Ashland County, Ohio - Chapter 6, 1863

Churches In Savannah And Clearcreek

There are seven in the town and township. Such notes regarding the history and present condition of each as were attainable, are here given : -

Presbyterian Church

In September, 1833, Rev. Robert Lee reported to Presbytery that he had fulfilled the appointment given him to organize the church of Clearcreek. From this time, till 1840, this church was supplied occasionally by different ministers, and on the 9th of June 1840, the pastoral relation between it and the

Rev. F. A. Shearer was formed, which continued till September 29th, 1842. In April, 1848, at its own request its name was changed by act of Presbytery to that of Savannah. In June, 1848, Rev. W. T. Adams was installed pastor of this church, and remained its pastor until April 10th, 1850. On the 18th of October, 1854, a call from it was presented to Presbytery for the pastoral labors of the Rev. A. Scott, and put into his hands, of which he declared his acceptance April 9th, 1856. And from October, 1854, till the present time, he has ministered to this church.

This church is an offspring of the Hopewell Church, Ashland, as will be seen by reference to the history of that organization in another part of this work. It was organized on the Ist of July, 1833, as will be discovered in the record copied below: -

"At a meeting of the inhabitants of Vermillion and vicinity, according to previous notice, and in accordance with an appointment of Presbytery, to organize a Presbyterian Church in said place, which is to be hereafter known by the name of the Clearcreek Church, the following persons presented certificates of their church membership, and are recorded as members of this church : -

"Alexander and Sarah Porter, William and Eliza Dunlap, John and Eliza Gault, Joseph and Lena Davis, Samuel and Sarah Gault, William and Elizabeth Lyon, William and Eleanor Ferguson, Agnus and Martha Cellar, Jane Gilchrist, Mary McKibbin, Cassandra Bird, Jane Jackson, William and Mary

The full record not having been preserved, the names of the original officers cannot be clearly ascertained. A deed made by William Lang "to William Dunlap, John Gault, and Joseph Davis, Trustees of Clearcreek Congregation of the Presbyterian Church," dated 29th December, 1834, would indicate pretty clearly the names of the officers chosen under the third resolution above quoted. It is supposed that William Lee and William Dunlap were the first ruling elders, and that the latter was also elected clerk under the fourth resolution.

The entries in the manuscript volume now in the hands of A. F. Shaw, Esq., the present clerk, the first of which bears date "May, 1841," enable us to give the following facts : -

On the Ist of April, 1846, the ruling elders all resigned; and on the second Monday of April of the same year, Joseph McKibbin, Abraham F. Shaw, George D. Shipley, Lyle Kerr, John Gault, George Mackie, and Sylvanus Cook were elected. Lyle Kerr and John Gault declined to serve; the others named accepted, and Mr. Shaw was ordained, the others having been ordained before. At this meeting William Dunlap terminated his official connection with the church as clerk, and himself, wife, and daughter obtained a letter of dismissal from the church on the Ist of June, 1846 - the family then being upon the eve of a removal to Illinois.

February 23, 1856. The session resolved that an election be held by this church on Monday, 25th instant, for an addition of. three members to the present session.

February 25. At the election held in pursuance of foregoing resolution, Mr. William Hanna and Dr. Thomas Hayes were chosen ruling elders, they being the only persons who received a majority of all the votes cast.

June 28, 1856. This day Rev. Alexander Scott was installed pastor of this church. Rev. Mr. McDermot preached the sermon on the occasion, and Rev. John Robinson gave the charges to the pastor and people.

[Prior to this last date, Revs. Mr. Scott, Mr. Coon, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Shepard, Mr. Bonar, and Mr. Barr were stated supplies. Rev. James Hanna was the immediate predecessor of Mr. Scott as stated supply. ]

April 27, 1861. Robinson S. Davis and William Hanna having been previously (on the sixth of April) duly elected ruling elders, were this day ordained to that office by prayer and the laying on of the hands of the session.

The membership of the church, in November, 1861, amounted to one hundred and eighteen. It was organized, as will be seen in the proceedings above copied, with twenty-seven members.

The church building, as originally constructed in 1835, would seat three hundred persons.. In the summer of 1861, the building was enlarged and otherwise improved internally and externally, and will now accommodate with seats three hundred and thirty-five persons.

Free Presbyterian Church

The Free Presbyterian Church of Savannah was organized on the 24th day of February, 1851, by F. M. Finney, minister, and Alexander Thom and Geo. Mackie, elders; fourteen members constituted the whole church.

Since their organization, they have occupied the 'building originally erected in 1834 by the Associate Reformed Church. The building will seat about two hundred persons.

United Presbyterian Church

The United Presbyterian Church was organized in June, 1858, combining chiefly the members of what were before known as the Associate and the Associate Reformed Presbyterian churches. The churches thus united at Savannah numbered at the time of the new organization about eighty members.

Associate Reformed Congregation

The Associate Reformed Congregation of Savannah was organized in September, 1831, the late Rev. James Johnston, D.D., presiding. About the same time the Rev. James Arbuthnot was installed as pastor. The Associate Reformed Congregation of Plymouth (now Auburn) was connected with the same pastoral charge; James Duff and Ephraim Welsh were chosen and ordained as ruling elders. William McMeeken, Sen., was chiefly instrumental in founding the congregation. Among the early members were the following, to wit: William McMeeken, Sen., Hance McMeeken, William McMeeken, Jun., H. T. McMeeken, C. Welsh, James Duff, Robt. Chambers, James Short, A. H. Paxton, John Hearst, P. Loughridge, Thomas Dunlap, Robert Foster, Geo. Crayton, Samuel Means, Joseph Marshall, and John Custard.

At this date (1861) Thos. Calhoun and Ephraim Welsh are elders; Andrew Graham, A. H. Paxton, and James Hearst are the Trustees; James Hearst, Treasurer.

Disciple Church

The church in Clearcreek Township was organized in the year 1830. The present building, near the south line of the township, was erected in 1853. Its dimensions are 30 by 40 feet, and its cost $500.

at the date of the organization, and the former continues his relations as such. In 1844, Abner Mercer was chosen elder in place of Mr. Harvuot, deceased. Peter Vanostrand and Philip Shriver are the present deacons. The church was organized with seventeen members. It has now fifty-two members.

Official Record Abraham Huffman

At an election held at Thomas Ford's, Clearcreek Township, April 3, 1826, John Freeborn, Jacob Foulks, and John Bailey were elected Trustees; Jared N. Slonecker, Clerk; Elias Ford, Treasurer; John Owens, Thomas Munhollen, and Joseph Wright, Supervisors; Thomas Mulhollen and Hance McMeeken, Overseers of the Poor; John Jackson and Joseph Marshall, Fence Viewers; and Ephraim Palmer, Constable. ABRAHAM HUFFMAN, Joun BAILEY, | swig Davip Burns,

This may be very closely inferred from the following official lists of householders in the four districts into which the township was then divided.

1. Abraham Huffman. 14, John Aton. 2. Isaac Van Metre. 15. Thomas Ross. 3. John Brown. 16. David Burns. 4. Thomas Sprott. 17. Jared N. Slonecker. 5. Mary Vanostrand. 18. Thomas Ford. 6. Thomas Wright. 19. George Beymer. 7. Samuel Huffman. 20. Elias Ford. 8. John Cooper. 21. Job Cusey. 9. William Andrews. 22. John Cook. 10. Isaac Harvuot. 23. Joel Crampton. 11. Joseph Harvuot, Jr. 24. Jacob Akright. 12. Joseph Harvuot, Sr. 25. John Bryte. 13. John McWilliams. In District Nd cx ne detgnns ded clonics «se evwns meses iia 43 2 as es. QUE eae aetnedda cts scaebes caemleeel ts Soa tans 16 Bs i Fite Sine Mitna ty eda eel wa eeshwrenapiinteels 16 nN BEN 6 29. 5 Fy Aves dan'ns « vie wean saad ei 25 Total number of householders in 1828...... . 100

Officers Elected In April, 1829

William Gilchrist, Thomas Ford, and Abraham Huffman, Trustees; Elijah Ford and James Andeyrson, Constables; Joseph Davis and Thomas G. Whitelock, Fence Viewers; Alexander Porter, Treasurer; Thomas Haney, John Cuppy, John Freeborn, John McWilliams, and James Loughland, Supervisors; John Bennett and Samuel Freeman, Overseers of the Poor; and Joshua Ross, Clerk.

Savannah

Since the erection of Ashland County, Savannah is the only town in Clearcreek Township. Prior to that. event, the town of Olivesburg was included in the township. When originally laid out by John Haney, on the 25th of December, 1818, the town was known by the name of Vermillion, although quite as generally known by the public as Haneytown. The town being pleasantly situated, and on a leading thoroughfare, was a place of considerable business, and at one time a prominent candidate for the seat of justice of a new county. When the county was erected, in 1846, and the county seat established at Ashland, the business of Savannah began to decline, and its downward course continued until about five years since, when an educational enterprise undertaken by some of its leading citizens arrested its declining tendency, and the business and moral influence of Savannah is now more healthful than at any former period.

"On the 29th November, 1858, the friends of education in Savannah and vicinity met for the purpose of considering the practicability of founding an academical institution in Savannah to afford facilities of an educational character equal to any of like grade in the land.

