Clinton County, Ohio - Chapter 14: The Military History of Clinton County, 1882 (part 13 of 14)

Lee's Creek Cemetery is situated a Bhort distance north of town, and ranks among the best for location and beauty in the county. It was formerly known as Sharpe's Graveyard, and contains the remains of many of the early citizens of the township, having been laid out about the year 1812.

There are several other small family burial places in the township, and one that is only second to the cemetery in the neighborhood of Thomas Geffs, where is also a very pleasant country church with a considerable membership.

To the. foregoing, prepared by Mr. Terrell, will be added the following notes, gathered in years past by Judge R. B. Harlan, of Wilmington, now deceased :

" The first settler in what is now Wayne Township, Clinton County, was John Jackson, a native of Pennsylvania. He waB taken in youth by his parents, Samuel and Catharine Jackson, to the Province, now the State, of North Carolina, where they settled in Surry County, on the waters of the Yadkin River, in a settlement of Friends. Here he grew up to manhood and was married. He was a brother of Jacob Jackson, an early emigrant to the State of Ohio; first a settler on Lee's Creek, near where New Lexington now is, and soon afterward near where Martinsville, Clinton County, now is, where he was for many years a well-known and much respected citizen. Both these brothers were members of the religious Society of Friends, Jacob a minister. They were not by right of birth members, as many are, their parents not belonging to that religious organization, but they became so, in the regular way, upon personal application for membership, soon after arriving at manhood. They afterward married by the mode an l formula observed among Friends. Jacob first, and afterward, John, were married at a meeting at Tom's Creek, Surry County, N. C., near the Blue Ridge; Jacob to Ann and John to Phebe Bales, daughters of Bo water Bales, of North Carolina, and sisters to John Bowater Bales, better known to the old settlers of this county as Borter Bales, from whom the old Bales Mill, on the road to Leesburg from New Lexington, was named.

"These brothers were said, upon what seemed good authority, to be near relatives, first cousins perhaps, and intimate personal friends of Gen. Andrew Jackson, who made the brilliant and successful defense of New Orleans upon the 8th of January, 1815, and it is a tradition in the county that their antiwar principles did not cause them to disown their acquaintance with or their relationship to the hero of New Orleans.

"John Jackson came to Ohio in the year 1802, directly from Tennessee. After his marriage, he had lived for some time in Surry County, N. C., and afterward for some years in East Tennessee, Jefferson County, not far from Knoxville. He came to the point of his location in the spring of 1803, with his wife Phebe and ten children. They settled on the Middle Branch of Lee's Creek, on one of the Ransdale's surveys, No. 1,027, about one mile a little north of west from where the counties of Highland and Fayette have a corner in the east line of Clinton County. His cabin stood west of where the Urbana road is now located, upon a high piece of rolling land covered with a heavy growth of large oak trees, and near a large spring, about two hundred and fifty yards nearly southwest of the present well-known residence of James Morris. His cabins disappeared long ago, but the indications of the gx*ound plainly show the place where they at one time Btood. They were built in the wild green woods, remote from any road or path except the one which he opened for himself and family in coming to their location, with no human habitation near, if a deserted Indian wigwam on the creek, half a mile away, is not regarded as an exception. The barn said to have been built by him was, until lately, and perhaps still is, in use for the purpose for which it was erected. The fields which he cleared and brought into cultivation are now, with the exception of a few acres, cleared on the Daily farm, all merged in the home farm of Mr. James Morris.

"At the date of Mr. Jackson's settlement, the whole number of families within the boundaries of what is now Clinton County did not exceed ten, the true count being, it is believed, only eight, or at most nine. In our count, Isaac Miller and Joseph McKibben are excluded, though residing within the limits referred to as early as 1802, neither having a family at the time. Mr. Jackson's nearest neighbor on the north or Clinton County side of the line, which now divides the counties of Highland and Fayette from Clinton, was, not a doubt of it, Morgan Van Meter, at the site of what was afterward Morgantown, now deserted, seven miles away. Three miles below Van Meter, on the East Fork of the Little Miami, near where Farmer's Station, on the Marietta Railroad, now is, Joseph McKibben and Isaac Miller, young men and single, were keeping ' bach' in a cabin, ten miles from Jackson's improvement. At about the same distance, in a course a little west of north, on the Hinkson Prairie, in what is now Wilson Township, Amos Wilson and James Mills lived in the same dooryard, yet each in his own dwelling. On the other or south side of the same line, a few settlers, not more than half a dozen in all, had settled here and there, with wide intervals between them, in the fall of 1802. These were Bowater Bales, James Haworth, John Walters and Nathaniel Pope, and the next year, Evan Evans and James Smith, the nearest of whom to Mr. Jackson was at least three miles distant. James Haworth, a native of Pennsylvania, was a brother of George Haworth, who settled on Todd's Fork, near where Centre Meeting-House now is, in 1803. He had lived for a time in each of the States of Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. He settled upon and opened the farm owned by the late James Matthew, near New Lexington. He built the first mill erected at the junction of the West and Middle Branches of Lee's Creek, where the Eagle Mills now are, and used the water-power of both streams to run his machinery. After living in Ohio for several years, he removed once more, on this occasion to Indiana, where he died.

" John Bowater Bales, better known to the old settlers as Borter Bales, settled on the West Branch of Lee's Creek, on the farm where the late Peter Adams lived at the time of his death. Near here he built a mill on the West Branch, where the road from New Lexington to Leesburg crosses that stream. He came to Ohio from North Carolina, and afterward removed from Ohio to Indiana.

" J ohn Walters, uncle to John Walters, formerly of Todd's Fork, and Nathaniel Pope, grandfather of Judge Pope, of Wilmington, were located near Leesburg, Highland County, the former on the farm where the late Rev. Isaac Pavey lived for many years before his death, adjoining the town. Mr. Pope, it is believed, built a mill on the site of the mills now owned by Henry Pavey, on the East Branch of Lee's Creek.

" Evan Evans, father of John Evans, and James Smith, father of Job Smith, came from the Scioto River, and settled on Lee'B Creek about one mile southeast of where Oak Grove Meeting-House now is, in what is now Fayette County. All these became citizens of Highland County by the erection of that county in 1805.

"Mr. Jackson, having no other neighbors, was, in the liberal construction of that day, considered as belonging to the settlement above mentioned. He seems to have been a man of industry and economy. At the time of his death, he was, for that day, quite well supplied with domestic animals, the tools and implements for farming, household and kitchen furniture and the machinery for carding, spinning, weaving, etc. The inventory of hiB personal estate, as estimated by Absalom Reed, Joseph Grice and Thomas Draper, the appraisers, amounted to $428. He made his will August 2, 1810, during his last sickness. It was drawn by his brother Jacob, and was attested by Jacob JackBon and Enon Williams, father-in-law of the late Robert Way. The execution of it was committed to his wife Phebe and to Curtis Bales, whom he calls ' my nephew.' It was probated October 16, 1810, being the first will admitted to probate in Clinton County.

" Mr. Jackson had a large family. Six daughters and four sons lived to mature age and were married. His family was not well suited for the rugged work of opening a farm in the wildwoods. Of those who lived to come to Ohio, the first three in the order of their birth were girls; the fourth, a son fifteen years of age; next, two daughters; then a son eight years old; then another daughter, and a son one year old. Of the daughters, four were married before September 2, 1810. The names of the sons were Uriah, William, Amor and Jesse. The names of the daughters were Hannah, Charity, Sarah, Elizabeth, Keziah and Mary. Uriah married a daughter of Jacob Allen, of Stringtown; Amor married Minerva Sinclair; Je3se, Phoebe Sinclair, daughters of a neighbor; William married Rebecca Pearson; Hannah married David Branson; Charity married Mr. Poster; Elizabeth married Joseph Rooke; Sarah married Edward Chaney; Keziah and Mary were unmarried at the time of their father's death, but afterward married, respectively, John Allen and Isham Gallamore.

"Mr. Jackson's family seems to have been reasonably industrious and economical - all engaged in the great business of making a living. A farm was opened in due time, the land prepared for cultivation by girdling the large trees and removing the smaller ones and bushes. Crops were planted and inclosed by a fence as a protection against the domestic animals. As soon as the grain was formed, a fierce contest began between the family, assisted by the dogs, on one side, and on the other, the birds of many kinds, and beasts quite as numerous, such as deer, in droves, by night and day, squirrels by dozens at a time, by day, and raccoons by night.

"After Mr. Jackson had settled on Lee's Creek, Phoebe, his wife, was followed in the woods by a panther, which threatened to attack her. For safety, she was obliged to climb a tree, and to remain there until the beast took his departure.

"Mr. Jackson was what is called a squatter; that is, one who enters upon land belonging to another, without any title. This is established in two ways: First, the owner of the land lived at a distance, and was not here to sell it, and had no agent in the country; second, Jackson bought the land in 1809, six years after he settled on it, of the agent of the owner. John and Phoebe Jackson were buried at the old graveyard in the Hoskins neighborhood, near a Friends' Meeting-House, now gone.

" Centerville was laid out December 4, 1816. The proprietor of the town was Timothy Jones, from the State of Virginia. The principal street, Main, was laid off fifty-four poles long and four poles wide, and its parallel alleys are fifty- four poles long and one pole wide. Middle street is fifty -four poles long and three poles wide. The parallel alleys are the same length, and one pole wide. Main street runs north forty-five degrees west, and Middle street runs at right angles with Main street. The lots were thirty-two in number; are six poles in front, and run back twelve poles. A stone is placed at the southeast corner of Lot No. 2, and at the southwest corner of Lot No. 16, Centerville is the voting precinct for Wayne Township, which was laid off as a separate township in March, 1837.

