Ashland County, Ohio - Chapter 18: The Survey. - Am Adventure, 1880

Chapter 18: The Survey. - Am Adventure

Notes of the Surveyors. - A Description of the Timber, the Quality of the Lands, the Size and Direction of Streams. --The Indian Villages. - An Adventure with Two old Chiefs, Pipe and Armstrong.

Having access to the field-notes and observations of the surveyors, by whom the sectional subdivisions of this county were made (now in possession of the county surveyor), we find many topics noted, worthy of preservation, and of deep interest to the people- who now occupy the lands alluded to by the surveyors. The names of the parties accompanying these surveys, are not mentioned in the field-notes. The surveyors seem to have carried tents, and. encamped during the nights and rainy days, doing their own cooking, after the manner of hunters and soldiers. Their provisions were purchased, generally, at the village of Clinton, Knox county, and carried through the forests on pack-horses, requiring two or three days to perform the journey.

The distance traveled, in making the surveys, varied from six to eighteen miles, depending much on the nature of the forests and the marshes, per day. In passing, the sectional lines were blazed, and the corners marked by trees or posts; and the character of the soii, and the kind of timber, carefully noted, as well as the number, size, and direction, of the brooks, creeks, and other streams, to enable the purchaser of the lands to ascertain the value of the soil, of which he was to become possessed.

Range fifteen, composed of Lake, Mohican, Perry, and Jackson townships, was first run. The lands along the east range line, in Lake. Mohican, and the south part of Perry, are described as generally level. .and the timber much burnt by fire, with barrens, and a few scattering trees. This was the work of the Indians, in pursuit of game. In Lake township, the range line, or eastern boundary, was surveyed by William I udlcw, in 1806, and the sectional subdivisions were made in March and April, 1807, by Jonathan Cox, deputy United. States surveyors. In the sectional survey, we find that Lake township had been pretty much all burned over, and that the principal timber was small white oak. burr oak, hickciy, dogwood, and hazel. 'The surveyors continued their work on Sundays, the same as other days.

The major part of Mohican township was burnt over, and the timber much destroyed. In die swampy marshes, alder-bushes and willows were the principal timber. The timber on the uplands was generally white oak, hickory, dogwood and ash, much injured by fire. Indian trails leading down the Mohican, and out of the northwest, northeast, and southwest parts of the township, are often mentioned by the surveyors. The Indian village of "Mohican Johnstown," or. section eighteen, containing "about fifteen" persons, is noted. This was probably about one-fourth of the actual population, the btlance being engaged in hunting. The Indian reservation m Mohican township consisted of four sections (seven, eight, seventeen and eighteen), of which they retained the title until about the year iSiS, when the general government purchased their lands, and subdivided them into quarter sections, and they were sold at the Wooster land office to purchasers. The sectional subdivision of ' this township was suiveyed by Jonathan Cox, and com- j pleted on the tenth of December, 1806, shortly after the range line had been run.

The survey of Perry township was commenced on the second of October, and completed on Sunday, November 15, 1806, by Jonathan Cox. In running the south boundary, going west, at the southwest corner of the thirty-sixth section, they crossed a well worn and much used Indian trail, known as the IVyandot trail, extending from Sandusky to Fort Pitt or DuQuesne. It passed through section thirty-six in a northeasterly direction, over the Muddy fork of Mohican John's creek, which was fifty-eight links wide, and ran southeast. The land here is described as level, and grown up with brush eight feet high, with but few trees of common size, having been often burned over by the Indians. The whole south line was pretty much burned over, leaving much brush and undergrowth, and but few large trees. On the sixth mile they came upon an Indian trail or path, much used, bearing northwest; and then to a creek (Jerome fork of Mohican John's creek), seventy-five links wide, running southeast. In running the east boundary, the land is described as being mostly level; the timber, white oak, hickory, sugar, maple, and some ash. The land in this township varies from rich to second and third rate, and is gently rolling, with oak, hickory, sugar, walnut and cherry timber.*

Jackson township was surveyed by Maxfield Ludlow, who commenced on the south boundary line on Saturday, October 4, 1S06. In running the south line, going west, he came to the Muddy fork of Mohican John's creek, sixty links wide, and running southeast and heads north west. The land, second rate; from the creek, gentle ascents and descents; timber, beech, oak, sugar, | subdividing into sections, he commenced on the first mile 1 nortn of the southeast corner of the township, on the I east boundary. On the second tier of sections, south | side of the township, Mr. Ludlow struck a blazed road t I which starts from the center of the fourth township and range in the LTnitcd States military lands, and leads to the mouth of the Kayahoga (Cuyahoga). The fifty-seventh mile-tree bears northeast and southwest. This road subsequently became the Cleveland road, and passing through the north corner of Perry township, enters Montgomery at the late residence of James Hoots, passing by the farm of Aaron Markley, through Ashland, and south-

*Abont the year i8o3, Joseph Larwill, of what is non Wooster, sur. veyed the sectional subdivisions of Perry township. While thus engaged, "Captain Pipe" and several of his warriors came upon the surveying party and ordered them to dc: At, saying : "You go ticktuck, tick-tuck, all day. Me cut your legs off, then how you go ticktuck, tick-tuck ?" In the meantime, his warriors seized and ran away with the chain, and thus put a stop, for a while, to the work. - Li /cr j to the iiiilhor by Hen. .1 II. i>yn t. -/ II her At, Oitie.

