Clinton County, Ohio - Chapter 14: The Military History of Clinton County, 1882 (part 12 of 14)

The districts were of immense size. For example, what is now No. 4, or Hopewell, extended from Jonathan Lawrence's (Sever's) to William Austin's (Mt. Pleasant), and from Ditto's (Batten's) to Nicholas Burns' (Second Creek). The schools were taught altogether by subscription. The early schoolhouses were rude affairs, built of round logs, with a fire-place at each end, puncheon floor, clapboard roof, and a log cut out of one side and the aperture covered with greased paper for light. There were one or two long benches for children. They were usually too high, and the little fellows would have to sit all day, perhaps, with backs bowed and feet dangling a long way from the floor. Then there were puncheons, or boards, placed slantingly against the wall, which formed a kind of writing-desk for the larger ones. No blackboards, no maps nor apparatus, and very few books. The teacher spent a good share of his time in making and sharpening pens and using the rod. Contrast this with the schoolhouses and fixtures of the present day, and then wonder no more why our forefathers were not so well educated as their descendants.

Some of the early teachers were Bobert Eachus, Nugent Ward and Caleb Smith. A. R. Sewell, George Athey, Noah Newland and others may be called more modern teachers.

Number of subdistricts, 7; houses, 7; rooms, 7; total value of schoolhouses, $5,500; teachers employed, male, 7 ; females, 3, total, 10; average wages, male, $36 ; female, $30 per month ; average number of weeks schools were in session, 35 ; pupils enrolled, boys, 153; girls, 142; total, 295. Number of pupils in each branch of study - Alphabet, 29; reading, 244; spelling, 241; writing, 196; arithmetic, 191; geography, 127; English grammar, 67 ; United States history, 4; physical geography, 6; algebra, 16.

The early settlers, as well as the people of the present, differed on religious matters. At a very early day, we hud organizations of Presbyterians, Baptists and Methodists, while a large portion of the early settlers did not belong to any church. The members of certain families take as kindly to religions doctrines and church organizations as ducks do to water. "Have Methodist heads." This homely expression is not my own, but is credited Mr. S. S. Cast, of Washington Township, and it is used here not as a slur, but to illustrate the idea that some have certain organs largely developed, and it comes natural, almost, to be religious, while the members of other families care very little for religious forms and ceremonies, and do not relish, perhaps, the discipline of church organizations.

The first church organization in Vernon Township was that of the Presbyterians, at the house of David Sewell, about the year 1812. For some time after this, there were no churches, and religious services were held in the cabins of the early settlers. The house of Judge Sewell, whose wife was a Presbyterian, was the place where the Presbyterians frequently had preaching. The Baptists held their meetings at E. Kibbey's, Philip Titus', and other places, while the Methodists met at William Austin's or James Vi liars', Sr.

In the spring of 1817, William Austin and James Villars, Sr., donated two acres of land and built a log church and called it Mt. Pleasant. It was used in which to hold meetings until 1849, when the society erected a neat frame house, 30x40 feet, the present Mt. Pleasant Church.

the College Township road, one and one-fourth miles above Clarksville. The Baptists in this township seemed unable to recruit from the younger people, and we only recollect the members as being very old persons. When they died, there was no organization.

The Methodists have shown a good deal of vitality in this township There is an M. E. Church at Clarksville, one at Mt. Pleasant and one at Kansas, and the P. M. or M. Church have two - one at Clarksville and Villars' Chapel. This church was built in 1868, on the Clarksville and Cuba pike at his individual expense, by Rev. James Villars. The church is of brick, large and commodious, with a basement for Sabbath school purposes and the upper story for church purposes. The building is " free to all Christian denominations," and cost, when completed, about 110,000.

The Presbyterians never built a church. The Friends, or Quakers, form a large and influential portion of the inhabitants of Vernon. They have a church at Clarksville. The MormonB, previous to their going to Nauvoo, 111., had frequent meetings at Nauvoo Schoolhouse, and several persons joined them

Political

We can get no correct statement of the political complexion of Vernon Township previous to 1862; but we believe, from talking with older persons, that there always has been a majority against the Democrats. The first figures we can present are of the election (Presidential) of 1860, when Lincoln, Republican, had about fifty majority over Douglas, Democrat.

Old-Time Politics In Vebnon

Vernon Township is no exception to the general rule of division into political parties. We can find no record of the political complexion of the township at an early date, but from tradition and anecdotes handed down, we learn that at an early day, as well as of late years, Vernon Township approached the stage of being "red hot" occasionally. Numbers of the early settlers were Virginia Whigs. Among them were the Sewells, Austins, Harrises, Stablers, Tribbeys and others; while the Democrats were represented by such zealous men as Wysong, Branstrator, Thomas and Villars. During the year 1840, the excitement was intense. The Whigs, in their enthusiasm for " Tippecanoe and Tyler, too," were ably led by James Harris, Samuel Louden, S. S. Austin and John Hadley, while some of the active Democrats of that day wore A. R. Sewell, Joseph Wysong, A. Branstrater and Dan Hutchinson. Buckeye cabins, barrels of hard cider, coon skins, canoes, etc., were the order of the day. Barbecues, a species of entertainment almost unknown in the present day, were common. Sheep, hogs and oxen were roasted whole. Whisky flowed freely as water, and the peoplo would seem to give themselves up to the fronzy of ex citement. A barbecue was had in Clarksville. The tables were set in a yard near where M. C. Wysong's house now stands. A buckeye cabin was built on the lot where Jack Thomas' house now stands, while a buckeye tree live or six inches in diameter was planted in front; a live coon, chained, was permitted to climb the tree. To the surprise of all, the tree lived and thrived, and was cut down by Mr. Thomas when he built his house. Even the old and dignified Judge Sewell was carried along with the excitement and he with his neighbor, William Cook, dug out a canoe from an immense buckeye. The Democrats found themselves unable to stem the tide, so they very wisely let it spend its force. A rather peculiar character made his appearance in Clarksville in the year 1843 or 1844. His name was Pierpont Edwards. Born in New Hampshire, he served seven years' apprenticeship as a harness-maker then went into the United States Navy. After serving three years in the navy, and four years on board a merchantman, and visiting nearly all parts of the world, he was put off at New Orleans Hospital, as he says, to die, for it was thought that he had consumption. After recruiting up a little, he started north up the river, and he could not tell why he came, but he landed at Clarksville and secured work as journeyman har.iess-maker with A. W. Kibby. He was tall, angular, very dark, with large, staring blue eyes, bushy eyebrows, and a heavy, full beard and mustache, both very long and black as a coal. I will here remark that at that time and up to the gold fever of 1848, it was the custom, and was followed as a religious duty almost, to keep the face shaved clean every week. Any one letting the beard grow was looked upon with suspicion as a brigand, highwayman or gambler, at least; but this is a digression. Edwards walked with a loose, shambling gait, like a sailor on land, was very reticent, telling his business to no one. He was looked upon oddly and suspiciously by the men, and was an object of great curiosity to the boys, who. would go to the shop to get a peep at " Kibby's wild man," as they called him. Edwards worked at his trade, saying nothing to any one as to what his business was, or where he came from. In the canvass of i844, the Democrats had recovered from the effects of their defeat four years before, and were ready to meet their opponents at all points. The Whigs had raised a very high pole, close to where Matt Wysong's house now stands, and the Democrats resolved to beat them. They first raised the lower part of their pole, near where John Snook's house now stands, with a kind of platform or mast-head on top, and prepared to hoist the top part by the aid of rope and tackle. In order to fasten the top part on, it was necessary to have a man on top of the first part raised. Ed Brewer was their best climber, and he started up the pole; but the height was too great, his head grew dizzy, his hands lost their grip, and he was obliged to slide down to the ground. No persuasion or reward could induce him to try it again. The Whigs were jubilant, the Democrats almost in .despair, when Edwards, who had been an apparently unconcerned spectator, volunteered to go up the pole. With collar open, and catlike agility, while cheer after cheer rent the air, he went up the pole. On the top he made his bow to the crowd below, and they began to hoist the pole. In their excitement and eagerness to raise it, when they got it nearly up, one of the ropes broke, and it fell to the ground. The impetus of the fall, and its striking some of the stay ropes, gave a fearful motion to the part on which Edwards was, it swayed from side to side, and the crowd below expected to see him dashed to the ground every moment; but the pole was hickory, and Edwards appeared less concerned than the crowd below. More careful work, and the pole was fixed firmly in its place, and for years the feat of Edwards' climbing the hickory pole was one of the pleasant reminiscences of old-time politics. Edwards married a Miss Richards, and settled down in Clarksville

This village is situated in the western part of Yernon Township, on the Cincinnati & Muskingum Valley Railroad. It was laid out April 5, 1839, by William Hadley, the survey being made by Peyton West. The town, as originally laid out, consisted of forty-four lots of the usual size, four poles front called Morrow's Addition. In the year 1858, the boundaries were extended, taking in a quantity of the adjoining land; the survey was made by James Linton. The land taken in was divided into lots and numbered as outlots, a plat was made with streets, etc., of the whole, but the work was irregularly done, and the territory thus added cannot be considered as an addition to the town.

