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CHAPTER XXVI.
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ORGANIZATION IN 1821-FORMERLY A PART OF DEERFIELD-SURFACE AND DRAINAGE-LAWLESS CHARACTER OF A FEW EARLY SETTLERS-SLOW PROGRESS OF IMPROVEMENTS-THE QUIGLEYS AND THE CORNERS-MRS. QUIGLEY AND TILE BEAR-NAMES OF EARLY SETTLERS-FAMILY SKETCHES-EARLY EVENTS-THE FIRST MILL-FIRST FRAME HOUSE-FIRST BRICK HOUSE-THE Finn ELECTION-VILLAGES- RINGGOLD-ORIGIN- AND HISTORY-MORGANVILLE AND ROSSEAU.
Union Township prior to the erection of Morgan County was attached to Deerfield, and was among the last created to make one of the subdivisions of Morgan County. At the October term of the Court of Common Pleas, in 1821, the following order was issued : "Whereas, It appears that a new township, by the name of Union, has been created by the auditor of Morgan County ; ordered, that said township be entitled to two justices of the peace, and that the electors of said township meet at the house of Garrett Caviner, in said township, on the first Monday of December, and proceed to elect two justices of the peace for said township." The surface is hilly, but the township is well watered by the branches of Wolf and Sunday creeks. The former with its numerous branches drains a large scope of territory in the .counties of Washington and Morgan. One of its branches runs through Union and finds its heads in Deerfield. It derives its name from the great number of wolves found among its hills by the trappers of early days who visited its waters. Sunday Creek is a branch of the Hocking River, and finds some of its head springs in the township, and one of its branches runs through its southwestern border. It was so named by the government surveyors; who, in running one of the range lines, pitched their camp upon it on Sunday. The next day, in the progress of their work, they camped upon a creek further north, and gave to it the name of Monday, and then finishing their line in that direction they had no further use for the days of the week, so far as their application to the names of creeks was concerned.
The township being the latest settled and somewhat out. of the way of early immigration it became infested by a gang of outlaws who made their rendezvous upon the banks of Sunday Creek. Their operations in stealing horses were carried on for several years and was extensive, and the gang were not entirely broken up until the settlements became too dense for their safety and success. In fact it was not until after the indefatigable efforts of W. J. Ramsey, prosecuting attorney of Morgan County, that they were entirety dispersed. For a long time the region
490 - HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
was known as "Horse-thief Valley," and a lost horse from almost any part of the state might be traced and found somewhere upon the waters of Sunday Creek.
For many years the greater portion of Union was an unbroken and undisturbed forest, the reSort of hunters and trappers. In these wild forests such hunters as Abe and Bill Hughes, the Ward's, Love's and Priest's carried on for many years unmolested the hunting and trapping of wolves, bear, deer and other wild game. But the construction of farms, and the disappearance of game, robbed them of employment and they departed for territory more fitted to their habits of life.
Of the early settlers of this township Belmont County furnished a considerable number. Upon upper Wolf and Sunday Creeks the first settlers are said to have been IriSh, or largely so. Some of the older townships of the county also made valuable contributions to its population.
John Quigley and William Corner, in the year 1811, came to what is now Union Township and entered the first quarter section of land entered in the township, each having an equal interest. The following winter they built the first cabin, and in the spring Quigley occupied it. Corner, however, did not make the township his home until February of 1816, at which time he settled on Buck Run, near Wolf Creek. He was one of the township's most prominent citizens and was largely identified with its development. A few years before his death he removed to Malta, where he died in 1881. He was a native of Cheshire, England, and was two years of age at the time of his father's settlement in Windsor in 17941. Mrs. Quigley was a sister of William Corner. She was a fine type of the pioneer woman, and it is said that she gave the township its name. The following incident in their early life in Union was furnished the author by her brother, William, and is evidence that some of the pioneer women were possessed of as much courage as their husbands.
