654 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY.

CHAPTER XVI.

SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP.

NAME AND ERECTION-MAGISTRATES-BOUNDARIES-WAR OF 1812-PIONEERS - MILLS - SCHOOLS - CHURCHES - SHANESVILLE - THE SHANESVILLE HORROR.

SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP derives its name from the stream that courses through its midst. Its erection by the County Commissioners was record ed March 7, 1811, and its bounds thus established: Beginning at the southwest corner of Section 25, Township 8, Range 4; thence east along the line between Townships 7 and 8 to the northeast corner of Lot No. 24 on said township line; thence north (in) a straight line to the center between Sections 14 and 15 in Township 9, Range 3; thence west to the county line to the northwest corner of Section 15; thence south along the county line to the place of beginning. This description, though somewhat imperfect, embraced the greater portion of what is now Sugar Creek and Auburn Townships, with the territory of Tuscarawas west of it, now belonging to Holmes County. The electors were directed to meet at the house of Frederick Domer on the first Monday of April, 1811, for the purpose of holding an election for township officers.

The Justices of the Peace, as completely as the records exhibit, are as follows: George Richardson, 1812; James Carr, 1812; Jacob Rinehart, 1818; George Richardson, 1819; William D. Mefendish, 1819, resigned 1822; George Richardson, 1822; Joseph W. Hoyt, 1825; William D. Mefendish, 1826, resigned 1826; George Richardson, 1828; Philip Rinehart, 1828; Joseph Williamson, 1830; Jonathan Price, 1831; Andrew Hattery, 1833; Joseph Williamson, 1833; John J. Burris, 1834, resigned 1837; Andrew Hattery, 1836; Phineas M. Janney, 1837; Andrew Hattery, 1839; Henry Love, 1840; Andrew Hattery, 1842; Albert Bates, 1842; Albert Bates, 1845; Andrew Hattery. 1845; Albert Bates, 1848; Daniel Smiley, 1848; A. Bates, 1851; Adam Barkley, 1851; Albert Bates, 1854; Adam Barkley, 1854; Albert Bates, 1857; Adam Barkley, 1857; Thomas Walters. 1860; A. Bates, 1360; Thomas Walters, 1863; Adam Barkley, 1863; O. G. Seldon, 1866; Thomas Walters, 1866; Levi Biddle, 1867; O. G. Seldon, 1869, resigned 1870; W. D. Hartman, 1870; G. Y. Springer, 1870; W. D. Hartman, 1873; Levi Biddle, 1873; Daniel Allison, 1875; John Doerschuck, 1876; Daniel Allison, 1878, resigned 1878; William D. Hartman, 1878; William C. Baker, 1879: William D. Hartman, 18811, resigned 1883; William Miller, 1882; Jacob Krieg, 1883.

The township is regular in outline, being four and a half miles long, north and south, and five miles in width, east and west. It embraces portions of Townships 8 and 9, of Ranges 3 and 4. It is located on the western line of the county, and is touched on the north by Wayne Township, on the east by Dover, on the south by Auburn, and on the west by Holmes County. In the north east portion are twenty Connecticut Reserve school lots, most of the third quarter of Township 9, Range 3. The remainder of the township is Congress land. Sugar Creek, with its numerous tributaries, affords a considerable extent of bottom land between ranges of sloping hills. The roughest land lies in the eastern part, where Broad Run has its source, and pursues a northeast

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direction. The soil is argillaceous, and well adapted to wheat growing. Extensive beds of sandstone underlie the hills, and occasionally crop out.

