Adams County, Ohio - Chapter 20, 1880

Chapter 20

With the extension of the settlements into .the interior and remote boi-ders of the county, the selection of a new seat of justice nearer the center of the county, became a matter of importance to the inhabitants. A petition for that purpose was presented to the first Legislature that met under the State government after the adoption of the new constitution. The Legislature granted the petitioner's request by passing the following law :

Whereas, It has been represented to this General Assembly, that the present seat of justice in the county of Adams is in an improper place, and the inhabitants thereof labor under many and great inconveniences in attending the same, therefore,

Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, that Isaac Davis, John Evans and James Mcnary, be and are hereby constituted and appointed Commissioners to view and examine the several parts of the aforesaid county, or so much thereof as will in their opinion, enable them to determine upon the most eligible place for the seat of justice, in doing which they shall take into view the present and probable future population, and all other circu instances relative to the convenience and accommodation of the citizens of said county. Provided that if any one of the said Commissioners be prevented from serving, the other two shall appoint the third.

Sec. 5. The Court and Commissioners are prohibited from expending any more money on public buildings until the seat of justice is permanently established." them. They first bought 100 acres of laud from Robert MeClitn* alum for $760. This is the ground on which the town proper stands. They then bought five acres of George Harper, ii >rtli of Mulberry street, for $1.00. This is known as Harper's addition.

Having thus performed these duties, they reported their proceedings to the Legislature, which thereupon passed the following additional act :

"Whereas, It is represented to this General Assembly in report of the Commissioners, pursuant to an act entitled, An Act providing for the permanent establishment of the seat of justice in the county of Adams, that the land of Robert McClanalnm in said county, Ring about half a mile south of the road leading from Chillicothe to Limestone, and a small distance west of the central line of said county, drawn north from the Ohio river, is the most eligible place for the purpose aforesaid," therefore,

Sec. 1. Provides that the Associate Judges of said comity are required to purchase of said McClaualian, his land and any of the adjoining lands not exceeding in all 150 acres, at a cost not more than $8 per acre, to Ixypaid out of the County Treasury on ' the order of said Judges.

Sec. 3. Appoints Nathaniel Beasley, Win. Marshall, Salatliiel Sparks, Aaron Moore, Benjamin Wood, William Codings and John Briggs, a board of trustees, whose duty it shall be to appoint a Clerk and Surveyor, who shall, under the directions of said trustees, lav oft' said land iu town lots, with convenient streets, "to be named West Union," make and record plats, and keep a record of their proceedings, etc., etc.

Survey Of The Lots

On Mondav morning, March 19th, 1804, the trustees for the town of West Union, met to plat off, survey and stake out the lots for the town. After being duly sworn to discharge their duties according to law, they appointed William Codings, clerk, and Nathaniel Beasley, surveyor; they then proceeded to plat off the town and 'adjourned.

Tuesday, March 20th ; the trustees met this morning at nine o'clock, and proceeded to survey and stake out in-lots until'six o'clock, p. m., then a ljourned.

Wednesday, March 2lst ; the trustees met at half past nine o'clock, a. in. to day, continued the survey of in-lots until half past twelve o'clock, then adjourned.

Friday, March 30th. appeared the trustees, who met at half past ten o'clock, a. m. To-day they chose' Robert McClaualian to assist, then continued on the survey of the in-lots, until half past five o'clock, p. in., and adjourned.

During the day, Henry Rape came to them and made application for the use of the house that stoo l o:i the town plat. The trustees obligated themselves to keep him in peaceable possession of the premises until the first day of the sale - for which Mr. Rape gave them his note for $8, for the rent of the house until May 1st.

Monday, April 30th, appe ared A. Moore. B. Wood, N. Bea<!v. S. Sparks. J. Briggs and Win. Codings, who met at one o'clock, p. m., and proceeded with the survey of in-lots until six o'clock, p. m.. then delivered a plat of the town to Jos. Darlinton. Recorder of the county; adjourned.

There were UI in-lots and 20 out-lots laid oil', pile lots were all nine rods from uorth to soulli. and six rods from east to \vr-i - xeept lot 14, which is four rods at the south end ami live rod - at tin- north end. and nine rods long; hit No. 13 is six rods at the north and live at the south eti.l; Nn. Si is (ix t1., rods.

The street oil the north side of.town Is 3 rods wide. On the east mid west of tho In -lots the streets are l's rods wide, mid on the east, west and south of tho out-lots, the streets are two rods wide.

" In .compliance to the net entitled, An Act to establish tho liorniniicnt seat of justice in tho county of Adams, we, the undersigned. tin reserve tho following inputs in tho town of West Union for the following purposes, to-wit: Lots Nos. 63, 64, 77 and 78. for Court-house, etc. No. 67, for a public jail and No. 46, for a public spring and school house.

Out-Lots

Thursday, May 17th, 1804; this day the trustees met for the purpose of selling, at public sale, the lots of the new town of West Union. They chose John Lodwick, for auctioneer.

Saturday, May 19th, the trustees met for the purpose of giving to purchaser certificates of their purclirscs and taking their obligations for tho back payments. Certificates were given to John Brown for t lie lots bought by Claiburn Fox, and his obligations .taken for the deferred payments. Henry Ru|ie paid eight dollars, amount of rent due on house, which sum was handed over to David Bradford, treasurer.

First Court Ik West Union

The first term of court in West Union, commenced its session on the 27th day ol March, 1804. It was held in a log cabin, built by Robert McClanahau, before ho sold the land on which West Union stands, and was the only house standing on the site of the town, when the lots were surveyed out. It stood on the corner of lot 46, now occupied by Crawford's store. This was the place the courts were held until tho now Court-house was built on t lie public square.

First Court House

The contract for building the first Court-house in West Union was awarded to Wm. Foster, February 25tli, 1805, lor $709. It was to be built on tho public square, on lot 63, to s.aud 5 rods frem Main street, on the east end of the square adjoining Murket street, to be of hewed logs, 30x40, of oak, poplar, walnut or blue ash timber. It was two stories high, the lower story 12, the upper one 8 feet celling, with the corners neatly cut down, to he fully completed by the fourth Tuesday in October, 1801, hut in consequence of an opinion by the Commissioners, that it was not finished according to contract, the matter was referred to David Bradford and Joseph Darllnton, to decide thfe difference. Their decision is not given in the records, nor ahy allusion made to the subject thereafter, It is probable the bouse was not ready for use betoro February. 1806. After serving its day and anew hou.-e built, this old Court-house was sold to Joseph Curry, who removed it to his farm near town, now owned by Casper Young who built a barn of the logs. Mr. Curry finally sqld it to Join Meek, who removed it back to town again and made a stable o It on his premises on lot 66. Samuel Bradford bought out Mod and sold the old Court-house to John Knox, who removed it lo his premises on lot No. 2, where he built from the old logs a dwelling in which he now - 1880 - resides. Thus ends the history of the first Court-house in West Union.

Second Court House

The contract for building a new Court-house was awarded to Thomas Metcalf, a stone mason of Kentucky, who afterwards became Governor of that State.

The Commissioners' journal, or records, have but little information in legard to the building of this house. We can only glean from them that it was to be built of stone, 48x40, that Thomas Metcalf was given the contract for the mason work, and Jesse Eastburn and Hamilton Dunbar were the contractors for the carpenter work. The contracts were awarded April 25th, 1811 The records are silent as to the amount paid or when the building was completed. Tins Conrt-house was used until 1876, when the present brick building took its place.

The Third Court House

In 1870 and '71, the question of a removal of the countv seal from West Union to Manchester, strongly agitated t lie minds of the people of the county. A newspaper called the -'Adams County Democrat," was started at the latter place to advocate tho removal and petitions were sent up to the Legislature of 1871. asking it to authorize a vote to he taken on the question. Th Legislature granted the prayer of the petitioners by passing i act ou the 4th day of April, 1871, authorizing the voters ol i county lo vote for or against such removal, at the regular Ov: her elcctiou of that year. The vote against removal carried tlie decisive majority of 1064.

Tho Commissioners, either to set at rest any further ugi tion for a removal, or because it was needed - which i- proba true - took measures to builii a new Court-house, and ou ilic g of May, 1873, contracted with J. W. Shinn, of West aiuii. build it for t lie sum of $17,300. An injunct: n was If loti agui building the house. Upon the hearing of the case, I tie injuucii was made perpetual on the ground that the law did not author: the Commissioners to make contracts for an amount cxecedii $10,000, without submitting it to a vote of the people for apprui or rejection.

Mr. Shinn had already expended about $2,200 in building ill, foundation before the injunction was made perpetual and to enable the Commissioners to build the house for $10,000, with a donation by the corporation of West Union of $3,000, raised by corporation tax, and the further donation by the citizens of $4,400. raised by private subscription, Mr. Shinn, in writing, and in due form of law, donated the foundation, which had so far been constructed by him, to the county of Adams. And, ou the 15th day of October, 1874, he made another contract with tile Commissioners to build the house for $10,000, with those amounts, in all $17,- 400. Mr. Shinn went on and constructed the present.boilding, ut a cost to himself, Including the expense of the foundation and excluding pay for his own time and sacrifices to obtain money, and expenses* of litigation, of $20,000. It is a rcs|>cclnb!c brick edifice, 56x80, and was completed by the 4lh ot July, 1876. -

Jail

Mill,, street with the side fuellig said street. It was mmio of howe,| logs, with two walls, one within tho other and a spaeo bet ween tlit'iu. which was to be tilled in with hewn timber set in between walls in an upright postton. Theta perpendicular logs to till the spare between the walls, wore to bo hewn oach one foot square, the whole structure to bo very substantially built, as maybe soon by reference to the very minute bill of particulars, as spread out on the Commissioner 9 journal for July 4th, 1804. It was 2 lx 18.

