(RETURN TO THE TITLE PAGE)

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - 509 FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP. BY W. C. REEDER. The date of the first settlement of this township, outside of the town of Franklin, is obscure. We find that William Barkalow and his brother, Derrick, came about the year 1804, and bought all the land from the mouth of Twin Creek to the present Hydraulic Dam, and reaching from the Miami River west to where Carlisle Station now is. It is said that there was a log cabin standing just north of the present residence of Mr. L. G. Anderson, built probably as a shelter for stock. When Mr. Barkalow bought the 510 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY land, he placed some rails across the door to keep the cattle ont, and when he returned with his family, he jestingly pretended to hand the key to one of the family, and sent him ahead to unlock the door ready for the family. The Barkalow family descended from the above two brothers are still represented in the neighborhood. About the same time, the Maxwell family, the Russells, the McCashens and the Campbells settled in the township. In a part of the township now included in Clear Creek Township was born Mr. Joseph Barnett, who claimed, in after years, that he was the first white child born in the township. Mrs. Susan McCashen, who is still, at the age of eighty-seven, living about two miles east of town with her son-in-law, Mr. John Sholts, Sr., claims that she was the first child born in the township The early settlers had the usual perplexities and trials encountered elsewhere by the pioneers. The land was cleared of its heavy growth of timber, which, being so plentiful, was of no value, and was got rid of by means of log_ heaps, which, being burned, furnished a clear space upon which to cultivate the crops. The hard labor consequent upon this process of clearing land, was counter-balanced by the pleasures of the corn-husking, the quilting frolic or the country dance. The rich soil, while it amply repaid the cultivator, came near burying him and his horses in the springtime, so that the most common mode of traveling was on horseback. The Miami River was either forded or crossed by means of a ferry-boat, owned and managed by Mr. William Barkalow. The Miami Indians were in the neighborhood for many years, and some of the oldest citizens remember it as a common occurrence that the women of this tribe gathered on the west bank of the Miami, and wove their baskets or worked at the various occupations which fall to the lot of the Indian women. There seems to have been no trouble from the Indian tribes after the first settlement. From records of the township now in possession of Dr. 0. Evans, Sr., it appears that as early as 1802, or one year before the organization of the county, James McCashen was Justice of the Peace. Settlements were made about the neighborhood of Carlisle in the spring of 1804 and 1805, by Arthur Vanderveer, of Freehold, N. J., who, in company with the Barkalows, had entered the tract of land on the Great Miami River, before spoken of. At the same time came Daniel Dubois and Dr. Benjamin Dubois, and, within the next ten years, several families from New Jersey came to this township and the southern part of Montgomery County, forming what is known to-day as the Jersey Settlement. The Lanes, Schencks, Denises, the Conuvers, Poasts, Wykoffs and the Barkalows have all been well known in this part of the county since. Dr. Dubois was one of the first physicians in this region, and all the grown folks, as well as the rising generation for miles around knew the taste of his medicines. The markets of this region were, of course, not the best; hence grain and produce were cheap, wheat being 12 cents per bushel; butter, 3 to 5 cents per pound, and eggs, 2 to 3 cents per dozen. The stately deer, the wild turkey and the black bear furnished the farmer with active recreation, while the Great Miami from its clear waters furnished those who preferred quieter sport an abundant supply of the finny tribe. The thrifty New Jersey people, however, ,did not let the waters glide by without making use of them in another way. Accordingly, they built flat-boats, and loading upon them their surplustirm products, when the spring floods swelled the river, floated down to New FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - 511 Orleans, where they sold first the cargo and then the boat, coming home in some instances on foot. Great amusement was caused by an honest old farmer taking a boat-load of turkeys to New Orleans, when the wild turkey was found in great abundance. After a few years, mills were built, and then the grain in the more compact form of flour, was shipped on the flat-boats. The mills in early days were of composite character, both grinding and sawing being done at the same mill. The Van Tuyls built one at an early day near Twin Creek; but not only the mill has all disappeared, but also the race that led to it. The Vanderveer Mill, just south of the present Hydraulic Dam, was the main mill for many years. It was erected by Arthur Vanderveer at a very early day. The erection of dams on the river stopped transportation by the river, and then the large old-fashioned Pennsylvania wagon carried produce to Cincinnati and dry goods and groceries back. The furniture used was generally home-made, or made in the immediate neighborhood; the shoes and hats were made by the traveling mechanic, who worked at one house until that family was supplied, and then passed to another, the shoes and hats being renewed but once a year. The women, besides their customary avocations, amused themselves and employed their leisure hours at the large or small wheel, the loom or in knitting, and she was considered as unfit to we who had not laid up against her wedding a goodly supply of linen, such as was needed for the general wants of the household. All wore garments, the value of which they knew by the toil that had sufficed to produce them. Sometimes the garments of the men were made by an itinerant tailor, who served as did the shoemaker and the hatter, but generally the women made all the garments, attended to the dairy, the poultry and the garden, and not unfrequently, worked in the fields with the men, making " hands" as well as any one. In 1829, the Miami Canal, from Cincinnati to Dayton, was completed. This served as an outlet for the grain, pork, etc., of the township, and in consequence, the prices of these commodities increased as did the acreage of grain raised. In 1825, a line of stages had been established, from Columbus to Cincinnati. and this, of course, gave greater facilities for communication with the outside world. Schools were established in the township at an early date, many of the instructors being Irishmen, frequently men of much education, but dissipated and reckless, who, having lost rank or prestige at home by means of their bad habits, came to America, and, preferring anything to manual labor, taught school, after a fashion, beating into the refractory skulls of dull pupils the things that they could not readily assimilate and make a part of themselves. The teacher, if a single man, boarded round; the institution of learning was a log-hut with a few windows, covered with greased paper in lieu of glass, many openings, once chinked, but now open, and a vast fire-place occupying one end, in which the huge logs, chopped by the pupils (there was no such thing as janitor known), served to roast the side which was nearest. School commenced early in the morning and continued till late at night, with but few intermissions. The three "R's" and spelling wer the branches to which most attention was paid, and an inspection of old records has inspired us with an admiration of the writing done and the figures made by some of the pupils of those early schools. Not only were the pupils under the care of the teacher at school, but during the time occupied in going to and fro, and woe be to the boy or girl who failed to bow or courtesy when met by a stranger. The teacher was expected to know one thing thoroughly, viz., corporal punishment in all its various forms. As the population increased, the funds arising from the sales 512 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. of school lands enabled the citizens to have better buildings erected and fiat_ ures more fitted for the young; the length of the term was also increased and the teacher was supposed to know something besides the narrow chapter of botany which treats of the pliability of birch and kindred woods. At the present day, there are outside of the town of Franklin, Districts No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8, all having the best of buildings, fitted with the latest and most convenient seats and desks, with good blackboards, good active teachers, a good attendance, and the means of having ten months, or forty weeks, school. The surface of Franklin Township is rolling. The valleys of the Great Miami River, of Clear Creek and of Twin Creek, in the extreme west, consist of a very rich black bottom land, with gravel beneath; this in a time of drought is not always beneficial. The hills have nowhere a very great altitude, and will, in all places, if properly cultivated, yield average crops. The uplands have a clay soil, which is a little cold and damp, but which, from year to year, produces crops equal to the bottom. The drainage is good, and the Great Miami, with its two large and numerous small tributaries, relieves the rolling country with but little artificial aid. In the hills is found a very good quality of stone, that is used for building foundations and walls. The timber of the township, once unsurpassed, is becoming rapidly thinned out by the demands for walnut, hickory, ash, elm and other woods useful in the arts. MANUFACTURES. At a very early date, the manufacture of leather was carried on by Mr. Eden Burrowes, who had his tanyard in what is now a field on the farm of Mrs. Ruth Schenck, north of the lower road from Franklin to Springboro. Mr. Burrowes after several years removed his tannery to the Burrowes farm, about one mile north of Franklin. Two miles north of town were the Vand.erveer grist and saw mills, which were the center of a little colony, and whose patrons came from miles to get thoir grist ground, their lumber sawed, or to sell their surplus grain. As corn was obtained in large quantities, and with but little labor, from so rich a soil, the supply became greater than the demand, and many farmers erected small distilleries in which they manufactured the surplus into whisky. A very large distillery was erected south of Franklin, which, for many. years, relieved the farmers of their corn and wood, rnd which was run until September, 1865, when it was completely destroyed by fire. The manufacture of drain tile was commenced several years ago by Mr. L. S. Rue on his farm south of town, and has grown to an astonishing business in his hands. A ready market is found both at home and abroad. Brooms in large quantities are made by Mr. James McLean on his farm, about three miles southeast of Franklin. Other manufactures will be given in the history of the town of Franklin, as all such are now within the corporate limits. ANCIENT REMAINS. Franklin Township is not without its prehistoric remains. The chief object of this kind is a mound on the old Burrower farm, northeast of Franklin The mound is about twenty-five feet in height, and perhaps 100 feet in circumference, and being, as these mounds usually are, on high ground, is visible for miles, while from its summit the beautiful Miami Valley can be seen spread out like a panorama. Many years ago, a number of men, then young, determined to explore this mound. Mr. Burrowes objecting because he believed it to be a place of sepulture, they took occasion to visit the scene during the hours of night. Among 513 - BLANK 514 - SALATHIEL LUKENS FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - 515 the number were John M. Catrow, W. F. Smith, Isaah Blair and A. D. Reeder, with others whose names are unknown. With picks and shovels they reached the mound, and, commencing in the center of the top, they excavated rapidly, taking their turns. When they had descended several feet. Mr. Blair took his turn, and, after a few strokes, came climbing out in terror, declaring that " it sounded hollow, and he was not going to risk its letting him fall into an un- known cavity." This only made the others more anxious, and they worked very zealously for some time, but they found nothing but a few copper beads, and they shoveled the dirt back again. No other remains of importance have been found, if we except an occasional skeleton of an Indian, unless a few remarkable things found by Mr. Van Horne, when constructing the Hydraulic at Franklin, which we will speak of in the history of that enterprise. NEW JERSEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. As has already been stated, quite a number of families came from the State of New Jersey between the years 1800 and 1816 or 1817, and settled the region still known as the Jersey Settlement. These were almost all members of the Presbyterian Church, and, on August 14, 1813, we find that they organized a church by assembling at the house of William P. Barkalow, opposite Franklin. The following steps were taken in organization: 1st. They resolved to form themselves into a congregation. 2d. They resolved that this congregation should be under the care and direction of the Presbyterian Church in Miami Presbytery. 3d. That they apply to said Presbytery at the next October meeting, for one-half of the ministerial services of Rev. Francis Monfort. 4th. That Hendrick Lane and Tunis D. Van Derveer be appointed to represent the congregation before Presbytery and prefer their petition. 5th. That they make out a call for Mr. Monfort, and present it at the next meeting of Presbytery. 6th. That to this end Daniel Dubois and Jonas Bowman be sent with a request to the Rev. Daniel Hayden to attend the congregational meeting and preside in moderating a call. 7th. In consideration of the pastoral labors of Mr. Monfort, they promise to raise him $150, in half-yearly payments; and 8th. Immediately thereupon proceeded to raise the required sum by annexing their names and subscriptions to a paper, heading which are the names of Hendrick Lane. George Lane, Tunis D. Van Derveer and others. It is not certain that there were religious services at the time these resolutions were passed, but it is probable that such services were held, as Mr. Monfort had been preaching to this people since the preceding March. After this meeting, and until the meeting of the Presbytery, in October, nothing definite is known concerning the infant church, but it is thought that Mr. Monfort served them; and in the October Presbytery, the following record was made: "A petition was received from a newly congregated people, on the west of the Great Miami, opposite Franklin, calling themselves New Jersey Congregation, and praying the Presbytery to grant one-half of Mr. Francis Monfort's labors for one year, which was granted." On April 2, 1814, at a meeting at the house of Tunis D. Vanderveer, Messrs. Vanderveer and Zebulon Baird were elected Ruling Elders, and were ordained on the 3d, which was Sabbath. Mr. Monfort was ordained and installed pastor June 14, 1814. The first members received were Mrs. Jennett Street, Abraham Street and Sarah, their daughter, July 31, 1814, and also the wives of the two Elders. On the 8th of September, George Lane, Elanor Lane, Hendrick Lane, Catharine Lane, Margaret Lane and Cornelia Ten Eych, by certificate; Gilbert Lane, Anky Wykoff, Anna Sutton, Maria Lane and John McKean, by examination; on the 9th, Peter Poast and Sarah Poast, by certificate, and Mary Wykoff and Mary Denise, by examination. 