448 - HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY.

CHAPTER XVI.

SOUTH BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP-DESCRIPTIVE-FIRST SETTLERS-IMPROVEMENTS-DISTIL

LERIES, MILLS, ETC.-CHURCHES-SCHOOLS-VILLAGES.

THE surface of South Bloomfield Township is irregular and undulating. Drift-hills of sand and gravel, covered with Waverly shales and fragmentary, granite bowlders rise, in some portions, more than a hundred feet above the general level. The soil is usually composed of a mixture of alluvium, sand and clay, and contains & large percentage of the debris of angular lime bowlders that are found intermingled with the earth in all parts of the township. These are usually small, though occasionally, one weighing more than a ton is found. Granite bowlders, deposited during the glacial epoch, are found in great numbers, scores of them often occurring within small areas, and the mica in them is often beautifully colored with iron oxides. There are no large streams; yet along the valleys of the creeks, and in the small, well-drained basins, is found an excellent sandy, alluvial soil. Occasionally, in some portions, occurs a yellow, tenacious clay, that bids defiance to the agriculturist. Rarely, argillaceous shale and sandstone render cultivation troublesome or impossible. In the southeastern part, occurring in small, irregular bowlders, is found a dark, heavy stone, which, when broken, presents a sparkling, crystalline structure, and is found rich with one of the iron ores. A broad belt, passing from the center of the western side to the southeastern corner, affords abundant and excellent limestone. The hills in the vicinity of Roswell Clark's farm are loaded with this lime, which has been burned since 1819. The supply seems inexhaustible. The bowlders are found of all sizes, and usually contain impurities of clay or other earth.

The township is bountifully supplied with numerous springs of hard, cold water, many of them being used as wells by the citizens. A great many are brackish, some quite salty, and a few contain iron, soda, magnesia and other minerals. Heavy timber at one time covered the whole surface, though the hand of the settler has leveled it until but about one-sixth of the land is covered with primitive woods. The native timber consists mainly of beech, ash, hard maple, black walnut, elm, oak and hickory. There are also found though to a limited extent, soft maple, butternut: sycamore, whitewood, dog-wood, linden, cucumber, chestnut, etc. Perhaps, one-third the timber in the township is beech, which is much used for rough building purposes.

Sparta and the central part of the township occupy a small, irregular table-land, from which small streams flow in all directions. Two elevations, one in the Bloomfield Cemetery and the other a half-mile southwest of Sparta, rise 575 feet above Lake Erie and 1,140 feet above the sea level. The center of the township is on the height of land that separates the headwaters of the Scioto and Muskingum Rivers. The township, as a whole, is well drained, and is sufficiently fertile to laugh with a harvest if tickled with a hoe." It is bounded on the north by Chester, an on the west by Bennington Township; on the east and south by Knox County. It is composed of twenty-five sections, the northern five being fractional. Prior to 1848, the township was part of Knox County. In the spring of 1808, the county of Knox having been formed by act of the Legislature, the Commissioners divided it into four townships-Wayne, Morgan, Union and Clinton, the latter including South Bloomfield, which was afterward created into a separate township.

Previous to the autumn of 1813, no settler had made his appearance in the township. It was one

HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY. - 449

unbroken forest, fresh and beautiful from the fashioning hand of the Creator. Within the memory of the oldest settlers, the Indians had occasional, temporary camps, but there is no evidence of their having been any village of permanency or note. In the southwest, on the land owned by Wilbur Barr, there are meager evidences that at some remote period the Mound-Builders, or Indians, erected rude, earth fortifications, as the place seems to indicate that the works were designed to assist in repelling invaders. But the original works are almost obliterated by the agriculturist, who has but a shadowy respect for the customary honor shown these ancient inhabitants. This seat of war and evident disaster, if such they were, has been transformed into fertile fields of waving wheat or corn. Innumerable flint, chert and chalcedony arrow, dart and spear head plowed up from all quarters. In 1818, the Sandusky Indians had a temporary camp near where Thomas Orsborn lived, and the old settlers can recollect them as they silently trailed their way through the forest. The pioneers had nothing to apprehend from them, for

" Gitchie Manito, the mighty,

Warning, chiding, spake in this wise:

'I am weary of your quarrels,

Weary of your prayers for vengeance;

Wash the war-paint from your faces,

And as brothers, live together.' "

No reading is more attractive than the story of the pioneer's life. It rests upon the mind like enchantment, and the sweet romance of the forest warms the heart with the tender ties of sympathy. The parent spends many a pleasant hour in dreaming of the past, and tells the tale with ample embellishments to the eager child, which never tires of listening. All are eager to hear it, and all keenly enjoy it. To the old man with frosty hair, the story revives the record of a life that has been a miracle of self-sacrifice and self-denial. The sweet, sad poetry of the past is underscored with the emphasis of toil and tribulation.

In autumn, 1813, three hunters, armed with rifles, left Mount Vernon and pushed westward into the wilderness. They desired to hunt outside the outermost log cabin; and also, which was perhaps their principal object, desired to see the country westward, with a view of locating. These three men were Peter and Nicholas Kile and Enoch Harris, the latter being a powerfully built mulatto. They entered South Bloomfield Township at the southeast corner, coming from the east, and, admiring the country, determined to form a settlement. The scene before them was pleasing to the eye. There was the branch of Dry Creek, threading its way amid green banks of grasses and mosses. There were the narrow valley of the creek, skirted with long rows of beech and walnut and maple, and the neighboring hills crowned with picturesque clusters of trees, the bright foliage of which was tinted with the rich coloring of autumn. From the foot of the hills there crept out small brooklets that stole rippling down to the creek. The prospect was delightful, and, with enthusiasm, the hunters entered into their compact. Enoch had been there before, and had entered the land. Of the three, be was the oldest and Peter the youngest, and, as each wanted a quarter-section, it was mutually agreed that they should choose in the order of their ages, beginning with the oldest. Enoch Harris selected the quarter-section adjoining the corner one, on account of the multitude of excellent springs of pure water. Nicholas Kile chose what is now the southeastern quarter-section in the township, because he saw an excellent site for damming up the water of Dry Creek and thus securing power for milling purposes. Peter Kile chose the quarter-section west of Harris', because of the fine groves of walnut timber that covered it. Each was satisfied with his selection, and all three went back to Mount Vernon to complete the purchase of their new homes. During the following winter, Harris went out with his ax and cleared sufficient land to afford material for the erection of his cabin. Then, in March, 1814, with the assistance of a few men from Mount Vernon, he erected the first log cabin built in South Bloomfield Town-

450 - HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY.

ship. His family, which consisted of his wife, a mulatto woman, and one child, was moved out the same spring. But little is known of Enoch Harris, and that which is told of him is mostly traditionary. One-half the people in the township never beard of his existence. He was said to be a jovial, good-natured fellow, built like Hercules, and with that enviable courage and fortitude that distinguished the pioneer. When he left the neighborhood is not definitely known. At the expiration of about five years, himself and family vanished like the shadows of night, and never afterward lived in the township.

