HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY - 421

HISTORY OF THE TOWNSHIPS,

CHAPTER XLIV.

BERLIN TOWNSHIP.

NAME AND ORGANIZATION-FIRST ELECTION-TOPOGRAPHY

PRIMITIVE CONDITION-MOUND BUILDERS-INDIANS

FIRST SETTLERS AND SETTLEMENTS-THE MARKLEYS-A.

H. ROYCE-THE LEEDYS - RICHARD ROBERTS-"CELE-

STIAL LIGHT"-THE OLD HARTER TAVERN-SHALER'S

MILL-OTHER M ILLS-PALMYRA-ANKENYTOW N-SCHOOL-

HOUSES AND TEACHERS-CHURCHES-POPULATION JUS-

TICES OF THE PEACE.

"--------------The hills

Rock-ribbed and ancient as the sun; the vales

Stretching in pensive quietness between;

The venerable woods; rivers that move

In majesty, and the complaining brooks

That make the meadows green;

. . . . . . . . . . . Are decorations all

Of the great tomb of man-----"

W. C. BRYANT.

BERLIN township derived its name from Berlin, Connecticut, the name being proposed by Stephen Cole. It was created June 4, 1822, as stated on the journal of the commissioners in the following extract:

Ordered, That the following boundaries be laid out into a separate and distinct township, towit: Beginning at the Southwest corner of the eighth township in the thirteenth range, thence north on the township line to the old boundary line; thence on said boundary line to where the nearest north and south line in the new purchase strikes said boundary line; thence north on said north and south line to the county line between Knox and Richland counties; thence east on said line one-half mile further than where the line between the twelfth and thirteenth ranges strikes said county line; thence due south one-half mile east of said range line to the south boundary of the eighth township in the twelfth range; thence west on said township line to the southwest corner of the same; thence north to the southeast corner of the eighth township in the thirteenth range; thence west on said township line to the place of beginning, which shall be known by the name of Berlin township, which shall be entitled to all the privileges of a separate and distinct township as aforesaid.

An election was ordered to be held at the house of Michael Harter on the twenty-second day of June, 1822, for the purpose of electing township officers.

Berlin township was reduced to its present limits March 9, 1825:

Berlin shall be composed of the eighth township of the thirteenth range, except the sixth and seventh sections in said township eighteen.

It first belonged to Wayne, but was afterward included in the territory of Pike, before receiving an independent existence. Its northern boundary line joins Richland county; it is the most northern of the second tier of townships from the west line of the county - the tier in which Mt. Vernon is located.

The Greenville treaty line, located by General Wayne at the close of the Indian war in 1795, passes across the northern part of this township, running a little south of west, about a mile north of Ankenytown. The Baltimore & Ohio railroad passes diagonally across it from northeast to southwest. It is sufficiently watered by the east branch of the East fork of Owl creek; this stream passes diagonally across the township in the same general f direction as the railroad. The tributaries of this stream drain the larger part of its surface. The west branch of Schenck's creek, a tributary of the Kokosing, rises in the northwest corner of the township, and numerous and beautiful springs are to be found in various parts.

Originally it was covered with a dense forest of hard wood of every description. This fact speaks volumes for the quality of the land; wherever the

422 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

soil was covered with black walnut, sugar, beech, hickory, etc., the pioneer well knew the soil could not be surpassed for agricultural purposes. When the first white settlers made their appearance there was not probably a spot of ground in the township large enough to erect a cabin without first clearing away the trees and underbrush. It was a paradise for the wild animal and the wild hunter.

The Mound Builders left traces of their occupation, and it is almost startling to think that in the centuries gone by a civilization existed here that might have compared favorably with the present one; that, probably, the land was cleared and cultivated as it is to-day. The number of mounds and ancient earthworks that existed in this township will never be known; no doubt the ravages of time have destroyed hundreds of them, and only those remain that were exceptionally large, or that occupied positions exceptionally favorable for preservation. One of these elevations was known to exist on what is known as the Ellis Willet place, near the Quaker meeting-house. It was not large, being, perhaps, thirty or forty feet in diameter at the base, and eight or ten feet in height. It stood exactly upon the spot Mr. Willet had selected for his house, and hence was destroyed. The cellar was dug directly under the mound; human bones were found, some articles resembling cooking utensils, or supposed to have been used for that purpose; charcoal, evidences of fire, etc.; these are usually found in all the ancient mounds that receive a thorough examination. Thus it is that the abode of one civilization is reared upon the tomb of another, and

". . . . . . . .All that tread

The globe are but a handful to the tribes

That slumber it its bosom."

A mound, larger than the ordinary size, is located on the Davis farm, in the southern part of the township. It is, probably, fifty or sixty feet in diameter at the base and fifteen feet in height. Like the others it is made up of sandy loam, and situated on high ground. These mounds are evidently connected with the one that stood on the present site of Fredericktown, and with several others in Morris township. Were the timber cleared away these mysterious elevations would all appear in sight of each other, or at least in such connection that signaling from one to the other would be comparatively easy.

Whether the Mound Builders were the first animals in human form to tread the soil of Berlin township can only be conjectured. It has been established by indisputable evidence that they were here more than seven hundred years ago, and were the pioneer settlers here so far as history traces the inhabitants.

It does not appear that the next inhabitants of this township, the Indians, had any permanent residence within its limits; they used it, however, as a hunting ground, roaming freely through its silent woods for centuries before they were disturbed and driven away by the white savage. When the first settlers came they found the territory occupied by stray squads of hunters from the Greentown and Jerometown Indians, and the Delawares and Wyandots. An old Indian named Toby is remembered by the early settlers. He established his wigwam on what has since been known as "Toby's Run," where he lived and hunted until about the time of the War of 1812, when he disappeared.

The third race to occupy this territory began coming about 1808, or before. Bedford county, Pennsylvania, probably has the honor of sending Berlin its first settlers; these were the Markleys. Henry Markley came in 1808, and erected the first cabin in the township, upon the farm now owned by James McIntire. Markley was accompanied by John Brown, sr. Mr. Markley purchased one thousand acres of land, lying on the north side of what was known as the Ellicott section; this section occupying one-fourth of the township, or four thousand acres. His family consisted of his wife, three sons and two daughters, viz: Henry Markley, jr., John, James, Mary and Amelia; all are now dead. John Brown's family consisted of wife, three sons, John, Jeremiah and Thomas, and a daughter, who married John Pinkley. None of these are now living.

Amos H. Royce, the first justice of the peace in this township, came to Fredericktown in 1809, and settled in this township in 1810. He was born in 1786, in Connecticut, removed with his father to New York State, and from there to this county. This remarkable pioneer is yet living in Fredericktown at the age of ninety-four, and is yet in full

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 423

possession of his mental faculties and enjoying good health, with a fair prospect of completing, at least a century on earth. His father was a Revolutionary soldier, and for this service obtained a land warrant for lands located in this township, upon which Amos H. settled with a family of ten children, viz: Norton D., Mary, Erneline, Sally, Louisa M.; Julia Ann, Alfred, Laura, Lucy and Jane A. Those now living are Emeline, Julia Ann, Laura and Jane A. Amos H. Royce was a soldier in the War of 1812, serving on the frontier and with General Hull for a short time, and for this service draws a pension. He was one of the soldiers surrendered by Hull. He assisted in building a block-house at Mansfield and one at Trucksville, and was stationed at New Haven, or rather encamped on the site of that village, at the time of the Copus murder, and was one of a squad of soldiers that followed that same band of Indians a short distance just prior to the massacre, they having encamped the night before the murder near the site of New Haven.

The Leedys were an important and influential family among the pioneers of this township. There were five brothers: John, Jacob, Abraham, Samuel and Daniel. Some of these settled further north in Richland county, in the vicinity of Bellville. Many of their descendants are yet living in Richland and Knox. The Leedys trace their ancestry back to Switzerland; in this country they first settled in Maryland, and moved thence to Bedford county, Pennsylvania, before coming to Ohio.

Among the earliest settlers in this township beside those mentioned, were Stephen Cole, Ed. and Isaac N. Richardson, George Wolford; James Fraer, John C. Brown, John and Peter Kreigher, Frederick Ogg, Jeremiah Brown, Richard and Israel Roberts, John Long, Joseph Lane, Daniel and Joseph Hetrick, the Joslyns, John Moltzbaugh, the Wrights, Farquhars, Pinkleys, William Van Horne, Peter Wolf, David McDaniel, Michael Harter, John Lewis, Casper Fitting, and perhaps others.

E. Richardson moved , to the West, but his brother became a judge, and was an influential man in the county. The descendants of the Kreighers and Robertses are, some of them, yet living on the old places, where their fathers settled in 1808 or 1809. John Long was a relative by marriage of the Leedys; one of his family is now a resident of Pike township. Joseph Lane came from Connecticut, and married the daughter of Stephen Cole; he was a cabinetmaker. Daniel Hetrick and his brother came from Bedford county, Pennsylvania; the former married a Leedy and raised a large family, some of whom are yet living in this neighborhood. John Moltzbaugh came about x815; he was a Dunkard preacher, and with the help of the Leedys organized a Dunkard church. Stephen Cole came from Connecticut, settling here about 1816, and becoming an influential man among the pioneers. His family consisted of Stephen, jr., Wilbur, Henry, Russel (now living in Chicago) and two daughters. Wilbur now occupies the old homestead.

Richard Roberts, an old resident of this township, was born in Frederick county, Maryland, in July, 1789, and removed to Ohio, with his father, Henry Roberts, in 1805, and stopped in Belmont county one year. In 1806 he pitched his tent and built a cabin on the farm now owned by Nicholas Darling, in Morris township. In 1819 he built a cabin on the farm in Berlin township, on which he died, August 24, 1877, at the age of eighty-eight years, making him fifty-eight years a resident of Berlin, and a resident of the State seventy-two years. He married a daughter of John Garrison, an early settler, in the vicinity of Palmyra. His family consisted of nine daughters and one son-a family of intelligence and high respectability. Of the members of this family Mrs. Louisa Cohen, a widow lady, is now a resident of Mt. Vernon; Rebecca married Gideon Elliott, and died some years ago; Mrs. Hubbell, some years after the death of his wife, married Ellen, a sister of his deceased wife; Phoebe married C. G. Mount, and resides in Fredericktown, a widow; Martha died in childhood; Elizabeth, wife of Milton B. Williams, of Berlin; Mary, wife of Cory B. Chancey, and Emily, the wife of W. B. Rowley, of Fredericktown. Burr resides on the homestead.

Uncle Richard, as he was familiarly called, was of a very social disposition-a great talker-and delighted in talking over the scenes of early times. The cabin, the big log fire, and the winter evening were the necessary surroundings for Uncle Richard

424 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

to tell the younger ones of his hunting exploits, when Ohio was a three-year-old.

Celestial Le Blond, a Frenchman, was also among the early settlers in this township. His name is entered on pool-book as "Celestiai Light;" he was a little eccentric and quite conspicuous. He was the originator of Shaler's mill, but was unsuccessful; he afterwards removed to Bellville, where he died. The .family subsequently moved west, and a son, Francis C., became a member of Congress from one of the western districts of Ohio.

One of the early and prominent settlers was Michael Harter, a brother-in-law of Henry Markley, who came about 18o8, and settled upon land now owned by the Farquhar heir. Harter erected a log house on the crossing of the two roads leading from Mt. Vernon to Mansfield, and from Columbus to Wooster. "Harter's tavern" became a prominent place. The first and many subsequent elections were held here, and the militia musters of those early days. It was said to be the best tavern then in northern Ohio. The old people were kind and hospitable, and the society of the amiable Miss Christiana made it an uncommonly interesting place for sleighing and other parties. The fame of "Aunt" Katie's cooking spread far and wide, and caused weary, mud-bespattered travelers to ride many long miles after nightfall to get there. Harter planted the first orchard in Knox county, and now lies buried in the midst of it, on the hill east of the old tavern stand. He brought the trees from a nursery then called a plantation, down on the Muskingum river. Harter's brother-in-law, Markley, had been a merchant, and was a quick, sprightly business man, and hence was selected as one of the first commissioners of the county. He was generous and well liked by the people. The road upon which stood Harter's tavern became a great thoroughfare, over which the great four and six-horse freight wagons rolled, carrying the produce of the rich counties of Knox and Licking to the market at the lake. The early stages and mail carriers also passed over this road many years. The tavern was built about 1813 or 1814; subsequently a brick addition was built. Mr. Harter died here, and his widow sold out and moved to Canton, where some of the descendants yet reside. One of the same family is now president of the Peerless Reaper company, at Canton; another a director in three of the banks there; another the prosecuting attorney of Stark county, and a fourth is the treasurer of the Aultman & Taylor company, at Mansfield.

Jacob Switzer was probably the next owner of this tavern stand; but after the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark railroad was built, it went down gradually until it was no longer a paying institution. Switzer sold to a man from the West Indies by the name of John Bassett. Warner Miller, long a resident of Mt. Vernon, and now living in Newark, held a mortgage on it and became its owner. It is now a brick dwelling house, and is owned by a Mr. Gilmore.