Their cabin was situated on the Bottom. One day while Mr. Quigley was at work on the opposite side of the creek, where the house north of Wolf Creek Church now stands, Mrs. Quigley came with her knitting to where her husband was at work. While they were sitting on a log they were somewhat startled at seeing a bear approaching. Quigley called the dog from the house and put him on the trail; when both disappeared in a small ravine. It was a peculiarity of the dog that he never barked ; but soon a noise was heard as if there waS a contest for the right of way. The sound was followed until they came to Hemlock Run, where the bear was discovered making efforts to climb a tree, but the dog would pull him back, but was careful to avoid his embrace ; but finally he succeeded in making his way up a large walnut. Quigley then started for William Oliver's, a distance of five miles, for a gun, while Mrs. Quigley and the dog remained to watch and keep the bear up the tree. On his return with Uncle Oliver and the trusty rifle, bruin came unceremoniously to the ground, and as a prize of value was borne home on a pole suspended between them.
It is at this time difficult to give much of the personality of many of the early pioneers. The fact that they :were early-settlers is about all that is known of them. Edward Miller, John
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P. Rusk, Henry Hone, William Ward, James Grubb, Isaac Harris, Aaron Wood, Samuel Short, John Tanner and Robert Hainsworth were among those who settled early. The history of some of these pioneers is to be found in the chapters devoted to other townships.
George Coler was one of the early settlers. He was witty, sharp, and shrewd, and withal a very intelligent man. At the time that Mr. Amos was laying out Ringgold he assisted the surveyors, and it became necessary for one of the chainmen to wade the creek. Coler suggested that it would be a Saving of time to strike an air line and work it out by algebra.
Daniel Davis, from Washington County, Pa., came to Belmont County, Ohio, in 1818, and in 1827 to Union Township, Morgan County, where he settled on an unimproved place, moving into a house without door or window. He was a farmer, and died in 1859. By his first wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Carrol, he had six children, of whom two are now living—Carrol, of Union Township, and Joshua, of Malta. He afterwards married Mary Allman, by whom he had eleven children.
Robert Love and wife were among the early pioneers. They came from Belmont County, Ohio, in 1822. They reared a large family. John Love, one of his sons, like his father, was a great hunter. He married Sally Frazier about 1830, and had a family of seven boys and two girls. Robert Love, the present postmaster of Ringgold, is a descendant.
Aquilla and Elizabeth Amos were natives of Hartford County, Maryland, and early settlers of this township. In 1829 they emigrated to Belmont County, and from thence to Monroe in
1832, and in November of 1835 to Union, when Mr. Amos, bought the land upon which Ringgold is now situated. He was a resident until 1859 when he removed to Meig's County. He died in Athens County in 1866, aged ninety-two years ; his wife died in 1863. Franklin Amos was born in Mobroe County in 1833, and from 1874 to 1881 was clerk of the township. In 1882 he went to Trimble, Athens County, where he now resides.
Andrew Vest was a prominent citizen in his day. He was a resident of the township for over fifty years.
Samuel Dyke settled on Buck Run. He was one of the early school teachers, a man of influence, and of more than medium abilities.
Robert and Samuel Stewart were men of some prominence. Samuel was county recorder. They went West about 1833.
James Glass came from Belmont County in 1826. He was raised in Washington County and settled on section twenty-three, where he resided until his decease in 1879. He was a prosperous farmer and a reputable citizen and reared a large family, ten of whom are living : Nancy (Henderson), William, Margaret (Boyd), Elizabeth, John, Colwell, Samuel, Ruth, James and Thomas. George Parsons was a neighbor. Both were old-time Whigs.
David Simpson was born in Ireland in 1797 and settled in Union township in 1829. He was subsequently engaged in mercantile business in Malta, from whence he removed to Licking County, where he died in 1867. His wife (nee Elizabeth Gregg) was born in Loudon County, Virgina, in 1803, and died in Morgan County in 1836.
T. L. Simpson, a son, was born in
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Morgan County in 1835. For eleven years he superintended the affairs of the County Infirmary. He was a member of Company H, 17th O. V. I. From a private he was promoted to First Lieutenant. He was severely wounded at the battle of Mission Ridge in the left arm. He died from a stroke of paralysis in 1885. In 1865 he married Miss Susan H. Cly, April 13, 1865, and reared a family of five children.
