TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO - 401

LICKING TOWNSHIP,

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SETTLED BY REMARKABLE MEN-PIONEERS EARLIEST RECORD-DIVISION INTO SCHOOL DISTRICTS-COLORED PEOPLE BANISHED-TOWNSHIP ORGANIZED- BOUNDARIES-TOPOGRAPHY -WATER-HIGHWAYS-RAILROADS - SURVEYORS- ORCHARDS-HEWED LOG HOUSE-BRICK HOUSE - STONE HOUSE - TAVERNS - AMUSEMENT- MILLS-IRVILLE-JARED BRUSH-FIRST REGULAR STORE-FIRST POSTMASTER-FIRST PHYSICIAN-FIRST TAVERN-FIRST SCHOOL- THE BASHFUL VIRGIN-IRVILLE M. E. CHURCH -TANNERS-BLACKSMITHS-IRVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH-PHYSICIANS-IRVILLE M. E. SUNDAY SCHOOL--IRVILLE METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH-POSTOFFICE-UNION LODGE, NO. 184, F. AND A. M.- SCHOOLS- CANAL-MACEDONIA M. E. CHURCH-HIGHLAND M. E. CHURCH -NASHPORT-SCHOOL HOUSE OF TILE PERIOD -NASHPORT M. E. CHURCH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL -SONS OF TEMPERANCE-DURBAN LODGE NO. 487, I. 0. 0. F.

This township was settled by some of the most remarkable men of their times ; men who held the destiny of all who have come after them in their grasp. And could these generations have foreseen the panorama of industry marked out by those hardy pioneers, it would doubtless have almost appalled them, so great were the hardships they overcame.

David Devore, according to some of the oldest inhabitants, came in 1802, while others think it was 1804. He was running a mill on Devore's Run in 1814 ; his house was built of round logs, just east of the present village of Irville. John Thrapp came about the same time, and occupied Deyore's cabin with him. Colonel Nathan Fleming came in 1805, and built a cabin on a site now within the boundaries of Irville ; he died in this township. John R. Ragor came in 1807 ; his first cabin was built on land now owned by Leonard Stump ; he lived and died on the farm he first settled. Leonard Stump came about the same time, and soon after entered one thousand acres of land in the tract known as the " Virginia Military Land," and soon after built a cabin, which stood about twenty-five rods east of Cornelius Sidle's residence (in 1880) ; he built a saw mill on Stump's Run, now known as Sidle's Run ; he died here. Solomon Wood came as early as 1807: he obtained, through his wife, a five hundred acre farm, and built a log cabin on that part that has become the Newark Road, about two miles west of Nashport ; Mr. Wood lived and died on this farm. Jonathan Wood came prior to 1807, as some think, or not later than that date, and settled on the site occupied by N. F. Claypool's store (in 1880) ; his cabin was built of round logs. He was a surveyor, had a compass and chain, and did some surveying. He died in June, 1824, from a rupture caused by trying to shoulder a heavy bag of wheat. James George, a well known citizen, was with him the night before he died.

Henry Barrackman came as early as 1808. When Mr. John Van Voorhis came, in 1812, he moved Mr. B. into another cabin, that he might occupy the Barrackman house. Mr. B. died in the township. David Vandenbark came as early as 1808, perhaps earlier ; in 1880, he was living on the farm . owned by Mrs. David Vandenbark. Hon. Daniel Van Voorhis, living in the surburbs of Nashport, relates that when his father, John Van Voorhis, came into the township (in 1812), he obtained of Mr. Vandenbark, who had a fine young and bearing peach orchard, a half bushel of peach stones, and planted them on his own place.

John Van Voorhis, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, came into this township in 1811, and bought a three hundred acre tract of land from George Jackson ; this tract was owned, in 1880, by his son, Hon. Daniel Van Voorhis. In 1812, Mr. Van Voorhis brought his family his cabin stood on what is now the bank of the canal, about twenty-five rods southwest of Nashport. The death of this gentleman occured in 1874.

The only mound in Licking township was on this farm, and near the residence of Daniel Van Voorhis. In 1876, Mr. V. planted an evergreen centennial tree upon the summit of this mound. In 1812, this relic of a vanished race was thickly covered with forest trees ; some of twenty-four inches in diarneter. These disappeared as the years rolled by, and the mound has been dug away in excavating, by Drs. Wheaton and McClellan, without making any important discoveries.