516 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. The congregation met at different houses, and in the barns when the houses were too small, but the most frequented place was the barn of Hen_ drick Lane, near where the Hydraulic Dam now is. In the spring of 1815, a church building was talked of and three sites were under contemplation— one on William P. Barkalow's farm, opposite Franklin; another on the farm of Hendrick Lane; the third, the place where the church was afterward placed. The Presbyterians who resided in Franklin were naturally desirous that the first site should be chosen, but a misunderstanding arose, and Daniel Dubois having in the meantime made an offer of two acres of ground, the latter site was selected. Even after the materials for the building were on the spot chosen, the Franklin people offered to haul them to the site they preferred, but the Jersey people adhered to their resolution of building on the Dubois land. The house was built after the model of the old Tenant Church, in New Jersey, and was known far and near as one of the finest buildings in this region. In this building, cost was not thought of. The various parts were contributed or paid for by the different members as follows: Tunis D. Vanderveer furnished the frame-work ; George Lane, the weather-boarding ; Hendrick Lane, the floor; Michael Van Tuyl sawed the material; John McKean built the pulpit, and each man furnished a bench as best he could. The building; however, was a mere shell, and, as there were no stoves, they resorted to charcoal fires, which " soon smoked them out," so they were obliged to resort to meeting in barns until spring. After completion, the church contained a gallery across the west end, and the pulpit being about on a level with the gallery, the minister literally sent down his sermons to the people, while they all looked up to him. In refitting'the church, benches of a uniform pattern were made, and the pulpit was lowered several feet, still leaving the minister far above the people, and necessitating somewhat of an ascent ere he reached his station. After a pastorate of seven years, Rev. Mr. Monfort was succeeded by Rev. John Ross, who served this people but about a year. The membership at this time was sixty-four in number. After this time, there was no regular pastor for three years. Matthew 0, Wallace gave them one-fourth of his time until the spring of 1826, when Rev. Adrian Aten began to preach a part of the time, and, in October, was regularly appointed by Presbytery to supply the New Jersey Congregation one-third of the time and Franklin one-third. In 1827, the Sabbath school was first organized here. Rev. Adrian Aten preached his last sermon September 22, 1833. After this, Rev. John Hudson supplied the New Jersey and Franklin Congregations for one and one-half years, and there was no certain arrangement for six years. Rev. J. S. Weaver was regularly called in April, 1845, and preached until 1858. During his pastorate, in 1856, an attempt was made by some of the congregation to have the old building removed, out this failed, owing to the reluctance of the older members to part with their old place of worship. Rev. J. H. Clark was pastor from the summer of 1858 to the fall of 1861, and during this time the parsonage was erected. Rev. F. M. Wood became pastor in 1862. During his pastorate, the magnificent brick building used by the congregation was erected at a cost of $16,- 350. The corner-stone was laid May 12, 1866. The old building was last used December 1, 1867, and the new was first used December 8, 1867. The present building consists of a main building, 71x43 feet, and a rear FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - 517 room, used as a Sunday-school room and vestry, 29x56 feet. In front, two towers stand, the southeast 128 feet in height. being a conspicuous object for smiles; the other, or southwest tower, being but slightly elevated above the roof. The main room contains a gallery, 9x21 feet, and the ceiling has an elevation of twenty-eight feet at the sides and thirty-five in the center. The windows are fitted with stained glass and the walls frescoed. Rev. F. M. Wood, through whose instrumentality this building was erected, served the people until about 1868. Rev. Samuel Findley, after a year or two, succeeded him, and he in turn was succeeded about two years ago by Rev. W. Gowdy. OLD SCHOOL BAPTIST CHURCH. This congregation was organized in 1814 with the following members: John Marsh, James Tapscott, James Holmes, William Martin, Joseph Tap- scott, Nancy Marsh, Mary Berry, Mary Tapscott, Mary James, James Wheatfield and Elizabeth Wheatfield. A site for building a church edifice was obtained through the kindness of James Tapscott, who deeded to the church one acre of ground, with a space, one rod wide, leading from the chapel south to the road. On this was built a brick meeting-house, and on this spot the congregation, composed largely of descendants of the original members. still assemble to serve God. The name Tapscott Meeting-House was given it in honor of the donor. Although organized at so early a date, the incorporation did not take place until December 11, 1830, when John Cox, James T. Barkalow and John Marsh became Trustees, and John Underwood, Church Clerk. In 1833, Joseph Tapscott was elected Clerk; John B. Moses, Treasurer, and J. N. C. Schenck acted as Clerk of the Election. John B. Moses was the first Deacon, ordained by the laying-on of hands, November 27, 1830. In 1836, a split occurred on doctrinal points, and those leaving formed the Baptist Church of Franklin, the history of which will be given in its proper place. The first minister ordained was Elder Peter Poyner, who served from 1814 to 1820; Elder Jacob Mulford, who served from 1820 to 1830; Elder Stephen Gard, who served from 1830 to 1838, with the exception of part of the year of 1836, during which Elder Robertson servek Elder Samuel Williams, from 1838 to 1870, during a part of which time Elder Benjamin Lamp- ton supplied the pulpit; Elder John McDonald, a short time in 1870; Elder Ephraim Barker, from 1870 to 1875; Elder Wilson Thompson Pence, from March, 1875, to 1876; Elder Edward Stephens, from 1876 to 1877; Elder John M. Thompson, from October, 1877, till the present time. This church has services generally once a month, and the pastor has no regular salary, but simply accepts the voluntary contributions of the congregation. During this year, the heirs of Thomas Shinn gave one acre of ground, just south of the church, bordering on the road from Franklin to Carlisle Station, on which has been erected a parsonage building of six rooms and kitchen, costing $1, 300, and other improvements which will amount to $500. The members of this church have always been, and are still, characterized by their attachment to their branch of the church, and, being in good circumstances, always have everything in good condition. The church building has lately been enlarged and put in thorough repair. To the east of the church is a burying-ground, where repose the remains of some of the first settlers. 518 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. CARLISLE STATION. This country town and station has been, since 1813, the central point of interest for the New Jersey Settlement. Here was the Presbyterian Church, the history of which has been given, and here was the blacksmith-shop which is always a center of interest to the farming community. The survey of the line of the C., H. & D. R. R. passed just at the foot of the hill on which the church is situated, and, as this road was commenced about 1848, from that date we may trace the history of the station, which received its name from Hon. George Carlisle, of Cincinnati. This gentleman, being interested in the C. H. &. D., purchased quite a large tract of land, and, throwing it into lots, offered them for sale at a moderate rate. A post office was established, and a store, soon followed by another, furnished the citizens with the supplies necessary. The freight depot, containing large storage room, caused the grain market of this place to assume large proportions, and, although there may never be a large cudty here, the rich soil and the thrifty character of the farming community will make it a place of business. The amount of grain, hogs, cattle and tobacco shipped here is large. It is the station for Germantown and a large part of Montgomery County adjacent to it. The town contains a town hall for public uses. Carlisle being near the Montgomery County line, the school was for many years in what is called a fractional district, part of the pupils being in Warren County and part in Montgomery County, and teachers drew part of their pay in one county and part in the other. The school increased in numbers until May 24, 1872, when the Board of Education of Carlisle Separate District, No. 6, gave notice to the qualified voters of said district that there would be a vote taken at the hall on the 11th day of June, 1872, at 4 P. M., for or against a tax of $5,000 or $6,000, for building purposes. Great feeling was manifested both for and against the tax. This bitter feeling lasted for some time, if it is not yet in existence, but the house was finally erected on a fine lot southeast of the church. The building contains four rooms and halls, with spacious cellarage and large playgrounds. There are but two departments at present, under charge of Mr. Geo. P. Price and Miss Hannah Ely. The studies pursued embrace a part of the high school studies, and, under the care of Mr. Price, the school has made good progress. Carlisle is the only town besides Franklin that is wholly in the township. Blue Ball, about five miles south of Franklin, being partly in Butler County. THE TOWN OF FRANKLIN. This town was founded by Gen. William C. Schenck, who had emigrated, in 1793, to Marietta, Ohio, and, in 1794, to Cincinnati, and then up the Miami in the interests of himself and parties in New Jersey—Mr. Cumming, Judge Jacob Burnet and Mr. Longworth, of Newark. In 1796, he again came to Cincinnati, and, in that year, he surveyed and laid out the town of Franklin, as appears from the following record, taken from the original records in Cincinnati: The town of Franklin was laid out by William C. Schenck and Daniel C. Cooper, as they thought, in the south part of the fractional Section No. 32, in the Second Township and Fifth entire range of townships between the Miami Rivers. In the year 1800, William C. Schenck became sole proprietor, by purchase from Daniel C. Cooper, and, in the winter of the same year, the Legislature passed an act to provide for the recording of town plats. Partly by reason of the uncertainty of the tenure by which the lands purchased of Judge Symmes north of his patent was held ; but mostly on account of the existing doubts with respect to the boundaries of these tracts, it became a matter of dispute who was the proprietor of the town, and therefore impracticable to comply with the requisition of the above law. By the law of the United States, establishing the posts or corners, run under the FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - 519 direction of Judge Symmes, the late decision of the Commissioners appointed by that law, and the recent survey made by the Surveyor General, it appears that William C. Schenck is proprietor of only a part of the town of Franklin, and that Robert Ross hath become owner of the other part, the subscriber thereof wishing, as near as may be, to act conformably to law, hath caused the plat, hereunto annexed, to be made of record, together with this statement, and the following description of the town of Franklin: The town is laid off in squares or blocks of twenty-four poles ; each block is divided into eight lots, agreeable to the plan ; each lot is eight poles one way and twelve poles the other. The streets are each four poles wide, except Fourth street, which is five poles wide. The course of the streets, running parallel with the river, is N. 26̊ E. ; the other streets run at right angles from them ; the spaces between Second and Fifth streets, and between Front street and the river, is given to the inhabitants of the town for a common, to be perpetually kept open for that purpose. Lots numbered 39, 40, 51 and 52, are given for the purpose of erecting thereon public buildings ; those are painted green ; the partl colored lot at the upper end of Fourth street is reserved for a church, and is 18f poles front 18 1/2, and 12 poles rear. The out-lots contain four acres each ; are 8 chains, 66 links one way, and 4 chains and 62 links the other way, excepting the lots No. 16 and 17, which contain upward of 6 acres each. The division between the subscriber and Robert Ross is designated by the red line. I certify the above to be a true description of the town of Franklin, and desire it may be recorded the 1st day of July, 1802. (Signed), W. C. SCHENCK. Hamilton, ss. : Before me, James McCashen, one of the J. P. of sitid county previously appeared W. C. Schenck, etc., etc. (Signed), JAMES MCCASHEN. To WHOM IT MAY CONCERN : Whereas, by the decision of the Commissioners appointed by the act of Congress, granting the right of pre-emption to certain purchases of land from John C. Symmes, north of his patent, I have become the proprietor of a part of the town of Franklrn. Now, these presents testify that I do hereby request that this plat of the town of Franklin may be recorded, and I do obligate myself, my heirs and assigns, to grant and convey unto different persons, who have contracted with W. C. Schenck and D. C. Cooper for lots in that part of said town, of which I have become proprietor as aforesaid. All the lots so contracted for (whether in-lots or out-lots), in the same manner and on the same terms as the said W. C. Schenck and D. C. Cooper were bound to do as aforesaid. Witness my hand this 2d day of August, 1802 - ROBERT R. ROSS. [His mark_____] Sworn before the Justice of the Peace was the preceding statement of Gen. Schenck, and completed as follows: I do further obligate myself to leave an alley open above and north of the in and out-lots. Witness my hand this 2d day of August, 1802. (Signed),         W. C. SCHENCK. and sworn before James McCashen. The above copy of the records of Warren County was transcribed from Hamilton County records, Book E, No. 2, pp. 178, 179 and 180, April 27, 1852. The original documents are on file in Hamilton County, as Franklin was then in it. The plat above mentioned is filed with the other papers, and shows the division between the lands of Gen. Schenck and Robert Ross. Robert Ross died soon after; his wihel was probated December 21, 1803. He had at least three children—Benjamin, John and Austin. The following are some of the persons to whom Gen. Schenck conveyed property up to the time of his death, January 12, 1821: John McCashen, Aaron Reeder, John Morris, Daniel Hawn, Benjamin Dubois, Tunis Vanderveer, Samuel Cockayne, Isaac Harrison, John Gordon, Samuel Campbell, James McEwen, Daniel Storms, Joseph Troxell, Sawyer McFadden, Edward Death, Nicholas Dows, William Mott, Aaron Goforth, Nancy Banker, Finley Russell, Andrew Gebhart, Michael Long, Daniel Writs, Garvin Johnson, William Drake, John Robinson, Lewis Davis, Firman Smith, Samuel Caldwell, Benjamin Morris, Philip Wier, Martin Baum, J. J. and N. Ross, Samuel Walker. 520 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. By the heirs of Robert Ross to James Keho, William Harrison, Joseph Catrow, D. Hawn, S. Reeder, Joseph Troxell, Matthias Young, John Winters, John Leopold, Harry Gassaway, William Harrison, Daniel Fisher, Lewis Davis, Benjamin Dubois, Charles Long. James Ainsworth, Thomas GeorgeThompson, Robert T. James, George Gillespie, William Noble, Samuel Roads, John 0, Death, Samuel These are deeded between the years 1800 and 1808. The streets as described in the above record were afterward named, beginning with the cross streets at the north, First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth streets, respectively. On the north of the town as then platted, Gen. Schenck had given a two-pole alley extending parallel with the aforesaid cross streets, but, after the battle of New Orleans, he increased its width to four poles, and, in honor of the hero of New Orleans, called it Jackson street. The street next the river was called Front street and the next to the east, Center street. In a copy of the old records of Franklin (furnished by Dr. 0. Evans, Sr:), we find on March 29, 1814, that an election was held at the house of Mrs. Reeder, widow of Aaron Reeder. This house was situated on or near the southeast corner of Front and Sixth streets, and was probably the first hotel of the town. The following electors took part: Jacob Hawn, Garret A. Schenck, John N. C. Schenck, Henry Emde, Joseph Troxell, Martin Earhart, James Tapscott, William C. Schenck, Philip Rossm an, Winthrop Emerson, Daniel Storms,. James McEwen, John Winters, Joseph Ralston, Joseph Crain, Stephen Reeder, William Harrison, Luther Russell, Christian Petifish, James Blackburn, Alexander Cumming, Lewis Davis, James W. Lanier. The following were the town officers from 1814 to 1836, soon after which the town received its charter, dated March 9, 1837: 1814—President, Samuel Caldwell; Recorder and Justice of the Peace, James W. Lanier; Trustees, William C. Schenck, Luther Russell, Charles Lang, William Harrison, Lewis Davis; Treasurer, J. N. C. Schenck; Assessor, Martin Earl art; Collector and Town Marshal, Stephen Reeder; Supervisor, Joseph Troxell. 