"The first settler in Wayne as it now is was John Jackson, a Friend, from Tennessee, who settled on Lee's Creek in 1803. The second settler was Edward Curtis, Sr., who settled on Lee's Creek in 1805. He also came from Tennessee. He settled on the farm where William Elliott lived for years, on the north bank of Lee's Creek. His children were Job. who was married to Anne St. Clair July 25, 1815, by Rev. William Jackson; Martha, married to Stephen Martin November 16, 1820, by Samuel Harvey, Justice'f'of the Peace; Franky, married to John Grice May 14, 1812, by Rev. William Jackson; Edward, married to Elizabeth Lyon June 7, 1820, by Joseph Shepherd, Justice of the Peace; Sarah, married to Jacob Compton September 16, 1824, by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace; James, married to Dorcas Elliott, July 14, 1825, by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace; Rachel, married to Elijah Thrailkill December 25, 1822, by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace

" Job Curtis, after his marriage, lived for two or three years on the farm where Peter Adams last lived, in Clinton County. Afterward, in 1825, he was living on the northwest side of Thomas Gaskin's Survey, No. 818. Still later, in 1833, he owned land in Douse's Survey, No. 880, in the northwest corner, 100 acres of which he sold to William Holston, and 110 acres 312 (?) poles to Charles Arnold. Grassy Run flows through these lands. From here he removed to Grant County, Ind., near Marion, where he still lives.

"John Allen came about two years later (1807); also, David Carter and Thomas Draper. Mr. Allen came from Brownsville, Penn. He settled on the southwest side of the creek, where John Stokesberry formerly lived, on the Greene Survey. His house has disappeared, but its site is owned by David A. Terrell. He, late in life, conveyed the land to Henry Myers, taking an obligation from Myers for the future support of himself and wife. He and his wife were buried in the graveyard in the Terrell pasture.

"In 1814 (December), Mr. Allen was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace for Richland Township, and served three years. December 2, 1815, Mr. Allen and his wife, Sarah, conveyed by deed to John Branson, in consideration of $85, fifty acres of land out of a tract purchased by said Allen of Phillip Root, Thompson's Survey. The deed bears date of May 4, 1805. It was recorded in Ross County. On the 21st day of June, 1832, Mr. Allen served with David Carter and John Geffs as Commissioners for the division of Survey No. 1,023, in the name of William Whitacre, among the twenty -three manumitted slaves of James Bray, of Chesterfield County, Ya. Mr. Allen had some knowledge of surveying. He was appointed by the Commissioners of Clinton County, June 7, 1814, to survey a proposed change in the Urbana road east of James Gillespie's Tavern, now known as the burnt tavern. His son John married Keziah Jackson, daughter of John Jackson, March 12, 1811. His daughter Esther married William Rhonemus, of Centerville, June 22, 1821. Hannah married Heni-y Myers April 11, 1822. Both were married by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace. He made deeds, May 26, 1815, to Henry Cock, for seventy- three and two-thirds acres; December 2, 1815, to John Elliott, for fifty acres; February 2, 1838, to Henry Myers. He had a family of children by his wedded wife; nevertheless, he had a large family of children by Matilda Thrailkill. He had two houses in the same yard - one occupied by nis wife, and the other by Matilda Thrailkill. Afterward, he moved the latter to a small farm near Centerville, where Hugh McFadden afterward lived.

" Benjamin Logan was an early settler on the East Branch of Lee's Creek. His residence was on the Currie land, where Peter Adams, and, afterward, Martin Ryan, lived. His wifo was a sisterof Aden, Robert, Thomas and Will iam Antrain. He had about twenty acres of land cleared when William Elliott came to the neighborhood, in 1812. Mr. Logan came from Tenuossee, bringing Mike Fry, the rail-splitter, with him. This is not the same Mike Fry who came with Thomas Dailey and the Wollards, in 1819, from Virginia. From Lee's Creek, Logan moved to the place where Samuel Zurface now lives, the same on which Samuel Reed lived at the time of his death. His house stood about one hundred yards from the house of Zurface, and back from the road.

" Thomas N. Adams was an early settler on the Gallatin Survey, made for Edward Douse, No. 811. He was a squatter there. Mr. Adams was married twice. By the first marriage, he had three children - Absalom, Henry and Mrs. Isaac Pavey; by the second, Thomas N., John, Charles, William, Henry Long and others. He is said to have been about one hundred and seven years of age at the time of his death. On his one-hundredth birth-day, he split 100 rails - one for each year he had lived. Thomas N. , his sou, claimed, in 1867, to have been born September 10, 1772, but the record of his age in Isaac Pavey's Bible, seen at Manlif Adams' house, gives his birth on June 4, 1783. He died in September, 1876. His brother John has no date for his birth, but claims to have been called out by Gen. McArthur's call (the general call) in 1812, when he was about twenty-four years of age. This would make him about eighty-eight years of age (July 23, 1874). He died in September, 1876.

"Absalom Adams lived close to the Urbana road, on the farm now owned by Thomas Geffs. He was the father of Edward and John Adams, both now dead. Edward married Leah, sister of Jesse McKay. Absalom Adams owned 151^ acres in Survey 1,027.

"Henry Adams, brother to Absalom, lived adjoining him, farther east and north. They were own brothers to Isaac Pavey's first wife. Henry Adams' farm was afterward owned by Richard Lutterall, and descended to his sons at hiB death.

" John Lyon, Sr., lived on the Urbana road when the Elliotts came, where there was an old shingle-roofed barn formerly, east of the road. He was from the Red Stone country in Pennsylvania, and came to Wayne Township, as it now is, before 1812. In the spring of 1813, he went to live in a cabin on the Carrington Survey, 1,449, built by David Evans, on the Job Haines land, where Martin Hester formerly lived, on the old Miami trace. Lyon owned about one hundred and fifty acres in 1,027, between the Urbana road and the creek. His house was nearly in a line with the Peter Adams house and the James Morris house, on the same land formerly owned by John Jackson. He was a blacksmith, and had a blacksmith shop there. Cinders and other waste are Btill plowed up where the Bhop stood.

" Richard Lyon lived where the Morris dwelling now is. He sold liquor and made things lively generally. His house was not made tight by chinking or daubiog. He sold his land to Luther McVey, who sold 104 acres of his farm to James Morris in 1833. The road formerly ran about where the barn now is and so on south. The old house back of his residence, eighteen by twenty feet, still standing, was Edward Curtis' (commonly called Old Neddy) dwelling, where he had twenty-one children in the family, composed of his wife's children by a former marriage, his own by his first marriage, and his and his wife's by the second marriage. Richard Lyon's wife was Sarah Antram.

" Two lots of land were, on November 3, 1824, conveyed by James Macher, of Hardy County, Va., to sons of John Lyon, Sr. To each of these deeds he was one of the witnesses. To Robert was conveyed sixty-seven acres, for a consideration of $100; and to Richard, sixty-seven acres. John, Jr., bought fifty-four and three- fourths acreB from John Watts, part of survey of P. Neville, 766, in the north corner of the survey, near Sabina. He moved there in

1827. His wife was Betsey Brown, to whom he was married by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace, May 1, 1812. John Lyon, Sr., died in the Peelle neighborhood, it is believed, on the farm of John Carter.

" The Antram family were among the early settlers in Wayne Township. The mother came to Ohio with her children, her husband having died before they left Tennessee. Her sons were William, Thomas, Robert and Aden. Thomas married the Widow Fry, mother of Mike Fry, the -rail-splitter. This Mike lived in the neighborhood, sometimes in one place, sometimes in another. At the time of his death he lived on a small lot of about five acres, on the west side of the branch. His brother, Jacob Fry, died in Highland County. His sister, Jane, was married to Henry Leeka, Esq., March 7, 1816. Leeka moved West in 1838. William Antram was married to Sarah Sharp November 4, 1810, by Rev. William Jackson. June 8, 1826, he was married to Eleanor McCoy, by Joseph Roberds, Justice of the Peace. William Antram bought fifty-two acres off the west corner of William Stewart's tract of 300 acres, part of E. Meade's Survey, No. 808. His tract cornered with James Barrett, and also with William Hardwick. This purchase was made February 26, 1813. He afterward owned about one hundred acres in William Gray's largest survey. This he sold to Francis Stone, Sr., and moved West. The land was purchased about 1815 or 181.6, and sold about 1838 or 1839.

" Robert Antram purchased the farm where Judge Stephen Evans lived. In his deposition in the case of Hallam versus Evans et ah, he says he went to live on the Foster Survey in 1813-14. William Sharp confirms his statement in his deposition in the same case. He sold his possessions and moved to Wabash County, Ind., about 1838. His wife was a Leeka; Aden Antram owned the farm now owned by Daniel Adams. He was married to Mary Sharp, November 8, 1810, by Rev. William Jackson. Aden Antram was killed while passing along the road where the Quinn Schoolhouse now is, about 1838. His family moved West. Sarah Antram was married to Richard Lyon August 14,

" David Carter came from Tennessee to Ohio. The precise time has not been ascertained. He was married in Tennessee, to a sister of the Antram brothers. He first settled on the Pleasant Haines farm, now owned by Benjamin Elliott, Esq. September 25, 1809, he bought of David Carson, Esq., attorney in fact for James Macher, 100 acres in Survey No. 1,027, at $2.25 per acre, payable one-half in two years and one-half in four years. The witnesses to the agreement were John Jackson and Aden Antram. This land did not include the land whereon he first settled. Benjamin Elliott owns both tracts. His son, Godfrey Carter, was married to Anna Wollard, daughter of John Wollard, Sr., June 21, 1821, by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace.

" Edward Curtis, Jr., in his deposition in the case of Hallam versus Evans and others, fixes the settlement of Carter, Draper and others in the year 1808. David Carter's second wife was the widow of Robert McCoy, a daughter of John Allen, Esq.

