DOVER TOWNSHIP. - 527

CHAPTER V.

DOVER TOWNSHIP.

SCHOOL, CONGRESS AND MILITARY LANDS-TOPOGRAPHY-ORGANIZATION-JUSTICES -CHRISTIAN DEARDORFF-OTHER PIONEERS-INDIANS-CHURCHES-"BRICKTOWN"-WINFIELD-DOVER-ITS GROWTH-FIRST SETTLERS-ADDITIONS-INCORPORATION-EARLY TEACHERS- UNION SCHOOLS-CHURCHES-ORDERS- PHYSICIANS-NEWSPAPERS-INDUSTRIES.

DOVER TOWNSHIP is one of the largest civil subdivisions of Tuscarawas County. It is of irregular outline, the Tuscarawas River forming a portion of its eastern boundary, and is composed of three kinds of land. The northern part, consisting of the north half of Township 9, Range 2, is Western Reserve School Land, a tract including not quite 8,000 acres. It is surveyed into fifty lots, approximating 160 acres each, which were not sold until after 1830; a few lots had been leased prior to that date. The permanent settlement of this portion of the township was, in consequence, later than that of other portions. The western part of Dover Township, also embracing a tract of nearly 8,000 acres, is Congress land, comprising nearly all the first quarter of Township 8, and the fourth quarter of Township 9, Range 3. This region was for sale at the Government land office as early as 1803 and received most of the township's pioneers. The remainder of the township, the central and southeastern part, consists of one entire 4,000-acre tract and large fractions of two other similar tracts. The first, being the third quarter of Township 9, Range 2, was patented by James Morrison, of Lexington, Ky., April 22, 1800. In 1806, he sold to Christian Deardorff and Jesse Slingluff the south part of this tract. The north half of the quarter Morrison sold to James Scott and others. All that part of the fourth quarter of Township 9, Range 2, entered by John C. Reich, John Shropp and Christian Lange in 1800, which lies west of the river, is in Dover Township, and also nearly all of the second quarter of Township 8, Range 2, which was entered by John Heckewelder in 1800, Heckewelder sold the north part, 2,023 acres, to Dr. Felix Lynn, of Northampton, Penn., in 1801, and the south portion, 1,889 acres, to Thomas Horse field, a surgeon in the British Army. Horsefield sold his land to Jacob Blickinsderfer, who laid it out in farm lots.

Much of these lands was withheld from the market for an advance in price, and hence were slowly settled. They were finally sold by the proprietors in tracts to suit the purchaser, so that there is no uniformity of outline in the survey lines of these tracts.

Except the Tuscarawas, which skirts the southeast border of the township, Sugar Creek is the most important stream. It flows southeasterly and divides the township into two almost equal portions. In early times its banks were fringed with beautiful thick groves of sugar-maple, whence the name of the stream was derived. The pioneers of this valley made large quantities of maple sugar, as did also their Indian predecessors. Brandywine Creek and Crooked Run, in the southern part of the township, were early settled. Back from the valleys the surface is rolling and hilly. It was densely covered with timber. The plains, extending along the river and Sugar Creek on both sides for many miles, supported only a sparse and scrubby growth of underbrush.

528 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY.

Dover Township was erected March 6, 1810, and had these original boundaries: Beginning at the northeast corner of the third quarter of Township 9, Range 2; thence south to the Muskingum (Tuscarawas) River; thence with the meanders of the same to where the section line, dividing the first and sea and quarters of Township 8, Range 2, crosses the river; thence south to the southeast corner of the third quarter of Township 8. Range 2; thence west to to the county line ; thence north to the northwest corner of the third quarter of Township 9, Range 4; thence east to the place of beginning. It was taken from the west part of Goshen, and included within its original boundaries what is now Sugar Creek and the greater portions of the present Dover, York and Auburn Townships. The house of Christian Deardorff was selected as the first voting place, and the first Monday in April, 1810, was the date of the earliest election.

The Justices of the township whose qualifications have been recorded, are the following : Conrad Roth, 1810: Gabriel Crvder. 1811; Abraham Overholtz, 1813; Thomas Holmes, 1810; Abraham Shane. 1818, resigned 1820; Elias Wade, 1820; John Butt, 1822; George Bugher, 1822: George Bugher, 1825; Christopher Ecker. 1826; Benjamin Johnson, 1825; George M. McConnell, 1828; Christopher Ecker. 1829; Abraham Shane. 1830; Thomas Spach, 1830; Benjamin Johnson, 1831; Thomas Spach. 1832; Jacob Helwig. 1833; Isaac B. Lee. 1834: Wright Warner, 1835; Thomas J. Frazier, 1835; Alexander McConnell. 1836: Wright Warner, 1838: John J. Burress, 1839: Daniel Keller, 1838; Alexander McConnell, 1839; Sebastian Brainerd, 1841; John J. Burress, 1842; Wright Warner. 1843: Augustus Wilhelmi, 1844; Joseph Brancher, 1845; Benjamin Johnson, 1846; Augustus Wilhelmi, 1847, resigned 1849; Abraham Shane. 1848; Hosea T. Stockwell. 1849; George F. A. Wassman, 1850; Augustus Wilhelmi, 1853: Oliver B. Walling, 1851; John H. Keplinger, 1855; Joseph W. Newburg, 1558; Vance P. Bonham. 1858; Augustus Wilhelmi. 1851; Joseph W. Newburg, 1861; Vance P. Bonbam, 1861; Jonas Bair, 1862: Nicholas Montag, 1864; V. P. Bonham. 1864; Jacob Hoopengarner. 1864; John G. Croxton. 1866; V. P. Bonham, 1867: John A. Bowers, 1867; J. W. Newburg, 1869: Jacob Hoopengarner. 1870: Edmund Burnett, 1870; J. W. Newburg. 1872; John G. Croxton. 1873; J. W. Newburg, 1875; Jacob Hoopengarner, 1876; John G. Croxton, 1876; Joseph W'. Newburg. 1878; Nicholas Montag, 1879: Augustus Wilhelmi, 1879; Joseph W. . Newburg. 1881; Nicholas Montag. 1882: Perry Stocksdale, 1882.

