(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE) 462 - HISTORY OF ROSS AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES, OHIO CLAY. Clay township was taken from White Oak township, December 5, 1831. The boundary lines were ordered to run as follows: " Beginning on the county line, between Brown and Highland counties, where the south line of William Quarles' survey of one hundred and seventy-eight acres, number three thousand six hundred and fifty-six, crosses said county line; thence a northwardly course to the east corner of John Payne's survey of two hundred acres, number one thousand two hundred and thirty-three; thence to where the road leading from Hillsborough to Williamsburgh crosses the township line, between Salem and White Oak townships; thence with Salem township line to the county line, between Highland and Brown counties; thence with said county line to the southwest corner of Highland county; thence with the county line, between Highland and Brown counties, to the beginning; said township to be named Clay." This township contains seventeen thousand six hundred and seventy acres of land, one-third of which is woodland. The surface of the township is for the most part level or slightly undulating. Portions were originally considered swampy, but in clearing the land and opening shallow ditches, the water drains away with rapidity. The soil is mostly clay, white or yellow, except upon the bottoms of the streams, where a sandy or gravelly loam obtains. The principal water courses of the township are the west fork of White Oak creek and Flat run. The former has two branches the one taking its source in the southern part of Dodson township and flowing south the other, arising to the north of Danville, in Hamer township, and taking a westerly direction into Salem township, and then southwesterly, passing near Pricetown, and joining the other branch a mile to the north of Buford, in Clay township. From thence the creek flows in a southwesterly direction, and passes from the township and county at their extreme southwest corner. Flat run takes its source in the eastern part of the township, near the line, and flows in a southwesterly direction till it joins White Oak creek, a short distance south of the county line. The rock underlying Clay township is the blue limestone, know to geologists as the Cincinnati limestone. Portions of it are suitable for building purposes, and in the bed of Fat run it is quarried quite extensively for local use. On the ninth of December the county of Clermont was established. Its eastern line ran due north from the mouth of Eagle creek, or Elk river. This included three or four miles of the western part of Highland county, as now constituted. Hence, the greater Part of Clay, Salem and half of Dodson townships were once a part of Clermont county. MOUNDS, ETC. Clay township is rich in mounds, and in archaeological specimens. The mounds are very ancient and at the present date are often nearly obliterated. None of them stand more than five or six feet above the surrounding land, and would not be noticed by the careless observer. We locate them as follows: On John Brown's farm, half a mile west of his house, between the two branches of a stream of water, is a mound. It was opened in 1879, and bits of charcoal taken out. On William D. Huggins' farm, about a quarter of a mile to the southeast of his house, near a large oak tree, is situated another mound. On the farm of J. F. Moberly, about twenty rods to the north of east from his house, is a mound. The remains of an old brick kiln are near. On the farm of Allen T. Roads, east of his house, is a mound. On the bluff of White Oak creek, about a quarter of a mile to the east of the bridge, at Esquire Ogden's, is a mound. On John Bell's farm, a short distance south of Buford, is a mound. On John Starr's farm, about thirty rods to the east of the house, is, perhaps, the best mound in the township. It is about sixty feet in diameter and, perhaps, six feet high. In the peach orchard of Eli Slagle, to the north of his house eight or ten rods, is a HISTORY OF ROSS AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES, OHIO - 463 mound. A few rods to the southeast, in the apple orchard is a dug hole, two or three feet deep at present, from which the earth for the mound was doubtless taken. Near the north edge of the township, on the farm of Mr. A. Roberts, is a mound. A circle containing about an acre of ground can be found on the land of Henry Ruble, south of his house. On the farm of Esquire G. W. Martin are evidences of a kiln for burning rude pottery. The ground, for a distance of thirty feet square, shows the action of fire upon it, and quantities of fragments of coarse pottery have been picked up there. A circular space of about the same size, covered with red clay, is upon the farin of Wm. D. Huggins, and large numbers of axes, pestles, fleshers, and arrow-headS were formerly obtained near it. There are probably few townships which have yielded richer results in the matter of relics of the kind just spoken of, than Clay. Numerous small collections can be found in the houses of the farmers, and, in Buford, Dr. Bryan and Dr. Ridings have quite extensive collections. The latter gentleman has about six hundred arrowheads, fourteen axes, the largest weighing nearly six pounds; nineteen fleshers or skinners, ten pestles, a stone spool of beautiful pattern and fine polish, said to be of Egyptian origin, on account of certain hieroglyphics upon it; four shuttles, several charm-stones, and four javelin heads. He also has a large collection of fossils. The