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COLD SPRING RESCUE.
A COMPLETE HISTORY
FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO,
HERVEY SCOTT.
1705-1876.
SIEBERT & L1LLEY, 3EBsa!CfcTi'aBS&s buteeks.
COLUMBUS, OHIO :
1877.
i
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INDEX
1164587
PAGE.
' Bar of Lancaster 16
Baptists, New School 120
Band of Horse-thieves 148
Births and Deaths 157
Binninger, Philip 160
Banks of Lancaster 282
Commerce of Fairfield County 18
* Choruses 27
Carpenter’s Addition 34
County Jail 36
\ Court of Common Pleas 52
^ Canal Celebration 59
Court of Quarter-Sessions 78
County Fair 96
Catholic Church 138
County Officers 144
Colored Citizens of Lancaster 281
Cold Spring Rescue 289
Conclusion 298
Dunker Church 142
Enterprise 20
Episcopal Church 135
Emanuel’s Church, St 137
Evangelical Association (Albright) 140
First Settlement 4
First Born 7
First Mails and Post-route 12
Fourth of July 31
Finances of Lancaster in 1827 32
Finances of Fairfield in 1875 36
Fairfield County in 1806 36
Fairfield County in the War of 1812...,, 79
Growth of Lancaster 11
Ghost Story 61
Grape Culture 68
General Sanderson’s Notes 98
German Reform Church 136
IV
INDEX.
PAGE.
Gas-Light and Coke Company 281
Governors of Ohio 287
Horticultural Society 119
Hocking Valley Canal 150
Introduction 1
Inscriptions in Kuntz’s Graveyard 61
Incorporation 21
Judges of Court 278
Knights of Pythias 73
Knights of Honor 73
Knights of St. George 75
Lancaster 6
Lancaster Gazette 58
Lutheran Church, first English 136
Land Tax 160
Mount Pleasant 10
Medical Profession 16
Miscellaneous 21
Miscellaneous 65
Masonic 69
Methodist Church 122
New Court-house 35
Nationality 156
Old Religious Stanzas 23
Old Plays 28
Ohio Eagle 57
Other Papers 59
Odd Fellowship 71
Omish Mennonite Church 139
Primitive State of the Country 2
Public Square 34
Physicians 59
Patrons of Husbandry 74
Political 120
Protestant Methodist 128
Pleasant Run Church 129
Presbyterian Church 131
Public Men 152
Phrophesy 297
Presidents of United States 288
Ruhamah Green (Builderback) 8
Relics 56
Rush Creek Township in 1806 157
Refugee Lands 80
Reform Farm 80
INDEX.
PAGE.
Bepresentatives in Congress ‘ ' 82
Bepresentatives and Senators, State Legislature 109
Bebellion of 1861 112
Begular Baptist Church 128
Bailroads 285
St. Joseph’s Benevolent Association 75
Statistics 79
St. Peter’s Evangelical Luth°ran Church 135
Townships 82
Typhoid Epidemic * 152
Personal Becollections and Personal . 161
Ashbaugh, John 177
Beery, George W 173
Bope, Jacob 199
Barr, Thomas 292
Chaney, John 161
Carlisle, B. W 165
Cherry, Thomas 204
Crook, John 209
Crumley, Daniel 216
Courtright, John 219
Cole, Thomas 222
Ewing, Hon. Thomas 171
Ewing, Thomas E 232
Fishbaugh, Mordecai 211
Foster, David 238
Foster, F. A 243
Griffith, Samuel 276
Hunter, Hocking H 172
Harmon, George 214
Hathaway, A 248
Heyl, Christian 252
Hunter, Andrew 264
Jackson, Thomas 196
Iric, John 220
King, Mrs. Flora 176
Kester, Samuel 296
Leonard, Henry 182
Leist, Michael 192
Leith, John 158
Lyle, David 228
Landis, Martin 237
McClung, William 176
Murphy, William 203
VI
INDEX.
PAGE.
Murphy, Theodore 218
McClung, Mrs. Jane 268
Peters, Wesley 230
Radibaugh, Mrs. Mary 206
Rudolph, Christian ; 241
Rutter, Mrs. Catharine 262
Ream, Jonas A 178
Reece, Thomas 277
Sheaffer, Jacob 207
Sites, Frederick 234
See, John 255
Shawk, Charles A261
Sherrick, Elizabeth 266
Stemen, Nicholas •. 167
Sherman, Judge Charles 172
Stewart, Levi 179
Van Pearce, Mrs i 242
Vandemark, Elias 245
Vanzant, John 271
Williams, John 173
Wiseman, Joseph 194
Young, Mrs. Rachel 258
ERRATA.
Page 282, last paragraph, for Judge Schofield read Philomen Beecher.
In the notice of Lancaster Drug Stores in 1876, page 19, for Wetzler read Wetzel.
On the 19th page, and seventh line from the bottom, read James McManamy.
On page 20, in list of practicing lawyers, five names wTere omitted, viz. : Tallman Slough, J. S. Sites, David Clover, New- ton Schleich and John McCormick. These are all practicing Attorneys in 1877.
Page 119, in second and third paragraphs from top, for John C. Boviny read John C. tSfflBBaaa Rainey.
In State Legislature, years 1866 and 1868, page 110, read U. C. Rutter.
On page 128, second paragraph from bottom, for Rev. George Debott read Debolt.
Page 56, in “Gins.ng Wanted,” read Daniel Arnold for Daniel Arnott.
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, 0.
A history of Fairfield county in 1876, just seventy-six years subsequent to its first organization, has been no easy task; first, because the pioneers have nearly all passed away; and secondly, because there are no records of much that would be requisite to make up a complete history. This is much to be regretted. So far as they could serve me, how- ever, 1 have collected from state histories, and from state and county records, statistical and other matter. Beyond this I have collected from living witnesses who have been life-long citizens of the county, so much of personal history, and inci- dent, and anecdote, together with pioneer reminiscences, as it has been possible to do. Much of this, however, as above remarked, is lost, because those who first broke the forest and planted civilization and religion in the Hocking Valley, were dead before the conception of this work by the humble writer had been formed. This occasion is taken, however, to say, that the book is presented to the public as a pretty full and, as is believed, an entirely correct and authentic history. Nevertheless, brevity and condensation have been observed, because the author has desired to bring the work within the financial ability of every citizen, by producing a cheap book. But readers must excuse the limits of personal history, since, to write out even brief notices of all pioneers who deserve mention, would require several volumes.
Our history begins with the beginning of the white settle- ments in the Hocking Valley. Beyond that, through the ages of the unknown past, there is no vista for our eyes; noth:ng to count the centuries by; and imagination is content to picture an indefinite routine of years during which the awful solitude was only broken by the discordant utterances of wild beasts, and the scarcely less savage war whoop of the red man. Fancy runs wild in trying to conjecture what was 1
2
History of Fairfield county, ohio.
here before the tread of the Anglo Saxon race came, and the sound of the- woodman’s ax and the tinkling cow bell were heard. All is lost in oblivion.
In conclusion of these opening remarks, the compiler begs leave to say, that he was born in western Ohio in the begin- ning of the present century, and has therefore been identified with the country from the time when the first log cabins were built, and the first paths were blazed through the wilderness, and has been familiar with all the transformations. He has known the country in a state of nature ; and has seen the wilderness become a garden.
Primitive state of The country.
Marietta and Fort Harmer, at the mouth of the Musking- um, were the first settlements made by the white race on Ohio soil. Settlements were begun there about the year 1777, or 1778. Washington county, so named in honor of General Washington of revolutionary fame, was one of the four coun- ties into which the territory of Ohio was devided first, by proclamation of Governor Arthur St. Clair. Its boundaries extended north with the Pennsylvania line to Lake Erie, em- bracing all that part of the state known as the Western Re- serve, and extending down the lake to the mouth of the Cuyahoga river, where Cleveland now is ; thence south on a line to the Ohio river.
Not long after the settlements at Marietta began, scouts from there penetrated the wilderness to the Hockhocking, and up that stream as far as where Lancaster now stands. At that time the Wyandot Indians occupied the valley of the Hocking, and held it as did all the aboriginal tribes of North America by the right of undisturbed possession for unknown ages. There were two Indian towns at that time within what is the present limits of Fairfield county. The principle one was Tarhe town, situated on the north bank of Hocking, and occupying the same grounds now owned and used by the Rail Road companies, on the south east borders of Lancaster. This town was governed by Chief Tarhe, who was said to be rather a noble Indian. The town was believed at that time to contain about five hundred inhabitants. There was an- other small village of the Wyandots’ nine miles west of Tarhe
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. 3
Town, near the present site of Royalton. This was Toby Town, and was governed by an inferior chief whose name was Toby.
At the close of the Indian wars of the north west, a general treaty was held at Fort Greenville, the present county seat of Darke county, Ohio. In this treaty the Wyandots surrend- ered their possessions on the Hockhocking, and soon after- ward removed to the Sandusky. There were however a few of their number who for several years afterwards lingered about the country, as if unwilling to leave their old hunting grounds and the graves of their relatives. They were for the most part peaceable, and gave little trouble to the white settlements, unless where they were misused. But at last, finding the game becoming scarce, they went away and joined their friends at the north. The treaty of Greenville was signed on the 3. of August 1795.
Fairfield county was first organized in 1800 by proclama- tion of Governor St. Clair. At that time it embraced nearly all of the present counties of Licking and Knox, with also portions of Perry, Hocking and Pickaway. Subsequently, as emigration flowed into the country, and new counties began to be formed, Fairfield was contracted to near its present outlines, and still later other portions were struck off to ad- joining counties, which will be noticed in the proper place.
In 1840 Fairfield county consisted of fourteen townships, viz : Amanda, Berne, Bloom, Clear Creek, Greenfield, Hock- ing, Liberty, Madison, Perry, Pleasant, Richland, Rush Creek, Violet, and Walnut. In that year the aggregate population of the county was 31,859, or 59 inhabitants to the square mile. Previous to 1820 no authorized enumerations were taken, consequently no populations can be given. In 1820 the first enumeration of the people was taken by author- ity of Congress, as a basis of representation, and thereafter at the end of each succeeding ten years. In 1820 the population of Fairfield county was 16,508; in 1830, 24,753; in 1840, 31,859; and in 1870 it was 35,456. Arthur St. Clair was appointed Governor of the territory of Ohio by General Wash- ington, then President of the United States, in 1788, and continued to fill that office until 1802, when the state was adiiiitted into the union.
Fairfield county was so named from the circumstance of so
4 HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
many beautiful champaign fields of land lying within its original boundaries. According to the best information deriv- able from existing maps of the old surveys, made previous to the beginning of the white settlements off from the Ohio river, the county seems to ly within that tract of country once known as the purchase of the Ohio Land company ; but these maps are believed to be inaccurate, and therefore unreliable. This is a matter now however of little importance to history.
FIRST SETTLEMENT.
In the year 1797, one Ebenezer Zane entered into a con- tract with the government to open a road from Wheeling^ Virginia, to Limestone, Kentucky, (now Maysville) over the most eligible route, including also the establishment of three ferries, viz. one over the Muskingum, one over the Scioto, and one over the Ohio. There are different statements as. to tvhat kind of a road it was to be. By some it is said it wras to be a wagon road; others, that his contract embraced nothing more than the blazing of the trees, as a guide for travellers. The former is the reasonable conclusion, and is best sustained, as the mere blazes on ranges of trees would not constitute a passable road for travel, and therefore of no use for emigra- tion. The country was at that time an unbroken wilderness the entire distance of 226 miles, and the undertaking was at once arduous and perilous, as hostile bands of Indians were still more or less roving over the country. He however suc- cessfully accomplished the work, and the route was denomin- ated Zanes’ Trace, and continued to be so called for many years after the state was settled. The route of Zanes’ Trace lay through where Zanesville now is, and also through Lan- caster, crossing the Hocking two or three hundred yards south of the present Chillicothe pike, and about one half mile west of the crossing of Main -and Broad streets.
The compensation which Mr. Zane received for this service consisted of three several parcels, or tracts of land, patented to him by Congress, and of the dimensions of one mile square each. One of these tracts he located on the Muskingum, where Zanesville stands, and one on the Hocking, embracing the present site of Lancaster.
Following is an extract from an address delivered by Gen- eral George Sanderson before the Lancaster Literary Society,
JOSEPH HUNTER'S CABIN.
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
5
in the month of March, 1844. General Sanderson was iden- tified with the very earliest times of Fairfield county and Lancaster, having come to the settlement at the beginning of the present century, in company with his fathers’ family, and continuing to be a resident of Lancaster till the close of his life, in the year 1870. His contribution to the early history of Fairfield county is therefore most valuable, as there are few, if any of the earliest pioneers left to tell of the events and times now three quarters of a century past.
“In 1797, Zanes’ Trace having opened a communication he- • tween the Eastern States and Kentucky, many individuals in both directions wishing to tetter their conditions in life by emigrating and settling in the “back woods”, so called, visited the Hocking Valley for that purpose and finding the country surpassingly fertile, — abounding in fine springs of pure water, they determined to make it their new home.
“In April 1798, Capt. Joseph Hunter, a bold and enterpris- ing man, with his family, emigrated from Kentucky and settled on Zanes’ Trace, upon the bank of the prairie west of the crossings, and about two hundred yards north of the present turnpike road, and which place was called “Hunter’s settlement.” — Here he cleared ofi‘ the under-brush, felled the forest trees, and erected a cabin, at a time when he had not a neighbor nearer than the Muskingum and Scioto rivers. This was the commencement of the settlement in the upper Hocking Valley, and Capt. Hunter is regarded as the founder of the flourishing and populous county of Fairfield. He lived to see the country densely settled and in a high state of im- provement, and died about the year 1829. His wife was the first white woman that settled in the valley, and shared with her husband the toils, sufferings, hardships and privations incident to the formation of new settlements in the wilder- ness. During the spring of the same year, (1798) Nathaniel Wilson, the elder, John and Allen Green, and Joseph Mc- Mullen, Robert Cooper, Isaac Shaeffer, and a few others, reached the valley, erected cabins and put in crops.
“In 1799 the tide of emigration set in with great force. In the spring of this year, two settlements were begun in the present township of Greenfield; each settlement contained twenty or thirty families. One was the falls of Hocking, and the other was Yankeyt'own. Settlements were also made
6
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
along the river below Hunters, on Rush Creek, Fetters Run, Raccoon, Pleasant Run, Toby Town, Mudy Prairie, and on Clear Creek. In the fall of 1799, Joseph Loveland and Heze- kiah Smith erected a log grist mill at the upper falls of Hock- ing, now called the Rock Mill. This was the first mill built on the Hockhocking.
“In April 1799, Samuel Coates, Sen., and Samuel Coates, Jun., from England, built a cabin in the prairie, at the “Crossing of Hocking” ; kept bachelors hall, and raised a crop of corn. In the latter part of the year a mail route was established along Zanes’ Trace from Wheeling to Limestone. The mail was carried through on horseback, and at first only once a week. Samuel Coates, Sen., was the postmaster, and kept his office at the Crossing. This was the first established mail route through the interior of the territory, and Samuel Coates was the first postmaster at the new settlement.
“The settlers subsisted principally on corn bread, potatoes, milk and butter, and wild meats, flour, tea, and coffee were scarcely to be had, and when brought to the country, such prices were asked as to put it out of the power of many to purchase. Salt was an indispensable article, and cost, at the Scioto salt works, $5.00 for fifty pounds; flour cost $16.00 per barrel ; tea $2.50 per pound ; coffee $1.50 ; spice and pepper $1.00 per pound.”
Such was the beginning of the settlements in the Hocking Valley, where Fairfield county is situated, coeval with the commencement of the nineteenth century. It is proper to pause here and speak of the beginning of Lancaster, before further developing our history, because Lancaster was laid out before the county of Fairfield was declared, and two years previous t(> the adoption of the constitution of the state of Ohio.
LANCASTER.
Ebenezer Zane was the original proprietor of the town. It will be remembered that he was already the owner of one section of land at the crossing of Hocking. Upon that tract Lancaster now' stands. In the fall of 1800, Mr. Zane laid out and sold the first lots. The rates ranged from $5.00 to $50.00 a lot, according to location. A large proportion of the first settlers of Lancaster were mechanics, who erected cabins
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
7
with little delay, finding the materials mainly on their lots. To encourage emigration, Mr. Zane gave a few lots to such mechanics as would agree to build cabins on them and go to work at their respective trades ; and it is said, that the work of organization went on so rapidly, that by the spring of 1801 the streets and alleys in the central part of the town assumed the shape they still retain. ‘‘New Lancaster” was the name first given to the place, in compliment to emigrants from Lancaster, Pa., who made up a considerable proportion of the first settlers. The name however was changed by the Legis- lature in 1805, to Lancaster, Ohio, to avoid confusion in the postal service. The title, New Lancaster, nevertheless con- tinued to be used for more than twenty years afterwards. We continue quotations from General Sanderson’s address.
“About this time merchants and professional men made their appearance. The Reverend John Wright, of the Pres- byterian church, settled in Lancaster in 1801 ; and the Rev. Asa Shin, and the Rev. James Quinn, of the Methodist church, traveled the Fairfield circuit very early.
“Shortly after the settlement, and while the stumps re- mained in the streets, a small portion of the settlers indulged in drinking frolicks, ending frequently in fights. In the absence of law, the better disposed part of the population determined to stop the growing evil. They accordingly met, and resolved, that any person of the town found intoxicated, should, for every such offence, dig a stump out of the streets, or suffer personal chastisement. The result was, that after several offenders had expiated their crimes, dram drinking ceased, and for a time all became a sober, temperate and happy people.
“On the 9. of December, 1800, the Governor and council of the North Western territory organized the county of Fair- field, and designated New Lancaster as the seat of justice. The county then embraced within its limits all, or nearly all, of present counties of Licking and Knox, a large portion of Perry, and small parts of Pickaway and Hocking counties.”
\
FIRST BORN.
It has been a subject of some discussion of late years, as to who was the first born white male child within the borders of Fairfield county. In Howe’s history of Ohio, published in
8
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
1848, he says, that Buhama Green (Builderback) gave birth to the first boy. This is beyond question an error. It has commonly been understood about Lancaster, that the late Hocking H. Hunter of Lancaster, son of Capt. Joseph Hun- ter, first emigrant, was the first born. This however is con- tested. Mr. Levi Stuart, now a citizen of Lancaster, whose father was among the first settlers at Yankeytown, in conver- sation with the writer, recently, said it was understood between him and Mr. Hunter, that he, Mr. Stuart, was thir- teen months the oldest. And I have been told there is a fourth contestant on Clear Creek. We will not try to settle the question, since it is of small importance in history.
Mrs. Buhama Green, as Mrs. Builderback, has a tragic history that deserves full mention, as she was not only a pioneer, but long and well known, she having lived in the same neighborhood where she first settled, three miles west of Lancaster, about fourty-four j^ears, or until the close of her life, which took place in 1842, at a very advanced age. Fol- lowing is a transcription of the tragic part of her life from the pen of Colonel John McDonald, of Ross county. It is prob- ably the fullest and most authentic account of any written.
“Mrs. Buhama Green was born and raised in Jefferson county, Virginia. In 1785 she was married to Charles Buil- derback, and with him crossed the mountains and settled at the mouth of Short Creek, on the east bank of the Ohio river, a few miles above Wheeling. Her husband, a brave man, had on many occasions distinguished himself in repelling the Indians, who had often felt the sure aim of his unerring rifle. They therefore determined at all hazards to kill him.
“On a beautiful summer morning in June, 1789, at a time when it was thought the enemy had abandoned the western shores of the Ohio, Captain Charles Builderback and his wife, and brother Jacob Builderback, crossed the Ohio to look after some cattle. On reaching the shore, a party of fifteen or twenty Indians rushed out from an ambush and fired upon them, wounding Jacob in the shoulder. Charles was taken while running to escape. In the meantime Mrs. Builderback secreted herself in some drift wood near the bank of the river. As soon as the Indians had secured and tied her husband, and not being able to discover her hiding place, they com- pelled him, with threats of immediate death, to call her to
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
9
him. With a hope of appeasing their fury, he did so. She heard him, but made no answer. “Here,” to use her own words, “a struggle took place in my own breast which I can- not describe. Shall I go to him and become a prisoner; or shall I remain ; return to our cabin, and provide for and take care of our two children ?” He shouted to her a second time to come to him, saying, that if she did it might be the means of saving his life. She no longer hesitated, left her place of safety, and surrendered herself to his savage captors. All this took place in full view of their cabin on the opposite shore of the river, and where they had left their two children, one a son1 about three years of age, and an infant daughter. The Indians knowing that they would be pursued as soon as the news of their visit reached the stockade at Wheeling, commenced their retreat. Mrs. Builderback and her hus- band traveled together that day and the following night. The next morning the Indians separated into two bands, one taking Builderback, and the other his wife, and continued a western course by different routes.
“In a few days the band having Mrs. Builderback in charge reached the Tuscarawas river, where they encamped, and were soon rejoined by the band that had taken her hus- band. Here the murderers exhibited his scalp on the top of a pole, and to convince her that they had killed him, pulled it down and threw it in her lap. She recognized it at once by the redness of his hair. She said nothing, and uttered no complaint. It was evening, a*nd her ears were pained with the terrific yells of the savages, and wearied by constant travel- ing, she reclined against a tree and fell into a profound sleep, and forgot all her sufferings until morning. When she awoke, the scalp of her murdered husband was gone, and she never learned what became of it.
“As soon as the capture of Builderback was known at Wheeling, a party of scouts set off in pursuit, and taking the trail of one of the bands, followed it until they found the body. He had been tomahawked and scalped, and appar- ently suffered' a lingering death.
“The Indians, on reaching their towns on the Little Miami, adopted Mrs. Builderback into a family, with whom she lived until released from captivity. She remained a prisoner about nine months, performing the labor and drudgery of squaws,
10
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
such as carrying in meat from the hunting grounds, prepar- ing and drying it, making moccasins, legings, and other cloathing for the family in which she lived. After her adop- tion she suffered much from the rough and filthy manner of Indian living, but had no cause of complaint of ill treat- ment otherwise.
“In a few months after her capture some friendly Indians informed the commandant of Fort Washington that there was a white woman in captivity at Miainitown. She was ran- somed and brought into the fort, and was sent up the river to her lonely cabin, and the embrace of her two orphan children.
“In 1793 Mrs. Builderback married John Green, and in 1798 they emigrated to the Hocking Valley, and settled about three miles west of Lancaster, where she continued to reside until the time of her death in 1842. She survived her last husband about ten years.”
