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CHAPTER XI.

OXFORD TOWNSHIP.

LOCATION-SURFACE AND STREAMS -HIGHWAYS - GEKELEMUKPECHUNK - FIRST WHITE OCCUPATION-EARLY SETTLEMENTS - SCHOOLS - CHURCHES - JUSTICES - NEWCOMERSTOWN - ITS CHURCHES, ORDERS, SCHOOLS AND INDUSTRIES.

OXFORD TOWNSHIP occupies the southwest corner of Tuscarawas County, and embraces Township 5, of Range 3. The Salem Moravian tract, which was located prior to the establishment of township and range lines in the United States Military District, cuts off about' 600 acres which otherwise would have been in the northeast corner of Township 5, Range 3. The southern half of the township is Congress land. The northeast or first quarter is surveyed into thirty-four 100-acre military lots. The northwest or second quarter, a full 4,000-acre tract, was entered in a body by John Beaver in 1800, and by him sold in tracts of various size from time to time. Oxford was one of the four original townships of Tuscarawas County, which were formed in 1808, and included one-fourth of the county, or all of Township 5 and the southern half of Township 6, of Ranges 1, 2, 3 and 4, territory which now comprises Oxford, Washington and Perry and parts of Salem, Clay and Rush Townships, Tuscarawas County, and Oxford Township and the southern half of Adams, Coshocton County. These extensive bounds were gradually lessened by the erection of new townships, until the present limits of Oxford were reached.

The topographical features correspond closely with those of other townships in the Tuscarawas Valley. Along the route of the river, which courses in a westerly direction through the northern part of the township, the level bottom lands afford the best facilities for fertile farms, while the rough and hilly lands on either side require greater toil before they yield the generous harvests of the valley. The southern part of the township is drained by runs and rivulets, which flow southward, and finally reach the Muskingum through the waters of Will's Creek. The surface was heavily timbered, when first known to the settlers, with walnut, white oak, black oak, wild cherry, buckeye, and other species of forest growth. Dunlap's Creek, named from an early settler on its banks, enters the river on the south, in the eastern part of the township; in the northwestern part of the township is Buckhorn Creek, so called from its peculiar shape; this stream does not reach the river until it crosses into Coshocton County.

The Ohio Canal crosses the northwest portion of the township; here two railroads also meet the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis, following the valley of the river, and the Wheeling & Lake Erie running north and south. On the latter road, in the southern part of Oxford, is Post Boy Station, so named from the boy mail-carrier, William Cartmell, who was murdered near by in 1825 by Funston, as noticed in a previous chapter. The Coshocton road, over which the mail was carried, passed east and west through the southern part of the township, and in early times was traversed frequently. It was by this road that most of the early settlers of Oxford and the adjoining townships arrived.

608 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY.

Gekelemukpechunk, the capital of the Delaware nation, was situated on the north side of the Tuscarawas River, east of the present Newcomerstown, on a part of its outlots. It occupied the low plateau, near Nugen's bridge, which sweeps down to the river bottom, and stretches back to the foot of the ridge of mountains that form the northern barrier of the valley. The plat belonging immediately to the town itself probably was a mile in length, extending from the field next above the Newcomerstown Schoolhouse to the bridge. On the south side of the river, opposite the capital, evidently were its cornfields. David Mulvane, in his childhood, saw abundant evidence that as many as 300 acres of land had once been cleared there and under cultivation. When Zeisberger first visited Gekelemukpechunk in March, 1771, as the guest of Netawatwes. it was in the zenith of its prosperity. It numbered then about 100 houses, nearly all of which were constructed of logs. That in which the chief lived was the largest among them, built of dressed logs, and had a roof of shingles, floors of sawed boards. regular staircase, and chimneys of stones, walled with mortar. Capt. Kollendpr, of Carlisle, Penn., an Indian trader, had his headquarters there, and besides him Zeisberger found nearly a dozen white persons in the town, mostly engaged in bartering. In 1775 the capital of the Delawares was removed from Gekelemukpechunk to Goshackgunk, on the site of Coshocton, and a majority of the inhabitants removed to the new capital. Indians, however, lingered and dwelt here for many years, naming the place Newcomerstown, probably in honor of their former chief.