Perhaps no name is so closely identified with the pioneer history of Dover Township as that of Christian Deardoff. James Morrison, of Lexington. Ky., by deed dated February 17, 1806, conveyed to Christian Deardoff, of Pennsylvania, and Jesse Slingluff. of Baltimore, Md., the south part of the third quarter of Township 9, Range 2, 2,175 acres, for $4,622. Charles Boehn, of Baltimore, soon after became a partner in this tract, but a little later disposed of his interest again to Deardorff & Slingluff. Christian Deardorff was born in York County, Penn., in 1781. In 1802, it is said. be, in company with Jesse Slingluff, made a trip through Ohio on horseback, and on the journey visited the Tuscarawas Valley, and was greatly impressed with its many ad vantages. In 1806, after his extensive purchase had been consummated, he emigrated to the land. He built a little cabin on the hillside. near Sugar Creek, about three-fourths of a mile west of Dover, and there kept bachelor's hall, in the wilderness, for about eleven nears. He at once erected a grist and saw mill on Sugar Creek, about half a mile from its mouth, and on the site of the present salt works. Except an old horse mill at Gnadenhutten, this was the first mill in Tuscarawas County. It was visited by the settlers in the valley for many miles, and proved quite a boon to them. The mi!l remained in opera-

DOVER TOWNSHIP. - 529

tion until, at the construction of the Ohio Canal, a dam was built across the mouth of Sugar Creek, to form a feeder for the canal, thereby destroying the water power of the mill. As a recompense for this loss, the State granted to Deardorff & Slingluff a perpetual lease of water power on the canal, and, in consequence of the rights thus obtained, Mr. Deardorff erected the Dover Mills, afterward known as the Cascade Mills.

William Butt was one of the foremost pioneers of Dover Township, as well as one of its most extensive land-holders. He purchased 1,200 acres of land in the second quarter of Township 8, Range 2, from the executors of Dr. Felix Lynn, July 1, 1809. However, in 1806, he had emigrated to it from York County, Penn. He pitched his tent by the side of a gushing spring, and at once erected a large cabin, 24x30 feet in size, consisting of a single room, which answered all domestic purposes. The cabin stood about two and one-half miles south of Dover, on the farm since known as the Swinehart place. Mr. Butt was well advanced in life when he came, and his large family had mostly grown to maturity. His children were Mary, who married Rev. Wolgenmode for her first, and John Hildt, Sr., for her second, husband, and died without children; Sarah, who married Conrad Roth; Susan, who died unmarried; William S., a local minister of the Methodist Church, who died in Lancaster. Ind. ; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Jacob Welty; John, who resided afterward in New Philadelphia; and Elizabeth, who married Christian Deardorff. Mr. Butt was an earnest Methodist, and his cabin was a customary place for preaching. He retired from active farm life a few years prior to his death, which occurred in 1824 in the seventy-fifth year of his age.

His son-in-law, Conrad Roth, a surveyor, farmer, local preacher and school teacher, accompanied him to Dover Township, from York County, Penn., in 1806 and purchased and settled on a portion of his tract about four miles south from Dover. The wife of Mr. Roth died in 1815, and soon after he provided homes for his four little girls, Mary (Pritchard), Catherine (McMeal), Elizabeth (Blickensderfer) and Sarah (Hayden), sold his farm to Martin Muma, and became an itinerant Methodist minister.

When Mr. Deardorff arrived, in 1806, he found near the McLean stone quarry a squatter named George Harbaugh, who was then the only settler west of the river in Dover Township. Harbaugh was a German. His son Frederick afterward purchased a small tract of land near by, and remained a life-long resident of Dover Township.

Christian Wolgemuth carne about, 1808 or 1809. He was a Pennsylvania German, and very religious. He settled on Crooked Run, and died in the township in old age.

Elias Wade was a Virginian, and came early to a western home for the purpose, it is said, of removing his boys, who were inclined to dissipate, from temptation. He purchased 266 acres in the second quarter of Township 8. Range 2, and became a permanent settler of Dover Township.

Gabriel Cryder, about 1811, emigrated in company with several other families from York County, Penn. He settled above Dover, but several years later purchased a large farm in Goshen Township, and removed thither. In 1823, he took up a residence in New Philadelphia, having been elected County Treasurer, and remained there till death.

The early settlers of Dover Township were principally Pennsylvania Germans. They remained citizens of the township, almost without exception, through life, and the descendants of many still dwell in the abodes of their ancestors. In later years an almost purely German stream of emigration has been filling the hills and vales with citizens; so that at this time the preponderating element of population is of this nationality.

530 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY.

Among other early pioneers who arrived prior to 1812 and located in the western part of Dover Township, may be mentioned Mathias Burchfield, Christian Noftzinger, Abraham Overholt, John Burkholder, Jacob Crites, Henry Kretzer, Isaac Thomas and John Wible. Christian Noftzinger entered, and occupied until his death, the southeast quarter of Section 18, Township 9. Abraham Overholt owned the northwest quarter of Section 12, Township 8, and Mathias Burchfield the east half of Section 11., Township 9. These three families were related, came from Pennsylvania. and one winter lost eleven members from typhoid fever. John Burkholder entered and settled on the southeast quarter of Section 22, Township 9. Jacob Crites, a German, and his two sons, Andrew and Jacob, owned the south half of Section 10, Township 8. Henry Kretzer was the first individual owner and settler on the northeast quarter of Section 8, and Isaac Thomas of the northeast quarter of Section 10, same township. John Wible, a Pennsylvanian and member of the United Brethren Church, settled in the southwestern portion of the township. Other settlers, who came a little later and also founded homes in the western portion of Dover, were Benjamin Hostetler, Christian Kohr, Adam Snyder, Jacob Smith, Edward Wolf, in Township 9, and Benjamin Baer, Jacob Haverstock, John Muma, George Pollins, Jacob Shoup, Frederick Swinehart, John Jacob Shoup, Joseph Shrock, Michael Welty and Peter Walter, in Township 8. Benjamin Hostetler settled on the southeast quarter of Section 21. Christian Kore entered, and resided until death, upon the southeast quarter of Section 13. Adam Snyder, a Lutheran, entered and occupied the southeast quarter of Section 20. Jacob Smith settled on the southeast quarter of Section 12, where be died. Edward Wolf lived in the southwest quarter of Section 11. Benjamin Baer, a Pennsylvanian, was the possessor of the northeast quarter of Section 2, Township 8; Jacob Haverstock, the northwest corner of Section 3; John Muma, the northeast quarter of Section 1; George Pollins, part of the southwest quarter of Section 9. Jacob Shoup and his son John Jacob, Winebrennerians, owned and occupied the northwest quarter of Section 9; Joseph Shrock, the northeast quarter of Section 13. Michael Welty and Peter Walter owned the northwest quarter of Section 11. Frederick Swinehart, a Lutheran, entered and farmed the southeast quarter of Section 9. He was a life-long resident of the township.

