398 - HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY.

CHAPTER XII.*

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP-DESCRIPTION, ETC.-SETTLEMENT-PIONEER INDUSTRIES-ANTI - SLAVERY-VILLAGES-SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES.

"The groves were God's first temples. Ere man learned

To hew the shaft and lay the architraves

And spread the roof above them-ere he framed

The lofty vault, to gather and roll back

The sound of anthems." Bryant.

AN unbroken forest, so dense the sunlight could scarce penetrate to the soil beneath, made hideous by savage beasts, which howled back responsive to the dread whoop of scarce less savage men, is descriptive of Washington Township at the dawn of the present century. Beneath their shades, myths and legends were generated, which, together with fact, have threaded the pathway of the years to the present time. Who first worshiped in this temple ? Was ever Christian altar erected from which rose the incense of Christian worship, encircling the pleadings of' Christian hearts? or, instead, was it the uplifting of the hearts of' the dusky savage toward the throne of the Great Spirit or some unknown divinity, inspiring to a worship who shall declare it less sincere or less pleasing to "Him that sitteth upon the throne," e'en though the manifestations differed slightly from the wild ululations of bacchanals ? Such are some of the questions that come throng in- to one's thought when musing upon the days of four-score years ago.

So the historian, who attempts to trace the line of history from the past to the present, must needs go but a short distance into that backward path ere he becomes involved in a labyrinth of mystery hardly less dense than those forests themselves. The point where legendary story ends and autbentic tic history begins, is very like the geometer's point, defined in mathematics as having position but not magnitude," and since magnitude is a necessary

* Contributed by Rev. W. O. Peet.

pre-requisite to enable him to discover the position, he soon loses himself in the mazy intricacies and labyrinthine windings of mysterious half-history, half-legend.

However, no mystery presents itself when we consider the soil and configuration in the territory with which we have to do. So far as we are concerned this has remained the same ever since, in Bible phrase, "the earth stood out of the water." The beechen forests may have been cleared away, allowing the warm sunlight to dry out the heavy, clayey soil; but what then ? The soil has remained unchanged, heavy with an admixture of gravel in some parts, demanding- hard labor on the the husbandman, but well repays thorough cultivation. Underneath the soil, the geologic formations near the surface are sandstone, a few of the shales, with the faintest, if any, trace of limestone, and this last, not in the form of deposit, but small detached portions. The "lay of the land " demands at least a passing notice. To the south from Iberia, the land is very level, while to the north and east it is quite the reverse. This fact is owing largely to the existence of the forks of the Whetstone, which wind in and out among the hills through courses, some of which have doubtless been plowed by their currents. The boundaries of the township may have changed, but it is with the territory as now limited that we have to do.

Washington Township is located on what is known among surveyors as the " three-mile strip"-a territory dividing the State from north to south and lying between two surveys-and is just three miles wide by seven and a half long. It is bounded on the north by Crawford County, on the west by Marion County and Canaan Township, on the south by Gilead Township, and on the east

HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY. - 399

by Gilead, Congress, and North Bloomfield Townships, and is known in an early survey as Township 15, Range 21. It is traversed by two forks of the Whetstone River: Rocky Fork, running along the eastern part, from north to south, and Middle Fork, flowing northwesterly through the central portion, near the village of Iberia, crossing the boundary into Marion County, nearly a mile northwest of that village. In the main, the roads through the township are along section lines. The only exception of importance is the one known as the "Mansfield- Marion" road, running east-northeast and west-southwest, which direction prevents it from following section lines. Then, too, there are two branches of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad, one of which, the Indianapolis Division, merely touching the northwest corner of the township (the Atlantic & Great Western Rail road running parallel and only twenty feet distant, and the Cincinnati Division, which has and southern boundaries near the center, with about four miles of track cutting the eastern and southern boundaries, near the center, with a station known as Iberia Station, one and one - half miles distant from the village of the saw name. One remarkable fact, speaking strongly for the public spirit of the citizens, is the fine bridges spanning the forks of the Whetstone. One of these is a very substantial wooden structure spanning the Rocky Fork near Armstrong's mill, while there are other very fine iron structures, much superior to those which are ordinarily found in the country. So much by way of description.

But we made a mistake in saying that the soil had remained the same as left by the hand of the Creator. Before authentic history be-ins, we find evidences that it had been disturbed by--somebody! Near the northern boundary of the township stand two monuments of a mythical, traditionary past-two relies of the Mound-Builder's age the one, conical in form, perhaps twenty feet in height, with a base covering about half an acre the other, horseshoe shaped, at present about two and a half feet in height, and in extent of perhaps equal dimensions with the former. Tradition says that this latter was, in an early day, considerably higher than the inclosure, but time has worn it away to its present dimensions. That it belongs to a period somewhat remote, is evidenced by the fact that large forest trees are standing upon the summit, and within the area embraced. Its peculiar shape gives indication of its purpose as a fortification, for defense, in some war belonging to that legendary past. Beyond this guess-so, even tradition is utterly silent as to the time and purpose of their erection.