From being the haunt of the Indian traders while the red men still remained in the valley, the vicinity of Newcomerstown was occupied by hunters and trappers, whose title to the domain was only a squatter's claim or a right by virtue of possession. They remained only until the land was entered and occupied by its owners, then journeyed farther to the West. where they might enjoy the wilds of nature undisturbed. Who the first permanent white settlers of the township were cannot be definitely determined. John Mulvane was dwelling in the valley as early as 1804, as shown by a running account he then had at the Gnadenhutten store of David Peter. He afterward owned 100 acres in the second or northwest quarter of the township. His brothers, Joseph and William, were pioneers of Oxford Township, Coshocton County. The Mulvanes are yet numerous in Newcomerstown and vicinity. The same evidence which establishes Mulvane's residence in 1804 proves that David Johnson sojourned in the land in 1805. He was the happy owner of 269 acres in the northern portion of the township, and, in partnership with Mr. Sills, who was also a pioneer, operated a distillery, greatly to the satisfaction of his neighbors who indulged their taste for the ardent fluid. Daniel Harris, a Virginian, was among the first residents, though only an occasional one. He was here some time prior to 1809. He was the owner of Lots 5, 12, 13 and 20, in the first quarter, and 350 acres in the second quarter of the township. His permanent home was in Virginia, but he made periodical trips to his land in this township, where his two sons, George and William, lived. William Harris returned to Virginia, where he died, and George moved to near Port Washington. where he spent the remainder of his life. George Bible, a great hunter, was found living on the site of Newcomerstown by Nicholas Neighbor. He had been there for many years, but had acquired no freehold. Barney Riley, another hunter and also a squatter, had pitched his cabin on the Stark patent in an early day, and lived there till his death.

Near Riley, several other squatters dwelt in very early times. John Pierce was there before 1816. He was a rough frontiersman and a hunter, and died in the township. Nicholas Funston was also a squatter on the Stark patent before 1816. He was a rough character, and had a large family. One of his

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sons. John Funston, was the murderer of the post boy in 1825; he was only twenty-two years old at the time he committed the villainous act, and previously was regarded as a worthless young man. His only occupation had been fishing and hunting. What was widely known in early times as the Stark patent, and is still so-called, was a tract of ten military 100-acre lots, Nos. 21, 22, and 27 to 32 inclusive, located in the northeastern part of the township, north of the river. This land was located by the famed Gen. John, Stark, of Manchester, N. H., and his son, Lieut. Archibald Stark, on a warrant granted for their gallant services rendered during the Revolutionary war. It was occupied first by squatters, but in 1824 and 1825 Caleb Stark, a relative of the General, purchased the land and made a western trip to improve the track, and while here sickened and died. John Hartley was another early hunter and squatter. He was a tall, stout, robust frontiersman, who, summer or winter, wore a shirt with a wide collar unbuttoned about the neck. His daughters wore buckskin dresses, in true backwoods style, and, as the settlement increased, the freedom of the forests became restricted, and about 1831 the entire family, in discontent, betook themselves to the wilds of Arkansas.

The most important early settlement was made by a colony from New Jersey, chief among whom were the Neighbors. In 1811, Nicholas Neighbor, of Morris County, N. J.. made a tour of inspection to the Tuscarawas Valley, and, pleased with the land, purchased in behalf of himself and others from Godfrey Haga 1,900 acres in the northwest part of present Oxford Township. Haga had obtained the land from the original proprietor. John Beaver. The following year, a colony of about sixty emigrants left New Jersey for this land. It included the families of Nicholas, David and William Neighbor, three brothers, that of Leonard Neighbor, the son of. Nicholas, William Gardner, Townsend Cobb, John Welch and family, and George Starker and Moses Morgan. The last named two settled with their families across the line in Coshocton County. They came in wagons, and four weeks were consumed in the journey. Until cabins could be erected, they took possession of some Indian huts in the Indian village of Newcomerstown, but in a short time the cabins of the settlers dotted the valley north of the river.