Richard Burrell, Philip Baker, Jacob Welty and others, settled further east.

The proximity of the Goshen Moravian Indians, only eight or ten miles distant, made them frequent and familiar visitants at the pioneer cabins. The latch string was always out, and it was no uncommon occurrence for a family to awake in the morning; and find stretched out on the flour with feet toward the fire a party of Indians who had quietly entered and taken possession during the night. They were always welcomed, and brought wild honey and venison to their white friends. The unconverted red man of the forest. however, was no stranger in this land, and his presence in the neighborhood was often signalized by the absence of some valuable article. Mrs. Roth in this manner was deprived of a gold watch chain and a silver "scissors and cushion " chain. Little John, a vicious Indian, was accused of the theft by Mr. Roth, and confessed and promised to restore the articles in three days under his accuser's threat to shoot him if he did not. He returned within the specified time and reported to a member of the family that they had been conveyed to Sandusky by a squaw. He then disappeared and was seen no more. Philip Konochie was also a noted Indian character of pilfering proclivities. Wild game was abundant at first, and bears and wolves sometimes sought to cultivate a too intimate acquaintance with the white man's domestic ani-

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mals. Catherine Stickle. a young woman working at Mr. Roth's cabin, soon after her arrival. while all the other members of the family were absent one clay, heard the only pig of her master squeal, and going to the door saw, as she supposed, a large black dog biting the animal. She rushed out and dealt the intruder a blow across the head with a club. It released its hold of the porcine victim, which immediately ran into an adjoining old cabin, where Miss Stickle securely fastened it. She turned about, and to her amazement, saw-not a dog, but a huge bear quietly munching the morsel of pork it had thus feloniously obtained. This finished, it leisurely sauntered off to the. forest. Incidents of a similar kind were of frequent occurrence.

On Brandvwine Creek in the northern part of Section 1, stands an old frame Union Church, which was built about 1844, through the combined efforts of the Lutherans, United Brethren, Dunkards and Winebrennerians, and for a time all these denominations held services here. Among the citizens who assisted in the erection were the Mumas, Kohrs, Baers and Helwigs, Lutherans; the Shoups, Keplingers, Hineys and Thomases, Winebrennerians; Blubaughs and Scinks, Dunkards: and Stauffers and others, United Brethren. The Lutherans and Dunkards no Longer hold services here. The church is about 40 x 44 feet. The United Brethren congregation at present numbers forty-seven members, and is ministered to by Rev. A. R. Bower. Among its early members were the Mumas, Stockdales and Casebeers.

On Crooked Run, three miles west of New Philadelphia, is a flame Union Church, 35x40 feet, which was rebuilt in 1862. A United Brethren congregation of fifty-eight members worship here under the pastorate of Rev. A. R. Bower. Its early members were the Weibles, Hildts a and others.

A German Lutheran Church stands on a school lot in the northern part of the township, where in former times a strong congregation worshiped.

The Dover Salt Company was formed in 1867, and a well drilled about two and a half miles up the Tuscarawas Valley from Dover. At 900 feet a strong vein of salt water was struck, and works were erected which have been oper ated continuously and successfully since. about seventy barrels of salt are produced per day, and a considerable amount of bromine. The officers of the company have been John Hildt, President: U. C. Deardorff, Secretary and Treasurer; D. G. Hildt, Superintendent; E. C. Deardorff, Assistant Superintendent.

The Sugar Creek Salt Works were erected in 1869. David Thomas, years before, had drilled a hole 5511 feet in depthin search of mineral deposits. After the Dover Salt Works proved successful this opening was remembered, a com pany was formed. and the well sunk to a depth of 900 feet, when an abundance of salt water was found. C. W. Bodey is now sole owner. The products are about eighty barrels of salt and seventy pounds of bromine daily.,

"Blicktown" is a hamlet of greater notoriety than size. It consists of four or five dwelling houses, a grist-mill and a lime kiln; and is situated on the canal about one and a half miles south of Dover.

In the extreme northwestern part of Dover Township, on the southeast quarter of Section 13, stands a little village now called Winfield, having a population in 1870 of 126, and in 1880, of 115. The village was formerly known as Mechanicsburg, and under that name William Haverstock, in 1849, laid out eleven lots, all situated on the south side of Main street. An addition of seventeen lots north of Main street was made the same year by Eli Booth. In November, 1853, James Delany platted eight lots in the same locality and gave to them the title of Winfield. Eli Booth in the following March, made an addition of nine lots on the north. Michael T. Kohr built the first house in the place. It was a small log cabin, and is still standing The village is

534 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY.

a small country trading place, and contains one store and several small industrial shops.

The United Brethren is the only church in the village. It is about 40x50 feet in size. surmounted by a bell and belfry, and was erected in 1855 at a cost of $2,000 The early membership included the Kohrs, the Keplingers and the Rosenbergs. The present membership is fifty-six. Rev. A. R. Bower is minister.

DOVER.

Dover is one of the leading towns of the county. Originally called Dover, the prefix "Canal" was added to distinguish it from a village of the same name in another part of the State. It is located on a plateau. or second bottom, on the west bank of the Tuscarawas, and commands a beautiful view of the surrounding diversified country. The Ohio Canal and three railroads, the Tuscarawas Branch of the Cleveland & Pittsburgh, the Cleveland, Lorain Wheeling, and the Marietta & Cleveland, afford excellent and ample means of communication and commerce with the outside world. The town is distinctively German in its population. A large proportion of the people are natives of Germany. and many others are of German extraction. The Teutonic language is largely used in trade and conversation. and of the seven churches five are either German or of German origin.