Note: — Charles Builderback, the first husband of Mrs. Green, had commanded a company at Crawford’s defeat in the Sandusky country. He was a large, noble looking man, and a bold and intrepid warrior. He was in the bloody Moravian campaign, and took his share in the tragedy by shedding the first blood on that occasion, when he shot, toma- hawked and scalped Shebosh, a Moravian chief. But retributive justice was meeted to him. After being taken prisoner, the Indians asked his name ; “Charles Builderback", he replied, after some little pause. At this revelation the Indians stared at each other with malignant triumph. “Ha”, said they; “you kill many big Indian; you big captain; you kill Moravians”. From that moment, perhaps, his fate was sealed. — Howes, Ohio.
MOUNT PLEASANT.
*
Mount Pleasant, situated one mile due north of the cross- ing of Main and Broad streets, in Lancaster, is a historic point of some interest. Its summit is two hundred and fifty feet above the table lands below. The area of its top is about two acres. The main approach to the summit is from the east, by gradual ascent, though there are olher points of ascent. Its face presenting south is a perpendicular ledge of sandstone, of the white variety. From its summit the Hocking Valley can be seen for many miles in both direc- tions; and the state refoim farm is partly visible, six miles to the southwest. By the Indians it was called the “Stand- ing Stone”. Since the settlement of the country by the white
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
11
race, it has undergone considerable transformation. Much of the dense and thick forest has been cut away, and the wild romance of the spot greatly despoiled. Mount Pleasant has always been a favorite resort for citizens as well as strangers. There are few strangers who visit Lancaster who do not ascend to the top of the standing stone. The Duke of Sax- ony, who visited this country many years since, climbed up and chiseled his name in the sandstone, which has been read by thousands, and still remains legible. I believe his visit was in 1828.
In the first few years after the settlements began, Mount Pleasant was notorious for the large numbers of mountain rattlesnake which burrowed in its fissures. The settlers determined to destroy them, as far as possible, and for this purpose they made several raids on their snakeships at the early spring seasons when they were known to first emerge from their winter quarters, destroying many hundreds of them. They are probably now entirely extinct, as not one of their tribe has been seen there for more than a third of a century.
GROWTH OF LANCASTER.
My history of Fairfield county must necessarily be frag- mentary and miscellaneous. There is no written history; at least no complete history; which is very much to be regretted. Beyond what is to be found in the histories of Ohio, and the decennial government census, all else is to be sought for in the state and county records, and the statements of the recollec- tions of such living persons#as have survived the pioneer age, and have resided in the county from fifty to seventy years. The labor of searching the records running through so many years, and so many ponderous volumes, it will be seen at once is both tedious and arduous. Nevertheless, all that it is essential to know and preserve will at last be found in these pages, and is here placed under appropriate headings, which renders the items of quick and easy access.
In tracing the progress of Lancaster therefore from its first rudimental log cabin beginning in the woods, through the seventy-six years of its existence, every department of inform- ation has been thoroughly canvassed and placed under specific head lines, at least so far as the sources of knowledge exist at
12
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
this late day. The sam£ care has likewise been observed with reference to the townships, respectively, and villages and settlements, thus rendering the book a safe and satis- factory reference to the future historian. The work is all put down in the miscellaneous order I have been able to exhume it from the debris of the fast receding past. And while in the following pages I have mentioned first settlers, and prominent citizens, I have carefully and scrupulously escued fulsome flattery. The pioneers of Fairfield county deserve enduring remembrance, and in the course of this work their names are nearly all written. They have all passed away. Let us venerate their noble self-sacrifice that has given us our land of plenty and enjoyment.
FIRST MAILS AND POSTAGE RATES.
In the latter part of the year 1799, and about two years after the opening of Zanes’ Trace, a mail route was esta- blished from Wheeling, Va., to Limestone (Maysville), Ky., which was the first ever carried through the interior of the territory of Ohio. A postoffice was established at Lancaster, or rather where Lancaster now is, for the town had not yet been laid out, and there were but a few families of emigrants in the Valley. The mail was carried through on horseback once a week, each way, over Zanes’ Trace, the whole distance being 226 miles through an almost entirely unbroken wilder- ness. The line was devided into three routes. The first was from Wheeling to Zanesville, or rather to the Muskingum ; the second from the Muskingum to the Scioto ; and the third from the Scioto to the Ohio, or t(^ Limestone. The late Gen- eral George Sanderson, then a small lad. was for a time mail carrier between the Muskingum and Scioto, — a distance of about seventy-six miles. The condition of the roads, and the facilities for travel were such, that to make the connections in some instances a large portion of the way had to be passed over in the night, which, through the dark and unbroken forests, was no enviable task, especially for a young boy.
The first postmaster was Samuel Coates, Sen., an English- man before referred to, and he kept his office at first at his cabin at the crossing of Hocking, but subsequently, after Lancaster began to grow, he removed it to a cabin on the south side of the present Wheeling Street, on the same spot
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
13
where James V. Kenney now resides. Mr. Coates held the office for a time, and was succeeded by his son, Samuel Coates, Jun. The succession of postmasters from Mr. Coates, Sen., up to the year 1876, here follows, for which I am indebted to James Miers, who has resided in Lancaster all his life.
Samuel Coates (1799), Samuel Coates, Jun., Jacob D. Det- rich, Elenathan Scofield, Henry Drum, Thomas U. White, Daniel Sifford, Henry Miers, James Cranmer, John C. Castle, Benjamin Connell, John L. Tuthill, C. M. L. Wise- man, Melanchthon Sutphen (1876).
The present will be the proper place to say what is neces- sary to be said of the postal service, and postal rates, at that early day. The mails were at first entirely carried on horse- back, and continued to be until the country became sufficiently developed to introduce post coaches. The “mail boys” carried with them small tin horns, and sometimes long tin trumpets, a blast on which heralded their approach to the post offices. In some instances the carriers acquired the art of blowing respectable tunes on the long tin trumpets. They were denominated the “post boys horn”, and the sound awakened a lively feeling of cheer as far as they could be heard. They were to the inhabitants then what the rail road whistle is to-day, only far more joyful. They were likewise carried by coach drivers for some time after the introduction of that service.
The rates of postage were very different formerly from what they are now. The price for carrying letters was fixed in accordance witii the distance they had to go. Weight was not regarded. Thus, a single letter was, for fifty miles and under, 6J- cents. Over fiffy miles and under one hundred and fifty, 12J cents. Between one hundred and fifty and three hundred miles, 18} ; and over three hundred miles, to any point within the United States, 25 cents. Two sheets folded into the same was treated as a double letter, and double rates charged ; at least this was the law for a time. Subsequently, and before the introduction of the three cent rate, as at present, there was for some time a ten cent and a five cent rate. I do not remember the dates. — Postage was not, under the old rates, required to be paid in advance, and seldom was so paid; but if prepaid, the word “paid” was written on the outside of the letter by the postmaster, usually
14
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OIHO.
at one corner. In like manner the price of the letter was written in figures; thus, 6}; 12J; 18}; or 25; and these rates, if the word “paid” did not appear on the outside, were to be paid by the parties to whom the letters were addressed. The change then in use was silver coin, of the denominations of 6} cents (fippenny bit); 12 \ cents (ninepence); 23 cents, and half dollars. Thus, if the price of a letter were 18} cents, you gave the postmaster a quarter, and he gave you back a fippenny bit, and so on. Letters were written on three pages of the sheet, the fourth being left blank, and then so lolded as to allow the blank page to form the whole outside of the letter, upon which the address was written. There are few persons now living of forty years and under, who could fold up a letter in the old style. Letters were sealed with sealing wax in th$ form of wafers, mostly red wax, though black and blue were sometimes used. Wafers put up in small boxes formed a considerable article of commerce, and were for sale at every store and grocery. They are now nowhere to be found. It was customary then for persons to carry seals jwith which to stamp the wafers which were first softened by moistening them with the tongue. And these seals might be the initials of the name, or any figure fancied. The introduction of letter envelopes took place previous to 1840, and cheap postal stamps about 1848, as my recollection has it.
The growth of Lancaster, from the time the first trees were cut down and the first log cabin built, in the year 1800, up to 1876, cannot be minutely and specifically traced, year by year, nor would it be of importance to do so, so fhr as the present iictors on the stage of life are concerned. The former inhab- itants did their work, and passed away. The present will soon be gone, and scarcely remembered. The first settlers are all dead, and there is little of the work of their hands visible — nothing, beyond a few writings, and possibly a few log struc- tures, mostly closed in and hidden from view. The original log structures have every one disappeared, and everything else constructed of wood by the original settlers. One can scarcely find so much as a stone laid, or bearing the impress of first hands. A few moss covered gravestones in the old cemeteries tell where some of the pioneers were laid — tell when born and when died, and that is all. Nobody can tell how
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
15
they looked, or how they spoke. It is as if they had never lived. What is it to the present surging throng how they lived, and joyed, and sorrowed, and loved, and hated, and suf- fered, and died ? Who feels one stirring emotion for the hon- ored dead ? There is not one to weep for them ; and not one will weep for us “a hundred years to come.” “But other men our streets will fill; and other men our lands will till; a hundred years to come.” Thus does man and all his works perish. Could we interview these veteran dead, volumes that is forever lost, that we might have saved, could be placed on paper. But there are none, not one to tell the story.
Some of their descendants are alive, but they cannot tell the tales of their sires. They could tell us whence they came, where they settled, and when they died, and there the curtain would drop. It cannot be determined now, "with few excep- tions, where the original settlers built their first cabins, at least not the exact spot ; so much has the onward march of time transformed the face of things. All has drifted into the dim and dimming past twilight. It is said, in a general way, that a great many of the first inhabitants were mechanics, but who were they? what branches did they follow? what was their personal appearance? how did they succeed? were they good men and women ? and did they live exemplary lives ? We can occasionally hear it said, that seventy years ago such a man was a blacksmith in Lancaster, or in Fairfield county, and some one 'was a shoemaker, and one was a lawyer, and some others kept tavern. Well, they are all gone, and their houses are gone, and everything that belonged to them. Of all these mechanics, and all that did the drudgery and bore the heavy burdens, not one word is written. There are no means of knowing anything about them. Only the few individuals we can say much about; but so far as data can be found, every original settler of Fairfield county will be mentioned.
In a general way it will suffice to say, that Lancaster is one of those inland towns of Ohio whose growth has been slow, persistant and uniform. It has been a matter of some sur- prise that Lancaster has not become a leading town of the State in manufacturing, possessing as it does local advantages and facilities nowhere surpassed, and seldom equaled by any county seat of Ohio. Why capital has not sought this as a place of investment in preference to other places with fewer
16
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
facilities, cannot be told, and we make no attempt at explana- tion. To say it has been a lack of enterprise on the part of the citizens, would scarcely be true. Capital, to a large ex- tent, has not found its way here, and there we leave the matter.
THE BAR OF LANCASTER.
In 1839, when the writer settled in Lancaster, he was told that it had the strongest bar in the State, so far as legal abil- ity was concerned. Of this there was probably no doubt. At that time Hon. Thomas Ewing was at the zenith of his legal career. There were also residing in the place, John T. Brazee, Hocking H. Hunter, William Irvin, Henry Stanbery, Wm. J. Reece, William Medill and P. Van Trump, with a few of less distinction.
MEDICAL PROFESSION.
In like manner it was claimed, that at that time Lancaster had the right to boast of a highly eminent board of practicing physicians. Following are the names of the principal men who were practicing in the place at that time : Paul Carpenter, J. M. Bigelow, James White, M. Z. Kreider, Dr. Wait, George Boerst- 3er, Dr. Saxe, and Thomas 0. Edwards. Of these only two are living, viz.: Paul Carpenter, still remaining in Lancaster, and Dr. Bigelow, at Detroit. I am unable now to give the names of all other physicians then practicing in the county. I can however recall the names of Dr. Ide of Rushville, Dr. Daugherty of Amanda, Dr. Evans of Bremen, Dr. Paul of Royalton, Dr. Minor of Lithopolis, Drs. Helmich and Gohe- gan of Baltimore, Dr. Brock of New Salem, Dr. Talbert of Jefferson, Dr. Turner of Rushville, and a few others.
The dry goods merchants then doing business in Lancaster, were, Ainsworth and Will'ock, Reber and Kutz, Myers Fall and Collins, Levi Anderson, Lobenthal and Reindmond, Rochol, Neigh and Culbertson, Samuel F. McCracken and Alfred Fahnastock. There were then two hardware stores; Bope and Weaver, and the proprietors of the other I do not now recall. The tailors were, Isaac Comer, and Smith and Tong. Robert Reed and Joseph Work, Sen., and Joseph Work, Jun., carried on the shoemaking business. There were
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
17
two tin and stove establishments, viz : Connell & Work, Mr. Bliss. Smith & Arney, and Gilbert Devol were in the iron foundry business ; and George Ring was the proprietor of the Woolen Factory at the south end of Broadway. The principal hotels were the Phoenix, now the Talmadge House, the Shaeffer House, and the Swan Hotel. The Phoenix was kept by G. Steinman; the Shaeffer House by F. A. Shaeffer ; and the Swan by Mr. Overhalser. The Shaeffer House has been changed into a business house, the first floor of which is G. Beck’s Drug Store. William E. Williams at that time kept a small hotel, known as the Broadway House ; and there were two small inns on Columbus street, kept by two men by the name of Myers. In 1839 there were two Drug Stores in Lancaster — one kept by George Kauffman, and the other by Bury & Beck. The former is now continued by Dr. Davidson, and the latter by Beecher White. William Bodenheimer and George W. Claspill were gunsmiths, the for- ' mer also a manufacturer of spinning-wheels. Mr. Bodenheimer has deceased, and Mr. Claspill has discontinued the business. The canal mill was then in operation, and was owned, I believe, by John T. Brazee and George Kauffman. There were two tan-yards — James M. Pratt owned one of them, and Gideon Peters the other. David Foster was the chair-maker of the place, and is still, in connection with his son, carrying on the business at his old stand at the corner of Wheeling and Co- lumbus streets. Luman Baker and Henry Shultz were cabinet- makers; and Henry Orman and Mr. Vorys were the principal • builders. These were the principal industries of Lancaster in 1839, though there were others on a small scale, such as weavers, coopers, and the like, which I cannot take space to particularize. I must not, however, omit to mention Hunter and Edingfield, and Adam and Jacob Guseman, blacksmiths. Groceries and saloons, as such, were almost unknown; groceries were principally sold at the dry goods stores, and drinking was principally done at the taverns. There was not then a shoe and boot-store, or a merchant-tailor in the place ; cloth was purchased at the stores, and made to order by the tailors. This was a little less than forty years ago; and when Lancaster ^ is written as it is now, in 1876, the difference will appear.
2
18
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
COMMERCE OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY#
In 1889, when the writer’s acquaintance with the county began, the Hocking Valley canal was the commercial thoroughfare. There were fronting on its eastern bank as it passes along the western border of Lancaster, some nine or ten ■warehouses, thronged with goods and produce the year round. Through them passed the entire surplus wheat crop of the county, as well as the merchandise for all the stores of Lancas- ter and the villages of the county. To handle this large amount of freight required a great many clerks and hands. In addition, a great number of teams were in constant demand to bring in the produce from all parts of the county, and to wheel away the merchandise to its destinations. The days of wagoning goods across the mountains in four and six-horse wagons were past, the canal being the Eureka of transporta- tion. The wheat trade alone of Lancaster, at that time, w'as immense. On a single day, in the month of September, the writer counted one hundred and twent}'-five wagons pass down the hill on Main street, freighted with wheat for the mills and warehouses on the canal. This was about the year 1846. The canal was at that time, during most of the navigable months, lined from end to end with boats passing both ways, and freighted with goods and produce, as well as coal from the Hocking mines, which were chiefly developed after the open- ing of the canal, three or four years before.
Following the same line of history very briefly, we will see what Lancaster is in 1876, thirty-seven years later. The leap is wonderful — so wonderful that if one, after having become familiar with the place and its business in 1839 and 1845, could have closed his eyes and remained oblivious to passing' events until the present year, he could find no recognition of either persons or things. In the first place, he would scarcely recognize a building in the place, if the old market-house and the residence of Samuel Rudolph on Wheeling street be excepted. The few remaining citizens he would at last recognize would be so changed as to appear somebody else. More than a full generation have been born and died within the time. He would not hear a song sung he heard then, scarcely a tune. If he should enter a Methodist class-meeting, he would not hear a familiar voice or see a familiar face, and
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
19
all the congregations of the place would be new congregations to him; new scenes would meet his eyes on every hand, and new strains fall upon his ears ; he vvould not find a single mer- chant on the streets he left there, except Joseph Reindmond and John Reeber. Of mechanics left, Robert Reed and John Pierce, shoemakers ; David Foster, chair-maker; Jacob Guse- man and Stephen Smith, blacksmiths; and Henry Orman, car- penter, only remain, so far as the writer remembers. Of ph} - sicians, only Dr. Carpenter remains ; and of the bar, not one, and only two of them are living — John T. Brazee, near Lancas- ter, and Henry Stanberry, now residing in Kentucky. Judge Whitman and Wm. Slade are living away from here, but neither of them were in Lancaster in 1839. The Arney and Devol. foundries have been turned into machine-shops ; and if the returned citizen, after nearly forty years’ absence, should take a stroll along the canal, instead of beholding eight or ten warehouses teeming with life and business, he would not see one that deserved the name, and only now and then a solitary boat laden with coal. The warehouses have been converted to other uses. This change in the commercial affairs of Lancas- ter has been brought about by the two railroads passing through.
In August, 1876, five dry goods stores could be found, and all situated on the north side of Main street, and on the same square, viz. : between Broad and Columbus streets, as follows : Reeber and Ulrich, Charles Kutz, Beck Brothers, Wren Brothers, and Philip Rising. Four clothing stores, viz. : Peters & Trout, Rising, Siple & Miller, Jacob Hite, and Moses Levi. Seven drug stores, owned by George Beck & Son, A. David- son, Beecher White, Daniel Sifford, Richey & Giesy, Mr. Wetzler, and Crider Brothers. Five shoe and boot-stores, namely: Robert Reed, James Work & Brother, Myers & Getz, Richards & Webb, and Showers Brothers. Two hard- ware stores: Wm. McCracken, and Hanson & Company. Three tin and stove establishments: James McMacmanama, Stur- geon Brothers, and — . Three banks, viz. : First National
Bank, Hocking Valley National Bank, and Fairfield County Bank. One wholesale grocery and some dozen or more retail family groceries and provision stores. Five bakeries, as fol- lows: A. Bauman, Sleekman & Huffman, Klinge, Blank and Sliker. Five dentists, viz. : H. Scott, H. L. Creider, Doctor
20
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
Von Bonhorst, Dr. Palmeter, and J. C. Scott. Four livery-sta- bles, as follows: Christian Rudolph, Thomas Henderson, Johnson & Straley, and Alex. Cunningham. Two furniture dealers : Stroble & Bledsicker, and Williams & Wiley. Three jewelers: L. Butch, Sieber & Co., and Frank Blaire. Three book stores : John L. Tuhill & Son, A. Branemen, and Wyn- koop. One queens ware store, by Wm. Stuart.
The following are the practicing physicians of Lancaster in 1876: M. Effinger, Dr. Turner, Dr. Jackson, Dr. Lewis, Dr. Flowers, Dr. Harmon, Dr. Chas. Shawk, Dr. Geo. Boerstler, Dr. Goss, Dr. Meisey, Dr. P. Carpenter, and Dr. Long & Son. The practicing attorneys in the same year are : J. M. Connell, C. D. Martin, John S. Brazee, John Reves, Samuel Kistler, Clay Drinkle, Charles Drinkle, C. F. Shseffer, Wm. Davidson, Reese Eversole, Kinnis Fritter, Mr. Dolson, Mr. Hite, John McNeal, and Wm. Shultz. Builders and lumber dealers: Or- man Brothers, Vorys Brothers, Denton & Sons, and others. Coal dealers: J. V. Kinney, H. Carter, and others. Agricultural works : Hocking Valley Works, Theodore Mithoff & Co., Eagle Works, Whyly Brothers & Eckert. Woolen factory : McAnasby & Co. Hotels at present are : Talmadge House, Mithoff House, Bauman House, Wetzel House, Columbus Street House and the Broadway Hotel. There are three marble-monument shops, as follows : Mr. Blum, Mr. Findley, Pool & Co. Here are also the machine-shops of the Cincinnati & Muskingum Valley Railroad. There are likewise three carriage and buggy establishments, run by Sears & Mahoney, Shutt Brothers, and Geiser Brothers. All minor mechanical arts are respectably represented in the place.
ENTERPRISE.
Lancaster has not been characterized for bold enterprise and adventure. For the most part, its citizens have been of the conservative style — content to pursue a legitimate busi- ness with gradual growth. An unusual proportion of its citi- zens are freeholders, and reside under their own roofs, the pro- portion of renters being less than in most similar towns. The financial and judicial management of its affairs has, for the most part, been judiciously managed. The Municipal Officers are : One Mayor, one Marshal, a Clerk, Solicitor, City Sur-
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. 21
veyor and ten Councilmen. I find but little recorded of the municipal affairs of the town previous to 1831, at which time a special act of incorporation was passed.
INCORPORATION.
In the year 1831, Lancaster became an incorporated village, by enactment of the Legislature of the State. During the twenty years that elapsed between that and 1851, when Lan- caster became a city of the third class, I have only been able to learn the name of one of its Mayors. John Garaghty, Esq., now a resident of the State of Iowa, was Mayor two years, about 1848 and 1849.
Here follow the succession of Mayors from 1851, in the order of their election, in all eight: Wm. P. Cried, 1851-1853;
John D. Martin, 1853 to 1855; Silas Hedges, 1855 to 1857 ; Al- fred McVeigh, 1857 to 1859 ; Kinis Fritter, 1859 to 1863; Sam- uel Ewing, 1863 to 1867 ; Tallman Slough, 1867 to 1875; and in April, 1875, Philip Benadum, the present incumbent, was elected.
Note. — I find some difficulty I at first scarcely anticipated. The oldest persons now living in Fairfield County, and who have spent their lives here, differ more or less in their recol- lections of dates and incidents. Therefore, in matters not of record, discrepancies arise. I have been obliged to leave out much that I would have been glad to insert, through fear of in- accuracy. But this will not materially interfere with the gen- eral tenor of the work.
MISCELLANEOUS.