Again, report says that in the war of 1812, the trail of an army swept-across the southern extremity of the township, leaving, however, nothing by which to trace the line of its march. Beyond the fact, nothing is known as to the exact where or whither.

Authentic history dates its beginning with the coming of Benjamin Sharrock-the first white settler of Washington Township, which occurred in the winter of 1818-19. Quite a settlement had already been made at Galion, Crawford County, and from this point be made his departure, striking into the woods, determined to hew out for himself a home, and wrest from the soil a competency. The letters patent to his land were dated in the year 1817, but it was not till the winter above named that he came to occupy it. At that time, he brought his family-a wife and four small children-built for them a cabin, about one and one-half miles northeast of Iberia, and here began the rude life of the hardy pioneer. They were well calculated to meet the trials, privations and dangers incident to pioneer life, by virtue of strong physical constitutions and remarkable fearlessness of character. A story is told, which will illustrate these characteristics specially on the part of Mrs. Sharrock. When they came to their rude home in the wilderness, they found themselves surrounded by Indians, who were in the main peaceable, though by virtue of their savagery or something else, terribly disposed to ignore all rights of

400 - HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY

property. Not long after their coming, Abner Sharrock was born, and when but a few months old, in a wigwam not far away, an Indian boy who was about the same age, died. Something of mother love was manifested even in the breast of that dusky savage, in that immediately she longed to replace her lost papoose, and between her wailings she came to Mr. Sharrock's cabin and asked for Abner. Of course, the request was denied, but when the mother's back was turned, the squaw seized the little fellow in her arms and darted out the door, into the woods, toward her own wigwam. But the mother gave chase, and, when the old squaw was in the act of crossing a fence, was caught; a struggle ensued, but for once right and might were united, and the stolen child was rescued from the hands of his savage captor.

Mr. Sharrock's name appears frequently through these records. Indeed, any history of Washington Township would be sadly defective did it not give him more than a passing notice. He was not only the first white settler, but was always interrested in everything to improve the condition of his fellow-townsmen, and further their best interest; moreover, he outlived all his fellow-pioneers, and at his death, which did not occur till 1879, he had become an interesting character, owing to his great age, almost if not quite a centenarian. Strangely enough the records has been lost, and his relatives are uncertain as to the exact number of years he did live. As we proceed with the history of the township, we shall see how he. interested himself in the well-being of his fellow-men.

The next settler was Everett Sharrock, who entered land immediately adjoining that owned by his brother. Then, without any letters patent or title of any sort, came one Widow Ferrel and settled on land about one mile north of Iberia. The fact that her land had not been "entered " in due form was at length discovered by one Mr. Rowe, who, true to his name, spoiling for a row, entered immediately and took possession. By arbitration peculiar to the circumstances, a peaceable adjustment was secured in the following manner: The matter was left in the bands of three citizens of this and the adjoining township in Marion County, who decided that equity if not justice demanded that Mr. Rowe must pay Mrs. Ferrel for the improvements she had made on the premises and also estimate the amount of her claim. This being adjusted satisfactorily, Mrs. Ferrel crossed the boundaries of the township and settled in Marion County.

In August of 1821 came Daniel Cooper and settled on a farm which his father had entered for him, and, as he gave him the deed, he told him he must make a living out of it. Mr. Cooper was a tanner by trade, and immediately built him a little booth, beneath which he could ply, his trade in all kinds of weather, the tan-vats being uncovered In later years, he was enabled to enlarge his business somewhat, but the tanner's trade had its beginning and ending with him so far as Washington Township is concerned. Before leaving him and his trade, however, it must be stated that old settlers believing in the superiority of the good old days and the degeneracy of these latter times declare positively that he made "better leather than any you'll find in these days."

In the spring of 1823, Nehemiah Story settled on some land he had entered where Mr. Abner Sharrock now resides. He was a preacher of the Baptist denomination, and not unfrequently did his fellow-pioneers gather at his house to listen to his plain-spoken Gospel truth. Though no organization of that faith was formed, yet he was the means of great good to his fellows in making it possible for them to hear the truth even in the interim between the visits of evangelists, which in that early day were much like angels "few and far between." Mr. Story was also a practical surveyor, and we find his name appended to the record of land plats in the township and the village of Iberia.

Later in the same year came Benjamin Straw and Henry Lemmon, the latter of whom was the first Justice of the Peace of the township. The next year, Isaac Carl and his son John Carl, and

HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY - 401

also Mr. Birch, moved in. These all settled on land to the west and north of that first located by Mr. Sharrock. Mr. Birch and his wife were old people at their coming. The season following was remarkably sickly, and both died-the first deaths within the township-and, though they were buried there, yet unknown and unmarked is their last resting place.