Nicholas Neighbor was a prominent pioneer. He removed to a farm near New Philadelphia, in 1818, but returned to Oxford Township in 1831, and in connection with Jacob Overholt, conducted the first store in Newcomerstown, which village he bad laid out a few years previous. From 1818 to 1832, he was one of the Associate Judges of the county. He died in 1848, leaving a numerous posterity. Leonard Neighbor, his son, died in February, 1816.

David Neighbor died prior to 1830, and William in 1840. They were highly respected settlers, Lutheran in religious belief. Their early cabins were half-hewed, excelling the ordinary pioneer log cabin.

John Welch, the son-in-law of Nicholas Neighbor, received a large portion of the purchased tract. Not liking the wilderness, he soon returned to New Jersey with his family, selling his land to John Tufford, John Flock, and perhaps others. Years afterward he returned to this county, and spent the balance of his days within its borders. Townsend Cobb was a laborer, poor and destitute of land. He died in this township, as did also his two children John and Elizabeth, wife of James Mulvane, the latter of the two, recently. William Gardner remained only a short time, but years afterward be returned to Oxford Township.

In 1816 and 1817, other settlers from Morris County, N. J., reached the settlement. Among them was Jacob J. Miller. the son-in-law of Nicholas Neighbor. He was a Lutheran, and died in the township. John Tufford, also a Lutheran, came from the same locality in 1816. He settled north of

610 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY.

the river, southwest from Newcomerstown, where he was a life-long farmer. He died about 1829. His son, Jacob Tufford, who resides on the old place, is the only survivor of the family. Andrew Creter, who likewise hailed from Morris County, N. J., came about 1818. He was a farmer, and kept the first tavern in the township. He succeeded Nicholas Neighbor as Postmaster of Newcomerstown, before the village of that name was laid out. John Flock, another New Jerseyman, came in 1816 or 1817. He remained here through life; a son afterward emigrated to Iowa. Joshua Gardner came from the same place and about the same time. He was the brother of William Gardner, and died at Newcomerstown at an advanced age.

Jacob Stouffer was a resident of the township prior to 1820. He purchased a farm from Abraham Shane, but the title proving defective he was obliged to yield possession. Daniel Booth was one of the early settlers in the south east portion of present Oxford. He owned and occupied the northwest quarter of Section 22, some time prior to 1826. Nathan Shepherd, another pioneer of this locality, owning the northeast quarter of Section 23, was from Belmont County, and afterward returned there.

Jacob J. Miller probably taught the first school in the township. He gave instruction in 1818 or earlier at his cabin, situated north of the river and near the county line. Not long afterward, Seth Hart, a stranger in the land, gave a term or two of school at the Stouffer cabin, a short distance above the Nugen bridge. The cabin contained two apartments, and the one occupied during the day as the school room, was used at night as a bed room by the. family of Mr. Stouffer. John Funston received at this school all the education he ever obtained.

In Oxford Township, beyond the bounds of Newcomerstown, are four churches. A German Lutheran Church stands in the southwest quarter of Section 16, in the southwestern part of the township, on the farm now owned by Jacob Boltz. The society was organized in Guernsey County; but removed to this township, and erected the present building in 1868. The membership of the society is about fifty.

Bird's Run Baptist Church was also organized in Guernsey County, in 1845, and, in 1853, by removal became a society of Oxford Township. The present edifice, a frame, 30x45 feet, located on J. McDonald's land, in the southeast quarter of Section 16, was erected in 1870. Rev. Miller is the present minister. The membership is seventy-one.

The People's Methodist Episcopal Church was organized about 1843, and very soon after a meeting-house was erected on land owned by John Booth in Section 22. In 1875, the old church was destroyed by fire, and the same year a new one was erected. The present membership is about one hundred, and Rev. L. Timberlake is the minister.

The United Brethren Centenary Church is located close to the center of the township. The society was organized about 1855, when the first church structure was built. It was superseded by the present edifice, 32$36 feet in size, which stands on the site of the old church. and was opened October 23, 1873. The first pastor was Rev. C. Titus; the present one, Rev. Joshua Cecil. The membership is 110.

