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HARLAN TOWNSHIP - 671 HARLAN TOWNSHIP. BY J. A. RUNYAN. Harlan Township lies in the southeast corner of Warren County, and as political division, dates from March 16, 1860, being the most recently organize township in the county. Upon the first organization of Warren County the territory forming this tows ship was included in the township of Hamilton, which it soon became necessar because of its large territory and increased population, to divide into two township This was done June 24, 1813, and the township of Salem created, which included within its boundaries all of the territory now constituting Harlan. The integrity of Salem Township was preserved for nearly half a century when again a diversity of local interests demanded that a new township be cam out of the territory comprising it. By an act of the Legislature, passed March 1 1853, Salem Township was divided into two voting precincts, the boundaries each being practically as they now exist between the two townships. Questio frequently arose which provoked much feeling between the two precincts, and ma, it desirable to the people of each to have the township divided. In 1859 a petition was presented to the Legislature, and on March 16, 186 the following act was passed. (Vol. 57, page 135, 0. L.): Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, that Salem Townsh in the County of Warren. be, and the same is, hereby divided into two townships; the eastern to be called Harlan and the western to be called Corwin. Section 2. The division line shall commence at a point in the west bank of Toddsis Fork where it intersects the line dividing the townships of Salem and Washington in said coun thence down Toddls Fork with the meanderings thereof, to the mouth of Second Creek; thence a straight line to the mouth of Wolfsis Run; thence up said run to the forks thereof; then up the west fork of said run to the line dividing the lands of Robert C. Shurts and Allis Mounts; thence on a drrect line to a point where the county road leading from Rossburg Camargo crosses the line dividing the townships of Hamilton and Salem in said county. Section 3. This at shall take effect and he rn force from and after its passage. The new township created by this act was named Harlan, in honor of He Aaron Harlan, who at the time the act was passed, resided in Xenia, and represented Greene County in the Ohio Legislature, and who had represented this Congressional District in the National Congress, from 1863 to 1859, having b( succeeded in the latter year by Hon. Thomas Corwin. (The act, it will be observed gave the name of Corwin to the western township. This was changed to Sale June 15, 1860.) The division line, as defined by the above act, constitutes the northwest boundary line of Harlan Township, making the township triangular and irregu 672 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. in shape. It is bounded on the north by Washington Township, on the east by Clinton County, on the south by Clermont County, and on the west by Hamilton Township. The area of the township, as shown by the land records, is about 28,000 acres, or 45 square miles. That portion of the township bordering on the northwest boundary, is considerably broken and diversified by Todd's Fork of the Little Miami River, and the several streams tributary thereto. In the south and central part, much of the surface is level and flat, and until artificial drainage was resorted to, was in places wet and swampy. These lands, however, were drained with little expense and difficulty, and are now all cultivated, and constitute the most valuable and fertile farming lands in the township. The soil is generally good and easy of cultivation. In recent years farmers have given more attention to the improvement of the soil, and in 1875 an effort was made to introduce the dairy business by establishing a creamery and cheese factory. Several meetings were had and an organization partly effected, but for some reason the enterprise failed. The principal streams of thrs township are Lick Run, Second Creek and First Creek, all of which flow in a northwesterly course through the township and empty into Todd's Fork. These streams for many years furnished power for several small mills, but since the general drainage of the lands in their vicinity, are dry most of the year. The land in Harlan Township forms a part of the territory comprised in the Virginia Military District, and is included in twenty-six surveys and a few fractional surveys, each of which is known and designated by number, and usually by the name of the person who originally entered it. These surveys are irregular in shape, and vary in size from 2,6661 to 140 acres. The earliest entries were made in 1787, five having been made in that year. The latest was made by John Shawhan, Esq., April 23, 1831, which was also the smallest, containing 1.40 acres only. Cornelius Skinner entered 2,666 acres, survey No. 1552, in February, 1793. These two names, Shawhan and Skinner, are the only names of the original purchasers own familiar in the township, and it is probable that few, if any other of the original owners, ever in fact occupied any of the lands. The want of system in the plan of Virginia in disposing of these lands has caused great irregularity and confusion in lines and boundaries, and in many cases boundaries dependent on the original survey lines can not be definitely ascertained. The want of uniformity in boundaries is a great source of annoyance, also, in locating roads, and in many instances the value of lands, is greatly impaired and their beauty marred by that which otherwise would improve and adorn