|
638 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY CHAPTER XXIV.* JEFFERSON DESCRIPTION-TOPOGRAPHY-SETTLEMENT-SOCIAL LIFE-PIONEER INDUSTRIES-INCIDENTS-SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES-VILLAGES. JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP is a recently organized portion of Crawford County, and lies near its eastern border. The land which comprises it was surveyed in 1807 by Maxfield Ludlow, and. at one time. prior to 1842, the eight eastern sections were a part of Richland County. Twelve sections west were a part of what was then known as Sandusky Township, which was twelve miles long by six miles wide. In 1835, a petition was presented to the Commissioners of Crawford County praying that the township of Sandusky be divided on account of the great inconvenience attendant upon its length. The petition was granted, and, accordingly, fifteen sections were formed into a new township, bearing the name of Jackson. When, in l842, a four-mile strip was added to Crawford from Richland County eight new sections were added to Jackson Township, thus giving it an area of twenty-eight square miles. However, in 1873, the residents of the twenty western sections manifested their dissatisfaction regarding the unequal distribution of offices by the township as those of the eastern sections, including Crestline, controlled the matter, and gobbled the "loaves and fishes " of office. On a petition being presented, a division was made, converting twenty sections of the old township into a new organization, which was named Jefferson, in honor of the great apostle of the American Democracy. By this division but eight sections were left of the old township of Jackson. The present township of Jefferson is bounded on the north by Sandusky and Vernon * Contributed by F. B. Gessner. Townships, on the east by Jackson, on the south by Polk, and on the west by Whetstone Township. It is composed of eight sections of Township 20, Range 20 west, and twenty sections of Township 16, Range 21 west. The land comprising this division is well drained by the Sandusky River and its numerous tributaries. This river rises in the borders of Richland County, and flows through this township in a northwesterly direction. Spring Run, a tributary, so called because of the springs forming it, takes its rise south of Middletown, and flows north, emptying into the Sandusky near Leesville. Allen's Run has its source in the eastern portion of the township, and enters the Sandusky east of Leesville. Another small stream rises on the Snyder farm, and, flowing north, also empties into the Sandusky. Other small streams there are in different parts of the township, and form a very complete natural system of drainage, and were all in early days utilized for water power by the pioneer. The surface of a portion of the township is such as requires artificial drainage to a limited extent; but the eastern part is naturally rolling, though not what could be termed hilly. In the vicinity of Leesville there is an abrupt rise of land comprising an extensive ridge of gravel, commonly called the "Hog's Back," and here are also frequent knolls of varying height. made up of gravel and stone, and continuing along the banks of the Sandusky and Spring Run. The channels of these streams are in many places dug through solid masses of rock. At the quarry of James Morrow, in Section 1, the HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 637 banks of the river take a precipitous rise of sixty-eight feet six inches from the surface of the water. Thirty-five feet of this ascent is composed of solid rock, belonging to the Waverly sandstone group. This gravel ridge is situated in the eastern part of the township, extending a trifle east of north and south for about a half-mile. This has been in use for over twenty- years during which time thousands of car-loads of gravel have been taken out by the Pittsburgh. Fort Wayne & Chicago Railroad and the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railroad. in the construction and repair of their respective roadbeds. That portion which still remains, rises full forty feet above the level of the surrounding, country. The soil of the township is good, being a clay, mingled in some places with gravel and sand. On the whole. it is well adapted for farming purposes, being excellent for both wheat and corn, and has been brought by its owners into a high state of cultivation. There was in early day a heavy growth of timber covering most of the land, comprising the usual varieties common to this section of the State, such as oak, beech, maple, elm, walnut and ash. Through the southwestern part of the township, the timber is not of such heavy growth as in the northern part. This is owing to the growth the effect produced by a cyclone which passed through this section in 1820, completely destroying the forests in its pathway. This section has ever since been known as the "windfall," and since the occurrence a new growth has come up which nearly equals the surrounding, forests in size. The township of Jefferson is admirably situated for farming or commerce, but there are no manufacturing establishments within it boundaries. The majority of its citizens are honest tillers of the soil, and there is some attention paid to the raising of stock. The stone