"William Elliott and Elizabeth McComb were married May 9, .1800. They lived near New Castle, Mercer Co., Penn., before coming to Ohio. New Castle was, in fact, laid out by William Elliott. Their daughter Jane, afterward married to Nathaniel Pierce, was born April 17, 1801. She was married to Mr. Pierce July 17, 1821, by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace. Elizabeth, sometimes called Eliza, was born July 12, 1803, and was married to David Morton, Esq., July 22, 1823, by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace. Hor husband died December 20, 1860. William Elliott, Jr., was born July 25, 1805. He was married, first to Susannah Gillespie, December 20, 1826, by Benjamin Noble, Justice of the Peace. Catharine was born September 3, 1808, and was married to Abel Morgan "Reed December 27, 1829. John Elliott was born July- 24, 1811. Robert Elliott was born December 3, 1813, ho was the first of the family born in Ohio, and died in 1826. Benjamin was born July 6, 1816. Alexander was born June 21, 1819. David was born November 3, 1821. William Elliott, the father, came to Ohio in 1812 (October). He first settled where Evan Evans, father of John Evans, afterward settled, in Fayette County. The following spring, he went to live where - - Green now lives. In the summer of 1816, he left the Green place and was succeeded by Isaac Green. He now settled on the West Branch, opposite to Edward Curtis, Sr., where he lived several years. His residence was where' Martin Van Pelt now lives. When Edward Curtis left his location on the creek and moved onto the Urban a road, Elliott moved to the place vacated, and continued to live there until his death. Mrs. Elliott, when young, had gone to the same school with the Rev. Robert Dobbins, once with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and afterward with the Radical Methodist Church. He lived many years in Greene County, and afterward in Fayette County, where he was living at the time of his death. He represented Greene in the Ohio Legislature in 1844, and, the district then being changed, he represented Clinton and Fayette in the same Legislature. William Elliott received a deed from James Macher's agent December 1, 1824, for sixty-eight acres of land in Survey 1,027. He died September 28, 1839, aged nearly sixty six years. His wife died April 13, 1860, aged nearly seventyeight years.

" Solomon Sharp died March 20, 1845, aged seventy-nine years. Rebecca, his wife, died November 3, 1856, aged nearly eighty-one years. William Sharp, his son, died June 13, 1860, aged seventy years and seven months. He married Elizabeth Leeka February 21, 1817. John Sharp was married to Keziah Brewer March 16, 1826, by J. Roberts, Justice of the Peace. Sarah Sharp was married to William An tram November 4, 1810.

"Samuel Reed, Sr., was the father of David Reed and of Samuel Reed, Esq. , and came to Clinton from Brush Creek, Highland County. He and his wife both died on the Samuel Zurface farm, and were buried in the little grave - yard on the roadside in the south corner of Samuel Zurface's orchard. Samuel Reed, his son, was elected Justice of the Peace in 1815, for Richland Township, and re-elected every three years until 1830. Samuel Stilt married a daughter of Samuel Reed, Sr., and a sister of Samuel, Jr., and Daniel.

" William Hardwick was the son of Thomas Hardwick. At an early day, he owned 116 acres of land in Meade's Survey, on the southwest side of Moses Paris' tract. He was the brother of John Hardwick, who married Mary Newcomb, daughter of Rev. William Newcomb, of Centerville, and of the wives of Jack Palmer and James Palmer. His first settlement was on the Samuel Zurface place. Thomas Hardwick, father of the above, bought, November 14, 1801, of Henry Massie, Collector of Non-Resident Taxes for the Second Collector's District, including the Virginia Military District of Ohio, 500 acres in Survey 729, in the name of John Tench. His deed bears date April 13, 1809, and was recorded in Book A, Land Records of Highland County, Ohio, page 486.

" In 1805, Thomas Hardwick bought of Nathan Linton, Gen. Thomas Posey's agent, 200 acres of land in Survey 1,057, at $2 per acre, all amounting to $400. In 1806, he sold this land, half to Henry Babb, half to Joseph Doan. The Babb part became the Henry Babb farm, and the Doan part the William Doan farm, adjoining Wilmington. Thomas Hardwick and a part of his family, at an early day, removed to Muncie, Ind. William Hardwick settled on the Bosworth farm, Jack Palmer adjoining on the south, and James- Palmer on the farm now owned by Capt. Rhonemus.

where he lives. He was the father of John and Henry Grice. John married Franky Curtis May 14, 1812, and was the father of William Grice and Sally West, wife of Benson West. Joseph Grice and Ruth, his wife, on consideration of sonship, on December 6, 1815, conveyed to John Grice, their son, 125 acres of land in Phillip Root Thompson's Survey, 1,708, marked on the map S. B. Green, adjoining Henry Cock. The same grantor to Henry Grice, consideration love and affection, beginning with the beginning of John Grice's line and running to Henry Cock's line, and to John Allen's line, and to his corner, containing 125 acres; date, December 26, 1815. Joseph Grice, Sr., died April 9, 1852, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. Ruth, his wife, died October 4, 1846, aged eighty years. John Grice, Sr., son of Joseph Grice, died November 14, 1859, aged sixty-seven years. Mary, his wife, died November 19, 1.850, aged fifty-eight years six months. John O. Young died February 3, 1850, aged eighty-one years eleven months twenty-five days. (Taken from tombstones standing near the old John Grice residence, October 10, 1876.)

" David Stokesberry came to Ohio in 1812, from Virginia. His first wife was a daughter of Henry Cock, a sister to Timothy Jones' wife, and George W. Henry's, and also of Simeon Cock. He came to Ohio with Timothy Jones and Henry Cock His daughter Rebecca was married to Solomon Sharp July 22, 1813, by Rev. William Jackson. David Stokesberry died May 11, 1841, in the sixty-third year of his age. Sarah, his wife, died August 25, 1853, aged sixtyfive years.

"The Thrailkill family was large. They came with their mother to Ohio, from Virginia. Their mother's second husband was Thomas Babb. Craven Thrailkill was married to Mary Cock, sister to Henry, George, etc., December 1, 1825, by Benjamin Noble, Justice of the Peace. Henry was married to Cynthia Spears January 13, 1831, by Rev. William Austin. Elijah was married to Rachel Curtis September 26, 1822, by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace. William was married to Sophia Parris September 10, 1821, by Absalom Reed, Justice of the Peace. David was married to Mary Robinson May

24, 1832, by Joshua Noble, Justice of the Peace. Lucy was married to John Myers September 24, 1822, by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace. Silas wasmarried to Anna Allen, widow of Uriah Jackson, April li, 1822, by Samuel Reed. Tolliver never lived in Clinton County. He resided in Putnam, Muskingum Co., Ohio, and was the oldest son. Jennie married Henry Mossberry. Nancy married William Johnson. Matilda never married. They were all of a very dark complexion, but their mother was fair.

"Jesse Jackson, son of John, was married to Phoebe Sinclair January 18, ] 821, by Samuel Reed, Esq. John Sinclair and Nancy Jackson were married July 30, 1829, by Rev. William M. Irvin. William and Eleanor Harr were married September 8, 1829, by Edward Adams. Stacey and Rebecca Myers were married September 29, 1829, by Edward AdamB. Edward and Edith Lamb were married September 12, 1833, by Joshua Noble, Justice of the Peace. Minerva and Amor Jackson were married December 26, 1816, by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace. Ann and Job Curtis were married July

25, 1815, by Rev. William Jackson. Elizabeth and William Wollard were married December 11, 1823, by Samuel Reed, Esq. Lovecey was married to Robert, Lyon August 20, 1823, by Henry Leeka, Justice of the Peace. James Sinclair, the father of this family, bought thirty-one acres of James Macher, October 21, 1824.

" Our first account of Stephen Martin is that ho commenced the improvement where Moses Rees, Esq., lived, where Reesville now is. From this point he moved south and settled on the Urbana road, on the Robert Goffs farm. This he sold to Goffs. His son, Stephen Martin, was married to Martha Cur- tis, daughter of ' Old Neddy,' November 16, 1820, by Samuel Harvey, Justice of the Peace. He was the father of Eli Martin, of Stringtown. He died on the Macher Survey, 1,027. Stephen Martin, Jr., first bought of James Macher's agent, George Lynd, 184 acres in No. 1,027, December 1, 1824. He conveyed to Levin Hubbard thirty-two and a half acres in 1,057 January 27, 1825.

Land Ownehs In 1027

"Macher's Survey. - Edward Adams had forty acres; John Adams had sixty-nine and a half acres; Peter Adams had 100 acres; Thomas Draper had sixty-nine acres; Nicholas Newlin had 100 acres; Levin Hubbard had sixtynine acres; William Elliott had sixty-nine acres; David Carter had sixty-nine acres (100); Stephen Martin had 100 acres; Stephen Martin, Jr., had fifty or sixty acres; James McVey had nine acres; Charles Martin had fifty acres; James Sinclair had fifty acres.

" The Bray Survey, No. 1,023. - This survey, at the time the colored people came out to take possession of it, was occupied to some extent by squatters. Lot No. 15, which, in June, 1832, was assigned to Old Ben, the father of Watkins Bray, who now owns it, was in possession of Jonathan Thompson, but he was not the first to settle there. A man by the name of Baxley, believed to be William, grandfather to William Baxley, of Wayne Township, was living there, it is said, as early as 1813. Matt Bray's lot, No. 18, was in possession of Silas Thrailkill. Mike Fry, the rail-splitter, lived where Lutterall's store now is. He opposed the Brays settling on the land. James Reed lived where Henry Myers lives. John Parker, whose wife was a daughter of Stephen Martin, lived in a cabin on Dick's lot, No. 9. His cabin stood where Joshua Johnson's stable is. Ezekiel Hopkins lived on Old Dinah's lot.

married Silas Lothey. All came to Ohio from Harrison County, Ky. Thomas, Sr., settled where William Elliott, Esq., lived. James Gillespie, the tavernkeeper, settled near his father, where the road turned, formerly, to go up to whe^e Thomas, Jr., lived. He had a tan-yard there. Thomas settled where the family continued to reside. Jonathan did not live long after coming to Ohio. He resided with his father. He left a wife and two children, who afterward moved to Clermont County, near Goshen. Isaac Gillespie was born on Lee's Creek November 27, 1812. He had a brother born there in 1810. Susannah Elliott was about four years older than Isaac. Elizabeth was next younger than Isaac. James Gillespie's first tract was in the Tench Survey, No. 729, containing fifty acres. It was surveyed for him by Nathan Linton, June 23, 1815. The second tract, of ten acres, on the northwest side of the first tract, was run off for him by Linton, May 27, 1821. On February 15, 1814, he was granted a license to keep tavern at his house in Greene Township until the next court, 112 days; price, $1.34.