Lazarus Pierce and family came from Pennsylvania, to Muskingum County in 1816 and about two years later to Union township, Morgan County. Here he entered three quarter sections which he cleared and improved. They reared ten children. George, one of the sons, married Rebecca Phillips, of Muskingum County, a native of Virginia, and was the father of Zachariah, Elizabeth, Mary Ann, Levi P., Rebecca, Catharine, Eliza, Margaret, Benjamin, Melissa, Lorena and George. Zachariah was married in 1847 to Sarah Ann Sailor, of Deerfield township. Children : Rebecca Ann, Mary E., Silas, Zachariah S., Benjamin, William M., Abraham L., and Eliney. All the family belongs to the Christian Church. Mr. Pierce enlisted in 1861 in Company B., 62d O.V. I., and served until 1862, when he was discharged on account of disability. He was in the battle of Winchester and other smaller engagements.
Lewis Balding, one of the few surviving early settlers, was born near Albany, New York, in November, 1803. In 1805 his parents moved to West Virginia, where he resided until marriage in 1884, to Sarah Stewart, of Monroe County, Ohio. In 1833 he moved to Morgan County and settled in this township on the farm now owned by Richard Stanton. He reared twelve children, five of whom are now living: James, William, Mary and Belinda (twins), and Rhoda. Three of the children settled near the old home and two in Kansas. Mr. Balding and family belong to the Desciples' Church, of which he was one of the original members. He served as infirmary director for six years, and as justice of the peace for twenty years. He has also served in several township offices.
Moses Dawson and wife came with their family of ten children from Belmont County, Ohio, in 1832, and located on a farm which they entered in section 19, the same now owned by Mrs. Shell. Moses, the sixth son, was at home until twenty-four years of age. He then married Hannah Tanner, of this county, and engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. Dawson have had six children, one of whom, Mary Ann, died in her sixth year. Those living are Eliza J., wife of George W. Scott ; John W., who married Clara Torbert ; Alice, now Mrs. Ellsworth Scott ; Miles E., and Emma V., all residing in this county. The family are members of the Christian Church, in which Mr. Dawson is a deacon.
Frederick Gladden and Rachel, his wife, originally from Maryland, came from Belmont County in 1834, and settled in Union Township. He was a farmer and a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Gladden died in 1843, and his widow in 1872. Their children were Mary, Nancy, Elizabeth, Jacob, Frederick, John J. (deceased), William (deceased} ind Silas E.
Silas E. Gladden was born in 1833. He followed farming and teaching in early-life. He is one of the prominent citizens of the township, and has held
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the offices of trustee, justice of the peace, etc. He is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Gladden was married in 1860 to Lois Love, and they have had eleven children. One is deceased—Adolphus S. Those living are Eva F., Ida I., Ada S., Elmer W., Wilmer T., Carl A., Clarence 0., Elton R., Ernest 0., and Ivy Blanche.
Jacob Tanner and wife came from Pennsylvania and settled in Union Township. Of their ten children five are living—Hannah, Nancy, John, Eliza, J., and Jacob. The latter was born in 1851. In 1869 he married Miss Mary Weeden, of Deerfield Township. Both belong to the Christian Church.
Hiram Shepard was born in 1811. In 1830 he came from Belmont County and located in Homer Township. In 1837 he married Martha Danford, by whom he had seven children, six of whom are living. William Alexander Shepard was born in 1842. In 1867 he married Miss Georgie Pedicord. They have one child—Cassius M. Mr. Shepard is a fanner and a stock-raiser.
Homer M. Blackburn was born in Morgan County in 1837. In 1862 he enlisted in Company F, 122d Regiment, 0. V. I. He was wounded at Pine Run, Va., and again at Cedar Creek, Va., and was finally discharged at Petersburg, Va., March 11, 184;5. In 1865 he married Miss M. F. Phipps.. Both belong to the M. E. Church. Mr. Blackburn is successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising.