During the fall of 1814, Peter and Nicholas Kile, and Timothy Smith settled in the township, the former two on the land they had selected, and the latter about a mile northwest of Sparta. A small clearing was known to have been made, in 1813, on the land which was afterward occupied by Smith, but no cabin was built, and many distrust the story of the clearing. In 1815, John Helt, Jonathan Hess, John and Fleming Manville, and Thomas Orsborn, appeared and began to make improvements, the first four locating a mile or two north of Bloomfield, and the latter in the eastern part, on Dry Creek. In 1816, Roswell and Marshall Clark, Thomas Allington, William Ayers, Archilus Doty, Augustus and Giles Swetland, Solomon Steward and a few others came in. In 1817, Roger Blinn, Isaac Pardy, David Anderson, Isaac Mead Harris, James Duncan, Samuel Mead, Walker Lyon, Runey Peat, John and Jonathan Harris, Matthew Marvin, Reuben Askins, Seth Nash and a few others arrived. Many came in 1818, among them being Dr. David Bliss, the first physician in the township, and elsewhere credited as the first practicing physician in the county, Artemas Swetland, Elder William H. Ashley and Crandall Rosecrans, the father of the well known Gen. Rosecrans. In 1818, there were as many as twenty-five clearings in the woods. In 1817, there were sixteen white male inhabitants over twenty-one years of age ; and in 1820, sixty-nine. The heavy forests began to disappear, and the country began to change. The ring and echo of ax and rifle awoke the solitude of the forest. Deer, wild turkeys and wolves were every-day sights. Small herds of deer, soared by wolves, would come out of the woods, leap the fences and go scampering across the clearings. Often the settler, upon rising in the morning, would find a herd pasturing on his wheat-field, seeming to love the rich herbage. In herds of six or eight, they were often seen sporting in the woods, leaping back and forth over fallen trees like children on a play-ground. There were many brackish springs scattered about, which the deer frequented, and which were often watched by the hunter during the night. The juicy venison, roasted before the place and eaten by the family next great fire morning, would attest the success of the watcher. Early one morning, Elder Ashley shot and wounded a large buck, which darted bleeding into the forest. He pursued it rapidly until noon, when, coming upon it suddenly, it was dispatched. During the afternoon, five more deer were shot, and all were conveyed to his cabin on horseback. Turkeys were very large and numerous, and, when cooked by the skillful backwoods woman, would charm the appetite of an epicure. Wolves were numerous, very troublesome and often dangerous. Though shy and silent during the day, when the shades of night settled down, they became bold and would howl around the cabins until daybreak. Sheep were unsafe in the woods at any time. Cattle and horses were safe during the day, but if they became mired down, or were caught in the wind-falls at night, they fell victims to the rapacious wolves. David Anderson failed to get his cows up one night, and went in search of them the next morning, when he found them mired in a swamp, where they had furnished a midnight repast for the wolves. Many others lost stock under similar circumstances. Children returning late from school were chased by them.

In 1817, Solomon Steward lived about a mile and a half northwest of Sparta. One day him-

HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY. - 451

self and wife started to go across to Timothy Smith's cabin, which was about half a mile south. They were walking slowly along in the woods, when suddenly a large bear came from a thicket in front of them, and, placing his fore foot on a log, looked sideways at them. Steward quickly raised his rifle and fired, but only wounded the bear, the ball entering just below the eye, and from the curious position of the animal, coming out at the knee of the leg on the log. The beer gave a howl of pain, and disappeared in the woods. Steward and his wife hurried on to Smith's, when the men immediately returned to finish the bear. They reached the thicket where it entered, and, while Smith remained there, Steward went around to scare it out. In the mean time, Smith recollected that he had not loaded his gun. He hastily poured the powder into the palm of his hand, but at this instant, the bear came thundering out of the thicket, with mouth open, and nose covered with blood. Smith dropped the powder, and, turning, ran a short distance like a race-horse, when he unfortunately caught his foot on a vine, and came to the ground like a thunderbolt. His momentum was so great, that, when he struck, he plunged the muzzle of his gun almost a foot in the soft earth. The bear went swiftly by, but, at this moment, Steward appeared and shot it as it was disappearing in the woods. Undoubtedly, Smith had to stand treat when the excited men reached his cabin.

The appearance of the settlers as they came into the township was often more laughable than comfortable. William Ayres had a horse that had no body worth mentioning. It was all head, legs and tail. It should have been named" Rosinante," but, through some unpardonable oversight, was denominated "Sam." This was, evidently, a misnomer, and accounts for the animal's startling appearance and prodigious growth. Upon the back of this equus caballus, was placed a feather bed, a rare object in the backwoods, and above all, sat Mrs. Ayres, while Mr. Ayres walked ahead with his rifle on his shoulder, leading the horse. The husband had an ax, and the wife a skillet, and, thus equipped, they began housekeeping in the woods. Walker Lyon and family came all the way from Connecticut, in one wagon drawn by two yoke of oxen with a horse, ridden by one of the party, on the lead. They were forty days on the road, and, when their destination was reached, freezing cold weather had set in. It was too cold to mix mortar, so the chinks in their hastily erected cabin were filled with moss gathered from far and near in the woods. One of the first settlers brought with him an ash board, which was honored with the central place in the only door of his cabin, and, when neighbors were present, this was pointed to with infinite pride, by the owner. Augustus and Giles Swetland came two years in advance of their father and the balance of his family. They erected a small log cabin, and began to clear the land their father had previously purchased. They did their own cooking, except corn and wheat bread, which was prepared for them by Mrs. Allington. An abundance of turkey and venison was to be found on their table. Roswell and Marshall Clark endured the same privations and enjoyed the same repasts. They came a year or two before their families, to prepare a home, so that some of the perplexities of pioneer life might be avoided by the wives and children.

