600 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

CHAPTER LX.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.

ORGANIZATION-SPRINGS AND WATER COURSES - FIRST ELECTION-EARLY SETTLERS AND THEIR ADVENTURES -FIRST ROAD-FIRST PUBLIC HOUSE-EARLY SCHOOLHOUSES AND TEACHERS-THE " BLACK CANE COMPANY"-THE FIRST TEMPERANCE ORGANIZATION-FIRST BRICK HOUSE-THE CHURCHES-MILLS-WASHINGTON VILLAGE.

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP was organized March 4, 1816, out of the east third of Troy, being the eleventh township organized in the county. It lies directly south of and joins Madison, and contains thirty-six square miles. The surface is somewhat broken, but the ascents and descents are gentle, and the soil generally very fertile. It abounds in many valuable springs of pure cold water, and is otherwise well watered by small running brooks, supplied from these springs. The Clear Fork of the Mohican crosses the southwest corner, along the valley through which the Baltimore & Ohio Railway passes. Possum Run rises in the center of the township, and passes out of it at the southeast corner. A tributary of the Rocky Fork passes out near the northeast corner of the township, running north into Rocky Fork. Near this stream, and near the residence of Mr. Bentley, is one of the finest springs in the township, a large volume of the clearest water bursting from the bank and falling into a reservoir in Mr. Bentley's yard. This spring, with the assistance of the brook, some years ago furnished the power for Bentley's mill. The township was named after George Washington. Its organization was consummated at the house of Solomon Lee, at the center of the township. Immediately after the organization had been completed, the election was held at the same place. Forty votes were cast. The election resulted in the choice of John Stewart for Justice of the Peace, and Solomon Culver, Sr., William Riddle and Daniel Dimmick for Trustees.

The names of the early settlers, as far as can be ascertained, are as follows: William Stewart, Section 10 ; John Stewart, Section 10. April, 1815; Solomon Culver, Section 3 ; James Sirpliss, Section 11, April, 1815; William Ayers, Section 4 ; Solomon Lee, Section. 10, settled here before 1816; Mrs. Cunningham, Section 1 ; Daniel McMitchell, Section 30 ; William Riddle, Section 30; Daniel Cook, Section 6 ; Gavin and Joseph Mitchell, Section 6 ; - Vandorn, Section 31; Andrew Thompson, Section 27; John Lindsley, Section 28 ; John J. and Wesley Barnes, Section 14; Isaac Slater, Section 36; Alexander McClain, Section 25; Robert Crosky, Section 3 ; Thomas Shanks, Section 2 ; Noah Watson, Section 7, February, 1812 ; Jedediah Smith, Section 1, 1816; Calvin Culver settled here before 1816; Andrew Pollock, Section 13, 1817; Martin Ridenour, 1818; Jacob Ridenour, Section 25,1818; Thos. Smith, April, 1816, and Melzer Coulter, 1826.

Among the pioneers living in January, 1880, were John S. Smith, Solomon Culver, Mrs. Margaret Stewart (at the age of ninety-three), William Stewart, Thomas Pollock, Mrs. Eleanor ,William and Stephen Shaw:

These were the persons who penetrated the heavily wooded hills and valleys of Washington, and laid the foundation of its present prosperity and wealth.

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It will be seen that one of the earliest, if not the earliest, family in the township, was the Watson family. Noah Watson was one of the claimants at the ax presentation in Mansfield, February 10, 1858. The following letter was written by Mr. Watson on that occasion

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, RICHLAND CO.,

January 8, 1858

ro Jabez Cook, Umpire: I, Noah Watson, certify that I helped to build the first two cabins in the vicinity of Lexington, and also did a job of clearing on Amariah Watson's first field, commencing about the 8th of March, 1812. I also entered the southeast quarter of Section 7, Range 18, Township 20, in which I now live, and commenced clearing in 1813.

Mr. Watson was elected one of the first Constables in the township. At the close of his term, he concluded to make an estimate of the amount of business transacted and the pecuniary emoluments arising therefrom. After a careful examination of the docket and other records, he found he had served two summons and two warrants, for which he had received no fees. He was not, therefore, under the necessity of employing an accountant to get his business in shape for final settlement.

He volunteered, in 1813, in Capt. Ichabod Nye's company, and started for the relief of Harrison at Fort Meigs. The siege was raised before their arrival, and their services were not needed.