What has for many years been known as "Shaler's mill," a half-mile east of the present village of Ankenytown, was among the first mills erected in the township, and the first post office was established here, the first postmaster being Mr. J. M. Robinson. This was about 1844. Mr. H. W. Greegor succeeded Mr. Robinson, about 1848, and has retained the office ever since. It was called Shaler's Mills post office, and yet retains that name, though Mr. Greegor has kept it for many years in his store at Ankenytown.

In 1849, a post office was established at the residence of Richard Roberts, called "Maple Grove," and he was appointed postmaster, continuing as such until 1860, when the office was discontinued at his request.

As before mentioned Shaler's mill was established by Celestial Le Blond, about 1815, or perhaps later. He undertook more than he was able to perform, being without practical experience in mill building, and after erecting a saw-mill, and doing, perhaps, some preliminary work on the grist-mill, he sold out to a Mr. Brollier, who erected the first grist-mill. Brollier sold out to Mr. Shaler about 1840, the latter running the mill many years. It is yet in operation, being owned by Mr. William Toms.

Amos H. Royce erected one of the first sawmills, on the present site of Ankenytown, on Isaac's run. He purchased two acres, containing the mill seat of Mr. William Shultz, an early settler from Pennsylvania, and after running the mill a few years, sold out to Snyder & Grove, who erected a

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 425

grist-mill, which they conducted several years. This mill went down several years ago. Isaac's run no longer furnishes the amount of mill power that it once did. Two or three other saw-mills were erected in an early day upon this same stream, above that of Mr. Royce. David McDaniel built one and Moses Faulkner another. These have long since disappeared. Several saw-mills were also erected on the main fork above Shaler's mill, but none now exist. Saw-mills are no longer erected; timber is getting too scarce; farmers now buy the larger part of the lumber they use, at the city lumber yards. Messrs. Strong & Son's mill was erected on the east branch of Owl creek in the southern part of this township near Fredericktown. The first mill here may have been built as early as 1825. Strong subsequently erected an expensive and excellent mill, and did a large business for some years. It passed into other hands a few years ago, and was destroyed by fire.

Palmyra, for many years, was the only town in the township. It was laid out November 17, 1835. Prior to this date a tavern had been erected there, which for many years was a noted stopping place for stages and wagons, voyaging by mud or snow from Fredericktown to Mansfield. A post office was established there; this with the tavern and a little grocery constituted the business; and a few dwellings added made up the town. The railroad came through and extinguished what little life it had, by monopolizing the carrying trade; nothing is left of it but a few dwellings and a church.

The land upon which Ankenytown stands was first owned by Aaron Bull, a Revolutionary soldier, who, for services in that war, received the land warrant which placed him in possession of land, then in the wilderness, but now highly cultivated and very valuable. One of the earliest settlers here was Sylvester Clark, who married the daughter of this soldier, and came here to occupy the wild lands of his father-in-law. There are many owners of this property at present. Mr. Shultz, before mentioned, early purchased some of this land of Clark, and Mr. Royce purchased two acres of it for a mill seat. Abraham Leedy was also one of the first purchasers of ground upon which the town stands. The mill, before mentioned, was probably the germ of the present town. When the railroad came through, Warner Miller, of Mt. Vernon, erected a warehouse, and also established a store, putting Mr. H. W. Greegor in charge of both. George Ankeny came here from Pennsylvania about this time, purchased a small piece of land from Abraham Leedy, and built a blacksmith shop in the town. He was a very excellent and influential man, and the town came to be called by his name. He was a blacksmith, a justice of the peace and finally a member of the legislature. Mr. Brollier, who owned Shaler's mill, started the first store here about r 84o, and kept it three or four years, but failed to make the business pay. J. M. Robinson was the next store keeper, and H. W. Greegor took charge of it about 1851, and has kept it ever since.

The place sometimes went by the name of "Squeal," from the fact, it is said, that when the iron horse first made its appearance, his "squeal" so alarmed the natives that they turned out armed cap-a-pie with guns and blunderbusses to capture him, though this account is probably somewhat exaggerated. The iron horse, however, ran over and killed some stock belonging to some of the farmers, which so incensed them, that, fearing this might be of frequent occurrence, they banded together and tore up the track, which brought on a lawsuit, the history of which appears on the records of the common pleas court at Mt. Vernon.

The first school-house, probably, in the township was erected on the site of Ankenytown, on a lot directly opposite Mr. Greegor's store. John Lewis, a son of Governor Lewis, taught here. The building was a hewed log, and was afterward used as a dwelling. The next school-house was probably that built upon land donated by Abraham Leedy. Ankenytown now contains one store, a few shops and a dozen or more dwellings. Mr. Greegor has kept the, store about thirty years, during which time he has also been freight and express agent for the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, serving without compensation. Ankenytown is at present the only village in the township. Shaler's mills once aspired to be a town, and obtained a store and post-office, but being unable to advance, realized the full meaning of qui non proficit, deficit.

But three churches have an existence within the limits of the township. The Dunkards were probably the first religious denomination to sow the

426 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

seeds of the gospel on the soil of Berlin. Their society was organized as early as 1815, by John Moltsbaugh and the Leedys, as before mentioned. Another pioneer family, the Hetricks, were also members of this society. It was the habit of this society in those early days, and part of their religious creed, to feed the multitude; they therefore held services every two or three weeks, in the cabins of the members, and invited everybody to come, spreading a large table with all the good things the forest and soil produced. The members of the society and the older people sat down to this table, after which everybody present was invited to the repast. When the wants of the "inner man" were satisfied, and everybody in good humor, the preaching began; the people were then in good condition. to receive the gospel and look favorably upon its teachings.

About 1850 the society erected the present substantial frame church, about one-quarter of a mile north of Ankenytown. There are forty, or fifty people yet connected with this church, and for some reason they call themselves Baptists.

The Methodist Episcopal church, located near the south line of the township, was organized about 1830; though many years before this the denomination had itinerant ministers through the township, who preached in the cabins of the settlers and in the old log school-house, in the open air, or wherever they could get an audience. The original members of this church, or some of them, were John Durbin and wife, Stephen Cole and wife, A. H. Royce and wife, Isaac Cole and wife, and some others. The Coles were prominent, and donated the land upon which the present church stands. Before the church was erected the society met at the cabin of Mr. Royce, and in the schoolhouse. Their first church edifice was erected about 1834, and was used about twenty, years, when the present neat frame was built. It stands a little east of the road leading from Mt. Vernon to Mansfield. Revs. William Herr and Russell Bigelow were among the earliest ministers of this church, as well as of all other Methodist churches in this and the adjoining counties. Rev. D. D. T. Mattison is the present pastor, with a membership of about fifty.

The Sunday-school, yet connected with the church, was organized even before the church had an existence as an organization here. It is one of the permanent institutions of this neighborhood.

A second Methodist church was organized at Palmyra, about 1840, but has since gone down, though it had an active existence several years. Robert Sites and Joseph Palmer were probably influential in establishing it. They worshiped in the school-house a few years, then purchased a cooper shop and fitted it up for a church building. Most of its members now belong to other churches.

Lately, about 1874, the Disciples erected a church at Palmyra. This organization was effected after many years of gradual growth, during which an occasional minister visited the neighborhood and preached to the people. There are thirty or forty members now connected with this church.

While the Methodists were in a flourishing condition they established a Sunday-school, which has been regularly kept up and now meets in the new church.

In 1830 this township had five hundred and twenty inhabitants; eleven thousand six hundred and seventy-four acres of land were entered for taxation, and valued at thirty-four thousand seven hundred and twenty-four ' dollars. In 1840, the population was one thousand one hundred; in 1850, one thousand one hundred and fifty-six; in 1860, one thousand and twelve; in 1870, eight hundred and eighty-seven; and in 1880, nine hundred and ten.

Following is a list of the justices of the peace: Amos H. Royce, elected in 1821, and re-elected in 1825, 1827, 1830 and 1833; Richard Roberts, 1823; Elijah McGregor, 1836; George Ankeny, 1836, 1839, 1842; Alexander Menzie, 1838; J. A. Richardson, 1838, 1841 ; Joel Elliott, 1841; Richard Roberts, 1844; Henry Miller, 1845; Alfred Royce, 1847 ; George Shaffer, 1848; Gideon Elliott, 1849; Joseph Ankeny, 1850, 1855; Michael Hess, 1852; J. C. Auten, 1855; Alfred Royce, 1856; Joseph Ankeny, 1858; James Conings, 1859; J. W. Condon, 1859; George Irwin, 1860; Issacher Rowley, 1862 ; J. W. Condon, 1863; Augustus Rowley, 1865, 1868; J. W. Condon, 1866, 1869; S.J. Moore, 1872, 1875; William Tours, 1872; C. A. Amsbaugh, 1873, 1876, 1879; R. B. Smith, 1878.

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 427

CHAPTER XLV.

BROWN TOWNSHIP.

ORGANIZATION - FIRST ELECTION-LIST OF JUSTICES OF

THE PEACE-TOPOGRAPHY-HUNTING GROUNDS-PIGEON -

ROOST--BEAR STORY-FIRST SETTLERS AND SETTLE-

MENTS - MILLS -SCHOOLS-CHURCHES-JELLOWAY-INSURANCE.

BROWN belongs to the northern tier of townships, with Pike on the west, Jefferson on the east, and Howard on the south. It was named in honor of Major General Brown, a distinguished officer in the last war with Great Britain. It was originally included in Union. On the ninth of March, 1825, it was "attached to Jefferson, until it shall be ascertained that there are inhabitants enough in Brown to have it organized." At that date there were but a small number of inhabitants in the township. Several families in the meantime having moved into the township it was further ordered by the commissioners March 6, 1826, "that Brown be hereafter considered a separate and distinct township, and the election be held at the house of Jonas Ewing for township officers on the first Monday in April." The following have been the justices of the peace for Brown township since 1825: 1825, Samuel Parkhurst; 1826, Jonas Ewing; 1830, James McMillen; 1831 James Blair; 1833, James McMillen; 1834-7, .James Blair and Thomas Wade; 1840, James Blair and Thomas Wade; 1843, James Blair; 1844, Thomas Wade; 1845, John W. Guberson; 1846, William Soverns and James Blair; 1849, James Blair; 1850, William Severns and Joseph Pinkley; 1852, Solomon C. Workman; 1853, Joseph Pinkley; 1854, John Hicks; 1856, John W. Leonard; 1857, Joseph Pinkley; 1859-62, John W. Leonard; 1863, John P. Cumingham; 1866, Miles Darkins and Jacob Frederick; 1872, Miles Darkins and John W. Leonard; 1875, Edward E. Whitney; 1878, Marion Pinkley and E. E. Whitney; 1879, D. C. Whitney..

The general surface of Brown township is broken, and in many places hilly, but the land is generally fertile, and yields ample returns to the husbandman for his labors. It is well timbered with oak, sugar, beech, chestnut, elm and sycamore.

The Big Jelloway creek is the main stream of water, and traverses the township from northwest to southeast, entering near the northwest corner from Richland county and continuing in a southeasterly direction, passes out of the northeast corner of the township into Howard. It was named after Tom. Jelloway, a noted Indian chief, whose tribe was frequently camped along this stream. The Little Jelloway creek crosses the southwest corner Sapp's run rises near the centre of the township, and flows in a southwesterly course, emptying into the Big Jelloway. These streams, with their tributaries, afford abundant water power and privileges for all practical purposes.

This township at its first settlement, and for many years subsequent, was one of the best hunting grounds in Ohio. The numerous high hills here and in the adjoining townships of Ashland and Richland counties, afforded a retreat for deer, bear, wolves, foxes, and other wild animals, and they were to be found in this section several years. As than in the other townships of Knox county. As late as 1840 deer were still hunted.

There was a noted pigeon-roost to the southern part of Brown township, where on each returning spring, for many years after its first settlement, immense numbers of pigeons would roost. The roost covered about six hundred acres, and was visited by hundreds of persons within a radius of fifty miles. Bears still lurked in the forest, and on one occasion Alexander McKee, a pioneer of Brown, while hunting pigeons, came very near losing his life at this roost. He became separated from the party of hunters who accompanied him to the roost, and while engaged in killing and bagging the birds, he suddenly aroused a large and ferocious she-bear with three or four cubs. He ascended the nearest sapling he could find, pursued by the bear, who caught him by the leg, just as he reached the first limb of the tree. He held on with a firm grip, and shouted lustily for help, but the noise and confusion caused by the hunters and flying pigeons prevented his companions from hearing him for some time. In the meantime the bear was tearing the flesh from his limb with all possible dispatch, and before assistance came he was so badly lacerated as to be a cripple for life, and it was by much care and attention that his life was saved at all.

The first settlers came to Brown about 1809.

