408 - TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP

THE SETTLEMENT-SOME MAKE THEIR MARK- WHEN THE PALEFACES BEGAN TO APPEAR AT HOME-THE "MISSING LINK" IN THE CHAIN OF HISTORY-PIONEERS- POVERTY RUN-ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWNSHIP-ELECTION--A PART OF FALLS TOWNSHIP ADDED TO HOPEWELL-A PART OF HOPEWELL ADDED TO LICKING TOWNSHIP-BOUNDARIES OF HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP- SAWMILL IN GRATIOT- RICHEY AND HOOD BUILD HOUSES IN MT. STERLING-PIONEER MECHANICS -FIRST STORE-DISTILLERY-THE WORDS OF THE POET-DR. DUZENBERRY AS A SCHOOL TEACHER-THE FIRST RESIDENT PHYSICIAN- SCHOOLS-SCHOOL DISTRICTS -- MILLS-FIRST SAWMILL-ORCHARDS-POTTERIES-EARTHEN- WARE COFFINS - MILLSTONES - TANNERIES- TAVERNS-POSTOFFICE ; THE OFFICE ALTERNATELY IN MUSKINGUM AND LICKING COUNTIES -ROADS OLD STATE; MAYSVILLE PIKE; COOPER MILL ROAD; NATIONAL ROAD-"THE POLICY OF THE NATION; RECIPROCITY AT HOME AND ABROAD"-TIMBER RUN BAPTIST CHURCH- AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS-IMPROVED STOCK -HORICON LODGE, NO. 192, I. O. O. F.-MT. STERLING BAND-GRAVEYARDS-TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.

The settlement of this township is a fair illus- tration of the settlement of new territory generally. Men venture into unknown regions, simply hoping to find an Eldorado. Sometimes the winds of fate that take them thither carry good material for peopling a new world, and they make their mark as pioneers ; and, sometimes, other material, such as only make their mark when their name is required to confirm an act expressed in an instrument of writing. In this case, those of the first class have been content to be what their surroundings demanded, and absorbed the second class by virtue of their power to lead ; and confined their records to the absolute requirements, ignoring illustrative details. So that, for anything more, we are forced to be content with tradition, which teaches us that "the red men of the forest- roamed over this country, and had a camp a short distance up what we call Kent's Run. They were a small band—a dozen families or so—and left for the Great West when the palefaces began to appear at home among them, which was in 1803 or ‘4, although some lingered, as if 10th. to quit their favorite hunting grounds, as late as 1808 or '9. The white nen Who first made their acquaintance were also given to the chase, and doubtless followed in the path of the Indian, whose instinct led him into other and better hunting grounds ; and thus these pale-faced hunters became the avant couriers of the civilization that followed, This is "the missing link," in the chain of our history, that connects the aboriginal inhabitant with those we call first settlers.

Samuel Bonnifield relates that he came to Zanesville in 1805, and settled on "Poverty run," January ist, 1806, and that, at that time, a man named Hinton lived on that place ; John Carr and Joseph Jennings lived near ; his uncle, James Wilson, came soon after ; and that his father died about two years later. That, "on our way here, we stopped but a day or two in Zanesville, and also a couple of days at William's place, which is more on the National road. Four members of a family named Faid, living up the run, died in 1806. My brother Arnold was born here, in 1806. We came here in a four-horse wagon, and the trip occupied weeks, all of which time, with the exception of two nights, we camped out. A man named Hensle, and his family, were in our party, as was also William Wilson, an uncle, and a captain in the War of '12, who went up to Mackinaw. Hensle settled on the Flint Ridge road." In 1806, William Hamilton and his son-in-law, Rev. Robert Manley, with their families, removed to Hopewell township, from Maryland. They made a settlement in the township, taking a farm about a half mile east of where Asbury Chapel now stands. There had been squatters here before, but no regular settlement. Manley improved the farm on which Asbury Chapel nowt stands ; his was the first im- provement in the—township. He lived on this farm until his death, which occurred December 21st, 1810.

The Rev. C. Springer, speaking of Hamilton and Manley, said :

"They were the two first families that settled

TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO - 409

here. They were both men of dignified and impressive characters, yet mild and conciliating. They were surrounded with such a religious atmosphere that you could not come in contact with it without feeling a desire to be better. The first thing these eminent men did in their new location, was to erect the altars of religion, and to offer unto God, in their cabins, their daily and weekly sacrifices. The influence of their example was such that the early settlers around them, as soon as they erected their cabins, with scarcely an exception, embraced religion and formed the church. I think it doubtful if ever two men settled in the west, have sent down upon posterity such an influence for good."