"At this meeting a plan was submitted by, Rev. A. Scott for consideration, which, after thorough discussion and amendment, was adopted as a basis of organization, and is as follows: - good learning, and the social, civil, and religious progress of ourselves and families, do hereby form ourselves into a joint stock company for the purpose of founding and organizing a literary institution of the second class, to be called Tar SAVANNAH MALE AND FEMALE ACADEMY.

"The institution to be hates under the care of a Board of Trustees elected by the association, and shall consist of fifteen members, divided into three classes, of five each : - 3

"The Trustees are invested with the power to become a body corporate in law, to purchase a site, erect a building, control it in all its interests, employ teachers or whatever may tend to the advancement of its interests.

"The outlines of the plan of organization being given, and a sum sufficient to warrant the farther prosecution of the enterprise being secured, the sum of thirteen hundred dollars was speedily offered on subscription. The people, or rather subscribers, met December 10, 1858, to select a body of Trustees.

"The Trustees being now in working order, the erection of a site for the academy was next considered. Various propositions were made, when John Haney, Esq., the original proprietor and projector of Savannah, came forward and generously gave a quit claim deed to the Trustees for the use of the public square, as a site for the academy. This met with unanimous and grateful approval. A plan of building 30 by 44 feet, two stories high, was then agreed upon, and let to Messrs. Thomson & Bowman, for $1535, who speedily erected a satisfactory building.

"While these things were in progress, a committee was appointed to draft a constitution for the government of the Board of Trustees, which embraces the following items: lst. The Board to adopt the corporate name of Board of Trustees of Savannah Male and Female Academy. 2d. Officers elected annually by ballot. Association meets in June of each year to elect Trustees, and failing in this the existing Trustees to continue in office.

"The choice of a principal for the academy was a matter of vital importance for the well-being of the institution, as subsequent events have shown. All were anxious to obtain the Brest man possible, and yet much 'diversity of opinion prevailed respecting whom that man might be. Finally, Mr. E. J. Rice, of Sullivan, was elected and took charge of the academy, continuing its principal for two years. Concerning him it may be said he possessed adininistrative qualities of a high order, and had many warm friends. During most of Mr. Rice's principalship, the female department was under the guidance of Miss Foster and Miss Rice, graduates of Mount Holyoke, Mass., than whom very few better teachers are to be found.

"These teachers were somewhat aided in their labors by the co-operation of a faculty elected by the Board of Trustees, and consisted of the following named gentlemen: Rev. A. Scott,.Professor of Moral Science; Rev. R. Newton, Professor of History; Dr. J. Ingram, Professor of Natural Science.

"The course of study embraced everything necessary to a complete course in the female department, and to place gentlemen in an advanced position in college.

"The discipline. of the institution was entirely committed to the principal, and was generally regarded as quite thorough. Vocal and instrumental music received a liberal share of attention, and in the former quite a number of students excelled. A new piano, said by good judges to be one of the very best, is in possession of the institution.

"At the end of two years Mr. Rice resigned his situation as principal of the institution. This resignation, happening immediately before the beginning of a new term, was peculiarly unfortunate for the interests of the academy, as there was then neither time nor opportunity: for negotiating with another principal before the term of school would begin. In this unhappy dilemma, Rev. A. Scott and Dr. J. Ingram, at the urgent solicitation of trustees, took charge of the academy, each devoting such a portion of time to teaching as other duties would permit. In this they were aided by Misses Stafford and Rutan.

"In the spring of 1862, the Board of Trustees elected as principal C. K. Geddes, A.M., of Williamsburg, Pennsylvania, who immediately came and took charge of the institution. This gentleman was assisted by Miss M. Boynton, of Delaware, Ohio, taking charge of the female department.

"Taking all the circumstances of the case together, the class of inhabitants being religiously and morally inclined, with a decided taste for intellectual pursuits; the size of the village being better adapted than a large place for such an institution; the easy access to the place by stage or railroad; the decidedly healthy character of the village and surrounding country, and, above all, the rigid Christian but non-sectarian discipline exercised over every student attending the academy; these considerations make the situation specially adapted to the purposes which its enlightened and liberal founders intended it should be - an institution calculated 'to promote the cause of godliness, good learning, and the social, civil, and religious progress of ourselves and families.'"

Population And Business

The first instance in which the population of Savannah was taken separate from the Township of Clearcreek was in 1860, when it amounted to three hundred and thirty-six.

The town contains five churches; one academy; one public school; three physicians; two dry-goods stores; one tavern; three grocery and provision stores; three wagon and carriage shops; two tanneries; one steam saw and grist mill; three blacksmith shops; three boot and shoe shops; two harness and saddle shops; one clothing store and manufactory; and one tailor shop.

John Aton

John Aton removed to the northwest quarter of section 26, Clearcreek Township, in April, 1821. He was a native of, and had, up to the time named, resided in Alleghany County, Pennsylvania. When he removed to his land, he was unmarried, and while making his improvements during the first two years after his arrival, he boarded at the house of John McWilliams, who occupied the northeast quarter of the same section, being the same land now owned by Andrew Ekey. In April, 1823, having in the mean time married Miss Margaret Ferguson, and erected a cabin, he removed upon his own land.

This Mr. McWilliams referred to was the first settler of section 26, having removed to the country a year or two after Abram Huffman; and, having resided upon this land about eighteen years, removed to Illinois, where he died. On the second Sabbath after his removal into his cabin, Mr. McWilliams received a call from a band of about seventy Indians, which so frightened him and family that they fled to the house of their neighbor, Mr. Burns - leaving their visitors in possession of their house and premises.

The Indians, however, disturbed nothing, and had no intention of doing so, and were evidently much grieved at the fear their presence had created.

A few months after this affair, an Indian, aged about sixty years, named Isaac George, called one morning upon Mr. McWilliams, and met there, among others, a visitor at the house from Pennsylvania, named Charles Russell, who, with Mr. McWilliams, had just concluded preparations for a trip to Mansfield. After they had started on their journey, this Indian informed Mr. Aton and the family that some thirty years previous, he, with another Indian, captured, at his home in Washington County, Pennsylvania, this identical Mr. Russell, then a boy of about twelve years of age; and at the close of a hard day's travel, they made a supper on a turkey roasted in Indian style, with its feathers and entrails. To secure their prisoner at night, the Indians placed withs over the boy, and planted themselves one on each side of him, their bodies resting upon the ends of the withs. The boy, however, was sleepless; and during the night his captors rolled their bodies off the ends of the withs, which released their prisoner, and afforded him an opportunity of making good his escape. On the return of Mr. Russell, the statement of Isaac George, the Indian, was repeated to him, and he confirmed its truth in every particular - adding, however, that had he recognized in the Indian one of his captors, he would have cast his body into the flames. The mysterious part of the matter was, in the almost instant recognition by the. Indian, in the mature man of gray hairs, of the boy he had more than a quarter of a century before so deeply wronged.

Abel Bailey

Abel Bailey immigrated, with his father's family, consisting of five brothers and two sisters, to section 16, Green Township, in. the spring of 1816. The family originally emigrated from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and, prior to their removal to Green Township, had resided two years in Jefferson, and seven years in Columbiana County, Ohio.

From Green Township, the family, in 1818, removed to the southeast quarter of section 14, Clearcreek Township, which they purchased at the government land office. In the fall of 1819, Mr. Abel Bailey (having in the mean time married) removed with his wife to the farm now owned by Mr. Stout, in Vermillion Township, on the head waters of Honey Creek. This land (being a quarter section) he purchased of his brother-in-law, John Murphy; and after having remained upon it' four years, sold to George Hendrickson, and returned to Clearcreek Township, upon the farm which he and his father originally purchased, and which he has since made his home. This land was entered in the name of John Bailey, (father of Abel,) in the fall of 1815, several months prior to the residence of the family in Green Township. Mr. Bailey's family, therefore, is identified with those who composed the very first settlers of Clearcreek.

When Mr. Bailey first came to the township, the nearest mill was Shrimplin's, on Owl Creek, between thirty and forty miles distant, where all his breadstuffs were obtained. Occasionally the stock of the neighborhood would become exhausted, when they would be compelled to boil the wheat and eat it in milk.

John Bryte

John Bryte immigrated to Clearcreek Township in April, 1819. He was at this time a boy of nineteen years of age, and had emigrated from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. He tarried a few days with his uncle, Nathaniel Bailey. He worked four years as a jobber or laborer, and in this time cleared, unaided, one hundred acres of land, besides accomplishing considerable other labor. The proceeds of this four years' of toil were one hundred dollars in cash, and a horse, saddle, and bridle, valued in those times at about forty dollars. In 1824, he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Ford. With his brother-in-law, Elijah Ford, he conducted a distillery on section 16, and continued in this business two years, ending April, 1826. This enterprise proved a failure, and he purchased of Patrick Miller, Washington County, Pennsylvania, fifty acres in section 26, (forming part of the farm upon which he now. resides,) and in one day erected his cabin, and on the day following removed with his family into a house without floor or chimney. Mr. Bryte was the first clerk of Clearcreek Township, and has since held several official positions of responsibility derived from his fellow-citizens, and from the Executive of Ohio, twice receiving the appointment of Director of the Ohio Central Lunatic Asylum.

