564 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY.

CHAPTER IX.

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP.

HISTORIC GROUNDS-AN ORIGINAL TOWNSHIP - JUSTICES - TOPOGRAPHY - FIRST SETTLERS-FIRST SCHOOLS - LAWRENCEVILLE - BOLIVAR -CHURCHES - THE ZOAR SOCIETY.

THE border land between Tuscarawas and Stark Counties. in and about Lawrence Township, abounds in interesting and noted historic sites. Post's cabin, built in 1761, and occupied the following year by him and Heckewelder, stood in Bethlehem Township, Stark County, about four rods from the Tuscarawas River, and a few rods east of its southern bend. Calhoon's trading post was located almost a mile further east,' on the opposite side of the river, and on the land annexed to Tuscarawas from Stark in 1847. The ancient capital of the Delawares, Tuscarawas, said also to have been previously inhabited by the Senecas and Wyandots, stood on the plains a few rods from the river, and opposite the mouth of Sandy Creek. Fort Laurens. the scene of savage warfare during the Revolution, was situated a mile and a half farther down the stream, about half a mile below Bolivar. The old settlers can remember when the embankments at the fort were seven feet in height. The Ohio Canal pierced these works and the desecrating plowshare has leveled the most of them to the ground, but small sections may yet be seen. The township was given its name in honor of this fort, but. the orthography has been chanced.

Lawrence was one of the four original townships established in 1808. It then embraced all the land which now forms Wayne, Franklin, Lawrence, (except the small tract since annexed from Stark County) and Sandy Townships, in addition to as much of Dover, Fairfield and Warren as lies in the northern half of Range 9. The first election was held at the cabin of Gideon Jennings, in what is now Fairfield Township. The organization of succeeding townships reduced its territory, and it appears from the records that the balance of the original township of Lawrence, after other townships were organized, was converted into Lawrenceville. The incorporation of Lawrenceville Township was recorded May 13, 1817. As constituted at that date, it consisted of the present Lawrence Township and a tract two and a half miles square, from the northeast corner of Dover. Its bounds were as follows: Beginning at the northeast corner of Township 10, Range 2; thence south to the middle of Township 9, Range 2; thence west, to the center of Range 9; thence north to Township 10; then west to Range 3; thence north to .the northwest corner of Township 10; thence east along the line of Township 10, to the place of beginning. The electors were notified to meet according to law in the town of Lawrenceville and elect the proper township officers. The original name, Lawrence, was restored, and it was reduced in size August 7, 1820, by the attachment of its southeast portion to Dover Township. Small portions were since annexed from Stark County, and from Sandy Township.

The following have been the local magistrates of Lawrence. Many of the earlier ones resided on land which now belongs to other townships, but was then included in Lawrence:

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Isaac Deardorff, 1809, resigned 1810; Abraham Mosser, 1810; John Davy, 1813; Isaac Deardorff, 1813; William Fashbaugh, 1817; John Taylor, 1818; John Sparks, 1816; Moses Ayres, 1817; Abraham Mosser, 1819; John Mackin, 1819; John Mackin, 1825; Milton Smith, 1825; Milton Smith, 1828: Lewis F. Burk, 1831; John Fashbaugh, 1831; Beasel S. Belknap, 1834; John Fashbaugh, 1834; John A. Knisely, 1835; A. J. Bennett, 1836; Christian Ruff, 1836; B. S. Belknap, 1837: John Fashbaugh, 1837; Lewis F. Burk, 1837; Jacob Burton, 1840; John Fashbaugh, 1840; Lewis F. Burk, 1840; David M. Bradshaw, 1843; John Patton, 1843, resigned 1845: Lewis F. Burk, 1843; David M. Bradshaw, 1846, resigned 1847; Lewis F. Burk, 1846; James G. Tinker, 1847; Lewis F. Burk, 1849; James G. Tinker, 1850; Jacob Willard, 1851; James G. Tinker, .1853; John G. Rouf, 1854; John G. Tinker, 1856, resigned 1858; John G. Rouf, 1860; William Hodge, 1861; Simon Beiter, 1862; John Q. McMurray, 1864, resigned 1864; Nicholas Baker, 1864; Simon Beiter, 1866; Nicholas Baker, 1867; Simon Beiter, 1869; Nicholas Baker, 1870; Simon Beiter. 1872; Nicholas Baker, 1873, resigned 1875; Simon Beiter, 1875; John McMurray, 1875; Milton Lessick, 1876; Lewis Haid, 1878; Milton Lessick, 1879; Samuel C. Klein, 1881; William Kurcherer, 1882.

