888 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
CHAPTER X.
PROSPECT TOWNSHIP.
ORGANIC.
THIS is one of the most recently formed townships of Marion County. In the year 1830, an effort seems to -have been made to erect a new township from off the west part of what was then Pleasant Township, but the plan failed,. as will be seen from the following entry taken from the Commissioners' record of that date:
" Tuesday, March 2, 1830.-A petition was presented, praying for a new township to be laid off from the west part of Pleasant Township, which, being read, was rejected."
It was not until after the General Assembly had passed an act in February, 1848, erecting the new county of Morrow, and giving to Marion County certain portions of Delaware County, known at that time as a part of Marlborough, Thompson and Radnor Townships, that Prospect Township was organized. It was carved out of Pleasant and Green Camp Townships, and also made to include the territory of that portion of Thompson and Radnor Townships which was given by the act of the Legislature in February, 1848, to Marion Count, from off of Delaware County, although the territory included in the Marion portion of Radnor Township had already been incorporated into a recently organized township, designated Waldo. all of which will clearly appear from the following entry, copied from the Commissioners' record of that date:
"Auditors' and Commissioners' office, Marion, Marion Co., Ohio, June 5, 1848: This day the Commissioners of Marion County met, pursuant to the statute. Present, Henry Y. Smith and John Uncapher, Commissioners, and Peter Beerbower. County Auditor. This day came George Beams, Christian Gast and others, being a majority of householders residing within the territory hereinafter described, and made application, by petition, for the erection of a new township, to be called `Prospect,' to comprise and in. close the following territory, to wit: All those portions and parts of Radnor and Thompson Townships attached to the county of Marion by the act erecting the county of Morrow, passed February 24, 1848 (including that portion of Radnor Township incorporated in Waldo Township by the Commissioners of Marion County at their March meeting, 1848). Also Sections No. 31, 32, 33 and 34, in Township No. 8 south. Range No. 15, being in Pleasant Township, and also Fractional Section No. 36 south, Range No. 14, in said Pleasant Township, and also Fractional Township No. 7 south, Range No. 15, in said Pleasant Township. Also the following portion of Green Camp Township, to wit: Beginning at the northeast corner of Survey No. 9,923, being the northeast corner of George Cryder's land, on the Scioto River; thence west along the north line of said survey to the northwest corner thereof , thence southwardly along the west line of said survey to the northeast corner of John Sharp's 210 acres of land, in Survey No. 10,240; thence westwardly to the northwest corner of said John Sharp's land;
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thence southwardly along the west line of said Sharp's land to the south line of said Survey No. 10, 240; thence along said line to the line between Marion and Union Counties; thence southwardly with said last-mentioned line to the Greenville treaty line; thence eastwardly along said Greenville treaty line to the Scioto River: thence up said river, with the meanderings thereof, to the place of beginning. Ana it appearing to the satisfaction of the Commissioners, that legal notice of said application has boon given, and that the erection of said township is necessary, it is ordered that the above territory be and the same is erected into ,a separate township, by the name and style of `Prospect.' and that the boundaries thereof be recorded accordingly."
For some reason, which does not clearly appear from the record, the Commissioners were induced, on the following day, to amend their order above given, as to that portion defining the boundaries of Prospect Township, and restore to what was then Pleasant Township the cast half of Section No. 33 and all of Section No. 34, and also to add to the new township a goodly portion of Virginia Military Lands from Green Camp Township, as will be seen from the following entry:
"Tuesday morning, June 6, 1848.On application, and good cause being shown, it is ordered that the order of the Commissioners entered as of yesterday, erecting the now township of Prospect, in Marion County, be so amended that the whole of Fractional Section No. 34, and the east half of Fractional Section No. 33, Township No. 6 south, Range No. 15, be restored and attached to the township of Pleasant, from which the same was taken, and that the following additional portion of Green Camp Township be and the same is attached to and made a part of said township of Prospect, to wit: Beginning at the northwest corner of Survey No. 9 923; thence westwardly on line of said survey to the southeast corner of William and Aaron Markel's 119 1/2 acres of land; thence westwardly along said Markel's land, and continued westwardly on the south line of said tracts of land to the west line of Marion County; thence southwardly along the line between Union and Marion Counties, to the south line of Survey No. 10,240; thence eastwardly on said south line to the southwest corner of John Sharp's 210 acres of land; thence northwardly, on the west line of said Sharp's land to the northwest corner thereof; thence eastwardly to the northeast corner thereof; thence northwardly on the west line of said Survey No. 9,923 to the place of beginning."
GENERAL ASPECT.
Prospect Township is one of the smallest, yet one of the most densely populated, as well as one of the richest and most fertile townships of Marion County. Its surface is undulating, being gently diversified by hill and dale. It is traversed its entire length from north to south by the Scioto River. Although organized recently, comparatively, it was formed from territory much of which had been occupied for over twenty years by the early settlers of that portion of this and Delaware Counties. Yet, since then, wonderful changes have been wrought; extensive woodlands have been cleared away; beautiful farms of well-arranged fields have been formed, and the fertile valley of the Scioto has been made to bloom and blossom as the rose. Handsome farmhouses, with convenient and comfortable surroundings, have taken the place of the rude structures occupied by the early settlers, and all traces of frontier life have passed away. A few of the old pioneers of this township, who have braved the dangers and the
890 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
hardships incident to establishing new homes in unbroken forests, have lived to see their families grow up about them, surrounded with all the luxuries and refining influences of civilized life. Churches and schoolhouses, the sure forerunners of the highest type'of Christian civilization, have sprung up in this township as if by magic. until now every locality is provided with a church of some denomination in which the people meet to worship and to return thanks to a kind and beneficent Providence for the bounteous prosperity which they enjoy at His hand. Each school district is now supplied with a good, substantial school building, where the youth are gathered together six months in every year, and given instruction in the common branches by able and competent teachers.
SETTLEMENT.
The first settlement effected within the present limits of this township was made near the present site of the town of Prospect. Richard Tibbitt, Ephraim Markley and Evan Evans, with their families, located at a point about one mile north of Prospect, in the year 1814, the former on the west side of the river and the two latter on the east side, and were soon joined by Thomas Pugh, Phillip Thomas, James Thomas, John Diver and their families. Another settlement was made in the year 1815, by Darius Landon and his brother, Cyre Landon, and their families, along the west bank of the river, just opposite where Prospect now stands. In fact, a portion of the lands then occupied by them is now within the present corporation limits of Prospect, as now extended on that side of the river. They were joined by William Patten in the year 7818. From time to time other families were added to this settlement, and among them was that of Christian Gast, in .1832. The third settlement that was made was commenced by Robert Cratty, in the year 7819, about one mile east of Prospect. Maley Goodwin and William Dutton located near there in 1828.
As years went by, other families were added, and erelong the three settlements were united into one. This band of hardy pioneers formed the nucleus around which, in after years a large and prosperous community gathered. The families of Aaron Allen William Foughty, George Clay, Thomas Phillips, John T. Williams, Elijah Adams, Benjamin C. Adams, Phillip Lawrence, John Wayne, and others were afterward, between the years 1829 and 1833, added, and this colony, after enduring many months, and even years, of toil, suffering and privation, emerged from their severe trials of hardships, and became a permanent and thrifty settlement. From these families, and from later accessions without, this township has been peopled. Pennsylvania German and the Welsh composed the greater portion of these early settlers, of whom the latter, perhaps, predominated at the time, which, doubtless, was occasioned by the extensive settlement of Welsh people in Radnor 'township, Delaware County, that existed there even at a much earlier period, and from which many of the first families of Prospect Township came. Other nationalities were also represented among these early pioneers, and today, owing to the many intermarriages, it is difficult to determine which of them have a distinctive predominance; yet many of the old Pennsylvania German and Welsh families still remain distinct, and have retained not a few of their national characteristics.
Robert Cratty was born in Chambersburg, Penn., in the year 1784 and with his family emigrated from there to Delaware County in 1817. Three years later, they removed into the. present territory of this township. Mr. Cratty is now the oldest citizen living within its borders, and he informs
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us that be helped build the first house that was erected in Middletown. and that he and Mr. Christian Gast, as Directors, built the first schoolhouse within the township. It was a rude structure, consisting of hewed logs, having a rough, clapboard roof, and the windows of paper to admit the light. David Davis was the first teacher who presided therein, and swayed the scepter over the few urchins intrusted to his care, and in their youthful minds implanted the germs of education, which, under proper cultivation, have developed into the elements of the highest type of social and business training. The first church building was also a hewed-log structure, of modest appearance, and was built in the year 1825, near Mounts' residence, north of Prospect. It was of the Presbyterian denomination, and the first pastor in charge was Thomas Crafty.
The first marriage that occurred within the limits of this township was that of Mr. Simpson With Miss Duff. Elizabeth Tibbitt and Jane Tibbitt, twin daughters of Richard and Sarah Tibbitt., were the first white children born in this township. The lands of this township are composed of Congress, United States Military and Virginia Military lands, the greater portion of which consists of Virginia Military, which include all that portion of the township lying west of the Scioto River. The United States Military include all the lands south of the Greenville treaty line and east of the Scioto River. The Congress lands comprise that small remaining portion lying east of the river and north of the Gleenville treaty line. The drainage of the lands of the entire township is effected by a perfect net work of brooks and rivulets, which make their debouche into the Scioto River. These runs are spring fed, keeping a constant flow of pure and healthful water, thus affording desirable water privileges of inestimable value. Of these numerous streams, the most important are Patten and Battle Runs, the latter of which derived its name from the following incident, which will be of interest:
"WAR WITH THE WYANDOTS."
In the early settlement of this township, and while the Greenville treaty was yet in existence, the feeling between the whites and the Indians was not always entirely pacific, and frequently the revengeful feeling of the unsubdued Wyandot broke out into open acts of hostility. In the year 1820, a local disturbance of no great magnitude convulsed the communities bordering on the Wyandot Reservation, and what was known as the "War with the Wyandots" ensued. It was noted for the absence of much blood. shed, and also for being of brief duration; but even after its close bands of organized men were kept armed and in readiness to prevent marauding bands of Indiana from molesting the frontier settlements, and to summarily punish any attempt made by them of that kind. It was at this time that a troop of horsemen, called the Light Horse Guards, were stationed at Big Island. This small company made frequent excursions through the settlements, and kept a vigilant watch over the property, life and interests of the settlers, slid apprehended and punished any band of Indians whom they found committing depredations of any character against the whites.
It was on one of these excursions that the company, while watering their horses at a run that passes aroand the south side of the present site of Prospect in a semi-circle or crescent form, came in contact with an Indian apparently somewhat intoxicated, but who, in fact, was only feigning drunkenness, as was subsequently learned. Some of the men were dismounted, and the horses were slaking their thirst from the cool, crystal
892 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
waters of the stream, when the savage was first observed approaching the group from the skirts of the woods close by. His manner and his walk gave signs of intoxication. His salutation and his subsequent effort at com. munication with the company was such a jumbling of broken English as to seem. only the idle vaporings of an intoxicated brain. The horsemen were all soon again mounted, save one named Morgan, whom they urged to do so, as they desired to hasten on their way, and leave the apparently harmless Indian unmolested. But unfortunately for Morgan the amiable red man had taken a fancy to his white necktie, and upon being refused this little token of friendship assumed the aggressive, insisted and demanded that it should be given him, and so pressed Morgan, that in his efforts to evade the Indian, who was insolently following him up so closely, as he backed out of the immediate reach of the savage, that he stumbled and fell over a log. This so enraged Morgan, that upon regaining his feet he seized the aggressor's gun, wrenched it from him and dealt him a heavy blow over the head, which felled him to the ground. No sooner had Morgan wrested the weapon from the hand of his adversary and administered the blow, than more than a hundred dusky forms instantaneously sprung from their concealment in the adjacent woods.
It was then discovered, for the first time, that a band of Indians lay in ambush watching the proceedings, which evidently had been inaugurated by them for the express purpose of provoking the Light Horse Guards into some overt act of hostility, and create an excuse for revenging themselves upon the hated white men, who were keeping the actions of Wyandots under such close surveillance. In utter amazement, Morgan mounted his horse, and soon joined his companions, who continued on to the residence of Elijah Adams, some two mile.; south of this point, where they spent the night.
It was determined in the morning that a compromise must be effected and the hostile savages conciliated, in order to prevent further molestations from them. Accordingly, they at once returned to the Indian camp. Here they found the Indian, who initiated the trouble of the previous day, seated upon a fiat stone with a blanket thrown about him, enjoying a course of steaming, a favorite method of treatment by the Wyandots for all ills that Indian flesh is heir to. Dispensing with all ceremony usually observed on such occasions, the parties proceeded at once to effect a compromise, which was soon accomplished by the principal offenders confessing their hastiness, and Morgan agreeing to furnish the Indians with a load of pumpkins, and the wounded savage in return to furnish the whites with a saddle of venison. Thus this difficulty was ended, and the pipe of peace having been smoked, all again was quiet along the valley of the Scioto.
ANECDOTE OF THE CHASE.