The lots composing the original town were dry, with a gravel deposit beneath, making excellent natural drainage for cellars, but the land adjoining, almost up to the original town, was not a very inviting locality for settlers at that time; Todd's Fork on one side, winding around through the bottom lands, and the waters crossing the bottoms during freshets, making and leaving pools or bayous, which did not give promise of ever being Jit for cultivation. Then all these bottoms were covered with timber, with a heavy undergrowth of bushes and vines. The East Fork, on the other side, is a more rapid stream, and was conlined to its channel until after it passed the town. The town was incorporated in 18 - . Samuel T. Louden built the first cabin and opened a hotel or tavern. Keeping tavern in early times was hardly the thing it is the present day. It consisted in furnishing the traveler with the rough and substantial fare common to all the settlers - a bed in a loft or in an addition in which to sleep, and last, but not least, with plenty of whisky to keep up his spirits and to act as an antidote or preventive of malarial poison so common in new countries. Mr. Louden sold his hotel to Joseph Wysong. He lived on the farm now occupied by S. T. Whitaker for many years, and afterward traded this farm to A. W. Kibby, moved back to Clarksville, and died there. John Oxley built the second house in the village in the year 1815. We can learn nothing of the history of this early settler. In the year 1817, Ephraim Kibby moved to Clarksville. He was a tanner by trade, and was the first to engage in that occupation in the village. His tan-yard was on the lot now owned by J. A. Howland. He bought out the stock of William Smalley, who had a small tannery west of Clarksville. He was a member of the Baptist Church, was thrifty and prosperous in his business, and at the time of his death, which occurred in 1876, he was well known in Clinton County. John Keenan and Joseph Thompson were among the first settlers of Clarksville, but we do not know what business they wore engaged in.

The first saddler and harness-maker was John Hadloy. He used to make his saddle-trees out of dogwood forks. He, with Eli Hale, opened the second store in the village. Afterward he engaged in the pork trade and dealt largely in cattle. His personal efforts and the general business planned and carried on by him formed a very important part in making the town the prosperous business place it was in early times. Elisha Kirk was the first hatter. Eli Helmich and Abram Nicholson were among the first blacksmiths. Jacob Longstreth opened the first store in the place. Among the first carpenters were Samuel T. Louden, James Abbott and William Michel, afterward Judge Michel, of Lebanon.

cabinet-maker; his shop was an old building on the lot now owned by N. K. Snook; the building was afterward used as a schoolhouse. William Slater carried on the business of cabinet- making where J. Whitaker's shop now is. The business was afterward carried on by J. Thomas, E. Titus and Alfred Cast. John McCarty was the first cooper. The immense pork trade of Clarksville made coopering a very important business in the place, and there were several large cooper shops running at the same time. James Coyle's cooper shop stood where A. A. Linton's new store is. William Dogget carried on a cooper shop where John Starry now lives, corner of Main and Second streets. Isaiah Wilkerson, at a later date, ran a shop near where the Baptist Church now stands.

John Kelley, father of S. C. Kelley, was probably the first tailor; his shop was on the lot now owned by William M. Reeder. This was an important business in early times, and tailor shops have been carried on by Harrison Compton, S. H. Wilson, K. S. Kearns and others. A business, which has disappeared from the smaller towns, was making hats. This business was carried on in Clarksville in early times, first by Dick Lackey, afterward by one Black. John Dempsy was a hatter. He served in the Mexican war; was Constable of Vernon Township for many years. He was crippled by palsy. His was a peculiar character; his gestures were odd, his body and arms writhed and twitched in a wild gesticulating manner, sometimes almost laughable, when he talked, but he was possessed of a good deal of hard sense, and, in a passage of words, few could get ahead of him. He died in Clarksville.

The first wagon-maker was George Harris. Samuel French was an early stone-mason. James Morrow was the first and only distiller. Joseph Wysong was the first Postmaster of the town.

Jacob Longstreth was the first physician. Summing up, we find that soon after its establishment or laying out, Clarksville was well represented in the trades. Merchants, tanners, tailors, wagon-makers, blacksmiths, carpenters, hatters, harness-makers, coopers were making the town lively and business-like. But at a later day, about the year 1840 or 1844, the town assumed its utmost importance. The pork trade at that time was immense. Hale & Cook's pork house was near where J. A. Kelley now lives. They slaughtered on the East Fork, just above the bridge, on the Goshen pike. John Hadley's pork house stood near where A. A. Linton's house stands. Jim Lindsay slaughtered near where John Kelley's stable now stands. Hogs were driven from all parts of Clinton County, as well as from Highland and Ross Counties, to Clarksville. The hogs slaughtered in those days were not of the improved breeds we have now. Now it is with difficulty we can drive one mile or two to market. In early times they were partly fattened on mast, and they were wild, raw-boned, with snouts so long sometimes, that the expression used by an old Bettler in describing them that "they could root nine feet into the ground after a poke root, and still see a man over the top," does not seem much of an exaggeration. We do know they were driven ten or twenty miles sometimes, and then had to be caught with dogs or shot at the slaughter pens. The lard from the slaughtered porkers was put in kegs, and together with the meat just from the salt, was hauled to Cincinnati in wagons. The time taken by a teamster in making a trip was about six days. Regarding the number slaughtered, one old resident told me he thought as high as 40,000 or 50,000 hogs would be slaughtered and packed in Clarksville in one season. ThiB brought an immense trade to the town, and stores, hotels and all the trades flourished; there was an army of shoemakers, tailors, coopers, etc.

YillarB. These teamsters would take their provisions, horse feed and bedding along, and sleep on the floor of some tavern It was a rough life, but was relished by the men. The independence of the wild, rough life was by no means unpleasant.

The first school was taught in a house on the lot owned by N. K. Snook; as to who taught the first school, the information I get conflicts somewhat. Among the early teachers were Nancy TuftB, David Eachus and Carter B. Harlan, brother of the late Judge It. B. Harlan. Until the year 1808, when Clarksville was made a special district, there were two schoolhouses for the youth of the town and vicinity. Schoolhouse No. 1 is now used by M. C. Wysong for a wagon shop; No. 2 School, near the mouth of Sewell's Run. For a number of years the Friends or Quakers maintained a separate school in a building of their own ; the building still stands, and is used as a dwelling. This school was called the High School; the higher branches were taught, and it was patronized by others besides Friends.

About the year 1823, the Baptists built a brick church in Clarksville. The church is still standing, but the society has gone down. About the year 1875, Rev. James Yillars bought the church property, and at his individual expense refitted the old building, making a fine, commodious church, which is now controlled by the Protestant Methodist Church. The Methodist Episcopal Church organization is the leading one in the town. The first church built by this society stood on the lot now owned by J. Norton's heirs. About the year 1856, they built a large frame church - the present Methodist Episcopal Church.

Clarksville is at present, and we believe has always been, well supplied with physicians. The first who put out his sign was Jacob Longstreth. Then came Dr. Hampton, Dr. Crawford, Dr. A. T. Davis, Dr. Tribbey. Though in early times disease was more prevalent, such diseases as were caused by malarial poison - fevers, ague, etc. - it seems the physicians did not prosper and grow fat and independent as they are at the present day; and we rarely find a physician in the small towns in early times depending solely on his profession for a livelihood. Dr. Longstreth kept a store; Dr. Tribbey was a farmer as well as physician; Dr. A. T. Davis represented the county in the Legislature. In early times their duties were laborious and their pay scanty and uncertain; but, during the last thirty or forty years, they have made such rapid strides in magnifying their bills and multiplying their charges that, if it continue to increase in the same ratio for the next thirty years, it will compel the man of moderate means to accept one of three things: First, not to employ a physician; second, to let the township pay his bills as a pauper; or, third, not to pay his bills at all. The only physician who died in Clarksville was Dr. John Gard ner. He read medicine under Dr. A. T. Davis; afterward had a good practice. He was agreeable and gentlemanly in his manners, of a fine scholarly appearance, and enjoyed the confidence of the community for his honesty and integrity. He died about the year 1874.

Dr. H. W. Baugh came to Clarksville in 1850, from the town of New Burlington, Clinton County. He was born in Tennessee in 1817. He has a good practice at the present time. He is a man of powerful build, with a firm, smoothly shaven face; is inclined to be abrupt in his manners. He is positive and decided in his opinions; hie integrity is unquestioned, and his moral character above reproach.

Dr. T. S. Garland came to Clarksville in the same year (1850). He was a school-teacher, and a poor man whon he came, and started in the practice of medicine. Dr. Garland lias steadily followed his profession; has always enjoyed the confidence of the community; still has a large practice, and has amassed considerable property. He seems to be devoted entirely to his profession, takes very little interest in public affairs ; is not so decided and positive in his opinions as Dr. Baugh.

Dr. Z. T. Garland, a very popular physician, is a son of Dr. T. S. Garland. He was raised in Clarksville, studied medicine with his father, and haB been practicing about twelve years; is of fine appearance, and is probably the best dressed man in the village. He is even-tempered and agreeable in his manners, and has a large practice.

Dr. E. S. Stevens is a late arrival. H« is a young man of boyish appearance. He came in 1880, and boldly put out his shingle in the face of three old and popular physicians. He shows a good deal of vim and energy. His father is Dr. Stevens,. of Lebanon, Warren Co., Ohio.

Levi Collins came to Clarksville or vicinity in 1814, when he was five months old, and has done more to populate the town than any other individual, being the father of twenty-one children, nearly all of them living. He is a cooper by trade; has lived in Clarksville nearly all his life; has been. twice married. His first wife was Martha Brannan, by whom he had twelve children. In 1860, he was married to Elizabeth Rife, by whom he has nine children.

