352 - TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO
JEFFERSON AND CASS TOWNSHIPS.
DISTINGUISHED PIONEERS-CHARACTER OF THE REGION FOR FARMING- SAGACITY OF MR. JONATHAN CASS-HIS DISTINGUISHED SONS-BRYANT, STILWELL, SETH ADAMS AND OTHER NOTABLES - THE FIRST BIRTH-THE WATER COURSES-EARLIEST ELECTION-FIRST MILLSTAVERNS-SALT-COAL- DISTILLERS - PHYSICIANS--BLACKSMITHS-CEMETERIES-CANAL - BONDS-DIVISION OF TOWNSHIP-CASS TOWNSHIP OFFICERS-DRESDEN-DRESDEN MAYORS- POST OFFICE-FIRST HOUSES-FIRST STORES-- DRESDEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH- DRESDEN PRESBYTERIAN S. S.-MASONIC - FRIENDSHIP LODGE, F. AND A. M.-SCHOOLS-BOARD OF EDUCATION-M. E. CHURCH-DRESDEN M. E. SUNDAY SCHOOL-ZION EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL-DRESDEN BAPTIST CHURCH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL-CATHOLIC CHURCH- GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH-ODD FELLOWS - TELEGRAPH-BANKS-GERMAN M. E. CHURCH- CHRISTIAN CHURCH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL - MILLS--SCHOOLS-LIBERTY CHAPEL- [CHRISTIAN CHURCH]-" HOPPER'S GROVE " M E. CHURCH - PHYSICIANS - DISTILLERY - ORCHARDS-FIRST BRICK HOUSE-STORES - TAVERNS-POST OFFICE - RAILROADS - DRESDEN JUNCTION-TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.
The settlement of this region, by reason of the subsequent exaltation of some of the pioneers and their descendents, presents more than ordinary claims to historic interest, as will be seen by the list. Seth Adams and Major 'Jonathan Cass came here in 1799. The latter located forty land warrants for one hundred acres each, making four thousand acres. This fact would be quite sufficient if we had no other, to establish the claim made to superior soil and adaptation to farming purposes in general, when we admit, as we must, the sagacity of Mr. Cass. In 1801 , he brought his family here, and on this land lived until August 4, 1830, when he died, aged 77 years, and was buried there. He had three sons : Lewis, George W., and Charles L. Lewis became a historic character, whose fame went beyond the domains of America ; was Governor of the territory of Michigan, and filled with distinction other important offices, civil and military. George lived quietly on the original Cass farm, never taking an active part in other than local politics, although frequently solicited to fill State offices. He died in August, 1873, aged 88. He was the father of Dr. Edward Cass, of Dresden. Charles L. served with distinction in the war of 1812. The citizens of Zanesville presented him with a magnificent sword for his gallantry at the battle of Fort Erie. He was the father of Mrs. Mary E. Adams, now living in Dresden. He died in 1842, and was buried in the family burying ground, on the old Cass farm. In 1875, the remains of Major Jonathan Cass were removed to the Dresden cemetery, by Dr. Edward Cass, and over the remains of the family in their final resting place has been erected a magnificent mounhment, by the Cass family. Beneath the name of Jonathan Cass is this inscription : " He was a soldier at the battle of Bunker Hill ; an officer of the Revolution, and of the army, which, under General Wayne, gave peace to the frontier. From New England, he emigrated to this part of the wilds of the Northwestern Territory. On the military land he purchased, he lived a peaceful and quiet life thirty years, until death claimed him for a victim."
Isaac Cordray and his son George came soon after. Mordecai Ogle came in 1802, and settled on the farm now owned by Mrs. Mary E. Cox, about half a mile northeast of the village of Dresden. George Dowell came early in 1804. His daughter, Mrs. Mary Ogle, was living in the township in 188o, in her 78th year.
Joseph Bryant came in 1818 ; Daniel Stilwell about the same time ; Simeon and Leonard Wilson came in 182o. Mr. Seth Adams is credited by tradition with bringing the first blooded sheep into the United States, into Ohio, and into this section of the country. They were full blooded Merinos. He is also credited with planting the first tomatoes, having received the seed from New Orleans.