The settlers usually came in wagons, drawn by horses or oxen, and their log cabins were often erected and occupied before the land had been purchased. The cabin of some earlier settler, or the wagon, or a temporary tent made of boughs, bark or blankets, would be their shelter until the cabin was built. A large percentage of the settlers in the township came from the vicinity of Mount Vernon and Delaware; but were, originally, from the historical colonies of Roger Williams or William Penn. With only sufficient money to enter his land, but with fortitude and energy, the early settler began his career of hardship in the woods. The log cabins were neither models of elegance, beauty nor even

452 - HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY.

comfort. Though ordinarily built from rough logs and containing but one room, yet, occasionally, a double cabin was erected, having two rooms with one end in common which formed the partition. This was conceded a certain indication of wealth or celebrity in the owner, The cabins were often built from hewed log, which improved their appearance. The settler would first level his timber with the ground. The tops and smaller logs would be heaped and burned, and then the neighbors would be invited to assist in rolling the larger logs. These "log rollings" were the chief means of bringing the settlers together. Whisky and brandy flowed like water, and woe unto the luckless owner of the premises who failed to have the necessary supply on hand. Some superannuated old man, too old to work, would be appointed "commissary," whose duty it was to supply the thirsty men with liquid corn and rye. There would often be thirty or forty men present, and the women of the neighborhood would combine to do the cooking. It was a lively scene, then, both within and without. And, when at length the dinner born sounded its welcome voice, the weary men assembled at the cabin to do justice to the venison and turkey. Thus the pioneers, with common interests, were drawn together for mutual sympathy and assistance. When a new-comer appeared, the settlers came promptly forward and erected his cabin, into which his family would often move the same day. There was but little money in the country, and ordinary dealings were necessarily carried on by exchanges. A pound of tea could be obtained at Mount Vernon by exchanging forty dozen eggs for it, or one yard of calico could be had for six pounds of butter. Necessity compelled the settlers to feed and clothe themselves, and the result was that no woman's education in domestic affairs was complete until she had learned to card, spin and weave wool and flax. The house without its spinning-wheel was as uncommon as one at the present day is without a sewing machine. The men often wore buckskin breeches; but usually their clothing and that of the women were made of "linsey-woolsey," beautifully colored with leaves or bark from the woods. The cooking was done over the great fire-place, whose capacious jaws could take in a log of almost any dimensions. There re were bake-kettles or Dutch ovens, skillets or spiders, pots and pans of divers patterns and dimensions, reflectors, frying pans, etc. Excellent bread was often baked on a smooth board, held and turned before the roaring fire. As nice a cake as ever graced the table at a wedding feast I was baked in the skillet, or spider. In short, the humble pioneer's wife, with her fire-place and rude cooking utensils, could place upon the table as sweet and palatable a dinner as any cook of later days, with her ranges, covered all over with patents, and her improved domestic machinery without end.

One day in the spring of 1817, several citizens of the township were standing in Roswell Clark's door-yard, discussing the talked-of separation of the new township from old Clinton, when the question arose as to what it should be called. Before them lay a small field, dressed in the green garb of summer, while adorning its surface were rich clusters of wild flowers. The air was laden with the sweet breath of early springtime. Nature had put on her beautiful robe, and was wafting the perfume of the flowers through the forest aisles and across the velvet fields. Roswell Clark insisted that the township should be called New Wabash, William Ayres modestly suggested Ayresville; but when Roger Blinn, pointing to the field and to the sweet blossoms, suggested Bloomfield, the thought met the approval of all and the name was adopted.

On the 23d of June, 1817, the citizens convened at the house of Timothy Smith, to elect the first township officers. There were present Roger Blinn, Roswell Clark, John Helt, Jonathan Hess, Timothy Smith, Peter and Nicholas Kile, John Manville, Reuben Askins, William Ayres, Joseph Higgins, James Carter, Preston Hubbell, Thomas Orsborn and Matthew Marvin, and a few others.

HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY - 453

Roger Blinn was chosen Chairman, Roswell Clark Secretary, and then the first political wire-pulling and skirmishing of the township began. The day was warm, and, instead of entering the cabin, which would scarcely contain them, they sat upon a huge pile of beech and maple logs that were near the house-a fit chamber for the first political "log-rolling." After several preliminary flank movements by caucuses, during which the comparative merits of opposing candidates were loudly and ably discussed, the polls were declared open and the balloting began. Roswell Clark was elected Clerk; Roger Blinn, Treasurer; Joseph Higgins, Constable; and James Carter, Justice of the Peace. For several years these elections were held at the cabins of the settlers. In 1819, on the occasion of an election held at the cabin of Thomas Orsborn, an incident or accident occurred, which shows the treacherous nature of the old fire-place. A half-dozen or more of the men were invited to remain and take dinner with the family. After the cooking had progressed almost to completion, and the hearth was loaded with dishes of smoking food, placed there to be kept warm, a large kettle containing boiling venison, resting upon the logs, suddenly upset, precipitating venison and boiling water into the ashes, which were dashed copiously over the dishes on the hearth. Orsborn leaped to his feet, and, with more force than elegance, exclaimed "D_____the fire, there go the victuals." This apparently relieved him, for he laughed heartily as he righted the demoralized pans and kettles.

Courts of justice were held in the township at an early day, and, when a case of any consequence was to be heard and determined, the court-room was always crowded with spectators, anxious to see and hear the fun. Cases of assault and battery were of frequent occurrence, and, occasionally, one guilty of a graver crime was arraigned. The "rollings " were a fruitful source of "battery cases," and many a poor fellow has gone home in the same predicament as the boy that was kicked in the face by a mule, "wiser, but not so handsome." Washington Hubbell was a pettifogger who conducted many of the early cases. Attorneys , such as they were, could be secured at Mount Vernon as early as the township was first settled. These trials before the Justices were too often mere ludicrous formalities, affording more amusement than punishment.

Burr Harris was a great boaster and fighter, yet at times he met men who gave him a sound thrashing. When under the influence of liquor, he was quarrelsome, and would ride rough-shod over those of less strength and courage. His sons, following the footsteps of their father, were engaged in many a hard fight. On one occasion, Joshua, his son, armed with his "little hatchet," attacked a neighbor, for some fancied wrong, and wounded him severely on the arm. He was tried for assault with intent to commit murder, but was only convicted of assault and battery.