Dover was a candidate for the seat of justice for Tuscarawas County, and it was probably with that end in view that its proprietors in 1807 made its original plat of goodly size. The location was a most eligible one, but New Philadelphia. its rival. already fairly started as a town, plucked the prize. For ten years after its location, Dover was little else than a village on paper. The needs of a commercial or business center at its site was not felt, for the county seat was only three miles distant. No public interest seemed to demand its existence, but the village was destined to thrive. Its first period, covering a space of about twenty years, or until the building of the Ohio Canal, was one of sickly growth. The village lay on the large tract of land purchased by Boehn, Slingluff & Deardorff. and was by them platted. Two of these proprietors were non-residents of the county. In 1817, ten years after the town was laid out, one of the proprietors, Christian Deardorff, removed from his farm nearly a mile distant, and cast his life and fortune with the little town that owed its birth to his endeavors. He had several years before built a tavern on Lot No. 1. and at its lowly board several men bad successively dispensed hospitality to the traveling public. John Zigler was probably the first, and in addition to performing his duties as inn-keeper, he kept. a ferry over the Tuscarawas. A Mr. Wampler. of whom no recollection remains save his name and occupation, that of miller, was also a probable resident prior to 181-1. He is said to have built the Deardorff Mills.

In 1818, according to the remembrance of Mrs. Mary Pritchard, there were four or five buildings in Dover, the Deardorff residence, the old tavern, at that time kept by Elias Wade. two other taverns, of which William Henderson and Abraham Shane were the respective proprietors, and the residence of William Bowers, a tanner, operating his trade in conjunction with Christian Deardorff. Christian Stout had preceded Wade as tavern keeper. He was a cabinet maker by trade, had been an early resident of New Philadelphia, and removed from Dover to Shanesville. where he died. In the possession of the first tavern, Mr. Wade was succeeded by C. Ritter, and he in turn by Stuffel Ecker. In a few years the old building was demolished and a new tavern constructed on the' adjoining lot, No. 2. Anna Stokes, a widow, whose husband had died at Cadiz. came to Dover prior to 1825, with three children, George W., Emma and Eliza.

DOVER TOWNSHIP. - 535

When Christian Deardorff removed to the village in 1817, he secured a post office and became Postmaster, and also started the first store in the front part of his cabin on Lot 8, Front street, now the residence of Ferdinand Brooks. He remained the sole merchant of the village until about 1825. George W. Slingluff then built a brick store on Front street, on the site of the Iron City Hotel. purchased Deardorff's stock of goods and became his successor. Jacob Blickensderfer soon after became his partner. Following` these early merchants were Joseph Tolbert and Dr. Hoyt, Benjamin Pritchard and a Mr. McCombs.

The census of 1820 accredited Dover with a population of forty-six. Jesse Deardorff thinks that in 1824 there were but ten houses in the village. The construction of the Ohio Canal between the years 1826 and 1830, gave the first stimulus to an active and vigorous growth. Fortunately for Dover's welfare, the canal was located on the west side of the river, for this brought it to the very gates of the town plat and gave it a leading position in the traffic of this then mighty highway. Dover at once became a center of trade and commerce. Constant streams of grain and other farm products flowed into its capacious warehouses to be shipped to the Eastern market. Men of superior business ability were attracted by its advantages. and ten years after the completion of the canal, or in 1840, Dover was the first town in the county in point of population and importance. The canal trade gained for it a notice abroad, which far ectipsod that of the county seat. But the era of this highway passed away and railroads became the lines of travel and traffic. By encouraging various industrial enterprises, however, the town has constantly grown in size, and in 1880 reached a population of 2,208.

The original plat of Dover, as founded by Boehn, Slingluff & Deardorff in 1807, was exactly square, and contained 256 lots. The streets extending northeast and southwest were Front, Second, Third and Fourth: those extending northwest and southeast were Race, Market and Walnut. Market and Third are ninety-nine feet wide; the others sixty-six. In the center of the plat was a square, 18x18 rods, designed for a court house. Lots 253-256 inclusive, were gifted in fee simple for German religious societies, and lots 225-228 for English religious societies: Lot 181 was donated for a German church and schoolhouse, Lot 170 for an English church and schoolhouse, Lot 234 for the Moravian society, and Lot 108 " for the county gaol." The lots are three rods wide and twelve deep.

The first addition was made in 1826, by James Scott; it consisted of thirty eight lots, facing on a northeast extension of Front street. Jesse Slingluff and Christian Deardorff, in 1831, made an addition of thirteen lots, numbers 257 - 269 inclusive, on Factory and Front streets. In 1838, the heirs of Jesse Slingluff made an an addition on Factory and Commerce streets of sixty-six lots, 270-335 inclusive. In 1843, they made a second and a third addition, the second including eight lots (336-343) on Front street, and the third comprising seventeen lots (344-360) on South, Third and Fourth streets, and seventeen outlots. Joseph Slingluff, in 1846, made his first addition, consisting of eight lots (361-368) on Factory street. In 1866, he laid out his second addition, comprising six outlots, and in 1872 an extensive addition of fifty-three lots, 369-421 inclusive, on Factory, Center, Seventh and Eighth streets. In 1865, Lots 24-30 inclusive, of Scott's Addition, were vacated. In 1870, G. W. Schilling and others made an addition of twenty-four lots in blocks of eight lots each, adjoining Dover on the northeast, and located between extensions of Second and Third streets. In 1870, Frederick Crater made an addi tion, including fifty-eight lots (1 to 58) and the Union School grounds, between Third and Front streets extended, and on George street, Johnston and Lincoln avenues. George Betscher, in 1872, made an addition of four lots immediate-

536 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY.

ly north of Schilling's Addition and west of Second street. In 1873, he made a second addition, consisting of eight lots, between Third and Second streets, northeast of his first addition. In 1880, he laid out a third addition of eight lots, between Third and Fourth streets, and in 1881 a fourth addition, comprising eight lots, located between Third and Fourth streets, and immediately northeast of the original plat. Jacob Sterling, in 1873, made an addition of four lots, southeast of Scott's Addition. George B. Deardorff, executor, in 1880, laid out an addition of thirteen lots on Race and Center streets, Betscher, Schilling & Hostetler, in 1882, made an addition of thirteen lots, between Fourth and Fifth streets, and on opposite sides of Cross street. They made a second addition of eighteen lots, 14-31 inclusive, the same year on Cross, between Fifth and Sixth. C. H. Slingluff. in 1882, laid out Slingluff's Fourth Addition, consisting of seven lots (422-428) on Factory street. James A. Slingluff's Southwest Addition on Water street, consisting of live lots, was surveyed in 1882.