The thread of narration is here interrupted for a time, by the introduction of reference to relics of the olden-time. A'legit- imate part of the history of country and age is literature, manners and customs, religion and social habits. In writing up Fairfield County, therefore, the work would be incomplete so far as a transcript of the times of sixty and seventy years ago is concerned, if the relics of that pioneer age be not brought forward. The people are gone, and their works are gone; and it is the same to the present age as if they had not lived at all. All that surging throng have faded from the
22
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
canvas, but their progeny live, and their virtues, examples, patriotism and good deeds never die, though the actors pass away forever and are entirely forgotten. The present inhab- itants of Fairfield County, descendants of the pioneers, can never have any conception of that frontier age. Written words cannot convey the conception. It was a heroism to sever from friends and neighbors and cherished association in the older States beyond the mountains, and travel hundreds of miles into the wilderness to take the chances of a precarious living — to encounter wild beasts and savage man, and the pes- tilential malaria, and to petition the forests and the virgin soil for bread and raiment — to be content with a square log- pen, covered with clapboards, amidst wild forest scenes. But all this was only a part of the sacrifice. To find a subsistence? the forests had to be cleared away, and the timber burned, and a few acres inclosed with rail-fences, and then the soil broken and the seeds deposited, and left to the chances of the inclem- ent seasons and the depredations of animals. If the season failed, or beasts destroyed, there was little left for man ; and this was a common occurrence. But few who read these pages will have an experimental knowledge of frontier life, and even they will have lost much of its recollection. Pioneer life here was pioneer life in all the West at the same age. But the settlements, coming as they did from different circumstances of life, and bringing with them their religions and social hab- its at home, came soon, by the force and necessities of new and strange circumstances, to form new social relations. Mutual dependencies and mutual aid became the web and woof of the new settlements. But how they did, how they appeared, their sports and pastimes, the songs they sung, their melodies, all that belonged to the log-cabin age died with the actors, and now live only in tradition or written history. Their narration stirs no heart, except that heart which has before had its chords struck with the living realities. Still, there are those yet on the stage who will be thrilled with some reminis- cences that follow. The songs, and stanzas, and choruses, and plays of fresh young life sixty years ago are yet dear to those who once participated in them. Those were days of inno- cence and sincere friendship and rational enjoyment. Imag- ination will group around the aged, dear friends and loved as- sociations long since fled, capable, by their recollection, of
HISTORY OR FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
23
making in the bereaved heart yet beating, a little heaven on earth. I love to believe it is a foregleam of the blessed im- mortality that awaits us all beyond the confines of time and sense here below. Faith pictures the family-circle re-forming on the thither bank of the poetic stream of death, and await- ing our coining. These are hallowed and thrilling remem- brances, that, cherished, make us better and happier men and women. I am happy while I call them up. I lived through back-woods life, and here reproduce from memory a few of the old stanzas and choruses that were sung by religious people everywhere in the West sixty years ago :
“Jesus, the vision of thy face
Hath oyerpowering charms ; *
Scarce shall I feel death’s cold embrace,
If Christ be in my arms.
Then while you hear my heart-string break,
How sweet my moments roll !
A mortal paleness on my cheek,
And glory in my soul.”
“ Farewell, dear friends, I must be gone,
I have no home or stay with you ;
I’ll take my staff and. travel on,
Till I a better world do view.
Farewell, farewell, farewell,
My loving friends, farewell.”
41 Sweet rivers of redeeming love Lie just before mine eyes;
Had I the pinions of a dove,
I’d to those rivers fly.
I’d rise superior to my pains,
With joy outstrip the wind ;
I’d cross bold Jordan’s stormy main,
And leave this world behind.”
“ Hear the royal proclamation,
The glad tidings of salvation \
Published to every creature,
To the ruined sons of nature.
J esus reigns, he reigns victorious ;
Over heayen and earth most glorious.”
24
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
u There is a land of pleasure,
Where streams of joy forever roll ;
’Tis there I have my treasure,
And there I long to rest my soul.
Long darkness dwelt around me,
With scarcely once a cheering ray ;
But since my Savior found me,
A lamp has shown along my way.”
“ I’m glad that I was born to die ;
From grief and woe my soul shall fly ;
Bright angels shall convey me home,
Away to the New Jerusalem.” •
“ There is a heaven o’er yonder skies,
A heaven where pleasure never dies ;
A heaven I sometimes long to see,
But fear again ’tis not for me.
But Jesus, Jesus is my friend, O, hallelujah ;
Hallelujah ; Jesus, Jesus is my friend.”
“ Brethren, hear the martial sound,
The gospel trumpet now is blowing;
Men in order listing round,
And soldiers to the standard flowing.
Bounties offered : joy and peace —
To every soldier this is given,
When from toil and war they cease,
A mansion bright prepared in heaven.”
“ What happy children who follow Jesus,
Into the house of prayer and praise ;
And join in union, while love increases.
Resolved this way to spend our days.
Although we're hated by the world and Satan,
By the flesh, and such as know not God,
Yet happy moments and joyful seasons We ofttimes find on Canaan’s road.”
“ The people called Christians have many things to tell,
About the land of Canaan, where saints and angels dwell ;
But Sin, that dreadful ocean, compasses them around,
While its tide still divides them from Canaan’s happy ground.”
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
25
“ Saw ye my Savior ! saw ye my Savior !
Saw ye my Savior and God ?
0 he died on Calvary, to atone for you and me,
And to purchase our pardon he bled.”
“ From the regions of love, lo an angel descended,
And told the strange news, how the babe was attended ; Go, shepherds, and worship this wonderful stranger ;
See yonder bright star, there’s your God in a manger. Hallelujah to the lamb, who has purchased our pardon, We’ll praise him again when we pass over Jordan.”
“O thou in whose presence My soul takes delight,
On whom in affliction I call ;
My comfort by day,
And my song in the night,
My hope, my salvation, my all.'”
“ Farewell, my friends, I must be gone,
I have no home or stay with you ;
I’ll take my staff and travel on,
Till I a better world do view.”
“ The wondrous love of Jesus,
From doubts and fears it frees us,
With pitying eyes he sees us,
A toiling here below ;%
Through tribulation driven,
We’ll force our way to heaven;
Through consolation given,
Rejoicing on we’ll go.”
“ 0 Jesus, my Savior, I know thou art mine ;
For thee all the pleasures of earth I resign ;
Thou art my rich treasure, my joy and my love, Nothing richer possessed by the angels above.”
“ Ye weary, heavy-laden souls,
Who are oppressed sore,
Ye trav’lers through the wilderness,
, To Canaan’s peaceful shore :
Through chilling winds and beating rain,
The waters deep and cold,
And enemies surrounding you,
Take courage and be bold.”
26
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
“ Come, my soul, and let us try,
For a little season,
Every burden to- lay by,
Come, and let) us reason.
What is this that casts you down ?
Who are those that grieve you ?
Speak, and let the worst be known, Speaking may relieve you.”
“ The gospel’s joyful sound Is music in my ears ;
In Jesus I have found Relief from all my fears ;
Darkness to light does now give place,
And all things wear another face.”
“ Begone, unbelief, my Savior is near,
And for my relief will surely appear ;
By prayer let me wrestle, and he will perform ; With Christ in the vessel, I smile at the storm.”
“ Drooping soul no longer grieve ;
Heaven is propitious ;
If on Christ you do believe,
You will find, him precious.”
“ Don’t you see my Jesus coming,
Don’t you see him in yonder cloud,
With ten thousand angels around him,
See how they do my Jesus crowd ;
I’ll arise and go and meet him ;
He’ll embrace me in his arms;
In the arms of my dear Jesus,
O there is ten thousand charms.”
“ Savior, visit thy plantation ;
Grant us, Lord, a gracious reign ;
All will come to desolation,
Unless thou return again.
Lord revive us,
All our help must come from thee.”
“ Hail the blest morn when, the Great Mediator, Down from the regions of glory descend ; Shepherds, go worship the babe in the manger,
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
Lo ! for your guide the bright angels attend. Brightest and best of the sons of the morning , Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid ; Star in the East the horizon adorning ,
Guide where the infant Redeemer was laid”
CHORUSES.
“ Ho every one that thirsts,
Come ye to the waters ;
Freely drink and quench your thirst,
As Zion’s sons and daughters.”
“We’ll walk about Jerusalem;
We’ll* walk about Jerusalem ;
We’ll walk about Jerusalem,
When we arrive at home.”
“ And I’ll sing hallelujah,
And glory be to God on high,
And we’ll all sing hallelujah,
There’s glory beaming through the sky.”
“For the good old way is the righteous way.
And we’ll march along in the good old way.”
“ Hallelujah, hallelujah,
We are on our journey home.”
“Well-beloved blessed Savior,
Well-beloved priest and king,
Glory be to the lamb that was slain,
For us he did salvation bring.”
“ Glory, honor, praise and power,
Be unto the Lamb forever ;
Jesus Christ is our Redeemer,
Hallelujah, praise the Lord.”
“Palms of victory, crowns of glory,
Palms of victory you shall wear ;
Shout! O glory, 0 glory,
Palms of victory you shall wear.”
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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
“O sweet heaven, O sweet heaven,
How I long to be with thee.”
“ My dying day is rolling around,
My dying day is rolling around,
Prepare me, Lord, to go.”
“ O hinder me not, for I will serve the Lord, And I’ll praise him when I die.”
“ Lord revive us, Lord revive us,
All our help must come from thee.”
*’ 0 the place, the happy, happy place,
The place where Jesus is ;
The place where the Christians all shall meet, And never part again.”
“ O glory, glory !
Glory, hallelujah !
We’re going where pleasures never die.”
The foregoing stanzas and choruses were in use principally among the Evangelical orders of Christians, such as the Meth- odists, Newlights, and other Armenian sects. Many of them are expressive of deep religious feeling and strong faith. But they are out of use,- having been superseded by another class expressive of the religious sentiments of the present age; whether more devotional, let others determine.
The following plays of the early times will recall to the aged thrills of priceless pleasure in days gone by — departed joys never again to be realized on earth; but these joys are limited to the individual. These social plays were practiced all over the West sixty }rears ago, and there are few aged per- sons now living who will not recognize them — thus:
* O, sister Phoebe, how merry were we,
That night we sat under the juniper tree,
Yon juniper tree, high O.
Take this hat on your head, keep your head warm,
And take a sweet kiss, it will do you no harm, it will do you no harm I know ;
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
29
It will do you no harm, but a great deal of good, So take five or six while you’re now in the mood, For you’re now in the mood I know.”
“ It’s thus the farmer sows his seed ;
And thus he stands to take his ease ;
He stamps his fcot and claps his hands ; And turns all round to view his lands. ' 0 come, my love, and go with me ; O come, my love, and go with me ; O come, my love, and go with me ; And I will take good care of thee.”
“ As oats, peas, beans and barley grows ;
As oats, peas, beans and barley grows ;
There’s none so well as the farmer knows,
How oats, peas, beans and barley grows.”
“ Come, Philander, let’s be marching ;
Every one his true-love sarching ;
Over and over, ten times over,
Drink up your liquor, boys, and turn your glasses over.”
“ It’s raining, it’s hailing, it’s cold frosty weather ;
In comes the farmer drinking all the cider ;
I’ll reap the oats, if you’ll be the binder;
He that wants a true-love let him go and find her.”
“ We’re boldly marching to Quebec,
Where the drums are loudly beating;
The Americans have gained the day,
And the British are retreating.
We’re now returning home again,
Never to be parted ;
Open the ring and take one in,
To relieve the broken-hearted.”
“ We’re sailing in the boat while the tide runs high ; We’re sailing in the boat while the tide runs high ; We’re sailing in the boat with the colors flying high ; Waiting for the pretty girls to come by and by.”
30
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
“ The fox loves the low land, the hare loves the hill ;
The lawyer loves his lady, and Jack loves Jill ;
Jill, boys, Jill; Jill, boys, Jill;
The lawyer loves his lady with a free good will.”
“ The eagle’s eye as you pass by,
Was made for running through ;
Mary’s the last that have gone past,
But now we have got you.”
“ Will you talk to the man, my bonny ?
Will you talk to the man, my honey ?
She answered me right modestly,
If it were not for my mamma.”
“Here I stand, long, slim and slender;
Come and kiss me while I’m young and tender;
For if you wait till I grow old and tough,
I’ll ne’er get kisses half enough.”
[There were always enough volunteers on hand to do what they could to prevent the impending dire calamity].
“ Where do you stand ? In the well. How many feet? Six. Who will you have to help you out? Mary ; or Charles.”
[Six kisses lifted the unfortunate out £f the well, but always left the kisser in the same predicament, to be in their turn helped out in like manner],
“ Sonny he loves cakes and wine,
And sonny he loves brandy ;
Sonny he can kiss the girls,
And he can do it handy.
If I had as many lives as stars in the skies,
I’d be as old as Adam ;
Rise to your feet and kiss complete,
Your humble servant, madam ”
I write these plays as I knew them, and entirely from memory, as I never saw them in print, and it is more than fifty years since I have witnessed their performance. I as- sume that they were the same everywhere. They belong en- tirely to a former age — the pioneer age; they are probably nowhere practiced now, but to the survivors of the early times of the West they will be valued relics.
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
31
A FOURTH OF JULY.
The following story of the celebration of the Fourth of July is so characteristic of the frontier times sixty years ago, that it deserves a place here. The story was related to me by the late General George Sanderson, some years ago, and I give it in substance precisely as related by him, he having been an eye- witness of the affair :
It was about the year 1802. Lancaster was no more than a few rude cabins in the woods ; and there were the merest nu- clei of settlements along the creeks. The country was an almost unbroken wilderness. The fires of the revolution were, nevertheless, still burning, and the settlers took it into their heads to celebrate the Fourth of July in an appropriate man- ner. The spot selected for the occasion was the knoll between Hocking and the present residence of Augustus Mithoff, and on the left side of the Chillicothe Pike. A dinner, such as the inhabitants were able to provide at that early day, was pre- pared, and a barrel of whisky brought on to the grounds, which was up-ended, the head knocked out, and several tin- cups hung on nails driven into the staves, when everybody was welcome to come up and drink ad libitum .
And thus it chanced, that while patriotism and corn-whisky and general hilarity prevailed, a solitary traveler made his appearance, slowly plodding along Zane’s trace, and head- ing to the west. Percieving the little crowd of patriots a couple of hundred yards off on his right, he turned his horse’s head in that direction, and rode up to learn what was going on ; per- haps as much to be in company with human beings, for he had been two days and one night entirely alone in the wilder- ness, since passing Zanesville, which was then settled by a few families. He was cordially greeted, and invited to “light off” and take a dram, which being done, the usual frontier* questions were put: Where was he going? — and what for?
He w^as from Virginia, and was going to Chillicothe. He had heard of the fame of the Scioto Bottoms, and if he liked the country he was going back for his family, and would settle there.
In the common parlance of back-woods life “the best man” meant just one thing — it meant the man that could make an- other man “holler” enough ; and the phrase “good man” sig-
32
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
nified one of strong muscles and quick motion. The mean- ing attached to these words then has not yet died out, though “good” and “best” are, by the transformation, assuming a moral instead of physical interpretation. Thus, in the former age, if one said, “ I am a better man than you ;” or, “ he is a good man,” it was to be understood that “ I can whip you,” and “ he is a man not to be fooled with.”
The traveler was solicited to settle on the Hocking ; its su- periority and advantages were dilated upon and proposed as reasons why he should not go further west. But he had his mind fixed on the settlement at Chillicothe, and thought he would go there. Stronger arguments were then used. He was told that there were better men on the Hocking than on the Scioto.
Whisky was by this time doing its work, and the traveler felt inclined to doubt the proposition, for some of his friends had gone to the Scioto. He believed there were better men on the latter, or would be if he himself should decide to locate there. This suited the celebrators exactly — the thing was coming to a point. The traveler’s last remark was construed into a banter, and the proposition was at once submitted to settle the question then and there. The stranger made no objections, and several stout men volunteered to see that he had fair play. The man to fight him was brought out, the ring formed, and they stripped and went at it.
Rough and tumble was the style of those back-woods fights. The combatants were allowed to strike, kick, choke, bite or gouge — anything to whip. The “code” would not permit any one to interfere until one of the fighters, called “ enough.” Upon that word being pronounced, if the victor did not at once desist, the bystanders were bound to close in and part them. It was a long, powerful, and bloody contest, but the traveler was compelled at last to call “ enough .”
After the combatants were washed and dressed, whisky was handed around, and the parties drank as friends, when the new-comer remarked, that there were as good men on the Hocking as he wanted anything to do with, and he believed he would settle there.
FINANCES OF LANCASTER.
In an old copy of the Ohio Eagle, published in Lancaster, dnd bearing date of June 9, 1827, I find the following state-
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
33
ment of the receipts and disbursements of the corporation for two years, viz. : from April 20, 1825, to April 23, 1827, inclusive. The statement was in tabular form, showing the sources from which the income was derived, and for what disbursed. The income consisted of taxes collected, and for licenses for shows and exhibitions, thus :
Total amount of income $888 14J
Total disbursements 932 88^
Balance against Treasury $44.74£
BENJAMIN CONNELL, Treasurer.
Attest : ‘ Gotleib Steinman, Recorder.
In contrast with the above, is the annexed statement, taken from the County Treasurer’s books, showing the receipts and disbursements of the corporation for two years, just fifty years later. The difference in the gross amount of the receipts and disbursements measures the growth of the place. Thus :
Total income from all sources other than
School Fund $61,437 86
Total disbursements for all purposes other than schools 53,220 08
Balance in Treasury $8,217 78
During the two former years the corporation paid Thomas Ewing, then a young lawyer practicing in the place, $5.00 for legal services. During the latter two years the legal services of attorneys cost the aggregate sum of about $1,000.
The population of Lancaster in 1876 was about 7,000; and in addition to the assessment of taxes above shown, it supports ten churches, at an annual cost, including building and repair- ing church edifices, Missionary and Sunday-school collections, and all other incidental church expenses, of not less than $15,000. These two general items of cost to the people living within the incorporate limits of the town are not all of the public assessment. Within the last few years the town has erected two school buildings, at an aggregate cost of about $80,000. Within these buildings free schools are kept up ten months in the year. For sustaining these schools and paying interest on bonds sold to build the school-houses, the levy for 1876 was $25,566.29. The number of teachers employed in 1876 was twenty-two, and one Superintendant, besides one col- 3
34
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
ored school supported from the same fund. The boundaries of the incorporation are two miles square. There is likewise a Catholic school, including a majority of the children of that de- nomination, amounting to two or three hundred. This school is sustained entirely by private funds.
PUBLIC SQUARE OF LANCASTER.
What is denominated the Public Square in Lancaster, is loca- ted at the crossing of Main and Broad streets, the streets cut- ting it into four equal parts. The ground was deeded to the city forever by the original proprietor, Ebenezer Zane, for pub- lic purposes alone. The deed is said to be so drawn, that, should the square, or any part of it, be diverted to any other use than that of county and city purposes, such diversion would work a forfeiture of the title to the heirs at law of the donor. The first Court-house was built on this square, in the center of the present Broad street, in about the year 1806, and was re- moved by order of the County Commissioners in 1863. At present the square is occupied by the old market-house, which was built in the year 1824, as near as can be ascertained, the City Hall building, containing the Mayor’s office, Council- chamber, Post-office, Odd Fellows’ Hall and Engine-house and two small parks.
carpenter’s addition.
That part of Lancaster known as Carpenter’s Addition, begins with the south side of an alley, sometimes spoken of as Car- penter’s alley, which, beginning at the canal on the western border of the city, runs a due east direction to High street in front of the Methodist Church. This alley is situated half way between Jail and Walnut streets. All that part of the city lying south of Carpenter’s alley is properly Carpen- ter’s Addition. Mr. Carpenter was known in his day as Eman- uel Carpenter, Junior. (In the original plat, this alley was called Jackson alley). He gave three lots on the east side of High street, to be used for church and burial purposes. The north division of this gift is that on which the Methodist Church edifice now stands ; the middle division belongs to the African Methodists, upon which they have erected a commodious frame church ; and the south division has been used by the city for
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
35
opening Walnut street. All the ground in Carpenter’s Ad- dition, extending now as far as Maple street in front of Hun- ter’s residence, belonged originally to Zane’s tract, though Carpenter’s Addition at first lay west of High street, that part lying between High and Maple streets having been sold to par- ties as out-lots, and since subdivided and sold as, town-lots.
The Zane tract, one mile square, begun on the north side of what is known as Lundy’s Lane, on the south front of the Fair- grounds at the foot of Mount Pleasant ; its eastern boundary was Maple street ; its southern line passed from a point a few rods west of the present re sidence of Thomas White, Esq., on Koontz’s hill, thence west past Giesy’s mill to the west line, to intersect the north line, and embraced what is now the resi- dence of G. Mithoff. Other
1164587
ADDITIONS
To Lancaster might be mentioned, but they all come within the Zane tract, except that part formerly known as East Lan- caster, and which has recently been annexed to the city proper, and constitutes the Fifth Ward. A portion of East Lancaster was formerly known as the Bank addition, the old Lancaster Ohio Bank having laid off and sold the first lots. The
NEW COURT-HOUS£
Was erected, or rather completed in 1866, it having been in progress of erection about three years. The total cost of the building was about $150,000, though the act of the Legislature authorizing the levy for that purpose was but $100,000. The work, however, was completed, and the balance cheerfully paid by the tax-payers. The building stands on the north side of the Catholic Church ; it is built entirely of sand-stone taken from the quarries in sight of the city, and is probably one of the best constructed and arranged Court-houses in the State. It contains all the county offices on the first floor, except the Clerk’s office ; on the second floor is the court-room, jury-rooms and the Clerk’s office. The basement is used for the heating apparatus, the Janitor’s residence, and storage rooms. From the roof, or balustrade, which, by the courtesy of the Janitor, is accessible to visitors at all times, the Hocking Valley and surrounding country is seen for many miles, presenting one of
36
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
the most picturesque and beautiful views in Ohio. From it trains can be seen coming and departing on the railroads for many miles. The
COUNTY JAIL
Stands on the north side of Chestnut street, between Broad and High. It is one of the best jails in Ohio. Its front is a two-story brick residence, and is used by the Sheriffs success- ively. The prison is of sand-stone, also two stories, and joins the brick in the rear. It was built between the year 1840 and 1850.
FAIRFIELD COUNTY FINANCES FOR THE YEAR 1875, ENDING SEPTEMBER 1ST, 1875.
Total taxes for the year, including school fund, $228,306.44.
Total expenditures same year, $252,855.50; leaving a balance against the treasury of $14,569.06.
The above gross sum of receipts, as shown by the Auditor’s books for 1875, was levied on the respective townships as fol- lows. In regarding the amounts, however, it is to be borne in mind that they are not to be taken as correctly representing the relative wealth of the townships, because the rates of tax- ation were more or less various :
Clear Creek Township
Amanda Township
Bloom Township
Yiolet To\\nship
Liberty Township
Greenfield Township...
Hocking Township
Madison Township ....
Berne Township
Pleasant Township ....