The following is a list of the Justices of the township, whose names have been preserved on record. Some of the earlier ones resided on land that is not now in Oxford Township. James Douglass, who lived across the Coshocton line, on the site of the fair grounds. 1808; John Carr, 1810, resigned 1811; George Bible, 1811; Robert F. Caples, 1812, resigned 1812; Joseph Wampler, 1812, resigned 1813; Paul Sherader, 1814; David Neighbor, 1819; David Neighbor, 1822; Jesse Upson, 1824; Andrew Creter, 1828; Andrew Creter,

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1831; Andrew Creter, 1834, resigned 1836; Lemuel Bartholow, 1836; Jacob Neighbor, Sr., 1836; John Eckman, 1839; Jacob Neighbor, 1839; Levi Sargent, 1840, resigned 1842; Morris Creter, 1842; Jacob Neighbor, 1842; Charles F. Davis, 1845; Jacob Neighbor, 1845; Charles F. Davis, 1848; John Laughead, 1848; Charles F. Davis, 1851; John Laughead, 1851; Clark Creter, 1853; John Laughead, 1854; George Booth, 1856; I. G. Creter, 1857; James Porte. mess, 1859, resigned 1861; John W. Rodney, 1860; George R. Little, 1861; John W. Rodney, 1.863; G. R. Little, 1864; Charles F. Davis, 1866; G. R. Little, 1867; William S. Dent, 1869; Morris Creter, 1870; O. B. Dent, 1872, resigned 1875; Morris Creter, 1873; George R. Little, 1875; Morris Creter, 1876; S. F. Timmons, 1878; Morris Creter, 1879; John T. Pocock, 1881; Horace U. Little, 1882.

Newcomerstown, the principal town in the southwestern section of Tuscarawas County, has had a steady growth from the year of its formation in 1827 to the present. In 1840, its population was 270; ten years later, it reached 476. In 1860, another hundred were added, the census returning 577; in 1870, the number reached 791, and in 1880 there was a further increase to 926. The present population doubtless exceeds 1,000. It is situated on a broad plateau, in the valley of the Tuscarawas. The Ohio Canal passes through its midst, and two railroads, the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis, and the Wheeling & Lake Erie intersect within the limits of the town. The settlement here, before the town was laid out, was dubbed by the pioneers "Neighbortown," in honor of its first settlers; but the locality was known by the Indians and by traders as Newcomerstown. The Delaware chieftain, Netawatwes, who ruled the nation at Gekelemukpechunk, was also called King Newcomer, and in this name he sometimes signed State papers. From him the town has doubtless received its name, though a more romantic origin has been ascribed to it. Nearly all the towns in Tuscarawas County, located on the canal, were founded during the period of construction of that commercial highway, and owe their origin to it. Newcomerstown was among the number.

The original plat contained thirty-four lots in three tiers, two north and one south of the canal. Bridge street formed the eastern boundary, and Cross street extended through the plat parallel to Bridge. Canal and Basin streets crossed the village east and west. John Tufford in 1827 laid out West New. comerstown on both sides of the canal. His plat contained forty lots. In 1836, Nicholas Neighbor and Jacob Overholt made an addition of twenty-two lots, 35-56, located on both sides, of Neighbor street, from Bridge street westward; Lots 7-12 were also located on the south side of the canal. In 1815, Jacob J. Miller made an addition of thirteen lots, 57-69 inclusive, on the south side of South Canal street; and the same year Andrew Creter laid out an addition of seven lots at the southeast corner of South Canal and River streets. In 1851, Elisha Pocock made an addition of forty lots west of River street, and on both sides of Goodrich street. Andrew R. and Nancy A. Wilcox in 1868 laid out an addition of seventeen lots, numbered 70-86, located south of Miller's Addition, and west of the Union School Lot. In 1872, Andrew J. Miller and Joshua Wier made an addition of eight lots immediately south of South Canal street.. In 1873, A. M. Beers made an addition of eight lots north of the canal, and bounded by Neighbor. Bridge, Basin and Buckhorn streets. David A. Mulvane in 1873 laid out an addition of thirty-six lots, 87-122 inclusive, bounded by the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad, College, State and Chestnut streets. The same year John W. Rodney laid out thirteen lots on Buckhorn and First streets.