quarries at Leesville are the most important commercial interest, a number of the citizens of Leesville and vicinity finding employment here. The Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway passes through it east and west and is of great value, owing to the splendid shipping facilities it affords. Leesville is the largest village in the township limits, while the old village of Middletown is situated just below it. A portion of North Robinson is also in this township, lying on the western boundary line, with this preliminary description of the township, its topography and configuration, we will turn now to other matters connected with its history. Westell Ridgely was one of the first settlers in what is now Jefferson Township. He squatted where the Leesville & Bucyrus road crosses the Sandusky, about the rear 1816 or 1817. A large family consisting of four sons and a like number of daughters, accompanied him. These fair daughters, as the country settled up, became a great attraction to the young men for miles around. The marriage of Lucy Ridgely was the second marriage solemnized in the township, and was a great social event A man named Ferguson and J. S. Griswell were almost contemporary with Ridgely, and Peter Bebout settled some time after, immediately below them. Thomas Ferguson was quite a character among the Indians, who called him Governor, and evinced for him considerable reverence. He was often called upon to settle disputes and differences that arose among them, and between them and the whites. Jacob Fisher, a native of Pennsylvania, came to Ohio in 1816. He settled in what was then Richland County line is now Jefferson Township, at a point immediately south of the gravele ridge, on land which now belongs to Daniel Weider. He purchased considerable land paying for it $1.25 per acre. He came here in a two-horse wagon, bringing his household effects and a family of eight children. He built a rude cabin of round logs. 18x20 feet, which was probably the first structure erected by a white 638 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. man in the present limits of Jefferson Township. Fisher lived here until 1860, when he went to Missouri, where he has since died. Regarding him, the early settlers do not speak in high terms. He was hard-working and industrious, but, at times, very dissipated, and always malignant in disposition. It is related of him that, in an early day, when other families moved in, he would engender strife among the women, the wives of his brother pioneers. To do this, he would present one woman with a pound of tea, and then tell a neighbor woman that if she would fight and whip the other, he would give her a pound of tea also. This often brought on encounters in the neighborhood, that were not altogether pleasant. Fisher would watch this unfeminine sport with the greatest pleasure. Several depredations were ascribed to his hand; one, that he girdled a young orchard; and that he burned a year's crop of wheat for Daniel Krieder. He picked a quarrel with William Mitchell, an Englishman, and during the fight which ensued, bit a piece out of Mitchell's cheek leaving a scar which the latter carried to his grave. Ridgely, who had a distillery on his farm, also became an object of Fisher's enmity and his grist-mill and distillery were both burned one night, and a large copper kettle stolen and hid in the forest. Fifteen years afterward. it was plowed up by Kreider, and returned to Ridgely. Fisher remarked that he too could have plowed it up if he had been so inclined. Christian Snyder came to the township in 1817, and settled near the eastern boundary line, in Section 17, buying 160 acres of land of Jacob Fisher, and paying for it $3 per acre. Snyder's family comprised himself and wife and eleven children. He came from Westmoreland County, Penn., in a two-horse wagon, also bringing along with him some twenty head of cattle, a drove of swine, a yoke of oxen and an extra team of horses. They were compelled to cut a road through from Mansfield to their destination, and this occupied almost a month. Jacob Snyder had been sent on ahead to erect a cabin for their accommodation. Persevering and pushing onward in the midst of difficulties, they at last arrived at their future home, expecting to enter a cabin and be comfortably installed at once. Their disappointment can be imagined when, instead, they found on their arrival that only the foundation had been laid. and a rude puncheon floor constructed. Accordingly, tired out with the long journey, the whole family lay down to sleep upon the bare floor, with no other covering than the clouds. They awoke in the morning to find themselves covered with six inches of snow, which was not in the least conducive to their comfort. They went bravely to work, however, and soon had their cabin completed. It was constructed of round logs, and stood on the site of the brick house on the present Snyder farm. The Wyandot and Seneca Indians, who were their immediate neighbors, aided them in their work and also kept them well supplied with game and necessary food. The family grew up within the township, and several of Mr. Snyder's descendants are still living in the county. Among them is Peter Snyder, an old and respected citizen of Crestline, and for many years a resident of Jefferson. To him we