Major William Bonnifield left Shenandoah County, Virginia, in 1806, accompanied by his wife and five children ; located in Falls township—but on New Year's day, 1807, they settled on Poverty Run, on the farm nor occupied by Samuel Bonnifield. Several other families settled in the neighborhood, among them, William Coffman, at whose camp was born the first white child in the township, William Coffman, Jr., born in June, 1807. These were followed by Charles Franklin, John Colvin, E. B. Morgan, Curtis Willey, Sr., and John Clabagh. Curtis Willey, Jr., thinks his father came to Hopewell township, in 1808, from Green County, Pennsylvania ; he was a farmer, and lived on John Col- vin's place for four years. He then moved to the place now owned by him, and built a log cabin, which is still standing. When he moved here, there had not been a tree cut. Soon after building his cabin, and clearing a field, he planted an orchard ; having purchased the trees from John Colvin. 'They are all gone now.

John Colvin immigrated from Green County, Pennsylvania, in 1806, and settled on the place now owned by his son James. He lived here a few years, sold out, and returned to Pennsylvania, but came back and re-purchased the place.

James Burley moved from Green County, Pennsylvania, to Zanesville, in 1806, and kept tavern in West Zanesville.

James Boyle was one of the early settlers. He was born in this county in 1805, or 1806. He was a surveyor many years, and left here for Cincinnati. When last heard from he was surveying in Texas.

In 1810, three brothers named Richey, came here. They kept batchelor's hall, and were called "Babes in the Wood." They lived on Porter's land.

ORGANIZATION OF THE TOWNSHIP.

February 3, 1812, a petition was presented to the County Commissioners, from a number of the inhabitants of Madison and Falls townships, praying to have a new township (by the name of Hopewell) struck off the townships aforesaid. And to this petition a remonstrance was presented. The Commissioners, however, decided to grant the petition, and ordered an election for the officers of the new township, to he held at the house of John Colvin. The first election was held the following year, at the house of James Rollins, near where Colvin now lives. No printed tickets were used, for none were to be had ; and at that election Thomas Higginbotham and Simon Simons were elected Justices of the Peace ; and, notwithstanding the election was not held at the place appointed, the officers chosen were permitted to serve in their several .capacities.

September 1, 1817, all that part of Falls township which was in the first township of the ninth range of military lands; was annexed to Hopewell township and, on the 22d of February, 1819, so much of Hopewell as lies east of Licking Creek, was taken from that township, and annexed to Licking township, so that the boundaries of Hopewell township were not completed until this time.

Henry Winegardner and wife, came from Loudon County, Virginia, in 1814 ; his cabin was small— built of seventeen trees. They removed to Mt. Sterling, in 1830, and kept tavern there several years. Conrad Emeny, and James Smith, settled here about the sametime. Adam Smith had a saw mill, in Gratiot, about that time. George Dent came to Muskingum County with his father and mother, in 1808. His mother was Rebecca Hamilton. They came from Monongahela County, Pennsylvania. Dent emigrated to Putnam County, Illinois, and was a volunteer in the "Black Hawk War," in 1832, and was afterwards County Assessor, of Putnam County, one year. In 1847, he was Clerk of the Circuit Court, Judge one term, and a member of the House of Representatives, one term. He afterwards moved to Minonk, Illinois, and at the time of his death, 1879, he was Police Magistrate of that city.

John H. Dillon entered a large part of the land around here, and had large quantities of wood cut for the furnace, at Dillon's Falls ; and a great deal of wood was suffered to rot.

Fred Beams owned a large tract of land, right around Mt. Sterling. He came here in 1813, according to John Burley.

The Richey, and Hood houses, in Mt. Sterling, were built in 1830.

The "American House," in Mt. Sterling, a brick structure, was built in 1841.

Joseph Richey . was once Sheriff of Muskingum County—a public functionary most of his life—Postmaster at different dines, Township Treasurer, and Justice of the Peace, and in "ye olden time, a Colonel of militia ; he came here in 1836.

PIONEER MECHANICS, STORES, ETC.

As long ago as 1812, the shop of Peter Crumrine, the blacksmith, was a familiar place to every one in the township, who needed smithing done, and this son of Vulcan, according to tradition, was a well muscled representative of his class. He worked at his forge late and early, and the ring of his anvil was music that always betokened prosperity and good cheer, for when his bellows roared, we always knew that somebody had an iron in the fire ; that their work

410 - TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO.

gave him work, and brought each a reward that cheered thetn. His shop was located near where Peter Starkey now lives.

Thomas Dean, a fellow craftsman had a shop in "Normantown," in 1828.

The first carpenter was probably William Heath. He was a son-in-law of William Hamilton, and came here in 1814.

The first store was that started by Francis Tresize. He had a small stock of goods just east of the bridge over Kent's Run, on the Thornsville road, about 1827. A year or so later, he opened up near Asbury Chapel, and when the National Road was built he removed to where Hopewell now is, and kept a store there several years. The next store was kept by Samuel Dolman, at Mt. Sterling, in 1833.