At the time the village was founded, it contained a log cabin, located immediately south of the present Pan Handle depot; it had been built many

614 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY.

years before, and occupied by Judge Nicholas Neighbor. He also erected the first store building. a small brick structure on Lot 1, the site of Dent & Pow leson's hardware store. Nicholas Neighbor and Jacob Overholt were the primitive merchants, commencing about 1828, and continuing probably eight years, when Matthias S. Neighbor succeeded. In 1830, the village contained but three or four buildings. Besides the above, Aaron Schenck, from New Jersey, dwelt in a small cabin here and operated a tannery. William Garner kept a canal station at Lot 21, in West Newcomerstown. Jacob J. Miller, son-in-law of Nicholas Neighbor, and also a New Jerseyman. opened the first tavern in town about 1835, on the site of the present Globe House. Andrew Creter had, however, kept tavern in the township in the vicinity of Newcomerstown from about 1825 to 1838. Morris Creter, from Morris County, N. J., came to the township in 1829, and kept a grocery two miles up the canal from the village for a year, when he removed to Newcomerstown.

The first church organization of Newcomerstown was that of the Evangelical English Lutheran denomination. The records show that Rev. E. Greenwold, of New Philadelphia, commenced preaching at Newcomerstown November 11, 1832. About a half dozen members then resided here, the remnant of a number of Lutheran families who had emigrated from New Jersey nearly twenty years before, and during that period had been deprived of pastoral care. An organization was effected May 10, 1835, at which date Nicholas Neighbor and Joshua Gardner were elected Elders, and Jacob J. Miller and Leonard Neighbor Deacons. The first communion service had been held May 4, 1834, at which there were six communicants-Nicholas Neighbor, William Neighbor, Hannah, Elizabeth and Catherine Neighbor and Margaret Tufford. Rev. Greenwold remained pastor until about 1840. Rev. E. C. Yunge succeeded him. He died in charge. January 28, 1846. Rev. E. Melsheimer followed, and after a service of three years, he, too, died at Newcomerstown. The subsequent ministers with term of pastorate were as follows: Rev. A. N. Bartholomew. September, 1850, to September, 1858; Rev. M. M. Bartholomew, from August 1, 1859, to August 1S, 1861; Rev. S. S. Lawson followed and remained until 1863; Rev. U. Jesse Knisely, Ph. D., from April, 1864, to April, 1865; Rev. Joseph A. Roof, from March 7, 1866, until 1869, when Rev. U. Jesse Knisely was recalled and ministered to the congregation until his death, which occurred May 19, 1881. Rev. J. H. Summers, the present pastor, took charge July 1, 1881. The membership of the church is now one hundred. During the past two years it has been steadily increasing. The earliest ministers had an extensive field of labor, which was gradually reduced as the various societies became well established. Until Rev. U. J. Knisely was called, this charge included Chili, Stone Creek and Evans Creek appointments. It was then limited to Newcomerstown and Port Washington. Rev. Summers has hitherto confined his labors to the Newcomerstown church. The first church edifice was a brick structure. erected on the hill at the northwest corner of Neighbor and Railroad streets. It was completed in 1838, and is now occupied as a dwelling house. The corner stone of the next and present house of worship was laid October 20, 1869. It is a two-story frame building, 48x60 feet, the second floor of which is occupied as a Masonic hall. It is located on Lots 65 and 66 of Miller's Addition, and the total cost of its construction exceeded $3,500,

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1830, with Rev. Donahue as pastor. The first Board of Trustees were Jacob Tufford, Aaron Schenck, Peter Gaskil, Conrad Miller and Isaiah Wilkin. The society worshiped in schoolhouses and homes until 1835, when Conrad Miller deeded to the trustees the lot upon which the present edifice stands. A brick church was

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erected in 1836 and used by the society until after the war. In 1866-67, a new frame structure was erected upon the old site. The church was dedicated during the ministry of Rev. Dickenson R. Moore. A parsonage was also built at a cost of $1,100. A year after the dedication of the church, during the pastorate of Rev. S. A. Thompson. an extended revival occurred, also during the pastoral term of Rev. S. R. Clark. The society at present is in a flourishing condition with Rev. W. C. Endly as pastor. During the last winter, the society was visited by the most gracious revival that has ever occurred in its history. The present church membership is 130.