The first birth in this region is not definitely determined, but is supposed to have been the child that was called B. F. Lemert, who in process of time came to be the popular Dr. B. F. Lemert. Topographically, the townships compare favorably with any other portions of the county. The soil on the uplands is limestone clay, and in the lowlands a sandy loam. The forests are not extensive, nor of many varieties.- The principal kinds of trees being white oak, hickory, black walnut and poplar, cherry and sycamore.
The Muskingum River, on the eastern border, receives the Wakatomaka, the mouth of which is at the northeastern boundary of Dresden ;
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO - 353
this stream courses from its entrance into the township of Cass, on the central western boundary, northward and then southeast, and re- ceives " Paddy's Fork," and several smaller and nameless tributaries.
The most noted mound in the township is half a mile east of the road between Dresden Junction and Dresden, on land belonging to G. W. Adams. It is probably an Indian mound, but has not been explored.
The earliest record of the election of township officers that we have found is as follows :
"Agreeable to an election held at the house of Henry Northrup, on the first Monday in April, 1805, for the purpose of electing town officers for the township of Jefferson, there were elected the following persons :
"Trustees—Seth Carhart, Valentine Johnson and Isaac Cordray.
"Overseers of the Poor—John Wamsley and James Sprague.
"Fence Viewers—James Wilcox and William Elben.
"Listers and Appraisers—Peter Reasoner and Jacob Jackson.
"Supervisors of Highways—Henry Northrup and James Tanner."
At this time, John Cain was Township Clerk, and not being elected at this election, it is reasonable to conclude that there was an election, perhaps more than one, prior to this one. The following persons have served as Township Clerk :
John Cain, 1805 ; Henry Northrup, Silas Smith, James W. Wood, Joseph W. Pigman, each one year, in the order named ; Littleton Adams, 1815-17 ; George Beard 1818-23 ; H. F. Hogan, David Witt, Abraham H. Wood, A. M. Lewis, Samuel Adams, D. C. Bruce, Martin Hill, each one year ; M. A. Webster, 1840-I C. F. Currier, 1842-4 ; D. R. Noble, 045-6 ; W. B. Abbott, 1847-50 ; A. Slaughter, 1851-65 L. J. Lemert, to 1859 ; Thos. B. Cresap, J. J. Martin, G. P. Kittand, George Eagan, 1863 ; John H. Ash, 1866-70 ; E. J. Rambo, 1871-3 ; L. J. Lemert, 1874-6 ; J. C. Adams and W. E. Smith, 1880.
Justices of the Peace—February f5th, 1806, Isaac Cordray was elected a Justice of the Peace, to till the vacancy caused by the death of Seth Carhart ; April 1st, 1809, Joseph Scott was elected Justice of the Peace, without opposition.
FIRST MILLS.
Wyllys Silliman, (son-in-law of Major Jona- than Cass,) had a saw-mill and grist-mill in operation on Wakatomaka creek, near the pres- sent railroad bridge, before 1806. The dam belonging to this mill was washed away in 1832, and never rebuilt.
TAVERNS.
John Cordray opened tavern in a log cabin, on the site now occupied by the Akeroyd House, before 1818. Abraham Smith kept this institu- tion a few years later. Mr. Smith also taught school. .
SALT.
Wyllys Silliman was engaged in the manufacture of salt at an early day. His works were at his mill, the description and location of which is found elsewhere.
COAL.
Coal was mined in small quantities previous to 1865, but the mines have since been abandoned.
DISTILLERIES.
Joseph Munroe was engaged in the manufac- ture of whiskey, prior to 1819. His still was on the Munroe farm, four miles up the Muskingum river from Dresden. Laban Lemert had a distillery, probably in 1822. Henry and Benjamin Roop, of Buffalo, New York, were extensive distillers in 1833. At the present time, this business is entirely discontinued in this township.
PHYSICIANS.
Benjamin Webb engaged in the practice of medicine before 1819. His son, Nathan, succeeded him in the business. In 1823-4, Francis Fowler, the second physician, came into the township.