first actual settler in Clay township was a man by the name of Boyd. He built a cabin on the west side of White Oak creek, on land now owned by John Brown. The clearing which he made was not extensive, being only sufficient to prevent his cabin being crushed by falling timber. Here he stayed for about six months, when, for some unknown reason, he moved away. The next settlers were the family of John Florence. About 1796 Mr. Florence moved from Kentucky, and settled on Vincent Heller's bottom, in Ross county. Sickness compelled him to remove his family to some locality less exposed to malaria. This he did by moving to White Oak township, in Highland county, on what is known as the Badgely farm, on the east fork of White Oak creek. Here in 18or his son, Thomas Florence, was born. He lives near Taylorsville at the present writing. In 1807 Mr. Florence moved from White Oak to Clay township, into the cabin abandoned by Mr. Boyd. Here he lived about five years; then built a large two-story log house, which still stands, west of the bridge at Buford, and opened up a tavern. This tavern—the first in the township—was on a stage road running from Chillicothe to Cincinnati, and for many years did a thriving business. Corn was raised by Mr. Florence the first year of his living in Clay township. On a little ridge south of the bridge, on the west side of White Oak, Mr. Florence sowed and reaped the first wheat, in 18o9–ro. John Florence was the first white child born in the township. His birth occurred on the twenty-fifth day of September, 1809. ,Mr. Florence brought the first sheep into the township. Fogs were plenty, running wild in the woods, and it was only necessary to shoot them in order supply the larder with bacon. The first death in the township was that of Hannah Florence. This occurred on the eleventh of June, 1811. The first justices of Clay township were Samuel Foreman and Eli Huggins. These were elected immediately after the township was organized in 1831. Ten years after the Florence family settled in Clay township, and after they had moved from the Boyd house into their new house, the tavern, Mrs. Foreman, a widow with seven sons George, Jacob, Samuel, John, Absalom, Michael, and David—came and moved into the Boyd house. They came from the State of Kentucky, and brought their goods through on pack-horses. They afterward settled to the north of the center of the township, and for many years were the leading family, both physically and mentally, in the township. George Foreman established a small distillery about 1830, but continued it but for a year or two. In 1815 Christopher Mann made the first improvement on Flat run. He built a house on the land now owned by Mr. J. R. Hall. Soon after a Mr. Russ made a large deadening near the same stream. Allen Brown, with his wife and four children, came from the north of Ireland in 1824. He lived one year at Point Pleasant, in Brown county, Ohio, from whence he moved to Kentucky. After a three years' stay, during which time another child was added to the family, another move was determined upon, and in 1829 Mr. Brown brought his family to Clay township, and took charge of the tavern which he had purchased from John Florence. With the tavern were purchased also twenty acres of land. The business of the tavern prospered in the hands of the new landlord and landlady, who seemed to be remarkably qualified for the place. Mrs. Brown, in particular, seemed to have that happy faculty of entertaining strangers, and the fame of the place extended throughout the neighboring country. Mr. Brown was an excellent judge of horseflesh and of stock, and began soon to buy and sell. Little by little the property of the family increased till there was sufficient for a comfortable support. Land was purchased and improvements made. Their son, John, has succeeded to the homestead, and has added to excellent barns and out-buildings, a fine brick dwelling. The old tavern-house still stands, weatherbeaten and aged, to remind the rising generation of the humble beginnings of their grandparents. James Brown, brother to John, owns a fine farm a half mile to the south. By hard work, economy, and strict integrity he now has a comfortable competence. He is known far and near as a man of good judgment, and of great influence. Robert I. Huggins, with his wife and three children, moved from North Carolina to Ohio in 1813. They left the south on account of their hatred of slavery. They settled in Brown county, near Ripley, remaining there thirteen years. In 1826 they moved, on account of the cheap lands, to Highland county, and lived for one year on the north side of Flat run, opposite the mills, in a house built by John Mann. They then purchased land in the Williams' survey, number seven hundred and fifty, and established a permanent home. The property is now 464 - HISTORY OF ROSS: AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES, OHIO. owned and occupied by Milton H. Huggins. Mr. and Mrs. Huggins were persons of strong character and convictions. This was evinced by the stand taken by them on the subject of temperance. Even so early as 1830 Mrs. Huggins took, for that day, advanced grounds regarding abstinence, and refused to furnish liquor to the men at work. The result was natural. There were times when but three or four men in the neighborhood— and neighborhoods were wider in extent then than now— that could be induced to help erect buildings or roll logs. The family was prominent in the sustaining of religious worship, and in organizing schemes for good deeds. The names of the children were Jane, John Newton, Robert