One day, Horace Churchill and Jacob Hess, two young men, were working with shovels in a charcoal pit about half a mile southwest of Sparta. They began playfully throwing coals at each other, and, as usual under such circumstances, carried their fun so far that they got mad. Hess at last, in a paroxysm of excitement and anger, raised his shovel and threw it with all his strength at Churchill, striking him a terrible blow on the head, laying the skull open to the brain. Hess immediately put for the woods, and Churchill, more dead than alive, was taken to the nearest house. His wound was dressed, but in removing broken fragments Of his skull a portion of the brain was lost. He got well and lived many years, but never fully recovered the right use of his mind. The militiamen were called out to capture Hess, who, provided with food by his friends, remained concealed in the woods awaiting events. He was finally pressed so close that it became necessary for him to change his location or be captured. In attempting to cross a road, he was seen by Sheldon Clark, who, being on horseback, spurred up to him and ordered him to

454 - HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY.

yield or be shot down. He was taken and bound over to court, but, no one appearing against him, was acquitted. He afterward met with a terrible death. While sitting on a rail fence, he slipped and fell upon a sharp hoe, which entered his bowels in a frightful manner. After nine days of intense suffering, he died in great agony. There were several notorious desperadoes in the township between 1840 and 1850. They were connected with a gang of counterfeiters, one of their rendezvouses being in the heavy woods on Dry Creek. Two of them were Ed. Miller and George Huntley, the latter being half Indian, and as savage and vicious as halfbreeds usually are. They passed counterfeit $2.50 gold pieces upon the citizens until they were finally detected and chased into the woods. The neighbors turned out to hunt them, down, and, having chased them as far as the Bloomfield Cemetery, finally lost all traces of them, and were compelled to relinquish the hunt. It was afterward learned that Huntley had escaped through a gap in the circle of men who surrounded them, and Miller, ascending a large tree, escaped by concealing himself in a favoring fork.

In 1844, several boys, digging in the bank at Sanford's mill-dam, found a white man's skeleton imbedded in the earth. An inquest was held over the mysterious bones, but the verdict was: "He came to his death from an unknown cause." In 1879, the workmen in Roswell Clark's old stone quarry found two skeletons, one of a middle-aged man, and the other evidently belonging to a youth of sixteen or seventeen. They had seemingly been thrust, head foremost, clown a cleft in the rocks, and the bones were quite well preserved. It was suspected that they were the victims of an alleged tragedy which occurred in Bennington Township about 1832. This, however, is only conjecture, yet they were undoubtedly white men's bones. On the 4th of July, 1862, F. H. Westbrook met with a terrible death at Sparta. It was announced that a large balloon was to be sent up, and, understanding that Westbrook was to accompany it, a vast crowd assembled to witness the event. It was inflated with hot air, but was so rotten that Westbrook had given up all idea of going up in it, intending to substitute a stone or cat in his stead. He was a boastful fellow, and, at the last moment, just as the balloon was about to leap into space, several men dared him to go up. This was too much, and he recklessly leaped into the balloon and rose rapidly in the air. At the height of 500 feet it burst in fragments, and man and balloon shot downward with frightful velocity. He struck the ground in an upright position, driving his feet several inches in the hard earth, and fracturing half the bones in his body. He was taken up unconscious, and died in about four hours.

Taverns were opened to the public at an early day. Those who expected to keep tavern would usually erect double log cabins a story and a half high. Jonathan Hess opened his doors to the public as early as 1816; William Ayres did the same shortly afterward; a Mr. Barr hung out a sign near the northern boundary in 1817, and Seth Knowles began to entertain travelers the same year. The bar-rooms of these taverns were the favorite resorts for loafers, who would assemble around the blazing fire in winter, to smoke and drink and tell yarns" that would test the credulity of the auditors. Epinetus Howes was an early landlord in Sparta; Lemuel Potter kept tavern on Potter's hill between 1830 and 1840; David McGinnis kept tavern in Sparta at an early day - William Hulse subsequently kept tavern there for many years. He became widely known. The present landlord is W. S. Vansickle. Thomas Orsborn erected the first saw-mill in the township, in about 1828. William Sanford, the following year, put up one in the western part The Coiles built one in 1833, Burkholder in 1835, and Sheldon Sanford shortly after. A saw mill that did good work was run by Benjamin Chase at Sparta. The Kents have a mill in the southwestern part of the township at present William Speck's saw-mill at Sparta, is one of the

HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY. - 455

best in the county, and has a capacity of from 8,000 to 10,000 feet per day. The engine is thirty-horse-power, and the saw is double circular. Mr. Speck deserves much credit for the invention of simple mechanical contrivances, whereby the labor of one man is saved. The bead-sawyer, standing on a platform four feet square, can do his own setting, and can change his logs at will, by the agency of levers. Thom s Orsborn was the first to "crack corn " in the township, his mill being erected in 1823. This mill was burned down the following year, but was rebuilt, in 1828. Nicholas Kile started a small corn-mill in 1825; James Thompson and Aaron Jackson also owned one about the same time. It was a partnership mill and was located on Mr. Thompson's farm. Neither of these mills attained a greater state of perfection than to furnish a limited quantity of coarse flour. H. N. and M. B. Bradley started the first grist-mill in Sparta, placing their machinery in the building previously occupied by Benjamin Chase's wool-carding and cloth-dressing apparatus. It was a steam-mill, and had two run of stone, one for wheat and one for corn, and was started in about 1848. In 1875, a company consisting of six men, at a cost of $5,300, erected the present grist mill at Sparta. The stock was divided into 106 shares of $50 each. Many of the citizens invested in the stock, which, after many Vicissitudes, is now owned by William and Beverly Chase and Nelson Mead. The mill has two run of stone, and is second to no mill in the State for grade of flour. The Orsborn and Jackson corn-mills were erected to grind grain for distilleries built by these men. Orsborn's first distillery, as if the Fates decreed its destruction, was burned to the ground, but was rebuilt in 1828, and a new copper still of greater capacity added. "Tread -mills" were early institutions in the township, and were set in motion by horses or cattle walking upon an inclined plane, to which was attached an endless belt connected by shafting with the stone that ground the grain. Like the wheel of Ixion, this inclined plane was a perpetual punishment to the unfortunate animals that fur- nished the motive power. They were finally changed into water-mills. These distilleries were built because there was a growing demand for a market for grain, and because the pioneer deemed liquor one of the necessities of life. There was no market for corn and rye unless the settler could exchange it for whisky, or unless he could nave it de into whisky on shares. The settler regarded them, therefore, very highly, as furnish. ing whisky, and also a market for corn and rye. An excellent peach brandy was made at Orsborn's distillery. Before the mills were erected, the settlers were obliged to take their grain to Young's Banning's or Douglas' mills, on Owl Creek and Vernon River. In times of drouth, when mills on the smaller streams could not run, and those on the larger streams, like those of the gods, had to grind slowly, settlers were obliged to wait a week for their grist. The roads were mere blazed paths through the forest, and at some seasons of the year seemed bottomless. These mill trips were a great hardship, and, when the first mill in the township was built, there was much rejoicing. Nicholas Kile, Thomas Orsborn, William Sanford and James Thompson were the only men who owned early grist-mills.

