Clinton County, Ohio - Chapter 14: The Military History of Clinton County, 1882 (part 8 of 14)

The next railroad to strike our township was the Waynesville, Port William & Jeffersonville Narrow-Gauge Railway. This road filed its certificate of incorporation December 9, 1875, with a capital stock of $200,000, to build a narrow-gauge railroad from Waynesville, in Warren County, to Jeffersonville, in Fayette County, Ohio. This road, as first surveyed, passed through our township, along the waters of Buck Run. It was never located on that line, but was afterward surveyed higher up in the township, and run just south of the village of New Burlington. It was located here and work begun in the spring of 1877. The people, while they did not subscribe so liberally as in the former enterprise, did their share, and some $10,000 and the right of way were given in the road's interest. Before the road had progressed very far, its name was changed to Columbus, Washington & Cincinnati Railway. It was opened for travel and traffic from the Little Miami Railway to Allentown Junction, on the Dayton & South-Eastern Railway, nine miles west of Washington Court House, in Fayette County, in the fall of 1878. It remained in this form until the winter of 1881-82, when it was purchased by Cincinnati capitalists and changed to a standard gauge.

When John Grant located here, in 1833, there was not a railroad in the State. The Mad River & Lake Erie had been incorporated in J anuary, 1832, but no work done on it. The Little Miami was incorporated March 11, 1836, to run from Springfield, in Clark County, to Cincinnati, via Xenia, Ohio. The construction began in 1837, but the progress was slow. It was opened for travel and traffic to Milford in December, 1842; to Xenia, in August, 1845; and to Springfield a year later. Railroada, like free turnpikes, were only to come with the next generation. Buying large stocks of goods in Philadelphia, they were shipped by water to Cincinnati; again, with those purchased in the latter place, they were either hauled direct by wagons to the store, or shipped by canal to Franklin, Ohio, and then hauled out by wagon. The following will, no doubt, prove of interest to the people of this day:

" Shipped by Samuel Findley on board the good canal-boat Pennsylvania (whereof is Master for this voyage George Kinder), now lying at the port of Cincinnati, and bound for Franklin, Ohio, the following articles, marked and numbered as below, which are to be delivered without delay, in like good order, at the port of Franklin, unto M. W. Earhart, or his assigneoB, to wit: Seven boxes dry goods, two boxes of shoes, nine trunks, eight boxes dry goods, six bales of dry goods, one case of hats, one case of saws, one box axes, onehalf-barrel madder. Dated at Cincinnati, Ohio, October 4, 1838." On the reverse side of this bill of lading is the following: " Franklin, Ohio, October 10,1838. Received freight on the within 8,206 pounds merchandise, at 21 cents per hundred, $17.23. Signed, M. W. Earlmrt.'' These goods were yet eighteen miles from their destination, and had to be hauled that distance by wagon. The distance they had been hauled by water was probably two-thirds of the whole, which would make it about 33 cents per hundred from Cincinnati. What a change has taken place in that time - forty-four years. Now, to say nothing of the difference of time, the rate from Cincinnati to this village, by rail direct, per hundred in car-load lots, is but a fraction over 13 cents.

Grant did not live to see a railroad running to this village. Had he lived it would have been a happy event to him, for he was a man who desired to see public improvements, and gave his money in their aid when it was against his interests financially. And now, while speaking of Mr. Grant in this character, we cannot refrain from relating an episode in that busy life of his. From a very early day, he was one of the strong advocates of anti- slavery, and was prompt to identify himself with that gr^at Abolition party when it was organized in this section of the country. His sympathies with the colored people were very great, and his voice constantly raised in their behalf, and not only that, but his purse was ever ready to render them financial help, aB well as his home, which was always open to shelter those seeking freedom in flight. On a pleasant day in the summer of 1844, Mr. Grant, in company with Allen Linton and Amos Compton, Sr., was seated in front of his store in this village, enjoying the cool shadows of the early morning, when they were approached by a black man - a stranger to each of them. He handed to Mr. Grant a letter, which, upon examination, proved to be his credentials, duly signed by " Friend" Levi Coffin, of Cincinnati. The substance of the letter was this: The colored man had but recently been released from slavery in Kentucky by his master. His wife, the property(?) of another master, was yet in slavery. He had offered her to her husband at a specified price, and had given him a chance to raise the money. This was his mission. He had come to redeem his wife from human bondage. Mr. Grant read the letter carefully, and satisfied himself that the case was not only true, but that it was one calling for his sympathy in dollars and cents - a duty he was nnt disposed to evade, nor allow his friendB to do so, as the sequel will show.

He then explained the contents fully to Mr. Linton and Mr. Compton, and remarked that he intended to give $5, and that they must each of them do the same. They very promptly agreed to do it, and the money was promptly handed over to Mr. Grant, who sat looking at the paper for some moments, then said: "I am going to give $5 more; you are each able to do likewise." They hesitated, and finally consented. Mr. Grant was not yet done. These men, like him, were strong anti-slavery men, and were amply able to use their money generously to that end. The present was one worthy of their fullest support. Mr. Grant again spoke, and said: "I am going to give another $5; you must each do the same. " Mr. Compton expostulated, saying he had not so much money with him; but Mr. G. quietly informed him that he would loan him all the money he chose to give. Mr. Linton, too, begged to be excused, but Grant would not consent to anything but the money, and they gracefully gave in. When they had talked a few minutes longer, Grant took from his pocket a sum of money, saying: "Gentleman, 1 am going to give this man $20; you are each able to do likewise, and must do it." Ofttimes has the writer of this heard Mr. Grant relate this little circumstance, and laugh heartily as he told how these men were fairly caught. Had he proposed the full amount in the start, they would never have given their consent to any such proposition, but, by bringing them up gradually, they arrived at the point he had agreed upon to himRelf at the beginning. The conversation was long and earnest. The colored man all the while standing by, the very picture of anxious expectancy, the whole making a picture well worthy of the painter's brush; but in the end they each agreed, and Mr. Grant paid over to the worthy black the sum of $60, and he fairly danced with great joy, while tears of gratitude streamed down his swarthy cheeks. Long years have come and gone since then; the last soul has long been free; one by one these men passed to the presence of their Maker, until all are gone, but the great deed will live on and on forever, and should surround the memory of these noble men with a halo of light for generations yet to come.

I would like to continue these pages. There are many, very many, matters I would like to put on record - matters of interest and of value to the reader of coming generations, but I must forbear, for I am already far in advance of the space allotted to me, and must rapidly draw them to a close.