The eastern half of the township consists of two 4,000-acre quarters. The first, or northeast, quarter was located by Abraham Mosser, of Washington County, Penn., and Thomas Bonde, of Lancaster, Penn., May 23, 1800. In November, 1805, it was almost equally partitioned between them, Bonde receiving the southwest portion. Abraham Mosser settled on his portion, and gradually disposed of the land to in-coming settlers. Bonde never resided here; he sold the land by parcels, Joseph M. Bimeler receiving the greater portion in trust for the Separatists, 1,275 acres, June 29, 1832, for $4,000. The fourth, or southwest, quarter was located by Jonathan Dayton, of New Jersey, his patent from President Jefferson bearing date January 25, 1803. He sold it to Godfrey Haga February 5, 1804, and Haga transferred it to Joseph M. T. Bimeler in the spring of 1818. The northwest, or second, quarter of the township consists of military 100 acre lots; and the southwest, or third, quarter of Congress lands. The roughest land in the township is found here. The Tuscarawas River enters the township from Stark County, and soon after takes a northern bend of several miles, then returning it pursues a gen eral southeasterly direction till it leaves the township. A southern dip of Sandy Creek brings it for a short distance into the township. Besides these, the streams of Lawrence are small and unimportant tributaries to the river. The Ohio Canal follows the western banks of the river, and the old Sandy & Beaver Canal extends from Bolivar eastward. The Wheeling & Lake Erie Railroad crosses through the valley of the Tuscarawas. The bottoms, plains and hillsides along the river, says Mr. David Yant, " were covered in early times with weeds, nettles, wild rye and grass as high as a man's head. This mass of vegetation was set on fire late in the fall by Indians and early hunters, for the purpose of encircling game, enveloping the surface in a sea of flame and effectually killing every twig of timber. No timber was thus permitted to grow upon the plains, until after these annual burnings ceased." The land away from the valleys is much more rolling than in some portions of the county, and is susceptible of a high cultivation. Farms in the township are valued at from $50 to $150 per acre. Immense quantities of shell ore have been taken from the hillsides in past years. It has been shipped to Granville, Akron, Massillon. Zoar and in small quantities to Dover. Commencing about 1835, the mining of iron ore has been an important business, but the best banks have been exhausted. and little is now produced. Some coal is shipped, but not to any great extent.

566 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY,

The first permanent settler was Samuel Mosser, brother of Abraham Mosser, one of the proprietors of the first quarter of the township. Samuel and Abraham Mosser first came out on horseback, about 1803, to examine the land the latter had entered. They were originally from Maryland. but had settled in Pennsylvania. While inspecting the land; they were met by two Indians, one of whom wished to trade his rusty old flint gun for a new rifle which Samuel carried. The offer was refused, but the savages were treated before they departed, from the flask the proprietors carried. The Indians soon returned. and the one with trading proclivities was more anxious than before to exchange weapons of war. To conciliate them, the whisky flask was again brought forth, but without producing the desired effect of conciliation, and at the, request of Abraham. his brother at last surrendered the rifle to avoid difficulties which might postpone the settlement of this tract of land. Samuel Mosser first settled opposite Bolivar. about, eighty rods from the east bank of the river. and near the route of the Sandy & Beaver Canal. His first house was a diminutive but, which served as a shelter until better accommodations could be provided. About 1809, he purchased Lot. 2. and the east half of 14. and died in 1810 or 1812. while constructing a substantial hewed - log cabin. His wife survived him many years. Their children were Elizabeth (Kline), Joseph (still living near Quincy, Ill.,) Jacob, Samuel. Catherine (Himes). John, Michael and Abraham.

Abraham Mosser. his son-in-law John Taylor. and Jacob Good next came out. about 1807, from Washington County, Leon.. and settled on the Mosser tract. Abraham Mosser built his cabin nearly a mile east of Bolivar and close: to the present residence of John Lebold. He died in 1822. Close by lived Jacob Good, who kept the first tavern in the northern part of Tuscarawas County. John Taylor settled on the hill about a half-mile distant.

The next settlers on the Mosser land were Peter Houseman, Peter Hartline, John Keller, John Kline and John Mackin, all of whom were probably here before 1812. Peter Houseman (lied in Fairfield Township. Peter Hartline was German born and came West a single man. He was one of Hull's surrendered soldiers, and was married in 1817. John and Christian Keller, brothers, were from Pennsylvania. None of this name now live in Lawrence Township. John Kline. in 1807, came to Sandy Township with his father, married about 1812, settled in Lawrence. east of the river, but soon after purchased and removed to Lot 2. John Mackin purchased the Abraham Mosser homestead. He was a Justice of the Peace and a good citizen.