them. ANCIENT REMAINS, ETC. Ancient remains or fortifications are found in the central portion of the township. About two miles northeast of Butlerville, on the lands of Jackson Clinton and Peter S. Templin, are found the remains of two earthen mounds, one on the south and one on the north side of Second Creek. They are situated in the high• est points in the vicinity, and have a commanding view of the surrounding country; and from their peculiar location and construction, it would appear that they had been lookouts, or sentinel posts. A few years ago the writer assisted in exploring one of these mounds, and at a depth about level with the earth surrounding the mound, a broken flint arrowhead and quantities of charcoal were discovered. No other remains were found. On the farm of William Reed, Esq., a short distance east of these mounds, and on the bank of the same stream, is found what is, or was, supposed to be an ancient burying ground. Nothing remains which would now indicate that the field had ever been used as a burial place, as the land has been cultivated for many HARLAN TOWNSHIP - 673 years. But there is a traditionary account that in the early history of the town- ship, there yet remained undoubted indications which satisfied the pioneers that the field had been the site of an ancient burial place, used by the Indians, or those who preceded them. The writer is not aware that any effort has ever been made to determine the accuracy of the tradition connected with this supposed cemetery. Such a thing would not be attended with great difficulty, and possibly might lead to valuable discoveries. As it is, the above is given as narrated to the writer by individuals residing in the vicinity. Generally throughout the township, flint arrow-heads, stone axes and other implements and relics of stone are found in considerable numbers. EARLY ROADS. When the first settlers of whom we have any account came to this township, they found the land covered with forests, and in most parts with a dense undergrowth of " bush," as it was called by them; and to reach the interior of the town ship, "ways had to be cut through this bush.' " In 1807, when John Liggett and party settled in this township, they were compelled to " hack a way through this bush " from near Mounts Station on the Little Miami River to near where Rossburg now is. It is probable that these ways continued to be used as highways until permanent roads were established. The earliest road established by authority of law, in the township, of which there is any record, was laid out in 1809, about four years after permanent settlements are known to have been made. In that year a road was laid out by the County Commissioners from Waldsmith's Mill, near Milford, to Smalley's Mill, on Todd's Fork, near where Clarksville now is, William Runyan, James Hill, John Leaman and others being petitioners for the same. A survey and plat of this road are preserved, but as the monuments were " mile trees," which no longer exist, the exact line of the road as laid out is not certainly known. The writer has recently had occasion to examine carefully the records of the early roads in this vicinity, and it is his opinion that this road, which was known as Smalley's Mill Road, was laid out practically on the line afterwards followed by the old State Road of 1822. In the same year, 1809, a road was laid out from McCray's Mill (now Stubb's Mill, three miles west of Morrow,) " by way of First Creek to the Salt Works in Clermont County." This road followed Frrst Creek from a point near Rossburg to the Clermont County line, and passing through what was then the most populous part of the township, was instrumental, no doubt, in drawing considerable custom to the mill of McCray & Co., by whom the road was probably projected and obtained. This condition of things, which contributed so liberally to the interests of McCray & Co., was destined, however, to be of short duration, for, in the following year, 1810, we discover the enterprising spirit of Isaac Stubbs, who owned a mill at Millgrove, petitioning for and obtaining a road from his "mill by way of Salem," (Roachester,) "Todd's Fork, Second Creek, to Goodpastures on First Creek. and there to intersect the road from McCray's Mill to the Salt Works," etc., thus tapping the feeder to McCray's Mill, and, undoubtedly, drawing largely on his trade, as Salem was the chief trading point south of the river. This road still remains. The old State Road (now abandoned) from Columbus to Cincinnati, was surveyed and established through this township October 10, 1822. A small portion of this road from near Black Hawk, by way of the residence of Israel Lundy, Esq. and the old site of Edwardsville, yet remains. The general line of the road was E little east of the present turnpike, and the old grade is in many places easily traced. This road was abandoned and vacated when the Goshen, Wilmington and Columbus Turnpike was built. 