Tho contract was awarded August 24th, 1804, to James Brownfield, for $590, and was to be fully completed by the fourth Tuesday in June, 1805, next. In 18- it was removed to near the north-east part of the public square, whore it stood until 1858, when the present jail was built on the west side of tho Courthouse. It was removed by Morris Me; adden for $378.

This building is 37x40. The prison part is constructed of stone, the portion occupied as n residence of the jailor is brick. The contractors were W. R. Rape and George Moore, who received $2,400, for their work.

A house for the jailor was ordered by the Commissioners on the 17th day of November, 1807. It was made of hewed logs and IS feet square. The same day the Commissioners ordered the contract for building it to be sold to the lowest bidder on " Saturday next," and that it be completed by the 20tli of January next, 1805. The Commissioners' journal shows nothing further in regard to it.

Tost Office

Whcu Joseph Darlinlon was appointed clerk of the courts, he owned and occupied lot No. 59, now the property of Thomas N. Allen. For his office he built a small hewed log house near his dwelling. This building, which was afterwards weather-boarded, is still in a good state of preservation, and is now used by Mr. Allen's family as a kitchen. In this little house, Mr. Darlinton kept the clerk's office more than thirty years. Here the postoffice was first kept, and remained, while Mr. Darlinton continued as postmaster.

William Armstrong, the next postmaster, was also a mer- ! i a nt, occupying the Mullen corner, to which he removed the office and kept it, during the two terms he held it.

W illis Lee, the successor of Wesley Lee, was likewise a merchant, doing business where R. II. Ellison now resides, to which point the office next made its way.

W. R. Rape was appointed to fill the vacam casicned by the death of Mr. Jackman, who died of cholera, was still a merchant, doing business on the Mullen comer. The office was removed to the store room of Mr. R.

George Moore succeeded Mr. Rape. At the time of this change Mr. Rape and Mr. Moore partners in tho mercantile trade, were doing business ns such, on the Mullen corner. Rape was a Republican and Mooro a Democrat In politics, so when tho inexorable demands of a party, compelled a change of Post Master, it was made by simply removing the Republican member of tho firm and placing the insignia of the office in the hands of tho Democratic partner. '

This was a happy stroke of policy, for the office remained undisturbed in its location, so the people suffered no inconvenience by the change, neither was the business relations of the firm disturbed by it, and the insatiable demands of party were satisfied.

John P. Hood wns next in the order of changes. He, also, was a merchant doing business in the room now occupied by John Taylor as a grocery store, to which place the post offleo soon made its way.

Early Business House9

The first house in West Union was built by Henry Rape, on lot No. 45. This was a hewed log building U9ed both as dwelling, hat shop and store.

Mr. Rape, who was a hatter, had a room in a shed attached to it, in which lie carried on the hatting business for many years. This was the first hat shop in West Union, and was started as early as 1804 or '05. Mr. Rape continued the hatting business through life. He died in West Union, December 23, 1846.

William Armstrong S Store

In the house of Henry Rape, just above mentioned, a small room about 10x10 was fitted up, in which William Armstrong filled in a few goods and commented his mercantile career. Mr. Armstrong grew into a large and extensive business in West Union, when becoming wealthy, lie finally removed to Cincinnati to have a wider arena on which to exercise his talents. He hail not been there long before he was killed by a frightened horse running with a portion of the hitching post to which it had been fastened. This, striking Mr. Armstrong, killed him almost instantly.

This little store was probably the first one in the place. Mr. Armstrong in 1806, built the house known a9 the Mullen corner, which has been continuously used as a store since.

This was the second store in We9t Union. Mr. Russell had a two story hewed log house that stood on the site now occupied by James D. Young's grocery store.

In this building lie carried on for many years a large and successful business. He became prominent as a public man, was a member of Congress from 1827 to 1833, serving three terms in the lower house. His fortunes finally waned. He went to Scioto county and engaged in the iron business, lost heavily, and finally died on a farm.

While Mr. Hood was building his store room on the corner now occupied by Charles W. Satterfield he commenced selling goods in a large hewed log house belonging to Peter Shu Its, that stood on the northwest corner of the mill lot. This building lius long since disappeared.

When Mr. Hood had completed his new store room lie removed his goods into it where ho carried on the mercantile business until his decease in 1814.

This is the same building now owned and occupied by John Crawford and so well known as tho ''Crawford House." Tradition says it was built in 1801 and was the second building put up iu the village and that it was the first hotel started in the place.

David Bradford built the house and kept tavern iu at an early day, but we are inclined to the opinion that there was a lit- 'e delay in the completion of it aud that Mr. Bradford did not get his tavern started before 1806. The first license we find on record for keeping this tavern, is dated March 2, 1807. Mr. Bradford continued the busiuess uutil his death. It remained in the hands of his descendants many years, his son and grandson having each iu turn, carried it on.

Before the introduction of rail roads, this was on the main thoroughfare from the south-west to the east. This was the route over which the congressmen and statesmen of those sections passed on their way to Wasbiirgtou city, aud this old house has become historic as the stopping place of President Jackson, floury Clay, Thomas H. Benton, and other notable mou of those days.

Santa Anna, after his defeat by Gen Sam. Houston, at San Jacinto. April 21, 1836, made a trip through the United States And oq, that tour stayed All night at this old house as lie passed through here.

Benjamin Wood'S Tavern

This was one of the first taverns of the. place, probably the second iu time, though the fifst license granted him bears date the same day of Mr. Bradford's, March 2, 1807. It whs kept In the house now belonging to Mrs. Elizabeth Bible Johnson, on the corner immediately east of t lie Bank Hotel.

This house was built by John Lodwlck and used as a private residence for n few years, when Benjamin Wood bought it and started a tavern. It was subsequently used for that purpose by Joliu Hayslip, James Allen and Andrew Crawford until It was finally bought by Robert Johnson, who used it as a private residence until Ills decease.

About 1810, Mr. Murry bought 66 feet off the south end of tho lot on which he put up a carding machine, which was run several years - in fact this carding mill has been carried on to the present day. It is now the property of J. W. Latferty. It was first run by horse power, but finally by steam. It has been removed from nlace to place, till it now stands south of the "Defender" newspaper office.

The First Saddler

Joseph Curry was the first saddle and harness maker. He lived outside the village. He owned the farm that is now the property of Casper Young, where he kept his shop and carried on his trade.

Cabinet Maker

John Wood was the first cabinet maker to start business in l lie village. His shop stood opposite the brick residence of Mrs. Baldridge. He commenced business as early as 1812. Alexander Woodrow learned the trade with Mr. Wood, whom he subsequently bought out. Mr. Woodrow moved his shop to the Treber premises and finally occupied the property now owned by D. W. Thomas. Esq.

Peter Shulls was the first to engage in the tanning business. He owned the square on which. Plummer's mill now stands and ns early as 1805, had a tanyard started near the N. E. corner of the lot. He afterwards sold to Wesley Lee who, after continuing the business some years discontinued it.

Daniel Boyle settled in West Union in 1819. he first located on the property now owned by Jacob Plummer, where he worked a Blurt time, then occupied the premises of Judge Smith, next occupied a building that stood where Grimes' bank is located He finally bought out Mr. R >seman and built a dwelling lion* and shop where he lived and worked until his decease. This w thc«first tin shop in West Union.

A dispensation was granted this lodge to work January - 1817, and on the 15th day of January, 1820. a charter was granted it by t he Grand Lodge, then in session at Columbus.

In consequenctr-of the Morgan excitement the lodge became dormant in 1836, and remained so, for several years. It waR, however, revived agaiq, and its first meeliug held June 13. 1846. Since that date, there mta been a slow but steady increase in its strength and membership, the latter now being about fiftyfive master ma9on9.

This is the parent lodge of the county. With her consent, lodges were chartered at Winchester. Manchester sajid Locust Grove, whereby the territory of the West Union Lodgewa^ decreased about three fourths and whereby she sustained a correapouding decrease in membership. The wisdom of this sacrifice, however, has been manifest iu the prosperity of these lodges, which now surpass the pnivnt in membership in^d strength. Ip this the parent lodge has kept the good of*the order steadylly iu view.

Was instituted on the evening of June 11th. 1874, by J. H. Kiuknid. of Cincinnati, who was deputized by the grand lodge of Ohio, to perform hat service. The charter members, (as recorded on that i list) men!) were J. W. Eylar, Win. Hood, J. W. Bunn, L. P. Stive '8, F. J. Miller and E. R. Wells, all of whom were members of acksonville lodge, No. 537, except J. W. Bunn, who was a memb r of Winchester lodge, No. . From its Institution to the present the career of West Union lodge has been one of unexampled prosperity. It begins the present term out of debt, and owuing its own lodge room, in the third story of the Miller & Bunn building court house square, which it has finely carpeted aud furnish? . At this writing its rails show that it has clothed fifty-six persons in the garb of the order, nearly all of whom remain with it.