The earliest settlers on the military lots west of the river were John and William Fashbaugh, Jacob Howman, Peter Himes, William Hill, George Robinson and John Streaby. The two Fashbaughs were brothers, of German birth, and emigrated from Pennsylvania about 1810. They owned Lot 1. Both died in Lawrence Township. and their families are scattered. Jacob Howman, who came about the same time, afterward migrated to Kosciusko County, Ind. He settled on the east half of Lot 11. William Hill was a resident of the township before 1809. He owned and occupied the west half of Lot 14. Peter Himes and John Streaby emigrated from Pennsylvania about 1812. The former became the owner of Lot 13, and the west half of 11. while the latter settled on Lot 11. George Robinson came about 1815, settled on Lot 19, and remained in the township till his death. Conrad Zutavern, from Baden, Germany, came in 1819, and purchased Lot 28. He remained if, the township until death, and his descendants are still here.

John Mock came from Pennsylvania about 1815, and entered and located upon the southwest quarter of Section 14. In religious belief he was a Dunkard. He removed to Kosciusko County. Ind. George flock. his brother, was

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also an early settler in the township, and remained through life. The south western part of the township was settled later, mostly by Germans. Quite an emigration from Lawrence Township to Kosciusko County. Ind., commenced about 1830, and has continued to the present time. Most of the township's surplus population has gone thither. Shortly after hostilities began in 1812, a Mr. Dempster and another settler were encamped on the river in this township on a hunting expedition. Dempster, taking his rifle. went some distance from the camp, and finding no game relieved his rifle of its load by shooting at a mark. The shot was so bad that he hastily reloaded and, taking better aim, discharged the gun a second time. His partner, still in camp, hearing two successive shots, surmised the presence of Indians. and fled toward Canton, with the report that Dempster had been killed. Mr. Dempster, on his return to camp, finding no trace of his companion, also became terror-stricken, and hastened in an opposite direction toward Sugar Creek, spreading the alarm and announcing the death of his partner at the hands of painted savages. So near were the few scattering settlers here to the border, that grave apprehensions of an Indian descent were entertained. and for a time credence was given to every wild rumor of impending danger.

The first school on the west side of the river was kept in a log cabin on Lot 2, then owned by John Kline, now by John Bender. The house stood near a spring, in the southwest corner of the place. William Knappenberger was the teacher, and his term was taught about 1817. Messrs. Brown, David Kilgore, Robinson, Fashbaugh and Sibert succeeded him. About this time, Mr. Boyer opened a school at his cabin in Lawrenceville, on the east side of the river, and near it bank, about thirty rods above the bridge. The one room in the house served as schoolroom, kitchen and bedroom, and one use was not permitted to interfere with another. Many of the scholars were full-grown men and women. Here the Brantingham children, the Whites, Mackins, Taylors, Kellers, Hartlines, Housemans, Yants, John Pinicks, James Tracy. Peter Swank and others received the rudiments of an education. A few primers, Webster's Spelling Book, Dilworth's Reader and the Bible, says David Yant, were the principal text books. Among the sports in which. the boys engaged during play-time was the sea fight, the idea of which was obtained from Perry's victory on Lake Erie. They had two large canoes, which would grapple, and the boys in each try to obtain possession of their opponents and their oars. When one side became too weak to continue the contest, it would capitulate and the captured boat and prisoners be rowed triumphantly to shore.

John Mock built the first saw mill. It was afterward rebuilt by David Kline. John Kline afterward built a second, and the Separatists a third, on the same stream, formerly known as Haystack Run. George Mock is said to have operated the first distillery in the township, about 1820, on Section 20 Conrad Zutavern started one a little later, on Lot 16.

Lawrenceville was the name of one of the earliest backwoods towns. It was laid out on the east side of the Tuscarawas, opposite present Bolivar, by Abraham Mosser in 1805, when the people in the vicinity were obliged to go to Zanesville to pay their taxes. It was not then known how this vast country would be divided into counties, and Lawrenceville indulged in the fond hope of becoming a county seat. The plat was spacious, including 176 lots, from which donations were made for court house and jail, market-houses and English and German Presbyterian, German Lutheran. Protestant Episcopal and Moravian an Churches. The location was a beautiful one, and at that time there was a brisk trade on the river in canoes and small boats. The settlers speculated in a small way, by buying town lots, but the village never prospered. It contained at most four or five houses. A grocery was kept just north of the plat,

568 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY.

and one of the few residents of the village was a shoe-maker, Mr. flock. Some of the earliest settlers were buried on Leb Lebold's Hill in the vicinity, but the site of their graves is now obliterated. The plat of Lawrenceville has been vacated for many years, and the site is now under cultivation.