The earliest record found is a portion of a Treasurer's book, dated June 3d, 1813. This year the total tax levy was forty dollars, and Joseph Spencer was paid two dollars and forty cents for collecting this tax, and the Treasurer's percentage for the care and payment of the same was one dollar and eighty-six cents. Commencing with March 7th, 1814, a complete record is kept by Enoch F. Henry, Township Clerk, which is highly creditable to him for neatness and good penmanship. The Township Supervisors, this year, were Solomon Wood, Nathan Fleeting, Samuel Guest, and William Thrapp, who, with the Township Clerk, received a joint salary for this year of the munificent sum of fifteen dollars—three dollars each ! In 1815, the township officers were as follows :

Overseer of the Poor—Leonard Stump. Supervisors—Nathan Fleming, Wm. Thrapp, Samuel. Guest, Daniel Lovitt, and Aaron Claypool.

Township Clerk—Samuel. McCann.

Collector—William Bell.

Trustees—Wm. Thrapp, Daniel G. Wilkins, and Asa Snider.

The total tax levied this year (1815) was sixty-five dollars. In 1816, the total tax was fifty dollars. In 1817, the total township expenses amounted to thirty-four dollars ninety-three and one-half cents. In 1818, the total township expenses amounted to twenty-seven dollars twenty-two and one-half cents.

402 - TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO.

A division of the township into school districts was made April 7th, 1821, and four were created.

April 1,1822, James Walker was elected Justice of the Peace. One hundred votes were cast.

October 20, 1823, Edward Jones and Dicey, his wife (colored), were ordered to depart the township as paupers. They were Maryland negroes.

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZED.

The organization took place prior to 1806. The boundaries are north by Jackson, south by Hope- well, and east by Muskingum townships, and on the west by Licking county. The territory of which it is composed is known as the "Virginia Military Land," and is divided into four sections of about four thousand acres each, the township being about five miles square, with an area, according to the Assessor's books, of sixteen thousand one hundred and four acres. The assessed value of the real estate, in 1880, was $491,780, and of chattel property $318,240.

In 1880, the township contained five school districts, with a comfortable frame school house in each ; five churches, two of which were log, and not used ; one public and two private burying grounds ; one water power mill, and the vil- lages of Irville and Nashport.

The surface of the township is generally broken and hilly. The soil on the hills and uplands is rich clay and sand ; on the bottoms, especially along, the Licking, a deep sandy loam. The woodlands are fast becoming bare. What remains of the grand old forests comprises white oak, black walnut, poplar, and hickory.

Coal of good quality, and sufficient in quantity for domestic purposes, is found in various parts of the township.

Iron ore abounds, and is extensively mined and shipped to Zanesville.

The principal stream is the Licking Creek, which enters the township at the center of its western boundary and flows in a zigzag course southeast, and passes the southern boundary about one mile west of the southeast corner. The only improved mill site on this stream in 1880 was that of N. F. Claypool. Stump's Run, a tributary of the Licking, enters the township about one mile west of its ,northeast corner and flows almost due south for about two and a half miles, then turns west for one mile, passing north of the village of Irville and forming its northern boundary, then turning again south for about one mile, and empties into the Licking on the land owned, in 188o, by M. C. Sidle. Stump's Run has some very good mill sites, none of which at this writing have been improved. The Licking has several other small and nameless tributaries.

HIGHWAYS.

The first highway was the old stage road between Zanesville and Columbus. Along this road dashed, at full speed, Neil, Moore & Co.'s four-horse coaches for mail . and passengers. Those drivers were all that the word Jehu im- plies, and yet they were trusted with life and property, and on occasion would prove very serviceable.in imparting information ; so that, for the most part, they were looked up to by the traveling public. Important was their station, in their own estimation. They were universally known as "driver," and not ambitious, as 'tis said Cxsar was, they served the people and were satisfied with their title. But one of these heroes of the lash has left his name to posterity, and he would have failed to confer that boon had he not married Polly Shepherd ; and so we have the name of "Johnny Wilson."

RAILROADS.

The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad passes through the southwestern part of the township, which it enters about half a mile south of the center of its western boundary and then runs in a straight line a trifle south of east until it touches Licking Creek at N. F. Claypool's mill, where the only station in the township (Claypool Station) is located. From here the road runs in a southeasterly course, following Licking Creek, and passing out of the township a mile and a half west of its southeast corner.

The P. C. & C. R. R. has half a mile of track across the extreme northwest corner of Licking Township.

SURVEYORS.

Jonathan Wood was the first local surveyor in the township. His arrival here, as stated in another place, dates back to 1808.

Charles and John Roberts did much of the early surveying of the township. These gentlemen were professional surveyors, while Mr. Wood was what might be called an amateur, with chain and compass.

ORCHARDS.