Dover was incorporated as a village about 1842 by the legislature, in response to a petition presented by the citizens. Dr. Joseph Slingluff was an early Mayor, and John J, Burress was elected to this position in 1843. Jesse S. Deardorff, Henry Torrey and Augustus Wilhelmi also served as Mayors. but in a few years the people of the village had tired of incorporation. The inefficient and expensive method of collecting the taxes was one of the principal causes that led to this result. Accordingly, Mr. Crater was nominated by the party that was in favor of permitting the charter to lapse. He was elected, and for almost a score of years Dover was without a village government.

In 1867, the necessary steps were taken to revive the dormant incorporatiou. and, September 16 of that year, the following officers were elected: Simpson Harmount, Mayor; George W. Schilling. Recorder: John J. Robinson. John Cox Jones, Andrew Berndt, David King and David Miller, Trustees. Since then, the Mayors of the village have been John G. Croxton, 1868-69; Edmund Burnett, elected in 1869, but refused to serve, and John G. Croxton tilled the vacancy by appointment; J. Cos Jones, 1870 - 71; Philip Miller, 1871, resigned in August, and Christopher Sheeler was chosen his successor at a special election; David King, 1872-73; Christopher Sheeler, 1873-78; C. Helmrich, 1878-79; Christopher Sheeler, 1880-82: John A. Hostetler, 1882-84.

The village possesses a good town hall. erected about 1871, and an excellent fire department, which was organized in 1573.

The first teacher known to have wielded the birch at Dover was George R. McConnell. He was an intelligent New Yorker. married and blessed with a family; but was somewhat, inclined to the popular vices of the day. He was in after years a " boss" on the Ohio Canal. The building in which Mr. McConnell taught stood on Front street, near the present site of Hoffman's grocery. After several terms were taught by this primitive pedagogue, Miss Mary Roth, now Mrs. Mary Pritchard. of Dover, a venerable but yet active old lady of nearly eighty years, succeeded. and held a three months term, in 1826 or 1827, during the temporary indisposition of Mr. McConnell. She states that for her labors in the school room she received 1 per week, and boarded herself. Probably twenty or twenty-five pupils were intrusted to her care. among whom were three children in Elias Wade's family, three belonging to George Wallick, three of the Deardorffs (Jesse, Isaac and George), George Bowers, and Dr. Hoot's three children. Having been told that the impres sions of the first day's school upon the pupils would have a controlling influence in making the school orderly or disorderly, Miss Roth prepared for contingencies. by taking with her to the school room a huge " cowhide," and

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placing it conspicuously in sight. The effect was salutary, and no difficulties arose. Following this school, Mr. McConnell resumed sway, continuing for several terms: nest Mr. Burnham, who was called a lawyer, and was regarded with suspicion by the citizens, taught a term or two. Cyrus Blanchard, Benjamin Pritchard and Bower Seaton successively followed. Other early teachers were Seth Hunt, Edmund Bu nett, Rev. George Warren (a Baptist minister), .Harmon V. Beeson, George W. Smith, Miss Cook, Miss Elliott. Daniel Gloninger and James Moffat. About 1827, a schoolhouse was built in the midst of the woods, or brush, on the south side of Fourth street, near the cemetery, and occupied for purposes of instruction until 1844, when the little brick schoolhouse was erected on the southwest side of Fourth street. It is now owned by Joseph Stout, and occupied by a tenant as a dwelling house.

In pursuance of the act passed February 21, 1849, to provide " for the better regulations of the public schools in cities, towns, etc.," a public notice, signed by Christian Deardorff, John Hildt, Sr. Wright Warner, Harmon V. Beeson, Thomas J. Frazier, John Hildt. Jr., Felix D. McMeal and L. F. Kampman was given April 9, 1849, requesting the electors of School District No. 1, of Dover Township, to assemble on the 20th of April, instant, to vote for or against the adoption of the public school system. The election resulted in unanimous vote in favor of the adoption of provisions of the act. May 5, following, a board of six Directors was elected, as follows: Benjamin Miller and Cristopher Hormel for one year; Dr. William Winnull and G. F. A. Wassman for two years: N. Hayden and John Hildt. Jr., for three years. At the first meeting of the board. Dr. Winnull was made President, and occupied, that position continuously till 1858. He resigned in 1859, and died February 9, 1860. The following test books were adopted: Mandeville's Readers Green's Grammar, Parker's Philosophy, Davies' Arithmetics, Olney's Geographies, Mrs. Willard's History, Webster's Spelling Book. Winchester's Copy Book and Colburn's Mental Arithmetic. Dr. Joseph Slingluff, Dr. F. D. McMeal and Rev. Kampman constituted the first board of examiners.

April 8, 1850, a resolution was passed authorizing the levy of a tax of $500 for the purpose of building a new schoolhouse. In 1866, steps were taken to enlarge the old or build a new schoolhouse. The latter proposition prevailed and a commodious building was erected on the old Crater homestead, at the head of Second street, and was first occupied in 1868. In 1878 a large residence built by Nathaniel Hayden and surrounded by a beautiful grove, was purchased for $6,000, and the high school and two primary departments located there.