It is related that a party of four, consisting of Messrs. Landon, Davies, Elijah Adams and his son Benjamin C., one beautiful moonlight evening in the early autumn of 1836, embarked in a large log canoe and launched out upon the placid waters of the Scioto, at a point near the present site of Prospect, in anticipation of a pleasant hunting excursion. They passed up the river quietly, propelling their substantial but cumbersome barque, using long poles instead of oars, reaching the mouth of the Little Scioto about 8 o'clock. Here the party stopped and spent an hour in rest anal preparation for the evening hunt. At the expiration of that time, a canoe containing four men, with their guns and ammunition, but with only one person visible could have been seen moving stealthily up the stream.
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Soon a herd of deer greeted the sight of the occupants of the boat, The unsuspecting animals had come down to the water's edge, and were slaking their thirst and feeding upon the long grass which at that time grew in abundance along the margin of 'the river. Noiselessly the boat containing the hunters approached within two or three rods of where the deer were quietly feeding, and simultaneously three human forms arose to a sitting posture, and the sharp report of three rifles rang out upon the still night air, and two of that small herd of deer fell in the shallow water as the first fruits of the evening hunt. The remainder at once took fright, and bounded off into the deep wood, and were soon lost to sight.
The little party, after securing their game, again quietly proceeded down the stream, until they rounded the bend in the river and came to a poiut opposite where Wynn now lives, where they discovered another herd of deer, apparently in the act of crossing the river, and among them was a very large buck, that attracted the attention of Landon and Davies, both of whom fired at hint at the same time. Only one ball, however, took effect, and that only to slightly wound the animal, which at first fell in the water, but soon regained his feet and was about to escape into the darkness of the adjacent woods, when his retreat was cut off by the intervening of a boat between him and the shore. Being thus prevented from escape in that direction, the animal turned his head to the opposite shore, and was soon into the deep water, swimming toward that point, when the boat again overtook him and one of the occupants--Benjamin C. Adams-sprang upon his back; but so sleek, strong and agile was the animal, that after carrying Adams a short distance down the stream from the boat, be made a sudden turn and left Adams in the water, which at that point was about five feet deep. The occupants of the boat had thrown a long board paddle to Adams, and it had now drifted so near to him that he seized it, and the deer still being within his reach, dealt him several severe blows, knocking off his horns, and otherwise so seriously wounding him that he was soon easily captured. After applying the, hunter's knife to his throat, and his life-blood had flown away, the body of the deer was lifted into the boat and the party turned their bark in a homeward direction. On their return, four more deer were captured in a similar and as exciting a manner. Thus it will be observed that the early settlers readily combined sport and pleasure with the duty of providing for their families.
WESLEY PUGH'S NARROW ESCAPE
Wesley Pugh, whose parents came to that portion of Delaware County that is now included in Waldo Township, this county, in 1802, and who afterward, in 1819, removed to a place one mile north of Mr. Cratty's farm, in this township, where be was born in 1819, and where he has since resided, has witnessed much of the development and improvement of this and Waldo Townships. His early boyhood and manhood are replete with experiences incident to pioneer life. It is said that during his early manhood, while those townships were yet nothing but primeval forests, consisting of heavy timbers of massive oak, tall and graceful maple and other trees of a kindred nature, together with dense undergrowth, and while yet the roads from one settlement to another were mere paths along which a wagon could pass, or two persons could ride on horseback comfortably side by side, and where the bowling of wolves and the screams of panthers were familiar sounds to all who resided within the borders of these township. Young Pugh often had occasion to pass over these lonely roads. One even-
894 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
ing, as he was returning home on horseback from Waldo, where he had been spending the afternoon, and where he had been detained by friends until a late hour, as he was riding leisurely along, not. noticing that the shades of night were gathering fast, and the sky was becoming obscured by dark and murky clouds which soon made the road and woods gloomy with impenetrable darkness, he. was suddenly aroused from his reverie and pleasant thoughts of his visit with the kind friends whom he had so recently left, to the realization of the dangers that he would probably have to encounter before reaching home by the howling of wolves in the distance, which, although at first were few and indistinct, seemed to increase in number and volume as he advanced on his lonely road. He had now reached a point some two miles from any human habitation. Soon it became apparent to him that these hungry animals wore closing in around him, and that he was probably the sole object of their prey. He was not., therefore, astonished, although somewhat frightened, when he discovered a number of them close upon him, and from the eagerness and swiftness with which they were pursuing him there was no longer any doubt that an attack was imminent; and that escape from a pack of such hungry and ferocious animals was exceedingly doubtful. Young Pugh was wholly unarmed. The peril of the situation flashed upon him with overwhelming weight as, for a moment, he considered the situation. [lore he was, in the heart of a dense forest, without a weapon of any kind with which to defend himself, without the hope of help from any human hand, sought, pursued and almost surrounded by a vast number of dangerous animals when taken together, and especially when driven to an attack by the desperation of hunger.
But he had no time for reflection. The wolves were now at his horse's very heels, howling, snarling, snapping and springing forward with that certainty and exultation so characteristic of animals of prey when they consider their victims within their power. Something must be done, and done quickly. Pugh, who, although he had been riding at a rapid gait, had up to this time been considering the propriety of returning to Waldo, as it was the nearest point in case of certain danger, now observed that he was intercepted, and retreat in that direction made utterly impossible, and that the only hope for him was to dash through the circle that was rapidly surrounding him, and make good his escape in the direction. of his father's home. This he determined, if possible, to do; and urging his horse to greater speed than before, he was leaving the wolves in the rear, when suddenly those coming to the chase from the opposite direction sprang upon him as he was passing; and had it not been for a rough stick, in the form of a cane, which was used with the power of desperation, and with which Pugh declares he actually felled two wolves with one blow, as they sprang upon and had taken hold of him, he would certainly have been killed. To the vigorous use of this club and the fleetness of his horse, which continued its flight with almost unabated swiftness to the homestead, he owes the preservation of his life on that occasion.
AGRICULTURAL.
The following is the annual report for 1883, giving the present agricultural status of Prospect Township: Wheat, acres sown, 2.680; bushel s produced, 4,174; number of acres sown for harvest of 1883, 2,606. Oats, acres sown, 250; acres sown for crop of 1883, 91; bushels produced, 5,630. Corn, acres planted, 2,251; acres planted for crop of 1883, 2,271; bushels
produced, 94,985. Meadow, acres, 471; tons of hay, 736.Clover, acres.
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1,046; tons of hay, 1.027; bushels of seed, 301. Potatoes, acres planted, 84; bushels produced, 6,750. Butter, 39,380 pounds. Bees, 35 hives; poands of honey, 380. Eggs, 34,530 dozen. Apples. acres occupied, 235; bushels produced, 2,000. Lands, acres cultivated, 2,103; acres of pasture, 2,829; acres of woodland, 2,294; total number of acres owned, 11,770. Wool, 8,831. Milch cows, 306. Dogs, 90. Sheep killed by dogs, 97; value, $534. Hogs died, 40; value, $382. Sheep died, 116; value, $438. Cattle died, 13; value, $379. Horses died, 16; value, $2,440. Losses by floods: Grain, etc., value, $200; fences, value, $100.
VILLAGES.
Three villages have sprung up within the present borders of this township, one being called Columbia, one Centerville and the other Prospect. The first-named was laid out by Elijah Adams in 1832, about one mile north of Prospect, along the river, on the farm now owned by John Decker, and a number of lots were platted, but the place not having the natural elements and surroundings to insure prosperity, no enterprising persons invested in property or located there, and its founder soon gave up the hope of building a town upon this site, and the place finally reverted into a field, and now there is scarcely a monument of any kind left to mark the spot.
Centerville is a small town located on the line of the New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad, about ten miles southwest of Marion. It was laid out in October, 1863, by George Clay, and is situated in the Virginia Military District, in Survey No. 10,240, lying west of the northwest corner of a lot of land owned by Joseph Tunis, and being on the northeast corner of George Clay's land. It contains one general grocery store, saw mill and a warehouse for the temporary storage of grain., a schoolhouse, and dwelling houses to the number, perhaps, of a, dozen. Its growth has been neither rapid nor remarkable.
THE VILLAGE OF PROSPECT.
Prospect is situated in the fertile valley of the Scioto River. It is some ten miles distant from Marion, and is located principally on the left bank of the river. It was first known by the name of Middletown, and was laid out by Christian Gast while that portion of Prospect Township yet belonged to Delaware County. The town was surveyed and laid out September 17, 1835, and originally consisted of eighty-one lots, besides one donated by the proprietor for a schoolhouse, church and burial grounds. The plat was left for record at the Recorder's office in Delaware December 25, 1835, and was there duly recorded December 28 of the same year. These eighty-one lots lay between Elm street and the river, and extended as far north as Market street. Most of these lots found ready sale, and a number of business buildings and many private residences were soon erected. Mr. Gast. found it necessary, erelong, to make an addition, which he did in October, 1837. This is known as Christian Gast's First Addition to Middletown. It consists of twenty-six lots on the east side of Elm street, running the entire length of .the original plat, being, however, only one lot deep. Christian Gast, whose ambition and enterprise kept pace with the village, made two additions subsequent to that date; one in 1839, which lies north of Market street, along the river, and consists of thirty-six lots; the other in 1855, which consists of forty-six lots, running the entire length along the east side of what was then Middletown, bringing it to East street.
896 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
Two years prior to the date of the filing of Christian (last's Third Addition, a small addition known as Berry & Patten's Addition was made to Middletown, which lies on the west side of the river, north of Water street as now extended, and consists of six lots. This addition was surveyed, platted and recorded in May, 1853. This is the first date that the ambitious little Middletown began to extend her limit as to take in territory on the west side of the river.
Early in January, 1876. Christian Gast, Jr., filed in the Recorder's office of Marion County a plat of sixty lots, which he had recently caused to be surveyed and laid out, about one-third of which lay on the east side of the Columbus & Toledo Railroad, which was then in process of construction, and which ran through the territory east of Middletuwn about. one fifth of a mile. This was at that time entirely disconnected from Middletown, and was designated " Prospect" by the proprietor. The new town lay entirely on the south side of River street, and on it the depot and other buildings were soon erected.
About this time, the citizens of Middletown petitioned the Court of Common Pleas to have the name of their village changed from Middletown to that of Prospect, alleging as their principal reason that there were several other towns and post offices of that. name in the State, and that it caused great inconvenience and trouble in regard to mail matters to the citizens of the village and the public generally, and accordingly, January 31, 1876, the court granted their request, and the entire village has since been known as " Prospect."
In March, 1876, the first addition to the new town of Prospect was made by Margaret and Peter Leist. It consists of six in-lots and two outlots, and lies on the north side of River street, directly opposite the sixty lots laid out by Christian Gast, Jr. Early in January, the following year, David Gast and J. T. Davies made another addition to Prospect, which consists of seventy-one in-lots. and lies between East street and that portion of the town laid out by Christian Gast, Jr., and Leist's Addition, thus connecting the two parts of the village and making it one complete whole.
In August, 1876, a petition was presented by the citizens of Prospect to the County Commissioners. asking that certain contiguous territory should be annexed to the village, which request was granted by the Commissioners at that date, and the proceedings were duly recorded in the Recorder's office on October 28 of the same year. Of that territory on the east side of the river. forty-four and a half acres belonged to David Gast, twelve and one-fourth to Christian Gast, Jr., thirty-six and a half to Margaret Leist, forty-seven and a half to Catharine Davis, fourteen and one-fourth to J. L. Farnum, nine and three-fourths to the heirs of Philip Gast, and two acres to J. Cope. On the west side of the river, three and a half acres of the Switzer farm, thirteen and a fourth acres belonging to the Patten heirs and twenty-three and a fourth acres belonging to J. L. Farnum were included in the corporation limits thus extended. Thus it will be seen that the little town has gradually extended its limits until it has acquired a considerable territory, and its growth in population and business interests has been equally as steady and healthful, until now it has become a village of no little importance.
Christian Gast, the original proprietor, was born and reared in Bedford County, Penn., a mountainous and almost barren district. There he spent his boyhood and early manhood. There he was married, and there his nine children were born. But as his necessities increased, a desire to
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inhabit a more fertile and more productive country and to possess a goodly portion of it, prompted hire to emigrate to this portion of Ohio, where he had been correctly informed of the beauty and richness of the Scioto Valley. He arrived here in April, 1832, and purchased the properly just south of the village that his son David now occupies, and also the land upon which the village now stands. A verv few acres were cleared around Mr. Gast's new home at that time, but with the aid of his sons, Benjamin C. Adams and other help that was available, he soon cleared a number of acres, and among the first was the present site of Prospect. After raising two crops thereon-one of corn and one of wheat-he conceived the idea of laying out a town, and accordingly, in September, 1835, he had the town surveyed and platted as previously mentioned. As this location was about midway between Delaware and Marion, the proprietor gave it the name of "Middletown." The first house built in the town was a log cabin erected by Robert Cratty; the second was a log schoolhouse built by Robert Cratty and Christian Gast, as Directors. The first frame building in the place was erected by Dr. Samuel Gast, which was built on the southwest corner of the square, where it still stands. There the Doctor had his residence, his office, and there he also engaged in selling goods, for which he had exchanged 120 acres of land, lying east of town, to George C. Knight. The next frame building in the place was erected by Robert Watkins, Sr., and stood just north of where Watkins' brick hotel now stands. Here Mr. Watkins kept tavern for a number of years, and by supplying his table always with the best obtainable in those days, and extending to his guests that old time hospitality, won for himself many warm-hearted friends and an enviable reputation.