Meets in the same hall with the above lodge. It was instituted on the evening of July 16th, 1819, by W. R. Hart, of Mt. Vernon, who was at that time Grand Chief Patriarch, of Ohio. The charter bears the names of J. W. Eylar, J. W. Bunn, J. G. Bradley, J. W. Ebrite, J. A. Frow, Daniel EJllison and A. H. Ellison. This encampment is named in honor of "Dart" E. Fee, of New Richmond, Ohio, who was representative of the district, in the Grand Encampment, at the time the charter was granted. This encampment is in a flourishing condition, and bids fair to be one of the largest in Southern Ohio, outside of Cincinnati.

Crystal Lodge, No. 114. K. Of P, West Union, Ohio

Past Chancellor, L. Guinn, Ripley, Ohio; Vice Chancellor, George Wheeler. Aberdeen, Ohio ; Prelate, Rudolph Bute, Cincinnati, Ohio; Keeper of Records and Seal, Joseph Cheesman, Aberdeen, Ohio; Master at Arms, Frank Miller, Aberdeen. Ohio ;

Crystal Lodge is now in a flourishing Condition, having grown in less than two years from fifteen, to more than forty members, all of whom are in good standing, and the lodge bids fair in the near future to be a power equal in its influence for good to any similar organization in the county, disseminating it? blessed charity and unfeigned love for the brotherhood, and all other worthy people, wherever existing throughout the surrounding country.

The object of this order is similar to that of all secret fraternal orders throughout the world, and needs no repetition here. It was first established in the city of Washington, D. C., February 14th, 1864. The orig, al founders were Justus H. Itathbonc, Robeit A. Champion, D. L. Bnrdelt, E. 8. Kimball, W. H. Burdett, Charles H. Roberts and E. B. Driver. Mr. Rathbone was the originator of the in t'tution, and what it is to-day in all its workings, secret and oth wise, came down unimpaired by a simple innovation from bin He matured his plans while t&liing school in the Lake Supe ir country, and revealed it to the above named gentlemen, who became the nr tion, which in the short space of sixtec til at this writing there are lodges in world, a lodge having recently been Islands of the far Pacific Ocean. Mat Its influence will live forever.

The Handing Of Davil Stt

This Is perhaps the most noted nr case that ever occurred in Adams county, resulting in ft* ..*nglng of the offender, Uw only ohm of capital punishment ever indicted in the county.

David Beckett and John Lightfoot, during the summer and fall of 1807, Imd been together, trading or traffleing, in a pirogue, up and down the Ohio river. 0:i the day of October 5th, they wore going up the river, and when night came one, it found them a little above^ the mouth of Brush Creek, just below " Aleck's Run " adjoining the farm now owned by A. G. Lockhart. Here they concluded to fasten up for the night. While sleeping on their little craft, Beckett conceivod the idea of killing his companion, and possessing himself of their boat and trumpery. Accordingly about midnight, while Lightfoot was sleeping, Beckett dealt him a blow on the left side of the head with an axe, that killed him instantly. He then threw the murdered man iuto the river, and the next morning made his way down a little below Brush Creek, and stopped with William Faulkner, and sold him the boat and cargo, taking a horse in way of pay. With this horse he crossed over into Kentucky, where he stayed some time. In the meantime the body of the murdered man was found, and Faulkner being found in possession of the boat, he was arrested as the murderer. The circumstances being pretty strongly against Falkner, he was in great danger, but Beckett, for some unaccountable reason, returned near the Kentucky side, when his horse strayed back to its old home. Coming over to get it, he was arrested, put in jail aud indicted tor murder in the first degree. He was tried by the Supreme Court al its October term, 1808, found guilty, and sentenced to be hung December 10th, 1808. He was confined in the old log jail that stood on lot 67, now owned by Sarah Boyles. Here he remained until the appointed time came round. It was a bright, pleasant December day, except the sky was almost darkened at times by the immense flocks of wild pigeons that were continually flying over. About 12 o'clock the fatal wagon or cart was driven up to the jail, Beckett put iuto it, and driven thence to a gallows that had been erected at the north side of the public square, where somewhat lengthy religious exercises were held. The Rev. William Williamson preached a discourse from the text: "Oh Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself, but in me is thy help. " The celebrated Lorenzo Dow was present and delivered an address from the words: "Rejoice, Oh young man in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth." Abbott Goddard then gave an exhortation and Rev. Mr. Dobbins addressed the people. The rope was then tied about his neck aud the cart ui iveu irom beneath him, and poor Beckett beheld tu*i »st of earth, in the presence of the assembled multitudes who came to witness the pitiable spectacle.

A'fter hanging a sufficient length of time the body was taken down and decent'y buried in the Lovejoy graveyard about a mile east of West Union, but his remains, "after life's fitful dreams were over" were not permitted to sleep in quiet till the resurrection morn, for they were soon taken up and dissected, not by a medical college, but by the neighborhood physicians.

The jury that tried Beckett were, David Bradford. Job Denning, Andrew Boyd, Daniel Collier, George Harper, John Wikoff, David Mears, E. U. Reeves, John Campbell. David Robe, David Thomas, Samuel Milligan.

Prior to the year 1856. the territory which the West Union special school district now includes, existed in two divisions, separated by Market street. The sehocl building of the western division has been changed into a commodious residence, and is now occupied by John K. Billings. The other building stood ju9t south of the Presbyterian church. On that some square have been erected, since the town was laid out, three school houses. The first was built of round logs. The windows were made by cutting out parts of logs and pasting greased paper over the holes. We presume there are but few fucts connected with the history of the schools at that time which would now bo interesting to any readers. They wero uugraded, and none but tho common branches wore taught. Teachers came and wont, made hideous blunders, and were censured for trifles, as they are to-day. Tho special district with the boundaries similar to those of the present, was organized in the year 1856. On the 3d of May of that year, the directors o/ West Union assembled according to previous notice, to vote for or against the adoption, for said subdistrict, of "An Act for the better regulation ©f the public schools in cities, towns, &c. " This bill was known as the " Akron Act, " and was passed February 21, 1849. The result of the election gave a raajbrity of twenty-seven in favor of the adoption. On the 16th day of May was elected the first Board of School Directors, contisting of J. M. Smith, J. R. Cockerill, J. W. Lafferty, Henrv Ousler, E. P. Evans and J. P. Hood. In the summer of the same year a committee consisting of J. R. Cockerill and E. P. Evans, was appointed to select a site for a school building. AcA cordingly, the lot on which the present house now stands was purchased from J. P. Hood, for $150. The plans and specifications of the house, the only one that has ever been erected, were drafted by J. R. Cockerill, Henry Ousler and E. P. Evans.

The contract wa9 taken by W. R. Rape and George Moore, at a cost of $2,450. The building was completed and delivered by the contractors to the Board, Dec. 17th, 1857. In the year 18 - , Mrs. Elizabeth Burgess bequeathed to the West Union S. S. District, $330, which was loaned to Hon. J. R. Cockerill, who kept it until June, 1858, at which time the principal, with the interest, was collected and appropriated to the payment of of Rape and Moore.

The first school taught in the new building was under the supervision of J. L. Coryell, with Mrs. Wells and Miss Jane Brawner, now the wife of J. N. Hook, as assistants. The school began (in this house) January 18th, 1858. Mr. Coryell had taught in the ungraded schools of the village for several years, and he now held the position of Principal for three years, managing the different departments with the same care and success which have been his characteristics in every branch of labor. At that time, and until the year 1878, all teachers of the special district were examined by a special board. The first members of the board were J. W. McFerrin, J. R. Billings and A. Hollingsworth.

Mr. Coryell was succeeded as Principal of the schools, by W. W. Williams, a Presbyterian minister, who had come from Hillsborough. Ohio, to West Union, about two years before. He was an estimable man and popular teacher. Uuder his administration the study of the Latin language was first introduced into the unsystemized course of study. Among his list of students we find the names of the following persons who are now, those of them who are living, prominent citizens and business men: Lewis Holmes, of Alledo, III. ; Capt. W. W. Evans, Portsmouth, Ohio; F. P. Bayless, Hon. J. W. Eylar and Henry Scott, West Union, Ohio; J. B. Young, J. P. Kilpatrick and S. B. Grooms, citizens of Adams county ; Dr. T. P. Hooper, of Pike county; John Ellis, ex-Auditor of Adams county ; Armstead Cockerill and John Cockerill, the well known American journalists; also, the daughters of James Hood, J. II. Cockerill, and the eldest daughter of John M. Smith. The assistants of Mr. Williams were A. C. Smith. Margaret Ellison and Sarah McColm. He was Superintendent of the schools two years only. His successor was Rev. Samuel Wallace. He held the position but three months, and was followed by R. A. Wells. The teachers in the lower gradeduring that year were S. B. Grooms, A. J. Man on and Angelin Hood.