James Burgan

James Burgan emigrated from Fayette County, Pennsylvania, and reached Vermillion, Clearcreek Township, on the 12th March, 1826. He was -then without a family, and prosecuted his trade of black- smithing. His prices for work were about the same, when he found the material, as those charged at present - but his iron cost, him about double the rates at which it may now be obtained - his iron then costing him 12% cents and English steel 37% cents per pound; and his cash receipts for work were scarcely sufficient to pay for his stock. Mr. Burgan discontinued his blacksmithing business in the spring of 1859, and purchased a farm of one hundred and fortythree acres, two miles south of Savannah, where he at present resides.

David Burns

David Burns purchased, in the year 1815, the land upon a portion of which he now resides. This farm is the southwest quarter of section 23, Clearcreek Township. At the same time, however, he entered the quarter which he subsequently sold to Thomas Carr, and which is now owned: and occupied by David Shriver.

During the war of 1812, Mr. Burns served under Captain Abraham Martin, for a term of about six weeks, and was stationed at the Block House, near Beam's Mill, on the Rocky Fork, about three and a half miles east of Mansfield. Having served the period above named, he was relieved by his brother Samuel, and David returned to his home in Guernsey County.

In the spring of 1816, Mr. Burns, accompanied by his mother and sister, performed the journey on horseback from.Guernsey County to the land above described. Here, in a small camp-house, one side being open, they made it their abode until after harvest. On the morning following their first night's rest, the family, on rising, were greeted by an immense Indian near their door-way, who had apparently been waiting to make the acquaintance of his new neighbors. The dogs, on discovering the strange man, assailed him with savage ferocity, and it was with difficulty that the united efforts of the family could restrain them from a palpably "overt act" upon the person of the visitor.

When Mr. Burns removed hither, he had buried a wife and two children in Guernsey County - the three having died within eighteen months of each other. In November, 1818, he was again united in marriage to Miss Mary Buchanan, by whom he has had four sons, namely: John, Denny, William, and James. This family are all living, except John and Denny.

The nearest mill, from which he could obtain supplies of ground grain, was Odell's, in Wayne County - a distance of thirty miles, which was performed on horseback, and the grain and flour being conveyed on pack-horses. Some years later he was accommodated at Mason's (Leidigh's) mill.

James Chamberlain

James Chamberlain emigrated from Virginia in April, 1823, and, in 1826, leased a quarter section in section 16 - being land now owned by John Bebout. In December, 1826, he purchased of William McCorkle the land upon which he has since resided - being one hundred and ten acres in the southeast quarter of section 25, Clearcreek Township. On the 22d June, 1826, Mr. Chamberlain married Miss Sarah Peterson.

John Cook

John Cook emigrated from Washington County, Pennsylvania, in April, 1822. He came with his father's family, consisting of his parents, two brothers and two sisters. His father purchased of Samuel Galbraith the southeast quarter of section 24 - being the same land upon half of which he now resides.

Thomas C. Cook

Thomas C. Cook immigrated, with his wife, to Clearcreek Township, in the spring of 1822, and entered, at the Wooster Land Office, the southwest quarter of section 3, in said township; which land he improved and made the place of his residence (with the exception of about twenty-two months) until the first of January, 1829, when he removed to Ashland, and purchased the tavern stand which was upon the site of the present Town Hall building. On the first of November, 1830, he sold this stand to Josiah W. Blackburn, and removed to the town of Vermillion, (known then by some as "Haneytown," but now as Savannah.) Here he engaged in the mercantile business, which he has prosecuted since, except an interval of two years, (1854-55.)

When he first removed to Clearcreek Township, the population of the town of Vermillion, according to his recollection, consisted of the following named heads of families: John Downer, cabinetmaker; Joseph Fast, carpenter; William Bryan, blacksmith; Joseph Marshall, blacksmith; and an unmarried man named James Duff, weaver.

1837, the names of the town and post-office were changed from Vermillion to Savannah. At this time Savannah was in the zenith of its prosperity - there being three stores, two public houses, and a-general supply of mechanics; all doing a fair business. The village was on the leading thoroughfare between a large and productive country south and the market towns of the lake.

The only mill in the township was a "horse mill," built and owned by Thomas Ford, on the farm now owned by Thomas Griffith. The first sawmill in the township was erected by Joseph Davis, on the Clearcreek, about one and a half miles west of town, in 1822. This mill only employed one saw, and ran about five months in the year. In 1824, John Hendricks built a frame grist-mill, on the Vermillion, about forty rods below the junction of the Clearcreek © with that stream, and about one mile northwest of Savannah. This mill, although it had.only one run of the old "hard-head" stone, done a very prosperous business.

The Indians yet claimed the country, by a sort of pre-emption right, for their hunting-grounds. They were mostly of the Wyandot and Seneca tribes, and, up to the date of their removal, were upon friendly terms with the whites.

While Mr. Cook was residing upon his farm, in the spring of 1824, he called on a certain Sunday, with a neighbor, at the wigwam of an old Indian of some celebrity, named Johnnycake. This wigwam was upon the place now owned by Jacob Myers. Here they met two other white neighbors - Hance McMeeken and Andrew Clark. In the course of conversation, Mr. McMeeken inquired of Johnnycake's wife about the recent success of her husband in hunting. She replied, "Not very good; - on Sunday last Johnnycake saw a large number of deer while out hunting his horses; but it being Sunday, he was without his gun, as Johnnycake never carries his gun or hunts game on that day."

There was not-a church building in the township, and only two school-houses - one in Vermillion, and the other in the neighborhood of Ford's "horse mill." The first sermon which Mr. Cook heard preached, and among the first, probably, delivered in the township, was the funeral sermon of a young man named Eliphalet Downer, by Rev. James Haney, in the sum- mer of 1822. This young man was a hatter, who had put up a shop in Vermillion, preparatory to the commencement of business; and while traveling on his return 'to his former home in Pennsylvania, he had stopped over night at Wooster, and, during his sleep, jumped from a window of his room, sustaining severe injury. He was returned to the house of John Downer, his brother, in Savannah, on a litter, conveyed by eight men, on foot, and survived about three weeks from the date of his injury.

The spring elections in the days of the first settlement of Clearcreek were conducted in a somewhat novel manner. The crowd who would first appear at the polls would select a township ticket - write down the names and read them to the electors, who, as they would come up, would declare viva voce, "I vote the general ticket." The clerk, John Bryte, would take down the name of the voter, and at the close of the polls, (no ballot save the one originally prepared, nor ballot-box, having been used,) the one "unscratched ticket" would be held and deemed to have been unanimotsly elected. At this time, also, the trustees and clerks of election waived their right to all compensation for services. Those officers who first innovated upon this practice, and charged for such services, rendered themselves, it may be supposed, rather unpopular.

In 1831, Mr. Cook had an interest in a contract for supplying the army at Green Bay with wheat. He offered fifty cents cash, per bushel, and as wheat, prior to this, had never been in demand for export, it spread great joy among the farmers. His purchases amounted to about three hundred bushels, which exhausted the surplus stock of the neighborhood.

Previous to this date, the currency of the neighborhood was sugar in the spring, ginseng in the summer, and corn in the fall - cash, in the form of coin or shinplasters, not being either an article of merchandise or currency. Whisky, however, after the establishment of distilleries, in 1824, afforded corn-growers an opportunity of converting their grain into that article, which, even more than ginseng, was regarded as approximating nearer a lawful tender than anything except gold and silver.

As illustrative of the scarcity of money, and to give an inkling of the humor of the times, it is related that Robert McBeth, Esq., received as a fee for performing a marriage ceremony, his choice of a lot of pups. They were gratefully accepted, of course, as the animal offered belonged then to a class which was practically a "legal tender."

In the legislative sessions of 1825-26, 1826-27, 1827-28, Rev. James Haney represented Richland County in the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of Ohio.

Thirty-eight years since, Rev. James Haney, in contemplating the then comparatively happy and prosperous condition of the township - the result of the labors of the pioneers - looked with an interest, somewhat tinged with melancholy, from the past to the future; - and addressed to his friend, Mr. Cook, the inquiry as to whether succeeding generations would be informed of THE NAMES, even, of those who had hewn down the forests and first introduced the plow into the cultivated fields which were spread before their vision. It reminded him whom he addressed of the lines of Henry Kirk White: -

Fifty years hence, and who will hear of Henry ? Oh! none; another busy brood of beings Will shoot up in the interim, and none Will hold him in remembrance."

Mr. Haney did not foresee that-in a period of less than forty years from the time he was speaking, an organized effort would be made to rescue from forgetfulness and preserve upon the page of history the names of those whose anticipated loss he regarded with so much solicitude.