The next building erected was on the northeast corner of the square, and was owned and occupied by Nathaniel Fields. James Pickett, from Delaware, was, perhaps, the first regular merchant that located here. He erected a frame building on the southeast corner of the square, for residence and store room, and here kept a general stock of goods, such as the wants of the people demanded at that time. He occupied the place for a number of years. The building, though still standing, is removed back to the end of the brick building now on the same corner, which is occupied as a drug store. Thomas Humphrey was one among the first business men located in Middletown. He was engaged here a number of years in the sale of merchandise, and was a reliable, honorable and successful merchant.
The people of Middletown received their mail at Radnor, in Delaware County, up to 1837, at which time a post office was established here, and Jonathan P. Brookins was appointed and acted as the first Postmaster in the place hulding the office two years. The mail for a number of years was brought once a week from the only one point, Radnor, and was so light that it could be easily carried by one man on horseback over the roughest roads in any season of the year, and the revenue of the office for the first two years was less than $5 per year.
Robert Watkins, Sr., who, with his wife, came to Middletown in 1836. was prominently connected with the business interests and early history of the placo. Among other industries that he set on foot and helped to carry forward, was that of establishing a foundry, which he and his brother Thomas carried on, with marked success, from the year 1845 to the year 1853, at which time Thomas Watkins died, and he being the molder and practical workman of the firm. the business was soon after abandoned and the property disposed of for other purposes. Die name of Watkins is a
898 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
time-honored and respected one, and although Robert Watkins, Sr., and his brother Thomas, have long since passed away, their families remain as highly respected members of this community.
In the year 1850, a distillery was erected in the village by Barnes & Barrickman, who carried on the business of distilling liquors for a period of five years, when the proprietors, becoming greatly involved in this and other business, ware compelled to make an assignment, and the manufacture of liquors in this place was from that time discontinued.
The first grist mill erected here was built by a company of which Jacob Spade, Christian Gast, John Gast and others were members, and was located on the east bank of the river, in the northern part of town, on the site where the present mill now stands. It was built in 1852, and did a general milling and storage business. On the 3d day of July, 1858, sparks, emanating from the engine, ignited a fire in the dry and inflammable material of the mill, and when it was discovered, there being no organized fire company in the village, the flames could not be suppressed until the fire had extended into what was then considered quite a little conflagration, completely destroying the mill, the Lutheran Church, a dwelling house and a doctor's office- the last two of which belonged to Dr. Cook, and were occupied by Richard Patten and Dr. Thatcher. Insurance on property was not then so general as now, and no policy rested on the mill, the residence or the church, to bear the burden and share the loss with the owners. The mill was at once re-built, on the same old foundation, by William Gast, and was afterward sold to George and John Van Brimmer, and subsequently they sold it to Herbster & Reeser, who, some time afterward, disposed of it to Morrow Bros., its present owners.
It might be well to mention that, before the erection of any grist mill in Middletown, what was known as a "corn-cracker" was built about midway on the lot south of the one on which Watkins' frame tavern stood. This "corn. cracker" was run by horse-power, and served to grind corn into meal, which was used extensively at that time as the material for "corn pone," "Johnny-cake" and other "cakes," the recipes for the making of which are now seldom found in the ordinary cook book.
George C. Knight came here from the East about 1840, and engaged in selling and trading goods of almost every description that were at all marketable here. He was a shrewd speculator, and exchanged much of his goods for lands and town property. He lived in what was then termed "fine style," having at his residence many of the conveniences and comforts of an Eastern home, also keeping a colored servant, and was looked upon by the plain people as a kind of an aristocrat among them.
Mr. Knight, during his five or six years' residence in Middletown, had, by his trading, acquired much of its property, and now that he was about to leave was desirous of turning it into money. He conceived the idea of copying the plat of the town, so that he could the better display the location of his property and its surroundings to parties who might desire t.) purchase, but who for any reason, such as distance and expense, could not have an actual view of the premises. Accordingly, he secured the services of a skillful pencil artist, and caused the plat of the town to be drawn off in elegant style and flashy colors, with the Scioto in its full width washing the town on the west, and flowing majestically by. Upon its smooth surface steamers of various sizes were sketched, some lying in port while others were slowly pushing up the stream laden with the products of the place, thus giving Middletown the appearance of a thriving little city on
PROSPECT TOWNSHIP. - 899
the bank of a navigable stream, which, to all appearances, was already utilized as a means of transportation. Providing himself with this, and a copy of the act of Congress which declared the Scioto River navigable up to the month of the Little Scioto, he went to Pennsylvania, among some of the good, honest Quakers of that State, who, in their child-like faith and simplicity, thought Mr. Knight and all others as honest and conscientious as they. Mr. Knight exhibited his map, together with the act of Congress declaring the Scioto River navigable beyond this point, and talked of the growth and advantages of the place and the beauty and fertility of the country surrounding it, until he caused them to believe that here was a chance for an exceedingly good investment. The result was the sale of his entire possessions in the town to the Quakers, at what was then considered a fabulous price. The purchasers, in the course of time, came on to take possession of and improve their property and engage in the business activity of the little city; but when they arrived and found it as yet a mere hamlet in the woods, on a stream that appeared to them anything else but navigable, with but few improvements of any kind as yet discernible, they, with disgust pictured upon every lineament of their features, turned their backs upon the place and quit it forever. It is needless to say that their interest in property here was afterward secured at a mere nominal figure.
Although the picture was grossly overdrawn by Knight, who can say but that, treated as a prophecy, it may not yet be partially realized? Only about thirty-five years have since elapsed, during which time rapid strides have boon made in its growth, beauty and business industries, and today it ranks among the thriftiest and most handsome villages in the State. It has grown from what was then a mere hamlet, of a few unpretentious houses, with only a territory of 143 lots, to an ambitious and enterprising village with its hundreds of frame and brick buildings and numerous business blocks, and possessing a territory of 207 acres of land, in addition to its 340 lots. Although the river has not yet been utilized for the transportation of freight and passengers to and from this point, much better facilities for these purposes have been secured. Among them in the location of the Columbus, Hocking Valley & Toledo Railroad through the eastern portion of the village, which connects it directly with Columbus and Toledo and other important points along the line of this road; and also gives it easy communication and quick transportation to Cleveland, Dayton and Cincinnati. Almost every branch of business is now represented here, and energetic and enterprising men are found in almost every department of trade.
There are now five dry goods establishments, two drug stores, two hardware stores, four provision stores, two clothing stores and one merchant tailoring establishment and two millinery stores. A bank was located here in 1880, and another in 1883; also a newspaper printing office. The village is in an excellent financial condition.
The village is well provided with religious societies and church edifices, there being five in number, viz., the Presbyterian, the Methodist Episcopal, the Baptist, the Lutheran and the German Reformed. There is at present one schoolhouse, and although not of sufficient capacity to accommodate all the pupils of the village, the board has rented two public halls, in which free schools are held, thus providing educational facilities for the rapidly increasing number of pupils until a new and commodious school building can be erected, which is now under contract at a cost of $10,000.
These things speak well of the morality and culture of Prospect citizenship.
900 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
The growth of Prospect and the increase of population during the last few years bave been truly wonderful. In 1878, when the village was incorporated, the census was taken, as the law requires, and the total number of inhabitants was then 355, and in 1880-only four years afterward-at the regular decennial census, the population had increased to 600, making an average increase of sixty-one persons annually. At that rate, Prospect now contains about 725, by the extraordinary growth from immigration during 1881-82. As shown by the statistics of voters, there is now a population of nearly 800 souls.
EARLY EVENTS.
The first child born in Prospect Village was Albert Gast, the Son of Dr. Gast.
The first blacksmith shop in the village was kept by Robert Cratty, Jr., where Cook's drug store now stands.
The first flouring m ill built in the township was a steam mill, erected by a company, on the site of the present mill in Prospect Village.
Christian Gast and Robert Crafty, Sr., erected the first schoolhouse in Prospect Township-probably in 1833. It was made of hewed logs, and occupied the site of the present Union School building.
REMINISCENCES BY B. C. ADAMS.
The first settlers of what is now Prospect Township were Ephraim Markley and sons, George Rite, John Driver, Richard Jones, Richard Tib. bett, Fred Huff, Cyre Landon, Darius Landon, Thomas Pugh, John A. Jones, John T. Williams, Robert Crafty, James Thomas, John Bowen, Mala Goodin, Philip Lawrence, John Clay, David Lloyd, Friend Biggerstaff, William Patten, David Cadwallader, Christian Gast and Robert Watkins. Of these, all have passed away but three, viz., Robert Cratty, now almost a centenarian, John A. Jones and Joan Watkins, widow of Robert Watkins. These were among the very first that settled in the township They came when the red man and the wild beasts of prey were the undisputed sovereigns of this then nature's wild dominion. The ax and muscle of the, pioneer have cleared away the forests and opened up the beautiful farms which their posterity now enjoy. All honor to the memory of these brave men!
It may be of interest to some to know what we lived on in those early days. The chief articles on which we subsisted were core, dodger, hominy, mush and milk, with wild turkey and venison-the latter being the most plentiful. Corn meal was made in the following manner: A large stump was selected, and a round hole burned in the top, large enough to hold a peck or more of corn; then a forked pole set upright in the ground, with a pole passing over the fork for a sweep. To the end of the sweep would be attached a solid stick of timber, made the proper size to fit the mortar; then, by mounting the stump and plying the sweep we soon had meal. I have taken many a sweat at it.
The next improvement was the "band mill," being two flat stories, the lower one bedded on a block or trestle; a stick with a spike in one end, and a hole drilled near one edge of the upper stone, to receive the spike; the other end attached to a joist by a "wham" or strap. Thus, one or two men, by applying nerve and muscle, would soon grind out a half-bushel of corn. The next improvement was the horse mill, propelled by horse-power, a very slow and hard way of grinding meal and flour.
Then came the water mill. An incident is said to have taken place at
PROSPECT TOWNSHIP. - 901
one of these mills, near the mouth of the Little Scioto, that is worth relating. It was a rude mill, not inclosed, and had a clapboard roof for shelter. Two neighbors, each having shouldered a half-bushel of corn, went to the mill to get it ground. The water was very low, and the grinding very slow. However, they determined to wait their turn. A large, half starved hound had followed them, and laid himself down near the meal chest. One of the grists was placed in the hopper, and to pass away time the men baited their hooks for a fish. Not long after, they heard the hound howl, bow-wow! Then there was silence for a time. Then bow-wow again. This lasted for some time. Then, supposing the grist to be out, they returned; and lo, and behold, the hound had devoured the meal as fast as it left the spout, and while it was collecting stood anxiously gazing up the spout and bow-wowed for more!
I have taken a sack of corn, on horseback, ten and fifteen miles to mill, returning home at night through an unbroken forest, the wolves howling on all sides.
I could tell of many adventures of those early days; trapping, fishing and hunting; several times being attacked by a wounded buck; then it was business, sure-though I had the fortune each time to come off victorious, only minus a good suit of home-made jeans.
Deer were very numerous in those days, and somewhat troublesome to the early settlers, large herds frequenting the wheat fields in the early spring, while the ground was soft, eating and trampling the grain to such an extent, that if not driven off they would quite ruin it. I have gone out with dogs and what was called the " horse-fiddle," and given them a scare many a night, the bide and flesh being of no value at that season of the year.
The deer and its habits have been so often described, I will not enlarge; and yet there are many young men that know but very little about the change of color they take on as the season changes. The question sometimes arises, does the male deer shed his antlers, or horns, once a year? Certainly they do, about the middle of February, and about the 1st of June new ones make their appearance, soft and woolly like velvet. They grow rapidly, and in a short time become hard and sharp.
The deer were slaughtered in great numbers in those days. One of the most successful, and I think the most unfair, ways, was with the canoe and light-called "light hunting." It was done in this way: A post was set upright in the bow of the boat, with two clapboards nailed or in a "V" form. A large candle placed in front would throw the light from shore to shore in the front, but behind the blind all was dark. The deer having found their way to the stream in great numbers, to feed on a moss or grass that grew very plentifully in or on the water. In those days, it required skill on the part of the steersman to keep the game in the light; and with skill you could get within a few yards. Then, with a musket or gun well charged with buck-shot or a number of balls, there was but little chance of escape for the poor deer. The month of June being the best time for this kind of hunting, I have known a few men, too lazy to work, to follow this kind of hunting during the season just for the hides, which were worth from 6 to 12 cents a pound, and leave the meat lying for food for the wild beasts and buzzards.