" Silas Lothey and Mary, his wife, sold ninety acres of land, part of Henry Lee's Survey, No. 1,112, to Henry Leeka, January 29, 1816; consideration, $250. They moved away years ago, and, when last heard from, were living at Ironton, on the Ohio.

" Lewis Vimont (name uncertain), executor of John Savery, deceased, in a bill in chancery filed against Elizabeth Criswell, deceased, et al., states that, in the month of June, 1811, Savery sold to George Criswell 150 acres of land in E. Meade's Survey, 808, beginning at a stake in William Jackson's south west line, north corner to Moses Paris; thence with his line south forty-one and one-fourth degrees west 240 poles, to a stake, corner to Paris; thence north forty-six degrees west 100 poles, to a jack-oak; thence north forty-one and three- fourths degrees east 240 poles, passing William Hunt's corner at seventy-seven and one-fourth poles to a stake, corner to Hunt, in David Evans' line; thence with Evans' line south forty-six degrees east 100 poles, passing his corner at fifty-two and a half poles to the beginning.

"Rev. William Newcomb was born August 6, 1777, in what was at that time Mercer County,* Penn. He died in Clinton County, Ohio, April 15, 1868, aged eighty-nine years seven months and nine days. His home was at Centerville. His wife, Anna, died April 21, 1857, aged seventy-one years. Mr. Newcomb is said to have been a schoolmate, in Pennsylvania, of Rev. Robert Dobbins, and Mrs. Elizabeth Elliott, mother of William Elliott, Esq., Mrs- Morton and others. Mary Newcomb was married to John Hardwick September 20, 1827, by William Millican, Justice of the Peace. Hannah Newcomb and John Young were married March 16, 1826.

"John Allen, frequently spoken of as Squire John Allen, was an early settler of the East Branch of the middle prong of Lee's Creek. His residence is now a part of the stock farm of David A. Terrell. He served asja private in the Virginia State troops; was placed upon the pension rolls in 1838, at which time he was seventy-two years of age.

"E. Meade's Survey, 808. - Thomas Mason owned 100 acres in this survey February 23, 1813; David Evans, 100 acres February 23, 1813; Rev. William Jackson; Solomon Sharp, ninety-three and three-fourths acres, February 25, 1813; William Masters, seventy-two acres, February 25, 1813; Joshua White, February 25, 1813; William Stewart, 300 acres, February 26, 1813; William An tram, fifty acres, February 28, 1813; William Hardwick, 138^5- acres, February 26, 1813; Moses Paris, 228| acres, February 27, 1813; Elizabeth Criswell, 150 acres, February 27, 1813; William Hunt, seventy-nine acres, January 28, 1814; William Hunt, 150 acres, February 27, 1813; Jacob Tanner, William Paris, fifty-one acres; James Dougherty, twenty acres; Henry S. Due, January 28, 1814; James Jackson, 1813. Ice and Snow owned forty-one acres of land in Survey 1,009, in the name of S. Jones. He died April 29, 1860, aged seventy-nine years two months and sixteen days. Mary, his wife, died July 8, 1864, aged seventy-three years four months and four days.

"Ransdale's Survey, No. 1,027. - James Macher was charged for taxation with two surveys, numbered 1,027, of 1,000 acres each, and remained so charged for each subsequent year from 1804 up to 1809, inclusive, when the following transfers were made; One hundred acres were sold to David Carter, September 6, 1809, by John Hopewell, the agent of Macher, at $2.25 per acre. The beginning corner was the south corner of Whitacre's Survey, No. 1,023. One-half the price was to be paid in two years, and the remainder in two yearB more; no interest. Witnesses to the agreement, Aden Antram, John Jackson. One hundred acresto John Jackson; 101 acres to Joseph Rooks; 100 acres to Joel Shinn, out of one of said surveys. The balance, 599 acres, together with the whole of the other survey, remained charged to the said Macher up to the year 1818, inclusive. [Letter of Auditor of State to Bebee Treusdell, County Auditor, May 25, 1844.]

"Macher, by George Lynd, his agent, to Luther McVey, made a deed for fifty acres in Survey 1,027, dated November 19, 1822; same, by the same, to Peter Adams, for fifty acres, dated November 19, 1822; same, by the same, to Stephen Martin, for 100 acres, dated November 19, 1822. Luther McVey conveyed twenty-five acres to George Summerson August 6, 1823, and to David Tyler twenty-five acres, same day. Deed of James Macher, by Green, to Absalom Adams, for 151£ acres, December 1, 1824. Macher to Stephen Martin, for 184 acres, December 1, 1824. Stephen Martin to Levin Hubbard, for thirty-two and a half acres, dated January 27, 1825. James Macherto Charles Martin, for seven acres of land, dated October 21, 1824. James Macher to James Sinclair, for thirty-one acres, October 21, 1824. Macher to Nicholas Newlin for lOlf acres, dated November 9, 1824. William Newlin to Nicholas Newlin for fifty acres, dated April 9, 1825; James Macher to William Elliott, for sixty-eight acres, dated December, 1824; Richard Lyon to Luther McYey, for sixty-seven acres, dated February 2, 1828; Luther McYey to Edward Curtis, for twenty-eight acres, dated April 11, 1832; Absalom Adams to Edward Adams, for forty acres, dated January 27, 1825; William Adams to Peter AdamB, for twenty-five acres, January 22, 1829; Edward Adams to Isaac N. McYey, for forty acres, August 16, 1831; William Sinclair and five others to Robert Haines, for thirty-one acres, dated September 21, 1833; Luther Mc- Vey to James Morris, for 104 acres, dated January 3, 1833.

"Peter Davis was an early settler on Lee's Creek. He settled on the farm and near where Ryan Yan Pelt now lives. He died at the same place, on. the J. Currie (1,065) Survey.

" Stephen Martin conveyed to Levin Hubbard thirty-two and a half acres of land in No. 1,027, January 27, 1825. He owned sixty-seven and a half acres in 1843. Levin Hubbard was father of Levin, Jr., John and others. He died June 19, 1849, in the eightieth year of his age, and was buried in the Lutterall Graveyard. Joseph Canter now owns the Levin Hubbard land.

"Marmaduke Eastlack, on March 24, 1854, gave his deposition in the case of Hallam versus Evans et al. This suit embraced a large tract of land in the Moss, Bowen, Gray and Foster Surveys. In his deposition, he says:

' I settled within half a mile of the land ' which was at that time supposed to be involved, though the claim after the date of the deposition was greatly extended, so as to take in land much nearer than the distance named. ' I settled on the place where Samuel P. Cole resided. I resided on the Cole farm about twelve years. There were no persons living near me, and the country was all a wilderness at the time. Aden Antram settled on the land where Daniel Adams now lives, as I understand. Shortly after I settled on the land, William Antram settled there. Aden and Robert Antram settled there Boon after William, and each one claimed their respective places. My horses and cattle ran in the range when I first settled there, and as long as I lived there, except during the winter.' twelve years and one month. We moved there April 7, 1814, and moved away May 7, 1826. There was one neighbor in about one mile on the Urbana roadsouth, and one about three miles southwest. The balance of the country all around for miles was a wilderness. Aden Antram was the first that settled near us, and William next, and Robert next. Robert Antram's wife was at our house June 13, 1816. I think that Robert Antram settled there the fall before.'

"Marmaduke Eastlack died in 1860, aged ninety years. Their daughter Abigail married Jonathan Carey, who lived near Clear Creek Meeting-House.

"Evan Evans was born in New Jersey on the 4th day of April, 1754. He died February 18, 1847, aged ninety-four years ten months. His son, John Evans, was born November 17, 1791, and died in July, 1874. Lydia Evans,

( sett. Rebecca Evans, another daughter, married Richard Iliff. Iliff and Gossett lived on the Upper Gray Survey; wore there before the year 1811, where Marmaduke Eastlack, Samuel P. Cole and David P. Quinn lived. Curtis Bales married Hannah Evans.

"Jesse McKay died November 5, 1864, aged eighty-three years three months and twenty -five days; was buried at the Geffs Graveyard. He lived in Fayette County. He came to the Rattlesnake country in .1807. His brothers, Robert and John McKay, came at the same time. Their father, Job McKay, came the next year. All settled together.

" William Moore came to Lee's Creek, to the Moore Survey, with his father, John, and his brother, Abram, two hired men and a young colored woman. They drove about sixty head of cattle from Kentucky. The girl was to have her freedom if she would stay and cook for them six months. She did not serve her time out, however, but ran away to Chillicothe. The father, John Moore, and his son Abram, returned home in about six weeks. One of the hired men stayed two months, and one three. The Moores came from near the Blue Licks. When William Moore came to the neighborhood, Simon and Joel Leeka and James Rees were already there. Simon lived on the Newton Henry place, Joel adjoining and just below him. The farm where Rees lived is now divided; the part on th« south side of the road is owned by Edward Thornburgh; that on the north side, by Absalom Adams. Edward Thornburgh once owned the place now owned by James Moore, formerly owned by David Woodmansee.

" Stephen Hockett lived across the creek from Thornburgh. They both moved to Indiana a short time after the Woodmansees came out. David Hockett, at the time of Moore's coming, was a squatter on the branch, below Samuel Moore's.