In the spring of 1842, a man by the name of Neverson Sherman came from Florence, Erie County, to Savannah, and purchased the tavern stand now occupied by John Henry, and opened a public house. He professed to be an ardent abolitionist, and was frequently expatiating upon the sad condition of the poor down-trodden slave. But the people of Savan-. nah, notwithstanding Mr. Sherman's professions of piety, and devotion to negro freedom and equality, were led to doubt his sincerity; and they came to the conclusion that he was the kind of a Christian who would do but very little for God's sake if the devil were dead. Accordingly, some wags of the town concluded to put his professions of Christianity and philanthropy to a test. A. W. Purdy, then a young merchant, and §. Olin - both always on hand for any enterprise that would have a tendency to drive away dull care - concluded to sound Mr. Sherman, and ascertain whether love of the poor slave or love of money predominated in his heart. Having arranged their scheme, they put in circulation the report that there was a Kentucky slave-hunter in the neighborhood in search of two runaway slaves, and had left an advertisement at the village of Orange, offering a reward of five hundred dollars for their apprehension. This news they of course took good care should be conveyed to Mr. Sherman, and, without being informed of the plot, I was the one selected to communicate the matter to him. In the afternoon of the day, Mr. Olin came along by my door, and, taking a seat beside me, inquired whether I had heard of an advertisement at Orange, offering a reward of five hundred dollars for two runaway slaves from Kentucky. I replied that I had heard nothing of the kind. He then queried whether Mr. Sherman had heard it - to which I of course replied that I did not know. He then asked me to call upon Sherman and inform him of the matter, and also to say to him that two black fellows had been seen around old Mr. Harvey's that morning, who had stolen in the back way across lots. By this time I began to think there was some kind of game on hand, for I could see Olin's eyes dance in his head; but to accommodate him I waited upon Mr. Sherman, and gave him the details about the fugitives, and the reward offered for their apprehension, as requested. Sherman listened eagerly, and at the conclusion of the statement, exclaimed: "There is a chance now to make money, and I will have it. Boys, I will catch them darned niggers before to-morrow morning; for they will. hide themselves at old Harvey's to-day, and to-night will put out on their way to Oberlin." I then left Mr. Sherman, absorbed in his arrangements for the capture, and with the golden thoughts of the five hundred dollars vibrating through his mind; and in a few minutes after reaching home, I discovered him making his way to Purdy's Store at a quick pace. Soon the two were in earnest and confidential conversation. Sherman communicated to Purdy "the news" - assured Mr. Purdy that he had resolved upon capturing the "darned niggers," but as they and their abolition friends might interpose some obstacles, he proposed to Mr. Purdy a partnership and an equitable division of the spoils. Mr. Purdy at once accepted the offer, but proposed, also, to include Mr. Olin, as the extent of the abolition resistance might require his services. This proposition involved a reduction of dividends which interfered materially with the greed of Sherman; but he at length consented, and Mr. Olin was admitted to their councils, and promised an equal share of the reward. Sherman then went home to arrange matters for the negro chase that night, and left his confidential friend, Mr. Purdy, to make such arrangements with Mr. Olin as he might think best. They accordingly went to work on the programme, arranging it on a basis rather different from that which had taken possession of the mindof Sherman. They instructed two young lads - William Marshall and John McClain - in the plot, and obtained their consent to have their faces blacked and to play the parts of the fugitive Africans. The next point was to inform Mr. Harvey, an old Scotch gentleman, residing a little west of town, and who was a well-known abolitionist. The scheme was made known to all his family except the old lady. After dark the colored boys were to seek refuge in the house, after which Purdy, Olin, and Sherman were to appear and reconnoiter the premises. Soon the trio appeared at a rear window of the house, and discovered Mrs. Harvey in conversation with the "fugitives," sympathizing with them in their troubles and tendering her kind offices. She would lay her hands affectionately on them, and exclaim, "Ah! poor craters! ye are ill-clad for the coul wither. Ah! ye must ha' something to ate!" A prearrangement had been made with young Robert Harvey, at a given time, to suggest to the amateur Africans that they would be more secure at the house of Thomas Walker, about sixty rods east of the village, and which house was partly concealed by the woods. About the time young Harvey had persuaded the fugitives to seek new quarters, Sherman and his confederates were ogling their prey through the window. Sherman was very positive that he could not only see the black rascals, but that his olfactories were much offended by the villainous odor that exuded from their black skins! In the mean time four or five abolition neighbors had called in at Mr. Harvey's. All things being in readiness, the door opened and the fugitives passed its threshold. Sherman was anxious to make the "crab" at once, but Olin and Purdy maintained that the abolition force was too strong for such a movement at that instant, and that it would be expedient to wait until they had scattered a little, and then make the onslaught; and told him to wait for the word. But Sherman was eager for the chase, and chafed and pranced like a race-horse just brought on the track, waiting for the word "go." Finally, Olin gave the word, and Sherman leaped off like an antelope. He was a tall, gaunt, long-legged Yankee, smart on foot, and would have caught the boys; but not being acquainted with the character of the route, he took across a piece of low marshy ground, and a broad ditch intersecting his pathway; he put forth all his energies to reach the opposite bank, but failed in the effort, and found himself in mud to the depth of his knees. Soon extricating himself, he renewed the chase with all the energy of a Green Mountain Yankee intent upon the "almighty dollar;" but he was a little encumbered with an old bed quilt and a loaf of bread he had taken with him, expecting to. find it necessary to camp out at night. The boys succeeded in eluding him - ran to Purdy's Store - washed off the blacking, and then followed after the company, and set in to help Sherman catch the negroes. But Sherman and his partners were encountered, as they were passing through the village to Walker's, by aset of abolitionists thoroughly instructed in the plot. Sherman immediately marshaled his cohorts into line of battle, and two or three sham fights ensued. Purdy.and William Lang were clinched twice for a fight, and John Symon and Purdy also had an encounter. Sherman, availing himself of a pause in the conflict, ordered an advance upon Walker's, whose house it was supposed then protected the fugitives; but William Lang had taken the precaution to go in advance and explain to Walker the particulars of the game. The latter met Sherman's party at his door armed with a formidable club, and in reply to questions, gave his assurance that there were no negroes at his house, and threatened the slaughter of the first man who would attempt to set foot upon his floor. A council of war was held on the outside, and it was resolved to postpone the chase until the following night, when there would be no doubt of their ability to intercept the fugitives between Walker's and Oberlin. They accordingly returned to the village. Before Sherman had left home he had dispatched a man to Orange to obtain a copy of the advertisement; but his messenger returned without the desired paper. He had also sent another man to John Dencer, constable of the township, who resided about three miles distant, with directions to that functionary to appear in town without unnecessary delay - calling, however, as he passed his house, upon John C. Myers, Esq., and obtain a warrant for the negroes; but the latter declined to issue the writ. These discouragements, however, did not abate the ardor of the now thoroughly "aroused" Yankee. After the exhausted forces had returned to the village, Mr. Olin informed Sherman that his feet had become so sore running that he would be compelled to abandon the "prize," and, without charging for past services, he would give Mr. Sherman his full share of the five hundred dollars. Mr. Purdy, also, having important and pressing business to attend to the next day, said it would be out of his power to continue longer in the service, but advised Sherman to pursue the niggers with redoubled fury and vigor on the following night, as they would not leave Walker's before that time. He also relinquished his share of the reward. Sherman was in ecstasies. The generosity of his friends had now placed the whole five hundred dollars almost in the palms of his own hands. He invited the whole company to his house to eat and drink and make merry. The crowd ac: cepted the invitation, and soon the foray commenced upon the magnanimous landlord's apple pies and brandy. In the midst of the party, and as hilarious as any, were the two boys who had played the part of the fugitives. While the refreshments were circulating among his guests, the elated host himself did not neglect attention to the inner man. The firewater soon had possession of his stomach and brain, and his feelings soon rose to fever heat. He frisked about with all the swavitor in modo of a French dancing master. . He insisted that the boys should eat and drink to their full, as it was not every day that @ man made his five hundred. But the party at length bade him good night, and wished him every

On the following morning, Sherman engaged the services of Constable Dencer to aid him in the capture of the negroes. Dencer remained about town until toward evening, when the trick was disclosed to him. He felt much chagrined in being so wretchedly "sold," and visited Mansfield to consult a lawyer touching ways and means for a redress of grievances; hoping that he might have the party arrested for a riot. On his return, he informed some friends that the lawyer advised him that the affair would not amount to a riot, but it was a "drotten row." He was not a bad kind of fellow, but Purdy had some antipathy toward him, and thought it might be well that he should do some duty as aid to Sherman.

And thus ended the negro chase, and thus ended the career in Savannah of Neverson Sherman, the philanthropist. Our hero became seized with a fancy that in Savannah he was "the wrong -man in the wrong place," and his genius was soon employed in seeking another abiding place. The affair I have described occurred in November, and in the following spring the distinguished humanitarian and negrohunter made his exit, and the town that then knew him has known him no more.

John Cuppy

John Cuppy removed from Jefferson County, Ohio, in August, 1819. His wife remained a few days at the house of Abram Huffman, until he was enabled

Patriok Elliott

Patrick Elliott removed from Washington County, Pennsylvania, to the southwest quarter of section 12, Clearcreek Township, where he arrived in the spring of 1817 - having made the entry of the land in 1816. His family then consisted of his wife and daughters, Sarah and Mary A. This farm is now occupied by his sons, Hugh and Moses. Mr. Elliott died in Deceinber, 1826, aged thirty-eight years.

Mrs. Elliott taught, in her own house, in the winter of 1817 and 1818, the first school in Clearcreek Township. Among her scholars were the children of Rev. Mr. Haney, William Shaw, and John Hendricks.