1815—President, James W. Lanier; Recorder, Stephen Reeder; Trustees, William C. Schenck, William Harrison, Charles Lang, Lewis Davis, Luther Russell; Treasurer, Samuel Caldwell; Assessor, James McEwen; Town Marshal and Collector, Christian Petifish: Supervisor, William F. Barkalow. 1816 —President, Samuel Caldwell; Recorder, Charles Lang; Trustees, J. N. C. Schenck, Joseph Troxell, W.. C. Schenck, Daniel Storms, Stephen Reeder; Treasurer, W. Harrison; Assessor, Daniel Wertz; Marshal and Collector, C. Petifish. 1817---President, William C. Schenck; Recorder, Robert Young; Trustees, Samuel Caldwell, Samuel Campbell, James Tapscott, James McEwen, James W. Lanier; Treasurer, W. Harrison; Marshal and Collector, C. Petifish; Assessor, D. Wertz. 1818—President, Matthew Magrew; Recorder, James W. Lanier; Trustees, W. C. Schenck, Lewis Davis, Martin Earhart, Garret A. Schenck; James W. Lanier; Treasurer, W. Harrison; Assessor, Samuel Campbell; Marshal, C. Petifish. 1819—President, Samuel Caldwell ; Recorder, John Silver ; Trustees, Samuel Campbell, Daniel Storms, Charles Lang, James McEwen, Isaac Winner; Treasurer, W. Harrison; Assessor, Moses Smith; Marshal, C. Petifish. 1820—President, Charles Lang; Recorder, James H. Newell; Trustees, Moses Smith, William Brown, Thomas L. Paine, Joseph Mayfield, John C. FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - 521 Finney; Treasurer. Lewis Davis; Assessor, John G. Mount; Marshal, C. Petifish 1821--President. James McEwen; Recorder, Justine Smith; Trustees, William Harrison. Joseph Mayfield. Lewis Knipple. Robert Young. Philip Rossman: Treasurer. Lewis Davis; Assessor, Moses Smith; Marshal, C. Petifish. 1822—President, James W. Lanier; Recorder. W.. R. Schenck; Trustees, Samuel Caldwell, Daniel Storms, Michael Waggoner. Philip Rossman Charles Lang: Treasurer, Lewis Davis; Assessor, Moses Smith. Marshal, C. Petifish. 1823—President, James W. Lanier ; Recorder, William R. Schenck ; Trustees. Garret Schenck. George McAroy, Alexander Gumming, Samuel Caldwell. William Brown; Treasurer. Lewis Davis; Assessor, Stephen Wood; Marshal. Samuel Vail. 1824--President, James W. Lanier ; Recorder, William R. Schenck; Trustees. J. N. C. Schenck, Charles Lang, Garret A. Schenck, Joseph Merrifield, Robert Young: Treasurer, William Brown; Assessor. James McEwen; Marshal, Samuel Vail. 1825—President. Samuel Caldwell ; Recorder, William R. Schenck ; Trustees, Garret A. Schenck, J. N. C. Schenck, Charles Lang, Alexander Cummings, Isaac Winner; Treasurer, William Brown; Assessor, James Mc- Ewen: Marshal. Robert R. Young. 1826--President. Samuel Caldwell; Recorder, James Silver; Trustees, Eden Burrowes, Charles Lang, Lewis Davis, Isaac Winner, Michael Waggoner, Garret Schenck and Elias Coleman; Treasurer, E. Burrowes; Assessor, C. Petifish; Marshal, Jonathan Mooney. 1827—Same as above. 1828—President, Charles Lang ; Recorder, James Silver; Trustees, J. N. C. Schenck, Jonathan Mooney, Garret Schenck, Eden Burrowes, Isaac Winner; Treasurer, E. Burrowes. 1829 President, Charles Lang; Recorder, James W. Lanier; Trustees, Eden Burrowes, Jonathan Mooney, J. N. C. Schenck, Lewis Davis, Elias Coleman; Treasurer, Martin Earhart; Assessor, Samuel Campbell; Marshal, Egbert T. Smith. 1830 —President, Charles Lang; Recorder, James W. Lanier; Trustees, Jonathan Mooney, James Anderson, George C. Smith, Egbert T. Smith, IsaaO Winner; Treasurer, Martin Earhart; Assessor, James McEwen; Marshal, Isaac Winner; John Ainsworth, Jacob Long and Philip Rossman, Trustees, for a part of the year. 1831 President, Charles Lang; Recorder, James W. Lanier; Trustees, Jonathan Mooney, Jacob Long, James Anderson, George C. Smith, Philip Rossman; Treasurer, Martin Earhart; Assessor, James McEwen. 1832—President, Lewis Davis; Recorder, S. R. Burrowes; Trustees, Jacob Roades, Daniel Harper, E. T. Smith, James McEwen. Elias Coleman: Treasurer, M. W. Earhart; Assessor, 0. Evans: Marshal, H. Hemphill. 1833—President, 0. Evans; Recorder, S. R. Burrowes; Trustees, Jacob Roades, E. T. Smith, Jacob Long, Elias Coleman, Daniel Harper; Treasurer, M. W. Earhart; Assessor, James McEwen; Marshal, Henry Hemphill. 1834—President, Henry Catick; Recorder, John L. Thirkield; Trustees, Samuel Leonard, William Brown (John Haller), David Baird, Elias Coleman (Thomas H. Wilkins), Charles Lang ; Treasurer, M. W. Earhart; Assessor, Charles Lang; Marshal, William T. Barkalow. 1835—President, Egbert T. Smith ; Recorder, Derrick G. Barkalow; Trustees, Jonathan Mooney, Charles Lang, Samuel Leonard, M. W. Earhart, Thomas H. Wilkins; Treasurer, Cyrus Johnson; Assessor, William Brown; Marshal, Okey McAbe; Collector, Jesse L. Ward. 522 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. 1836—President, E. T. Smith; Recorder, O. Britton; Trustees, Jonathan Mooney, T. H. Wilkins, Samuel Leonard, M. W. Earhart, S. R. Burrowes. The date of the charter of the incorporated village of Franklin is March 9, 1837. By a misunderstanding, an election was held on March 1, 1837, which resulted as follows: 1837—Absalom Death, Mayor; S. R. Burrowes, Recorder; Cyrus Johnson, Treasurer; Washington Coleman, Marshal and Collector; George Kinder, Orson Britton, Jonathan Mooney, J. W. Caldwell, S. R. Burrowes and Otho Evans, Trustees; A. R. Earhart, Supervisor. 1838—Absalom Death, Mayor; S. R. Bnrrowes, Recorder; Cyrus Johnson, Treasurer; H. Hemphill, Marshal, Collector and Clerk of Markets; J. Mooney, J. W. Caldwell, O. Evans, M. W. Earhart and Daniel Harper, Trustees. 1839—Absalom Death, Mayor; S. R. Burrowes, Recorder; H. Hemphill, Marshal; Cyrus Johnson, Treasurer; A. R. Earhart, Supervisor; J. Mooney, D. Harper, O. Evans, J. W. Caldwell and M. W. Earhart, Trustees. 1840—Samuel Leonard, Mayor; J. L. Thirkield, Recorder; Cyrus John. son, Treasurer; H. Hemphill, Marshal; Samuel Smith, Supervisor; S. R. Burrowes, I. McTaggart, Washington Coleman, Daniel Harper and George Balentine, Trustees. 1841—Daniel Harper, Mayor; J. L. Thirkield, Recorder; J. S. Hatfield, Marshal and Supervisor; Cyrus Johnson, Treasurer; George Balentine, Israel MeTaggert, Wash Coleman and George Kinder, Trustees. 1842—Daniel Harper, Mayor; J. L. Thirkield, Recorder; Cyrus Johnson, Treasurer; A. R. Earhart, Marshal; George Kinder, George Balentine, Israel McTaggert, W. Coleman and Richard Coles, Trustees. 1843—Cyrus Johnson, Mayor; resigned and succeeded by R. S. Lockwood; Denise Denise, Recorder; George Balentine, Treasurer; E. T. Hendrickson, Marshal ; George Kinder, Supervisor ; Aaron R. Earhart, Samuel Smith, George L. Denise. Joseph Hurst and Geerge Kinder, Trustees. 1844—R. S. Lockwood, Mayor ; D. Denise, Recorder ; Gabriel Scharf, Marshal; John Frieze, Market Master; George Balentine, Treasurer; J. Hurst, S. Smith, A. R. Earhart, George Kinder and George L. Denise, Trustees. 1845--R. S. Lockwood, Mayor ; E. T. Hendrickson, Recorder ; George Balentine, Treasurer; John Scharf, Marshal; Joseph A. Brown, Supervisor and Market Master; D. Denise, G. L. Denise, A. R. Earhart, George Kinder and J. Hurst, Trustees. 1846—John G. Law, Mayor; resigned, and H. Hemphill succeeded; E. T. Hendrickson, Recorder; George Balentine, Treasurer; John Scharf, Marshal; R. Lockwood, Market Master ; George Kinder, Supervisor ; L McTaggert, Thomas Parker, George Balentine, Derrick Wooley and George Kinder, Trustees. 1847—H. Hemphill, Mayor; Otho Evans, Recorder; George Balentine, Treasurer; A. R. Earhart, Marshal; E. T. Hendrickson, Market Master; E. T. Hendrickson, I. McTaggert, R. S. Lockwood, R. Wooley and Thomas Parker, Trustees. 1848—A. D. Reader, Mayor; B. B. Barkalow, (resigned), and R. S. Lockwood, Recorder; George Balentine, Treasurer; R. R. Young, Supervisor; Jesse Lae, Marshal; Uriah Clutch, H. J. Death, R. Coles, W. F. Smith, Trustees. 1849—A. D. Reeder, Mayor; R. S. Lockwood, Recorder and Treasurer; A. R. Earhart, Marshal; R. Wooley, R. Coles, Uriah Clutch, O. Evans, W. F. Smith, H. J. Death, Trustees. 1850-1. D. Reader, Mayor; R. S. Lockwood, Recorder; R. Coles, Treasurer; A. R. Earhart, Marshal; Uriah Clutch, R. Coles, W. F. Smith, H. J. Death, F. Dechant, Trustees. 523 - PICTURE OF THOMAS RICH 524- BLANK FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - 525 1851—A. D. Reeder, Mayor; R. S. Lockwood, Recorder; R. Coles, Treasurer; Joseph Crawford, Marshal; R. Coles, Uriah Clutch, W. F. Smith, F. De- chant and H. J. Death, Trustees. 1852--A. D. Reeder, Mayor; R. S. Lockwood, Recorder; R. Coles, Treasurer; Jesse Lee, Marshal; Uriah Clutch, R. Coles, W. F. Smith, F. Dechant and H. J. Death, Trustees. 1853—A. D. Reeder, Mayor; W. F. Smith, Recorder; R. Coles, Treasurer; Jesse Lee, Marshal; H. J. Death, S. Lippencott, R. Coles, Uriah Clutch and Joseph A. Brown, Trustees. 1854—John S. Todd, Mayor; W. F. Smith, Recorder; R. Coles, Treasurer; H. J. Death, S. Walling, S. C. Lippencott, R. Wilkinson, H. B. Meeker, Trustees, and Jesse Lee (resigned), and Samuel Wallace, Marshal. 1855—R. S. Lockwood, Mayor; W. F. Smith, Recorder; R. Coles, Treas- urer; Samuel Wallace, Marshal; S. C. Lippencott, H. B. Meeker, R. Wilkin- son and H. J. Death, Trustees. 1856—R. S. Lockwood, Mayor; W. F. Smith, Recorder; R. Coles, Treasurer; J. B. Clemmens, Marshal; Sales Walling, W. T. Barkalow, H. B. Meeker and R. Wilkinson, Trustees. 1857—R. S. Lockwood, Mayor; W. F. Smith, Recorder; J. L. Thirkield, Treasurer; Samuel Wallace, Marshal; R. Wilkinson, Sales Walling, F. Dechant and G. L. Denise, Trustees. 1858—M. V. Barkalow, Mayor; W. F. Smith, Recorder; E. B. Thirkield, Treasurer; George W. Rook, Marshal; G. L. Denise, Sales Walling, J. L. Thirkield, F. Dechant and W. B. McAroy, Trustees. 1859---M. V. Barkalow, Mayor; W. F. Smith, Recorder; E. B. Thirkield, Treasurer; D. B. Ten Eyck, Marshal; Sales Walling, Dr. W. B. McAroy, Dr. W. L. Schenck, Uriah Clutch, H. Crampton, Trustees. 1860—Jason S. Evans, Mayor; W. F. Smith, Recorder; E. B. Thirkield, Treasurer; James Melley, Marshal; Dr. W. L. Schenck, J. L. Rickard, Uriah Clutch, F. Dechant and G. L. Denise, Council. 1861—James Stace, Mayor; W. F. Smith, Recorder; J. S. Haller (resigned) and D. Adams, Treasurer; John G. Gage, Marshal; F. Dechant, William Corwin, R. P. Evans, William L. Schenck, H. T. Griftner, Council. 1862—Sales Walling, Mayor; W. F. Smith, Recorder; M. V. Barkalow, Treasurer; J. W. Bonner, Marshal; R. P. Evans, James Ely, H. T. Grifttler, F. Dechant and William F. Schenck, Council. 1863—Washington L. Schenck, Mayor ; W. F. Smith, Recorder ; D. Adams, Treasurer; John G. Gage, Marshal; J. W. Shertzer, 0. W. Rook, William Kennedy, H. T. Griftner and William L. Schenck, Council. 1864—Wash. L. Schenck, Mayor; W. D. Schenck, Recorder; D. Adams, Treasurer; John W. Bonner, Marshal; G. W. Rook, William Cumming, William L. Schenck, John Marshal, H. B. Meeker, Council. 1865—H. Hemphill, Mayor ; W. F. Smith, Recorder ; R. Wilkinson, Treasurer; Charles Wiley, Marshal; John Marshal, William L. Schenck, John Reece, Andrew Reeder and H. B. Meeker, Council. 1866—H. Hemphill, Mayor; John Reece, Recorder; James Stace, Treasurer; John G. Smith, Marshal; A. S. Reeder, J. W. Shertzer, O. Evans, Jr., H. B. Meeker, H. T. Griftner, Council. 1867—H. Hemphill, Mayor ; C. C. Brown, Recorder; Sales Walling, Treasurer; Jonas W. Brown, Marshal; H. B. Meeker, William L. Schenck, W. S. Evans, 0 . H. Denise, H. T. Griftner, Council. 1868—R. S. Lockwood, Mayor; John A. Reece (resigned) and W. Coleman, Recorder; E. P. Crist, Treasurer; J. W. Brown, Marshal; William B. McAroy, J. W. Shertzer, James S. Reece, George W. Rook and Joseph Woodward, Jr., Council. 526 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. 1869—R. F. Ireland, Mayor; C. A. Hunt (resigned) and A. S. Reeder, Recorder; E. P. Crist, Treasurer; Lewis Hurst, Mal.shal; W. B. McAroy, William L. Schenck, W. L. Evans, George W. Rook and J. W. Shertzer, Council. 1870—R. S. Lockwood, Mayor; Lew Woodward (resigned) and C. E. Denise, Recorder; R. F. Ireland, Treasurer; Lewis Hurst, Marshal; Alvin Walling, H. B. Meeker, W. B. Mckroy, John Randall and W. Carpenter, Council. 1871—Ben Morgan, Mayor; M. W. Earhart, Recorder; R. F. Ireland, Treasurer; Lewis Hurst, Marshal; H. B. Meeker, William B. McAroy, William L. Schenck, E. P. Crist, Al Walling and J. W. Shertzer, Council. 1872—Ben Morgan, Mayor; M. W. Earhart, Recorder; R. F. Ireland, Treasurer; Lewis Hurst, Marshal; J. W. Shertzer, Alvin Walling, H. E. Meeker, E. P. Crist, W. B. McAroy; William L. Schenck (deceased) and sue needed by J. F. Gallaher, Council. 1873—P. M. Dechant, Mayor; M. W. Earhart, Recorder; R. F. Ireland, Treasurer; J. W. Bonner, Marshal; H. B. Meeker, W. B. McAroy, T. M. Me_ Whinney, R. P. Evans, Council. 1874—R. S. Lockwood, Mayor; M. W. Earhart (resigned) and William Corwin, Jr., Recorder; J. M. Dachtler, Marshal; H. B. Meeker, T. M. McWhinney, J. F. Gallaher, J. J. Turney and H. Lecher, Council. 1875—R. S. Lockwood, Mayor; John Reece, Clerk; R. F. Ireland, Treasurer; J. M. Dachtler, Marshal; H. Lecher, H. Crampton, J. J. Turney, H. B. Meeker and E. P. Crist, Council. 1876—R. S. Lockwood, Mayor; J. A. Reece, Clerk; R. F. Ireland, Treasurer; J. M. Dachtler, Marshal; E. P. Crist, H. Crampton, H. B. Meeker, George McLane, I. T. Baker and F. R. Evans, Council. 1877—H. Crampton, Mayor; J. A. Reece, Recorder; George McLane, Treasurer; J. M. Dachtler, Marshal; J. D. Hendrickson, H. B. Meeker, E. M. Burrowes, F. R. Evans, I. Munger and F. Wittlinger, Council. 1878—H. Crampton, Mayor; J. A. Reece, Recorder; George McLane, Treasurer; J. M. Dachtler, Marshal; H. B. Meeker, J. D. Hendrickson, F. Clemmens, I. Munger, J. Theiss and E. M. Burrowes, Council. 1879—J. W. Shertzer, Mayor; J. A. Reece, Clerk; George McLane, Treasurer; J. H. Thompson, Marshal; R. Emerson, J. D. Hendrickson, H. Levi, F. Clemmens, J. Theiss and I. Munger, Council. 1880—J. W. Shertzer, Mayor; J. A. Reece, Recorder; George McLane, Treasurer; J. B. Thompson, Marshal; I. Munger, J. Theiss, H. Crampton, M. W. Earhart, R. Emerson and J. D. Hendrickson, Council. 