YORK TOWNSHIP - 513 CHAPTER XI. YORK TOWNSHIP. THE history of the formation of York Township, as exhibited on the pages of the Commissioners' journal, is as follows: December 3, 1833-The Board of Commissioners ordered that a now township be laid off on the north end of Liberty Township, to be called York; commencing on the east boundary of said Liberty Township, five miles north of the southeast corner thereof; thence west, parallel to the south boundary of said Liberty Township, to the west boundary thereof; all north thereof to the north boundary of the county of Union to be considered in the said township of York, to be surveyed by Levi Phelps, when it may suit his convenience, previous to March session next. March 4, 1834-The board took into consideration the report of Levi Phelps, surveyor, on his proceeding in laying off the township of York, and its appearing to said Board that it would be more convenient to the townships of both Liberty and York to remove the line as now run, one mile further north; it is, therefore, ordered that the said Phelps, at some time prior to the next June session, re-survey the said township of York, commencing on the east line of the township of Liberty at the sixth mile tree, being six miles north of the southeast corner of the township of Liberty as originally established; thence to run west with the southern boundary thereof to the western, boundary of the county; all north to be considered as the township of York. December 4, 1834-A petition was presented by William Hartford, praying for a reconsideration of their order for running the line between the townships of Liberty and York, and an alteration; whereupon it is ordered by the board that the said line shall begin five miles north of the southeast corner of the township of Liberty, on the east line thereof; thence running west, parallel to the south line thereof three and one-half miles; thence north, parallel with the east line of said township one mile and 242 poles; thence west parallel to the south line of the township to the western boundary of the county. In 1836, York Township was divided, and Washington formed from the northern division. It would be impracticable to follow the numerous changes that; has been made in the boundaries of York. As constituted at present, 514 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. its northern and western boundaries are regular. The western boundary is the county line, with Logan County beyond. The northern boundary is the Greenville treaty line, separating York from Washington Township. On the east is Claibourne Township, and on the south Liberty and Taylor. The boundary lines between York and these three townships do not out any surveys, and are, in consequence, irregular. These are the surveys included within the township: Peter Manifold, No. 2,832, 1,000 acres, near the southwest corner of the township, surveyed by Lucas Sullivant, September 14, 1799; Andrew Tarborn, the heir of Peter Dunn, No. 2,982, 1,000 acres, southwestern part of township, surveyed by Lucas Sullivant, September 11, 1799; John M. Gregory, No. 2,984, southwestern part, surveyed by Lucas Sullivant, September 11, 1799; George Baxley and Joseph Merriman, six surveys of 1,000 acres each, located in the central and western parts of the township, Nos. 3,234, 3,235, 3,236, 3,237, 3.238 and 3,439, surveyed by Lucas Sullivant, September. 14 and 16, 1799; John Bowen, Nos. 3,468, 3,469 and 3,470, three surveys of 889 acres each, in the southeast part of the township, surveyed by Lucas Sullivant, November 10 and 12, 1800; Thomas Bowyer, No. 5,289, 1,000 acres, northern part, surveyed by Duncan McArthur, November 28, 1808; Thomas Bowyer, No. 5,290, 1.000 acres, northern part, surveyed by Duncan McArthur June 10, 1809; Robert Means, No. 5,387, 1,000 acres, southern part, surveyed November 26, 1808, by Duncan McArthur; Robert Means, No. 6,492, 70 acres, surveyed, November 20, 1809, by Duncan McArthur; Burgess Ball's representatives, No. 6,680, 648 acres, southern part of township, surveyed by Cadwallader Wallace June 11, 1834; Allen Latham, No. 11,346, 1,200 acres, eastern part of township, surveyed December 24, 1843, by E. P. Kendricks; Mary Stephenson and Thomas Holt, No. 12,124, 904 2/3 acres, northern part of township, surveyed by Allen Latham, March 24, 1823; Joseph Miller, No. 12,542, surveyed September 10, 1833, by E. P. Kendricks, in the northeast corner of the township; Robert Means, No. 6,154, 1,700 acres, mostly in Logan County, surveyed March 20, 1809, by Duncan McArthur; Robert Means, No. 5,092, 1,333 1/3 acres, mostly in Logan County, surveyed by Duncan McArthur, November 26, 1808; T. Chilton, Nos. 775 and 6,155, 1,059 acres, mostly in Logan County, surveyed by Duncan McArthur March 20, 1809; Allen Latham, No. 15,707, 38 acres, northern part of the township, surveyed November 24, 1851, by Nathaniel Massie; David Williams, No. 13,506, 500 acres, northern part of the township. The organization of York Township was completed by the election of township officers April 7, 1834. The election was held at the house of Aaron Shirk, and in consideration of this fact, he was permitted to cast the first vote. The record shows that the following persons were unanimously elected to the several offices; to wit: Trustees, Heman Tobey, Joseph Miller and Harmon Patrick; Overseers of the Poor, Charles Miller and John Coons; Fence Viewers, George Coons, Jonathan Miller and Charles Bennett; Treasurer, William Tobey; Constable, Aaron Shirk; Clerk, William Hartford; Supervisors, John Stamates, Hiram Parker and Jonathan Shirk. On the 15th day of April 1834, the Trustees met at the house of Heman Tobey, and divided the township into three road districts. The first election for Justice of the Peace was held at the house of Aaron Shirk October 11, 1834, and Jonathan G. Miller was elected to fill that office. The subsequent Justices, with dates of election, are Thomas Milligan, 1837; Jonathan G. Miller, 1839; William Tobey, 1841; Jonathan G. Miller, 1841; William Tobey, 1844, resigned in 1846; Jonathan Sterling, 1844, resigned in 1846; William Hartford, 1846; Archibald G. Brooks, 1846; David Sterling, YORK TOWNSHIP. - 515 1849, resigned the same year; William Hartford, 1849; Samuel Hoover, 1849; J. G. Miller, 1852; James R. Smith, 1852; Alonzo Harvey, 1855; James R Smith, 1855; Alonzo Harvey, 1858; Washington O. Davis, 1858; Archibald G. Brooks, 1859; Washington G. Davis, 1861; Archibald G. Brooks, 1862; A. E. Knox, 1864; Archibald G. Brooks, 1865; A. E. Knox, 1867; A. P. Harvey, 1868, resigned in 1870; William P. Plotner, 1870; A. E. Knox, 1870; William H. Plotner, 1873; A. E. Knox, 1873; S. Taylor, 1873; William H. Plotnor, 1876; A. E. Knox, 1876; William H. Plotner, 1879; A. E. Knox, 1879; L. D. Wright, 1882. At the first fall election, held October 14, 1834, the township cast twenty-one votes, eleven Democratic and ten Whig. The vote was as follows: For Governor, Robert Lucas, 11, James Findley, 10; for Representative in Congress, William Ellsberry, 11, Sampson Mason, 10; for State Senator, John Shelby, 11, Samuel Nowell. 10; for State Representative, Nicholas Hathaway, 11, Otway Curry, 10; for Sheriff, Calvin Wright, 21; for Commissioner, James B. Irvin, 18, Thomas Price, 3. The vote of the township for Governor, from that time to the present, is here-given: 1836, Joseph Vance, 16, Eli Baldwin, 17; 1838, Joseph Vance, 27, Wilson Shannon, 26; 1840, Thomas Corwin, 47, Wilson Shannon, 37; 1842, Thomas Corwin, 48, Wilson Shannon, 38; 1844, Mordecai Bartley, 62, David Tod, 39, Leicester King, 3; 1846, William Bebb, 42, David Tod, 31, Samuel Lewis, 14; 1848, Seabury Ford, 55, John B. Weller, 48, scattering, 18; 1850, William Johnson, 45, Reuben Wood, 37, Edward Smith, 36; 1851, Samuel F. Vinton, 54, Reuben Wood, 53, Samuel Lewis, 26; 1853, Nelson Barrere, -, William Medill, 48, Samuel Lewis, 85; 1855, Salmon P. Chase, 104, William Medill, 15, Allen Trimble, 4; 1857, Salmon P. Chase, 126, H. B. Payne, 62, P. Van Trump, 1; 1859, William Dennison, 132, R. P. Ranney, 35; 1861, David Tod, 161, H. J. Jewett, 39; 1863, John Brough, 250, C. L. Vallandigham, 43; 1865, J. D. Cox, 192, George W. Morgan, 25; 1867, R. B. Hayes, 214, A. G. Thurman, 47; 1869, R. B. Hayes, 198, George H. Pendleton, 49; 1871, E. F. Noyes, 190, George W. McCook, 43; 1873, E. F. Noyes, 178, William Allen, 62, Gideon T. Stewart, 2; 1875, R. B. Hayes, 255, William Allen, 78; 1877, William H. West, 248, R. M. Bishop, 80, H. H. Thompson, 5; 1879, Charles Foster, 263, Thomas Ewing, 93, Gideon T. Stewart, 6; 1881, Charles