Elias Ford

Elias Ford emigrated from Jefferson County, Ohio, to the land upon which Thomas Griffith now resides, being the northeast quarter of section 22, Clearcreek Township, which place he reached on the 22d of April, 1819. Mr. Ford at this time was twenty years of age. He had accompanied his father, Thos. Ford, and made the journey in a one-horse wagon, containing, besides themselves, some tools, such as axes, saws, etc., together with necessary provisions. Until they had reached the house of Jacob Young, about two miles east of north of. Uniontown, they had found: a tolerably well-defined road; but from Mr. Young's to the place above designated, the wilderness was unbroken, and they were compelled to

Arriving at his future home, his first business was to erect a place of shelter. This was very soon completed, and is here described: It was a cabin of about five feet in height at the greatest distance between the ground and the roof, six feet on the ground, and a bark shed roof, and open front. In the center was suspended, by bark ropes connecting with the rafters, his bed, about midway between the ground and the roof. Immediately in front of his cabin a fire burned constantly at nights, for the purpose of frightening off the wolves, with which the forest seemed alive, and for driving away the almost equally annoying pest, the musquitoes. His bark cot was thus suspended to protect himself against the "massasaugers," or black rattlesnakes, which were véry numerous in the vicinity, and would frequently creep in and occupy the ground floor of his cabin. Having once retired to his bed, which, more than his house, might be called "his castle," he would not dare leave it until daylight on the following morning appeared, as, if he quit his lodging-place, his first foot-fall might be upon one of those venomous reptiles. His only companions at night were his ever-faithful dog, his gun, tomahawk, and hunting-knife - the former being a large yellow bull-dog, named "Colonel," and his remarkable sagacity, prowess, and fidelity, challenged the warmest affection of his master, and of all who knew the "Colonei" and appreciated the noble qualities of an animal which is sometimes endowed with almost reasoning powers. The "Colonel," at nights, occupied the open door-way in front of the cabin, and the loaded rifle had its constant place by Mr. Ford's left shoulder, whether sleeping or waking, ready for instant use.

while he remained in the country, which, at this time, was about two weeks, at the house of his son-in-law, Thomas McConnell, of Orange Township.

Within sight of Mr. Ford's cabin were six Indian camps. His first acquaintance with the occupants of these camps occurred on the morning after his arrival at his "home" before described. Walking out from his camp, accompanied by "Colonel," and being fully accoutered, he reached the brow ofa hill, and discovered in the vale below him about thirty or forty Indians reclining upon the ground, with their rifles by their sides, and their knives and tomahawks in their belts. This was a more formidable array of Indians than he had ever before seen, and he paused to solve in his own mind the question as to whether their "intents were wicked or charitable." This question, much to his relief, was not long in being determined - for, very soon his presence was. discovered by one of the Indians, who gave a slight ejaculation of surprise, followed by the salutation "Co-hou-joh?" which subsequently, on learning something of their language, he understood to mean, "How do you do, sir?" The entire body at once rose to their feet, and, with the breech of. their guns directed toward Mr. Ford, in token of their friendly disposition, they-ascended the hill to the place where he stood, and gathering about him, opened a conversation.

Some time after the circumstance above related, a party undertook a hunting excursion to the Black River country, consisting of Mr. Ford, Adam Smith, William Freeman, Vincent Goldsmith, and his son, Nicholas, (the latter, however, not being a hunter, but attending the party as their cook and campkeeper.) The party were provided each with a horse and a sufficient quantity of flour, salt, cooking utensils, etc. On the evening of the first day they had reached their hunting ground, erected a camphouse, and placed bells and spancels upon their horses: Having concluded these preparations, the next business of the hunters was to go'forth and kill meat for their supper and breakfast. After traveling 'about a half mile, Mr. Ford shot a deer, which, continuing on its course, ran to within a few rods of the camp and fell dead. By the time: he had re- 'turned, the animal was dressed ready for broiling.

All the party who had thus gone out for game, except the above named William Freeman; returned in 'good time. As the hours passed, and this companion, 'who was among the best and most courageous hunters of the party, failed to appear, they began to feel 'uneasy regarding his safety. About midnight, however, much to their relief, he returned, and gave this explanation of his adventures: It appears that, at a 'distance of about five or six miles from the camp, he had been attacked, a short time after nightfall, by a pack of wolves, and his only safety was in climbing a tree. This tree the beasts would surround, making the wilderness echo with their howls, and tearing up the earth with their feet, while Mr. Freeman would load from his place in the tree and fire into their midst. After awhile they retreated, when he descended to the ground, and proceeding rapidly on his way, he was again attacked, and again secured himself in the branches of another tree. After several successive attacks and escapes in the way described, he finally, about midnight, was enabled to reach his friends at the camp.

On the second day the company started out on the chase, and two of the hunters fell in with a band of Indians. The latter expressed to these their indignation that white men should trespass upon what they claimed as exclusively their hunting grounds, and threatened, unless the white men would break up their camp and depart from the country, to kill their horses and destroy their other property. This so terrified the white men whom they addressed, that they forthwith returned to the camp, saddled the whole troop of horses, and taking with them the entire camp equipage, set out for home, without waiting to communicate with Messrs. Ford and Freeman, who were pursuing their hunting in another direction. When the two latter returned in the evening, they found their horses gone, their camp deserted, and destitute even of provisions and cooking utensils, save only a little sack of flour and a tin cup, which, in their fright and flight, their late associates had inadvertently left behind them. Ford and Freeman had returned with appetites sharpened by a protracted chase and a long fast, and here they found themselves with abundance of game, a little flour, but no vessel in which to cook the latter. After deliberating some time upon their situation, Mr. Freeman proposed to Mr. Ford that if he would procure water they would speedily have bread. The latter at once betook himself to the river, and, on his return with his cup filled, he found that his comrade in the mean time had cast his flour on the inside of a fresh deer-skin, and requested Mr. Ford to pour on the water. This was done, and the unleavened and unsalted paste was very soon prepared for baking - the venison roasting on a forked stick, and 'the "bread," if such it might be named, baking amid the embers of the fire. The only difficulty encountered in the eating of the fresh bread was, that when they came to use it, they found a rather too liberal seasoning of hair, which cemented it so closely as to require much exercise of the teeth to masticate. © Supper, however, like the one described, was enjoyed as few indeed who reside in palaces and are clad in purple and fine linen enjoy their food; and the hunters wrapped their blankets around them and committed themselves to refreshing sleep and pleasant dreams. On the next morning, unawed by the threats of

Indians or the desertion of their colleagues, they resolved to pursue their hunting. Accordingly, after their breakfast, they resumed the chase; frequently, during the day, meeting with Indians, and as frequently receiving their warnings and menaces against themselves and all white "trespassers" upon their grounds. Late in the evening, on returning in search of his camp, accompanied by his canine - friend, "Colonel," Mr. Ford found himself suddenly assailed and surrounded by a pack of Indian dogs, sufficient in number to overwhelm him. While he, by the vigorous use of his gun as a club, and "Colonel," by the judicious use of his teeth, were keeping this dog army at bay, three Indians were discovered rapidly nearing them with their drawn knives, but whether to aid the dogs in their murderous demonstrations, or whether as a relief force for Mr. Ford, was a matter of doubt with him for a moment. This doubt, however, was removed on approach of the Indians, who immediately fell upon their own dogs, and aided Mr. Ford and "Colonel" in driving them away, and thus closing the contest. The Indians then greeted Mr. Ford in a very friendly pantomime, (they being unable to talk English, and he not then being enabled to understand or speak their language,) and inferring that he was in search of his camp, they indicated by motions and signs, which he could not fail to underatand, the direction and distance to his quarters. On reaching here, he found his now only remaining comrade awaiting his arrival. A supper of the same material that had made their bill of fare of the night before was prepared, and eaten with the same hearty relish..

On the morning following, they sought a new hunting ground on Buck Creek; but here, also, they found Indians very abundant and equally as ill disposed as those they had met before; and after spending another day ir this neighborhood they returned home.