Walnut Township
Richland Township.... Bush Creek Township. Lancaster
.$12,441 31 . 13,241 34 . 13,714 13 . 13,222 40 . 18,053 58 . 12,244 16 . 11,962 25 . 6,269 03 . 15,130 30 . 11,398 29 . 15,263 53 . 6,945 35 . 11,112 85 . 67,268 02
Grand Total.
.$228,306 44
FAIRFIELD COUNTY IN 1806.
There are no records found in the Auditor’s office to show that anything like a regular system of taxation was estab- lished in the county earlier than 1806. At that time the
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
37
boundaries extended far beyond their present limits, and it is difficult now to define the outlines. The reader is therefor referred to the laws of Ohio establishing new counties, by which Fairfield has been contracted to its present area. These laws can all be found in the State Library at Columbus, but they are altogether too voluminous for the plan of this work. I am not aware that any changes took place between 1800, when Fairfield was established by proclamation by Gov- ernor St. Clair, and 1806, to which year we are now referring. I find, however, that in that year there were three townships not now in existance, viz. : Clinton, Licking and Thorn, and that there are now three townships not then in existance; these are Violet, Liberty and Walnut. There have also been two townsKipTprincipally stricken from the southern borders of Fairfield within the last thirty years, and attached to Hock- ing county ; these were Auburn and Perry, for particulars of which, please see laws. Thorn township lay at the north-east corner of the county, and has since been attached to Periy County; Clinton and Licking lay on the north.
From the assessment of 1806, as recorded in an old book before me, I here transcribe a complete list of the names of the tax-payers then living in the county, alphabetically, and by townships, by which they are rendered of easy reference. By an early law of Ohio, houses were at that time assessed for taxation separate from real estate, the lowest limit of which, I think, was one hundred dollars.
The sums paid in that year for every species of property by each person varies on the list from eight cents to $17.72J, wThich latter amount was paid by Rudolph Pitcher, of Lancas- ter, whose house, standing on Main street, a few doors east of Shawk’s alley, and on the south side, was appraised at $2,500, and seven lots at $1,407. The next highest tax-payer was Darvid Rese, whose assessment was $13.00. A few in Lancas- ter paid ten dollars; but by far the largest number in the county paid less than a dollar. But in no township, outside of Lancaster, was more than four dollars paid by any indi- vidual. The gross sum of the assessments for that year was $1,011.64}-.
Further in the same old book is found a tabulated state- ment of the collections and disbursements for the county un- der the following heading :
38
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
‘‘Statement of the receipts and expenditures of Fairfield County for six years and four months, commencing June 11th, 1804, and ending October 6th, 1810.”
Gross collections for six years and four months, from all
sources $12,862 57
Gross amount of disbursements for all purposes, for the same time $12,349 15
NAMES OF TAX-PAYERS IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY IN 1806.
Aller, John.
Baker, Daniel.
Bond, Thomas. Babb, William. Boiler, Elias.
Burton, Jacob. Bucher, Philloman. Boyle, Hugh.
Bryan, Peter.
Cox, Mary.
Clayton, John. Converse, James. Compton, Ezekiel. Compton, John. Coffenberry, George. Carpenter, Emanuel. Cisna, Thomas. Coates, Samuel. Collen, Timothy. Duffield, William. Dillen, Henry. Daily, Charles. Eckhart, Conrad. Feather, Peter. Ferry, Thomas. Foglesong, John. Fricher, Thomas. Graham, Fdward. Green, Samuel. Green, Allen.
Green, George.
HOCKING TOWNSHIP.
Harper, Samuel. Huffman, John. Hanson, George. Hunter, John.
Hunter, Joseph. Harmon, Jacob.
Holler, Samuel.
Hardy, James.
Hunter, James.* Hutchins, Benidict. Irwin, William.
Irwin, William D. Ingman, Edward, jr. Ingman, Edward.
Invel, Samuel.
Kemp, Henry.
King, Christian.
Koons, John.
Keller, James.
Lymk, Johnathan. Lofland, John.
Mellon, Bandle.
Meek, Jacob.
McCabe, William. McCabe, David. Marshal, John.
Marres, Ralph.
Marr, John.
Myrer, Henry.
Myrer, Joseph. McPherson, John.
Pitcher, Abram.
Pew, Marshall.
Rees, John.
Rees, Solomon. Roberts, Ezekiel. Rees, David.
Rees, Thomas.
Rees, Morris.
Rees, Jesse.
Rever, Peter. Reynolds, Larken. Slaughter, Robert. Spurgeon, Jesse. Searls, John. Swearengen, Thos. Shope, Daniel. Sturgeon, Timothy. Shurr, John.
Sacket, Elizabeth. Swizerk, John.
Selby, Ralph.
Stoops, Samuel. Stoops, William. Stigart, Luke.
Stull, John.
Scofield, Elenathan. Thompson, Samuel. Tumlinson, William. Vanmeter, Daniel. Woolford, Jacob. Wilson, Nathaniel, sr.
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO,
39
Green, Charles. Green, William. Green, Timothy. Gaster, Jacob. Gisinger, David. Gates, Samuel. Hedger, Jesse. Huston, Andrew.
Adison, Jacob. Applegate, Walter.
A cart, George. Bowman, Henry. Bibler, John.
Baldwin, John. Bowman, Elisha. Babbs, Beal.
Brook, John.
Biane, William. Bocker, Benjamin. Bryan, William. Beery, John.
Biddle, Benjamin. Colley, William. Chuger, Frederick. Creason, William. Crook, E.
Crook, William. Collins, William. Carpenter, David. Cofman, John. Carpenter, William. Carpenter, Samuel. Carpenter, John. Critzer, George. Drake, Henry.
Dodd, Jacob.
Earry, Jacob. Freshouse, John. Fowler, Job.
Fry, Elizabeth. Francisco, John. Gardner, HArchobold
North, Mary.
Neel, John.
Neibling, Christian. Price, John.
Pitcher, Rudolph. Painter, Jacob.
Peek, Wm B.
Pitcher, Frederick, sr.
BERNE TOWNSHIP.
Harmsberger, Conrad. Harmsberger, Henry, Hammet, Joseph. Hines, Peter.
Harper, Richard. Hansel, Henry.
Hansel, Michael. Harsh, John. Hamersphere, Abraham Hollenbach, Jacob. Inesel, Henry.
Jackson, William. Keller, John.
Kusic, John.
Kenner, Frederick. Laughlin, Denman. Lewely, Hugh.
Leek, William.
Moyer, Daniel.
Moyer, Abraham. Main, John.
Miller, Catharine. McCabe, William. Needles, Philomen. Ozenbaugh, Henry. Perrel, John.
Perrel, Thomas.
Perrel, Hezekiah. Pialer, George. Pontens, John.
Pence, Frederick. Phillips, David.
Pence, John.
Pitcher, Abraham.
Watson, John. Wiiletson, Elisha. Weaver, Adam. Work, Joseph. Williamson, John. Wilson, Nathaniel, jr. Young, William. Zerba, Peter.
Ream, William.
Ream, Abraham. Reese, David.
Ream, Sampson. Rhodes, John. Rudolph, Peter. Runnels, Burton. Smith, William.
Seits, Lewis.
Sanders, Peter. Shellenbarger, John. Swartz, George. Sheeny, Michael. Shellenbarger, David. Sturgeon, Peter. Stollner, John. Shellenbarger, Samuel. Shellenbarger, Henry. Stukey, John.
Smith, Henry.
Sisco, Mary.
Sellers, Jacob.
Sellers, John.
Taylor, Grove. Vanmeter, Jacob. Vanmeter, John. Vanmeter, Joseph. Welch, William.
Wolf, Jacob.
Walker, Abraham. Winters, John.
Wilson, William. Wiley, William. Watts, Robert.
40
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
Gardner, Peter. Pearce, William.
Highstand, Abraham. Pennebaker, John. Hull, Abraham. Perrel, James.
Harmsberger, Michael. Roberts, Amos.
Altman, Adam. Albright, David. Alspaugh, Jacob. Alspaugh, George. Berringer, Andrew. Bolebaugh, Jacob. Barr, John.
Boyne, John.
Baldwin, James. Bright, Major. Courtright, Abraham. Clymer, Charles. Cromley, Christian. Cheney, Drusilla. Crowl, George. Campbell, Jane. Courtright, Jesse, D. Campbell, John. Crawford, James. Clymer, John. Courtright, John. Crowl, John.
Curty, Low.
Cronmer, Mitchel. Campbell, Mathew. Clymer, Masse. Cheney, Samuel. Clark, Horatio. Courtright, Richard. Clark, William.
Critz, John.
Due, Charity.
Dove, Henry. Davidson, James. Death, Isaac, sr. Davis, Nathan.
Drake, Zepama.
Fate, Martin.
BLOOM TOWNSHIP.
Felner, Martin.
Fate, Thomas.
Fate, George.
Flict, Andrew.
Grubb, Jacob.
Hews, Walter.
Harris, Abraham. Harlanger, Christian. Hushor, George. Hyenbaugh, Henry. Harrison, Henry. Harroof, John.
Helt, John.
Harrison, John. Harroof, Peter. Kitsmiller, Benjamin. Kitsmiller, Elizabeth. Kitsmiller, William. Kirk, George.
Lee, Samuel.
Lee, Daniel.
Leephart, Mary. Lambert, James.
Lo viand, Joseph.
Lee, Johnathan.
Long, William.
Lane, Wilkinson.
Lee, Zebulon.
Martin, John.
Meason, Dorsey. Moore, John.
Meson, Isaac.
Moor, Levi.
Manville, Nicholas. McCollum, Samuel. Needles, George. Needles, John. Newkirk, Ruben.
Westenhaver, Christian. Westenhaver, Joseph.
Newkirk, Lewis. Perrin, William. Rickets, Charles. Ruvele, Daniel. Ritter, John. Rickets, Jerry. Rickets, Rearson. Richart, Peter. Spurgeon, Samuel. Swisher, Abraham. Snider, Adam. Serpers, Christian. Spurgeon, Elijah. Spurgeon, Elias. Smith, Francis. Smith, Hezakiah. Slough, John.
Small, John. Stallens, Launcelot. Swisher, Jacob. Swisher, John. Sehouser, John. Saither, Nicholas. Tumbleslon, Henry. Trout, Christian. Tefore, John. Wiseley, William. Wright, David. Wiseley, Edward. Wells, George. Wiseley, James. Williams, Jeremiah. Wintersteen, John. Wheeler, Samuel. Young, Abraham. Young, Jacob.
9
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
41
CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP.
Anderson, James. Anderson, Edward. Augustus, John. Brown, Moses. Brough, George. Brough, Peter.
Berry, Alexander, jr. Berry, Alexander. Berry, Abraham.
Bash ford, Francis. Buzzard, George. Buzzard, Andrew. Buzzard, Henry. Buzzard, David. Buzzard, Jacob. Bogart, George.
Black, Richard. Bruner, Jacob.
Beard, John. Coledren, Jacob. Coledren, Nehemiah. Coledren, Jacob. Clayton, Thomas. Clayton, William. Clure, Conrad.
Camie, David.
Conrad, John.
Conrad, Daniel.
Clark, Henry.
Culp, Peter.
Clapper, Henry. Conrad, Nicholas. Conrad, jr., Daniel. Drury, William. Drury, Edward. Drury, Isaiah.
Drury, Samuel.
Dush, Mrs.
Delshauer, jr., George. Delshauer, John. Delshauer, Michael. Delshauer, George. Devebaugh, George. Devebaugh, Daniel.
Friend, Reason. Friend, Samuel. Fosnought, Adam. Fos, John.
Foust, John.
Fogler, John.
Grimes, Jacob. < Hedger, Michael. Hoffman, Jacob. Hunter, Robert. Helen, Frederick. Helen, Jacob.
Howe, James. Hammel, George. Hoffman, Frederick. Helen, John.
Hedger, Levi.
Hedger, Absolem. Hoffman, Jacob.
Jules, Henry.
Julian, William. Julian, jr., John. Julian, John.
Julian, Isaac.
Julian, Stephen. Jackson, John.
Julian, John, sr. Kenson, George. Kepnue, Benjamin. Landis, Martin.
Lamb, James.
Lutz, John.
Lethers, Jacob.
Miller, Felis.
Marks, Jacob.
Myres, Christian. Millhouse, Philip. McArthur, Alexander. Moor, Harmon.
Mills, Amos.
Moss, Edward. Mathias, Henry.
Moor, Henry, jr. Millisson, Barnet.
O’Hara, James. Owens, Nathan. O’Hara, Hugh. O’Hara, Charles. Palmer, Jesse.
Parcels, John.
Peters, Daniel.
Peters, Abraham. Pickle, Jacob.
Parks, John. Reynolds, John. Reynolds, Stewart. Reynolds, William G. Reynolds, William. Russel, Peter.
Smart, John.
Stoider, John.
Stukey, Christian. Shoop, Barnet.
Shafer, Isaac.
Shafer, Samuel. Shafer, Abram. Sharrack, John. Sidder, Nicholas. Shad, John. Shoemaker, Jacob. Sneeyer, Lewis.
Sailor, Widow.
Shaw, Alexander. Shanie, Philip.
Smith, Stuart.
Stotts, John.
Spangler, Samuel. Sering, John.
Smith, Jacob. Shoemaker, John. Willets, Isaac. Wishard Archibald. Wiley, William. Willets, James. Whetsel, Henry. Weaver, Samuel. Willets, Samuel. Willets, William.
42
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
Devebaugh, John. Devebaugh, Widow. Daniel, Thomas. Daniel, John.
Evans, Joshua. Friend, Elijah. Friend, Charles.
Abrams, Henry. Athey, Thomas.
Ayers, Wm.
Alden, Daniel. Alspaugh, Jacob. Alspaugh, Nicholas. Baylor, Jacob.
Bright, David. Brakebill, Jacob. Bennett, Oliver. Beard, John.
Basler, Jacob.
Bennett, Harry. Bradley, John.
Bush, John. Balenback, J ohn Brown, Jas. Brettenliam, Solomon. Brandt, Ludwick. Ballenback, Nicholas. Bowman, Henry. Bowyer, Jacob.
Borer, Jacob. Bomback, David. Bowder, Nicholas. Bennett, Jacob. Bennet, Elisha.
Cline, Geo.
Cook, Sarah.
Cherry, Ralph. Cammerly, David. Davis, Jacob. Doddleston, Ralph. Everland, Frederick. Evans, Jas.
Eckhart, John.
Myres, Widow. Miller, John. North, Zachariah North, William. Nigh, Jacob. Nogle, George. North, Thomas.
Wheeler, Isaac. White, John. Young, Robert. Young, John. Young, Mathew.
GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP.
Feniehauser, Daniel. Firestone, Daniel. Gary, Gilien. Geirhart, Daniel. Green, Lemuel. Gundy, Christian. Gezy, John. Heistam, Jos. Hanna, Jas.
Hess, Geo.
Heistand, Samuel. Harris, Wm. Johnson, Wm. Johnson, Chas. Johnson, Isaac. Johns, Henry.
Johns, John. Kennan, John. Laehey, James. Lush, Patrick. Latshaw, Jos. McNeal, Jos.
Morris, Daniel. Mangale, Henry. Moorhead, John. McCall, Thos. McFarland, Robert. McFarland, Wm. McCollum, Frank. McArthur, John. McCawly, Edward. Miller, Samuel. Moires, John. Manville, Eli. Noggle, Henry. Olinger, Benjamin.
Rearden, Michael. Robertson, John. Read, Wm.
Rough, Peter. Randal, Samuel. Roberts, Ebenezer. Rigby, Wm.
Rise, Michael. Smethers, Geo.
Sells, Wm., sr.
Sells, Wm.
Sells, Jacob.
Stewart, Jos.
Shimp, Geo. Sanderson, Alexande Shartle, Philip. Small, Valentine. Showbery, Jacob. Saim, Peter.
Sim, Henry.
Swisher, Jacob. Tallman, Samuel. Tannehill, Mr. Thompson, Richard. Tong, Wm. H. Taylor, Drake. Tootwiler, Jacob. Tippy, Conrad Wohing, Peter. Wintermood, John Wilson, Wm. Wagoner, Jacob. Wintermood, Wm. Williams, Jos.
Wells, Jas Wiseley, John.
43
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
Edgar, John. Eversole, Peter. Elder, John.
Erb, John.
Fairchild, Peter. Fitzgerald, Henry. Fairchild, Abraham.
Archer, Geo. Armstrong, Geo. Allen, Nathen. Avery, Geo. Ardoes, Holcombe. Allen, Alexander. Beard, John. Branson, Joshua. Bean, Richard. Bean, John.
Baker, Aaron. Benjamin, Mr. Beauer, David. Benjamin, I.
Belt, C.
Borcher, Jos. Barrick, Phillip. Barrick, Peter. Barlow, Abram. Barrow, Daniel. Belt, Acquilla. Baleer, Daniel. Buttler, Lewis. Bancroft, Samuel. Belt, Catura.
Belt, John.
Black, Jas.
Belt, Davies.
Belt, John.
Belt, John, sr. Buskirk, John. Buttler, Enoch. Buttler, David. Church, Robert. Caruthers, Win. Croca, John.
Owen, David.
Olspach, Jacob.
Pier, John.
Pever, Isaac.
Pever, John.
Porter, David.
Pence, Jacob.
LICKING TOWNSHIP.
Gulfin, Job.
Gane, Wm.
Galasby, John.
Hughs, Thos.
Hughes, John.
Halden, Alexander. Hook, John. Henthorn, John. Harris, Nehmiah. Hughs, Thomas. Hughs, Wm.
Holms, Alexander. Heavens, Jesse. Herron, John.
Hughs, Ellis.
Hains, Jesse, Hickman, Samuel. Harris, Jos.
Harris, Nehemiah. Hays, Levi.
Hays, Seth.
Haskins, Titus.
Hilliar, Justin.
Harris, Jesse.
Haines, Wm.
Herron, Crook.
Harris, Geo.
Harris, A.
Harris, Ephraim. Holcomb, Ezra. Holcomb, Alvin. Holcomb, Asa.
Hount, John.
Johnson, Robert. Johnson, Jchn.
James, Jesse.
Wagoner, Adam. Wagoner, Daniel. Weaver, Jacob. Wilson, John. Wilson, Jas. Williamson, Peter.
Pitzer, R.
Pew, Evan.
Pew, Wm.
Phelps, John. Parish, Joseph. Parker, Mary. Pratt, Worthy. Phelps, Wm. Pomroy, E.
Pew, A.
Peek, Catura.
Parr, Samuel. Rathbone, Job. Robinson, Stephen. Radcliff, John. Rose, Geo.
Root, Martin.
Rose, Levi.
Roseley, Boss well. Rose, Samuel.
Rose, G.
Rose, Hiram.
Stith, S.
Sampson, John. Shultz, Adam. Sutton, Moses, jr. Sutton, Philip. Staaden, John. Swisher, Jacob. Seigler, Philip. Sutton, Jos.
Stuart, Jas. Spencer, John. Shoemaker, John. Stome, Thos.
Smith, Philip.
44
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
Chamsel, John. Clener, Frederick. Canaday, Jas. Conner, Isaac. Claybaugh, Henry. Carr, Henry. Creamer, Thos.
Case, Job.
Clark, A.
Cromwell, Gideon. Cooley, Zaedock. Cow, Jas.
Carry, Ebenezer. Cuningham, Patrick. Carlisle, Zachariah. Dewees, Thos. Dotson, Wm.
Debolt, Wm.
Davis, I.
Dongan, Thos.
Duke, John Denman, Mathias. Dayton, Giles.
Evins, John. Edwards, John. Elliot, Samuel, jr. Elliot, Samuel, sr. Evins, Bod.
Elliot, Neal.
Evins, John.
Ford, Robert.
Ford, Phineas. Farmer, John. Groner, Martin. Green, Daniel. Green, Benjamin. Groner, John.
Green, Thos.
Green, T.
Groner, R.
Gavit, Wm.
Gavit, Josiah. Godard. N.
Godard, Moses. Gillman, Elias.
Jones, Samuel. Johnson, Jas. Johnson, Abraham. Johnson, Jos.
Kite, Michael.
Kirk, Thos.
Kiger, Anthony. Kelso, Jos.
Kelley, Hugh, Kendal, Joshua. Leach, Vincent. Livingston, Geo. Livingston, D. Lathley, John. Lewis, David. Lemuel, Jos.
Lewis, Zed. Linkhorn, Martin. McCawley Andrew. Merridale, Samuel. Manfield, Jas. Miller, Isaac.
Miller, Abraham, McCawley, Jas. McCawley, Wm. McCawley, Jas. jr. My res, John. McKitrick, Jas. Murphy, Samuel. Mufford, Job. Monson, Jesse. Munson, Guston. Miller, O.
Mitchel, Sylvanus. Moor, Frederick. Monson, Jeremiah. Nelson, Joel.
Nash, Edward. Newman, Samuel. Newman, Morris. Obaker, Jesse.
Orr, Geo.
Obour, Wm.
Parr, Samuel.
Parr, Richard.
Smith, Henry. Shadier, Michael. Shadier, John. Shadier, Daniel. Simpson, Isaac. Shadier, John, jr. Simpson, I.
Simpson, Jas. Seymore, Thos. Shadier, Jacob. Slocum, Cornelius. Slocum, Wm. Spelman, Timothy. Sherwood, Robert. Smith, Samuel. Turnbean, Andrew. Taylor, Wm.
Taylor, Jas.
Taylor, Wm, jr. Tharp, Jos. Thompson, Daniel. Thomas, David. Thrall, Samuel. Taylor, Theodore, jr. Taylor, Theodore. Wilson, Abraham. Wates, Daniel. Wilson, Jacob. Wilson, John.
Ward, Catharine. Wayman, John. Warden, John. Ward, John.
Walson, Cornelius. Ward, Daniel.
Ward, A.
Wilcox, John.
Wells, I.
Wright, Jonathan. Waters, Benjamin. Winshall, Silas. Wright, Spencer. Williamson, John. Wilson, Archabald. Waters, Samuel.