The second attempt to establish a town was more successful, and resulted in the handsomest little village in the northern part of Tuscarawas County. It owes its existence to the Ohio Canal. Thp village was christened Kelleysville, in honor of Alfred Kelley, of Cuyahoga County, who was Canal Commissioner. This gentleman, it appears, declined the honor, and the town was then called Bolivar, in respect to the emancipator of South Carolina.

The original plat of Kelleysville was laid out in August, 1825. on both sides of the proposed canal line. A space 200 feet in width was lest for the canal, and for East and West Canal streets. Nine streets--Plain, Pine, Poplar, Cherry, Water, Tuscarawas, Sandy, Laurens and Walnut-each sixty-six feet wide, crossed these at right angles and extended various distances east and west. The lots numbered 109. The proprietors were John Shorb `and William Christmas.

In this original plat of Bolivar (or Kelleysville) but two streets extended north and south. contiguous to the canal on either side. In 1835. an alteration was made in the plat by vacating West Canal street and laying out a street parallel with the canes! 100 feet. farther west. In 1836, all that portion of the village lying between the canal and river, including, with additions made to it, mores than sixty lots, was altered. but afterward portions were va cated from time to time until nothing remained. The vacations were made on account of the low and wet condition of the soil. Surrounded by water on three sides it was subject to frequent inundations, and therefore "unfit for the habitation of man."

In 1828, John Mackin made an addition of fifty-one lots on Tuscarawas. Water and Cherry streets, which he called "The Western Liberties." In 1835, David Yant made an addition of seventy-seven lots on West Canal, Mulberry, Liberty. Yants. Bolivar and Harrison streets, west of the canal, and twenty-four lots east of the canal; forty-eight of these lots were afterward vacated. East Bolivar, consisting of 251 lots, was laid out by John Short and others in 1887, east of the Tuscarawas and north of Sandy & Beaver Canal. A large town was evidently expected, but the failure of this canal withered the hopes of the proprietors, and the village had an existence only on paper. John Hays, in 1837, made an addition of thirty-three lots on Poplar. Cherry and Water streets. Jonathan Cables, in 1835, laid out an addition of ten lots. 52-61 inclusive, on Poplar street. A. C. Dickson, in 1874 had an addition of ten lots surveyed, located between Poplar and Water streets and west of Bruce. In 1882, J. F. Evans made an addition of nineteen lots between Poplar and South streets, and west of Dickson's Addition.

The original proprietors, Shorb & Christmas. were merchants of Canton. the former a Catholic., flip latter a Presbyterian. The brush was cleared away from the plains at the town site and a tavern was built by John Shorb, and James Baldwin was established here as host He was an Eastern man, of broken fortune, somewhat aristocratic in his ways, and remained proprietor of the village inn for many years. The tavern stood on the southeast corner of Water and Canal streets. Henry Stidger kept the first store. He was from Canton, remained about five years, then moved to Carrollton. Robert McMurray was the first Postmaster. He first manufactured brick at Bolivar, then secured the office and opened a little store. Gardner Field was the first produce dealer. The village opened with flattering prospects of success, and upon the

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completion of the canal, in 1830, Bolivar became a great grain buying point. It commanded the trade of Carroll County, and portions of Stark, Harrison and even Columbiana and Jefferson. Warehouses were built, and a large mercantile trade established. The Sandy & Beaver Canal project, about 1834, greatly enhanced the price of property, and led to extensive additions to the village plat. The boom swelled until the enterprise proved a failure, when property rapidly depreciated in value and business decreased greatly. The village then grew slowly but steadily, and within the last few years the increase has been more rapid. The population in 1840 was 249; in 1850, 302; in 1860, 367; in 1870, 413; and in 1880, 564. The natural beauty of the village is unsurpassed in the county. It now contains three dry goods stores, one grocery, three saloons, one drug store, a hardware store, a furniture store, a shoe store, a millinery store, a meat market, a jewelry shop, two shoe shops, two blacksmith shops, a harness shop, two wagon shops, one cabinet shop, a livery, an extensive warehouse, a merchant tailor, a dentist, four physicians, a brass band, a town hall, a grist mill, a planing mill and four churches.