Mr. John Fleming had a bearing apple orchard on his farm, about two and a half miles north of Nashport, between the years 1808 and 1812. This was the first bearing apple-orchard in the township. In 188o, John Fleming owned the land upon which grew these early apple trees.

David Vandenbark had a fine, bearing peach orchard here as early as 1812. John Van Voor- his obtained from Mr. Vandenbark, in this year, one half bushel of peach stones, which shows that his young trees were bearing quite abundantly at this date.

HEWED LOG HOUSE.

Jonathan Wood, in about 1812, built a hewed log addition to his first cabin, in Nashport. All cabins, previous to this time, had been built of round logs.

John Van Voorhis built a brick residence on his farm in 1817. This was the first brick house in Licking township. Mr. Van Voorhis had the brick made upon his farm.

The first stone house in the township was built by David Vandenbark, the man who had the first bearing peach-orchard in Licking township.

TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO - 403

TAVERNS.

The first house of entertainment, or tavern, as it was called, was kept by Jonathan Wood, who built a hewed log addition to his cabin, for this purpose. This was the first hewed log house in the township, and was built in 1812. Mr. Wood kept tavern here for a number of years, and sold to John Kerr, who built a frame addition, and sub- sequently sold it to Captain Thomas Nash, the man who laid out the town of Nashport. This tavern was discontinued about 1827.

The Township Records, in book A, mention "Thompson's tavern, on the State road," as early as 1815. This record is not familiar, or, indeed, known at all, to the oldest inhabitant, at this time.

Richard Ayers, who, with Mr. Irvine, laid out Irville, was also a pioneer tavern-keeper. He was said to have been an extensive patron of his own bar.

Joseph Roberts and Hugh Allison were also pioneer tavern-keepers in Irville. There was nothing remarkable, above the ordinary, in these men, except their aptness to retail farmers' gossip, and the discussion of the political questions that agitated the nation ; which latter was ably done, of course, for these were the solons who could foretell the events that were likely to bring happiness or misery to the people, the secret of which was probably found in the saying :

“Tis distance lends enchantment to the view !"

As they were so far removed from the scenes of party struggle that only the results came to them and after things have happened 'tis so much ,easier to consider their effects, as every tavern- keeper knows. When the political agitation was .over, it was here, in these "social club rooms," called taverns, that amusements were planned— horse-races, house-raisings, chopping-bees, quilt- ings, wool-pickings, corn-huskings, and the like. A rule of the huskings was that when a girl found a red ear of corn, all the boys were enti- tled to kiss her. It is said that when a man's .Corn was thought to have but few red ears in it, the girls were known to have one or two with them, and to produce them, on emergency, rath- er than go without the pleasure of a kiss. Some of the old settlers insist on this being true. It was customary to conclude most of these amusements with a dance, and dancing was dancing n those days.

MILLS.

David Devore, probably, built the first mill in the township ; at least, this appears in book A, page 5, Township Records. The location was on the site now occupied by Butter's sawmill. The date of this record is April 20, 1814.

John Sidle had a saw and grist mill in opera- tion, on Licking creek, in 1815. It stood on land that, in 188o, was owned by David Sidle, on the southern boundary of the township. This mill is spoken of as a “corn-cracker." During this "corn-cracker" period, mills had but one run of stone, each, and bolting was done by hand. Some years later, another run of stone was added to the old mill, and it became popular with the farmers in that region. It was torn down and moved away in 1840. Mr. Sidle's sons and Jacob Allen were dignified with the title of "miller" in their day.

In 1815, Nathan Fleming had a sawmill, on 'Stump's run, about half a mile northeast of Irville.

In 1820, Leonard Stump built a sawmill, on Stump's run, about half a mile west of Irville.

In 1825, Daniel Ward had a sawmill, run by water power, on the Licking. The site on which this mill stood was owned, in 188o, by Mr. C. Sidle.

In 1830, Jacob Rhodes built a sawmill and gristmill, on the Licking, about one mile southwest of Nashport. This mill, enlarged and improved, was run, in I88o, by N. F. Claypool— the only mill in Licking township.

IRVILLE.

As long ago as 1812, the Methodist Episcopal Church made this locality prominent by locating a church and gathering thither the people, to consider their ways and become obedient to the teachings of the Savior. Seeing this, John Irvine and his deaf companion, John Ayers, joined in in the scheme of laying out a town. "He was anxious to draw people together, for sociability," for he had had to substitute a wooden leg for one his mother had given him, and could not perambulate the country with the freedom of his boyhood. So these two worthies laid out the village of Irville, in 1815.