John Thomas, familiarly known as Jack Thomas, and long a resident of Clarksville, was born in Harrison County, Va., in 1812. He came to Clarksville about the year 1824; learned cabinet-making with his brother- in-law, William Slater, and carried on the business in Clarksville for a number of years. He was an employe of the C., W. & Z. Railroad, in the capacity of Superintendent of Bridges, and other structures, for fifteen years; is at present keeping a restaurant in the town.

The first silversmith of Clarksville was James H. Starry. He was born in Jefferson County, Va., and came to Vernon Township in 1840. He married Nancy Kelley; has raised a family of six children, all boys. Mr. Starry and wife live at present on a farm about one and a half miles from Clarksville.

S. C. Kelley is probably as closely identified with Clarksville as any other man. Mr. Kelley is a son of John Kelley, who came to Clarksville in 1883, and carried on a tailor shop in the village. Samuel C. was born in Hamilton County in 1829. His father died when he was quite young, and he was thrown on his own resources. At a very early age, he developed business tact and management. When quite young, he was employed by the pork-packing establishments in responsible positions. At the age of fifteen, in the year 1844, he commenced business for himself in a small building 10x20 feet, on the lot now owned by Jack Thomas. Mrs. Wysong and Daniel Norton each loaned him $50, and with this $100 capital, all borrowed, he commenced the business of dealing in groceries, which he has followed nearly all the time since. At the time Mr. Kelley commenced business, Geoi'ge Morrow and Dr. Gardner kept general merchandise where G. M. Morrow now lives. Lindsay kept store where Wilson now has a store. Ryle & Austin also kept store. Amos Everett carried on the hatting business. Hale & Cook, John Hadley, and probably other firms were engaged in the pork business. Mr. Kelley soon moved to a larger building, and went into partnership with George Dunn, near where J. D. Starry's harness shop now is. He bought the corner where he now keeps, in 1854. In March, 1854, he was burned out, losing everything, but built again on the same spot in May of the same year, and carried on the business at the same place to the year 1857, when, being tired of business, and fancying he was an excellent farmer, he sold out to Daniel Hutchinton, bought a farm of L. B. Oxley and Pyle, the same now owned by Hildebrecht, of 305 acres, and went to farming. In 1859, Mr. Kelley was elected Sheriff, as an independent candidate, by the Democrats of Clinton County. He moved to Wilmington, filled the office of Sheriff creditably, and moved back to his farm. He remained on the farm about six months longer, when he sold out. After this he spent one year in the Clarksville Mills, then owned by Smith & Knowlton, then moved to Marshall County, Iowa. It seems that the climate, or some thing of Iowa, did not suit Mr. Kelley; so, after remaining there about six months, he moved back to Clarksville, in reduced circumstances. The people of Clarksville and vicinity still had great confidence in Mr. Kelley as a business man, and he was soon installed in his old business again in a building now occupied by J. D. Starry. His business prospered, and, in 1869 or 1870, he built his present storeroom, and has continued to increase his business to the present, which is carried on now under the firm name of S. C. Kelley & Son.

Mr. Kelley is a small man, quick and active in temperament, every look and motion shows the business man. He is a man of much general information, is agreeable in his manners, a good conversationalist; has a way of appearing interested and sympathizing in the cares and business of others He makes a customer feel that it is a pleasure to wait on him or to do him a favor in any way. Mr. Kelley has raised a large family, and has acquired considerable property; is public spirited, and has done his full share toward improving the town.

James Linton was for many years a prominent business man of Clarksville. He married Maria, daughter of John Hadley, of Clarksville, and began to keep house in Adams Township. He soon afterward moved to Clarksville, to assist his father-in-law in the pork trade. Subsequently, he moved to what is known as the Yeazel farm, two miles east of Clarksville, on the Goshen pike. On this he built a large brick house, and erected a saw-mill. From the Yeazel farm he moved to Clarksville again, where he died.

" J ames Linton, though humble and modest, was no ordinary man, and the multitude of business he carried on and superintended was no ordinary business. During all his married life he carried on farming on a large scale for this country, and many seasons he engaged in the wool and pork trade, and for years owned and managed a dry goods and grocery store. All who knew him regarded him as a man of few words and of sound judgment. He was scholarly enough to lay off a bridge, engineer a pike or build a mill. Practical and unostentatious, he possessed an integrity which, among his neighbors, was above suspicion." He was a member of the Society of Friends, and leaves a wife and seven children.

Joseph Wysong was an early settler of Clarksville. He was a shoemaker by trade; was the first Postmaster of the town, an office which he held for a great number of years. He kept a hotel up to the time of his death, and in early times his hotel was a popular stopping-place for teamsters and travelers. He was a peculiar man, gruff and almost severe in his manners, yet there was an undercurrent of humor and kindly good nature in his character. Numerous anecdotes could be told of him, of the rich jokes and passages of wit and sarcasm he indulged in with the teamsters, who enjoyed the old man's gruff ways. Three of his sons still live in Clarksville.

Perhaps I owe this explanation to the people of Vernon Township, that is, that the selection of inysolf for writing up Vernon was not the first selection.

It was late in the spring before I undertook the work, and it has carried me into the busy season of corn tending and harvest; and my readers will not be astonished at the incompleteness of my work when they know that I was obliged to send in my manuscript leaving parts of the subject untouched. There are many families who deserve honorable mention in any history of Clinton County, that I failed to get data for personal sketches - the Yillars, Hadleys, Lintons, and many other families I have failed to represent, not through prejudice, but from lack of time. With this I submit the work, and it can be taken for what it is worth. C. L. Sewell.

By Peter Clevenger, Esq

THE township bearing the above name was organized by order of the Commissioners of Clinton County, at their regular session, in June, 1835, on a petition containing the following description:

"Beginning in the line of Union Township, one mile west of the northwest line of Clark Township; thence southward to Marion Township, where the township line crosses the road leading from David Wright's to Blanchester, and continuing same course one mile into Marion Township; thence eastward to intersect the line one mile south of the northeast corner of said township; thence across Clark Township so- as to include Samuel Batson; thence to the road leading from Cuba to Martinsville, eighty poles to the north of Robert Green's house; thence to where the Wilmington & Hillsboro road crosses the College Township road; thence with the south side of said College Township road to the northeast corner of Clark Township; thence westward with the line of Union and Clark Townships to the beginning, containing twenty-four and one-third square miles of land."

The geographical location of this township is very nearly central, being * the only township except Union that does not border on the county line. The land is generally level, being slightly hilly along the streams in the west and southwest, the soil generally fertile and very well drained naturally. The artificial drainage, however, of the last twenty years, has worked a vast and beneficial change in the face of the country, as well as in the crops. The swampy and unproductive lands have been transformed, by the laying of tile, into the most fertile lands in the township, good crops being now raised without any failure. The prevailing timber is beech, sugar maple, ash, hickory, walnut and the different varieties of oak, linn, hackberry, buckeye - in fact, almost all varieties found in the Miami Valley. The finest trees have disappeared from our forest, hovve"er, having yielded to the blasts of many winters, the necessities of the settler, or the temptations offered by the timber speculator, until now there can scarcely be found the old sturdy black walnut of thirty years ago. The township is well watered, the streams running in a general westerly course through it. The following are the names of the principal streams: Cowan's Creek, Silver Creek, and the East Fork of Todd's Fork; the latter stream flows from east to west through the south part of the township, while Cowan's and Silver Creeks and their tributaries drain the northern and central partB. East of Cuba for several miles, the country presents a plain of gently undulating land. The capacity of the soil in this plain in productiveness is equal to that of any land in the country; in fact, in all the products from soil culture, Washington Township will compare favorably with any portion of the county.

The settlements on these rich alluvial lands commenced about the year 1805. The Legislature of Ohio, at its session of -1802-3, provided for the location of a road, leading from Chillicothe, by way of Morgantown, to the College Township, in Butler County; and this, passing directly through Washington Township, and being opened immediately, formed a great thoroughfare for emigration, assumed the name of the College Township road, and was the first road opened in Southern Ohio.

The first emigrant to the present limits of Washington Township, as far as the writer hereof has been able to find out from the meager information to be obtained at this day and date, was Isaac Wilson, perhaps the first settler, who came from Virginia, who settled in Col. Carrington's Survey about the year 1803, on the land now owned by George Brown. Next came Jonas Seaman and a Mr. Armstrong, both settling upon the present site of Cuba, the latter opening the first house for the entertainment of the public in the year 1805.