"Isaac Woodmansee, near Quinn's Mills, Wayne Township, was born in Monmouth County, N. J., May 31, 1785, and came to Ohio in 1816. He was twice a resident of Clinton County; the first time was near New Vienna; the last, on the farm where he resided in 1868. His father, Samuel Woodmansee, of New Jersey, died at the age ef eighty-two years.

The Bhonemus Graveyard

" Alfred Reed died June 12, 1861, aged forty-one years seven months and seventeen days. Richard Rollison died October 26, 1867, in the seventy-ninth year of his age. William Rhonemus died July 1, 1856, aged sixty-eight years one month and one day. Christian Rhonemus died December 24, 1863, aged eighty-four years; Elizabeth, his wife, died October 5, 1841, aged fiftyeight years. Rachel RhonemuB, mother of William and Jesse, died April 3, 1835, in the ninety-second year of her age. Andrew Rhonemus, her husband, died May 30, 1819, aged seventy-one yearB. John Matthew died September 11, 1854, aged seventy-eight years thirty-seven days; Rachel, his wife, died December 18, 182U, aged thirty-nine years six months six days. Matthow, infant daughter of Rhoda Matthews, aged one month and twenty-four days. Luther McVey died September 3, 1862, aged seventy-five years eleven months and eleven days; Jane, his wife, died December 22, 1859, aged seventy-five years and ten days. Solomon Sharp died March 20, 1845, aged seventy-nine years five months and ten days; Rebecca, his wife, died November 3, 1836, aged eighty years nine months and eighteen days. William Sharp died June 13, 1860, aged seventy years and five days. Rev. William Newcomb was born August 6, 1777, and died April 15, 1868, aged eighty-nine years seven months and nine days; Rev. William Newcomb was licensed to solemnize marriage by the Court of Common Pleas of Clinton County at December term, 1820; Anna, his wife, died April 21, 1853, aged seventy-one years and five days. Robert West died July 12, 1848, aged seventy-two years nine months and fifteen days; Henrietta, his wife, died December 17, 1854, aged seventy-eight years ten months and nineteen days. David Stokesberry died May 11, 1841, aged sixtythree years; Sarah, his wife, died August 25, 1853, aged sixty-five years three months twenty-two days. David Morn-ton died December 20, 1860, aged sixty years and one month; he was married to Elizabeth Elliott on the 22d of July, 1823, by Samuel Reed, Justice of the Peace.

Grove Graveyard

" Joseph Bennett died the 30th day of the 10th month, 1865, aged eightyfour years two months and fifteen days; Ann. his wife, died 2d month 17th, 1857, aged eighty-four years six months. Jesse Bennett died 10th month 8th, 1846, aged forty-six years four months. Jesse McKay died November 3, 1864, aged eighty-three years three months twenty-five days. Ann Adams died November 1, 1864, aged forty-four years. Peter Adams died December 4, 1858, in the seventy-second year of his age; Polly, his wife, died May 30, 1869, aged Beventy-seven years four months twenty days. Mary Lutterall, wife of Robert Lutterall, died December 5, 1857, aged fifty-six years and twenty-three days. Ice and Snow died April 29, 1860, aged seventy- nine years two months sixteen days; Mary, wife of Ice and Snow, died July 8, 1864, aged seventythree years four months and four days. David Grove died February, 1855, in seventy-third year of his age. Harrison Geffs was born February 11, 1814, died November 25, 1844, aged thirty years nine months and fourteen days. Richard Crawford died April 3, 1856, aged fifty-three years three months and thirteen days; Esther, mother of Richard Crawford, and widow of James, of Pennsylvania, died November 13, 1845, aged seventy-seven years five months and eight days. George R. Doggett died November 8, 1865, aged seventy years seven months seven days. Levin Hubbard died June 19, 1849, aged eighty years. Henry Grove died October 19, 1849, aged thirty years and four days.

Lutterall Graveyard

" Jacob Grove died November 15, 1860, aged eighty-six years and eight days; Catharine, his wife, died December 2, 1862, aged ninety-one years and twenty-nine days. David Grove died April 16, 1863, aged fifty-five years eleven months and eighteen days. Sarah, wife of Edmund McVey, died January 3, 1850, aged thirty-six years two months and twenty-six days. Mary Carter died February 7, 1873, aged eighty-six years six months six days. Richard Lutterall died March 23, 1848, aged fifty years seven months eight days.

Elliott Graveyard

"James McVey died April 21, 1859, aged seventy- two years eleven months and twenty-seven days; Keziah McVey, his wife, died June 23, 1860, aged seventy-three years one month and twenty-six days. Jane Elliott Pierce died January 14, 1872, aged seventy years eight months and twenty-eight days. William Elliott died September 28, 1839, aged sixty-five years nine months and three days; Elizabeth, his wife, died April 13, 1860, aged seventy -seven years seven months and sixteen days. Stephen Martin died April 28, 1844, aged forty-five years. Michael Fry, the rail-splitter, died April 13, 1866, aged seventy-one years three months thirteen days. His wife, Jane, died May 4, | 1867, aged sixty-four years. Edward Curtis died November 3, 1843, in the eighty-third year of his age.

" Christian Barger was bom in Montgomery County, Ya. , August 8, 1776. He died on board the steamboat Lancet, at Birmingham, at the mouth of Apple Creek, Perry County, Mo. , December 24, 1844. Martha Price, his wife, was born in Augusta County, Ya., October 1, 1781. She died in 1847, in Cass County, Ind., north of Logansport. Barger and wife were married in Montgomery County, Ya., January 22, 1801. Thomas Barger was born in Montgomery County, Ya., May 7, 1802, died in Warren County, Ohio, January 7, 1804. Elizabeth Barger was born in Warren County, Ohio, May 30, 1806. William P. Barger was born at the Pope Mill March 12, 180-. Christian Barger was born in Highland County, Ohio, April 25, 1815. He died in Fayette County, Ohio, July 1, 1830. Philip Barger, older than Christian, came to Lee's Creek before Christian - not long, however. Christian Barger was living on the Thomas Conner farm in the fall of 1806, and was a squatter there. He is supposed to have come to Lee's Creek that year."

Tj^OR a person who wishes to examine a subject fully, closely, carefully and 1 ' truthfully, there is no portion bo interesting as its genesis. Of history this is specially true. Given a reliable starting-point, and a few authentic data along the line of march, and it becomes a comparatively easy task for the historian to construct the narrative of the people or country he wishes to describe.

When we were assigned the pleasant task of writing a sketch of the early settlement and progress of the youngest of the thirteen fair daughters that compose the happy, peaceful, prosperous family of Clinton, we little thought to find evidence that within her borders was made the first improvement in our county. On the best of testimony we make the statement that as early as 1796 or 1797, while Ohio was still a part of the Northwest Territory, a family moved here, made permanent improvements, and, with little intermission, were residents here for more than half a century. A biography of Amos Wilson, the father of the family, will be almost a history in itself of our township.* He was born in New Jersey April 7, 1770; moved with his parents to Kentucky in 1784, where he lived for seven years. On the 22d of June, 1791, he married Ann Mills. In 1795, he moved to Ohio, settling in Warren County, near Waynesville, where he lived for one or two years. In 1796 or 1797, he bought 200 acres of land of Joshua Carmen, situated in Taylor's Survey, No. 786. Placing his family of wife and two children on a sled drawn by one horse, and with two young men to clear a path through the dense, unbroken forest, he started to find his new purchase and make himself a home. His directions were to travel due northeast from the Deserted Camp till he had crossed Anderson's Prairie and entered the white oak timber. By the aid of a pocket compass, he traced his way, crossed the prairie, found the white oak timber, and, supposing he was on hiB own land, built a cabin and began a home. This was on what is now known as the Hinkson farm, in R. Eggleston's Survey, No. 886. As his arrival was too late in the season to clear the ground and plant a crop, he concluded to break a piece of the prairie near by for corn. He did so, doubting all the time about the venture being profitable, as there were many ponies grazing in the prairie, belonging to a band of Indians who were camped on the creek near where it is now crossed by the Cincinnati & Muskingum Yalley Railroad. Mr. Wilson often related in after years that he never saw even the track of a pony on the land he had plowed; that some of the squaws and young Indians were constantly on the alert keeping the ponies away from his corn, so that in the autumn he gathered a good crop.

Finding that he was not on his own land, he moved onto the next survey, which afterward proved to be Lindsey's Survey, No. 732. The place chosen this time is now known as the Cyrus Reed farm, owned by Miss Martha Douglas. Here he built a house, planted an orchard and cleared several acres of land. What he called his "flax patch" - a lot containing from five to eight acres - which was "cleared smooth," has been allowed to grow up in timber again, much of it being now two feet and over in diameter. Here he remained until 1802 before discovering that he was again improving another's property, and not his own. In that year, Joshua Carmen came from Kentucky to look after the survey of land that he owned, bringing with him Mr. Wilson's brother-in-law, James Mills. When Mr. Wilson was told that he was not on his own land, he became so discouraged at the prospect of receiving no benefit from the large amount of hard labor he had performed, and having to begin anew, that he announced his intention of quitting the place and going back to the older settlements. Mr. Carmen persuaded him to give up the idea, and, as part compensation for his repeated failures, made him a present of fifty acres adjoining his original purchase, on the west side. This fifty acres is now owned by James Ritchie.