428 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

As far as can be ascertained, Charles McKee was the first white man to permanently settle within the present limits of this township. He came here from Ireland about 1809. Alexander McKee was probably the second settler, coming. to Brown about 1810, and locating in the eastern part of the township, near Big Jelloway creek. At that date Indians were numerous, and they had camps in different places, especially along the Jelloway. They were frequent visitors at the cabin of Mr. McKee. He was a jovial, hospitable Irishman, and generally kept a good supply of liquor on hands, both for his own use and for the entertainment of his friends; and one occasion a party of sixty-five Indians called at his house, and remained some hours, drinking whiskey with him, and having a jolly time generally. He was a noted hunter, and was engaged much of the time hunting the wild animals which abounded in Brown at that time.

Jacob Phifer was another of the early settlers and enterprising citizens. He was a native of Germany, and served ten years in the German army prior to his coming to America. He was also a soldier in the war of 1812, serving in the American army. He came to Brown in 1818, settling in the northern part of the township, and was engaged in farming some years. He also kept a hotel on the present site of Jelloway, several years before the village was located. His hotel was on the line of the old stage route leading from Cleveland to Columbus, and was a favorite stopping place of the wearied traveler in the days of the old fashioned stagecoach. He died in 1846, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years.

Zephaniah Wade came from Virginia to this township in 1816. During the Revolutionary war he became an ardent patriot and commanded a company of rifleman from Loudoun county, Virginia. He was an efficient officer and his company was in several battles in that memorable struggle for independence.

James Blair, one of Browns most prominent and useful citizens, came to Knox county early in this century. He first settled in Union township, but removed here in 1820. Being well educated and having the esteem and confidence of his neighbors, he was frequently chosen justice of the peace, and served more terms in that capacity than any one that has ever resided in the township. After his removal to Knox county he worked several years in Shrimplin's mill, on Owl creek. He also followed farming while living here. He was a poet of considerable local celebrity, and his poetical effusions were occasionally published in the papers of that period. No citizen of Brown has ever been honored by its citizens more than James Blair, and his memory will long-be cherished here.

James Serverns, John Carghnau, Richard Dakin, Samuel Parkhurst, A. Whitney, Joseph Hall, Jacob Bauge, Daniel Worley, William Prior, Solomon Workman, Adam Sapp, Jacob Robinson, Jacob Shimer, Josiah Frost, and Joseph Robinson, were of the first settlers of this township. The early settlers of Brown were mostly from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, with a small number from Ireland and Germany. They were a hardy, industrious, and frugal people, most of them inured to hardships and dangers before they came here, some of them having served in the Revolutionary war, and also in the Indian wars of the latter part of the last century, and of the still later War of 1812.

They were men of strong convictions, sterling integrity and worth, and were well qualified to lay the foundation upon which the prosperity of Brown now rests. Immor Barrett, who came from Bedford county, Pennsylvania about 1832, built the first grist-mill, and the first saw-mill in 1833. These mills were located on the Little Jelloway run, in the southern part of this township. Bar. rett while residing in Pennsylvania, had been principally engaged in school teaching, and was thoroughly educated, and an estimable citizen.

James Blair built the second grist and saw-mill combined about 1836. John A. Pheister built the third flouring mill in Brown about 1840. There was a saw-mill attached to this grist-mill. Prior to the erection of these mills, the settlers did their milling at Shrimplin's and Giffin's mills on Owl creek, and at Loudonville.

The first school-house as far as known was built near the present village of Jelloway, about 1830, and Joseph Dunlap was the first school teacher. This district embraced a large part of the township, the children coming for several miles through the

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 429

forests to school. This, as well as all the first school-houses, was frequently used for religious meetings, lectures, singing schools, etc. Joseph Pinkley was another of the first teachers.

There is a strong and earnest religious sentiment developed in Brown, the inhabitants most universally, being believers in the Christian religion, and many of them members of some Evangelical denomination. Religious meetings were, at first held in the houses of the pioneers, and in the school-houses. Camp meetings were occasionally held in the woods, "God's first temples," and were always attended by large numbers from Knox and adjoining counties; and although much good was accomplished in the grove meetings, yet they were often the scenes of much rowdyism and confusion, and after the erection of the first church edifices, were discarded by the moral class of the community. Revs. James Marvin and James Hughes of the Christian or New Light church were the pioneer preachers of Brown. They were earnest, devoted ministers and zealously labored for the salvation of the people. The Methodists and Lutherans were early in the field, and the ministers of these denominations held meetings frequently at various places in the township.

The German Evangelical Lutheran church was organized in 1850. The same year a log church was built one and a half miles southwest of Jelloway. This organization has been, from its commencement, a live, active and numerous one, the membership including many names from Knox, Richland, and Ashland counties. Its first members were Jacob Young, George Arnholt, George and Peter Ricard, Thiebolt Lauffer, Adam Arnholt, Peter Maerschal, George Laemer, John Kiever, Frederick Coleman, Gottleib Moltz, Philip and Godfrey Kick, Nicholas Wolyung, Valentine Dohn, John Young, Peter Klein, Fred Schuh, Jacob Young, jr., John Keifer, jr., John Aultz, John Toby and George Rinehart. Its first officers were, Elders Thiebolt Lauffer, Peter Ricard; Deacons, Casper Boehm, Jacob Ricard; trustees, George Ricard, sr., and G. Holtz. Rev. H. Belzer was the first pastor, succeeded by Revs. C. F. Diehl, I. H. Hemberger, I. J. Buckstein, Louis Danman, H. Eisfellen, G. Keif, C. Gabauer, and E. A. Born, the present one. The present membership, including the baptized children, who are considered members, is one hundred and forty. The society continued to worship in the log building until 1857, when a more commodious and neater frame edifice was erected at a cost of one thousand six hundred dollars. In 1880 a parsonage was built in Jelloway village, which cost nearly one thousand dollars. There is a cemetery attached to the church in which many of the first members and their families rest.

The Dunkards or German Baptists organized a society at an early day,.which is known as the Danville German Baptist church. The same officers that are chosen for the government of the Dunkard church near Danville, rule and govern in the church in Brown township. In 1871 a frame building was erected on section fifteen, Revs. Joseph, John L. and John J. Workman have been the pastors of this church.

At one of the camp meetings held in this township about 1840, a tragedy occurred, which resulted in the death of a man named Bartlett He had a stand at the camp grounds where he sold refreshments. During the progress of the meeting, he had incurred the displeasure of a party of roughs, who were in, attendance at the meeting. In order to be revenged they cut a portion of the harness of his team, unknown to him. He started his horses homeward, when the loud yelling and other demonstrations of the party, frightened them so that they ran away at a violent speed. Bartlett was thrown out of the wagon and instantly killed.

Jelloway, originally named Brownsville, is the only town in Brown township. It is situated near the Big Jelloway creek, in the northeastern part of the township and has a population of about one hundred and fifty inhabitants. It was laid out in 1840, by Freeman Pipher. James Pearce built the first house, which he used for a storeroom, and he kept the first store in the town. Steven Brown built the first dwelling house, and Silas Brown the second one. Freeman Pipher was the second merchant. Silas Brown was the first blacksmith. Dr. Maynard was the first physician. Jacob Pipher kept the first hotel, which was built several years before the town was laid out, and was on the line of the old Cleveland and Columbus stage route. The first post office in the township was kept at this hotel, and Jacob Pipher was probably the first

430 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

postmaster. At that time the post office was known as Pipher's Cross Roads. Joseph Pinkley taught the first school in the town. Jefferson Sapp, Morrison, and ----- Whitford were also of the first school teachers. The village is divided into two school districts, the school-houses in both districts being located outside of the village.

There are two religious organizations, but only one church building in the village at present.

The first church was organized in 1850 by the Episcopal Methodists, and a frame edifice erected the same year. Samuel Boyles, Nelson Burrows, John W. Moffitt, Elias Stillwell, Joseph B. Rolland, Joseph Burns, and Francis DeWitt, were the building committee. Among the first members were William Hall, Michael Phifer, Mrs. Lybarger, and Rebecca Phifer. Reverends Bear, Lydy, Neal, Plumber, and Sheldon have been pastors of this organization. Rev. William Wright is the present pastor. The present officers are: George Blakely, John Nuhart, and William Patton, trustees; Marion Pinkley and Michael Oswoltz, stewards. The membership at present numbers about twenty-five.

There is a flourishing Union Sunday school held in this church, with E. L. Waltz as superintendent. There is a cemetery attached to the church, and the only one within the village limits. A new and commodious church edifice will be erected this year, 1881.

The Jelloway English Lutheran church was organized February 20, 1881. The members composing this organization are: S. Hildebrand, Miss Sadie M. Witt, John L Hildebrand, George Thoma, Mrs. E. A. Hildebrand, F. L. Waltz, C. Fish, Mrs. Alice Waltz, W. M. Bauer, Mrs. Alice Hildebrand, Miss Lucinda Waltz, and Mrs. Mary E. Myers. The officers are: George Thoma, elder; E. L. Waltz, John L Hildebrand, deacons; S. Hildebrand, treasurer; W. M. Bauer, secretary; Rev. J. W. Kapp, present pastor. A frame church building will be erected this present year.

The Farmers' Home Fire Insurance company of Jelloway was incorporated April 9, 1872. The first board of trustees were: J. S. Tilton, president; J. W. Smith, vice-president; James Barron, treasurer; S. Hildebrand, secretary; T. O. Boyd, William Barron, J. M. Nyhart, I. R. Bailey, D. M. Tilton. It was organized with a capital of two hundred thousand dollars. In 1879 the capital was reduced to one hundred thousand dollars. There is a real estate security of three hundred and eight thousand five hundred and seventy - four dollars for the payment of the capital. The distinctive features of this company are: 1. It is a stock company, therefore there can be no assessments on its policy holders. 2. Its capital and assets are secured by real estate first leans on improved farms, worth over three hundred thousand dollars, exclusive of improvements or other perishable property. 3. Its rates are low, and no efforts are spared to protect the interests of its patrons. 5. It pays the full amount in case of damage by fire or lightning; 6. Because it is purely a farmers' company, insuring only farm property and detached dwellings, private barns and their contents, and detached churches. Since its organization nearly fifty thousand dollars in losses have been paid. The present board of trustees are: Amos Clark, president; S. Hildebrand, vice-president; E. L. Waltz, secretary; William Garrett, treasurer; Tobias Castor, adjuster; C. Pinkley, I. R. Bailey, George Wohlfard. J. A. Colopy, T. O. Boyd, Amos Clark, James Barron, C. Banbury, William Colwell, W. H. Frasher, J. M. Holmes, William Barron, George McClurg, G. W. Blakeley, William Long, C. W. Critchfield, and R. Banbury.

The Jelloway Mutual Aid Life Insurance association was organized March 5, 1878. The charter members were: Byron Castor, W. M. Crowner, A. J. Hyatt, S. M. Vincent, R. M. Critchfield, M. B. Thoma, T. O. Boyd, J. L Hildebrand. The present officers are Tobias Castor, president; W. M. Crowner, vice-president; T. O. Boyd, treasurer; S. Hildebrand, actuary; S. M. Vincent, legal director; A. J. Hyatt, medical examiner; R. M. Critchfield, E. O. Lybarger, trustees and general agents. The association pays to the insured therein the amount specified in the certificate of insurance at the expiration of a term, ranging from eight to twenty years, according to the age of insured at time of insurance, or if he dies before the stipulated period arrives, to his or her representatives. The membership of the association is limited to five thousand. The beneficiary fund is supported from the surplus of membership fees and assessment of its members. A membership fee of ten dollars,

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 431

from any person of sound mind, between the ages of eighteen and sixty, entitles him to a certificate in the association. All claims arising against the company for death of a member or expiration of a certificate is paid within ninety days after maturity or satisfactory evidence received at the office. Both of these companies are well officered, and are a credit to the enterprise of Jelloway. They are both transacting a very satisfactory business at present.

Although the town of Jelloway has no railroad advantages, it is a place of considerable business activity. There are at present in the village two dry goods stores, owned by Kinder & Myers and Patton Derry, one drug store by A. J. Hyatt, one grocery by John Butler, one hotel by Mrs. Clara R Cummings, one blacksmith shop by W. B. Mix, one harness shop by Fred Sheriff, one millinery establishment by Mrs. Belle Derry, one physician, Dr. A. J. Hyatt; one attorney, S. M. Vincent, etc. Mrs. C. R. Cummings has charge of the post-office, and the village has the benefit of a daily mail from Mt. Vernon, Mr. Solomon R. Workman being the mail carrier. In 1878 a town hall thirty-six by fifty feet was erected at a cost of eight hundred dollars.

CHAPTER XLVI.

BUTLER TOWNSHIP.

ORGANIZATION - TOPOGRAPHY - INIDANS - FIRST SETTLERS

-MILLS-SCHOOLS-CHURCHES,

BUTLER township was organized March 9,1825. The surface is very broken and hilly, especially along Owl creek, where the scenery is picturesque and grand. The soil is generally fertile, and large crops of wheat, corn, and other cereals are grown. It abounds in numerous springs of clear, cold water, and is otherwise well watered by streams supplied from these springs. Owl creek, or Vernon river, crosses the northern portion of the township. Emptying into this stream are Brush run and one or two smaller creeks. The Wakatomika crosses the southwest corner of the township. Originally most of the township was heavily timbered with red and white oak in the central and southern parts, and sugar, oak, walnut, and buckeye in the north. Although much clearing has been done there are extensive tracts of timber in the northern and western portions of the township, and at this date hundreds of acres of forests are being denuded.

