HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO - 725

CHAPTER LVIII.

FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP.

Situation—Principal Products—Timber and Streams—Organization and First Election— Settlement—Schools—Churches—CemeteriesSocieties and Associations—First Mill—Towns and Villages--Epidemic—Mineral Spring.

FAIRFIELD township is situated in the western part of the county, and is bounded on the north by Palmer, east by Barlow, south by Decatur, and west by Wesley. The original boundary lines were as follows: From northwest corner, section sixteen, township seven, range eleven, to northeast corner Fr. eighteen; thence to northwest corner, Fr. eighteen; thence east to southwest corner, section twenty-four, township six, range eleven; thence east to southeast corner of section thirty-six, township two, range ten, and thence to the beginning. At present, with the exceptions of part of a section taken from the northwest, and also part of a section taken from the southwest, the township presents a map of symmetrical boundary, and contains an area of more than fifteen thousand acres, and has a population of seven hundred and thirty-one.

The soil is generally of yellow and red clay, with the common sandstone base, which extends, generally, through this part of the State. This soil is abundantly productive of all kinds of fruits, apples of all kinds, pears, etc., and an ample profusion of the smaller fruits, are found in all parts of the township. Peaches are also produced in some seasons, but are not certain of fruition, owing to climatic influences. Wheat, oats, and corn are the chief agricultural productions. Wool growing is carried on quite extensively throughout the township, and fine-wool sheep are now being generally introduced, among which are found the Shermanoes, Merinoes, and some Leicesters. The fleeces from this locality command the highest market price.

The timber lands abound mostly in white and red oak, with some hickory, walnut, and poplar. The sandstone, outcroppings of which are found in various localities in the township, is used generally for building purposes, but is quarried only for local use at the present time.

Little Hocking river takes its rise in the western part of the township, and, receiving several unimportant tributaries, flows in a southeastern direction until it reaches a point southeast of Dunbar post office, where it turns westward for a short distance, and thence directly south, leaving the township west of the central part of the southern boundary. Other-small branches drain the various parts of the township, flowing both north and south from the great highland divide extending across the township.

The Marietta & Cincinnati railroad extends across the south part of the township, but is not now in operation, having been abandoned some two years ago.

ORGANIZATION.

The organization of this township was effected by the county commissioners at the December session of 1851. It was formed from parts of Wesley, on the northwest,

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Barlow on the northeast, Belpre on the southeast, and Decatur on the southwest.

The first election was held December 20, 1851, which resulted as follows : Trustees, Peter B. Lake, John Burfield and James Smith ; township clerk, Charles H. Goddard ; treasurer, Peter B. Lake ; assessor, Torren Gilmore ; constable, Augustine Stephens.

The first election for justice of the peace occurred August 17th, 1852, resulting in the election of Torrens

EARLY SETTLEMENTS.

Gilmore and Augustine Stephens.

The early settlers of this township came up over the Ohio river hills from Marietta, following the only broken route through the wilderness, since known as the State road. This route extended along its present course, following the ridge of highlands now known as the "divide," which extends across the northern part of the township from east to west. Near this road the settlers naturally fixed the site of their pioneer homes, erected their log cabins, and began the work of development and civilization of what is now known as Fairfield township.

Among the earliest settlers, of whom any account can now be obtained, were David Ewell, who came from Virginia some time prior to 1814, first settled about one-half mile south of the present village of Fishtown, where he erected his log-cabin home—section three, and Joshua Shuttleworth (also from Virginia) at this same time lived immediately south of Ewell.

Of these earliest pioneers very little is known concerning their personal history, for with them have passed away forever the records of their lives and deeds, save what they have impressed upon the unwritten history of the rise and progress of this locality from the wilds of wilderness and forest to its present position in the ranks of civilization.

William Dunbar settled in this township in the early part of 1814, and erected his cabin on the site of the present residence of his son Daniel, just east of Fishtown—section four. In this same year Walter Kidwell, from Fairfax county, Virginia, came and settled about one-quarter mile north of the present residence of his son John, where he built his cabin. He was accompanied by his wife and two sons, John and William.

William Dunbar was born in the year 1740, and was married to Polly Shelton some time previous to his settlement in Ohio. They had six children—Catharine, Sarah, Nancy, Thomas, William and Daniel. He was a private soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was discharged after honorable service to his country.