John Stewart also became prominent in the township and county, being the first Justice of the Peace, and continuing in that office six consecutive years. In 1820 or 1821, he was appointed Auditor of the county by the Legislature, and, in the fall of 1822 was elected to the same office by the people, serving eight consecutive years. In the fall of 1816, after the organization of the township, he was appointed County Surveyor by the Court, and held this office about eighteen years. In all, he served as a Justice of the Peace twenty-two years.

Although Jedediah Smith did not settle permanently in the township until 1816, he was here as early as 1812, when he came to enter land. He was a great hunter, and many deer, wild turkeys, bears and other animals fell before his unerring rifle. He remembers, on his first visit, talking to Chief Armstrong of the Greentown Indians. The chief told him he believed Way ne was a spirit, "For," said he, "I had three shots at him with a dead rest, and could not bring him down; I could have killed a buck at twice the distance." He directed Mr. Smith to the Zimmer cabin for a night's lodging. This family then consisted of father, mother and a son and daughter, and the romance of this visit is that Mr. Smith fell in love with the beautiful daughter, Kate, and they were engaged to be married, when the Zimmer family was murdered-all except the son, Phillip, who happened to be absent. Mr. Smith had entered the land he afterward occupied, and returned to his home in Washington County, Penn., where he was when the tragedy occurred. He remained single until the family came out here four or five years later.

Calvin Culver was also a great hunter, as was nearly all the early pioneers. On one occasion; he was pursued by wolves in the evening, and ran for the two cabins, then standing on the site of Lexington. He was unable to reach them, however, and was compelled to climb a tree, where he remained until morning.

Some weeks after Mr. James Sirpliss settled in the township, he, in company with one of his brothers, happening in the woods one day, half a mile from their cabin, came suddenly upon a black bear. Jowler, the dog, immediately gave chase, and, the bear, being pushed, ascended a large poplar-tree. Being unarmed. the brother returned to the cabin for his rifle while James and Jowler remained to watch. Before the brother returned with the gun. bruin, as if comprehending the situation, commenced descending. James and the dog immediately prepared to, give him battle. Upon alighting, the bear elevated himself upon his

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hind legs, and received the dog with a blow that injured, for the time being, his fighting qualities. Mr. Sirpliss, having an ax, was about making an attack, when the bear bounded away and escaped, just before the arrival of the brother with his gun.

The first road through the township was the "State road" from Mount Vernon to Bellville and Mansfield. This was for a long time but a mere trail, and the only stopping-place on this trail, between Mansfield and Mount Vernon, was at McCluer's, near the site of Bellville. This was one of the first settlements in the county; and this trail was established some time before the township was settled. Soon after the first settlement, a second road was cut from the vicinity of Lexington toward Bellville.

The first public-house in the township was opened at a very early day, by Thomas Laughlin, on the State road, about six miles south of Mansfield, near the center of the township, and near the present Oberlin place. The majority of the earliest settlers entered the township by this road, and settled in the vicinity of and to the east of it, near where Washington Village was afterward laid out.

The township does not appear to have contained any permanent Indian encampment, but was not excelled as a hunting-ground.

The first schoolhouse was built on the State road, near the "tavern," about the center of the township, on Section 16. It was one of those well remembered, primitive schoolhouses, described in another chapter, which have disappeared from this country with the Indian and deer, and will yet be occasionally found with the Indian and deer, in the Far West. The first teacher was John Barnett, who came from Guernsey County. He taught six months, and received as wages $2 per scholar, for a term of three months. Sally Braden also taught school about 1818. She probably taught the summer school in the same building, following Barnett. One evening, while the school was engaged in prayer, just before the time for dismissal, a large yellow rattlesnake raised its head through a crack in the puncheon floor, and took a survey of the scene. No one dared to move, however, until the prayer ended, when the boys dispatched his snakeship.

As early as 1820-21, this township was troubled with a company of horse-thieves, counterfeiters, etc. Their operations extended into the adjoining townships and counties.. Several of the gang were well-known residents of this township, others lived in the direction of Perrysville, and others near Fredericktown and Mount Vernon. Two men, named Gardner and Black, and two sons of the former were suspected. This band was quite numerous, and, for a time, had things their own way. It seemed impossible to convict them, although generally known. After losing several horses and much other property, and the insecurity continually increasing, the settlers finally organized, for the purpose of self-defense, what they called the "Black Cane Company." The company was composed of the most prominent settlers of the different neighborhoods molested by these ruffians. Each member carried a black cane, made out of the wood of a crab-apple or blackhaw ; the bark being peeled off, and the canes turned black. after which they were oiled to give them a glossy appearance. A few of the names composing this company were Capt. Thomas Coulter, William Irwin, A. Rice, Isaac Martin, Thomas Martin, David Coulter, C. H. Rice, David Ayres, Charles Tannehill, Lewis Oliver, T. W. Coulter, John Capel, Solomon Gladden, Melzer Tannehill, Jonathan Coulter, James Irwin, Nathan Stearns, Harry Hill, David Hill, Reuben Hill, John Latty, Levi Taylor, John Coulter, and some others, whose names are not recollected.