The Indians whom Mr. Ford first met in the vicinity of his cabin, and the first interview with whom has been before detailed, formed almost exclusively his only human companions during their stay, which was about three months. He mingled with them trustingly in all their sports of shooting, wrestling, smoking, etc., and, with a single exception, his intercourse with them, as before remarked, was of the most friendly and unreserved character.

about nightfall, he discovered an old Indian erecting a temporary wigwam about thirty rods distant from his cabin. The circumstance excited no particular curiosity or uneasiness; but on the next morning, Mr. Ford concluded to pay his new neighbor a friendly visit; and proceeding to put this resolve into execution, he went forward, unarmed, to meet the Indian at his wigwam. Advancing up to the old man, Mr. Ford saluted him respectfully, and engaged ina commonplace conversation; in the course of which he casually inquired of the Indian whether he had been engaged in the then recent war between this country and Great Britain? and on being answered affirmatively, further inquired on which side he had fought. This last branch of the inquiry appeared to arouse unaccountably all the savage nature of the Indian, for, springing to his feet, and grasping his knife, he exclaimed, "You talk like a fool!" and, advancing toward Mr. Ford, he brandished his knife as though it was his fixed purpose of killing him on the instant. Fortunately for Mr. Ford, convenient to him was an ironwood club, about two feet in length, which he seized, and warned the Indian that if he moved forward another inch, he would dash his brains upon the ground. This caused the. Indian to pause, but his teeth were clenched, and his features were writhing with malignant passion. Mr. Ford, retaining his club, and convulsed with a degree of passion at the. indignity he had suffered which almost blinded him, made his way to his cabin, and hastily arming himself with his gun, tomahawk, and knife, and followed by Colonel, made for the Indian's quarters with more than his wonted pace.

pear, seized his rifle, buckled on his side weapons, and, with an unearthly "yell," betook himself to the woods. His flight was almost like that of an arrow; and this was the last that he ever saw or heard of that Indian; and after his paroxysm of passion had abated, he congratulated himself, as he has ever since done when his mind has recurred to the matter, that the old Indian thus escaped by declining to "stand fire" | While the white inhabitants were yet few in number, the neighborhood was thrown into a high state of excitement. by the following occurrence: Sarah, aged about eighteen, daughter of Thomas Brink, which family then resided on the farm now occupied by Thomas Wright, in the southern part of the township, undertook, one winter evening, an errand to the house of Nathaniel Bailey, situated about a mile distant; and on her return home became lost, and wandered about three days and nights in the woods. On the morning following her loss, the whole neighborhood was out in search of her; but as the weather was intensely cold, after the second day's exploration all hope of finding her alive was abandoned - it being supposed that she must have perished, and that her body had been devoured by the wolves. This theory, however, proved erroneous, for the morning of the fourth day found her yet alive, though her limbs were frozen, and she was nearly famished; but her senses were not so far gone by the agony she had suffered and was yet suffering, -as to disable her from detecting the voice of a dog, and, following the sound, it led her to an Indian camp near the western shore of the lower Vermillion Lake. The Indians took her into their cabin, where every attention and kindness were shown her, and, to their skill and care, she was indebted, under Providence, for salvation from the most fearful of deaths, and for restoration to her. friends. She has for many years been a resident of Illinois, and, except being crippled for life in consequence of the loss, by freezing, of nearly all the toes from both feet, she was, very recently, in the enjoyment of ordinary health.

In closing his statement of experience with the Indians, Mr. Ford says that their worst vice was their inclination to dissipation. It is the old story. They had learned the vices, and had disregarded the virtues, of the civilization of the superior race. They were not devoid of honor, and invariably manifested gratitude for favors received. He mentions an incident illustrative of a certain devotional manifestation which had often been remarked by others, familiar with their character. Meeting with a couple of Indians while on a hunting tour, he offered each of them a corn cake. They received it at his hands, and immediately dropping upon their knees, their bodies erect, their eyes tightly closed, and their faces turned upward, they silently eat their food; thus acknowledging their obligation to the Great Spirit for. the nourishment which he had provided for their bodies.

After about three months experience of forest life, Mr. Ford, one evening, was agreeably surprised at the appearance of his father, who had become anxious regarding his son's welfare, and from whom, on account of the absence of mail facilities, he had received no tidings, and who had resolved to remove his whole family West. Concluding his visit in about three days, the father took leave of his son, and returned for his family in Jefferson County. Mr. Ford continued his improvements, fencing two fields of ten acres each, conveying the rails, as he was without a team, upon his shoulder to their places in the fence. He also erected a more commodious cabin for the family - to raise which, within a circuit of six miles, he procured a force of four men. In November, 1819, his parents and' seven brothers and sisters, namely, Elijah, Belinda, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Susannah, Thomas H., and John, made their appearance, and established their home in the cabin he had erected. Here the family continued unbroken, until about the second year, when Belinda became the wife of George Beymer. Soon after, Elias married Miss Elizabeth Parks, of Jefferson County, and purchased and removed to the quarter section now owned by Daniel Huffman.

At the date of Mr. Ford's arrival, there was neither a church nor school building in the township. The cabin of his father, Thomas Ford, was a prominent place for public worship during a period of about eleven years. The pioneers, particularly of this neighborhood, were very regular attendants upon all religious meetings - men and women traveling, often, six and eight miles, on foot, through the woods, at nights, lighting their pathway by torches of hickory bark, to attend religious meetings. In the spring of 1830, the present church building, known as "Ford's Meeting House," was commenced, the contractor and builder being Robert McMurray, Esq., now of Ashland. When completed, late in the fall of 1830, it was beyond question the best structure devoted to religious purposes in this section of country; as will be inferred from the fact, among others, that the four annual quarterly meetings of the circuit of the Methodist. Episcopal Church (Mansfield being included in the circuit) were held in this church' for several years. The building will seat about four hundred persons.

On the 10th October, 1830, at ten o'clock ten minutes, in the evening, Thomas Ford departed this life, aged fifty-seven years. The first religious meeting held in "Ford's Meeting House," was called there to participate in the services attending his funeral. The sermon on. the occasion was preached by Rev. Elmer Yocum. His body was the first that was buried in the graveyard adjoining the church. ©

Mr. Elias Ford was married on the 9th September, 1821, and in December of the same year commenced housekeeping in a hewn log building which he had previously erected on the northwest quarter of section 22, (and which building is yet standing on the farm of Daniel Huffman, a few rods north of Ford's Meeting House.) On the day that he and his wife removed into it, the snow covered the earth to the depth of three or four inches, - the building was without chimney, door, window, furniture, or floor. The spaces between the logs were also open. On the first day, however, with the aid of his brother-in-law, Robert Parks, he had hewn puncheons and laid down a floor; and on the day following he completed his household furniture, which embraced a puncheon table, three puncheon seats, and two bedsteads - the latter being made by boring holes in the log walls and inserting therein one end of the head and footrails, the other ends meeting and being sustained by a single post. Such was the only furniture he had in use during the first three years of his housekeeping. At the end of the first week he had substituted a wooden for his blanket door, "chinked" the spaces between the logs, and placed clap-boards on the "loft." The winter was so far advanced that he could not make mortar to fill the yet open spaces before the next season. His chimney was also built the summer following. Severe and constant toil was a matter of necessity; and food adequate to sustain lives subject to such privation and exposure, was very difficult to be obtained, about the time to which we are now referring. The nearest localities where the neighborhood could supply itself with breadstuffs, were at points from ten to twenty miles distant, and even at those places the only supplies of the kind which could be purchased was frost-bitten corn, which sold for one dollar per bushel. The general food of the country consisted of corn "pone" for bread, venison and other wild meat, and spicewood tea for table drinks. -

In the spring of 1822, Mr. Ford had purchased three bushels of frost-bitten corn meal, which, he supposed, would be sufficient, by the practice of some self-denial, to sustain him until he could realize something from the ripening of a small piece of rye which he then had growing. This meal, however, as a matter of economy, and in order to lengthen out its days, was baked and eaten without subjecting it to the usual process of sifting - as he well knew that, if his little stock should become exhausted before his rye harvest, he would not be enabled to obtain any more supplies. The little sack of corn and the growing field of rye were watched with intense solicitude. A short time before the latter was ready for the sickle, he was called upon by two neighbors who informed him that their families were entirely out of breadstuffs, and appealing to him for relief in their ex- tremity. Mr. Ford produced his sack of corn meal, poured its contents upon his puncheon table, and with his broad hand divided it into as near three equal parts as he could, and his neighbors gratefully received each his.third of the precious staff of life, and the other third was carefully returned to his own sack. When the little field of rye, which was the only one in the neighborhood, was harvested, it was found scarcely adequate to supply himself and neighbors, although it was the only grain of any kind then immediately attainable; and it was consumed without having been ground - the grain being boiled and eaten with milk, or undergoing another cooking process by frying. This was the most trying season, since the settlement of the township, among the ploneers, - the succeeding harvests being generally abundant, and affording reasonable supplies of materials for bread.

'The life, services, and. remarkable sagacity of the dog "Colonel," through all the adventures of his master, whose life he had more than once saved - foolhardy as these adventures may appear to this generation - would constitute a chapter of greater interest than any mere creation of fancy could inspire. We will confine ourselves, however, to his ""LAST BATTLE," and to the causes which produced his death. Robert McBeth, Esq., was the owner of a lot of wild hogs, whose fastnesses had been for a long time in the wilderness, and that had defied all the efforts he could command to kill or capture them. He finally applied to James Burns and Mr. Ford, (and to "Colonel" through his master,) to secure for him, "dead or alive," his fugitive swine. The trio undertook the task; "Colonel" was put upon their track, and, over- taking and encountering a large hog, he received a stroke from the point of his enormous tusk, nearly severing his jugular vein. Mr. Ford, on reaching the scene of conflict, shot the hog, and, discovering the situation of Colonel, covered his wound and body with snow, to arrest the flow of blood, and sped home for the proper material to close the vein, and for a horse to convey the wounded dog home. On returning, he found his faithful friend yet alive - stitched, as well as he could, his wound, and, with the aid of Mr. Burns, placed the dog's body before him on the horse; but, before he reached his house, the everpresent companion of his joys and sorrows of wilderness life had breathed his last in his arms. His body received that decent burial to which affection, in-view. of long and tried service, entitled him.

