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CHAPTER XX.
PENN.
QUAKER INFLUENCES-EARLY SETTLERS FROM BELMONT AND JEFFERSON COUNTIES-NAMES OF PIONEERS-ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWNSHIP-FIRST ELECTION-LATER SETTLERS-ANECDOTE -FAMILY SKETCHES-PIERPOINT'S MILL-PECULIAR TRAIT IN MILLER PIERPOINT- PREFERRING A POOR DEBTOR TO A CASH CUSTOMER-PERSONAL MENTION-PENNSVILLE-AN OLD VILLAGE-LAID OUT IN 1828-GROWTH OF THE FIRST DECADE-VILLAGE LIFE IN EARLY YEARS-PRESENT CONDITION-CHURCHES-I. 0. 0. F. LODGE.
THE early Settlers were principally from Jefferson and Belmont Counties. They were generally Friends, or with a leaning toward that faith. They were an unusually upright and worthy class of settlers, and their posterity are likewise honorable, honest and good citizens. The first farms taken up were those along Wolf Creek and on or near the old Harmar and Lancaster road.
Among the earliest settlers were Samuel Howard, William, Abner and John Widger, David Winnor, Sr., David Winnor, Jr., James McLain, Samuel King, Robert Todd, Isaac Davis, Joseph Mills, Thomas Nash, Asahel Tompkins, Joseph King, James Harris, John Simpson, Thomas Ackerson, Michael King, William Hawkins, Richard Stilyeas, Samuel Work, John Harris, Jacob Hummel, James Ackerson, Abel Gilbert, Charles Howard, Nathan Sidwell, John Sid well, Nathan Sidwell, Jr., all of whom were voters at the first election held on the 24th of July, 1819. This first election was for the purpose of choosing a justice of the peace, and was held in obedience to the following
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order of the court of common pleas, made and recorded July 7th, 1819 :
" Whereas, it appears that our commissioners of Morgan County have set off a new township by the name of Penn : Ordered, that said township be entitled to two justices of the peace; and that the qualified electors of said township be authorized to assemble at the house of John Harris, in said township, on Saturday, the 24th instant, for the purpose of electing one or more justices of the peace."
The voters availing themselves of the privilege, met and chose Charles Howard as justice. Michael King, James Harris and Thomas Nash served as judges of the election ; and Samuel Harris and Charles Howard clerks. Twenty-nine votes were cast, twenty-seven of them for Howard.
James McLain, Isaac Davis, James Warren and John Harris, Jacob Hummel, Jonathan Pierpoint, Abel King and others were pioneers along Wolf Creek. Others, scattered through the township on the hills and among them, were the following early settlers whose names are not included in the foregoing list of voters : James Campbell, Benjamin Jennings, John White, John Shaw, Samuel Smith, James Gribb, Anthony Ramble, Nimrod Williams, Caspar Strahl, John Plummer, Samuel Embree, Isaac Clendenin, Joseph Barclay, John Rusk, Jesse Howard, Alexander Gifford, Marvin Gifford, William McPeak, Richard McPeak, Wells White, John R. Collins, John Baker and Zachariah Nash, all prior to 1825. The next decade brought the Penroses, Matsons, Pidgeons, Harmers and many other families which are still well represented in the township.
The county commissioners at their June session in 1828 ordered "that sections 25 and 26 in township number 8, range 13, now attached to Penn township, be attached to and constitute a part of Union township ; also that the west fraction of section 31 in township 10, range 11, be attached to and constitute a part of Penn township."
Richard McPeak was somewhat peculiar in his manner of speech, having a perceptible lisp. One day he was out looking for some stray swine, and meeting a hunter, the following conversation took place :
Good morning, Mr. McPeak." " Good morning, thir. Have you theen any thin' of two thowth and pigth ? " " Two thousand pigs ! Why,*McPeak, I never saw so many in my life, at one time." " I didn't thay two thousand pighth ; I thaid two thouth, and pigth." But the hunter could not or would not understand that less than two thousand pigs were being asked for.
Nathan Sidwell, the founder of Pennsville, was among the earliest permanent settlers locating in the township in 1813. He was in good circumstances and entered a large tract of land lying adjacent to the town of Pennsville, upon which are now some of the best improved farms in the township. Like most of the early settlers, he was a Friend. He died in the township. His sons were John, Gabriel, Nathan and Jesse. One of his daughters was Rebecca (Llewellyn).