Just how these hastily- gathered and hastily- written pages will be received by the reader I cannot of course tell, but desire now, while yet the opportunity is mine, to bespeak for them all the charity you can bestow, for I am frank enough to acknowledge that they are not what I most desire. In other words, they are not up to that standard of excellence so neccessary in a work of this kind, and can only regret now, as I shall ever after, that the work was not given to some ne sar more competent than myself. And now, before closing, I desire to take up one other subject and I am done. Our history at the period I shall now mention is to a great extent identical with that of every other township in the eighty-eight counties comprising our commonwealth - the State of Ohio. I refer, of course, to the opening of the great struggle between the North and South in the early days of 1861.

It is not my intention here to discuss the causes that brought about those years of carnage and suffering; the reader of to-day who was old enough to understand them then needs no explanation here; the reader who was not, or has since come upon the stage of life, I can but refer to the many reliable histories of "the war," and the causes that precipitated it upon the people in that year, and from which a far better knowledge can be gathered than I could possibly give. Entering then at once upon the subject matter intended for this volume: It found the patriotic sons of Chester ready ere the smoke of the opening conflict had cleared from around the walls of grim " Old Sumter." Our young men, and not only they, but the middle-aged also, were offering their services to their endangered country and insulted flag. From the workshops, counters of trade, the plows, mills, and indeed from every occupation in our corporate limits they came and pronounced themselves ready. The regiments of Ohio in which our township was represented were the First, Eleventh, Twelfth, Thirty-first, Thirty-ninth, Fortieth, Forty-fourth, Sixty - first, Seventy- fourth, Seventy-ninth, Eightieth, Eighty-fourth, Eighty-eighth, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth, One Hundred and Forty-ninth and One Hundred and Eightieth Infantry; Eighth Cavalry, Fourth United States Cavalry; Second Heavy Artillery, and the Ohio and Mississippi Gunboat Service, in all, twenty different organizations of the service. If we follow them to the " front," we find them participating in by far the largest number of the most hotly contested engagements of the war.

John Blair entered the service of his country April 17, 1861, in Company D, First Regiment Infantry. He was the first to enlist from the township, and in lesB than sixty hours from date of enlistment waB en route with his regiment to the defense of the National Capital. He took part in the first battle of Bull Run; returned to this State and was mustered out with regiment at expiration of service, i. e. , three months; re-enlisted in same regiment for three years; left the State November 5, 1861, for Louisvillo, Ky. ; was with the regiment up to and including the first day's fight at Pittsburg Landing, Tenn. , in

1862, whore he received a severe wound in the leg; discharged by reason thereof soon after, and returned home. Enlisted in August, 1863, in Company H, Second Regiment Heavy Artillery; promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant March 1, 1864; mustered out and discharged with his regiment at the close of the war; draws a pension.

Hiram McKay, a son of Duffy and Mary A. Gaddis McKay, entered Company B, Twelfth Infantry, as a private, in the three-months' service under Capt. Robert B. Harlan, in April, 1861. At the re-organization of the regiment for three years' service, he re-enlisted in the same capacity. The regiment left the State under the command of Col. JohnB. Lowe, July 6, 1861, for Western Virginia, 937 strong. He took part with it in all marches and engagements, among the latter, Carnif ex Ferry, Scary Creek, in 1861; Bull Run, South Mountain and Antietam, in 1862; Fayette Court House, in 1863; and Cloyd Mountain and Lynchburg, in 1864. Was promoted to Second Lieutenant November 9, 1861; to First Lieutenant June 18, 1862, and to Captain November 21, same year; was mustered out with regiment at the end of its service, at Camp Chase, Ohio, July 11, 1864. On 7th day of October, same year, he received a commission as Lieutenant Colonel, and was assigned to the One Hundred and Eightieth Infantry. " It left the State for Nashville, Tenn. . on 1.5th same month, under command of Lieut. Col. McKay. * * . * -* * * The regiment was then taken to Newbern, N. C., where it joined a force under Gen. J. D. Cox, to open railway communication with Goldsboro and Gen. Sherman's army. At Kinston, N. C., the division to which the regiment was attached was engaged on the 8th, 9th and 10th of March with the rebel forces under Gens. Bragg and Hoke, resulting in the discomfiture of the enemy and capture of Kinston. Lieut. Col. McKay was mortally wounded on the 10th, and died on the 13th inst." (Reid's Ohio in the War). His body was brought home, and interred at Jonah's Run Burying-Ground, in this township.

Addison Fay, William Markwell, Benjamin Seavers were also members of Company B, Twelfth Infantry, and served with the regiment three years in the Eastern army, participating with it in its campaigns and engagements against the would bo destroyers of our country and flag. They were honorably discharged with it at the close of its service, July, 1864.

Charles Thompson (familiarly known as "Old Jersey") responded to the call for " seventy-five thousand," and entered, in April, 1861, Company B, Twelfth Infantry. Was severely wounded in the leg at Antietam Creek, Md. , in September, 1862; discharged by reason thereof in same year; enlisted in Company E, Eighty-eighth Infantry, under Cape. Parker, in July, 1863; served with his regiment guarding prisoners at Camp Chase until mustered out in July, 1865. He is now well advanced in years, a bachelor, and is and has been a pensioner and an inmate of the home for disabled volunteer soldiers at Dayton, Ohio.

Cornelius Cotterall entered Company B, Twelfth Infantry, at its organization, in April, 1861, and its re-organization in July of same year. Took part with his regiment in all its fortunes and misfortunes until taken prisoner at the battle of , Va., arrd lodged in Libby and Belle Isle until .1865, when he was exchanged, honorably discharged and sent home. Has since died from exposure and disease contracted in the service.

Morgan Wood enlisted in Company B, Twelfth Infantry, in the three months' service in April, 1861; re-enlisted at its re-organization for three years. He was a faithful soldier, and served his country honorably; was taken prisoner at Gauley Bridge, Va., in 1861; since then has not been heard from.

Ira Van Tress and Christian Smith entered the service as privates in Company C, Thirty-fourth Infantry. The history of that gallant regiment is but theirs, and need not here be told.

James Hartman, James Whetsell and Bazil Leech enlisted at Harveysburg, Warren Co., in August, 1861, under Thomas M. Harlan, who became their Second Lieutenant at the organization of Company F, Thirty-fifth Infantry, at Hamilton, Ohio. The regiment left the State September 26, 1861, for Kentucky, 812 strong, and took part in the various marches and skirmishes with the Army of the Cumberland, under Gen. Buell, barely missing the battle of Shiloh in April, 1862. At the battle of Chickamauga, on the 19th of September, 1863, the regiment was on the extreme left, where they fought for several hours almost hand to hand with the rebels under Longstreet. On the 20th, the fighting was the same, and night found them still holding the rebels at bay, while the main army fell back on Chattanooga. Following this, came Mission Ridge, Ringgold, Dalton, Resaca, Pine Mountain, Kenesaw and Peach Tree Creek. They were mustered out at Chattanooga, Tenn. , in August, 1864.