When the opening of the war of 1812 spread alarm throughout the frontier settlements of Ohio, the land which now composes Sugar Creek Township was sparsely settled. Only a cabin here and there dotted the vast wilderness, and Indians who took up the hatchet against the Americans had hunted just before in the valley of Sugar Creek. There was just cause to fear depredations, and when Hull surrendered and thereby exposed the entire frontier to the ravages of the red men, a few of the pioneers, deeming prudence the better part of valor, returned to their Eastern homes until the murky atmosphere of war was displaced by the safe, clear light of peace. Rumors of Indian descents more than once filled the minds of the exposed settlements with dread, and once the consternation was so widespread that. the settlers arose almost in a body, hastily buried or concealed their household effects, and with their families and teams fled for safety to the denser settled regions of the East. The falsity of the terrifying rumors soon overtook them and they returned to their abandoned homes. Henry Miller, one of the fugitives, buried his goods among deep-tangled underbrush, and had reached Gnadenhutten with his family, when the rumor was exploded. Henry Sliffe was one of the few who stood their ground. He believed that in case of a large, hostile force appearing, he could conceal himself and family beyond discovery.

The following were among the earliest settlers of this township: Frederick Domer, Christian Winkelpleck, Henry Miller, Jacob Miller and Henry Sliffe. Frederick Domer-Judge Domer, as he was known-was probably the earliest pioneer. He was here in 1807, coming from Somerset County, Penn. He was a Dunkard, or German Baptist, and entered the southeast quarter of Section 3, just south of Shanesville, where he lived a prominent and respected citizen until his death. His brothers, George, Jacob and Michael, soon followed him to the West. George settled in what is now Auburn Township, and Michael in Holmes County. Jacob entered and settled on the northwest quarter of Section 8, a mile southwest from Shanesville. He was a Dunkard minister, and in after life removed to Elkhart County, Ind.

Christian Winkelpleck arrived about the same time, also hailing from Pennsylvania. He was a Lutheran, and entered and Settled on the northwest quarter of Section 21. He died here in 1862, aged eighty-three years. His widow died in 1867 at the age of eight-five years. She was an energetic woman, and during the war of 1812 furnished food to passing squads of soldiers, and with the proceeds purchased a farm in Coshocton County. Philip and Jacob Winkelpleck, brothers of Christian, came about the same time.

Henry Miller, in 1809, emigrated from Somerset County, Penn., with his wife and three children-Dora, Zachariah and Daniel-and settled on the southeast quarter of Section 22, which he entered. His son Zachariah is still living, at the age of seventy-six, and makes his home in Shanesville. Henry Miller lived on his farm until his death, at the age of eighty-five years. He was a member of the Omish Church. Jacob Miller, his father, emigrated in 1810, with his son Jacob, brother to Henry. They traveled with a wagon and six horses, and reached their destination Saturday night, and the following day was spent in building a cabin on the southeast quarter of Section 21, entered by Jacob Miller, Jr. Jacob. Sr., was an Omish preacher, and entered the northwest quarter of Section 1, where he lived the remainder of his life. Another son, John J. :Miller, came about 1811, and entered the southeast quarter of Section 9, the site of Barr's Mills. He subsequently removed to Elkhart County, Ind. Isaac Miller, a distant relative, came a little later. He settled on the northwest quarter of Section 19, and afterward removed to Holmes County, where he died.

656 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY.

Another Henry Miller, no kin to the above, but also from Somerset County, Penn., emigrated about 1809, and entered and settled on the southwest quarter of Section 23. He was a short, heavy set man, and was dubbed " Little Henry," to distinguish him from his namesake, who was tall, and in consequence won the nickname "Big Henry." Little Henry was a member of the Dunkard Church.

Henry Sliffe, in 1808, made a trip afoot from Pennsylvania to this county, and, after due inspection, entered the southwest quarter of Section 22. The nest year, he brought his wife on horseback to the farm, leaving his children with friends, built a cabin, cleared, planted and harvested several acres, and in the fall they returned to Pennsylvania, intending to emigrate the following year. Reports of Indian troubles, however, deterred them; but, in 1811, he made the final journey, bringing his family in a cart drawn by two oxen and a horse. Mr. Sliffe was a member of the German. Reformed Church.