J., jr., William I)., James E., Martin L. and Milton H. William D. Huggins married Levina Work. He was, in anti-slavery times, actively interested in the "underground railroad," and for many years could be relied upon to assist fugitives from slavery in their flight northward. William Huggins came to Brown county, Ohio, in 1807. He moved to Highland county in 1831, and bought the farm of which Thomas Cumberland had partly cleared. The family consisted of Eli, Amzi, Alice, Zimri, Enos, John, Eliza and Fannie. Of these, three only are living. Amzi had two children Harriet and Silas H. Silas now owns and occupies the homestead. Peter Euvrard was born in France. He came to America and settled, in 1833, in New York. About five years after he moved to Highland county, and settled on the Wallace survey, number twelve thousand and fifty- four, near what is now called Strasbourg. He has a daughter who married L. G: Marconet, son of John P. Marconet. They live near Strasbourg. William Matthews settled on Flat run, in Clay township, in 1837, and made improvements. He married Jane Starr, and had a family of six children, three of whom Carey, William and Elijah—live in the township. John P. Marconet was born in France. He emigrated to America in 1835, and settled for a few years in Clermont county. In 1847 he moved with his family to Clay township, in Highland county, and settled in the eastern part. Being a cooper by trade, he opened up a cooper- shop, which he carried on in connection with his farm. He had a family of four boys, three of whom live in Clay township. Reason Hopkins emigrated in 1818, from Pennsylvania, and settled near Hillsborough. In 1830 he moved to the northwest part of Clay township, and settled on the banks of White Oak creek. This was the first settlement made in that part of the township, and Mr. Hopkins, by hardship and toil, succeeded in making a home for himself and his family in the wilderness. His son, P. G. Hopkins, now lives on part of the original farm. William and Philip settled on farms near by. These sons are both deceased. Margaret and Sarah were their sisters. Sidney Ogden was born in New York State. When five years old, his father, with his family, descending the Monongahela and Ohio rivers, landed at the mouth of Four-mile creek, in Clermont county, Ohio (1819). Remaining there one year, they removed to Brown county, where they lived sixteen years. Sidney then married, and in 1840 he moved with his family to Buford, in Highland county, where he has resided since. By trade Mr. Ogden is a blacksmith, and an excellent workman. He has acquired a local reputation, also, as an inventor. He has been a trustee of the township one term, and a justice of the peace twenty-four years. Thomas Cumberland was born in England. He and his wife emigrated to America before the Revolutionary war, and settled in Delaware on the Delaware river. Here their son Thomas was born, April 18, 1774. While still single, he moved from Delaware to western Pennsylvania, where, in 1795, he married Sarah Campbell. When three children had been born to them, Mrs. Cumberland died. In 1805 Mr. Cumberland married Mary Mathews, to whom eight children were born. In 1810 the family moved to Brown county, Ohio, and in 1823, to Clay township, Highland county, where Mr. Cumberland died January 3, 1857, at the age of eighty- three years. The family, in 1823, first settled on the Tutt survey, on the farm now owned by Silas Huggins. Having cleared this farm, and lived on it about ten years, they moved to the southeast, a short distance, and built up a home on the farm now owned by the grandson, Julian Cumberland. Four children of Thomas Cumberland settled in Clay township, as follows: Jane married James Vance, and lived on the farm now owned by Josiah Robins. She died in the fall of 1850, having had a family of ten children. Thomas, the third of the name, married Sarah Starr, and settled west of the homestead. Their family consisted of eleven children. He died November 23, 1863, at the age of forty-seven years. Rebecca married Ezekiel Wright. They settled near Sicily. Mrs. Wright died March 2, 1872. William, the youngest child of Thomas (the second), inherited the home farm. He was born March 10, 1821, and died December 6, 1871. In 1849 he married Mary Cornetet. She is of French descent. Her father, Peter C. Cornetet, was born in France. He married, and with his wife and two children emigrated to America in 1827, and settled in western New York. Here Mary was born. In 1838 Mr. Cornetet, being attracted by the French settlement in White Oak township, Highland county, Ohio, moved to that place,, and settled on the Haden survey, number three thousand six hundred and thirty-two, not far from Mowrytown. To William and Mary Cumberland have been born two children a daughter, who died in infancy, and Julian F., who now lives with his widowed mother on the "old home farm." He was born September i8, 1855, and is a man of singular piety and uprightness of character. John Hogsett was the first settled doctor in the township. He began his practice about 1837, at Buford. He also opened up a general store, the goods for which were purchased in the east. After a time he gave up the practice of medicine, and gave his attention to the store. He had an immense stock of goods for a country store, but the sales not meeting his expectations, he boxed all his goods, and took them by wagon to Missouri. At present there are four resident physicians: at Sicily, HISTORY OF ROSS AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES, OHIO - 465 Dr. John Shockey, and at Buford, Drs. Ridings, Bryan