Edward Disbro, William Hurley, Robert D. Wall, Henry S. Reese, Solon Carroll, George H. La Fetra, Edward Shepherd and Alfred Van Tress entered their country's service in July, 1861, as privates in Company H, Thirty-ninth Infantry, under Oapt. Adam Koogle. The regiment left the State Sunday, August 18, 1861, for St. Louis, Mo., via Ohio & Mississippi Railroad. It remained in Missouri until after the fall of New Madrid in 1862, when it passed into Tennessee, taking part in many engagements and marches, among the former being the battles of Corinth, Iuka, Parker's Cross Roads. On the 26th of December, 1862, it reached Prospect, Tenn., where 534 of its members re enlisted as veterans and came home on thirty days' furlough. Returning to the front, it marched and skirmished in the Southwest until May, 1864, when it moved to and took part in the battles around Atlanta, Ga., going there by the way of Ship and Snake Creek Gaps, to Resaca; from thence on its history is the same as that of every other regiment that belonged to Sherman's army. It took part in the march to the sea and the grand review at Washington, and returned home in July, 1865.

Hiram Hurley enlisted in Company H, Thirty-ninth Infantry, for three years, in August, 1861; left the State with his regiment in the same month; promoted to Corporal April 29, 1863; came home on sick furlough and died in 1864; buried at Sharon Burial-Grounds.

Warren Shidaker enlisted in Company H, Thirty-ninth Infantry, in Jan uary, 1863, while the regiment was at home on veteran furlough: returned with it to its duties in February of that year, and took an active and honorable part in the defense of his country. He met his death as a soldier at Decatur, Ala., July 22, 1864, while charging the rebels.

Francis F. Rockhill enlisted in Company II, Thirty-ninth Infantry, in August, 1861; discharged for disability March 20, 1862; returned home and died in the same year; buried at Jonah's Run Meeting-House, in Chester Township.

Absalom Wall enlisted in Company B, Fortieth Infantry, ub a private, on the 18th day of September, 1861, at Camp Chase, Ohio; died in October following, at the same place, never having left the State. His body was sent home and buried at Sharon.

Richard B. Carr enlisted in Company B, Fortieth Infantry, September 18, 1861; left the State with the regiment on the 11th of Decembor, 1861, for Kentucky, where it was brigaded under Col. Garfield, then moving up Sandy

River. On the 10th of January, 1862, it experienced its lirst engagement, at Middle Creek, Ky. Carr remained with his regiment until J 863, when he died and was buried at Tullahoma, Tenn.

Quincy Austin enlisted in August, 1861, in Company B, Fortieth Infantry, under Capt. James M. Haworth; was killed in front of Kenesaw Mountain, (la., July 24, 1864; buried at National Cemetery, Chattanooga, Tenn.

Elias D. Harlan, born in April, 1837; entered the service as a private in Company B, Fortieth Infantry, September 18, 1861; took part in every march, skirmish and general engagement in which that gallant regiment participated from the first at Middle Creek, Ky. (against Humphrey Marshall), under the leadership of our now lamented President, Garfield, to be followed by Franklin, Triune, Shelbyville, Wartrace, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Moccasin Point, Lookout Mountain and Dalton; was mustered out with his company at Pilot Knob, Ga., October 7, 1864, by reason of expiration of service.

Joshua Wood enlisted in Company B, Fortieth Infantry, in September, 1861; served three years and was discharged with the company at Pilot Knob, Ga., October 7, 1864.

Joseph Daniels and George W. Daniels entered Company B, Fortieth Infantry, as privates, in September, 1861; served three years each, and were discharged with the company at the expiration of its term of service, at Pilot Knob, Ga., October 7, 1864.

Porter and Turner Van Tress entered Company B, Fortieth Regiment of Infantry, as privates, September 1, 1861 ; took part with it in the battles of Middle Creek, Franklin, Wartrace, Triune, Shelbyville, Tullahoma, Chickamauga, Moccasin Point, Lookout Mountain and Dalton; were mustered out with the company at Pilot Knob, Ga., October 7, 1864.

James Nickerson entered Company B, Fortieth Infantry, in September, 1861; promoted to Orderly Sergeant, and then Lieutenant in the United States Army; mustered out at the close of the war.

James R. Littler enlisted as a private in Company - , Forty- fourth Infantry, in the fall of 1861, at Springfield, Ohio; left the State with his regiment October 14, 1861, for Western Yirginia, under Col. S. A. Gilbert. Two weeks later, he took part with his regiment in the fight at Gauley Bridge. He also took part in all the marches and engagements of his regiment in that State and Kentucky, until, on the 5th of January, 1864, when the regiment reenlisted and became the Eighth Cavalry. On the 26th of April, 1864, he left Ohio for Western Yirginia, where, on January 11, 1865, Little, with 575 others belonging to the Eighth Cavalry and Thirty-fourth Ohio Infantry, were captured at Philippi, Ya. , taken to Richmond, and lodged in Libby Prison. His daily experience there was but that of the thousands of other brave men who were then and had been confined therein. All the misery and suffering of prison life were endured until the 15th of February following, when they left for Annapolis, Md., and from there to Columbus. Ohio, where they were paroled and mustered out the same year.

Charles E. Harrison was born in 1844; enlisted in Company B, Seventy - fourth Infantry, for a full term of three years, February 24, 1862; left the State with his regiment April 20, 1862. He remained with his company until December 3, 1862, when he was mustered out with one other from his company, by order of Maj. Gen. Rosecrans, under a general order from the War Department, allowing two men from each company of infantry to enlist in the United States Cavalry service; was enlisted and mustered into Company M, Fourth Cavalry, on the 11th day of December following, for a full term of three years. As a member of this branch of the service, he took a part in many severe and hotly contested engagements, his discharge being indorsed on the back as follows: "This soldier has participated in the following engagements: Stone River, Middleton, Snow Hill, Franklin, Shelbyville, and Nashville, Tenn., Ohickamauga, Dallas, Noonday Creek, Lovejoy Station, Jonesboro, Rome and Columbus, Ga. , Selma, Ala., Okolona, Miss., and Kenesaw Mountain; also other skirmishes in which the regiment was engaged." He was mustered out at San Antonio, Tex., December 4, 1865.

Joseph Blair was born in January, 1844; enlisted at the age of eighteen in Company B, Seventy -fourth Infantry, for a full term of three years, at Xenia, Ohio, February 24, 1862. William Brown and George W. Huffman enlisted at the same time and place, and in the same company and regiment. They left the State with it April 20, 1862, and arrived at Nashville, Tenn., on the 24th of the same month. They marched and skirmished with the regiment until December 29, 1862, when they entered the battle of Stone River, and remained through the 29th, 30th and 31st of that month, and January 1, 2 and 3, 1863, the battle including that of Murfreesboro.