Among other of the earlier settlers were Henry Breniser. Stephen Yoder, George Richardson, John Walters. The first named was an Albright, came from Pennsylvania about 1810, and entered and settled on the southeast quarter of Section 20. He died here, and his family is widely scattered. Stephen Yoder was an early settler from Pennsylvania. He came in 1812, entered the northeast quarter of Section 8. and soon after owned the southwest quarter of Section 2. He was obliged to camp out until a log house could be built, which the first year was without a floor. He died in 1864, aged about eighty years. He was a member of the Omish Church. Daniel and David Yoder were also pioneers. The former owned the southeast quarter of Section 23; the latter the northeast quarter of Section 8. George Richardson came from Pennsylvania as early as 1808. He entered the northwest quarter of Section 23, and there remained till death, a member of the Presbyterian Church. James, his brother, who had had the misfortune of losing his eyesight, entered and occupied the northeast quarter of the same section. John Walters, who was a blacksmith and sicklesmith, was a Lutheran and a Pennsylvania German. He was one of the earliest pioneers; entered and occupied land in Section 12 until his death. Jacob W alters entered land in the same section. Their descendants are still numerous in that locality.

After the war of 1812 had ceased, a rapid stream of emigration poured many settlers into the township, and in a few years it was thoroughly settled. In 1820, the following land owners resided here, and many of them had emigrated years before: John Altman had entered and settled on the northeast quarter of Section 10. Henry Baker had been a Hessian soldier in the British service during the Revolutionary war; was captured at the battle of Trenton. He concluded to become an American citizen; settled in Somerset County, Penn., where he engaged in distilling, and in 1812 emigrated to this township, becoming the owner of the northwest quarter of Section 6. Frederick Biddle, from Chambersburg. Penn., entered the northeast quarter of Section 21; he was a Lutheran, a gunsmith, and died in 1868. George Biddle, his brother, was also a pioneer. He came to Sugar Creek Township about 1815; was also a gunsmith, and worked at his trade for both white men and Indians, and died in 1871. John Baltzly owned the southeast quarter of Section 19, entered by Henry Miller. He was a Lutheran, and came from Goshen Township. Jacob Coblentz, an Omish man, entered and occupied the southwest quarter of Section 5. Andrew Critz was the proprietor of the south half of Section 1, entered by George Leininger. Jacob Dietz owned the northwest quarter of Section 2, and eighty acres close to Shanesville; his brother Ernest owned the southwest quarter of Section 6. They were members of the German Reformed Church. Michael Fetter entered and owned the northeast quarter of

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Section 6. Abraham Garber entered and settled on the northeast quarter of Section 4. He was a member of the Omish Church. John Gard, a Methodist, entered and occupied the southwest quarter of Section 3; Timothy, his brother, who died prior to 1820, had settled on the northwest quarter of the same section. Joseph, Peter and Jeremiah Hochstetler each owned a farm. That of the last named the northeast quarter of Section 2, was entered by Benjamin Hochstetler, a member of the Omish Church, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to near Dover, on the plains, about 1812, and later to this township. Jonas Kline owned the northeast quarter of Section 20, entered by John Kline, a farmer of German Reformed Church, from Penn. John King, a blacksmith, Nicholas Nowel, a tailor, and John, Jacob and Philip Rinehart, owned small tracts in the northeast quarter of Section 3, near Shanesville. Peter Klinglesmith was the owner of the southeast quarter of Section 8. Abraham Olinger, a Dunkard, entered and occupied the southwest quarter of Section 9. Jacob Showalter, a Mennonite, owned a fraction of the northeast quarter of Section 18. His brother Peter, a Dunkard, had thirty acres in the northeast quarter of Section 19. John Showalter, who kept bachelor's hall with Jacob Walters until the latter's marriage, owned a farm in Section 18. George Smiley was the original proprietor and occupant of the southeast quarter of Section 11. John Welty entered and dwelt upon the northwest quarter of Section 10.

James Hattery came to the township in 1817, and lived to the age of eighty-six years. Benjamin Ream, who, died recently at an advanced age, came from Pennsylvania, and settled here in 1820. He was the last survivor of the Funston jury. Henry Troyer was an early hunter. While on a hunting excursion once be built a fire, and crept into an adjoining hollow log for shelter during the night. the weather being disagreeable. Toward morning, experiencing an unpleasant sensation, he awoke to find the log afire. He threw his gun and ammunition out through the fire, then waiting a few moments. until satisfied that he had hurled them beyond the reach of the flames, he scrambled out through the blazing embers as best he could, fortunately escaping with only a few burns.

