504 - HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY

CHAPTER XXI.

TROY TOWNSHIP-INTRODUCTORY-TOPOGRAPHY-OCCUPATION OF THE WHITES-EARLY PRI

VATIONS-RELIGION AND EDUCATION-STEAM CORNERS.

HE who attempts to present with accuracy the annals of a county, or even of a district no larger than a township, the history of which reaches back through a period of nearly three quarters of a century, imposes upon himself a task not easily accomplished. The difficulties to be met with in performing such a task are often augmented by statements widely at variance, furnished by early settlers and their descendants, as data from which to compile a true and faithful record of past events. To claim for a work of this character perfect freedom from all inaccuracies, would be to arrogate to one's self a degree of wisdom and infallibility possessed by no mortal man. To give facts, and facts only, should be the highest aim of every writer who professes to deal with incidents of the past. This shall be our aim in the pages following, and, when statements disagree with the opinions of the reader, he will bear in mind, that we have chronicled the events which seemed to us supported by the greater weight of testimony.

Originally, and as far back as we know, this country belonged to the Indian. and before him, perhaps, to the Mound Builder; who they got it from, we may never know. Undisturbed in those primeval days by the pale-faced race, beneath the shadows of the rude wigwam

"The Indian wooed his dusky maid."

The relies left by the red man and his antecedents are the only historic chapters handed down to us to tell of the people whose feet once pressed the earth about our own pleasant homes. With those people there were no learned men to record the history they were making, though among them unlettered sages and warriors there may have been. With us, how different. We know the uses of letters, printing presses, books and telegraphs, and there is no reason why we should die and leave no sign. The history we are making can be handed down to posterity, in the ages that are to come, for thousands of years, when other and higher races of men shall have taken our place.

This division of Morrow County, though small in area, is rich in historical facts-far richer than some of the larger townships, which possess little history beyond the mere fact of settlement. Troy lies in the extreme northeast corner of the county, and contains but thirteen sections, in Township 20, Range 19, of Congressional lands. It, with Troy Township, in Richland County, formed a division of that county, until the organization of I Morrow County, which divided the township between the two, thus leaving both fractional. It will be noticed by reference to the map that there is a jog in the east line of the township. This was occasioned by a few individuals living in that section, who were dissatisfied with the formation of the new county, and, like the fabled sow, wished to "return to the wallow." In the winter of 1848-49, Jacob King, Michael Winters and one Eichart, went to Columbus, and, with

HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY - 505

a little adroit wireworking, succeeded in having the Legislature restore them to their old county (Richland). Hence the jog in the line referred to above. Troy Township is at present bounded on the north and east by Richland County, on the south by Perry Township, on the west by North Bloomfield Township, and, in 1870, had a population of 696, by the United States Census.

The Township of Troy is but little cut up by water-courses. The North Fork of the Mohican passes through the north tier of sections, affording an abundance of stock water and excellent drainage for the beautiful valley which borders it. The Clear Fork of the Mohican passes through the southwest corner. These, with a few small and insignificant branches, form the water privileges of the township. Originally fine forests covered this entire section, and many bodies of excellent timber are still to be found, although the number of saw-mills are making such havoc with it as will soon require artificial means to replenish it. The walnut is already becoming scarce; and other valuable species, such as, ash and cherry, are receiving the due attention of the lumbermen. The lands of Troy are rich and productive. The valley of the Mohican, in the north part of the township, is unsurpassed as an agricultural region. While the uplands are not quite so rich as this valley, yet they produce all the crops common to this part of the country, in abundance. The surface is somewhat rolling in the north, and, from the Mohican rises into hills, then stretches away to the south in a kind of table-land.

The first settlement in Troy Township by white people dates back sixty-five years or more. Aaron Young, it is believed, was the first white man to pitch his tent and build a cabin. This cabin he erected on the banks of the -North Fork of the Mohican, in the north part of the township. He was originally from New Jersey, and, from the best information now attainable, was here as early as 1814-15, just about the close of the last war with Great Britain. He has been dead for many years, and Mr. Adams now lives upon the place where he settled. Isaac Miller was from Washington County, Penn., and came soon after Young. He was at Crawford's defeat, and was one of those who escaped. He died about ten years ago, and Abraham Barrett lives where he originally settled. William Nelson was from Pennsylvania, and came at an early day. He moved away some forty years or more ago, and his place is now owned by Squire Mitchell, Mrs. Carpenter and Alonzo Carpenter.