+ This was the line of the old Cuyahoga road, ulueh had In n >ur- | veyed and blazed from l'ranklinton, in Franklin county, Ohio, to the mouth of the Cuyahoga river, some time previous to the range and section surveys.

west to Mansfield. It passed between sections nineteen and twenty and eight and nine in Jackson township, where it intersected the Connecticut Western Reserve line. The land of this township is described as good, and the timber is especially praised by Mr. Ludlow.

Range Sixteen

is composed of Hanover, Green, Vermillion, Montgomery and Orange townships. Hanover was surveyed by James Hedges, who commenced March 15th, and ended March 25, 1807. The east boundary bad much burnt woods. O11 the fifth mile going south, came to an o'id Indian boundary line, being perhaps the north line of the Jelloway reservation, in Knox county. The line runs southwest across the township, and passes out nearly in the middle of section thirty-one. In subdividing the township, between sections one and two, he touches Armstrong's creek, one hundred and fifty links wide, running southwest. This creek is so named from Captain Armstrong, an Indian chief who resided at the village of Greentown, some eight miles higher up on the stream. It is also described by other surveyors as the Muddy or Black fork of Mohican John's creek, but more properly known as the Black fork or principal head of the Walhonding or White -woman's river. The junction of the Clear fork with the Black fork is mentioned, the width being one hundred and forty links. In running the south boundary, going west, came to an old Indian path or trail leading north and south--- -perhaps to the Jelloway settlement on the Walhonding. The land of Hanover is described as being rugged and poor, with stunted timber, much burnt on the northeast part of the township.

Green township was also surveyed by James Hedges in April, 1807. In running the south and east boundary of this township Mr. Hedges seems to have been much embarrassed over the variations in his compass. In order to test the accuracy of the survey the lines were re-surveyed. Lie could not determine the cause of the variation. Along the south line, land rolling and timber much burnt, underbrush plenty. On the west boundary, going north, came to Mohican John s creek (Clear fork) one hundred and fifty links wide - runs east from northwest. On the fourth mile to Muddy fork of Mohican John's creek one hundred and fifty links wide, runs southeast. Crossed over and came to an Indian village in the line. This was the village of Greentown or Armstrong's village, located on section eighteen. Here a section post was stuck in a cornfield. The number of Indian families residing at this village is not given, but, must have been fifty or sixty. The village was situated on a rolling slope of land extending down to a bend in the Black fork ; and the spot upon which the graveyard and village were placed must have contained from four to five, acres. These Indians offered no resistance to the surveyors. Indian trails, much used, were found leading northwest and down the stream The land of Green township, down the valley, is regarded a- prime, though wet and marshy. The timber in the valley and on tiic hills adjacent was much burnt, and the undergrowth thick and difficult to pass. Tim-

Vermillion township was surveyed by Jonathan Cox, in April, 1807. In running the south boundary, which was done in October, 1806, James Hedges, by whom it was done, became greatly confused o\er the variations of the length of the line. He re-surveyed it three times and observes : " I am at a loss to know what cause to attribute the increased length of the south boundary line of said township twenty-one, range sixteen. The chaining on said boundary must be imperfect, or the variation must operate very partial in running south on west line of said town." On the third survey he says : " I find the chaining correct, I am now much perplexed to know the cause of my westing or inclining south. The variation must operate very partial, or my compass must have been unluckily altered." He then re-surveyed the west boundary, and coming to the southwest corner of said town observes : "Here 1 experience troubles of a new kind, having already spent two days and a half waiting on an Indian chief* who appeared hostile to our i business; also laboring under the difficulty of* a hand being absent thirteen days on a tour for provisions, in j the meantime having lived eight days upon boiled and 1 parched corn, I now find my camp robbed of some nec- j essary articles, and two- hands that I left to keep the same revolted and run away; these difficulties increased my range and town lines not being finished, expecting shortly other surveyors after me to subdivide; all con- | spire to make me unhappy. No alternative remains but | to proceed to Owl creek and get hands and provisions, i This being the twentieth day of October, 1806." This suspended operations until April, 1807, when Jonathan Cox proceeded to subdivide the township into sections.