are indebted for many facts concerning the early history of the township. .John Adrian was a very early settler, and came soon after Snyder. He lived on what is now the Samuel Freese farm for a number of years, and here he operated a rude distillery. He came from France; raised quite a family of children, who are scattered far and wide. Of this Adrian, it is reported that his strength was such that he could pick up a whisky barrel nearly full, and drink from the bung-hole, as others would drink from a jug. This being either true or mythical, one thing is maintained. that he was a man of wonderful strength, but very dissipated. He did not continue his distillery long, and what whisky he did make was PAGE 639 - PICTURE OF MAJOR JAMES ROBINSON PAGE 640 - BLANK HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 641 of a very inferior quality. Many of the bibulous settlers of that day often remarked that they would rather go to Adrian's for their whisky.. as it was so weak that they could drink a great deal of it without becoming drunk. As a rule, however. the liquor of that day was a good article, and sold as low as $7 per barrel. Nearly every one was inclined more or less to its use, and it was a common accompaniment to all social gatherings. Jacob Snyder, already mentioned. was for many years a resident of the township, and at one time owned the land on which Leesville now stands. He constructed the first house in the town after it was founded and also started a blacksmith shop, the first in the township. After 1820, the immigration was rapid. Disbree Johnston and his family came from Virginia and settled in the southern part. His sons are still living in Polk Township. Daniel Miller came from Pennsylvania in 1822, and settled on what is now the Simon Snyder farm. This man Miller was a great hunter, and had an Indian's instinct and love for the forest. Many stories are related concerning him by many of the old settlers which prove that he was quite a character. He died in the township about ten years ago. In about 1825, came Henry Hershner, from Westmoreland County, Penn., anal settled near Middletown. He was a man of considerable intelligence, and his whole life was actuated by Christian principles. He was the founder of Middletown, and opened the first store there. After continuing it for some time. his son John came from Pennsylvania and took charge of it. He was also the organizer of the United Brethren Church, one of the first, if not the very first church, organized in the township. In 1826, Rev. Robert Lee. Sr., came to the township and bought 160 acres of Jacob Snyder, and. the following year, laid out the town of Leesville, justly named after its founder. This gentleman is deserving of especial mention. He was the son of Thomas Lee, and was born in Donegal, Ireland, February 9, 1770. He emigrated to this country in 1787, and settled in Washington County, Penn. He received his education at Cannonsburg Seminary, and was licensed to preach. His ministerial career was mostly confined to the State of Pennsylvania, he being one of the original members of the Presbytery of Erie. After coming to this township, he was instrumental in the progress of the town which bore his name, and also for the cause of religion. He died February 9,1842, and his remains lie in the cemetery at Leesvifle. His last words were. "If it be Thy will, Lord Jesus, come quickly, that I may be at rest." A life-long friend writes thus concerning him: As a preacher, and in his address and manner, he was a fair model specimen of the preacher of the West. In this county, he assisted in the organization of many of the early churches, and, before the erection of church buildings, his voice was lifted up in the barns and cabins of the pioneers, and often in Gods first temples the groves of the surrounding country." After the birth of Leesville, a tide of emigration flowed steadily into the present limits of Jefferson Township, and especially in the vicinity of the town itself. Hon. Robert Lee. Jr., came to the place with his father, and erected the first business house in the new village. He commenced in business here and continued for several years with good success. He did much to promote the welfare of the village and surrounding country, and has been a prominent man in the State and county. He was twice elected Probate Judge, and served with efficiency. He is now living in retirement at Bucyrus, an honored and respected Christian gentleman. Newton Ashcroft, living south of Middletown, came to the township in 1828. with his father's family, and settled on the present Ashcroft property. The father was a native of England, and had emigrated to