Many stories are told of the evil effects of the distilleries alluded to and the sad end of some of their patrons. A man named Bottom, who came into the township with Orsborn, drank to excess. One bitterly cold day in winter, he started for Mount Vernon, but, failing to return for several days, search was made for him, when he was found sitting in an upright position on the ground frozen to death. Between his knees clasped in his hands, was a bottle half full of whisky, to which he had evidently vainly applied for relief in his last moments.

In 1820, John Roof put in five vats for dressing skins, his tannery being the first in the township. He discontinued the business at the end of one year. In 1825, Isaac Pardy erected tannery buildings in the western part.

456 - HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY.

This tan-yard was afterward owned by Miller, and still later by Rambo. Many of the settlers could dress skins after a fashion; but after erection the tanneries were generally patronized. Partly owned a dog that was so savage and dangerous that neighbors were afraid to approach the house. One day several young men were hunting in the woods about half a mile from the tan-yard, when they saw this dogg leisurely trotting homeward from an obvious visit to some canine friend. The boys recognized the dog, and, rejoicing at the opportunity, shot and killed it. While commenting over its corpse, a novel idea darted through their minds. Why not sell the skin to Pardy ? It was hastily removed, and then the boys marched boldly into the presence of Pardy and offered it for sale. They were paid almost a dollar for it; but the next day Pardy discovered the wrong done him, and demanded the money he had paid, which was gladly refunded by the boys, who were glad to escape so easily.

The old State road, passing northeast and southwest through Sparta, was laid out a number of years before the war of 1812. Its course was from Mansfield, via Frederick and Sunbury, to Columbus. The second road was the Mount Vernon and Delaware road, laid out about 1811. In 1814, the New Haven and Johnstown road, passing north and south through Bloomfield, was projected. In 1816, the Quakers in Chester Township cut out a road through Bloomfield to a small settlement near Mount Liberty.

Marshall Clark was the first blacksmith in the township. He worked at his trade on Clark street about five months, making trace-chains, bridle-bits, etc., and shoeing horses and oxen. One day in the autumn of 1816, while engaged in shoeing a horse, he was taken suddenly and violently ill before the work was completed, and died the next day; this was the first death in the township. David Anderson and Seth Nash erected blacksmith shops in 1817. James Thompson built a shop soon afterward. Thompson was a man of excellent mind and habits, and was one of the most prominent of the early pioneers. The present pros. elytes of Vulcan, in Sparta, are Frank Cotton, Abraham Herron and Minard and Mullenger. Isaac Pardy was the earliest shoemaker. Osgood Dustin made shoes in Sparta in 1830. Benjamin Tatman ran a shoe-shop in 1825.

W. A. Inscho is the present shoemaker at Sparta, and is a first-class workman. Francis Warren kept the first butcher-shop in the southern part of the township, in 1829. Curiously enough, he kept no venison, selling beef and pork altogether, which, at that time, were a greater rarity than deer meat. Harvey Simon and Thomas Orsborn are the Sparta butchers at present. Preston Hubbell was the first cabinet-maker in the township, erecting his shop in 1819. He did not continue long in the business, but turned his attention to the more profitable occupation of farming. John Blinn was the first cabinet-maker in Sparta. He followed the business from 1845, for fifteen years, running three benches, and doing an extensive business. He also ran a hearse, which was the first in the township. James Shumate was also an early cabinet-maker. Stephen and Alexander Marvin made saddletrees from cucumber wood, in 1820. Skinner, Newcomb and Macomber made wooden bowls of all sizes, which were useful vessels at an early period. John Manville, Sr., carried on a coopershop, making whisky barrels, tubs, buckets, etc. Peter Kile planted the first orchard in the spring of 1816, procuring the trees from Delaware County. If the trees were from Johnny Appleseed's nursery, it is not known by Kile's descendants. A few of these trees are yet standing on the old place now owned by his grandson, Lon Ramey. Hugh Hartshorn, who appeared in 1822, was a hatter. He manufactured hats of lambs' wool and kept a small stock for sale. This was quite an enterprise in the wilderness, but Hartshorn found it unprofitable, and started for some greater paradise for hatters. Roswell Clark began burning lime in 1819, and for many years supplied

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Mount Vernon with vast quantities, which were usually sold for 50 cents per bushel. John Manville made brick as early as 1823. This was a very important and useful industry, as the early settlers with difficulty obtained material for building chimneys. Preston Hubbell, who died in 1821, was the first person buried in the Bloomfield Cemetery. Christina Hess, born in the spring of 1817, was the first child born in the township. Chester Rosecrans was born in the fall, being the first male child. Two marriages, probably the first, occurred in the fall of 1819, the first one being Eliza Whitney to George Manville; the second, Melvina Hubbell to William Sanford. Benjamin Taylor was the first Assessor, and made his returns in June, 1818. The following was an early divorce a mensa et thoro: "By mutual consent, James C. and Rebecca Wilson, of Bloomfield Township, Knox Co., have this day agreed to dissolve as being man and wife." The first brick house in the township was built in 1824, by Roswell Clark; the house is yet standing, and is owned by Joseph Conway. In 1825, John Manville erected the second from brick made by himself; this is also standing, and is owned by Nathan Moore. The first frame dwelling-house was built in 1828 by Sheldon Clark, and is yet standing. The first frame building was a barn erected by Washington Hubbell in 1823; it is still standing on Marvin Lyon's farm. William Chase and Henry Weaver, Esq., are running a large tile Clark's, built by subscription, and designed both factory at present, about half a mile southwest of Sparta. Joseph Conway is burning an excellent lime on Roswell Clark's old farm.

