Grand   1342 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY   Army of the Republic, the Royal Arcanum and the Knights of Honor. Mr. McCormick is worth about $40,000, and carries $16,000 life insurance. He has held various offices of trust in Vinton County, but of late years, though often solicited, refuses to accept any office. He is a member of the Christian church at Raysville.   Benjamin, W Thacker was born in Wilkes Township, Vinton County, March 30, 1853. His parents, Thomas and Anne (Vaughn) Thacker, natives of Virginia, came to Ohio in 1831, and settled in what was then Wilkes Township, Gallia County, bnt is now part of Vinton. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and educated in the common school, and also attended one term at Lebanon. Jan. 5, 1875, he was married to Maggie Wellman, born Sept. 20, 1859. Her father, James Wellman,' was killed while serving his country in the late war. This union has been blessed with five children—Stella I., Charles P., Annie L., Wendell P. and Harry J. Mr. Thacker owns seventy acres of land, besides a saw-mill, valued at $1,500. At present he is engaged in the lumber trade. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren church' at Fairview.   RICH LAND.   W. W. Belford, merchant and Postmaster, was born in 1839, in Marshall County, Va. He received a good practical education, and began teaching when almost twenty-one years of age, in which he has achieved success. In 1861 he enlisted in Company D, Eighteenth Ohio Infantry, and served as a private during his term of enlistment. He was married in 1864 to Anna, daughter of Daniel Cozad, by whom he had three children—William R., Franklin F. and Martha A. Mrs. Belford died in 1869, aged twenty-three years. He was again married in 1870, to Mary L. Cozad, his first wife's sister. This union was blessed with two children—Matilda M. and Alice A., deceased. Mr. Belford commenced his present business in 1875, and carries a full line of goods. He does a business of $7,000 per annum. In 1864 he was elected Clerk of Richland Township, and served nearly seven years. He was elected Auditor in 1871, and re-elected in 1873. In 1876 he was elected Treasurer of the township, and in April, 1880, Justice of the Peace, serving in the latter capacity one term. In 1880 he was appointed to his present position as Postmaster. His parents, Benjamin and Mary Belford, were natives of Pennsylvania. They located in Monroe County, Ohio, in 1846, and in this county in 1848, where they died.   HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 1343   Robert Clark was a native of North Carolina,, and settled with his family here about 1812. He located in what is now this township, where he lived permanently. His wife's name was Rachel Graves, who bore him the following children—William, John, James, Henry, Daniel, Isaac and Robert, Jane Margaret, Amy and Hannah. His children became citizens of the county. He died in 1836, and his wife died about 1835.   Abraham, N. Cozad, a son of Henry and Margaret (Clark) Cozad, was born in 1827 in Richland Township. His early life was spent on a farm and attending the subscription schools. In 1847 he was married to Anna Graves. To them have been born six children—Elizabeth J., John J., Margaret A., Charles A., Mary L., and Charity A. After his marriage he engaged in the mercantile business in Allensville, which he foliowed till 1860, when he abandoned it till 1865, and since then has been engaged in merchandising at intervals. He took a regular course of study of law and was admitted to the bar of Ohio in 1874. He has served as Justice of the Peace eighteen years and was County Auditor from 1863 to 1865, Township Treasurer three terms and Clerk one term. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, McArthur Lodge. Politically the 'Squire is a Democrat.   Henry Cozad was born in New Jersey, and was a son of Job and Catherine (Fink) Cozad. He was married four times, first to Jane Law, by whom he had four children—William, Elizabeth, Daniel and Catherine. His second wife was Margaret Clark, and the children by this marriage were—Abraham N., Job W. and John J. For his third wife he married Mary Gregg, and his fourth and last wife was Scytha (Darby) Fry. He served in the war of 1812, and was with Hull at the surrender of the Michigan frontier. He died in 1860, aged sixty-eight years. His parents were natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, who settled in Ross County about 1800. They were the parents of eight children, six of whom were sons. He was a Methodist Episcopal minister, and one of the first preachers in this section of Ohio. He died in 1823; while filling an appointment near McArthur.   