Foster, 247, John W. Bookwalter, 68, A. R. Ludlow, 18. Bokes Creek is the principal stream. It is formed by the confluence of several creeks on the western part of the township, and pursues an irregularly southeastern course, Fulton Creek crosses the northeastern corner of the territory, and in the southern part are several tributaries of Bokes Creek. The surface is level, or gently rolling. The soil is clay, with sandy bottoms along the streams. The timber consisted of beech, sugar, elm, hickory, oak and other varieties. One of the earliest pioneers of York Township was Joseph Miller. He was born in Ballston, Saratoga Co., N. Y., and spent his youthful days in that vicinity. He was married to Jemima Wilkins in 1801, and to them were burn three sons and one daughter. Mr. Miller, with his family, removed to Ohio in 1817, and purchased land in Franklin County, along the Scioto River. After making considerable improvement on this land, he lost it by reason of a defective title. After this misfortune, be located a survey in what is now the northeast corner of York Township. He and his two surviving sons, Jonathan G. and James Charles, became the first setters upon this tract. His-daughter Evaline, wife of Aaron Everett, remained in Franklin County. Mr. Miller and his son Jonathan G. first came out with their families about February, 1828. There was then no road to guide them to their now home west of the 516 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. site of Richwood, and Henry Swartz, of Claibourne Township, who had hunted over this country and was familiar with it, marked out a road for them by hacking trees along the line. By cutting away the underbrush, and winding about a great deal, the Millers reached their destination after a tedious journey. The latter part of their route was the first road-if road it might be called-leading from Richwood westward. The cabin was raised on the site of Benjamin Thomas' brick residence, some little distance west of the Presbyterian Church, by the aid of a few men who accompanied them from Franklin County for this purpose. They brought with them two teams, a scanty lot of household goods and a few sheep, hogs and cows. The sheep soon disappeared, and were never seen afterward, having probably fallen a prey to the ravenous wolves that infested the forests. For awhile the Millers traded, and bought the groceries they needed at Worthington, Franklin County. Joseph Miller erected a cabin, and lived on the same place with his son Jonathan. He possessed some means, was industrious and performed many acts of kindness to the new settlers who followed him into this settlement. He was modest and unassuming, but the earnest friend of every measure to promote the intelligence and morals of the community in which he lived. He was a member of the Episcopal Church, and as such communed with the Presbyterian Church in his immediate vicinity, of which his wife was a member, and to which he gave a cordial support. He died in York Township August 31, 1866, aged ninety. two years and nearly eight months. Jonathan G. Miller accompanied his father to York Township in February 1828, and became one of the sturdy pioneers who developed the agricultural resources of his adopted township. He was influential and respected among his acquaintances. He had married Anna Wasson, and had a family of six children-Beriah, now of Hardin County; Thomas, a farmer in Trego County, Kan.; Wilmot, the wife of William Longaker, living in Kansas; Anna; James, who was marked missing after a battle for his country, end never heard of again; David, who, while in service, was captured, imprisoned in Libby, exchanged, and when on his way home drowned on an ill-fated steamer on the Mississippi. Mr. Miller moved to Trego County, Kan,, in 1878, and died there two years later. James C. Miller moved to the Miller survey in February 1830, two years after his father had settled here. He had married Roxana Wasson, in Franklin County, in 1828. They built their first cabin a short distance east of the present residence of Mrs. Miller. Mr. Miller was engaged solely in agricultural pursuits. His children were Justus; Evaline; Dennison, who died in service; Gilbert, who died at Gallatin, Tenn., while in service; Jane, the wife of David Davis; Martha, who was married to Samuel McNeil and is now deceased. Mr. Miller died in this township September 4, 1878. One of the earliest settled portions of York Township was the land embraced in the three John Bowen surveys, surrounding and south of Summersville. Harmon Patrick is believed to have been the first settler here, though the exact date of his arrival is unknown. He was from Hardy County, Va., originally, but directly from Ross County, Ohio, and came to the township about the time the Miller settlement was made. He occupied a farm of 129 acres in Survey 3,470, about a mile south of the village. He was a high spirited, enterprising and esteemed citizen, and remained in the township for many years. He removed to Marion County, on the Scioto River. His brother, John Patrick, owned 100 acres in Survey 3,469, and lived here for a few years. Caleb Arahood, also from Ross County, came soon after, and settled on a piece of land near the center of Survey 3,469, now the Peter Staley farm. YORK TOWNSHIP. - 517 He was a native of Hardy County, Va., and had emigrated to Ross County, Ohio, and from that county to Liberty Township, this county, whence he moved here about 1830. He was a real backwoodsman, rude and uncouth, but clever and kind hearted. As befitted his situation in life, he was an adept with the rifle, and could bring down the noblest game the forests then afforded with ease and dispatch. His wife was Elizabeth Shirk. He sold his farm to David Davis a few years later, and departed with his family for Coles County, Ill. His earthly existence was terminated there shortly after William Hartford was among the early arrivals in this locality. By birth he was a Canadian. When the war of 1812 agitated the American continent, his sympathies were enlisted in behalf of the American cause. With his father he came to the United States, and soon after was in the service. At the close of the war, he returned to Canada, and was imprisoned for bearing arms against his country. Effecting a release in some way, he came to Ohio, and settled in Muskingum County. Thence he came to York Township, about 1830, and settled in the southwest corner of Survey 3,470. His nature was positive and impulsive, and to whatever cause be embraced he brought ardent and unwearied efforts. He was at first intensely Democratic in his political preferences, but later in life was strongly identified with the Republican party. Notwithstanding his positive disposition, he was universally esteemed by his acquaintances. He emigrated to Illinois, and invested his means in land, by the rise in the value of which he became wealthy. Within a very recent period, he was living in Iowa. His wife was Eliza (James), and his children Mary, Scott, Almira, Selina, Margaret, Nancy, Isaac and Grace, none of whom now reside in this vicinity, Jonathan Shirk, uncle to Aaron Shirk, now living in York Township, was born in Hardy County, Va., and emigrated to Greene County, Ohio. About 1830, he came to York Township with his wife, Elizabeth, and family, and engaged in the arduous labor of making a farm from the wilderness, a short distance south from Summersville. His wife died, and he sold his possessions here and removed to Taylor Township, and afterward to Indiana, where he died. Not uncommonly, settlements were formed by a number of pioneers, hailing from the same vicinity. The tide of emigration from a settled locality would receive its impetus from the success attending the removal of one of the community to the new country. His neighbors, friends and acquaintances, prompted by a desire to share in the benefits which are the reward of faithful and persevering labor in an unsettled region, and preferring the society of old and tried acquaintances as neighbors to new ones, one after another would leave their old homesteads and purchase new homes in the vicinity of those who had gone before them. An emigration from Harrison and adjoining counties to York Township was thus begun by one, who, however, did not live to enter upon his labors in the township. Duncan McArthur purchased a large portion of the John Bowen Surveys, in the southeastern portion of York Township, for a small consideration, and desired its settlement. Samuel Hyde, of Harrison, was slightly acquainted with Gov. McArthur, who offered to