While in this engagement they participated with " the gallant Seventyfourth " in its heroic charge over Stone River full against the rebels under Breckinridge, on the 2d of January. Then followed in quick succession Hoover's Gap, Dug Gap, Ohickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, where, on January 4, 1864, they re-enlisted as veterans, and came home with the regiment on veteran furlough; left Ohio, March 17, with the regiment on its return to the front; started on the Atlanta campaign May 7, and " for over one hundred days the regiment was under an almost continuous fire from rebel musketry and artillery," at Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw, Chattahoochie River, Peach Tree Creek, and in front of Atlanta. They were with the regiment at Jonesboro, Ga., September, 1864, and took part with it in its three separate charges against the enemy. At Averysboro and Bentonville March 22, 1865. took part in the last engagement fought by the army of Gen. Sherman in the war. Then came Goldsboro, Raleigh, Richmond, AVashington City, Camp Dennison and home July 10, 1865.

G. Marion Colvin enlisted for three years in Company B, Seventy-fourth Infantry, February 24, 1862, at Xenia, Ohio; went South with his regiment April 20, 1862, and remained with it until after the battles of Stone River and Murfreesboro, when he was discharged February 24, 1863, by reason of physical disability. Returning home, he entered Company B, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Ohio National Guards as First Lieutenant. He was called with his command May 2, 1864, for 100 days, by a proclamation from President Lincoln, entered Maryland the same month, and was stationed at Fort Mc- Henry for a few weeks. Leaving here, it crossed to the eastern shore, and while there was assigned to the command of Maj. Gen. Lew AVallace, and participated in the battle and defeat at Monocacy Junction July 9, 1864; mustered out with regiment September 9, 1864.

William H. Hanlan was born December 31, 1838, in Chester Township, Clinton County, Ohio ; entered the service of his country as a private in Company I, Seventy-ninth Infantry, August 22, 1862, at Camp Dennison. Ohio.

" The regiment was organized under the call of 1862, in the military district composed of the counties of Warren, Clinton and Hamilton. Of the regiment Clinton furnished four companies."

They were mustered into service September 1, 1862, and left the State on the 3d of the same month for Kentucky, 859 strong, under command of Col. II. G. Kenneth It remained along the river until it was ordered to Louisville, Ky. , assigned to the brigade of W. T. Ward, and, early in the month of October, 1862, left there for Frankfort, which it oconpied after a little fight, and remained there until November 1, engaged in breaking up detachments of John Morgan's guerrillas. In December, 1863, it reached Gallatin, Term. , where it remained until February 24, 1864, guarding railroads, supplies, and breaking up the bands of guerrillas that infested the country along the Cumberland and Stone Rivers. On the 24th of February, the regiment was assigned to the Eleventh Army Corps, then in Lookout Yalley. On the 2d of May, 1864, the effective force of the command numbered 600 men, when it became a part of the First Brigade, Third Division, Twentieth Army Corps, Gen. Joe Hooker commanding. From this date the real history of this gallant regiment began. On the 13th and 14th of May, 1864, it participated in the fight at Resaca, followed by Dalton, Dallas, Fine Mountain, Kenesaw, Mission Ridge, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Savannah, Bentonville, Averysboro, the march through Virginia, the grand review and muster out at Washington, Camp Dennison; discharged and paid off, and home in June, 1865.

Allen Bingamon enlisted in Company C, Seventy-ninth Infantry, in July, 1862, under I. B. Allen. He served with the regiment during the three years of its gallant service in defense of a country and flag; mustered out with bis regiment June 9, 1865, at Washington, D. C.

Elam Fletcher enlisted in Company C, Seventy-ninth Infantry, in July, 1862; served three years, and was discharged with regiment at close of the war.

Uriah S. Jackson enlisted in Company C, Seventy-ninth Infantry at its -organization in July, 1862; served faithfully in the capacity of private soldier until in July, 1864, when, while seeking shelter from a storm in a barn containing fixed ammunition, the building was struck by lightning. He was not killed, but has ever since been a living wreck of his former self; was discharged and sent home; draws a pension of $18 a month, with an additional $50 every three years.

Mahlon Russell enlisted iu July, 1862, in Company O, Seventy-ninth Infantry; served his country gallantly three years; mustered out with regiment at the close of the war.

James W. Collett enlisted at the organization of the Seventy-ninth Infantry in Company D, July, 1862; served in the capacity of a private soldier faithfully until December 24, 1862, when he died and was buried at Gallatin, Tenn.

Peter DeLong was born in Canada, of English parents; ran off from home and Came to Ohio in 1860. His father was a Captain of Canadian militia. In August, 1862, DeLong entered Company D, Seventy-ninth Infantry, as a private, and served his foster country faithfully and honorably until his death, which occurred at Gallatin, Tenn., in December, 1862; buried in the National Cemetery at that place.

Theodore Moore enlisted in August, 1862, in Company I, Seventy-ninth Infantry; detailed about the 2d of May, 1864, and became one of the gallant band of pioneers and pontoniers that prepared the roads and water-crossings for Sherman on his march to the sea; mustered out with regiment at the close of the war.

ThomaR Moore enlisted at the age of eighteen, in February, 1864, as a recruit in Company D, Seventy-ninth Infantry; joined the regiment at Chattanooga; died in April following, of measles; buried at National Cemetery, Chattanooga, Tenn.

Theodore Ellis enlisted in Company C, Seventy-ninth Infantry, at the organization of the regiment in July, 1862; mustered out at the close of the war.

William Miller enlisted in Company B, Fortieth Infantry, in August, 1861; served his flag faithfully; was mortally wounded at Kenesaw Mountain July 25, 1864; died in hospital the same month.

S. L. Mulford enlisted in Company B, Seventy- fourth Infantry, February 24, 1862; took an active and honorable part in all the marches and engagements of his regiment; was wounded in the leg at Atlanta, Ga. , July 4, 1864; mustered out with regiment at the close of the war.

Chalkley Reese enlisted at Camp Chase, Ohio, in April, 3862, for a full term of three years, in Company - , Sixty-first Infantry. The regiment entered Western Virginia on the 27th of May, same year; took part in its first engagement, at Freeman's Ford, on the Rappahannock, with the rebels, under Gen. Longstreet; at Sulphur Springs, Va., August 23 and 24, 1862; Waterloo Bridge, 25th; second battle of Bull Run, Fairfax Court House, 'September 2, 1862; on the 2d, 3d, 4th and 5th of May, 1863, was engaged with his regiment at Chancellorsville. On the 1st day of July, 1863, the Sixty-first Infantry opened the battle of Gettysburg, Penn., as skirmishers, and in the general engagement that followed took its place on Cemetery Hill, and remained there throughout that memorable battle.