A tannery was started in 1836 by J. G. Tinker. About twenty-five years later, the tanning business ceased in Bolivar. Jacob Kline started the first steam mill, twenty-five or more years ago. It was destroyed by tire. Kline & Waters, about 1872, built a second large grist mill, which was also burned about two years later. The present mill was built by Hickman & Kline. In the spring of 18S3, it came into the possession of Jacob Renkerd, of Dover, who is now remodeling the mill and adding rollers. The first planing mill was built by Helwick & Webber; the present and second one was built by Fed. erick Webber in 1882.

In the spring of 1883, the village schoolhouse, a two-story frame containing three rooms was burned to the ground. Work was soon after commenced on a large brick structure, which at this writing is not, completed. It will contain eight rooms and cost about $12.000. J. W. Pfeiffer has been Principal of the schools for four ,years. There are now four departments, but the district is yet under the control of the Township Board. The first local physician of Bolivar was B. S. Belknap, who came about 1830, and practiced for probably a year. Dr. A. I. Bennett, in 1831, commenced a practice which continued twenty years, when he removed to Wisconsin. He came from Schoharie County. N. Y., and became a prominent citizen of the county, both as a physician and a politician. Drs. John C. Sisson and William Preston came next.. The latter, after a residence of about five years, removed to Canton. Dr. William H. Tripp settled in Bolivar about 1851, and remained till after the war, during which, however, he served as Surgeon. He is now Treasurer of Carroll County. Dr. John M. Hodge studied under Dr. Bennett and commenced practice about 1851, remaining till the close of the war. He is now Registrar of the Land Office at Selina, Kan. Drs. Uhl, Shanefelt and Stephenson successively came and departed, and in 1863 Dr. John M. Black located here and practiced till his death in 1878, Dr. William H. McMurray opened a practice. about 1865, and continued until his death several years ago. The present physicians are John C. Sisson, S. D. Hildt, William R. Black and Seth Hattery.

Caldwell Lodge, No, 330, F. & A. M., of Bolivar, was chartered October 16, 1860. Simpson Harmount, Isaac Teller, Ernest Becht, Dr. William Tripp, R. J. Mills, J. T. Overholt, Samuel Barnes, J. V. Smith and Josiah Haid were the charter members. The lodge owns a substantial two-story frame building erected in 1871. It meets the first Saturday on or before the full moon. The membership is fifty-eight, and the present officers are William Smith, W. M.; S. Hattery. S. W.; William E. Lash,J. W.; E. B. Truby, S. D.,

570 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY.

Lewis Willard, J. D.; J. W. Pfeiffer. See:; Jacob Trudel, Treas. ; J. G. Marine Tiler.

Tuscarawas Lodge, No. 133, I. O. O. F., was instituted about 1850. In 1852, the hall and records were destroyed by fire, and the lodge was allowed to disband. It was re-instituted July 13, 1871, with five members-John Lessick, Christian Bigler, Henry Reefer, John Lebold and Joseph Miller. In 1879, the lodge erected a frame two-story building. 22x:50, at a cost of $1,500. Meetings are held on Wednesday evenings. The officers now serving are Lewis Sesline, N. G.; George W. Borroway. V. G.: R. E. Baker, Sec.: J. O. Lash, Treas. The membership is about twenty-five.

The Methodist Church was organized in 1842, by Rev. Thomas Barkdull. Rev. Andrew Stewart had preached at the house of Peter Hartline, Lawrenceville, as early as 1820. Revs. Henry Whiteman and Hawkins were also early ministers. The leading early members were Jesse Riggs. J. P. Conly. B. S. Belknap, John Lessick, Thomas Swank, James Rutter, Anthony. Robinson, Rev. L. B. Smith, David Moreland. I. M. Lichtenwalter and David Yant. Regular preaching was first held in the schoolhouse. In 1843, a dwelling house, located on Lot 36, was purchased, fitted up and occupied until the present frame structure was built on Lot 48 in 1853. The present membership is about fifty; the present minister, Rev. G. A. Reader.

The German Lutheran denomination have a large congregation at Bolivar, which was first started as a branch of the society in the country two miles west Among its early members were Jacob Maurer. George Bader, Ludwig Helwig, Daniel Miller, Christian Bigler and many others. They worship in a handsome frame edifice, which was built about 1866.