Shinn's Distillery.—A man named Shinn had a distillery about half a mile from Colvin's, on Kent's Run, in 1812. Nathaniel Richley had a distillery on the Burley place, in 1815, and con- ducted that business about three years ; and Samuel Richley was engaged in the business on the Porter place about the same time.

It may be a question with the reader, as it has often been with the historian, what benefit is derived from the mention of first things. In re- ply we have said very little, so far as the present influence goes, unless we heed the words of the poet :

"Trust no future, howe'er pleasant!

Let the dead past bury its dead !

Act, act in the living present !

Heart within, and God o'er-head !

And see to it that we have a business worthy of our best endeavor, and then, making the most of it, we will be able to avoid being classed with those whose record may too often be comprised in the brief sentence, he lived at such a time, and died at such a time !

Dr. Duzenberry came here about 1812, and taught school, and did some practice in his profession.,

Dr. E. B. Bain was the first resident physician. He located a little north of Hopewell, in 1828. He subsequently moved to Gratiot, and then to Mt. Sterling.

Dr. Knight came about 1839 or 1840, and remained until 1856, when he started for some Eldorado out west.

SCHOOLS AND EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS.

Perhaps no township in the county had a nobler colony to settle within its borders that is the first pride of Hopewell. The earlier pioneers are described as men of education, and soon after establishing their homes, gave attention to schools. The school house in the beginning, however, was, as everything else, utilized where and when most needed, and until 1812 there were none regularly attended, as the opening of farm homes—when there were children in the family—made it necessary that even little hands should take a part.

The township was divided into school districts as early as 1835, and a common interest in education was Manifested, and good and convenient school houses were built ; and in 1840, the town- ship contained eleven districts, with a comfortable house in nearly every one. The township was again divided in 1848, and the number reduced to nine ; and again divided in 1852, under the'new school law, and the number of school districts reduced to eight. District No. Six having a stone school house, was denied a new building. In 1873, the ninth district was taken off No. One, and a new district and school house built. Henry Dick, Esq., has kindly furnished the following information :

A school in District No. i was taught in an old house, near the present house, in 1814. The hewed log house was built in 1815. The first teacher was Abraham Frey, who taught one year.

The new school house was built in 1854.

The school. in District No. 2 was in an old house until about 1843, when a new one was built.

The school in No. 3 was in an old house until 1853, when a new house was erected.

In No. 4 the old Baptist Church was used until 1852, when a new house was built.

In No. 5 there was an old house, but a new one was built in 1853.

No. 6 (the Asbury District), had, first, a log school house a little north of Asbury Chapel, built in 1824-5. This gave way to a stone house in 1844, and that was torn down and a frame building erected in 1872. The teachers, "in an early day," were generally mindful of the proverb, The rod and reproof give wisdom," often saying to themselves, "I will visit their transgression with the rod." John Pryor was a teacher here in an early day, and he was a good whipper ; so was James O. Perry. John Duvall, the first teacher, made his mark on many a back.

The luckless scholar failing to know

The mysteries contained in the lesson,

Was sure to hear the teacher say, "oho !

I'll have to give you a thrashin' !"

No. 7 ( Bushy Knob) was rebuilt about 1852.

No. 8 (Mt. Sterling School) was held in the old church, and was subsequently in a log house built for the purpose ; and, in 1852, a new building was erected, to which additions were made in 1876.

Mt. Sterling Academy, under the care of Prof. Robert Morrison, has attained an enviable reputation, so much so that pupils resort to it from a very unusual distance for those attending such schools.

The school house in Hopewell was built about the year 1852, previous to which time the school had been held in the Union church.

No. 9 was taken from No. i about 1873, and a new school house built.

TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO - 411

MILLS.

The importance of a mill in the settlement, no matter how pressing, was frequently ignored by the pioneer, who regarded other advantages, such as hunting, fishing, good grazing, an extended range, and, if it could be had, water privileges. by which was understood a good site for a dam, whereby the power of water could be utilized in propelling machinery, particularly of a mill. With these objects in view, it was a common thing for a pioneer to locate, without regard to nearness to a mill, and therefore going to mill was an event of notable interest in the family, not unattended with danger, and which always awakened fear in the mother of the house- hold when her lord was delayed, which was sometimes the case. And, or) the other hand, it was a time of joyous expectation on the part of the "little folks," who invariably received presents from papa on his return, the mill being situated near "the store." And then, "mill flour" was so much more desirable than home-made.

According to tradition, the old settlers from this region had to go to Zanesville to mill. " It was a little tub mill where we got the grain ground, and had to sift it ourselves as the mill had no bolting attachment. We traveled down Timber Run from Spencer's and James Tanner's, and forded the river at Buckingham's warehouse. Sometimes, when the river was up, We had to make our flour or meal at home, by pounding. The grain was carried to the mill on horseback, generally, three sacks for a grist ; two sacks on one horse and one on another. The horses were seldom shod in those days, and sometimes one would slip while crossing the stream, spoiling the grain, and sometimes creating a panic for bread at home."