In those early days, in company with two other young men, I set out on a hunt of this kind, having poled the canoe from this place (Prospect) to the mouth of the Little Scioto, some six miles; went to shore, struck a fire and smoke to keep off the mosquitoes. When darkness had fairly set in,
902 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
we lighted our candle, and commenced to move slowly and cautiously dowry the stream. We had not gone far until we discovered a very large buck gazing at our light. We moved with great caution until within a few yards, then fired. The buck fell, but quickly arose and made for shore. The order was, "Run the canoe on him;" but missing our aim, the word was " Spring on him." I being young and spry made the leap, landing on his bead and neck, grasping his horns. We had it up and down for some time. The water being deep, the struggle was a hard one. I believe I was uppermost full half of the time. We took him in, with two others, that night and arrived home at daybreak, wet and hungry, took our breakfast, then the scythe, and went to the clover field, feeling proud of our spoil.
But few of the young men of these days have any idea what labor it took to clear up those beautiful farms that now cover the Scioto Valley. I have gone to log-rollings and house-raisings for twenty -one days in succession, Sundays excepted, dividing the hands and ground. Every muscle and nerve taxed to the last pound! There are only a few of those old beroes now living.
I was asked a few days ago if I could tell what gave rise to the name "Battle Run." Was there a battle fought there, or not? Well, not much of a battle, I will say. The facts in the case are these: Word got out that some unfriendly Indians had been seen a few miles north of this, now called Prospect. Several of the neighbors collected on horseback and went. to investigate, finding it was a false alarm. On their return, they stopped at the little stream now called Battle Run, to let their horses drink. A man by the name of Morgan having alighted from his horse, an intoxicated Indian attacked him, demanding his necktie. Morgan refusing to give it up, the Indian drew his tomahawk. Morgan caught hold of the Indian's gun, wrenched it from him and gave him a heavy blow with the gun-barrel over the head, which brought him to the ground. At that moment, several Indians who had been concealed behind the logs and trees, sprang out with their guns, giving chase. The horsemen put spurs to their horses. The road, at that time, led around the hill. The Indians, taking a straight cut, came into the road a short distance behind and fired several shots, some of which passed through the clothes of the fleeing white men. They made good their retreat, however, without the loss of a single man. The next thing was a compromise. Early the neat morning a company repaired to the battle-field, found the Indian that Morgan had struck sitting with a blanket over his head, over a pot with water, and every few minutes a hot rock was dropped into the kettle. He was taking a good sweat. A horrid gash was seen cut in his head. A council was called, and the following terms of peace were agreed upon: The Indian who insulted Morgan was to give Morgan a saddle of venison-the two bind quarters-and Morgan, for striking, was to deliver to the Indian a cart-load of pumpkins The pipe of peace was then smoked, each one taking a draw.
CHURCHES.
Methodist Episcopal Church.-The first Methodist preaching in the vicinity of Prospect Village was probably by an itinerant named Swazy, in 1816 or 1817, at the residence of B. C. Adams' parents, who, among others, were converted, and soon a society was formed, consisting of the above named and Robert Perry and wife, Cyre Landon., John Hoskins, Darius Landon, Richard Tibbitts and Thomas Pugh and their wives. Mr. Adams' residence was a preaching place for many years. Some of the preachers were Revs
PROSPECT TOWNSHIP. - 903
J. B. Finley, Thomas Pugh, Jacob Hooper, Bishop T. A. Morris, John Stuart (colored), James Gilruth, ---Mitchell, Russell Bigelow, -- Lorain, --Goff, William Reynolds, Samuel Shaw, John H. Powers, Leonard B. Gurley and many others. In Middletown, meetings were mostly held in a room over a store, until about 1837, when a frame church, 24x30, was built, on the lot where the present church stands. That building has been moved, and is now used for a barn. The present edifice, 36x54, with capacity for seating 450, was built in 1858 and dedicated the following year. It cost $1,650.
The pastors since 1869 have been Caleb Hill, two years; William W. Zance, two; Frank B. Olds, two; Henry E. Pilcher, one, when a great revival was enjoyed, 105 joining the church; John Graham, one year; John Hill, 1877-78; Benjamin B. Powell, 1878-81.; James C. Clemens since the last date.
The church now numbers 2011 members, and is in a healthy and prosperous condition. Class Leaders: Emanuel Knachel, Lewis Wasser, Israel Hedges, Jacob Hoskins, John Glass, Frederick Freeman, --- Haywood and -- Howison. Stewards: George Noble, Wesley Pugh, Samuel Markley.
First Baptist Church of Prospect.-The first meetings held in Prospect by people of this denomination between 1840 and 1850, in school and private houses; the preachers being Revs. O. Owens, J. Prey, D. D. Walden and others. The church was first organized in November, 1863, in their meeting-house, by a council of pastors and delegates from other Baptist Churches; -but they had been worshiping about six years as a branch of the Radnor Baptist Church. The number of members at organization was forty; S. L. and A. P. Johnson, Deacons; E. Dix, Clerk, and Rev. J. G. Tunison, Pastor. Rev. D. Pritchard preached at Prospect while this society was a branch of the Radnor Church. The first church building, 30x45 feet in size, and costing $750, was erected in 1850. The present edifice, brick, with slate roof, 40x60 feet, and costing about $6,500, was built in 1873. A fine parsonage, worth $2,500, belongs also to the church.
Pastors: J. G. Tunison, seven years; B. J. George, eight and a half years; S. F. Hull, two years; H. H. `Fitter, three years; M. Squibb, two years; A. J. Wiant, for the last three years. Principal revivals in 1854, 1860, 1862, 1866, 1875 and 1882, under the pastorates of Revs. Tunison, George and Wiant. Present membership, about 207. Clerk, I. M. Roberts. Deacons, Daniel Robinson, J. Q. Roads, H. Worline and Isaac Roberts. Treasurer, Adam Morrow. The missionary zeal of this church has been very marked. Rev. Mr. George, while pastor here, baptized the present President of Brownson University, Rev. R. R. Williams. D. D., whose labors during the past ten years among the Tulugus, in India, have greatly prospered.
Pisgah Presbyterian Church.-The first Presbyterian meeting in Prospect was held May 3, 1850, in the Methodist Episcopal Church, when there was preaching by Rev. Henry Van Deman, and the church was organized by Rev. H. Hess, with the following seven members: Jane Boyd, Rachel Matthews, Rachel Selanders, Thomas Johns, Mary Johns, R. G. Boyd and Rebecca Boyd, Thomas Johns and R. G. Boyd were elected Ruling Elders. Rev. Mr. Hess served as pastor three years; S. K. Hughes, one; E. Evans, two; I. N. Shepard, two; C. K. Perkins, eight; N. S. Smith, one; Mr. Anderson, one; D. D. Waugh, two; Charles Terry, one, and Thomas, the present incumbent, two. There are now forty members, with John Cellar and R. G. Boyd as Elders. Rev. Perkins was the only installed
904 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
pastor, all the others being stated supplies. In connection with this church are an "Evergreen" Sunday school and a Woman's Foreign :Missionary Society-the latter meeting monthly. There have been received into this church, since its organization 126 members, but the greatest number at one time was forty-one.
The first church edifice was built in 1852, 31x37 feet at a cost of $700, where services were held until in 1881, when an $1,800 church was erected, 30x40 feet.
Otterbein Chapel, United .Brethren in Christ.--First. meeting was held about the 1st of February, 1855, and the same year or next the church was organized, with a membership of twenty, by Revs. Atkinson Berry, P. E., and Wilson Martin Y. C. First official members: S. C. Mounts, W. B. Davis W. H. Conkright, E. Griffith and J. B. Stoutenberg. June 5, 1856, a lot four rods square was bought, on Survey 9,923, Prospect Township, for $20, and the same year a church was built. The first Trustees were Michael Kurtz, S. C. Mounts and William. Conkright; the present are John Wynn, R. Baxter Davis and W. B. Patten. J. S. Mills, Elder; Rev. S. Wertz, Pastor. :Meeting every two weeks.
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church.-The following sketch of this church, in its pioneer days, is taken from the old church records:
Christian Gast and his brother William Gast, members of the Lutheran Church, settled in the spring of 1832, with their families, it the vicinity of what is now Prospect Village (then Middletown). They were religious people, and desiring to hear the Gospel preached, during the 'summer of 1833 secured the services of the Rev. A. Weil, then the pastor of the Lutheran congregation at Delaware, who preached for them about once in eight weeks, at the house of Christian Gast. This continued for about six months, when the pastor resigned his charge at Delaware. The Delaware congregation was afterward supplied by the Rev. S. S. Kline, who consented to preach regularly once in four weeks at the house of Christian Gast. and subsequently in the Middletown Schoolhouse. Several other Lutheran families having settled in.the vicinity, a small congregation was organized by electing and installing Elders and Deacons, and adopting certain articles as a constitution for the order and discipline of the church. The first members of the organized church were Christian Gast, his wife Elizabeth, and daughter Margaret, William Gast and his wife Elizabeth. The first confirmation in this congregation occurred April 30, 1836, when, having been previously instructed in the catechism by the pastor, seven young people were confirmed, and the next day, being Lord's Day, they were admitted to Holy Communion with the congregation.
In the fall of 1841, the pastor, S. S. Kline, resigned his charge of the Middletown congregation.
During the pastorate of the Rev. B. Pope, who in the year 1842 received and accepted a call from the Delaware and Middletown congregations, a house of worship was erected on a lot of ground donated for that purpose by Christian Gast, on what would be Lot No. 82 of Prospect Village plat. In 1845, a subscription was started for this purpose, and in 1846 the house was partially completed, so that the congregation could occupy it in pleasant weather. It was not finished until 1849, after Pastor Pope had resigned and Rev. M. Loy had taken charge of the congregation.
The services of this church were first held exclusively in the German language, but the wants of a service in the English language increasing, it became necessary, even in Pastor Pope's time, to have part of the service
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conducted in the English language, until at present (1883) three-fourths of the service is in the English language and one-fourth in German. For many years, including Pastor Loy's time, services were held in English and German on alternate Sundays.
In November, 1857, Pastor Loy resigned his charge of Middletown congregation, and Rev. Philip Gast became its pastor. Thenceforth, services were held every Lord's Day. The congregation lost its pastor by death October 20, 1865, and Rev. Jonas Simon was installed July 22, 1866. He died November 18. 1866, and was succeeded by Rev. Georgo Long, who was installed April 28, 186 7. Ha continued over one year, when the charge was again vacated until occupied by Rev. F. E. Harsh, who was installed February 14, 1869, and died October 27, 1869. Rev. J. Humberger became pastor June 26, 1869, and was installed November 20, 1870. He resigned January 1, 1875 and J. O. Huflman took charge until July, 1882. June 1, 1883, the Rev. David Simon was installed, and is the present pastor.
The congregation having grown, and desiring a larger church edifice, a subscription was taken up, and .funds secured for that purpose. January, 1855. The proposed house was immediately commenced on Inlot No. 94 of the village plat. The lot was donated by Peter Leist. The work was vigorously prosecuted, and the edifice completed and dedicated in 1856. This is the present brick church house occupied by the congregation. It was built by Christian Gast, Jr., and Peter Leist for $1,250. Afterward, other expenses were added, in furnishing steeple, etc., which increased the cost to $1,397.25. The first church edifice built by this congregation was destroyed by fire several years after their removal to the brick church. The present. edifice is fitted very neatly, and supplied with a fine pipe organ, which was bought in 1879. Mr. J. Albert Davis has acted as organist since its purchase. The choir is supplied by twelve voices.
The present membership is about 150, and a flourishing Sunday school is maintained.
Zion's Reformed Church.-Of this denomination, meetings began to be held in 1845, in the Middletown Schoolhouse, Rev. H. Hess, minister. The church was organized April 13. 1846, with twenty-five members, namely, J. J. Wottring, George Butz, Philip Wottring, Samuel Bachman, Abraham Bechtel, Daniel Williard, Samuel Bechtel, Jr., Jonas Bechtel, Lewis Wottring, John Moyer, Samuel Moyer, Jonathan Bechtel, Elizabeth Bech tel, Hannah Wottring Elizabeth Wottring, Elizabeth Hess, Rosena Moyer, Mary Bechtel, Nancy Seifle and Catharine Bechtel.
Their first church building, 25x30 was erected in 1845, at a cost of $500. Their present house of worhsip, 32x45, was dedicated October 25, 1874, and cost $2,500. Pastors: H. Hess, three years; S. K. Denires, three years; William D. C. Rothrock, two; M. G. Stern, two; J. B. Thompson, three; J. Winter, three; J. H. Stepler, two; John Hoyman, two; Joseph Kester, nine; William Herr, one; Philip Ruh), the last four and a half years. Present number of members, fifty-nine. Church officers: Levi Wottring, J. P. Williams, C. L. Mohr and E. Brownmiller.
PROSPECT CEMETERY.