642 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Westmoreland County, Penn. He was an early school teacher, and a man of good education, being one of the best mathematicians ever in the county, having a natural aptitude for that branch of study. In about 1830. Joseph Gledhill and family from England, settled about a mile south of Leesville, on the south side of the gravel ridge, which at one time was his property, and was sold by him to the railroad company. Here he built a rude log cabin and commenced farming, and continued until his death, several years ago. His son, Joseph is still living in Middletown, and is a successful farmer and respected citizen. Col. William Robinson came in 1830, and purchased the land on which North Robinson now stands, paying $1.25 per acre. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and a soldier of the war of 1812, in which struggle he received the title of Colonel. He was a tall, portly and fine looking gentleman, and well versed in military matters. He lived in the neighborhood of the town which bears his name, until his death. He was throughout life a man universally esteemed. For eighteen years, he was Justice of the Peace, and during all that time he never had a case tried before him, it being his rule to effect a compromise between the parties whenever possible. His son James is a resident of the southeast portion of the township. and is an able and distinguished gentleman. He has held several county offices. and has represented the county in the Legislature. Another son. J. P. Robinson, lives in the vicinity of the village (Robinson), and is an intelligent and respected citizen. After 1830, several families came into the township, among whom was Dr. John McKean, who is now a resident of Crestline, but was for many years a citizen and physician in Leesville. Alexander Cannon came about this time, as did also Rickson Lewis. Samuel Porter Lee, a brother of Judge Lee, came with his father's family, and for many years lived in the town, but is now a resident of Jackson Township. Ignatius Shonebaugh, Robert Parks, Elisha Castle and Peter Wert were others who came in about the same time and settled in Leesville, which, at that time, was a better trading-point than Galion. Abraham Littler bought the Ridgely farm in 1832, and removed on it with his family. He was a native of Hardy County, Va., where he was born. June 24, 1780. He lived in Jefferson Township until his death, which occurred August 10, 1844. His son Lewis is a respected citizen of Sandusky Township, and has been a prominent official in the affairs of the county. In about 1835, a number of German families came into the township, many from Pennsylvania, and a number from the Fatherland, and at present a considerable portion of the population is German. Charles Kunkle came in that year, and settled in Section 19, where he still lives. Adam Shumaker came about the same time, as did also the Beck family. Morrison came at a comparatively early day, and is living on the borders of the township. The Laughbaums were early settlers and settled in Jefferson, but are now residents of Sandusky. "Man is a sociable animal," says Byron, and, indeed, it behooved the early settlers to be sociable and friendly. There existed between them a bond of union and sympathy which made them brethren in the wilderness. To relieve the monotony of every-day life and toil, social gatherings were often held in the rude homes of the pioneers. When the darkness of evening set in, the floor would be. cleared and the tuning of the fiddles gave warning of what was to follow. Many a merry set was danced on the rough puncheon floor of the primitive cabins, and a feeling of greater and more genuine pleasure prevailed than is common now at our modern parties. Corn-huskings and log-rollings usually wound up with a merry dance in the evening. Mr. .James Nail, one of the oldest settlers now living in the county, HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 643 was often a fiddler for these social gatherings in the vicinity of Leesville and Galion. The domestic life of those days was plain and practical, but none the less dear to the people. The first birth in the township occurred in 1819, in the family of Jacob Fisher. The hand of death was first laid on Jacob Snyder in 1820, who died of diphtheria. In the year following the first marriage was solemnized and was in affair of great social importance to the whole community for miles around. Eli Foglesang, of Pennsylvania, was joined in holy wedlock to Hannah Snyder, and the event was celebrated with considerable demonstration. In early days, rattlesnakes and other reptiles were very common, and were also troublesome and dangerous. "Snake stories" are generally received with little credulity, but the following can be vouched for: Mrs. Jacob Synder dispatched a large rattlesnake one morning before breakfast. using an iron poker, and no sooner had she done so than others appeared on the scene of action and shared the fate of the first, until nine had been dispatched. The past history of Jefferson does not how that it was ever destined to become noted in national affairs, or to be the scene of any famous occurrence. Yet within its borders quite a century ago, there were enacted several scenes in the drama of Crawford's memorable campaign against Sandusky that give it a place in history. About 2 P. M. of June 2, 1782, the American army under Crawford halted in their march to the Wyandot town, for half an hour on the banks of the Sandusky, Where Leesville now stands. They then continued on their course in a southwesterly direction, and encamped for the night in Jefferson Township, near to the eastern border of the Sandusky Plains. After the battles of Sandusky and Olentangy and the capture, and death of Col. Craw ford, the American army under Williamson retreated in much the same path. By nightfall, after the battle of Olentangy, the command reached the same spot on the Sandusky where