In running along the east boundary Mr. Cox- came upon Indian trails much traveled, running northeast and opposite. ' These trails doubtless passed over to Green- [ town, along what is now known as the old Portage toad, and led from Mohican Johnstown. About one mile south of the northeasi corner he found a path much traveled leading northwest and opposite.! Along the west boundary in the southwest corner of the township were also much traveled Indian paths. The land of the township is -described as mostly of gentle ascents and descents ; timber - oak, hickory, sugar, maple, ash, some walnut, chestnut and dogwood.

The range boundaries of Montgomery township were surveyed by Max field Ludlow, in October, 1S06. Jn running the south boundary, going west, seventeen chains and twenty links from the third mile stake, he came to an Indian path or trail running southeast and northwest. This path is described as a well worn 'road or trail This is the well known path of the IVuindo/s, which was followed by Major Robert Rogers, in 1761, in his route to the forks of the Muskingum, on his return to Pittsburgh, or Fort DuQuosne ; as well as by General

1 R. Beall in his expedition to Sandusky. This trail passed | over the farm known as the late residence of John Mr.- i Gammon, thence across the Ryal farm, in Milton township, into Richland county, in a northwesterly direction.

through Bloominggrove township. The east boundary i of the township is noted as "flat, and marshy, with bottoms subject to overflow;" the timber, elm, maple, sugar,

| swamp-oak and alder-bush. On the third mile going 1 north, a plain, much traveled Indian path or trail, leading northwest, was seen. This path passed by the old Newell farm, thence to near the covered bridge on the Wooster road, where it divided, one branch leading up the Catotaway, and the other near the bridge on the Harrisburgh road, by the old residence of Daniel Carter, subsequently known as the John Mason farm. The lands of Montgomery township on the east are described as level and rich; in the middle and west part of the township, as rolling and of good quality. The timber - ash, walnut, oak, hickory, cherry, sugar and maple, with considerable undergrowth, and a number of glades. 'The subdivision into sections was surveyed by Jonathan Cox, in November, 1806.

On surveying the fifth tier of sections, Mr. Cox passed an ancient intrenchment or earthwork, containing about eight acres, on what is now known as the Gamble farm, on the north side of Ashland. This earthwork was circular in form, and had a gate-way looking to the southwest. The embankment walls were between three and four feet high, and perhaps eight feet wide at the base. A forest of timber - oak, hickory, sugar, maple and ash grew in and about this old fort, showing that it had not been used for centuries. By whom, and when, this work was thrown up, and for what purpose, will, perhaps, never be clearly ascertained. This curious old fort is yet remembered by the old settlers, though it is scarcely traceable, from the fact that it has been plowed over for more than fifty years. It was located on the plateau, just north of the residence of the late Henry Gamble. The Orange township boundary and sectional subdivisions were surveyed by Maxfield Ludlow in October 1806. In tracing the south boundary, going west, on the third mile, crossed an Indian trail bearing north-vest and southeast; and' about half a mile west came to a creek sixty links in width, and running south. This I was where James Wright formerly lived. The trail | crossed the stream at the bridge near Jacob Young's 1 house, and passed up the west side of the stream east of | the residence of the late Patrick Murray, thence northwest near the shore of Vermillion lake. From the point where it struck the south line of Orange township, the trail passed by the Grouse school-house and cemetery over the old farm of Peter Thomas, to near the residence of Stephen Wolf, thence in a southcasterlx direction across the Catotoway to Rowsburgh, and from thence to a point where it intersected the old 'rail leading from Mohican johnstown to mar the present site <>! W ooster; and was much traveled b\ the and

James Haney, of Savannah, who was a practical surveyor, to Rowsburgh, and from thence to Wooster, the late Samuel Urie, sr., being one of the viewers, and was opened as a road, and was tiie common highway of the early pioneers of Orange and Clearcieek townships.

The evidences of Indian occupation in many parts of Orange township, at that period, were numerous. The aborigines, it seems, were accustomed to assemble annually in the spring, in large numbers, upon the lands subsequently owned by Isaac Mason, Jacob Young, Jacob Heifner and Peter P>iddinger, to make sugar and hunt, which custom they kept up until as late as 1815 or 1816. Mr. Biddinger, being a gun-smith, was often visited by them for repairs .to injured or broken dintlocks.

The soil and timber of Orange township do not differ materially from Montgomery. The land is described as level, and of gentle ascents and descents.