Thomas Thatcher, one of the early pioneers to the Miami Valley, was born in Frederick County, Va. , in 1769, and emigrated to the present limits of Washington Township in the year 1805, and purchased a large tract of land in Capt. John Steel's Survey, No. 1,458, where he settled on Silver Creek. Coming with a four-horse team and the typical old Virginia wagon, by the usual route through Pennsylvania, on hiB way he encountered the common delays, annoyances and vexations of the early emigrant. After a weary journey, he arrived at Wheeling, W. Va. , situate on the south side of the Ohio River. The only means of conveyance over the river was the old-fashioned flat-boat, with oars worked by men. This means of crossing lay on the opposite side of the river. To the eye of Thatcher, the river did not look very wide or deep. He inquired of some boys near by if he could ford, and they carelessly said, "Yes." Mounting his saddle, with his wife and one child in the wagon, and the bound boy, David Fisher, on the off horse, he boldly drove into the stream. He had passed but a short distance from the bank into the stream before his horses were swimming and his wagon floating. As the water came up around young Fisher, he cried out in a fearful tone. Mr. Thatcher said, in an encouraging tone, " Hold fast to the hames, David," and some men on the Ohio side, seeing him at this time, beckoned to him, and, under their guidance and his own cool judgment, he swam his team across the river without accident or injury to his inestimable load. This was Mr. Thatcher's introduction into the new State of Ohio. He had made a contract with Col. Samuel Martin for a thousand acres of land, where he intended to make his future home. Some time after his arrival, he took possession of his survey of land on Silver Creek. His title soon proved worthless, and he had to buy his land a second time. He divided his lands and sold to immigrants, settling a portion himself, where he resided for over thirty-five years. He was one of the first Justices of the Peace of this part of what was then Warren County, acting in that capacity for twenty-one consecutive years. Amongst his early associates, Mr. Thatcher was a very popular man, not only acting as Justice of the Peace in name, but in fact, reconciling contending neighbors, and restoring harmony and good will among them. He magnified his office in preventing litigation, and not encouraging it. Mr. Thatcher was a resident of the territory of Clinton County sixty-two years. The great moral organ of benevolenco was too large and active to permit great acquisition of lands and tenements or the hoarding of money. In the social relations, few complaints were ever made against Mr. Thatcher. His sense of justice and right was strong. He was moral and upright, and exerted a good influence on his pioneer neighbors. In fact, Thomas Thatcher was the right man in the right place, and well did he act his part. Long may hiB good examples be imitated and his memory cherished. He deceased in the year 1867, at the advanced age of ninety-eight years. On his arrival on Silver Creek, he found Joseph Roberts, John Jack, Samuel Ruble, John Wright and Edward Powers, they having come a short time before - from whence the writer hereof has been unable to find out, except in the case of Edward Powers, who was born in the North of Ireland, emigrated to America and came to Ohio in 1805, bought land of Col. Martin, in Fern's

Survey, 699, on which he resided several years, becoming a soldier in the war of 1812, enlisting in the American Army while yet a British subject; was surrendered at Hull's surrender, and, by reason of his being a British subject, was in danger, if discovered, of execution. To avoid this, he secreted himself in the fortress, among army supplies, etc., until an opportunity offered, when he made his escape through the guard lines, and, by great caution and privation, eluded the thousand and one hostile Indian camps, that, at that time, blazed throughout the Northwest, and, solitary and alone, traversed the distance from Detroit to Silver Creek on foot. In time, he discovered that the title to his land, like Thatcher's, was worthless. With great indignation, he called on Martin and demanded the money which he had paid, in lieu of which Martin gave him other land which he owned, somewhere in Greene or Clark County, and thither emigrated Edward Powers.

Col. Samuel Martin emigrated from Western Pennsylvania about the year 1807, together with his son John, and settled in Survey No. 996, a large portion of which he purchased. Col. Martin was no ordinary man; a man of fine education, a graduate of medicine, he became involved in trouble in regard to the title to the land he had purchased, which title was worthless, and he lost all, and removed, together with his son, to the West. Col. Martin was one of the prime movers in what is known in history as the Pennsylvania Whisky Insurrection, and, as the writer hereof has often heard, was second in command of the forces organized to resist the' Federal authority, the result of which history tells us came to naught.

Peter Tomlin, another of the early settlers in what is now Washington Township, was born in Culpepper County, Va., in 1776, and removed to Frederick County, Va., in 1802, and from there to Clinton County, Ohio, in 1808, settling Capt. Steel's Survey, No. 1,458, where he resided, rearing a large family of chi Idren - seventeen in all - of whom Ruth, Asa, Lewis, Helen, Elijah, Andrew and Rhoda are living, part in this township and part in the West and elsewhere. Peter Tomlin was a man of large frame and strong constitution, strictly honest in all his dealings. He was a Captain of militia in the war of 1812, in which he took an active part on the Northern frontier. He quietly passed from earth in the year 1857, at the age of eighty- one years. He is buried in what is known as the Lieurance Cemetery, near his old home.

Adon Clevenger was born in the year 1773, in Frederick County, Va., from whence he emigrated to Waynesville, Warren Co., Ohio, in the year 1804, and, about 1806, moved to what was then called the Cross Roads, the same being the present site of the village of Cuba. Opening the first blacksmith shop there, he followed his trade for a year or two, removing from there to Wilmington for a time, and from there back to Cowan's Creek, where he bought a small farm in Col. Ridley's Survey, No. 2,028, where he lived to a ripe old age, following his trade and farming a little. He deceased in the year 1853, in his eightieth year. His remains rest also in the Lieurance Cemetery.

Peter Lieurance was born in Ashe County, N. C., in the year 1759. Of his early life little is now known. He removed with his family from North Carolina, about the year 1800, to East Tennessee, where ho resided a few years, when he again removed to the present limits of Washington Township in the year 1806; bought land in Steel's Survey, No. 1,458, where he Bottled. Mr. Lieurance had early identified himself with the Baptist Church, and, as there were no churches then in the country, his house soon became a place of worship, which was kept up until the year 1819, when he donated a lot for church and cemetery, upon which a log church was built and a regular organization of the first Baptist Church of Washington Township was effected, which lias been kept up to the present day. Peter Lieurance was a poworful, muscular man, one well fitted for the trials and hardships of the early pioneer. He continued on the farm which he had cleared until about the year 1840, when his youthful ambition came over him, and, at the age of eighty-one years, he sold his farm and removed to the then wild prairies of Warren County, 111., where he lived until the year 1863, attaining the remarkable age of one hundred and four years.

Elijah Lieurance, the oldest son of Peter Insurance, was born in Ashe County, N. C., and removed with his father to Ohio in the year 1806, and settled with his father. When the war with England broke out, in 1812, Elijah became a Boldier, and was made a prisoner at Hull's surrender. Returning at the close of the war, he resided, up to 1836, on the old farm, from whence, in that year, he removed to Warren County, 111.

David Hays was born in the State of Delaware, near the city of Wilmington, in the year 1766, where he grew to manhood, which was during the Revolutionary war. Young Hays saw much of the " times that tried men's souls." He saw both the English and colonial armies. He had the honor of handing Gen. Washington a drink of water a few days before the battle of Brandywine, as the army was passing his father's home. This was in 1777, he at that time being about eleven years old. In the . year 1800, he removed to Frederick County, Va., and, in the year 1805, was married to Mary Hursman, and removed to Harrison County, Ohio, in the same year, where he resided until the year 1815, when he removed to the present limits of Washington Township; settled in John Steel's Survey, No. 1,458, where he resided until his death, which occurred in the year 1844. He was a man of strong common sense and kind disposition, strictly honest in all his dealings with his fellow-men, and was ever ready to give a helping hand. He was universally respected for his many virtues.

David, Asa, Elisha and James Brown, four brothers, early pioneers of Washington Township, were born in Massachusetts during the war of independence, at the close of which their father removed to Owen County, Ky . , where the boys all grew to manhood. During the period from 1807 to 1810, they all removed from Owen County, Ky., to within the present limits of Washington Township, purchasing land in Steel's, Carrington's and Johnson's Surveys, where they all resided for many years, rearing large families of children. Asa deceased in the year 1843; David, in 1844; Elisha, in 1858; and James, in 1863. All of these men were fine specimens of the early pioneer of the Miami Yalley. All of them will be remembered with the kindest recollection for their honesty, integrity and goodness of heart.

David Clevenger was born in Frederick County, Va., about the year 1785, and removed to Ohio in 1808, and settled in Dix Survey, No. 619, where he resided until the spring of 1812, when he became a soldier in the American army for the defense of the Northern frontier, and was surrendered at Hull's surrender of Detroit. After the close of the war, he returned home, and resided for awhile on Cowan's Creek, from whence he removed to some part of the West.

Jesse Graham was born in East Tennessee in the year 1805, and removed with his widowed mother to Ohio in 1807, settling Baron Steuben's Survey, No. 2,697. Jesse has a vivid recollection of early times, having visited the Indians at their hunting-camp many times at the spring on the Lazenby farm, also on the Townsend farm. Mr. Graham bought and cleared a farm in Steuben's Survey, where he resides at this time, in his seventy- sixth year, a man of great endurance and determined will, honest and upright in his dealings.

John Mitchell, one of the early pioneers of Washington Township, was born in the North of Ireland about the year 1760, aad removed from thence to the State of North Carolina in his youth, where he married, and removed from | there to East Tennessee about the year 1790. In the year 1793, he removed to Fayette County, Ky. From thence he again removed to Middle Tennessee, settling in the then small village of Franklin, where he opened a shop, he being a wheelwright. In the year 1807, the spirit of emigration again seized him, and he removed, with at that time a large family, to within the present limits of Washington Township, settling in Capt. Blackwell's Survey, No 1, 457, just south of Cuba. His family consisted of five daughters and three sons - John, Samuel K. and James. John and Samuel lived in this county, honored and useful citizens. James removed to the West at an early day. The daughters all married, lived and died in Clinton County, where they left many descendants, honored and respected.

William Johns, one of the early pioneers, born in Tennessee, emigrated to Ohio in 1808, and bought a large farm in Col. Thomas Dix's Survey, No. 619, where he resided until his death, which occurred about the year 1865. William Johns was a Captain of militia, a soldier in the war of 1812, a man of great endurance and strong will.