they had halted on first entering the county. Here they encamped for the night. The Indians and British rangers had followed them from the last battle, and constantly harassed the rear. However, at nightfall, the two forces encamped within a mile of each other, the Americans taking every precaution to guard against surprise. In the morning the retreat was renewed, and the enemy soon commenced a fire on the rear. Two soldiers were here captured and immediately tomahawked. Directly north of Leesville was, at the time of this memorable campaign, a camp of Delaware Indians, it being the temporary abode of a noted war chief called Wingenund, and a few of his tribe. It was on the land now owned by Joseph Brown and John Newman. Strange to say, this camp was not noticed by either Crawford or Williamson, they both passing to the south of it in their march. Another important event occurring from natural causes, the scene of which was in Jefferson, was what is commonly called the Windfall, a fierce and destructive cyclone which passed over a portion of the township May 17, 1820. Peter Snyder, of Crestline, was a boy of sixteen at the time it occurred, and from his statement we have gained the facts concerning it. On the day of this event, Mr. Snyder was in the field plowing when he beheld a heavy black cloud in the west. which threatened coming danger. He unhitched the team and put them in the barn, during which time the roar of the whirlwind was increasing. Much frightened he clambered upon the joists of the barn, but was there but a short time when the roof was carried away. Letting himself down to the floor, he had no sooner reached it than he was struck on the back with a falling beam, inflicting a painful wound, the scar of which he carries to-day. A sudden darkness had spread over everything, and when Mr. Snyder had extricated himself from the fallen timbers of the barn, and it had become lighter, he 644 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. looked in the direction of the house, but saw that it too was in ruins. Rain and hail accompained the storm, which continued for fully half an hour. The remainder of the family were also in a drenched condition. Other families living on the tract, however. fared no better, and a scene of desolation took the place of what was before a picture of industry and prosperity. The settlers were glad to escape even with their lives and lose all else, as many of them did. The provisions were all destroyed or unfit for use. Starvation stared them in the face. Potatoes which had been planted a few days previous were dug up and eaten. The nearest towns and settlements afforded no corn, and Mr. Snyder relates that he went as far as Coshocton in search of food, and there he was fortunately able to buy two bushels of corn at $4 per bushel. On returning with this, the greater part of it was made into meal and hominy for food, and a portion of it planted. The forests passed over by this terrible storm were leveled to the ground, and the effects can still be seen in the new growth of timber in the district still known as the " Windfall." Cabins and barns were blown down: horses and cows were swept away and killed. A great amount of misery and privation was entailed upon many living in the township by this unusual occurrence. Still another affair, which caused considerable excitement at the time, was the supposed murder of a man named Weaver, by Ridgely, who employed him as stiller in his whisky establishment. There had been a quarrel between Weaver and his employer, and it was supposed that he became engaged in a broil with Ridgely, and, during the melee, Weaver was killed. Nothing, however, was certainly known concerning it, although many of the early settlers considered Ridgely the criminal. Several of them pretended, or actually believed. that Weaver's ghost had appeared to them, and had told in detail the whole affair. From these mythical stories it appears that Weaver was in the still-house with Ridgely one evening after dark, and that in some manner their quarrel was renewed, when angry words followed and Ridgely became greatly incensed. In his hasty madness. He seized a heavy club and struck Weaver over the head a fatal blow. He then, horrified to see what he had done, dragged the body to an out-of-the-way place, and. covering it with leaves, left it, and toll it around that Weaver had quit his employ. The body of the murdered man was found, but every attempt to find the criminal was futile, and no one was ever brought to justice. In the days before the war, the abolition of slavery had a hearts supporter in the person of Peter Wert, a wagon-maker of Leesville. He was commonly known as "Black Pete," and his house was one of the depots of the underground railroad. He aided the cause to a considerable extent, and many an escaped black had cause to remember old "Black Pete," of Leesville Cross Roads. He moved to Missouri several years ago, and. when last heard of. was still living. As the country became more thickly settled. industries began to spring up in various places. Taverns for the accommodation of travelers, saw-mills, gist-mills. tanneries and distilleries were soon put in operation. The first tavern in the present township limits was kept at Leesville, by Robert Lee Jr., then a young man of twenty-four. It was built