674 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. The first macadamized road constructed in the township was the Goshen, Wilmington and Columbus Turnpike. This company was incorporated by an act of the Legislature, passed March 22,1837, and the road was completed in 1840 through Harlan Township. It was a toll road, and constituted one of the most important thoroughfares in Southern Ohio, until supplanted by the railroads. In 1879, by a legal proceeding, the right of the company in the road was declared forfeited, and in 1880 proceedings were had making it a free pike under what is known as the one mile assessment system. The Rossburg and Morrow Turnpike Company was incorporated about 1860, and built and completed their road about the same time. It has also become a free road, and there is now no toll road in the township. In the last few years several new pikes have been constructed under the assessment laws of the State, and several are now in process of construction, making this township compare very favorably in this respect with other townships in the county. RAILROADS. The Marietta & Cincinnati Railroad, as now known, runs in a southwesterly course through the township. It was constructed about 1851 and 1852, and now constitutes a part of the Baltimore and Ohio system of roads, and affords the people of the township direct shipping and traveling facilities East and West. Pleasant Plain and Level are the stations on this road in this township. The Muskingum Valley Railroad, leading from Cincinnati to Zanesville, touches the township on the north, and was built about 1855. Hicks is the only station on this road in Harlan Township. TOWNS AND VILLAGES. Rossburg acquired its name from one Enoch A. Ross, who started a tannery there about 1820, the first in this township. It is situated near the boundary between Salem and Harlan Townships. It was never laid out as a town. The first church erected in Harlan Township was built here by the Methodist Episcopal Society about 1822. It stood on the north side of the turnpike and immediately opposite the late residence of Abram Butler, deceased. The first store, also, it is believed, was started here by Daniel Holmes and brother, as early as 1824 or 1825; but this is not certain, as Lewis Sever kept a tavern and store about the same time near the old site of Edwardsville. Prior to these stores, the nearest trading points were Salem (now Roachester) and Lebanon. The first postoffice in Harlan Township was established here it 1833, Jefferson Stevens being the first postmaster. In 1838 this office was changed to Butlerville. The first Free Will Baptist Church was erected here about 1840. With all these conveniences and advantages it can well be imagined that Rossburg became a village of no small importance in the early history of this township. Other towns, however, possessing superior advantages, superceded it, and its half dozen or more buildings remain to recall the early activity of the place. The first town regularly laid out in what is now Harlan Township, was Edwardsville, on the line of the old state road of 1822. It was laid out by Edward Thomas in March, 1824. The town, as indicated by the plat recorded, consisted of forty-two lots-twenty-one on each side of the road, which was dedicated Main Street. These lots are represented in the plat by continuous lines, and in the rear of these lots, on each side, is a row of lots inclosed by dotted lines, corresponding to those laid out on Main Street, which lots, the surveyor adds, "are back lots and for the present merely surmised," evidently anticipating a rapid growth for the newly projected village. His hope was never realized, and the record alone exists to mark the place as the site of a proposed town. 675 - BLANK 676 - PICTURE OF WM SWANK HARLAN TOWNSHIP - 677 BUTLERVILLE. Butlerville was laid out by Abram B. Butler, April 20, i1838, the Goshen, Wilmington and Columbus Turnpike, on which it was located, being in process of construction at the time. On September 3, 1839, and May 17, 1841, respectively, he made additions to the town, and in November 19, 1844, an addition was made by J. W. Doughman, which he named in the plat thereof, Texas, and which corn-prised all that part of the village south of the old patent line. The village was established under auspicious circumstances, and several industries early sprung up, which for many years made it a prosperous and active country town. It was incorporated in 1851, and is the only incorporated village in the township. The first election of corporation officers was held March 11, 1851, when the following officers were elected, to wit: Mayor—Sullivan F. Stevens; Council—A. G. Walden, James Coddington, Hiram St. John, James Starry and Geo. W. Starkey. Butlerville was established as the voting place for Salem Township about 1841, since which time it has been the regular place of holding township elections. The frame church on Back Street was the first church built in the town, and was erected by the Methodist Episcopal organization about 1839. The brick church on Main Street was built by the same society in 1857. Among the early merchants appear the names of Sullivan F. Stevens, Isaac Lemmon, Henry Morgan, William Vaughn, Elias L. Runyan, Hiram L. Runyan and Hiram St. John. Hiram St. John, about 1843, engaged in the manufacture of carriages and wagons, etc., in Butlerville. His first shop was a frame building which soon gave way to the more commodious and substantial brick building now occupied by H. W. Price, Esq. The business proved a success, and for several years from fifteen to twenty-five mechanics were constantly employed. His carriages and buggies acquired a considerable reputation, and were extensively sold in this and surrounding counties. He quit the business about 1860. Henry Runyan established a plow and wagon factory and repair shop here in September, 1847. The enterprise was successful and furnished several mechanics with employment. He manufactured a very large proportion of the farming implements purchased and used in that vicinity. He retired from the business in September, 1860. Thornton Thompson, carpenter and builder, engaged in business here about the same time, and gave employment to several mechanics. He retired from the business about 1860. In addition to those mentioned above, there were several other industries, including a tannery, which was established by