These grounds, wherein lie so many of Prospect's pioneers are located within the corporation limits of the village, on the west bank of the Scioto River. The south end of the ground was used as a burial-place as early as 1836, and came to be located there in this way. Christian Gast had do-
906 - HISTORY OF :MARION COUNTY.
nated, when he laid out the village, land for that purpose on the east side of the river, it being the first lot north of Lot 81 of the original plat, where seven or eight bodies still (1883) lie buried. This burial ground was thought to be too near the center of the village, when Mr. Gast proposed that as the location of the burial-place was to be changed, that ground for the purpose might be selected at any other place on his land that the citizens might choose Mr. Knight and W. W. Patten also offered to donate land for the purpose, and finally the site was selected on Patten's land. It at first contained but about half an acre, but subsequently a son of Mr. Patten made an addition and laid it out into lots, which were sold to different parties. Previous to this, it had been a free burial-place. When the grounds, under the statute, became the property of the township in 1881, there was an addition made, so that the grounds now comprise seven or eight acres, occupying the land from the gravel road to the river. The surface slopes to the east, and the situation generally 'is very beautiful, First burials: Mary Jeannette Knight, September 28, 1830; B. S. Knight, October 2, 1837.
SOCIETIES.
Prospect Lodge, No. 444, F. & A. M.-The first who met under a dispensation were Dr. E. R. Cook, C. B. Linsley, W. J. Woods, George Van Brimmer, John Van Brimmer, Henry Hain, John F. Utz, J. P. Brookins, Jr., John M. Edelman, S. S. Shoup, Reuben Lavender, Clark Decker, P. C. Sells, J. S. Harman, B. M. Hord and John A. Kyle. The above petitioned the Grand Master for a dispensation, which ,was granted June 7, 1870, under which the following were appointed officers: Dr. E. R. Cook, W. M.; C. B. Linsley, S .W.; W. J. Woods, J. W. The lodge, at its first meeting, appointed George Van Brimmer T.; Henry Hain S.; J. P. Brookins, S. D.; John F. Utz, J. D.; and P. C. Sells, Tiler. Charter for a lodge was granted October 19, 1870. The lodge now numbers fifty-four members, and is in a prosperous condition. Meetings, every Wednesday evening on or before the full moon. Present officers: B. N. Hord, W. M.; J. H. Wishek, S. W.; M. Strelitz, J. W.; F. M. Cook, Treas.; Henry Hain, Sec.; Joseph Cratty, S. D.; J. D. Griffith, J. D.; J. P. Peary, Tiler.
Prospect Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 483.-This lodge was instituted the 18th of July, 1871. The charter was granted from the Grand Lodge of the State on the same date. The charter members were A. D. Neimeyer, J. W. Statler, L. H. Wottring, Judson N. David, Reuben M. Butz, W. A. Dill, F. C. Freeman (Noble Grand), J. V. Boyd, Austin A. Boyd, Alvin D. Mohr, John Reithanaier, Reuben Neimeyer, John H. Thomas, Perry McAdams, James W. Noble.
The present membership is fifty-five, and officers as follows: Austin A. Boyd, Noble Grand; G. W. Dunbar, Vice Grand; James W. Noble, Recording Secretary: J. V. Boyd, Per. Secretary; J. H. Howison, Treasurer. Appointed officers: C. L. Mohr, Warden: W. C. Wottring, Conductor; J. W. Statler, Outside Guardian; J. F. Wottring, Inside Guardian; F. D. Lewis, R. S. to N. G.; G. A. Fritch, L. S. to N. G.; J. F. Decker, R. S. to V. G. ; L. C. W Wasser, L. S. to V. G.; S. J. Farnum, R. S. S.; S. Kaub, L. S. S. This lodge has a neat, well-equipped room for their meetings, and is in a prosperous condition.
Durward Lodge, No. 155, Knights of Pythias, was instituted January 2, 1883, by the Grand District Deputy S. A. Court, of Marion. The members under the dispensation, which had been granted December 28, 1882, were J. H. Wishek, P. C.; Charles Rosenthal, V. C.; Mitchell Stre-
PROSPECT TOWNSHIP. - 907
litz, C. C.; W. F. Knachel, M. of Ex.; G. W. Sells, O. G.; James Kaub; W. H. Lake, P.; Jacob Fox; A. M. Tricksy; H. R. Clows, K. of R. & S.; N. O. Brenizer, I. G.; S. M. Kaub, M. of F.; C. R. Herr, M. at A.; C. Ahel, J. Flack, H. R. Money, D. Miller, T. J. Oswald, G. W. Dunbar, Noah Gast. Regular meetings, Thursday evenings at Castle Hall.
Woman's Christian Temperance Union.-This association, auxiliary to the State Women's Christian Temperance Union, was organized at the Baptist Church in Prospect December 1, 1882, after a temperance address delivered by Rev. L. A. Belt, of Marion. The organization was superintended by Mrs. Search, of Marion, delegated for the purpose. Present number of members, seventeen, who meet alternately in the Presbyterian, Baptist. and Methodist Episcopal Churches the second Wednesday of each month. Mrs. A. J. Wiant, President; Mrs. E. E. Rigour, Secretary; Mrs. Sarah Jennings, Treasurer.
BRASS BANDS.
The village supports two excellent brass bands, supplied with the best of musical instruments, and having a reputation, at home and abroad, of being equal to the best.
Van Guard Band.-This was started in April, 1812, with eleven pieces; it now has fifteen pieces. First they were under the directorship of S. E. Hull; since April, 18? I, J. Albert Davis. They have silver instruments, of French manufacture, valued at $400.
Star Band.--This also was organized in 1872; with about the same number of pieces, under the directorship of S. Kenyon; since 1881, J. F. Mohr. They have brass instruments, valued at $300, American manufacture.
Each of the bands retains a majority of its original members, are all neatly uniformed and have good band-wagon, especially the Star Band, whose cost about $100.
RAILROADS.
When the Columbus & Toledo Railroad was first surveyed, the line was run straight from Marion to Columbus, about two miles east of Prospect; and had it not been for the energetic exertions of a few of the citizens of Prospect Village, who had the foresight to appreciate the advantages it would furnish to the place, the road would have been built on the line first surveyed, as it. was nearer between the two points. The first move that was made to change the line and bring the railroad to Prospect was made by David Gast, who went to Columbus, and represented so strongly to the officers of the company the advantages that would accrue to them by making a change in the line, that they finally consented to consider the matter. and appointed a meeting to be held at Prospect to discuss the question. At this meeting the officers were so favorably impressed, that they appointed a final meeting at Columbus, to further discuss the question and come to a decision. At that, meeting, the following citizens of Prospect were present: David Gast. George Gast, C. L. Mohr, Watt Watkins, P. C. Sells, S. H. Gast and J. J. Wottring. At this meeting the officers decided to bring the railroad to Prospect providing the village and township would make a donation to the road of $10,000, and also subscribe for $25,000 stock.
This ultimatum of the company was presented to Mr. David Gast. He immediately, in the name of the citizens of Prospect, promised that the money would be given and the subscription and stock raised. He, with those present at the meeting and other citizens, took energetic measures, and David and S. H. Gast were appointed as a committee to get subscrip-
908 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
tions and secure the right of way for the road, which was successfully accomplished.
But for the work and energy of the citizens named, Prospect Village would never have been, but the place would have retained the name of Middletown, and would have been two miles at least, or over, from railroad communication. Among the principal contributors of money and stock may be named David Gast, J. '1'. Davis, Herbster & Reeser, Christian Gast, W Watkins Brothers, $1, 200 each, and others.
Grading was commenced in the summer of 1875, and trains began running in 1870.
Present station agent, R. Gilmore, appointed November, 1881.
New York, Pennsylvania & Ohio Railroad.-This railroad runs through the northwestern corner of Prospect Township, where there is a small station called Centerville.
BUSINESS ENTERPRISES.
Elevators.-There are two steam grain elevators in the village of Prospect, both owned by Wyatt & Watkins Bros. The one on the west side of the track was built in 1877, by S. E. De Wolfe, of Marion. It has a capacity of 7,000 to 8,000 bushels. The one on the east side was built by the present proprietors in 1881, at an expense of $6,000. It has a capacity of 12,000 bushels, and is fitted with all the modern improvements for cleaning handling and shipping grain. The firm has shipped, on an average, from this elevator 200 car loads per annum.
Prospect Bank.-This, the first bank in Prospect, was organized in 1880 by B. K. Herbster and W. H. Mohr, with the former as President. It was a private bank, and proved of great advantage to the business interests of the community. March 8, 1882, it was re-organized by a stock company, comprising B. K. Herbster, President; W. H. Mohr, Cashier; David Mohr, Reuben Wottring, B. C. Adams, L. H. Wottring, J. Q. Roads, J. L. Farnum, Cook Bros., Evan T. .Jones and Jacob J. Wottring. At the election March 8, 1883, G. W. Cook was elected Cashier. They have a neat and commodious banking-room adjoining Cook's drug store, fitted with first class fire and burglar proof safes and all other conveniences necessary to the business.
Citizens' Bank.-This was established April 20, 1883, by Morris Humphreys and Watkins Bros. F. C. Freeman, President, and Joseph Cratty, Cashier. Cash capital, $13,000. The stockholders are personally and individually liable for all deposits and obligations of the bank. For this institution there is now in process of erection a brick building, to be fitted with fire and burglar proof safes and all the conveniences and essentials of a first-class bank building.
Wottring Bros. & Co.'s Saw and Planing Mill was put in operation in December, 1882, with a six-horse power Huber engine. The firm consists of W. C. and S. L. Wottring and L. C. Wasser.
Brenizer Block.-This is one of the finest business blocks of the village, and was erected through the enterprise of Brenizer Brothers, consisting of W. G. Brenizer, of Cardington, Ohio, and C. H. Brenizer, of Prospect. It was commenced in the spring of 1881, and completed in 1882 at a cost of about $12,000. The block is built of brick, three stories high. The lower floor is fitted up and occupied by stores; the second floor has six con. venient offices, while the third and upper floor was specially built for and fitted up as an-
Opera Hall.-This is one of the institutions of Prospect Village, and
PROSPECT TOWNSHIP. - 909
one of the neatest halls for the purpose found in towns of the size of Prospect. It has a seating capacity for 800 to 1,000 people. The stage is 28x65 feet, and fitted up with tasteful and appropriate scenery and all the modern paraphernalia. The whole building speaks well, not only for the enterprise of the builders, but of the town. The opera house, consisting of the third floor, is now owned by C. H. and Dr. N. O. Brenizer.
PHYSICIANS.
The resident physicians of Prospect are Drs. G. H. Masters, B. Engelesman, T. J. Glidden, J. L. Farnum, regular, and N. O. Brenizer, homoeopathic
VILLAGE OFFICERS.
Mayors-A. M. Vaughan, 1876-77, S. H. Gast, to fill the vacancy caused by Mr. V.'s removal from the village, 1877-78; T. L. Bartow, 1878; J. H. Wishek, 1879 to the present.
Clerks-M. W. Pettey, 1876-77; J. F. Wottring, 1878-79; Charles A. McFarland, one month, and J. F. Wottring the rest of the year and to the present time.
Treasurers-B. K. Herbster, 1876-77; Owen Richmond, 1878, to the present.
Marshals--J. S. Kline, 1876, resigned, and David Little, 1877-80; Isaac G. Stratton, 1880, to the present.
Middletown was incorporated April 3, 1871, when C. L. Mohr, C. R. Thomas and Joseph Gast were elected Trustees-Mr. Gast, President, and Mr. Mohr, Secretary. Afterward, the Trustees were: 1872-Joseph Gast, C. L. Mohr, J. T. Davis; 18 73-74 C. L. Mohr, J. T. Davis, B. K. Herbster.
TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.
Trustees: 1858-A- F. Avery, J. W. Boyd, Prior Cox; 1859-W. J. Woods, James Tunis, Joseph Dunbar: 1861-Thomas Smith, R. W. Watkins, William Strowbridge; 1862James Tunis, W. C. Strowbridge, Levi Marlow, 1863--E. Dix, James Tunis, Levi Marlow; 1864-Thomas Smith, Henry Stepler, R. W . Watkins; 1865-Thomas Smith, E. Dig, Benjamin McNeal; 1866-C. Willauer, Thomas Smith, Levi Marlow; 1867 - Joseph Canouse, Charles Romoser, Christian Willauer; 1863-J. M. Edelman, Meker Battenfield, John Van Brimmer; 1869-J. M. Edelman, John Van Brimmer, M. Battenfield; 1870--J. M. Edelman, John Van Brimmer, H. W. Curren; 1871--Thomas Smith, H. W. Curren, F. C. Freeman; 1872-W. F. Courts, John Decker, W. Pugh; 1873-John Decker, H. W. Curren, E. A. Finefrock; 18 74-E. A. Finefrock, J. W. Boyd, Levi Wottring; 1875- Levi Wottring, L. D. Harshberger, A. D. Northrop; 1876John H. Howison, Joseph Weisel, J. W. Boyd; 1877-J. Weisel, J. H. Treese, G. W. Dunbar; 1878-J. H. Howison, G. W. Dunbar, D. Gast; 1879-S. Landon, B. K. Herbster, David Gast; 1880-S. Landon, B. E. Herbster, David Gast; 1881-Adam Hooker, Henry Hain, E. A. Finefrock; 181)2--Adam Recker, Henry Hain, John D. Lyon; 1883-G. W. Dunbar, S. Laudon, P. H. Moyer.