William Baker, born in Kentucky, removed to Ohio with James Brown (before spoken of), with whom he lived to manhood. Mr. Baker was a man of sterling integrity and industrious habits, acquiring a large property by his industry. He deceased in the year 1875. He lived and owned a large tract of land in Johnson's Survey, No. 2,386.

William R. Moon is one of the many of the family of Moons who reside . in Clinton County, Ohio. Born in East Tennessee in 1804, he emigrated to Ohio with his father, Samuel Moon, in 1808, and settled near what was then called "Morgan Town," near Snow Hill, from whence they removed, in the spring of 1809, to near Martinsville, this county, and located on the farm now owned by David Moon. His father deceased about the year 1846. William R. Moon, at this writing, is in his seventy-eighth year, rather under the medium size, of strong will, a mechanic by birth, and following, in his younger day, any trade that demanded his skill; a man of strict integrity.

William Biggs was born in Virginia about 1759; married Sarah Burr (sister of Judge Peter Burr) in 1788, and emigrated to Ohio in the year 1808; bought a tract of 640 acres of land in Col. Ridley's Survey, No. 2,028, near Cuba, where he settled in 1811, built a large log house, and opened a house of entertainment throe-fourths of a mile west of Cuba, which business he followed for a series of years. He experienced much difficulty, like all early pio neers, in getting salt, often bringing it from Lebanon on horseback and with ox teams; there being many Indians at that time who would come and beg or barter for salt, consequently much was used. Indians would come and say, "White man like bear meat. Indian like salt." This was sufficient. The bear meat and Balt were exchanged. William Biggs bought the town lots from Archey & Simmons after they laid out Cuba, and then sold them out. The burial lot near where the old brick church was is on a fraction of a lot. The first person buried here was Axey ( AcliBah) Archey. William Biggs entertained many officers and soldiers during the war of 1812. I was shown a large bowl, now in the possession of Rhoda BiggB, which was used in those days in which to make eggnog for the officers. This bowl is said to be over a century old.

William B. Biggs, son of the above-named William Biggs, was born in Virginia in the year 1800, and emigrated to Ohio with his father, and was reared to manhood in the then frontier country, where, in the year 1818, he married Rhoda Whitaker. They had a family of ten children, some of whom reside in this county, and some in the West. William B. Biggs departed this life in the year 1873. His widow still survives, and to her I am much indebt- ed for information in my feeble effort to obtain a few notes of facts connected with the early settlement of Washington Township. William B. Biggs was universally respected for his honesty and goodness of heart.

Robert Athey was born in Virginia, near Harper's Ferry. About the year 1813, he settled on Cowan's Creek, in Ridley's Survey, No. 2,028, where he resided for some years, selling the same to Harvey Gallaher in the year 1820.

Martin and Jacob Roop were emigrants from North Carolina, settling on the waters of Cowan's Creek about the year 1815, where they lived some years, selling and moving farther WeBt.

John Matson, born in Loudoun County, Va. , in 1758, removed to Frederick County, same State, where he resided for some years, and, in the year 1817, he emigrated to Ohio and settled in Steel's Survey, No. 1,458, on the farm now owned by James Skimming. Mr. Matson was a quiet, inoffensive man, one whose honesty no man ever questioned. He raised a large family of children, none of whom are now living except Frances, widow of Samuel Byard, deceased, who resides near Wilmington, this county.

Thomas Woodmansee was a native of Pennsylvania, born near Lancaster about the year 1778; emigrated to Ohio in the year 1813, and settled in one of Col. Thomas Ridley's surveys, of which he bought some eight hundred acres. Mr. Woodmansee was a genial, Christian gentleman, a man of strong will, energetic, shrewd and far-seeing; was one of the original anti-slavery men of Southern Ohio, who dared to do and act in behalf of the poor, unfortunate slave who chanced to come this way inquiring the rbad to Canada. Such always found in the subject of this sketch a helping hand. Mr. Woodmansee's family consisted of two sons, George and James - George, born in 1810; James, about 1813 or 1814 - both exemplary men, who, together with their aged parents, in the year 1855, sold their large possessions in Ohio and removed to Knox County, 111., where the parents have since deceased.

George Byard, born in Lancaster County, Penn., in 1792, and a soldier in the war of 1812, was at the siege of Black Rock and the battle of Chippewa; emigrated to Ohio in the year 1816, with his young wife, walking the whole distance, carrying their limited effects with them, and settling in Ridley's Survey, No. 2,028, where he resided for some years, afterward buying a farm in Blackwell's Survey, No. 1,382, which he cleared up and lived upon for a great many years, rearing a family of five children, two of whom are still living. He deceased in the year 1872, in the eightieth year of his age, his wife having preceded him some years.

John Crouse was of German extraction, born in Frederick County, Va., in 1794. In 1817, he married Rhoda, one of the daughters of John Matson, and, the same year, emigrated to Ohio and settled in Steel's Survey, No. 1,458, on land now owned by James Skimming, from whence he moved on Cowan's Creek, on what is known as the Williams farm. Remaining here until about the year 1825, he bought a tract of land in Blackwell's Survey, No. 1,382, being the farm that H. Burlin now owns. Mr. Crouse was an energetic, honest, upright man, acquiring, during hiB lifetime, quite a large amount of this world's goods. He deceased in the year 1867, in his seventy-third year, his widow following him in 1868.

Oliver Whitaker was born in New Jersey, and emigrated to Ohio in 1802, coming from Wheeling by way of the Ohio River, in a flat-boat, to Cincinnati, from whence he removed to Deerfield in the year 1804, and, the following year, to near Clarksville, this county, where he sojourned for a short time with Judge Burr. Buying a farm near Villars' Chapel, he lived upon it some years, and finally removed to a farm he bought on Cowan's Creek, in Ridley's Survey, No. 2,029, where he lived until the year 1831, at which time he deceased.

John Burk, a native of Pennsylvania, emigrated to Ohio in the year 1800 or 1807, and settled in Steel's Survey, No. 1,458, where he cleared a farm and raised quite a large family, dying very suddenly about 1831.

James Wilson, a native of Virginia and one of the early pioneers, removed to the present limits of Washington Township about the year 1804 or 1805, and settled on Cowan's Creek, near the bridge, on the Cuba & Wilmington pike, where he, about the year 1809 or 1810, built a mill, perhaps the first mill built on said creek - at least, the venerable George Mann informs us that Mr. Wilson lived and operated the mill above referred to in the year 1812, when he first came to this township. Of Mr. Wilson; little, at this day, is known, save and except that about the year 1815 he removed farther West.

Thomas Johns was a native of East Tennessee, emigrated to Ohio about the year 1808, and settled on the East Fork of Todd's Fork, in Col. Dix's Survey, No. 619, on the farm now known as the Bond farm, near the iron bridge, where he lived some years.

Thomas Pennington, a native of Pennsylvania, born near Lancaster, emigrated to Ohio about 1813 and settled in Col. ftidley's Survey, No. 2,029. Mr. Pennington, at the time he came to Ohio, had a large family of children, some of whom were nearly grown, among them being Josephus, Isaac and James Pennington. Thomas Pennington deceased about the year 18 - . Josephus, his oldest son, deceased about the year 1857. Isaac, the second son, deceased in 1879, in his eightieth year. Father and sons were all early pioneers. Isaac, through his economy and honest toil, accumulated quite an amount of thiB world's goods. His corn-cribs were always well filled, and, no matter how scarce com was elsewhere, Uncle Isaac Pennington always had plenty and to spare, and I venture to say that no man ever called on him for that needful article but that he went away well supplied. His widow still survives, living at his old home on Silver Creek.

H. M. Green, born in Frederick County, Va., in the year 1803, emigrated to Ohio with hiB parents in 1810, the family coming from Brownsville, on the Monongahela River, to Wellsville, on the Ohio River, by flat-boat, the father coming over the mountains with a team and joining them at the latter place, from whence they came by wagon to their destination, on Todd's Fork, where they settled. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood there, removing to Washington Township the year it was organized (1835), where he has resided almost all the time ever since. Mr. Green is a blacksmith by trade, which he followed for many years. He also held the office of Constable, being one of the first for the new township of Washington, which office he held from time to time for many years. He is at this writing in his seventy- eighth year, hearty for a man of his years. To him am I indebted for what information I have obtained as to the first organization of the township.

Jacob Mann, born in Rockingham County, Va., in 1766, emigrated to Nicholas County, Ky., about the year 1788; was a soldier in Gen. Wayne's army during the Indian campaigns in the Northwestern Territory, in which he took an active part; removed with his family to Ohio in the year 1812, settling for one year in Chester Township, from which he removed, in the year 1813, to the present limits of Washington Township, and settled in Baron Steuben's Survey, No. 2,697, on the farm that the venerable George Mann now resides on, where ho livod an exemplary, quiet, honest life until the year 1840, when he deceased, in his seventy-fourth year, and is buried with the partner of his bosom on the farm that ho reclaimed from a howling wilderness. Tho remains of the venerable couple are handsomely inclosed by a solid wall of masonry,

George, Henry and John Mann, sons of Jacob Mann, are all early pioneers of Ohio, having removed with their father from Kentucky, where they were all born, George in 1796, Henry in 1799, and John in 1803. Of the girls, Elizabeth was born in 1801, Mary in 1806, Margaret in 1808, Rhoda in 1811 and Malinda in 1816. Of this family there is still living George, in his eightysixth year-, John, in his seventy- eighth year; Mary, in her seventy-fifth year; Margaret, in her seventy-third year; Rhoda, in her seventy-first year. Henry deceased in March, 1882. This exhibit shows a family of rather remarkable longevity.