1881—J. M. Dachtler, Mayor; J. A. Reece, Recorder; I: Munger, Treasurer; George C. Weaver, R. P. Lockwood, W. A. Van Horne, W. R. Dial, H. Crampton and John Theiss, Council; John H. Thompson, Marshal. PROTECTION FROM FIRE. In looking over old town records, I find that, in 1830, a subscription was taken for the purpose of buying a fire-engine. This was bought, and it was a small hand-engine, called the Ringleader, which was filled by means of a bucket-line, and kept full in that away, while from two to six men, by turning cranks, forced the water through the hose. This engine, although small, did good service, and was very well built, as shown by the fact that the wheels are still in use by Mr. H. B. Meeker, as a truck for hauling stone. About 1850, the Council bought an engine, which was worked in what is called row-boat fashion. This was called "The Whale." A number of years afterward, a brake engine was bought, and the two did good service. FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - 527 When the market-house was built, in 1843, a full set of hooks and ladders was made for the corporation, and, while the east end of the market-house was devoted to the engine, the sides were the depositories of the hooks and ladders, in order that they might be of easy access in case of fire. After some years, cisterns were built, one at the intersection of Center and Fourth streets, the other at the intersection of Center and Sixth streets. In 187'7, the Council bought of C. Ahrens & Co., of Cincinnati, a Latta steam fire-engine, and two reels containing 1,000 feet of hose. August 26, 1877, one reel was burned, but was promptly supplied by the purchase of a new one and additional hose. In addition to the cisterns, approaches have been made to the liver at Second, Sixth and Seventh streets and between Third and Fourth streets, while the canal on the east gives easy access to almost all parts of town. SITUATION OF THE TOWN AND ITS GROWTH. Franklin is situated ten miles northwest of Lebanon, on the Great Miami River. Through it passes the Miami Canal, the C., C., C. & I. R. R. and the Dayton & Cincinnati Turnpike. In Howe's Historical Collections, the first cabin is said to have been built on or near Lot 21, Front street, the lot now owned and occupied by E. B. Thirkield. In the spring of 1796, six or eight cabins stood on the town plat. A church, common for all denominations, on the site of the Baptist Church, was the first erected, about the year 1808. The house occupied by J. N. C. Schenck during his life was partly built at a very early date—probably as early as 1796 or 1797, by Mr. Crane, who afterward located north of town. Mrs. Mary Campbell, who is still living, at the age of ninety-six, attended a party in the house above mentioned about 1798. The house occupied by W. S. Evans, on Front street, just above Third, was built by Gen. W. C. Schenck in 1798. The house lately removed by the Rossmans to make room for their magnificent brick, was probably one of the oldest houses in town and was occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Campbell. Here Lewis D. Campbell was born and passed his boyhood. The old Clutch property, opposite the Presbyterian Church, lately torn down, was another old house. Although Franklin is old, yet its progress for several years past has been marked. In 1840, it contained three churches, a high school, four dry goods stores, two grocery stores, two forwarding and commission houses and had 770 inhabitants. In 1881, it contains 2,700 inhabitants, has a printing- office, a graded school, three dry goods houses, two notion houses, eight groceries, three bakeries, two confectioneries, two news depots, three hardware stores, two banks, two hotels, numerous boarding-houses, ten or twelve saloons, three harness stores, four shoe stores, two watch-makers, two telegraph offices, one telephone exchange and several of the largest manufactories in the Miami Valley. There are also five church buildings and three congregations that rent, making eight church organizations in alL PUBLIC BUILDINGS. Franklin early felt the importance of public offices, and, although we find the earliest meetings for elections were held at hotels, as well as private residences, in 1843, they determined to build a house which should serve for all public purposes. The church built in 1808, on the corner of Center and Fourth streets, was used for public meetings when fit, but, being the property of no one in particular, was not well taken care of. The market-house, as it was called, was built in the center of Fourth, on Market street, and consisted of two stories. In the lower one, the west end was fitted for a market, with stalls. The east end was inclosed so as to keep the fire-engine in good condition. Above this part was one room which looked something like a small 528 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. house balanced on the roof of a larger one. This was the Council Chamber and, uncouth as it would now look, was considered to be a grand affair. In 1857, the people were called on to vote for or against a town hall, and, the vote being favorable, the hall was built on the north side of Fourth street between Center and Front, nearly north of the site of the old market-house'. It contained in the lower story an engine-room, a large market-room and a prison, or calaboose, with an iron cage of two cells. In the upper story, a Council Chamber and a hall, with a stage at the east end. This stood nearly twenty years, being consumed by fire on August 26, 1877. In it burned all the furniture, many of the books belonging to the corporation, the two hand- engines and one reel of hose. The new steam engine was fortunately saved, but not enough hose was rescued to save the building. After considerable trouble with the insurance companies the old walls were raised, the whole building remodeled, and, on Thanksgiving week, 1879, the Opera Hall was opened by the Julia A. Hunt Dramatic Company, which gave a week's entertainment in it. The hall will seat about 600, and is a neat and convenient one, as is shown by the patronage it receives from dramatic troupes. The lower part now contains engine-rooms, hook and ladder room, Council Chamber and prison. The outside has been transformed and now presents a very creditable appearance. In 1864 and 1865, the lodge of Odd Fellows conceived the idea of building a hall, and a lottery scheme was begun, which resulted in the building which now stands on the southeast corner of Fourth and Center streets. It is of three stories, with a truss roof. On the. first floor are three business rooms, fronting on Center street. The north room is occupied by the First National Bank; immediately south of this is a stairway leading to the upper floors; next, the shoe and hat store of Harris Bros., and, in the south room E. Liesenhoff & Co. deal in clothing and gents' furnishing goods. On the second floor, on the north side, is the public reading room and library; on the south side are various offices. The third floor has on the north the Masonic Hall; on the south, the Odd Fellows Hall. The building, except the two halls which belong to the lodges, respectively occupying them, now belongs to the First National Bank. SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL BUILDINGS. The following advertisement appeared in the Western Spy and Hamilton Gazette, published at Cincinnati, by Joseph Carpenter & Co. The paper bears date of August 31, 1803: SCHOOL. A schoolmaster is much needed in this place. school will find employment. W. C. SCHENCK FRANKLIN, August 17, 1803. What the result of this advertisement was we have not learned, but old citizens tell of schools at private houses for a number of years. A brick schoolhouse formerly stood near where the depot buildings now stand, but it had been torn down at an early date. Mr. J. B. Morton had a private school, in which not only common, but classical studies were pursued. Tho building on the northeast corner of Second and Center street, could it speak, would tell of some excellent masters and some bad boys. The old Council chamber in the first market-house was also used as a school-room. Miss Fannie Coleman, Mr. Kingman, Miss Sarah Knipple, Miss McAroy and a number of others had schools which were good for the times. In the year 1848, the citizens saw the benefits arising from a central school, and erected the front part of the Union school building, the Odd Fellows and the Sons of Temperance putting on the third story and roof. The Masons, who had an interest in the north A person qualified to teach an English . FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - 529 room, finally bought that of the Sons, and, with the Odd Fellows, occupied it until the erection of the Odd Fellows Hall, when they both removed to that building. The first Principal had but a few departments, but there are now in the house, urst Principal had but a few departments, but there are now in the * The     the rooms that were added about 1874, ten departments. The house, with the first Principal was Laman; then followed Marchant, Elliott, Elder, Beall, Hawthorne, Turner, Finch, Hawthorne, Van Horne, and, in 1866, Mr. H. Bennett took charge, and has, by his untiring zeal and unflagging industry, gained for the Franklin Union Schools a reputation that extends throughout the State. The graded system is here carried to perfection, and the results of the careful training obtained in this school manifest themselves wherever its graduates are found. Two of its graduates have entered the ministry, several are engaged in teaching, some in law, others in medicine and all look back to this school as the scene of their early triumphs, and of purposes formed that have resulted in much good. The number of graduates is about sixty. The high school was at one time bitterly opposed, but is in a flourishing condition with about fifty in attendance. CHURCHES. The Presbyterian Church of Franklin was organized May 20, 1818, with Rev. William Schenck as pastor. He was soon after succeeded by Rev. M. G. Wallace, who continued to serve the people for a time, but the church was not well kept up and for several years no regular meetings were held. However, in 1827, Rev. Adrian Aten began to serve this people as well as those of New Jersey congregation, and, in 1829, there were sixty-nine names of members on the roll of the church. About this time, Rev. John S. Weaver took charge of this church, but was succeeded in one year by Rev. John Hudson, who retained the pastorate for ten years. During his labors, the present church edifice was erected, in the year 1835, largely through the efforts of Dr. O. Evans, Sr. In 1840, Rev. J. B. Morton came to this charge and remained several years doing a good work during the week by his thorough teaching of secular branches. Rev. G. M. Hair then preached for a number of years, and he, too, had a very good private school. By the kindness of Mr. J. N. C. Schenck, who gave land and house, this church was provided with a fine parsonage with ample grounds, which were much improved during the stay of Mr. Hair. Mr. Anon succeeded Mr. Hair, and preached for a short time as a supply. Rev. Henry W. Taylor was the next regular pastor, and lived here for about ten years. Since his time. Rev. John L. Gage, Rev. William Humphreys and Rev. M. V. Crouse have all preached for this people. Rev. Humphreys died with consumption after a short stay. Rev. M. V. Crouse has been a very popular minister and a citizen well beloved by all denominations, and would probably have continued long here had not throat disease compelled him to leave the ministry. Rev. Thomas Todd supplied the pulpit for three months during the present season, since which therehas been no regular pastor. The church is financially in good condition. Franklin Baptist Church.--As has been stated, in 1836, a split occurred in the membership of Tapscott Church, on the subject of missions and some doctrinal points. Those leaving that congregation were without an organization until June 29, 1843, when they organized with forty-two members. Rev. William T. Boynton was pastor; Peter Dubois and IL W. Meeker, Deacons, and Absalom Death. Clerk. They had no regular place of worship, but finally took possession of the old church building, corner Fourth and Center streets, and, fitting it up, they fenced it in and occupied it for worship. Gen. Schenck had set apart this lot for church purposes, and his heirs afterward quit-claimed the property. In 1851, the vestry on the west side was built; in 1854, the 530 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. main room was rebuilt, the walls raised, the roof renewed, a cupola put on and new windows put in. Within the past two years, the main room has been handsomely frescoed, a furnace put beneath and vestibules built. The room is a very commodious and tasteful one, and, being on the ground floor, is easy of access. Elder Boynton dying in 1846, was succeeded by Rev. L. Osborn, who re, mained until 1851. Rev. J. C. Armstrong became pastor January 13, 1852, and remained until March, 1854. Rev. M. W. Homes was pastor from January, 1855, to June, 1856. Elder John Blodgett took charge in April, 1857, but resigned August, 1858, on account of ill health. Rev. J. L. Moore supplied from October, 1858, to October, 1859. Rev. J. R. Powell was ordained November, 1859, and remained until January, 1864. Elder Blodgett returned in February, 1864, and preached until June, 1871. Rev. Jonathan E. Morris succeeded him and remained until April, 1873. Rev. A. L Lockert was ordained in October, 1873, and is still working with this congregation. This church is praiseworthy for the punctuality and prompt attendance of all its members upon all services. The Working Band, which meets on Friday night of each week, has for its object all work that can be done, both in and out of the church, by good earnest Christian people. Missions, home and foreign, the poor, the intemperate, the hungry and the naked, the sinner and the so-called professor, all are subjects of thought, of prayer and of work. The amount of good done to both body and soul by this people cannot be estimated here, but will be repaid hereafter. The Sunday school is under the efficient leadership of W. A. Boynton. The Methodist Episcopal Church. —This society was formed about 1825. Among its early members were James E. Thirkield and wife, John Roseman and wife, Fletcher Emley and wife, Stephen Wood and wife, Thomas Emerson and wife, and, after a few years, Uriah Clutch and wife and Daniel Hawkins and wife came from New Jersey and were added to the membership. Of these, Mrs. Clutch is the only survivor. Meetings were held at the homes of the members for about seven years, when a church was built, in 1832, on the alley and fronting on the south side of Third, between Front and Center streets. This building, now the property of E. B. Thirkield, still stands, and is occupied as a double residence. In 1836, a brick church of larger dimensions was erected just east of the former and fronting on Center street. This was a more pretentious building, having class-rooms and Sunday-school room in the basement and the audience room above, reached by steps in front and at the sides. A good bell was in the steeple; but this building, too, became too small, and, in 1859, it was torn away to make room for the present building. The services of the church were held at the town hall during the demolition of the old and the building of the new church, and the Baptist Church was frequently placed at the disposal of the Methodist Episcopal Congregation. The class and prayer-meetings were held at the residences of members. The new building is of the Gothic style, having buttresses exteriorly and having a steeple which rises 120 feet from the ground, in the lower part of which hangs a magnificent bell, the donation of R. S. Lockwood. This house cost about $10,000 and was a marvel of cheapness. J. L. Thirkield, D. Deardoff and J. W. Thomas were the building committee. The audience room is a very large one, and is now handsomely frescoed, has stained glass Gothic windows and is neatly seated and carpeted. Below are the vestry, Sunday-school room and five class rooms. The building is heated by means of furnaces and lighted with gas. During the early history of this church, its people were favored by having some of the most renowned ministers of that day, and, as it was only one of the many charges in the old Union Circuit, afterward of Lebanon, and finally FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - 531 Franklin Circuit, preaching occurred but once in four weeks, and later, but once in two weeks. Among the early ministers were James B. Findley, John Brook, Thomas A. Morris, John F. Wright, A. W. Elliott, W. B. Christie, William H. Raper, Joseph Hill, Granville Moody and many others of like fame. In the fall of 1854, it was made a station, with G. C. Townley as minister. Mr. Townley died with consumption before his year cheosed and was succeeded by S. L. Yourtee, J. F. Marley, J. Morrow, Aheexander Meharry, L. F. Van Cleve, William Fitzgerald, Dr. J. W. Weakley, S. F. Conroy, William B. Moler, S. B. Smith, S A. Brewster, G. W. Kelley, Charles Ferguson, Sylvester Weeks and Davis W. Clark, who is still in charge. The present church was built through the efforts of Rev. A. Meharry, who, when he came, found a debt on the parsonage, an old church building and a congregation of old people, and who left this charge clear of debt, with the new church almost completed and a large number of young men and women members of the church. His zeal was so great that he was called a fanatic, but he infused some of the into others and built more temples than the one visible to mortal eyes. The Sunday school was organized in 1833, with Daniel Harper as superintendent. It has an attendance of over 200, and is attended by more persons than any other school. Mr. E. B. Thirkield has been its superintendent for about fifteen years. The church numbers more than 200 members. The Christian Church.