In the year 1818, Jared Brush brought a small stock of merchandise into Licking township, and opened his store in a hewed log house in Irville. Another accommodation was inaugurated when Nathan Fleming opened his well stocked store in the village of Irville, in 1825. This store is spoken of as "the first regular store" in the township, although Francis Cassaday had offered goods for sale at an earlier date. Cassaday's location is not known now. John Patterson is also spoken of as a store keeper in Irville, "in early times.

In 1832, just after the canal was completed, Daniel Van Voorhis entered the mercantile arena, and "continued to sell goods until 1843," when he retired to his farm. In 1860, Mr. Van Voorhis was elected a member of the State Legislature.

The first Postmaster was Elmus Wheaton. Here, also, the first tavern in the township was kept, and the first school taught.

And, notwithstanding the increase of accommodations in 1880, enabled the villagers to boast of one store, one tavern, one blacksmith shop and two shoe shops. There are memories of

" The bashful virgin's side-long looks of love,

The matron's glance that would those looks reprove;

These were thy charms, sweet village ; sports like these,

With sweet succession, taught e'en toil to please;

These 'round thy bowers their cheerful influence shed,

These, thy charms, but all these charms are fled!"

404 - TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO.

They come like a sweet refrain ever and anon, as the hum of business lulls.

IRVILLE M. E. CHURCH.

This society was organized about 1812, with fifteen members, among whom were Jared Brush and wife, John Bunn and wife, (father and mother of Mrs. Wm. Wollard, still living in Irville), Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Wood, Daniel Brush and wife, Mrs. Brooks, Mrs. Lemerick and Miss Ann Lowell.

The first church this society erected was a good, substantial frame, built about 1816, by John Bunn, one of the first carpenters in the township. It occupied a part of what was used in 188o as a burial ground in Irville. The land was given to the society by Jonathan Wood, who also donated much of the timber for its construction. It continued to be used until the time for the erection of the present church, about 1847, when it was removed and used as a cabinet shop, by John Hazlett, in Irville. Some of the preachers in this old church were Samuel Hamilton, James Gilruth, Nathan Raymond, and Rev's. Gilbert, Wolf and Goshom. These pastors may not be named in the order they served, but it is certain they were among the earliest to preach in this meeting house.

The present church in Irville was built about 1847, and cost from $1,000 to $1,200. The seating capacity is about two hundred and twenty-five.

The early pastors in the new church were James Hooper and Samuel Harvey. David Lewis and Rev. Myers followed Hooper and Harvey on the circuit. When the new church was completed the society had fifty members.

The first Trustees were John Bunn, John Montgomery and Wm. Bodle. The Trustees in 1880, were Wm. Wollard, Robert Dickey, J. B. Shepperd. and Wm. Montgomery.

After the erection of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Nashport, in 1854, the two churches had the same pastors. In 1880, the society had a membership of forty-five. The preacher's salary, in 1880, was $500.00. The church belongs to the Zanesville District of the Ohio Conference.

TANNERS.

About 1818, Mr. Stephen White was engaged in the tanning business. Another of the old-time tanners was Jacob R. Rose. Both of these men carried on the business in Irville. In 188o, this industry was not represented in the township.

BLACKSMITHS.

The first blacksmith to engage in this business was Elias Green, who had a shop in Irville as early as 1818.

E. Birkholder, later in 1818, also built a shop in Irville. He was a superior workman, being specially excellent at axe making. Some of the old Birkholder axes could be found in Licking township, as late as 1880.

IRVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The society worshiping in this church having died out many years ago, and the old members becoming scattered, it has been impossible to glean only a very imperfect sketch of either the church or society.

The building was one of the first frame houses erected in Licking township, and stood within the village of Irville ; hence, its name. It was erected about the year 1815, and was 30x40 feet.

One of the earliest pastors here was Rev. Prescott Smith, who was deeded, by David Vandenbark, a forty acre tract of land, in consideration of this reverend gentleman agreeing to preach to him (Vadenbark) and his family during their natural lives. The story now is told in the township that soon after Rev. Smith had the deed for this property in his pocket, he received a "call," at a good salary, from another part of the country, and soon departed, leaving Mr. Vandenbark and family to attend to the salvation of their own souls, while they mourned the loss of one of their choicest forty acre lots.

Another preacher here was a Rev. Mr. Lovitt. For a number of years after the formation of the Irville Methodist Protestant society, in 1829-30, it worshiped in this old frame church. In later years, it was used as a lodge room by the Sons of Temperance, until this organization disbanded, when it was converted into a carpenter shop, and was consumed by fire in 1862. In 1880, there was no Presbyterian organization in Licking township.

PHYSICIANS.