In the fall of 1849, Julius Lee, Rev. Kampman. Miss Lucy Horn and Airs. Sarah Otis were elected the teachers for the ensuing year. In 1850. Rev. Francis Holland became principal, but remained only one year. He was succeeded by Mr. Quantrill, who remained in charge as Superintendent until 1854, in which year he died. Thomas McCartney was elected Superintendent in 1854, and served two years. James E. Cummings was his successor, and continued in charge four pears. In 1860, O. B. Walling was elected, remaining two years. J. L. McIlvaine, present editor of the, Tuscarawas Adrocate, was chosen Superintendent in 1862, and had charge of the schools for two years. Sheridan Cox followed him, remaining one year. In 1865, William Hill became Superintendent, and filled the office until 1869, when E. D. Whitlock was appointed, remaining one year. L. B. Eberley assumed management in 1870, and in 1872 James L. Wright, who remained until 1879. His successors have been Hamilton Wallace, I. M. Clemens and T. N. Johnson, now serving his second year.

538 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY.

CHURCHES.

The earliest preaching and quarterly meetings of the Dover Methodist society were held at the house of William Butt in winter. and at his barn in summer, for eight or nine years. The appointment was then changed to Jacob Welty's farm, where it was continued until the citizens built a schoolhouse in Dover. Different denominations worshiped here. The first Methodist sermon in this building was preached by Rev. Billings O'Plympton. In 1832, the initiatory steps were taken to erect a Methodist Church edifice, John Hildt, Jr., John Winrott, Richard Burrell, Reuben Gardner, Thomas Spach, Michael Swagler and Edward Wolf were elected Trustees and the work was commenced. The building was dedicated January 19, 1834, by Rev. Wesley Browning. The Dover Circuit, was struck off from the Canton Circuit in 1832. Wesley Browning was Presiding Elder that year, and Revs. John Johnson and G. D. Kinnear ministers in charge; Elijah Hawk and Francis Hildt were local preachers; John Emerson. Edward Wolf and John Kenestrick, Class Leaders; and John Hildt, Jr.. Rezin Pritchard, Michael Swagler. S. C. Wright and John Kenestrick, Stewards. From 1838 to 1850, the ministers at Dover were Revs. William Knox, Daniel M. Stearns. John McLean. Thomas Thompson, William Deviney, Henry Wharton. Henry Whiteman. Thomas Barkdull. James Kellam, D. Gray and H. E. Pilcher. Rev. S. R. Squier is the present pastor. taking charge in 1881 and succeeding Rev. L. W. Phillips. The church building is a commodious brick structure, adjoining which a new parsonage was erected in 1882. The present membership is about one hundred and fifty.

The Evangelical English Lutheran Church of Dover was organized a few years prior to 1835-the exact date not being known-by Rev, J. B. Reck. He remained some time, and succeeded in building up a large congregation. Early services were held in the old Presbyterian Church, which stood near the corner of Walnut and Third streets, and in 1838 this congregation and the German Lutheran, or Evangelical, society erected a house of worship jointly on Lot 212, corner of Market and Fourth streets, each congregation holding separate service. Rev. Reck was at this time pastor of the English Church. About 1851, during the pastorate of Rev. G. F. Stelling. the English Lutheran congregation sold its interest in the property to their German copartners, and purchased from the United Brethren Society the old Baptist Church located on Lots 115 and 116, corner of Third and Market streets, where they still worship. The present parsonage, which adjoins the house of worship, was erected in 1880. The following list of ministers is believed to be nearly complete, though there may be several omissions: Revs. J. B. Reck. Solomon Ritz, J. B. Miller, Dr. Hamilton, A. H. Aughe„ Rev. Bickel. Rev. Liter, Dr. Stelling, J. H. Watkins, George Scholl, Thomas Hill. J. W. Breitenbaugh and H. H. Hall. The last named is the pastor at this writing, having assumed charge in January, 1877. The present membership is about one hundred and twenty-five. There have been several periods of vacancy in the ministerial supply of this charge. Formerly the charge was very strong, but emigrations weakened it, and for a time it was associated with the New Philadelphia Church. Its condition is now prosperous.

The Moravian Church at Dover was organized in 1843, with about sixteen members, mainly through the efforts of Judge Jacob Blickensderfer. Besides him other leading original members were Israel Ricksecker. William Rickert, Christian Lichty, John Kreiter, and Christian Ellenberger. The church building and parsonage combined was erected in 1843 - 44, the dedication of the church occurring in May, 1844. It is located on Lot 151, Walnut street. The first minister was Lewis h'. Kampman, who held services in

DOVER TOWNSHIP. - 539

the old schoolhouse until the completion of the. church. His successors have been Edmund De Schweinitz, now a bishop at Bethlehem, Penn., F. R. Holland, Peter Wolle, H. G. Clauder, A. L. Oerter, S. M. Smith, C. B. Shultz, C. C. Lanius, W. Jordan and E. A. Oerter, who came in 1881. The communicant members now number more than seventy.

A Presbyterian congregation was organized by Rev. Morrow of New Philadelphia, and a building erected in 1835 or 1836. Among early prominent members were Oliver Rosenbury, Wright Warner, Abram Blickensderfer, the Stephensons, Brainerds and Spooners. The society flourished for a time, but by removals and deaths its membership was depleted, without compensating accessions, and the organization at last became extinct.