John Freeborn

John Freeborn, an immigrant from Washington County, Pennsylvania, in company with his brother, Richard Freeborn, (now a resident of Minnesota,) visited the country which subsequently was organized as Clearcreek Township, and entered at the Land Office in Canton, the southeast quarter of section 10, of said township, in the fall of 1814. Richard entered the northwest quarter of the same section at the same time. Having selected and contracted for their land, they immediately returned to Pennsylvania. His brother Richard, and brothers-in-law, Rev. James Haney and William Shaw, (who were all neighbors in Pennsylvania,) visited the country in the spring of the following year (1815) and entered lands - Mr. Haney the three quarters, upon a part of which is now the town of Savannah; and Mr. Shaw the quarter section upon which his descendants now reside; and Richard Freeborn entered a quarter section, in the name of his brother John, on the west line of Orange Township, and about one mile east of Savannah.

In the spring of 1815, the four families above named took leave of their Pennsylvania home - one party, consisting of Richard Freeborn, William Shaw, and James Haney, and his son John, embarking, with their family supplies of provisions and farming utensils, on board a keel boat at Charleston, (now Wells- - burg,) Virginia, and proceeded down the Ohio to the mouth of the Muskingum; thence up that river and its tributaries to a point on the Jerome Fork of the Mohican, about five miles below Jeromeville, where they disembarked, sold their boat for one hundred bushels of corn and for the service of bringing up from the Salt Works on the Muskingum a portion of their freight, which they had been compelled to leave there for the purpose of lightening their boat. Having landed their cargo on the banks of the Jerome Fork, they transported a portion of it on pack horses from that point to the house of Jacob Young, in Orange Township, about two miles east of north of Uniontown, where they were joined by the party which had arrived at Mr. Young's overland.

This latter party consisted of the women and children, under the charge of John Freeborn. The journey. was accomplished on horseback - nine head of horses and other live stock being in the train. This portion of the families having arrived at Mr.

Young's, and hearing no tidings of their friends who had taken the river route, and having exhausted their stock of provisions, John Freeborn and two boys set out with their nine horses in hopes of meeting their friends at Finley's Landing, (above described as being five miles below Jeromeville.) Not meeting them here, Mr. Freeborn put the horses in charge of the two boys, and, constructing with the aid of an axe and auger a rude raft, and using an inverted sugar trough for a seat, placed his saddle-bags under him, wrote his name in his pocket-book, that his body might be identified in case of loss, and with his oar, launched his frail craft upon the turbulent and rapid flood. The third day found him upon the Muskingum, where, meeting a keel-boat coming up, he was informed by those in charge of it that his friends were at the Salt Works, a few miles below. Arriving at the point designated, he found the party utterly discouraged, having been worn down in the labor of pushing their overburdened boat against the adverse current, and making preparations to leave it and their cargo, until the waters, which were unusually high, had subsided, and take such proyisions as they could pack upon their backs and make their way, as best they could, on foot, to rejoin their friends. John Freeborn remonstrated against the plan they had adopted - representing to them that the families at Mr. Young's would be without provisions; and, with the reinforcement which his energies would give them, they would be enabled to get the boat, with part of its freight, up the river. His counsel was finally accepted; and, leaving about half their cargo at the Salt Works, they were enabled to join the in an out-house, on the banks of the Jerome Fork, they deposited the greater part of their freight, and with a portion of it packed upon their horses, they made their way, as before stated, to Mr. Young's, where they met their families. The hospitality and kindness evinced by Mr. Young and family to those thus providentially cast upon them are referred to in terms of the warmest eulogy by Mr. and Mrs. John Freeborn. It was such offices of good neighborhood and charity as marked the intercourse of the early times.

From Mr. Young's the entire party proceeded to the quarter section on the border of Orange and Clearcreek, and encamped upon the ground now occupied as a graveyard, on the northwest corner of the quarter which had been entered by Richard, for his brother, John Freeborn. Here they pitched their tents, and here, in a pelting rain, which continued unremittingly, they spent. the first night in the vicinity of their future homes. On the following morning the heads of the several families proceeded to select places upon the lands of which they were owners, for the erection of cabins. Within a day or two three cabins were constructed, in one of which the families of John and Richard found shelter, and in the others the families of James Haney and William Shaw.

On the place in Orange Township, John and Richard, by their joint labors, aided by three hands, partially cleared and planted in corn six acres of land.

During the same fall, John sold this land to his father, William Freeborn, who, in the mean time, had followed his sons, and who died the same year he removed to his new home, and whose body was buried upon that part of his land upon which his children and kindred during their first night in the wilderness had encamped, and which afterward formed the nucleus of the present burial ground one mile east of Savannah.

In the spring of 1818, John and Richard removed to the lands they had severally purchased, in Clearcreek Township, and erected cabins, and engaged in other improvements. At this date, Clearcreek Township was not organized, but the territory was attached to Montgomery Township for civil purposes. The first year the whole neighborhood were required to perform road labor on one of the roads east of Uniontown, more than eight miles distant from many of the inhabitants.

The nearest church was the Old Hopewell, west of Uniontown, and Mr. Freeborn has no recollection of any school-house in the country prior to the one erected in the village of Vermillion.

When Mr. Freeborn immigrated to the country his family consisted of his wife and one young daughter - the latter having since married Joseph McCutchen, Hsq.

James Gregg

James Gregg, an emigrant from Ireland, in the autumn of 1829 removed to the farm now occupied by Wm. J. Vermillyae. He subsequently purchased, in sections 1 and 2 in Clearcreek Township, four hundred and ninety-eight acres, upon which his sons Robert, Samuel, James, and Richard, now reside. In the fall of 1852, Mr. Gregg died at the age of eightytwo years.

James Gribben

James Gribben emigrated from Alleghany County, Pennsylvania, to Montgomery Township, in December, 1825. His family made a temporary home at the house of Andrew Stevenson, whose farm adjoined Abraham Huffman's, on the east. His family at this time consisted of his wife and daughter Mary, and sons Richard A., John, and William.

On the following February or March, he entered the east half of the northwest quarter of section 4, (containing one hundred and sixteen acres,) Clearcreek Township, to which place he removed with his family, on the 13th April, 1826. He subsequently purchased the:west half of the northeast quarter of the same section, and upon this land, which he redeemed from its wilderness condition, he has since resided. When Mr. Gribben had erected his cabin, there was not a road in his part of the township, and so sparse was the settlement even at this comparatively late date, that the first female friend who visited Mrs. Gribben was in the October following the April of their first settlement.

The second year of his residence in Clearcreck, he purchased as good wheat as he ever used for 37% cents per bushel; coffee, 50 cents per lb.; tea, $2.00 @ $22 per |b.; calico, 25 @ 40 cents per yard.

Letter From Rev. John Haney

LETTER FROM REV. JOHN HANEY. Lansina, Iowa, November 10, 1861. Dear Sir: - In compliance with your request, I will state that the settlement of what is now Clearcreek Township commenced in the spring of eighteen hundred and fifteen, (1815.) In the winter preceding, Rev.

James Haney, (my father,) John and Richard Freeborn, and William Shaw, built a small keel-boat in Cross Creek Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania, and hauled it a distance of twelve miles to the Ohio River. On the evening of the tenth of March of that year, Richard Freeborn, William Shaw, my father, Daniel Devlin, and myself, embarked on the boat freighted with our goods, provisions, etc., from Wellsburg, Virginia, to the nearest navigable point on the Muskingum waters, to our destination. John Freeborn went by land with our cattle, horses, and portions of the families. On reaching the mouth of the Muskingum, we met unusually high water, which retarded our progress. much, and made the labor very severe. Daniel Devlin and myself, being each only sixteen years of age, had to perform the labor of strong men. After many adventures and perils, we arrived at a place called Finley's Bridge, about five miles south of Jeromeville, on the twentysixth of April, where we met our horses and packsaddles. Loading them with tools and provisions, we started for our destination; and on the evening of the twenty-ninth we encamped on the ground now known as the old graveyard, on the line between Clearcreek and Orange Townships, one and a half miles southeast of Savannah. The names of the party there encamped were John Freeborn, Richard Freeborn and his wife Elizabeth, and infant daughter Mary; William Shaw and his wife, and daughters Hleaner and Jane, (both small children;) Rev. James Haney, his sons John and Thomas, and daughter Mary - aged respectively, sixteen, fourteen, and twelve years, at that time. The balance of the families came out in the fall.

The entire range of surveyed townships from the north to the south side of Richland County, in which Clearcreek was situated, constituted but one organized township, at first named Vermillion. The date of 'the organization of Clearcreek Township I do not distinctly recollect. It was either John or Richard Freeborn who personally applied for the organization and gave the name. It was the name given by the Messrs. Freeborn to the principal creek in the township when they first saw it in the summer of 1814, and they gave the township the same name. I do not recollect who were the first officers of the township, but I do remember that, for several years, the officers served without pay. Robert McBeth was the first justice of the peace.

I am unable to recall the years that my father represented Richland County in the Ohio legislature. [For the sessions Mr. Haney represented the County of Richland in the General Assembly of Ohio, see narrative of Mr. Cook.] It was, however, during the period that the State organized its Canal System.