The first grist mill in the township was erected on the site of Barr's mills, by John J. Miller, at a very early day. It was operated by him for many years. In 1853. John Baltzly rebuilt the mill. It has changed hands several times, and came into the possession of the present owner, David Barr, about fifteen years ago by purchase from Thomas Walters, On the northeast quarter, of Section 10. Isaac Altman in early times constructed a little grist mill, the water supply for which failed as the country became settled, and was cleared, and the mill had to be abandoned. On the northwest quarter of Section 1 is a custom grist mill, now operated by William Miller, built many years ago. On the southeast quarter of Section 21 is a woolen factory, erected and operated for years by Jonathan Fisher. His son Franklin succeeded to its proprietorship, and now operates it by steam. Sawmills were quite numerous in a day when the forests yet covered the hills of the township, but their mission has been fulfilled, and most of them have disappeared. Henry Baker, Frederick Sliffe and Jacob Dietz were each the proprietor of a little copper still in pioneer times, whence came a goodly quantity of whisky, then greatly in demand.

The first schools were held in private houses. One was taught by Isaac Miller, in the cabin of Jacob Miller, as early as 1822. Schoolhouses, however, did not then cost $500 or $600, but only a day's work for a few hearty settlers, and whenever occasion seemed to demand a building for educational purposes, it was always forthcoming. Jacob Showalter and Anthony Favors,

658 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY.

an aged German, were among the earliest teachers. In or near Shanesville, Philip Rinehart, Fred Irwin and William D. Mefendish were among the first to apply the ferule. An early schoolhouse stood on the northeast quarter of Section 22.

The Omish are a German people of plain attire and simple habits. They came to the valley of Sugar Creek from Pennsylvania in an early day, and still inhabit its fertile lands. Probably thirty families of this sect still dwell in Sugar Creek Township, and in the adjoining townships of Holmes County they also flourish. For years after their settlement here they maintained the severely simple life and customs of their forefathers, but innovations have gradually entered the church and rent it in twain. The now or progressive order has erected a church in Holmes County, but the old branch, to which most of the Sugar Creek Township Omish belong, still follow the footsteps of their predecessors, and worship in private houses. A difference in the mode of baptism also prevails. Among the new Omish, the applicant for membership kneels in a stream of flowing water, and the officiating minister three times dips the water with his hands and places it on the head of the kneeling convert. In the old order, the rite of baptism is performed in a dwelling house by pouring the water from a cup. The progressives have also departed somewhat from the prescribed dress of the church, while the conservatives maintain with jealous care its titter plainness. The men of this branch wear broad-brimmed bats, long overcoat with cape, and, in general. clothes of plain color, fastened with hooks and eyes, buttons being regarded as a wicked and foolish article of display. The attire of the women is correspondingly plain and somber. The young women wear large black caps till the clay of marriage, when they are discarded for white ones. Nothing ornamental is permitted. Carpets and window curtains are an abomination. Their first ambition is to possess a large, substantial red barn, and the early Omish constructed spacious outbuildings first, dwelling in rude cabins until their stock was comfortably housed and their grain stored. The best of farm implements are used, and slate roofs sometimes cover their houses. The women are noted butter makers. The men are non-combatants, settle disputes among themselves and do not go to war. Marriage to a person not a member of church is forbidden, and results in excommunication. Like the Dunkards, they have the religious institution of feet-washing. The ministers are chosen by lot, and serve through life or during good behavior. They receive no salary, and are farmers like their brethren. Usually a congregation has several ministers, who alternate in preaching. Services are held once in two weeks. The method of selecting a minister is as follows: At a called meeting, each member writes his choice on a ballot; the ballots are collected and from them all the names are transcribed. The ministers in charge then arrange a number of books, in one of which a mark or inscription has been placed; all members who have received one or more votes are called to the front, and each draws a book. The one who receives the marked volume thereby becomes the minister. The present ministers in the Sugar Creek Township Omish Church are Jacob Miller, Christian Troyer, Peter Beachy and Benjamin Fry. Jacob Miller, Sr., was the first minister. He commenced preaching in 1810. Following him, John Yoder, Stephen Yoder, Jacob Coblentz and Moses Wenger ministered to this people.