Daniel Dunbar, the only surviving child of William Dunbar, was born in Fairfax county,Virginia, in 1800, and came to this township with his father. He was married to Mary C. Lake in 1827, who was born in 1804, and died in 1840. They have five children, three of whom are now living, viz : Jane Ann, now the widow of Jacob Hueston, living in Athens county, Ohio; India, in Athens county, and James. James, the fifth child of Daniel Dunbar, was born in this township July 6, 1840. In the spring of 1866 he became a resident of Watertown, where he has since lived. He was married to Flora F. Gage, who was born in this township, December 5, 1850. The fruit of this union was one child, Dayton G. He has been treasurer of Watertown since 1871, and store-keeper since 1867.

Thomas Dunbar, son of William, was born in Virginia in 1790, and died in 1874. He came with his father to this locality, where he spent his life. He was married to Esther Owens, who was born about 1794 in Virginia. They had six children, three of whom are now living, viz.: Shelton, David and Louisa, widow of Samuel Hull, now living in Marietta. He served as private in the War of 1812, and also held several township offices.

Shelton Dunbar was born in this township in 1820, and was married to Sarah A. Varner (born in 1827) in 1844. They had four children—Emily J., wife of Knot- ley McCain, now living in this township ; Mary Ann, Eliza and Angeline, the latter now teaching school. He has served several years as school director, and supervisor and has been postmaster at Dunbar station for over twenty-six years, and has also been connected with the mercantile business at Dunbar, Belpre and Parkersburgh.

Hapgood Goddard was born in Swansey, New Hampshire, in 1783, and was married to Rebecca Wood (born 1787,) in 1809. In the year 1817 he settled on section fifteen this township. His decease occurred in 1865, his wife surviving him ten years. He was one of the leading men in the township, and served as township clerk for fifteen years. Previous to his coming to the west he was engaged in the mercantile business in New Hampshire, but the financial policy of President Jefferson, known as Jefferson's embargo, ruined him, and he came to this township with but five dollars. He lived to own a farm of one hundred and twenty acres of land, and left an honorable name as citizen and farmer. He had a family of ten children, eight of whom are now living, viz: Eliza, wife of James Smith, in Plymouth ; William, P. P., in Wesley ; Abraham W., in Fairfield ; Julia, widow of Lanson Smith, now living in Jackson county, Ohio ; Charles H., in Fairfield ; George R., in Dunham ; Lucy E., wife of Joseph C. Coulter, in Fairfield ; and Sarah, wife of John V. Farris, now residing in Missouri.

Abraham W. Goddard was born in 1816, in Belpre, and was married in 1843 to Mary Jane Coulter, who was born in 1825, in Coshocton county, Ohio. They had nine children, eight of whom are now living : Emeline, wife of William Quinn, Palmer township ; William R. now resides in Athens county, Ohio ; Edna, wife of James Randolph, Wesley; Talma, wife of William Rowlands, now living at Racine, Wisconsin; Edgar W., Fairfield ; .Harmar H., Fairfield; Zaidie E., Columbus, Ohio, and Minnie, who is now at home. Mr. Goddard has been a prominent man in this township, treasurer for fifteen years, and justice of the peace twenty-five years, and now owns a farm of three hundred and twenty-four acres, on which he resides, located in the southwestern part of township—section 19.

Charles H. Goddard was born in this township in 1824, and was married in 1847 to Melissa E. Chamberlain, who was born in 1826 (Watertown). They have a family of ten children, eight of whom are now living

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viz: Rowena, who now lives at home ; Rodney Watson (Welston, Ohio), Harley C., S. A. Douglas, Ason A., Frank E., Bertha, and Webster B. He has held the offices of clerk and trustee of township for thirty-one years, having been clerk of four townships—Wesley, Fairfield, Warren and Dunham. He now owns about four hundred acres of land and has distributed three hundred and fifty acres among his children. He has been one of the most active citizens in all the public movements in the township.