The first religious society was established on Clark street in 1818, by the Methodists. The first families to join were those of Roswell Clark, Walker Lyon, Preston Hubbell, John Manville, John Helt, William Ayres and a few others. Elder Thomas conducted a wonderful revival in 1819; whole families were converted, and the meetings were thronged with those seeking salvation. Every man in the neighborhood was converted except Seth Knowles, who seems to have been a sort of Voltaire or Bob Ingersoll, and held aloof from their meetings in scornful disdain. He was a profane man, and took especial delight in annoying the worshipers on their way to meeting by the use of irreverent expletives. The meetings were held in the cabins of the settlers, or in new barns. On one occasion several "ungodly boys," wishing to have some fun, concealed themselves in the loft of a new barn on Clark street, and deliberately planned the first Judgment on record. The members assembled and everything went off smoothly. The first inspiring songs were sung, the first prayers delivered, and the minister, in his suit of homespun, arose in the pulpit and began firing the souls of his auditors with his rude eloquence. Soon the room became filled with one glad chorus of shouts and hallelujahs. At this instant a terrific thundering was heard above, as if the day of doom had dawned. For a moment, all below war, as still as death. Some, with dumb lips, stared wildly at the ceiling; others, more acute, soon discovered the hoax. The boys had dislodged a large heap of rough timber which had been suspended above, and which, in falling on the floor of the loft, had caused this thundering sound. Without waiting to see if their efforts to bring the world to Judgement would be successful, the boys jumped from the loft and disappeared in the woods.

In 1823, a log cabin was erected near Roswell for a schoolhouse and church. In 1839, the present Methodist Episcopal Church at Bloomfield, the oldest church building in the township, was erected. Additions have since been made to it. Roswell Clark was one of the most influential members in early times, and his acts were carefully scanned and observed. One Sunday he so far forgot himself as to boil sugar water nearly all day. This conduct created much gossip among his fellow-members, who finally instituted a church trial, which resulted in his being convicted of having violated the Sabbath. After the trial, some sympathizing friend asked him if he was sorry.

458 - HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY

Yes," said he, "I'm sorry I had no more water to boil." In 1822, Rev. James Smith, from Mount Vernon, established a New Light Church Society, in the vicinity of Sparta. It grew and prospered, and for many years was the strongest society in the township. Elder William H. Ashley figured prominently in this society for many years. The meetings were first held in the settlers' cabins, afterward in the schoolhouses, and finally in the Christian Church at Sparta, erected in 1841, at a cost of about $1,200. A Methodist society was organized near Sparta, about 1822. It was a strong one, and did much to improve the morals of the settlers. Their church at Sparta was built in 1842, costing about $1,400. Previous to 1876, Elder McCulloch, of Nevada, Ohio, had preached in the Christian Church at Sparta. Being a man well instructed in the fundamental doctrines of his church (Advent Christian), and able to support them by a powerful array of Scriptural evidence, he succeeded in changing the faith of some of the members, and in creating a spirited controversy on doctrinal points upon which the church had previously been harmonious, if not united. A few members, led by Robert Chase and Elder Lohr, attempted to silence the discord, but failing, a movement was effected, which banished McCulloch and his followers from the church. This highly dissatisfied those whose faith had been changed. They looked upon the action as arbitrary, dictatorial and oppressive. They, therefore, though few in number, resolved to build themselves a church. Accordingly, at a meeting held at the residence of John Blinn, on the 20th of May, 1876, the following covenant was entered into:

"1. We whose names are subjoined do hereby covenant and agree by the help of the Lord, to work together as a church of Christ, faithfully maintaining its ordinances, taking the Bible as the only rule of faith, practice, church order and discipline, making Christian character the only test of fellowship and communion.

"2. We further agree, with Christian fidelity and meekness, to exercise mutual watch - care, to counsel, admonish or reprove as duty may require, and to receive the same from each other as becometh the household of faith."

With these principles of faith, the little party of Christian workers launched out upon the troubled waters. Their church was immediately erected, the Universalists, other denominations and outsiders assisting them to the extent of $100 or $200. By the conditions of subscription, the doors of this church are open to any and all Christian denominations to worship God after the dictates of their own conscience. John Blinn has been the leading spirit in this church since its organization having paid, in money and labor, fully one-fourth the cost of construction.

In 1850, the Wesleyan Methodists erected a small church one and a half miles west of Sparta; but the building, for several years past, has been used for other purposes. The United Brethren own a small church in the southern part of the township, where they are wont to assemble for the worship of God. The Methodists in the northeastern corner, have lately erected them a fine church, costing about $1,400. They have quite a flourishing, congregation. The citizens of the township, as a whole, are zealous in promoting the success of their religious faith.

The Odd Fellows' Lodge, at Sparta, was insti. tuted April 12, 1855, by Grand Master T. J. McLane. There were but six charter members: Nathan Harris, G. W. Smith, M. B. Allen, H. N. Bradley, T. S. Wilson and A. C. Gilbert. Nathan Harris is the only charter member now living in the vicinity of Sparta. Within a year after its organization, the lodge had forty active members. Their hall was built in 1867, they owning, the upper story, and the township using the lower story for a town hall. The lodge paid about $1,100, and the citizens of the township about the same, making $2,200, total cost for the building. The present officers are: N. B. Allen, N. G.; N. Harris, V. G. ; H. M. Bradley, P. S.; G. W. Smith, T.; and A. C. Gilbert, R. S. The lodge

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The Masonic Lodge was organized under dispensation, and a charter obtained in October, 1868, when it was duly constituted. The charter members were C. S. Pyle, E. B. Cook, A. J. Roberts, Calvin Gunsaulus, Lewis Cahan, J. H. Osborn, H. P Ashley' Milton Ashley, Henry Blinn, T. G. McFadon and Leonard Murray. S. W. Stahl organized the lodge under the dispensation and J. N. Burr constituted it under the charter. The present officers are: Lester Gloyd, W. M.; B. D. Buxton, S. W.; J. Throckmorton, J. W.; William Taylor, Treas.; Henry Hulse, Sec.; A. J. Roberts, S. D.; C. A. Sprague, J. D.; T. E. Orsborn, Tiler. Their hall was erected in 1868, at a cost of $1,500, the fraternity building the upper, and F. G. Jackson the lower, story. The lodge meets once a month, and is known as Bloomfield Lodge, No. 422, A., F. & A. M.