The Evangelical English Lutheran Church possesses the handsomest structure in the township. It is a large brick edifice, located on Lot 42, Poplar street, and was erected in 1881 at a cost of over $7.000. The congregation was organized March 9, 1843, by Rev. Solomon Ritz, in an old warehouse, which stood near the canal. Twenty-five members constituted the original organization, of whom George F. Fisher is the only remaining me member. A house of worship was built in 1844, and after being; remodeled several times was superseded by the present structure. The parsonage was erected in 1873, on a lot adjoining the church. The following have been the pastors in charge; Rev. Solomon Ritz, 1843-46; R. D. Emerson, 1846-48; W. C. Hauer. 1849-54; A. R. Smith. 1854-56; W. C. Hauer, 1856 -58; A. R. Smith, 1859-61; J. W. Shreves, 1862-61; W. O. Wilson. 1864; J. W. Shreves. 1864-66: A. R. Smith, 1867-69: C. Flickinger, 1870-75: G. Z. Cochel. 1876-80; N. H. Weaver, 1881 to the present time.

St. Martin's Catholic Church of Bolivar was organized about 1853, by Rev. Wienands, as an affiliation of St. Joseph's Church of Dover. The congregation at its organization enrolled about fifteen families. including the Albrechts, Peffers and Labs. The pastors of St. Joseph's Church have succcssively administered to this charge. and in 1882 the primitive church was replaced by a new and handsome structure under the supervision of the present pastor. Rev. H. B. Dues. The new church has been named St. Stephen's. About forty-five families hold to the faith and membership of this congregation at present, and among them may be mentioned those e of Andrew Gilbert. Felix Lab, August Lab. Alexis Lab. Coelestin Malqui. John Streb, Charles Renner, Peter Renner and Mrs. E. Kole.

St Peter's Catholic Church, the first Catholic congregation of Tuscarawas County, having its home in the southwestern part of Lawrence Township, on one of the highest elevations in the county -the "Hessian Hills " was organ ized in 1840. by Rev. Damian Junker. then the. resident priest at Canton, and

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afterward the first Bishop at Alton, Ill. A log church, about 25x32 feet in size, was erected the same year. The original organization embraced about twenty families, including those of Balthasar Niedenthal, John Streb, Sr., John Bambeck, Valentine Montag, Adam Weigand and John Bells. In 1846 and 1847, Revs. Wertz and Daugherty, of Canton, successively had charge of the congregation, and in 1818, Rev. Luhrs became the pastor. Succeeding him, in 1849, the pastors of St. Joseph's Church, at Dover, Ohio, have administered to this charge to the present day. The church is in a flourishing condition. and Rev. H. B. Dues is the present pastor.

On Lot 17, several miles southwest of Bolivar, stands a brick church, where a small German Lutheran congregation now holds services. A Lutheran society was organized here about 1822, by Revs. Melsheimer and Schmidt. Conrad Zutavern, John Streaby, John Kline and George Fernsel were among the earliest members. A log church was first built, supplanted by the brick edifice now in use. The former large English Lutheran congregation of this church has transferred its membership to the Lutheran Church at Bolivar.

Lawrence Township is the home of the Zoar society, a communistic organization, the history of which is remarkable and peculiar. In Germany, at the beginning of the present century, a lowly, simple-minded people dwelt, who, in order to live a life of religious simplicity, free from forms and ceremonies, had withdrawn from the Lutheran and the Catholic faiths, mostly from the former, and were known as Separatists. They were persecuted under King Frederick. For the sake of their religion they suffered imprisonment, confiscation of property and separation from their children. When King William ascended the throne their grievances were lightened but not removed. and many resolved to seek homes in a free land. Too destitute to pay their passage across the ocean, they enlisted the sympathies of some wealthy London Quakers, whose religion, it is said, closely resembled their own, and- means were thus obtained to carry them beyond the reach of oppression. In the spring of 1817, about three hundred and fifty embarked, most of whom were from Wurtemberg, the rest from Bavaria and Baden. They arrived at Philadelphia, sick and sore, in August, 1817, after a tedious voyage of four months. Poor and friendless, they were welcomed by the Quakers at the City of Brotherly Love. Many were bedridden by a scrofulous complaint, and for these and the old and infirm the Quakers provided a hospital. The few emigrants who possessed means were received as guests, and places were found for many as domestics. Joseph M. Bimeler was the master-spirit of the persecuted religionists. For ten years he had been a teacher among them in Germany, and while on their passage across the ocean he had completely won their confidence and esteem. It was their desire to form a colony in the Western country, and Mr. Bimeler effected a purchase from Godfrey Haga of 5,500 acres, 4.000 of which is in what is now Lawrence and 1,500 in Sandy Townships. It was bought ou credit for $15,000, payable as follows: $5,000 in 1828, $5,000 in 1829 and $5,000 in 1530., At the request of Haga, the land was purchased in the name of Mr. Bimeler, he obligating himself' for the entire payment. The contract for the land was made in the autumn of 1817, though the deed did not pass till the following year. In the autumn of 1817, a number of the people were sent to the unbroken wilderness to provide habitations for those to follow. They arrived at the site of the village of Zoar, and constructed rude slab huts, covered with earth. In February, 1818, snow fell to the depth of three feet, and laid on the ground until April, when an unprecedented flood occurred. The great mass of the emigrants reached their new home in the spring of 1818; a few remained in Pennsylvania to acquire trades. The condition of the Separatists was that of extreme