The first M. D. to locate and practice here,was Elmas Wheaton, who resided in the village of Irville, as early as 1818.

Thomas Bealmear, M.D., hung out his shingle in Irville, about 1830. Another early physician in the township was a Mr. McClelland.

IRVILLE M. E. SUNDAY SCHOOL.

The first Sunday School established in Irville was held in the First Methodist Church, and was organized as a union school, about 1823, and so conducted for two years, when it became identified with the body in whose church it met. The first superintendent was John Lewis. At an early date Wm. Bodle was also superintendent. In 1880, the school was attended by about forty scholars, that were taught by eight teachers.

IRVILLE METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH.

The organization of this branch of the Methodist Church was made in 1829, by the Rev. Wm. Evans. Some of the first members, as given from memory by Mr. Thomas Fletcher, of Irville, were Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Boylan, Lenox Shepherd, and wife, Ebenezer Shepherd, and wife, Alexander Vass, and his wife, Charity, all of whom, in 188o, were deceased. From an early period in the church's history, to 1842, the society worshiped in the Irville Presbyterian church, when it erected its own house of wor-

TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO - 405

ship, a substantial structure, at a cost of about $1,500, which house was vet in use in 1880.

The pastors having served here, are as follows, although they may not be alamed in the order they served : William and George Evans, Wm. Reeves, James Hubbard,Rev. Heath, Joel Dalby, Rev. Mainard, John M. Darcus, John Wilson, Wm. Baldwin, Wm. Ross, A. R. Brown, Wm. Tipton, Thomas Potter, E. S. Hoagland, S. Gee, O. Warren and Israel Thrapp. All the foregoing served prior to 1853, and about in the order named.

In the year last named, Joel S. Thrapp began his ministry and continued two years, when he was succeeded by E. S. Hoagland, who remained until. 1857, during which time he was assisted by Lysander May, and J. Bidison. Af- ter the departure of Rev. Hoagland, J. Bidison officiated for another year, having for his assist- ant Israel Thrapp. During 1859, Rev. Thrapp continued his ministry, being assisted by A. S. Bidison, who remained until 1860, being assisted in the last year of his ministry by E. S. Hoag- land, the gentlemen who succeeded Joel S. Thrapp, in 1855. From 1861, to, and including 1863, Wm. J. Holland preached, he being aided by J. Hastings during 1861. During 1864-65, Jeremiah Bidison was pastor, he being followed in 1866, by John McFarland, in 1867, by Wm. Marshall. From this time to 1880, the pastors have been N. T. Brown, 1868 ; Samuel Lancas- ter, 1869-70 ; J. P. King, and S. S. Fleming, 1871-72 : T. H. Scott, and E. S. Dollison, 1873 E. S. Scott, 1874 ; J. B. McCormick 18.75 ; J. H. Meek, 1876-77 ; W. A. Sampson, 1878-80.

The church officers in 188o, were : Thomas Fletcher, Class-leader ; John Moore, Assistant Class-leader ; C. Sidle, Steward ; D. Sidle, R. Hoopman, C. Sidle, Thomas Fletcher, A. R. Boylan, Trustees. Church membership in 1880, seventy-five.

The Irville Methodist Protestant .Church is connected with the Hanover circuit.

The Sunday School connected with this church was organized in 1843. In 1880, there were connected with the school about fifty scholars. In the same year it had a library of two hundred volumes. Officers, 188o Superintendent,Thomas Fletcher ; Assistant, A. Boylan ; Secretary, Frank Woodward ; Librarian, Joseph Fleming. Five teachers.

The cost of the church was about $1,500.

POSTOFFICES.

The first postoffice established in Licking township was called Irville, in which village it was located ; and Jared Brush was the first ,postmaster. The office was commissioned in i818. Jacob T. Fouch was another of the old postmasters.

About 1833, the office was removed to Nashport, where William Ellis acted as postmaster until some time in 1834. The other postmasters at Nashport have been Jesse Keene, James Moore, and N. F. Claypool. who was the incumbent in 1880. At an early day, a weekly mail was received ; but at a later period it was received daily by Neil, Moore & Company's four-house coaches, which continued until the opening of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad through the township.

MASONIC.

The charter of Union Lodge, No. 184, is dated October i8th, 1850. The Charter members were : Thomas Edwards, Abner Wood, William Munhall, A. T. Claypool, Alph. Ball, R. A. Waters, David Sherrard, William Barrick, J. W. Hollister, J. K. Palmer, Jacob Molter and James Moore.