BLACKSMITH.
As a rule, this industry was inaugurated at the inception of the settlement ; however, we have no record concerning any smithy, until 1820, when Otho Miller came and opened his shop, about half a mile south of Dresden.
CEMETERIES.
The first public cemetery was located east of the canal, near where it is now crossed by a bridge, as you pass east from Dresden. When the canal was built, the bodies buried here were removed to the Dresden cemetery.
The present Dresden cemetery was laid out in 1829, and is owned by the village of Dresden. It contains twelve acres, and is beautifully laid out..
CANAL.
In this township, work was begun upon the main line of the Ohio Canal in 1822, and completed in 1829. The Dresden side-cut, through Dresden, was ready for use in 1831.
BONDS VOTED-DIVISION OF TOWNSHIP.
At a special election, held April 1st, 1852, it was voted by the tax payers, to issue to the Steubenville & Indiana Railway Company, (now the Pan Handle Railway,) township bonds to the amount of $100,000; to aid in the construction of this road. These bonds were to bear 'seven percent. interest, payable semi-annually, on the the first day of January and July, and to mature January 1st, 1862. This first issue of bonds was soon all taken up and burned by the township Trustees, because the County Auditor refused to register and officially sign them. July. 22d, 1852, the Trustees re-issued these bonds, as set forth in the extract from the official record., given below : "After due consideration, the Trustees took up, and destroyed by fire, the said
356 - TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO.
February 29th,1880. The cost was about S3 ,000. It is entirely paid for. Seating capacity, about 400 ; present membership, io8. During the twenty-three years that Rev. S. P. Hildreth was pastor, ten were expelled, twenty-eight died, one hundred and forty-three were dismissed by certificate to other churches, and two hundred and sixty-six were added. Could all these members have been retained, the Dresden Presbyterian Church would have had the largest number of communicants of any in this Synod.
The church has had fifteen Elders, as follows : Joseph F. Munroe, ordained in 1819 ; David Stillwell and John C. Stockton, ordained December 18, 1830 ; Laban Lemert, ordained February 6, 1837 ; John N. Ingalls, ordained April 16, 1840 : Thomas M. Barron, ordained September 24, 1843 ; Patterson Hirst and David B. Irvin, ordained October 30, 1847 ; John Barron, ordained January 20, 1850 ; John W. Alloways, Alfred Barron, and Thomas Franks, ordained January 19, 1851 ; Wm. Senior, John McCahan and Silas Barron, ordained November 17, 1861. The Elders in the autumn of 1880, were Wm. Senior, J. W. Alloways, G. W. Lemert, and Silas Barron.
DRESDEN PRESBYTERIAN SABBATH-SCHOOL.
About the time that the Dresden Presbyterian Society was organized, and before it had a house of worship, Mrs. Pitkin, wife of the first pastor, started a Sunday School class in her own house, which dwelling was occupied late in 1880, by Mr. M. Carter.
Before the building of the first church, Rev. Mr. Harrison, the second pastor, taught a Bible class in an old school house, which then stOod on the hill, in what is now the Dresden cemetery. After the erection of the first church, the school then met there, and was thoroughly organized.
Mr. John Ingalls and J. J. Ingalls, of Zanesville, were two of the first superintendents.
Mr. Alfred Barron, living in Zanesville, in 1880, and Rev. S. P. Hildreth, also filled the office, at an early day in the school's history. Prof. R. W. Stevenson, now of Columbus Union School, was an efficient superintendent,for two or more years.
In 1857 and 1858, singing and singing books, especially designed for Sunday-schools, were introduced. Some ten years later, the school had its first organ. William Senior, G. W. Lemert, J. F. Pearman, and J. N. Lanning, having acted as superintendents at various times, Mr. Senior having served longer than any one else.
The average attendance for a number of years past, and at the present, is recorded as eighty, a very creditable showing:.
The Library, in 1880, contained four hundred volumes, well selected.
FRIENDSHIP LODGE, NO. 103, F. AND A. M.
The Charter Members.— Thomas Perkins, Thomas Lander, Andrew Walker, and others.