In the early settlement of Butler the hills lying along Owl creek and Brush run were almost entirely destitute of trees, caused by the Indians and hunters burning the woods in order that they might have an unobstructed view of the deer and other game. These hills are now covered with a heavy growth of red and white oak.

When Butler township was first settled it was one of the best hunting grounds in this county. Bears, deer, wild turkeys, wolves, and all kinds of wild game abounded. The early settlers could procure their supplies of meat with but little trouble, and the meat thus procured contributed materially to the support of their families. Had it not been for these supplies, much suffering would have been caused by lack of food, as but little could be raised the first year or two. Wild game, such as wild turkeys, foxes, coons, opossums, etc., are still quite numerous.

Coal has been found in a few places in the township, but not in sufficient quantity to pay for mining. Sandstone for building and other uses exists in almost inexhaustible quantities. Some years ago, an oil well was sunk on the farm of G. W. Butler, and petroleum in small streams issued forth from the well; but it ceased to flow in a short time, and the enterprise was abandoned. Another well, sunk on George W. Riley's place, near the Coshocton county line, about the same time that the one on Butler's place was sunk, sent forth quite a large stream of oil for some time, when it suddenly ceased to flow, and this enterprise was also abandoned. By the sinking of these two wells it was ascertained that petroleum exists along the Owl creek bottoms.

When the first settlers came Indians were numerous, and their camps were to be found in various places. They had located a small village on the south side of Owl creek, on land now owned by William Darling. There are many evidences that

432 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

the aborigines especially abounded here in the ages past. Relics, such as arrowheads, stone knives, and axes, silver brooches, etc., have been plowed up by the farmers frequently. In the hills on G. W. Riley's farm numerous skeletons have been washed out, which were found in a sitting position, buried according to the mode of the Indians. When the first settlers came there was standing in the northwestern portion of the township a large stone wall about one hundred and seventy-five yards in length, from four to five feet high and about three feet in width. It was in the form of a semicircle, one end of the construction reaching to Owl creek. It was undoubtedly used by the Indians or some other race of people as a fortification. Near this ancient stone wall is a cascade and cave. Probably the excavation was made by the Indians for military purposes, probably as a place for retreat while engaged in war with other tribes. The Indians were desirous of having many dogs, and it is said by many of the old settlers that they could at any time trade a good dog for a horse. They also took a special delight in having wrestling matches with the whites, and often engaged in such amusements. Nicholas Riley often had trials of his skill and strength as a wrestler with them, and, being an athletic, robust, and muscular man, could always "throw them." One of the noted Indians who resided in Butler township in its early history was the chief Tom Jelloway. He claimed to be a "bird charmer," and in order to test the genuineness of this claim the father of William D. Beatty requested him at one time to give a display of his skill as a charmer. He accordingly ascended a wild cherry tree growing on Mr. Beatty's place, commenced to utter a peculiar cry, and in a few minutes hundreds of birds of every kind were in the tree tops. Some perched on the limbs, and others on Jelloway's head and shoulders. This convinced Mr. Beatty that his claim was not a pretentious one.

The pioneer families of Butler township were the Shrimplins, Carpenters, Staats, Darlings, Rileys, Hamells, Horns, Eleys, Beattys, McLarnans, Dennises, Campbells, Wolfs, Lepleys, Morrisons, Butlers, Giffins, and Morningstars. They were emigrants from Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, principally from the two first named States. They were a hardy race, well fitted for pioneer life, men of muscle not lacking in brain power, who were not afraid to take hold of the axe and mattock, and engage in clearing up their land. The women were well fitted to take places by their husbands' sides, and take hold of their distaffs, throw the, shuttle, card the fleeces of wool, and often pull, break, and hatchel the flax, and thus materially contribute to the welfare of the family.

Butler township has longer retained the primitive habits of early times than any other town. ship in this county, and the log cabin and old fashioned fire-place still abound

At a distance from the railroad and telegraph office, settled among hills almost as high as the largest in any part of Ohio, the inhabitants, many of them, still live a life bordering closely on pioneer times.

One of the first settlers and noted hunters was George Lepley, now residing in Harrison township at the advanced age of ninety-one years. He came to Butler township with his father about the year x805. At that time, there were no roads, schoolhouses or mills, and but a few white families in the township. Butler was then a dense wilderness, wild beasts were very numerous, Indians abounded, and their camps were scattered all over the township.

Mr. Lepley's father settled near Brush run, a short distance north of the centre of the township. At that time it was an almost unbroken wilderness between his place and Mt. Vernon. His neighbors were the Staats, Carpenters, Rileys and Shrimplins, who had but recently removed into the county, and had made but very little progress in clearing their farms. For the first few years they went to Zanesville to mill. They generally took their grists on horseback. Mr. Lepley was a great hunter, and has killed more deer than any other man that ever lived in the county. More than a thousand have succumbed to his rifle. The Lepleys down to the present generation are noted Nimrods, and take much pleasure in hunting and fishing, and are experts with the rifle and shot-gun.

John Shrimplin was among the first who settled on Owl creek, and was probably the first settler within the present limits of Butler township. He was

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY - 433

born in Maryland about the year 1778, and came to the county about 1805, purchasing three thousand acres of land, lying on both sides of Owl creek. Prior to his removal to Ohio he made several trips to New Orleans on flat-boats laden with flour, pork and whiskey, which he sold for cash, and receiving a good price for these commodities, he was enabled to make an extensive purchase of land He built the first grist-mill in the township, if not in the county. Mr. Shimplin engaged in farming, milling and various enterprises, amassed quite a fortune, and was a man of considerable local celebrity in the early history of Knox county. He ended his somewhat eventful career in 1818 by shooting himself with a rifle. The cause of his suicide could not be ascertained. His son Samuel still lives on the old home place.

The second person to settle on Owl Creek was Nicholas Riley, who was born in Maryland about the year 1778. He emigrated from Maryland to Wellsburg, Virginia, about the commencement of this century, where he resided until 1803, when he moved to Coshocton county, Ohio. After a short residence there he returned to Virginia, from whence he came to Butler in 1806, residing there until his decease December 15, 1866.

Previous to his removal to Knox county when it was one vast wilderness, but one white man, Andrew Craig, living in it, he had visited various portions of Knox and was favorably impressed with the county, and this visit to the wilderness, no doubt, had m: duence in causing him to secure a permanent location in Butler township. A short time after his removal he purchased seven hundred acres of land from John Shrimplin. This land was a portion of the three thousand acre tract which Mr. Shrimplin had previously bought from the government.

With the exception of three or four acres, which the Indians had cleared to raise some corn, this land was densely covered with sugar, walnut, buckeye, and other timber. He went to work with a determination to succeed, and in a few years he had a large tract cleared and in good order for farming. He was married to Hannah Shrimplin, of Virginia, by whom he had fourteen children.

Mr. Riley made several trips to his old home, Wellsburg, Virginia, subsequent to his removal to Butler, for the purchase of salt, sugar, coffee, etc. These journeys were always made on horseback, as the country between Knox county and Virginia was almost an unbroken forest. Mr. Riley and John Hibbitts went to Detroit about the year 1808, to see Colonel Hamtramck, who owned an extensive tract of land in Knox county, which they desired to purchase. This was considered, at that time, by the entire community, as an event of much importance. Taking their rifles and a pocket compass, they started on horseback for Detroit. All the human beings they saw on their route were Indians, and when they were near Detroit a few French families. They secured the principal part of their sustenance from the woods. They were frequently pursued by wolves, but frightened them away by firing their guns at them. They succeeded in accomplishing this trip, and in due time returned home in health and safety.

Jacob Horn came from Washington county Pennsylvania in 1815. He settled in the eastern part of the township, near the Coshocton county line. By dint of hard labor and perseverance he became rich. His family of twelve children all lived to become men and women, most of whom are now living in Knox county. The Horns are the most numerous of any family in the township.

Isaac Darling was another early settler. He was born in Monongalia county, Virginia, in 1778, and came to Butler township in 1806. He settled near Owl Creek, and after a few years' residence returned to Virginia, removing again to Butler in 1820, where he resided until his removal to Union county in 1843, his death occurring in that county in 1853. The Darlings have long been identified with the history of the township.

One of the most noted personages of the early times, both of the township and county, was Benjamin Butler, who is claimed to be the founder of Mt. Vernon. He was born in Monongalia county, Virginia, in April, 1779, was married to Leah Rogers, May z, 1799, by whom he had thirteen children, viz: Elizabeth, Hiram, Benjamin, Joseph, Matilda, Huldah, Reason, Laban R., Maria, Paulina, Hettie, Squire John, and George W. A short time after his marriage he removed to Muskingum county, Ohio, where he engaged in farming, renting-

434 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

lands of Major Cass, who afterwards became the distinguished Democratic statesman and politician. In 1801 he moved to Coshocton county, where he resided until 1805, when he moved to Clinton township, Knox county. He was one of the three founders of Mt. Vernon, and after the laying out of that town, kept hotel for some years. In 18og he removed to Butler township, where he lived nearly a half century, engaged in milling and farming. He purchased land lying on the north side of Owl creek, which was very productive, and yielded large crops of corn and wheat. Owing to the infirmities of old age he quit farming and resided with his daughter Hettie, wife of John Carpenter, at New Castle, Coshocton county, where he died May 13, 1872. His son George W. and daughter, Mrs. Carpenter, still reside in Butler township.

Daniel Campbell came to Ohio in 1816, locating in Butler township. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, lying near to the Mt. Vernon and Coshocton road. He continued to purchase from time to time until he was the owner of several hundred acres of good farming land. He was very industrious, and considered laziness as one of the greatest sins of which a man or woman could be guilty, and consequently detested a lazy man. He came from Marshall county, Virginia to Ohio. He was born in Ireland, on the fourth day of May, 1790. His father, Richard Campbell, emigrated to America when Daniel was four years old. Daniel was drafted in the War of 1812, a short time after his marriage to Miss Jane Caldwell of Ohio county, Virginia. He hired a substitute for one hundred dollars. Although the first settlers of Butler had come some ten years previous to his removal from Virginia, the township was still almost a wilderness. But little progress had been made in clearing up the land in the southern and central portions. What clearing had been done was principally in the Owl creek bottoms. Deer were still numerous, wolves were troublesome, and small game abounded in great numbers. After Mr. Campbell paid for his first purchase of land, he had four dollars in cash and a blind horse as capital with which to commence farming, but his resolute, determined spirit very soon surmounted all obstacles, and in a few years he was one of the wealthy farmers of "old Knox." Of his family of eleven, ten children lived to manhood and womanhood.

Joseph Staats was a native of Virginia, and with his father, Joseph Staats, sr., came to Butler about the year 1806. He was married to Catharine Hull, of Pennsylvania, by whom he had eleven children, several of whom are now residing in the township. He was the first one to put a glass window in his cabin, and also built the first brick house. "Uncle Joe," as he was generally called, was noted for his jovial disposition, very often engaging in the then common amusements of the day, such as wrestling, running foot races, throwing the hammer, etc. He engaged for some years in the distilling of whiskey, but hearing a temperance lecture. delivered by one of the early preachers who labored in the township, he quit the business and became an earnest temperance advocate. At one time he was about the only Whig in Butler township; but in defiance of all opposition he persisted in voting that ticket. His father, who died in 1826, was the third person to die in the township. His resting. place is marked by a large wild cherry tree, which grew from the centre of his grave.

John R. Gamble came to Butler in 1836. He was quite a noted man in central Ohio for many years, on account of his connection with the public works. He was born near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 27, 1796, and came to Delaware county in 1810. A short time after his coming he went to Columbus, where he engaged in brick making. He was married in 1825 to Lovina Collins, Soon after his marriage he moved to Newark, where he engaged in the construction of public works. From there he went to Tuscarawas county to construct the locks on the Ohio canal. Afterwards removing to Coshocton county, and from there to Butler township in 1836, he purchased a large tract of land lying north of Owl creek, and engaged in farming and distilling. He has, during his residence in the township, again engaged in the construction of public works, building several sections of the Walhonding canal. Upon the completion of the canal he erected a large grain warehouse in Walhonding, and was for some years engaged in the mercantile, milling, and commission business. Mr. Gamble was a Democratic politi-

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 435

cian of considerable local celebrity, and. was the nominee of that party for the legislature for one or more terms. He died at his home in Butler in 1857. His widow still survives him at an advanced age.

William, father of John R. Gamble, emigrated from the county of Antrim, Ireland, having been obliged to flee the country on account of his democratic principles, and in consequence of having a personal collision with one of the King's officers. Mrs. Gamble's father was also Irish. He participated in the old French and English wars; was under General Wolfe at Quebec, and afterwards became an ardent patriot; was in the battles of Lexington, Bunker Hill, Long Island; fought with Gates at Saratoga, where Burgoyne surrendered his entire army to the American commander. He was transferred to the navy, and died while cruising in the Mediterranean. His maternal grandfather was a captain in Washington's army.