In these early years, the question of providing supplies presented not unfrequently a very difficult problem. The settlers planted corn, but thieving squirrels "hooked " it all, leaving not a kernel for seed. They waged a war upon the little thieves, but without much success. But famine drove thew away, for this was the year when squirrels emigrated, and were seen in such large numbers swimming the Ohio River. The pioneer's rifle stood him always-in good stead, and by its aid, together with the wild fruits he was able to gather, he easily supplied his family with the necessaries of life. Nathaniel Story, who was about fifteen years of age at the time of his father's settlement, tells how they (his father and himself) tracked an otter several miles to the East Fork of the Whetstone, near West Point, where they captured it. The skin brought some ready money, and this enabled them to keep away extreme suffering; ordinary suffering and privations, being incident to pioneer life, are hardly ever mentioned by those who experienced them.

The settlement of the township was now quite rapid. The following are the names of some of those who came before or during the year 1825; Messrs. Nail, Reeves and Dutton settling in the north part, while Crawford, Jackson, Jeffreys, Bashford, Meyers and Williams settled near Iberia. John Jackson built the first house within the corporate limits of what is now the village of Iberia. It was of hewn logs, and shingled, and is still standing. Among the earliest settlers still living, are Robert McClaren, James Auld, A. Brownlee, Robert Kelly, James Noble, Robert McKibbin and Nathaniel Story. Most of these came to the township later than 1825, though, by virtue of their long residence, have had the opportunity to exert a positive influence upon the community. How well they have borne the trust reposed in them, how faithfully they have discharged their duty, may appear partially in these pages. The antislavery, temperance, educational and church history are so many monuments of their life and character.

Benj. Sharrock built the first grist-mill in the year 1823, upon Rocky Fork of the Whetstone, then known as Sharrock's Creek. This made it possible for the early settlers to supply themselves with corn meal, though the mill was not at first sufficiently perfect to turn wheat into flour. The mill was a great convenience to a widely separated community, occupying a large extent of country. So greatly was this privilege appreciated that the residents of "the plains" a tract of prairie country in Marion County-blazed a road through the timber, in as nearly a right line as the swamps would permit. Some years later, Mr. Sharrock added to this a saw-mill. One great difficulty with these was the fact that the power would fluctuate. The creek would run so low as to render it impossible to run either mill. This made it necessary for people having either sawing or grinding to be done in the summer season to go to Mansfield, or some other place equally distant. To obviate this difficulty in those early days, horse-power was employed, but of course this power was not sufficiently accurate for the grinding of flour. Mr. Sharrock's mills were so adjusted that horse-power could be employed when the stream failed to furnish the requisite power. These difficulties have been removed since that time by the appropriation of steam as a motor power. Now there are two large steam mills: one, a saw-mill only, owned by the Nelson brothers, located on the county road, two miles south of Iberia, the other, both a saw and grist mill, located in the extreme southeast corner of the township, owned and operated by J. D. Armstrong, both concerns in which the township may well feel a pride.

In the summer of 1827, a distillery was erected

402 - HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY.

by Straw & Smart, on land now owned by Peter McClure, in the extreme north part of the township. An incident which occurred during the year mentioned above may illustrate the value of articles purchasable and work performed. Nathaniel Story "slashed " five acres of land for James Dunlap, for which he was to receive a watch. The work completed and paid for, Mr. Story traded the watch to Mr. Straw for a steer and several bushels of corn, to be delivered at the distillery. After some years, the distillery passed into the hands of James -Nail. Another was built just east of Iberia, and operated by a Mr. Moore. In those early days, distilleries were thought to be a necessity in the community. A piece of land could not be slashed, nor a building raised, without the jug of whisky, and they made a prime article in those days, too, perfectly innocent of strychnine, logwood, or any other modern ingredients employed to increase the quantity and degrade the quality. But the evil suggested its remedy the wrong found its antagonist even at that early day. While these distilleries were in full blast, doing "their level best," the young men bound themselves by the strongest kind of obligation-an unwritten pledge or mutual agreement-not to have anything to do with the debasing beverage. They saw the deleterious influence it was exerting upon society even in that early day, and resolutely determined not to use it in their own social gatherings nor countenance its use in those to which they were invited. This sentiment strengthened with the lapse of time, while the opposing sentiment weakened, till now not a drop is distilled, or legally sold, within the limits of the township. Nay, so strong is sentiment, the outgrowth of that early resolution, that it would be a matter of personal risk of danger should one attempt to open a saloon for the purpose of vending intoxicating liquors. The people would rise en masse, indignant at what they would esteem an insult, and bid the vender "go!" The sentiment or tone of a community is greatly influenced by the position taken, or sentiments held, by its founders.