Within the years 1862 and '68 Rev. George W. Taylor, R Wm. Coleman. Miss Elizabeth F. Thompson, and A. G. \\ il> served consecutively as Principals. Mr. Taylor is now a resid of Blais, Neb. ; Rev. Coleman, a Presbyterian Minister, i nephew of Dr. Daniel Coleman, of West Union, Ohio. He v educated at Oxford, Ohio, and Alleghany Seminary, Penn, present place of residence is Columbus, Kansas. Miss Thump' was born in Washington county, Penn., was educated at Alo Institute, in that State, and labored in the capacity of lead twenty-five years. While at West Union, some of her best pup were, Prof. W. A. Clark and sisters, Dr. Wm. Coleman, lion i ' Foster, and Misses Mary and Jennie Smith. She was the oul> lady that eVer had charge of the schools, and her Management gave excellent satisfaction. She was married in the year 1870. to Jacob M. Wells, ^till a prominent attorney of West Union. As assistants under the last named teacher, were A. J. Manuou, Ann Carl, Mrs. McFerrin, now the wife of James L. Coryell^ Nannie Williams, S. SaraplepGih&rles Gose, Hannah Mahan, Ella Wliiltacre, Wm. Greenly, and Miss Frank Jackman.

During the next four years, beginning with the fall of '68, tlv schools were under the Superintendency of W. II. Vane, a grade ate of the National Normal, at Lebanon, Ohio. Especially du.ing the first year of his administration, were the scliools'Well conducted. He was vigorous and energetic, and his ambition caused an enviable good. But unhappily his body lost its vigor, and hi* educational career has been forever abandoned. The other teachers under his supervision wore James McColm, Lottie Johnson. Frank Chapman. Oliver Hawk. Mrs. Oliver Hawk. J. L. Stewart Mary C. Smith, Belle Naylor, Albert W. Flora, Bridget Houghland aud Ida Patton.

'I Ik- Supfriiili'iulciils from IS. 2 III! 5'. Ilu* present, have been in i in* older ill w Ilieli lliey taught. Frank Fogun. .1. II. Compton, I.. .1. Fenton. \V. A. Clark. \\\ II. N ano, and .1. C. Compton. -| |, e di'i ipline ol'tlie first ot'il ?se, Mr. Fognu, was eharaeteri/ed by laxity, while that of his su- -*ssor, W. 11. Compton, was ot the opposite, nature. His denial is were positive, and lire will linn. These gentlemen have both left the profession of teaching. The former is a merchant in the > tate of Kentucky, and the latter an attorney in Marion Indiana W. A. Clark and L. .1. Benton, were then, and are yet. gentlemen of good principle, and practical teachers of the county. The former is located at Winchester, and the latter at Manchester. The sm- -s ot Mr. Fenton at that place has given him more than a local d inction.

Within the last eight years, J. W. Mason, Ellen Hood, Bridget lloughlaud. A. C. Smith, Mary Smith, Maggie Gregory, the wife of Win. Anderson, the present Prosecuting Attorney ot Adams county. Jennie Smith, the wife of Luther Thompson, John Kvl a r. a lawyer of Wavcrlv, Ohio; Anna Ilood, who lias since luvn married to Dr. W. Bunn, Jennie Lawler, Jennie Allen, John W. Mclvpown. Sallie Billings, and Josie Cluxton, have served as assistant teachers. The last three persons are yet teachers in the schools, with J. C. Comptom as Superintendent.

The schools have four departments and the enrollment of pupils is one hundred and twenty-one males, 911c hundred and fortv-onc females, three colored - a very small increase in the last twenty years.

The course of study has ever been irregular and indefinite. Whatever a sufficient number of pupils demanded was taught, providing the tutor himself was versed in the subject. Algebra. Geometry, Latin. Physiology, and Philosophy, are the only higher branches usually studied. The text books used have bee.n Ray's series of Arithmetics, McGuffey's Readers, Kirk urn's Grammars, until 1869, since that time Harvey's Grammars, Mitehel's and the Electic Geographies.

During several years after the Special District was organized, the length of the school term was ten months, but it is now never longer than eight, and in some years it is reduced to six months - a fact that is no indication of the progress ot the schools.

Some of the most active members of the School Board have been J. K. Billings, James L. Coryell and N. D. Branson. Mr. Coryell has held a position in that body for almost twenty years, and Mr. 'Branson during the past ten years. They have ever had the best interests of the school in view, and have rendered most valuable aid to the district. At one time the district was in possession of an excellent public library, furnished bv the State, but like most other libraries thus owned, it was «o public that it was soon the private property of every citizen.

Presbyterian

This church was first organized on Eagle Creek, about three miles from West Union in the spring of 1800. under the pastoral care of Rev. John Dtinlevy, who had previously preached, occasionally. by invitation. He preached at this church until October 1808, at which time he was suspended from the ministry by the Synod of Kentucky, for having departed from the principles of the church, and apostatized from the faith of the Gospel. Refusing stun mission to the judgment of the Synod, he still continued to preach to those who would attend his meetings, until the sumi..ei:of 1805, at which time he joined the Shakers.

- who remained true to their old faith, were left without a Mf until May 1805, when the Rev. William Williamson, hav- .ig removed from Fair Forest, South Carolina, and temporarily »:itlcd in the neighborhood of Cabin Creek congregation, divided hi. -i time with the Eagle Creek church, giving it half his time, for om? year. In the course of this year the congregation was again organized and James Baird, Joseph Darlington and William Marshall, were set apart as ruling elders. In the meantime the Rev. William Williamson having renoved within bounds of the church, resolved to give Manchester one-third of his ministerial labors. This church deemed it best to abandon the old Eagle Creek meeting house, and resolved to hold their meetings in the future in West Union. From this ti u it took the name of West Union church. The congregation t ffiis time was exceedingly weak, being few in numbers aud mu scattered. Notwithstanding which Mr. Williamson, at a low salary,. continued V labqr and without a meeting house, until one was built.

Nelson and Darliuton shall choosy in the vicinity said town, to be paid one-half in sixty days after the building of the house -hall have beeu contracted for, and the balance to be p ... wl u

Signed As Follows

| Joseph Darliuton, $80 in cash; Rev. William Williamson, onehalf my stipend at West. Union ; iloseu Moore. $20 in cash and $10 in trade; Joseph Nelson, $20 in cash and $10 in property; William McGarruh, $20 in cash ; James Baird $30 in cattle; Joseph Horn, $15 in cash; Richard Davis, $4 in cash ; Job Denning, $4 in quarrying stone ; Thomas Mason, $5 in labor; John M. Wallace, $4 in linen; John Wood, $4 in making doors and window shutters; John W. Campbell, $4 in cash; Joshua Porter, $5 in cash; N. Truitt, $4 in linen ; William Armstrong, $5 in cash ; Henry Rape, a six dollar hat ; David Robe, $4 in flour ; John Stephens, $3 in property ; A. Shepherd, $4 in cash ; John Ellison, Sen., $4 in cash ; trade ; N. Beasley, $6 in stone ; Ralph McClure, $5 in cash ; Nath. Collins, $2 in cash; A. Horst, $2 in trade; David McDermit, $3 in flour; David Decamps, $1 in trade ; William Morrison, $2 in linen; John Kincaid, $20 in blacksmithing ; James Paul. $5 in cattle; David Dryden, $6 in cash ; Thomas Havslip, $8 in cash ; Samuel Drvdeti, $5 in nails and hinges. Nathaniel Reid, $10 in window frames and sash ; Thomas Maxwell, $20, half of it cash, half of it cattle; Thomas Young, $5 in smith work; Christopher Parker, $3 in linen, and three yards more; Moses MoFadden, $5 in cash : Extra $2 ; Robert McClanahan, $5 in linen ; Robert Anderson, $8 in timber; Andrew Mclntire, $15 in cash and $5 in trade; Richard Rounsavell, $4 in mason work; William McClanahan, $1 50 in linen ; John Morrison, $8 in cash, and three yards of linen; David Bradford, $10 in cash; Joseph Curry, $15 - new saddle. John Leedoin, $2 in cash; Hamilton Dunbar, $5 in carpenter work ; John Briggs, $5 in lath ; John Killin, $5 in cash ; Samuel Dryden, $5 in pork ; John McClure, $5 in pork ; Robert Hastings, $4 in wheat; Stephen Kane, $3 in wheat.

It seems they were still short of the necessary amount to complete the building, so the following subscription was circulated, to obtain additional means :

"We the subscribers promise to pay to the trustees for building the meeting bouse in West Union, the several sums annexed to our respective names, given under our hands this 26th day of September, 1810."

William Williamson, $10, half cash, the rest out of my stipend; Willhnn McGarrah. four bushels of wheat; Andrew Mclntire, $10 in cattle; Robert Anderson, 100 weight of flour; Nathaniel Reid, ten bushels of wheat ; Thomas Maxwell, $10 in trade; John Kincaid, $5 in trade; Ilosea Moore, $5 in trade; Henry Pile, two bushels of wheat; David Jones $2 in cash.

The contract for the mason work was given to Thomas Metcalf, of Kentucky. He was afterwards Governor of that State. The stone and material was all to be furnished him on the ground ready to use. and he was to receive $250 for the job, one-half to be paid in cash the other half in such trade as was subscribed. The contract for payment between the trustees and Governor Metcalf, was signed and acknowledged the 26th day of May, 1810-

In a letter answering some inquiries made in regard to the trade payments, the Governor says: " I do not want whisky, but should it ans wer the purpose of Mr. Harper, or whoever he may employ, you will please let them have it, and as to the piioe, whatever may he customary I shall expect to give, or whatever may be agreed on by you and them. "

Hamilton Dunbar had the contract for the carpenter work and Job D lining the contract for hauling the stone from the quarry to the ground where they were to be used, but we do not know the amount they received.