The Carpenters were noted pioneers in the early history of Ohio and Butler township. During the Indian wars, while the Revolutionary war was in progress, and subsequently they were often engaged in fighting the Indians. William Carpenter came to Butler in 1808. His neighbors at that date were the Riley's, Shrimplins, Spurgeons and Darlings. He engaged in farming, purchasing land in the northern part of the township. His sons Thomas, John, George and Ned are still residing in Butler.

William D. Beatty who was born January, 1807, is the oldest man now living who was born in Butler township. He resides in the southwestern part of the township and is owner of a large farm.

One of the first justices of the peace, who was a good humored "Pennsylvania Dutchman," not having a docket, kept all his official records on his mantel piece, using a piece of charcoal for that purpose.

Many of the first settlers engaged in the distilling of whiskey. On account of the low prices for grain and not much of a market for their productions, it was more profitable and convenient for them to convert their corn, rye and wheat into whiskey, which could always be sold for money, and was more easily transported.

Johnny. Appleseed was a frequent visitor in Butler. One of his largest nurseries, located on Nursery Island, Mohican creek, was but a short distance from the line between Butler township and Coshocton county. He spent considerable time visiting the early settlers. He frequently stayed several days and nights at a time, with the Rileys, Shrimplins, Staats, Carpenters and Benjamin Butler. They never charged him for his board or entertainment, and he was a welcome visitor at the homes of the pioneers. Apple trees originally procured from his nursery can now be seen in Joseph Staat's orchard, and various other orchards in the township.

The first grist-mill built in Butler, and also one of the first in Knox county, was built by John Shrimplin, some time before the commencement of the last war with Great Britain, the exact date not known. It was a very primitive structure, but was considered a curiosity in those days. Its patrons were from various points in Knox, Coshocton, Richland and Licking counties. Mr. Shrimplin went to Zanesville after the mill stones, bringing them home on horseback.

Another mill erected about the same time was the "Giffin Mill," by Robert Giffin. They have long since been torn down. At one time a couple of pioneers, each with a peck of corn went to mill, put one of the grists into the hopper, turned the water on to the wheel, and started the machinery, but found no meal would come through; after much conjecturing and searching, they discovered a large bull frog in the hopper who placed himself in such a position as to prevent the corn from entering the buhrs. After his removal from the hopper, the grinding proceeded satisfactorily.

The only grist-mill in the township (built about fifty years ago,) is now owned by Lloyd Nichols and Stephen Zuck. It is on the north side of Owl creek, and is doing a large business.

The date of the first saw-mill erected is not known. There are two saw-mills in the township, one on Owl creek, owned by Nichols & Zuck, and one on Brush run by Jacob Beale.

There are two iron bridges: One spanning Owl creek, a few hundred yards east of the Green Valley mills. It is probably the longest bridge in the county. The other crosses the Wakatomika in the southern part of the township and is a small one.

436 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

Both of these bridges are of recent construction. The first road in Butler was the Mount Vernon and Coshocton, and passes across the entire township from west to east. It was laid out and finished at an early date. The other principal roads of early construction were the Mt. Vernon and Walhonding and the road leading from Bladensburgh to New Castle.

The first post office was established about the year 1817, with Abraham Darling, postmaster. The name of the post office was "Owl Creek.

After serving several years and getting tired of the duties devolving upon him, he resigned and the office was discontinued. A post office was established some months since at Green Valley Mills, called "Zuck," named after Stephen Zuck one of the proprietors of the mills.

No villages have been laid out in this township. The nearest approximation to a village is at Green Valley mills, where there is a grist and saw-mill, a grocery store, post office, and three families residing. The people generally go to Mt. Vernon, New Castle and Bladensburgh to trade.

For several years after the first settlement, but little attention was paid to educational matters. The teachers were illiterate, and the school-houses were of the rudest style of architecture. The following description of one, which George McLarnan attended when a boy, will illustrate. It was situated on a knoll about four rods from a fine spring of water in the midst of a dense forest. It was constructed of round logs twelve and sixteen feet long, one story high, with a log across the north end placed about four or five feet high from the floor, and about the same distance from the wall, upon which, and against the end wall, was erected a large stick chimney, plastered with mortar, joined to a stone back-wall cemented with the same material.

The roof was made of clapboards that were held in their places by weight poles, which in turn were held by a small log, notched into the ends of the top end logs, and called a butting pole. Not a nail was used. Greased paper was used in place of glass for windows. The ground floor was composed of huge puncheons, faced and jointed by some pioneer with his broadaxe, and laid upon large logs placed in as sleepers. The seats were made from small trees, cut into logs of the proper length and split in two, the bark taken off, and the other side hewn and made smooth; two inch holes were then bored into the ends and middle, into which sticks were placed for legs. Holes were bored into the walls on the west side, and south end, and large wooden supporters placed therein, upon which were laid boards to write upon ; then, to complete the structure, the door was made by cutting a hole in the southeast corner of the house, five and one-half by three and one-half feet in dimensions; the same was cased with timber, split hewn and shaved, and fastened with wooden pins." These rude structures have been superceded by neat white frame schoolhouses, placed at convenient distances, and competent teachers have taken the place of incompetent ones. William Braddock was one of the first school teachers. His educational qualifications were very limited. He could read, write and "cipher some."

Another of the early pedagogues of Butler was a "Judge" Davis from Maryland. A citizen of the township who was one of his scholars thus describes his personal appearance, etc. " He wore linsey-woolsey pants and home-made linen vest, red flannel warmus, cowhide shoes, the sole and upper leather both of his own tanning, together with overshoes made from sheepskin with the wool on. He was born and received his education near Hagerstown, Maryland, emigrated to Virginia, and from there to Knox county, where he set up as a small farmer, tanner, politician, and last but not least, in structor of the young rustics of -Butler and adjoining townships. He was a believer in Methodism, a thorough Democrat, a good neighbor and citizen.

As to his pupils, they came from every direction for two miles each way. Some of them six feet in height, all dressed in homespun from head to foot. The young women were also clad in homespun. The books corresponded with other surroundings. The old United States spelling book, the Adventures of Lemuel Gulliver, Robinson Crusoe, Lives of Washington, Penn and Marion, were the reading books. As for geography, grammar and algebra, they were not known. A majority of these youngsters went to work with a will, and soon acquired the rudiments of an education, and matured into excellent men and women; some of them are the

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 437

sturdy old farmers and matrons of Butler to-day."

For many years after the first settlement religious meetings were held in the houses of the settlers. The Methodists and Baptists were the pioneers. The first church organization was the Butler Baptist church, organized April 26, 1841, by Elder L. Gilbert. William Underwood and Benjamin Horn were the first deacons, and Henry Underwood the first clerk. The first pastor was L. Gilbert, who was succeeded by Elders L. Root, B. F. Smith, Gibson Moore, James Fry, Benjamin Morrison, James h. Lionbaugh, W. S. Barnes, and A. W. Arnold. The number of members at present is twenty-six. A neat white frame church has been erected by this society, located in the southeastern part of the township.

The Messiah Evangelical church (Lutheran) was built in 1874. It is a frame building, twenty-eight by forty-four feet. Rev. Thomas Drake was the first pastor. There is no pastor at the present time (1880). Jacob Leply, Michael Beale, and James McCamment were the building committee. No regular church officers have yet been chosen, and as there are but few Lutherans in the township, the church does not yet enjoy a large measure of prosperity.

Riley chapel (Baptist) was built in 1875. It stands in the northeastern part of Butler, near the Coshocton county line. It is a frame building, thirty-five by forty feet in dimensions. John Spurgeon was the first deacon, and J. K. Lionbaugh the pastor. Alexander Hardin is the present deacon.

The Methodists have no organization, although in the early history of the township they were a prominent denomination.

There are many Disciples in the township, who have generally connected themselves with the Dennis church organization in Jackson township.

Sunday schools were organized by the Baptists at an early date, and there is a very prosperous school in connection with the Butler Baptist church.

CHAPTER XLVII.

CLAY TOWNSHIP.

ORGANIZATION-FIRST SETTLERS-INDIANS-TOWNSHIP

RECORDS -MOUNDS-MARTINSBURGH SCHOOLS-MAR-

TINSBURGH ACADEMY-CHURCHES-REv. HENRY HERVEY -

FIRES.

CLAY township was created out of Morgan and organized March 9, 1825. It was named after Henry Clay, the great Whig statesman. The first election after its organization was held the first Monday of April, 1825, in the village of Williamsburgh, now Martinsburgh, when the following officials were elected: Rynard Reece, David Hann, and William Lyon, trustees; William Barton and Washington Houck, constables; William McCreary, clerk; James Elliott, treasurer; Ebenezer Brown, house appraiser; Robert Dillon and James Pollock, overseers of the poor; William McWilliams, lister; Abraham McLane and Arony Pierson, fence viewers. The first settlement of the trustees with the treasurer was had March 6, 1826, when orders to the amount of twenty-six dollars "were lifted." The official records of that year show that the township clerk, trustees, treasurer, and the other township officers "charged the township nothing for the year 1825." Robert Dillon and William Dehart were selected for grand jurors, and John Reagh and Ebenezer Brown petit jurors for 1826.

Topographically the surface of the country is uneven, with the exception of the northern portion of the township, which is a beautiful level prairie. The land is all tillable, and generally of fine quality. A branch of the Wakatomika crosses the northeast portion of the township, and the Big run the northwest. Paul's run traverses the southern part from east to west. In an early day the larger part of the township was heavily timbered with oak and hickory, more especially oak, and at this date large forests of oak remain.

In the northern part of the township several mounds exist. The largest one is about two acres in area, and was covered with a dense growth of heavy timber when the first settlers came to Clay. This mound is on the farm now owned by Charles Murray. The smaller mounds have an area of from one-half to one acre. When the first settlers came to Clay they found wild game in great abundance. The first season that Levi Harrod lived here

438 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

he killed sixty deer and ten bears, and wolves were so numerous that he found it necessary to build fires at night to protect his flocks of sheep, which were in small enclosures near his residence. The southern parts of Knox county were the favorite hunting grounds of the Indians residing at Greentown and Upper Sandusky, and they annually encamped here for several weeks at a time during the hunting season, and were generally successful in securing large quantities of game.

Levi Harrod was probably the first settler in the township. He came from Green county, Pennsylvania, to Knox county in 1804. He first settled in Clinton township, near the present site of Mt. Vernon. Mr. Harrod and family was one of seven families that settled permanently in Knox county in 1803 or 1804. The families were those of William Leonard, John Mills, Henry Haines, William Knight, Levi Harrod, James Harrod, and Peter Baxter. They were all related to each other and lived very harmoniously together. These families all settled in Clinton township, in the same neighborhood. Levi Harrod removed to Clay township some years previous to the War of 1812. When he first came Clay township was an unbroken wilderness; the woods literally swarming with wild animals. Indians were quite numerous. He settled in the northeastern part of the township on Government land. He went to work clearing his land, and in a few years became quite prosperous. For several years after he first settled here he frequently found elk horns and Buffalo skulls on his farm and in other portions of the township, evidences that these animals at one time were numerous, but none were here at the date of the first settlement.

Steven Cook, an early settler, came from Washington county, Pennsylvania in 1814, where he was born the nineteenth of August, 1789. He first settled in Morgan township. He partially cleared three farms after his removal to Knox county. He was a prominent member of the Presbyterian church, and an elder many years. The religious element was strongly developed in Mr. Cook, being an earnest worker in the church and Sunday school. He was liberal in his donations to the church institutions and the poor. He was a believer in the power of prayer to secure temporal as well as spiritual blessings, and the following anecdote is related of him

Having no pasture fields cleard, his horses, cattle, and sheep, ran in the woods, and to prevent their being lost, bells were fastened around their necks. At one time one of these bells was lost, and as there was no store nearer than Mt. Vernon, he was very anxious to find it. He prayed fervently that the Lord would assist him in finding it. As he was going through the wilderness to a neighbors one day-earnestly praying as he was walking along-he suddenly caught his foot in the mouth of the bell that was lost, That this was a direct answer to his prayers he did not doubt.

Mr. Cook continued to reside in Clay until his death, May 20, 1870.

Cornelius Barkalow, who was born in Virginia in 1801, came with his father to Knox county in 1804. His father settled near Utica, Licking county, residing there until 1812, when he removed to Clay township, locating on section fifteen. At that date but a very small number of settlers had as yet located in the township. Wild animals Here still numerous; Indians were living in large numbers, and Mr. Barkalow's playmates were Indian children. He still lives in Martinsburgh. Mr. Barkalow has lived to see Clay emerge from a wilderness into a thickly settled county.

John McWilliams came here in 1818 from Belmont county. He was born in Ohio county, Virginia, in 1798. Hefirst settled on Government land near the village of Martinsburgh, where he engaged in farming about half a century, when he sold his farm and removed to Martinsburgh. He has been an active member of the Presbyterian church nearly fifty years, and a deacon forty-one years.