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
45
|
Anderson, Thomas. |
AMANDA TOWNSHIP. Chilcold, Mordecai. |
Lane, Jesse. |
|
Allen, Lemuel. |
Chilcold, John. |
Lane, William. |
|
Allen, Frederick. |
Clark, Neal. |
Lane, John. |
|
Allen, S. |
Cole, Joshnay. |
Leathers, Frederick. |
|
Allen, Whiting. |
Cole, D. |
Long, William. |
|
Barr, John. |
Eagle, Thomas. |
Morris, James. |
|
Barr, Andrew. |
Eagle, William. |
Metcalf, Vachael. |
|
Barr, William. |
Erington, Ebenezer. |
McLane, Robert. |
|
Barr, Thomas. |
Earnman, Frederick. |
Murry, William. |
|
Barr, Samuel. |
Frettle, Lewis. |
Mackerel, Benjamin. |
|
Brothers, Francis. |
Gardner, Jacob. |
Nigh, George. |
|
Barnhart, Jacob. |
Good, Peter. |
Owens, John. |
|
Brown, William. |
Gossage, John. |
Oram, Thomas. |
|
Jones, Benjamin. |
Galagher, Thomas. |
Pavey, Samuel. |
|
Beal, James. |
Huffer, Isaac. |
Pilcher, Frederick. |
|
Burnap, Abner. |
Howe, James. |
Rica, Abraham. |
|
Bull, B. |
Hardister, Joseph. |
Russel, Thomas. |
|
Booker, James. |
Herron, Philip. |
Bauer, Valentine. |
|
Brown, T. |
Howe, David. |
Shadden, Jacob. |
|
Brown, William. |
Hooker, Richard. |
Swope, David. |
|
Brian, Mary. |
Hayes, Mary. |
Selby, George. |
|
Brian, John. |
Herrod, John. |
Stevens, William. |
|
Brian, William. |
Hoover, John. |
Searles, John. |
|
Burhart, William. |
Highlands, Joseph. |
Selby, jr., Thomas. |
|
Crist, John. |
Ingonan, Luke. |
Torance, John. |
|
Caton, Benjamin. |
lies, Isaac. |
Whiteman, Christian. |
|
Collins, Timothy. |
Kester, David, |
Williams, John. |
|
Cole, Broad. |
Kester, Jacob. |
Williams, Thomas. |
|
Clayton, John. |
Kester, George. |
Willets, Jesse. |
|
Cain, Daniel. |
Linebaugh, George. |
Wollet, Philip. ^ |
|
Cole, Shadrick. Albright, Adam. |
Long, James. PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. Giger, Martin. Neeley, William. |
|
|
Arnold, Frederick. |
Good, John. |
Pullen, Thomas. |
|
Armstrong, Thomas. |
Hill, George. |
Pope, Abraham. |
|
Burton, Jacob. |
Hopman, Henry. |
Perrin, John. |
Bredenstone, Frederick. Hall, Daniel.
Bright, Nimrod. Bell, Isaiah.
Bailey, James.
Barr, David.
Barr, Joseph, jr. Buchanan, Andrew.
Harmon, Frederick. Hammond, Samuel. Hammell, Samuel. Hite, Andrew.
Hite, Andrew, jr. Hite, Jacob.
Pope, Frederick. Powel, Aaron;
Pew, Jesse.
Powlis, Jacob.
Powel, Moses.
Quinn, James. Radibaugh, Nicholas.
46
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO,
Berry, Jacob. Berry, Christian. Bibler, Jacob. Brown, Ludwick. Brown, William. Bibler, Barbary. Barkhammer, John. Black, Luke.
Black, John. Beaver, William. Beard, William. Beard, John.
Baker, David. Caldwell, William. Cornell, Benjamin. Comer, Samuel. Cagy, Christian. Crawford, William. Cat u res, Nicholas. Cofman, Martin. Culp, Henry. Chaffan, Bobert. Clove. Bobert.
Dild, Jacob.
Duncan, James. Dumna, John. Dumna, Martin. Durbin, Thomas. Durbin, Samuel. Erwin, William. Ernest, George. Fink, John.
Fetters, Peter. Feemen, Benjamin. Feemen, John. Fetters, Conrad. Farmer, William. Flake, John.
Frazer, Alexander. Fox, Jacob.
Graham, A.
Giger, Adam.
Giger, David. Gardner, William.
Hoover, Christian. Houser, George, jr. Houser, John.
Hite, John. Hampson, John. Hill, George. Hendrix, James. Hite, John, jr. Ewing, John. Ewing, Mathew. Inks, John.
Jones, William. Kemerer, Philip. Kortman, Jacob. Kratzer, Samuel. Kortman, jr., Jacob.
Laffady, .
Lamb, Jacob. Laffady, Samuel. Laffady, Thomas. Lee, Soloman. Lindsey, William. Lantz, Martin. Lamb, George. Linch, Henry. Martin, William. McCune, Adam. Miller, Christian. McDaniel, William. Myres, Abraham. Maclin, Tenalt. Musselman, Jacob. Maclin, Peter. Matear, Bobert. Manley, John.
Mills, Samuel.
Miller, Abraham. Murphy, Asa. Murphy, Benjamin. Miller, John.
Miller, Jacob. Murphy, William. McNoughton, John. Nowlin, Barnaby.
Boss, Thomas.
Boof, Peter. Bedman, Martin. Bowley, Jacob. Bogers, James. Seigler, John. Staltzer, Jacob, jr. Springer, William. Sturgeon, Bobert. Solter, Christian. Siple, Frederick. Smith, Jesse. Soliday, Adam. Stevenson, Thomas. Smith, Christian. Smith, Daniel. Shepler, John. 1 1 Sheats, Mathias. Shisler, John.
Sterm, Michael. Tool, M.
Twig, Francis. Trimble, John. Trimble, William. Teal, Edward.
Teal, Arthur.
Teal, Edward, jr. Teal, Samuel.
Teal, Nathaniel.
Teal, Walter. Thompson, William. Torence, Bobert. Walters, Gasper. Walters, Jacob. Weger, John. Wagner, Andrew. Wagner, Benjamin. Wiekle, Jacob. Warner, Thomas. Wiseman, Samuel. Watson, Thomas. York, William. Ulster, Widow.
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
Archer, George. Bowers, A.
Bowers, Abner, jr. Blakeny, Frances. Beers, Jacob. Bryon, James. Boyd, T.
Banks, Peter. Brown, Silas. Brown, Aron. Battler, Benjamin. Babbit, Calvin. Brice, John. Buttler, Isaac. Brown, Benjamin. Brown, David. Brown, Ebenezer. Brown, Luther. Craig, Andrew. Cook, John.
Cook, Jacob.
Craig, James. Converse, James. Calvin, James. Conrad, Joseph. Conrad, Nathan. Dunlap, James. Dooty, Peter. Dunlap, Samuel. Darling, Wm. Duglass, Wm.
Dirt, George. Ertmell, Thomas.
Acherson, Edward. Bartholomew, John. Barnes, Joseph. Brooks, David. Baker, David.
Black, James.
Bean, Paul. Bearshore, John. Binkley, John.
CLINTON TOWNSHIP.
Evins, Wm.
Finley, Alexander. Fognier, Wm.
Gass, Wm.
Hardisty, Francis. Haines, Henry. Herrod, James. Henderson, James. Harrod, John.
Harrod, Levi.
Hall, Richard.
Harris, Enoch. Henthorn, John. Johnson, David. Johnson, Abraham. Johnson, John. Kratzer, Samuel.
Kerr, John.
Kite, Peter.
Knight, Wm.
Kite, Nicolas.
Lyon, Abraham. Leonard, Benjamin. Lash, John.
Lewis, John.
Lashley, Jacob. Lashley, Peter. Leonard, Wm. Leonard, Zeba.
Mareus, John. Morrison, John. McGowen, Chas. McBride, Chas.
THORN TOWNSHIP.
Harris, John.
Hall, Uriah. Humberger, Henry. Heller, David. Humberger, John. Humberger, Peter. Henderson, James. Hooper, Jacob.
Huber, Daniel.
Murphy, Jacob. Panebaker, Jacob. Pitney, James. Priker, Peter. Patterson, Thomas. Roberts, Henry. Rebe, Nicholas. Richardson, Edward. Severe, Jesse. Sliimplin, John. Simpkins, John. Stotts, Joseph. Stockwell, Michael. Spurgeon, Nathaniel. Shrimplin. Samuel. Simpkins, S. Schruchfield, Wm. St. Clair, John. Spurgeon, George. Talmage, Joseph. Thomas, Samuel. Thompson, Edward. Walker, Alexander. Watson, A.
Walker, Abraham. Walker, James. Walker, Joseph. Woods, John. Walker, Philip. Wilson, Samuel. Williamson, John. Walker, James. Walker, Joseph.
Neff, Henry.
Neel, James.
Orr, Robe:t.
Ogg, George.
Parr, John.
Ream, Wm. Ramsey, John. Redingur, Mathias. Ripple, Mathias.
48
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
Bowman, Henry. Berry, John. Chalfant, Mordecai. Cooper, Joseph. Cooper, Jacob. Claypole, Wm. Dickeson, John. Dean, M.
Emrick, Leonard. Fisher, John, jr. Fisher, John. Furguson, Joseph. Fickle, Joseph. Good, John. Graham, Widow. Howard, Chas. Harris, Wm.
Harris, Edward.
Anspach, B. Anderson, Simon. Anspach, John. . Anderson, Ephraim. Ashbaugh, Andrew. Alexander, Wm. Bolen, Wm.
Black, Peter.
Blosser, George. Bond, John. Brinkley, Adam. Brinkley, Jacob. Basehore, Frederick. Brinkley, Henry. Bowman, George. Beakle, John. Bearge, Isaac. Bearley, Nicholas. Brinkley, Henry, bright, George. Beery, Abraham. Beery, Henry. Custard, Joseph. Cooper, Robert. Carpenter, Samuel.
Huffman, George. Hoover, Christ. Johnson, John. Johnson; Wm.
James, John.
King, John. Livingston, Peter. Meek, Clelland. ■ McMullen, Mr.
Myres, Frederick. Mclnturft, Frederick. Myres, Andrew. Mager, George. Myres, Adam.
Myres, John. McMullen, John. Mervin, James. McOwen, Thomas.
Ream, Jacob. Reddinger, Ludwig. Reason, John. Stockberger, S. Strawn, Joel.
Stotts, Jacob. Starret, Wm. Starkee, Peter. Skiner, Wm.
Smith, Andrew. Sane, Peter.
Taylor, Wm.
Thorn, Michael. Thompson, John. Valentine, George. Weadman, George. Wiseman, Jacob. Weadman, John.
RICHLAND TOWNSHIP.
Hamerly, Andrew. Harper, Wm. Howell, Jacob. Head, John. Hedleback, George. Heek, Frederick. Howseker, Jacob. Henry, George. Holt, Wm. Harding, Ignatius. Hiles, John. * Harford, Caspar. Ijams, Wm.
Ijams, Isaac.
Ijams, Thomas P. Ijams, Wm, jr. Jervis, James. Johnson, Benjamin. Johnson, Asa.
Kerr, John.
Kiger, John. Kemper, Daniel. Kemper, Isaac. Kindle, John.
King, Christian.
Miller, George. Maricol, John. McGinnis, Wm. Neely, David. Nelson, George. Owens, Archibald. Overmire, Peter. Owing, P. Orendors, Henry. Pew, David. Patten, John. Polen, Richard. Polen, Martin. Ruffner, Emanuel. Rowland, James. Rolle, Jesse. Robertson, Wm. Rees, Jacob.
Ray, Samuel. Shaver, T.
Spohn, Philip. Stiffie, Stephen. Swagg, David. Senfit, Jacob. Senfit, Philip.
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
49
Conaway, Jeremiah. Clayton, Wm. Chilcote, James. Cool, Joseph.
Cook, John.
Comer, Philip.
Davis, Thomas. Duvall, M. H.
Drum, John.
Drum, Peter. Deubler, Peter. Deubler, Leonard. Driver, Josiah. Downey, James.
Fay, Jacob.
Freisner, Frederick. Glosser, George. Godfrey, John. Goofis, John.
Hattie, George. Hardy, David. Householder, Adam. Huddle, Henry.
Kenshaw, Wm. Lakesley, Wm. Leonard, Jacob. Lintch, Philip. Laremore, Ebenezer. Laremore, Isaac. Laremore, Robert. Leath, John.
Love, John. Laremore, James. Murphy, Edward. Murphy, John. McCormick, Thomas. McCormick, Hugh. McCormick, John. McCormick, James. McCormick, Wm. Miller, John. McClung, Chas. Miller, Peter.
Musser, Theobald. Miller, Joseph.
Moins, John.
Sain, Philip. Sunderland, John. Sain, David. Stephenson, Jesse. Sellers, Henry. Sherrick, Andrew. Sterner, Henry. Shield, Edward. Stembrink, Henry. Turner, Benjamin. Turner, Joseph. Turner, Wm, sr. Turner, Wm, jr. Turner, James. Thompson, Wm Wiseman, Wm. Whitmer, Peter. Wilson, Wm.
Wilds, Sarah. Winegardner, Adam. Wills, John.
Wills, Wm.
Young, Edward.
There were, therefore, within the hounds of Fairfield county, in the year 1806, one thousand five hundred and fifty-one tax- payers. To make the reasonable assumption that there were five additional persons to every tax-payer at that time within the county, it would have given a population of a little over nine thousand. When it is remembered that the first white family built their cabin on the Hocking in the spring of 1798, this rapid increase of population within about seven years is wonderful, regarding the wilderness state of the country, and its remoteness from sources of supply. It is, however, to be borne in mind, that the'area of the county was at that time more than three times what it is at present.
It is a melancholy reflection forced upon the mind, that of that 1,551 tax-payers of 1806, not one is alive to-day. They were the pioneers of the county. It was them that broke the wilderness and drove away the wild beasts and savage men, and opened the way for the prosperity, and plenty, and luxury, and ease of to-day. It was them that endured hard- 4
50
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
ships, and toils, and privations, and the sickness of a new and uncultivated country. Their descendants know nothing of how they lived, and how they did, nor can a written work con- vey any just conception of it all. These men and women have passed away and are forgotten — nearly forgotten — the largest mumber of them are totally forgotten ; a few only are remem- bered— those of them who did prominent deeds. And when another generation comes up to displace the present, the pioneer fathers, and all they did, will have been lost to the world forever. History tells us the numbers that went into the field in the revolution one hundred years ago, but that is all ; we do not know who they were, or how they appeared. The most prominent officers are all we have any conception of — all have turned to dust.
But the immediate descendants of the pioneer fathers of Fairfield County, many of them, are with us, and many who came at an early day, but after the settlements had made con siderable progress. From them we glean much that pertains to the early history of the county. The times of the log-cabin era of the Hocking Valley have not faded from their memories, but the realization is lost.
But recurring again to the tax-payers of 1806. They have gone from the scenes of earth forever — all they did, what they endured, how they loved, and joyed, and sorrowed, is all noth- ing now. Their voices have all been hushed into eternal silence, so far as earth is concerned ; their faces have faded from memory ; the waves have closed over them forever more. They were a noble, enduring race of men and women ; their names and deeds ought to be carried down to posterity, far into the coming ages. Their names have mostly faded out ; only a few of them are to be seen chiseled in the cold marble or sand-stone that marks their last resting-places. Would- that their virtues and patriotism were written in imperish' able script on every threshold and on every wall, the pioneers of Fairfield County.
To one familiar with the present population of the county, traces of many of the pioneer families are recognized in all the townships and original settlements, by the names and families of their descendants, but the largest number of the families of the tax-payers are extinct in the county. Most of the names are entirely lost ; moving away, intermarriage, and death,
HISTORY Of* FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
51
accounts for this. Many of the oldest inhabitants at present residing in the county came early, but subsequent to 1806. In personal notes, elsewhere, will be found notices of such prominent early settlers, both before and after 1806, as facilities have enabled me to secure. These older citizens still cherish the memory of the log-cabin age of the county. The house- raising, the log-rolling, the corn-husking, the quilting, the country wedding, country dance; “ Sister Phebe;” “ Marching to Quebec ;” “ Thus the farmer sows his seed ;” “ As oats, peas, beans and barley grows ;” “ Kilimacranky and other plays then so universal. The hominy block, lie hominy, the Johnny cake, hoe cake, corn dodger, the tinkling cow bell, sound of the woodman’s ax, the dinner horn, drumming pheasant, and the thousand things peculiar to frontier life sixty years ago and more ; all have passed away forever, but the recollection of them is precious to the aged yet living — hal- lowed, priceless. The writer has passed through all the phases of frontier life in another part of the State. There is nothing so dear to the aged as the remembrances of the past, the long ago, of life’s first youpg dreams, its loves, and joys, and dear associations. It is a thrilling comfort to the aged Christian man or woman, when recollection falls back to the humble cabin with its slab benches, rude corner cupboard, and wide fire-place, and dwells upon the sincere, simple and true worship of other days, days that were before the carking cares of the world, and the follies and absurdities of fashionable life were brought in to ornament the simplicity of the religion of the great founder of the church. Reader, did you ever let your thoughts go back to your young days, where, unbidden, the scenes of the past, with all that was precious to memory, came grouping around you ? Is there anything this world can afford that you would be willing to exchange for that hour of elysium, that bliss that is all your own, and that cannot be taken from you, nor marred by enemies? These good old days are all gone, never to return, and the old mourn unavailingly their depart- ure. There is really nothing now that was sixty years ago, or nothing as it was then; grey heads and bent forms remain, and tender emotions come up, but the loves and endearments of other years have drifted back into the dim vista of the past.
Regarding the pioneers of Fairfield County during the first fifteen or twenty years of the present century, with all they
52
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD C(ftJNTY, OHIO.
were and what they did, they appear to the contemplative mind as a wave of humanity that laved the shores of time for a brief season, only to ebb away into the vast ocean of what, to mortals in this mundane sphere of existence, seems oblivion. They were here and did the work of their day, but they are gone, and that is all we can say. No visible work of their hands stands out in relief. And what has their lives and deeds availed? Much ; but the present age fails in due appre- ciation. To the busy throng of to-day, in their irrational race for riches and fame and enjoyment, the former age is obliv- ious. We rush almost frantically, at best heedlessly, over their sleeping dust to grasp the baubles that even our own ex- periences tell us will dissolve in our grasp. And for what? A few more brief decades of years, and we will be as the pioneers are nowr — gone — forgotten. We do not even pause an hour to remember, and possibly appreciate how much we owe to that noble and sturdy race. By their hands the forests and jungle have been cleared away, by which the pestilential fogs and fens have been disarmed of mischief, mostly. They did the hard work and gave us a clear soil to till. Can we say we are carrying forward their virtues, their practical common sense, their good manners, humanity and worship ? Have we inherited their patriotism? We have grown wiser, possi- bly, and gained wealth, material wealth. Have we grown in goodness ?
FIRST COURT OF COMMON PLEAS.
The first judicial records for Fairfield County were entered in a small blank book of 231 pages. The paper is very coarse, of a dull white color, and unruled. From it I am able to make some highly interesting extracts. The first dates are in 1803. The manner of keeping the records would appear strange enough at this day. Though one year after the State was ad- mitted into the Union, the word Ohio occurs but seldom in the volume. The records are strangely deficient in another respect, which is, that with the exception of the names of judges, jurors, and parties to suits, no others appear, save that of Hugh Boyl, who was appointed Clerk of the first Court. One fails, in passing quite through the book, to learn the name of a Sheriff, or any other officer of the Court. Another pecu- liarity is, that in giving the verdicts of juries — it is simply
HISTORY OF* FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. 53
written that the jury returned a verdict in favor of the plain- tiff, or defendant, as the case might be, hut with few excep- tions the amount of damages is not stated. The record in this quaint old book runs over a period of six years, viz. : from 1803 to 1809 ; but there are no dates given to any of the entries, other than that they were a part of the proceedings of thd1 May term, the March term, or the June term, etc. And again, at the opening of each term it is a part of the record, that “The following jury was elected and sworn in.” Sometimes it is said the jury was impanneled; at others, that the jury ap- peared ; and at the July term of 1806 it reads : “Came a Grand Jury.” Indictments are given, with name of accused, and crime, a few interesting examples of which will appear.
The style of the book of records before me is :
“Minutes of the proceedings of the Court of Common Pleas for Fairfield County, beginning at May term, 1803.”
At this first term of the Court of Common Pleas for Fair- field County, which commenced on the second Tuesday of May, 1803, the record stands: “Before Wyllys Sillman, Esquire,
President, and his associates.” The following are the names of the Grand Jurors who were sworn in at that term : David
Resse, foreman ; Joseph Hunter, Henry Mesner, Jacob Lamb, John McMean, Thomas Cisna, Frederick Leather, Thomas McCall, Joseph Work, James Black, John Shepler, John Mills and David Shellenberger. “And after being duly sworn, re- tired to their room, and after some time returned into Court, and having made no presentments, nor found any bills of in- dictment, were discharged.”
Immediately succeeding is the following, which seems to have been the first action of the Court in a business way :
“ A petition, or recommendation for a tavern-license for Peter Biver was read to the Court. Ordered, that license be granted to the said Peter Biver for one year from this term. ” Follow- ing this were orders to grant license for one year from “ this term ” to James Black, of Newark (Newark was then within Fairfield County), and Samuel Hammil, to keep tavern, “and then the Court adjourned till to-morrow morning. ”
“ Wednesday morning, May 11th, the Court met pursuant to adjournment. ”
“ The Court proceeded to the appointment of a clerk pro tem.y when Hugh Boyl was duly appointed. ”
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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
A license was then granted to William Trimble to keep a public house on the road leading from Lancaster “ towards the Muskingum river” (on Zane’s trace). And then
“ A petition for a road from Hunter’s saw-mill was read, April term, and ordered to lay over to May term.” The quo- tation is literal.
The Court then proceeded to the trial of a number of civil cases, the first of which was styled, William Austin vs. James Philips; 2nd, William Peek vs. Nathan Kennedy; 3d, Moses Reese vs. Thomas Laplana; 4th, Amassa Delano vs. Jeremiah Conway.
The first term of the Common Pleas for 1804 commenced on the fourth day of January, and seems to have been held by the three Associate Judges, as no mention of a presiding Judge ap- pears in the record. The Associate Judges were : Samuel Car- penter, Daniel Vanmeter and William Irwin. At this term a . Grand Jury was sworn, but it does not appear that they did any work. The associates proceeded to try and determine several civil cases, of which Charles Friend vs. Elijah Ander- son was the first, and James Crane vs. John Elder was the second. At this term John Cullerton, Methodist Minister, was authorized to solomnize marriages. Some cases of a civil nature seem to have been tried before a jury of nine ; at least only nine names are recorded. In others, twelve are entered. Several cases were, by consent of the parties, referred to three arbitrators. The first was George Thompson vs. George W. Shelby, referred to Elanathan Schofield, Joseph Hunter and John Irwin.
The number of civil cases tried in a single term of the Com- mon Pleas at this early day, is surprising. At the January term of 1804 alone, there were on the docket no less than forty- three cases.
At the opening of the April term of 1805, Robert F. Slaugh- ter appears first on the bench. He is styled the “President.” His associates at that term were William Irvin and Robert Cloud. Here a Grand Jury of twelve were discharged from further attendance on the ground of not having been legally summoned. The first case tried was Levi Merrit vs. Jacob Resler ; the fifth was Thomas Hart vs. Alex. Sanderson. Dur- ing this judicial year there were docketed 136 civil suits on forty pages of the small book of records. No names of counsel
HISTORY 01* FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
5
appear, and the awards of juries or amount of damages are named but in a few instances.