—The date of organization of the Christian Church, I have been unable to find, but it was probably organized at a very early date. In the Ohio Argus and Franklin Gazette, of September 9, 1837, we find the following notice: The members of the Christian Church of Franklin Township, are requested to meet in the Union Meeting House, in said township, on the Saturday previous to the second Sunday in October next, to take into consideration the propriety of relinquishing the further use and occupancy of the Lots No. 39 and 41, in the town of Franklin, and the meeting house thereon. (Signed), A. RABB. The Union Meeting House above mentioned, was situated on the farms of A. Rabb and Daniel Storms, and was used as a schoolhouse during the week. For this purpose it was large, so a swinging partition was made which was removed on Sundays. This building was about two miles southeast of town, and here the country people gathered to listen to the words of Rev. N. Worley and his son Caleb, and, after a number of years, to Elder James Maple. This building proved too small, and, some time about 1850, a spacious brick was erected in Franklin, just south of the present railroad depot. The congregation was always a large one, being composed largely of farmers, who came for several miles to attend services and by many townsmen who loved to listen to the ser mons of Elder Maple, and also to meet their country friends and relatives. Rev. Maple left this charge to go to Indiana, and, for several years, no regular minister was assigned them. Finally, Rev. T. M. McWhinney came and took charge of this congregation. He soon saw the need of a larger and more commodious building, and, by strenuous efforts, raised the funds to erect the present fine church edifice, and, on June 15, 1872, the corner-stone was laid, Rev. A. L. McKinney, of Troy, Ohio, delivering the address. The corner-stone bears the following inscription: "Unity in the Christian spirit, liberty in Bible in interpretation. T. M. McWhinney, Pastor." The vestry was dedicated November 24, 1872, by Rev. T. M. McWhinney. The building is a pleasant and commodious one, the lower room, or vestry, being seated with chairs, and having in the rear an additional room shut off by folding doors. The audience room is neatly frescoed, has a large gallery and contains a fine pipe organ. The whole building is lighted with gas. Its cupola is intended 532 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. to hold a town-clock, but is vacant as yet, while on the summit a vane in the shape of an angel blowing a trumpet, calls the attention of all passers. mr. McWhinney believing in the doctrine that "the merciful man is merciful to his beast," had ample shed room in which to hitch the horses, so that they might be comfortable while their owners worshiped. The building stands on the east side of Center street, nearly facing Seventh street. Rev. T. M. McWhinney, some two years ago, resigned, and was succeeded by Rev. R y. Rush, who still has charge of this congregation. St. Mary's Catholic Church.—About twenty years ago, the Catholics of the town and vicinity were ministered to by Rev. Father Bulger, who was in charge of Middletown Catholic Church. They met for some years at the houses of the members, but finally rented a room in the property of J. C. Schenck, on Sixth street, east of the canal. After some years, they rented the town hall for their services, which were held once in four weeks. About the year 1866 or 1867, they contracted for a building which was erected on a lot in Van Horne's addition to Franklin. The building is a frame one, and contains two rooms and a gallery. It is, unfortunately, situated in a low place, but the members have lately surrounded the yard with a neat paling and ornamented the grounds with flowers and shrubbery. Rev. Father Kalenburg has been ,pastor for several years, and during his pastorate the church have held two fairs, by means of which they have become free from debt. When the building was first erected, there were no seats, but the members stood or sat on the floor until they were able to buy seats. The membership is large and services are held every Sunday. The African Methodist Episcopal Church has been organized but two or three years, and holds its meetings in Woodward's Block. The African Baptist Church, which formerly worshiped with the Methodist Episcopal Congregation, now holds its meetings in the building near the northeast corner of Second and Front streets. Both congregations are in their infancy, but they are faithfully discharging all church duties, and seem to be fixed institutions. PROMINENT BUILDINGS. Up to the year 1837, the business of the town was carried on in various parts of town, but, in 1837, James T. Schenck, Otho Evans, W. V. Barkalow; Anthony Fay and Isaac Van Tuyl advertised for bids for the construction of a building, to be two stories high, and to contain five business rooms, each to be eighteen feet wide and forty feet deep, with cellar under the whole building, and each room to have two doors and six windows. This was built in 1838, contained six rooms instead of five, and bears the name of Merchants' Row. Here the largest establishments of town were soon settled, and to-day, being as it is, in the center of town, it is a good business locality. A seventh room was erected by Philip Weber in or about 1858. The buildings of W. R. Dial, Thirkield & Sons, D. Adams, Rossman & Co., A. Walling and W. Coleman are the more prominent business houses. The house of Thirkield & Sons is the oldest house doing business in town, the house having been established in 1832. Mr. J. L. Thirkield entered the store of Jonathan Mooney when but a lad, and, by his integrity and industry, soon accumulated enough to start in business for himself. In 1837, he and Mr. Mooney formed a partnership and continued for several years, when Mr. Thirkield bought out Mr. Mooney's interests. In 1842, Mr. George Balentine became his partner. They kept their stock of goods in an old building just north of the Presbtyerian Church, until 1850, when they found their business too large for the small building, and they erected, in conjunction with G. Scharf, the block where the store now is. Mr. Balentine dying in 1852, his 533 - BLANK 534 - PICTURE OF JONATHAN SHERWOOD FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - 535 interest was purchased by Alfred Thirkield. A. Thirkield afterward sold his interest to E. B. Thirkield, and removed to Xenia. In 1871, Mr. J. L. Thirkield sold his interest to W. D. Schenck, and the firm name became Thirkield, Schenck & Co. Mr.. Schenck has since sold his interest and the firm is now E. B. Thirkield, George B. Thirkield, C. F. Thirkield and E. M. Thirkield. This house has done probably the largest dry goods business outside of the cities. For many years, they were the bankers of many of the farmers of the neighborhood. Their immense building contains four departments—dry goods, boots and shoes, ready-made clothing, furnishing goods and tailoring department. The business is carried on with great system, all the money being handled by the cashier. Mr. W. R. Dial is perhaps the next oldest business man of the town having carried on the baking and confectionery business for over thirty years. CANAL AND RAIL ROAD. In 1825, the Miami & Erie Canal was built from Cincinnati to Dayton, and this gave an impetus to trade. Several lines of canal boats were in operation at once, vast quantities of produce of all kinds were brought to the Franklin markets. In the years 1836 and 1837, we find that Earhart & Kinder, Mooney & Rogers, Britton, Schenck & Co. and M. W. & A .R. Earhart were engaged in shipping grain, etc., by canal. The article of pork became prominent, and S. R. & J. H. Burrowes, Caldwell, McTaggert & Campbell, Britton, Schenck & Co. and L. Pugh were all engaged in buying pork. In those days, the hogs were slaughtered and the pork packed in barrels, and then shipped by canal. The cooper business, supported by the whisky and pork dealers, was brisk. In order to facilitate shipping, two basins were excavated, one on the east side of the canal, on the south side of Sixth street, the other, just across the canal from it, and on each of them was a pork and commission house. The canal business continued good until after the building of the C., H. & D. R. R., when it decreased, and has now almost ceased. The canal, however, furnishes water to some of our factories. In 1872, the Dayton Short Line, a branch of the C., C., C. & I. R. R., was completed. As early as 1850, the originators of the C., H. & D. had requested the right of way through the corporation. Several surveys had been made, and one of them was almost precisely the line followed when this road was constructed, the only deviations being at the entrance to Dayton and Cincinnati. Trains commenced running regularly on July 1, 1872, and the road has been of an incalculable value to the town, bringing coal and materials for the factories and mills and carrying away their products. A depot building was erected during the summer, and the company have since placed here the water-tank, coal bins and supply shops, this being the point midway between Delaware and Cincinnati. The facilities for loading and unloading freight are not excelled anywhere on the line; there is more track room, and, besides this, three spurs have been constructed for the convenience of business men. The company employ about fifty men from this place in various capacities. The station does a large freight business. THE FRANKLIN HYDRAULIC AND MILLS. Mr. William A. Van Horne, the eldest child of Maj. Thomas B. Van Home, was born in Warren County, Ohio, December 23, 1808. Until fifteen years of age, he worked on his father's farm. In 1824, he went to Piqua, his father being in Government employ there. From 1826 to 1830, he had entire charge of the land office, his father being on his farm near Lebanon, and making a visit of supervision once in three months to the office. He studied medicine, 536 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. but being hindered in his plans for the future, never entered the practice. Re married, in 1834, Sarah T. Schenck. Mr. Van Horne had for many years contemplated the building of a hy_ draulic at Franklin. With this in view he purchased land, until he owned on both sides of the river, and could thus be enabled to build a dam without hindrance. In 1850, he succeeded in organizing a hydraulic company, but was unable to get anything done for nearly twenty years. In 1869, the company failed, and then Mr. Van Home, by his own efforts, and against the secret workings of many who are now benefited, built the hydraulic, put in a pole dam and secured to Franklin a water-power, with a head of seventeen feet. His dam was built about two miles north of town, just south of the old Vanderveer dam. Having watched the greatest height of the water in the two great freshets of 1847 and 1866, he built his embankments so that the river could by no possibility cover them, and, although they are near the river, they are yet intact. The hydraulic was built in 1870, and soon after its completion, Mr. Van Horne and John H. Schenck put up a large frame building on the tail race, just below the tail gates. This building was used as a planing-mill, the power being obtained from the waste water. After some years, Mr. Samuel Thompson entered the firm, which was known as Schenck & Thompson_ A few years later, Mr. Thompson moved away and Mrs. Van Home purchased the mill from Schenck, and put her son, John S. Van Home, to manage the business. Since his management commenced, the business has been very prosperous. The firm is now John S. Van Horne and Charles H. Weaver. After the sale of power to Perrine, Forgy & Co. and the Harding Company, Mr. Van Horne found it necessary to construct a tail race. There was a natural depression which gave evidence of being an old bed of the river. Mr. Van Home scooped off a little of the surface soil, and, having constructed gates by which to control it, turned the water of the hydraulic into this hollow, letting it follow the hollow to the river. In about a week, washing by day only, he had a tail race extending from the river almost to the mills. Here an obstacle was met with in the shape of a stone dam or dyke. It was noticed by the workmen who were taking out the stone, that they were disposed in regular layers, and that about every ten feet a new layer was discovered. Mr. Van Home finding this out, drove a stake where he thought the stone would cease, and, at the very spot they disappeared. Prof. Orton visited this and thought it the work of water, but the fact that in several places bowlders were found standing in a position which could not have been regularly taken in nature and imbedded in a very fine clay, seemed to point it out as a work of man. The dam, if a section could have been made, would have shown that it was the shape of a pyramid. Above this, and also at the river, were found what appeared to be ovens, having at the bottom a layer of charcoal and above this calcined muscle shells. In 1872, Perrine. Forgy & Co. leased power of the company and erected a mill for the manufacture of manila paper, and soon after, January 1, 1873. commenced its manufacture. They have since enlarged the mill, and have now six tubs, a double set of boilers and a sack factory. The firm name has been changed by death and purcha.5e to Friend & Forgy Paper Company. During the summer of 1872, the Harding Paper Company of Middletown leased power, purchased ground and put in foundations for a mammoth writing- paper mill and foundations for the stack. Early in the summer of 1873, brick work was begun and completed in the falL The building had a length of 300 feet. a breadth of fifty feet and an addition in the northwest part of fifty feet; was three stories high besides the cellar; had a stack 130 feet high, and contained several million bricks. Millwrights worked during the winter of 1873 FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - 537 -74, and, on March 1, of the latter year, the manufacture of paper was begun. The company had bought the twenty-nine-year lease held by Mr. W. A. Van gorne, and this brought them an expense in the dam, which was injured by ice and water so as to stop the mills. However, this was repaired and all seemed prosperous until March 1, 1876, when the mill caught fire, and, in spite of every effort by the limited means at hand, was burned to the ground. After lying for more than a year, the mill was rebuilt on the same foundations, but one story less in height, and, in addition, a rag-house was built just northwest of the mill, and a neat office of three rooms east of the mill and on Front street. The mill employs about 150 to 200 hands, male and female, and has a pay-roll of about $1.500 par week. The paper manufactured is of the best quality and is disposed of as soon as made. Mr. A. E. Harding is President of the company; Mr. Charles Harding, Foreman. In the year 1837, the Franklin papers contained an advertisement for wheat to be delivered at Balentine's mill at the lock south of Franklin. How long before this date Mr. Balentine did business there, we are not informed; the old mill of that date was abandoned for a new one, about 1848 or 1849. and Mr. Balentine having plenty of this world's goods, took as partners H. J. Death and Levi Croll, who, by their industry and integrity, had shown their worthiness. At the time of his death, in 1852, the share of Mr. Balentine was bought by Messrs. Death & Croll, ,who continued