Daniel Dye was also from Pennsylvania and was one of the earliest settlers in this section. He was a man somewhat peculiar and eccentric, and had a clause engrafted in his will that his executors should allow no other stones placed at his grave than granite boulders. His son, who was one of his executors, carried out his wishes to the letter. Mr. Dye died about 1845, and was buried at the old "Troy" Church. James Harris came from New York, and was related to the Youngs. He was an early settler, and the father of Rev. W. L. Harris, now a bishop in the Methodist Episco pal Church, who, in his boyhood, was said to have been one of the worst boys in the community. Mr. Harris had two sons, the Bishop. who, as a boy. was known as "Logue " Harris and Biram, an older brother. It is the verdict of all who knew them that they were, to put it in the mildest form, very bad boys. " In their youthful days, it was fashionable to use the birch at school more abundantly than in this enlightened age, and it is traditional that few days passed without the Harris boys having to take off their coats. to receive a well-laid-on application of it. A lady who is related to the family, tells the following anecdote: She was at Mr. Harris' one day in the early summer, when beans were first making an appearance. There was company to dinner, and Logan, who was quite a large boy, had to wait until the second table for his dinner. He was rather fond of beans himself, and appeared much exercised lest they would all be eaten before his time came. His first words after getting to the table were: "Mam, have they eat all the beans?". The boys grew to manhood, and, as young men, were changed but

506 - HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY

little for the better. They made it a practice to go to church for the purpose of raising a disturbance. So notorious did they become that any little trouble at church was laid to their charge, whether they were guilty or not. Indeed, so many hard stories are told of them as to be almost convincing proof that a "prophet is without honor in his own country." It is not improbable that Eggleston found in them some of the characters represented in his backwoods novel entitled "The Circuit Rider." It was at a camp-meeting, to which Logan had gone, it is said, with the declared intention of breaking it up, that be was converted. From that time he was a changed man, and to-day lie is one of the " big guns of the Methodist Church, and one of its ablest bishops.

Gen. Enos and William Blair were early settlers in the valley of the Mohican, in this township, and were both from Pennsylvania. Blair was a soldier of 1812, and was with Commodore Perry in his famous victory on Lake Erie. He named a son for Perry, and the Commodore presented him with a handsome silver medal containing $3 worth of silver, and on which his image was engraved. Mr. Blair had a letter from the Governor, thanking him personally for his bravery in defense of his country. This lie had framed and hung in his parlor. At a soldiers' reunion held on "Perry's old battle-ground," though borne down with age, he attended, and made a speech that was highly applauded. When he died, he requested to be buried with the honors of war, and, in accordance with that request, a number of soldiers of 'the late war attended his funeral, and fired a martial salute over the old soldier's grave, with the muttered prayer:

"Soldier, rest! thy warfare is o'er,

Sleep the sleep that knows no breaking;

Dream of battle-fields no more,

Days of danger, nights of waking."

They left him to that sleep that shall remain unbroken until the' great reveille sounds on the resurrection morn. Gen. Enos settled on the place now owned by "Tale" Goldsmith, and has been dead many years. He is said to have also been in the war of 1812, but whether he attained his title of General in that war, or in the "Peace Establishment," is not known. He is remembered as a resolute and stirring old fellow, who generally meant what be said, and possessed the "grit " to enforce his wishes. George Mitchell entered a quarter-section of land in 1815, now owned mostly by Squire Mitchell, a nephew. He built the first saw and grist mill, and the only water-power mill ever in the township. His cabin was of the most primitive pattern, and is thus described by Squire Mitchell: It was built of logs, without floor or chimney, a large stump stood in the center of the cabin floor (or ground), which was trimmed to a point small enough to fit a two-inch augur hole. A heavy oak slab, with a hole bored in one end, was fitted on the stump, and used as a seat. It would revolve round the stump, as the fire became too hot, or not hot enough for the occupant of this revolving chair. As there was no chimney, the fire was built in one corner of the cabin upon the ground. Mr. Mitchell was a bachelor, which will account I for his primitive cabin and its limited furnishings. He died at Wooster, at the age of twenty-eight years.