Then, too, the citizens of this township are radical in other directions as well. While, in the main, orderly, law-abiding citizens, yet their history proves them, in the past, to have been conscientious law-breakers. Who has not heard of the underground railroad-that road running through the dark, dark forests, dark chasms, dark defiles and dark nights; that road which could not be operated in day-light, whose operators, like the owl, could only see at night ? It was a road without charter, capital, officers, rolling-stock, or any of the other paraphernalia of a railroad. The Government had placed its ban upon the whole institution, regarded its employes as outlaws, and hunted them as wild fowl through field and forest. Nevertheless, this road had an existence and remarkable success, so long as there were "chattels" to transport, even 'till January 1, 1863. It. ran through, or under, Washington Township. These people regarded slavery as a crime, and to rescue one of the sons of Ham from the clutches of this legalized criminality was an honor, even though the rescuer made himself an outlaw by the deed. They looked upon the Fugitive Slave Law as an abomination so great it were an honor to break it a duty, indeed, to violate, conscience dictating its violation. So, when the black fugitive was fleeing his taskmaster, they did not hand him over to the authorities to remand him to chains and slavery, as the law demanded, and, too, every incentive was held out to them, large rewards being offered as an inducement to obey the law. They did not turn him from their door, even though by harboring him, they rendered themselves obnoxious, and liable to punishment and imprisonment. No, they took him, clothed, warmed and fed him as their conscience dictated. Messrs. Robert and James McKibbin, Allen McNeal, "Uncle Archy " Brownlee and others kept stations upon this road. Often in the dead hour of the night, they would be roused from their slumbers by a rap at the door. "Who's there?" "A friend in the dark." This password, strange to say, was never divulged to an enemy of the black man, and

HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY - 403

it proved the open sesame to the hearts and homes of these law-breakers (?). Then the good wife must arise and spread her table while the "station agent" was getting the train ready-his and team and any sort of conveyance-and then drove as rapidly as possible toward Oberlin, that terminus of the underground railroad, that railroad center at which all branches converged. Or, perhaps, some Quaker brought them, and it was almost morning when they arrived; if so, they must be guarded during the day in dark closets and out buildings, Once a squad of them was sitting in a comparative security in McKibbin's kitchen, when an emissary entered. the gate. " Out of here, quick!" she exclaimed, and had just time to close the doors upon their retreating forms, hastening to the out-buildings for protection, when he entered the door. "Any niggers here?""Well, you tell! I don't see any! Do You?" He was too late. They had escaped him, and during this brief conversation had gotten themselves securely hidden from emissary, detective, bloodhound or lash.

Such experiences were of frequent occurrence. Many are the stories told by those who were initiated into the mysteries of this secret conclave. How many a time has the black man been seen hastening northward, with his eyes peering into every corner, fearful lost his enemy may lie crouching there, with his wild eye glancing hastily backward, as though expecting a detective in pursuit, starting into a run at every sound as though it were the dread baying of the bloodhound scenting his trail.

A rap was heard at Mr. McKibbin's door one night. "Who's there?" "A friend in the dark! " "Wait, and I'll let you in." On opening the door they found a strangely mated pair with their little family, all in rags. The man was black as night; while the woman, a Creole beauty, was fair as any daughter of Japheth. In the morning, Mr. McKibbin came in, saying: "I have a chance to make ($400) four hundred dollars this morning" Poor souls. They knew that was the reward offered for them, living or dead, and a wild terror blazed in their eyes and prostrated them before him, pleading for life and liberty. Don't be frightened! He won't hurt you!" said Mrs. McKibbin. "He's only jesting! Don't mind his jokes! " and it was with great difficulty that they were reassured.

The last company of fugitives which passed through the township, numbered four persons--two men and two women. They had crossed the Ohio River on the ice, and when they arrived at " McNeal Station," they were badly frozen. By the assistance of this "station agent," they were conveyed safely to Oberlin. One of these was protected by the faculty of the University, at that place, and the entire faculty were tried, convicted, and incarcerated in prison.

Of course these friends of the slave did not expect to break the laws with impunity. They were made to suffer. One- was assailed on his way home from church with the contents of' a hen's nest which the hen had failed to hatch, another had a barn burned, but then Mr. McKibbin was an outlaw, and the incendiary who threw the torch into the building was an honorable, law-abiding citizen in those times. Allen McNeal was taken to Cleveland charged with protection, a fugitive. It happened, however, to be the only instance in which he could conscientiously "plead not guilty!" and hence he was cleared.