Joshua Holland enlisted in Company B, Seventy-fourth Infantry, February 24, 1862, at Xenia, Ohio, for a full term of three years; left the State with his regiment April 20, 1862. He remained with his company and performed his duties faithfully up to and including the battle of Jonesboro, Ga. , September 1, 1864, when he had the misfortune to lose by a single shot the first two fingers of his right hand, and receive a severe wound in his right shoulder. He was mustered out by reason thereof, and returned home some months in advance of his regiment.

John W. Haydock, J. Wesley Smith, Henry Miller and A. W. Reeves, enlisted in June, 1862, at Camp Chase, Ohio, in Company K, Eighty-fourth Infantry, under Capt. Gregory, to serve three months. On the 11th day of June, the regiment left Ohio for Cumberland, Md. , where they served out their term of service, and returned and were mustered out at Columbus in August, 1862. J. Wesley Smith afterward enlisted in Company H, Second Heavy Artillery, in August, 1863; was promoted to Orderly Sergeant, and from that to Second Lieutenant of Company I, same regiment, September 26, 1864; mustered out with his regiment, and discharged at Columbue, Ohio, August 29, 1865. Henry Miller again enlisted in Company H, Second Heavy Artillery, in August, 1862, for three years; served to the end of the war and was discharged with his regiment at Camp Chase, August 29, 1865. ' A. W. Reeves again enlisted in his country's service, the last time in Company D, Eighty - eighth Infantry, August 12, 1863, at Camp Chase, Ohio; served until July 3, 1865, as a guard of prisoners at that place, and was mustered out with his regiment at the close of the war.

Robert Reeves, James Mershon, William Lister enlisted October, 1862, at Camp Chase, Ohio, in Company D, Eighty-eighth Infantry, under Capt. Par ker. They wore discharged with the regiment (which was guarding prisoners) July 3, 1865, at the close of the war.

William Ellsborry and Peter Brown enlisted in August, 1863, in Company D, Eighty-eighth Infantry, at Camp Chase, Ohio, under Capt. Parker; discharged July 3, 1865.

Enos Finch onlisted in his country's servico and died a martyr to the cause of freedom. His regiment and company are not known to the writer.

Henry H. Hollingsworth entered the service in June, 1863, in the Ohio and Mississippi Gunboat service, on board the "Exchange," under Capt. Gibson. He served two years on patrol service below Memphis, or on the " Lower Mississippi." Thomas and Henry Williams were also members of the same service, though not of the same crew, and gave two years' faithful duty on the Lower Mississippi ; mustered out at the close of the war.

John H. Colvin, David Kearns, James Johnson, Allen W. Fletcher, Richard L. Harrison, William H. Harrison and Henry G. Cartwright enlisted in Company H, Second Heavy Artillery, in August, 1803, at Camp Chase, Ohio, under Capt. John H. Herbert; left the State same month for Kentucky and Tennessee. Discharged with regiment at close of the war. Mustered out and paid at Camp Chase, Ohio.

Thomas C. Haydock and Charles E. Mulford enlisted at Xenia, Ohio, the former on the 28th day and the latter on the 7th day of December, 1863, for three years, in Company I, One Hundred and Twenty- eighth Infantry, Austin McDowell, Captain; stationed on Johnson's Island, Sandusky Bay, Ohio (as guards of prisoners), with their regiment; mustered out 13th and discharged and paid off the 17th of July, 1865, at Camp Chase, Ohio.

Clarence Wall, Amos Farquhar, James F. Hamilton, Isaac H. Hurley, Creighton Hurley, Howard Haynes, Edward Williams, Dakin Vanderburg, James Linton, Levi Peirson, Jonathan Rockhill, William H. Mann, Marion Van Tress, James Morgan, Monroe Haynes, Philip Anderson, James Reese, Elwood Reese, Charles Harlan, Calvin Whinery, William Wooley, Henry Reese, Cyrenus Rockhill, were members of the Fifty-fifth Battalion, Ohio National Guards of Clinton County. The battalion was called into service, organized and mustered into and consolidated wTit,h the Twenty -seventh Ohio National Guards, on the 8th of May, 1864, under the number of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Regiment Ohio National Guards. The regiment left the State on the 11th of the same month for Baltimore, Md., and remained until the 29th of May, when it proceeded to the eastern shore of Maryland, and from there distributed to several points on detached service. About the 4th of July, the regiment was consolidated and ordered to Monocacy Junction, where, on the evening of the 8th, it took a position on the extreme right of Gen. Lewis Wallace's army (to which it was attached), or at the stone bridge on the Baltimore & Frederick pike, where, in the engagement that followed the next day - 9th of July - the regiment held its own ground until, compelled by the retreat of the left wing of the army, it took part in the disaster that followed. Clarence, who had faithfully and honorably borne his share of the fight, fell to rise no more. His body was sent home and laid away to rest in Sharon Graveyard. The regiment returned to Ohio and was mustered out at Camp Chase, Ohio, August 24, 1864.

One hundred and ten of the patriotic band are here recorded, but I feel satisfied that I have not secured the names of all. Would that it had been possible; but it is not. For in the twenty years that have come and gone since then, the world has rolled on and on in its unceasing journey. Time, too, the great leveler of mankind, has not been idle, but has wrought many changes, and, as we look back to-day through that long vista of years, they are easily discernible. These men, then in the early years of manhood, and in the first flush of ambition - men to whom the killing frosts of after years had not yet come, and for whom naught but flowers had bloomed, or sunshine marked their pathway - were first to hear the dread sound calling the people to "arms," and quickly obeyed the call.

Four years came and were gone. The war was over. Peace, the glad harbinger of joy, had been proclaimed, but at what a cost! The people then realized what the sacrifice had been; what it had cost to restore the flag again to its place among the nations of the earth, and they rose up as one body and as one soul, and welcomed with tears of joy the returning heroes. Then, bowing themselves to the earth, they wept for the heroic dead.

The following is a list of those who, while yet the smoke of contending armies arose and darkened the orb of day, gave their lives that their country might live: i

If the question was asked, where are the men to-day that returned to this township at the close of the war? it could not be answered. They are too widely scattered, and until the final roll-call, will remain unknown.