The Mennonites strongly resemble the Ornish in manners and religion, but wear buttons in place of hooks and eyes.

In the northwest part of the township, Section 18. a Union log church was built many years ago, where the Winebrennerians and United Brethren held services. The building has long since been abandoned for religious services.

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At Union Hill, two and a half miles east of Shanesville, is a Union church, which was built in 1879. A United Brethren society worship here under the pastorate of Rev. A. R. Bower. The Omish, Winebrennerians, Dunkards and Mennonites, also hold services here.

In 1831, John King platted a village in the southwest part of the southwest quarter of Section 19, two miles north of Shanesville, and called it Kingsville. It comprised fifty-one lots and four streets, but never advanced beyond its existence on paper.

Barr's Mills is the name of a post office and railroad station in the northern part of the township. A cluster of buildings is found here, which include a store, a saloon, a blacksmith shop, a water and steam grist mill and several dwelling houses.

Shanesville, the only village in the township, is one of the oldest in the county. It is located on the summit of a ridge nearly a mile from Sugar Creek. It was laid out in May, 1814, by Abraham Shane, of New Philadelphia, a prominent pioneer, who had extensive land possessions, and who entered the northeast quarter of Section 3, upon which the village is situated. Its original plat forms an irregularly shaped cross, and at the crossing of the two streets, Front and Main, each sixty-six feet wide, is a public square tan perches each way. The lots are 101 in number; No. 100 is donated for " a German school and meeting house," evidence that the majority of the settlers in this vicinity spoke the German tongue. The lots were sold at public sale. The one upon which the residence of William Hoskins now stands was bought by Catherine Lawbaugb for $6, and others probably sold for little more. The first merchants were William D. Mefendish, John Byers and Henry Williams. In 1820, the advertisement of Mr. Mefendish appeared in the Tuscarawas Chronicle, announcing that he " kept books and medicines " in his dwelling at Shanesville. From the same source it is learned that in 1821 Christopher Ritter, inn-keeper, removed from the sign of the" Cross Keys," Coshocton street, to the "Black Horse" tavern, Shanesville. Among the early residents of the village were Jacob Rinehart, tinner; John Rinehart, shoe-maker; Philip Rinehart. proprietor of oil mill; Benjamin Ream, hatter; and Mr. Jones, blacksmith. The population in 1820 was fifty-seven; in 1840, 226; in 1850, 382; in 1860, 321; in 1870, 360, and in 1880, 368.

The mercantile business at present consists of three dry goods stores, two groceries, one hardware store, two drug stores, three tin stores, one clothing store, one millinery shop and two furniture establishments. There are also three saloons, one hotel; a livery stable, a tannery, a foundry, a grist mill, a woolen mill, two blacksmith shops, two shoe shops, one cooper shop, one har ness shop and two wagon shops. The grist mill is owned by Henry Miller. The woolen mill is operated by John Showalter. On its site a carding and fulling mill was started, probably as early as 1830, by George Wertz. It was operated a long time by him, then changed hands several times, and finally reached its present management. A Mr. Heveland built the first carding mill. It stood on the site of Peter Goeler's stable near the northeast corner of the square, and was operated by tread-wheel power. The present schoolhouse is a large two-story frame, containing four rooms. Two former buildings have occupied the same site. The schools are under the control of the Township Board.

The Connotton Valley Railroad passes about a half mile east of Shanesville. It was opened for traffic in the spring of 1883, and its influence in developing this region is manifested by the erection near the station during the year 1882-83, of a planing mill by Miller, Mast & Hostetler; a tile factory and brickyard by Irvin Fulton; a warehouse, built by a company of eight indi-

660 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY.

viduals, and several dwellings. The warehouse is doing a good business, and much grain, that was formerly wagoned by the farmers of this township to Millersburg, is now brought to Sbanesville station.