First Officers.—Thos. Perkins, Master ; Thos. Lander, S. W. ; Andrew Walker, J. W.
Officers for i880.—Frank Fingler, Master ; James Johns, S. W. ; N, W. Gay, J. ; J. C. Dorsey, Treasurer ; Thomas Ulrich, Secretary ; J. C. Adams, S. D. ; William Stradley, J. D. ; E. Jones and C. Sandritter, Stewards ; J. F. Snyder, Tiler. Meets monthly, in Dresden, Monday evenings, on or before. full moon. Thirty- eight members in 1880.
SCHOOLS.
The first school house (log), was erected in the rear of where now is the Central Hotel, in Dresden, about 1822. The man who taught there in that year, was a Mr. Timberlake. He is reported by some of his scholars, still living, to have been very fond of whiskey, from the effects of which he used to fall asleep during school hours, when the children would play him many tricks. In warm weather, he used to remove his shoes and stockings while school was in session. Among Mr. Timberlake's scholars, were the present Dr. Lemert, of Dresden, Miss Sarah Lemert, who married a Mr. Mills, Miss Sarah E. Cass, now Mrs. Joseph Adams, of Dresden, and Lewis Lemert, deceased:
Abraham Smith, who kept the second hotel, in Dresden, also taught in this log school house. Mr. Smith's wife kept a millinery store in this log house first, south of the Akeroyd House. Part of this millinery shop is yet standing.
The next school house was a brick, built about 1828 or 1829, in the present Dresden cemetery. Josiah B. Scott was one of the early teachers in this house. He later became a member of the State Legislature, moved to Steubenville,and died there. In 1845-46, a second brick school building was erected, on the site of the present building, in Dresden. The township now boasts one of the most elegant and substantial school buildings in Muskingum county. It was completed in 1877, at a cost of $18,000. School bonds for this amount were issued, upon which money was raised to erect the house. These bonds draw an interest of eight per cent. per annum, and are payable $2,000 annually. The last matures September 15, 1886.
The school Property of the township is valued at $25,000. Total expense of school, for year ending with August 31, 188o, $2,839.22. Total number of scholars enrolled in the township, three hundred and eighty-five. Only one school district, and one school house in Jefferson town- ship. Eight months of school each year.
The Board of Education's report, September 20, 1880, is as follows : The value of school property in the township, $2,700 ; the number of pupils enrolled—males, 121 ; females, to6 ; total, 227. The average daily attendance—males, 75 ; females, 70 ; total, 145.
[The foregoing information was furnished by Henry W. Kipp, Township Clerk.]
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
No information, anterior to 1835,can be obtained in regard to this body. In this year, the so- ciety erected a brick church, upon the site of the
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO - 357
present edifice, in Dresden. The pastor in charge at this time, was Rev. C. B. Lovell. A Mr. Allen also served the society, at about the same time Rev. Lovell did. These men remained and preached with some regularity until about 1838, and were followed by Rev's. Brown and Kellogg, who preached on alternate Sundays for two years. In 1841, R. B. Chubb received an appointment, and he held it for two years. In 1843, or 1844, Rev. J. Blanpied was pastor. Following him came Oliver Burgess, for two years. Rev. Henry Whiteman preached in 1846 and 1847, and was followed for two years by Rev. Mr. Clark. In 1850 and 1852, Rev. Harvey Wilson filled the pulpit. It was while this man preached, that the present church was built. It is a substantial brick building, and cost $3.000.
Rev. Mr. Safford was the second pastor to preach regularly in the new church. He remained during 1854. John Wolf preached in 1855 and 1856, and was succeeded by T. H. Wilson, for one year. Rev. Grissell supplied the pulpit in 1858. In the latter part of this year (1858), or the first of 1859, Thos Bell was pastor, for a short time. The next regular pastor was Rev. Willets, in 1859. This gentleman died in Dresden. Rev. Lewis was pastor in 1862. Following him was Allen Moffat, in 1863. Next came Oman Lawrence, for two years. In 1868, Daniel Lambert filled the pulpit. Rev's. James H. Johnston, Samuel Squires, and John Reasoner, came next, in order named, for one year each. B. A. Disney preached in 1872 and 1873, and was succeeded in 1874 and 1875 by Rev. Henry Whiteman (second call). Rev. 0. Milton Ashbaugh preached during 1876, and was succeeded by the present incumbent, Rev. Joseph McK. Barnes. Sunday, September 19, 1880, the last named preached his farewell sermon.