A Baptist minister, Rev. Miles, began a series of revival meetings in the old schoolhouse in 1840, which resulted in the organization of a society of this denomination and the erection of a church in 1843. Rev. Warren was the first minister. Benjamin Miller, William Graham, George Crites, William Karns and others were original members. The congregation finally perished from an insufficient membership.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church was organized by Rev. Luhrs, at Dover, Ohio, in 1849, with a membership of twenty-five or thirty families. The same year the spacious church edifice, located on Lot 368, at the north end of Factory street, was erected. The building, including the altar and church furniture, is now valued at $25,000. The principal members at the organization were Balthaser Niedenthal, Valentine Montag, Adam Seikel, Conrad Franz, John Bam beck, Joseph Kranz, Sr., Dr. McMeal, and Louis Breitenstein. St. Joseph's was the second Catholic Church organized in the county. St. Peter's, near Strasburg, was formed in 1840 as a mission from Canton, but after the organ ization of St. Joseph's, became an affiliation of it. Rev. Luhrs was succeeded in 1849 by Rev. Muckerheide, who was the first resident priest at Dover. In 1851, Rev. Wienands became rector and his successors from 1855 to 1865 were Revs. Constantine Hergenroether, Fehling, Gerst, Andres. Berger, Heimo and Getz. respectively. Rev. B. Wisman attained to the pastorate in 1865, and under his direction, about two years later. St. Joseph's School, a frame building. was erected on the lot adjoining the church on the northwest. It contains two rooms and now has eighty pupils. The present teacher and organist, John J. Jurgens, has had charge of the school since the year of its erection. Rev. B. Wisman labored in the congregation twelve years, and was succeeded in 1877 by the present rector, Rev. H. B. Dues. Under his care, besides St. Joseph's Church, are St. Peter's of the "Hessian Hills," St. Stephen's, of Bolivar, St. Patrick's, of Mineral City, and several in adjoining counties. In the whole circuit there are more than two hundred families and over a thousand soup. Among the leading members at present in St. Joseph's congregation are Balthaser Niedenthal, Peter Gross, S. A. Hess, Joseph Beiter, Peter Karl, A. C. Kramer, Henry Weckman, Joseph Kranz, Joseph Streb, Nicholas Montag, John G. Neuman and others-the total number of families exceeding one hundred and fifty. The rector's parsonage, a substantial brick building adjoining the church, was erected by Father Wienands. Rev. P. J. Weisenberger, in January, 1883, became assistant rector at St. Joseph's, and was succeeded by Rev. Walter Ross in November, 1883.

A United Brethren Church was organized in the spring of 1883, with a membership of thirty-one, by Rev. George F. Deal, of New Philadelphia, and Rev. B. F. Booth, of Sugar Creek Circuit. They still supply the congregation, which has increased in membership. Services are hold in the town hall. Many years ago a flourishing society of this denomination owned the church which the Lutherans now occupy, and for a long time prospered. Becoming

540 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY.

somewhat involved, however, their church, by an unfortunate procedure, was sold and the society soon after disbanded.

The date of the organization of the German Lutheran, or Evangelical, Church is unknown, but it was prior to 1838. Rev. Colerado was the organizer. The early families included the Shaffers, Weavers, Lindts, Deises, Reikers, Mohrs. Huegles. Notters. Bippus and many others. In 1838, they built a church edifice conjointly with the English Lutherans at the northwest end of Market street, and afterward acquired the sole ownership. In 1880. the church was rebuilt. The present edifice is a spacious, handsome brick building. erected at a cost of $14,000. The present membership is composed of more than 150 families. Rev. Henry Eppens, the present pastor, has had charge since 1870. He succeeded his father, Rev. H. A. Eppens, who labored here for about four years. and was then obliged to resign on account of ill health.

The German Methodist society is of comparatively recent date. It met. and worshiped in the town hall until 158(1, when a neat little frame church was built on Third street. The congregation comprises about thirty souls. Rev. William Andree is the pastor now in charge. His circuit embraces this congregation, a church at Chili. Coshocton County, and one at Berlin. Holmes County.

ORDERS.

Tuscarawas Lodge, No. 59. F'. & A. M., was chartered October 24, 1845, with the following membership: Wright Warner, Mathias Collier. T. M. Simmons. Walter M. Blake. Isaac Hartman, Sebastian Brainerd, James B. Parrish and John Wilkinson. The first officers were Wright Warner, W. M.; G. F. Holsten. S. W.; J. M. Simmerel; J. W. The present officers are James A. Slingluff, M.; C. H. Slingluff, S. W.; C. F. Rhodes, J. W. The lodge meets the first and third Saturdays of each month in their hall in the Ricksecker Block, corner of Factory and Second streets. The present membership is forty-three.

Goshen Lodge. No. 82, I. O. O. F.. was instituted March 18, 1847. Its present officers are John R. Rees. N. G.: Emanuel Forney, V. G.; John Hanson, Treas.; L. W. Miller, Per. Sec.: John A. Hostetler. Rec. Sec. The hall is on the third floor of the Deis Block, corner of Factory and Third streets. where the lodge meets every Monday evening. The membership is about seventy.

Dover Lodge, No. 168, K. of P., was instituted at Dover August 10, 1883, with thirty-two charter members. Its first and present officers are Jacob A. Horn, P. C.; J. H. Mitchell, C. C.: Charles F. Baker, V. C.; George H. Urp man, K. of R. & S.; Samuel M. McClean, Prelate: Philip H. Miller, M. of Ex.; Frederick Bernhard, M. of F. ; James A. Rosenbury, 111. at A.

The German Workingmen's Beneficial Association, a local organization, was started in 1869. A year's residence at Dover and a knowledge of the Ger man language are requisites for admission. The object of the society is beneficiary. From the funds. a member is paid during sickness $3 per week. In case of death, his family receives $1 for each membership, and the decease of a wife entitles a member to one-half that amount. Christian Titus was the first President; William Vorheer acts in that capacity at, present. The association has a membership of one hundred and eighteen, and meets in the R so seeker Block.

PHYSICIANS.

Dr. Ranney was the first. resident physician of Dover. He located in the village about 1818. and had practiced for only a few years when death overtook him, and left the as yet almost unpeopled town without a doctor. Dr. Charles

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DOVER TOWNSHIP. - 543

Fraley was the next physician. He hailed from Baltimore, Md., and began practice about 1824, which continued not longer than two years, for he was then elected County Clerk, and removed to New Philadelphia. At the expiration of b is term, he removed to Steubenville, there read law, afterward held the position of Surgeon in the United States Army, and after a life of vicissitudes, ended his earthly career in the city of Washington. Dr. Joseph Slingluff, from Carroll County, Md., in 1828, began at Dover, Ohio, a medical practice, which continued until his death a few years ago. About 1829, Dr. Felix D. McMeal opened an office, and very soon after Dr. Hoyt from the State of New York was ministering to the sick in this locality. In 1831, however, the latter fell a victim to that dread scourge, cholera, which swept away so many people of Dover and vicinity. The names and numbers of practitioners changed frequently in subsequent years. At present there are six physicians in the village, five of whom are members of the allopathic school, and one a homoeopathist.

PRESS.