Carmi Smith was born August 6, 1812, and was married October 20, 1831, to Sarah Bishop, who was born December 21, 1813, in the State of New York. To them were born seven children, three of whom are now living, viz: Gilbert, who now resides in this township; Talma, wife of Sylvester Williams, who now lives in Belpre, Ohio; Esther Jane, married to George R. Goddard (Dunham); Sarah Clorinda, wife of Dixon Graham (Wesley). He has been among the leading men of his locality; has held the office of justice of the peace for sixteen years; was merchant and general tradesman at Fishtown for many years, and has been prominently identified with the Methodist Episcopal church.

Gilbert Smith, only son of Carmi Smith, was born in Wesley township in 1832, and was married to Rowena G. Williams, born in 1833, in the year 1857. He has had the honorable distinction of representing his district in the Ohio legislature two successive terms—from 1875 to 1879. He was also assessor three years, and has held many other township offices. At present he owns three hundred acres of land located in the•northwest part of the township. He had no family but took a girl named Ida, whom he reared as his own. She was married to Oscar Thompson.

Phinehas Dunsmore came to this county in 1822 with his family, and settled about one mile north of Fishtown, then in Wesley but now in Fairfield township, where he had previously purchased a tract of land of nine hundred acres. He was a native of Townsend, Massachusetts, born December 29, 1771. In 1798 he married Polly Gage, who was born in Pelham, New Hampshire, July 16, 1782. Their children were Horace, Hiram, Abner G., Mary K., Hiel, Lucius P., Adaline G., and Daniel N. Phinehas Dunsmore was a captain of a.cavalry company in the War of 1812, but did not perform any active service, being only ordered to hold his company in readiness to march to Portsmouth at one day's notice. He died in less than a year after he came west—May 6, 1823. His wife lived until March 20, 1857.

Jordon Swesey, father of James Swesey, was born in Pennsylvania in 1788, and settled in Wesley township in 1828, on section five. He died in Palmer township in 1862. He was a man of versatile abilities, and skilful in various ways, such as splitting shingles, and roofing houses and barns. He was also a shoemaker, and in these pursuits obtained money to purchase seventy acres of land. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Barr, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1790, and died in Palmer township in 1865. They had six children, three of whom are now living, viz: James, the oldest, is married, and at present resides in Iowa; Jordon lives in Fairfield, and Jane, wife of Robert Miller, lives in Palmer. Jordon Swesey was born in Pennsylvania in 1822, and was married in 1848 to Nancy Campbell, who was born in 1827 in Guernsey county, Ohio. Mr. Swesey farms sixty acres of land, part of which is located in the northeastern part of Fairfield township, on which he now lives. He is one of the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church and also a member of the Sons of Temperance.

William Moore came from Pennsylvania with his father, John Moore, and first settled in the central part of the county about 1845. He was born in 1828, and was married to Mrs. Louisa Chute in 1860. They had a family of seven' children, viz: Fremont A., James G., William L, Lucy L., Clara O., Brooks B., Theora Belle, all of them are living at home. Mrs. Moore is a daughter of James Kidwell, and was first married to Samuel S. Chute, who died in 1859, leaving three children, viz: Sarah M., who now lives in Iowa; Sophronia, wife of Joseph Moore, living in Iowa; and Samuel S., now living at home.

Moses Campbell settled in this township about 1830; was born in Ireland, in 1800, and died in 1874. He was married in 18zo to Margaret Stranahan, who died in 1835. They had five children, four now living—Nancy, wife of Jordon Swesey; James and William, both married and living in this township. Martha, the only daughter, is also living in this township. He was afterward married to Eleanor Roberts in 1844, whose decease occurred in 1876. They had six children, all now living, viz: Caroline, widow of Martin Corns (Decatur township), Amos (Palmer township), Thomas (Columbiana county), Charles (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), David (Fairfield township), and Jane, wife of C. H. Bracken (Kansas). Thomas and Charles (orderly sergeants), served three years in the late war, both were members of the Seventy-seventh Ohio volunteer infantry.

James Campbell was born in 1829, and was married in 1845 to Nancy Laughlin, who was born in 1830 and died in 1858. They had two children, one now living: Esther Ann, wife of Isaac Jones, living in Michigan. He was again married, in 1860, to Rebecca J. Kenny, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, in 1833. To them were born four children, three of whom are living: Emma, Ella, and William W.—all at home. He has held several township offices—constable and supervisor, and was called out in the militia during the Morgan raid. He is a farmer and owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, located in section sixteen, in the northwestern part of the township.