In 1802, we find Mr. Wilson on his own land, now owned by Alfred Coulter, with James Mills for a neighbor, on the south. Having made arrangements for "raising" their cabins on the same day, with the aid of help from Csesar's Creek and the Miami River, they "chose up,"- and did the work on a race, but so evenly were they divided, and so skillfully and willingly did each perform his task, that the two gangs of workmen met almost at the middle point in the path between the two cabins, each going to help the other. In the year 1807, the first great sorrow of hiB life overtook him in the death of his wife. During the year, he was married a second time to Rachel James, with whom he lived till 1818, when she fell a victim to the " Dread Destroyer." His third wife was Mary Coulter, widow of William Coulter. In 1827, he built the first brick house in this part of the county. The house is still used as a dwelling, and is in a good state of preservation. Having his farm well improved, and the country becoming too thickly settled for an old pioneer to breathe freely, he sold bis possessions to Solomon Madden, and moved to Delaware County, Ind., in the year 1839. The same year he was again bereft of his companion. In 1843, he was married to Eliza Dowden. Becoming dissatisfied with his surroundings in Indiana, he moved back to Ohio in 1843, and bought his old home place again, where he remained till 1854, when he again sold - this time to John G. Coulter - and moved back to Delaware County, Ind., where he died October 27 in the same year, aged eighty-four years six months and twenty days.

One who knew him well says that "Amos Wilson was an honest, industrious and Christian man, a bright example, both in faith and works, to all with whom he came in contact." He brought up an interesting family of fifteen children of his own, and four step-children of Mary Coulter's. Of the nineteen children, sixteen married, and all but one were professors in some branch of the church. When married, he was unable to either read or write, but his first wife taught him both. He was a Baptist preacher for many years, and two of his sons, Benoni and William, followed him in that profession. At the time of the Campbell excitement, he joined that sect, but soon left it, went back, and died in the faith and practice of the Baptist Church. His name is remembered in the township by the creek that drains nearly half of its area being called Wilson's Creek. Again in the name of the township; the first book of record has on its title page, " Record of Wilson Township, Clinton County, Ohio; organized August 20, 1850; named in honor of Rev. Amos Wilson."

Of James Mills, mentioned above, it can well be said he was an honest, industrious, progressive farmer - one who was honored and respected by all who knew him. He lived on the farm where he first settled, and which still remuins in tho possession of his descendants, till his death.

Col. Thomas Hinkson was born in 1772, in Westmoreland County, Penn. His father had emigrated from Ireland in early life; had become an excellent woodsman, and visited Kentucky at a very early period. He established a station near the junction of Hinkson and Stoner Branches, which together form the South Fork of Licking River. Here the subject of this notice was raised until the age of eighteen years, when in the autumn of 1790, as a volunteer in the Kentucky militia, he accompanied the expedition of Gen. Harmar. He was in the battle near the Miami villages, under Col. Hardin's command, in front of the town, and witnessed the total overthrow and massacre of the detachment under Maj. Wyllis. In this battle he received a slight wound in the left arm, and narrowly escaped with his life. He was afterward in the disastrous defeat of Gen. St. Clair, but amidst the general slaughter escaped unhurt. Hitherto he had served as a private, but was subsequently selected as a Lieutenant in the mounted volunteers from Kentucky who formed a part of the forces of Gen. Wayne against the same Indians in 1794. He was in the battle near the rapids of the Maumee, but never pretended that he had done anything worthy of distinction on that memorable day. During these several campaigns, however, he had formed the acquaintance of most of the leading men of Kentucky, and others of the Northwest Territory, which was highly advantageous to him in after life. Shortly after Wayne's battle, he returned to Kentucky, married and settled on a farm inherited from his father, situated in Harrison County, where he lived until the spring of 1806, when he emigrated to Ohio, and in 1807 settled on a farm about eight miles east of Wilmington, in what is now Wilson Township, Clinton County, but then in Highland County. He was soon afterward elected a Justice of the Peace for the latter county, and Captain of the militia company to which he belonged, in which several capacities he served until tbe organization of Clinton County, in 1810, when, without his knowledge, he was elected by the Legislature one of the Associate Judges for the new county. He made no pretensions to legal knowledge, nor will the writer claim anything for him in this respect further than good common sense, which generally prevents a man from making a very foolish decision.

After this appointment, he remained quietly at home engaged in the occupations common to farmers, until the declaration of war in 1812, nor did he manifest any disposition for actual service until after Hull's surrender. That event cast a gloom over the West. All of Michigan, Northern Ohio, Indiana and Illinois were exposed to savage depredations. Some troops had been hastily assembled at Urbana and other points, to repel invasion. Capt. Hink son was then in the prime of life, possessing a robust and manly frame seldom equaled, even among pioneers. He was a man of few words, but they were to the point and for the purpose intended. He briefly explained to his family that he believed the time had come for him to serve his country. Taking leave of his family, he immediately Bet out for headquarters and tendered his services to Gov. Meigs, then at IJrbana. The President having made a requisition on the Governor of Ohio for two companies of Rangers to scour the country between the settlements and the enemy, Capt. Hinkson was appointed to command one of those companies, with liberty to choose his own followers. This was soon done, and a company presented to the Governor ready for duty. By this time the Indians had actual possession of the exposed territory, and it was the duty of these companies to hold them in check and keep the army advised of ^their numbers and position. In performing this duty, many thrilling incidents might be related in the life of our subject, but one or two must suffice. Having at one time ventured to the Miami of the Lake, to ascertain the condition of the enemy, they found them encamped near the foot of the rapids of that river, with a select company of Rangers, commanded by Capt. Clark, from Canada, numbering iu all from three to five hundred, and under the command of the celebrated Tecumseh. The ground on the hill was for miles covered with a thick undergrowth, which enabled Capt. Hinkson and company to approach nearly within gunshot of the enemy without being seen. It was late in the afternoon, and while waiting for the approach of night to enable them to withdraw more successfully, the company was quietly drawn up near the brink of the hill, and directed in whispers to merely take aim at the enemy. This was rather a hazardous display of humor, but as many of his men had never been in battle, Capt. H. thought it an excellent opportunity to try their nerves. "While engaged in this sport, they discovered Capt. Clark in the adjacent cornfield below, in hot pursuit after a flock of wild turkeys, which were running toward the place where Capt. H. and men were concealed. Here was a crisis. He must be slain in cold blood or made a prisoner. The latter alternative was adopted. The company was disposed so as to Hank the Captain and his turkeyB. The turkeys became alarmed and flew into the tree-tops, and, while the Captain was gazing up for his prey, Capt. Hinkson approached and politely requested him to ground arms, upon the pain of instant death in case he gave the least alarm. He at first made signs of resistance, but soon found " discretion the better part of valor," and surrendered himself a prisoner of war. Being at least 100 miles from the army, and in sight of such a force, Capt. Hinkson and company were in a very critical situation. No time was to be lost A retreat was commenced in the most secret manner, in a southerly direction at right angles from the river. By traveling all night they eluded pursuit and brought their prize safely to camp.

Shortly afterward, Gen. Tupper's brigade arrived near the rapids and eneamped for the night, during which Capt. H. and company acted as picket guard, and in the morning a few were selected to accompany him on a secret reconnaissance down the river. Unluckily, they were met at the summit of a hill by a detachment of the same kind from the enemy. Shots were exchanged, and the alarm now fairly given to both parties. This brought on the skirmish which ensued between that brigade and the Indians. While fighting in the Indian mode, near William Yenard's, Capt. H. saw a dusky figure suddenly rise from the grass. He had a rifle never before known to miss fire. They both presented their pieces, which simultaneously snapped without effect. In preparing for a second trial, it is supposed the Indian was a little ahead of the Captain, when a shot from Daniel Workman (another ranger) sent the Indian to his long home, and probably saved Capt. H.'s life. After this skirmish, the Indians withdrew to .Frenchtown, and block-houses were hastily thrown up near the spot where Fort Meigs was afterward erected, and where the Ohio troops were encamped when the fatal disaster befel Gen. Winchester at Raisin, January 22, 1813. The news was carried by express, and the main body retreated, leaving Capt. H. and company to perform the sorrowful duty of picking up some poor stragglers from that bloody defeat, and burning the blockhouses and provisions within twenty-four hours, which was done before it was known that the enemy had retired to Malden. The Ohio brigade, and others from Pennsylvania and Virginia, soon rallied again and formed a junction at the rapids, where they commenced building the fort so renowned for withstanding two sieges in the spring and summer of 1813. During its erection, Capt. Hinkson was attacked with a peculiar fever, then raging in the army, from which he did not recover fit for duty until late in the spring. With a shattered constitution, he returned to his home, and was immediately elected Colonel of the Third Regiment of the Second Brigade and First Division Ohio Militia, which was then a post of honor requiring much paoienco and discretion in a region rather backward in supporting tho war.

The reader will in this narrative see nothing beyond a simplo recital of facts, which is all that tho unassuming character requires. He was a plain, gentlemanly individual, of a very mild and oven temper, a good husband and kind father, but rather indifferent to his own interest in money matters, by

John Coulter was born in County Antrim, Ireland, July 18, 1777. He served in the army during the Irish rebellion of 1798. In 1803, while there was an armistice between the contending forces, he came to America, landing at New York, where he remained for a short time, coming thence to Cincinnati, Ohio. An entire stranger to the habits, manners and customs of his new surroundings, he concluded to consult Judge Symmes in reference to business matters. The Judge advised him to purchase and improve a piece of land near Cincinnati, as there was a constantly increasing demand for improved property near the city. He was further advised never to carry anything to market that he could sell for a fair price at home. Mr. Coulter followed the advice given him, and the prospei'ity attending his efforts proved that the Judge was correct in his estimate of business matters. His first purchase of land was on Mill Creek, which he improved and sold to advantage. In 1806, he bought of Jacob Piatt, who owned Walker's Survey, No. 743, the land now belonging to his son, John G. Coulter. He leased a part of his purchase to Oliver Simpson for a term of three years, and the latter came out immediately and began improvements near the place of the present family residence. June 11, 1807, Mr. Coulter married Margaret Gibson, a native of County Fermanagh, Ireland. In December, 1809, they moved to their new home, where they passed the remainder of their long, active and useful lives. They brought up a family of twelve children. Mr. Coulter died in 1857, aged nearly eighty years. His wife survived him nineteen years, when she was called hence at the ripe old age of ninety-two. Mr. C. was noted for his energetic, progressive method of conducting his farming operations, and did much to improve the different breeds of animals, in which he dealt largely, and of which we will speak more at length under another head.