The March term of 1806, Robert F. Slaughter, President, and Henry Abrams and Jacob Burton associates, opens its proceed- ings with the hearing of several criminal cases. We quote from the docket literally, thus: “ State of Ohio vs. William
Long ;” usame vs. Samuel Chaney “same vs. Reason Reckets ;” “same vs. same;” “same vs. same;” “State of Ohio vs. James Lam- bert. ” In no instance is the nature of the offense or crime specified. Wm. Long was fined one dollar and costs; Samuel Chaney was acquitted; Reason Rickets was fined in one case three dollars and costs; in the two others he was acquitted.
At the March term of 1807, Hon. Leven Belt was presiding Judge, and the Grand Jurors were Elenathan Schofield, Abra- ham Miller, John Johnson, John Carpenter, James Love, John Shepler, Thomas Ijams, Abraham Heistand, Elijah Spurgeon, Abraham Courtright, John Brinkley, Peter Fetter and Jacob Shellenbarger. At this term the Grand Jury indicted Susan Pealt for larceny, and were discharged. George Renie sued Emanuel Carpenter in attachment. The record says: “the defendant being called three times and defaulted. ” Further on is a case, “ State of Ohio vs. Daniel Reese, John Elder, John Edgar, James Taylor, Joseph Barr, George Reese, Ben- jamin Feemen and John Baker.” The offense was for non- attendance as Petit Jurors, and the entry has it ; “ David Reese and John Elder, under attachment, thereby appeared and is discharged. ”
At the June term the Grand Jury were, Timothy Sturgeon, Joseph Work, Andrew Barr, Edward Murphy, I. Maclin, Samp- son Ream, Christian King, Thomas Ijams, John Beery, Elijah Spurgeon, Johnathan Simpson, Jno. Stalter and Daniel Thomp- son. This jury presented several indictments, viz. : “ One against George Livingston and Jacob Leather for assault against each other; one against John Tent and John Fogle- song for assault on each other ; one against Abraham Johnson for keeping a public house and retailing spirituous liquors ; one against Samuel Taylor and Samuel Pot for assault on each other ; one against John Spencer for assault on Oliver Stoker ; one against Joseph Cunningham for assault on Oliver Stoker; one against Morris A. Newman for disorderly conduct in his own house.”
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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD CCfUNTY, OHIO.
In February, 1808, Judge Belt was still on the bench. Asso- ciates at this term : Leonard Carpenter, Henry Abrams and Jacob Burton. Two indictments were found: one against John Inks and Peter Pence for assault and batter}' on one an- other ; one against John Fisher, for what offense is not stated. During this year, as in the Courts of the four preceeding ones, a great number of civil suits were entered on the docket.
Through the proceedings of the sessions of the Common Pleas for the six years, viz. : 1803 and 1808, inclusive ; are found a great many indictments for retailing spirituous liquors without license. Other offenses against the State, so far as specified, are mostly for assault and battery. In addition to the usual business of the Courts, orphans, guardianships and the like, received due attention.
The foregoing is but a very brief synopsis of the constitution and operation of the early courts of Fairfield county. The reader will comprehend that a fuller account would be incompatible with the bounds this volume must assume.
RELICS.
(From the Ohio Eagle, sixty -one years ago.)
ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD! — Ran away from the subscriber, living near Moorfield, Hardin County, Virginia, on the 29th of April last, a negro man, named Berry. He is about twenty years of age, five feet eight or nine inches in hight, round-shouldered, rather slender made ; he is active and undaunted, but not viciously inclined; reddish lips; stutters when closely examined. Whoever will secure said slave, in any jail in the United States, so that I can get him again, shall receive the above reward, and all reasonable charges paid, if brought home. WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM, Sr.
July 31, 1815.
GINSANG WANTED. — I am now buying ginsang on every Satur- day, at my tan-yard in New Lancaster, and giving seven cents per pound.
The ginsang must be sound, clean washed, and the curls taken out.
DANIEL ARNOTT, for M. HEYLIN.
Mr. Heylin is also buying it at this time, at the above price, on every day of the week, at J. Bush’s store in Toby Town.
August 17, 1815.
BOOT AND SHOE-MAKING.— Jacob Embich (late of Hagers- town), respectfully informs the inhabitants of Lancaster and its vicinity, that he has commenced the Boot and Shoe-making business in all its va- rious branches, in the house lately occupied by Christian Neibling as a tavern.
September 7, 1815.
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
57
Mr. Printer : Please insert the following ticket until the next elec- tion. A VOTER.
Assembly — Richard Hooker; Jacob Claypool.
BY MANY SUBSCRIBERS.
Assembly — Jacob Claypool ; Benjamin Smith ; Peter -Reeber. Commissioners — Michael Garaghty ; John Huber.
, 1815.
MARRIED — On Sunday last, by Thomas Fricker, Esq., Mr. John W. Giesy, of this town, to the amiable Miss Magdalen Hensil, daughter of Mr. Michael Hensil, of Berne township.
December 14, 1815.
THE OHIO EAGLE.
There are some slight discrepancies among old citizens now resident in Lancaster, as to the exact year in which the Ohio Eagle was established. Its present issue fixes its origin in 1809, as will be seen by reference to number of volume at the top of first page. It is possible, however, that its first begin- ning as a German paper was a little earlier. I am told by a citizen, that General Sanderson told him, that it was first issued in 1807. The history then may be given briefly thus :
A little previous to 1810, Jacob D. Detrich began the publi- cation in Lancaster of “ Das Ohio Adler,” and continued it for some time as a purely German paper; subsequently the estab- lishment fell into the hands of Edward Shaeffer, who continued the publication during the war of 1812, in the Eng- lish language. It was at that time a very small sheet, of coarse, dull, white paper. Some of its literature at that time will appear a kittle odd to the present age. Here are a few specimens copied from a number before me, of the date of 1815 :
“A QUANTITY OF upper and sole leather will be exchanged by re- tail for good merchantable wheat , rye and corn , at Carpenter’s Mills, by
ISAAC KUNTZ.
January 25th, 1815.”
“TAKE NOTICE. — I take this method of informing the public that I do not offer for sale any tickets in my lottery of personal property , nor do not know that I shall dispose of any in the State of Ohio, but that I am about to draw a lottery in the State of Pennsylvania, of property in Ohio. WILLIAM DUFFIELD.
Lancaster, May 20th, 1815.”
Beyond current news, advertising and other printed matter belonging to county newspapers, the Eagle has been a strictly
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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
political partisan sheet. In 1832, under the editorial control of T. U. White, it supported the claims of Andrew Jackson for the Presidency, and in 1836, those of Martin Van Buren. It will be remembered, that during the campaign of 1832, the Jackson party assumed the name “ Democratic Party,” and from that time to the present the Eagle has been the county organ of that party. During most of the time it has been ably con- ducted, and has stood high among the Democratic papers of the State.
With some trouble and research I have been able to procure a list of the editors of the Eagle, from 1809 to 1876, which I be- lieve are here put down in the order of their succession. There may be a single exception or two, but the list may be accepted as about correct. I am indebted for the information to Mr. John Wright, who has been identified with the press of Lancaster for more than half a century, and to the courtesy of Thomas Wetzler, the present editor, in referring to his files. Thus: Jacob D. Detrich, Edward Shaeffer, John Hermon, T. U. White, John and Charles Brough, Dr. Casper Thiel, Sam- uel Pike, Robertson, Robinson, F. M. Ellis, John Tuthill, Charles Roland, Baker, Zahm, Thomas Wetzler.
LANCASTER GAZETTE.
The Gazette was established in 1826 by General George San- derson. Like the Eagle, it has been a partisan political weekly. In the Presidential campaign of 1828, the Gazette supported John Quincy Adams. And as the Jackson party took the designation “Democratic party” in 1832, so the Adams and Clay party took the title “Whig party” in the same year, and the Gazette was the Whig county organ until 1854, when that party disbanded to give place to the American, or Know Nothing party. During that year the Gazette advocated the Know Nothing ticket. In 1856 it adopted the Philadelphia, or Republican platform, which party it has been the persist- ent and able defender of to the present. The Gazette has doubtless earned the reputation of a leading county Repub- lican weekly of the State. Its succession of editors compare favorably with any similar weekly publication in Ohio. I have before me some of its earliest issues, from which a few ex- tracts are taken, that will recall to the mind the earlier days of Fairfield County. The following samples will suffice :
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
59
CANAL CELEBRATION.
WASHINGTON VOLUNTEERS, ATTEND.
You are ordered to parade in front of Mr. Reed’s tavern, at Monti- cello, on the Fourth of July, at nine o’clock, for the purpose of saluting the canal boat “Hebron,” which will be the first to run on the Ohio Ca- nal. Bv order of the Captain.
JACOB BOPE, O. S.
AN ORDINANCE, entitled an ordinance for levying a tax for the year 1827. — Be it enacted and ordained by the President, Recorder and Trustees of the town of Lancaster, that a tax of three-eighths of one per centum, or thirty-seven and a half cents on every one hundred dol- lars, be levied on the assessment for the current year, for the use of said town. Done in Council, this 25th day of Mav, 1827.
JACOB D. DETRICK, President.
G. Sieinman, Recorder.
MILLINERY. — Mrs. Elizabeth Deitrich respectfully returns thanks to her friends, and the public generally, for the very liberal encouragement she has heretofore received, and informs them that she continues at her dwelling-house the making of plain dresses and Calash Bonnets. Also, Leghorn and Straw Bonnets bleached in the very best manner, and altered to any fashion desired.
Lancaster, May 22, 1827.
The editors of the Gazette have been: George Sanderson, Wm. J. Reece, D. L. Moler, James Percivill, George Weaver, Thomas Slaughter, George McElroy, Joshua Clarke & Son, Dr. H. Scott, Robert Clarke, A. P. Miller, and S. A. Griswold, present incumbent.
OTHER PAPERS.
There have been a number of other weeklies and campaign papers started in Lancaster at various times, and one daily ; but none of them were of long continuance. We mention the “Independent Press,” of 1812; the “ Enquirer,” by P. Van- trump Telegraph,” King & Gruber; “Fireside,” by A. P. Miller; “American Democrat,” by W. S. Beaty; “Union,” by Miller & Fritter.
PHYSICIANS.
The following are the names of the physicians who have practiced in Lancaster from its organization up to the year 1876. To Dr. Charles Shawk and Dr. Paul Carpenter, old physicians of the place, and both still living, I am indebted mainly for the information. The list may be relied on as en-
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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OIITO.
tirely correct. It has not been possible, for the lack of data, to fix the exact time of settlement of the early practitioners. The list, however, begins with those who are known to have settled first in the place, Dr. John Shawk being the first who came to Lancaster and erected his cabin in the woods. Thus : John M. Shawk, Dr. Envin, Dr. Carr, Dr. Wilcox, Dr. Flor- ence, Dr. Robert McNeal, Dr. James White, M. Z. Kreider, Dr. Clark, Dr. H. H. Wait, Dr. Deepe, Dr. .Wolfley, John M. Bigelow, Dr. Paul Carpenter, Dr. Wilson, Dr. Saxe, Dr. Gou- cher, Dr. Brecker, M. Effinger, Dr. Lynch, A. Davidson, G. W. Boerstler, T. O. Edwards, P. M. Wagenhals, J. M. Lewis, Geo. K. Miller, Geo. Boerstler, Dr. Turner, Dr. Jackson, Dr Frampton, 0. E. Davis, Dr. Dawson, Dr. Kinsman, Dr. Goss, Dr. Flowers, Dr. Harmon, Dr. Myers, Chas. Shawk and Dr. Shrader.
Of these, the following are still resident practitioners in Lancaster, viz. : Paul Carpenter, Dr. Lynch, Charles Shawk, M. Effinger, Geo. Boerstler, J. M. Lewis, Dr. Turner, Dr. Jack- son, Dr. Goss, Dr. Flowers, and Dr. Harmon.
Of those who have removed to other parts, and are known to be still living, are: J. M. Bigelowr, 0. E. Davis, P. M, Wag- enhals, Dr. Shrader and Dr. Kinsman. Dr. Andrew Davidson purchased the drug establishment of George Kauffman, on Main street, where he still continues.
Those who are known to have deceased previous to 1876, are: John M. Shawk, James White, Robert McNeal, M. Z. Kreider, Dr. Clark, H. H. Wait, D. Deppe, Dr. Wolfley, Dr. Saxe, Dr. Goucher, Dr. Brecker, Geo. W. Boerstler, Dr. Dawson, George Miller, Dr. Ervin, Dr. Carr, Dr. Wilcox, Dr. Florence, Dr. Myers and T. 0 Edwards.
I have not at my command the facilities for learning the names of all the physicians who have practiced in the villages and other parts of the county since its organization, but men- tion the following from memory : Baltimore : Dr. Gohegen, Dr.
Helmic, Dr. Horr and Dr. Sprague. Lithopilis: Dr. Minor and Dr. Eels. Jefferson : Dr. Tolbert. Royal ton : Dr Paul, Dr. Daw- son and Dr. Reed. Amanda: Dr. Daugherty, Dr. Peters, and the brothers Ilewitson. Oakland: Dr. Shaeffer. Clear Creek: Dr. Porter. Sugar Grove: Dr. Brown, Dr. Foster, Dr. Sharp and Dr. Brooks. Bremen: Dr. Evans, Dr. Holcom, and Dr. Frampton. Rushville : Dr. lde and Dr. Turner. West Rush.
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.,
61
ville: Dr. Dolison and Dr. Lewis. New Salem : Dr. Brock and Dr. Yontz. Pleasantville : Dr. Goss. Millersport: Dr. Brison & Son. Basil: Dr. Maines. Carroll: Dr. Aldred. Dumont- ville : Dr. Mills and Dr. Bright.
I am aware that this list is not quite complete, hut it is as nearly so as my possibilities will permit.
INSCRIPTIONS IN KOONTZ’s GRAVEYARD, ONE MILE SOUTH OF LANCASTER.
“ Emanuel Carpenter, died in 1832.” [Mr. Carpenter came into the county in 1802, and built his first cabin where Salem Wolf recently re- sided, near Lancaster].
“Isaac Kuntz, died in February, 18G1, aged 75 years.”
“ John Carpenter [father of Mrs. John Van Pearce], died in 1807, aged 64 years.”
“ David Carpenter, died in 18-17, aged 79 years.”
“ Mrs. Susana Carpenter, wife of David Carpenter, died in 1840, aged 66 years.”
“ Robert F. Slaughter, died in October, 1846, aged 77 years.”
“ Sarah Slaughter, wife of Judge Robert Slaughter, died in March, 1858, aged 63 years.”
A GHOST STORY.
The mental and intellectual status, as well as the social constitution of society, was about the same throughout the whole of the north-western territories, at, or during the log- cabin era. The emigrants at first brought with them from the old States their religion, their social hahits, their manners and customs ; but residence for a few years in the wilderness, far away from the more densely populated and better con- ditioned ultra montane lands of their birth, created by a kind of necessity, a state of society peculiarly western, which, pass- ing into history, constitutes an era. The times are referred to as pioneer life, frontier life, backwoods life, the log-cabin era, and the like. The prejudices and superstitions were about the same everywhere; they belonged to the age; they were not peculiar to backwoods life ; old and aristocratic, and what it is common to call refined and more enlightened countries, have had their ghosts and witches ; Fairfield County has had its ghosts, and apparitions, and witches. The story I am about to tell did not belong to this county, but to a western county of Ohio, and it reflects the times of its occurrence.
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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
It is more than half a century since — three-fourths of all the people concerned are dead ; three-fourths of all the people of our settlement believed in apparitions, witches and supernat- ural omens. Salem Witchcraft, so-called, had infused itself over the entire country, and there were few neighborhoods that had not had, at one time or another, their ghosts, and witches, and occasional visitants from the land of “Deepest Shade.” Sounds and appearances now Well understood, and that disturb nobody, were then supernatural. Several volumes would scarcely suffice to narrate all the signs and wonders and inci- dents that, during that more diffused dominion of superstition, held the people in awe. The celestial realms, as well as the land of demons were represented on earth occasionally. But as the fogs and miasmas of the wilderness have lifted, so has the mind been cleared of much of its superstition by the brighten- ing rays of science. But neither have the fogs nor the mental sombre quite all gone, though the luminaries seem well up from the horizon. But no matter for all that, our neighbor- hood had its ghost, which the writer never saw but once, and we shall presently see how.
A majority of all the people within a radius of five or six miles around had seen the apparition at some time ; it usually assumed the size and form of a human being, and always clothed in pure white. It was seen by persons returning from night meetings and other gatherings, and sometimes by solitary persons who chanced to be abroad after night. There were two small graveyards in the settlement, and two or three waste cabins by the road sides that had been once occupied, and afterwards vacated. These were the points where his ghostship usually chose for his materialization as mortals passed by in the dark. The neighborhood had been in the utmost terror at times during more than two years, and it came at last to be, that only a few could be found brave enough to undertake to pass either of the graveyards or waste cabins alone in the dark. Even those who assumed to ridicule the stories that were told about the ghost, would always prefer to have company when their business required them to pass those places in the night time.
Two theories were canvassed, the first of which was, that a peddler had previously disappeared from the settlement, and under the dark apprehension that he had met with foul play,
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
68
it was believed that his troubled spirit was hovering about The other theory was, that a company of North Carolina explor- ers who had penetrated the county before the settlement began, had foully murdered one of their number, and buried his body in the forest not far, as was believed, from there, and that his perturbed spirit could not go to rest unavenged.
My father’s farm was separated from that of neighbor H. by a partition fence, ours being situated on the north side. The distance between the two houses was about one-third of a mile. On their side was a stubble-field and peach-orchard ; on ours was a cornfield. At the crossing of the partition fence was one of the little graveyards before referred to. It was grown up with scrubby bushes, which partially concealed a few mossy palings and log-pens that were placed over some of the graves. Altogether, the graveyard was a neglected spot.
There was a corn-husking and quilting at the house of our neighbor. It was the latter part of October, and the weather was mild, and of that kind commonly spoken of as Indian Summer. At about two o’clock in the night the work had all been finished, and the supper over, and the folks were begin- ing to depart for home. Two brothers, two sisters and my- self, with half a dozen other young folks were going to cross the field, which would take us directly past the graveyard. We were strongly fortified, and believed we should not be much afraid of ghosts; still, all of us, I think, would have pre- ferred daylight for the walk. We had got as far as the door of the new house, where part of the young people were going to finish the night with a dance, and were halting a little to listen to the fiddle, when, by accident, I chanced to turn my face in the direction of the old house, some three or four rods distant, when I caught a glimpse of three chaps as they came out of the kitchen door, and whipped around the corner to the right. But their movement was not so quick as to prevent me from seeing a roll of something white under one of their arms by the aid of the burning candles in their rear. It oc- cured to me at once that the scamps, knowing that we were starting, were intending to anticipate us at the graveyard and give us a fright. I plucked the boys to one side and whispered my discovery and my suspicions. We called the girls, and hurried across the peach-orchard to where the stub- bles set in. Here we left them under cover of a peach tree,
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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
while six boys of us hastened across to the fence. The would- be-ghosts we knew would have about three times our distance to go, and we knew we were ahead of them time enough to complete our plans.
One of our number stood six feet in his stockings. He was, moreover, not much afraid of spirits, either in or out of the body, and he at once volunteered to take the role of ghost. He wore at the time white pants, and when divested of coat and vest, was white all over. He then went in among the bushes and laid flat down by the side of one of the little log-pens, where he was Entirely hid from view, while the balance of us prostrated ourselves snugly in the fence corners to await what might follow. It was not more than a couple of minutes be- fore the rustling leaves and cracking sticks hearalded the ap- proach of the ghosts. They were coming from the east, and on our side of the fence. They advanced exactly opposite to where the figure lay, and having halted, began to unroll the sheet. I could easily have put out my hand and grabbed one of them by the calf, but I waited. Presently an awful groan issued from the bushes. The scamps were instantly transfixed and petri- fied. Another groan, and with it a white form began to rise up apparently from the little log-pen; slowly it ascended, un- til it had probably attained the altitude of twenty feet or more, in the enlarged imaginations of the boys who were standing in breathless awe.
Then a voice, solemn and sepulchral, was heard. It said : “ Why , vain mortals , do you come at this silent hour to disturb the peaceful sleepers of the grave ? Retire and pray, for where we are , you too soon will be;” and then the apparition sank back ap- parently into the ground.
The fence was eight rails high, and without stakes or riders. I believed my time had come, and so I reached out from my dark corner and laid hold of a leg, and in the twinkling of an eye the fence rails began to tumble about us with such fearful profusion as to require the greatest activity on our parts to es- cape with sound skulls and bones, while three pair of long legs were seen making the quickest time on record across the stub- ble-field, to where the forms disappeared under the peach trees.
It is about fifty-three years ago, but from that day to the present, so far as I have ever heard, no ghost has been reported in that settlement.
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There was but one wonder in the matter, and that was, how jhese boys had so long escaped detection.
MISCELLANEOUS.
While we are chronicling what the world denominates the dead past and the living present, it will be well if we take plenty of time to think the time all over and see if we can consent that all the claimed advancement of the age is in fact, in every respect, advancement to a higher and better con- dition of mankind. The world is surely growing wiser (the world of man), but is it growing better? We ought to try to satisfy ourselves whether, in getting wisdom, we are getting good hearts. I am impelled to introduce this suggestion be- cause I fear that morals and religion and secular governments are not as good as they were when the world was not as wise as it is to-day. The art of war, and the art of getting rich are controlling forces now. Are these forces civilizing ? I know it is a common belief that civilization and religious faith are growing rapidly in this second half of the nineteenth century. I do not contradict the claim, but let us pause and consider whether we are not leaving behind the essential maxims, and let me say good manners, good sense, and the golden rule. Where is the golden rule in war and the race for riches, and other popular movements of the age. These are all subjects for grave thought and more earnest and candid consideration than men, in their hurry, are in the habit of thinking. We ought never to lose sight of the fact that there is such a thing as educating the intellect far in advance of the heart and the moral and religious sentiments. And I think none who are careful observers can say, that such is not the present course of training the rising generations.
We demand of our orators and writers now elegance of ex- pression and diction, and hence more attention is given to brilliancy and finely-uttered sentences than to truth and humanizing thought and practice, and the really useful les- sons of life. If more pains were taken in the matter of speech than the manner, higher wisdom would be displayed. Teach- ers should labor more to instruct than to please or amuse. Am- biguity, it seems to me, has usurped the place of simplicity and unostentatious words that convey understanding and use- 5
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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
ful thoughts. The world will condemn a man more for a blunder in grammar, or orthography, or elegance of express- ion than it will for gross immorality, often, or for the violation of the rule of good manners. To be scholarly is to be correct in grammar, and to be able to quote fine sentiments from popular authors. But he is not fit to be an educator who cares more to please his auditors by brilliancy that he may gain popular applause. And I shall insist that, with all our learning, we can profit much every way by reverting often to the old maxims and usages that we have run away from.