sell him, among others, a farm in that vicinity. Mr. Hyde was born in Maryland, and when a boy, moved, with his father, to Pennsylvania. In Washington County, Penn., he married and settled on a farm in Harrison County, Ohio. Having concluded to emigrate farther west, in the spring of 1832, in a lumbering wagon drawn by a yoke of oxen, he traveled toward the setting sun till he reached the slight settlement just south of what is now Summersville. Satisfied with the locality, he fashioned, out of the unbroken wilderness, a small, rude cabin, cleared about eight acres 518 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. of land, fenced it in from the surrounding forest, planted it in corn and returned, by a tedious journey, home. In the fall, he again visited the locality, this time in company with his young son, John B., and harvested his crop, They brought with them a load of household and other goods. Mr. Hyde had eight children, one son and seven daughters, five of whom were at this time married and settled in homes of their own. One unmarried daughter-Nancy, afterward Mrs. George Davis-was living at the home of a married sister. In February 1833, Mr. Hyde, with his wife Elizabeth, son John B. and daughter Rebecca, who afterward married Sedgwick Coons, bade a final adieu to Harrison County, and, in a four horse team, began their pilgrimage to York Township. At Berkshire, Delaware County, Mr. Hyde was taken sick. Thinking he would be fully restored to health in few days, he directed that his family proceed to their new home. They concluded the journey in two days, and took possession of the cabin which Mr. Hyde had erected. the summer previous. Rebecca then returned to Delaware County for her father, and upon her arrival she was greeted with the sad tidings that he had died and was buried, His disease was lung fever, doubtless induced by exposure and excessive labor. John B. at this time was seventeen years of age. His father had not yet contracted for the land upon which he built his cabin, and John B., in his own name, in a short time bought 100 acres of land paying for it $2.25 per acre. In 1837, he married Eliza Davis, and still resides on the old place, one and some half miles south of Summersville, enjoying the reward of a well-spent life, and possessing the highest esteem of his large circle of acquaintances. In politics, he has been Whig and Republican; in religion he is a faithful adherent to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Of the seven daughters of Samuel Hyde, six became residents of York Township. The eldest, Catharine, settled with her husband, Hugh McAdow, in the adjoining township of Taylor; Eliza had married Elias Johnson; Ellen had married Charles Bennett; Margaret war, the wife of John Sterling; Mary the wife of John Johnson. As before mentioned, the other two daughters, Nancy and Rebecca, afterward married pioneers of the township. Elias Johnson came in the fall of 1833, settled near Summersville, and there raised a large family. He had served, for a short time, in the war of 1812. He taught several of the early schools, was a well-respected member of society, and died in 1865 at a ripe old age. Charles Bennett settled in the township at the same time. He occupied the James Seran place in the southeast part of Survey 3,468 for a number of years, then moved to Illinois. Returning, he remained but a short time, and emigrated to Missouri, where he now lives. John Sterling first located in York Township in the same fall. He was born in Ireland, and, after his arrival in America, settled in Tuscarawas County. Thence he came to this township, and purchased 100 acres in the wilderness, south of Summersville, now known as the Fulton farm. He soon after sold this, attended school for a time at Delaware, Ohio, and returned a Methodist minister, and was an earnest and faithful pastor until death. David Sterling, his brother, was also an early settler. He located a farm in the Coons settlement, in the northern part of Survey 12,124, where John H. Sterling now lives Mr. Sterling remained here the remainder of his life. He possessed more than ordinary intelligence, and was highly and universally esteemed. Both he and his brother were earnest Whigs; both were elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, and both resigned before the expiration of a term of service. John Johnson came with his family from Harrison County, Ohio, in 1834, and settled near Summersville. Before emigrating to this township, he had Page 519 - Picture of John M. Gunder Page 520 - Blank YORK TOWNSHIP. - 521 traveled on the circuit as a Methodist minister in the Pittsburgh, Penn., conference and in New York, but after his arrival in Union County he officiated in a clerical capacity only as a local preacher. In physique, he was large and portly. He was one of the original proprietors of Summersville; engaged, to some extent, in clearing his farm; opened a store at the little village he helped found, and was otherwise variously engaged until 1844, when he removed to Marysville, having been elected Auditor of, his county. At the expiration of two terms of service, he opened a drug store at the county seat, and remained in business till failing health obliged him to seek a more active life. He returned to his farm in York Township in 1855 or 1856, and there passed the remainder of his life, His children were Almira (Wall), Thomas, Margaret (Davis), Mary (Malin), William S., John, Helen (Smith) and Belle. He taught the first school at Summersville Ile for $8 per month, and boarded himself. He did more, perhaps, to build up the Methodist Episcopal Church at Summersville than any other member of it. He was a useful member of society. and exerted a wide influence. He died in July 1873, at the age of seventy-three years. His wife survived until June 1882. David Davis, a Pennsylvanian, came to what is now York Township in 1833, from Harrison County, Ohio, and settled about a half mile south of Summersville, on Bokes Creek. He first purchased a small tract of land, but soon after increased the amount to about two hundred acres. About eight acres of the place had been cleared by Caleb Arahood before Mr. Davis purchased it. About the year 1841, Mr. Davis purchased 500 acres of uncleared land about one mile south of York Center, and moved to it with his family. His wife was Keziah Dickson, and his children, ten in number, most of whom now live in York Township, were George, Eliza (Hyde), Amon, Nancy (Patrick), David, Washington, Finley, Rebecca (Storms), Susan (Moffitt), and Thomas. Mr. Davis was attached to rural life, and always lived on the farm. He was in early life an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but subsequently he became a member of the United Brethren Church, and for a few yews preached on the circuit. He died July 16, 1878, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. Washington G., Elza and Amon S. Davis, three younger brothers of David Davis, settled in the township in 1837. Amon was married when he came; the other two were single. Amon S. Davis settled in Summersville, and worked at the carpenter trade for about three years, at the same time reading medicine under the instruction of Dr. Hamilton, of East Liberty. He then entered upon the practice of his profession at Summersville, and continued it very successfully until 1866, when he removed to Decatur, Ind. He died there of milk sickness in 1874. Elza Davis married Elizabeth Patrick, who died a few years later. He afterward married Mary Walker, of Marion. He, for awhile, followed brick masonry, but has mostly given his attention to farming. He died in March 1882. Three children survive him. Washington G. Davis married Martha Ann, the daughter of James R. Smith, and still lives in York Township, about a half mile north of Summersville. Another brother, George Davis, settled in the township, south of Summersville, in 1841, and died here. James R. Smith was one of the original proprietors of Summersville. He was a native of Maryland, where he was born in 1794, and emigrated to Ohio when a young man. He lived at Leesville, Carroll County, till 1834, when he came to York Township and purchased a farm in the southwest corner of Survey 3,468, now the Sylvanus Taylor place. By trade he was a shoemaker, and, in connection with clearing his farm, he followed his trade. His 522 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. wife was Anna Masters, and his children William M., Lewis G., Martha (Davis), Lemuel, Margaret (Roberts), Louisa (Coo), James, Susan M. (Richardson), Matilda (Wood), Melissa, Thomas, Albert and Edwin. Only two of these now reside in York Township. At first, Mr. Smith lived in a small cabin in Summersville, but soon be erected and moved into a two-story hewed-log house. He was Justice of the Peace two terms, and an Associate Judge of the county for nine years. For about six years, be sold goods at Summersville, and was then elected Probate Judge of Union County, and served in that capacity for ten years. At the expiration of this service, he returned to Summersville, from Marysville, and cultivated a small fruit and flower garden. Judge Smith was one of the leading men of York, and attained the age of eighty-three years. He died suddenly, of heart disease, at Summersville, September 27, 1877. His wife died about 1850. Judge Smith had served a short time in the war of 1812. He is reputed to have organized, in the spring of 1836, at his own house, the first Sunday school in the township. Thomas R. Price was born in Pennsylvania December 27, 1809, and removed to Harrison County, Ohio, when a small boy. In 1836, he came to York Township, and settled in Summersville. He entered into several enterprises successively, including hotel-keeping, selling goods, running a boot and shoe shop, until his health failed, in 1865. He was long an invalid, and died March 15, 1877. William Kirk, who was raised near Alexandria, Md., came to the township about 1834, and bought a little farm just east of Summersville. He farmed, made shoes, tailored a little, and for a few years was a local minister of the Methodist denomination. He lived to a good old age, and died in 1874, well respected by all who knew him. Samuel Kirk, an uncle of William, and also a prior denizen of the State of Maryland, came from Logan County about the same time, and engaged in shoe-making in Summersville. He was a migratory individual, and terminated his earthly career at Pharisburg. The third settlement in the township was made by George Coons, in the T. Bowyer Survey, No. 5,289. Mr. Coons purchased 100 acres, about two miles north of York Center, and in the fall of 1829 came out from his home in Fairfield County, and built a cabin. During the winter, he brought out several wagon-loads of goods, and in the spring following came with his family, arriving at the now home April 1, 1834. The Miller settlement, and the settlement just below the site of Summersville, were the only portions of the township occupied by settlers at this time, and the labor of cutting a wagon road to his home in the wilderness devolved upon Mr. Coons, and was performed by arduous labor. Mr. Coons was a farmer, and spent the remainder of his life on the farm he first settled. He died October 19, 1856, aged seventy-eight years. His wife, Keziah, survived him twenty years, and died at the age of ninety-three. The family of the pioneer and highly-esteemed couple consisted of four sons and four daughters, all of whom became early residents of the township. The four sons, John, Thomas S., Brice and Harris, and two daughters, Letitia, who afterward married Levin Wright, and Rhoda who afterward became the wife of A. G. Brooks, accompanied their parents to the township. The other two daughters had entered married life in 1829 - Sally with Jacob Bollenbaugh and Allis with John Stamates. Mr. and Mrs. Bollenbaugh, in 1830, at the same time the Coons family settled here, moved from Fairfield County to Hancock County; but after a sojourn there of several years came to York Township, and settled among their friends. Mr. Bollenbaugh was a straightforward, industrious German, Democratic, and afterward Republican in politics, and, like the Coons, of the Baptist persuasion. Besides YORK TOWNSHIP. - 523 farming, he operated a little tannery for a time. He died a few years ago, leaving a family of children to possess his homestead. Nathaniel Brooks settled in the Coons settlement in 1832. He was from New York, and was class leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he was strongly Whig. He died in 1836, leaving a family of four sons, Archibald G., James, Joseph and Robert, and several daughters. Archibald G. was a man of prominence in the township, and died recently. John Stamates, hailing from Muskingum County, came with the Coons, and lived with them during the first year of his citizenship of York Township. He then bought a place in the Miller settlement, and is still living there. Levin Wright came from Fairfield County about 1835, and settled in the Coons settlement. He remained a lifelong resident of the township. By his first marriage-with Letitia Coons-he had three children. His second wife was Sally Thornton, and the children of this marriage still reside in the township. Heman Tobey, in 1831, moved to the township from Saratoga County, N. Y. He purchased the survey of 1,000 acres in which York Center is located No. 3,234, for about $1,000, and, retaining a portion for himself and his sons, disposed of the rest to incoming settlers. Mr. Tobey was twice married. His first wife was Hannah Rowland, and their children were William, Henry, Harlow and Rosanna (Shirk). His second wife was Mrs. Martha Tobey, the widow of his brother, Samuel Tobey. By her prior marriage Mrs. Tobey had two daughters, Melinda (Wheeler) and Amanda (Comer). The children of Heman's second marriage were Jane (the wife of A. E. Knox), Charles, Emaline and Evangeline (wife of Robert Negley). Mr. Tobey was a shrewd, honest Yankee, and a member of the Baptist Church. He died while on a visit to some of his children, in Madison County, aged sixty four years. Sarah Ann Suddith, a widow, moved with her children to the wilds of York Township, near York Center, in 1831 or 1832. She purchased a little place of fifty acres, and with the aid of her boys managed to earn from it a livelihood. Her children were William, Priscilla (married to Moses Dean), George, Jemima (married to Milton Smith) and Mary, who was the wife of David Davis, Jr. Mrs. Suddith afterward removed to Iowa. Gregory Storms, in 1833, moved from Orleans County, N. Y., with his wife, Melinda, end seven children, to a farm of 150 acres just north of York Center, and between it and Bokes Creek, which he had purchased from Henry Tobey for $1.25 per acre. None of it was then cleared, and he at once gave his entire attention to the improvement of his home, and became an industrious and well respected citizen. He was an earnest Whig and a zealous Methodist. For several years the services of the little religious class, which he helped to organize, were conducted in his cabin. He died on the farm he first settled in the seventy-fourth year of his age. His children were James, Roxana (wife of Amon Davis), Judson, William, Joseph, Elizabeth (wife of John Mar), John, Harriet (wife of Lathe Richeson), Eliza (wife of Henry Stalder) and Gregory. The last three were born in this township. David Thurston, a carpenter by trade, hailing from the Empire State, settled, in 1834, on a portion of the Aaron Shirk farm, in Survey 3,234. He was a skillful craftsman, and followed his trade here for a number of years. He died in Liberty Township, whither he had moved. Hiram Parker, another early settler in the central portion of the township, came from Meigs County, about 1833, and settled about three-fourths of a mile southwest from York Center. He was an industrious citizen, and one of the first Trustees of the township. He afterward moved away. Aaron Shirk was born in Hardy County, Va. In 1818, when he was eight 524 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY years old, his father, Aaron Shirk, moved with his family to Ross County, County, Ohio; crossing the mountains in a five horse team, and consuming six weeks on the journey. After a two-year sojourn in Ross County, Aaron Shirk, Sr., moved to Liberty Township, Union County. Here his son grew up, and spent his time in clearing his father's land and in hunting. Aaron Shirk, Jr., was married, May 9, 1833, to Rosanna Tobey. He at once purchased 145 acres from his father-in-law, Heman Tobey, at $1.50 per acre, north of York Center, built his cabin the summer of 1833, and in November of the same year settled on the place. His house was a hewed-log building, of superior finish for those times. Mr. Shirk had procured the services of a competent carpenter, and the cabin boasted of a good board floor and three twelve-light windows an unheard-of extravagance then. Most of the cabins had windows of but four to six panes of glass, or more probably were content with doer skin or oiled paper for window panes, Mr. Shirk has ever since resided on this