Robert Brown, son of David Brown, heretofore mentioned, was born in Owen Co., Ky., in the year 1803, and emigrated with his father to Clinton Co., and settled within the present limits of Washington Township in the year 1807 in Capt. John Steel's Survey, No. 1,458. Robert is at this writing in his seventy-ninth year, as stout as men usually are at that age. He has a vivid recollection of early times, remembering to have seen his father and others returning from Blue Licks with salt, which they carried on pack-saddles, in sacks, the brine dripping therefrom, as the salt was in a slushy condition. Mr. Brown informs me that, at the time of their coming, Wilson was living in a three-sided cabin in Col. Carrington's Survey, where he had been living for four or five years ; this cabin having no chimney, simply threo sides, the fourth answering as a fire-place, where large logs were drawn by horses in cold weather and a regular log-heap built, which kept the three-sided inclosure comfortable. This was the rude habitation of James Wilson, perhaps the first white settler of Washington Township.

Joshua Lazenby, a native of Virginia, emigrated to Ohio in 1817, and settled on lands now owned by his sons, Henry and Rezin Lazenby, situate in Surveys No. 2,697 and 619, where he resided for many years. Mr. Lazenby was a man of great personal worth and genuine integrity. HiB kind-hearted disposition and neighborly qualities will long be remembered by his many friends.

Henry Cowgill, born in Virginia about the year 1781, emigrated to Ohio in the year 1811 or 1812, and settled on the College Township road, a short distance east of Morrisville, in Harvey'B Survey, of which his wife's father, William McDaniels, bought a large part. Mr. Cowgill built his log cabin and opened a farm, which, for fertility and productiveness, is not surpassed anywhere in the Ohio Valley. Here he lived a long and peaceful life, rearing a large family, all the members of which are honored and useful citizens. He quietly passed from earth at an advanced age.

The following are the names of early pioneers whose nativity the author has been unable to ascertain, who settled in Washington Township between the years 1803 and 1820: Daniel Beals, Jacob Beals, settled in Survey No.

2,697; Thomas Johns, Israel Johns, settled in Survey 619; Ebenezer, John and Christopher Brown, settled in Survey No. 619; William Mabury, Daniel Cluster, settled in Survey No. 2,697; Michael Rodabaugh, James Haworth, settled in Survey No. 2,697; Charles McGrue, John Jack, in Survey No. 2,386; John Dale, Samuel Ruble, settled in Survey No. 996; Thomas Ludington, settled in Survey No. 996; George Shannon, Amos Hankins, Empson Wright, George Richards, Walter Starkey, exact place of settlement unknown.

The first Trustees were Enos Clevenger, James Roberts and John Mitchell; Clerk, Joseph R. Moon, who served in this office from 1835 to 1853; Thomas

Thatcher, from 1853 to 1858; S. S. Cast, from 1858 to 1859; Thomas Thatcher, from 1859 to 1863; John R. Moon, from 1863 to 1864; Peter Clevenger, from 1864 to 1882, present incumbent. The Justices of the Peace from the organization of the township up to the present are as follows: Horatio Cast,

Of these the information to be obtained at this day is very meager. The first church organization in this township was effected by the Baptists, about the year 1818, at what is known at this time as the Lieurance Graveyard. Here the venerable Peter Lieurance donated a lot of ground for a cemetery and church, on which was erected a rude log church, and, in the year above indicated, the first Baptist Church of this township was organized, the Rev. Hiram Burnett officiating, and acting as the minister for a number of years. After him came Jacob Layman and James How. About thiR time (1835), Elliott Raynes, a noted Reformer from Kentucky, made his appearance in this neighborhood, and, by his eloquence, succeeded in getting up quite a revival, which, to a great extent, divided the Baptist Church here, out of which was organized the Christian Church, which grew to considerable prominence, and is to this day the leading church of the township. Rev. Elliott Raynes, John Rodger and James How were the prime movers in this reformation. Some years after this, the Baptist society which was here organized removed its church to the present site, in the eastern part of the township, near the residence of Alexander Lieurance, where the same is kept up, and is now in a flourishing condition. The Christian organization built a new log church near the present site of Bethel Church. The Methodists organized a church in Cuba about theyear 1838 or 1839, building a brick house, which stood on a lot in the south part of the village. This organization was kept up for a number of years. Amongst the early ministers of this denomination were the Rev. William Austin, Rev. George W. Malay [Malary], Rev. A. F. Baxter, Rev. Ambrose Jones.

The present organized churches of the township are one Baptist, one Methodist, two Christian and one Universalist, all of which are in a prosperous and flourishing condition.

The first school-teachers of which we have any account were E. Hamilton, James Trimble, Benjamin Hunter, James Hamilton, Thomas Wilson, Robert Grant, John McKibben, George E. Honeycutt, Azariah Brown, Henry Lazenby and Elijah Hays. The above teachers taught, of course, mostly subscription schools. They labored under serious disadvantages compared with the teachers of the present day. The schoolhouses were poor log cabins, with no furniture or apparatus. The distance to school was necessarily groat in many cases, and the wonder is that the generation of that period was as woll informed as it was. The above teachers, no doubt, did their whole duty as well as they could under the circumstances, at salaries ranging from $10 to $15 per month. At the present time, there are seven schoolhouses in this township - five brick, two being two-story, one at Cuba, the other at Morrisvillo, accommodating grade schools, employing two teachers each. Teachers' wages range, throughout the winter months, from $45 to $50, and, during the summer time, generally 30 per cent less.

Of these, none are regularly organized institutions, but such as have from time to time been laid out by the different church organizations, and of these we have what is known as the Lieurance Graveyard, Johns Graveyard, Bethel Cemetery, Baptist Church Cemetery. Of the latter two, the citizens in the vicinity might well be proud, situated as they are adjoining the churches of the same name. Many neat marble shafts and some costly monuments mark the numerous graves beneath whose shadows sleep many of the sturdy pioneers of yore. Several other small graveyards, both public and private, are scattered throughout the township.

The first village laid out in the township, and perhaps the second in the county, was Cuba, then called Paris, laid out in the year 1813, by Jonas Seaman and James Archey. The original as well as present number of lots was 100. The present population is about one hundred and fifty. It is the voting-place of the township. The first hotel was kept by one Mr. Armstrong, who opened a house of entertainment here in 1806,* at that time known as the Cross Roads, being the point where the trace or trail from the south crossed the College Township road. This road was located and opened a few years prior by an act of the Legislature of 1802-3, authorizing the laying-out of various State roads, among which was the College Township road, leading from Chillicothe, by way of Morgantown, to the College Township, now in Butler County. This road soon became quite a thoroughfare, and the emigrant's wagon was constantly in sight; hence the necessity for houses of entertainment. Mr. Armstrong entertained the traveling public for a few years and retired. He was succeeded by Jonas Seaman, who remained in the hotel until near the close of the war of 1812. Mr. Seaman was succeeded by J. J. Lacy, who occupied the premises for a short time, and he gave way to Matthew Callaway, who acted as inn-keeper for many years, and was succeeded by Col. J. Ward Jones. This was about the year 1826. Since thon, the inn-keepers of Cuba have been numerous and varied, until within the last twenty years, when, the opening of the various lines of railways causing the travel to give way to the more rapid transit by rail, the travel by usual routes has been so reduced that inn-keeping in the county villages has been abandoned, and this is the condition of Cuba at this time. Cuba has one large general merchandise store, one drug and grocery store, blacksmith and wagon shop, one grist and sawmill.

Morrisville, the other and only remaining village in the township, is situated four miles east of Cuba, in one of the finest farming regions in Southern Ohio. The village was named in honor of the Hon. Isaiah Morris, who owned at one time a large tract of land adjoining it. It was laid out about the year 1843 or 1844, and consists of but few lots. It has one country store, one wagon and carriage shop, one smith shop.

The first mill in the present limits of Washington Township was built on Cowan's Creek, by James Wilson. This mill was erected, as nearly as can be ascertained, about the year 18lQ or 1811. It stood a fewrods above the bridge on the road leading from Wilmington to Cuba. It was what was termed a " corn-cracker, ''and, a few years after its erection, was converted into a stillhouse, and, by Mr. Wilson, operated for some years. This mill was operated as mill and distillery until about the year 1826 or 1827. Thomas Thatcher erected a saw-mill on Silver Creek about the year 1818, which was a great advantage and convenience in its day. This mill was operated by him for per- haps twenty, years, when it went to decay. About this time (1840), James Carman erected a saw-mil) on Cowan's Creek, in Survey No. 2,029. This mill was operated some years, and had a corn-cracker attached. Mr. Carman finally sold the farm and mill to Abel Briggs, and the mill became damaged by freshets. Mr. Briggs rebuilt this mill about the year 1853, and operated the same for six or seven years, when the whole was so damaged by high water that it was abandoned, since which time the whole has gone to decay. About the year 1852, William B. Biggs built the first steam saw-mill in Cuba, which had a corn-cracker attachment, and which was operated for some years, and was burned down about the year 1860. In 1853 or 1854, William R. Moon and John Mann built a saw and grist mill about one-half mile from Cuba, on the Martinsville road, which mill was operated successfully for many years, and was finally removed by Mr. Moon and sons to the present site in Cuba, where the same is now operated, and is a first-class mill in all respects, manufacturing as fine flour as is made in the county. This mill is owned and operated by Samuel McCray.