The church built by Governor Metcalf in 1810, is the present stone church, with the exception of an eud or side taken out to enlarge it. Repairs made within the past year, when fully completed will make it one of the most commodious aud comfortable churches in the county.

The congregation encouraged by the accession of new mentf bers from year to year, prepared a call for one-third of the labors of Mr. Williamson, he having heretofore only filled the place of a stated supply. The call was made the 28th of March, 1812, and accepted the following week.

When Mr. Dunlevy left the church, he took the book of records, which he never returned. Mr. William Marshall, the regular clerk, died, and the books and papers in his possession were all lost.

October' 31, 1808, the name of James Scott was dropped as eider, and the name ofThoma9 Kirker added in its stead. In January 1818, David Murry was added to the list of elders.

Mr. Williamson served as pastor until 1819 or 1820. Then the Rev. Dyer Burgess took charge of the congregation and was its pastor for several years.

September 4th, 1826, the congregation met and elected William Kirker, Peter Eckly and James Ellison additional elders. In June, 1830, Doctor William M. Vorie was elected an elder.

Rev. Dyer Burgess continued as pastor until 1829, when he married Isabella Ellison, and moved to Cincinnati, where published a paper called "Infidelity Unmasked, " in opp witlon to slavery and secret societies. He again removed to West Union, where be remained until the decease of his wife a few years afterwards. He then went to Lawrence county, Ohio, where he married the widow of Doctor Voris. This lady wa9 the daughter of John Means. He then went to Constitution, about 6ix miles from Marietta, where he died a few years 9ince.

Rev. John P. Vandyke took the pastorate of the church after Mr. Burgess. He remained in charge from 1829 until 1852. a period of 23 years. The church building was enlarged during the time and made 50x60.

A church was organized in Eckmansville, about seven miles distant, which took a number of members from the West Union church, that very materially weakened it.

From 1853 to 1854, James Huston was pa9tor. The following pastors then succeeded - Nathaniel M. Urmston from 1854 to 1857. From 1858 to September 1861, Rev. W. W. Williams. From 1862 to 1863 Rev. Robert B. Herron. From 1863 to 1865, Rev. William Coleman.

In the latter part of 1871, Rev. John E. Carson became, pastor, and continued until the spring of 1873. In the time of his pastoral charge the congregation seem to have abandoned their old meeting house and occupied other churches, as they could get the privilege of using them.

From 1873 to the present time, the congregation has been supplied at different periods by the Revs. S. P. Dillon, John McCluug, A. Taylor, II. G. Lewis and others.

The church is at present without a minister. They are now repairing and enlarging the old building and will soon have one of the largest and most comfortable bouses in the country.

In addition to the elders already mentioned there have been the following, who served at different times, to-wit: John Potter, Daniel John, John McClanahan, James McClung, Alexander Woodrow, Henry Bierly, R. L. Kepperling. The present elders are Doctor David Coleman, Peter McKee, and S. G. Jackson.

West Union M. E. Church

This is among the earliest churches of the county. The first Methodist Episcopal church in this county, or west of the Allegheny Mountains, was organized on Scioto Brush creek, where they built a log meeting house in 1800, which went by the name of Moore's Chapel. The first circuit of which we have any account that embraced Adams comity within its limits, was composed of Adams, Brown, Clermont, Ross, and perhaps Highland, Pike and Jackson counties. The first quarterly meeting of this circuit, so' far as we can learn, was held Sept. 7, 1804, at the house of White

At that time this county was almost a wilderness, the people lived in log cabins, Avith clapboard roofs and puncheon floors. The preachers traveled from cabin to cabin, to preach the gospel, while they lived on wihl^mpat and corn-bread. They sometimes carried tea witn them in their saddle bags, that they niiirht have a enp made, should they feel like they needed it at any of their meals. There were no flue churches in those days with carpeted floors, pews with softly cushioned seats and pulpits with lofty vaulted ceilings above "to gather and 1*011 back the sound ofjnithems," but their temples of worship were built of logs with ser.ts made of split timber with wooden legs.

In the fall of 1807, Rev. John Collins was appointed preacher in charge of the Scioto circuit. Early in that conference year he organized a small class at the house of Peter Shulte, in Wfest Union, which WH9 the starting point of tlitf church. William Russell, who settled in West Union, June 19, 1807, and was a devoted friend of Methodism, was appointed the leader of this little class. Win. Armstrong, who had moved from Maysville, Ky., May 21,

The members of this first class were William Russell and wife, Wm. A nostro* g a 'id wife. Peter Shults and wife. Mary Rape, Mary Woodv; rd, Mrs. Nancy Cole and Mrs. Hannah Hood.

August 15, 1819, when Leroy Swormsted was Presiding Elder of Brush creek circuit, measures were taken to procure a lot of land and build a m cling house, and the following trustees aplointea : Wm. Russel', Peter Shults, John Meek, G. R. Jones and A. Hollingsworth. A beautiful &ite was procured of Wm. Armstrong, on lot No. 89, for $50. and a deed executed by him for the same. September 30. 1819. The xt year, 1820, a good comfortable brick house, 35x44, was built.

This building lasted until 1868, when it was taken away and the present church was erected upon its site. This new house is a substantial brick building, 38x65, with 18 feet ceiling and vestibule and two class rooms in front, cupola, spire and tine toned bell.

The corner stone was laid with ceremonies by the Rev. M. P. Gaddis. There were enclosed in this stone, a tin box, containing a copy each of the Bible, M. E. Discipline, ''Western Chiistian Advocate," " Ladies Repository/* West Union "Scion," "Adams County Defender." subscription to the building fund, with the names and amount subscribed by qach, names of the board of trustees, Presiding Elder, preacher fn charge, and the workmen who built it. The cost of the house was $5,000.

The pastors who have had charge since the new house was built in 1868 to the present time, 1880, are T. E. Fidler. M. T. Mc- Mullen, W. M. Boyer, W. J. Quary, T. De Witt Peak, C. J. Wells,

The following is a list of the Presiding Elders and Preachers in the M. E. church since its organization in the Scioto, now West Union circuit :

1818. John Codings, presiding elder ; J. Stamp. A. McLain, W. M. Quinn, preachers. Name of circuit changed to Brush creek. Leroy Swormsted, William Page, preachers.

At the annual Ohio Conference held at Chiliicothe in 1832, the name of the Brush creek circuit was changed to West Union, which name it has since retained.

Christianity has a history. And it is a history of which God'ipeople are justly proud ; for it is so closely allied, or rather blended with the history of the human race in its progress in civilization and learning, as well as in its moral growth, that the history of the latter would be altogether imperfect and incomplete without that of the former. This fact exists because God intended religion for nian, and adapted it to his spiritual and intellectual wants in all ages of the world, in all conditions of life, and for time and eternity. And it ever affords the Christian heart the greatest pleasure to trace the hand of God, not only in his general providence with mankind, but t© observe the Divine interposition in behalf of his people, his protection of them and their interests amidst earth's desolations, and hence to entertain the inspiring hope of the final triumph of Christianity and the glorious victory of a personal faith in Je«us Christ.

While it is true that Christianity, taken as a grand whole, has a noble birth and a glorious history of churches, and even of individuals, that we behold the real strength and beauty of religion. With a desire to add what we can to this department of the county's history we present the following sketch of the West Union Baptist church :

In 1833 a Baptist church was organized at the house of the late Deacon William Mahaffcv, some four and a half miles northwest of the town, composed of twenty members, of whi-h Elder J. Layman was chosen pastor, serving them once a month. This church was the result of the earnest labors of Eldei'9 J. Layman, H. Johnson, D. Spohn, H. Burnett and M. Elrod, who had, either on their own responsibility or appointed by the State Convention, labored to build up the Master's cause in that vicinity. This church kept up its regular meetings until 1838, when in consequence of a large number of its members removing to different sections of the country, it was broken up, and the remaining members, few in number, united with the Soldier Run ami Winchester churches. During the winter of 1839, a meeting of days was held at William Mahaffey's in wnich Elder Eli Frey, who was laboring as domestic missionary, D. Spohn and K. Griswold were engaged. The Lord graciously blessed their labors ami several were baptized. A meeting was also held in West Union during the same winter and just prior to the organization of a church in which Elders Brownson, Burnett and Wedge took part with the minssters referred to above, and some eight or ten persons were received for baptism.

On the 2l8t of April, 1840, an ecclesiastidnl council met in West Union for the purpos of recognizing the West Union Regular Baptist church. Elder H. Burnett was chosen Moderator and J. K. Brownson, Clerk. Other ministers present were, Elders Frey, Griswold, Spohu and Wedge. Thirty-seven members principally from the churches of Soldier Run, Winchester and Lick Fork, presented their letters and were constituted and recognized a Regular Baptist church. Elder Wedge gave the charge to the church ; Elder Frey the right hand of fellowship ; Elder Griswold presented the Blblr, and Elder Spohn offered the closing prayer. Miss Nancy Irvin was then received for baptism. Ellison Mahaffev was chosen Clerk, and Saturday before the 4th Lord's day in May was appointed as the first monthly meeting of the church. At the following meeting of the Strait Creek Association, held with the church at Winchester, August 23, she united with that body, reporting thirty-nine members.