The mill at Dillon's Falls was extensively patronized. It was a common sight to see a number of people on horseback on their way to this mill ; and at times they regarded themselves fortunate to get there, so bad was the road, and so treacherous the streams they had to ford. It was usually a two days trip to Zanesville for either flour or salt.

THE FIRST SAWMILL.

The first sawmill in this township was up Kent's Run, from Colvin's, and owned by one Reese. About the same time, 1814, there was a small gristmill up Kent's Run ; this was running in 1820. There was another small gristmill on Poverty Run, near Bonnifield's place ; who owned or run these mills is not known, the memory of " the oldest inhabitant can only testify that there were such mills. " Adam Smith had a mill on the Licking county line,about the sametime ; and there was Jacob Martin's mill, on Kent's Ruti, a lumber and grist mill."

ORCHARDS.

If there is any one branch of the industry in. eluded in a farmer's life, that brings him more into harmony with nature and God, it is fruit growing.

"And the Lord God planted a garden to the Eastward in Eden;"

"Almighty, thine this universal frame,

Thus wondrous fair ; thyself how wondrous then!

Unspeakable, who sliest above these heavens,

To us invisible, or dimly seen

In these thy lowest works ; yet these declare

Thy goodness beyond thought, and power divine."

Anno Domini, 1814, John Colvin planted a nursery, and soon after set out an orchard. From his nursery he furnished trees to his neighbors. His first orchard consisted of apple and peach trees ; he obtained his seed from Pennsylvania. One apple tree of the first planting was alive in 1879.

Henry Winegardner set out an orchard in 1817 ; his trees were brought from Perry county, and consisted mostly of apple and cherry. His peach seed was obtiaine&in Fairfield county, and planted in 1818 ; one of those trees lived until 1876, and bore fruit two years previous.

POTTERIES.

This is a paradise for potters ; from time immemorial, they have plied their vocation with success, in this township. And yet, while this is true, most of the establishments have had but a brief existence. This may be accounted for, perhaps, on the hypothesis, that the clay was abundant, the art easily acquired, and the wares cheap, on which account the potter often sought other avenues to wealth, and sometimes returned when these failed. The earliest pottery of which we have any trace, was inaugurated by one Burley, not far from Mt. Sterling. A little more definite tradition comes to us concerning a pottery a little further up the run than the present one. It was built in 1822, by a man named Castele ; he sold his establishment, in 1825, to John Burley, and it has been in the family ever since. This old shop burned down in 1828, and in 1831, was rebuilt by Burley, just east of the present establishment, which was erected in 1875.

EARTHENWARE COFFINS.

This is a new enterprise, invented by Allen & Son, at Mt. Sterling. They have applied for a patent. These burial cases are burned in " nests " of four or five ; they admit of being colored with almost any desired pigment, and are but little heavier than wood. They admit, also, of being hermetically sealed, and, unless broken, will endure longer than metallic cases.

MILLSTONES.

Millstones were first made in this township, in 1825, by Samuel Drumm ; he continued, in this business until 1840. The stones were made of a regular buhr stone, found in the northwestern part of the township. Mr. Drumm made stones for all of the mills in this part of the State, and shipped many to various parts of the United

412 - TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO.

States, delivering them at Nashport, and thence by the canal and its connections. These stones were known as the "Flint Ridge Buhr," and regarded superior in quality. Some of the stones are now in Zanesville.

TANNERIES.

There was a tannery at Gratiot, in 1830, but the establishment was short lived. One at Mt. Sterling, about the same time, shared the same fate.

In 1836, one Henderson started a tannery, at Mt. Sterling. This establishment passed into the hands of George Rutledge, in 1854, and he continued the busines until 1866, when the con- cern was sold to the Van Allen's, who turned it into a pottery.

TAVERNS.

Institutions by this name, at this time, were not expected to furnish such luxuries as we are accustomed to find in first-class taverns in large cites, so that any one was able to keep tavern, and they sprang up along the line of the Na- tional Road as if by magic, shortly after that road became a thoroughfare. About the year 1830, Henry. Winegardner removed . from his farm to Mt. Sterling, and "kept tavern," on the north side of the road. He was followed soon after by a Mr. Blair, who opened a tavern on the south side of the road. This was a sufficient designation at that time, and for years afterward, as Mt. Sterling was a small place.

POSTOFFICES.

There was no postoffice in the township until 1830. At this time, the National Road was completed through this section of country, and a post-office was established at Hopewell, where it was kept a few years, and then removed to Mt. Sterling, and has been kept there ever since, retain- ing, however, the name, Hopewell Postoffice.