At Shanesville are three religious societies, each sixty or more years old. The German Reformed congregation was organized at Shanesville in 1821, by Rev. W. Reiter, who remained in charge until 1825. For two years the society remained without a stated pastor; then, in 1827, Rev. D. Schaerer became pastor. Up to this time meetings had been held in the schoolhouse, but during the summer of 1828, the German Reformed and Lutheran Churches jointly erected a house of worship. The corner-stone was laid September 3, 1828, Revs. Wagonhals, Snyder and Schaerer presiding. The principal contributors of the German Reformed Society were Jacob Dietz,Beniamin Ream,J. Schultz, John Balsby, Father Christman, Jacob Sliffe, Henry Sliffe, Henry Dietz, George Dietz, Abraham Dietz and Jacob Funk. Except for an intermission of six months in 1836, Rev. Schaerer remained pastor until 1839. Rev. J. Baer served from October, 1840, to 18-13. Rev. D. Martz became the next minister in July, 1844. Under his administration, a division occurred in 1846, the minority, filled with the spirit of revivalism, retaining Rev. Martz, while the majority, in December, 1846, called Rev. J. G. Zahner, who has ever since been pastor. The former division in a short time passed out of existence, a portion of its members uniting with the Methodists and Albrights. The present membership is about eighty. They worship in a brick structure, built soon after the advent of Rev. Zahner in their midst.

The English Lutheran congregation has about the antiquity of the German Reformed. Rev. A. Snyder, of New Philadelphia, was the first pastor, and remained in charge many years. John B. Reek, from Greencastle, Penn., took charge in November, 1835. Christian Winkelpleck and George Beetle were that year elected Elders, and Nathan Cordery and Jacob Walters, Deacons. Rev. J. J. Harris was pastor in 1848, and in 1849 Rev. J. J. Miller was elected minister. Since 1873, the pastors have. been as follows: Rev. W. D. Trover, from October, 1873, to October, 1874; Rev. Henry B. Miller, October, 1875, to October, 1876; Rev. John B. Miller from December, 1876, to 1879; Rev. W. L. Tedrow, since May 1, 1880. The congregation continued to worship in the church on the hill in the northwest part of the village, built by the two congregations, until their present neat brick church was erected near the southwest corner of the square. The present membership of the congregation is s about 160.

The Methodist Episcopal Church at Shanesville had a prosperous class in 1827, and was organized some years before that date. Among its first members were James Everhart, Peter Jacobs, Timothy Gard, Elizabeth Axe, Jacob Kint, Lemuel Wagoner, Mrs. Rebecca Wagoner and Mrs. Ann Walters. Services were held for a while in private houses. A log church was then built and used for many years, followed in 1876 by the present frame building. The society is small, and this year has no regular minister.

One of the most appalling disasters that ever befell a community occurred at Shanesville on New Year's Eve, December 31, 1881, at which time a lodge of Knights of Pythias gave a festival for its benefit on the second floor of the Goeler Building, southwest corner of the square. Over two hundred persons were in attendance, and the small hall was packed. Supper had been announced in the adjoining room, but the crowd lingered to listen to the enlivening strains of the village band, while a number of boys beat time to the music with their feet. Suddenly the floor parted in the center, and the mass of human beings, stove, lamps and furniture were precipitated in a heap into the storeroom below. Fire was soon communicated to the clothes of the struggling

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victims, and for a time it seemed as if all must perish. The doors of the storeroom could not be opened, for the fallen floor, which hung by its sides above, securely barred it. The doors were finally broken down by men from the outside, and by great effort the throng was released, and the flames extinguished; but not until ten had received their death wounds from the devouring element, and many more severely burned. There was scarcely a house in the village which did not have a struggling sufferer extricated from that terrible trap. Miss Mary Neff was instantly killed, and the following died from injuries received: Mrs. Catharine Yoder and her son. Melta Yoder; Miss Annie Orin, Mrs. Allen Goeler, Frederick Schlarb, the village clothier; Frederick Weimer, a blacksmith; George Froelick, farmer; Miss Amanda Troyer and Miss Annie Graff.