The church remained a member of that Association until 1872, when, owing to the unpleasant circumstances then prevailing, she made application to and became a member of the Portsmouth Association.

In the following November the church called Elder Lyman Whitney to the pastorate, who remained with them until April, 1843. The Lord graciously blessed his labors with the church, its membership having been more than doubled while he was pastor.

The church being destitute of a house of worship, ined for that purpose sometimes, the court house, sometimes the old brick school- house where John K. Billings, Esq., now resides, and at other times the Presbyterian church. In May, 1845. the church appointed a building committee to superintend the erection of a church house, which resulted in the completion of said building, which was dedicated by Elder William Allgood, the second pastor of the church, on Saturday before the second Lord's day, in November, 1846. The church called to the pastorate next, Elder James Gabriel, and following him, Elder J. W. Dinkleman, who closed his labors with the church in March, 1860. On the 21st of May following, occurred the terrible and disastrous tornado which spread desolation over the whole country, and left the church their meeting house a pile of ruins. This was, indeed, a dark hour to the church. With limited pecuniary resources, without a pastor and their house destroyed, the outlook was truly discour aging. But with an unwavering faith in God, and a determination muyle doubly strong by the successes of the past, they resolved to rebuild, and in January, 1861, the church entered their second new house of worship. During the period of her existence the church has had in all, nine pastors, whose time of labor and success in the pastorate may be seen in the following tabular

The whole number of members received from time of organization to present date, March 20, 1880, is 338. Total membership at present time, 110. The following named brethren have been Deacons of the church in the order named: Richard Eddington and William Mahaffey, appointed April 1842. James j$. Ellison and John Holmes, appointed December, 1857; Samuel Hosier, chosen April, 1769; John Hosier and James P. Wilson chosen August, 1873. The last three named are the Deacons at the present time. The following brethren have been Clerks of the church in the order named: Ellison Mahaffey, John Davis, Adam McCormick, John Holmes and Daniel Biely, the present incumbent. The first. Trustees of the church were Adam McCormick, Arnos Duncan and William Mahaffey. Afterward Jason McDermed and J. li. Mahaffey were appointed and are the only remaining Trustees at the present time. Win. Mahaffey was the first regularly appointed Treasurer of the church, and resigned April, 1861, at which time J. R. Mahaffey, the present incumbent, was appointed to the office.

Thus has the church sown the "good seed" and labored on for nearly lorty years. Sometimes she has been, as it were, upon Mt. Nebo with a fair view of the " promised land 'in the distance ; at other times, low down in the valley of trial and humiliation. But though sometimes ca9t down, yet never without hope, never without faith in God's promises and the final success of our mission. May we, together with our sister churches of West Union and the county, ever be faithful to the trusts committed to our charge, so t. at when Time's great wheel shall cease to move and earth's history shall have been completed, we may each find that our name stands recorded in heaven's greatest book - "the book of life."

The Christian Union church is located on the northeast corner of the public square, West Union. It is a, beautiful, neat little frame building, fifty by thirty-one feet, sixteen feet storv. The inside is well finished with clear, pine lumber, varnished verv nicely. They have an excellent Esty organ for the use of the church and Sabbath school. They also have a tine bell upon the church. The erection of said church building was contracted i«>: on the 3rd day o. August, 1803, by John lv. Billings, J. It. Cock ville, John Laughridge and F. J. Miller, building committee, a Arthur L. Lloyd, builders. The church was completed in Feb ary, 1809, and dedicated on the first day of March. 1809 bv 1 A. S. Biddisoii, a minister of said church, and then the editor publisher of the "Christian Witness," the church paper of Christian Union, published at Columbus, Ohio. The Rev. I dison on his return home to Ins editorial duties, gave a m statement in his paper,! of his visit, etc., a portion of which hereto append.

" It is astonishing to see the zeal and determination upon part of the membership in the erection of a house for worsh The church ut this place, only numbers nine or ten of a lnciuK . ship, none of them wealthy but blessed with a competence ibr comtort, and have completed a bjuutitul chapel which would ;>.- considered low at $2,000. We ImVe not seen a better finished building for a long time. Its architecture Is elegant, and the work performed iu the best of order. The contractor not only understood his business as a mechanic, but gave lull proot of honestly by doing the wmk in good order and finishing in h a style belter than the contructr Tne sisters have evinced elegant taste in dressiug the pulpit und altar. Such zeal is commendable, and we trust will be liberally rewarded." 1

A Singular Incident

One of the workmen in ascending a ladder, leading trom the floor to the hatchway, between the doors, accidentally touched his foot against th e plaster, having a mink and slightly delat ing the wall. The contractor observing the blemish drew -his* bru>h across it, thinking only to remove the defect, when «, behold, in place ot the blemish appeared a dove, most beautifully traced. The brush having been in turpentine it haves a stain of u complete dove like figure, which is observable from any part of the I house. The time has been when such an event would have b thought omcnons. It is certainly very remarkable that it should appear in such perfection, wiiuout uy intention of the kind and could not have been made by the same haud if it had been designed. We hope the innocence of the dove may ever characterize those who worship befori the alter in this pleasant chapel."

Chapter ''St

In 1868, E. P. Evans was associated with them in business retaining the same name. In 1878, Mr. Evans retired, leaving the original members, who continue under the same firm name.

The institution has confined itself to a legitimate banking business, and has stood the financial pressure of the times it has passed through without a strain. Doing an honorable business, it has had an abundant success.

The first number of this paper appeared the 17th of February, 1853, with Samuel Burwell as editor and proprietor, by whom it has since been continuously published to the present time.

This is one of the old business stands in West Union. The building was erected in 1806, by William Armstrong, who immediately filled in a store. It has been continuously used as a store from that time to the present day. The same counter, that was put up in 1806, stands there to-day, almost as good as it was the day it was put in, seventy-four years ago.

S. N. Bradford

Commenced business in the old Armstrong corner on, Main street, in 1869, in the month of September, with S. G. Bradford, continuing with him eight years. William McDauiel bought the interest of S. G. Bradford, and was a member of the firm for a few months, when he Sold his interest to W. H. Nicholson. After remaining together something over a year, Mr. Bradford retired from the firm, and started business alone, on the opposite side of the street, where he remains, doing a general grocery business.

John Taylor

J. F. Miller commenced business in 1861, in the room now occupied by E. Zimmerman & Son, as a tin shop. In 1873, the stock was sold to J. W. Eylar. In 1874, he associated with him, J. W. Bunn, and laid in a new stock of drugs and medicines, and commened business under the firm name of Miller & Bunn. In 1879, they moved into their present commodious building, which they had just completed.

The first number of the " New Era " was issued July 6, 1877. It was gotten up by a joint stock company of Republicans, with C. E. Irwin as editor. Mr. Irwin now owns a controlling share of the stock.

Gaffin House Bank Hotel

Bought the drug store he uow occupies, corner of Cross and Main streets, in 1864, at a cost of $1,960 for the buildings, and $1,- 950 for tbe stock on hand. He has since made two or three addition® to At buildings. He deals in hardware, leather, drugs, notions, ackni books, &c., &c.

Graduated from the Western Reserve Medical College in February, 1849, and subsequently settled in West Union, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. During the war of the rebellion he served two years as examining surgeon in the Provost Marshal's office, of the eleventh district.

William R. Rape is the oldest merchant- in West Union. He commenced as a clerk in the store of J. P. Patterson in 1838. In 1840. he went to James Hood's store, where he remained five or or six years, then with E. S. Moore, then with David Oakes, then one year at the Brush creek Forge with James Hood, then with Prother & Moore, and Hosea Moore. In September, 1852, he entered into partnership with Peter Miller, and in 1853 has J. Lovey as a partner, then E. M. de Bruin. In 1856 was connected ;th George Moore as partner, occupying the Armstrong (uow the Mullen) corner for five year , then removed to the Sparks corner now occupied by Jame9 Young, afterwards weut to the corner now occupied by Miller & Bunn's drug store. From the latter place he removed to his present locatipn, corner of Market and Mulberry streets, making some forty-two years, either as, clerk or principal in the dry goods business.

This establishment started b> Treber & Holmes, in March, 1875, who continued the business under the firm name stated, until December, 1876, when Mr. Holmes retired, Mr. Treber continuing alone until April, 1879, vben W. J. Crawford became connected with the house, in whi< t he remained until February 1, 1380, when he withdrew as partner in the store, but remains a salesman, Mr. Treber at in becoming the sol* owner. He deals in dry goods, family groceries, &c.

Brice V. Hoghland

The subject of this sketch graduated from the Ohio Medical College in 1849, though he afterwards, in 1855, attended a course of lectures in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York city, and also attended still another course at the same institution in 1857.

Oliver 8Meltzkr

Carries on a general blacksmithing business; worked in We6t Union one year - 1850 - then went to Aberdeen, Brown county, and worked until September 9, 1870, when he located again in West Union, and started a shop on Mulberry street, in which he has since done business.

Henry C. 8Tromann

Came from Eckmansville, March 8, 1878, and settled in West Union, and opened np a cooper shop, west side of the village, on the Maysville and Zanesville pike. He employs three hands and does all kinds of work in his line.