There are some beautiful maxims in the old school books of sixty years ago that the world has discarded, mainly. At least they are no more printed. But they are not forgotten by the old people, who, in their school days, were familiar with Webster’s Spelling Book, “the easy standard of pronun- ciation.” They will be easily recalled, and will bring the mind back to the little log school-house with its slab benches and oiled paper windows, and to pleasant scenes and joys de- parted, never again to return. The book has long been out of print ; scarcely a copy of it can be found in existence ; but its precepts live in the memories and hearts of those who were in school sixty years ago, and are still living. I quote from memory the following, which were the first reading lessons, my older readers, you and I learned. How delightful to pass over the lines which bring back fond recollections, and group around us delights we once felt, but which we shall feel no more. The mind at once takes in the twenty or thirty boys and girls and theteacher, everj^ one of whom we knew so well, and we instinctively ask : where are they all now ? Here is the very first reading lesson :
No man may put off the law of God ;
My joy is in His law all the day.
O, may I not go in the way of sin I
Let me not go in the way of ill men.
Do as well as you can, and do no harm.
Mark the man that doth well and do so too.
Help such as want help, and be kind.
Let your sins past put you in mind to mend.
Sin will lead us to pain and woe.
Love that which is good and shun vice.
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
67
Hate no man, but love both friends and foes.
A bad man can take no rest day nor night.
Slight no man, for you know not how soon you may stand in need of his help.
Tell no tales ; call no ill names.
You must not lie, nor swear, nor cheat, nor steal.
Here is a beautiful poem which will be remembered as standing just before “the pictures” of this old spelling book. The unoral it teaches was not taught us by our teachers, and I can remember that we saw nothing in the lesson but the girl, the lamb and the cold blast.
THE LAMB.
A young, feeble lamb as Emily passed,
In pity she turned to behold,
How it shivered and shrank from the merciless blast,
Th?n fell all benumbed with the cold.
She raised it, and touched with the innocent’s fate,
Its soft form to her bosom she pressed ;
But the tender relief was afforded too late —
It bleated, and died on her breast.
The moralist then, as the corse she resigned,
And weeping, spring flowers. o’er it laid,
Thus mused, “so it fares with the delicate mind.
To the tempest of fortune betrayed.”
Too tender, like thee, the rude shock to sustain,
And denied the relief that would save,
She’s lost, and when pity and kindness are vain.
Thus we dress the poor sufferer’s grave.
The goldfinch that was “starved in his cage” will likewise be remembered :
Time was when I was free as air, The thistle’s downy seed my fare, My drink the morning dew ;
I perched at will on every spray, My form genteel, my plumage gay, My strains forever new.
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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
But gaudy plumage, sprightly strain,
And form genteel, were all in vain,
And of a transient date ;
For caught and caged, and starved to death,
In dying sighs, my little breath Soon passed the wiry grate.
Thanks, little Miss, for all my woes,
And thanks for this effectual close,
And cure of every ill ;
More cruelly could none express,
And I, if you had shown me less,
Had been your prisoner still.
Those who have been once familiar with the quotations, will be all the better men and women by the reproduction and review, because they place the thoughts back before the beginning of the turmoil of life, to where innocence, truth and purity reigned. One more quotation, and we leave the old spelling book. I feel sure my reproductions are literal, though I quote from memory across a chasm of more than fifty years.
“of the boy that stole apples.”
“ An old man found a rude boy upon one of his trees steal- ing apples, and desired him to come down, but the young sauce-box told him plainly he would not. Won’t you? said the old man, then I will try to fetch you down, so he pulled up some tufts of grass and threw at him, but this only made the youngster laugh to think that the old man should pretend to beat him down from the tree with grass only. Well, well, said the old man, if neither words nor grass will do, I will try what virtue there is in stones, so the old man pelted him heartily with stones, which soon made the young chap hasten down from the tree and beg the old man’s pardon.”
grape culture.
I am indebted to Mr. J. F. Bovring, of Lancaster, for the following approximative synopsis of the grape culture of Fair- field County. It is in place here to say, that a large propor- tion of the surface of the county is adapted to the grape, but most especially the south part.
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
69
Mr. Bovring estimates, from facilities at his control, the number of acres now planted in vineyards within the county, more or less productive, at three hundred ; others place the number higher. He thinks grape growing, as a business, began in the county about the year 1864. Average product to the acre, in a fair season, 2,000 pounds, equal to 200 gallons of wine. The leading varieties grown in the county are, Catawba, Isabel, Concord, and Ives’ Seedling.
STATISTICS OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY.
Below is a tabulated statement of the valuation of real and personal property within the county, as returned for taxation for four consecutive years. This, however, does not represent the true valuation, as property is never, or seldom, placed on the tax duplicate at its selling value.
Valuation. Taxes.
1873 $17,840,970 00 $260,499 59
1874 18,167,540 00 245,432 25
1875 18,442,370 00 223,016 13
1876 18,422,840 00 215,741 99
SPECIAL TAX FOR PAVING AND CURBING.
1874 $1,173 02
1875 2,333 60
1876 5,693 17
SECRET SOCIETIES.
MASONIC.
The following letter from W. J. Reece, Past Worthy Grand Master, is the history of Free Masonry in Lancaster, from its inception :
Dr. H. Scott — Dear Sir : The Masonic Fraternity obtained a formal and recognized status in Lancaster at an early period.
On December 15th, 1820, Lancaster Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was constituted under charter from the most worshipful Grand Lodge of Ohio, with James Wilson for its Worthy Master, Charles R. Sherman First Seignior Warden, and Jacob D. Detrick First Junior Warden.
Lancaster Chapter of Royal Arch Masons was organized under authority from the M. E. Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Ohio, on the 12th day of January, 1826, Charles R. Sherman being first High Priest.
Lancaster Counsel of Royal Select Masons was instituted on the 11th day of January, 1828. by John Barker, Esq., as Sovereign Grand Inspec- tor of the Supreme Council of the 33d Degree, Charles R. Sherman its T. I. Grand Master. *
Lancaster Encampment, or Commandary of Knight Templars and the appendant orders, was organized December 16th, 1837, under warrant from the General Grand Encampment of the United States. William
70
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
J. Reece was its First Grand Master, George Sanderson First General- isimo, and Joseph Greet First Captain General
Within these respectable and associated bodies, some of the most prominent and influential and best citizens of Lancaster and Fairfield County, found elevated and congenial fellowship.
The fundamental life-sustaining principles of Masonry have been sometimes misapprehended, and therefore misunderstood. Its mission «upon earth has been superbly consequential through all the rough, rude, barbaric, the ignorant, clashing and conflicting ages of the past. It has preserved inviolate and intact the knowledge of one Supreme Creator and universal God ; and it has grandly helped to nurse into activity the beneficent idea of human brotherhood. It will culminate and end whenever the prohphetical lion everywhere lies down with the typical lamb, actuated with the spotless innocence of the lamb.
Lancaster, Ohio. WM. J. REECE.
VILLAGE LODGES WITHIN THE COUNTY AND BEYOND LANCASTER*
Salem Lodge of F. & A. M., No. 87, at New Salem, was insti- tuted in 1842. The charter-members were: M. D. Brock, S. Baker, W C. Galleher, Caleb Coplen, J. Linville, J. Baker, J. H. Baker (7). Number of members in March, 1877, 84.
Baltimore Lodge of F. & A. M, at Baltimore, was instituted October 22d, 1873. Charter-members: Harrison Applegate, William Myres, W. W. Luckey, J. H. Schaertzer, D. H. Sands, J. R. Brandt, William Cook, John Sauns, Samuel Fenster- maker, E. K. Grube, G. W. Watson, Thomas Smurr, J. W. Buchanan, Daniel Albright, Lewis Shearer. Number of mem- bers in March, 1877, 42.
Napthalia Lodge of F. & A. M., at Carroll, No. 262. Date of charter, October 15th, 1855. Names of charter-members : Jos. Grubb, A. T. Aldred, James Holmes, Andrew Saylor, E. H. Davis, Thos. W. A. Wilson, William Jacobs and John P. Gute- lins. Number of members in March, 1877, 40.
[There has occasionally occurred a name in the lists sent me, that it has been impossible for me to be absolutely certain of the correct orthography. The last one in the Carroll list wras one of that kind. — Ed.]
Rushville Lodge, No. 211, F. & A. M., at Rushville, was insti- tuted in 1852. Charter-members: Wm. Coulson, David Wil- son, D. M Rea, Wm. Harper, John P. Hodge, N. B. Coulson, N. B. Teel, Daniel Baker, W. Vansant. Number of members in March, 1877, 40.
Lithopolis Lodge, No. 169, F. & A. M., was instituted January 21st, 1848. Charter-members: Joshua Glanville, William Teegardin, Daniel Teegardin, Peter Teegardin, John B. Moore,
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
71
Zebulon Perril, Jacob Teegardin, Daniel Miller, Joseph Miller, John Smith, W. W. Hite, William Riley, Jacob Shrock and William Jacobs. Number of members in March, 1877, 75.
The regular meetings of this Lodge are held on Friday even- ing preceding each full moon, but if the moon fulls on Fri- day evening, then the meeting takes place on that evening.
Amanda Lodge of F. & A. M., No. 509, was instituted October 28th, 1876. Names of charter-members: H. G. Trout, Edward Griner, Levi Lawrence, J. D. Landis, JB. F. Rambo, Jacob Bal- thaser, D. M. Miesee, J. A. Julien, D. J. V. Wolf. Number of members in March, 1877, 20.
ODD FELLOWSHIP.
CHARITY LODGE, NO. 7.
Charity Lodge, No. 7, of Odd Fellows, was organied in Lan- caster, Feb. 8th, 1838. Its charter-members were : Jacob W. Holt, B. R. Banes, R. Timber, Jacob Grubb, George H. Ar- nold, R. P. Hazlett. Number of members at the beginning of the year 1877, two hundred and twenty.
ALPINE LODGE.
Alpine Lodge of Odd Fellows, No. 566, was “ instituted in Lancaster, June 2d, 1874, by Jos. Dowdall, P.G. Representative and Special Deputy.” Following are the names of the charter-members :
R. G. Shugert, P. G. ; B. F. Reindmond, P. G. ; A. Breneman, P. G. ; H. J. Reinmond, P. G. ; J. C. Hite, P. G. ; Thomas H. Hall, Geo. M. Bell, Geo. W. Boerstler, Thomas H. Dolson, Leonard Kissner, Thomas Reap, Lewis Bo}^er, Abe. Myres, Charles Elliott, C. F. Ochs, Leo. Billhorn, John A. Heim, Allen Titler, Jacob Heinbarger, Simpson Sturgeon, J. E. Hall, Geo. A. Bryant, John McKown, Henry Borneman, E. W. Daniels, P. G. ; J. W. Faringer, P. G. ; Wilber Downs, P. G. ; H. C Out- calt, P. G. ; H. F. Smith, P. G. ; W. W. Davis, M. S. Harps, Wm. Kooken, J. M. Sutphen, Wm. Strayer, Wm. Ditto, D. W. Boyer, B. H. Saunders, R. J. Harris, Wm. Dennis, John Bill- horn, W. H. Walker, Christian Gaiser, O. S. Stoneburner, Jas. H. Smith, A. M. Beery, J. K. Davis, A. W. Swartz, Wm. F. Getz, James Wilson. Present number of members, 108.
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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
ENCAMPMENT.
The Hocking Encampment of Odd Fellows, No. 28, was in- stituted Dec. 4th, 1847. Charter-members : Jacob W. Holt, Thomas Hyde, Joseph C. Kinkhead, Wm. Baker, Josiah Wil- son, B. F. Brannon, James W. Pratt. Present number of mem- bers, 220.
LODGES OUT OF LANCASTER.
Crescent Lodge, No. 561, at Bremen, was instituted Oct. 2d, 1873. The charter-members were : C. B. Holcomb, H. Shull, N. Westenberger, S. F. Abell, W. H. Hartsough, Wm. Wehr, S. H. Alexander, J. M. Work, S. A. McCullough, J. S. John- son, W. S. John: on. Membership in Feb., 1877, fortj^-four (44).
Sugar Grove Lodge, at Sugar Grove, No. 654, I. 0. 0. F., was instituted Aug. 4th, 1876. The charter-members were : J. V. Sharp, G. F. Hummel, W. H. Elder, W. F. Noggle, L. C. Mathena, R. F. Brown, Joseph Sharp, James H. Foster, Jacob Walter, G. W. Pannabaker, Abraham Ream. Membership in Feb., 1877, eighteen (18).
Central Valley Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., No. 548, at Amanda, was instituted July 10th, 1873. The charter-members were : W. H. Dickson, B. Balthaser, T. J. Barr, C. H. Sunderman, T. L. Hewetson, Wm. Acton, W. B. Sunderman, P. Hewetson, H. D. Aldenderfer, George Aldenderfer, David Crites, Joseph Bechtel, Andrew Laps, Samuel Griffith, Sr. Whole number of members in Feb., 1877, forty-five (45).
Weaver Lodge, I. 0. O. F., No. 486, at Greencastle, was Or- ganized July 20th, 1871. The charter-members were: M. B. Custer, A. S. Beaty, Wm.Kiger, Samuel Crist, Samuel Wiser, Elijah Alspach, Y. Courtright, Paul Alspach, H. R. Roller, R. H. Mason, S. P. Crist, J. T. Williamson. Membership in Feb., 1877, fifty-nine (59).
Baltimore Lodge, I. 0. 0. F., No. 202, at Baltimore, was in- stituted June 11th, 1852. The charter-members were : Cas-
per Fiddler, A. L. Simmons, H. L. Nicely, Wm. Potter, J. Bartholomew, Wm. J. Smart, J. Schlosser, James Pugh, Job McNamee, Thomas M. Watson, Jacob Ketner, John H. Weekty, Frederick Graff, Wm. Paul, Elijah Warner. Whole number of members in Feb., 1877, eighty-three (83).
Liberty Encampment of Baltimore, No. 169, was organized July 14th, 1873. The names of the charter-members were:
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
73
Jonas Messerly, J. J. Hansberger, A. L. Gearhart, Daniel Langle, V. H. Ginder, J. W. Whitely, Samuel Rader, Daniel Clinger, W. P. Littlejohn, J. Norris, F. G. Littlejohn, W. H. Oliver, John Javoi, T. I. Arnold, Peter Roshon, J. W. Chap- man, R. S. Broch, S. S. Weist, Frederick Born, Wm. Cook. Membership in Feb., 1877, thirty-five (35).
Fairfield Lodge, I. 0. O. F., No. 163, at Pleasantville, was instituted Oct. 7th, 1850. The charter-members were : Thos. O. Wilson, Wm. Buchanan, Wm. Cupp, Jacob Bope, Thos. Andrews, Benjamin Walters, John F. Irick, Solomon Weaver, Job McNamee, Adam Shaw. Thomas A. Bratton, Martin Ka- gay, N. C. Miller, Samuel Cupp, James Brown, Thos. Kidwell. Number of members in Feb. 1877, seventy-one (71).
Philo Lodge, 1. 0. 0. F., No. 392, at West Rushville, was in- stituted July 12, 1867. Following are the names of the charter-members: W. B. Strickley, Joseph McFee, H. L. Whitehead, J. M. Strickler, Chas. McClung, James Henderson, Michael Keelm, C. C. B. Duncan, Jacob Lamb. Membership in Feb., 1877, fifty, (50).
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
Mount Pleasant Lodge, No. 48, of the order of Knights of Pythias, was instituted in Lancaster on the 20th day of Feb- ruary, 1873. The charter-members, twenty-seven in number, were : H. B. Gray, J. H. Heed, Leo Bilhorn, R. R. Pierce, John A. Hern, J. A. Richards, C. A. Scoville, William Ditto, J. D. Heilbron, R. M. Wiley, J. A. Bartholomew, N. C. Rudolph, H. Getz, C. H. Towson, W. W. O’Bough, 0. S. Stoneburner, N. N. Gates, T. C. Ochs, J. Bilhorn, H. Boneman, F. Etzel, J. D. Widner, W. F. Getz, M. H. Harps, S. H. Beck, A. Deitz, C. Bartholomew. Number of members in March, 1877, 110.
KNIGHTS OF/ HONOR.
Columbia Lodge, No. 27, of the order of the Knights of Honor, was instituted in Lancaster September 9th, 1874. The charter-members were fourteen, as follows: Jno. W. Faringer, John C. Tuthill, John C. Hite, J. M. Sutphen, A. M. Beery, Wm. B. McCracken, Wallace W. Hite, Wm. Bush, Dr. George
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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
Boerstler, J. D. Allen, Robert Durane, Henry B. Peters, Solo- mon Weaver, M. A. Philips. Number of members in March, 1877, 54.
PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.
CAPT. KELLER’S LETTER.
Dr. H. Scott — Dear Sir: I herewith hand you the information you requested. The “ Grange *’ was first organized in Washington City, in July, 1867, with Wm. Saunders, Master, and O. H. Kelly, Secretary. The first Grange organized in Ohio was in February, 1871, which wras the only one organized in that year.
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315 |
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779 |
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Total number in Ohio 1292 Granges.
Total membership in Ohio to the close of 1876 55,000.
OHIO OFFICERS.
S. H. Ellis, Master, Springboro, Ohio; W. S. Miller, Secretary, Cas- talia, Ohio.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
J. H. Brigham. Chairman, Wauseon, Ohio ; J. P. Schenek, Frank" lin, Ohio; C. C. Cummings, Painesville, Ohio; A. R. Keller, Lancaster, Ohio; N. H. Albaugh, Tadmer, Ohio; H. McDowell, Canton, Ohio; H. S. Ellis and W. W. Miller, Ex-officio. General Business Agent, Box 50, Cincinnati.
GRANGES IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY.
The first Grange organized in Fairfield County was Rush Creek Grange, No. 67, located at Bremen, in July, 1873; and the following were instituted in the order named :
Bloom Grange, No. 395; Pleasant Grange, No. 675; Violet Grange, No. 683 ; Greenfield Grange, No. 725 ; Hocking Grange, No. 706 ; Union Grange, No. 762; Cedar Hill Grange, No. 763; Amanda Grange, No. 815; Stoutsville Grange, No 917; Harvey Grange, No. 930; Walnut Grange, No. 931 ; Berne Grange, No. 959 ; New Salem Grange, No. 971 ; Richland Grange, No. 838; Clear Creek Grange, No. 10ll ; Summit Grange, No. 1038 ; Fairfield Grange, No. 1148 ; Liberty Grange, No. 929. Total Granges in Fairfield County, 19.
The last organized was Fairfield Grange, April, 1874. A majority of the above wrere organized by William F unk, of Rush Creek, who wTas Deputy during 1874, during which year most of the Granges were or- ganized.
Nos. 706 and 725 (Greenfield and Hocking), have consolidated, as have also 838 and 1,148 (Richland and Fairfield). Halls have either been built or purchased by Pleasant. 675 ; Greenfield, 725 ; Cedar Hill, 763 ; New Salem, 971 ; and Fairfield, 1148.
Greenfield Grange has the greatest number of members, aggregating 135. The total membership of the county is about 1,200. The excite-
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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
ment of organization carried many into the order who were influenced by purely selfish motives, and who expected to grow suddenly rich with- out effort, and some of this class have expressed dissatisfaction and dropped from the rolls of their respective Granges. But the order is in a much better condition now than ever before, a majority of the most enterprising- farmers of each community having become identified with it. Respectfully, A. R. KELLER.
ST. Joseph’s benevolent association, catholic brotherhood.
This association was organized in Lancaster, on the 2d day of July, 1861. The following quotations will show the objects and aims of the society :
“ This society shall be known as the St. Joseph’s Benevo- lent Association of Lancaster.”
“ Any member of St. Mary’s congregation who has attained to the age of eighteen years, and has not passed his fifty-fifth year, may become a member of this association.”
“ No active member of the old St. Mary’s Society shall be excluded from the privilege of becoming a member of St. Joseph’s Benevolent Association on account of his age.”
“No person who is not of good Catholic life and standing can become a member of this association. This last condition, viz. : honorable Christian character, shall always remain essen- tial to membership.”
“ The hour of commencing the stated meetings shall be about 4 o’clock p. m., or immediately after vespers on the first Sunday of each month.”
The initiation fees for membership of this society are graduated as follows : From the age of eighteen to twenty-
five years, $2.00; from twenty- five to forty years, $3.00; from forty to fifty-five years, $5.00. Monthly dues of twenty-five cents are paid by each member at the stated meetings. Sick members of six months standing, receive two dollars a week ; and those who have been members one year and upwards, receive three dollars a week; provided in all cases, that the sick- ness has not been induced by voluntary self-abuse. The society tenders twenty-five dollars for funeral expenses upon the death of members ; but this is contingent upon one hun- dred and fifty dollars being in the treasury at the time of such death.
Officers of the Association ■ — L. C. Butler, President ; George E. Blaire, Vice-President; Gerhardt Miller, Treasurer; John
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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
Weigle, Recording Secretary; Charles F. Fuchs, Corresponding Secretary; Leo. Notes, Messenger; Thomas 0. Connor, Banner Bearer ; Joseph Kurtzman, John Bletzacker and Charles Bau- meister, Committee for the Sick.
Trustees — Maurice Barrett, Hugh Cannon, Joseph Kurtz- man, Rudolph Seiple and John Weigle.
CONSTITUENT MEMBERS.