in 1829, and was the first house erected in the place. Mr. Lee did not long continue the business, but soon sold it to Elisha Allen, who carried it on for several years. Henry Hershner, at Middletown, also gave accommodations to the traveling public for a number of years. These "wayside inns" were great places of resort in early days, and were also welcome places of rest to the emigrants traveling further westward. The corn which the pioneer farmer raised on his few acres of cleared land. must be ground HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 645 for food, and. as a necessity, among the earliest of pioneer industries was the grist-mill. At first. horse-mills came into vogue and were soon followed by water power, the brooks being valuable aids to this industry. The first horse-mill was owned by Christian Snyder and was located just east of Middletown. The old millstones of this rude institution are now lying at the gateway of .Joseph Gledhill's yard, in the village, and are suggestive of the days when they were revolved by the sturdy strength of some f'armer's horse and when almost the life of the settlers around depended on them for sustenance. This mill of Snyder's did an extensive business. People came for miles with their loads of grain, and were often compelled to wait two and three days before they could obtain their "grinding." and go on their way rejoicing. Oftentimes when the horses gave out or were not to be had. a yoke of oxen would turn the sweep. The mill was kept in to motion. when business demanded it, day and night. The flour made was coarse and uninviting in appearance, the settlers being compelled to bolt it by hand. Westell Ridgely erected a grist-mill in connection with his distillery at a very early date, and it may be a short time before Snyder, but the fact is not established. This was on the banks of the Sandusky, on land now owned by John Long, of Mansfield. It was burned in early days, however, as was supposed by Fisher. Jacob Snyder also built a saw-mill just east of Leesville but did not long continue as its owner. It was bought by Robert Lee. Sr., who added a grist-mill, also a fulling-mill and carding machine. He continued in this for many years, assisted by his sons. Robert. Jr., Porter and Joseph. Henry Hershner erected a saw-mill on the banks of Spring Run, near Middletown, and did considerable sawing. These industries continued for several years and were a source of profit, but the water dwindled in the channels of the streams, until they were no more available. As stated heretofore. Westell Ridgely and John Adrian were the early distillers of the "ardent" in this township, and the first named made a fair article, and whisky had a good sale. Jonas Hassinger started the first tannery in the township, near Leesville. These early industries, from small beginnings, have grown into larger corporations of wealth. Roads were one of the necessities of early settlement. and a blazed road winding in and out among the trees of the forest was very common. There were in an early day, two Indian traces or trails, passing through this township, one leading from near the present site of New Philadelphia. in Tuscarawas County, to the Indian town in Wyandot. This passed through the camp of the Delaware War Chieftain Wingenund about the time of Crawford's Campaign. Later than this an Indian trail passed through the village of Middletown, east and west, and led from Mansfield to near Bucyrus. After the settlement by the white, however, roads were laid out as most convenienced the pioneer, and they were necessarily crooked, being constructed on the high places to avoid the building of bridges. Evidences of this fact still exist in the crookedness of many of the present roads in Jefferson Township. In about 1830, the first State highway, called the Columbus and Cleveland road, was laid out through Middletown and Leesville, and nine miles of it was cleared and constructed by the citizens as an encouragement to the enterprise and an aid to their own convenience, another State road and mail route was from Mansfield to Bucyrus and passed through Middletown. In the course of time, other local and county roads were laid out. and to-day the roads of the township are convenient. but there is not a single pike here nor elsewhere in the county, and in the winter the travel is well-nigh impossible. Fords then, instead of bridges, were common, and it was some time before bridges were constructed The first was over the Sandusky at 646 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. Leesville, and was built by the citizens of the surrounding country. It was made of logs crossed and fastened down for abutments and heavy trunks of trees were thrown across. This rude structure has been replaced by a magnificent stone arch bridge, and many others of this kind are in the township. As already stated. the first village within the borders of the present township of Jefferson was laid out by Rev. Robert Lee, Sr., and called in his honor, Leesville. It was located on a quarter-section of land. bought of Jacob Snyder, and was laid off in lots which sold for $25 to $50 at private sale. Soon after the village was founded, which was in 1829, by the efforts of Mr. Lee, several mechanics were induced to come and settle here and engage in their respective