farm, engaged chiefly in farming, but at times he has followed other pursuits. He has made brick, burned lime, followed shoe-making, and in early times passed much time in the woods inquest of game. He thinks he has killed more than five hundred deer. He possesses an active, restless spirit, and is ill at ease unless actively engaged. Of his five children, only two are now living, Sarah, the wife of Sanford Spain, and John, of Mount Victory. The vote of -the township in 1840 was eighty-four, about one-fourth the present vote. The settlers mentioned heretofore are believed to have been the first, and among the first, in the township. All the following were residents of the township prior to 1840, some of them several years before: James Bennett occupied the James Seran place, southeast corner of Survey 3,468, subsequent to 1835. He came from Maryland to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, thence here; was a Democrat, and removed to Missouri, where, from last accounts, he was still living. Simon Coder made the first improvements on the Samuel Johnson farm, in the northeast part of Survey 3,469. He came from Ross County before 1834, purchased 150 acres and followed blacksmithing. He sold the place to Thomas Butterfield, and removed to near Marysville. He is now living, in his old age, in Taylor Township. His political affiliations were Democratic. Thomas Butterfield came from Harrison County. He was of Quaker extraction, and his political principles ranked him a Whig. He raised a large family and died on the place. John Barkdale settled in the eastern part of Survey 3,468, north of the Richwood pike, on the place now owned by James Seran. He was a Whig and a Methodist, and removed with his wife and a son to Iowa, after his remaining children had married. Hiram Beal located in the northwest corner of Survey 3,470. After a residence here he removed to Illinois; thence to Iowa. He was a Democrat. His father, Nicholas Beal, was an early merchant at Summersville. George W. Baxley was the son of George Baxley, one of the most extensive original land-holders of the township. George W. was raised in Baltimore, Md., and came West to occupy a portion of his father's possessions. He settled on about five hundred acres, the southern part of Survey 3,238, but not being accustomed to the sturdy labor of a pioneer, did not reduce it to a cultivated state with any great rapidity. He gradually disposed of his land, and at length purchased a mill site at Newton, and removed to that village. Joseph Cahill, from the eastern part of the State, settled in the southern part of Survey 3,238, but did not remain long here. He was an ardent Whig. John Cork, in 1834 or 1835, settled on the Thomas Hamilton place, in the southwestern part of Survey 3,469. He came from Ross County, and died YORK TOWNSHIP. - 525 here. Religiously, he was a Methodist, politically a Whig. He was very ingenious and skillful with tools, and was successful in whatever mechanical undertaking he assumed. William Ennis hailed from New York. He settled on what is now the E. Haun place, in the northern part of Survey 3,237. He raised a family here, and removed to Logan County, where he died. Jacob Echard, a Pennsylvania German, occupied for a short time a little place in the southern part of Survey 3,470, When he sold, he removed to Darby Plains, and in a short time farther West. David Fulton, about 1837, came from Maryland, and settled in the northwest corner of Survey 3,470, where his son, William T. Fulton, now resides. He maintained a residence there up to the date of his death. He was straightforward in all his transactions, and well liked. In early life, he had been a Democrat, but after the Republican party was organized he became a member of it. In religious life, he was known as a Seceder. Daniel Gould became an early resident in the Miller settlement, on the farm now occupied by Andrew McNeil. He was from New York, and after a residence of a few years in York Township moved to Bellefontaine. John Keener, a German, Ross County farmer, settled, when an old man, in the southern part of Survey 3,470. He did not survive his emigration thither many years. James McCrea, about 1834 or 1835, came from Now York, and located in the Miller settlement. He was well advanced in life when he came. He was a man of considerable intelligence, and was known as Judge McCrea. The title was deserved, for in New York he had won the ermine. His politics were Whig, and religiously he inclined toward Presbyterianism, though not a member of that denomination. He died in York Township. Nathan Raymond was another early settler in the Miller settlement. David Master, a young farmer from Tuscarawas County, settled north of Summersville. He was of Quaker parentage, and in a few years removed to the northern part of Ohio. Hartwell Monger became the owner and resident of a little place in the Coons settlement. He afterward removed to Illinois. William Sigler, a Marylander, came to the township a single man. soon after 1830. He first settled near Summersville, but afterward removed west of York Center, and there spent the rest of his days. He married Mary Cook, and left a family. His politics were Republican; his religion, Methodist. Adam Winters came from Maryland in 1832, and settled one mile west from Summersville. He married Eliza Sigler, sister to William Sigler. He was honest and industrious, and well respected by his neighbors. He was a noted hunter, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His death occurred in 1856. B. P. Wilkins and Abel Wait were early residents in the Miller settlement. Mr. Wilkins immigrated here with his family from near Fawley, N. Y. He was a farmer, and died in the township October 27, 1858, aged sixty six years. Mr. Wait, who entered the township about 1835, was a Yankee, and after a residence of some length in York, removed to Champaign County. James Whitaker settled near York Center. He came from New York, and from York Township emigrated to Michigan, where he died. Ephraim Yarington, from Carroll County, settled in the southern part of Survey 3,470. He reared a large family, and subsequently removed to, Illinois, where he died. Emmet Southworth and his brothers were among the earliest to locate in 526 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. The extreme western part of the township. Emmet is now living in Logan County. Andrew McNeil came to the township from Pennsylvania in the year 1839, and has since been a continuous resident of the township, except four years, when he resided in Marysville, during his two terms of office as Auditor of Union County. Mr. McNeil was also Commissioner of the county for six years. He is one of the prominent men of Union County, and holds the esteem of his wide circle of acquaintances. Since the organization of the York Presbyterian Church, in 1839, he has been a Ruling Elder. Robert McIlroy came from Harrison County, in 1833, and has lived here most of the time since. For more than forty years he has been class leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church. William Henson, too, came in 1833, and resided about forty years in the township. He then went West, and died soon after. His children numbered twenty-one, most of whom are dead, or have gone from the township. Henson was an industrious and well respected citizen. James Seran came to York Township from Carroll County in 1836, purchasing fifty acres of land, where he now lives, at $2 per acre. Mr. Seran is honest, hard-working and upright, and has amassed considerable property. He has been a leading member of the United Brethren Church for years. The first settlers arrived at the township only a few years before the Indians departed from this neighborhood forever; but while here they hunted in common with the whites. The Indians would whenever a favorable opportunity presented, steal coons and other game from the traps of the pioneers, and in return the latter paid little regard to the rights of the savage acquaintances. One of the foremost settlers discovered an Indian robbing his traps and almost at the same instant the Indian espied him and sprang behind a tree. To the demand of the hunter to come forth, the red man made no response for awhile, but afterward pled the lateness of the hour of the day and the necessity of reaching his camp immediately. He sped away fleetly, leaving the trapper indignant, but in possession of his game. The next morning, with his brother, he started through the woods in search of the camp of the Indians. It was discovered in the lower part of Washington