The pioneer newspaper of Dover was called the Commercial Advertiser. It was started by F. G. W. Kapp, of Hagerstown, Md., in 1835, and survived for two or three years. The next venture was made by Moorehead & Litchenberger, soon after which the Buckeye was launched into existence by Solomon Sala, and after a brief career expired. In 1839, the Ohio Democrat was started by Mitchener & Hill. It suspended in the following year, but in 1841 was revived and removed to New Philadelphia, where it still flourishes. The publication of the Dover Citizen was commenced in 1852, by Bodenhammer, Sage & Hall, but lasted only two or three years. The same year the Deutsche in Ohio was inaugurated with Hugh McClintick, publisher, and J. J. Robinson, editor. It also lived only for a few years. The next attempt at Dover in a newspaper way, was made by Porter Wilson in the publication of the Iron Valley Times. It enjoyed a comparatively brief existence, and came to the untimely end that awaits most newspaper enterprises. In 1878, Wallace H. Phelps removed the Alliance Leader to Dover, and commenced the publication of a Greenback paper, styled the National Leader. The proper support was lacking, and the village was soon without the Leader.

The first number of the Iron Valley Reporter was issued May 10, 1872, by R. E. Watson and R. E. Hull. After a year or two Mr. Hull returned to Youngstown, his former place of residence, and Mr. Watson assumed entire control of the paper, continuing until 1879, when W. W. Scott was associated with him. Since the death of Mr. Watson, Mr. Scott has had sole possession of the paper. It is a bright, newsy sheet, remarkably successful, independent in politics, and blessed with a lengthy subscription roll.

INDUSTRIES.

The Pennsylvania Iron & Coal Company of Dover, Ohio, was incorporated November 19, 1881, with a capital stock of $200,000, and immediately took possession of the Dover blast furnace. J. P. Burton, of. Massillon, is President; George H. Hopkins, of Dover, Secretary; S. W. Croxton, Treasurer and General Manager. The furnace was built in 1854 or 1855 by the people of Dover. A stock of $75,000 was subscribed. Edmund Burnett was elected President and H. T. Stockwell, Secretary. The furnace was completed and put in operation as speedily as possible, but, though it proved of value to the town, to the subscribers it was an unsuccessful venture. Several years later, it was sold to the Green Brothers, Eastern capitalists, and remained under their management until 1864, when the owners sold the furnace to D. P. Rhodes and J. F. Card, of Cloveland, who organized and incorporated the

544 - HISTORY OF TUSCARAWAS COUNTY.

Tuscarawas Iron & Coal Company. Since that time the operation of the furnace has proved a success financially. In the autumn of 1S 78, it was rebuilt, and the capacity increased threefold. It remained under the management of the Tuscarawas Iron & Coal Company until purchased by the present company in 1881. About one-half the stock is owned by citizens of Dover, the remainder by Pennsylvanians. The present capacity of the furnace is about fifty tons daily. About three-fourths of the ore used is obtained in this county; it is the black band ore usually, though some kidney ore is used. and is mined by the company chiefly in Fairfield. Jefferson and Auburn Townships. The remaining one-fourth is Lake Superior ore, used to impart a greater strength to the iron. The necessary limestone is ruined by the company largely in Franklin and Lawrence Townships. The iron produced is a soft fluid metal, superior for foundry purposes. It finds a market principally in Chicago and the Northwest, though some is shipped to Pittsburgh and Wheeling. About forty-five men are employed at the furnace, and a large number at the mines and limestone quarries.

The flour mills of Dover are unequaled in the county in the amount and quality of flour produced. As stated above, Christian Deardorff, about 1830. built the Dover Mill, in consequence of losing his water power at the old mill site on Sugar Creek. At Jesse Slingluff's death in 1836. the common property of Deardorff & Slingluff was divided, and the mill fell to Deardorff. He operated it successfully until his death in 1851, and a few years later his heirs sold it to E. Burnett. In 1870, Burnett disposed of the property to Gintz &. Parr, and they in turn sold it to the Hardesty Brothers in 1872, who changed its name to the Cascade Mill, and have since operated it continuously and in conjunction with their other mills.

The Dover City Mills were erected on the canal in 1842, by Nathaniel Hayden and Elija Welty. They were burned in 1859, but were rebuilt the following year by Hayden and Simpson Harmount and afterward sold to Thomas Hardesty. At his death in 1869, the mill passed into the hands of his sons, Alonza H. and William A., the present proprietors. In 1876, a large brick steam mill was erected adjoining this mill. In the three mills now owned by this firm. there are thirteen run of buhrs, having a capacity of 400 barrels daily. In 1879, a Corliss engine of 180 horse power, was added and other improved machinery. About 100,000 barrels of flour are annually shipped principally to distant markets. The "New Process Flour" is extensively manufactured,

The Dover Fire Brick Company was established by David Miller & Co., in 1869. Its operations were attended with only partial success at first. In January, 1871, Mr. Barrett and James F. Rhodes purchased a half interest and subsequently became sole owners. The capital stock was $40,000. The old works were remodeled, and since that time have been operated almost constantly. Ponderous rollers press and pulverize the clay which is then tempered, molded into various shapes and burned similar to other brick, About thirty hands are employed and 8,000 bricks produced daily. The bricks have established a wide reputation and sell readily throughout the West.

The Dover Rolling Mills were built readily throughout 1866. A company, consisting mostly of citizens of Dover, with a capital stock of $80,000 was formed and incorporated with Edmund Burnett as the first President. The mill em. ploys a large number of workmen, and has been operated with fair regularity since. It has changed hands several times and has recently suspended operations.

Several other industrial enterprises have existed at Dover and assisted materially in the advancement of its interests. The planing mill was erected in 1868 by a stock company of citizen,. Soon after. A Deis & Co. pur-

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chased the mill and it has been running successfully since. An extensive furniture manufactory is another active industry of the town. The Dover Boiler Works were built in 1862, by B. D. Downey, John Slacker and J. H. Barnhill.. It changed hands a few years later, and has been one of the notable establishments of Dover.

The Iron City Hotel was originally a dwelling house. About 1860, or perhaps earlier, it was rebuilt by James Walton, who kept hotel in it for some years. After passing through the hands of several proprietors, it came into the possession of David King in 1863, who has recently enlarged and refitted the building and is still the proprietor.