Ramoth Hankins came from Pennsylvania in 1809, on a prospecting tour; liked the appearance of the country so well that he bought 100 acres of land in Walker's Survey, No. 743, and built a cabin on it the same year. He returned to Pennsylvania and spent the following winter. In the spring of 1810, he moved with his family, consisting of wife and two children, to his Western home, reaching their destination the 7th of May. It was not then thought possible to secure a harvest, raise a building, or have a log-rolling without an abundant supply of liquor for the hands. To partially supply this demand, Mr. H. brought from his native State a small copper still, which was used for a few years and then abandoned. This was all the distilling ever done in the limits of the township. None of his family of eight children are living. The old homestead is owned by a grand- daughter. During the latter part of his life, he was much interested in collecting relics and curiosities illustrating the habits and manners of life of the early pioneers.

From Kentucky, in 1810, came Absalom and Cyrus Reed, brothers, and settled on Lindsay's Survey, No. 732. They were extensively engaged in stock-raising, being among the first to introduce improved breeds of cattle.

John Watson, a native of Ireland, moved into this township in 1809, and built his cabin on nearly the same spot of ground selected by the late Dr. Isaac Telfair, many years after, on which to build his residence. When the Scioto Canal was being built, he moved to that part of the State, where he remained until his death. His family of six children became scattered to different parts of the country. None of his descendants, so far as known, live in this township at the present time.

William Fannon was born and brought up in Virginia. He moved to this neighborhood before 1810, and bought 200 acres of land in Taylor's Survey,

No. 736. His original purchase is now owned byC. M. Bosworth, Silas Jacks, and the heirs of A. Douglass. His family of five boys and six girls moved to different parts of the country after they were grown, leaving none of his descendants in this vicinity, so that it is impossible to further trace his history. He died on the land he had improved, about the year 1844.

John Peelle, son of Reuben and RhodaPeelle, was born in Wayne County, N. C., near Contentna Meeting-House, June 2, 1781. He remained with his parents until his twenty-fourth year, engaged in the occupations common to the farmers of that day and State. At that age, he fh'st began to master the mysteries of the English alphabet and the other rudiments of an education, of which he acquired sufficient knowledge to enable him to read printed matter readily. About this time he went into Grayson County, Va., where he remained one year. He then undertook what in those days was thought to be a long and perilous journey to the " far West," traveling through Ohio and into the Territory of Indiana as far as the place where Richmond is now situated. The writer has often heard him describe the site of that city as being then covered with the greatest amount of fallen timber he ever saw. He supposed that section of country had been devastated by a terrible cyclone similar to those so common farther west, at tne present time. He returned to North Carolina from this trip well pleased with the appearance of the Western country.

He remained at the place of his birth but a short time before the "Western fever" seized him with such a strong grip that he bade the "Old North State " a final adieu, and set his face toward the new El Dorado. His first tarrying-place was in Belmont County, Ohio, where he fell a victim to the darts of Cupid, and on the 2d of December, 1807, was married to Lydia Bundy, according to the ceremony of the Society of Friends, of which they were both members. As a matter! of information in regard to the method in use in that society, we here insert a copy of the marriage certificate, taken from the original copy, still in existence.

Whereas, John Peelle, son of ReubenPeelle andlthoda, his wife, of the County Grayson, and the State of Virginia, and Lydia Bundy, daughter of William Bundy and Mary, his wife, of the county of Belmont, and State of Ohio, having declared their intentions of marriage v ith each other, before a monthly meeting of the religious society of Friends, held at Concord, in the county of Belmont, according to the good order used among them, and having consent of parents, their said proposal of marriage was allowed by said meeting. Now, these are to certify whom it may concern, that for the full accomplishment of their said intentions, this 2d day of the 12tli month in the year of our Lord 1807, they, the said John Peelle and Lydia Bundy, appeared in a public meeting of said people, held at Stillwater, in the county of Belmont, and State of Ohio, and the said John Peelle, taking the said Lydia Bundy by the hand, did openly declare that he took her, the said Lydia Bundy, to be his wife, promising with Divine assistance to be unto her a loving and faithful husband until death should separate them; and then in the same assembly the said Lydia Bundy did in like manner declare that she took him, the said John Peelle, to be her husband, promising with Divine assistance to be unto him a loving and faithful wife until death should separate them, or words to that import; and moreover they, the said John Peelle and Lydia Bundy, she, according to the custom of marriage, assuming the name of her husband, did as a further confirmation thereof then and thereto these presents set their hands.

And we whose names are also hereunto subscribed, being present at the solemnization of the said marriage and subscription, have as witnesses thereto set our hands the day and the year above written:

Very soon after their marriage they moved to Fall Greek, where they lived till 1811; in that year, they moved and settled near the place at present occupied by Bowerville, Greene Go., Ohio. At this place they only remained two years, moving on the 1st day of March, 1813, to the northwest side of Call's Survey, No. 887, building a cabin and making other improvements on land now owned by Mrs. Rosa T. Denver. While living here, they made a trip on horseback to the old home in Belmont County, a distance of more than one hundred and fifty miles, carrying their third child, a babe of twelve months, by turns in their arms. Few women of the present day would have the bravery to undertake such a journey through an almost uninhabited wilderness, fording creeks and rivers and with few or no conveniences and comforts of life by the way. Yet our worthy pioneers met and overcame such obstacles, gathering renewed strength from each now difficulty for further triumphs. While living on Call's Survey, he made his first purchase of land in Ohio, buying fifty acres in Draffin's Survey, No. 830. Had no intention at first of ever making his home on that survey, but secured the land for the purpose of making sugar from the fine grove of maples growing there. Having bought more land joining his " sugar orchard," he concluded to make that his home, which he did in 1820, building and moving into the hewed-log house still standing on the farm, which is now owned by his son, Mark Peelle.

As a relaxation from the severe toil incident to opening a new farm, he occasionally gave himself up to the artB of Nimrod, as well as Izaak Walton, taking great delight in the pleasures of gun and rod, with each of which he was very successful. The nearest Friends' meeting when he first settled here was at Dover, seven miles distant, yet he was often to be found among the worshipers there, going on foot, hunting by the way, bringing down with his unerring rifle one or more deer, which perhaps he would suspend from some friendly sapling until his return from meeting, when he would carry his game home and replenish the family larder with some choice venison. After he had passed fourscore years, he was often seen in the early morning hours making his way on foot at a rapid pace across farms and fences, with rod on shoulder, in a "bee-line" for the place he well knew to be the resort of cat or perch, invariably returning with a " good mess." Hunting and fishing were his amusements and not his business; in the latter, he was also successful, accumulating sufficient of this world's goods to render him comfortable in his old age and some to spare at any time to aid the worthy poor. He was through his whole life an active, consistent member of the Society of Friends, being made much use of in the various business meetings, and often, during the latter years of his life had a few words of counsel, admonition or entreaty to give forth in the meetings for worship. December 2, 1856, after forty-nine years of wedded happiness, he was called upon to give up his wife, who was nearly seventy-three years of age. Thirteen years later, lacking one day, his summons came to cross the silent river and join his companion in the Spirit World, aged eighty-eight,years and six months Their family of three boys and four girls are all living near the old homestead, except the yqungest, a daughter, who is deceased.

William Gallemore was born in GuilfordCounty, N. C., November 5, 1776, where he remained until his marriage with Mary Stanley, near the year 1801. Leaving North Carolina, the young couple went to Grayson County, Ya. , where they made their first home, remaining about nine years, after which time they set their faces westward, making their home for he three following years in Highland County, Ohio. On his arrival, he found his capital all told to consist of himself, wife, five children, two old horses, one wagon and $2 in money. Leaving that county, they went to Greene Conuty, Ohio, and took a squatter's claim and worked on it till 1815, when they were dispossessed. Moving to - Clinton County, they settled in Draffin's Survey, No. 830, where they passed the remainder of their lives, bringing up a family of ten children, five boys and five girls, all of whom grew up and married. In the year 1841, the wife of his youth was laid in the silent tomb. In 1843, he married Jane Oren, by whom he had but one child. In the latter part of October, 1856, he was prostrated by a stroke of palsy, which resulted in death on his birthday, November 5, aged eighty years.

Of Benjamin Bentley there has been no record preserved. From various sources the information is gleaned that he was born in Wayne County, N. 0., on the eve of the Revolutionary war. In commemoration of the great sorrow that came to his mother at the moment of his birth, in the loss of her husband by death, she named him Benoni, which in after years he changed to Benjamin. Under the old English law, his eldest brother inherited all of the parental estate, so that he was compelled from an early age to make his own way in the world. During his youth and early manhood, his home was with Reuben Peelle. Marrying Rebecca Pearson, he moved to Quaker Bottoms, on the Ohio River./ where he remained but a short time; then removing into Highland County, made his home there for a few years, and from there he went to Clinton County, about 1812, settling in G. Carrington's Survey, No. 935. Here, in 18.16, he buried his wife. The grave is yet pointed out in the yard of what is known as the Carlyle Williams house. The year following, he married Catharine Jessup. In 1822, he moved to Draffin's Survey, No. 830, and began . improving the farm now owned by the heirs of W. P. Gallemore, where he lived till his death at a ripe old age. Of Mr. Bentley's family of twelve children, eleven grew up and married, of whom six are yet living. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, whose natural talents were developed by the needs of the pioneers, so that, as occasion required, he could leave his business of farming and perform successfully the duties of carpenter, wheelwright, dentist or surgeon.