The first officers were : Thomas Edwards, Worthy Master ; Abner Wood, Senior Warden ; W. Munhall, Junior Warden. In December, 1853, the name of the Lodge was changed to Irville Lodge, No. 184.

The officers for 1880, were : Jonas Stump, Worthy Master ; Isaac Garrett, Senior Warden ; T. Fletcher, Junior Warden ; D. Crawmer, Treasurer ; T. Varner, Secretary ; H. C. Simp- son, Senior Deacon; W. Jenkins, Junior W. ; E. Curtis, Secretary and Tiler.

The night of meeting, Saturday before full moon, in each month. The annual election, at the regular meeting, in November. Place of meeting, Irville.

SCHOOLS.

The earliest school house in the township was built between 1814 and 1816, and was known as a neighborhood school ; that is, it was built by the joint work of the various settlers,for their mutual accommodation. This house was about twenty rods north of Nashport, and on land now owned by Thomas Devine. It was constructed of round logs, had a "puncheon floor," windows made from greased paper, and an immense open fire-place, the chimney to which was not altogether unlike the gaping crater of a dried-up volcano. These were the days when the children studied the dog-eared Webster spelling books, and knew well the master's hickory rod, however little they knew their lessons. These, too, were the days when the pedagogue received a certain sum per head from each urchin attend- ing, and "boarded round." This school house stood as late as 1828, but in the meantime had been improved ; that is, glass had supplanted the greased paper, and slab seats from the nearest saw mill had taken the place of the flattened logs. Here the first township elections were probably held, and here the good Methodist preacher, "riding the circuit," expounded God's word with much fervor.

One of the earliest teachers in this school house was a Mr. Dougherty. Some of the scholars attending Mr. Dougherty's school were Absolom Wood, Belinda Wood, and John and James Stump, Margaret Stump, and others. These are now nearly all deceased. The living scholars in 1880, were Hon. Daniel Van Voorhis, William and James Stump, and John Wood.

Other early teachers here were Edward Rog-

406 - TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO

ers, who followed Mr. Dougherty, Amos Bonham, and Nathan Baker.

Under the then new school law, the township was, on April 26, 1826, divided into four school districts.

District No. 1, then included twenty-eight/families, as follows : C. Baxter, Daniel Farnsworth, William McDonald, H. Allison, P. Clay- pool, Peter Pake, Geo. Pake, John Pake, Wm. Boilan, Asa Langstaff, J. Terrel, S. Coleman, W. Beard, A. Maloney, J. Rhodes, Sr., J. Rhodes, Jr., William Arter, Sr., W. Arter, Bealy Redmon, Thomas Matlocks, Adam Piper, William Hall, I. Francis, James McDaniel, James Farnesworth, John Rhodes, William Nichols, Robert Bonham.

District No. 2-J. Sidle, D. Vandenbark, Sr., G. Vandenbark, E. Hunt, Simon Sterlin, C. Ditter, M. Sherrard, George Tebo, James Ward, Daniel Ward, Mary Irvine, B. Walker, Sr., I. D. Stewart, Jesse Keen, H. E. Burkholder, Leman Mead, William Edwards, James Walker, P. Howard, John Perry, N. Fleming, Elizabeth Wood, Thomas Liggett, James Dicky, James Coe, Peggy Hughes, M. Taylor, I. Lewis, Jared Brush. H. I. Cox, Josiah Walker, A. McClellan, E. Fern, Samuel Scott, Charles Hunt, D. E. Wharton, Lennox Shepherd, D. N. Murch, W. Munson, Jacob Lefler.

District No. 3—Leonard Stump, John Regar, H. Tipton, Thomas Nash, Jacob Victor, David Victor Sr., David Victor, Jr., L. Coverdill, John Fleming, William F. Starkey, John Van Voorhis, Joshua Evans, Solomon Wood, James D. Stump, Samuel Janes, George Hite, John Yoakham, Abel and Albert Randall.

District No. 4—W. McClure, George Osler, Thomas Brook, Robert Hagerty, William George, S. Prior, E. Shepherd, Edward Spencer, Abijah Haman, Matthew Fleming, 0. Hillery, David Jones, Daniel G. Wilkins, Chas. King, Sr., Samuel Gist, William Riggs, James Penticost, Michael Dunn, John iVIyers, John Wells, James Tunis, Alexander Vass, Charles Dougherty, Joseph Fell, Thomas Wickham, Jr., Hull Wickham, Moses Snider.

On December 15, 1827, the township was redivided, and made into five school districts, and so remained up to 1880.

In 1835-36, a hewed log school house was built in Nashport. Daniel Van Voorhis gave the timber for the body of the house, Elias Ellis donated the tree from which the shingles for the roof was made, and John R. Stump made a free contribution of the stone. In addition to these contributions, Leven Coverdale, the contractor, received about ninety dollars cash for erecting the building.