Joseph Miller was born in Guernsey County in 1825, and resided in that county until twenty-three years old. His father, Peter Miller, was an early settler there. Joseph came to Morgan County and married Miss Elizabeth Lent, in Penn Township, in 1849. In 1850 he moved to Malta Township, where he resided six years ; then settled in Union Township, his present home. He is an enterprising farmer and a member of the M. E. church. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of eight children. Two died in infancy. Those living are Nathan L., Jerome D.; John W., Joseph F., Charles h. and George W.
Benjamin F. Knight, a prominent farmer, was born in Morgan County in 1847. His father, George Knight, came from Maryland and was an early settler in the county. Benjamin F. resided at home until his marriage to Miss Sarah E. Thomas, of Chester Hill, in 1871. They have one child--William Henry. Mr. Knight is a member of the Methodist Church.
William Spurner was born in Jefferson County in 1821. When eleven years of age he came to Morgan County with his parents. His father, Richard Spurner, settled in Malta Township. He sied in 1857. He reared a family of four sons and four daughters.. William was married in 1844 to Elizabeth Miller, who bore him Matilda, Anna, John R., Emma and Betty. Mrs. Spurner died in 1856, and in the following year Mr. Spurner married Sarah Miller. The children . are William, Mary, Sadie and Cane. The family belong to the Christian Church. Mr. Spurner is a prominent fanner and has held the office of trustee.
William J. Williams was born in Union Township in 1842. November 25, 1861 he enlisted in Company B., 62d 0. V. I., in which he served three years, becoming a veteran January 1, 1864, and participating in all the engagements of the regiment. July 18, 1863, in the charge on Fart Wagoner, he was shot through the thigh. Until wounded
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he did not lose a day either on account of sickness or furlough. August 16, 1864, at Deep Run, Va., he lost both his eyes from a gunshot wound. In January, 1865, he received his discharge because of the loss of his eyesight. For bravery in action he was given two medals of honor. The recipients of these medals were selected by vote of their comrades. He was married in 1864 to Margaret Pierce, who died in 1876. Children--Mary Louisa, Clarissa A. and Howard. In 1877 he married ClariSsa Pierce. Children—Albert S., Sarah M., Rosa B., Walter S. and Grover Cleveland.
INITIAL EVENTS.
The first mill in the township was built about 1828 by William Corner on Wolf Creek on section 13. A mill was built by William Ward on Sunday Creek some time afterward. Samuel and Robert Stewart had a horse-mill on section four which was a great convenience to the settlers in that locality. The only mill in the tOWnship at the preSent time was built by William Corner. Andrew Vest built the first frame houSe and Edward Miller the first brick dwelling. William Corner also erected a brick house at about the Same time. SilaS Hickerson and Joseph Trimble were among the first preachers and the first, church was built in 1829. The first postoffice was on section three. William McKittrick was the postmaster, Andrew Byers was the pioneer pedagogue, and the first Schoolhouse was built on the farm now owned by Robert Hainsworth heirs. Byers was a gentleman and for the time a man of education.