Clerks-J. L. Farnum, 1858-63; J. T. Davis, 1864; J. L. Farnum, 1864-65; J. P. Brookins, 18615; A. D. Neimeyer, 1867-68; J. P. Brookins, Jr., 1869-70; A. D. Neimeyer, 1870-71; J. W. Statler, 1872; M. W. Pettay, 1873; George A. Stiffler, 1874; M. W. Pettey, 1875-79; J. F. Wottring, 1880 to the present.
910 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
Treasurers-W. H. Mohr, 1861; G. W. Courts, 1862; C. L. Mohr 1861-69; P. C. Sells, 1870-74; B. K. Herbster; 1875-77; O. Richmond, 1878-80; G. W. Cook, 1881 to the present.
Justices of the Peace--William H. Conkright, 1857; Henry Hain, 186170, 1876; Edward A. Finefrock, 1866;, James Johnston, 1867; David Gast, 1870, 1873; Joseph H. Freese, 1873; A. M. Vaughan, 1876; J. H. Howison, 1877-83; J. F. Wottring, 1882. The above are dates of election for terms of three years.
PROSPECT POST OFFICE.
About 650 letters per week are delivered at this office, 1,500 papers, 400 circulars and 500 postal cards. About 550 letters per annum are registered.
Postmasters, with the date of their appointment-Jonathan P. Brookins, March 2, 1837; Chester W. Sherman, December 20, 1849; Isaac W. Taylor, October 11, 1853; Edwin S. Adams, May 24, 1861; John M. Tucker, December 26, 1879; John J. Roberts, October 3, 1881, the present incumbent.
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. - 949
CHAPTER, XI.
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP.
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP was one of the first constructed in Marion County, it having been organized June 8, 1824, and made to include surveyed Township No. 6, Range No. 16. Richland, however, is not a full surveyed township, it containing only twenty-seven sections and six fractional sections, instead of thirty-six, the requisite number of a full surveyed township. The above entry does not show this, but such is and ever has been the full extent and size of this township. Since its first organization, its boundaries have not been disturbed, neither has there been any attempt to change them.
The township consists wholly of Congress Lands. The soil is unusually rich, fertile and productive, and adapted to raising all kinds of grain, fruit and vegetables which grow in this climate. The surface is level in the northern part and gently rolling in the southern portion. The lands are abundantly watered by innumerable springs and properly drained by a perfect network of streams and rivulets which flow into the Whetstone River, that passes angling through the township from northeast to southwest, thus rendering fertile the valley of the Whetstone, and making it the finest and best yielding land in the country. So productive are the lands here that the few early settlers who lived within the territory of the township at the time of its organization, in 1824, desired to give it the appropriate name of Rich-land or Richland, and their wishes were respected; the name was granted by the Commissioners, and thus it has ever since remained as one, indicating the true quality of the soil within its borders.
SETTLEMENT.
Early in the spring of 1820, Mr. Gleason and family located on the place now occupied by Mr. Oborn, and soon after Peter Dunklebarger and family came and built their cabin on the farm now occupied by George Retterer, Sr.; John Emery and wife Catherine came next in order and located on the place now owned and occupied by Mrs. Emery.
Mrs. Emery stated that she is the oldest settler now living within the township. She was born in Perry County, Penn., August 14, 1800. At the age of twelve years, she came to Monroe County, Ohio, with her parents, Matthias and Barbara Harter. In 1818, while yet in Monroe County, she was married to John Emery , who was born in Virginia, December 14, 1797. In the spring of 1820, they came to Marion County, venturing beyond the limits of any white settlement, as they thought, and know not of any white
950 - HISTORY CF MARION COUNTY.
man's habitation so far north as they had come, Imagine, then, their surprise the following Sunday after their arrival to receive a visit from Peter Dunklebarger, who had preceded them a few weeks and whose location was, still further removed from the established settlements of Delaware County. It was a visit of welcome, and never, perhaps, was welcome more genuine. The ring of Mr. Emery's ax in the deep forest during the week, as he, for himself and wife, was preparing, as it were,
"To hew the shaft and lay the architrave,
And spread the roof above them,"
was sweet music to the ear of Mr. Dunklebarger, as the echoing notes came reverberating through the deep wood, attracting his attention. So Mr. Dunklebarger had hastened to make the new-comers' acquaintance, which, as the years went by, grew into a permanent and lasting friendship.
The next family in order that came was that of Samuel Scribner, who located on a part of the farm now owned by Jacob Retterer, in 1820, and Adam Conklin came the same year and settled just where Jacob Retterer now lives. Joseph Oborn built a cabin in the township during the same year, but did not come with his family until the following season, at which time came also his brother, Daniel Oborn.
The following year Henry Worline and family came and located near where Michael Jacobi, now lives, and there built a cabin, and soon after a saw mill was erected by him, which was the first one in the township. Gilson and family also came about this time and settled where .George Gump now lives, as did also Mr. Kelly and family. Booth and family came soon after; so also did Henry Sailer, John Williams and Tan Crissup and their respective families. Some time during the same year, or the year following, came Daniel Firstenberger from Germany, who, perhaps, was the first foreign-born settler of this township; but he was soon joined by a Mr. Miller from the same country.
Michael Jacoby is one of the few early settlers of this township who are still living. He is son of John and Catherine Jacoby, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, John Jacoby having been born in Schuykill County of that State, as was also Michael, which last event occurred March 30; 1809. Michael Jacoby resided in Schuylkill County with his parents until he became fifteen years of age, when he removed with them to Fairfield County, Ohio, where they remained about six months, at the end of which time they came to this county, arriving in what is now Waldo Township February 15, 1824, and lived there one year. They then moved into .Richland Township and located about one and a half miles southeast of where Michael now lives. Here Michael lived with his parents until he was twenty-three years of age, when he was married to Miss Elizabeth Worline, daughter of Henry Worline, one of the early settlers of this township. The marriage occurred November 1, 1832. Not many years after this, Mr. Jacoby's parents died.
Mr. Jacoby says that there were about thirty families in the township when they came in 1825, and among them, in addition to those already mentioned, were Christian Staley and family, John Waddel and family, Mr. Clark and family, William W. Smith, Jacob Emery, Thomas Rogers, Coonrod Sult, James Dipert, David Sult. Alva Payne, David Phips, Jacob Phips and the two families of Jacob Book and Daniel Lust, from Germany.
Some of those who came between 1825 and 1830 were William Harruff, Jeremiah Blockson, Job Blockson, Amos Wilson, Andrew Kepner and Joseph.
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. - 951
Dunbar. In 1830, the tide of immigration to this township from Germany began with renewed vigor and continued with but little cessation for ten years, which about completed the settlement of the township. The settlement was first made along the river valley, thence west to Pleasant Township; and it was not until about 1835 that the settlement of the eastern and southeastern portions of the township was begun. Hence, those parts were occupied by the Germans who came in after that date, and among those yet living are George Heimlich, Jacob Pfrich and a few others.
As an instance of the hardships which the early settlers had to undergo, we may relate that while Mr. Emery was absent in search for his lost horses, which he never succeeded in finding, his noble wife would daily take her spinning wheel and go into the little field, and there, while protecting the growing crop from the squirrels, she would spin the thread that was afterward woven into the cloth which made their garments!
IMPROVEMENTS.
No regularly established roads passed through this township for many years. Two roads, however, were laid out in 1822, one on either side of the river, both of which led to the Norton settlement. Neither of these road:; had ever been regularly established, although the one on the west side of the stream has become a permanent road, having been established by usage, while the one on the east side has been wholly abandoned.
One of the first saw mills built in the country was erected here. Henry Worline, who resided in Delaware County some time previous to his coming here in 1822_, built a saw mill on the bank of the Whetstone, near where Michael Jacoby now lives. The mill was erected by Mr. Worline in 1821, the year previous to his moving his family to this county, and was run by him until the time of his death, September 30, 1824. Mr. Worline, in the early part of that year, had built the frame of a grist mill within about five rods of the saw mill, but he never completed it. S. W. Knapp finished the grist mill soon after Mr. Worline's death, and it was run until about 1841, at which time it was torn down and a now and more commodious one was built on the opposite side of the river. Steam power was used in this and it was run until in February, 1881, when it was burnt to the ground. After the death of Mr. Worline, Mr. Jacoby took charge of the saw mill and ran it until in 1838, when it was torn down.
In 1827, Titus King came and bought a piece of land of Mr. Kelley, which was located along the Whetstone, and there at once erected a fulling and carding mill, with a saw mill attachment. This was considered an extensive affair at that day, and quite a mammoth business was done there by Mr. King, who conducted the business with energy and success until his death, after which the fulling and carding were abandoned. The saw mill, however, is still running.
A distillery was also erected at an early day, near the center of the township, and was run for a few years with indifferent success, and was finally abandoned.
The mills were of much benefit and a great convenience to the early pioneers, giving them advantages both in easily securing "breadstuff" and preparing clothing material, also furnishing lumber for building purposes, which the early settlers of other townships did not enjoy.
FIRST EVENTS.
The first white child born in this township was Christian Staley, Jr., grandson of Christian Staley, Sr., who came here with his family in 1820.
952 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
The first marriage was that of Philip Shafer and Nancy Staley. Mrs. Catherine Emery states that she was one of the invited guests and that she attended the wedding in a homespun dress, woven and made by her own hands, and the wedding festivities seemed to have been as much enjoyed by those present, who were all dressed in clothing made of goods of similar material, as such occasions are at the present day, when the ladies appear in their silks and satins and the gentlemen in their broadcloth suits.
The first death of any white person within the limits of this township was a child of William W. Smith, who died from the effects of a burn accidentally received. The first Justices of the Peace elected in this township after its organization were Joseph Oborn and Thomas Rogers.
Schools were established in the township at an early date and were principally supported by private subscriptions, and at present the township is dotted with a number of good schoolhouses, in which competent teachers are employed.
RELIGIOUS.
The first religious society that was formed in this township was organized at Mr. John Emery's, by Rev. Jacob Bacon, in the year 1822. It was of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, and consisted at first of only five members, namely: John Emery and his wife, Catherine Emery, Jacob Emery and Zuba Wilcox. Of this number, Mrs. Catherine Emery is the only surviving member.
The first house of worship erected in this township was a rude log structure, built by the Methodists on the farm now owned by Mrs. Emery, in 1826. Here, in this humble log church, with a few improvements from time to time, this society continued to worship until 1851. when they erected a frame building near the river, at a cost of 8600. This building answered the wants of the society until the year 1879, when it had grown quite strong and prosperous. At that time the present house of worship was built, at a cost of $2,400, in addition to the grounds, which were donated by Michael Jacoby. This church building is a fine frame edifice, modeled after the modern church buildings, and has been given the name of St. James' Church. This society has ever been prosperous. The present membership approaches nearly one hundred. A good Sabbath school is sustained in the church now the whole year round, and no society in the country can excel it in faithful, earnest and effective work.
Zion's German Methodist Episcopal Church.-The German Methodists in this locality first began their public religions services in the year 1845, at the residence of Jacob Seiter; and the following June, 1846, a church was organized with twenty-one members, comprising Daniel, John and William Seiter, G. Beely, Jacob Schwaderer, Stephen Mack, J. F. and B. Gracely, M. Moyer and J. Schwartz and their wives. At the same time, a church building was completed on the farm of Daniel Seiter, 30x34 feet in dimensions. In 1878. a new church was erected, 34x56 feet, at a cost of $2, 000.
The Lutheran Church formed a society here in 1835. Their first meetings were held at private residences and in barns and groves, but in 1838 this society and the German Reformed, together erected a house of worship on a piece of land donated to them for that purpose, by John Jacoby, Jr. This was also a log building. The Lutherans continued to worship here for a number of years, until a more commodious building was erected in the southwest part of the township, at a cost of about 83,000. The first minister who had charge of this society was the Rev. Cline. He was paid the meager salary of $75 per year.
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. - 953
German Reformed.-Closely allied to the preceding society is that of the German Reformed, which, during its infancy, shared alike with the Lutherans the accommodations of the old log church above mentioned. The permanent organization of this society, however, was not effected until 1850, at which time there were twelve or fifteen families who connected themselves with it and perfected a complete organization, after which the society met in a house of worship on the "mud pike," which had boon built for the use of the various denominations of the township, until the year 1859, when they erected their present church edifice, near Daniel Firstenberger, at a cost of $1,000. Their first minister was Rev. William Ruhl; their present minister is Daniel Schrote, of Marion. Their membership is growing and a good Sunday school is now sustained by this society during the summer of each year.