and Gaskins. John Hutsenpiller bought out Mr. Griffith's tavern near Henry Ruble's, and kept it for a number of years. He built a small distillery which lasted eight or ten years, beginning about 1835. In connection with it he established quite an extensive grain market, and for many years did a good business at it. He sold out the tavern to the Taggarts about 1836. J. Lewis came to Clay township from Clermont county in 1852. He brought with him his wife (Catharine Marriott, whom he married about 1845), and three children. The family, since increased by one, settled on the Buford survey, number three thousand one hundred and sixty- eight, about a mile north of Buford. The children's names are: Sarah E., Joseph, John S. and Rhoda Ann. They are all living in the township. David Earhart moved from Brown county to Clay township in 1842. He settled a half mile south of Buford. Israel Rice moved to Clay township in 1838, and settled near Buford. He was a brick-mason by trade, and not only built houses, but at times manufactured his own brick. Most of the brick buildings in Buford and some in other parts of the township were put up by him. He was justice of the peace for nine years. His wife was a daughter of Nathan Pulliam. They now reside in Hillsborough. Robert Hirons came from Kentucky to Ohio, Brown county, about 1812. Here he married. After a residence of 'fifteen years, in 1827, he moved to Highland county, and settled on the farm now occupied by John Florence, on the Tutt survey, number three thousand three hundred and sixty-six. His family consisted of three girls and four boys. J. C., the oldest of the boys, was born in 1833, and married Melissa J. Gardner, October 26, 1856. He now lives in Buford, where he keeps a general store of dry goods, groceries, etc. He also has a farm. He has been treasurer of the township seven years, and is such still. He has a family of two boys and two girls. John Vance moved to Clay township at an early day, with his wife and two children. Two more children were born to them in this county. The family settled about a mile south of Buford, on the Rankin survey, number four thousand nine hundred and six. Thomas, one of the sons, was born in Brown county, in 1837. He married Martha J. Stratton, and has seven children living. He is a farmer, and lives in Buford. He served his country in the war of the Rebellion as a soldier. John Moberly, the ancestor of most of the Moberlys in Clay township, emigrated to Hillsborough from Maryland, in 1895, before the first cabin was erected in that place. He assisted in raising the first cabin, and settled in Liberty township. He died in 1855, at the age of sixty-seven. His family consisted of ten children, five boys and five girls. Frederick, the eldest, moved, in 1832, to Clay township, where he purchased a farm north of Buford, on the Buford survey, number three thousand one hundred and sixty-eight. Here he raised a family of five boys and four girls. Of these, all the boys and one girl still live in the township. John F. Moberly combines teaching with his farming. He lives in a fine brick house about a mile south of Buford. He has a family consisting of a wife and five children. Cyrus Fred., another son of Frederick Moberly, occupies the homestead farm, on which he is making some excellent improvements. He has some of the finest stock on his farm in the township. He married a Miss Grant, and has one child. Frederick Moberly (the father), was born in 1811, and died in 1874. His brother William moved from Liberty to Clay in 1832; then came others of the family --R. Washington in 1849, John in 1852, Caleb in 1857. These all settled on the Buford survey, number three thousand one hundred and sixty-eight. Sarah married Henry Roads, and settled in Clay. Mary Ann married a Mr. Brown and removed to Clinton county; becoming a widow, she moved to Clay township, and afterwards married Samuel Smith, and moved to Pennsylvania. Three sisters of these married and moved to the west. R. Washington Moberly has served the township as trustee about ten years, and his neighborhood as school director. John F., C. C., and Charles Moberly, sons of Frederick, and John D. Moberly, son of William, were in the army during the war of the Rebellion. George Slagle came from Virginia, about 1834, with a family of six children, and settled on the Buford survey, number three thousand one hundred and sixty-eight. He died in October, 1843, and his widow lives in Illinois. The names of the children are Mary C., Eli Hugh, Jacob R., Nancy E., Aseneth, and Esther J. Of these, but two are now living. Jacob and Eli served in the war of the Rebellion. Jacob was taken prisoner by the Confederates, and died in Cahaba prison. Eli served out his time of three years. He now lives on the farm owned by his father, George. Mary C. married Jesse Estlack and moved to Iowa, where she died. Nancy married Lewis Kratzer, and lives in Brown county, Ohio. Esther married Thomas Williamson, and moved to Iowa, where she died. William Wallace moved from Kentucky to Ohio in 1892. He settled in Brown county, where his son Richard was born, in 1828. The family consisted of six boys and four girls. In 185o they moved to Clay township, and settled in the nortwestern part, on the Higgins' survey, number eight hundred and twenty. The father, William, was a shoemaker by trade. Richard lives on the farm which his father owned. Having a natural turn for the use of tools he has gradually farmed less and worked in the shop more, until he has his time fully occupied with the making of wagons and agricultural implements of all kinds. He