J. St. John, who conveyed it to Wilham Spence. He sold it to John Morsback, who carried on the business until about 1873, when it was abandoned. These little industries so healthy to a community have been here, as elsewhere, almost swallowed up by the economy of labor-saving machinery, concentrating them in large manufacturing communities; and the thrift and activity which characterized the early years of the village are greatly diminished. At present Butlerville has a hotel; a carriage and wagon shop, H. W. Price, Esq., proprietor; a blacksmithshop, by M. Keller, Esq.; and one general store, by Daniel S. Bird, Esq. OSCEOLA. Osceola was laid out by Lewis Fairchild and Benjamin Baldwin, on the lands of the latter principally, on June 11, 1838, on the G. & W. Turnpike. Forty- one lots in all were laid out, situated on both sides of the pike, which constituted Main Street. Water and Powell Streets and Indian Alley were also named 678 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. and dedicated by the plat. The residence of Hon. Benjamin Baldwin this place. BLACK HAWK. Black Hawk was laid out in 1838, August 7, by George B. White Elisha Barber; on the line of the G. & W. Turnpike. The lots, twenty-six number, were vacated by order of court, 1879. MIDDLEBOROUGH. Middleborough is on the Goshen and Wilmington Pike, about five miies east of Butlerville. It was laid out by George Bowman in August, 18 many years Truman Holmes, now deceased, kept a general store at t: There are now two stores here of which A. C. Bowman and Henry Krekle: respective proprietors. PLEASANT PLAIN. Pleasant Plain was laid out by Samuel Craig, November 13, 1852, and 1, ally named by him New Columbia. The name was changed to Pleasant an act of the Legislature about 1860. An addition was made by him 0 1854. January 23, 1872, Thomas Hill laid out an addition of eleven lo: east side of the village, and on December 5, 1873, Ira Dudley, Esq., add lots on the south. This village is on the Marietta & Cincinnati R. R., and is the principal on that road in the township. Pleasant Plain has two churches, a hotel, Fox; a general store, by Peter C. Spurling, Esq., and a drug store and grain house. This is the chief shipping point in the township. The only stea ing mill in Harlan Township, erected by W. H. Greeley, Esq., about now operated by Mr. Stewart, is located here. LEVEL. Level is a station on the M. & C. R. R., and is about three miles eas lerville. It was not laid out as a town. It has a general store, grain w express and postoffice, etc. RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. Methodist Episcopal Church. The first organization of a Methodi in Harlan Township dates very early, and is probably coeval with the first settlements. It is probable that the earliest settlers were members of that church meetings for worship were held at private houses. As early as 1810 an tion had been perfected, and meetings were regularly held at the hous g Liggett, a rudely-built log cabin, on the farm now known as the Hitesm and perhaps this was the first place of holding regular service. This for several years to be the regular place of worship until about 1814, wh changed to the residence of Henry Runyan, who lived on what is now the Alexander Hutchison, Esq., near Pleasant Plain. About 1818 the pia', ship was changed to the house of Joseph Bennett, on the farm now John Kamp, Esq., near Rossburg. It continued here until about the yea 1825, when the first church in the township was erected at Rossburg. On the 4th of October, 1825, James Taylor conveyed one and one-fourth for church and school purposes to John Collins, Jacob Collins, Willia Oliver Wallis, Joseph Bennett, and Amos Tullis, as trustees of the Episcopal Church, and William Bennett, William Crossen, and Isaac School Directors. The church was built on the land conveyed by this HARLAN TOWNSHIP - 679 probably about the date of the conveyance. The church may have been erected prior to this, as some of the old settlers yet living fix the time as early 1822. The building was constructed of hewn logs, with a pulpit very high, made of puncheons, and seats of the same without any backs. In this rudely-constructed building, where there was less luxury, but perhaps as much piety as in our average modern church, the society held its meetings, until the organization was removed to Butlerville and built a church there in 1841. This was the frame church now occupied by the German Lutheran Reform Church. This building was afterwards sold to the Free Will Baptists, and the Methodist Episcopal society in 1857 built the brick church on Main Street, which they now occupy. This church has now about eighty-seven members. Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church. This was organized by Jacob Jackson, Joshua Thompson, and others, about 1846, and was a branch of the Butlerville church. The church is about one mile southeast of Level. The membership of this society now numbers about ninety-three. McKendrie was also a branch of the old Butlerville Methodist Episcopal organization, and was organized by Ala G. Starkey, Lemuel Jackson, Stephen Jackson, Adam Huffman, and others, about 1852. They have a substantial brick church about two miles southeast of Pleasant Plain, and have a membership at this time of sixty-two members. Pleasant Plain Methodist Episcopal Church was organized by John G. Oonk, Thomas Hill, Benjamin Benn, and others, of the Butlerville, Church, in 1875, and now has a membership of about forty-seven. The first Freewill Baptist organization in the township was at Rossburg, about 1838, John Tufts, William Coddington, Jefferson Stevens and others being the organizers. About 1843 this