David N. Campbell was born in this township in 1844, and was married to Jennie Irvine in 1876, who was born in Ireland in 1846. They have two children—Forest Wade and Willis Scott, both now living at home. He was trustee of the township, and owns the homestead farm of one hundred and fifty acres, where he now lives, and where his lather settled and died.

Alexander A. Campbell (Cutler station) came to this township in April, 1856; he was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, in 1821. His wife, Mary Myers, to whom

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he was married in 1844, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1825. Their family consists of eight children, five of whom are now living, namely: Samantha A., wife of E. G. Bundy (Kansas); Mary, wife of Jesse Bentley (Clinton county, Ohio); William is married and lives at Cutler Station; Charles and Ulysses Grant both live at home. He was in the late war serving in the Seventy-third Ohio volunteer infantry, company F, from October, 1861, to January, 1865, during which time he was in thirty-two engagements, which includes the second battle of Manasses, Gettysburgh and Mission Ridge, in General Hooker's brigade. At present he keeps the hotel at Cutler station, and is on the construction corps of the Marietta & Cincinnati railroad.

Joseph H. Gage settled in this township on section sixteen, in 1837. He was born in New Hampshire in 1815, and was married, in 1838, to Mary A. Cook, who was born in Vermont, in 1814. Of their nine children, six -are now living, viz: Horace D. (Wesley township); John A., now living at home; Mary Ann, wife of J. Waldo Smith (Wesley township); Flora, wife of J. T. Dunbar (Watertown township). George is married, and lives in this township. Myron lives at home. He is a stone-cutter by trade, but is now farming, owning at present over four hundred acres of land, as the result of his own industry.

William Thompson was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, in 1828, and settled in this township on section hree, in 1851. He was elected county commissioner in 1880, and has held most of the offices of his township; was married in 1853 to Angeline Smith, who was born in 1834 and died in 1856, leaving two children—Carmi Orville, deceased, and Oscar, who is married and lives in Barlow township. He was married in 1858 to Laura A. Ford, who was born in Barlow township in 1834. They have three children, namely: John Ford, William Elmer, and Phoebe Putnam, all of whom are living at home. He was a member of company F, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Ohio national guards, and served from May to September, 1864; was stationed at Bermuda, on the James river, near Richmond, Virginia. He was first president of the Barlow agricultural board, elected in 1872, and has held the office until the present time. He was also a member of the county board for nine years; is at present a farmer, owning four hundred and five acres of land on which he resides, located in the northeastern part of the township. Mr. Thompson has borne a leading part in public Oaks, and has been efficient in most of the organizations of his own and adjoining townships, also of the county.

Owen Clark settled in Fairfield township in 1855. He was born in Ireland in 1813. He married Catharine O'Malia, who died in 1870. They have had sever, children, viz: John H., Annie, Bridget, Edward, Thomas, Mary and Catharine; of these, Bridget is dead. John H., born in 1849, married in 1875, Miss Bridget Clark, by whom he has had three children, all born in Belpre township, where the younger Mr. Clark resides, he having charge of the depot of the Marietta & Cincinnati railroad.

SCHOOLS.

The first school-house was built on the north side of the present State road, about one-half mile west of Fishtown, about 1819. It was known as Lake's school-house, after Thomas Lake, who lived near it. Oliver Miller, father of Jonathan Miller, now living at Cutler station, was the first teacher who "wielded the birchen" and directed the intellectual development of the sturdy pioneer sons and daughters in this primitive log-cabin school. house. A few crumbling stones now remain to mark the spot of this first school-house, and Daniel Dunbar and John Kidwell are the only surviving members of the school.

The next school-house was built near the present residence of Daniel Dunbar, on the extreme west corner of his land, near the State road, in 1840. These early schools were taught by teachers engaged by the parents of the scholars, and were supported by general subscription. In this way the schools were supported in the various localities until the increase in population necessitated the organization of school districts. At present there are seven separate school districts, all supplied with teachers and good, substantial school buildings, where the means for the ordinary common school education are amply supplied under the present public school system.

CHURCHES.