pursuits. Robert Lee. Jr., was the fiat business man in the town, and was for many ,years proprietor of a general store. Alexander Cannon came early and started a chair-factory on a small scale, and employed Rickson Lewis as a painter. Dr. .John McKean came in about 1830, and remained for many years. Of late years, however, he has made his home at Crestline. He was a physician of merit and was very popular and highly esteemed by all who knew him. John Lewis kept public house here succeeding Robert Lee. Jr., Elisha Castle was the first shoemaker in the community and Peter Wert was the first wagon-maker and blacksmith. John Teel was another early blacksmith of the township, and also started the first saloon. The first merchants were Robert and Porter Lee, who kept a general store for a number of years and were very successful. Nearly every branch of industry was represented here in a short time and the town bid fair to become a place of some commercial consequence, and was for some time a better trading-point than any of its sister towns. The railroad, however, changed the channels of trade. Leesville has lost ground of late years. Judge Lee was the first Postmaster, and received the appointment from Gen. Jackson. He held this office for several years. William DeWalt is the present incumbent of the office, having a provision store in connection with it. Upon the opening of the stone, quarries, a new branch of industry sprung up, and new houses were built in the village. These valuable quarries are on land originally owned by John Newman, and are now owned and worked by Heckert, Rupp anal others, who are engaged in quarrying and shipping vast quantities of stone. The products of these quarries are said to be equal to the celebrated Berea sandstone. A number of men are employed, and make their homes in Leesville. This is the must valuable branch of industry connected with Leesville, and bids fair to increase in importance. At present the village contains a blacksmith-shop, a cabinet and silo' shop, three saloons, two groceries and one general store. It has about 300 inhabitants, and has grown but little in the last few year,. There are two churches the United Brethren, organized in 1835, and the Lutherans organized somewhat later. A new schoolhouse is in process of erection and when completed will he an ornament and honor to the community. Middletown has become indeed a "deserted village," recalling to mind the lines of Goldsmith: "Sweet smiling village, loveliest of the lawn, Thy sports are fled and all thy charms withdrawn. Amidst thy bowers the Tyrant's hand is seen, And desolation saddens all thy green." The village was laid out in about 1835, by Henry Hershner, on land belonging to the Ashcrofts, the Snyders and Hershner himself. It was intended that this village should some day become quite a metropolis, and one of the oldest houses in the place, now occupied by Joseph Gledhill, was built without windows on its south side, as the intention was to build a large block some time in tile near future. Lots were disposed of at good prices, and Henry Hershner himself opened the first store, and was HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. - 647 succeeded by his son John. Washington Modie opened a blacksmith-shop, and Jacob Hershner, a cabinet-maker, followed his trade, both with good success. For awhile it seemed as if there would soon be quite a village, but gradually it went down, its mechanics left for better towns, and now not a business house is in operation. There are two church buildings, the Methodist Protestant and the United Brethren. A portion of North Robinson lies on the border line of this township, and comprises the store of Morrison Brothers, the saw-mill of Worden & Fetter, the restaurant of D. C. Spitzer, the Village Hotel of W. P. Deam. and the the factory of Sickman & Fate. An extended history of North Robinson will be found in the chapter on Whetstone Township. Much, indeed, can be told of a township and of its people, by their church buildings and schoolhouses. These are always indices of its morals and intelligence, and convey to the stranger an idea as to the class of citizens. Whatever rises a modest church spire, one may find evidences of Christian culture that speak for themselves. Schoolhouse, well kept up, also denote the intelligence and enterprise of a community, and. considering; .Jefferson Township from this standpoint, she is in many respects a favored township. After the early pioneers had built themselves cabins, the matter of Christianity and religion was not neglected. Early after his settlement, Henry Hershner organized a congregation of the United Brethren, and for many years the services were held at his own house, after which a church was erected in Middletown, which is still standing, and of which Rev. Potts. of North Robinson, is Pastor. The church was one of the earliest, if not the earliest organization in the county. There was a church erected in about 1835, on the land now belonging to John Smith. It was for many years known as the "Smith Church," but has long been torn down, and naught remains now but a small cemetery. The United Brethren Church of Leesville is the oldest church organization in the village, and is in charge of Rev. Aunmiller, of Bucyrus. The English Lutheran Church was organized a short