Richland Church, Presbyterian. -This was organized April 26, 1805, by a committee appointed by the Marion Presbytery, consisting of Henry Van Doman, John B. Blayney and Samuel K. Hughes. The first members were James Mannassmith and wife, Urias F. Luellen and wife, Mrs. Margaret Waddel, William Waddol, Daniel Oborn and wife, Catharine Oborn, Margaret J. Oborn and Mary Oborn. Messrs. Manassmith and Luellen were elected Elders. The next day, Mrs. Mary Oborn, Mrs. Martha Strine and Margaret Strine were added to the church. Others joined soon afterward, and November 30, following, when there were twenty-two members, a Board of Trustees was elected, consisting of Daniel Brenner, John Strine and Daniel Oborn. The society prospered, and in a few years had a frame church, costing about $1,000, with a seating capacity of 200, upon a lot of ground donated by Daniel Oborn; but in the course of about ten years, the society went down, the last entry upon their church record being dated in March, 1860. The building is now used for miscellaneous meetings and public entertainments. The pastors of the church were Revs. J. Hess, T. Smith, J. Evans, William Fry and D. D. Waugh.
The first Sunday school held in this township was organized in 1828 at the residence of Mrs. Conner, at which place it was continued for a long time. It was a Union Sabbath school, in which various creeds and denominations participated alike. Some of those who were instrumental in organizing this Sunday school were S. W. Knapp and his wife, Titus King and wife, John Emery and his wife Catherine, Jacob Emery and his family, William W. Smith and family, John Jacoby and his wife, Thomas Rogers and the two young men, Michael Jacoby and Hopkins Thompson.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Richland Township has a few men who have been somewhat connected with the political history of the township and county. Among them is Michael Jacoby, who was elected Township Clerk in the year 1830, which position he held fifteen successive years. In 1838, he was selected Justice of the Peace, and this office he held for twenty-one successive years. Mr. Jacoby is a stanch Democrat, he having cast his first vote with that party in 1830 and has ever since been voting with the same party. He is one of the few remaining old-time Democrats of this county who had the pleasure of voting for Andrew Jackson, in 1832, for the Presidency.
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, ETC., FOR - 1883.
Wheat, acres sown, 2,449; bushels produced, 33,204; number of acres sown for harvest of 1883, 2,600. Oats, acres sown, 1,518; acres sown for
954 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
crop of 1883, 1,900; bushels produced, 39,643. Corn, acres planted, 2,743; bushels produced, 97,100. Meadow, acres, 661; tons of hay, 813. Clover, acres, 1,512; tons of hay, 1,894; bushels of seed, 997. Potatoes, acres planted, 95 1/4; bushels produced, 6,518. Butter, 68,025. Sorghum, acres planted, 9 3/4; gallons sirup, 587. Maple sugar, 698 pounds; gallons sirup, 312. Bees, 68 hives; pounds of honey, 529. Eggs, 49,843 dozen. Apples, acres occupied, 384; bushels produced, 6,760. Peaches, bushels produced, 274. Pears, bushels produced, 44. Lands, number of acres cultivated, 11,036; number of acres pasture, 3,016; number of acres woodland, 4,833; number of acres lying waste, 242; total number of acres owned, 12,208. Wool, 6,507 pounds. Milch cows, 406. Dogs, 150. Sheep killed by dogs, 52; value, $171; injured by dogs, 82; value, $216. Hogs died, 64; value, $273. Sheep died, 14; value, $34. Cattle died, 13; value, $297.Horses died, 13; value, $1,095.
962 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
CHAPTER XII.
SALT ROCK TOWNSHIP.
SALT ROCK is one of the original townships of Marion County. A diligent search of the records has failed to reveal any formal entry of its organization, but from the first session of the County Commissioners, the township has been duly recognized in all of their subsequent proceedings.
It at first contained the entire original surveyed Township No. 4, Range No. 14, but when the county of Wyandot was erected, and the boundaries
SALT ROCK TOWNSHIP - 963
of Crawford and Marion Counties were changed, in the year 1845, two tier of sections from the north side were taken off and given to Pitt Township, Wyandot County, leaving this township to only twenty-four sections; but Salt Rock, in common with all the northern tier of townships, was re-organized, and has thus ever since remained. The following is the entry of reorganization:
AUDITOR AND COMMISSIONERS' OFFICE, MARION, MARION CO., OHIO.
March 23, 1845.
Ordered, That the several fractions of the townships of Washington Tully, Scott, Grand Prairie, Salt Rock and Grand in Marion County, by reason of the passage of the act of the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, entitled "An act to erect the new county of Wyandot and alter the bounds of the county of Crawford," passed February 3, 1845 be and they are respectively organized into separate townships, and that said townships so re organized respectively retain their original names and numbers on the records and duplicates of Marion County for all purposes whatever.
JOHN UNCAPHER Commissioners.
HUGH V. SMITH
This township received its name in a rather singular manner. It is said that upon an occasion when the early settlers, who were few in number at that time-the time when the organization and naming of the townships were in contemplation-were gathered together discussing these subjects, when Ebenezer Roseberry sought to enliven the occasion, as was his wont, by relating a few incidents drawn from his varied experience; and among others he related the following:
" Soon after 1 came to this place, I shot and wounded the largest buck I ever saw; not so seriously, however, but that he could get over the tall grass pretty rapidly on three legs. In the pursuit, I stumbled and fell over what I supposed to be a rock; but as it looked so white, I turned to break off apiece, which, I declare, was pure salt."
Of course this provoked the mirth of the company, and, in the laugh which followed, Platt Bush said, "That will do; ' Salt Rock' shall be the name of the township." Accordingly, Salt Rock was the name proposed to the Commissioners for this division, and it was also the name adopted by them. Thus it will be observed that even the relating of a trifling incident, incredible as it may have been, was the means of furnishing a name for one of Marion County's finest divisions.
Salt Rock embraces a portion of the " Sandusky Plains," and its surface is very level. Timber is found around the border of the plains, and along the banks of the few streams. The Little Sandusky and a few tributary branches flow from the southeast to the northwest, through the eastern part of the township, forming a good natural drainage for that portion of this division; but the western part has required a great deal of drainage, by means of large, open ditches, chief among which are Prairie Run ditch, Carroll ditch and the Thompson ditch. The low places and the few ponds here have been pretty generally redeemed by the combination of the natural and artificial systems of drainage, though during the spring and other wet seasons of the year, much water still stands on the lowest portions of its territory.
Among the most noted ponds here, of former times, was that of "(loose Pond," well-known, at the time of its existence, to sportsmen in every city west of the Alleghanies. It covered an area of about fifty acres, and seemed to be the half-way stopping-place for the numerous migratory birds in their semi-annual flights from the lakes of the North to the bayous of the South. During the spring and fall of the year, often for weeks at a time, this pond was literally covered with geese, ducks and other aquatic
964 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
fowl, and the noise occasioned by their squawking was annoying, almost past endurance, for several miles around. In early days, there were no shot-guns in use here; the flint-lock rifle was all the sportsman carried, and it is related that a single discharge of one bullet from one of these rifles would often kill a half-dozen geese, so thick were they upon the bosom of this pond at times. But this pond has long since disappeared. Proper drainage has made the place tillable, and now, instead of a vast pond, frequented by legions of water-fowl there are well-cultivated fields, annually yielding abundant crops, from which the husbandman reaps a rich reward.
The most of the soil in this township is of inexhaustible fertility, admirably adapted to the raising of grain and to grazing purposes. The streams and ditches are usually well bridged, and good roads extend through many portions of the township. Fine farms, with good buildings and cultivated fields, are found on every hand, and schoolhouses at convenient localities. A number of artesian wells have been sunk, to the depth of from thirty to fifty feet, which raise the water from five to ten feet above the surface, thus furnishing an abundant supply of water for stock.
In the year 183, the following exhibit shows the agricultural status of Salt Rock Township: Wheat, acres sown, 2,119; bushels produced, 14,770; number of acres sown for harvest of 1883, 1,524. Oats, acres sown, 519; acres sown for crop of 1883, 586; bushels produced, 8,585. Corn, acres planted, 3,032; acres planted for crop of 1883, 3 856; bushels produced, 122,700. Meadow, acres, 1,275; tons of hay, 1,425. Clover, acres, 300 tons of hay, 166; bushels of seed, 5. Potatoes, acres planted, 361; acres for crop of 1883, 392; bushels produced, 3,790. Butter, 22,390 pounds. Bees, 216 hives; pounds of honey, 4,605. Eggs, 25, 000 dozen. Orchards: Apples, 881 acres; bushels produced 1882, 1, 375. Peaches, bushels produced 1882, 28. Pears produced 1881, 8 bushels. Lands, number of acres cultivated 5,149; acres of pasture, 3,789; acres of woodland, 1,228; total number of acres owned, 10 614. Wool, 21, 360 pounds. Milch cows, number owned in 1882, 174. Dogs, 69. Sheep killed by dogs, 5; value, $46. Hogs died, 92; valve, $570. Sheep died, 208; value, $380. Cattle died. 12; value, $240. Horses died, 12; value, $1,040.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
Ebenezer Roseberry, from New Orleans, was the first settler of this township, locating near what has since been the residence of A. Martin, about eight miles south of Upper Sandusky. It was on the Radnor road, which passed through Big Island into Delaware County.
Messrs. Vulgamat and Alcott came in 1819. Hugh V. Smith, originally from Clark County, Va., arrived in 1820; Enoch Clark and Mahlon Marsh and family, in 1821; Richard Hopkins in 1821 or 1822; and John McElvy, Isaac Woods, George King and others about the same time.
John Green was the first Justice of the Peace. The first school was taught at John Green's in 1823. The first hunting hounds were brought from Virginia, in 1826, by Robert Martin and his sons. The first merchant, Ora Bellis, from New York located in 1819, and died the same year, being the first death. The first birth was that of Rosanna Bowser, in 1820. Her father, a few days after, was at the first election in the township, and his vote was challenged on account of minority. He could not testify to his age, but " thought he was entitled to vote, for he had a wife and baby." This election was hold at Ebenezer Roseberry's, near the present site of
SALT ROCK TOWNSHIP. - 965
Amos Taylor's residence. Roseberry kept an entertainment house, being the first and last for over fifty years.
A combat between two Indian chiefs, near Carpenter's Cross Roads, in this township, was witnessed by a settler, unknown to them, and is thus described: "They met, dismounted, and immediately rushed into deadly strife; one with a tomahawk and the other with a long butcher knife. They fought like madmen, and dealt stroke after stroke, and cut after cut, till both fell to the ground exhausted. One soon recovered, took the tomahawk of the other and threw it into the bushes, then, staggering to his pony, remounted and went out of sight, dripping with blood." The eye-witness to this terrible hand-to-hand combat went to the nearest house and reported it, and, accompanied by the writer, then a boy seven years old, returned to the scene of encounter. The Wounded Indian had recovered, so that, with a little help, he was soon on his pony, wending his way back to his tribe. The wild grass was stained with blood, marking the track of the struggle.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL.
Little Sandusky Creek, a sinuous stream, meanders across the township, and along its banks are many springs, in early days the haunts of wild ani, orals, and the scene of many hunting adventures, whites and Indians often joining in the wild sport. Near the banks of this stream are the remains of extensive wigwams. The plan seems much like the Pawnee houses, though, before the ground was disturbed, some two years since, the tracings of a large amphitheater were quite perfect. Near by, on the table-land, is an oblong circle around the highest point in the vicinity, inclosed by a ditch 550 paces in length. The break, or passage-way, in the ditch is on the southwest and northeast, in a direct line with the fallen buildings. Two wells are distinctly visible on the southeast. Oak trees are standing in the ditch, to mark the passing of hundreds of years. In the immediate vicinity, as the trees were cut down a few years s! nee, ax marks were found in several trees, plain and perfect as though made by a recent hand, though over a hundred years had covered up the scars.
The footprints of the Mound-Builders were left, to an interesting extent, in the northeast part of the township. In the vicinity of Morral is a circular mound, several feet, high, and in the days of the early settlers quite prominent, with a hickory tree upon its apex. The tree is now gone, but the ground has never been disturbed, and its tracings are still distinct. One mile from this are other curiosities, undisturbed till six years ago, showing that this section has been the home of those of an unknown past.
One mile northwest of these ancient mounds, on the edge of the prairie, and near a large pond, as the sod was turned over for the first time a few years since, lead bullets were discovered in the furrow, and boys found them by the pocketful. They were near or quit; an ounce in weight. Being six or eight inches under the surface, shows they were not of recent deposit.
A PIONEER WEDDING.
About the year 1825, on the banks of the Little Sandusky Creek, a wedding took place, at Robert Martin's, father of A. Martin, of Morral, on the place now occupied by Amos Taylor. The ceremony was performed about 8 o'clock in the evening, in the month of October. During the day, a good lot of pies and cakes had been baked in the brick oven down on the hillside-a characteristic institution of those days-and a huge pot, filled with cooked chicken, hung upon the crane in the fire-place. Those who came
966 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
hither bent on some fun were Samuel and John Harmon, Samuel Morral, Sr., Reuben Johns. Mr. Neff (father of Squire Neff, of Morral), Mr. Green and others. These old soldiers watched for their opportunity, and just before the ceremony was said, marched in and formed a close line in front of the fire-place, concealing it from the company. The Captain, S. Morral, stepped behind this line, clandestinely seized the pot with its contents, and saying, "Forward, march!" out they strode with their prize thoroughly concealed. The company, though somewhat chagrined at the loss of their " chicken fixins'," consoled themselves with the idea that they had a plenty of pies and cakes in the oven. But what must have been their disappointment when they went out and found that all those luxuries also had disappeared, and even the oven, too; for those same brave soldiers had put pole under it and carried it off, with all its contents, about a half-mile down the creek, and gone "into camp!"
FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH OF MORRAL.
In 1878, Rev. L. Johnson held a series of meetings at this place, and organized a society, composed of persons of various Christian denominations. Samuel Morral was chosen Deacon. Meetings were held in schoolhouses until 1880, when a committee, composed of Samuel Morral, J. P. Barnthouse and J. Stauffer, were appointed to raise funds and build a house of worship. Samuel Morral donated land for a site, and the house, which was 35x45 feet in size, was completed in 1881, including the bell, at a cost of $1,800. The church was dedicated to its holy purpose on the second Sunday in September, by Rev. O. E. Baker, who preached the dedicatory sermon, assisted by Revs. J. Seitz, S. D. Bates and W. H. Gibson. In February, 1882, Revs. Seitz and Bates re-organized the society into the present church, at which time the membership numbered twelve. Rev. L. Johnson was succeeded by Rev. Isaac Seitz as pastor, who continued to preach to the congregation until April, 1882, since which time, Rev. S. D. Bates has "ministered the Word." The church has a present membership of twenty, with Samuel Morral, J. P. Barnthouse and J. Stauffer as Trustees, and Mrs. Huldah Barnthouse, Clerk.
In connection with this church, a Sabbath school and missionary society are maintained.
970 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
CHAPTER XIII.
SCOTT TOWNSHIP.
TERRITORIAL.
FROM the best authority obtainable Scott Township was organized either June 7, 8 or 9, 1824, one of the first three days of the first session of the County Commissioners after the organization of the county, although the entry of such organization has been entirely omitted from the record. But on June 10, 1824, a division into districts of the townships then organized was made for the purpose of collecting the county tax, and among the townships` then mentioned was Scott. This township at its original organization comprised all of surveyed Township 4, Range 16, and Township 4, Range 17. But in March, 1828, Tully Township was organized and took its territory from the eastern part of Scott, and was made to include more than one surveyed township, or thirty-six sections. At the June session in the same year, the Commissioners restored to Scott Township the east tier of sections, of surveyed Township 4, Range 16.
Thus the township remained until after the formation of Crawford County, when two tiers of sections from off the north part were placed within the limits of that county, and when the county of Wyandot was erected a similar portion was taken off of the remaining northern tier of townships, which made it necessary, as the Commissioners thought, to re-organize the fractional townships.
A few years later, the people of Scott Township desired to extend their boundaries further south and take into their territory one tier of sections off of the north side of Claridon, or rather, it seems a portion of the residents of that tier of sections of Claridon Township desired that so much of their territory as above named should be placed in Scott Township, as will appear from the following entry from the record:
AUDITOR AND COMMISSIONERS' OFFICE, MARION COUNTY, OHIO
March 7, 1848.
This day came Lawrence Buskirk and others, being a majority of the householders residing within the boundary of the portion of Claridon hereinafter named, and made application, by petition, for an alteration of the boundaries of the townships of Claridon and Scott as follows, to wit: To attach to said township of Scott, one tier of sections from off the north side of said township of Claridon, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the Commissioners that legal notice has been given and that all things appertaining to said application have been done in due form of law, it is ordered that the said one tier of sections from off the north side of said Claridon Township be and the same is hereby attached to the township of Scott.
HUGH V. SMITH, Commissioners.
JOHN UNCAPHER,
For some reasons, which the records do not explain, in the following year another application by petition of similar import, asking that the very same territory be detached from Claridon Township and attached to Scott, was made and the prayer of the petitioners was granted, 'and the northern tier of sections was again attached to Scott, as appears from the following entry:
SCOTT TOWNSHIP. - 971
MARION COUNTY, OHIO, March 5, 1549.
This day the Commissioners of Marion County met pursuant to the statute. Present: John Uncapher. Hiram Knowles and Lewis Topliff, Commissioners, and Lawrence Van Buskirk, County Auditor.
This day came Adam Hipsher, James Tight, and others, and presented their petition to the County Commissioners in the words and figures following, to wit
TO THE HONORABLE THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF MARION AND STATE OF OHIO:
Gentlemen-We, your petitioners, would humbly represent that Claridon Township is six miles wide from north to south, and that Scott Township is but four miles wide from north to south, and that we believe it would conduce to the public benefit if one tier of sections were set off of the north side of Claridon Township and attached to said Scott Township. We, your petitioners, therefore pray your honors to attach one tier of sections from off the north side of said Claridon Township to said Scott Township, thereby making the said townships equal or nearly so, and we, your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray, etc., etc., January 30, 1849.
And the said Commissioners being satisfied that said petition is signed by a majority of the householders residing within the boundaries of the proposed change or alteration, and it having been proven to them that notice of such intended application had been given by advertisements set up in three public places within the bounds of such proposed change or alteration, for the period of thirty days and more previous to this date, and it appearing necessary to said Board of Commissioners that the alterations as prayed for in said petition should be made, it is therefore ordered by said Board of Commissioners that so much of the territory of Claridon Township in the said County of Marion, as is included in Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in Township 5, south of base line in Range 16 east, be, and the same hereby is attached to and made a part of Scott, Township.
Whereupon came Gany Clark, one of the householders residing upon said territory, and gave notice of his intention to appeal to the Court of Common Pleas.
The matter was duly appealed to the Court of Common Pleas and there reviewed by that, tribunal, the Commissioners' proceedings reversed and the territory restored to Claridon Township. But the subject of the division of Claridon Township, for the purpose of augmenting or enlarging the territory of Scott was not permitted to rest long; for at the March session of the Commissioners in the year 1851, another effort was made to have the same territory sot off to Scott Township, as will appear from the following entry taken from the record:
MARCH 4, 1851.
This day the Commissioners of Marion County met, pursuant to the statute. Present, Thomas Parr and Hiram Knowles, Commissioners, and E. Peters, Auditor of Marion County.
This day came S. C. Parcell, James Bell and others, and presented their petition to the County Commissioners, in the words and figures following:
To THE COMMISSIONERS of MARION COUNTY:
We, the undersigned residents of Claridon Township, pray our honorable body that you will take one tier of sections from off the north side of Claridon Township, and attach it to Scott Township, which will make them of equal dimensions; Claridon Township is six miles square, and Scott Township is four by six miles only.
YOUR HUMBLE PETITIONERS.
JANUARY 31, 1851.
And the said Commissioners being satisfied that the said petition is signed by a majority of householders residing within the boundaries of the proposed territory of land petitioned to be struck off from Claridon Township, and attached to Scott Township and it having been proven to the satisfaction of the said Commissioners, by the affidavit of James Parcell, George Boyles Jr., and James Osborn, that lawful notice has been given by advertising, in three different public places in said territory, proposed to be struck off and attached to said township, of the intention of said petitioners, for the period of thirty days and more previous to the presentation of this petition, and it appearing necessary, just and right to said Board of Commissioners that the alteration as prayed for in said petition should be made, it is therefore ordered, by the said Board of Commissioners, that so much of the territory of Claridon Township, in said County of Marion, as is included in Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. in Township 5, south of the base line in Range 16 east, be and the same is hereby attached to and made a part of Scott Township.
972 - HISTORY OF MARION COUNTY.
Whereupon came Gany Clark, James M. Briggs, two of the householders residing upon said territory, and gave notice of their intention to appeal the same to the Court of Common Pleas.
The appeal was duly taken, and upon review by the Common Pleas Court., the proceedings of the Commissioners were set aside and the territory restored again to Claridon Township, where it ever Since has remained.
TOPOGRAPHY.
Scott Township is composed wholly of Congress lands, and was named in honor of Mr. Scott, one of the early settlers of this territory, he having located here with his family in 1821. It consists partially of prairie and partially of woodland there being portions of the great Sandusky Plains within its borders. Its surface is gently rolling and soil fertile, and is well adapted to raising corn, wheat and oats, and it also comprises excel. lent pasture laud for the grazing of horses, sheep and cattle. The lands are reasonably well watered, there being numerous pools and springs and several creeks and runs. Among the latter, the Whetstone and Mud Run, which pass through the eastern portion of the township, are the largest.
The Columbus & Sandusky Turnpike, which runs through the middle of this township, north and south, is described in Chapter VIII.
In early days, the level portions of the township were covered with water. The tract of land now owned by James Lindsey was until a comparatively recent date covered with water, which some forty years ago was designated the "Green Sea" by a man bearing the name of John James. In many places, also, a growth of wild grass and a species of cane called maiden cane had sprung up, and were of a very luxuriant growth, often arising to a height of from fifteen to twenty feet, and of such strength and thickness as to prevent persons from passing through, except by following beaten paths.
THE EARLY SETTLEMENT
Of this township, for the must part, was made by emigration from Knox County, and was not commenced until the year 1821. During that year, Nathan Parson, Henry Purcell, John Beckley, Martin McGowen, Constant Bowen and Josiah Packard, each with his family, located in the south. eastern portion of the township near the Whetstone, and were soon joined by Solomon W Wilkinson, Jason Gleason, Alanson, Phineas and Horatio Packard. Farther north on Muddy Run in the autumn of the same year, another settlement was started, in which William Shaffer, Samuel Spurgeon and John Humphrey were among the first to "pitch their tent." They were, however, soon joined by Jacob Stateler, Mr. Kline, John Johnson and their families. In the northern part of the township, near where Letimberville now stands, and yet to the westward, another settlement was started about the same time: and among the first families that located here were those of Capt. Benjamin Fickel, Moses Vansky, Isaac Foreacre and Mr. Scott, from the last of whom the township received its name. Daniel Walters came to this township in 1821. Each of the settlements constantly received new accessions, and in time grew and extended their limits until they finally became quite large and prosperous communities. Among the earlier accessions were Adam Hipsher and family, who camp here from Fairfield County, Ohio, in 1824. Also James Likens and his three sons, who came from the same county, and Seth Knowles and family, Samuel Hill with his family, and others, The last mentioned families came in the year 1829.
SCOTT TOWNSHIP - 973
John Hill, one of the sons of Samuel Hill, still lives on a farm located in Section 21 of this township, and is now fast approaching his fourscore years, he having been born in 1805. John Hill came to Scott Township with his father in 1829, but had visited the lands here the year previous and entered eighty acres of it in his own name, as he was then twenty-three years of age, and was already seeking a site and securing a location for his future habitation. He, hovever, came to this township with his father's family from Knox County in 1829. - The goods and the family were moved across the county in a wagon; and it is related by John that when they reached the bank of the Middle Fork of the Whetstone the stream, on account of the recent rains, was so swollen that the embankments were overflown, and as there were no bridges across the streams in those days, they were compelled to wait until the waters subsided sufficiently to permit them to "ford" the stream. During this time, which was of three or four days' duration, the family took refuge in a deserted cabin. On the first evening of their delay occasioned by this impediment, and about the time the family had gotten into the deserted cabin and everything prepared for a brief stay in their temporary home, a horseman came dashing down the bridle path leading by the cabin, and coming, to the river bank, was about to plunge into the stream with his horse: but the spirited animal refused to enter the deep water, and was frisking and shying under the urgent demands of the rider, when Mr. Hill, recognizing him as a Knox County neighbor, whose name was Hedington, accosted ;him with, " What are you trying to do?" He replied very emphatically that he was determined to cross the stream, as his "sweetheart" lived beyond, and he was anxious to see her that very night. Mr. Hill soon discovered that the attempt of this reckless feat by the equestrian was occasioned by the " spirits " within him, for he was slightly intoxicated. After some importunity, Hedington was dissuaded from the dangerous trial of crossing the river until the water had somewhat subsided, and was offered the hospitality of the family at the cabin, that they temporarily occupied, which he gladly accepted; and; after being comfortably seated by a blazing tire for the evening, wishing, no doubt, to show his appreciation of the kindness extended to him, and desiring to reciprocate as far as was then in his power to do, he produced a well filled whisky flask and offered Mr. Hill a drink, saying, " John, we roust have something to drink." Mr. Hill, who was then a good temperance man, as he now is, at first refused, but Hedington insisted, and fearing that an absolute refusal would give offense, Mr. Hill finally said, " Well, if we must drink, you are the oldest and should drink first." This Hedington did and gave the following rather humorous toast: " John, if this be war, may we never have peace; but have three engagements every day and a scrimmage between times."
Several persons of prominence in the history of the .county were among the early settlers of this township. Among them may be mentioned Hon. John Rosencrans, now a resident of Bucyrus, Ohio, who has represented the county of Marion two years in the State Legislature, and served as Justice of the Peace in this township for thirty-one years consecutively. He has also served the county in the capacity of County Commissioner for six years, and bore made an able and efficient officer, whose services were duly ap