The first religious services were held at the cabins of the pious settlers by the itinerant preachers who might happen in the settlement, until the school-houses were built, when the religious services were held in them. Probably the first general service was held in the old Lake school-house, in which many of the different religious organizations of the township were effected. The first church building was erected by the Methodist Episcopal society about 1824, on the site of the present Methodist Episcopal church at Fishtown, and was called "Kidwell meeting-house," in honor of Walter Kidwell, who was then a prominent member of the church. The house was built of hewn logs. This house stood until 1863, when it was pulled down, and another house erected on the same site by general subscription, as a union church, for the common use of all denominations. This new house was accidentally burned down on the twelfth of the following February. The workmen, after finishing the house, gathered the shavings and other inflammable material and stowed it under the house through an aperture left under the front door, which was to be closed by the stone steps; but before the steps were put up, on an occasion of public worship, a young lady took a fire-brand from a neighboring house to the church for the purpose of building a fire, and on entering the door the fire-brand fell from her hands and ignited the debris under the house, and before help could be obtained the building was destroyed.

The present frame building — forty-five by twenty-eight feet — was erected on the same site, by the Methodist Episcopal society, and was completed the following year, 1864. The dedication sermon was preached by Rev. John Frazier, presiding elder, and

LUCIUS P. DUNSMORE

Phineas Dunsmore with his wife, Polly, and seven children, among whom was Lucius P., came to what is now Fairfield township, then Wesley, Washington county, Ohio, in 1822. The family came from Goshen, New Hampshire. Lucius was then twelve years old, having been born on the twenty-fifth of January, 1810. Mr. Dunsmore brought his family through New York State and travelled along the beach of Lake Erie until they reached Ashtabula county, Ohio. Here the rest of the family tarried with friends until Mr. Dunsmore, with his brother and eldest son, Horace, came down to Washington county to "view the land," The result of this inspection was that Mr. Dunsmore traded his property in New Hampshire for a section and a fraction in Wesley township, comprising nine hundred and five acres. This purchase was made of James Brick, who was one of the Ohio company. Mr Dunsmore then went for his family, and they came down in the same wagons in which they had come from New Hampshire, arriving at their new home on the fourth of July, 1822. A log house was immediately put up. It was of very primitive construction. They had no nails, and so were compelled to secure their roof with weight poles. This house stood about a mile northwest of where Layman post office now is.

In the early part of 1823 Phineas Dunsmore died and was buried on his own land, whence his body was removed to the Union cemetery a few years ago. Mrs. Dunsmore survived her husband about eighteen years, dying in 1841.

The children of Phineas and Polly Dunsmore, in order of age were as follows: Horace, born in 1799; Abner, born in 1802; Mary, born in 1804; Hiel, born in 1806; Lucius P., born in aro; Adaline, born in 1812; and Daniel, born in 1816. Horace died in March, 1878, and Abner in 1853. The rest of the children are still living.

In 1836 Lucius P. Dunsmore married Mahala Williams, of Wood county, Virginia, who was born in 1813. He built a frame house about half a mile from the old homestead, and thither he took his bride. Their new home was in the midst of a dense forest, and they went to work to clear a farm for cultivation. The work pro ceeded very slowly, and only four or five acres were cleared a year.

In 1838 their first child was born—Elbina. She married, in 1856, Jesse Hildebrand, and now lives just above her father's home. She has three children. In 1840 their second daughter, Polly C., was born. She married Isaac P. Hanes in 1860. They reside on the old Dunsmore homestead and have two children. Rachel J. was born in 1842. She married John T. Hanes in 1862. They live in Palmer township near Mr. Dunsmore's and have one child. Mahala J. was born in 1843 and died in 1870. Lucius Jasper was born in 1845 and died in 1868. Laura Anne was born in 1848. She married Dr. Elisha Tinker. They lived in Plymouth, of this county. Mrs. Tinker died in 1872. Lorina A. was born in 1852. She married R. F. Runels in 1874. They live with Mr. Dunsmore in Fairfield township and have two children. Mr. Dunsmore's wife died on the twenty-first of May 1876.

When Mr. Dunsmore came to the county the comforts and luxuries of civilization had not yet reached this part of the country. Everything was in a rude state. When the family needed meal one of them was obliged to go to a mill six miles distant, of which the motive power was an old horse. Here he would sometimes be obliged to wait three days before getting the meaL They were obliged to go to Marietta to do their trading and also to haul their wheat there over rough roads, and then get only thirty-seven and one-half cents a bushel for it. At that day the forests were filled with wolves, which did great damage to the flocks. The farmers were obliged to build large sheepfolds to protect their flocks. Mr. Dunsmore has a farm of two hundred and sixty-two acres, being a part of the original purchase of his father. This land is farmed by a son-in-law, Mr. Runels, who makes a specialty of sheep raising.