By vigorous exertions, this company succeeded in clearing the neighborhood of the villains; and peace and security reigned until about 1833, when their services were again

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called into requisition, as the country was once more alarmed by the cry of home-thieves and counterfeiters. This gang was also composed of some of the actual settlers (whose descendants are living there to-day), and others at a distance. They began by stealing a horse of Mr. Taylor, on Honey Creek; next a Rockingham colt, a valuable animal, from Alexander Rice ; and then robbing Mr. Hart's store on Honey Creek, three miles south of Hayesville. This alarmed the country, and the Black Cane Company were soon marshaling their forces. It seemed to be the only way of ridding the country of this band, who could easily elude or successfully resist, the officers of the law.

In retaliation for their pursuit, the villains burned the barns of Jonathan Coulter and William Irvin, and, about the same time, cut loose from its moorings a large flat-boat. loaded with three or four hundred barrels of pork. flour and whisky, and allowed it to drift at random down the Black Fork. The boat and cargo were, however, saved. During the year the gang operated. almost every house in the neighborhood was plundered of something. By the vigilance and exertions of the Black Cane Company and the citizens generally, this gang of rascals was finally driven from the township and country. Some of them were sent to the Penitentiary,

The first temperance society in Richland County, and indeed in this part of the country was organized in this township. It was entirely indigenous to the soil of this township, none of its members having had any previous knowledge of such an organization. They early witnessed the baleful effects of strong drink, and saw with a good deal of concern that its use among the settlers was increasing. A great number of distilleries were erected all over the township. Nearly all the corn marketed was at these distilleries, and whisky was consequently plenty and cheap. It was found by the barrel in almost every cabin, and was in daily use. A few of these early settlers saw that this must be stopped ; that if they would escape the blight of intemperance. some organized effort must be made. A meeting was therefore called on the 29th of March, 1827, at the house of Samuel Smith, in Monroe Township, near the east line of Washington, and organized by calling Thomas Smith to the chair and appointing Samuel Richey Secretary. Thomas and Samuel Smith and Alexander McBride were appointed a committee to present a basis of action, and soon presented the following

Whereas, The common use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage is injurious to the health of the consumer, and ruinous to the morals of the community,

Resolved, That we form ourselves into a society to be known by the name of the Washington and Monroe Temperance Society, and that we adopt the following pledge for our guide

We, whose names are hereunto attached, do pledge ourselves to dispense with the common use of ardent spirits in our families, and at our gatherings and frolics and, as far as our influence extends, use all laudable means to discourage the use of it in others.

To this were attached the names of the Smiths; including Samuel, Vernon T. Thomas, Sr., and Jedediah; Henry Mosar, Lambright Larnee, Joseph Coe, Robert McDermott, Levi Tarr, David Newton, John and Lancelot Conwell, Joseph Reed, Alexander McBride, Henry Hull, George, David and John McFarland, Andrew Schosser, James. Richard and Robert Sirpliss, Elias Hyser, and Wesley, Benjamin, John J. and John K. Barnes.

At first, the matter of getting along without whisky at log-rollinngs, raisings, etc., was earnestly discussed but it was finally determined to adopt the above pledge for one year. tit the end of which time they were to meet and report progress.

To counteract this an anti-temperance society was organized. but it dirt not last long: they however, outnumbered the other in names. ten to one. This temperance society had an organized existence for more than thirty years meeting once a year, on the first night in every

606 - HISTORY OF RICHLAND COUNTY.

January, and selecting officers and executive committees. There was nothing secret about it, as in the more fashionable temperance societies of later days, but it was kept up for this extraordinary length of time by citizens who were public-spirited enough to work for the public good. It kept up its organization as long as there was anything to fight. There is not at present, and has not been for many years, a place in the township where whisky can be purchased. Their book finally contained the names of about six hundred members. It is impossible to calculate the amount of good accomplished by this first temperance society, not only during the period of its organized existence, but since that time, as the seed then sown is still exerting a powerful influence for good. No names are more worthy to live in history than those of its projectors.

The first brick house was erected by Jedediah Smith. Amos Day was the builder, and while working with brick and mortar, he was working upon the affections of the eldest daughter. Martha Smith. whom he married.