does his own blacksmithing also. Valentine Roads emigrated from Virginia, about 1815, and settled in Paint township, Highland county. During the war of 1812, when the city of Washington was in danger of being captured, Mr. Roads assisted in securing the archives and public documents by wagoning them to a place of safety. His son, Philip Roads, now owns the homestead, in Paint township. George, another son, also lives in Paint township. Henry, another son, moved to 59 466 - HISTORY OF ROSS AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES, OHIO. Clay township in 1842. Eli, his brother, bought a farm of one hundred and fifty acres in the north part of Clay township, and moved to it in 1860. He cleared the farm, and, by industry and economy, has made many improvements. He has been twice married. Elizabeth Stewart, his first wife, whom he married in 1851, died in 1863. By her he had four children. In 1864, he married Amy Allen Davis, his present wife. They have eight children. Patrick Hall married in West Virginia, moved to Kentucky, and thence moved, in 181o, to New Lancaster, Ohio. From thence he moved, in 1838, to the banks of Flat run, in Clay township, where he died in 1849, March the loth. His family consisted of nine children. His son, John, was born in Brown county, in 1813. He moved to Flat run, in 1842, and now lives on the farm formerly owned by his father. It lies in the Scott and Boling survey, number nine hundred and ninety-three. Mr. John Hall has been honored by his fellow citizens with various offices. He was a township trustee nine years, and a justice of the peace six years. Bazil Shockey, in 1827, moved from Virginia to "The Barrens," in Richland county, Ohio. After a residence of one year, he removed to'Highland county, and settled three miles west of Hillsborough. He died May 13, 1875, at the age of eighty-one. His family consisted of eleven children, of whom ten are still living, and five of these live in Clay township. John, the eldest child, has helped his father clear several farms. He went to Adams county, and there married, and studied medicine a year and a half, and then moved to Buford and practiced his profession seven years, when he located at Sicily, where he now resides. He continues to practice his profession. He has long been interested in religious matters, and in building up of churches, and is often called upon by the brethren of his denomination (the Christian) to instruct them in matters pertaining to their welfare. Samuel Ridings came from Virginia to Hillsborough in 1833. After one year, he removed to the northeastern part of Clay township, on the Buford survey, number three thousand three hundred and sixty-eight, where he still resides. He married Catharine Ambrose, the daughter of William Ambrose, who came from Virginia, in 1816, and settled three miles west of Hillsborough. Catharine was then one year old. Mr. Ridings, in addition to the labor upon his farm, has been a mechanic. The ability to handle all kinds of tool has led him to the construction of farm implements—such as wagons, buggies, cultivators, grain cradles, rakes, etc., etc. He has been an undertaker, also, from the time he settled in Clay. When there has been work to be done which no one seemed able to do, Mr. Ridings has been called on. His hearty hospitality and unassuming ways have won for him the esteem of his fellow men. This has been shown by the local honors which they have conferred upon him from time to time. For twenty-five years he has been trustee, and a school director upwards of forty years— supervisor, etc. He thinks that probably he was "born for an accommodation to others," and the "others" seem to have thought so, too. His family has consisted of twelve children, of whom seven are still living. Of these, four, namely: J. D. Ridings, S. M. Ridings, Jacob E. S, Ridings, and Joseph B. Ridings, live in Clay township. C. C. Ridings, a brother of the above, lived in Salem township, where he was a justice of the peace from 1872 to 1877, when he resigned and moved to Kansas. Peter F. and George B. Ridings, brothers to the above, also, lost their lives in the defense of their country in the war of the Rebellion. J. D. Ridings, the oldest son above mentioned, is a physician of the eclectic school, in Buford. A brother of Samuel Ridings, the father of this family, John P. Ridings, was the first regular and accomplished machinist in the town of Hillsborough. He settled there in 1833. Jacob Coffman, sr., with his family of nine children, came to Ohio from Virginia about 181o. The family settled in White Oak township, Highland county, one and a half miles northeast of Taylorsville. John was the oldest of the family. Jacob, jr., was a soldier in the war of 1812. Lewis, a brother to the above, married and settled Clay township, on the Fulton survey, numbers eight thousand four hundred and sixty-three and seven thousand two hundred and thirty-six. The farm is now owned by Sanford Moler. He died in 1865. His family consisted of thirteen children, eight of whom are now living. Of these, Abraham, Lewis, jr., William and Henry, live in in Clay township. They are all farmers. Henry married Margaret Ann Ackles, and settled, in 1860, a half mile to the south of his father, on the Harwell survey, number thirteen thousand five hundred and ninety-one. He has been a township trustee two years. He has a family of seven children. John Starr came with the Trimbles from Virginia to .Highland county, and settled four miles north of Hillsborough, on Clear creek, in 1805. He was one of the earliest settlers in that region. Afterward he started