In 1872, the church records showed a membership of fifty-eight. In 1880, the membership was about eighty-five. One of the greatest revivals the church has known, was while it was under the charge of Rev. R. B. Chubb, in 1841 and 1842.
DRESDEN M. E. SUNDAY SCHOOL.
The year 1838, is the date of organization. Benjamin Adams was the first Superintendent, and E. W. Zentmeyer was the second. Some of the others holding this office, have been M. T. Shaw, D. B. Burch and Rev. James H. Johnston. In 1880, H. H. Eshman was Superintendent. At this time, the school has a good library, eleven teachers, and about one hundred scholars.
ZION EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
This church was organized in Dresden in 1839, with William Evans, senior warden, Benjamin Adams, junior warden, and Rev. Cushman, rector. This gentleman was rector until some time in 1840. He was succeeded by Rev. A. T. McMurphy, who remained until about 1855, when he gave place to Rev. Blackuller. He remained for about two years, after which the church had no rector for some years ; and next came Rev. McBride, who remained until 1862, when another vacancy occured. Rev. Lewis came next, in 1864 ; after him, Rev. Steele, for a short time only. J. G. Jones and C. F. Adams were the next rectors ; after these, came P. Brovke, about 1876, who gave place to the present incumbent, Rev. E. M. W. Hills.
The first services were, held in the old Dresden market house, next in the old Methodist church in Dresden, and continued to be held there until the present brick church was built, in 1848, (at a cost of $3,500.) The parsonage (brick) was built in 1855-6, at a cost of about $3,500. The present membership is about thirty, and has been as high as sixty. Mrs. Eliza Eaton, wife of a prominent banker of Dresden, has been organist in this church for more than thirty years.
THE EPISCOPAL SUNDAY SCHOOL.
The Episcopal Sunday School was organized at the same date as the church. Rev. McMurphy was first Superintendent, Benjamin Adams, second, William Johnston, third, Dr. William Akeroyd, fourth, and Frank Lemert, fifth, who now holds the office ; there were about twenty scholars in 1880.
DRESDEN BAPTIST CHURCH.
This society held its first meetings in the old Dresden market house, in 1840, and there continued to worship until 1845-6, when the present frame church was erected, at a cost of about $800. Some of the prominent members, at date of organization, were Jane Kain, Henry Shutts and wife, T. A. McCann, Jones S. Adams and wife, and Littleton Adams. Rev. Mr. Eldridge was the first pastor. He continued with the society until the completion of the frame church, as noted above. Following him, came Rev. William Mears, for about four years. Rev. Davis came next, and was succeeded by B. Y. Siegfried, for four or five years. The other pastors, have been Rev's. R. W. Allen, J. G. Whitaker, Dr. Chambers, Elias' Stilwell, John Heistand, Mr. Wright, Thomas Jones, and H. H. Dunaway, the present incumbent.
In the autumn of 1880, the society was building a 36x78 brick church, on the site of the first frame. This new church is to have a seating capacity of four hundred and twenty-five, and is to be completed in 1881. Its estimated cost is $4,000. The present membership, is one hundred and thirty-eight.
The Sunday School was organized under Rev. William Mears, and continued uninterruptedly until the present time. The first Superintendent was Samuel Adams. Charles Woodruff filled that office in 1880, at which time the school was in a prosperous condition, had a fine library, and an average attendance of seventy scholars.
The prosperity of the church is largely due to the efficient workings of the Sunday school.
CATHOLIC CHURCH.
This church was organized in 1843, with Rev.
358 - TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO.