574 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY.

destitution. They were burdened with many old and helpless persons whose labor was not productive. They were unprovided with the necessary implements of labor. Yet their expectations were not high; they only dared to hope, by a life of toil and privation, to eke out a bare subsistence, free. from religious persecution. The prosperity they have since attained was not then dreamed of. The mode of life they first adopted was that each family should live separately. Whatever products remained above their absolute needs were to be sold and the proceeds placed in a fund for the payment of the land, which was to be parceled among them proportionately to their labor. A year and a half elapsed and their condition had improved very little. Then several influential members, who were inimical to Joseph M. Bimeler's supremacy, proposed a community of property. They argued the necessity of thus protecting the weak and helpless, who otherwise would be uncared for, and by this and other plausible arguments the point was carried. Articles of association were prepared and adopted April 19, 1819. They were amended in 1824. In February, 1832, the society of Separatists of They was incorporated under the laws of Ohio, and an organization effected under the incorporation May 14, 1833, which has since remained in effect. The corporation owns and controls everything. Individual members possess no rights of property whatever. The theory of the corporation is one of extended charity, the greatest good to the greatest number. Each member contributes his time and labor to the society, and in return it provides him with the necessities of life-nothing beyond. Whatever his labor produces above this goes to the common good. birth right does not exist. The children of a member are aliens and strangers: they can be admitted when they attain majority only like other applicants' When articles of association were first formed in 1819. all members were of one grade, but by a subsequent amendment two classes were established. The first class is one of probation, and a member who on application is received by a two-third vote can neither vote nor hold office. After a residence of at least a year, if he makes application for admission to the second class and is received, he conveys whatever property he possesses to the society and becomes a full member. When a member dies or withdraws from the society, his property rights merge in the surviving members. The officers of the society consisted of a general agent. three trustees, a standing committee of five and a treasurer. Mr. Bimeler was the General Agent, and at his death this office was abolished. The trustees have the general management of affairs, and the standing committee is an advisory board to settle difficulties that may arise between trustees and members. The society has been several times involved in litigation by seceding members and the heirs of deceased members. but the compact and articles of incorporation have always been held binding and inviolable. The case of Goesele et al. vs. Bimeler et al. was adjudicated in the Supreme Court of the United States, reported in 14 Howard, 587. The case of Gasely et al. us. the Separatist Society of Zoar reached the Supreme Court of Ohio in 1862. It is reported in 13 Ohio State, page 144.

It was many years before the society gained the wealth and position it now holds. During the construction of the Ohio Canal, the Separatists took a contract. and all the able-bodied members labored there until it was completed. They thus procured much of the money to meet their indebtedness. Hampered by many members who were unable to labor, through age or infirmity, in order to obviate increased burdens, it was mutually agreed that marriages should not be contracted until their financial position Would warrant them. Husbands lived apart from their wives. and the entire colony was divided into bands or artificial families. In 1830, according to C. H. Mitchener, in Ohio Annals, these families were as follows: Joseph l1. Bimeler. three male and

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four female members; Stephen Hoover, two males and twelve females; Joanna Mock, fifteen females; Christian Platz, nine males and one female; George Goesele, two males and two females; Barbara Shock, seven females; Maria Sink, two females; Magdalena Auck, +hree females; John Breymeyer, seven males and one female; Margaret Ack rman, one male and fourteen females; Casper Fetter, eight males and two females; Jacob Shearing, eight males and two females; John Miller, ten males; three females. Dorothea Dietz, fourteen females; Maria Koehule, fourteen females; Jacob Kimmerly, four males, two females; Christian Mitchely, one male, two females; George Groetzinger, five males, two females; Frederick Klotz, three males; Godfrey Lentz, four males, four females; total, sixty-seven males and one hundred and six females. The restraint from marriage arose from prudential considerations solely, and when fortune smiled upon them they married and were given in marriage. For many years the children, after attaining the age of three years, were placed in a nursery under the care of a matron, and retained there until maturity, but now each family has the care and nurture of its own children.