Of Mark Pearson, who came from North Carolina in 1812, his brother Isaac from the same State in 1815, Thomas Greer, from Ireland, and the Babb brothers - Peter, Jasper and Thomas - little is known, except that they made improvements here before 1820, which for this township has been chosen as the latest date for claiming the honor of being a pioneer settler. For some I persons and events, more space has been occupied in this imperfect sketch than for others equally worthy, for the simple reason that definite records have been preserved of them. Gladly would the same amount of particulars have been given of each if it had been possible.

During the next thirty years, the population increased so rapidly that the inhabitants began to feel the great inconvenience of having no organization for the transaction of legal business. The Board of County Commissioners at the close of that time acted upon and granted the prayer of the petitioners, which is here inserted:

Special session, August 20, 1850. This day the Commissioners met pursuant to ad journment. Present: Joseph Hoskins, Azel Walker, Enos L. Lacy.

This day a petition was presented to the Commissioners of the county praying for a new township, to be taken from the townships of Richland, Union and Liberty, as set forth in a petition signed by a majority of the householders residing within the boundaries of the proposed new township, of which the following is a copy, to wit:

To the Commissioners of Clinton County: Your petition' rs, citizens of Clinton County, Ohio, respectfully represent that we labor under great inconvenience on account of our very remote situation from the place of holding elections, and from the place where the other township business is transacted, in consequence of which we respectfully but most earnestly ask you to establish a township to be taken out of Union. Richland and Liberty Townships, to be bounded as follows, to wit:

Beginning at the Fayette and Clinton County line, where said line crosses the south east line of A. Belmain's Survey, No. 927; thence southwesterly with the line of said survey to the east corner of Edward Dow's Survey, No. 880; thence with the southeast line of said survey to the east corner of Thomas Shaw's Survey, No. 844; thence with the southeast line of said survey to the corner of Edward Dow's Survey, No. 749; thence with the southeasterly line of said survey to the east corner of William Taylor's Survey, No. 736; thence with the southeast line of said survey to its south comer, and east corner of William Lindsey's Survey, No. 732; thence westwardly across said survey to its west corner, and east corner of Thomas Bland's Survey, No. 885; thence northwardly with the northeasterly line of said Bland's Survey to its north corner, and the east corner of William White's Survey, No. 2,714, in Union Township; thence northwardly and with the northeast line of said Survey No. 2,714 to the west corner of Richard Call's Survey, No. 887, and at ornear the line of Union and Liberty Townships; thence in a northeasterly direction to the northeast corner of Liberty and northwest corner of Richland Townships, in the Greene County line; thence eastwardly with the north line of Clinton County to the place of beginning, which limits as here prescribed contain the amount of territory required by law to constitute a township.

We, your petitioners, now claim it as an act of justice, inasmuch as there is left in each of the townships from which the proposed new township is to be taken ample amount of territory to still constitute a constitutional township, that our petition be granted as now asked for, and which is signed by citizens and voters in the district included in the limits of the new township, July 13, 1850.

And being satisfied that thirty days' previous notice of such intended application had first been given by advertising in three public places within the boundaries of said proposed new township, the Commissioners being also satisfied that it is necessary to erect a. new township as prayed for by said petitioners, and as fully set forth by a plat and survey, made by Hiram Madden, surveyor, and this day presented by said petitioners to the County Commissioners, by which they are satisfied that the said proposed new township embraces a territory of more than twenty -two square miles Thereupon, the Commissioners granted the prayer of said petitioners, and direct that a township shall be laid off and established according to the boundaries described in said petition, plat and survey, by the name of Wilson Township; and direct that the boundaries as set forth in such plat and survey be recorded as required by law, together with the proceedings had by the Board in relation thereto.

As a final act in the creation of the new township, the Commissioners ordered an election held for said township of Wilson, on Saturday, the 7th day of September, 1850, at the tavern of H. H. Bruce, in the town of Lewisville, for officers of said township, to wit: Three Township Trustees; one Township Clerk; one Township Treasurer; one Township Assessor; one Township Constable. From the township records we take the following account of the first election, held September 7, 1850:

"Between the hours of 8 and 10 o'clock A. M., a lawful number of the voters of Wilson Township being present in the town of Bloomington, proceeded to nominate Edmund Thorp, Samuel Furnace and Elisha Gallemore, Judges of Election, and Jesse Everest and H. T. Moorman, Clerks. Proceeded to the election of three Trustees, one Clerk, one Treasurer, one Assessor and one Constable for Wilson Township. On examining the votes given, the following persons were declared duly elected: Trustees, Anderson Horney, H. H. Hankins, John G. Coulter; Clerk, Absalom Douglass; Treasurer, William Peelle; Constable, Isaac Turner; Assessor, Isaac Turner."

At the same time and place, and with the same Judges and Clerks, an election was held for Justice of the Peace, which resulted in Seymour A. Douglass being chosen for the place. His commission bears date September 14, 1850, was sworn into office September 21, 1850, and gave bond in the penal sum of $1,000, with William Reed and Absalom Douglass for sureties, Sep- . t ember 27, 1850.

A comparison of the above with the settlement day of the present year will be proof enough that we have made progress in the amount of money required to carry on the business of the township. On the same da\y, the Trustees " laid off " the township into six school districts, which number is still retained. They also levied a poorjtax of 1 mill on the dollar and a township tax of the saVne amount.

At the second township election, held April 7, 1851, there was no change in the officers elected, except in Trustees. William Reed was chosen in the place olN H. H. Hankins. At this election Supervisors were also chosen, as follows: District No. 1, Adam Long; District No. 2, James Ritchie; District No. 3, Reuben Peelle; District No. 4, Eri Lamb; District No. 5, John D. Hol- Bon; District No. 6, Benjamin Barnes. A school tax of 2 mills to the dollar was voted on, on the grand levy, and resulted in ninety-three votes being cast for the school tax and forty-six votes against it, which shows that the people of the township were very much in favor of educational privileges for the youth.

At the same election, the question of Clinton County subscribing $200,000 to aid in constructing the Cincinnati, Wilmington & Zanesville Railroad was submitted to tlie electors of the township, with the result of 14i votes being cast in favor of the subscription and only 12 in opposition.

Having thus hastily sketched the progress of the township from the first settlement to its complete organization, and given the number of votes for and against the tax for the support of common schools and internal improvements, showing our section of the county to be heartily in favor of them, we leave this part of our subject by saying that we would gladly hkve given the roster of the brave boys who nobly went forth in the " dark days of the rebellion'' at their country's call, but as we have no means of giving a complete list we forbear lest injustice be done.

Lewisville, the only village in the township, was u laid out" in 1842 by the County Surveyor, Peyton West, for James Degroot. It began small, and has bravely held its own. By the census of 1880, it contained a population of 169. It contains two dry goods and grocery stores, one drug store, two shoe shops, two blacksmith shops, one general repair shop, two carpenter shops, one wheelwright, two physicians, two church organizations, a flourishing Sabbath school and a post office by the name of Bloomington. It is situated on the Urbana road, four miles north of Reesville, on the C. & M. Y. R. R., and the same distance south of Bowersville, on the Cincinnati, Columbus & Hocking Yalley Railroad.

Topographical Features

The surface of the township is either level or gently undulating, with sufficient natural fall to admit of easy drainage. It is divided into two nearly equal portions by the water-shed between the Scioto and Little Miami Rivers, which here runs in a nearly north and south direction. On the western side the descent is quite abrupt to Anderson's prairie, which occupies the larger part of that side, and is drained by a creek of the same name. On the eastern side the land slopes off much more gradually to the beds of Wilson's Creek and Little Rattlesnake. These three streams are the natural outlets for the surplus water. No springs of water are found here. Wells and cisterns are depended on to furnish water for all purposes. The soil is a rich, black loam, or a yellow clay of excellent quality, easily tilled, and producing abundant crops of all kinds of grain and grass grown in this latitude. Of the 15,753 acres included in its limits not a single one is classed as waste land.

When first settled, the township, except Anderson's Prairie, was covered with a heavy growth of timber of the best quality, consisting of the various kinds of oak. but chiefly white and burr, black walnut, several varieties of ash, elm, maple, hickory, and numerous sugar orchards. The latter furnished an abundant supply of sugar and molasses for the pioneers. The timber supply of the township is still plentiful. When first settled, the woods were almost free from underbrush, which sprang up so thickly in after years.

From the very first this has been almost exclusively an agricultural and stock-raising community. There have been no attempts at manufacturing beyond the common necessaries of life. For many years after it was first settled, the inhabitants depended on the mills along the Miami and Mad Rivers for a supply of breadstuff's. About 1825, Samuel Williams built a grist-mill on the land now owned by H. H. Hunt, which was considered one of the greatest conveniences in the country. It was what was known as a " draft-mill," the power being furnished by horses attached to levers, the owner of the grain to be | ground frequently furnishing the motive power. There was so much grinding to be done that the mill had often to be run day and night to supply the demand. About 1830, Elijah Jessup moved to this mill and followed his trade of hatter until his death. Absalom Douglass, on Walker's Survey, and George Jay, on Shaw's Survey, built steam saw-mills that manufactured a vast amount of lumber. In Lewisville there was a steam saw and grist mill, and a gristmill in operation for many years. All of these mills were long since numbered with the things of the past.

On the lot owned by J. N. Douglas a tannery was carried on for many years. The first blacksmith shop was on the land of Col. Hinkson, who employed a smith from Cincinnati to do the work. Since then, there have been numerous blacksmiths, shoe and carpenter shops in different localities for public convenience.

The Urbana trace, which Simon Kenton gave an Indian $100 to " blaze " from the Ohio River to Urbana, crossed this township. It followed pretty much the same route now occupied by the road of the same name. Other township and county roads were established as the needs of the inhabitants required them. They all remained in a state of nature till the road improvement laws of the State went into effect. The Urbana road was the first one improved under the laws, at a cost of $5,200 per mile, and is now known on the records of the County Commissioners as Road Improvement No. 13. Four other roads have since then been improved, or are under contract. No good gravel pits have been found in the township, so that the cost of a road here is much more than where they abound.