The Methodist Protestant Church of Newcomerstown was organized in 1842. In September of that year, Coshocton Circuit was divided and Tus. carawas Circuit and Newcomerstown Mission formed. Dr. James Brown and David Mulvane were early leading members. The first church was built on the east side of the present Presbyterian Church, and was occupied until the present edifice was constructed in 1878, during the pastorate of Rev. W. L. Wells. It was dedicated July 3, 1879, by Rev. S. A. Fisher, of Cambridge. The building is a handsome brick structure, 40 x 64 feet in size. and its cost, including furnishing, was about $4,500. The present pastor is Rev. L. Boman, the present membership about 100.

The Presbyterian Church was organized November 13, 1876, by a committee of the Steubenville Presbytery, with the following original members: Adolphus W. Search and Mrs. Low M. Search, Jonathan and Rebecca Evans, Mrs. Emma Evans, George and Ruth Bagnall, Robert Y. Patterson, by certificate; and Philip Sheets, Mrs. Susan Sheets and Miss Lillie T. Bagnall on profession. For several years the congregation was irregularly supplied, and, in 1879, Rev. George W. Riggle took charge, and remained ten months. Rev. A. B. Wilson succeeded him, was regularly installed pastor, and continued a little longer than a year. After a vacancy of some time, Rev. David B. Rodgers, in the spring of 1883, assumed the pastoral relation, and still maintains it. George Bagnall and Robert Y. Patterson, the first Ruling Elders, were installed November 13, 1876. George W. Barnett and Philip Sheets were installed in the same official position January 22, 1879, and John Buck was elected March 17, 1880. The church edifice is a handsome and commodious brick structure, located on the west end of South Canal street. It was erected in 1878, at a cost of $3,000. The membership of this congregation is now about sixty.

A Baptist society had an existence here a few years ago, which was, however, of brief duration. Samuel Mardis and Caleb Emerson were its main support.

A public notice, directed to the electors of Districts 1, 2 and 3, of Oxford Township, and signed by Andrew Creter, G. H. Dent, James Pilling, William Gardner, William H. Craig, L. C. Davis. Thomas Banks, James Brown, James Norris, C. T. Emerson, J. W. Gibbons, R. H. Nugen and G. R. Little was issued March 18, 1856, calling for an election to be held on the following 29th of March, to vote for or against the adoption of the Akron school law. On the clay of election forty-two votes were cast, all favoring the adoption. The first School Board, elected April 12, 1856, consisted of R. H. Nugen and G. H. Dent, for three years, George R. Little and L. C. Davis for two years, and W. H. Craig and Amasa Brown for one year. The special school district thus organized, was very large, including all the land of Oxford Township north of the river and the Nugen farm of 600 acres south of it. When the Akron law was adopted, two small district schoolhouses stood within the present corporate limits of Newcomerstown, one on the lot west of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the other just south of the old graveyard near the depot. In 1857, the two-story frame school building, still in use, was erected and its four

616 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY.

apartments occupied. In 1880, a frame structure containing two rooms was built on the same lot. In 1873, a small school building was erected within the district, two miles northeast of Newcomerstown, wherein a school has since been held for the better accommodation of those people who resided in that vicinity. C. T. Emerson was the first Superintendent, remaining three years. Christian Forney, Rev. H. Bickel, H. H. Porter, now of Port Washington, followed. Rev. U. J. Knisely, Ph. D., then conducted the schools for several years. He afterward opened and conducted a private school, which was very successful. Subsequent Superintendents of the Public Schools of Newcomerstown were A. W. Search, who remained three years. Joseph Rey, who was also in charge three years, and J. T. Duff, who is now serving; his third year. The present school enumeration is about 450. The present School Board is composed of J. T. Pocock, President; J. R. Mulvane. Secretary; Joseph S. Lyons. Treasurer; Samuel Tyhurst, G. R. Little and Frank Miskimen.

Lafayette, now Lone Star Lodge, No. 175, F. & A. M., was chartered October 18, 1849, with the following charter members: John Allen, R. H. Nugen, Benslow Hare, John Laughead, James R. Johnson, Samuel Hutchinson, Arthur Fields and Phineas Inskeep. The first officers were John Allen, W. M.: Col. R. H. Nugen, S. W.; Benslow Hare, J. W. The present officers are G. B. Smith, W. M.; J. S. Lyons, S. W.; M. B. Kenedy, J. W.; S, F. Timmons. Treasurer; L. Carhart, Secretary; T. J. Patterson, S. D.; J. Riggle. J. D. James McClure, Tiler. The membership is eighty-five.