Father Joseph Gallinger, priest, who held monthly services in G. A. Peffer's house, in Dresden. The present church, a neat little frame, was com- pleted in 1847, at a cost of about $600. The other pastors have been Rev. Fathers Borgest, Kremer, Brummer, Schlepnikopff, Rauch, Nordmeyer, Deiters, Bender, and the present incumbent, Rev. Father , Jacquett, who has held the position for eleven years.
The church (the only one in Jefferson township of this denomination) is located near the railroad track, in the village of Dresden. The present membership is about sixty. They have no Sunday School.
GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH.
The first meeting of this body of worshiping Christians, was held in the old market house of Dresden. in 1848. Adam Schwemle, G. A. Peffer, Henry Kipp and Henry Schneid, were some of the most prominent early members.
Rev. Mr. Minner was the first pastor. He continued with the church six years. The following are names of the other pastors : Rev's. Cress, Herman, Bucher. Schultz, Gillis, Brown and Nunemacher. The last named left the church in 1879, since which date, it has had no pastor. The present church is of brick, and was erected in 1853, and cost $2,000. Its seating capacity is about 200. They have no Sabbath School.
ODD FELLOWS.
In 1847-8,Wakatomaka Lodge was established in Dresden, with the following charter members : Alexander Culbertson, B. F. Lemert, Alfred Barron, Elon Jones and E. Granger. The Lodge continued in good working order until about 1857, when it surrendered its charter. In- ternal dissensions over the management of the Lodge's finances, were the causes which led to the charter's surrender.
TELEGRAPH.
A private line of telegraph was constructed from Zanesville to Wooster, in 1848. This line passed through Dresden where an office was opened. The Western Union Telegraph Company, opened an office in 1868. T. B. Dorsey was the first Western Union manager, J. L. Adams next, and John Hornung following.
The private line was discontinued, some years before the Western Union went into operation.
BANKS.
L. J. Lemert established in Dresden, in 1852, a bank of discount and deposit and continued the business by himself until 1873, when his sons were given an interest in the business, and the style of the firm was changed to L. J. Lemert and Sons, and so continues until the present. The senior member of the firm died in 1875, since which date, Robert Lemert has been the active member. The Lemert estate is valued at about $16o,00o, a good portion of which sum is used in conducting the banking business.
The banking house of G. Eaton, was established in Dresden in 1866, and continues until the present, the same as when established. Capital, $25,000. This sum represents Mr. Eaton's banking capital only, he having as much more invested in milling, and other safe enterprises.
GERMAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
This church was organized in 1852, with about twenty-four members, among whom were Henry Kipp, Herman Eschmann, and Henry Stockdick. Until about 1858, services were held in the Dresden market house. At this time, the frame church, still occupied, was erected at a cost of about $600. Its seating capacity is one hundred and twenty-five. The first pastors were Wm. Florika and Rev. R. M. Brownmiller, who preached on alternate Sundays until 1854, when Rev. Conrad Baer was appointed to fill the pul- pit.
The following named preached, in the order named, after Rev. Baer : Jacob Gabler, 1855-6 ; E. Wunderlich, 1857 ; I. G. Reiber, 1858 ; Wm. Ekermeyer, 1859 : G. Schwinn, J. F. Dieckmann, 186o ; C. A. Militzer, 1861 ; John W. Fischbach, 1862 ; Daniel Maule, 1863 ; H. Henke, 1864 ; Hugo Rehm, 1865-6 ; August Bletsch, 1867 ; J. Strang, 1867 ; J. Bockstahler, 1868-70 ; Wm. Muller, 1871-2 ; John Ficken, 1873-5 ; Daniel Foltz, 1876-7 ; August Gerloch, and Conrad Franker, 1879-80. Twenty members in 1880. No Sunday School.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
The organization of this religious body took place in 1861, and for one year after, met in the Lutheran Church, in Dresden. In 1862-3, the society in Dresden built their present house of worship, a substantial brick structure, at a cost of $2,000.