The Oakland Academy was taught in the winter of 1849-50 by I. S. Morris in a log house, which stood on the farm now owned by James Campbell, of Oakland, then the property of Dr. Brook. It was weather-boarded on the outside, and in the interior had a row of seats on each side and a blackboard at the east end. It was the first and only academy ever established in Chester Township. The following were the attendants as recollected by Jesse H. Kirk, now of Liberty Township: Ladies - Martha M. Dakin, Rebecca Van Tress, Elizabeth Morris, Rebecca Morris, Lydia Yandeberg, Carrie Brook, Lydia Hollingsworth, Hannah Birdsall, Jane Snowden, Marcia Hynes, Sarah Carroll, Martha Morris. Gentlemen - Jacob Allen, Isaac Allen, Robert Snowden, Frank Whipple, Solon Carroll, Joseph Carroll, Elisha Davis, Charles Oren, Henry Snowden, Watson Bean, Benjamin Haynes, Benjamin Franklin Constent, James Dakin, Henry Brook, Edward Birdsall, Jesse H. Kirk.

By Frank L. Hockett

THIS township is situated in the southern part of Clinton County, and extends farther south than any other portion of the county. It is very irregular in form. The greatest distance between the northern and southern boundaries is about nine miles. A lipe drawn from east to west near the middle of the township - about one mile south of Martinsville, would give the greatest width, and would measure about six and a half miles. This line would be an extension of the boundary line between Washington and Jefferson Townships on the west, and would intersect the western boundary of Clark Township at its most westerly point - just north of the M. & C. R. R., two and a half miles southwest of Martinsville, and striking the eastern boundary about one mile northwest of the most easterly point, which is about two and one-quarter miles southeast of Farmer's Station. From these extreme points east and west, the width of the township decreases until at the southern boundary it is only one mile in width. From the extreme point east the boundary line extends in a southwest direction to the East Fork of the Little Miami, striking this stream about one and one-quarter miles north of Lynchburg, thence with the stream about three miles to the southeast corner. Northward from the extreme east point the boundary angles twenty -five or thirty degrees west of north to the northeast corner. From the extreme point west, the westeim boundary extends west of north to the Cuba road, thence nearly northwest to Morrisville; thence the northern boundary extends eastward with the old State road to the northeast corner. The township is bounded on the northeast by Greene Township, on the southeast and south by Highland County, on the north and northwest by Washington Township, and on the southwest by Jefferson. It contains 23,038 acres of land, exclusive of school lots and cemeteries. This section is embraced in the Virginia Military District, and, prior to the organization of Clinton County, in 1810, the eastern portion was embraced in Highland County, the western in Warren County, the boundary between the two being about one-half mile west of the present site of Martinsville. From 1810 until 1817, the portion east of this line was included in Greene Township, that west in Vernon. July 14, 1816, a petition having been received by the County Commissioners, signed by many of the citizens of this section, the new township of Clark was organized with the same boundaries as at present, except that it extended northward to Cowan'6 Creek, thus including all the eastern portion of Washington Township. It was reduced to its present limits by the establishment of Washington Township, in 1835.

The northern and western portions of Clark Township are drained by the East Fork of Todd's Fork. The southern and southeast by the East Fork of the Little Miami. Tributaries of these streams bo completely intersect the country, that but little difficulty has been encountered in securing outlets for drain ditches. In the central and southern portions a few large, open ditches have been constructed by tax levied upon the parties benefited.

The soil is generally good, producing corn, grain and grass, and a large munber of hogs are annually raised and shipped. Near the streams the surface is somewhat broken, but the greater part is level, or slightly rolling. Nearly all the southern part slopes to the south or southwest. Stone of good quality is found on the Stone Quarry Branch, in the northern part of the town- ship. Extensive gravel beds have been opened, where it was long thought none could be obtained. For many years great quantities of valuable timber everywhere abounded, but have been largely consumed. But few springs exist in this section, but excellent water is easily obtained, as a general thing.

The township contains but one incorporated village, besides which there is but one railroad station and shipping point - both on the M. &. 0. R. R. The Hillsboro branch of this road passes through the southern portion. The northern portion was originally settled by immigrants from Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. In the southern portion, known as the "bootleg," a number of families of German descent are found. Their settlement is of comparatively recent date.

Although the material for these records was not to be gathered from the " misty mountain tops of remote antiquity," yet much much difficulty has been experienced in obtaining full and authentic information in regard to many items of interest to the present and future generations.

So late has this work been entered upon that nearly all of those who were active participants in the events of our early history, who endured the hardships and privations of pioneer life in our community, and thus opened the sources of our wealth and prosperity, and laid the foundations of our moral and intellectual progress, have joined

. and with these much of importance and interest has passed into utter oblivion, and is forever lost to us. Even the official records of our township are missing, leaving no resource except the memory of a few individuals who came to the community in early childhood, and have observed the growth and development of the various interests of the country, and noted the many changes which time, labor and progress have made during more than three-quarters of a century. Surely the effort to reclaim from oblivion the records of the past, and to commemorate the names and deeds - -with the virtues - of our forefathers, whose toil made life enjoyable to us, is but a just demand upon their descendants. It is well for us in this age when the names and deeds of the mighty men of earth are made as familiar to us as "household words," to remember that the humble backwoodsman, as he battles with the stern obstacles which Burround him, if he faithfully performs the duties of life as they devolve upon him in his humble station, and builds up an honest and noble character, which proves that he possesses the attributes of a moral hero, is as much a worthy example for imitation as he who by a fortunate combination of circumstances may have been thrown upon the tidal wave of popular applause, and borne to the dizzy heights of fame. It is the possession of merit, manifested by an honest discharge of duty in whatever station of life one may be placed, that entitles an individual to honor and esteem, and not the circumstances which may have lifted him above the common herd. The Chinese are said to have a proverb to the effect that no man's life is a success unless he " buildB a house, writes a good book, or becomes the father of a son," thus conferring a benefit upon those who should live after him.

If he who causes the earth to produce ' ' two blades of grass where but one had grown" is to bo regarded as a benefactor of mankind, surely those who, leaving the associations and endearments of thoir homes in older communities, take upon themselves the privations and rough experiences of pioneer life and thus make "the wilderness and solitary place to be glad, and the desert to blossom as the rose," should be classed among those who have conferred great and lasting benefits upon generations yet unborn.