Newcomerstown Lodge, No. 445, I. O. O. F., was instituted June 28, 1870, with the following eleven charter members: William McFadden, John Switzer, F. M. Swan, E. S. Pocock, A. W. Murphy, J. J. A. Thrapp, William Huff, J. H. Frees, J. W. Ayers, Nathan Shepherd and G. M. Wright. The first three mentioned are now deceased. Ten other members were initiated the evening of institution. The present membership is forty-four. The lodge meets every Friday evening, and is now officered by Frank Miskimen, N. G.: James Loader, V. G.; W. R. Shields, Recording Secretary: J. H. Mulvane, Permanent Secretary; J. H. Frees, Treasurer,

Dion Lodge, No. 102, K. of P.. was instituted September 20, 1878, with eighteen charter members, as follows: W. R. Shields, P. C; J. A. Buchanan, C. C.; A. C. Bagnall, V. C.; W. A. Johns, M. of F.; R. L. Shoemaker, M. of Es.; S. F. Avers, K. of R. and S.; Thomas Lybarger, Prelate; Lewis Gardner, O. G.; J. T. Pocock, I. G.; H. G. Little, W. C. Riggle, William Maberry. J. P. McClelland, G. L. Patterson. Thomas Brady. E. S. Connelly, R. F. Dent. A. W. Search, R. P. Neighbor and William Shurtz. The lodge now numbers about twenty-five members, and its regular evening for meetings is Wednesday. The present officers are Daniel Laub, P. C.; John E. Woods, C. C. William Shurtz, V. C.; H. G. Little. 'M. of F.; Thomas Crawford, M. of Es. John T. Pocock, K. of R. and S.; Alvin Sperling, Prelate; W. A. Johns, 1. G.; David Stitts, O. G.

The first newspaper of Newcomerstown was styled the Newcomerstown Visitor. It was a continuation of the Saturday Visitor, of Coshocton, Ohio, and its publication at the former village was commenced June 7, 1871, by A. W. Johns, H. B. Beech and Dr. A. M. Beers.June 22 following, Mr. Beech withdrew. and December 37, 1871, the name of the paper was changed to the Ohio Independent. From the start, this newspaper venture was successful, and on the Sth of March, 1872, when the paper was sold to N. H. Barber, it had a circulation of 816 paying subscribers, and was well patronized as an advertising medium. Mr. Barber carried it on for a few months and was succeeded by Dr. Goodrich, of Wodsfeld, Monroe County, who edited it for an equally brief period. The paper again became the property of Johns

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Beers in May, 1873, by foreclosure of mortgage, after having been suspended while the case was in litigation. In September, 1873, it was purchased by Dr. W. H. Dunham and J. A. Buchanan, both of Barnesville, who converted it into the Newcomerstown Argus. After several changes in ownership, it came into the possession of A. W. Search and J. A. Buchanan, who retained it until the property was destroyed by fire November 20, 1877. The town was then without a paper until January 1, 1878, when W. V. Kent and W. Ferguson moved an office from Cadiz and commenced the publication of the Eye. This paper, having become the property of A. W. Johns October 18, 1879, it was regularly issued as the Newcomerstown Eye until August 20, 1881, when the paper suspended. It was purchased, in March, 1882, by A. C. Hursey, who re-christened it the Newcomerstown Index.Mr. Hursey, during his proprietorship, associated with him upon the editorial staff C. W. Knisely and afterward Cliff Sultzer. The present proprietor and editor, Wick W. Wood, took charge of the paper March 1, 1883.