In the early summer of 1860, some blacks were staying at a point about two miles south of Iberia. One evening, the train stopped and let some parties get off in that vicinity. This fact was telegraphed by rumor far and near. The young men saddled their horses and hastened to the protection of these fugitives. Two of them were rescued, but the third man was caught and remanded to' slavery. But the boys were incensed. They caught the party, which proved to be the Deputy U. S. Marshal and two subordinates. Then some of the boys held the Deputy for another to clip the hair off his head, while others administered some ironclad oaths to the subordinates and thrashed them

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most unmercifully. One who stood by, not "consenting to " but opposing this summary punishment, was Rev. Mr. Gordon, then President of Ohio Central College. He was the one, however, who was brought to trial and imprisoned. After remaining in prison for some time, the affair was brought to the ears of President Lincoln, who immediately pardoned him. But the pardon did not exonerate him from blame, and he refused to leave his prison cell, preferring to languish in prison to going out with the imputation of criminality upon him. His friends, however, persuaded or compelled him to avail himself of the pardon and leave his prison cell. But disease had fastened upon him, breathing the fetid atmosphere of his damp cell, and his release was only just in time to save his life. The respite was but brief; the release did not bring permanent relief; a few brief years passed, and the disease contracted in that prison cell in Cleveland brought him to an untimely death, which occurred in 1868.

Such is a brief history of the Antislavery feeling in Washington Township. The Abolitionists themselves do not justify this summary treatment of officials in discharge of their duty. On the other hand, conservative men refused to' obey the law so far as to remand the fugitive to slavery. Whatever may be said of the institution of slavery, this is true: The Fugitive Slave Law, looked back upon from the standpoint separated by a score of years, must be regarded as bad, at least in so far as it made every man on seeing a fugitive either a policeman or a criminal. Hence, many citizens of Washington Township held it to be an "unrighteous law, which is better broken than kept."

Iberia is the only village in Washington Township. It is centrally located, being on the Mansfield-Marion road, a little to the west of a north and-south-line running through the center of the township, and nearly equidistant from the northern and southern boundaries. As heretofore stated, one John Jackson built the first house, in what are now the limits of the village. It was built of hewn logs, and shingled, and was probably the first house in the entire township that was roofed with shingles. The old building is still standing on the original site. The surrounding lands, about three acres, in the form of a triangle, though within the limits of the village, have Dever been platted. The date of its erection is 1827. James Auld, an old resident still living, who came. to Washington Township that year, engaged, the next day after his arrival, in making the shingles with which it was covered. Other buildings were soon erected, until, about three years later, a store was demanded, and, as demand always begets a supply, one was erected by Allen Beverstock, of Mans. field The store was kept by one John A. Coleridge, who was also the first Postmaster in the township, the post office being kept in the store, while a Mr. John Bloomer, now of Galion, was employed as clerk. The village was first platted by Samuel Foster and Frederick Meyers, who were the original proprietors of the soil. The date of the record is March 9, 1832-the records kept still in Marion, at the County Auditor's office, Washington Township having been originally part of Marion County. Samuel Holmes, County Surveyor for Marion County, made the original plat, and his name is appended to the record, and also to the record of the first addition, known as Meyer's First Addition, and which bean the date of April 2, 1834. When the village was being platted, Robert Rowland, a young man who had traveled extensively for those early times, was visiting relatives there. He inquired what they were going to call the new village. This was a subject that had not suggested itself to Messrs. Meyers and Jackson. He then suggested the name "Iberia," after a town in South America, the name having attracted his attention by its beauty. Accordingly, this name was then and there adopted, and by this name it has ever since been called. Other additions have since been made, the latest dating June 6th, 1851. The village has now two large stores, of one of which E. J. Crane is proprietor, who is a live business man,

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genial and generous, and whose business card advertises him as "general dealer in dry goods, groceries, notions, &c.; also in all kinds of grain and country produce;" the other is owned and managed by Smith & Irwin, both young men, enerergetic, shrewd and active, their establishment, though large, being always crowded with the varied articles which are necessary to supply the demands of the farming community surrounding. Iberia is the seat of the Ohio Central College, and is the religious center of the township, all the churches being located here.

Iberia Station, on the line of the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad, and one and one-half miles distant from the village just described, promises to be something in the future. It is not a village now, but may be; who can tell ? Railroads compel everything to come to themselves. At present, the prospective village is the establishment of John M. Stigers, grocery and commission business, the post office, established during the year 1880, and kept by Mr. Stigers, and the neatest, most artistic station to be found in the State of Ohio.

And now, having spoken of what "may be," it may not be amiss to speak of what might have been." When the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincin nati & Indianapolis Railroad was being surveyed (the history of which will be found elsewhere), it was first surveyed to Mount Gilead. Then the line was to cross the southern boundary of the township, immediately south of Armstrong's mill. There were shrewd men in those days as well as in later times, and some of these seized upon this spot as an eligible one for the location of a village. A store was in contemplation, and goods were being purchased; land began to rise in value, and a city began to loom up in the dim future. The line of the railroad, however, was moved two miles west, and the village died ere it was born

Truly,

"Of all sad words of tongue or pen,

The saddest are these, ' It might have been.'"