James Hawkins was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1822. He was reared on a farm in his native county until 1856 when he moved to Hocking County, and in 1872 purchased 316 acres where he now resides. 'His farm at that time was in a poor condition, but through his labor he has now one of the best kept farms in the township. Besides farming he is engaged in stock-raising and at   1344 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY,   present has a flock of 260 sheep, among them being a number of fine merinos. He has been Trustee of Richland. Township two terms. Dnring his residence in Hocking County he held that position nine years. Ile has been twice married, his first wife being Amanda Tidd, whom he married in 1844. She bore him two children—William Q. and one who is .deceased, Mrs. Hawkins died in 1848. He wan again married to Lavina Ensbery. This union has been blessed With five children—Elwood D., James 0., John C., Thomas E. and Charles 0. Mr. Hawkins and wife have been members of the Methodist Episcopal church for some time.   James A. Martindill was born in 1825 in this township. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of that day. He was married March 16, 1848, to Sarah Shreck. sine children have been born to this union, five of whom are living - Arminda, Edith B. C., Eliza M. and Sarah V. Jasper, Douglass, Delila and Ida Bell are deceased. After his marriage he located in this township, where he has since resided. He was elected in 1862 Justice of the Peace, which office he held continuously till 1880. Several years previous he served as Clerk of the township. He owns 248 acres of well-improved land and is engaged in farming and stock-raising. He and family are members of the Christian church.   Moses Martindill was born Oct. 9, 1802, in Greenbrier County, W. Va. Was a son of James and Margaret Martindill, who located in Gallia County, Ohio, about 1808. Our subject grew to manhood in Gallia County and after his marriage settled in what is now Swan Township, but after several years returned to Gallia County. In 1831 or '32 he settled in this township, where he remained till his death in 1849. He held some of the minor offices of the township. He belonged to the United Brethren church and contributed much to its welfare. By his first wife, Miss Butler, he had no children. His second wife, Matilda Claypool, bore him ten children--James A., Caroline, Andrew J., Amanda, Samuel, Moses, Jr., Margaret, Joseph, Matilda A. and Sarah E. Mrs. Martindill died Feb. 3, 1875, at the age of seventy-one years. Mr. Martindill came to the county a poor man but during his life he accumulated a good property.   CHAPTER XLIX.   WILKESVILLE, VINTON AND CLINTON TOWNSHIPS-A TRIO THAT CONTAINS IMMENSE MINERAL DEPOSITS.   WILKESVILLE TOWNSHIP-IN THE MINERAL BELT-IRON ORE AND COAL- WILKESVILLE VILLAGE-CHURCHES-TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS-LODGE-HAWK'S STATION - MINERTON-VALUATION AND STOCKS.   VINTON TOWNSHIP-NAME-METES AND BOUNDS—EARLY SETTLEMENT-WHEN ORGANIZED—SCHOOLS—POPULATION—RADCLIFF STATION-MINERAL DEVELOPMENT-STOCK-PERSONAL PROPERTY VALUATION.   CLINTON TOWNSHIP-BOUNDARY-FORMERLY OF ATHENS COUNTY-THEN OF JACKSON COUNTY-ONCE A PART OF ELK TOWNSHIP-IT IS ROUGH AND BROKEN-ITS LIVING WATERS-WHEN SETTLED -LOCAL HISTORY- HAMDEN-POSTOFFICE-LODGES-CHURCHES -DUNDAS VILLAGE-EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES-POPULATION-VALUATION-STOCK REPORT-BIOGRAPHICAL.   WILKESVILLE TOWNSHIP.   GREAT MINERAL RESOURCES.   Wilkesville Township is the southeastern one of Vinton County, and was taken from Gallia County, which it adjoins, when Vinton County was formed, in 1850. It lies directly in the great mineral belt of Southern Ohio, and its hills are rich in coal and iron. The greater part of the surface of the township is hilly and adapted for grazing, but fine crops of corn and wheat are raised along the valley of the Raccoon, which runs through the township from north to south. Wilkesville was organized as a separate township in 1815 when a part of Gallia.   The population of Wilkesville has had a healthy and constant growth, being in 1840, 738 ; 1850, 1,037 ; 1860, 1,316 ; 1870, 1,472, and in 1880, 1,812.   VILLAGE.   The village of Wilkesville is in the eastern part of the township, half a mile from the Meigs County line. The land on which the village stands and a large part of the surrounding country was purchased by an Eastern gentleman named Wilkes, about 1807.   - 85 -   - (1345) -   1346 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY.   In the year 1810 Henry Duo, the agent of Mr. Wilkes, came on to the ground, and on the 10th day of June laid out the town, naming it Wilkesville in honor of the owner. During this year five families settled in the township. The first was that of Isaac Hawk, who moved from Greenbrier County, Va., in 1807, to the lower part of Gallia County, Ohio. In January, 1810, he came to this township, where he remained until his death, in 1862. The first sermon preached in Wilkesville was at his house, by Reverend Mr. Dixon, a Methodist minister. William Humphreys, Henry Jones, Rufus Wells and Mr. Terry came about the same time. The first child born in Wilkesville was Clara Jones, and the second was Henry Hawk. Mr. Duc had offered a land warrant to the first child that should be born in Wilkesville. Mr. Due brought his family from Middletown, Conn., in the spring of 1812. About the same time Mr. Chitwood, another Eastern man, moved to the farm now owned by Able Wells. He kept a store in his house, and was the first man that ever kept goods to sell in Wilkesville Township.   WILKESVILLE BUSINESS.   The first store in the village of Wilkesville was kept by a man named Richmond. In 1828 James Edmiston and William Stowell were competitors for the trade. They were followed by Harvey Brown and Hiram G. Daniel. The present business firms of Wilkesville are Cline & Miller, general store; J. Strong & Son, general store; M. P. Carr & Son, general store; B. F. Williams, notions and postoffice; Misses Cline & Hays, millinery; W. C. Cline, drugs; Louis Keltenbach, wagon-shop; Cyrus Devault & Sons, wagon and blacksmith shop; George Patten, blacksmith shop; Hawk & Strong, furniture; George Wetherholt, furniture; William Thompson, hardware; John Muholland, blacksmith shop; James Reisinger, wagon-shop; George Currey, tannery; J. J. Cline, harness shop; John Caywood, hotel; Henry Grady, shoe shop; Robert Hurd, shoe shop.   The oldest house in Wilkesville is the brick dwelling on High street, now occupied by James Lyons. It was built by Henry Duc, about 1816.   Wilkesville once had a newspaper, the Reporter, issued July 25, 1872, by Charles B. Taylor and Vinet E. Taylor. It supported General Grant for the presidency, but died soon after the campaign closed,   HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY - 1347   CHURCHES.   First Presbyterian Church.—The first Presbyterian sermon ever preached in Wilkesville was at the house of Henry Duc, by Rev. William R. Gould, who was then laboring at Gallipolis, under the auspices of the Connecticut Missionary Society. The church was organized by Mr. Gould ill October, 1821, receiving seven persons, two men and five women. They were John Strong, Henry S. Due, Lucy Due, Mary Due, Betsey Davis, Sadai Strong and Mabel Strong. The first ministers were Rev. William R. Gould, Rev. Augustus Pomeroy and Rev. Hiram R. Howe, the last of whom was the first regular supply here.   The Methodist Episcopal was the pioneer church in Wilkesville, the first religious services in the village having been held by Rev. Mr. Dixon. He was followed by Rev. John Brown, who formed a class about 1814. The house of worship used by the society is large and commodious, and the church is in a prosperous condition. The present Pastor is Rev. Mr. Rice.   The Roman Catholic Church has about 300 members, including all baptized infants. Their house of worship was destroyed by fire in 1873, and a new one has been erected at a cost of over $8,000. It is well supported and increasing in both membership and influence.   SCHOOLS.   The first school in Wilkesville was taught by Mrs. Crooker, in 1818. A school-house was built where the present one stands about 1833. Miss Isham, sister of Dr. Isham, first taught in it. Besides the public schools there were occasional select schools. Major J. C. H. Cobb taught an excellent school for some two years, and Mrs. E. D. Shaw also taught for a time. Just after the close of the war Rev. Warren Taylor taught a select school in the Presbyterian church. A number of returned soldiers attended. In the spring of 1866, at a meeting of a few leading citizens, called by Rev. W. Taylor, the building of Wilkesville Academy was determined upon. The money was nearly all raised in the vicinity. This school has been a great benefit to Wilkesville, having attracted students from abroad and furnished the surrounding country' with some excellent common-school teachers.   1348 - HISTORY OF HOCKING VALLEY.   SOCIETY.   