Another pioneer in this end of the township, was William Lyon. He settled half a mile east "of where Squire Mitchell now lives, and was a shoemaker by trade. Squire Mitchell remembers how, when he was a little fellow, he used to run off every chance he got and go to "Auntie Lyon's" She had no children of her own, and of course made all the more of him. Upon one of these periodical flights of his, in crossing a swamp lying between his father's and Lyon's, he got off the regular trail, and stuck fast in the mud. When found, he was in the mud to his waist, and calling lustily for "Auntie Lyon." Mr. Lyon remained but a few years, and then moved away. Ichabod Clark was a pioneer of this section, but died many years ago. His son " Zeke " became quite a noted character, and at one time owned the Iowa City

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Mills. When he bought these mills, he paid for them in Wooster, at that day termed wildcat money, and, in twenty-four hours after he had paid over the money, it was not worth one cent on the dollar. Whether he knew the collapse (of the money, or bank) was coming, was never known; but many believed that he did, and, as a consequence, the mills took fire one night and burned to the ground. Soon after these events occurred, the man from whom he bought the mills died, and ahout, the same time. Zeke's wife died. In due time, he married the widow of the former owner of the mill. She afterward turned Mormon, and they separated, dividing the property to the utmost farthing. John Clark, a brother of Zeke, was for years in the land office in Iowa. These settlers mentioned above, all located in the north part of the township, in the valley of the 31ohican. Beyond the range of hills to the south, no settlements were made for a number of years after this little valley was settled.

Among the early settlers in the southern part of the township were John Edwards, Robert Hilton, William Moore, Jacob Haldeman, Thomas Singrey, Semple Ross and John Montgomery. So far as known, they all came from Pennsylvania though some of them were not natives of that State. Edwards settled in the extreme southern part of the town, where he died about 1855-56,but his widow is still living upon the old homestead. Hilton, though coming from Pennsylvania, was an Englishman by birth. He settled near Steam Corners, where he died about six years ago. He settled down in the midst of a dense forest in 1828, and cut away the trees for a space in which to set his cabin. A daughter, the wife of Mr. Rowalt, at Steam Corners, is still living; to her and her husband we are indebted for much valuable information regarding this section. William Moore was a native of the "auld sod," but had been living for some time previous to his settlement here, in Pennsylvania. He came to Troy one year before Hilton, and died in 1879;his widow is still living. Haldeman settled in this neighborhood about 1826-27. He died many years ago, and lies buried in the little cemetery at Emanuel Church. His son, Henry, lives on the old homestead. Singrey was a kind of self-made doctor, and settled here with the earliest pioneers ; he still has descendants in the community. Ross and Montgomery were settlers in this immediate neighborhood: Montgomery, though from Penn sylvania here: was of Irish extraction. Both he and Ross are long since gathered to their fathers.

The Elders, who are more particularly noticed in the history of North Bloomfield, settled first in this township, where they dwelt for several years. They then sold out and moved into North Bloomfield, where Samuel Elder now lives. There were probably others, who rank as early settlers, but are forgotten. Many who came early and remained but a few years, and then died or moved away, may be forgotten, and after this long lapse of time it is not strange if they are. We are not long remembered after the sod is placed over us.

"If you or I to-day should die,

The birds would sing as sweet tomorrow:

The vernal spring her flowers would bring,

And few would think of us with sorrow.

"Yes he is dead,' would then be said;

The corn would floss, the grass yield hay,

The cattle low, and summer go,

And few would heed us passed away."

As we have already stated, George Mitchell built the first mill in Troy, and the only water-mill ever in the township. It was both saw and grist mill, and for many years was a source of great convenience to the citizens. The township has never been specially noted for mills, owing to the fact, perhaps , that water-courses are few in number and importance The first laid out road, except emigrant trails, was the road from Galion to Lexington passing through the north part of the township, and, as mentioned in another chapter, was laid out to the sound of the dinner horn, to which fact is attributed its zigzag course. John Flack is the first Justice of the Peace remembered. He was

508 - HISTORY OF MORROW COUNTY.

an early settler in the northern part of the township, and was a German. and a man of excellent education. The first birth, death and marriage cannot be obtained after all these years.

This section, like other portions of the county, was infested with Indians when first occupied by the whites, though they were not hostile. They used to encamp on Mohican Creek, and bunt for days at a time. On these excursions, they would trade venison to the whites for whisky and tobacco, and for victuals, if they could not beg what they wanted. Their integrity was not of the best, and they usually required watching, when at the settlements, to prevent their appropriation of little things that did not belong to them. That they probably occupied this country once, is evidenced in the fact that many relies of them, such as axes, hatchets, dressers of stone, and arrow and spear heads, with many other implements of Indian origin, are still to be found in the valley of the Mohican. Squire Mitchell has quite a collection of Indian relie's and curiosities , and some very rare ones. There are, also, some traces recognizable of the Mound-Builders. There is a mound on Section 7 of this township, some twenty-five or thirty feet in diameter, and as high as a man's bead. It has never been opened or officially examined, hence we do not know what it may contain.