Township, but the Indians were not there. After searching in the vicinity for them, they returned to the camp, placed the combustible matter it contained in a heap in the center, and applied a torch. They lingered about till the camp was reduced to ashes, then returned home. The Indians were never seen or heard of afterward, Another pioneer, missing game from his traps, cut on the bark of a beech tree the figure of an Indian, bound and lashed by a white man. Soon after an Indian drew the figure of a white man on a tree with a bullet hole through the arm. On the same tree the original artist sketched a dusky savage pierced through the heart with a rifle ball. This was the last of the series and the Indians avoided that vicinity thereafter, it is said. Deer was abundant before much of the land was cleared and many of the settlers became very successful in hunting this and other game. Aaron Shirk, in his youth, was quite a huntsman. He was keen-sighted, cool, muscular and active. He once picked up his rifle and went out to shoot a doer. His younger brother had been squirrel hunting the day before and left a light load in the gun. Mr. Shirk was unaware of this, and supposed the gun was heavily charged. He saw a large buck lying behind a log and tired, shooting it through the neck. The buck fell over, and, supposing, he had killed it, Mr. Shirk rushed up to it, without reloading, and was making ready to cut its throat with a butcher knife he had with him when the infuriated animal, that YORK TOWNSHIP. - 527 had only been stunned rushed at him. The only thing to do was to seize the buck by the horns, and a struggle was commenced which continued an hour and extended over two acres of ground. Once the young man, despairing of wearing out the strength of his foe released his hold and sprang behind a large oak. His dog, however, that had rendered him great service in the contest sprang a the throat of the buck, which partially stumbled, and Aaron again entered the lists. In the contest he had lost his knife, but when the struggles of the animal became feebler through exhaustion, Mr. Shirk succeeded in opening his pocket knife with his teeth, and severing an artery in the Dock of the buck. It was two weeks later when he had fully recovered from the effects of the battle. VILLAGES. Summersville is a little village located on Bokes Creek, in the eastern part of the township and in the southern part of Survey 3,468. This survey was purchased by James R. Smith, John Johnson and William Summers, and they were the proprietors of the town. The first two had become residents on the survey; Mr. Summers was a Methodist minister at Leesburg, Carroll Co., Ohio, and never lived in York Township. The plat was surveyed by Levi Phelps and recorded August 11, 1835. It comprised forty-eight lots facing on two streets, Main and Cross streets. When surveyed, the land was yet uncleared, and John Johnson felled the first timber on the site. The first cabin was erected by Thomas Price. It was a log cabin of the usual pattern, but soon after Mr. Price built a two-story hewed-log house and occupied it as proprietor of the village tavern for several years. John Johnson had an ashery at this place or near it before the plat was made. He was the first merchant in the village. His goods he purchased at Columbus and at first offered them for sale at his cabin. The stock consisted mainly of groceries with a few dry goods. John Price, the son of Thomas Price, moved to the village soon after it was surveyed and pursued the avocation of carpentering. William Kirk, a local Methodist minister, was another early arrival. He came from Carroll County and started the first tailor shop. After engaging in this trade for a Dumber of years, he removed to a farm near Summersville with his wife Nancy and family, and died there in 1874, at a good old age, He was well respected by all who knew him. The proprietors were active in their endeavors to build up the town, as the following advertisement will certify. It was published January 28, 1842, in the Union Gazette of Marysville: Sale of Land and Town Lots. The subscriber will offer at public sale on Friday, the 25th of February next, lots in the town of Summersville and adjoining thereto. These will be laid off in tracts of various sizes, say, from three to ten acres each, fronting on State roads, so as to suit mechanics and tradesmen, several of whom would meet with good employment in this new and growing community. A blacksmith, gunsmith, carpenter and joiner, cabinet-maker, wheelwright, cooper, saddler, etc., etc., are much needed. There are at present in the village one tannery, one boot and shoe maker, two chair and bedstead factories and one wagon-maker's shop; also a good saw mill within a half mile. Terms: One-third in hand or to be paid on the 1st of April, and the balance in two equal annual payments. JOHN JOHNSON, Agent. SUMMERSVILLE, January 28, 1842. The tannery alluded to was started by John Thomas. In a few years' he sold it to Nicholas Beal, L. G. Monroe and Thomas Hyde were subsequent owners. The tannery has been operated until within recent years. John Price had a small bedstead factory, the only one now remembered. Adam Hatfield probably had the first wagon shop, and Charles Bennett is believed to have been the first shoe-maker. Dr. Charles Morrow, of Summersville, was the first physician in the township. He came from the eastern part of Ohio about 1837. He used as reme- 528 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. dies herbs to a great extent, a system quite popular for a time in early days. Dr, Morrow subsequently removed to Delaware for the purpose of giving his children the advantages of a collegiate education. He returned, but his school of medicine had lost favor with the people to a considerable extent, and the Doctor gave his attention more to farming. He died at Mount Victory. Dr. Amon S. Davis was a long and successful practitioner at Summersville. Dr. A. J. Richardson is the only resident physician of the village at present. He has been in continuous practice ever since 1866. Drs. G. W. Ramage, J. W. Reading and others have in the past practiced in this vicinity. The Summersville of to-day is of scarcely more importance than the same village was forty years ago. When mud roads prevailed, it was quite a trading point for the farmers in this part of the township, but since the construction of good pikes the people seek larger, though more distant, towns. Formerly there were two flourishing stores and a hotel. Now all the mercantile business is transacted with A. M. Crawford. There are two blacksmith shops and a Shoe shop, two churches and a good school in the village, and perhaps one hundred and fifty people. James M. Darling is the present Postmaster. York Lodge, No. 672, I. O. O. F., was instituted August 16, 1877. The charter members were L. H. Southard, Lemuel Cahill, L. W. Smith, John Ogan, John Sterling, William Haines and Peter Ware. The membership is now large and the lodge flourishing. It has a good hall. The present officers are E. R. Wilkins, N. G.; G. W. Westlake, V. G.; S. S. McIlroy, Rec, Sec.; F. L. Kezertee, Per. See.; Dr. A. J. Richardson, Treasurer. York Center, comprising about fifteen dwelling houses, two stores and a wagon shop and a blacksmith shop, is situated near the geographical center of the township. Prior to 1860, the site of the village was void of any buildings, save one or two farm residences, but in that year Charles Corey built a cabin here and brought to it a general stock of goods which he arranged in a room of his cabin and offered for sale. Ed Cranston in a few years built a store-room and purchased the Corey stock of goods. One after another family moved in until the village attained its present size. The two merchants now in business here are Dexter White and George Hornbeck. A post office was established early in the history of the township at Jonathan Miller's. The office was then kept by B. Wilkins, north of Bokes Creek, for many years, commencing about 1838. At his death, Henry Tobey, Hugh T. Knox and others dispensed the mail here. When the first store was opened at York Center, the office was brought here and kept by a succession of merchants to the present time. George Hornbeck is the present Postmaster. A village was platted at York Center, June 24, 1841, but it came to naught. MILLS. The first grist mill in the township was built by Thomas R. Price on Bokes Creek, just north of York Center. In order to have the convenience of a mill in the neighborhood, Aaron Shirk and Harrison Storms