A postoffice was established about the same time at Gratiot. This office being at the juncture of Muskingum and Licking counties, or nearly so, has been moved from one county to the other, according to the residence of the Postmaster, who is appointed on the recommendation of the people. In 1880, the Postmaster was a resident of Licking county, and the post office was ac- cordingly in that county.

Another postoffie was established at Cottage Hill, in the extreme northwest corner of the township.

Another at Pleasant Valley, on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, which is the only railroad post-office in the township. It is called the Licking Valley Postoffice.

A daily mail is received and distributed at each.of these offices, except Cottage Hill. Much might be said concerning the advantages of mail facilities, but.they are too well known to render this permissible. We hazard nothing in saying, however, that next to our public schools, no other agency is so conducive to the diffusion of knowledge, or does so much to fraternize the human family. And America, more than any other country, enjoys the full benefit of a perfect mail system, and at reasonable cost.

ROADS.

The road question is always an important one, particularly in a "timbered country." This, however, is too self-evident to admit of elucida- tion. The reader, however, will not object to a simple statement Concerning the rOads of an early day. The original roads of the country were trails, or much frequented paths. There were no wagon roads, and when it was possible for a wagon to pass and not turn over, or stick fast in a mud hole or swamp, and this was re- peated one or more times, this did not constitute a road, as now understood. Such a road, as we know, requires work, and sometimes a large amount of stone and other material, to bring it to our standard.. And such was not then possible, for highways had not been determined upon. These are mere allusions, going to show how it was "in the beginning. Therefore, when Hamilton and M,anley.came into this region, they found "nature unadorned" with roads, and had to cut down trees in their chosen route, before. they could proceed with their wagons to their destination. This act alone demonstrates their firmness of purpose, which, it is almost needless to say, characterized their subsequent efforts in life, and won fo'r them the pround victory of industry. John Colvin came in 1807 a year later. There was no direct road from Zanesville, and they moved out the old "State Road," near where the Mays- ville Pike" now is, and then struck across the country.

"The Cooper Mill Road was laid out from Putnam in 1808," and was a little south of the present road.

"The National Road," our great thoroughfare, was built in 1830, and from that time to the present, there has been a steady improvement in the township.

The following inscription is found on a stone, set in the north wall surmounting the culvert over the run, on Burley's place :

BUILT A.D. 1830

C. NISWANGER.

JAMES HAMPSON - SUP'T

D. SCOTT, - - - - Aset Sup't

The Policy of the Nation:

"Reciprocity at Home and Abroad."

TIMBER RUN BAPTIST CHURCH.

The church was built in 1832, for a society known as Predestinarian Baptists. It was located on land belonging to Robert Bolin, but the site was not deeded to the society until 1841, at which time the Trustees were David Allen, James Fairbanks and John Burley.

The services at this church have been kept up very irregularly, and no record of the pastorates or membership has been accessible,

TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO - 413

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.

This township escaped some of the hardships of having to use the primitive styles of implements. The patent plow was in use by most of the early settlers, and the millenial era of improved agricultural implements was upon them. The days of tramping grain out, or threshing with flails, was passing away.

A thresher worked by horse power, the first thresher in the township, was owned, in 1837, by Frederick Beams. It was made by John Van Home, in West Zanesville. The horse power is spoken of as a curiosity, but as no accurate description can be had, the curious will have the pleasure of the antiquarian in finding it out ; we confess our inability to do so.

IMPROVED STOCK.

Those who have given attention to this subject, have mostly engaged in sheep growing. Louis Ijams brought a flock of Merino sheep here, in 1845. They were a part of Brownlee's flock, in Pennsylvania. James Colvin bought Spanish Merino sheep of Shipps and Armstrong, in 1856. They were from Vermont. In 1864, Shipps and Coulter brought some to Mt. Sterling, when James Colvin bought three, having brought some from Pennsylvania, in 1863.

Of the others who engaged in Merino sheep breeding here, were the Pryor's and Leroy, Robinson. The former purchased of Shipps and Armstrong, in 1856, and the latter of Jones and Rockwell, and of Parmalee, in 1864.

George Pollock was one of the first to breed fine sheep extensively in this township. He began about 1850. His first fine Merino was known as "212," purchased in Vermont, of George Campbell, for $2,36.00. He subsequently sold a lamb of this stock, for $300.00.

Samuel Campbell and S. W. Prior bought sixteen ewes from Uriah Shipps and Coulters' at $62.50 each. These sheep were from Vermont, and bred to Pollock's "212," spoken of above. Mr. Campbell kept them on shares two years, and started his tine flock from the lambs. Four years ago, he sold eleven ewes for $200., and he has sold a number of bucks at $25.00 each.

ODD FELLOWSHIP.

Horicon Lodge, No. 192, I. 0. 0. F., was organized February 23d, 1852, at Brownsville, and subsequently moved to Gratiot. The officers at the time of organization were :

N. G.-A. R. Jordan.

V. G.-John G. Bain.

Secretary-Parson Gee.