In 1880, the school houses in the various districts were located as follows :

District No. 1, about two and one-half miles southwest of Nashport ; District No. 2, in the village of Irville ; District 3, in Nashport ; District No. 4, about two and one-half miles due north of lrville ; District No. 5, two and one-fourth .miles a little northwest of Nashport.

For the year ending with August 31, 188o, the average daily attendance at the various schools was one hundred and thirty-nine. For the same year, the teachers' salary was $1,146; incidental expenses, $75.50 ; total school expenses for the year, $1,221.50.

CANAL.

The Ohio Canal was completed through Licking township in 1830. It enters at the center of the western boundary, runs in a general easterly course, until it touches Nashport, where it makes a sharp elbow bend to the north, passing the township's northern limit about three-fourths of a mile west of its center. There is no improved water power upon the canal in the township. The first boat to pass Nashport was the "Reindeer," (a pleasure boat built at Newark), on July 4, 1830. The "Reindeer" run to Coshocton on this trip, and was there sold. It never returned to Newark. The first regular canal boat to pass through the township was the "Union," of Dover.

MACEDONIA M. E. CHURCH.

This small log meeting house was built by the Methodists, about 1835, three miles due south of the village of Irvine. The society which has been worshiping here since the erection of the house, was, in December, 1880, engaged in erecting a church edifice in an adjoining township, upon the completion of which, the old church will be demolished. The preachers supplying the Irville and Nashport pulpits, serve this society.

HIGHLAND METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

This is a small hewed log meeting house, built about 184o, some two and one-half miles due north of Irville. Being in the same circuit with Nashport and Irville, it had the same preachers the church there had. It has not been regularly used as a place of worship since 1876, and probably never will be again so used. The building, in 1880. was in a bad state of repair.

The cemetery at Irville contains about one acre, and was donated by Daniel Fleming.

NASHPORT.

Nashport was named in honor of Captain Thomas Nash. Was laid out in 1827. The town site embraces forty acres, and was surveyed into streets and lots by the Roberts Brothers. This was the second town platted in this township, and vet we find that in 188o, it contained two stores, two blacksmith shops, one wagon shop, one church (Methodist Episcopal), a good public school building, and a population of about three hundred.

"Fair scenes for childhood's opening bloom,

For sportive youth to stray in;

For manhood to enjoy his strength,

And age to wear away in!

on cottage seems a bower of bliss,

A covert for protection

Of tender thoughts, that nestle there,—

The brood of chaste affection."

TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO - 407

The school house of the period of 1815, was near the present limits of Nashport.

"There, in his noisy mansion, skilled to rule,

The village master taught his little school ;

A man severe he was, and stern to view,

I knew him well, and every truant knew;"—

And in that unpretending building, the boys and girls of 1815 cultivated the mind almost .as much as the heart, and laid the foundation for future usefulness. One, Dougherty, was the first teacher, and he was succeeded by Edward Rogers.

NASHPORT M. E. CHURCH.

The formation of this Christian body, took place between the years 1844 and 1847. The exact date cannot be ascertained, for the reason that the early church records have been destroyed. The first services were held in a log school house, then on the lot adjoining the present church. Some of the earliest preachers were David Sherrard, father of U. W. Sherrard, Esq., Charles W. Ruchers, T. R. Ruckle and Jacob Bonham.

Early in 1854, the society resolved to build for itself, a suitable church edifice. With this object in view, a subscription paper was circulated among the townspeople for funds. This paper, being a peculiarly worded document, is here reproduced :

SUBSCRIPTION.

"For the purpose of erecting a house of public worship in the town of Nashport, Ohio, the undersigned subscribers, agree and promise to pay the sums annexed to their respective names, one-half by the first of May next, and the remaining half, by the first day of November following. This subscription, is made upon the following conditions : 1st. That said house and lot, upon which it is to be erected, be deeded to the Methodist Episcopal Church, according to the usages and discipline, of said church.

"2d. That said house be committed to the care and control of a Board of Trustees, members of and appointed by the proper authority of said M. E. Church; under the following restrictions

"1st. That said Board of Trustees allow the said M. E. Church to occupy the said house one-half the time for circuit preaching, suiting the arrange- ment of the circuit of said church.

"2d. Said Board shall also allow the aforesaid, or any other church, to hold prayer or class meetings on any, or every Sabbath, but only upon such hours, as shall not conflict with arrangements hereafter provided for.