Ezekiel Boggs, who died in 1853, was one of the early settlers of Clay, coming from Belmont county. He served as representative from Knox county in the Ohio legislature. His widow and his children still reside in the township, one of his sons, Coleman, being a very successful teacher, and a member of the board of school examiners.

Ziba Leonard came with his father from Green county, Pennsylvania, in 1804. His father settled in Clinton township. Mr. Leonard attended the first funeral in Knox county. He was also present at the first wedding in the county, the marriage being that of his two sisters. One of the bridegrooms was Amariah Watson, who afterwards removed to Richland county, where he founded the village of

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 439

Lexington. Mr. Leonard worked many years at the carpenter trade, and a large number of the houses now standing in Martinsburgh were erected by him. Politically he was a Whig, afterwards a Republican, and is now a Prohibitionist. He has been a working member of the Presbyterian church of Martinsburgh a -long time. Mr. Leonard has resided in Clay since his removal here in 1831.

James Cook has long been an honored and useful citizen. He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1801. He removed to Knox county in 1817, locating in Clay township. He has been a prominent member of the Presbyterian church more than fifty years, engaging actively in the prayer meeting and Sunday-school. He is also noted for his great liberality in giving of his means to the various boards of the Presbyterian church. He has been elder in the church for many years and is still living at Martinsburgh.

The oldest person now living in Clay is James Sims, who was born in Maryland in 1792. He has been a resident of the township since 1835.

Of the earliest settlers, Ziba Leonard, Jacob Harrod, John McWilliams, C. Barkalow, James Cook, and James McKee are still living in the township.

The early settlers, in addition to those named, were: Abner Brown, Jacob Smith, David Harrison, James Pitney, John Huston, James Paul, Abram Day, James Larason, Nathan Veach, Samuel Porterfield, Robert Dillon, Michael Mills, John Culp, Luther Brown, Samuel Ross, James Hays, William Henry, James Carr, John Williams, John Reagh, Johathan Curtis, Aaron Conger, and Philemon Pierson. They were from Virginia and western Pennsylvania, and generally of Scotch and Irish descent. Almost all of the early settlers are dead, and but a few more years will pass until all will be "cosigned to the narrow house appointed for all the living."

Clay has not been as fortunate as many of the other townships of Knox county in securing railroad communication with other places. Owing to the numerous hills in southern Knox and other reasons, there is no probability of its having a railroad for many years at least. There are no streams of sufficient size for manufacturing purposes, and consequently there are no manufactories in the township. Outside of the village of Martinsburgh there are no grist- or saw-mills to note in the history of Clay, and it will in all probability remain as heretofore, an agricultural community. The church, school, and farm employ the time, talent, and labors of the people, and in these they find both profit and happiness. There are no very poor to be found within its borders, and the inhabitants are generally in very comfortable circumstances financially.

The first school was taught by an Irishman named Samuel Hill. The school-house in which this school was taught was a small log cabin with greased windows, similar to the cabins of a century ago in the frontier settlements. Reading, writing, and arithmetic were all the branches taught. But a small number of scholars were in attendance, probably not more than six or eight. John Roy taught the second school in the township in a small log house near the present site of the Martinsburgh cemetery. Of the original scholars who attended these schools but two are now known to be living, Jacob Harrod, who attended the first, and C. Barkalow, who attended the second. Both are still residents of Clay. In place of these rude structures are now to be found neat and comfortable frame houses, and the schools at present are taught by competent teachers, who, many of them, are able to instruct their pupils not only in the common but also in the higher branches of science.

This township has long been noted for the strong religious sentiment of the people, a large proportion of the inhabitants being connected with some church. At first the meetings were held at the residences of the pioneers, and no churches were erected until after the village of Martinsburgh was started. The Old School Presbyterians were the religious pioneers of Clay, and at one time the township contained more members of that denomination than any other township of the same population in Ohio. There are no churches in the township outside of the villages of Martinsburgh and Bladensburgh, and the description of these churches will be given in another portion of this chapter.

The village of Martinsburgh proper was organized in 1828. Prior to this year it was known as Williamsburgh and Hanover, the street running east and west dividing the place into two villages.

440 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

A consolidation was affected in 1828 and the name changed to Martinsburgh. James Pollock built the first dwelling-house in the village. The first merchant who established a store in the village was I. D. Johnson, who came from Richland county in 1818, and with a limited capital and a very small stock of goods commenced business. By aid of friends and dint of perseverance he succeeded in a few years in establishing such a business as was hardly equaled by any merchant in Knox county at that time. He purchased very large quantities of wheat, wool, pork, tobacco, and various kinds of produce and marketable commodities, hauled them to Newark and shipped to the eastern markets. He continued doing business on a remarkably large scale until 1837 when he failed, leaving eight of his friends, who had indorsed his notes, to pay thirty-two thousand dollars to eastern parties. He soon afterwards removed from Martinsburgh. Mr. Johnson was considered the leading merchant of Knox county for many years after he first commenced business in the village and was a great help to the early settlers in enabling them to pay for their farms. He was a leading member of the Martinsburgh Presbyterian church and a very liberal supporter of the same. He died some years after his removal from the village.

The Beckwith Brothers opened a store about the year 1824, and were successful in doing a good business for some years, when they sold their stock of goods to other parties. The first hotel was kept by Solomon Cook on the corner where Bird's store formerly stood. The first mill was erected at a very early date in the history of the village by Enos Beckwith. It was operated by horse-power. The second grist-mill, run by steam-power, was built by Slocum Bunker. The exact date of the erection of these mills is not known. O. Drake was the first blacksmith.

The present population is about three hundred. The population of the village has not increased much since 1830.

At present there are two stores kept by the Cline and Tilton Brothers, respectively, a hotel by Isaac Simpson, one saddler's shop by James Snyder, three shoe shops by David Chandler, Sylvester Rouse and Samuel Hollabaugh, a butcher shop by Conn Simpson and Hugh Boyd, four blacksmith shops by R. P. Gordon, Leroy Beeney, Henry Upfold and Milton Mahaffy, one tailor shop by Elias Hardman, one barber shop by David Kidwell, one tannery by Charles G. Cromer. There are three physicians-Thomas B. Miser, N. S. Toland and John F. Shrauntz.

The post-office is kept by Miss Hettie Kerr.

Martinsburgh has long been celebrated for its educational facilities. In 1838 the building known as the Martinsburgh academy was built. The first trustees were Hugh Elliott, Samuel C. Porterfield, Steven Cook, James Elliott, George McWilliams, Uriah Reece and Aaron Davis. Rev. Henry Hervey was the president, Joseph Clingan, Rev. James Ferguson, David Elliott, Samuel McCreary, Rev. John Elliott, Dr. A. C. Scott, Rev. Israel Dodd, Robert McLoud, Patterson Reese and Alexander S. Berryhill were some of the students who attended the first session of this somewhat noted institution. Among the graduates of the academy who attended subsequent terms were Hon. William Windom, now of Minnesota, who has attained a national reputation; Hon. Judge West, of Bellefontaine; Rev. Alexander Scott, now a noted Presbyterian minister in Iowa, and many others who became useful ministers of the Presbyterian and other churches. The academy was discontinued about 1860, and the building was purchased by the township board of education for the Martinsburgh district school. Owing to the loss of the records a full history of this academy cannot be given.

John Roy was probably the first school teacher of the village school. The union school of Martinsburgh is at present under the superintendency of Professor Ikes, who is assisted by Miss Anna Davis. The board of directors are Wesly Tilton, John Shrauntz, and R. H. Morgan.

Martinsburgh has been noted for religion, morality and temperance. The temperance element is so strong that it is impossible for any vendor of intoxicating liquors to procure a foothold in the village; all attempts to start a saloon have ignominiously failed, and no one can now be found who will brave public sentiment by making the experiment.

The Old School Presbyterians organized a church at a very early date in the history of the town. Rev. James Scott was the first pastor. He remained

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 441

pastor until 1827, when he resigned; and was succeeded by Rev. John McKinney, who was succeeded by Rev. James Campbell. Rev. Campbell officiated until the installation of Rev. Henry Hervey in 1830. When Rev. Henry Hervey assumed the pastorate of this church there were about one hundred members in good standing. His labors were greatly prospered, and at one time there were three hundred members in full connection with the church, and sixty male members who could lead in prayer when called upon so to do. But three of the members who belonged at the time of Rev. Hervey's installation are now living, viz: Ziba Leonard, James Cook, and John McWilliams.

In this connection it would be proper to give a short biographical sketch of Rev. Henry Hervey, who so long "broke the bread of life" to this people. He was born in Brooke county, Virginia, November, 22, 1798. He graduated at Jefferson college, class of 1825, was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Washington in 1827, and ordained to the ministry, and installed pastor of the Martinsburgh Presbyterian church, April 15, 1830. Prior to this date he had preached several months in western Virginia and eastern Ohio. In the early part of the year 1829, he came to Knox county, where some months afterwards he received a call from the church at Martinsburgh. He continued to be the faithful and honored pastor of the church until the eighteenth of October, 1867, when he resigned his pastoral charge on account of increasing years and failing health. His death occurred at Martinsburgh, February 17, 1872. The services connected with his funeral were held in the Presbyterian church, March 20th, and an unusually large number of persons of all religious denominations from Knox and Licking counties were present to pay their last tribute of respect to the loved and honored dead. Rev. N. C. Helfridge and Rev. Mr. Walkinshaw were the successors of Rev.Mr. Hervey. The present officers of the church are Elders John Lyon, Smiley Boyd and William Freece; Deacons Isaac Simpson, John McWilliams, William Gilmore, Johnson Sims, and Thomas Stevenson; Trustees William Boyd, Isaac Simpson, and William Gilmore. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Porter who is also superintendent of the Sunday-school.

The Baptists organized a church May 14, 1846, with a membership of twelve, viz: Elias Hardman, Jackson Clutter, Michael Cline, Joshua Conway, Nancy Hardman, Sarah Clutter, Jane Conway, Susan Perrick, Elizabeth Barkalow, Nancy Watson, Susan Cline and Eliza Waldron. Elias Hardman was the first clerk, and Michael Cline the first deacon. Rev. D. D. Walden was the first pastor, who was succeeded by Reverends Amos Pratt, Mr. Northrop, N. Martin, R. Lockhart, S. West, J. G. Tunnison, D. B. Sims, C. King, S. Yarnall, A. J. Wiant and S. Yarnell. who is the present pastor. The church is now enjoying a good measure of prosperity.

The Disciples, though not as early in the field as the other denominations, are quite prosperous. They organized a church June 19, 1876. Nathan Veach, H. C. Dicus and W. J. Denton were the first trustees, J. B. Wilson treasurer. Rev. James E. Harris was the first pastor. His successors were Elders Lyman P. Streeter, S. M. Cook and Philo Ingraham. There is a flourishing Sunday school in connection with this church.

The Methodists have not been as prosperous here as the other churches. Their ministers commenced to labor here in early times, and the denomination erected a large and substantial church building many years ago. At the present date the society is very small, and as the official records of the church cannot be found, its early history cannot be given in this chapter.

The Free Presbyterians organized a society some time during the period of the great anti-slavery excitement, which swept over the entire north. They were seceders from the Old School Presbyterian church of Martinsburgh. Quite a large number of the members of the church, who were the most bitterly opposed to slavery, seceded from the church and organized an anti-slavery society under the name of The Free Presbyterian church. They had a moderate degree of prosperity for some years when the church ceased to exist, the majority of the members returning to their former societies. All of the churches mentioned have neat and commodious buildings.

The village has been a sufferer by two fires, the first occurring June 21, 1850, and the second in February 1854. In both cases business blocks

442 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. .

were consumed, and the village has never fully recovered from the effects of the loss. But a small amount of business is now done in Martinsburgh, in comparison with that of fifty years ago. The village was incorporated some years since. R. H. Morgan is mayor at this date.

A small portion of the village of Bladensburgh is in Clay township, but as that village is fully described in the history of Jackson township, it need not be repeated here.

The following were the successive justices of the peace:

1827 James Elliott. 1854-Wallace McWilliams.

1830-Jatties Elliott. 1855-Mercer McFadden.

1831-W. McCreary. 1857-Wallace McWilliams.

1833-W. Spratt. 1858-Isaac Bell.

1834--W. McCreary. 1860-Wallace McWilliams.

1837-W. McCreary. 1860 James Elliott.

1839 James Paul. 1863-Daniel Paul.

1840-W. McCreary. 1864-William McCammet.

1842- James Paul. 1865 John M. Boggs.

1843-W. McCreary. 1866-T. F. Van Voohies.

1845-Wallace McWilliams. 1867-A. S. Kerr.

1846-W. McCreary. 1868-G. P. Porterfield.

1846-John M. Boggs. 1869-David Lawman.

1848-Wallace McWilliams. 1871-Samuel Fowls.

1849-John M. Boggs. 1872-David Lawman.

1851-Wallace McWilliams. 1875-T. F. Van Voohies.

1852 John M. Boggs. 1878-Frank P. Hess.

1878-R. H. Morgan.

CHAPTER XLVIII

CLINTON TOWNSHIP.