General

This township does not support a single saloon, and industry and sobriety are the rule, while idleness and intemperance are the exception. The part that Washington Township has taken in our wars has always been patriotic. During the war of 1812, and the Mexican war, and also through the trying period of the great civil struggle, Washington Township was never called on in vain. During the civil war, it is the pride of all parties that the quota of Washington Township was always filled by volunteers, many of whom laid down their lives for the Union. The township polls, on a full vote, about three hundred and twenty-five votes. It is Democratic by a small majority. Generally, the best of feeling prevails in the township between the contending parties, and the contests are nearly always good-humored. We consider this an indication of a liberal spirit of toleration not always seen in township contests. The strength of the contending parties has been the same, or about so, relatively, for many years. The township records were destroyed by fire about the year 1857, consequently much valuable information has been lost.

The free pikes of the township embrace about thirty-five miles of road, thus furnishing connection with other excellent routes of travel to neighboring cities and towns.

It may be regretted that, unfortunately, many facts connected with the history of our early pioneers have been lost, hence much which, if possessed, would be of real interest, was unavoidably omitted. Nevertheless, it is confidently hoped that the preceding sketch, however imperfect in detail, embraces all the knowledge of the subject at present available. It may be thought by some that too little has been said of some, and too much prominence given to others, and still others who merit notice have not been mentioned. If such is the case, wluch I doubt not, I can only say that the short time devoted to this, together with the limited space allotted, and the multiplicity of business that demanded my attention, is the only apology I have to make. Finally, to the pioneers by whose courage, industry and persoverance the early settlements were formed, to the few still living to tell the story of those early struggles by which our present prosperity was made possible, to these this very short and unpretending history is respectfully dedicated.

By James H. Terrell

THIS township is situated in the southeastern part of Clinton County, and is a part of one of the most fertile districts of Ohio. It is bounded on the north by Richland Township, east by Fayette County, south by Highland County and west by Greene Township. It is for the most part quite level, although the topography is marked and very little understood, being elevated about 1, 200 feet above the level of the sea. It is very well watered and drained by several small streams and minor tributaries, and, although extensively known formerly as "the flats," it has, by judicious drainage, become one of the most healthful and desirable parts of the county. Naturally of drift and alluvial formation, and for centuries covered by dense forests, the soil cannot be otherwise than most fertile and productive, affording large cereal cropB and abundant pasturage. It is pre-eminently an agricultural district favoring this first, last and noblest of all the avocations of man, by its peculiarly prairielike complexion, its absence of rivers, but accessibility to water, its uniformly fertile farms and its honest, industrious yeomen with their herds and flocks. Being peculiarly adapted to agriculture, the settlers did not congregate at centers and form villages and build up manufactures, but very early took advantage of the cheap lands and secured large tracts which have Bince been subdivided into smaller farms, which have been largely improved and increased in value.

The public highways of Wayne Township, which were originally of the rudest and most impassable kind, have been transformed into pikes and improved ways of the most approved invention. Two prosperous railways are easily accessible on the north and south.

This township contains 19,834 acres of land, and, as its lands are proverbially fertile, they are well adapted to the production of wheat, corn, oats, grass and all kinds of vegetables; and as improved arts, crops and circumstances demand improved cultivation, the people have kept pace with the requirements. Stock-raising is extensively pursued in this township, and many fine droves of cattle, sheep and hogs are annually shipped to various markets. Formerly, the live stock of this locality was of the original American woods varieties and proclivities. The cattle were small, poorly shaped and of objectionable colors. The swine were of the species known as "elm-peelers," "wind splitters," etc., and could rival a dog or even a horseman in a race, and all the other varieties, of stock were of comparatively poor quality. But these have rapidly given place to the more profitable and improved specimens. At quite an early day,, many of the more enterprising farmers secured thoroughbred stock, which left a marked and desirable improvement wherever introduced. The prepotent blood of the thoroughbred Short-Horn breed has increased the value of the cattle vastly more than the casual observer will at first admit. The Poland- China and Berkshire swine are the general favorites among the pork manufact urers, and, by the way, this interest has assumed enormous proportions in this section of Clinton County. Among the breeds of sheep, the American Merino and Southdown prove the most remunerative and satisfactory.

To whom is due the honor of being the first settler of this township is not definitely known. The dreary and altogether uninviting aspect of the country at that early day was the means of preventing permanent settlement for several years after the other sections of the county had been considerably occupied. It appears evident that as early as 1800, the white settler had pushed his aggressive enterprise even into these wilds. At that period, the Shawnee Indians held unquestionable possession of this township, and, in fact, owned a large part of Southwestern Ohio. The exceeding desirableness of these lands and their occupancy was very apparent to the enterprising pioneers, and they were not long in locating their claims. But the bloodthirsty savages, incited by ambitious and rival claimants for this territory, made it very hazardous, and in most cases altogether impracticable for the first settlers to retain their possessions. In 1794, Gen. Anthony Wayne, after many delays and the erection of many forts, routed a large force of Indians and Canadians, after destroying the various villages and positions of the enemy, brought them to consent to a treaty of peace. Gen. Wayne in his march had to cut a trail through the primitive forests, very near and almost parallel to this township line, about fifteen years before Clinton County was established. For several years this trail was the only road for travel, and factored in the early settlement and prosperity of this section. The hunter often entered these parts deserted by humanity, but his life was one of constant travel, and he remained long enough only to secure the game which he had pursued or sought in these almost impenetrable forests and swamps. Game abounded here. Bears, deer, turkeys, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, rabbits, etc., flourished or had been driven here from the surrofmding country. As yet, the ax of the sturdy pioneer had not been uplifted against the trees of the forests. The necessity of timber protection was not thought of then. The appeal, "Woodman, spare that tree," would have been idle words to these veteran forerunners of civilization. ( -)'3

Many of the first settlers of this township were great hunters, and these Nimrods of the " Northwest Territory " often paid in lar^e part for their lands from the proceeds of the furs^.skins and venison taken from the game they killed. This trait was implanted and fostered in the descendants of many of the veterans of the Revolution bjr the circumstances which wars naturally entail upon any people, in the loss of 'property and fortunes and the familiarity with the weapons of the chase.

It was not until 1837 that Wayne Township was established, being for several years previous a part of Greene and Richland Townships. Prior to this time, most of the available building sites had been occupied by the rude log cabin and a small truck-patch of the most uninviting description, among stumps and roots, affording a precarious subsistence scarcely to be preferred to the roving and hand-to-mouth life of the aboriginal inhabitants of this great Western terril.ory. Many of the farms of these early settlers were small, numbering often less than twenty-five acres, but, as wild pasture was abundant and good, the Btock was permitted to run at large the year round. Distinguishing marks for their animals were invented and used, and a record was kept by some influential party. Necessity schooled these pioneers in economy, aud bound them together by the strongest social ties. They had no written law and no court of justice except public opinion. Honesty was a universal characteristic of these settlers, and a thief or a man detected of any dishonest practice, would not be tolerated in any community. The members of each neighborhood were mutually dependent, and every one was expected to do his duty faithfully. Where invitations were sent out for assistance at a house-raising or a log-rolling every man invited was expected to be present. Isolated from refined society and compelled to live in a style extremely simple, the people were rude in manners, but very hospitable, and divided their scanty stores and rough fare freoly with the neighbor or stranger; and to offer pay for a favor of this kind was an offense. They lived, worked, suffered, fasted and feasted to- getlier in the most cordial harmony. Paths through the forest leading from one farmhouse to another were their only highways. Everybody rode on horseback, and the men generally carried the women behind them upon the same horse. But in these apparently unsocial and uncivilized times, there was much of pleasantry and gratification. As necessity compelled concerted action among the old, so it encouraged concerted pleasures and sociability among the young folks. The curse of caste and arrogant aristocracy was unknown to these primitive inhabitants, who always met upon a level. The autumn and winter seasons were looked forward to with bright anticipations by the young people. If there happened to be an orchard in the vicinity, when the apples were gathered, it was given out far and near that there would be an " applebutter boiling" at a certain farmhouse, and all the neighbors were cordially invited to attend. In the afternoon came the older women, who pared the apples and made ready for the night. Large vessels full of pared, quartered and cored apples stood about the kitchen, and a great black kettle was hung in the yard. As night approached, the youth - boys and girls - some on horseback and some on foot, came from miles around, and then the fire under the kettle was lighted. The kettle was filled about two-thirds full of cider, and a bushel of the quartered apples was thrown in as soon as the cider came to a boil. It had to be stirred unceasingly, with a long-handled stirrer, lest it burn. With a maiden to assist, a young man took charge of the kettle, and, standing face to face, with their hands on the stirrer, they moved the apples about in the kettle and chatted of love, adventures with the Indians or the gossip of the neighborhood. What man that has ever stirred with his sweatheart has forgotten it? And who of these cannot nd^ remember with a thrill of delight the paring-bees and the fun of counting the apple-seeds to know if the girl next you really loved you? And who but recalls the sweet blushes as the telltale seeds revealed the hidden secret, and the ^sudden flight of the maiden to escape the shocking public announcement of the discovery just made?