The charter members were A. R. Jordan, Jerome Waite, J. R. Thrall, John F. Bain and Charles Lindsey. Other members were, William Thomas, Armistead Dodd, Dr. Thomas Hood, James Payne, Frank Burton, George Johnston, George McMullen and John Smart.

Their hall was built in 1862, at a cost of about $2,000.00.

The number of members, in 1878, was forty-five ; the number of Past Grands, was twenty-one ; initiated, two : reinstated, two ; total assets, $3,105.74.

The officers for 1879, were as follows

N. G.-David Ehrman.

V. G.-Milton Coomlis..

Treasurer-Abraham Nursey.

P. S. Jacob G. Armstrong.

C. S.-Harrison Drumm.

Trustees-Warner Mills, J. B. Gard and A. B. Gard.

Nathan Prior is Property Trustee.

MT. STERLING BAND.

The Mt. Sterling Band was organized in 1873, by D. S. Brown, who became leader. The band consists of nine members and pieces. They practice regularly, and have a good local reputation.

GRAVEYARDS.

The first graveyard in this township, was on the old Reamy place ; corresponding to the south quarter of section 9, T. 8, R. 15 ; subsequently owned by Alexander Smith.

The Bonnifield graveyard, has some evidences of great age, being allotted by some who sleep there, for example : Jacob Reamy, died in the eightieth year of his age ; Major William Bonnifield, at eighty-five and six months ; Mary Bonnifield, at seventy-four ; Mary, wife of Thomas Simpson, at sixty-four.

The Beula graveyard list, is equally remarkable. Samuel Frey died April 9, 1848, aged eighty-six years ; Rachel, his wife, died January 31st, 1859, aged eighty-two ; Rolley Taylor died January 2d, 1847, in the eighty-third year of her age ; Samuel Fairlamb died February i6th, 1853, aged seventy-six ; Mary, his wife, died August 3oth, 1853, aged seventy-five ; Jane, wife of Thomas Wickham, died March ist, 1858, aged ninety years ; Thomas Wickham, died June i3th, 1851, aged eighty-two ; Sarah, his wife, died April 11th, 1842, aged sixty-four ; and Daniel Crainner, died July 24th, 1867, aged eighty-seven years.

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.

The earlier records of elections for township officers, may never be found, and having nothing to indicate who they were, we shall not indulge in conjecture.

The earliest official whose election record has been found, is George Higginbotham, who was elected Justice of the Peace in 1812. And from the records, it appears that the following persons filled that office since 1835: Mahlon Sims, from April, 1835, to 1838, and from 1838, to 1841 ; John Prior, from 1836 to 1839 ; Samuel Drumm, from 1836 to 1839, and from 1841 to 1844 ; David McCracken, from 1839 to 1842 and from 1845 to 1848 ; Charles Chappelear, from 1839 to 1842, and 1842 to 1845, to 1848, and from 1851 to 1854 Jesse L. Manley, from 1842 to 1845 ; John Porter, from 1842 to 1845 ; Samuel Frey, from 1845 to 1848, from 1849 to 1850, and to 1853 ; David

414 - TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO

Sherrard, from 1848 to 1851, to 1854 ; John Burley, from 1848 to 1851 ; Samuel Frey, from 1853 to 1856, to 1859 ; J. R. Whartenby, from 1855 to 1858 ; David Sherrard, from 1854 to 1857, to 1860 and 1863 ; Henry Dick, from 1858 to 1861 to 1864, to 1867 ; George Porter, from 1864 to 1867 ; James Colvin, from 1867 to 1870 ; Joseph Richey, from 1868 to 1871, to 1874 ; Daniel Norman, from 1873 to 1876 ; J. Lloyd Varner, from 1871 to 1874 ; Ephraim Bonnifield, from 1870 to 1873 ; Henry Bonnifield, from 1868 to 1871 Joseph Richey, from 1874 to 1877 ; James K. P. Redman, from 1874 to 1877 ; Joseph Porter from 1875 to 1878 ; Daniel Norman, from 1876 to 1879.

In 1838, the Trustees were John Morgan, Samuel Bonnifield and John Porter ; Clerk, David McCracken ; Treasurer, Samuel Colvin ; Constables, Joseph W. Crown and John Colvin ; and, in 1849, Trustees same as above ; Clerk, Mahlon Sims ; Treasurer, Samuel Colvin ; Constables, same.

1840. Trustees, Morgan, Bonnifield and Porter; Clerk, David McCracken ; Treasurer, Samuel Colvin ; Constables, J. W. Crown and Osborn Shaw.