ORIGINAL DIVISIONS OF THE COUNTY-LATER MODIFICA

TIONS-MOUNDS-ANDREW CRAIG-A TRAGEDY- BU'T-

LER~S VISIT-HENRY HAINES' INSANITY- JOHN MILLS

OTHER EARLS- SETTLERS-THE PIONEER MILL-OTHER

MILLS-ROADS-AN INDIAN TRAGEDY-TOWNSHIP OFFI-

CERS- JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

CLINTON is one of the four original townships into which Knox county was divided by the commissioners, May 2, 1808. The order in reference to Clinton township is as follows:

Ordered, That the following bounds be laid off into a separate township: Beginning at the northeast corner of Wayne township; thence east to the west side of the eleventh range; thence south to the centre of the township; thence west to the west line of the twelfth range; thence south to the south line of the sixth township; thence west to the west line of the county, which shall be called by the name of Clinton township.

The township thus constituted included Bloomfield, now in Morrow county, Liberty, the north-half of Pleasant, Monroe, Pike, and the south half of Morris. After various changes in the boundaries of the township the commissioners caused this entry to be made in their journal, March 9, 1825: "Clinton township shall be composed of the sixth township in the thirteenth range."

By this last order the area of the township was reduced to about twenty-five square miles of terri tory, which is well watered by Owl creek and its tributaries. The land is all tillable, and of good quality, a great portion of it being an alluvial deposit, highly cultivated

One half mile north of the residence of Morgan F. and Gilman B. Stilley may be seen a mound about fifteen feet high and twenty-five yards in diameter, built of the same material as the surrounding soil. It was opened by Aaron Loveridge, but nothing of importance discovered in it.

To Andrew Craig belongs the honor of being the first white man to locate within the present limits of Clinton township. He came to Ohio from the mountain regions of Virginia. Like his native mountains, he was a rough, rugged, bold man, a regular frontier character, who took delight in hunting, wrestling, and kindred athletic sports. The exact time of his locating on Owl creek is not known, but it is certain that he was in this section of Ohio when Ohio was in its territorial condition.

In September, 1801, Benjamin and John Butler went on an exploring expedition up the Kokosing as far as the mouth of Centre run, and camped over night about one hundred yards north of the creek bank, and about one half mile east of the present site of Mt. Vernon. There they found Andy Craig living in a little log nut, with a woman he had brought with him from the vicinity of Wheeling, Virginia. Not another white family at that time inhabited the entire country watered by the Kokosing and Mohican and their tributaries. An Indian chief and his tribe were encamped at the "Little Indian Fields" near by, and was having a grand pow-wow at the time. In the spring of 1805 Benjamin Butler returned to the country that had so. charmed him in 1801, and found Andy Craig and the Indians still enjoying themselves. From long association with the Indians, and having so

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.- 443

fallen into their customs and modes of life as to be almost identified with them, Craig could not brook the restraints of even such civilization as the white society of that day imposed upon him. So he cast his lot with his dusky friends, and in 1809 removed to Greentown.

About the year 1800 a tragedy was enacted on the point of the bluff between Centre run and Owl creek, which ended in the death of two persons, one white, the other a mulatto. Two slaves had run away from their master, one Tomlinson, who lived in Virginia, and coming into this part of the country had taken up with squaws. Their pursuers tracked them through Zanesville and up Owl creek, and finally came upon them at Andy Craig's. One of the boys, a mulatto, recognized his master's son as he approached with two other men, and sprang to the bank into the creek, pursued by the men, who overtook him in the middle of the stream, and a deadly struggle took place, in which he killed his young master, but was then overpowered, taken to the hut, tied, and shortly after placed on the horse his young master had ridden, and the company started for Virginia with him. The second night after leaving Craig's they built a camp fire and left the mulatto tied by it, when they went out for game. On their return he was found to have been shot. It is believed that they had become tired of taking him along, and as he was surly and troublesome, he was killed out of revenge for the loss of young Tomlinson.

Benjamin Butler related that on the occasion of his trip to Owl creek in 1801, Andy Craig told him the particulars of this fight, and that in 1805, when he made a visit to Sandusky plains, he saw the negro that escaped, who was then living with a squaw among the Indians, and talked with him about this affair.

Henry Haines, one of the members of the Pennsylvania colony, came to Knox county about 1803 or 1804 with his family, and settled in what is generally termed the Ten Mile settlement, the farm now owned by the Hon. Columbus Delano forming part of the colony's possessions. The land was first purchased by William Leonard, the patriarch of the settlement. Mr. Haines was one of the best men in the county at its organization in 1808. He was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania. He was a man of education and property, and was, at the time of his melancholy death, in easy circumstances. He was 'a man of great ingenuity, and with a turning-lathe he had in his house, made many useful household articles.

Prior to 1825, the commissioners appointed the county treasurers. Mr. Haines was their first appointment, it having been made in the year 1808, shortly after the organization of the county. Mr. Haines held the office up to 1815, when he was succeeded by Mr. George Downs.

Mr. Haines became deranged on the subject of religion, and was at the time an active and leading member of the Christian denomination at that early day called New Lights. He officiated with James Smith in the first conference held in the county, of which David Young, of Zanesville, was presiding elder.

Mr. Haines became a loud exhorter, and, being deranged, secured a tin horn and rode around the town and county, day and night, notifying the people to prepare for judgment, as the world was coming to an end. He proclaimed the same doctrine in his insane moments as that subsequently promulgated by the Millerites.

When he became ungovernable he was taken to Dr. R. D. Moore, who confined him in a mad shirt, or straight jacket,. and treated him for several weeks, until he was restored to reason; but he said if he ever became insane again he would kill Dr. Moore. Shortly after this the doctor removed to Fayette county, Pennsylvania. Haines again became deranged, and was soon missed by his relatives and friends. Search was made for him, but with failure. His unexplained absence created considerable alarm. The first information that his family received of his whereabouts was in a letter from Dr. Moore. Haines had made his way to Connellsville for the purpose of killing the doctor, and had stolen the family silver spoons to pay his way. Upon his arrival at Connellsville he had become rational again, and he told the doctor what his purpose had been. Dr. Moore took the poor man to his home, cared for his wants, retained him for several weeks, and provided means for his return home. In the summer of 1817 the tin horn had ceased to be heard on the streets of Mt. Vernon for several days and nights. Haines had

444 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

left his home once more. Word was brought to town that Hains was missing, and fears entertained that he had made away with himself. It was on Sunday, and nearly all the population of the village turned out to scour the woods adjacent Jo his farm. It was not until late in the afternoon that he was found, suspended from the limb of a small tree, about a quarter of a mile south of his residence on the Merritt farm. Thomas Kerr, now of Liberty township, was one of the searchers, and has a vivid recollection of the occurrence.

Robert Thompson, from Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, ascended Owl creek in 1804, and selected a site for a farm two miles west of the public square in Mt. Vernon, now on the old Delaware road and occupied by Morgan F. and Gilman B. Stilley. Mr. Thompson was a surveyor, and was in July, 1805, employed by Butler, Patterson & Walker to survey the new town of Mt. Vernon. He spent the greater part of life on his farm, and he and his wife now sleep together on a little knoll east of the old homestead.

Moses Craig married a daughter of Robert Thompson and came to Knox county at the same time.

John Mills was one of the parties who emigrated from Ten Mile, in Washington county, Pennsylvania, to the Harris settlement south of Mt. Vernon, 1n 1804.

0n the fourteenth of February, 1808, the general assembly of Ohio by joint ballot appointed William W. Farquhar, John Mills and William Gass, associate judges for Knox county, and on the twenty-eighth of March of the same year, the commissioners appointed to locate the seat of justice for Knox county appeared before John Mills, justice of the peace, and were qualified to perform their duties. Mr. Mills held the office of associate judge until May 9, 1814, when he was succeeded by Samuel Kratzer.

Peter Baxter was one of the original settlers 1n the Haines' settlement, and was a member of the first jury impaneled in the county-the jury that convicted William Hedrick, who was publicly whipped for stealing. Isaac Bonnett came to Clinton township in 1805, located north of the old Delaware road and built the first brick house in the township, now occupied by Albert Sharp.

About 1805 or before, the Haines settlement was augmented by the arrival of the Leonard family, and the last will and testament of William Leonard was the first instrument of that kind admitted to probate in the courts of Knox county.

Matthew Merritt came from Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1806, and located on the land now occupied by Hon. Columbus Delano. Mr. Merritt was foreman of the first grand jury impaneled in Knox county, March 29, 1808, and in October of the same year he was elected county commissioner, for two years. Mr. Merritt was also elected justice of the peace for Clinton township in 1809.

The Beams, Lafevers, Walkers and others were also early settlers of Clinton township, but as their history is more closely identified with that of Mt. Vernon, it will be found in that connection.

Ebenezer and Abner Brown came from Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1804, and located in the Haines settlement. Here they erected the first grist-mill in Knox county. It was a very primitive structure, and while it bore no outward resemblance to Solomon's temple, it was yet constructed "without the sound of the hammer upon iron." It was built entirely of wood; a sugar trough sufficed for a meal-box, and for want of iron the stones, which were about two feet in diameter, were hooped with slippery elm bark. It was propelled by water, and cracked corn very well when copious rains furnished sufficient motive power. The building was about ten feet square. constructed of rough logs, and was located on Delano's run, above the Martinsburgh road. It was principally fed at that time by what was called the Little Lake, but the lake, like the mill, is a thing of the past, having been so drained and altered by ditching as to no longer be entitled to that appellation. This mill, although of the rudest possible construction, was sufficient to "amaze the gazing rustics round" with its wonderful mechanical perfection. The stones are still relics of "ye olden time."

About the year 1815 a man named Wolgamott owned a small saw-mill on Delano's run, just, below where the Martinsburgh road crosses the same. Later Walter Turner built a saw-mill on Owl creek, above the mouth of Center run, and James Newell erected one on Armstrong's run.

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 445

The .Martin steam saw-mill, Mr. George R. Martin being proprietor, is located at the intersection of the Newark and Granville roads, near the city of Mount Vernon, and is the only manufacturing establishment in Clinton township, outside of the city limits. The first mill was erected on these grounds by the firm of Shipley, Martin & Hart, in 1854, where .they manufactured all kinds of hard lumber up to 1856, when the mill was destroyed by fire. The firm soon erected a new and more complete mill on the old site. This mill they operated with entire success until after the close of the late war of the rebellion, the demand for hard lumber being up to the full capacity of the mill. After the war, business being dull, and little or no demand for their lumber, a change in the proprietorship took place, until Mr. George R. Martin became sole owner. The. business was continued with more or less success, as the demand increased or decreased, until 1874, when fire again destroyed the mill. With his usual energy and business tact, Mr. Martin soon erected the present mill upon the old site where he continues to manufacture hard lumber of all kinds, fully equal to the demand.

In 1870 Robert Kelly and Byron Welch erected the Mount Vernon flax mills on the west bank of Owl creek, one and a half miles west of Mount Vernon. The main building is forty by seventy feet square. The engine-house is built of brick and is twenty by thirty feet in size. The buildings and machinery when ready to commence the manufacture of bagging for cotton bales, cost twenty-two thousand dollars.

Messrs Kelly & Welch operated the mills about five years, when, owing to the action of Congress in abolishing the tariff' on jute, they failed in business, and at the assignees' sale Messrs. F. C. Wolf and Benjamin Martin purchased the mills for four thousand six hundred and seventy dollars. Wolf & Martin ran the mills two years, since which time they have been standing idle.

The first roads laid out through Clinton township were the following: A road from Mt. Vernon to the west line of the county, petitioned for by Samuel Kratzer and others. Ziba Leonard, Nathaniel Critchfield, and Joseph Coleman, were appointed viewers, and John Dunlap, surveyor, and they made their return on the fourth day of August, 1808.

The next was the Mt. Vernon and Newark road, petitioned for by John Dunlap and twenty-one others. William Gass, Henry Haines, and James Colville, were appointed viewers, and John Dunlap surveyor. The return to the county commissioners was made September 22, 1808. A road from Mt. Vernon to Francis Hardesty's was returned June 12, 1810. The State road from Cleveland to Columbus afterwards occupied very nearly the same ground. "John Stilley's road" was laid out in 1814.

The old Delaware road was surveyed by the State in September, 1817, and laid out on very nearly the same ground as the first road from Mt. Vernon to the west line of the county. The new Delaware road was laid out by Frederick Avery, John Storm, and George Lewis, commissioners appointed by the State, and a copy of the survey filed in the office of the commissioners of Knox county, November 30, 1830..