The religious sentiment of the township is well developed. seven churches belonging to different denominations having been erected within its limits, six of which now have an organized and healthy existence. The first church, organization, so far as known. was that of the Methodist Episcopal, about 1823 or 1824: their first meeting for organization being at the house of John Conwell. The first members of this society were Wesley Barnes and wife, David Newlon and wife, John Conwell and wife, James Sirpliss, Henry Hull, Henry Moser and wife, Richard Sirpliss, Jacob Reed, George, Robert and John McFarland and their wives. Benjamin and John J. Barnes and their wives, and Mary Pollock. Their first meetings for several years were held at the cabins of Conwell and the Messrs. Barnes, but, in 1828, they erected a log church on the site of Washington Village, about 25x35 feet. Their first ministers were Abner Gough, Shadrick Rewark, Zepheniah Bell, Joseph Reed, John Powers and Andrew Poe. The present Pastor is Rev. Mr. Lewis. The log church was used until about 1850, when the present frame was erected, costing about $1,000. The present membership is about twenty-five or thirty. They generally have a Sunday school during the summer.

During the slavery agitation, between 1830 and 1840, this church was divided, political matters being carried into the pulpit. The occasion of the division was the sermon by Elder Powers, in which he took strong ground in favor of slavery. A strong abolition sentiment had taken root among the members, and had been for some time growing and increasing. Gradually a feeling grew up among the church members which culminated in the before-mentioned sermon and a division of the church. Fourteen members withdrew and organized what that called the Wesleyan Methodist Church. The McFarlands were Wesleyan in this movement. They were strong Anti-slavery men, as were also the Smiths and many others of the pioneers in that vicinity. They were prominently connected with the " underground railway;" and assisted hundreds of slaves in making their way to Canada. This settlement is the one referred to in the history of Springfield Township, as a safe place to which to bring fugitive slaves.

The members who thus withdrew and organized this church were George, Robert and David McFarland, Henry and Joseph Moser, William Scott, John Boden and the wives of all these gentlemen. For several years, they worshiped in the old Methodist Episcopal Church, and then erected a church of their own. It was a frame, and cost about $1,000. This church was kept up about twenty years, during which they had regular preaching, and during which time, also, the cause of their troubles had disappeared in the smoke, din and blood of a great conflict. Their church building was finally sold, and is now used in Washington Village

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for a town hall. The church has not had an organized existence for many years.

About 1869, the former members of the Wesleyan Methodist, or those that were left, and some other citizens organized a Congregational Church, the original members of which were John, George and Andrew McFarland, Ezra Davis, James Ritchie, William Boden, Charles Stone, Sr., and the wives of these gentlemen ; Joseph Flemming, Ezra and Thomas Smith and Mary and Ida Boden. Their meetings, for a year, were held in the other churches ; they then erected a frame church, yet standing, at a cost of $4,000, of which amount $2,200 were paid by George and Andrew McFarland. This church was dedicated by Rev. Dr. Fairfield, of the Congregational Church of Mansfield. Their ministers have been the Revs. Fry, Moon, Webster, Achman and Royce. The present membership is about thirty-five. The organization of the Sunday school was coeval with that of the church, the first Superintendent being R. B. Smith. Joseph Flemming is present Superintendent, with a membership of about one hundred. It is a union school, and is in a very prosperous condition, being continued during the entire year.

Two churches have been organized, and two church buildings erected in the southeast part of the township. In an early day, the few Albrights and United Brethren in that part of the township formed two separate organizations, and had preaching occasionally in the log schoolhouse. This continued for some years, when the two organizations united their financial resources and erected a brick church, which cost about $1,300, and which was to be used equally by the. two organizations, and was, also, to be free to other denominations, as the citizens generally assisted in the erection of the building. Thus matters continued until about 1860, when they separated the Albrights building another church further south, on Section 36. The old church is now occupied by the United Brethren, and is called Mount Tabler after a very enthusiastic minister of that name, who held a never to-be-forgotten revival in the church, during which many members were added. A few of the first members in this organization were Ephraim Bull, William Norris, John Smith and Jacob Magglott, The church is not at present in a flourishing condition, having only about fifteen members. There is no Sunday school connected with it.

The Albrights, in 1860, erected a frame church, which cost about $1,800. The first members of this organization were John Coates, Henry, Samuel and George Secrist, and the Clever family. John Stull was founder and first Pastor. Their first organization was at Stull's house, now known as the Taylor place. They call their church Ebenezer; it is a live, active organization. A large union Sunday-school is connected with it.