Two of the prominent members, at date of organization, were Fred. Shrake, now residing at New Philadelphia, Ohio, and Daniel McGinnis, who is still an active and efficient member. Elder Wm. Taylor was the first pastor; Asbury Gardner the second ; next came Wm. A. Walters, who was succeeded by Elder Huffman. The last regular pastor was Elder Graham, who dissolved his connection with the society in 1877, since which date the church has had no regular pastor, but has devoted itself to missionary work. Occasional Sunday services are now held, and regular weekly prayer and other meetings.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Immediately following the organization of this church, (1861) a Sunday School was established, and has been continued unto the present time. The first superintendent was Fred. Shrake, the second, Elder Daniel McGinnis, who still holds the position. The school once had quite a library, but has allowed the books to be scattered, so that now it has none. But it has its regular supply. of Sunday School papers. Average attendance, about thirty scholars. Meets in Christian Church, in Dresden.
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO - 359
MILLS.
Seth Adams had a mill, of the kind known as " corn cracker," on Wakatomaka Creek, about 1804. George Gertie was the first to build a flouring mill, of any importance. It was situated on a rock near, Mr. Adams' mill.
In 1832, Hugh F. Hogan (" the one legged man"), built a saw and grist mill, about four miles west of Dresden, on the Frazeysburg road. This land was owned in 1880, by James Pryor. John and David Lovitt bought this mill, about the time it was completed, and gave it their name. They sold the property, however, to James Pryor, and for twenty years or more, thereafter, it was known as " Pryor's mill." It was demolished in 1875. A. M. Eisenhouse was a miller, " in those days."
WEAVER.
" The weaver at his loom," was as essential as the plowman, for the pioneers had need of clothing, and it must needs be made at home. So, according to tradition, we are enabled to say that a weaver, from the State of Maryland, came into this township in an early day, and his name was Morgan Morgan. His son, Thomas Morgan, does not remember at what time his father came hither.
SCHOOLS.
Rev. Joseph W. Pigman, of the M. E. Church, is reported to have preached in the house of Wm. Blount, about 18o8 ; "this first temple" stood some three and a half miles west of Dresden. Amos Weeks, and William Spencer, traveling Baptist preachers, were in this region telling " the old old story," about that time. Pigman was also a Justice of the Peace, and taught school, in " a little log cabin in the lane," between Dresden and Shannon, say about two and a half miles west of Dresden, about Anno Domini 1808.
Sanford Ramey also taught school in a cabin, on the same road, in 1816. This temple of .learning was situated on land that, in 1880, was owned by Stockton Frazier. Some of the boys of that period were Joseph, Michael and Owen Dorsey, James Ogle, Mordecai Ogle, Thomas Morgan, and Elias Ellis. Of these, only the last two were living in 1880.
Matthew Hollenbach was another who taught the young idea how to shoot, in " ye olden time.''
The township is now divided into six school districts, and each has a substantial and comfortable school building, in which the teaching is according to our advanced methods.
LIBERTY CHAPEL, CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
Liberty Chapel, Christian Church, was erected about 1840 (on land owned in 1880 by Mary Milstead and Nancy Carter), and, about 1863, it was sold to Thomas Fisher, who moved it and converted it into a stable. The name was derived from its being built by various denominations, and " free for all ;" free from expense, so far as the use of the house was concerned. The peculiarity of the association, rendered records complicated, and so we are reduced to traditionary accounts ; from this source, we learn that Fred. Parker and wife, John Milstead and wife, Thomas Doel and wife, Mrs. George Doel, and Laban Cook and wife, were among the members of the congregation.
The first pastor was William Bagley, under whose ministry the church was built. Again, referring to tradition, we learn that Barzillai Miles, James Hayes, Jacob and Andrew Hanger, David Rice and James Mervin, were, at some time, pastors of this church.
The site on which this church was built was donated by James Ogle ; the deed, however, was never recorded, and, in 1880, was supposed to be in possession of William Fisher.
HOPPER'S GROVE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
This church was so called from the fact of its being built in a grove owned by Benjamin Hopper, who deeded the society one acre of ground for a church and grave yard. The house, a neat frame, was built about 1840, and stood for some fifteen years, when the surrounding land was bought by Peter Ma‘rshalL This man was not long in discovering that the church society had failed to have its deed recorded, and he sold the church to Michael Schuman, who moved it upon a farm occupied in 188o, by Joseph B. McFarland, where it has since done duty as a stable. "To what base uses," etc.