society erected a brick church there which for some years past has been occupied as a dwelling house. About 1856 this organization purchased the frame church in Butlerville, of the Methodist Episcopal society, which became and continued to be the place of worship until about the year 1870, when it was] sold to the German Lutheran. Reform Church, and the Baptist society was moved to Pleasant Plain, where they erected a neat and substantial brick chapel, which is the present place of holding worship. The German Lutheran Reform Church, about 1870, organized and purchased the frame church in Butlerville, and handsomely repaired and refitted it, which they still occupy. This society is perhaps the largest society in the township, and is a. wealthy and prosperous church. Other denominations have been organized, and held services in the township, among them the Presbyterian and Universalist churches, but they never succeeded in establishing a permanent society. SOCIETIES. Butlerville Lodge No. 135, F. & A. M. On April 12, 1846, a meeting of Master Masons was held at the house of Dr. Albert G. Walden, in Butlerville, to consider the propriety of organizing a new Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons at Butlerville. John Hill was elected chairman, and Thomas Adams secretary of this meeting. A resolution in favor of forming said lodge was passed, and a petition for a dispensation prepared and signed. A dispensation was granted April 27, 1846, and the first regular communication was held June 4 following, at the house, probably, of Dr. Walden. The Lodge was chartered October 23, 1846, Albert G. Walden, Sullivan F. Stephens, Isaac Leming, Thomas Adams, John Hill, Stephen P. Stewart, George B. Rohrer, Samuel P. Hunt, and David Hunt being charter members. The first officers were, Stephen F. Stewart, W. M.; Samuel P. Hunt, S. W. Isaac Leming, J. W. During some time after its organization the lodge meetings were held in the second story of the dwelling house of Mathias an, immediately opposite the site of the present Masonic Hall. In 1847 the 680 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. lodge erected the hall which they still occupy. The lodge now has about tweet'_ five members, and is the only Masonic order in the township. Pleasant Plain Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., No. 656, as the name indicates, is located at Pleasant Plain. This lodge, having for some time worked under a dispensation, was finally chartered and instituted, August 15, 1876. Among the charter members are the following: Peter C. Spurling, Jerry Hutchinson, John G. Oonk, Levi Felter, Isaiah Doughman, Michael Kellar, John R. Hitesman and others, The first officers were as follows, to wit: P. C. Spurling, N. G.; Jerry Hutchinson, V. G.; John G. Oonk, R. S.; Levi Felter, P. S.; Isaiah Doughman, Treasurer. At present the lodge numbers about thirty-one members, and is the only lodge of this order in the township. Sons of Temperance. This society was organized and met in Butlerville in the Masonic Hall as early as 1848 and 1849. No records of the division remain, and little knowledge of the order can be ascertained; but it appears that the order did not flourish for some years after it was instituted. About 1856, however, the society was re-organized, and its membership largely increased, and about 1861 built a hall over the brick store room now occupied by D. S. Bird, Esq. The society met with reverses, however, and finally, about 1865, disbanded, and the hall was sold, and has since been used as a dwelling. EARLY ELECTIONS. The earliest settlers in what now constitutes Harlan Township, for several years, perhaps as late as 1812, voted at the house of James Miranda, near the mouth of Todd's Fork, near where the village of Morrow now stands. The first election held within the limits of this township was probably at the house of James Goodpasture, on the hill near the present residence of Daniel Carroll. Tney were held here until about 1818, when, for several years following, they were held at the house of John Goodpasture, near Crosson's Cemetery. Afterwards they were held at an old log school house on the farm now owned by Peter S. Templin, Esq. In 1833 the place was changed to the house of George Florey, which stood near the residence of George N. Jones, Esq., at which place they were held until 1835, when the residence of David H. Smith, Esq., was fixed as the voting place. Elections were held here until about 1841, when Butlerville was selected as the place of holding elections, and the transaction of the business of the township. The frequent changes made in the place of holding elections during the early history of the township are accounted for by the fact that there was then no town or village, and the population being small and scattered over a large district, it became necessary to hold the polls at some private residence to be selected by the judges of election; and the judges changing from year to year, it is probable they consulted their own convenience as well as that of the public in fixing the voting place. As to the manner of conducting the early elections, or rather of the conduct of the people attending them, it can not be said that there was the same order and propriety then as now, and while the purity of the election itself was not to be questioned, yet the day and place were, by certain classes, too often made the scene of disgusting conduct, such as drunkenness, fighting, gaming and horse racing, and by the pugilistic residents of the community, it was set apart as the day for the settlement of old grudges. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. The date of the first settlement in this township can not be definitely ascertained. There is a tradition that permanent settlements were made here as early as 1795 to 1800. But this is thought to be a mistake, as there is no evidence of any permanent settlements being made earlier than 1805; and the absence of roads HARLAN TOWNSHIP - 681 late as 1807 has been thought by some to warrant the assertion that no perms- ent settlers had located here prior to that date. The best information places it beyond any doubt, that in the year 1805 permanent settlements were made in thin township. Whether any had preceded them is not now known, but there is a traditionary account that when they came they found permanent settlers here, who had apple orchards bearing fruit, etc. But the absence of all evidence supporting this account, and the fact that it would make the date of these settlements antedate the treaty of peace by Gen. Wayne with the Indians of this part of Ohio, it is undoubtedly an error, and we are satisfied that the settlers of 1805 were among the first who permanently settled in this township. In that year, 1805, William Runyan and family, John Layman and family, James Hill and family, Henry Runyan and family, Isaac Runyan and family, John Goodpasture and Solomon Goodpasture and families, David Randall and family, and perhaps others, settled in this township. William Runyan came from Harrison County, Virginia, where he had emigrated from New Jersey. He settled on the farm just south of Butlerville, known as the Doughman farm, and now owned by Samuel Craig, Esq. Little knowledge ofhis life before he came to Ohio can be ascertained, the family records, together with every thing he had, having been destroyed by the Indians, who attacked and burned his dwelling while he resided in Virginia. He was born in New Jersey about the year 1757, and was married to a Miss Custer, (the marriage occurring, probably, after he came to Virginia). There were born to this marriage several children, who came with him to Ohio, Henry and Isaac having been married before coming to this state. William Runyan continued to reside on the land where he first settled, until his death, which occurred in 1833, his wife having died in 1826. John Layman, (or Leaman, as it occurs in some records,) who came the same year, 1805, with his family, located on the land adjoining the land occupied by William Runyan, and now known as the John Brown farm, where he resided for many years. He also came from Virginia. His name appears on the record as one of the viewers of the Smalley's Mill Road, one of the first roads established in this township. John and Solomon Goodpasture and their families, who came about the same time, perhaps in the same party, settled on the farm near Crosson's Cemetery, on Frrst Creek. It is believed they were originally from Virginia, but came from Kentucky to this State. James Hill settled on the farm now or recently owned by Jonathan Fox, Esq., about one-half mile north of Pleasant Plain. He was, perhaps, the first Justice of the Peace in the township. He also came from Virginia. David Randall (or Randolph) also came from Virginia, and located on the farm now owned by Mrs. Quick, south of Butlerville. John Martin settled here about the same year. He located on a part of the land near the residence of David H. Smith, Esq., on the creek, which was afterwards named after him, Martin's Run. He resided here many years, and built and operated the first distillery, perhaps, in the township. After the year 1805 the population increased very rapidly, and little more can be attempted here than to mention the names, merely, of some of those of whom it has been possible to learn any facts. In 1806, it is probable that Bernard Crosson, Lewis Severs and Joseph Severs and others settled near Edwardsville in this township. Lewis Severs for many years kept a tavern and store, perhaps the first in the township. William Crosson, Sen., came to Ohio during the year 1806, and settled in or near Edwardsville, in this township, with his parents, about that time. He was born near Gettysburg, Franklin Co., Pa., in 1795, and was about eleven years of 682 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. age when he came to this township. At the age of seventeen he enlisted and served as a private in the War of 1812, in a cavalry company, commanded by Col. John Hopkins, late of Hopkinsville, of this county. The company being discharged at Urbana, Ohio, he returned home, and on February 1, 1814, he hired at Lebanon as a substitute in a company of infantry, commanded by Capt. John Hughes from near Sharon, Ohio, and at this time was the youngest man in his regiment. on February 2, 1814, the company left Lebanon, and through snow and ice marched to Lake Erie. Archie Clinton, Esq., John Carroll and Solomon Shaw were mess-mates of Crosson, and were all from Harlan Township. They were afterwards taken to Detroit, where they were stationed when peace was declared. After returning home, William Crosson was employed by Samuel Paxton as a hand to go to New Orleans on a flatboat. For several years he followed this business on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. In 1818 he loaded a flatboat with produce at Stubb's Mill, on the Little Miami River, and went to New Orleans, and after disposing of his cargo walked home, reaching Cincinnati in twenty-one days. In 1820 he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Simonton, whose father was one of the first settlers near Loveland. He engaged in fanning after his marriage, and about 1830 he purchased the farm known as the Crosson Homestead, (and now owned by his son, William Crosson, Jr.,) and remained there while