volunteered their assistance in erecting it. The building was a hewed-log, structure. Before it was completed, Mr. Price sold it to Joseph Cahill. It was finished by him about 1840, and after a few years he transferred it to H. T. Knox, who added steam power and a saw mill, using water -power whenever available. This mill was conducted until within a few years. Thomas Price constructed a small "corn cracker" on Bokes Creek, south of Summersville. near the cemetery, where he endeavored to accommodate his neighbors with corn grists as often as desired. In a few years, a turbulent freshet swept it away and the quondam owner did not replace it with another. Adam Winters was the possessor of a saw mill, operated by water-power, west Page 529 - Picture of Thomas Skidmore Page 530 - Blank YORK TOWNSHIP. - 631 of Summersville, and attached a small pair of buhrs, which, for some time, were patronized to some extent by the early settlers. An extensive tile factory, about midway between York Center and Summersville, has been in operation about three years. It is owned by John Tremble. SCHOOLS. In York township there are now eleven school districts and eleven substantial, well constructed school buildings. The early schools followed closely the settlements as they were made in different parts of the township. Although there were no district Schools in the first years of the township supported by public taxation, yet the townships were divided into districts for the purpose of apportioning among the different settlements, in proportion to the enumeration of youths, a small school fund which probably arose from the sale of school lands. In 1834, two districts reported to the County Clerk; one contained fifty-four children, the other seventy-one. In 1835, a third district was formed; and in 1836, a fourth, with a total enumeration in the four districts of 133. A small log structure with a huge wooden fire-place and clay chimney at one end, was erected at Summersville soon after the village was platted. It was used also as a meeting house for some time. John Johnson taught the first school here, receiving $8 per month. In 1834, Elias Johnson taught a school in the little cabin which Samuel Hyde built during the summer of 1832. A schoolhouse was soon after erected on the farm of Elias Johnson by the pioneers in the vicinity of Summersville. Elias and John Johnson taught here for a few years, until the schoolhouse burned. One was then built west of Bokes Creek and one at Summersville. A. E. Knox was an old and faithful instructor. He taught many years in different districts of York. Dr. Joshua Skidmore, when a young man, taught here also. Miss Barber, Miss Roxy Munger and Miss Elizabeth Whittaker were also early teachers. Miss Penny, from Darby Plains, taught the first School near York Center in a log schoolhouse which Stood a Short distance north of the Center, on the south bank of Bokes Creek. John Sterling soon after had a school about two miles north of York Center, on Levin Wright's farm. Miss Fenner and Mrs. Mary Johnson were among the earliest of preceptresses of the York Township youth. The latter received for her services $1 per scholar for the term, payable in corn, potatoes and coon skins, the latter being rated at 25 cents each. The following is related of the first school in the Miller settlement: "In 1838, the children in the Miller settlement had so increased as to raise the question-how shall these children be educated? A young man in their midst was willing to teach for moderate pay, but there was no schoolhouse. This difficulty was soon solved. Mr. Joseph Miller generously offered the use of his residence during the usual school hours of the day. This offer was accepted. The seminary was opened, and morning after morning during the term Mr. Miller and his aged companion rose early, did up their morning work, ate their breakfast, arranged the seats for school, and then left the house and hied their way to their eldest son's residence, and returned again in the evening after school was dismissed. Thus, day after day was the laborious, self-denying, monotonous drudgery performed by this aged pair for the benefit of others. CHURCHES. In York Township there are three congregations and three church edifices of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, known as the Summersville, 532 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. McKendree and Bethel Churches. The Summersville class was the first religious society in the township. It was organized in the winter of 1835, at Summersville, by Rev. E. T. Webster, with about twenty-five members. Among the prominent early members were John Johnson, William Kirk, James R. Smith and Robert McElroy. John Johnson was the first class leader. The services for several years were held in the dwelling houses of some of the members, but in a short time a log meeting house was erected on the lot where the present church stands. The lot was donated to the church by William Summers. This rude church structure continued to serve as a place of worship until 1856, when a frame church was erected at the same place. It in turn gave place a few years ago to a new, neat and comfortable frame edifice, surmounted by belfry and bell, erected at a cost of about $2,200, under the pastorate of Rev. Solomon Lindsley. The present membership of this society is about sixty. Rev. J. W. Donnon is the minister in charge. The circuit of which this congregation is a part includes three other charges-McKendree, Byhalia and Bethel. An interesting and instructive Sabbath school is regularly maintained. The McKendree society was organized about 1838, at the residence of Gregory Storms. Besides Gregory, David Davis and Henry Tobey were the principal original members. Other early members were Harrison Storms, William Tobey, Abel Waites, John Sterling, David Sterling, Elizabeth Hyde and Margaret Brooks. Revs. Kimber and Phillips were among the earliest ministers in charge. Like most early churches, meetings for a few years were hold at the cabins of the members. About 1841, a log church was reared on the site of the present church, which was built about 1858. It stands near the center of the township between York Center and Bokes Creek. A steeple and bell have been added since. The society is in a prosperous condition and contains a membership of more than one hundred and twenty-five, divided into six classes. Since the first church was built, a Sabbath school has been held each summer, and for the last few years without any intermission. Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church is located in the extreme western part of the township, three miles west from York Center, and the society that worships here is of more recent date than the other two of the same denomination in this township. A society formerly existed, which worshiped in a brick church some distance south of the present edifice, and when the building became old and dilapidated, it was pronounced unsafe, and the society divided, a fraction affiliating with the Methodist Church at West Mansfield, the remainder forming a new society. Rev. Joseph Avery Wright was the first minister. This was about 1870. A commodious frame structure was erected and dedicated by Rev. Alexander Harmount, then Presiding Elder of the district The membership was small at first, but has increased to about thirty-five. A union Sabbath school has been hold since the erection of the church. Spain Skidmore is the present Superintendent. The York Township Free-Will Baptist Church was organized at the house of George Coons, June 29, 1839. The discourse was delivered by Elder David Dudley, and thirteen persons presented themselves, and entered into a church covenant. They were George Coons, Aaron Shirk, Thomas S. Coons, Jacob Bollenbaugh, Levin Wright, Keziah Coons, Rosanna Shirk, Rebecca Coons, Sarah Bollenbaugh, Letitia Wright, Elizabeth Sowthers, Sophrona Scudder and Nancy Thornton. The early meetings were held at the house of George Coons. Thomas S. Coons was appointed clerk. Elder David Dudley was the first pastor. He preached once a month and received $30 per year for his services. He closed his labors with the church in January 1850, after a YORK TOWNSHIP. - 533 pastorate of nearly eleven years. In October 1849, the congregation, in order to meet the salary of their pastor and pay the expenses of the church, unanimously agreed that each able-bodied brother should pay $1 per year and each sister 50 cents, and in addition each member should pay one-eighth per cent of the value of all his property, above his