Let it be remembered that the ring of the pioneer's ax is but the prelude to the merry chime of the school bell; the crash of falling timber, the presage of rattling trains laden with the produce of well-cultivated fields and valleys; the curling smoke of the " cabin " and " clearing " foreshadows that of thrifty villages, hamlets and cottages; the humble worshipers in humbler sanctuaries are the sires of a generation who will transform the spreading oaks of the forest into the substantial edifices, with towering spires pointing heavenward. Let us not forget, while we laud the great of earth whose brilliant career dazzles and astonishes our minds, many of whose names soon shall perish as an earth-born meteor in the darkness of oblivion's night, let us not forget to give due honor to those who, "while to fortune and to fame were unknown," and whose history - with but little exception - is " the short and simple annals of the poor," yet who among unremitting toil and perplexing cares found opportunity for the exercise of those virtues which, instilled into the hearts and lives of their children and children's children, have formed the basis of all that has been of value in a social, business, intellectual or religious sense, and caused the history of our community to be pervaded with an atmosphere of a pure and healthy moral tone. Out of the rough and unhewn stone our forefathers, by patient endurance and persistent effort, carved a statue of majestic and noble mien, but to us they left the work of tracing the lines of more minute expression - of molding into perfection of form and symmetry - and adding the grace of posture and beauty of finish, that shall command the admiration of beholders. Let us beware lest, amid the haste and excitement of this busy age, the well-btfgun work should be marred by any feature of sordid gain, of narrowminded prejudice, or of cold and selfish -hearted worldliness. To the youth of to-day has been left the rich moral legacy that

With this principle as a foundation stone, let us who enjoy our enlarged privileges, comforts and luxuries of life as the fruit of our forefathers' earnest toil and sturdy principles, commemorate their humble but heroic lives upon these pages, and cherish in our hearts the recollection of their virtues, while we endeavor to work out in our lives, and by the upbuilding of a moral, enlightened and enterprising community, a monument to their memories more enduring than any of brass, marble or glittering granite. Then, although

But theirs shall be triumphs of a higher sort. Instead of the " brazen trump," their names will be fondly cherished around the hearthstones of the present and future homes of those whom they lived to bless. Instead of the " lengthened Bcroll" and the warrior's fame, their names are enrolled upon the brighter scroll of " fond recollection, " and theirs were not deeds of carnage and bloodshed, but such as " scatter peace and plenty o'er the land." Instead of the "pompous pillar," the church and school shed abroad their benign influences to lead beyond the skies, and instead of the statue of stone or brass, they have left us the more enduring one of devotion to the principles of truth and honor, coupled with lives of industry and steady purpose.

The benefits and enjoyments of the present are the result of about eighty years of toil and development. When the present century opened it found the section embraced in Clark Township, and for miles beyond its present limits, covered by one vast unbroken forest, across which now and then a traveler from one distant settlement to another passed, or the hardy hunter rambled amid the solitudes. The haughty storm-king tossed, or the gentle zephyr swayed the giant branches, while to the one responded only the whoop of the savage or the scream of wild beasts, and to the other only the notes of warbling bird, chirping insect or purling brook. But the wigwam of the savage had almost disappeared. Here and there still remained an isolated camp, and now and then, for a few years after the first settlement, a lonely procession of dusky forms might be seen wending its way single file, ' sadly and silently yielding to the fate that drove them from the hunting-grounds of their fathers. Ere the last of these had left, the unwelcome ring of the ax sounded as a death-knell in their ears, and the curling smoke of the white man's cabin arose and vanished as soon they should before the approaching tread of civilization.

The early settlers found a heavy growth of oak, hickory, maple (hard and soft), gray and blue ash, walnut and beech, covering almost f he entire surface. Under the thick shade of these had sprung up an undergrowth of spicewood and papaw, while a dense mat of wild pea-vines covered the ground so completely that man or beast could be easily tracked through the forest. At intervals, this undergrowth would disappear, the ground rise in a gentle swell from all directions, forming a beautiful knoll, carpeted in its season with a soft, velvety grass, interspersed with wild flowers of loveliest hue. It would seem that in such spots Nature had poured out her beauty with lavish hand. The towering trunks of the forest trees, stretching upward like the giant pillars of some vast cathedral, with open vistas between, stretching away in the distance, beneath the leafy archway far above, like the corridors of some grand edifice, while through and around them the shadows flitted and played like things of life. Above, and so far away as to seem to mingle with heaven's ethereal blue, and interspersed with glimmerings of golden sunlight, the ever-varying tints of foliage were spread out, far outrivaling in beauty any work of fresco or mosaic. The giant oak trunks, with their massive boughs, were emblems of strength and excellence. The shimmering sunlight that broke through the leafy thickness diffused a sweet influence of blessing, while from every side Nature's choir of songsters mingled their notes in sweet accord with murmuring strains of whispering breezes or warbling brooks, and poured forth music of sweetest melody, that rose and swelled and died away in the forest depths. Happy and fortunate the pioneer whose taste and circumstances led to the selection of such a spot for his future home, for from such influences the soul gathers strength and beauty, and is instinctively led to rise above the low and groveling.

Through the "deep-tangled wildwood" the deer bounded unscared until he learned to fear the unerring aim of the pioneer's rifle. Occasionally, "Old Bruin" made a prowling visit to observe the changes taking place in his forest solitude, while panthers, wild cats and wolves often made night hideous with "music of melancholy sort," and for some years were the terror of the sheep fold. Squirrels were the pest of corn-fields and too common to be thought of as an article of food. Wild turkeys abounded, and turkey aud venison graced the board of the early settlor, whose appetite, whettod by honest toil, craved no richer dainties.

Upon arriving and selecting a location for a home, the first work was to erect a cabin. During this time, the families of those who came first must make a home in their wagon - or wagons - as they had done on the journey, or, in some instances, in a tent. After the first settlements, new-comers were always welcomed by the older settler, whose latch-string always hung out, and who, although crowded closely in the one small room of his cabin, could always accommodate any who needed his hospitality. These cabins were structures peculiar to the times, and such as the implements and time of the settler permitted him to erect. They were often made of round logs, sometimes hewn off some after the walls were raised. The family frequently occupied them before floor, windows or door-shutter had been provided. Many were never supplied with other floor than the ground, a trench being dug around on the outside and the dirt thrown up against the walls to prevent the water from flooding the room. Generally, however, a puncheon floor was made. A door was made of clapboards pinned to a frame and hung by inserting each end of an upright piece into the logs at the top and bottom. A window was obtained by sawing out a portion of a log or two in the wall. The roof was made of clapboards weighted down with poles to keep them in place. A chimney of sticks and clay, built upon a large fire-place of clay, held in its place by split pieces of timber which projected from the wall on the outside, into which they were fastened, and which inclosed the jambs and backwalls, completed the dwelling. As soon as opportunity offered and necessity required it, another cabin, of similar structure, was erected adjoining or near the first, and thus a home was provided which, although rude in structure, was often the sacred spot around which clustered the substantial joys of life, and back to which the memories of age loved to revert. Let us here introduce to the reader those who passed through these experiences, and, as nearly as can be ascertained, the date and place of settlement within the present limits of our township.

Early Settlements

It is generally supposed that Thomas Johns was the first to settle within the present limits of the township. He located upon the East Fork, about three miles southeast of the present site of Martinsville. Nothing is known of his nativity or date of settlement.