Mr. Dunsmore was township treasurer for seven years. He is a member of the Universalist church. He now lives on his farm and is highly respected throughout the township.

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the first trustees were Carmi Smith, Peter Lake, John Kidwell, Philip Moore, Theodore Hull, Reuben Ellis, and John V. Farris. Among the early local ministers of this aenomination were Osborn, Thompson, Lippett, and others, and the first regular ministers were Revs. David and Jacob. Young, Daniel Limerick, James Furee, James and William McMahon. Regular services are held every alternate Sabbath.

The Centenary Methodist Episcopal church is located in the southwest part of the township, three-fourths of a mile north of Cutler station, and was erected in 1867a substantial frame building, about forty by forty-five. This congregation formerly worshipped in a log meetinghouse, situated about two miles east of the present church building, and was known as "Zion" church.

The first minister of this charge was Rev. Hathaway, and among the prominent ministers on this (Bartlett) circuit were Revs. Sayers, Morgan, Callahan, O'Neal, and others. The first trustees were Theodore Hull, John V. Farris, W. D. Jones, R. D. Carothers, and B. H. Dawson. The membership numbers about sixty, holding services every alternate Sabbath.

The Universalist church located near the present residence of Charles H. Goddard, on the State road, west of Fishtown, was the first erected in the township by this denomination. It was first built in 1867, as a union church, but at present is controlled by the Universalists. It is a frame building, thirty by forty, and the first trustees were Daniel, Dunbar, A. W. Goddard, and J. F. Haines. Services are held every month by the present pastor, Rev. Earl.

This denomination has another church building, located at Fishtown, which was erected as a union church in 1868. It is a frame building (thirty by thirty-six) and was dedicated by Rev. Cantwell, and is now under the control of the same trustees as the other church, with the same minister who officiates alternately with the other congregation.

The first meetings of this denomination were conducted by Father Sweet and Rev. Jolly, and the original organization was effected by Hapgood Goddard, Isaac Perry, Hiel Dunsmore, Jacob Minton, and George Hildebrand. Naturally there were many conflicts among the different religious societies of this locality, differing, as they did, so widely on the doctrines of the Bible.

CEMETERIES.

The burial places in this township are mostly connected with the churches near which they are located. Some are now under the control of the township trustees.

The first burying-ground was just south of Fishtown, where Mrs. Dunbar was buried in very early times. Then the Methodist Episcopal church graveyard at Fishtown was opened, where many of the early pioneers were buried. The cemetery at the forks of the road, near the Universalist church, west of Fishtown, is now under the control of the township trustees, and is one of the principal ones. A cemetery has also been opened near the Centenary Methodist Episcopal church, north of Cutler station.

ASSOCIATIONS AND SOCIETIES.

The Wool Growers' association was first organized at the residence of William Thompson, in 1876. The membership extends throughout this whole section of country, embracing Fairfield, Barlow, Wesley, Palmer, Watertown, and Warren townships. Meetings are held regularly in April and November, at the residence of some one of the members. The object of the organization is to have a general interchange of ideas on the subject of sheep raising, the best breeds to raise, what to feed, etc. At the meetings each member brings specimens of his breed of sheep and a general shearing is made and the fleeces compared. The general expenses are paid by a tax of twenty-five cents per capita, and the society is now in good condition in every way.

Sons of Temperance, Lyman division, No. 52, was organized in the Methodist Episcopal church, at Fish- town, in 1857, with the following officers: William Thompson, W. P.; Mrs. William Thompson, NV. A.; G. W. Morris, R. S.; Orlando Trotter, F. S.; Jordan Swesey, treasurer; G. Y. Palmer, chaplain. This society has done much effectual work in the suppression of intemperance in this township and the fact that there is no place within the bounds of the township where intoxicating liquors are sold, attest the good results of labor in this cause. The society now holds its meetings at the private houses of the members—having no lodge room of its own—and has enrolled among its members some of the best and most influential citizens of the community.