Some of the early members of this church were Wm. Burch and wife, Jacob Burch, (living in 1880,) and wife, Mrs. Anna Lout, Benjamin H. Hopper and wife, and Mr. and Mrs. John Burch. One of the earliest preachers in this house was Rev. David Sherrard. Rev. Daugherty was another to fill this pulpit, in the infancy of the church.
There are no records of this church in existence, and the members being all scattered, it is not possible to give here anything like a history.
PHYSICIANS.
Benjamin Webb, father of the two men who had the grain ware-house at Webb's Port, was one of, if not the earliest physician in the township. He is spoken of as being here as early as 1815.
Dr. Brown, son-in-law of J. F. Munroe, was here as a practicing physician about 1825. He lived in the village of Dresden.
DISTILLERY.
Joseph F. Munroe had a distillery in operation, in the township, in 1815. This establishment was kept in operation for some time after the Ohio Canal was completed, and then discontinued.
ORCHARDS.
Joseph F. Munroe and Major Jonathan Cass, were the first to plant fruit orchards. In 1815, these two gentlemen had nice thrifty young peach and apple orchards upon their respective farms. A few years later, Seth Adams had an apple orchard growing upon his farm.
360 - TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO
THE FIRST BRICK HOUSE.
The first brick house built here was by Major Jonathan Cass. In 1880, this early home of Major Cass was still standing, and had for its occupant, John McNamarra.
Joseph F. Munroe erected a brick house on the river road, on land owned in 188o, by J. F. Adams, who was then occupying this identical houSe. The exact year that these two brick houses were built, can not now be learned ; but they were both probably erected as early as 1818.
STORES.
Joseph F. Munroe had a stock of -goods in his brick house the same place that was occupied by James T. :Adams in 1880. It is supposed he opened store about 1823.
E. and G. Adams had a store at Adams' Mills, in the northeast corner of the township, about 1830; and a few years later, they had a store and grain ware-house at Webb's Port, the junction of the Dresden Side Cut with the Ohio Canal. Webb Brothers, (Benjamin and Nathan,) had an extensive grain ware-house at this point, hence the name.
TAVERNS.
Thomas Smith opened a tavern at Webb's Port, about the time of the completion of the Ohio Canal-1830---and conducted the business about three years, when he sold out to "Long" Parker, who continued the business about the same length of time. From that time to 1880, the building had been used as a dwelling.
POST OFFICE.
The only Post Office in this township is at Adam's Mills, which town is called, (by the P. C. & St. L. Railroad, which passes through it,) Preston. The correct name of the post office is Adam's Mills. The most of the people of this township procure their mail at Frazeysburg, in Jackson township, or in Dresden, Jefferson township.
RAILROADS.
The Steubenville and Indiana Railroad, (now the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis, and generally known as the "Pan Handle,") was completed through this township about 1853. The Zanesville branch, from Dresden Junction to Zanesville, was completed about 1870. The railroad stations here are Dresden Junction and Preston. The latter station is also the "Adams' Mills Post Office."
The main line of the Pan Handle enters the township near its northeast corner, and runs in nearly a straight line southwest, through Adams' Mills and Dresden Junction, and passes the western boundary of the township about the centre. The Zanesville branch intersects the main line at Dresden Junction.
C. E. Stearns was the agent from the opening of the road to 1876, when J. C. Adams, the present incumbent, took his place
DRESDEN JUNCTION.
This town was surveyed by Joseph Fisher, in 1873-4. The land was owned by George W. Adams. There is a small station house, a tavern, a saloon, and about a dozen houses to mark its growth. No post office.
The township officers, in 1880, were as follows :
Treasurer—John D. Shaw ; Trustees—Richard Lacy, Thomas Campbell, Robert G. McQuigg ; Clerk—H. W. Kipp ; Assessor—Martin V. Ogle ; Justices of the Peace—D. D. McGinnis, Geo. F. Shepherd