The first school in the township was taught by Miss Melvina Hubbell, in the summer of 1819, about half a mile southwest of Sparta, in a log building intended for a dwelling. In the fall of 1819, a log schoolhouse was built near the old Swetland farm, and during the succeeding winter, Dr. A. W. Swetland kept school there. It was a "subscription school " and was the first taught in a real schoolhouse. Each scholar paid $1.50 for the term of three months. The teacher made a specialty of penmanship. Roger Blinn also taught a few scholars in his dwelling house the same winter. School was kept in a log schoolhouse, near Peter Kile's, in 1820. Just south of the cemetery, a schoolhouse was built in 1820, and William Sanford was the first teacher. This school was one of the best in the township up to that time. Children left other schools and went to Sanford. Dr. Bliss sent his daughter Maria to him, that she might study Murray's Grammar. Sanford had as high as thirty scholars. The early schoolhouses were often mere shells, destitute of all conveniences or attractions. The books were so few as to almost escape observation. The A, B, C's were often learned from a piece of oiled paper, through which the letters had been pricked with a pin. The early schoolhouse at the cemetery took fire one windy, winter night, and burned to the ground, consuming what few books and slates the pupils owned. In 1823, a small, hewed-log schoolhouse was built on Clark street, to take the place of the one destroyed by fire. This was found to be too small, as it was required to do the duty of a church as well - so, about 1830, a much larger one was erected near it. The Methodists held their meetings here. Emmet Cotton taught school the winter of 1824-25, in a log schoolhouse, in the southern part of the township. The first schoolhouse in Sparta was built in 1829, and was located near Mr. Speck's saw-mill. The second was built near the present Christian Church, about 1846. The present one was erected near the commencement of the late war. Schoolhouses in various parts of the township have arisen, serving their allotted time , and falling into ruin, new and improved ones taking their place. No school buildings of any great value have been erected in the township.

One of the best schools in the township is taught by W. C. Barr, near Col. Brown's residence. Mr. Barr is a fine scholar, reducing his teaching to a system, and the patrons are amply repaid by the rapid strides made by their children in the path of learning. He has demonstrated the advantage and necessity of education. The Sparta District enumerates about one hundred scholars, and has an average attendance of seventy. The school is graded, and two teachers are employed. Burton Ashley is the teacher in the higher department, and Miss Mary Chase teaches the lower department. Mr. Ashley has aroused much interest and enthusiasm in the school.

In 1823, Aaron Macomber settled about half a ,mile northeast of Sparta. He made wooden bowls from cucumber wood, turning them out with machinery run by a horse. Hugh Hartshorn lived near him with a small storeroom of bats which he manufactured from wool in a small

462 - HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY.

log building near his house. In 1824, Macomber secured the services of Eastman, the Knox County Surveyor, and laid out a small town which, in honor of its founder, was named Aaronsburg. It does not appear that any lots were sold, and the town soon died. In 1827, Lemuel Potter laid out a town across the street from Potter's hill, the surveying being done by Samuel Bryant. Potter named the town Rome, but it did not bear any resemblance to ancient Rome. It passed into oblivion, and, like the dead, was slowly forgotten. The village of Bloomfield was surveyed and platted April 18, 1845, the surveyor being Thomas C. Hickman, and the projectors and proprietors Elizur Loveland and Alexander Marvin. The town was originally laid out into thirteen lots, and owing to the exasperating indifference of some of the citizens, has never been increased by additions. The first building was erected by Floyd Sears, in 1846. It was located on the southeast corner and designed as a storeroom. Into this room William Kincade, of Martinsburg, moved $2,500 worth of goods, which Mr. Sears sold on commission. At the end of eighteen months, Mr. Sears and his brother-in-law, L. F. Dewitt, succeeded Kincade with a general assortment valued at $3,000. In 1854, Eli Hollister bought them out and moved his stock into a new building on the northeast corner. He was followed by Knode, Sheldon, Bottomfield, Chase & Richard, Wright & Vail, Smith, Harris and Harper During the war, an excellent business was done here. Marvin Lyon opened a shoe-shop in 1862; in 1873, he began with a general assortment of goods, and at present has a stock valued at $1,000. Robert Patton was the first blacksmith, working in a shop erected by Floyd Sears in 1847. Samuel Harvey made wagons in 1852. John Millison did a small undertaking business. Charles Sprague had a tinshop in 1868. Larkin Hobbs made barrels, tubs, etc., in 1857. Mortimer French kept a saloon in a brick house west of Bloomfield in 1857. One dark night, a party of disguised men went to his saloon, broke open the door, and emptied the liquor into the street. That was the last of his saloon. William Scuddle erected a steam saw-mill in 1850, John Cavert being the sawyer. A schoolhouse was built in the town in 1852, and another, just north of the town, in 1877; Earnest Lyon is the present teacher. Dr. McClernand located near Bloomfield in 1842; he was followed by Drs. Hubbell, Mendenhall and Hess. The post office was secured at Bloomfield, in 1833, by Samuel Whit ney, who became the first Postmaster; Marvin Lyon is the present Postmaster. The present population is about fifty-five. Bloomfield was once a promising town, but it has been badly blighted.

The first building in Sparta was a double log cabin, built by William B. Carpenter, in 1826, and located where Dupee & Bowman's hardware store now stands. A month afterward, he erected a small log building across the street, just opposite his dwelling, to be used as a storeroom, into which be put $250 worth of goods, consisting largely of whisky. The second dwelling-house was built in 1828, by Joseph Skinner, who was a carpenter by trade, and located in the western part of the town. The third was built by David McGinnis in 1829; this man kept travelers, and in one part of his cabin kept about $100 worth of notions. Osgood Dustin erected his cabin in 1830. These four families comprised the population in 1830, the total being eighteen souls. Carpenter had an ashcry, exchanging his goods for ashes, which were made into "scorched " and "white salts," and a small amount of "pearlash." In December, Carpenter sold out to Dr. A. W. Swetland, who placed in the storeroom, about $4,000 worth of goods. The Doctor's brother, Fuller, clerked for him during the winter of 1832-33, and in the spring of 1833, the Doctor and his family came on from Delaware County. After this, Sparta, then known by the general appellation of Bloomfield, became an extensive trading-point. The Doctor's first stock of goods was steadily increased, until in 1850, it invoiced at $12,000. The ashery was run by him