1841. Trustees, same ; Clerk, Peter Drumm.; Treasurer, Samuel Colvin ; Constables, J. W. Crown and Henry Bonnifield.

1842. Trustees, same ; Clerk, Mahlon Sims ; Treasurer, Samuel Colvin ; Assessor, Joseph W. Crown ; Constables, J. W. Crown and M. F. Fountain.

1843. Trustees, John Porter, Charles Chappelear and Samuel Colvin ; Clerk, Mahlon Sims ; Treasurer, Joseph Richey ; Assessor, J. W. Crown ; Constables, J. W. Crown and M. F. Fountain.

1844. Trustees, Samuel Colvin, Chas. Chappelear, David McCracken ; Clerk, Peter Holmes ; Treasurer, Joseph Richey ; Assessor, J. W. Crown; Constables, J. W. Crown, John R. Smith.

1845. Trustees, A. Varner, Samuel Colvin, Henry Woolf; Clerk, Henry Dick ; Treasurer, Joseph Richey ; Assessor, J. W. Crown ; Con- stables, William Clapper, J, W. Crown.

1846. Trustees, Amos Varner, John Burley, Henry Woolf; Clerk, Henry Dick ; Treasurer, Joseph Richey ; Assessor, J. W. Crown ; Con- stables, J. W. Crown, W. W. Chappelear.

1847. Trustees, Henry Woolf, John Burley, Samuel Drumm ; Clerk, Henry Dick ; Treasurer, Joseph Richey ; Assessor, B. B. Morgan ; Constables, J. O. Hook, J. W. Crown.

1848. Trustees, Henry Woolf, John Burley, Townsend J. Jury ; Clerk, Henry Dick ; Treasurer, Joseph Richey ; Assessor, B. B. Morgan ; Constables J. W. Crown, William Clugston.

1849. Trustees, Henry Woolf, John Burley, Townsend J. Jury ; Clerk, Henry Dick ; Treasurer, Joseph Richey ; Assessor, B. B. Morgan ; Constables, J. W. Crown, Harrison Norman.

1850. Trustees, Henry Woolf, Samuel Bonnifield, Townsend J. Jury ; Clerk, Henry Dick ; Treasurer, Joseph Richey ; Assessor, B. B. Morgan ; Constables, J. W. Crown, Harrison Nor- man.

1851. Trustees, Henry Woolf, Samuel Bonnifield, Townsend J. Jury ; Clerk, Henry Dick ; Treasurer, Joseph Richey ; Assessor, B. B. Morgan; Constables, J. W. Crown, J. O. Hook.

1852. Trustees, Henry Woolf, William Morrison, Jacob Kreager ; Clerk, Henry Dick ; Treasurer, Joseph Richey ; Assessor, B. B. Mor- gan; Constables, Joseph W. Crown, John Yeley.

1853. Trustees, A. Morrison, Jacob Kreager, Lewis Richards ; Clerk, Henry Dick ; Treasurer, Joseph Richey ; Assessor, Peter Drumm ; Constables, J. W. Crown, Daniel Norman.

1854. Trustees, J. Kreager, W. A. Morrison, J. O. Hook ; Clerk, Henry Dick ; Treasurer, Joseph Richey ; Assessor, B. B. Morgan ; Con- stables, J. W. Crown, Daniel Norman.

1855. Trustees, Samuel Woolf, J. Kreager, W. A. Morrison ; Clerk, Henry Dick ; Treasurer, Samuel C. Field ; Assessor, B. B. Morgan ; Constables, Daniel Norman Jacob Burlier.

1856. Trustees, Henry Woolf, W. A. Morrison, J. Kreager ; Clerk, John Ligget, who refused to serve, and Henry Dick was appointed ; Treasurer, S. Field ; Assessor, B. B. Morgan; Constables, Daniel Norman, Jacob Burrier.

1857. Trustees, Samuel Bonnifield, Henry Woolf, W. A. Morrison ; Clerk, Henry Dick ; Treasurer, Samuel C. Field ; Constables, Daniel Norman, William Varner.

1858. Trustees, Samuel Bonnifield, Henry Woolf, W. A. Morrison ; Clerk, Henry Dick ; Treasurer, Samuel C. Field ; Constables, Daniel Norman, Jacob Burlier.

1859. Trustees, Henry Woolf, Samuel Bonnifield, W. A. Morrison ; Clerk, Henry Dick ; Treasurer, Samuel C. Field ; Assessor, George Poundstone ; constables, Daniel Norman, Jacob Burrer.

1860. Trustees, John Burley, Samuel Bonni- field, Henry Woolf; Clerk, Henry Dick ; Treasurer, Joseph Richey ; Assessor, John Colvin, Constables, Adam Miller, Jacob Burner.

1861. Trustees, Henry Woolf, John Burley, Amos Varner ; Clerk, Henry Dick ; Treasurer, Joseph Richey ; Assessor, John Colvin ; Consta- bles, Adam Miller, John C. Crown.