Christianity made its appearance in Troy Township with the early settlers, but the first society was formed in that portion of the township now included in Richland County, and the first church in which the good people worshiped was over in that part of the township also, and was of barn like appearance, and consisted of four log pens, which gave room inside for a large congregation. Rev. Mr. Johnson was one of the first preachers who proclaimed the Gospel in this primitive church, and used to come over sometimes and preach in the portion of the township now in Morrow County. The first church organized in this township was by the United Brethren or Albrights, but to which belongs the precedence is not known. A class of the Albright denomination was formed at Jacob Haldeman's years before the society built a church edifice. Among the original members were Jacob Haldeman and family, John Fansler and wife, Daniel Hibbert and wife, Daniel Buckley and wife, and William Breler and wife. The church known is Emmanuel Church of the Albrights, and which is their second house of worship, was built in 1855, and is a substantial frame building. The Pastor is Rev. F. Bone, and the church comprises a large membership. A flourishing Sabbath school is maintained the year round. As a gentleman informed us, " There is no more freezing out for that Sunday school." Alfred Haldeman is Superintendent, and the average attendance is large.

The Waters United Brethren Church was organized about 1842, and the church built soon after. This movement resulted from a dissatisfaction on the part of some of the members of the Albrights, who split off, and organized a church of their own. Among them were Peter Brillheart and wife (Brillheart was a sort of preacher), Jacob Hersler and wife, John Ettinger and wife, and perhaps others. The membership has run down low, probably to twenty. The present Pastor is Rev. J. F. Smith. There is a cemetery adjacent. Peter Brillheart is said to have been the first person buried in this cemetery.

The Mennonite Church was built about 1840, and is located just west of Steam Corners. It is low in membership and not in a very flourishing state. The Pastor is Rev. Jacob Lantz, from Lexington, who preaches to them every two weeks.

Who taught the first school in Troy Township could not be learned, or whether the first was taught in the northern or southern part of the township. Schools in those days were taught by subscription, and the teachers generally "boarded around." The schoolhouses themselves were prim itive affairs, and corresponded with the qualifications of the teachers, qualifications that would scarcely come up to the standard now. Grand improvements have been made in educational facil-

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ities since then. The statistics of Troy Township show up now somewhat as follows:

Balance on hand September 1, 1878 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $882.25

State tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 399.00

Local tax, for schoolhouse purposes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 777.52

Amount paid teachers during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . .1,078.00

Value of school property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6,100.00

No. of schoolhouses in township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

No. of teachers employed during the year -

males, 6; females, 2; total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Paid teachers per mouth-males, $32 ; females

$15; total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $47.00

Enrollment-males, 145 ; females, 114; total . . . . . . . . . . 259

Average daily attendance-males, 69; females

58; total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Balance on hand September 1, 1879 . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,119.78

A post office was established in the north part of Troy Township so early that the date cannot be given. It was known as "John McEwen's X Roads," and was kept by John McEwen, for whom it was named, and who lived just across the road from where the Buckhorn Schoolhouse now stands. It was then moved to Steam Corners and kept there for awhile, and then discontinued. It was afterward re-established, and called by its present name.

Steam Corners can scarcely be termed a village, and yet it is the nearest approach to one the township can boast. It has never been laid out as a village, and consists merely of a dozen or two houses at the crossing of two roads near the center of the township. C. W. Rowalt built the first storehouse, and opened the first store, in 1865. A post office was established in 1867, with Rowalt as Postmaster; it bears the same name as the village-Steam Corners. Albert Shauck is now Postmaster. There is but one store in the place, viz., Shauck & Maxwell. The name "Steam Corners" was given in consequence of a steam sawmill erected here a great many years ago, by Hall, Allen & Co., and which is still in existence, but is now owned by Fred Stuhl. The business of Steam Corners is as, follows, viz.: One store one steam sawmill - two blacksmith-shops ; one wagon maker's shop, and one tavern. A substantial trick schoolhouse ornaments the little town, in which Miss Bower is the presiding genius (in the schoolhouse, not the town, though of the town, too, for aught we know). A good school is maintained for the usual term each year.

The village is near the geographical center of the township, and contains the town house, where elections are held, and all the township business is transacted.