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in connection with the store, goods being given in exchange for ashes. This ashery became one of the most extensive in Central Ohio, yielding as high as fifteen tons of excellent "pearl ash" per annum. The town began to improve, and the settlers poured into the surrounding woods. All got their goods at "the store " largely on trust. Swetland dealt largely in wheat, pork-packing, flax-seed and butter, at one time buying 3,000 pounds of the latter for 6 cents per pound and selling it in New York for a shilling. He usually lost on his pork, as the cost of transporting such bulky staples swallowed up the profits. Teamsters were employed to convey his produce to New York, and to bring back a load of groceries, dry goods, etc. He carried on a vast trade for a quarter of a century, but in 1854, be was compelled to close his store. Though eighty-three years old, he still lives, hearty and hale, with mind as clear as ever, at his old home in Sparta. He was the projector and proprietor of Sparta, helping survey it in 1837, and giving it the name it now bears. He secured the post office in 1838, and was the first Postmaster. The surveyor was Johnson Stone, of Knox County, laying out twenty lots on each Fide of the Columbus road, making forty in all. Additions have since been made by Seth and Frank Swetland and John Blinn. In 1835, Chase & Bliss had a small stock of goods in Eastern Sparta. In 1838, Potter & Bliss had $1,800 worth of goods on Potter's hill. This firm erected the building now occupied by Chipps & Hulse, into which they moved their goods. The building has since been remodeled. In 1840, the town had a population of about fifty. William Chase became Dr. Swetland's successor, buying him out in 1854, and entering into partnership with his brother John. Reuben, another brother, became a partner in 1862. This firm did a remarkable business for a country store, the sales, some years during the war, amounting to $40,000, making it necessary for the firm to take out a wholesale license. They dealt largely in wool, buying, in 1863, 106,000 pounds, which were sold for 75 cents per pound. Sheep were bought and sold, and handsome profits realized. Sparta has always been a lively business town. Byron Swetland kept a stock of goods for many years. In 1838, Benjamin Chase established a wool-carding and cloth-dressing mill in Eastern Sparta ; be did an extensive business, carding, during the summer season, from sixty thousand to one hundred thousand pounds of wool. He owned the mill far about ten years, when it was sold to other parties, who continued the business afterward. Charles Osborn was the last connected with it. During the war, Elisha Cook ran a steam saw and grist mill in the old factory buildings. A few lawyers have braved the frowns of the Spartans and located here; P. C. Beard and Wesley Harris, formerly, and Henry Weaver at present. Dr. Swetland was the first physician in Sparta, though be did not practice. Dr. Thomas Richards was the first practicing physician in the town ; he was followed by C. M. Eaton, Harvey Ames, James Page, Burns, Wilson, Gunsaulus, Tims, Bliss and Buxton. Dr. Buxton has just received the nomination for Auditor at the Republican County Convention.

Nancy M. Ashley was the first milliner in Sparta, locating therein 1836 ; she was followed by Mrs. Elizabeth Ashley, Mrs Inscho and others. The present milliners are Mrs. W. C. Harris and Miss Bell Bliss. Misses M. E. and Sue Fry are the Sparta dressmakers. Among the business men of the town are John Inscho, furniture dealer, cabinet-maker and undertaker; Louie Gaynes, barber and restaurant-keeper; J. 0. Wetsel, harnessmaker; E. E. Green, druggist; Dupee & Bowman, general hardware stock; J. A. Sheldon, general store ; J. P. Vail, a general assortment of goods; Chipps & Hulse, a large general stock of goods.

On the 8th of November, 1879, a daring and successful burglary was committed in Sparta. A number of men broke open J. P. Vail's store, blew open his safe with gunpowder and took from it $1,530 belonging to himself and different parties in and around Sparta.

HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY. - 464

The citizens of Sparta are intelligent, temperate and moral. They have no saloon, and, should such a pestilence strike the town, it would be looked upon as a dire calamity. For a few years prior to 1870, the Spartans had noticed with pride the growing beauties of their town. Several ambitious men desired the incorporation of the town, but, unfortunately, there were not enough favoring it to accomplish that result. Concluding that there was "wisdom in counsel," they deliberated in private, easily securing the incorporation of the town. Like Lord Byron, the citizens of the city awoke one morning to find themselves famous. They immediately began to assume metropolitan airs, and a few Ave not yet recovered from the epidemic of aristocracy with which they were afflicted. In a fit of enthusiasm, they erected street lamps, but at this point they ingloriously failed-became unwise, like the virgins of old. They ran out of oil, and the posts are all that now remain, a ghostly memento of former greatness.

South Bloomfield Township is one of the finest in Morrow County. In 1848, an event occurred which was bitterly opposed by the citizens. This was the separation of the township from Knox County by the formation of Morrow County. When the subject was first broached, and it became apparent that South Bloomfield must form a part of the new county, petitions and remonstrances were employed to oppose the scheme, but without avail. The township was closer to Mount Vernon than to Mount Gilead, the former city was larger and a much better trading-point; many of the citizens Had friends living at or near Mount Vernon. For these reasons the citizens opposed the separation, and have ever since regretted being made part of Morrow County. No one today would oppose a measure that would reunite them' with Knox County.

South Bloomfield has the finest country cemetery in the State. In 1821, John Helt and Matthew Marvin each gave half an acre to be used as a burying-ground. To this, additions have been made at different times, until the yard at present comprises sixteen acres. It is a private cemetery owned by nine men, who are trustees for life. They have absolute control of all portions not sold to lot-holders, and the lots are held in trust by them. These men are John Blinn, Floyd Sears, Warren Swetland, John Allison, John McGuire, Col. A. H. Brown, Jonathan Burnett, Daniel Chase and Rowland Rogers. There are 500 evergreens in it, many of them being over a foot in diameter. These consist of Norway and Scotch pine, American and black spruce, balsam fir, arbor vitae, hemlock, weeping and other willows, Irish junipers, lilac, horse-chestnut, hard and soft maple, roses, etc. The situation commands an extensive view of all that region of country, and the prospect from the higher points would delight the eye of a landscape gardener. Many costly and beautiful monuments mark the last resting-spot of the loved dead. The Ewart vault contains the ashes of four members of that family.