D. C. Butch, Hugh Cannon, M. A. Daugherty, James Me- Svveney, George E. Blaire, Rudolph Seiple, Joseph Kurtzman, Wolfgang Bininger, Leo. Noles, Barth. W. Vagnier, Sr.^John Bletzaker, Charles Baumeister, Lewis Kern, Gerhardt Miller, Jos. Steck, Thos. Malone, John Weigle, Michael Reigamer, Garret Rhyan, Jacob Messenberger, Henry O'Neal, Gotlieb Ebart, Michael O’Garra, Joseph Pfadt, Bernard Vagnier, Benjamin Streigle, Martin Kethinger, John Kuntz, Michael King, John Hines, Thomas O’Conner, Patrick Maher, Peter Miller, Henry Grady, F. A. Steck, John Welker, Maurice Barrett, Barth. W. Vagnien, Sr., Thomas O’Regan Tarpy, Michael Steck, John Ritter, John Welch, Patrick J. Franey, Charles F. Fuchs, Joseph, Bletzaker, Philip Casseley, James Butler, John Bausy, Frank Oger, George W. Smith, Joseph Jounk, Frank Winter, Jacob, Steck, Tall Slough, George H. Brown, Joseph C. Miller, Victor Vagnier, Thomas J. Hanson, Augustus Winchkier, Mathias Thimmis, Alexander Buechler, Adam Bausy, Jacob Loni, Charles Raforth, Gregory Bender, Jerry Shea, Joseph Spezer, Charles Warum, Jr., Jos. Vagnier, Jacob Fuchs, Jacob Host, Thomas Uhl, John Martz, John Caw- ley, Pins J. Clarke, Edward Binninger, P. W. Binninger, George Binder, John Morris, Thomas Cullen, John Sullivan, Henry Abener, Albinus Trinkle, Mathias Danner, Michael Danner, Henr}^ P. Bausy, Frank Reinman, Lewis A. Blaire, John Sears, Martin Konkle, Dennis Piper, Tobias Banner, William Smeltzer, Joseph Hock, Geo. Messenberger, Anthony Graff, James Tanner, Samuel Sommers, John Kennedy, Patrick Gordon, George Pfadt, Peter Voht, Joseph Sharting, Joseph Flemm, Daniel Sweeney, Charles Warum, Sr., Charles Joss, Henry A. Smith, Robert Shannon, Charles Thomas McGrew, Fredrick Shanting, John Cahill, Henry Landerfelt, John Bau- meister, Rob’t. Rody, Rob’t. Devine, Lewis Brooker, Chas. Bau- meister, Jr., Jos. Miller, Michael Oger, Henry Ricker — 121.
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
77
KNIGHTS OF ST. GEORGE, CATHOLIC.
The order of the Knights of St. George was instituted in Lancaster on the 2d day of November, 1875. The objects of this association are : Beneficial, charitable, benevolent and the cultivation of good Christian character. Eligibility for membership in this order consists, firstly : The applicant must be between the ages of eighteen and forty years ; and secondly : He must be of “good Catholic life and standing.” The initia- tion fee is three dollars, and the monthly dues fifty cents. Worthy sick members receive five dollars a week upon the certificate of a physician. The maintenance of “Honorable Christian character shall always remain essential to member- ship.” A funeral benefit of $25.00 is allowed in the case of the death of a member; but all the benefits to which members are entitled, may, at their option or that of their friends in the event of death, be donated back to the association. But bene- fits are only allowed to members in good standing. In the case of sickness, brought on by drunkenness, no benefits are allowed.
Names of Knights — The constituent members were thirty- two, as follows :
Frank Oger, Gustave A. Hamberger, Anthony Evarst, Jos- eph Hamberger, Amos Shreller, John D. Binninger, Daniel McShane, John Bonner, Michael Oger, John Baumeister, Paul Evarst, Charles Ruforth, John Bletzaker, John McShane, An. drew Keiser, John Kooney, Cornelius Cormedy, Jerry Ang- lim, Maximillian Guiana, Hugh Owens, F. A. Buechler, Ber- nard Bartles, Bernard Cranmer, Edward Binninger, Michael Steck, Jr., Frank Steck, Anthony Ritter, William Donnelly John Hamberger, George Brown, Edward Seiple.
Names of Civil Officers — Honorary President, Rev. Father Schmidt ; President, Frank Oger; Vice-President, Anthony Evarts; Corresponding Secretary, Charles Baumeister; Re- cording Secretary,, J. H. Hamberger ; Treasurer, John D. Bin- ninger; Messenger, Jerry Anglim.
Names of Military Officers— Captain, Joseph Hamberger; 1st
Lieutenant, ; 2d Lieutenant, Michael Oger; Orderly
Sargent, John Baumeister.
The Society holds monthly meetings on the first Sunday of each month, at half-past one o’clock.
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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
FIRST COURT OF QUARTER SESSIONS.
The first Court of quarter sessions for Fairfield County, and previous to the establishment of the Court of Common Pleas, in May, 1803, was held on the 12th of January, 1801. Emanuel Carpenter, Sr., was the presiding Justice, and Nathaniel Wil- son, sr., David Vanmeter and Samuel Carpenter were his associates. The session was held in a log school-house. A Sheriff by the name of Samuel Kratzer, was appointed by the bench.
A Jury was also appointed, which was called a Jury of Inquest. The following are the names of the Jurymen : Jas.
Converse, Foreman ; Abramam Wather, Jeremiah Conaway, Arthur Teal, Conrad Fetters, Robert McMurtry, Gam’l. Coats, Abraham Funk, Thomas Cisfina, Amassa Delanoe, John Mc- Mullen, Joseph McMullen, Edward Teal, David Reese and Barnabas Golden. There wTere no indictments found, and the Jury was discharged.
Two Attorneys wrere sworn in — William Creighton and Alexander White.
Three County Commissioners were also appointed, viz. : Nathaniel Wilson, Jr., Jacob Vanmeter and James Denny.
Though appearing little in history, the town of Lancaster seems sometimes to have been called the town of Fairfield, for at the quarter sessions just referred to, there was an order issued for the survey of a road “from the town of Fairfield to the head of the muddy prairie;’’ and the survey was made by Hugh Boyle.
The first mortgage of which any record appears, was made by John Cleves Symmes to Benjamin Murphy, for the pur- chase of one hundred acres of land, for which payment was to be made in six years with six per cent, interest. The instru- ment bears date of August 19th, 1801, and the sum contracted to be paid was two thousand dollars. These figures are prob- ably an error, as twenty dollars per acre for wild lands at that early day was hardly likely.
In October, 1802, and on the 12th day, two members of the Constitutional Convention for Ohio were chosen by popular election. This was the first election for the county. Emanuel Carpenter, Sr., and Henry Abrams were elected, the former
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
79
receiving two hundred and twenty-eight, and the latter one hundred and eighty-one votes.
The members of the convention convened at Chillicothe on the first day of November following, and organized by the appointment of Edward Tiffin as President, and Thomas Scott as Secretary. This convention held an adjourned session on the 29th of the same month, when they completed their work ; and the constitution was submitted directly to Congress, and accepted, without being placed before the people of the State for their approval.
STATISTICAL.
Statistics show that there w^ere in Fairfield County, in the year 1870, 2,318 farms, aggregating 232,016 acres of cultivated land; and that there were within its limits the total of 316,420 acres, including all outlying and timbered lands.
r
FAIRFIELD IN THE WAR OF 1812.
In the month of April, 1812, a company of infantry volun- teers, under the command of Capt. George Sanderson, was raised, to operate on the northern border against the British, in what is known as the war of 1812. This company formed a part of Colonel Lewis Cass’s Regiment of Ohio Volunteers, which was betrayed into the hands of the British General Brock, as was believed, by the cowardice of General Hull, on the 12th of August following, in front of Detroit. They were paroled not to fight against the British until exchanged, which exchange took place in May, 1814. It is said, however, that some of the men went and joined Harrison’s campaign to the Maumee and Thames in 1813, and continued until peace was concluded.
There was a second company, partly from Fairfield, which
was commanded by . This company was attached to
Colonel Paul’s Regiment of Twenty-seventh United States Infantry. They were honorably discharged at Detroit in 1814.
In an old blank book purchased at the sale of the venerable John Leist, west of Amanda, and furnished me by one of the sons of the late William Graham, of this county, I find the records in part of a third company that left Lancaster for the North in 1812. This company was commanded by Jesse D.
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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
Courtright; John Leist, First Lieutenant. The record, or journal, was kept by one Samuel W. Taylor, probably an Orderly. The journal opens thus :
“Rendezvoused at Lancaster on the 26th of August, 1812, for a six months’ tour on an expedition towards Canada.”
The record then proceeds in the form of a diary, until the Maumee country is reached, when it terminates abruptly thus :
“General Harrison arrived at the Rapids, and started next day with a thousand men, commanded by General Perkins, to reinforce General Winchester. They did not get far when they met some of Winchester’s men, who told them that Win- chester’s army was all taken prisoners or killed.”
REFUGEE LANDS.
We notice very briefly the Refugee Tract, so-called. It passes through the northern part of this county, from east to west. Its width is two miles, and length eighteen miles. The origin of this reservation was as follows : There were citizens
of Canada who, during the revolutionary war, gave their sym- pathies and aid to the American colonies. Congress appropri- ated this strip of land, of eighteen miles east and west, and two miles north and south, for their use, hence “ Refugee Lands. ” After it had been taken up to the extent of the claimants who presented themselves, the unclaimed portion was sectioned and sold as other Congress Lands.
REFORM FARM.
The first efforts to obtain appropriations and'encouragement for the establishment in Ohio of a Reform School for boys through the Legislature in 1857 and 1858, did not issue in any * definite or effective result.
Charles Reemelin, of Cincinnati, having returned from a visit to Europe, reported his investigations of several institutions of the kind in that county. His suggestions gave impetus to the idea, and in 1857 the first log-structures were built on the site selected. To Mr. Remelin belongs much of the credit of the inception and subsequent development of the Ohio Re- form Farm.
There were ten boys brought there from the House of Re- fuge in Cincinnati, on the 30th of January, 1858. This was
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
81
the beginning of the “ State Farm,” as .it is familiarly called.
In 1876 the estimate of all the buildings and the farm was $200,000. Up to that time the total number of boys, who had passed through the institution, as shown by the official report of the Superintendent, was 2,019. The cost of each boy to the State, not including buildings and improvements, for the year of 1875 is put down at $118.53. Geo. E. Howe has been the Acting Commissioner from the first, and still holds the position. In his report in general he says, that “ eighty per cent, oftheboys leaving have turned out well. ”
The farm is said to contain eleven hundred acres. The buildings are mostly of brick, and of a fine syle of architecture, and occupy about twenty acres of ground. The land lies some five or six hundred feet above the level of the Hocking Valley, three or four miles to the eakt. The surrounding hills are de- lightfully romantic with pine and chestnut groves. Besides farming on a small scale, and fruit growing, the boys are em. ployed in the manufacture of cane-seats, brushes of a great variety, shoes, brooms and other wares. There is a chapel where religious instructions are given every Sunday. There are also a number of schools in operation the year round, where all the boys receive competent education in the English language.
There are no lock-ups. Generally the boys are under the care of a select class of young men, denominated “ Elder Brothers,” and held to close and rigid discipline. Their time is diversified with school, labor and recreation. Many of them show themselves to be entirely trustworthy, and are allowed to go and come, and even to transact responsible business. Mrs. Howe, wife of the Acting Commissioner, is Matron, and it is said by those best acquainted with the institution, that her influence and motherly supervision has had a marked effect for good on the boys.
The farm is situated six miles from Lancaster, in a south- west direction. A good turnpike road leads from the foot of Broadway directly to the farm, most of the distance through delightful pine groves, which, in summer, make the air redo lent with resinous exhalations. The farm is at all times ac- cessible to visitors, who are politely shown round. On Sun-
6
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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
days, however, visitors, except for the purpose of attending church, are not desired.
The term of detention of those sent there is not fixed, and their discharge, when thought prepared to leave, is left to the Acting Commissioner.
FAIRFIELD REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS.
At an early day (1819-1821), and (1821-1829), Philemon Beecher was in the Lower House of Congress. Later, citizens of the county who have been elected in the various districts to which it has belonged, have been : William W. Irvin, John Chaney, William Medill, Charles D. Martin, Thos. 0. Edwards, Edson B. Olds and Philadelphus Van Trump. Senate and member of the Cabinet : Thomas Ewing.
TOWNSHIPS.
Following will be found a brief history of the townships and villages, which is as full and specific as the plan of this work will permit, and it is hoped will be found satisfactory. It is perhaps possible that, in collating such a work, non-important errors may creep in. Such, if any shall be found, will be ex- cused, if the general tenor of the history shall be approved, for, as before said, much has to be taken from tradition, and the recollections of living witnesses vary more or less.
CLEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP.
Clear Creek Township is situated in the south-west corner of the county. Its name was suggested from “ Clear Creek,” a small stream running through it. Its school district system is well arranged. There are nine school-houses, located re- spectively at the cornerings of the sections.
It contains the villages of Oakland and Stoutsville, the former laid out by Charles Sager, and is twelve miles from Lancaster, on the Chillicothe pike ; the latter by Benjamin Stout, in 1854, and is about sixteen miles wTest, or south-west of Lancaster. Clear Creek formerly extended over parts of the Townships of Madison and Amanda.
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
83
We note among the early settlers of Clear Creek,- John Leist, who came there in 1807. He was born in 1784, and was a member of the Legislature from 1813 to 1820. Mr. Leist served in the war of 1812, and was under Harrison at Fort Meigs and Detroit. He died several years since, at a very advanced age. Mr. Dillsaver is said to have built the first horse-mill in the township. Michael Nye was also an early settler. Charles Friend came in 1800, and built the first water-mill on Clear Creek. Among the first teachers were Apple Young and John Young. Jacob Leist was an early Lutheran preacher there. It is believed the Lutherans built the first meeting-house, which was a log-cabin. It was situa- ted near the somewhat historic place, known as “ Dutch Hol- low. ” The last census gave Clear Creek a population of 1,743.
AMANDA TOWNSHIP.
Amanda lies immediately north of Clear Creek. It is com- monly understood that the name was given by William Ham- ilton, who was the first County Surveyor of Fairfield. It con- tains the villages of Amanda and Royalton. Amanda is eight miles west of Lancaster, on the Cincinnati Railroad. Its first proprietor was Samuel Kester, and its beginning was about 1830. Royalton is six or seven miles north of Amanda. It is a small village, and was known as Toby Town at the begin- ning of the settlements.
Frederick Leathers is spoken of as the first settler. He kept a tavern on the old Chillicothe road. Isaac Griffith suc- ceeded him as landlord, and remained there until 1834, soon after which the house was burned. Other early settlers were : Disinger, William Ward, Mr. Norris, Mr. Denison, William Hamilton, Thomas Barr, John Christy and Mr. Morris, who acquired notoriet}7 as a ring-fighter at public gatherings. A school-teacher, by the name of Solomon Grover, is spoken of as having school in the upper story of his house, in 1817. A Presbyterian Church was organized in the village, in 1838, by Rev. Dr. Hogue, of Columbus. The first minister was Wil- liam Jones. The first Sabbath-School in Amanda was in- augurated in 1860, by the Rev. Thorn.
It is due to Amanda Township to say, that no draft was
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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
made within its borders during the Southern Rebellion. There were more volunteers than the township quota.
BLOOM TOWNSHIP.
Bloom was established in 1805. Thefollowing names have* been furnished as first settlers: Abraham Courtright, Jesse
D. Courtright, Zephemiah Drake, Christian Merchant, Peter Powel, Conrad Platner, Michael Thrash, John Smaltz, Michael Allspaugh, Jacob Allspaugh, Levi Moore and Daniel Hoy. Bloom Township contains Lithopolis and Greencastle. Green- castle was first laid out, and Jesse D. Courtright was its first proprietor. This was in 1810. In 1814, one Bougher laid out the town of Lithopolis. It is the largest village in the county, possibly. It has three churches and an academy. Lithopolis is fourteen, and Greencastle ten miles from Lan- caster, both on the old Columbus road.
A quaint rule is spoken of as having been established in this township in its early history, viz. : No man was allowed to vote at their elections who could not produce a certificate that he had performed two days’ work on the road, removing the stumps.
The first school-teacher in Bloom Township was Abraham Courtright. He taught there in 1805. The first church in the township was built by the German Presbyterians, in the year 1807. It was near the old State road, and is said to be still standing.
The Trustees seem to have occupied much of the time of their meetings in attention to the reports and duties of Road Supervisors and Fence Viewers. The latter office, in Ohio, has long since been abolished. There wras there, as in all townships at that early day, provided by law a special Board of Overseers of the Poor. Under the action of this Board, the Overseers sometimes sold the paupers to the lowest bidder for their maintenance.
Saw-mills were very numerous. Of those who run saw-mills at that early day, are mentioned Jacob Allspaugh, Sam’l Kist- ler, Judge Chaney, and a Mr. Barnett. The last two, Kistler and Chaney, are old citizens of Bloom Township, and refer to the times in the past whefi goods were brought on horseback from Wheeling, Marietta and Zanjesville, and of going to Zanes-
HISTORY OS’ FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO. 85
I
ville for their grinding, a distance of over fifty miles. As late as 1822, it is said, there were no grinding facilities in Bloom besides one small raccoon-burr mill. Wheat was exchanged for salt, bushel for bushel, which was considered a great point gained by the farmers.
In 1822, there were two hewed log churches in the township, that were used jointly by the Lutherans and German Reforms. Rev. Steck was the pastor of the former, and Rev. Geo. Wise of the latter. Methodists, Presbyterians and others, at that time, held their meetings in private residences.
Jefferson and Lock ville are in the northern part of the township. The population of the township of Bloom was, in 1840, 2.288,
VIOLET TOWNSHIP.
This township makes up the north-west corner of the county. It formerly contained the village of Winchester, but an act of the Legislature a few years since, struck off a tier of sections from its western border, which was attached to Franklin County, including Winchester.
The name “ Violet” is understood to have been derived from the luxuriance with which the flower bearing that name grew on some portions of its soil. Pickerington is situated in Violet. A man by the name of George Kirk first purchased the eighty-acre tract in which the village stands. Subse- quently the land fell into the hands of Mr. Pickering, who laid out the town and christened it with his own name.
Of those who settled in Violet previous to the year 1806, are mentioned : H. Donaldson, A. Donaldson, Edward Rickets,
Westenburger Hustand, Dr. Tolbert, A. Pickering and Mor- decai Fishbaugh. Waterloo, on the canal, is within this town- ship.
• Violet, in churches, schools, and the general spirit and enterprise of the times, is not behind any township of the county. Settlements were first begun in the vicinity of where Pickerington now stands. Residences were located through the township with reference to springs and water streams, as well as the quality of the lands. Some of the first settlers came out in advance of their families and first built their cabins ; in other instances the families came together, and took their chances in the forests. Dr. Tolbert was prob-
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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
ably the first physician in the township — at least among the first. He is still living at a very advanced age, and has been for many years a citizen of Jefferson.
Wolves are said to have been very abundant in Violet when it was first settled ; but subsequently the premium paid for their scalps had much to do in thinning their ranks.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.
A large portion of the first settlers of this township were Swiss. The writer has been told that it was at their suggestion that the name “ Liberty ” was adopted. They came from a country where the liberties of citizens were very much restricted by Monarchical Government, and they seemed to desire that their freedom in the new country of their adoption should be per- petuated in history, hence “Liberty Township/’
Baltimore and Basil, on the canal, are in Liberty, and are both places of considerable business. Baltimore is a consider- able village, and is quite noted for the strength and respecta- bility of its secret orders. It has the usual amount of church and school facilities. Before the trade of the county was dis- tributed by its two railroads, Baltimore had a heavy grain trade, on account of the facilities of transportation afforded by the Ohio Canal, upon whose banks it stands.
Liberty lies between Violet and Walnut, in the northern tier. I have not the facilities for giving the exact dates of its organization, or that of either of its villages, or the names of their proprietors, but they are both old villages.
The roads through Liberty follow the cardinal points. The first tavern of the place was kept by Michael Allen. The first Methodist class-leader was a Mr. Kniseley Schumaker, who also established the first Sabbath-School. The surface was originally covered with dense forests of beach, sugar, and other forest trees, to clear away which, and make the soil available for farming, was a heavy and tedious work.
GREENFIELD TOWNSHIP.
Greenfield was first settled in 1799, and was incorporated as a township in 1805. Isaac Meason, father of the late Vener- able John Meason, was among the first to settle in the bounds of Greenfield. At the time of his coming there is said to have been not above half a dozen of families within the boundaries
HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
87
of the then very large township. Their names are: Captain Joseph Stewart, father of Levi Stewart, now of Lancaster, Wm. McFarland, Ralph Cherry, Jeremiah Cherry, Joshua Meeks, Dorsey Meason and Samuel Randall. They expected to hold their lands under the “Tomahawk” Pre-Emption Claim, but they were subsequently sectioned and sold as Congress Lands at two dollars an acre, without any reference to “ Squatter Sovereignty. ”
Following these first settlers were the Willetts, the Ben- nets, the Fitzeralds, the Drurys, the Rices, the Smotherers, and others.
Yankeytown and forks of Hocking were first settlements in Greenfield. The site of the former is now known as the Clay- pool neighborhood, and the latter as the Rock Mills.
The name of Henry Abrams, father-in-law of the late General George Sanderson, is also prominent among the first settlers of Greenfield, he having arrived in 1800, settling first, I believe, on what is at present known as the Sanderson farm.
The first election for the township was held at Yankeetown in the fall of 1805. Tlie first tax-collector in Greenfield was Colonel Crooks, who was subsequently Sheriff of the county. Emanuel Carpenter is also spoken of as being at that time a citizen of Greenfield. His surviving friends, however, do not remember that he ever lived anywhere but down Hocking.
[A general remark is here proper. At the early times, of which we write, the taxes of Ohio were collected by special collectors. The manner was as follows : A house in the town- ship was designated, and a day named ; at that house, on the specified day, the collector remained all day to receive the taxes, it being the duty of the tax-payers to come there and take up their receipts].
Walter McFarland, John Meason and Gideon Martin, old and prominent citizens of Greenfield, deceased during the last year, aged respectively above eighty years.
Joseph Loveland and Hezekiah Smith, New Englanders, built a grist and saw-mill combined at the forks of Hocking in 1800. The place is familiarly known at present as the Rock Mill. It is on the old Columbus road, seven miles from Lan- caster. These men are said to have sold goods at their mill which were brought on pack-horses from Detroit. They also sold whisky, charging one dollar a quart for it. The Indians
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HISTORY OF FAIRFIELD COUNTY, OHIO.
often bought it and took a big drunk, always leaving one or two of their number sober to restrain the drinkers, a custom not observed by their more civilized brethern of the “ pale- faced” race.
A wrestling tournament between Isaac Meason and a stout Indian is spoken of, in which Mr. Meason was successful in three straight falls, when the Indian, in a very surprised man- ner, gave up the contest.
It is related that some of the first emigrants erected tents, which they roofed with bark, inhabiting them until they could find the time to put up cabins. Two or three families are said, in some instances, to have jointly occupied one cabin of small dimensions.
The second or third years, after the settlements began, were characterized by a great deal of sickness. A form of disease prevailed that was thought to be yellow fever. Of those who died with it are mentioned: Jeremiah Cherry, Joshua Meeks and Benjamin Edgar. For their interment no better coffins could be provided than rude structures of puncheons.
The first Methodist preacher who came into the township,* it is believed, was one John Williams. A Scotch Covenanter, by the name of Wallace, made an effort in 1816 to establish a church, but failed. In 1813 the Lutherans built the first church of the township. A