In compliance with an order of the Court of Common Pleas issued October 30, 1821, the pioneer voters of the township convened at the house of Garrett Caviner on the third day of December and proceeded to hold the election ordered. Lazarus Pierce, William Corner and Andrew Scott, acted as judges, George L. Corner and William Scott, as clerks. Nineteen pioneers cast their voteS as follows: Tobias Beckwith, James Scott, Nathan Green, George Nulton, William Scott, David Scott, William McKittrick, George L. Corner, Daniel Viall, Robert Hamsworth, William Corner, Andrew Scott, Lazarus Price, Samuel Stewart, John Chappellear, Garrett Caviner, James Prosser, William Lawrence and Archibald Scott. John Chappellear received the majority of all the votes cast. The election, however, was contested on the ground that two of the judges were candidates. The case was tried before William Massey. Joab James and Sylvanus Piper, "Free Holders" who in their report say "That from the testimony produced to us we do consider said election to be illegal and of none effect." Another election was ordered and held February 2, 1822. Twenty-four votes were cast and in addition to those above named, the following pioneers voted for the first time : Robert Love, John Bradley, Philip Warner, ThomaS Rodman and Absalom Broderick. John A. Chappelear and William Corner were elected. July 9, 1822, an election was held for a justice of the peace, owing to the resignation, probably, of one of those elected previously. George L. Corner received all the votes cast. It appears from evidence on file that notwithstanding the decision of the committee of investigation of the first election that John A. Chappellear was commissioned and
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officiated as the magistrate of the township until the election of Mr. Corner, who filled the office acceptably for many years. In the early days the position was regarded as an important one. Its judicature was much more extended than now, and besides there was a certain amount of dignity attaching to the office that made it quite desirable. The " Squire " was always regarded as a person of distinction. Justices were required to give bonds for the faithful performance of their duties, which consisted principally of conveyancing, collections, marriages and the trial of cases within their jurisdiction. At the time of which we write juries in justice courts were unknown. Mr. Corner on one occasion forgot to renew his bonds, having occupied the office so long and with characteristic honesty called the attention of the trustees to the fact and suggested that a new election should be ordered, which they did. A strong man was placed on the democratic ticket and the contest was an exciting one. Mr. Corner was elected, however, by a handsome majority. At the polls he made &speech in which he said that, inasmuch as the election was the result of his carelessness, he would bear the entire expense. The election was contested on the ground of bribery, the democratic argument being that Mr. Corner's proposition was that in effect. The case was tried before Gen. Robt. McConnel, Jacob Adams and William Durbin. The whole township was summoned and the trial consumed an entire day and the democratic aspirant was relegated to private life
RINGGOLD.
The land upon which the village of Ringgold is situated was owned originally by George Gadd. In 1835 he sold the farm to Aquilla Amos, who improved it, and in 1846 platted the village. Bazil Israel was the surveyor. The infant village was named in honor of Major Samuel Ringgold, whom Yr. Amos had known in his boyhood, and who fell in one of the battles of the Mexican war. In [847 William B. Amos opened the first store. He also packed the first tobacco with a sword press. Sanders & Smith were the first tobacco packers to use screw power. For a time Ringgold was a flourishing village, but in 1860 it ceased to expand and since that time business has decreased in volume. Among those who were identified with the early events of the village were W. B. Amos, Powell and Battin, Jonas Powell, C. D. Drake, merchants ; 0. H. and W. B. Williams, carpenters and undertakers ; Joseph Amos and Samuel Byers, shoemakers ; Lewis Wood and I. R. Haycook, built the first steam sawmill.. James L. Porter was the first postmaster. The office was established in 1847. E. Shepard was the first blacksmith ; Vernon Lewis the first wagon maker ; Asa C. Rusk kept the first tavern ; Joseph M. Amos burned the first brick. In 1847 Doctor John Ashley offered his professional services to the people of Ringgold and vicinity. Two years later Rivers and Johnson came from Kentucky and offered their services as daguerrean artists.
MORGANVILLE.
Morganville is situated in the northeastern part of the township and was laid out by S. Short in 1833. The original plat with one addition consisted, of thirty-seven lots. Andrew Byers and Jeremiah Weston were
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among the early merchants. Byers and Stranothan were doing business in Morganville in an early day.
ROSSEAU.
Rosseau is situated in the southeast part of the township. It was laid out by Joshua Davis in 1835 or 1836. Some twelve years before this time, George L. Corner had built a tannery and as a necessary adjunct had a small stock of goods. The tannery was operated for several years by. Mr. Davis and was purchased by him in 1833. In the early days tobacco was the principal product of the adjacent country, and to facilitate its manufacture and sale, Joshua Davis built a packing house which was occupied by John and William Ijams. This industry infused new life into the little hamlet, and for a while it thrived and assumed an importance, commensurate with the staple in which it dealt so extensively. But with the decline of the tobacco trade and the removal of Mr. Davis to Malta, the place for a time put on the appearance of Goldsmith's " Deserted Village." It has in a measure, however, recovered from its misfortunes and it now has most of the appointments of a small inland village.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
ELI C. SMITH.