The school history next demands attention In the year 1825, when Nathaniel Story was eighteen years of age, he began to feel if he ever had any opportunities for study it must be soon. Accordingly, he interested the citizens far and near in the subject and with one accord they determined to build a schoolhouse. The work was accomplished, not by architects and estimates and contracts, etc., as now a days, but by these men putting their own bands to the enterprise. It was a rough structure-round logs " scotched down on the inside," which means that the roughnesses were hewn away after the logs were laid in place; puncheon floor, "slab seats, and counters scanty;" fireplace six feet wide at one side of the. building, with stick chimney daubed with mud like the chinks between the logs. Such was the first schoolhouse in Washington Township. It was located on the road, a little more than a mile north of Iberia. James Dunlap, now living in Iowa, whose son still resides in the township, was the first schoolmaster. The description given of him is not after the model of the ancient pedagogue, for he gained the esteem of his pupils, not by the rod but by conciliatory measures, proving a successful, faithful and efficient instructor. "He taught a good school, as his former pupils affirm, who remember with gratitude his efforts for their benefit."

To digress a little, be was a widower when he came into the township, and shortly after his coming he was married to the daughter of Nehemiah Story-probably the first marriage solemnized in the township.

The school itself was supported by a rate-bill, so much per capita for each of the pupils, of which there were about twenty-five. Since that day the public-school system has assumed control of all these interests, and now fine school buildings, well furnished with all the apparatus necessary to success, are found in all the districts.

More than this, Washington Township has superior facilities for education, in consequence of the "Ohio Central College," which, as before stated, is located at Iberia. The following historical

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sketch is taken froM the published catalogue of the institution, and is given in full:

Ohio Central College has been in operation a little more than a quarter of a century. The entire history of the institution is marked by five periods. The first two antedate the commencement of the college proper. The first period covers the brief history of a select or high school, conducted successfully by the Rev. J. B. Blaney and Mr. Elliot, and by Josiah Alexander and his brother Samuel. At the commencement of the second period, A. D. 1849, a large two-story brick building was erected, through the liberality mainly of Mr. Hugh Elliot, and the school took the form of a young, ladies' seminary, Miss Mary J. Haft acting as Principal. The Female Seminary, as it was called, soon became a mixed school under the care of the Rev. Joseph Andrews. This school continuing but a short time, the property was sold to Dr. Thomas Mills, and by him transferred to the Synod of the Free Presbyterian Church of the United States of America. This transfer marks the beginning of the third period. The Synod, in 1854, obtained from the Legislature of Ohio a charter with college powers, and the school was organized under the name of Iberia College. This college opened its doors to all classes, without distinction of sex, race or color. This regime continued till after the war of the rebellion, when the Synod of the- Free Presbyterian Church dissolved, and the college passed under the care of the United Presbyterian Presbytery of Mansfield. This change marks the beginning of the fourth period of the institution's history. This period came to a close in 1875. During this time the name of the college was changed from Iberia to Ohio Central.

Owing to financial embarrassment, the Mansfield Presbytery relinquished all control and all claims, and the college property was legally transferred in 1875 to a joint stock company. This company framed a constitution and by-laws, providing that the college be positively Christian in its management, but riot sectarian. Nine Trustees, belonging to three different denominations, were chosen, and for the last five years the work has been carried on under this new management.

Under the administration of the Free Presbyterians, a second building was erected, containing recitation rooms, rooms for the literary societies, and a chapel. The college, with the societies, possesses a library of about four hundred and thirtyfive volumes ; also valuable maps, a mineral and geological cabinet, and chemical and astronomical apparatus. The campus contains about five acres, nicely situated, with gardens, shade trees, and grassy lawns.

Trustees of the college during the Free Presbyterian administration: Rev. Samuel Hindman, Allen McNeal, Richard Hammond, Thomas S. Mills, M. D., Hon. S. P. Henry, Rev. John Rankin, Rev. Wm. Perkins, James Auld, Sr., Archibald Brownlee, James Morrow, Rev. Geo. Gordon, Rev. S. T. Boyd, Win. Reed, M. D., Rev. M. T. Finney.

Trustees during the administration of the Mansfield Presbytery: Rev. R. H. Pollock, D. D., William Dickson, Rev. J. Y. Asbenhurst, Arehibald Brownlee, John Finney, Matthew Hindman, Prof Edward F. Reed, Rev. D. H. French, D. D., Allen McNeal, Rev. William Wishart, D. D., Richard Hammond, J. J. McClarren, E. Burt, Esq., Rev. W. A. Campbell, Rev. W. H. French, D. D., and several others whose names cannot be obtained.