Came here from Russellville, Brown county, O., in February 1875, and commenced the manufacture of carriages and buggies.^ He runs one set of hands; does repairing in all its branches. Shop on Main street.

This firm came from Williamsburg, Clermont county, O., and located in We9t Union, June 1, 1879. They do a general business in manufacturing tinware, and deal in stoves.

W. C. Allen, has carried on the above business since 1850. He occupied a building a few doors east of the Crawford House, until 1876, when he moved to his present location, on the corner of Mulberry aud Pleasant streets.

This establishment was started by Abraham Hollingsworth; sold by him to Adam McGovney, and was bought from him by Joseph Smith, and was run by him until his decease in 1870. when it passed into the hands of his sons, Lewis and Joseph Smith, who continue under the firm name of Smith & Bro.

Commenced business in West Union, September 1, 1872. Deals in aud repairs clocks, watches, and jewelry of all kinds ; 6hop on Main street, west of the Postoffice.

Has been engaged in the business most of his life time ; started a shop just north of the Gaffin House in the spring of 1879, where he carries on the business at the present time.

In 1866, Arthur Clark, John C. Duffy, George Mclntire, Frederick Schuster, Dr. John Campbell and David Clark, were incorporated as a company to carry on a woolen factory, under the firm name of, A. Clark & Co. After run*"ng some four or five years, they disposed of their property to E. P. (Evans, James Mc- Clanahau, Smith Grimes and Wesley Satterfield, who run it until 1878, when they ceased to work it. Although this establishment is in excellent order, with perfect machinery, the financial crisis made it unprofitah^e^nd it has not resumed business.

This mill was built by James Hood in 1857 ; commenced business in 1858. It was made substantial and first class in every respect, supplied with all the improved machinery of the times with two pairs of wheat burrs, and one pair for corn. Mr. Hood run it until April 1, 1862, when he disposed of it to Mclntire & Schuster.

Samuel Butt well - Was born in West Union, Adams county, Ohio. November. 20, 1822, was educated in the common schools of the village, with -e exception of attending the Hillsboro Academy during the sui mer term of 18J2. He learned the printer's trade with Robert «. ickmnn, of West Union. He worked on the West Union Intel! ig neer for several years, also on the Free Press, in the same place. On the 17th day of February, 1853, he issued in West Union, the first number of a new paper called the "Scion of Temperance. " It was published one year on the temperance platform, when he espoused Cto cause of the American Party, which had just come into cxis nee. Upon the organization of the Republican party, in 1856, tic at once adopted its principles, which he has since warmly advocated through the columns of his paper. Mr. Burwell has published the West Union Scion for over 27 years. It has now become almost a part of his existence. He is at his office early and late, busy at his work all the time, lie is now one of the oldest editors in the State, and yet his paper goes on without any symptoms of relaxation or abatement of its energies. His, has been truly a laborious, " busy life. " Mr. Burwell married Miss Margaret Mitchell, March 30, 1848, and has reared a family of five sons and three daughters.

Sarah Boyle. - This lady's ancestors were natives of Ireland. Iler paternal grand parents, John and Sarah Boyle, were born on the banks of the river Boyne, near a place rendered memorable for the decisive battle fought there, July 1, 1690, between William HI, of England, at the head of a combined force of English, Dutch, and allied detachments of almost every Protestant kingdom of Europe, and the ex-monarch, James II, with an invading French and Irish refugee army. The animosities engendered by the -* battle of the Boyne " have never died out. The Protestant Irish, known as "Orangemen," still annually celebrate their victory on that occasion, throughout the United States, and are almost always mobbed by the Irish Catholics, whose anger for their defeat still remains unappeased. In 1795, John Boyle, with his wife and children, emigrated to America. He first settled at Shipbensburg, Pennsylvania, but afterwards moved to Grecnsburg, in the same State, where he died. He reared a family of nine children, Mary, Sarah, Nancy, Susan, Ann. Elizabeth, Alexander, Wilson and Daniel. Daniel, who was the father of the subject of our sketch, was also born on the banks of the Boyne, about 1787, and came with his parents to this country, when eight years old. He subsequently married Margaret Cox, of Pittsburg!). He learned the tinning business, working at his trade in New York, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The conveniences of travel were not so good in those early days as they are now, and Mi-. Boyle walked from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and returned, no less than seven times. After he came to West Union he thought nothing of walking from there to Pittsburgh and back, which he did many times. A year or two after his marriage, about 1819, Mr. Boyle left Pittsburgh and came to Adams county. lie and a Mr. Litton, built some kind of a cheap boat, on which they loaded their goods, and with their families came down the river. They halted an hour or two at Portsmouth, looked at the town and the log "Court House," then moved on down the river to Manchester, where Mr. Boyle landed and unloaded his goods. Mr. Litten went on. From Manchester, Mr. Boyle came to West Union, where he settled and carried on the tinning business, supporting his family and saving a portion of his earnings, with which he first bought lot N*' 67, of James Roscman, who was a merchant, doing business thcie in a small house that stood on the premises. This property became Mr. Boyle's homestead. In 1829 he rented his premises and moved to Cincinnati, and engaged in business for a year, then returned to West Union, where he followed his trade of tinner, until some two years before his death, when age and infirmity unfitted him for labor any more. In 1811, Mr. Boyle made a trading trip down the Mississippi river, went up the Arkansas, also up the Mississippi as far as St. Louis. lie was along the river during the time of the earthquakes of that year, was near New Madrid at the time of the great convulsion there, saw the earth sink th t swallowed up the greater portion of the town. He early identified himself with the interests of the community, in which lie lived, ti. ting a lively interest in every thing that would promote the general welfare; was esteemed aird respected bv all who knew him. lie served his fellow-citizens as Mayor of the village, Justice of the Peace, etc. Of the strictest integrity, frugal, industrioi and unostentatious in his manners, he was one of God's nobles works - an honest mail. He was a member of the U. B. Church . for many years previous to his death, which occurred May 29, 1874. Ilis wife led August 26, 1876. They lie buried in the village cemetery \V t ' .ion. They were the parents of nine children - three an am i - laughters - named George, Edward, Sarah, Margar vta> / <. Wilson, Amanda, Caroline, and Theodosia Jane. o - ward and

Mary arc deceased, the others still surv v Sara the oldest daughter, occupies the beautiful liomcsteai 1 . pi cots - a view of which appears upon the pages of this w

Ohio, March lllh, 1847. Before bo was a your old his paronts moved to Adams county, where he has resided ever since, with the exception of brief intervals. In 1860 his parents moved to tho town of West Union, whore, taking up as nearly all boys do, with the art of printing, he became apprenticed to the firm of Billings & Fatterson, at that time conducting the Democratic Union. In 1862, he went to Georgetown, Ohio, where he continued his apprenticeship under John G. Dorcn, then publisher of the Southern Ohio A,ryu&. In 1862, being unable to enlist, on the account of age and size, ho went with his father, who had some connection with tho army, into the service as a teamster, from which capacity lie was advanced lo that of a forage master, lie accompanied General Burnside's expedilion into East Tennessee, crossing tho Cumberland mountains six times, and was finally with that officer when lie was besieged at Knoxville, by Longstrect. Jle also accompanied General Sherman's army, being connected with the 23d army corps, to the Chattaboochie River, where h^ remained until Atlanta fell, when he returned to Knoxville, and from thence to his home in Ohio. Arriving at home he spent one winter at school, when he again took up his profession of printer, in the office of the Democratic Union , where he remained for several months, in the employ of W. G. Billings, who at that time had charge of that paper. He quitted this position and went to Fayette county, where he was employed for a time by Shoemaker, Bybec & Co., who were at that time conducting a hub and spoke factory. During his absence the Democratic Union failed, and on bis arrival at home, in the fall of 1865, he found considerable discontent among the Democracy of Adams county, because they had no organ. After taking the matter under advisement, and having a consultation with John K. Billings, who owned the materia^ on which the Democratic Union had been printed, a prospectus was prepared and Mr. Eylar walked over Adams county, soliciting subscribers. The success was not as flattering as he had hoped for, but being full of pluck and day of January, 1866, the first number of the People's Defender was given to the public. The success of the paper was assured with its first issue. During the first year he and his brother, Oliver A., performed all the work on the paper, eating and sleeping in the office. When the Democracy of Adams county saw the determination to succeed evinced by the youthful editor, they rallied to its support. For a while the Defender was owned jointly by J. W. and O. A. Eylar, but it is now the sole property of J. W. Eylar. In 1876, Mr. Eylar was elected to the Legislature, succeeding Richard Ramsay, a Republican. He served two years, and at the expiration of that time was re- lected, representing the county of Adams four years, in the 62d and 63 General Assemblies. A reference to the journals of that body shows that he accomplished more in the passage of bills than any other Representative ever elected from Adams Co. ; in fact, his efforts in that direction are nearly equal to the combined representation of Adams county, from the adoption of the present constitution to the time of bis election. In the 63d General Assembly be waS Chairman of the committee on Public Printing, and a leading member of the committee on Railroads and Telegraphs. In the 62d General Assembliy, he was a member of the commsttee on Printing, the committee on the Soldiers' Orphans' Home, and a new committee being organized during the session called the committee on Elective Franchise, he was appointed a member of that. Ilis record as a Legislator shows that his votes wTere always cast in favor of economy, and on the side of every reasonable temperance proposition that came before the bodies of which he was a member. In the 62d General Assembly he was one of the Democrats who voted for the only temperance proposition coming before that body, and in the 63d General Assembly he voted for Local Option,- as an expresston of principle, though regarding Local Option as impracticable. He was very popular with his fellow members, irrespective of party. He evinced considerable aptness as a Parliamentarian, and was frequently called to preside over the House during the temporary absence of the Speaker. Mr Eylar was married to Mary Ellen Oldson, on the 4th of March* 1869. He is one of the leading members of the order of Odd Fellows in Adams county, and i9 an enthusiastic member of some of the other secret benevolent societies.