The Ohio Register of May 7, 1817, contains the following account of an Indian murder which occurred in Clinton township the week previous. The murder took place at an Indian encampment a short distance north of where the present White bridge spans the creek at the west end of High street. The encampment was on the west side of the creek:

Some day last week a small party of Indians, principally of the Mohawk tribe, arrived in this town for the purpose of trading off their cranberries, etc., to the white people. They encamped on the west side of Owl creek, and remained there in apparent harmony until Friday last, when that arch enemy of the civilized and savage (whiskey) made his appearance among them. It appears that two of the Indians having become rather "cockoosey," began scuffling with each other through diversion, when a third (more intoxicated than the others) interfered, and fell upon Jim Wyandot, who took the rough salutations of his adversary in good part, until he became too severe, when he informed him that they two had only been diverting themselves; but the murderer, disregarding the protestations of the deceased, fell upon him with the greater fury, armed with a tomahawk, scalping-knife, and club, and finally succeeded in killing Wyandott by giving him a blow on the breast with the club. It appears that Wyandot, when he found that forbearance had ceased to be a virtue, made a strong resistance-but in vain! The murderer belongs to the Delaware tribe, and we are informed that this is the second homicide he has committed. He decamped the next morning.

We cannot here omit to mention that a gentleman of this town, with a humane generosity which does him much honor,

446 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

presented the friends of the deceased with a coffin for their red brother.

Clinton township-outside of the city limits-has a population of nine hundred and twenty-six, six schools and a convenient number of good roads. Two railroads traverse its territory-the Lake Erie division of the Baltimore & Ohio road, and the Cleveland, Mt Vernon & Columbus road.

The first election was held in Mt Vernon, and all subsequent elections until April, 1866, when the voting place was changed to the brick schoolhouse south of the Owl Creek bridge. At the last election Samuel Davis, John Boyd, and William McFadden were chosen trustees; R N. Kindrick, treasurer; L. E. Huntsberry, clerk; Edward M. Knight and W. L. Vance, constables; F. M. Shaffer, assessor; W. L. King, Norman L Wall, Ezra Thayer, Thomas Spearman, C. D. Rinehart, William L. Morey, and J. B. Steinmetz, board of education.

The following is a list of justices of the peace in and for Clinton township: John Mills, 1806; T. B. Patterson, 1808; Matthew Merritt, 1809; Samuel Kratzer, Silas Brown, and Allen Scott, 1811; James Smith and Benjamin Barney, 1815; Benjamin Martin and Stephen Chapman, 1817; John Roberts, 1818; William Y. Farquhar and Benjamin Martin, 1820 ; John Roberts, 1821 ; John H. Mefford, 1822; William Y. Farquhar, 1823; John Roberts, 1824; Joseph Brown and James McGibeny, 1825; John Roberts, 1826; Gideon Mott and William Bevans, 1830; S. W. Hildreth, 1831; William Bevans and Thomas Irvine, 1833; S. W. Hildreth, Johnson Elliott, and Thomas Irvine, 1836; Timothy Colopy, 1837 ; B. F. Smith and Robert F. Hickman, 1839; William Welsh, 1840; B. F. Smith, Robert F. Hickman, E. W. Cotton, 1842 ; William H. Cochran, 1843; Benjamin McCracken, 1845; E. W. Cotton, 1845; Nathaniel McGiffin, William H. Cochran, and Truman Ward, 1846; E. W. Cotton, 1848; William H. Cochran, 1849; Joseph S. Davis, 1850; E. W. Cotton, 1851; William H. Cochran, 1852; Joseph S. Davis, 1853; Thompson Cooper, 1854; Samuel O. Beach and William H. Cochran, 1855; Thompson Cooper, Thomas V. Parke, and William H. Cochran, 1858; Calton C. Baugh and Thomas Cooper, 1860; Henry Warner, 1861; Henry Phillips, 1863; Edmund V. Brent, 1864; Henry Phillips, 1866; John Y. Reeve, 1867; Thomas V. Parke, 1869; William Dunbar, 1870; Thomas V. Parke, 1872; B. A. F. Greer, 1873; Thomas V. Parke, 1875; John D. Ewing, 1876; Calton C. Baugh, 1878; John D. Ewing, 1879.

CHAPTER XLIX.

COLLEGE TOWNSHIP.

TOPOGRAPHY-DISTILLERY-ORGANIZATION -ELECTION

ROADS-THE CONDITION IN 1829--THE MILL RACE-THE

VILLAGE AND ITS BUSINESS-JUSTICES OF THE PEACE

THE PRESS OF GAMBIER-THE DWARFS - CHURCHES.

MORE than ten years prior to the organization of this territory into a separate township, it was in possession of the trustees of Kenyon college; and that famous institution, under the direction of Bishop Chase, was in course of erection. The land was owned by a non-resident, Mr. William Hogg, of Brownsville, Pennsylvania. This gentleman owned the northeast quarter of Pleasant (now College) township (four thousand acres), which was purchased by Bishop Chase for the college grounds.

The entire tract was covered with a dense forest. The woods on the hill, where the college now stands, were somewhat open, owing, in part, to a wind-storm having at some period passed over it and prostrated the trees. Much of the history of the first settlement of this township will be found in the chapter following this; also many other matters connected with its early history.

The rich valley lands in this township had been under cultivation since 1812, the inhabitants being known as squatters. They owned no land, were without property or education, and lived mostly by hunting, but had cleared up a few acres of ground around each cabin. As late as 1829, however, it appeared that only a small portion of the bottom land was cleared. From the top of the hill to the east line of the township was a dense forest of sugar, hickory, black walnut, etc. In those very early days a distillery was located near a large spring one hundred rods or more northeast of the

HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY. - 447

present site of Milner hall. There were no roads, but many paths and blazed trails through the forest, every one of which led as directly to this distillery as the spokes of a wheel to the hub. This necessity of pioneer life was, in 1830, used as a washhouse, where the washing for the college students was done. Every vestige of it has long since disappeared. As a distillery it was closed upon the advent of Bishop Chase, who was a strict temperance man.

The inconvenience of attending the township elections, at a point located some miles away on the Mt. Vernon and Martinsburgh road, induced the citizens living on the college grounds to petition the legislature to have this tract set off and organized into a separate township. The petition was granted, and the first election held December 21, 1838, at the public house in Gambier, kept by Mordecai W. Vore, and the following officers elected:

O. Lane, J. McMahon, M. W. Vore, trustees; D. L Forbes, clerk; O. Welchymer and N. Head, constables; J. Kendrick and W. Claytor, overseers of the poor; M. T. C. Wing, treasurer; T. G. Odiorne, G. C. Johnson, N. Weaver, fence viewers; W. M. Lane and A. K. Forbes, supervisors. The voters in the early elections numbered twenty to thirty, and almost all of these were connected with the institution as professors, agents, keepers of boarding-houses, or other establishments dependant upon the college for sustenance.

At the spring election, 1859, J. McMahon, T. G. Odiorne and M. W. Vore were elected trustees; A. G. Scott, clerk; and M. T. C. Wing, treasurer. M. T. C. Wing was re-elected again and again, until he declined serving in 1842, when G. W. Meyers was chosen treasurer. Mr. Meyers was one of the earliest settlers of this township; a good practical printer and bookbinder, the first in these two trades on "the hill;" he contributed much to the preservation of works in the libraries of the institution. For many years he was connected with the Acland Press. The printing office was the gift of liberalminded English Protestants to Bishop Chase in 1825, and received its name in honor of Lady Acland, the fair donor who started the subscription. Upon this has been published various literary and religious articles calculated to advance the cause of learning and religion.

Prior to 1829 there were no roads over Gambier hill. The road from Mt. Vernon east passed around the foot of the hill and separating near the present residence of William Wright, one road led south, crossed the river below the present mill-dam and connected with the old Cambridge road, a mile south of Hopewell church. The road east wound thiough the brush and timber, crossing the river at Troutman's ford. In November, 1829, as Bishop Chase was about departing on a tour east for the purpose of raising money for the college, he instructed Mr. N. W. Putnam (yet living, an old and much respected resident of Gambier) to get up petitions in proper form, to the county commissioners, for four roads, making the public well in Gambier the starting point. One road was to lead north- toward Amity; one east toward New Castle; one south toward East Union and Bladensburgh, and one due west to the old Cambridge road in Pleasant township, crossing the river near the present railroad bridge. The petitions were duly written out by Mr. Putnam; the requisite number of signatures obtained; the petitions granted, and the four roads duly surveyed and established by the commissioners of Knox county.

Upon the return of Bishop Chase in May following, he went immediately to Mr. Putnam with an angry lowering countenance, such as only Bishop Chase could wear, and asked in a stern manner who had been meddling with the road matter. When Mr. Putnam informed him that he was the author of the mischief and that it was by his (the bishop's) directions that the work was done, he was sternly rebuked, and informed that no such orders had ever been issued. It seems that, with the press of greater matters, the bishop had entirely forgotten about ordering the laying out of roads. He informed Mr. Putnam that he never intended to have public roads through Gambier; that he designed enclosing the "hill" in a high board fence, and place a keeper's lodge at the foot of the hill, near the road to Mt Vernon. The road west was to start from the west end of Wiggin street (the main street east and west across the hill). The upsetting of the bishop's arrangements about the road ruffled his temper for some time, and to multiply the bad effects of a public road westward, he caused to be prepared a sign-board, on which

448 - HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

was painted in large letters the following: "West end of Wiggin street." This board was nailed to a post set on the bank of the creek, on the west side near the Mt Vernon road. In the course of a few days some waggish fellow took up the post and pitched it, sign and all, into the river. Shortly after, it was discovered standing erect at the mill dam.

The following from the pen of Mr. Putnam, above mentioned, is interesting as giving a picture of the condition of things west of and in the village of Gambier in 1829:

The most prominent building east of Main street, Mount Vernon, at that time (1829) was the somewhat aristocratic residence of the late judge J. B. Thomas. Judge Thomas was the real author of the Missouri compromise-a measure, it was hoped, would for all time to come, settle the vexed question of slavery. In front of the residence of judge Thomas now owned by P. H. Updegrafl; esq., was a long row of Lombardy poplars standing as erect as a platoon of French grenadiers at a review. In those days the Lombardy poplar was a sure indication of civilization and culture-since then it has been voted a nuisance, and is now scarcely to be seen in any part of our country. Judge Thomas' place was the extreme eastern improvement on Gambier street. From thence to the top of the Brew house hill was an unbroken forest. Near the top of the hill on the northeast side near the spring, was a small clearing and a cabin occupied by a Mr. Thrailkill. A few straggling peach trees were standing there for some years afterwards. From this point to the place now owned by Walter McClelland there was no improvement. This last named place, known as the half-way house, was owned by a very worthy Frenchman from the island of Guernsey, by the name of Torode. Mr. Torode came to this neighborhood in 1828, for the purpose of locating on the college land-he and his large family being zealous Episcopalians. Bishop Chase adopted, at this early period, the plan of holding all occupants of college lands as tenants at will, whether farmers, mechanics, or others, liable to be discharged at any moment when the bishop should feel so disposed. Mr. Torode, having some money, preferred to be his own master, and the best thing he could do under the circumstances, was to purchase land of Daniel S. Norton, and open and improve a farm of his own. These lands of Mr. Norton being the nearest to the college that he could procure. Mr. Torode, having a large family of strong able bodied boys, soon made an opening in the woods, built a large double-log cabin, put out fruit trees, etc. The large cherry trees now standing in front of the house were of his planting. Some years afterwards he sold the property back to Mr. Norton for the purpose of going west to obtain a larger quantity of land for his growing family. He settled in Cook county, near Chicago.

From the half-way house to the foot of the hill known as the Bishop's back-bone, was an unbroken forest of oak timber. Near the present residence of W. S. Wing was a cabin, with a few acres of cleared land and a small orchard. This place was occupied by Mr. Owen Lane, the father of James and P. C. Lane, of Mt. Vernon. Mr. Lane died at this place some forty years ago. The next improvement was what was afterward nick-named Frog hall, a comfortable log house near the foot of the hill, a few hundred yards northwest of Bishop Bedell's present residence. At the time the writer came to Gambier this house was occupied by Mr. W. K. Lamson from Columbus, head clerk in the college store. Not long after a daughter o f Mr. Lane married the Rev. Mr. Preston, of Columbus, and some years later another daughter of Mr. Lane married the great war secretary, Hon. E. M. Stanton, of Pittsburgh. A short distance south of Frog hall was a cabin, previously occupied by Solomon Shaffer, one of the well-known pioneers of Knox county, the father of Mrs. Andrew Miller, now living at an advanced age at Monroe Mills. The Shaffer cabin was afterwards, for many years, occupied by Morris Grimna, a very good man, well known in the early history of Gambler. Our next step forward brings us to the top of the hill in what is now the classic village of Gambier. The road east at that time did not pass over the hill as now, but wound around the hill, near where stands the pleasant residence of William Wright, thence easterly near where now stands the depot, thence on to the Troutman ferry. There were two or three cabins along this road west and south of the college, one occupied as a schoolhouse, where Mr. Owen Lane taught for one or two winters after the writer came to Gambier. This same school-house had been used previously by Philander Chase Freeman, a nephew of Bishop Chase, from New Hampshire, now deceased, who gives a vivid idea of what Gambier was at the time referred to in a communication, from which the following is taken

" When I first entered Kenyon, then located at Worthington, Ohio, was in its infancy, and its inhabitants not much advanced in knowledge or civilization. My first years at Kenyon were spent in