Trustees during the last administration : Rev. William Maclaren, D. D., Samuel Nesbit, E. Burt, Esq., John McNeal, Allen McNeal, Enoch Dunham, John Quay, E. J. Crane, Esq., John Frater, Rev. John P. Robb, John S. Hunter.

The first and only President of the college during the time it was under the care of the Free Presbyterian Synod was the Rev. George Gordon, A. a man of sterling worth and strong convictions. He suffered imprisonment in the city of Cleveland for an alleged violation of the Fugitive Slave Law, but before his term expired he was released by the authority of Abraham Lincoln,

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President of the United States. Mr. Gordon died in 1868.

The same year, perhaps, in which President Gordon died, the college passed under the care of Mansfield Presbytery, and the Rev. James Patterson, D. D.. was chosen President. Dr. Patterson came from Wilmington, Penn., where be had been for a number of years President of Westminster College. He was President for less than a year, and from Iberia be removed to Iowa, and became Pastor of a church.

The Rev. W. H. French was chosen President in 1869, and held the office for about two years His successor was Prof. Ed. F. Reed, A. M. He was President for about two years, when he resigned, and accepted a professorship in Monmouth College, Ill.

John A. Ramsay, A. 31., a graduate of the Indiana State University, was President pro tempore about one year. And with him ended the United Presbyterian control.

After the reorganization of the college, in 1875, as a non-sectarian but Christian institution, the Rev. William Maclaren, D. D., was elected President, and held the position one year, and then removed to Red Wing, Minn.

After Dr. Maclaren's resignation, the Rev. John P. Robb, A. M., became President, holding the position at the present time.

Professors. - S. F. Boyd, M. A.; S. P. Henry, M. A.; N. C. Helfrich, M. A.; Ed. F. Reed, M. A. - W. W. Wallace, B. S.; John Gray, B. A.; J. A. Wilson, B. S.; A. C. Crist, M. A.; M. C. Percival, A. B.; C. L. Conger, B. S.; J. P. Robb, A. M.

Tutors. --John Dawson, Miss Mary A. Dawson, Miss Sarah Pugh, Mrs. J. A. Wilson, Miss Patterson, Samuel Stewart, B. A.; John Q. Codding, B. A.

Officers of the Board. - Presidents -- R. H. Pollock, D. D.; W. H. French, D. D. ; D. H. French, D. D.; William Maclaren, D. D.; John P. Robb, A. M.

Secretaries. -James Auld, Jr., J. J. McClaren, W. W. Wallace, B. S.; E. J. Crane, John Frater.

Treasurers.--- Samuel Hindman, M. A.; Matthew Hindman, E. Burt, Esq.

Present Instructors- Rev. J. P. Robb, A. M., President Professor of Mental and Moral Philosophy,

Rev. C. L. Conger, B. S., Professor of English Languages and Literature.

Rev. C. A. Crist, A. M., Professor of Ancient Languages and Literature.

J. A. Wilson, B. S., Professor of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

The college graduated its first class in 18.57, since that time its Alumni and Alumnae number about fifty, many of whom are engaged in what are known as the learned professions.

The church history of the township dates back almost with the beginning of authentic history. The religious nature of man makes its appeals to him, whatever may be his circumstances or surroundings. If there has ever been a church going habit, if the Sabbath has ever found recog nition by an individual ; then, when deprived of the opportunities for church-going, this religious nature will make its appeals with the recurrence of the seventh day, demanding that he should rest, or by some means recognize the day set apart by special command of very ancient date. This demand is early beard in pioneer life; and because the opportunities for church. going are few, they are, therefore, the more highly prized. Very early in the history of Washington Township, as we have seen, it was possible to satisfy this demand, since one of the pioneers, Mr. Nehemiah Story, was himself a preacher. Besides, a Free-Will Baptist preacher, Rev. Mr. Bradford, came frequently to the early settlement, preaching at the house of Squire Lemmon. He is said to have been a man of remarkable ability, and somewhat of success attended his ministrations. But the first organization of any sort was that made by Rev. Mr. Bell, a circuit preacher, of the Methodist denomination.

410 - HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY.