Eli C. Smith, an early pioneer and an honored and beloved citizen, died at the home of his son in Malta Township, Nov. 23, 1885, in the ninety-fourth year of his age. He was born in New Jersey, Oct. 15, 1792. When ten yearS of age he moved with his parents to Fayette County, Pa., and there at the age of nineteen he was married to Elizabeth Rounzoin. In 1821 he moved with his
family to Ohio, settling near the present Bernard Mills, in Penn Township, afterward removing to Union Township. In 1833 his wife died, and the following year he married Ellen Quigley, who departed this life March 8, 1872. He was the father of Lovina (Hummel), Aaron, George W., Sarah (Raney), Elizabeth (Sargent), Solomon, Eli, Rhoda (Boal) and William R., by his first marriage, and of Arthur T. Smith, by the second.
Father Smith, as he was called, was a devout and consistent member of the Disciples Church for about seventy-five years. He was a good man and widely esteemed. During the last five years of his life he resided with his son, W. R. Smith. His health was good for a man of his years up to the 19th of November, when he was stricken with paralysis, from which he died four days later.
WILLIAM R. SMITH.
Wm. R. Smith, son of Eli C. Smith, was born in Penn Township, Morgan County, March 17, 1829, and passed his boyhood in Penn and Union Townships. At the age of nineteen he was apprenticed to a blacksmith, but though he learned the trade he has followed farming. He married Eliza J. Newman, daughter of David Newman, an early settler. She was born in Malta Township, October 27, 1829. The names of their children are Seth, Mary M., Solomon F., Eli W., Charles E., Clara E. and Sadie (twins). Mr. Smith is a republican. Both he and his wife belong to the Christian or Disciples Church
GEORGE J. CHAPPELEAR.
The Chappelears were among the early settlers of the township and have
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been prominent in its affairs from the time of their settlement until the present. James Chappelear and wife (née Margaret Cook) came from Loudoun County, Va., to Zanesville, Ohio, in 1819, and in October, 1820, settled in Union Township, where the family has since resided. Their children were William A., John, Charles, George, Elliott and Ann (Dorris), all deceased except Elliott, who lives in Licking County.
William A. Chappelear was born in Leonard County, Maryland, January 28, 1790, and married in Loudoun, Va., a Miss Bradford in 1815. They settled in Morgan County in 1820. George J. Chappelear married Elizabeth Dawson in 1843, and is the father of nine children, all living except one, who died when three years of age. The names of the children are William A., George W., John B., Moses D., Josiah B., Mary J., Henderson H. and U. S. Grant and Elizabeth E. The family belong to the Christian Church. Mr. Chappelear was a member of Company E, 78th Regiment 0. V. I., in which he served one year, and was then discharged on a surgeon's certificate of disability. His son, William A., married Eliza A. Hanes worth in 1866. There were born to them seven children. The two eldest sons, John B. and George J. were born In Loudoun County. He reared a family of ten children, six boys and four girls, John B., George J., Henderson A., James W., Charles A., Andrew J., Sarah A., Margaret, Jane C. and Rachel B. He was a member of Company I, 53d Regiment, 0. V. I., served eighteen months and was discharged at the expiration of his term of service. He was in several severe engagements, including the battles of Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Jonesboro', etc. Charles Chappelear, brother of George J., was in the army and died in hospital at Lebanon, Tenn. U. S. Grant Chappelear married Ida J. Gladden. They have one child. Mary J. married S. C. Pierce. They have four children. George W. married Hannah J Wade. They have six children. John B. married Jane Wagoner. Three children. Moses D. married Nancy Kimball. Two children. Josiah B. married Lucy Rogers, one child ; she died in 1878. Henderson H., married Amy Martin. One child.
Hedgeman B. Chappelear, born in Culpeper County, Va., in 1804, came to Morgan County, Ohio, in 1827. He was married in 1826 to Miss Mary A. Clayton. They located in Union Township, and had two children born to them. The eldest, J. H., lives in Homer Township, the youngest, Thomas J., Chappelear, lives on the old home place, and is to-day one of the largest landed proprietors in the county. He was elected county commissioner in 1885.