Orphan's Friend Lodge, No. 275, F. & A. M., is the only secret society in Wilkesville. A lodge of Freemasons was organized in 1829, named Orphan's Friend Lodge, No. 100. The first officers were Job Phetteplace, W. M.; E. McMillen, S.W.; Cushing Shaw, J. W.; T. P. Fogg, Treasurer; N. B.. Purinton, Secretary; Seth Thompson, S. D.; A. Saunders, J. D.; Royal R. Althar, Tyler. This lodge ceased work in 1844. It was resurrected under the name of Orphan's Friend Lodge, No. 275, with the following charter members: John H. Caywood, D. H. Smith, R. C. Grant, H. H. Bishop, Job. Phetteplace, Jeremiah F. Davis, F. Rowley,G. Underwood, T. P. Fogg and Cushing Shaw. The lodge has a beautiful, well-furnished hall, and is in a prosperous condition pecuniarily.   HAWK'S STATION.   Hawk's Station is a young settlement, principally built up since the railroad was built through the township. Near the station is Hartley's mill, the history of which extends back over half a century. It was originally built by one Houdasheldt, probably as early as 1825. It is situated on Raccoon Creek, in the northwestern part of the township. Houdasheldt ran the mill for some twenty or more years, and then sold to Benjamin Hawk. From him it passed to David Westfall, who owned it several years. It was burned down in 1848, and rebuilt by Mr. Westfall. In 1855 or 1856 he sold it to John Berkheimer, from whom it was purchased in 1858 by George Hartley. He died in May, 1881, since when the mill has been in the hands of Amos and E. A. Hartley, his sons. The mill is valued at $5,000. It is run by water-power, contains two run of stone, and has a capacity of ten bushels per hour:   Among the early settlers in this vicinity were Peter Starr, a relative of Houdasheldt, and who came with him, and was last heard of in West Virginia; Isaac Hawk and his son, Benjamin Hawk; who settled in the northern part of the township in 1842 (Isaac. Hawk died in 1863,at the age of sixty-seven; Benjamin Hawk died in 1865) ; Michael Carpenter, Ivory Thacker, Thomas Thacker, Holman Thacker, James McNeal, Louis Dowell, Malachi Dorton, Dennis McGinnis and Wed. Knapper, were also among those early arrivals. The last three were drowned at Hartley's mill in 1857, by the upsetting of a canoe in which they were rowing.   HISTORY OF HOCKING VALL'EY - 1349   The postoffice was established in 1880. Casimir Hawk is the first and present Postmaster. The principal industry at Hawk's is the mining and shipping of coal, which business is controlled by William Comstock.   MINERTON.   Near the point now called Minerton was built the Quinn Mill, which is nearly as old as Hartley's mill. The Catholic church at this point was built nearly forty years ago, and among the early priests were Fathers Rapp, Kelly, O'Meilly and Thinpont. The priest in charge at the present time, Father Louis Grimmer, has been at Minerton for about four years. The congregation includes about ninety families. The church, originally frame, was burned in 1872, artd rebuilt with brick, at a cost of $3,000. The store at Minerton was opened in 1880 by the present owner, John Lawler, who is also railroad agent and Postmaster. The population of Minerton is about fifty.   United Brethren Church.—Besides the church at Wilkesville, there is one other church in the township. It is of the United Brethren denomination, and is situated in the north-central part of the township. It is of frame, built in 1873, at a cost of $1,000, and will seat about 150. The Pastors have been Revs. John Zimmerman, Louis Simmons, John Miles, M. Burnworth and Mr. Loer, the present Pastor. The membership is about thirty-five.   The village of Wilkesville was incorporated Aug. 12, 1881.   Wilkesville Township is bounded on the north by Vinton Township, on the east by Meigs County, on the south by Gallia County and on the west by Jackson County.   There are two voting precincts known as Eastern and Western. The East Precinct had 128 horses, 433 head of cattle, 2,813 head of sheep and 117 hogs. The West Side had 154 horses, 617 head of cattle, 2,373 head of sheep and 336 hogs, which gave a decided preponderance except in sheep. The East Side, however, shows the greatest valuation in personal property. The east has $60,661, and the west $52,415. It had 5,216 sheep, the township being fourth in that regard.   There is only one stream of water in the township of any note, Raccoon Creek, which enters on section 24 of its north tier of sections and meanders, first south, then southwest, then southeast, east, and southeast and south and leaves the township on section two, about one and a half miles east of the Meigs County line.