the flour and saw mill business for several years. Mr. Croll finally withdrew and was succeeded by Ben Morgan, and he in turn by D. H. Clutch. In 1873, the Franklin Paper Company, consisting of H. J. Death, D. H. Clutch, J..F. Gallaher, D. Adams, E. B. Thirkield and C. Thonsen, was organized. Into this firm Henry Lane was afterward taken. A mill was erected for the manufacture of book and news paper. The mill was 250x100 feet, with a machine room on the south. The mill ran successfully for some time, and was then almost destroyed by the explosion of the rotary boiler, by which one man met his death. Rebuilt again with a brick stack, replacing the iron formerly used; the machine room was lifted several inches by a severe wind; again repaired. The company have succeeded in making so good, an article of paper that the demand is greatly in excess of the supply. Mr. L. E. Fales was at first foreman, but leaving, to accept a position in the East, he was succeeded by Mr. Charles Mickle, who still has charge. Their success being so great, the company concluded to enlarge their facilities, and did so by purchasing of Death & Clutch the old flour-mill, and, by building additions, made of it a large mill for the manufacture of paper from wood-pulp. This was done in 1880, and the two mills being connected by means of a tunnel, they are enabled to make either rag or wood-pulp paper in either mill. In order to prepare the wood, chemicals must be used, and so great is the amount' of soda-ash required that an evaporator was built for the purpose of reclaiming the ash. By means of this about $75 per day is saved. This involves the laying of a great many pipes, and it is stated by one of the firm that over a mile of piping has been used. Death & Clutch also started, in 1872, a h6miny-mill in the old saw-mill building, just northwest of their flour-mill; this was afterward sold to Hunt Bros.. who carried on the business for several years, but have now discontinued it. Among the most enterprising business men Franklin has known, was W. S. Burrowes. Mr. Burrowes, who was a son of Eden Burrowes, one of our earliest business men, studied law, and held as lucrative a practice as was possessed by any other lawyer in Cincinnati. In 1858, he commenced in the old Burrowes pork-house on Sixth street, the manufacture of malt, and, in 1868, enlarged the building. It contained, after its enlargement, two malt-kilns, had a frontage on Sixth street of 212 feet, a depth of thirty-eight feet, the 538 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. east wing 108x38 feet; the west wing 146x32 feet, an engine-room, 44x26 feet, and a stable of brick 42x26 feet. The yearly capacity of this establishment was 100,000 bushels, and this amount was exceeded by continuing the season of malting. Mr. W. S. Burrowes died in 1872, and his widow, Mrs. K. S. Barrowes, and his son Mr. E. M. Burrowes, carried on the business until 1878, when the firm failed. The building stood idle until the spring of 1880, when it was bought by the Franklin Paper Company. During the war, some young men from the Northern States found, about thirty miles from Chattanooga, and just beneath Lookout Mountain, a large bank of kaolin, or white clay. After the war, they went south and bought the hill containing it, and commenced the manufacture of drain tile and fire brick. Mr. Lawsbee, of Trenton, N. J. (a place famous for its potteries), becoming interested in the different clays, sent an expert to examine the clay. The rep-at being favorable, he, with another gentleman, of Trenton, N. J., in company with Mr. D. EL Clutch and James C. Brown, of Franklin, Ohio, negotiated and bought the bank for $20,000. The first intention was to hold it for speculation, but, although they received an offer far in advance of the purchase price, they determined to hold it for the manufacture of ware. Accordingly, a company was organized with Mr. Lawsbee as President; D. H. Clutch, Vice President; J. T. Bell, Secretary, and James C. Brown, Treasurer. J. T. Bell, D. H. Clutch and J. C. Brown bought the old malt-house building, which had cost Mr. Burrowes between $30,000 and $40,000, for $6,500 and sold it to the company. In the spring of 1880, work was commenced, four kilns were built, an engine-house and stack and other important additions were constructed. The first foreman was Henry .Sims, and he, in conjunction with Mr. J. T. Bell, pushed matters so that ware was produced by fall. The first shipment of ware consisted of three packages and was shipped on September 22, 1880. The number of packages shipped to date is about 1,000, besides several car-loads packed in the car. At the end of the first year, Mr. Sims was replaced by Mr. Roden, who soon produced as fine an article of porcelain and china ware as has been produced in this country. Although a ready sale had been found for the granite and C. C. ware made, the company determined to manufacture porcelain and china alone. A salesman was procured, and soon orders came in faster than they could be filled They employ about 100 hands and have a pay-roll of almost $1,000 per week. In the spring of 1881, a company was formed for the manufacture of manila paper. This company consisted of James Leary, D. Adams, R. B. Moody, William Michael and others, and is called the Perrine Paper Company. They have purchased the residence and malt-house of J. C. Schenck on the east of the canal and south of Sixth street, have had a spur switch built by the railroad company, and, at present writing are getting ready for their machinery. The building was built many years ago for a pork-house, and, after this business had ceased, was reconstructed into a pork-house by Mr. J. C. Schenck, and the business was continued for several years. The old building formerly occupied by J. Mooney, and which is on the east side of the canal, on Sixth street, has, for a number of years, been deserted as a business house and being occupied by a great number of poor families, is familiarly known as the barracks. Mr. John L. Rickard during the time between 1850 and 1860, built a business block on Sixth street, opposite the malt-house of Burrowes. Among the prominent business men of early days was Dr. O. Evans, who, besides the practice of his profession, was engaged in mercantile business )f various sorts. He was one of the firm of O. H. Schenck & Co., tanners and leather dealers, and, on the death of O. H. Schenck, succeeded to the business, and took as a partner Mr. R. Woolley, who remained in the business until about FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - 539 1859 or 1860, when he sold out to Mr. J. J. Turney. The old tanyard was abandoned several years since, and on its site several good residences have been built by Dr. R. P. Evans. The old Doctor still lives, at the age of eighty-five, with his son, R. P. Evans. The other physicians were David Baird, John Haller and George McAroy. Dr. Meiiroy was succeeded by his son, William B. McAroy, who still practices. Dr. Haller had a son James who also studied medicine and practiced for a number of years in this place, when he removed to Kansas, where he still re sides. Dr. W. L. Schenck, one of Dr. Baird's students, also practiced for many years, when he, too, removed to Kansas. At present, we have as resident physicians R. P. Evans, F. R. Evans, O. Evans, Jr., William B. McAroy, Hugh J. Death, allopathists, and J. D. Harriss, homoeopathist. The post office was early established in the store of J. N. C. Schenck, who was appointed Postmaster. He held the office for many years and was succeeded by James W. Lanier. Then James McEwen held the office for many years, Joseph A. Brown, James McEwen again, J. E. Kinder, John Kell, John Haller, Jason O. Evans, R. F. Ireland and W. F. Barkalow (who still occupies the office). The latter has had a long experience in the business, having clerked for J. N. C. Schenck over fifty years ago. PROMINENT MEN. Mr. J. N. C. Schenck was born in Bucks County, Penn., January 24, 1778, and was the son of Rev. William and Anna C. Schenck. His mother was a sister of Gen. Cumming. of New Jersey, an officer of the Revolutionary army. His great-grandmother was the wife of the Rev. William Tennant, of New Jersey. Mr. Schenck came to Franklin in 1800, opened a store two years later, and carried on the business successfully for thirty-five years, making this place, for many years, the most important trading-post between Dayton and Hamilton, and became one of the wealthiest men of the valley. He, in conjunction with his brother, Gen. William C. Schenck, Mr. John Patterson, the Maxwells and Deaths and other pioneers, helped largely to build up the town and township. He died October 26, 1867, aged ninety-three, leaving seven children and seventy grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A sketch of Gen. William C. Schenck will be found in the general history of the county. Robert C. Schenck was born in Franklin October 4, 1809. At the age of twenty-one, he commenced the study of law with Hon. Thomas Corwin, in Lebanon, and was soon admitted to the bar. He opened an office in Dayton, Ohio, and, at the age of thirty-one, he represented Montgomery County in the State Legislature, and has since been frequently elected from his district to Congress, and was also Minister to the court of St. James. At the breaking out of the war, he was made a Brigadier of volunteers, and soon after a department commander. He took part in the Vienna affair at the beginning of the war, and was censured for allowing his men to be surprised by the enemy, but it was soon found that his movements had been carried on according to orders issued by Gen. Scott. He was also at the first battle of Bull Run, where, during the retreat, his command formed the rear guard, and he remained it the rear when almost all the regimental officers were in flight. He was then assigned a command under Gen. Rosecrans in West Virginia. At the seconc battle of Bull Run, he was severely wounded in the right wrist, which wn permanently disabled. Soon after he was made Major General, and when after many months, he recovered from his wound, was assigned to the cominam of the Eighth Army Corps, headquarters at Baltimore. In 1863, he retire( from the army to take his seat in Congress, and, after several terms of service 540 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. received the appointment above referred to. For several years, he has been seriously ill, but has been reported lately much improved in health. His brother, James F. Schenck, at an early date entel..)d the navy, and finally rose to the rank of Admiral. He is now living a retired life with his children and grandchildren at Dayton. Ohio. Lewis D. Campbell was born in Franklin, Ohio, August 9, 1811. He Was as a boy celebrated for his interest in reading, saved up all the newspapers that contained speeches, and showed the disposition that influenced the greater part of his after life. He went to the Cincinnati Gazelle office in 1828, and worked at printing there until 1831, in which year he located in Hamilton and published a paper there. While engaged in the publication of his paper, he studied law, and, in 1835, was admitted to the bar. He soon had a lucrative practice and became one of the leading members of the bar of his county. In 1848, he was elected Representative in Congress, and again in 1850, 1852. 1854, 1856 and 1870. He was identified with the old Whig party and afterward with the Republican party. until about 1870, when he joined the Democratic party. While a member of the Republican branch of Congress, he was appointed Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means, and served as such during 1856 and 1857. He is said to have filled this position with more credit than had been done by any other chairman. In 1861, he organized the Sixty-ninth Regiment and served with it for about two years, when he resigned. He was appointed Minister to Mexico in 1866. He was elected to Congress in 1870 by the Democratic party. In 1873, he was a delegate to, and Vice President of, the Constitutional Convention. Mr. Samuel Campbell, the father of L. D. Campbell, came to Franklin in or about 1796, and resided in the log house on the corner of Center and Second streets, which house was torn away during the past summer Mr. Campbell worked at his trade of wheelwright for many years, and finally removed to his farm, on the Lebanon road, about one and one-half miles southeast of town. He was killed by the kick of a horse while in the full vigor of manhood. His wife and children resided on the homestead until the latter were married. After this, she continued the management of the farm until the marriage of her daughter Mary, to S. B. Woodward, since which he has conducted her business. She still lives at the farm in full possession of her mental powers, at the age of ninety-five years. Mrs. Mary Campbell is the daughter of Andrew Small, of Centerville, Ohio, one of the veterans of the Revolution, said to have been with Washington at Valley Forge. Brig. Gen. O. C. Maxwell was born on his father's farm, about two and one-half miles southeast of Franklin, February 7, 1837. Craig, as he was familiarly called, came in early manhood to Franklin, and was engaged as clerk with his uncle, James Maxwell, in his grain house. He was also, for a time, himself a grain dealer, but finally entered a dry goods house and afterward entered into a partnership with M. V. Barkalow in the shoe trade. Here, at the age of twenty-four, he was when the war broke out. He had been Orderly Sergeant of the Franklin Grays, and, as Second Lieutenant, he went with his company at the call of the President. A vacancy occurring by the resignation of P. S. Turner, First Lieutenant, Maxwell was promoted to this and held the office until the close of the three months' service. After the return home of the company, more soldiers being called for, he obtained a Captain's commission, and re-enlisted many of the three-months' boys. His company was assigned to the Second Ohio, and became Company B of that organization. His commission as Captain bears date of August 31, 1861. For gallantry on the field, ho was promoted to the rank of Major, December 24, 1862, and, on December 31, 1862, was again promoted for gallantry to Lieutenant Colonel. FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - 541 Receiving severe wounds, which disabled him, he was discharged, February 1, 1864. While at home, he was elected Auditor of Warren County, by over 2,000 majority, but, recovering from his wounds, he re-entered the service, March 14, 1865, as Lieutenant Colonel of the One Hundred and Ninety-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was promoted to Colonel October 22, 1865, and was mustered out with his regiment October 24, 1865. He had, on March 13, 1865, been brevetted Brigadier for gallant and meritorious service. After the war, he received a medal bearing the appropriate inscription, with the motto of the State of Ohio, " Imperium in Iinperio," which medal was given to but four other persons in the State. Upon recommendation of the best men of the district, he was appointed by the President Assessor of Internal Revenue for the Third District of Ohio, and he retained the office for eighteen months, when, not agreeing with the administration, he resigned. He was wounded in the leg at Perryville, and was crippled for life; wounded in the throat at Stone River and received several minor wounds, from the effects of which a naturally strong constitution brought him safely. He died on December 5, 1872, in his room at the Phillips House, Dayton, having, in a state of desperation, caused by financial difficulties, taken his own life by a shot from his revolver. Thus died, at the acre of thirty-six, one of Warren. County's noblest soldiers and warmest-hearted citizens. His death was a sad shock to his friends, who were many, for, by his genial and courteous manners, he had endeared himself to all associated with him. Capt. John F. Gallaher was raised near Red Lion, Warren County, and came while a young man to Franklin, where he worked at his trade of carpenter. He went to Camp Dennison while O. C. Maxwell's