Newcomerstown has had its full complement of the various industrial shops which usually flourish in villages and towns. The first pottery was established by Harmon and Gustavus Fox, about forty years ago. It was situated on Main street near the W, & L. E. Railroad. About 1870, another pottery was erected and put in operation on State street, between River and Goodrich, by George Bagnall, but it is now a relic of the past. The first tannery was owned by Aaron Schenck. It was built about 1827, and stood on the southwest corner of Canal and River streets. About 1550 it became the property of Elias Patterson, and a few years later,' of George R. Little. In 1871, Horace Little and C. F. Hicks took possession and held it for two years, and in 1880 it was purchased by Lewis Carhart, who bas carried on the business to the present time. Five or six years after the first tannery was set in operation, David Mulvane built one on West Main street, where the business was continued until within a few years. The first saw mill was built by Edmund Smith about 1833, directly north of the, canal on Buckhorn Creek. The Eureka Planing Mill was erected by John Wilson, George Benton and J. R. Mulvane in 1875, and continued in operation seven years.

William Gardner and Paul Roberts were the first millers. As early as 1836 they erected the mill which stands at the west end of Main street. Their successors have been Elias Patterson and Isaac Hamersley, William Gaskill, Mr. Patterson; then in 1866. W. J. Patterson and William Marlatt, succeeded by Jesse A. Wiandt, the present proprietor, who does an extensive commercial business. A second mill was built by William H. Craig in 1853, on the south side of the canal, opposite site the former mill. The subsequent owners and operators of the mill have e been Abraham Dean, William Marlatt, Marlatt Patterson, Wilkin & Aycrs and A. J. Wilkin, the present owner. It is a custom mill and does a good business.

James Pilling started a woolen mill in 1838. on the banks of the Tuscarawas, about a mile east of town. In 1845, Thomas Benton joined him as a partner. James Pilling rebuilt the mill on a larger scale in 1870, and it was operated for ten years. Since 1880, the mill has been lying idle.

A foundry was built in 1879, by Kenyon & Ferguson, but was shortly afterward destroyed by fire. A second one began operations in 1880, under the management and ownership of Elliott & Clark, who in the spring of 1883 disposed of it to Carhart & Williams. By them it was removed from the banks of the canal to new and commodious buildings near the Pittsburgh, Cin ciunati & St. Louis Railroad. It is now known as the Peerless Bell and Machine Works.

The Enterprise Manufactory, built a few years 'ago and now owned and

618 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY,

operated by R. L. Shoemaker, is one of the most thriving industrial works of the town. Besides an extensive planing mill business, large quantities of cigar boxes, churns and bee hives are manufactured.

There are also at Newcomerstown a carriage shop, owned by Charles Schneider, a wagon shop, three blacksmith shops, two meat markets, three harness shops, three boot and shoe shops, two barber shops, two lumber yards, a bakery, two livery stables, two billiard halls, live saloons and four good hotels the Commercial, Fountain, Globe and Central Houses. The mercantile trade is represented by six general stores, three queensware and grocery stores, two groceries, four hardware and tin stores, two drug stores, one millinery store, two furniture stores, one boot and shoe store, one clothing and gents' furnishing establishment, one book store. one jewelry and one music store. A bank has been recently opened. One or two previous attempts in banking have proved failures.

Andrew J. Wilkin is the only practicing attorney. The first physician was Dr. John Upson, who had come and gone before 1830. H. G. Clark was the next practitioner. He came about 1832, and remained till his death several years after. Drs. A. Brown and James Brown had each a long and successful practice. Other physicians of Newcomerstown were O. G. Sheldon, Dr. Case, Dr. Welty, Solomon Beers and others. At present there are three. J. R. McElroy, A. M. Beers and John W. S. Goudy.

Newcomerstown was incorporated in 1868. Its first Mayor was John Wilson. Since him, the following have filled the same municipal office: Frank Swan, Charles F. Davis, E. S. Pocock, John A. Buchanan, Thompson Lybarger, J. R. Mulvane, F. S. Timmons and J. T. Pocock, who was first elected in 1880, and is now filling his second term. The other present officers of the village are Lewis Carhart, John A. Burris, A. W. Murphy, I. G. Dickenson and Samuel Tyhurst, Council; George W. Hoglan, Clerk; R. F. Dent, Treasurer; W. H. Sills, Marshal; G. L. Patterson, Street Commissioner. There is at this writing a town hall in process of construction, which, when completed, will prove a valuable property. It is a brick, two-story building, estimated to cost $10,000. The second story will be used as a public hall, and below will be the Mayor's office, engine room and prison.