and carried on successfully a tan-yard, near where the depot is in Hillsborough. John W. Starr, his son, moved to Clay township in 1838. Here he married Delilah Johnston. Mr. Starr had eight brothers and sisters, of whom seven are living. His sister Sarah married Thomas Cumberland. His own family consists of twelve children, of whom all but one are living. Robert Johnston, the father of Mrs. John W. Starr, was a native of North Carolina. He moved on pack horses to Kentucky, then to Brown county, Ohio, and about 1833 he settled in Clay township, Highland county. He bought a farm of Mr. Huggins, on Flat run, to the east of Sicily. His family consisted of twelve children, of whom two are residents of the township. The family was very influential. About 1812–'13 a roving band of Indians invaded the western part of Highland county, including Clay, White Oak and New Market townships, and perhaps others, for the purpose of stealing. They were about thirty in number, and were from the Miami country. Near New Market they stole quite a number of horses. They then followed White Oak creek down to the Ohio river, and then went across to Cincinnati, and northward, making a very large trail. The first tanner was Mr. Joshua Bratton. He com- HISTORY OF ROSS AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES, OHIO - 467 menced work about 1830, and did at one time considerable of a business. The enterprise was continued till about 1855–'6. William Taggart had a tannery at Buford for a few years. At present there are no tanneries in the township. James Allen was the first man to open a store within the present limits of Clay township. He occupied an old house, which stood nearly in front of Allen Brown's tavern—west of Buford bridge. This store was the principal dependence of the early settlers for many years. It was begun about 1832–'3. The goods were obtained by wagon through the wilderness from Cincinnati. John Marconet opened a small store in the eastern part of the township, about 185o, at the corners, now called Strasbourg, and continued it for many years. MILLS. The first mill in the township of Clay that we have a record of, was built by Mr. Gerens, on the banks of White Oak creek, in the southwest part of the township. The mill was made of logs, and the buhrs were made by Mr. Gerens, out of large granite boulders split in two, and worked to the proper shape. The wedges and tools necessary for these purposes, were also made by Mr. Gerens, who was not only a millwright, but a blacksmith and a worker in wood. A gearing for the sawing of logs was also a part of this mill, but unfortunately for Mr. Gerens, either he had not a sufficient head of water to propel his mill, or the machinery was not constructed so as to obtain the full advantage of the power. The latter is probably the truth. Not unfrequently this lack of power had to be sdpplied by Mr. Gerens himself, and he might then be seen standing on the log and pushing the saw up and pulling it down. Afterwards he added a horse-power to the mill, which enabled him to work when the water was low. The horse-power was ungeared from the water-power by knocking out a cog or two from the main wheel. Then he put in a turning-lathe, and made chairs and other furniture. This part of the establishment became quite extensive in time, and Mr. Gerens had the pleasure of supplying all the region about for many miles with chairs of an elegant pattern. They were of the splint-bottom variety. Mr. Gerens had a peculiarity; he would drop asleep at most unexpected times. He would fall asleep while standing at his lathe holding his chisel, and while putting his chairs together, and it is stated that sometimes at the dinner table he would reach out his fork for a potato and drop asleep before the fork could secure his prize. He erected another mill further up the creek, at the point where the east and west road near Mr. W. D. Huggins' fords the creek. Everything of a perishable nature about this mill has now gone to decay, and only a pair of mill-stones lying by the road, and the excavation for the mill-race, remain to mark the spot. The flour made at these early mills was of a very coarse variety, necessarily, and often the early settlers would go as far as the mills on the Little Miami, in order to obtain a better grade. Not infrequently the local mills had no water for weeks at a time, with which to run. Then the mills on the larger streams were patronized. Even as late as 1840, Mr. John Florence went to the Armstrong mill on the Little Miami, fourteen miles above Cincinnati and thirty miles from his home, to obtain grist. The next mill after the Gerens mill, was built by Frederick Bingerman, in 1825. It stood in the bend of the creek (White Oak) near the Fite ford. It ground corn chiefly, as did the other mills of that day. It was afterwards swept away by a freshet. The principal mills of the present day in Clay township, are situated on Flat run and owned by the Kibbler Brothers. On this spot, in 1838, Mr. James Baird built a saw-mill. In 1841 Mr. Joseph Shinn bought it, and attached buhrs for grinding corn. In the same year, or the following, it passed into the hands of William Manker and a Mr. Shover, who converted it into a regular grist-mill. Steam was the propelling power. Mr. Shover also added a circular saw to the saw-mill. In this work he met with an accident which led eventually to his death. The mills have passed through many hands since, and now are owned by the Kibbler Brothers, who are doing a large and prosperous business. A mill for carding wool is now in operation, in connection with the above. Near