John Plummer, who came at about the same time with Sid well, was another prominent pioneer. He died quite early. He also had quite an extensive tract of land which lay to the north of Pennsville.
About the year 1813 John "Simpson, originally from Frederick County, Md.,
380 - HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
in the vicinity of Baltimore, brought his wife from Belmont County and settled upon an unimproved tract of land adjoining the present village of Pennsville. This family had their full share of pioneer experiences, and endured all of the inconveniences incident to life in a new country. Mr. Simpson lived to the age of 87, and witnessed wonderful changes in the country which he first saw as a wilderness. He died in 1873. He was married in Belmont County in in 1811 to Sarah Elmore, a native of North Carolina. The children of John and Sarah Simpson were Robert, deceased; Ann (Bain), still a resident of Penn Township ; Austin E., who died in Indiana ; William, who died in Nebraska; Sibilla (Dodge), who died in Vinton County, Ohio ; two daughters, each named Asenath, who died young ; Corilla, who died in Penn Township ; and Mary J. (White), now living in Pennsville. Mrs. Simpson died in 1861.
Robert Simpson was a farmer and died in this township about 1858. He married Ann Bain and was the father of Sarah, Harriet, Rhoda, William, , Almeda, Luther B., John S., M. Fillmore, Elmore and Robert F. Of these Sarah, Luther, John and Fillmore are still living.
J. S. Simpson has been in the mercantile business in Pennsville since 1870. He was born in 1848, and married Jane Penrose. Children : Robert J., Mary P., Anna (deceased), Ethelyn G., Charles 0. and Janet.
John Pierpoint was an early settler, Prior to 1830 he erected on Wolf Creek the first mill in the township, where Able's mill now is. He was a Friend and a man of great benevolence. It is said of him that in times when money was scarce he would ask those who came to buy meal of him if they had money, and if they had he would refuse to sell to them, preferring to supply instead those who were poor and whose needs were greater. He was the father of Benjamin, William, John and Eli Pierpoint. Later Samuel King had a horse mill near Pennsville.
In 1817 James McLain settled in this township near Pennsville. He afterwards moved to Homer Township, where he is still living at an advanced age. His father-in-law, Charles Howard was the first justice of the peace in Penn township.
Daniel McIntire, an early settler, sold out tp Thomas and Joshua Plummer. Wells, White, Simeon Evans and the Kings were early settlers.
Guernsey County furnished its quota of the early settlers of Morgan, and among those who came in the year 1821 was Michael King and family, who settled in Penn Township about one mile and a half from the village of Pennsville, where he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land. His location was evidently very satisfactory, indeed, for he died upon the farm on which he was the original settler. He had a family of nine children who came into the county. Abel was twelve years of age. He was reared in Penn and resided there until the year 1839, when he went to Washington County. He married, in 1831, Miss Mary Doane. She was a native of Pennsylvania and came to Muskingum County with her people in 1824. They have reared a family of eight children, four of whom are residentS of the county. Six of the sons served their country in the war of the rebellion. John was a member of the 36th 0. V. I.; Milton and Nathan, 39th 0. V. I. Abel was a member of
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the 7th West Va. cavalry ; I3enajah, Co. H., 148 .0. V. I.
Eli Matson settled near Pennsville in 1830. For many years he waS class leader in the M. P. Church.
Robert Kirby settled on the farm now known as the Garrison farm in 1831. His son Finley is one of the old residents.
Nimrod Williams, who left the township in the early years of its settlement, was a noted character. He was a practical joker, and at raisings, log-rollings, corn-huskings and other similar gatherings, contributed largely to the merriment and jollity incident to such occasions.
Eli Smith, one of the pioneers of this township, came from Fayette County, Pa., and settled in Penn in 1821. He died in 1885 at the ripe old age of 93 years.—See biography.
James Hummel, one of the early settlers, came to this township in 1816, and died in 1852. He married Lavina Smith and they had eleven children—. Isaac, Julia A., Elizabeth, Sarah, Ellen, William, Mary, Alfred, Jane and Lewis.