"3d. That said board shall allow the full use of Said house, one-half the time, to the use of ministers of all other orthodox or evangelical denominations of Christians ; and when not used by other denominations, to allow its use by the denomination to which it is deeded.

"4th. Said Board shall not suffer any denomination holding a protracted or series of meetings, to be interrupted by other denominations, though said denomination should protract said protracted

series of meetings, beyond their proportionate time.

"5th. That said house be built upon such a site, or lot, as a committee appointed for that purpose may select, said committee to be appointed by the subscribers.

"6th and last. That said contemplated house be not inferior in size or finish to the house of the M. E. Church of Irville."

March 1st, 1854—"We, the Masonic 'fraternity, agree to pay the amount annexed below, if said church is put under contract between this and the first day of November, 1854. Irville Lodge, No. 184, F. and A. M., B. N. Claypool, Secretary, $275."

The above document received the names of seventy-two persons, whose joint subscriptions, including the $275 .00 from the Masons, amounted to $946.50.

The committee appointed to select a site for the church consisted of John Montgomery, William Lynn, and A. Buckingham. The ground chosen was a lot donated for that purpose, by Captain Thomas Nash, the gentleman who laid out Nashport.

The Building Committee comprised James Moore, N. F. Clayool and A. W. Shipley. The church was built by David Johnson, and is a substantial frame structure, 45x36 feet; it seats about two hundred, and cost $1,000.00, and is entirely free from debt. The dedicatory sermon, was preached by the presiding elder, Rev. Joseph M. Tremble. Some of the early members were Alexander Buckingham and wife. Mrs. Jane Van Voorhis, Jesse O. Swisher, Cassie Drone, Mrs. William Lynn, Daniel Lynn, Raymond Bunn and wife, Mrs. Susan Moore and Peter Wier and wife.

The following are the names of the regular pastors, since the church was built, except those officiating in 1860, 1865,1868 and 1869 : Levi Cunningham, A. Wilson and F. Harper, in 1854 ; Rev. Mr. Fink and Thomas Ross, 1855-56 ; A. M. Alexander, Jonathan Stump, John Kemper, David Sherrard, 1857 ; J. C. Gregg, H. Gortner, 1858-59 ; R. D. Anderson, John E. Sowers, 1861 ; B. F. McElfresh, David Mann, 1862 ; Rev. Gardner and B. F. IVIcElfresh, 1863 ; Barton Lowe, 1864 ; W. C. Halliday, G. E. Trowbridge, 1866 ; H. Gortner, 1867-68 ; John W. Baker, 1870 ; Nathaniel Westerman, 1871-72 E. B. Finney, 1873-74-75 ; J. Q. Larkin, 1876- 77-78 ; U. Holcomb, 1879 to October, 1880, when the present incumbent, R. A. Lemaster, began his pastorate. The church belongs to the Zanesville District of the Ohio Conference.

NASHPORT M. E. SUNDAY SCHOOL.

This Sunday School is under the control of and auxiliary to the church. Its formation took place about 1855, when Mr. R. C. Dean was Superintendent. In 1880. the average attendance was thirty, with U. W. Sherrard Superintendent, assisted by six teachers and officers.

TEMPERANCE.

Nashport Division of Sons of Temperance;

408 - TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO.

No. 24, was instituted November 24th, 1870, with thirty-four charter members, and continued to work until 1878, when it was deemed expedient to disband. In former times, a similar organization, and one of Good Templars, existed in Irville, but no chronicler has noted the workers, and their labors ceased for want of interest in the cause.

ODD FELLOWSHIP.

Durban Lodge, No. 487, I. O. O. F., the only Lodge of Odd Fellows in Licking township, was instituted July 24th, 1871, with thQ following named charter members : D. M. Thompson, S. J. Perry, M. H. Bennett, H. Cooper, G. W. Perry, George Varner, D. Eicher.

The first officers were, N. G., D. M. Thomp- son; V. G., S. J. Perry ; Secretary, M. H. Ben- nett ; Treasurer, H. Cooper.

A public installation of officers, January ist, 1873, was an occasion of unusual interest. The members, in full regalia, marched through the streets of Nashport, headed by the Frazeysburg brass band, to the Methodist Episcopal Church, where the installatton ceremonies were performed in the presence of a large concourse of people. January 12th, 1876, a public installation was had in the Lodge room.

The officers at the last election in 1880 were as follows : N. G., N. Yocum ; V. G., W. T. Weakly; Secretary, George B. Baker ; Treasurer, S. George. The meetings are held every Saturday evening. The membership in 1880 was thirty-four.

There is a Catholic cemetery on the Victor farm, north of Nashport.