Strasbourg, in 1857, J. P. Marconet built a sawmill and flouring-mill. These were burned in 1859. In 186i Mr. Marconet rebuilt the saw-mill, putting in a circular saw. This mill is in successful operation now. John Garrison built a horse-power mill on the Latham survey, on Flat run. He attempted to erect a wind-mill, but did not get satisfactory results therefrom. SCHOOLS. The earliest schools were private schools, taught by any one who could induce parents to send their children and pay for it. The first school-house in the township was erected on the farm now owned by Josiah Robins, near Sicily. This house was erected of logs by Samuel Foreman, the Brat- tens, the Matthews, the Huggins, and the Cumberlands, about the year 1829. And John B. Shelladay was the first teacher in it. He taught a three months' school, and the children were somewhat mischievous. It is recollected that he remarked one day, " If you boys don't obey the rules of this school, I will whip you if you are as tall as these poplar trees," pointing to the surrounding trees. Since his day, schools have sprung up at various parts- of the township as needed, and there are at present nine houses devoted to their use, four of which are of brick, and five of wood. CHURCH HISTORY. PRESBYTERIANS. Worshippers inclined to the Presbyterian denomination formerly went to Sardinia, a village in Brown county. The distance being greats for many, especially those near and north of Buford, it was proposed to form a separate organization. A division immediately took place between the residents of Sicily and Buford, as to the location of the new church. The result was two organizations, one at each place. These events occurred about 1849. The mem- 468 - HISTORY OF ROSS AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES, OHIO. bers composing the church at Sicily were Newton Huggins, William Matthews, William Cumberland, Thomas Cumberland, Joshua Bratten, Joseph Bratten, and a few others. The last named person donated a lot for the erection of a church. A frame church was erected. In Buford the members bought the brick church belonging to the Protestant Methodist denomination. One preacher was then employed to feed the flock at the three points —Sardinia, Sicily and Buford. The first of these preachers was Cyrus Gazley. Rev. Samuel Rankin was afterward employed for a time, and then Rev. John Bird. The organizations at Sicily and Buford, having only about fifteen members each, found it difficult, after an experience of four or five years, to keep up their force, and hence abandoned their organization, and sold their buildings. The Sicily building was sold to a Mr. Campbell, of Sardinia, who moved it to that place and converted it into a business house. The Buford building was sold to the Buford school-district, and has since been used as a school-house. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. In 1836 an organization of Methodists took place in Buford. Among the early members were the families of the Taggarts, Slagles, Jesse Williamson, John Sloan, Bryan Smith, and others. In 184o they built a log church on a lot purchased of Israel Rice, which did duty till the year 1860, when the present commodious brick building was erected. The cost of this building was about one thousand eight hundred dollars. The church has at present a membership of about fifty. PROTESTANT METHODIST CHURCH. The Protestant Methodist church at Buford was organized in 1834, from disaffected members of the Methodist Episcopal church at the same place. A Mr. Taggart had given offence to certain members of the Methodist Episcopal church by hitching up his team and drawing fodder to his cattle on the Sabbath day. As a result of the investigation, Mr. Taggart was excluded from the church. His family then withdrew, and another family of the same name, and the family of Dr. John Hogsett. These united and built, in 1843, the first really neat church in the township. The brick for this church was burned by Israel Rice, and the house was erected by him. It stood in the southern edge of Buford. Sanford Ewing was their first preacher, and Jonathan Flood their most noted preacher. In 1849, the organization having weakened, the church passed, by purchase, into the hands of the Presbyterians. CHRISTIAN CHURCHES. The Christians formed an organization at Sicily in 1837. Among the early members were the families of Samuel Foreman, J. J. Gregory, Daniel Reynolds, and the Vances. Their first preacher was Rev. J. T. Powell, then followed Otho Perry, Robert Allen, and others. They used the Presbyterian church for a time. The Christian church at Buford was organized about 1835. The first preachers were George Vandeman, Peter Sheik, and J. B. Lucas. The members organizing the church were Nathan Pulliam, who was also a preacher, John Ruble,. George and Samuel Foreman, Thomas Florence, and David Thompson, a local preacher. This band of Christ's followers met for worship in the house of Samuel Foreman for several years. They then leased the school-house in the Foreman district for ninety-nine years. In 185o they felt the need of a church building of their own, and decided to build at Buford. A lot was purchased, and the erection of a substantial brick edifice completed. There were, at the time this house was built, several influential members in addition to those named above. Among the number were James Crawford, Lewis Coffman, Mr. Archer, William Harris, etc. The church has grown, and at present contains about one hundred "good" members. Their last regular preacher was Rev. H. H. Bingerman. Rev. Washington Ruble and Rev. W. D. Moore