Amos Pidgeon settled on the farm now occupied by his son, J. W. Pidgeon, in 1832. He was a native of Maryland. and came to this county from Jefferson County. In Jefferson County he married Ann Plummer, also a native of Maryland. Mr. Pidgeon took up a farm on which a slight improvement had previously been made by Robert Todd. He died in. 1861 in his 69th year ; and his wife in 1885 in her 94th year. They had three children, all born in Jefferson County-Harriet (Hammond), residing in Jefferson County ; Joseph W., Penn Township ; John, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Pidgeon were members of the Friends' Society. He was a carpenter by trade, but followed farming after coming to this county.
J. W. Pidgeon was born in Jefferson County in 1824, and came to Morgan County with his parents. He is a prominent and successful farmer. He was engaged in mercantile business at Chester Hill and Stockport for about twelve years, but has been a farmer for thirty years. He was married in 1851 to Elizabeth Bye, a native of Belmont County, daughter of Jonas Bye, who came to Morgan County in 1839. Children : John S., Amos, William A., Charles E. Mr. Pidgeon is a republican and a Friend. At present he is one of the trustees of the Childrens Home. Mr. Pidgeon plainly remembers the days of his boyhood when deer and wild turkeys were frequently seen around the house; also the trips to mill at Little Ludlow ; and the rude agricultural implements in use fifty years ago. He owned the first single mower in Morgan County, purchasing it about 1848.
In 1832 butter was worth but a " fi'penny bit" ((cents) per pound ; eggs three or four cents per .dozen ; calico cost fifty cents per yard, and a dress of that material waS more valued by a farmer's daughter of that day than the finest silk would be to-day.
In the neighborhood of the Pidgeons in 1832, lived Thomas Penrose, Jacob Rogers, Thomas Bundy, William Geddis, a veritable pioneer and hunter, David Stephens and Jacob Balderson.
The first schoolhouse in the same neighborhood was of round beech logs, daubed with clay. It was furnished in the old style. Jesse Webster, an early teacher, carried a hickory .stick-under his arm continually, and used it freely
382 - HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
The name of Penrose is common in Morgan County and everywhere of good repute. The Penroses are descended from Thomas and Sarah Penrose, natives of Pennsylvania, the former of English and the later of Irish descent. They were Friends who came to Jefferson County, Ohio, and thence, in 1830, to Morgan County. They had a large family, all born in Jefferson County : Mahlon, Richard, James, Thomas, John, and Joseph ; Mrs. Stanton and Sarah A. (Griffin). All the above, except Mahlon and Mrs. Stanton, settled in Morgan County. All are nOW deceaSed, except Joseph, who iS at present a resident of Washington County. All were farmers except John, who became a prominent business man of Pennsville.
Richard Penrose, son of Thomas, came in 18'29, settling on eighty acres of land. He first came out with his brother and built a cabin, being occupied a week in that labor, then removed his family, consisting of his wife and one child to it. He was married in Jefferson County to Elizabeth Swickard. He first settled on a farm near Wolf Creek, now owned by T. E. Penrose, afterwards moving to a location south of Pennsville. He died in 1883, in the eighty-second year of his age. His five children are all living : Joseph, Jason, Barclay, Hannah (Steer) and Mary (Santee). Jason Penrose, a farmer, living near Pennsville, was born in this township in 1832. He married Martha Harmer and they four children : Charles B., Rachel, William H. and Hannah S.
John Penrose was born in Jefferson County, in 1807 and died in Pennsville in 1856. He learned blacksmithing in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and worked at his trade for some years in
Pennsville, where he setted in 1830. Afterwards he engaged in the mercantile business, at first having his former employer, Joseph Lawrence, for his partner. Later he bought Mr. Lawrence's interest and conducted the business successfully until his death. He was a good man'and much esteemed. He married Anna Crew in Jefferson County. Children : Sarah E. (Halaman), Hannah (Maule), Thomas E. and John A. The name of his second wife was Hannah Lightfoot, and their children were Mary (Simpson,) deceased ; Jane (Simpson,) and Charles. The latter is a prominent merchant of Chester Hill.
Thomas E Penrose is the oldest male resident of Pennsville, in which place he has resided since his birth in 1837. He early became acquainted with the mercantile business, clerking in his father's store. After the decease of his father he took charge of the business (in 1856) and has since conducted it. In 1859 he married Susan Metcalf, of this county, daughter of Jesse Metcalf, an early settler. She died in 1862 ; and in 1864 he married Mary R. Griffith, a native of Pennsylvania. Children : Jessie and Edith. Mr. Penrose has probably held the office of postmaster longer than any other man in Morgan County, having been continuously in that position since he was first appointed in 1859.