The frolics of apple-butter boiling(were scarcely over, when the cornhuskings animated the cool autumn days and gave to labor wings of pleasure. Here again the young man and maiden were found side by side, she working assiduously, he less earnestly", though more watchfully, for fear some red ear not noticed might lose him the privileged kiss. These were happy days, before the modern march of machinery invaded our harvest-fields to shorten our labor and to steal away all the sweet privileges that the custom of decades had interwoven with it. Although this township was considerably settled before its establishment, even yet the dense forests and extensive swamps deterred many an adventurous spirit from securing a home in this section. It is true, the soil was the most fertile and the forests luxuriant and valuable, in which oak, walnut ash, hickory, sugar maple, etc., abounded. But he realized the stubborn fact that to obtain prosperity he would have to undergo the greatest hardship and labor. And as a result, none but the most sturdy and stouthearted could summon sufficient courage to attempt the herculean task of clearing away the primitive forests, draining the interminable swamps and laying the foundation of" future prosperity and happy homes. The self-same spirit of determination which had induced them to separate from home and friends, and which had accompanied them on their perilous and tedious journey to Ohio, did not forsake them in their arduous toil. To overcome such obstacles and face such dangers required more than ordinary courage. With no other tool except the ax, brought from the home of their nativity, they erected rude log cabins for themselves and families. Although of the most primitive architecture and meagerly furnished, the degree of happiness and independence enjoyed by these pioneer settlers of the new world has scarcely been equaled by the

The equipment of a home was reckoned incomplete without a loom and spinning-wheel, as well as a hominy-block and pestle, and either a hand-mill or a neighborhood horse-mill for the manufacture of corn meal. Their economy and diligence are worthy the consideration of the present generation. Their contentment, love of home and genuine integrity command the approbation and respect of this enlightened age. Their exceedingly frugal meal of corn-bread and venison was more gratefully relished than the most sumptuous feast wealth can provide. Wheat bread and coffee or tea were esteemed only Sunday luxuries.

In the new settlements, each man began the task of clearing away the forest over against his own door. Day after day the echo of the untiring ax resounded throughout the woods. Each spring following, the neighbors assembled to engage in " log-rolling." When the task was completed in one place, they proceeded to another until all the trees that had' fallen victims to the ax had been removed. Then the ground was upturned by the aid of the laborious wooden mold-board plow. The ground was sometimes scratched and mellowed by dragging a brush over it. Then it was marked out and the corn was dropped by the boys and girls and covered with hoes by men or women. The virgin soil, replete with fertility and free from weeds, produced abundant yields. A few other products, such as potatoes, beans, etc., were valued as indispensable luxuries.

The agricultural products - wheat, corn and oats - had to be hauled to Chillicothe or Cincinnati, where they were exchanged for salt, sugar, coffee and other family necessities. Although transported so far by wagons and horses over bad roads, the prices realized were barely nominal, often but 10 cents for com or oats and 25 cents for wheat. The fat cattle, hogs and sheep were driven to the same markets, and frequently across the mountains to New York, Philadelphia or Baltimore, and disposed of at proportionately low prices. The mail facilities of the present day were undreamed of then, and would have been as mockery if foretold by some village wiseacre. A postage stamp cost the value of a bushel of wheat, and for a long time the settlers of this locality were compelled to walk or ride long distances to got whatever communication they were likely to receive; the nearest post office being New Market, in Highland County, twenty miles distant, and the road consisted of a simple bridle-path through the dense woods, known as the trail of Gen. Wayne. Verily, the adventurous pioneers of this township did not enjoy lives of comfort or ease by any means. Their journeys were attended with many privations and unforeseen perils. They were compelled frequently to camp out, however inclement the weather might be, or however numerous and ferocious the wolves might prove.

From a small beginning the population of this township has increased to 1,448 souls in the year 1880. The present generation know very little concerning the early settlers and their manner of living. From the most reliable sources attainable, few had located previous to the present century. Among the first were William Moore, who was born in Bourbon County, Ky., and came to Wayne Township about the year .1800; he l'aised a largo family, many of whom settled in this township. Previous to the year 1810, several others, among whom John Jackson, from Tennessee; Edward Curtis, from Virginia; Joseph Rooks, Thomas Stell, John Oxley, Moses Paris, Stephen Martin, Thomas Draper, John Allen and Jesse Boxloy settled in the township. Moses Paris lived on land now owned by A. C. Steele; Stophon Martin and Thomas Draper occupied that possessed by Thomas Geffs; John Allen what now belongs to D.

From the year 1810 up to 1820, quite a number of settlers came in from Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee, but no record having been kept, dates are very inaccurate or lost altogether. Under the present circumstances and the meager source from which to obtain facts for this history, the best has been done that at this late day could be. Suffice it to say that, in the development of the material resources of "Wayne, there has been no check and that all have done their duty well. The early settlers were not slow in taking measures to give their children the advantages of education. The schools were in keeping with the times and circumstances, and teachers were not expected to have any other qualifications than to be able to "read, write and cipher." They were thorough and very positive in what they pretended to know and teach, and as determinedly inclined to impress the instruction on the minds of the pupils. A very laudable disposition of the youth, also, of that early day, was an invincible determination to learn. Then no beautiful Gothic edifices erected by the combined wealth of the citizens and skill of the architect were opened for the reception of the pupils, nor college professor ofiered his services as pedagogue. But the log cabin with its huge fire-place and greased paper windows, so well remembered by our oldest citizens, is also remembered as the "college of learning" in Wayne Township. It was constructed of unhewn logs, covered with clapboards held in place by the weight of poles. The cracks, or interstices between the logs were daubed with clay mortar. The loft was covered with slabs or rails, or very frequently left open to the roof. The floor was made of puncheons split from large logs and hewn into shape. These were sometimes fastened to log sleepers by pegs or nails, or more generally held in place by their own weight. A large fire-place with an outside stick and mud chimney was at one end of the room, similar to most of the log houses then. The seats were also made from split logs or slabs, without the luxury of a restful back. The writing-desk ranged along one side and was held in a standing position by wooden pegs driven into the wall. As recently as twenty- five years ago, the writer of this received the rudiments of penmanship on a genuine primitive writing-desk of this description. The door was of the most original kind, and swung on creaking wooden hinges. The Bible, Webster's Speller and such text-books as could be obtained, were used and highly appreciated. But by diligent study and firmness of purpose many of the pupils of that day rose to a high degree of distinction.

Wayne is now divided into seven subdistricts, and latterly substantial brick houses are taking the place of the very comfortable frame buildings which succeeded the old log cabins. Each school is controlled by a competent Board of Directors. The schools are mostly supplied with charts, etc., and the modern necessities of the schoolroom.

In 1861, when internal commotions shook this great Republic, and war was imminent between the North and South, Wayne Township was as unprepared as any district in Ohio. But its citizens were not slow to manifest their patriotism and love of country by every possible sacrifice that a great people could make. In victory or defeat, in camp or field, in the bivouac or on the march, at the cannon's mouth or at the quiet camp-fire, they were worthy sons of worthy sires, and every man was of himself a host. The following is as complete a list as we are enabled to obtain:

The health of the township was always reasonably good. However, ague and fevers - diseases common to Ohio - would, during some seasons, attack many. The " milk sickness," "trembles" or " sick stomach," a very dangerous disease, was known here. Persons attacked with it seldom recovered, and those not dying at once were sufferers from its effects for years. Several of the early settlers died with it. The cause of the disease was thought by some to be a shrub, and by others a kind of white blossom weed, evidently of the composites family. Both plants grew in low, rich lands, in the shade, along fence rows and around ponds of water. Cattle eating this shrub and weed would soon show symptoms of the disease, and if they were milch cows, the calves would first be affected; and persons using the milk or butter would contract the disease. Since the country has been cleared out, drained and cultivated, tkiB disease has entirely disappeared. The fever and ague has also passed away, being remembered as one of the dreaded diseases that was.

This township has held a very conspicuous place in the county as regards politics, and, although it is, and has been, Democratic, it has representatives of about all the National parties. The Lion. Stephen Evans, Hon. D. P. Quinn and Hon. Thomas Geffs were chosen from this Township to represent the county in the Legislature of Ohio; and it is worthy of record that they filled the honorable position with credit to themselves and the county. Persons for the county offices were frequently chosen from W ayne. Our people are slowly but surely learning that in local politics, where no great National principles are involved, experience, honesty and executive ability are more important requisites in a candidate than a party pedigree, although it reach back in an unbroken line for generations.

The town of Centerville, as its name indicates, is very centrally located in the township. While it has suffered from the lack of a railroad through it, it is still a thriving village, with a good prospect for a north and south road, known as the Columbus & Maysville Railroad. It has a large and commodious church, which was erected nearly twelve years ago. The frame of the old one is still standing in the south part of town, and was built many years ago. The village has probably the best township house in the county. A. W. Mohlenpage has a very complete dry goods and clothing store in the Odd Fellows' building. Daniel Theobald has a very extensive grocery store, and also has charge of the post office. There are two drag stores, owned by Hussey & Lindley and T. J. Savage. Savage and Stevenson are the physicians. There are two steam saw and grist mills and three blacksmith shops. The schoolhouse is nearly one-half mile south of town.

Centerville Lodge, No. 531, I. O. O. F., was organized and chartered in 1872, and the membership embraces many of the leading citizens of the place. The present commodious bui'ding was erected in 1876. The membership comprises thirty-six active persons.