1862. Trustees, Henry Woolf, Ephraim Bonnifield, W. A. Morrison ; Clerk, Henry Dick ; Treasurer, Joseph Richey ; Assessor, William Rutledge ; Constables, J. C. Crown, Wilson Bonnifield.

1863. Trustees, Ephraim Bonnifield, Peter Drumm, Benjamin Wickham ; Clerk, W. A. Morrison ; Treasurer, John R. Whartenby ; Assessor, William Rutledge ; Constables, Daniel Norman, John Wolcott.

1864. Trustees, David McCracken, Nathan Prior, Sol. Minnick ; Clerk, Joseph Porter ; Treasurer, A. M. Field ; Assessor, A. J. Crawford ; Constables, John Higginbotham, James Sherrard.

1865. Trustees, Nathan Prior' Sol. Minnick, Lewis Richards ; Clerk, Joseph Porter ; Treas-

TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO - 415

urer, William T. Perry ; Assessor, Thomas Morgan, who refused to serve ; Constables, John Higginbotham, James Sherrard.

1866. Trustees, Sol. Minnick, Lewis Richards, Zach. McCammon ; Clerk, Henry Dick ; Treasurer, William T. Perry ; Assessor, George Poundstone ; Constables, Amos Norman, Daniel Norman.

1867. Trustees, Zach. McCammon, Jacob Johnson, Samuel Brown ; Clerk, R. F. Smart ; Treasurer, W. T. Perry ; Assessor, William Sims ; Constables, George W. Morgan, E. W. Langstaff.

1868. Trustees, Sol. Minnick, Jacob Johnson, Frank Sidle ; Clerk, R. F. Smart ; Treasurer, W. T. Perry, ; Assessor, William Kreager ; Constables, Amos Norman, James Sherrard.

1869. Trustees, Jacob Johnson, Frank Sidle, Jesse L. Manley ; Clerk, R. F. Smart ; Treasurer, W. T. Perry ; Assessor, William Kreager ; Constables, Amos Norman, James Sherrard.

1869. Trustees, Jacob Johnson, Frank Sidle, Jesse L. Manley ; Clerk, R. F. Smart ; Treasurer ; W. T. Perry ; Assessor, Samuel Woolf; Constables, Amos Norman, S. C. Cunningham. September 20,

1869,Clerk R. F. /Smart resigned , and Joseph Porter was appointed.

1870. Trustees, Jesse L. Manley, Jacob Johnson, John Burley ; Clerk, George H. Hood ; Treasurer, W. T. Perry ; Assessor, Thomas W. Morgan ; Constables, Amos Varner, J. L. Varner.

1871. Trustees, C. F. Sidle, John B. Starkey, Jacob Johnson ; Clerk, George H. Hood ; Treasurer, W. T. Perry ; Assessor, Samuel H. Woolf; Constables, Amos Norman, Noah Allen.

1872. Trustees, John B. Starkey, James E. Tanner, William D. Laird ; Clerk; George H. Hood ; Treasurer, W. T. Perry ; Assessor, Henry Woolf ; Constables, Amos Norman, John Frances.

1873. Trustees, James E. Tanner, John B. Starkey, Ephraim Bonnifield ; Clerk, George H. Hood ; Treasurer, W. T1 Perry ; Assessor, Jacob Kreager ; Constables, Amos Norman, Martin Fountain.

1874. Trustees, James E. Tanner, Washington M. Bonnifield,George Poundstone ; Clerk, H.

G. Moore ; Treasurer, W. T. Perry ; Assessor, Jacob Kreager ; Constables, Amos Norman, Shelby Hibbs.

1875. Trustees, James E. Tanner, Washington M. Bonnifield, George Poundstone ; Clerk, Henry G. Moore ; Treasurer. W. T. Perry ; Assessor, Henry Bonnifield ; Constables, Amos Norman, John W. Sidle,

1876. Trustees, William M. Bonnitield, James E. Tanner, August Eckman ; Clerk, George H.

Hood ; Treasurer, John Whartenby ; Assessor, Grafton F. Rankin ; Constables, Amos Norman, Jacob Shaw.

1877. Trustees, Mathias Drumm, Jacob Kreager, John B. Chappelear ; Clerk, George

H. Hood ; Treasurer, John Whartenby ; Assessor, Adam B. Gard ; Constables, Amos Norman, Jacob Shaw.

1878. Trustees, David Ehmann, Alva Bonnifield, James W. Felton ; Clerk, George H. Hood ; Treasurer, John Whartenby ; Assessor, George Kreager ; Constables, Amos Norman, James Clugston.

1879. Trustees, Alva Bonnifield, John Bowers, Thomas W. Morgan ; Clerk, George H. Hood ; Treasurer, John Whartenby ; Assessor, W. M. Bonnifield ; Constables, Amos Norman, William Hill.