The pioneers managed to get along against disadvantages which no modern farmer could tolerate. When John Penrose erected his blacksmith shop in Pennsville, there was only one team in the neighborhood-that belonging to John Simpson. He and his assistants carried all the timbers they could conveniently to the spot where the shop was to be erected, then procured Simp-
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son's team to move some of the heavier logs.
William Foulke was a prominent early settler, and a member of the Society of Friends. He was the father of J. R. and William Foulke, formerly lawyers and editors of McConnelsville, but now of Minneapolis, Minn.
John Bain was comparatively an early settler and is still a resident of the township. He has represented the county in the legislature and been otherwise prominent in public affairs.
William Milhous was born in Belmont County, Ohio in 1811, and came to Morgan County when it was still wild and sparsely settled. He first settled in Malta Township and afterwards moved to a location between Pennsville and Chester Hill, where he engaged in making threshing machines, the first ever built in the neighborhood, and perhaps the first in the county. He studied medicine with Dr. Huestis, of Chester Hill, engaged in practice at that place, and continued for several years. He next became a clerk and afterward a captain on steamboats navigating the Muskingum and Ohio rivers. The next move in his varied career was when he became a traveling salesman for a Philadelphia wholesale house, and while in that position he enlisted in the late war in Company C, First (West) Virginia infantry, of which he was chosen captain. He was taken prisoner .and exchanged sometime afterwards. In 1864 he returned to Morgan county and located in McConnelsville. In 1866 he removed to the vicinity of Pennsville. From 1870 to 1874 he was a resident of Zanesville. He then returned to Pennsville, where he died August 31, 1884. He was one of the early abolitionists and an engineer on the underground railroad. He was a republican and a Universalist. He was married in Belmont County to Mary Lightfoot. She died December 25, 1881, aged 67 years. They had four children, only one of whom—Jane—lived to mature yeah. She now resides in Pennsville.
William Llewellyn came from Delaware County, Pennsylvania, to Muskingum County, Ohio, and thence in 1830 to Penn Township, Morgan County. His son Thomas, one of the oldest residents of the township, now resides in Pennsville.
Parry Llewellyn came a little later to this township, where he died in 1879. The Llewellyns were Friends. Parry married Rebecca Sid well, awl was the father of Elizabeth (Coler), Baker, Sidwell (dead), Mary (looper), Caroline (Hooper), Melissa (Parsons), Jesse and Maggie A. (Waterman).
Isaac Harris, a native of Pennsylvania, was of English and German descent. He emigrated from Pennsylvania to Williamsburg, West Virginia, and from thence to Licking County, Ohio, about the year 1808. After a residence of about twelve years in Licking County, he came with his family, which consisted at the time of his wife and six children—William, John, Edward, Sarah Anna, Samuel and Elizabeth—to the southeast quarter of Union Township, where he entered a quarter- section of land, which he improved and upon which he built a mill which was so constructed that it could be run by horses when there was not a sufficient quantity of water. In 1829 he went to Illinois, but returned the following year and purchased a tract of new land in the western part of the township. He died in Penn in 1831, He was one of the most prominent pio-
384 - HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
neers in this section of the township. Of his family only three are living in the county—John, Samuel and William. William, the older of the sons, resides in .Pennsville. John and Samuel are among the prominent farmers of. the township, and reside upon land purchased by their father in 1830. They have identified themselves prominently with the township. Both were born in Licking County.
In 1830 Aaron Mendenhall came to Morgan County, and settled on the ham where his son Joseph now resides. With him came his family, consisting of hiS wife and eight children—Elizabeth, Isaac, Joseph, Rachel, Thirza, Lydia, Naomi and Edith. Israel and Lewis were born in Morgan County. The farm was entered by Jacob Hummel, one of the pioneers of the township, who made a little improvement On this farm the elder Mendenhall resided until his decease, which occurred in 1864 in the eighty-eighth year of his age. Joseph was born in Harrison County, Ohio, in 1817, and married for his first wife Miss. Rosannah Kane. She was born in Harrison County, and died about 1844. Three years later Mr. Mendenhall was again married to Miss Mary Thorp. They have nine children living. Mr. Mendenhall has been identified with the development of the township for over half a century. For sixteen years he has been one of its magistrates. He is a member of the Society of Friends.