liabilities. In April, 1850, Kindall Higgins was elected pastor at $25 salary per annum. He removed to the West in the spring of 1856, having remained in charge of the congregation up to that time. Under his charge, the first meeting house was built. It stood in the northern part of the township in Survey 5,289, and on a lot donated to the church by James G. Paxton and others, residents of Virginia, under deed dated May 27, 1851. A building committee had been appointed March 29, 1851. The dedication sermon was delivered on the second Saturday of February, 1853, by Elder O. E. Baker, from Kings Iviii, 8. In July 1856, Elder Collier was elected pastor at a salary of $50. December 12, 1857, G. W. Baker was elected to the pastorate. Two years later, Elder William Cook became the minister and remained in charge three years. He was succeeded in 1862 by Elder J. L. Collier. About 1865, Elder B. F. Zell entered into a pastoral relation with the church that continued for almost fourteen years. In 1873, the congregation erected a new house of worship at an expense of $1,053. It stands some distance east of the old church on a lot donated to the church by Levin Wright. It is a neat and comfortable frame structure. J. H. Baldwin succeeded Elder Zell in 1879, and remained with the church one year. Elder Leander Johnson then served the congregation a year and was followed by Elder J. B. Lush, who preached for eighteen months. Elder Kindall Higgins, in October, 1882, was elected pastor and now supplies the church. The membership is forty. David L. Tusing is the present clerk. A Sabbath school was organized many years ago and is held throughout the entire year. The first Presbyterian Church of York Township is located near the north eastern corner of the township in the Joseph Miller Survey. The first preaching in the vicinity was by Rev. William D. Smith, then of Marysville, Ohio, in the Marion Presbytery. The congregation was organized at the house of Beriah P. Wilkins, November 9, 1839, by Revs. William D. Smith and William M. Galbreath, the latter of Milford Center. The following were then and there received on certificate: Andrew McNeil, Mary McNeil, Dennis Mears, Lucy Ann Mears, Mm Amanda Wilkins, Adelaine Gould, Miriam Lister, Martha Raymond, Ambrose C. and Mary Jane Raymond, Hannah Cahill, Jane Graham, and John and Catherine Keanor, Jemima Miller was received on examination. The same day, Andrew McNeil and Dennis Mears were elected Ruling Elders. Rev. W. D. Smith became the stated supply and preached about every seventh Sabbath and about as often on week days until the spring of 1841. For a year the congregation was then without a regular supply, though there was occasional preaching. Rev. Cephas D. Cook supplied the church for two years from April, 1842-44. During the summer of 1845, Rev. James Robinson, then in his seventy-seventh year spent alternate Sabbaths with the church. In 1846, he resumed charge, preaching every fourth Sabbath for six months. In November, in that year, Rev. James Campbell visited the church, and on invitation preached for the congregation one year. In the spring of 1848, Rev. James. A. Sterrett was appointed supply and served till the autumn of 1849. Rev. James Smith, of Marysville, then devoted a portion of his time to the church till the spring of 1855. Rev. Henry Hess preached alternate Sabbaths for a year, beginning April, 1856. The church was then occasionally served by Rev. John W. Drake and others for a year, and in May 1858, 534 - HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY. Rev. Evan Evans became stated supply, serving until September 1860. Rev. Henry Vandeman was stated supply from April, 1861, to April 1865; Rev. Alexander S. Thorne, from April, 1865, to October 1869; Henry Shedd, from May 1870, to the spring of 1873, preaching each alternate Sabbath in summer and occasionally in winter. John W. Thompson preached during the summer of 1873. Nearly every Sabbath during the following winter the pulpit was vacant. In the summer of 1874, Rev. Henry Shedd returned in April 1875, Rev. Charles S. Wood commenced his labors in this church in year. In connection with the Richwood Presbyterian Church, and served until January, and served 1876. In November of that year, Rev. Charles W. Torrey began a pastorate devoted which continued three years, devoting one-half his time to this church. Rev. William G. Marsh is the present pastor. The first meetings were held chiefly. The dwelling houses of Joseph Miller, Beriah Wilkins and James McCrea, but after a few years the services were transferred to the Miller Schoolhouse and conducted there until the first church edifice was erected in 1855. It was a frame building, 28x40, built on a lot of ground donated to the church by Beriah Wilkins and was dedicated in February 1855, by Rev. James Smith, assisted by Rev. James A. Sterrett. This house of worship remained in use until the fall of 1882. During the summer of 1882, a tasty, well-finished and handsome frame church was erected on the same lot where the old church building stood. It is 32x48 feet in size, and was constructed at a cost of about $2,300. The principal contributors to the erection of this house of worship were Andrew McNeil, William T. Fulton, John Sterling, William McGinnis, Sylvanus Taylor, Isaac Cahill, Benton Cahill, Anthony Middlesworth, Uriah Cahill, and Benjamin Thomas. It was dedicated November 5, 1882, by Dr. Taylor, of Wooster University, from first Kings, vi, 7. Andrew McNeil and Dennis Mears remained the only Ruling Elders until 1851, when John E. Cahill was added to the number. January 5,1857, Rich and McEldery and Charles E. Wilkins were elected additional Elders. In 1865 Dennis Mears removed to Illinois, and Richard McEldery to Allen County, Ohio, but their places in the session were not filled. In 1874, the congregation fixed the term of service of Elders at three years. It had previously been for life or until removal for cause. In 1844, Uriah Cahill was elected and reelected in 1877 and 1880. Charles Wilkins and Andrew McNeil have also been re-elected and are also members of the session. The latter has served as Elder since the organization of the church, an uninterrupted term of over fifty-three years. In 1879, William McElroy was elected as Elder. The congregation has a substantial membership of about forty, and is in all respects a flourishing society. Its membership was greatest about 1864. Since that time there has been a considerable emigration from the church to the West. During the summers, a Sabbath school has been regularly maintained since the organization of the church. Mt. Pleasant United Brethren Church is situated about a mile south of stated York Center. The society was organized about 1850, through the efforts of from Rev. Frederick Hendricks. Its early membership was drawn largely from the Methodist society at York Center. The first meetings of the newly formed in winter class were held in Henry Tobey's blacksmith shop and in the neighboring every schoolhouse, but within a short time a hewed log house was built, finished in primitive style with plank seats, most of them without backs. Henry Tobey, David Davis, Amon Davis, George Davis, Sr., and their families, William Tobey, William Henson and family were early members. The old church stood that yet on the land of William Murphy, and was used only ten or twelve years, when years, the present handsome frame edifice was erected on land donated by Casper the Stalder, through the efforts and contributions of William Henson, Judson YORK TOWNSHIP. - 535 Storms, Amon Davis, David Davis and the citizens residing in the vicinity. The membership now includes about seventy souls. Summersville Circuit, to which this church belongs, comprises, besides it, Mt. Zion, Darby and West Mansfield Churches. David Davis, one of the first members, was a local preacher and served on this circuit for several years. The United Brethren Church at Summersville was organized about 1850 in the Hyde Schoolhouse. A building was commenced here, but Summersville, upon reconsideration, was deemed a better site and the building was removed and completed there. It is a frame and is still in use and has recently been refitted and repaired. The society was once strong, Among the earlier members were Moses Horn and wife, George Davis and wife, James Meadles and wife, Ephraim Yarington, wife and sons and the Keeners. Owing to removals of members from the township and deaths, the membership has been greatly reduced, and is now quite small. (RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)