My impression is that Mrs. Elliott taught the first school in the township at her own house. I think the first. religious meeting was held at father's house, three-fourths of a mile east of Savannah. At any rate, Rev. James Haney preached the first sermon ever preached in the township. For some time after the commencement of the settlement of the country, religious meetings were held at private houses. If I am not mistaken, the first religious society was formed at Mr. Thomas Ford's, and the first administration of

The village of Savannah was laid out in the winter of 1818, by myself. It was first called Vermillion. The first man who settled in the town was Joseph Fast. The first school-house was a small log building erected on the northeast corner of the town plat. Jacob McLain was the first brickmaker and hatter in the township. Garnett Whitelock was the first blacksmith. Joseph Davis built the first sawmill on Clearcreek, one and a half miles west of Savannah.

The Indians hunted for several years after the first settlers came. They were principally Delawares and Wyandots. Game was plenty for several years after the first settlement. The wild pasture was good at first. Cattle and horses done well; but sheep were unhealthy, until the country was improved.

The general health was pretty good, considering that the climate was much damper than at present. The principal diseases were intermittents and rheumatism.

The social condition of the first settlers was good. Their common wants brought them in contact, favorable to the cultivation of the social virtues.

country than Abraham Huffman. He was a man of great industry and energy - always ready to administer to the wants of the needy. His uncompromising hostility to what he considered wrong, sometimes caused him trouble that many others could have avoided.

Those are among the first, whose names I may be permitted to mention in this place, as the founders of Clearcreek Township. Among those yet living, of the very first settlers, are David Burns, Daniel Huffman, and John Freeborn - all three of whom still reside (if yet alive) in the Township. Richard Freeborn is still living, and resides in Red Wing, Minnesota. Rev. James Haney died in Fulton County, Illinois, four years ago.*

I have put down some of the principal facts and incidents connected with the early settlement of Clearcreek Township. I have noticed a few of those who were prominent in laying the foundation of the improvement of your now very beautiful county. You can select such as will be of use to insert in your book.

John Haney Isaac Haryuot

Isaac Harvuot emigrated from Chester County, Pennsylvania, and commenced life upon the land which he has since improved and upon which he now resides, in October, 1819. His family at this time consisted of his wife and four children, namely: Julia A., Rebecca, Mary, and Rachel. His farm originally consisted of one hundred acres in section 16.

Abraham Huffman

Abraham Huffman emigrated from Brook County, Virginia, to the east half of section 31, Clearcreek Township, with his wife and children, Zachariah, Susan, and Abram, in the spring of 1815. He entered his land at the United States Land Office. His second crop of maple sugar he sold at Wooster, for eighteen cents per pound, cash - a remarkably fortunate sale for those times.

Mr. Huffman improved his farm and continued upon it until 1848, when he removed to Ashland, where he died on the 19th of October, 1860, at the age of seventy-five years.

Benjamin Huffman, who has resided the last twenty years upon the farm adjoining the old homestead, is the only one of the sons now residing in the county.

Daniel Huffman

Daniel Huffman emigrated from Virginia, in 1816, and purchased of his brother Jacob the farm now owned by William Smyth, and removed to it in 1819.

This farm he improved and resided upon until the year 1837, when he sold it to John Musser, and purchased of Elias Ford the farm upon which he now resides. When he came to the country, the family of Mr. Huffman consisted of his wife and two sons, Benjamin and Samuel.

Nicholas Masters

Nicholas Masters immigrated, with his wife, to Clearcreek Township, southeast quarter of section 34, from Somerset County, Pennsylvania, in May, 1830, and improved the land, and has made it his residence since.

Hugh B. Mckibben

Hugh B. McKibben immigrated to Clearcreek Township, and settled upon the farm he has since improved and now occupies, on the 3lst of May, 1828. Mr. McKibben emigrated from Beaver County, Pennsylvania, a place about two miles east of the State line. His family at that time consisted of his wife and son, William C.

Jacob McLain emigrated from Pennsylvania, with his wife, to the village of Vermillion, (Savannah,) on the Ist of October, 1822. Mr. MchLain's trade was that of a hatter, in which business he engaged in 1823, and continued to conduct it until within a few years. Of those who were citizens and voters in the village when he first made it his residence, he is the only survivor.

John McMurray emigrated from Mecklenberg County, North Carolina, to Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1816; from the latter place he immigrated to the township which subsequently became Clearcreek, in the fall of 1819. His family at this time consisted of his wife and the following children, namely: Mary, James, Robert, Margaret, and William. Mr. McMurray died on the 20th February, 1843, in the sixtysecond year of his age. Robert McMurray, Esq., at present a resident of the town of Ashland, is the only survivor of the family now living within Ashland County.

On the 19th of August, 1830, while engaged with his father, brother William, and Daniel Huffman, in digging a well upon the place of his father, (being the farm now owned by David Shriver,) he came to a painful death under the following circumstances: The younger brother, William, had been in the well, and, being oppressed with a feeling of suffocation, asked to be drawn up by those who had charge of the windlass above; which request being accomplished, James, the elder brother, under the impression that it was an idle fancy that had afflicted the younger brother, determined to descend the well himself. He accordingly, after having thrown down his implements for the purpose of spiking the well, was lowered in the tub, and, after descending about midway, (twenty feet,) those in charge of the windlass discovered, by the instant lessening of weight, that the occupant of the tub had fallen! The fall, (twenty feet,) aside from

Jacob Myers

"the damps," would have doubtless produced immediate death; and those above fully realized the fate of their companion. It was with much difficulty that Mr. Huffman restrained the younger brother from an attempt to rescue the one in the well. The alarm soon spread, and Thomas Brink, together with Robert McMurray, Elias Ford, and others, who were at work in gathering the timber for the Ford meeting house, assembled about the scene of the disaster. Within about two hours after he had fallen, his body, in the presence of some fifty people, was drawn from the well, after numerous other efforts had failed, by means of the hooks of strong steelyards, which had been lowered into the well, and obtained fastening to his clothes. JACOB MYERS.

Jacob Myers immigrated to Clearereek Township, 23d April, 1829. His native State was Pennsylvania, Green County, where he was ordained as a clergyman of the Baptist church. He purchased and entered the land which forms the tract upon which he has since resided, on sections 3 and 4, Clearcreek Township. His family at this time consisted of his wife and daughter Charlotte, (who subsequently married James Clark;) his son Cephas, his daughter Eliza, (who married Daniel Taylor;) Minerva, (now the wife of James Dunlap;) and Julia Ann, (now the wife of John Gribben.)

Jared N. Slonacker

Jared N. Slonacker emigrated, with his wife, from Pennsylvania to the east half of the northeast quarter section 23, now owned and occupied by William Burns, in Clearcreek Township, in the spring of 1824.

Thomas Sprott, Sr

Thomas Sprott, Sen., emigrated from Beaver County, Pennsylvania, and removed to the northeast quarter of section 35, in October, 1823 - being the same land now owned and occupied by his son, Thomas Sprott, Jun. At the time of his removal to this place, his family consisted of four sons and four daughters, his wife having died in Pennsylvania in 1821.

Peter Vanostrand, Sen

Peter Vanostrand, Sen., in the autumn of 1815, made a land office entry of the southeast quarter of section 35, Clearcreek Township. In the spring of 1816, a part of the family removed to the land, erected a cabin, partially cleared a small tract and planted in corn and potatoes.

On the 14th July, 1817, Peter Vanostrand, Sen., died - leaving a wife and eleven children, (one of them, however, a daughter, having remained in Pennsylvania.) Among the sonswas Peter Vanostrand. Jun., the present owner.and occupant of the land above described, and who, at the time of his father's death, was ten years of age.

About 1820, the first school-house in the southern portion of the township was erected on the southern line of the land of Abram Huffman. The house was of hewn logs, 18 by 20 feet, cabin roof, puncheon floor, puncheon tables.and puncheon seats. The only light was admitted by throwing out a log on two sides of the building, and using paper, saturated with grease, as a substitute for window glass. The facilities for heating the house were limited to fires made in a fireplace such as were in general use in the cabins of those days, and afforded in cold weather insufficient heat to admit of practice in writing, as the ink would almost freeze in the pen in the process of transferring it from the inkstand to the paper. The first teacher was Robert Nelson, of Milton Township, who continued in that capacity two or three years. Among the first scholars were the children of Abraham Huffman, Isaac Van Meter, Peter Vanostrand, Sen., Robert Ralston, Andrew Stevenson, Mrs. Treckle, and David McKinney.

As evidence of the privations endured by many in the early settlement, Mr. Vanostrand mentions the case of a worthy family who came to the country destitute of either provisions or money, who subsisted a greater portion of one season upon pumpkins alone - commencing their use as food while the vegetable was yet unripened. The family would perhaps have suffered death by starvation, had it not been for the friendly aid afforded them by neighbors, after learning their situation.

Every house in Clearcreek, as was the case in other townships in the early settlement, manufactured the wearing apparel for its own household. The males were dressed in buckskin and domestic linen; and the women and children were also dressed in fabrics the product of their own fields and households.

There were no woolen goods, as sheep would be devoured by the wolves; and after the wolves had so far disappeared as to invite the introduction of sheep, the climate and wild food were discovered to be unfavorable to their life and health.

Thomas Wright

Thomas Wright emigrated, with the family of Robert Finney, from Cadiz, Ohio, in the spring of 1820, and removed in April, 1823, to the land of which he has since made a farm, and upon which he and family now reside. On the 23d January, 1823, Mr. Wright and Miss Mary Cellar were united in marriage by Rev. Samuel Cowles.