He is described as a "very warm old preacher," and, possessed of good lungs, seems to have preached as though he intended all the old settlers in the township should hear him, though the were widely scattered. The organization was properly speaking, not of a church, but what is known as a "class,"-several of which are embraced in a church. It was organized at the home of a Mr. Carl in the year 1825. The Methodist Church continued in this form, separate "classes," with irregular preaching at the coming of the circuit preacher-till 1839, when the Iberia Church was organized by Rev. Peter Sharp, at the house of James Davis, where preaching continued to be held, till two years later when their first church edifice was erected. The organization was composed of Moses Arnold, Class Leader; William Casey, Moses Arnold, Henry Smith, James Bloomfield and C. P. Rigby, Trustees. Till 1868, the church was a part of what was known as Caledonia Circuit, at which time the Iberia Circuit was organized, by the association of four societies, Iberia, Boundary, Denmark and Whetstone. Previous to that date, the boundary line between North Ohio and Central Ohio Conferences was so changed as to make this organization a necessity. The official members of the church thus formed were E. J. Crane, J. S. Hunter. Hiram Bennett, Joel Meyers, Benjamin Crane, S. D. Cass, and James Davis; three of these, Meyers, B. Crane and Davis have since died; J. S. Hunter and S. D. Cass are still prominent officials, while E. J. Crane was then made Recording Steward, a position which be has ever since filled.

The church edifice first erected became too small to accommodate the increased congregations, so that in 1867 it was determined to tear down and build larger. Now the congregation worship in a neat structure, the whole church property being estimated at $2,500. Rev. C. L. Conger is the present Pastor; E. J. Crane, William Nesbit, W. Braden and A. B. Newson are Class Leaders; E. J. Crane, W. Braden, S. D. Cass, James Atkinson, J. T. Frater, John McCutchen and J. S. Hunter are the Trustees. The society at Iberia, numbers one hundred members, while it is estimated that about seventy-five more Methodists are located in the low township, who hold their membership at other points.

A church organization in the township was made March 30., 1829, under the conduct of Rev. Samuel Irvine, D. D., assisted by David Marshall and David Donnan, who were Ruling Elders from the congregation of Mansfield. The organization was completed by the enrollment of nineteen members, and the election, ordination and installation of Thomas and Robert Jeffrey as Ruling Elders. Soon after this, two more, John Roff and John Reed, were added to the board of Elders.

The Rev. Samuel Hindman was the first Pastor, three other churches in connection with this constituting, his pastoral charge. At the time of organization it was called the " Associate Congregation of Washington." It retained this name till 1858, when a union was effected between the Associate Synod of North America and the General Synod of the Associate Reformed Church. At that time, it received the name of the United Presbyterian Congregation of Iberia, by which title it has since been known. The constituents of the church as it now exists, were formerly two small "Associate," and one "Associate Reformed," congregations. The names of Pastors and their terms of pastorate are as follows: The Rev. Samuel Hindman, from 1829 to 1848; The Rev. James P. Bull, from 1849 to 1855; The Rev. W H. French, D. D., from 1857 to 1870 ; and the Rev. M. L. Ross, from 1872 to 1874.

The first meetinghouse was built of logs; the second was a frame building; and the present one is a brick edifice, 40 feet by 72 feet, which was erected during the summer of 1873. At the present time, the church numbers one hundred and seventy members, and is well organized with pastor, elders and deacons. Its Sabbath school has a full corps of officers and teachers.

The officers of the church at present are as fol-

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Iowa: Pastor, the Rev. John P. Robb ; Elders, Allen McNeal, James Auld, William Braden and Robert T. McKibbin; Deacons, William Brooks, Thomas Nelson, Matthew H. Henderson, James Auld, Jr., William Smith, Robert McClaren, Jr., and Prof James A. Wilson. The economy of the church, commissions the board of Deacons to manage the financial concerns of the church, and they elect annually their own officers, consisting of a President, Secretary and Treasurer. The Sunday school connected with the church has the following officers: Superintendent, E. Burt; Secretary, Thomas D. Riddle; Treasurer, William Dick son.

One other church organization completes the church history of Washington Township. Though it appears last in these records, it is properly, second, since its organization antedates by three years the proper organization of the M. E. Church. The Presbyterian Church of Iberia was first organized April 27, 1836, by Rev. H. Shedd, D. D., and Rev. Thomas Cratty. Both of these pioneer preachers of that denomination had preached at that place at irregular intervals, previous to that time, and to them is due the credit of having gathered those of like faith in that early day, and laying the foundation of a strong church in the future. The organization was accomplished by the election and ordination of two Ruling Elders, John F. Dunlap, and James Scott, while the membership numbered sixteen. After the organization was completed, Rev. William Mathews and Rev. Simeon Brown were the first preachers, and under their labor the work was carried forward with a good degree of success.

The church is now worshiping in the third edifice which has been occupied by them since the organization. It is a frame building, erected in 1855, and is valued at $3,000. It has a beautiful location on one of the five hills of Iberia. Rev. A. C. Crist is the present Pastor find has served the church for the past four years. There are at present five Ruling Elders: Samuel Nesbitt,

Samuel Colmnery, R. O. Cooding, A. B. Tuttle, and John M. Canall. The membership numbers 125, and the church was never in a more flourishing, harmonious and prosperous condition than at the present time.