Range Seventeen

After an absence of six days, Mr. Hedges returned from Owl creek, having secured hands and provisions to continue the range and subdivision lines. He commenced operations about the twenty-eighth of October, 1806, and concluded the sectional surveys about the second day of December. In running the south boundary of township twenty-two (Milton), he says the line passes over steep hills, amid "timber much burnt, with much underbrush, vines and briers;" timber, oak, chestnut, hickory and dogwood. On the second mile going west, "passed over a small wet preurie, and then crossed Black or Muddy fork of Mohican Johnscreek," afterwards called by him, Armstrong's creek. Pie says: "This stream promises fair for navigation, being a dead, still current, one hundred and forty links wide, runs southeast." The Black fork is now the boundary between Richland and Ashland counties in Mifflin township. Small flat boats, we believe, have been propelled as high as Pcrrysville in early times. Mr. Hedges then proceeded to verify the east boundary line of the township. running north. This line was mostly over hiliv land, the timber being oak, elm, beech and hickory, with much brush and grape-vines. He experienced some of the difficulties occurring on the south line of Vermillion in the third and fourth, miles of this line. He says the " needle appeared not to work well, but the converging of the line to the one formerly run appeared to he nearly uniform throughout the six miles. The cause of my falling so far to the west when running south is to me not known." It may be that his compass had received some injury, but it seems to have been all right in the sectional subdivisions. Query : Was there some metallic influence arising from iron ore in the southwest cor ner of Vermillion township? Mr. Hedges failed to comprehend the phenomena. Who will find valuable ores in that neighborhood ? The supposed rich ores are found in the lakes of Mi III in, and are bog ores. In running the sectional subdivisions the land in tl 1 cast part of the township is described as hilly, and the soil generally good. 1'hc western part was composed of level j iatid, part bottoms and wet prairies. In section twenty- | six he reaches Armstrong's creek, one hundred and eighty | links wide. From this point, he calls the Black fork, Armstrong's creek." In section twentv-three he finds a | small lake, and a stream ten links wide flowing into the j north and out of the south side of it. An old Indian path or trail enters the south part of the township, a few rods east of the Black fork, and continues northwest ! near the little lake, thence across the old Ruffner farm to j the lands of Joseph Charles, continuing up the Black ! fork into the southwest part of Milton township, where : it passed over into Butler township in Richland county,

I on the western side, were not annexed to this county when it was created. The sectional subdivisions were ) surveyed by James Hedges, who commenced the work j November 4th, and ended November 20, 1S06. Mr.

| Hedges failed to note many things of interest in his j surveys, and, in this respect, fell far behind Mr. Ludlow | and Mr. Cox. These surveyors not only noted carefully !- the kind and quality of timber, but also the direction and size of the streams, the Indian trails, villages, and other objects of curiosity. The south boundary of Milton is noted as uneven and hilly, land second rate, and timber composed of oak, beech, and hickory. The east boundary is noted as generally level, soil good: timber the same as on the south line, with sugar maple, dogwood, and an occasional wild cherry. The land of the township is described as of gentle ascents and descents, some places level; soil good for farming, and, j generally, more or less clayey. It has an abundance of j water, flowing from clear, pure, and never-ceasing ! springs. In the neighborhood of the Short far nr L lo j be found one of the strongest springs in the county.

| Clearcreek township was surveyed, and subdivided into sections, by Maxfield Ludlow, in the fan of 1807. It is, also, a fractional township, being only four miles wide, from east to west. In running the south boundary, the land is described as level, and second rate:

| timber, white oak, hickory, sugar, beech, and the usual undergrowth. In the subdivisions, the lands are regardi ed as generally level and rich, and the timber of good | quality. In some sections, he passes over beautiful | farming land. In sections thirteen and twenty-four, iie ! came to the bank of a lake, which bears northwest and j southeast; turned, and made an offset south ; found the ! lake -to bo: twenty-three chains south of the line, and ! twenty chains wide, from east to west ; found an old Indian path, bearing northwest and southeast, on south side of said lake. This trait kept down the Vermillion | river, which heads at the northwest corner of the lake, j and runs northwest. In sections thirteen and fourteen, j lie again strikes the lake, which bears northwest three - j quarters of a mile, crossed the head branch of Yermi!

1 bearing northwest and southeast: again, between sections : one ml twelve, came upon another Indian path, leading northwest and southeast. This path must have branched at the lower end of the lake.

In April, 180S, afte; completing the subdivisions, Mr. Ludlow proceeded to re-survey the Connecticut line, being the south boundary of the Western Reserve. He osmuienced at the east line of range fifteen, and ran to the west line of range seventeen. He commenced at the eighty-third mile west, from the east range, or range one. This line had been surveyed prior to that time, by a Mr. Pease. On the eighty-fourth mile west, he reached the present boundary between Ashland and Wayne counties. About one-sixth of the ninety-first mile, going west, he struck an old Indian path or trail, north and south This was in section two, on the north boundary line of Orange township. On the ninety-seventh mile, he came to a plain Indian path, bearing northwest and southeast. This was in section two, on the north boundary of Cie'arcreek, according to Ludlow; but Mr. Pease makes it in section four, in Orange township. 'On the ninety-eighth mile, he crossed Vermillion river, forty links wide, and came to west boundary of Ashland county on the ninety-ninth mile, going west.