supply the pulpit, from time to time, at present. A large Sabbath- school, of about one hundred and twenty-five pupils, is connected with the church. DUNKARDS. At Hollowtown an organization of Dunkards, or Tunkers, was made. Of this society Walter Smith was the principal member. A house was built about 1857, and Bartley Smith was the principal teacher. CEMETERIES. Most of the burial grounds in Clay township were originally private grounds. All of them now are cared for by the trustees of the township. The oldest burial ground is on the farm owned by James Brown. In it was buried Hannah Florence, who died in 1811. This burial place is now only used by the relatives of those already buried there. The Taggart graveyard lies half a mile to the east of Buford, and was one of the early places of burial. It is small, and contains but few other than the Taggart families. In Buford is an extensive cemetery, located where the Presbyterian church stood. It contains about two and a half acres of ground, and is still in use. In the southern part of the township, on Mrs. Ogden's farm, is a graveyard, which is still used to some extent. It is called the Hall cemetery. In the northeastern part of the township, near Hollow- town, is what is called the Smith graveyard. The first person buried there was Elizabeth Black, and the second was her husband. Mr. B. Smith, an early resident, donated the ground for the purposes of burial, and it has been used since that time. "THE BALDOONS." The Baldoon society was unique. There have been masonic societies and mutual insurance societies, temperance societies and anti-slavery societies, literary, athletic, and church societies, societies for fellowships and protection, for philanthropy, and for the improvement of the mind, body and soul; but, strictly speaking, the Baldoon society was none of these. Its corner-stone was convivialty. Its penalties fell not on those who refused to be convivial, but upon those who carried convivality to excess. Men are sometimes contrary. When public HISTORY OF ROSS AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES, OHIO - 469 sentiment was being aroused, a score and a half of years ago, to the terrible evils of intemperance, and men were being persuaded to abandon their cups, then the Baldoons organized. The first law of the society was that every member of the society should drink. The design of the law was to satisfy the cravings of the appetite, and at the same time maintain one's respectability. Respectability comes from being on a par with our fellows, whether of high or low degree. There was no penalty for the violation of this law. It was not necessary to provide against so absurd a contingency. There were none who refused to drink. The second law was that any member who got drunk was to suffer the tortures of a ride on a rail and be pitched over a rail fence. This summary treatment was to work expulsion of the unfortunate from the society. There was need of this law. This was proved by the fact that there were several instances of its enforcement, and it is stated that one man who still lives was badly and permanently crippled thereby. BUFORD. Buford is the principal town of Clay township. It is situated in the western part, on White Oak creek. It was laid out in August, 1834, by Robert Lindsley, whose wife was a Buford. The Bufords were Kentuckians, and Colonel Buford owned large surveys in the immediate neighborhood of this town. The population of the town is about one hundred and fifty. It has two general stores, one drug, store, one hotel, two blacksmith shops, one school-house and two churches. SECRET SOCIETIES. The Buford lodge, number two hundred and fifty-four of Free and Accepted Masons, was chartered December 8, 1853. The first officers were: Nathan Pulliam, W. M.; Alva Moon, S. W.; M. D. Puckett, J. W.; Thomas Barker, treasurer; Isaac Kelty, secretary; John F Webster, senior deacon; Andrew Boggess, junior deacon ; Josiah Fite, tyler. The present membership numbers fifty-five, and their officers are: J. F. Moberly, W. M.; William Gregory, S. W.; Alva Moon, J. W.; Sidney Ogden, treasurer ; William R. Hall, secretary; David Earhart, senior deacon; William Wardlow, junior deacon, and Wilson Moler, tyler. The hall in which the lodge meets is owned by the society. The building was erected in 1840. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Buford, number six hundred, was instituted September 3, 1874, by A. C. Deuel, M. W. G. M. The charter members were : Jacob Burns, N. G.; J. W. Duncan, V. G.; A. T. Moon, P. S.; A. Clayton, R. S.; John M. Foust, treasurer. The entire membership of the lodge has been about fifty-seven. The present membership is forty- seven. The officers are: G. W. Reedy, N. G.; C. C. Moberly, V. G., R. Palmer, P. S.; J. C. Cumberland, R. S.; E. Slagle, treasurer, and S. A. Lyons, S. P. G. SICILY. Sicily is the name given to a town in the southern part of Clay township. The land was owned by John Newton Huggins, and by him in June, 1848, the town was laid off.. Harvey Scarborough opened up a store, and about a dozen houses were built in the neighborhood. The name was probably suggested by the proximity to Sardinia, a village, four miles south, in Brown county. HOLLOWTOWN. A small collection of houses in the northeast part of the township is called Hollowtown. It appears that a man by the name of Anthony Hollow, many years ago, set up a whiskey shop and candy store at that place. Whence the name. There are eight houses, one church and one school-house within the present limits of the town. From 1834 to '38 Isaac Jones kept a tavern there.