time after the first mentioned, and is in charge of Rev. Miller, of Galion. Both churches are strong and self supporting. In about 1860, the Methodist Protestant Church was organized at Middletown, by the efforts of Mr. Newton Ashcroft and others, and a neat, substantial edifice erected. Rev. Grimes is the present Pastor. The German Reformed organization have a church in the southern part of the township, under the Pastorate; of Rev. Lober, of Galion. Thus there is a church for every four miles of territory in Jefferson Township, while a number of the citizens are connected with the churches at Crestline, Galion and Robinson. In early days, Rev. Joseph Van Deman, of Delaware, a Presbyterian preacher, was well known throughout this section, and was instrumental in the organization of several churches in the county. Rev. Robert Lee, Sr., though he held no Pastorate after his removal here, yet did considerable in the cause of his Master, as did also his sons, who have always been devoted Christian worker. Jacob Newman was an early preacher, most of his services being held in the homes of the settlers. The first Sunday school held in Crawford County was organized near the northern boundary line of Jefferson Township, by David Wert, one of the pioneers of that section. One of the earliest Sunday schools in Jefferson was held at the home of a man named Worden, in about 1832. Soon after, like organizations were made in Leesville and Middletown, and have been continued ever since. "Education is the hope of a Republic," is the motto of some truthful writer, and when we survey the substantial school buildings in the different parts of the State, and mark what progress is being made in education, we are ready to subscribe to the same motto. The 648 - HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY. early pioneers of Jefferson were men of foresight, and deemed education necessary to progression. But few families had settled in the township, when a rude schoolhouse was built about 1824, south of Leesville, near the "Hog's Back." It was constructed of round logs, and was in size about 20x24 feet. There was a large fire-place in one end, and oiled paper served as windows. The floor was a rude puncheon affair, and the seats were hewed slabs with four legs. For a writing desk, a slab was placed against the wall in a slanting position and supported by wooden pins driven into the logs. In this rude structure taught and ruled the first schoolmaster of the township, David Dorn, of Pennsylvania. He was of limited education, and his pronunciation was none of the best, but rather broken. He had at first an attendance of nine pupils, for which he received 75 cents apiece per month, thus making his salary $6.75 per month, the term continuing four months. Soon after this, a schoolhouse was erected on the Tracht place, and this was taught by David Gill. Leesville erected a schoolhouse some time after, and soon there were several in the township. A very early school was held on the farm of John McClure, in his own house. It was taught first one week by himself and another by Mr. Akers, thus continuing alternately to the end of an ordinary term. The father of Newton Ashcroft was an early teacher, and had taught considerable in Pennsylvania before coming to Ohio. He came in 1828, and spent several years teaching, and was a mathematician excelled by few. It was customary in those days for the teacher to "board around" with the families whose children made up his little kingdom, governed by that most righteous scepter, the ferule. As a rule, the school-masters of that day were strict and severe in their government, using the ferule extensively, with full faith in the Scripture doctrine. that "sparing the rod will spoil the child." Many a large pupil was pummeled promiscuously when he became a transgressor of the law. It was customary at Christmas for the teacher to "treat," and if not so inclined. he was "barred out" of the schoolhouse. Oftentimes the larger boys made it rather lively for him, and were often encouraged by their sires. Old Mr. Ashcroft was once teaching a school where the pupils were determined that he should treat or stay out of the schoolroom. Accordingly, they barricaded the door, and upon his arrival he was refused admittance unless he would accede to their demands. He was a man of great determination, and made up his mind not to be balked by a set of unruly boys. So, clambering on the roof, with several clapboards, he placed them over the chimney, a large fire being in progress in the fire-place below. In a few seconds, the whole school came out like a swarm of bees, and with tearful eyes. They were "treated" enough and resigned themselves to their usual work. Since those days, with the progress in farming and the general improvement in the township. the old rude buildings where education was dispensed to the rising generation have given place to new, substantial and convenient structures, which are creditable to the community. These schools are the outgrowth of intelligence and prosperity, and, as such are the bulwarks and defenses of our Republic. Jefferson Township may well he proud of her schools and churches. The first, the guardians of knowledge: the last. the guardians of morality, two elements that aid each other in the advancement of the human race. |