Grange No. 872 was organized in 1874, by M. A. Malster. The original officials were as follows: Charles A. Goddard, master; J. H. F. Browning, secretary; David Dunbar, overseer; Reuben Hull, lecturer; William Thompson, treasurer; George Varner, steward; Caroline Varner, pomona; E. A. Varner, flora; Elma Addis, lady steward; and Josephus Harrington, gate-keeper. At present this organization has a membership of about twenty, and is highly regarded for the social benefits arising from the regular meetings. as many of the leading families of the township are members of the organization.

THE FIRST MILL

The first and only grist-mill in this township was constructed on a very rude plan. Two stones were placed in a hollow log. The upper one had a shaft inserted through the top of the log, and had a handle attached, and with this power the mill was operated by hand. This structure was the common property of the settlers, and stood near the present residence of W. W. Morris at Fishtown. To this mill the early settlers brought their grists of corn, and each one in his turn ground out his supply of meal, from which the well known article of diet familiarly known as " mush was made. This "mush" with bear meat and venison formed the common food of the first settlers.

TOWNS AND VILLAGES.

Cutler station is a small village located in the extreme southwestern part of the township, on the Marietta & Cincinnati railroad. It was first laid out in 1857, and

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received the name of Harshaville after John M. Harsha, M. D., who owned the land on which the original plat was made. Dr. Harsha afterward voluntarily relinquished the honor thus conferred upon him, in favor of William P. Cutler, and the town was rechristened Cutler station. The log cabin in which Dr. Harsh:, lived was the only house within the bounds of the plat, and it stood about four rods west of the present residence of Dr. Trickle, on the north side of the railroad, west of Main street. The first store was kept by Harvey Smith & Son on the southwest corner of Main and Front streets. At the same time Gilbert & Smith kept a store on the southeast corner of the same streets.

The postoffice was first established in the house of Dr. Harsha, who was appointed postmaster.

In the fall of 1857, A. A. Campbell built the first hotel on the southwest corner of Broadway and Front streets. In 1862 William Coulter kept a house of entertainment on the northeast corner of Main and Putnam. The Cutler house was built on the southwest corner of Clinton and Front streets, in 1865, but was destroyed by fire June 11, 1868, and the present house was erected on the same site in the following year. At present the village contains two general stores, one drugstore, one hotel, two shoe shops and one doctor's office.

The town has not fulfilled the hopes entertained by its founders, never having reached the dimensions necessary for incorporation.

Dunbar post office is located on the now abandoned branch of the Marietta & Cincinnati railroad, in the southern part of the township. Shelton Dunbar is postmaster.

Wesley post office, one of the old post offices of this section, is now, as for many years, kept at the private residence of Joseph H. Gage, postmaster. located east of Fishtown, on the State road, in the northeastern part of the township. These with the offices at Fishtown (W. IV. Morris, postmaster) and Cutler station, constitute very ample mail facilities for this township.

Fishtown (Layman post office) is a small village of a few houses on the State road, in the northeastern part of the township. James Lake kept the first store here in 1837, which stood immediately west of the present store. He was succeeded in the business by Daniel Fish, after whom the town was named.

The post office was first established about 1857, and was kept in the store of Carmi Smith, who was the postmaster, and was removed to its present location, in the storeroom of W. W. Morris, in 1861. Fishtown now contains six dwellings houses, one general store and post office, one blacksmith shop, one cabinet shop, one Methodist Episcopal and one Universalist church.

EPIDEMIC.

In 1820 this locality was visited by some kind of ;ever called by the settlers the "cold plague," and such were the ravages of the disease that it required all the energies of the able-bodied citizens to care for the afflicted ones. It is stated that over fifty persons were carried off by this awful scourge. What may have been the cause of this disease was never known; but its ravages were unchecked until a whole neighborhood was almost depopulated and the messenger of death had darkened almost every household.

On the farm of William Thompson, about ten rods north of his present residence, is a mineral spring, whose waters are found to be very beneficial in malarial diseases. No complete analysis has been made, but salts and iron with some eight other constituents are found contained in the water. No efforts, however, have been made to make the spring available to the general public, though many very notable cures of long-protracted and hopeless cases of ague have been effected by the use of this mineral water.