company was there, and enlisting, was chosen as Second Lieutenant. He served with gallantry, but was captured, and, with many others, consigned to the Southern prisons, ending up at last with the noted Libby. While here, he, in conjunction with others, made their escape by tunneling under the street. Capt. Gallaher was the planner and the first to pass through the tunnel, and was also one of the few to reach home. He served with his regiment until the close of the war. After the war, he was in the revenue business for several years, and finally was obliged to retire and take a trip to the South for the benefit of his health. He became active in the interests of the town, was one of the Council and also one of the original stockholders in the Franklin Paper Company. He died a few years since of consumption. Col. John Kell was a native of Germany. He spent his life mostly in America, and when the Mexican war broke out was a resident of Steubenville. He came to Franklin about 1856, and opened a tailor shop. He was made Postmaster by Buchanan. Having been in the Mexican war, his military proclivities manifested themselves in the interest he felt in all military affairs. He organized a company, which, from their uniform, was called the Franklin Greys—Captain, J. Kell; First Lieutenant, P. S. Turner; Second Lieutenant, 0. C. Maxwell; Orderly, I. M. Snell. This company became celebrated for its proficiency in drill, and when the war broke out, almost all of its members enlisted and the company retained its organization. When they returned from the three-months' service, he was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and entered the service. He was killed at the battle of Stone River. His body was brought home and buried with Masonic rites in the cemetery east of the canal. Lieut. A. D. Schenck was born near Franklin in 1843. He became, while a mere boy, a member of the Franklin Greys, and, when the war broke out, went with the company, although but little past seventeen. He re-enlisted with Capt. Maxwell, and served with such gallantry that he was taken from his Ser- 542 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. geant's position to a place in the military academy of West Point, being ad, mitted without an examination. He graduated with honor and was appointed First Lieutenant of artillery. He has been stationed at various points, beia, for some time on detached duty at Iowa University as teacher of history and .military tactics. He is now on duty at Washington, D. C. Lieut. William Kell, son of Col. John Kell, served with his father from the beginning of the war until the death of his father; he remained at his regiment until it was mustered out, when he located in Lebanon as a tailor. Numerous friends of his father made some efforts in his behalf, which resulted in his appointment to a Lieutenancy in the regular army. Peter M. Dechant was born in Franklin, Ohio, in 1848. He attended the public schools until about sixteen years old, and then went to Notre Dame University, at South Bend, Ind., where he graduated with the honors of his class. He immediately entered a law office in Dayton, and, after two years spent in study, entered the bar and opened an office in Franklin. He soon ac. quired a reputation in law, and, being nominated for the State Senate by the Democratic party, was elected by a large majority, receiving many Republican votes at home and throughout the district. So arduous were the labors of the campaign, however, that his health was impaired, and, after serving one year in the Assembly, he came home and gradually declined until death carried him away in early manhood. YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION AND PUBLIC LIBRARY. In 1837 and 1838, there was a library under the charge of Mr. E. P. Cole, but it was probably scattered and its volumes lost. Several attempts were made to establish libraries, but-they were either unsuccessful or benefited but a few. In the year 1872, the writer, feeling the need of something beneficial for the youth of the town, had the following published in the Franklin Advertiser of November 16: "Our town is now in a prosperous condition. Schools running along smoothly, business lively, public works going on briskly, and yet our young men must stay at home evenings or pass their time loafing about saloons or groceries. All this because our citizens have not established a public reading- room and library. We believe the establishment of such an institution would do much to prevent drunkenness and debauchery, and, while these were prevented, would do much toward furnishing valuable information, not otherwise to be acquired, to our youth and even to all ages. The only objection that can be urged against the project is, that it would cost something. To be sure it would; and so do cigars, beer and billiards cost something. The young man does not like to sit around his boarding-house, and consequently takes refuge in a saloon, where there is a good fire, spends his money for 'that which satisfieth not,' and is worse for the evening. We want a branch of the Young Men's Christian Association to make a home where an evening may be pleasantly spent and the person none the worse afterward. Who will set the ball rolling'?" This was published in the paper, and the sentiments were re-echoed by many hearts, but the results were not seen for many months. Early in 1874, the women of Washington C. H., Fayette Co., Ohio, entered upon the famous crusade against the saloons, and in less than a week the women of Franklin resolved to follow the same course. They held a meeting at the Methodist Episcopal Church, on Monday evening, January 19, 18741 Charles Butler, President, and W. C. Reeder, Secretary. At this meeting, the manner of working was explained by Rev. S. Brewster. The women resolved to adopt the same plan, and, during that week, took the street in a body and 543 - JOHN MORRIS 544 - BLANK FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - 545 visited the saloons, praying and singing, and, in a few weeks, had the saloons about whipped out when the men intermeddled and tried the law, failing, as they usually do, in such cases. At a meeting held in the Baptist Church, the Secretary called up the article he had published more than a year before, and was much surprised when Mr. W. A. Boynton arose and stated that he had been authorized by a party to subscribe any amount sufficient to duplicate the united subscriptions of the citizens toward establishing a reading-room, library and Young Men's Christian Association. Accordingly, within a few weeks, about $2,000 were subscribed, which amount was duplicated by Mrs. Ruth Schenck, whose husband, William T. Schenck, had, before his death, November 10, 1872, expressed a desire to see some such institution founded. When organizing, some of the subscribers objected to leaving the disposal of everything- to the branch of the Young Men's Christian Association, and accordingly the first subscription list was dropped and a new one taken, which equaled in amount the former one. The association was finally organized April 1, 1874, with J. V. Perrine, President; C. E. Denise, Secretary; E. B. Thirkield, Treasurer; Rev. S. Findley, D. D., Rev. T. M. McWhinney, J. V. Perrine, E. B. Thirkield and W. A. Boynton, Trustees, who hold the permanent fund and select the books for the public library. Mary M. Tibbals was appointed Librarian and held the office until the fall of 1880, when she resigned and was succeeded by Miss Nealie Evans, who still fills the position. In order to make the library a success, it was necessary that some room be permanently secured. Accordingly, the trustees leased the north room on the second floor of the Odd Fellows building, for a term of twenty years at the rent of $100 per year. A partition was put in, forming two rooms, the one in the east end being used for meetings of the Board of Trustees, the managers and for a weekly prayer-meeting. The west room was fitted with book-cases, newspaper racks, tables and well lighted by handsome chandeliers. Tables for the convenience of readers, a clock and chairs, all costing about $1,000. The library was purchased during the summer of 1874, and, in the fall, over 1,000 volumes decked the shelves. These are arranged is six classes—miscellaneous literature, religious and scientific, travels and biography, fiction, history and poetry, juvenile fiction and works of reference. During the past year, about 200 volumes have been added, making the number exceed 1,200. The east room is 20x31 feet, the west room 20x43. Both rooms can be thrown into one for lectures, etc. A Sunday school, conducted by the Young Men's Christian Association, for coloredpersons, meets here each Sunday afternoon. Mrs. Schenck made additions to her original subscription until it reached almost $6,000, besides the amount subscribed by citizens. The room is open during the fall and winter from 2 P. M. to 9 P. M. every day, and, during the summer, on Saturdays only during the same hours. Tickets for individuals are sold at $1, and family tickets for $3—good for one year. TEMPERANCE MOVEMENTS. Franklin has been prominent in all movements for the promotion of good. In 1837 and 1838, there was a Moral Reform Society to discourage gambling, and, a few years after, when the Washingtonians were having their movement Franklin had a large society, and, although but few drinking men were reformed, it had a good effect and made noble men of several who were fast becoming mere wrecks. The Sons of Temperance were strong enough, in 1848, to unite with the lodge of Masons in building one-half of the third story of the schoolhouse. The Temple of Honor and the Sons of Temperance have each had lodges at various times, and later, the crusade and the Murphy movement have carried popular opinion with them and made it hot for the sellers and the consumers of intoxicating liquors. 546 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. FRANKLIN SUSPENSION BRIDGE. When the first river bridge was built at Franklin we have been unable to learn, but, in 1844, an effort was made to replace the bridge then standing This old bridge was subject to toll, and one-half curving down stream and the other up, did not re-assure those crossing it, so far as safety was concerned. In 1844, the county furnished half the amount required to build a bridge, the citizens making up the balance. The old bridge which looked so dangerous was so strongly built that it was a difficult matter to tear it down; the east end was chopped off, the west burnt off at the abutments, and, in 1848, a large truss bridge with a double driveway was built. This was to be self-supporting, but soon settled so much that a pier was placed under it and arches put in. It was never a good bridge, and, in 1872, the Commissioners determined that it must be replaced as the money required to repair it would, in a few years suffice to build a new one. Advertisements for proposals to build an iron bridge resulted in a contract with J. W. Shipman & Co., of Cincinnati, for a suspension bridge, 320 feet long, with twenty feet roadway. The towers are thirty-eight feet high, and each consists of four columns, of Phcenix column iron. The cables are of steel wire and each is composed of 343 strands, the whole cable having a diameter of seven inches. The masonry is constructed of Dayton stone, and is of a very substantial character. The abutments were built in the fall and winter of 1872. The old bridge was used as long as possible, and only torn away in the spring of 1873, when it became a hindrance to the workmen on the new one. The wire and iron work was done in the summer of 1873 under the superintendence of Roebling & Sons, of Trenton, N. J. The bridge is stayed by strong wire cables and stiffened by an iron truss. The whole cost was $43,900. Messrs. J. W. Shipman & Co. kindly donated four massive iron lions, which ornament the anchorage piers. GRAIN ELEVATORS. Franklin has, since the construction of the canal, been a good market for grain, but the building of the C., H. & D. R. R. had a visible effect on the amount of grain delivered at this point. The business was, however, of some magnitude, and, on the building of the C., C., C. & I. to Cincinnati, was increased greatly. It is conducted mainly by two firms—Levi Croll & Son. and L. G. Anderson & Son, Mr. Levi Crol 1, the senior member of the first-named house, learned the milling business with Mr. George Balentine, and, after the death of Mr. Balentine, was with Mr. H. J. Death, proprietor of the flouring- mill. About 1870, he withdrew from the firm, and purchased the farm known as the Derrick Barkalow farm, and, in 1872, engaged with Mr. P. T. Dickey in the sale of lumber and the grain trade. After the death of the latter, he obtained possession of the old graveyard, on the east of the canal, and through which the railroad had been built, the Council giving Mr. Croll the ground provided he would remove the dead to some spot designated by their relatives. This he did, and there constructed on the banks of the canal, between it and the railroad, a large elevator and mill. This establishment has a storage capacity of about 300,000 bushels of grain. Mr. Croll has at one time shipped a train of twenty-four cars of shelled corn in twenty-four hours. Mr. Anderson succeeded Mr. Croll at the Dickey property, enlarged the grain-house, put in elevators, and handles yearly a vast quantity of grain. He has the advantage of a special side-track, and he, as well as Mr. Croll, deals in lumber and coal, both selling lumber and buying grain from men who reside in the extreme eastern part of the county, being attracted to this market by the higher prices paid. FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - 547 NEWSPAPERS. The first printing office in Franklin was established by Henry D. Stout, in March, 1831. Mr. Stout, who still lives in Dayton, and is probably the oldest printer in the State, had worked for several years as a jour printer, having been employed at one time by Harper Bros., of New York. He finally established the Ohio Argus at Lebanon, but came to this place in 1834, and commenced the publication of the Ohio Argus and Franklin Gazette. He continued this until 1839, when he removed to Sidney, Ohio. Several other printers were here in succeeding years, but did not become fixtures. During the war, A. B. Barkalow and A. S. Reeder bought what was called an army press, and afterward, this was bought by M. W. Earhart and Stephen A. Burrowes, who published a paper called the Franklin Gazette. The proprietors being engaged in other business, were obliged to employ such help as they could get. A Mr. Taggert was in charge awhile, and then Mr. Edwards, but finally the enterprise was dropped. In May, 1872, H. D. Stout, as editor and proprietor, and A. B: Barkalow, as publisher, established the Franklin Advertiser, which soon became a fixture. Mr. Stout continued as owner until after the decease of Mr. Barkalow when .he sold out to W. E. Findley, who, in 1876, continued the paper under the name of the Valley Chronicle. Mr. Findley succeeded well in his enterprise. A. B. Smith, on April 26, 1879, issued the first number of the Franklin Argus. The two papers have been continued until the past summer. July 1, Mr. A. C. Eaton, of Dayton, purchased the Argus, and, a few weeks. afterward. the Chronicle, and has since published a paper called the Valley Chronicle and Franklin Argus. During the past year, Franklin has had several new streets added, the corporation having been enlarged to almost double its former size. Several parties on the outskirts have laid out their lands in town lots. Tibbal's Addition is in the southwestern part of town, and Tibbal's street, George street and River street are in this. On the hills east of town are Hill avenue, East Third street and Allen street. The suburbs of the town are celebrated for their beauty, and many fine buildings may be seen on the various roads leading from town. Fires have done but little damage in town. Probably the ones felt most were those which respectively destroyed the town hall and the Harding Mill. IN THE WAR. Franklin enjoys the distinction