C. E. Irwin. - C. E. Irwin, editor of the Nen Era , the subject of this sketch, 19 of Scotch-Irish descent, and was born at Circlcvillc, Ohio, January 29th. 1842. He completed the High School course of study, in 1860, during the intervals of his school years learning the printing business, working on the Circleville Herald and Circleville Watchman. On July 17th, 1862, while working as n compositor on the Philadelphia (Pa.) Inquirer, he entered the army, enlisting in the 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry, in which capacity he participated in the battles of Sharpshurg, Antietnm, Winchester and in many lesser encounters with the Mosbv band of guerillas. On the 20th of February, 1864, in a cavalry battle, near Woodstock, Virginia, tho subject of this sketch was surrounded and made prisoner. After two months incarceration in Libby Prison, Richmond, Va.. was paroled and sent to Annapolis, Maryland. During the remainder of the war was detached by order of the War Department, and served ns chief clerk, to tho department of paroled prisoners of war, at Annapolis. On May 29th, 1865, was honorably discharged in general orders No. 79,

War Department, A. G. O. After the war, Mr. Irwin located at Cincinnati, and was with Thomas Wrighton & Co., printers ami publishers, up to 1869. Tho winter seasons of each of these years was devoted to lecturing tours through Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and Kentucky ; the subject of his lectures being the sciences that pertain to man physically and mentally, in which field of effort he was very successful. On the 23d of November, 1869, Mr. Irwin was married to Miss II. L. Wright, daughter of Samuel M. Wright, of West Union, Ohio, and located at Cincinnati. In June, 1870, he purchased of S. P. Drake, of Portsmouth, Ohio, the Portsmouth Republican , tho oldest Republican paper in that section, having been established in 1852, and continued its prosperous publication up to Aplil, 1876, when he sold out the good will to Albert McFarland, of the Tribune, agreeing at the same time to remain out of the business at that point, for five years. The Republican was subsequently consolidated with the Tribune- Republican, of Portsmouth, Ohio, and still continues. In May, 1876, without effort on his part, wa9 elected City Clerk, of the city of Portsmouth for one year. The position wa9 one requiring the services of a thorough accountant and book-keeper, and the responsibility was such that a bund of twenty-five thousand dollars is required. His work in this, the only civil office he ever held, can be attested by bis bondsmen, the Hon. Bcnj. F. Coatee, lion. Henry A. Towne, and George Davis, of Portsmouth. In April, 1877, the subject of this sketch wa9 called upon to take an interest in, and arrange for the establishment of a new paper in Adam9 county, which call he accepted. He moved with his family in June, 1877, and issued the initial number of the New Era, at West Union, Ohio, on the 6th day of July, of the same year. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Irwin ; Ettie Catharine, August 4tli, 1870; McArthur Wright, January 1st, 1873; and Ralph Waldo, April 24th, 1877, all of whom are now living.

John Taylor. - The paternal ancestors of the subject of this sketch were of English descent. The earliest known of them, was his great grandfather, who served in the Revolutionary war, from Virginia. As he received large bounties in land warrants, in the Virginia Military District in Ohio, it is presumed he was an officer of some rank. lie had a family, though little is known of them. He, however, had a son named Jesse, who was the grandfather of John Taylor. This Jesse Taylor received a share of his father's bounty lands, which were located in Brown county, but he sold them at an early day. He, however, moved from Virginia and settled in Fairfield county, Ohio, where he raised his family. Here both he and his wife died. James W. Taylor, the oldest of Jesse Taylor's family, was born in Virginia, in 1803, and came with bis lather to Fairfield county. When grown to a young man, he left Fairfield and came to Brown county, where he married Catharine Lanev. They became the pare). ts of five children, three sons and two daughters, named John, Samuel, Eliza Jane, James II. and Ellie. The oldest in this family of children, John, who is the subject of our sketch, was born in Adams county, August 22d, 1835. He worked on a farm in his earlier years, receiving such an education as the common schools afforded. In 1861, Oct. 19th, he enlisted in Co. H., Capt. B. F. Wiles, 70tli Regt., O. V. I., Col. J. R. Cockerill commanding. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant, and fought in the battle of Shiloh, where he lost an arm, on account of which disability, he was honorably discharged, December 1, 1862. In 1863, he was elected Sheriff of Adams county, and re-elected to the same office in 1865, and performed his duties in a manner that was nccep! - ble to the people. In March, 1868, he engaged in the mercan business in West Union, but in 1873, was again elected Sin and re-elected when the term was out. At the expiration ol last term of office he engaged in farming, which he still cai on. In the meantime he formed a copartnership with T. J. M len in the the grocery business, but at the end of a year, reti from the firm, and is again devoting his attention to farmi He married Clarra S. Mullen, daughter of T. J. Mullen, E April 6, 1875. They have been blessed with a daughter, nam Anna M. Taylor, born July 24th, 1878.

Samuel M. Wright. - The ancestors of Samuel M. Wright were natives of Ireland. His great grandfather married in that country, ljut at an early day, he, with his family, emigrated to America, and settled in Virginia.1 At what period he came to this country wo don't know, but it was before the Revolutionary war, for several of his son9 took part in that struggle, serving in the continental array. Some of them were at the Cowpens. This great grandfather and, his wife both died and the'rt names are forgotten, and theimmcs of but few of their children arc now remembered. Fivo of these sons, however, came west about 1787, and settled somewhere between Paris and Lexington, Kentucky, where they lived some twelvo years, then all removed to Ohio, three of them, James, William, and Alexander, settled in Highland county. Another one, Samuel, settled on Cherry Fork. Wnvnc township, near North Liberty, in 1799. The other brother, John, settled about a mile north of Decatur, Brown county. John married Margaret McKittrick, berore leaving Virginia. They reared a family of nine children, seven sons and two daughters, named Jane, William, Robert, Margaret, John, Thomas, Samuel, James and Alexander. Several of these sons served in the war of 1812. William, the second in this family of children, was horn September 21, 1779. In 1805, he married Elizabeth

TlH'ina*. They were (lie parent of eight ehihlrcn, three son* ami live daughters. One ot' those sons was Samuel M. Wright, whose name stands at t he head of this article. These eight children were named John T., James. Margaret. Amanda M., Mary lh, Samuel M.. Eliza and America Wright. John T. was born September 22. 1806, died of vcliow fever at Memphis, Tennessee, September 28, 1839. lie was never married. James, born January 21, 180S, married Mali n<Va l ayne, in 1832. They moved to Tazwell county, Illinois, where they arc now living. Margaret M., born January Cth, 1810, married Joshua T. Parish, in 1842. They moved to Missouri, where Mr. Parish died. The Widow survives. Amanda M.. born December loth, 1811, married Dr. GrccnlcaC Norton, in May 183S. They immediately, removed to Crawfordsville, Indiana, where the Doctor practic'd medicine two or three years then came back and settled in the old neighborhood. Me eventually engaged in farming, in Brown county, where lie died in 1809. The widow still resides on the farm. Mary B., born May 19th, 1814, married James M. Taylor, in September, 1841. They settled on Grace's Run, where Mr. Taylor died in 1831. The widow owns and occupies a farm near the U. P. Church on Cherry Fork. Eliza, born July 12, 1818, married W. W. West, November 5, 1846. They moved to Nebraska in 1874. where she died in 1876. America, born January 4th, 1824, married Robert Kerr, in May, 1841. They moved to Oswego, Kosciusko county, Indiana, where Mr. Kerr died in the fall of 1830. Mrs. Kerr married for a second husband, Nathaniel Kirkpatrick, July, 1834. They reside in Wayne township, Adams count v. Samuel M. Wright, the sixth child, was born November 23th, 1813, married Catharine A. StcVcnson, November 4th, 1840. They arc the parents of two children, both daughters, named Sarah Elizabeth and Hannah Louisa. Sarah Elizabeth was born December 4th, 1847 ; married J. AV. Shinn, March 10th, 1870. She died November 18th, 1872, leaving a daughter named Ann Louisa, born May 22, 1871, which died January 31st, 1872, aged eight months and nine days. Hannah Louisa was born January 15th, 1849; married C. E. Irwin, editor of the Adams county New Era, November 23d, 1869. They aie the parents of three children, Etta Catharine, born August 14th, 1870, McArthur Wright, born January 1st, 1878, Ralph Waldo Emerson, born April 24th, 1877. Mr. Wright owns a good farm near West Union, as well as oilier valuable property. lie and his daughtcT Mrs. II. L. Irwin, are the proprietors of the " Ban k Hotel, " which they personally manage, while Mr. Irwin runs the New Era newspaper on the same premises.