James Mitchner was one of the early settlers of Penn Township. He was a Friend, and came from Pennsylvania, of which state he was a native, to Muskingum County in 1832. In 1837 he came to Penn Township, and bought the farm on which his daughter, Mrs. Rebecca Manly, now resides. He married Miss Margaret Foulk, and reared a family of four children—Rebecca, Satah, Mary and Aseneth. Rebecca was born near Stroudsburgh, and came to Ohio with her parents. In 1845 she was married to William H. Manly. He was born in 1804, in Cecil County, Virginia, and came to Morgan County about 1838 and settled in Penn Township, where he died in 1879. He was a miller by trade and an exemplary man in every respect.
Marvin Gifford came from Kennebec County, Maine, and settled in Marion Township about 1818. The journey was made by wagon and was attended by many hardships. His first location was on the farm since known as the Calvin Parker farm. After a residence of two years he came to Penn Township and purchased the farm now owned by his son Jesse. The original settler on this land was a man by the name of Moses Campbell; Mr. Gifford, however, improved it and became one of Penn's most prominent citizens. He died in 1867, aged seventy-eight years. In his religious convictions he was a Friend and exemplified in his daily life the tenets of this faith. Although in limited circumstances when he came to the county, he accumulated by industry and economy a well-won competency. He was a native of Massachusetts. His wife, Abigail Bailey, was born in Virginia.
Edwin Newsom came from Belmont County when a young man and settled on the north half of section one. He kept " bachelor's hall," improved his farm and after having made the necessary preparations for the reception of a bride he married Miss Anna M. Barlow, a native of Richmond, Val but
PICTURE OF WILLIAM H. MANLY
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residing at the time in Penn. They reared a family of ten children. William is living on the old homestead where he was born in 1840. In 1866 he married Miss Sarah Vincent for his first wife. His present wife, nee Emma Van Fossen, was born in Bristol Township, in 1844.
Among the early settled farms in Penn Township is that formerly known as the Thompson farm. Its present owner, Mr. Amos A. Hotchkiss, is the son of Calvin Hotchkiss, who settled in Union Township in 1837, where his Son Amos was born in April, of the following year, and where he lived until 1855, when he went to Malta Township. He married Miss Sarah M. Manly, daughter of William H. Manly, one of the prominent farmers of the county. They have been blessed with a family of nine children, eight boys and one girl. Mr. Hotchkiss is classed among the leading and Successful farmers of the township.
Calvin Hotchkiss was born in Waterbury, Conn., in 1816, and came to Ohio in 1837. He first settled in Union Township where he bought an unimproved farm. He was entirely ignorant of farm labor, having been bred to the trade of a comb maker, which avocation he had followed until hiS removal to Ohio, and his pioneer experiences were rendered more arduous on that account. He soon overcame that obstacle, however, and to the small beginning he has succeeded in obtaining a fine competency. He now resides in Malta. He married, in Connecticut, Miss Sally Ives and has reared a family of four boys and three girls.
Robert Wetherell and his wife, nee Elizabeth Winn, were the first settlers on the southeast quarter of section thirty-six. He came from Durham County, England, and for a time resided in Jefferson County, where he was married in October of 1836. Just previous to his marriage he had visited Morgan County and entered his land, which he improved. He led a successful and useful life, and identified himself with the best interests of the county. His decease occurred December 20, 1875. His wife survived him nearly four years. They left a family of three children, Joseph, Alice and Mary. The latter is deceased.
Benjamin Bailey came from Belmont County, O., and Settled in the northeast corner of the township. With him came his family, consisting of his wife and children, some twelve in number, all of whom settled around him and all ultimately became heads of families. He died in 1866, aged seventy-six years. Two of his sons, Alexander and Benjamin, reside on the old homestead. Alexander married Harriet Clemens, of Malta, where She was born in 1834. Her mother was one of the pioneer women of the county and at this time one of its oldest living residents ; something of her history will be found in the history of Malta Township.