In early times, the women joined in the labors of the field, and performed equal service with the men. They worked in groups, in a plodding but systematic manner. Their tools were coarse, including the short and unwieldy German scythe, sickles without teeth and clumsy, heavy hoes. In 1832, they were visited by the scourge, cholera, which carried off more than fifty of their number. Accessions were received from time to time from Germany, and in 1831 about forty arrived. Applications for membership are now made almost daily, but experience has taught the community to receive no one until, by a blameless life among them, be proves his worthiness.

The early efforts of the society were not confined to tilling the soil. A grist mill was built in 1821, and rebuilt in 1848; a second mill was erected in 1837. A woolen factory was established in 1830, and for many years both woolen and grist mills did an extensive business, much greater than now. About 1831, the society purchased from Christmas A, Hazlett an iron furnace, located in Fairfield Township. In 1834, a second one was built, about midway between Zoar and Bolivar, which was operated until about 1852. They proved a failure, financially, but lid much toward developing the country in the vicinity. Charcoal was used in place of coal, and the demand for ore and charcoal enabled many settlers in the vicinity to obtain a start in life by supplying these materials. Indeed, at one time about one hundred families were dependent upon the furnaces for a living, and they were operated for a time at an actual loss, that the neighboring settlers might not suffer the inconveniences that would result from an abandonment of the furnaces.

Joseph M. Bimeler was the guiding spirit of all these enterprises, and it is to his labors and efforts that the society owes its prosperity. He was a man of powerful intellectual force and acumen, and was strongly attached to the people among whom he lived and died. His original intention in settling in the wilderness was to remain until his countrymen were comfortably situated, free from debt, then win for himself a high place in the new world, which he felt able to attain. The community of goods was adopted against his advice, and after he had been drawn thus unwillingly into the association, he determined to make it succeed. He controlled and managed everything. He pox sessed the qualities of one who is born to command, vet the bond that drew him to the benighted people was one of sympathy. Toward the members of the communit. he preserved an air of reserve and decision, as the only way to lead them, but his social facilities were large, and he delighted in receiving; visitors. In their presence he relaxed his dignified mien, and met in pleasant, social equality. He was the first and only pastor of the society, and conducted

576 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY,

religious services regularly during his lifetime. He was physically imperfect; one of his eyes was much larger and more prominent than the other, and he was lame. But he held a place in the hearts of his people which has since been yielded to no other. Since his death, occurring August 27, 1853, his sermons, which had been written from memory by John Neff, were collected, and one of them is now read at each service in preference to an original discourse from another. The property of the society had been held in the name of Joseph M. Bimeler. but ten days before his death, by will he acknowledged the trust and bequeathed it all to the " Society of Separatists of Zoar."

The village of Zoar, which the Separatists have made their home since they first arrived sixty-six years ago, is a quaint town, located in the eastern part of the township, near the Tuscarawas. It was named in honor of the city to which Lot fled from Sodom and Gomorrah, to commemorate their own flight from German persecution. All the members live here, Their number is now about two hundred and fifty adults and one hundred children. The houses were at first miserable log huts, and are now of all descriptions. A few hewed-log cabins remain. Many of the houses are frame. usually two and one-half stories in height, and a number of spacious brick residences adorn the principal street. The older buildings are roofed with red tile. which was made here prior to 1850. The hotel was built in 1833. The schoolhouse is a two-story brick structure, where the common branches, philosophy, algebra and history, are taught and the English and German languages. The first church bui ld ing was a log affair; the present is a neat brick structure. A tannery, foundry, woolen mill, grist mills, garden, store and various industrial shops occupy the time of the members, few of whom now labor on the farms, except during the harvest season, when all go forth to labor in the fields. The farm work is nearly all done by hired help, and a number of farms are also leased to renters. The society now owns more than seven thousand acres of land. located in one body in Lawrence, Sandy and Fairfield Townships. The affairs of the society are managed by the Board of Trustees. one of whom is elected annually. The treasurer holds his office for four years. No member has ever been expelled, except the few who involved the society in its litigation, yet many forsake the community voluntarily, and these are usually all lowed to take with them their household furniture. There are now between seventy and eighty voters, who usually vote the Republican ticket. They are a lowly-minded people, generally with no marked mental development. The weight of the law has never yet, in the long history of the community. fallen upon one of its members in good standing. German is still the language used in family and business discourse. Many of the customs of former times are gradually abandoned, and with a closer association with the outer world innovations are creeping in. The women formerly wore a uniform garb, of the utmost plainness, but now they dress, within a certain limit, according to their taste.