A mile or more west of Washington Village stands the Church of Christ, better known as Campbellite or Disciple. It was organized about the year 1835, by John Reed. William Moody and William B. Hammett were the first Elders. The members of the first organization were Jacob Deems, William B. Hammett, Richard Braden and John Boyd, and their wives; Betsey Braden and Samuel Braden.

Their first meetings were held at the houses of William B. Hammett and Richard Braden, and their organization effected in the old log schoolhouse of the district. Their first church was a small frame, and was built by the joint labor of the people of the neighborhood. The present building was erected in 1874, and cost about $2,600. Mr. Hammett, yet living, but aged and infirm, has been very active in, this organization and in the erection of the churches. He contributed liberally of his means, working as a farmer, and preaching, almost without compensation, sixteen or eighteen years.

John Reed was the first Pastor, and a few of those who followed him were William Gass,

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Wm. Moody and Wm. B. Hammett. The present ministers are Wm. Neal and M. F. Gallagher.

The Sunday-school was organized about 1864; is large and active for a country school, having about fifty pupils. James Black is present Superintendent.

In addition to the foregoing churches is the German Reformed, located on Section 22, near the center of the township, on the State road. This building was erected about 1847, of logs, and is still standing, though it has been weather boarded over. This organization was effected about two years before the church was erected. They worshiped during these two years in an old log church, built in an early day, by the Dunkards, about a half mile south of the present German Reformed . Church. This Dunkard Church has long since disappeared, and the organization disbanded.

Quite a settlement of Germans are found in this section of the township; the larger part of the original stock being from Western Pennsylvania, which, however, had the effect to bring in a number of European Germans, who are excellent and thrifty farmers. Those who organized this church were Martin Toby, Peter Strader, Peter Shire, Conrad Englehart, John Strader, Christian Mull, J. W. Strader and the Kohisers.

The early preachers were Revs. Handchy, Tressel, Weiscotten, Lenshaw and Krause; the latter continuing the ministerial relation about nine years. The present Pastor is Henry Walter, and the present membership about sixty. A Sunday-school is maintained during the summer, with a membership of about fifty. At present, preparations are being made to erect a new church.

The numerous and beautiful springs and running streams furnished water-power for a number of mills. In an early day, when the township was heavily wooded, and lumber was taken from the vicinity for building purposes, quite a number of saw-mills were erected in different parts of the township. Latterly, stationary sawmills do not pay : but little lumber is now male from timber grown within the limits of the township and this little is made by portable saw-mills, using steam power. The old water saw-mills have therefore disappeared forever. The houses of to-day are generally built of brick, or else of pine lumber, purchased at the yard or lumber depots.

The first saw-mill was erected about 1816, and it is a question whether it was the one erected by Solomon Culver, three miles south of Mansfield on the State road, or the one erected by Robert Crosky. John Stewart also erected one of the early saw-mills, which was destroyed by fire. No stationary saw-mill, at present, exists in the township. The first grist-mill was erected in 1818, and it is also a question whether Mr. Phelps built the first one in the southwest corner, Section 31, or George Marshall on the southeast corner; both are claimants for this honor. The second grist-mill was built in 1823, by John Stewart, and the third by Robert Bentley. The latter was erected very near the township line, and is mentioned in the history of Madison Township. All the early mills, except the Stewart mill, have disappeared, and only their ruins mark the spot where the early pioneers waited hours, and sometimes even days, for their grinding. The Stewart mill has been rebuilt and improved, but vet occupies the spot where it was first erected, and is doing good service, being now known as the " Wickert mill." It is in the northern part of the township. About twelve or fifteen years since, a small grist-mill was erected by John Strasbach (who yet owns it), on Section 31, in the southwest corner of the township, on Clear Run. A saw-mill had been in operation here for many years before.

There is no town of consequence in this township. Washington Village was laid out where the road crosses, by John Conwell, Wesley Barnes and James Sirpliss. These gentle-

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men own the land divided by these roads. A round log schoolhouse was the first building erected in the place. It stood on the site of the present Congregational Church:

David Coulter was the first teacher in this house, and his pupils were the Smiths, the Barneses, Conwells, Sirplisses, Armstrongs and Pollocks. Mark Finnicum started the first store, soon after the town was laid out; and Emilus Day the first blacksmith shop. Rev. James F. McGraw, who, in addition to his ministerial labors, obtained something of a literary reputation, kept store here after Finnicum. There is no business at present in the village, except what is transacted at the blacksmith shop of Elias Hiser. Thirteen families yet reside in the town. It is hardly likely, judging from present appearances, that it will ever equal its namesake of the District of Columbia, either in proportions or importance.