he lived. He was elected and served as Justice of the Peace twenty-seven years in succession, when, in 1855, he declined a re-election. He always took a great interest in the militia, and for about ten years was captain of a Rifle. Company. In 1856 he was one of the Electors on the Presidential ticket for this Congressional District, but failed of an election. As executor and administrator it is probable that he settled more estates than any other man in Warren County. In 1830 he and his wife united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and both, during life, remained consistent and exemplary members. Eight children were born to them, five sons and three daughters, two of the daughters dying in infancy. Capt. John Crosson, the eldest son, was killed in the battle of Jonesboro during the late Rebellion, commanding the 38th Ohio Regiment. George, William and Perry reside in Warren County. Jame, who has lived in Clerment County for nearly thirty-five years, has twice served as Sheriff of that county, and represented it in the State Legislature. William Crosson died on April 3, 1879, in the eighty-fourth year of his age, his wife having departed this life in 1874, at the age of nearly seventy-five years. They lie in the cemetery given by him to the public near his old home. Some time prior to his death William Crosson requested his friend, Gen. Durbin Ward, if he survived him, to say something at his funeral, and in obedience to this request, Gen. Ward was present and delivered an eloquent and touching tribute to his memory, from which I quote the following extracts: "This brief sketch of the venerable pioneerls life is all the occasion calls for, but gives very little idea of the nobility of his character. Official position is but the tinsel of life and is often only accident. He was too modest to press his own claims, and held political opinions, which, in Warren County, excluded him from higher public service. But his sterling worth was so well known as to make him the nominee of the State Convention of his party, though he sought not the place. All that is mortal of this sterling old man is no more. But what an example to us all is his life. True to every obligation, public and private, he has gone to his long home; faithful to his family, to his friends, to his country; raising respectable children; brave in defense of the right and gentle to the erring; plain and unostentatious; clear-headed and wise in that wisdom higher than books—the wisdom of thoughtful experience; full of years and crowned with the respect of all who knew him; he was the noblest work of God--an honest man." HARLAN TOWNSHIP - 683 In the year 1807 John Liggett and family settled on what is now known as the Hitesman farm, near Rossburg. He was a blacksmith, and probably the first who labored at that trade in the township. He came from Harrison Co., Va., and four other families came at the same time from there, as follows: Frank Liggett and family, John Sleeth and wife, Samuel Butler and wife, and Caleb smith and family. The party consisted of thirty-five persons, two of whom are yet living, viz: Jesse Liggett, who resides in Vermilion Co., Ill., and David H. Smith, who lives at his old homestead about one-half mile west of Butlerville. Mr. Smith did not permanently locate in this township until in 1818, but he came with his father, Caleb Smith, in 1807 from Harrison Co., Va., and for a few years permanently northern counties. He has been engaged in various avocations, but his principal occupation has been that of farming. He has at various times been elected to responsible public positions in the township, and for ten years in succession served as Trustee and Constable. Mr. Smith now resides at his homestead, and at the age of more than eighty years is enjoying comparatively good health. Among the other early settlers of this township may be mentioned the names of Jacob Varner, who settled near where James Hicks now resides; Darby Shawhan and Thomas Watson and Richard Templin. The last named came from Maryland. Rhoden Thompson, Notley Hill, Henry Snell, Samuel Mouns, Archibald Clinton, Stokley Little, William Bennett, Henry Spurling, Otho Craig, Abram and George Bowman and Daniel Carroll, were also among those who settled here in early years, and many of them have descendants who now reside in this township. Abram Butler came to this township in 1831 from Belmont County, this State. He was born in New England and came to Ohio when a mere child. He laid out the town of Butlerville, which bears his name, and was in many other ways identified with the growth of the township. He died in 1880 at an advanced age. Gen. Benjamin Baldwin was also one of the early settlers in Harlan Township. He was the son of Samuel Baldwin, who came to this township very early. Gen. Baldwin, as he was generally known, was perhaps the most prom anent of the early settlers, and it is a matter of regret that so few dates and facts regarding him can be obtained. In appearance Gen. Baldwin was a large man of good figure and commanding presence, and in bearing a type of military man seldom met with. For several years he was commissioned and served as a general in the Ohio Militia. He was elected and served several terms as Justice of the Peace. In 1828 he was elected as the Jacksonian candidate as the Representative of this county in the Ohio Legislature, of which body he proved to be a valuable member. He was in 1834 appointed and commissioned one of the associate Justices of the Common Pleas Court for Warren County. He was a man of more than ordinary abilities, of superior natural attainments, and possessed of those qualities and honesty of purpose which made him an honored and valuable member of the community and period in which he lived. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. The following is a list of the Justices of the Peace who resided in the territory forming Harlan Township before its separate organization: James Hill, August 23, 1813; Abraham Bowman, November 19, 1813, tc October 1, 1819; Benjamin Baldwin, August 22, 1822, to February 27, 1834, when he was commissioned Associate Justice, from Warren County, for seven years; William Crosson, July 28, 1828; he served nine consecutive terms, or twenty-seven years; Archibald Clinton, July 25, 1831, to August 1837; William McFerren, June 10, 1848 to 1860; B. B. Getzendanner, July 22, 1851 to 1860; George Nixon, 1855, three years; Hiram St. John, 1856 to 1862. 684 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. The following are the Justices of the Peace in the township since its organization, with the dates of their commissions: James Ferguson, January 17, 1860; Henry Runyan, December 9, 1862; James Ferguson, December 9, 1862; Amos B. Foote, April 8, 1864; James Ferguson, December 6, 1865; Thornton Thompson, December 6, 1865; William R. Constable, November 25, 1867; Henry Runyan, November 25, 1868; William Clevenger, November 25, 1868; Henry Runyan, November 21, 1871; William Clevenger, November 21, 1871; William H. Constable, April 8, 1870; A. M. Fog April 10, 1873; J. A. Runyan, December 3, 1874; William Clevenger, December 3, 1874; A. M. Fox, April 10, 1876; Thornton Thompson, October 19, 1876; Israel Lundy, December 4, 1877; Hiram Constable, April 10, 1879; Thornton Thompson, October 21, 1879; Israel Lundy, December 1, 1880. The following is a list of the township officers from the separate organization of Harlan Township. The first township election was held April 21, 1860, at which 342 votes were cast, and the following officers elected. Trustees, Thomas Jones, Harvilla Bailey, William McFerren; Clerk, Henry Runyan; Treasurer, Nelson G. Ingersoll; Assessor, Robert McMullen; Constable, Henry Long. 1861-Trustees, William McFerren, Thomas Jones, Edward Smith; Clerk, James H. Runyan; Treasurer, Nelson G. Ingersoll; Assessor, John L. Ely; Constable, Henry Long. 1862-Trustees, William McFerren, Thomas Jones, Edward Smith; Clerk, B. H. Williason; Treasurer, Nelson G. Ingersoll; Assessor, L. W. Ludlum; Constable, H. C. Starkey. 1863-Trustees, William McFerren, Thomas Jones, Edward Smith; Clerk, John R. Hitesman; Treasurer, Nelson G. Ingersoll; Assessor, R. H. Williason; Constable, Jacob Long. 1864-Trustees, William McFerren, Thomas Jones, Edward Smith; Clerk, Joel Blackstone; Treasurer, Nelson G. Ingersoll; Assessor, R. H. Williason; Constable, P. A. Snyder. 1865-Trustees, Thomas Jones, Edward Smith, James Hicks; Clerk, P. A. Snyder; Treasurer, P. S. Templin; Assessor, William Crosson; Constable, Archie Runyan. 1866-Trustees, James Hicks, William H. Constable, Andrew Fryberger; Clerk, H.W. Price; Treasurer, Thomas Hicks; Assessor, L. W. Ludlum; Constable, Jacob Long. 1867-Trustees, Benjamin Benn, Milton Mounts, D. G. Apgar; Clerk, B. F. Ludlum; Treasurer, P. A. Snyder; Assessor, P. Bishop; Constable, Henry Long. 1868-Trustees, Benjamin Benn, D. G. Apgar, N. W. Moore; Clerk, B F. Ludlum; Treasurer, P. A. Snyder; Assessor, P. Bishop; Constable, Henry Long. 1869-Trustees, Jacob Diebold, Samuel Sharp, M. V. Hill; Clerk, H. W. Price; Treasurer, E. L. Runyan; Assessor, L. W. Ludlum; Constable, D. Roll. 1870-Trustees, Jacob Diebold, Samuel Sharp, Thomas Lyons; Clerk, H. W. Price; Treasurer, E. L. Runyan; Assessor, George Crosson; Constable, D. Roll. 1871-Trustees, Jacob Diebold, Samuel Sharp, T. J. Lyons; Clerk, H. W. Price; Treasurer, Thomas Hicks; Assessor, George Crosson; Constable, Henry T. Spurling. 1872-Trustees, E. A. Hill. William I. Smith, Lafayette Baldwin; Clerk, H. W. Price; Treasurer, Thomas Hicks; Assessor, George Crosson; Constable, Jehu Brown. 1873-Trustees, William I. Smith, M. L. Scott, E. A. Pill; Clerk, E. A. St. John; Treasurer, Thomas Hicks; Assessor and Constable, Jehu Brown. 1874-Trustees, E. A. Hill, Thomas J. Patterson, James Skinner; Clerk, SP. Shafer; Treasurer, Thomas Hicks; Assessor, Jehu Brown; Constable, Jacob Long. WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP - 685 1875-Trustees, James Hicks, T. J. Patterson, J. Diebold; Clerk, A. Jones; Treasurer, Thomas Hicks; Assessor, Jehu Brown; Constable, Jacob Long. 1876-Trustees, Jacob Diebold, T. J. Patterson, Israel Lundy; Clerk, A. Jones; Treasurer, J. S. Slade; Assessor, T. Thompson; Constable, Jacob Long. 1877-Trustees, J. R. Ross, J. Diebold, M. V. Baldwin; Clerk, Elihu Snyder; Treasurer, Charles Worley; Assessor, John Hill; Constable, J. Long. 1878--Trustees, M. V. Baldwin, John R. Ross, T. Donnell; Clerk, Albert Buell; Treasurer, D. S. Bird; Assessor, D. Roll; Constable, J. Long. 1879-Trustees, M. V. Baldwin, Charles Worley, Benjamin Benn; Clerk, E. Snyder; Treasurer, D. S. Bird; Assessor, D. Roll; Constable, S. L. Jackson. 1880-Trustees, John Armstrong, Charles Worley, Thomas Patterson; Clerk Sydney Crosson; Treasurer, D. S. Bird; Assessor and Constable, D. Roll. 1881-Trustees, M. R. Hill, Frank Hicks, William Noscar; Clerk, Frank Roll; Treasurer, D. S. Bird; Assessor and Constable, D. Roll. The foregoing history is prepared from such materials as were at command, and from necessity is brief, and in some instances, especially in regard to the early pioneers, from want of reliable data, is perhaps incomplete. But it has been the endeavor to use such matters and facts only as might be safely relied on as authenstic, and in the main it is hoped and believed that they may be found substantially correct.