Samuel Fawcett was born in Belmont County, 0:, in 1817 ; his parents were natives of Georgia and reared a family of fifteen children. In 1838 Samuel was married to Miss Mary A. Harmer, and two years later came to Morgan County and settled three miles south of Chesterfield ; after a residence of eight years he removed to Iowa, from whence he returned to Morgan County and purchased the farm on which he now resides. In 1876 his first wife died and in the following year he married Miss Patience Gifford. Mr. Fawcett is a Friend, and has been a successful bum-
386 - HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
ness man and is numbered among the prominent citizens of Penn Township.
The Embree family were originally from Chester County, Pa. About the year 1800 they removed to the State of Maryland, Baltimore County, where Jesse Embree was born in the year 1808. In 1812 the family came to Jefferson County, 0., where the elder Embree purchased a farm, upon which he resided until 1825. When he came to Morgan County he purchased the farm now owned by Samuel King, in Malta Township, upon which he resided until his decease, in 1838. He was a member of the Society of Friends and an exemplary man in every respect. In 1835 Jesse married Miss Mary Dennis and in 1851 moved to Penn Township and settled on the farm now owned by his Son James, who was born in Malta in 1849. Mrs. Jesse Embree was born in Baltimore County, Md., in 1810. In 1833 her father Settled in Marion. He was the original purchaser of the land upon which he lived until his death, which occurred in 1838. He was a Friend and a gentleman highly esteemed by all who knew him. They reared a family of nine children : Philip D., Lydia A., Hannah D., Sarah J., Phebe P., Maria R, Rebecca J., James and Charles R.
Levi Thompson was one of the early settlers in Marion Township. He entered eighty acres of Government land, on which he resided until his decease, which occurred in 1854. His wife, Mary, was a daughter of Robert Wood, one of the early settlers of Penn Township. , Wood was a Quaker, and is still remembered for his many acts of kindness.
John Hann was the pioneer on section four. In the year 1828 he came from Loudoun County, Va., with his family, which consisted of his wife and five children, four boys and one girl. His purchase consisted of two hundred and forty acres, for which he paid $1.25 per acre. He waS a typical pioneer and well qualified for the arduous duties of that life. He served his country in the war of 1812. He died in 1870 at an extreme old age. Mathias Hann, one of his sons, now resides an a part of the original estate. He was born in Virginia in 1812. He married Miss Mary Drake and reared a family of nine children, four of whom are deceased.
The Williams family came to Morgan County and settled where Stockport now its in 1830. Owing to the prevalence of fever and ague the family removed to Penn Township and settled on the farm now owned by Thomas Dewees. David was a blacksmith by trade. He was born in Belmont County, Ohio, and married Miss Melinda Wood. She was born in Monroe County in 1824. He died in 1881 in Marion Township, leaving four children-Malvitas, Annie R., Eunice and Sylvanus.
Benjamin Hooper was one of the early settlers of Penn Township. He entered two sections of land on what is known as the Todd Ridge. He married Harriet Choguill. She was born in Marion Township. After their marriage he returned to Jefferson County, Ohio, where he died. In 1855 William F. came to Morgan County. He returned, however, in 1858, and in 1862 came back and engaged in merchandising in what is now known as Hooperstown. Five years later he purchased the farm on which he now resides. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Wildman in 1858. She was born in Jefferson County, June 25, 1838, Four children
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have been born to them—Martin, Francis M., Cora A. and Warren. Mr. Hooper is a republican in politics and a member of the M. E. Church.
In the spring of 1847, Thomas Yocom and his son, Samuel B., came from Somerset, Belmont County, Ohio, and settled in Malta Township, where the elder Yocom purchased a farm, upon which he resided until his removal to Pennsville, where he died in 1877. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Pewees, was born in Center County, Pa., and died in 1885. Samuel B. was born in Belmont County in 1828. He was reared on a farm and in 1857 engaged in merchandising in Pennsville. He prosecuted a successful business until 1867, at which time he was elected to the office of county treasurer. He was reelected to the same position, and upon the expiration of his official duties he reentered mercantile life.
For the last decade he has been the magistrate of Pennsville. In 1855 Mr. Yocom was married to Miss Hannah J. Dewees. She died in the following year, and in 1861 he was again married to Miss Sarah King, a native of Pennsville. By the first marriage there was one child Lydia A.; by the last, four sons : Eli K., Charles P., Frank R. and Joseph D. Mr. Yocom is one of Pennsville's most reputable citizens and, is entitled to the envious position he holds among his fellow citizens. He is a member of the Society of Friends and a republican.