of sending out one of the earliest, as well as one of the best-drilled, and best-equipped companies in the early history of the war. As soon as the call of the President was made for troops, in April, 1861, Capt. Kell called for volunteers, and almost all his entire company, the Franklin Greys. at once responded. Those who did not wish to go easily found. others to take their places. The citizens at once determined to uniform the men, and, in less than a week, the company, uniformed and numbering more than a hundred men, was in Columbus, Ohio. They were assigned to the First Ohio and became Company B of that regiment. They were assigned to duty in and near Washington. They were sent out as skirmishers at Bull Run, and one of the company fired the first shot in that battle, having discovered an artillery man of the Southern army pulling brush from in front of a masked battery and his fire brought a return shot from the battery. In this battle, the company had one man, A. B. Spader, captured by the rebels, and one blinded by a fragment of a shell. After their discharge, most of the company re-enlisted—a great many in the Second Ohio with Capt. 0. C. Maxwell, Captain, afterward, Col. Morgan, recruited the most of his company here and was assigned 548 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. to the Seventy-fifth Ohio. Lieut. Snell mustered a part of a company, which were incorporated with that of Capt. W. W. Wilson, in the Seventy-ninth, and served till the close of the war, being with Sherman on his famous " march to the sea." Many enlisted in the Twelfth, some in the Sixty-ninth, the Thirty-fourth, the Fourth Cavalry, the Heavy Artillery and a few in the gunboat service. In fact, during the war, Franklin Township, as well as the town, was almost deserted by young men. The town furnished a company to the One Hundred and Forty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and the town and township another to the same regiment. A company under Capt. O. H. Denise was in the Sixtieth Regiment. Many of the boys were brought home dead, others came home to die and a few still lie on the battle-fields. CEMETERY. The township of Franklin has a cemetery which was rounded by private enterprise, and, until a few years ago, was kept up by the stock company, when, finding themselves embarrassed, they gave it up to the Township Trustees. They have paid great attention to beautifying this city of the dead. During the past year, they have built a vault, erected a dam across a stream in the low lands and constructed a lake, thus rendering Woodland Cemetery as pleasant looking as any cemetery in the country. HOTELS. Probably the first hotel in Franklin was kept by Aaron Reeder, M. D., and was near the corner of Front and Sixth streets. He also, as was the custom of those days, kept a bar, which was the cause of his death; having acquired the habit of drinking, he took a drink of aqua fortis through mistake for whisky. It is not certain when he died, but his wife was in charge in 1814. In 1836 or 1837. we find that the Exchange Hotel, on the corner of Sixth and Canal, was kept by Francis McGalliard, and he also kept hotel on the corner of Sixth and Center streets. Thomas Wilkins also kept hotel. Charles Lang kept on the corner of Center and Fifth streets, and Nathaniel Coleman kept the Mansion House in 1837. Caspar Miller kept the Canal Hotel for many years, and afterward, the Miller House, up to about 1865, when he retired from business. Joseph Hurst kept the Bull's Head Tavern for many years. Alex Cumming was also a landlord for years. Mrs. Hurst kept the Hurst House after her husband's death. William Harrison, Samuel Ross and Mrs. Hurst kept the hotel on the corner of Fifth and Front streets. Since Caspar Miller retired, his house has been occupied by several landlords, among whom were John C. Barkalow, Bickford, G. W. Miltenberger and Pem Morton, who is now the occupant. Mr. Washington Coleman, who kept boarders for several years, was induced several years since to open a hotel in his residence, on Center street, between Fourth and Fifth. As there is no bar connected with this house, he has enjoyed the patronage of the batter class of travelers, and so popular is he as a landlord, that, during the past year, he has been obliged to enlarge his house, which he did by raising it to three stories. He has now ample room for all and is reaping the reward of his enterprise in the shape of a good patronage. SECRET SOCIETIES OF FRANKLIN. Franklin was early the seat of a lodge of Freemasons. Dispensation was granted to work at Franklin by the Grand Lodge of Ohio. December 17, 1819, and, under date of December 15, 1820, Eastern Star Lodge, No. 55, began its work, with William C. Schenck, W. M. ; James W. Lanier, S. W. ; and Gar- FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - 549 ret Schenck, J. W. The meetings were held in various rooms rented from private parties, until 1848, when they helped build the school building and held their meetings in the north room until the building of the Odd Fellows building in 1868 and 1869, when they purchased the north room of the third story and have occupied it ever since. The lodge has always been a live one and has admitted about 200 members since its first organization. During the Morgan excitement, meetings were suspended, but since the revival of the work the lodge has prospered. They have a nicely furnished room, a library of several hundred volumes of rare value. The active members number about sixty. The present officers are: R. F. Ireland, W. M. ; I. S. Reece, S. W.; and C. S. Mickle, J. W. Meetings are held monthly. Warren Lodge, No. 11, I. O. O. F., has long been known in this part of the State, being one of the oldest lodges of Odd Fellows. They built the south room in the third story of the schoolhouse, and finally erected the magnificent building on the southeast corner of Center and Fourth streets. This was erected at a cost of about $20,000, the first story containing three storerooms, the upper, a large room, a spacious passage-way and five offices, the upper containing two halls. They rented the storerooms and offices and also their hall to other lodges, but, being embarrassed, retaining their hall, finally sold out the building, to the First National Bank; this left them clear of debt. They have meetings of the lodge on Monday night of each week. The Encampment meets on Wednesday night twice per month and the Rebekah Lodge on Thursday nights twice per month. An African lodge of Odd Fellows meets on Friday nights. American Lodge, No. 72, K. of P., was instituted July 4, 1874, with the following-named persons as members: E. C. Ralston, J. H. S. Smith, Joseph Turney, C. E. Denise, C. M. Anderson, James C. Evans, James C. Blood, Samuel C. Warner, Robeit Warner, Frank Emley, J. W. Bonner, I. T. Baker, W. F. HaiTman, Arth Rockhill, Gus U. Folk, E. M. Burrowes, James T. Schenck, F. R. Evans. J. D. Miller, Richard Emerson, Charles Adams and Christ Shirley_ The lodge has been prosperous financially and pays $3 per week benefits and $20 funeral fund. The officers at present are as follows: Christ Shirley, P. C.; W. E. Yates. C. C.; L. H. Isenmenger, V. C. ; John W. Bonner, P. ; J. C. Blood, K. of R. and S.; Richard Emerson, M. of E.; M. E. Emley, M.. of F.; Charles Crist, M. at A.; George W. Brown, I. G.; John Maloney, O. G. The lodge meets on Tuesday nights of each week and is well attended. ADDITIONAL TOWNSHIP HISTORY. The first township election was held at the house of Edward Death. The following are the officers that have been elected at various times: 1803—Trustees. James Gallaher, John H. Williams, Ichabod B Halsey; Clerk, Samuel Gustin. 1804—Trustees, I. B. Halsey. William Still, Charles Brown; Clerk, Samuel Gustin; Treasurer, J. W. Stephenson. 1805—Trustees, James Wilson, Daniel Kelsey, J. H. White; Clerk, J. H. White. 1806—Trustees, William Humphrey, William Sweeney, Edward Death; Clerk, Edward Death; Treasurer, James Orr (till 1822). 1807—Trustees, William C. Schenck. William Lawyer, William Sweeney; Clerk, E. Death. 1808—Trustees. Henry King. John Witsworth, Michael Aut; Clerk, E. Death. 1809—Trustees, William Sweeney, Peter Kissling, George Gillespie, Jr. ; Clerk. John Barnett. 550 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY 1810-Trustees, Samuel Caldwell, Jesse Newport, Joseph Kirby; Clerk, John Barnett. 1811-Trustees, John Gustin, H. King, S. Caldwell; Clerk, as above. 1812-Trustees, H. King, W. C. Schenck, George Hansbarger; Clerk, as above. 1813-Trustees, John Barnett, H. King, George Hansbarger; Clerk, Joseph Curtis. 1814-Trustees, J. W. Lanier, Harry King, John P. Crist; Clerk, D. W. Hearn. 1815-Trustees, James W. Lanier, William Lawyer, John McMeen; Clerk, John Ward (or Woods). 1816 -Trustees, Samuel Caldwell, John Barnett, John McKean; Clerk, J. W. Lanier. 1817-Trustees, Samuel Caldwell, John McMeen, John McKean; Clerk, Stephen Reeder. 1818 -Trustees, William C. Schenck, Daniel Deardoff, Derrick Barkalow; Clerk, James W. Lanier. 1819-20-Same as in 1818. 1821-Trustees, James MeEwen, Derrick Barkalow, Daniel Deardoff; Clerk, James W. Lanier. 1822-Trustees, Charles Lang, Zebulon Barkalow, John McKean; Clerk, J. W. Lanier; Treasurer, Samuel Caldwell (and in 1823 and 1824). 1823-Trustees, same as above. 1824-Trustees, Derrick Barkalow, John Barnhart, James McEwen ; Clerk, David Sewall. 1825-Same as in 1824, except Treasurer-William Harrison. 1826-Charles Lang, Treasurer. 1827-Trustees, James McEwen, Derrick Barkalow, Daniel Deardoff ; Clerk, J. W. Lanier; Treasurer, Charles Lang. 1828--Same. 1829-Same. 1830-Trustees, same; Clerk, Cyrus Johnson; Treasurer, C. Lang. 1831-Same. 1832-Trustees, same; Clerk, M. W. Earhart; Treasurer, same as above. 1833-Trustees, James McEwen, Daniel Dubois, Egbert T. Smith; Clerk, M. W. Earhart; Treasurer, C. Lang. 1834-Same. 1835-Trustees, Daniel Dubois, Egbert T. Smith, Derrick Barkalow; Clerk, M. W. Earhart; Treasurer, C. Lang. The records from 1835 to 1850, I have not been able to find, but the following were Clerks of township: 1836, M. W. Earhart; 1837, M. W. Ward; 1838, A. Death; 1839 and 1840, S. R. Burrowes; 1841, J. W. Caldwell; 1842, James McEwen; 1843, 1844, 1845, 1846, 1847, 1848 and 1849, Joseph A. Brown. 1850-Trustees, J. C. Schenck, James Tapscott; Clerk, R. S. Lockwood; Treasurer, Charles Seever. 1851-Trustees, David Deardoff, James McEwen, William F. Smith ; Clerk, R. S. Lockwood; Treasurer, Charles Seever; Constable and Assessor, A. R. Earhart. 1852-Trustees, David Deardoff, J. Tapscott, J. C. Schenck; Clerk, R. S. Lockwood; Treasurer, A. D. Reeder; Constable, Solomon Creager; Asessor, A. Johnson. 1853-Trustees, J. C. Schenck, J. C. Chamberlain, Ben Potter; Clerk, R. S. Lockwood; Treasurer, A. D. Reeder; Constable, L. Lawyer; Assessor, M. V. Barkalow. FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP - 551 1854-Trustees, J. C. Schenck, Ben Potter, J. D. Molleson; Clerk, R. S. Lockwood; Treasurer, A. D. Reeder; Constable, Samuel Wallace; Assessor, John Butler. 1855-Trustees, J. C. Schenck, J. D. Molleson, G. B. Hall; Clerk, R. S. Lockwood; Treasurer, A. D. Reeder; Constable, Samuel Wallace; Assessor, Jo- seph Corwin. 1856-Trustees, J. C. Schenck, J. D. Molleson, James Chamberlain; Clerk, K. S. Lockwood; Treasurer, A. S. Reeder; died in office and succeeded by D. Adams; Constable, Samuel Wallace; Assessor, John Butler. 1857-Trustees, same as in 1856; Clerk, R. S. Lockwood; Treasurer, Gabriel Scharf; Constable, Samuel Wallace; Assessor, M. V. Barkalow. 1858-Trustees, J. C. Schenck, James Chamberlain, L. G. Anderson; Clerk, W. A. Boynton; Treasurer, Gabriel Scharf; Constable, E. L. Millard; Assessor, Joseph Corwin. 1859-Trustees, J. C. Schenck, G. L. Denise, J. D. Molleson; Clerk, J. S. Reece; Treasurer, J. W. Shertzer; Constable, Samuel Wallace; Assessor, M. V. Barkalow. 1860-Trustees, James Chamberlin, G. L. Denise, J. B. Pugh; Clerk, J. S. Reece; Treasurer, J. W. Shertzer; Constable, Samuel Wallace; Assessor, M. V. Barkalow. 1861-Trustees, G. L. Denise, J. C. Schenck, Sharp Haggerty; Clerk, R. S. Lockwood; Treasurer, J. W. Shertzer; Constable, J. W. Bonner; Assessor, M. V. Barkalow. 1862 -Trustees, same; Clerk, same; Treasurer, P. T. Dickey; Constable, same; Assessor, Joseph Corwin. 1863-Trustees, G. L. Denise, J. C. Schenck, James Chamberlin; Clerk, same; Treasurer, J. W. Shertzer; Constable, J. G. Gage; Assessor, M. V. Barkalow. 1864-Trustees, G. L. Denise, Joseph Baird, W. F. Barkalow; Clerk, A. S. Reeder; Treasurer, John Reece; Constable, Daniel Squiers; Assessor, Joseph Corwin. 1865-Same. 1866-Trustees, G. L. Denise, W. T. Barkalow, James Chamberlin ; Clerk, A. S. Reeder; Treasurer, M. W. Earhart; Constable, same; Assessor; John A. Reece. 1867-Trustees, G. L. Denise, W. T. Barkalow, Joseph Woodward; Clerk, A. S. Reeder; Treasurer, M. W. Earhart; Constable, Jonas W. Brown; Assessor, James Hankinson. 1868-Trustees, W. T. Barkalow, Joseph Woodward, Fred Dechant; Clerk, R. S. Lockwood; Treasurer, M. W. Earhart; Constable, Jonas W. Brown; Assessor, W. M. Corwin, Jr. 1869-Trustees, J. C. Schenck, H. B. Meeker, William L. Schenck; Clerk, A. S. Reeder; Treasurer, M. W. Earhart; Constable, Lewis Hurst; Assessor, William Corwin, Jr. 1870-Trustees, H. B. Meeker, J. C. Schenck, Fred Dechant; Clerk, A. S. Reeder; Treasurer, M. W. Earhart; Constable, Lewis Hurst; Assessor, J. M. Young. 1871-Trustees, same; Clerk, A. S. Reeder; Treasurer, R. F. Ireland; Constable, Lewis Hurst; Assessor, W. M. Corwin, Jr. 1872-Trustees, same; Clerk, R. S. Lockwood; Treasurer, R. F. Ireland; Constables, John Bonner, J. M. Datchler; Assessor, same. 1873-Trustees, H. B. Meeker, J. C. Schenck, H. T. Griftner; Clerk, R. S. Lockwood; Treasurer, John C. Barkalow; Constables, Lewis Hurst, J. M. Datchler; Assessor, Charles Brown. 552 - HISTORY OF WARREN COUNTY. 1874-Trustees, H. B. Meeker, J. J. Turney, H. T. Griftner; Clerk, R. S. Lockwood; Treasurer, John C. Barkalow; Constables, same; Assessor, W. M, Corwin. 1875-Trustees, F. Dechant, L. G. Anderson, H. E. Lecher; Clerk, R. S. Lockwood; Treasurer, J.. C. Barkalow; Constable and Assessor, Alfred Shafor. 1876-Trustees, L. G. Anderson, F. L. Dechant, J. C. Schenck; Clerk, R. S. Lockwood; Treasurer, Elias Folk; Constables, J. M. Dachtler, John S. Evans; Assessor, James T. Schenck. 1877-All the same except Assessor, D. O. Greene. 1878-Trustees, same; Clerk, A. S. Reeder; Treasurer, James C. Brown; Constable and Assessor, same as last year. 1879-Trustees, F. Dechant, William Stickelman, L. G. Anderson; other officers same, except Constable, John S. Evans. 1880-Trustees, W. A. Stickelman, F. Dechant, George McLane; Constable, D. Lackens; Clerk, Treasurer and Assessor, as last year. 1881-Trustees, W. A. Stickelman, H. B. Meeker, Sayles Walling; Clerk, A. S. Reeder; Treasurer, J. S. Denise; Constable, B. F. Archdeacon; Assessor. D. O. Greene. Partial list of Justices of the Peace: 1802-James McCashen, J. P. 1806-Daniel McDaniel, Jesse Newport, Aaron Reeder. 1808-James McEwen, vice Aaron Reeder (resigned). 1810-George Kessling. 1811-John Blair. 1812-James W. Lanier, John Gustin, Jacob Deardoff. 1815-John Blair, John Barnett, Jacob Deardoff. Commissioned by Thomas Worthington, Governor of Ohio--July 5, 1815, James W. Lanier; January 17, 1818, Jacob Deardoff; June 18, 1818, James W. Lanier. Commissioned by Gov. E. A. Brown-December 25, 1820, Jacob Dear- doff; May 29, 1821, Lewis Davis. Commissioned by Gov. Jeramiah Morrow-December 6, 1823, Noadiah Potter; April 23, 1824, Lewis Davis; March 14, 1825, James McEwen; November 27, 1826, David Sewell. Commissioned by Gov. Allen Trimble-February 11, 1828, James McEwen; May 26, 1828, James W. Lanier. Commissioned by Gov. Duncan McArthur-January 28, 1831, James McEwen, June 13, 1831, Thomas H. Wilkins. Commissioned by Gov. Robert Lucas--December 27, 1833, James McEwen. Commissioned by Gov. Joseph Vane-December 23, 1836, James McEwen. The records do not give complete lists of Justices of the Peace, but since James McEwen's time, R. S. Lockwood has been Justice almost continually. Joseph A. Brown, John Kell, Carl Eldridge, F. Emley, Charles Butler, J. M. Dachtler, John Ward and G. B. Hall have held the office of Justice.