The Millers came from Guernsey County and settled in Penn in 1850. The family consisted of the widowed mother and thirteen children. They settled on the farm now owned by James Dougan. William Miller, one of the sons and one of the most prominent farmers of Penn Township at this time, was born in Guernsey County in 1832. He purchased the farm where he now resides in 1855. It comprises three hundred acres and is regarded as one of the best in the township He married Sarah Hummel and has a family of six children.
William H. Young was born in Portage County, in 1837. In 1858 he came to Morgan County and settled in Penn Township. In 1862 he enlisted in Company F, 86th O. V. I., a three months organization. He reenlisted in Company G, 161st O. V. I. He did his duty unflinchingly, and from exposure became crippled for life. After his discharge from the service hd returned to Penn, where for eight years he officiated as township treasurer, besides bolding many other minor positions. In 1884 he was elected to the office of register and recorder, the duties of which he has discharged with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the people.
The politics of Penn Township are a very certain and reliable quantity. Out of over 300 voters there are about 50 democratic votes, on an average. Thus it has been for several years. At present the honor of casting the democratic vote of the village is enjoyed by one individual.
PENNSVILLE.
This is a small but very pleasant village, situated in the central part of Penn Township It is among the oldest of Morgan County villages, and is quiet and old-fashioned. Nevertheless, it is a good trading point, containing four well-stocked stores, which supply the inhabitants of an extensive tract of fanning country with groceries and
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dry goods. Pennsville is of Quaker origin, and haS always been what it is to-day—moral, quiet, well-behaved.
The first plat of the town was made in 1828 for Nathan Sid well, proprietor. A few years later additions were made by Samuel Spurrier and Nathan Sidwell, and by Joseph Stahl. The village was settled quite rapidly, and during the first decade of its existence its population probably was as great, if not greater, than it is to-day.
Samuel King opened the first Store. William Foulke was another early merchant. John Penrose settled in the village in 1830 and opened the first blacksmith shop. Shortly afterward his wife began selling a few goods, and as business grew Mr. Penrose turned his attention to it, opening a store with Joseph Lawrence as his partner. He continued the mercantile business until his death, and was widely known and very popular.
Jesse Sidwell, blacksmith, was an early comer.
John and Samuel Rogers, from New Jersey, started a tannery in 1831. They carried on the businesS on quite an extensive scale for several years, and after gaining a competency, sold out and went to Illinois.
" In 1832," says one who first saw Pennsville in that year, "there were but three or four frame buildings in Pennsville. The rest of the structures were log cabins, and many of them surrounded by dense woods."
Dr. E. G. Coulson came to the place in 1841. He thinks the village had between 200 and 300 inhabitants. John Penrose and John Spurrier were then the leading merchants. The Rogers' tannery was in operation. John Dunn, father of ex-Sheriff Dunn, was a shoemaker here, and Abraham Naylor a cabinetmaker. John Wood carried on mercantile business. William Lent waS Justice. of the peace then and for some yearS after. Dr. Williams was the village physician. Soon after came Dr. Spurrier and Dr. McNichol. Jehu Coulson, father of Dr. Coulson, was a mason and bricklayer, and worked on many buildings which are Still standing.
John McLain, now of St. Joseph, Mo., and Flavins Waterman kept the first tavern in Pennsville. Other early tavern-keepers were Bob Kirby, Lep Tompkins and 'Squire Lent. Though some of the hotel-keepers in former years lave sold liquor, there has never been a bar-room in Pennsville.
The first temple of education in Pennsville was a primitive log schoolhouse, which served for .several years. The present school building, a two- story frame structure, was erected about 1863. Two schools are now maintained.
This village, like other .Quaker communities, was strongly abolitionist, and figured prominently in the management of the Underground Railroad. Fugitive slaves who succeeded in reaching Pennsville or the neighboring village of Chester Hill, were reasonably safe from recapture, and were sent on their way rejoicing.
The first brick house in the village was erected on the lot where the Store of T. E. Penrose now stands. It was of sun-dried brick. In the early years of the village it was the residence of Joseph Lawrence, and later Joshua Wood kept store in it.
Anthony Fowler was an early settler in the village. He was a clock maker and worked at his trade here. Several old-fashioned eight-day clocks of his
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manufacture are still in use. The works are of wood and they are said to keep accurate time. The house in which Fowler lived, a brick one, is still standing, and is the oldest brick building in the village.
The Dr. Williams property, a log house, weather-boarded, still stands on its original foundation, and is probably the oldest house in town.
The principal business interests of Pennsville in 1886 were as follows :
General stores : T. E. Penrose, E. R. Hilaman & Son, J. S. Simpson, James Dewees.
Hardware : M. Penrose.
Drugs : L. J. Harmer, Dr. E. G. Coulson.
The usual variety of minor industries are to be found here. There are three physicians—Dr. E. G. Coulson, Dr. L. S. Holcomb, and Dr. Herman Choguill.
CHURCHES.*
The Friends' Meeting—Was established in 1827. The first meeting house was a log building. Next a brick house was erected, which owing to some defect, served only a few years. Two other meeting houses have since been erected, that now in use being the fourth one erected.
The Methodist Protestant Church—At Pennsville was organized by Eli Matson and Isaac Davis about 1883. Matson was class leader and Davis a prominent member. Other early members were William Hann, John Spurrier and Dr. Samuel Spurrier. Revs. Dalby, Potter, McFarland and Austin were early preachers. The first meetings were held in a log school house west of Pennsville ; afterwards the class met in
*For a sketch of the Friends' Meeting in Pennsville, see the chapter on Marion township.
shops and dwellings in the village until a church was erected. The present church was erected about 1866 during the pastorate of Rev. J. G. Ogle. The church has a fair membership.
The Baptist Church—In the western part of the township is one of the oldest religious organizations in Morgan County. Though now reduced in membership, it was formerly largely attended and very thriving. All the old members having died or removed, little information can be obtained regarding it. The Joneses, Hickersons, Moodys, and Shepards were among the early members.
The other churches of the township are a Methodist Church, in the northwest corner, and a Christian Church, in the southwest part.
Antioch Church.—This church ,located in the southwestern part of Penn Township, was organized by E. E. White and Nathan Moody in 1867. The first church officers were Isaac Hummell and William Miller, elders ; Martin Bingman and David Kennard, deacons. The above and the following comprised the original members : Sarah Miller, Hannah Rummell, Mary Kennard, Mary A. Bingman, J. F. Moody, Lavina Moody, Lewis Bingman, Eliza A. Bingman, Ellen. Parsons. The house of worship was erected in 1867 at a cost of $500. The pastors have been Revs. V. E. White, Nathan Moody, R. Harvey, J. F. Moody, A. R. Pickens and G. B. Sturgeon. The church now has 100 members and the Sabbath- school sixty scholars.
St. Zion Church. —Mt. Zion Church, in the northwest corner of Penn Township, was organized by Rev. John Wilson about 1830. Among the original members were James Ady, Sr.,
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Mary Ady, Joshua Ady, Thomas Seares, Mary Seares, Margaret Pipe, Mrs. Mary Baird, Samuel Aikens ; Joshua Ady and Thomas Seares, trustees. The first church, 18x24 feet, was erected in 1832 at a cost of $150, which sum also included the price of the churchyard. The present church, a frame building, 32x36 feet, was built in 1858 and cost $500. The pastors have been Revs. John Wilson, Herbert and Hickhn, Palferman, Warren, Parrish, Ostrum, J. C. Seares, Tracy, Southard, Scott, Lawson, Warren, Ogle, Bowden, Samuel Lancaster, King, Morphy, Thomas Potter, William Dye, W. S. Seares, William Hatfield and Thomas Orr.
LODGE.
Morgan Lodge, No. 363, I. O. O. F. Was instituted July 11, 1860. The charter members were A. W. Stewart, Joab Holt, William S. Seares, George Cain, George Matson, Joseph A. Matson and Reuben Brenneman. Three of this number, Joab Holt, George and J. A. Matson were still members in 1886. The first officers were George Cain, N. G. ; George Matson, V. G. ; A. W. Stewart, P. S. ; W. S. Seares, R. S. ; Joab Holt, treasurer. Since its organization 169 persons have been admitted to membership in the lodge. The membership in 1868 was ninety-one. The lodge property is worth about $2,000. The hall is a large one and probably better furnished than any other lodge room in Morgan County. Present, officers : Draper Van Fossen, N. G. ; A. S. Brown, V. G. ; R K. Yocom, R. S. ; S. B. Yocom, P. S. ; John S. Simpson, treasurer.