In 1801, Isaac Miller settled about three miles east of Martinsville. Shortly after settling, a hoe was needed. To obtain one, Mr. Miller was obliged to make a journey on foot through thp forests, to New Market, in Highland County, a distance of sixteen or eighteen miles. About the same time, Joseph McKibben settled near the same place.

In the year 1806, John Wright, of North Carolina, settled upon land from which the larger part of the present site of Martinsville was taken, buying the land at $2 per acre. Mr. Wright was mainly instrumental in the laying-out of the village, and erected the first house within its limits. Two sons of Mr. Wright are still living within the limits of the township, a daughter being the first person interred in Friends' Graveyard, at Martinsville.

By the year 1808, in addition to the above, Samuel McCulloch had settled upon the East Fork, four miles southeast of Martinsville, and Isaac Yan Meter and John Jones near the present site of Lynchburg.

In the spring of 1808, Daniel and Joseph Moon, brothers, came from Jefferson County, Tenn. , with their families, and settled about one mile ea&t of Martinsville. The following autumn, another brother, Samuel, and John Ruth, a brother-in-law, husband of Jane Moon, settled in the same neighborhood. In the spring of 1809, Joseph Moon, Sr., father of the above, with his family and two sons, William and Jesse, with their families, and accompanied by John Moon, brother of Joseph Moon, Sr., joined the others in the new settlement. In the year 1811, another brother-in-law, James Garner, husband of

"Mary Moon, settled in the same limits. The whole number of this connection now included fifty-four persons - thirty- four males and twenty females - of whom nine males and two females were living in 1877. Among the settlers were those who could employ themselves as carpenters, coopers, harness and saddle makers, hatters, cabinet makers, chair manufacturers, shoe makers, gunsmiths, locksmiths, blacksmiths, brick and stone masons, plasterers, in fact, mechanics of every calling, though nearly all, upon settling here, turned attention chiefly to farming. Samuel Moon purchased sixty acres of land of Gen. William Lytle, of Cincinnati, for which he paid $2.75 per acre. Joseph Moon, Sr., remained a resident of the township until the time of his death in 1834, at which time his descendants numbered over four hundred. He died at the age of eighty-four, the last twenty-five years of his life having been spent in this locality.

In 1810, John Beales, of North Carolina, settled about one mile northeast of Martinsville. About the same time, Christopher Hiatt, of Virginia, settled one mile west. In the same year, James Puckett, of North Carolina, settled two miles south of east of Martinsville, of whom two descendants are now living in the township. At the same time came Daniel Puckett, from the same State. He was a minister of the Gospel, a member of the Society of Friends, and was one of the first to proclaim the Gospel in the new settlement. He remained but a short time, then removed to Indiana. In 1811, William West settled one-half mile north of Martinsville. Quite a large number of descendants, the children of five sons and one daughter, are at present residents of the township. In 1814, Joseph Mills, Sr., of North Carolina, with four sons and two daughters, settled about one and a half miles northeast of Martinsville. Two of these sons were residents of the township from this time until the death of each, Joseph's occurring in 1877, and John's in 1880. (For a short period, John and family were residents of another township.) Ten descendants are at present residents of the township. In the same year as the above, David Hockett, Sr., of Virginia, settled one mile northeast of Martinsville. There were two sons - -Nathan and David - and two daughters - Agnes and Ruth. David Hockett, Sr., died in 1842, aged seventy-seven years. Jonathan Hockett, a brother of David Hockett, Sr., of Virginia, settled one-half mile west of Martinsville in 1816.

In the same year (1816), Jacob Hunt and family, of Virginia, consisting of five sons and three daughters, settled about half a mile north of Martinsville. Jacob died in 1844, and his wife, Lydia, in 1858. Of the children, Reuben, the youngest, purchased the original homestead, where he resided from the date of settlement until his death, in June, 1882. Another son, Jesse, resided in the township until his death, in 1851. Rebecca, a daughter, resided in the township nearly all her life, her decease occurring in 1879. Nathan, the oldest son, is a resident of the township at present, several years having been spent in Highland County. Only eighteen or twenty descendants now reside in the township.

In 1817, Thomas Hunt, a brother of Jacob, settled adjoining. Of this family of five Bons and one daughter, three have resided during life in the township since the settlement. John has been a resident of Martinsville for a longer period than any other citizen, having located in the limits of the village in 1833. Two others, William and Mary Ann (Smith), are citizens of the township. Jonathan resided hero the greater part of his life. Twenty-four or twenty-five descendants remain.

In 1819, Aaron Betts, of Virginia, settled about ono mile west of Martinsville, purchasing a large tract of land. Of the family, there were two sons and two daughters, none of whom are now resident in tho township, and only ono is living. Christopher resided in the township until his death, in 1869. The others removed to the West in 1867 and 1868. Ten descendants remain in the township.

Of the following, no authentic information was obtained - or was obtained too late to insert in the proper place. Among those who should have been placed with the earliest settlers are John Lytle, who settled about half a mile southeast of Martinsville. For a number of years he lived alone. Two daughters are at present residents of Martinsville. The only son, Thomas, removed some years ago to Hillsboro. William Nixon settled very early on the farm purchased in 1817 by Thomas Hunt. In the eastern part of the township, and from whom a large number of descendants are still living, may be named Aaron Ruse, William and Richard Owsley and Joshua Betterton. Prior to 1809, Daniel Nordyke had settled about one and a half miles southeast of Martinsville. Jacob Jackson settled just south of Martinsville prior to 1810. He was the first minister of the Gospel, as far as known, who came to the neighborhood. He came to Highland County, from Tennessee, in 1802, and lived there until probably 1808, when he removed to this township. He was a former resident of North Carolina, and a native of Pennsylvania.

Very early in the settlement of the country, Owen West, Sr., settled on the East Fork, southeast of Martinsville. A large number of descendants are living. Among others should be given the names of Isaac, William and Robert Jones, who settled on the East Fork. At the time of Isaac Miller's and Joseph McKibben's settlement, in 1801, that of Gideon McKibben's should have been mentioned. Others prior to 1810 are Thomas McLin, William Chalfont, William Davis, Ashley Johnson and George Shields. Later, but prior to 1820, are William Patterson, who settled on the East Fork of Todd's Fork, northwest of Martinsville. He was the first Justice of the Peace after the organization of Clark Township. Prominent among the names of this period should be given that of James Hadley, who assisted in securing the organization of the township, and who rendered important service in the settlement of difficulties arising from looseness of land entries, interference of surveys, and from older claims. No doubt there are other names that should be included in this list, and it is regretted that circumstances have made it impossible to make it complete.

Customs And Incidents Of Early History

When the early settlers came, as soon as shelter had been provided for the family, the next work was to clear away the heavy timber and prepare a " patch " for corn. In those days, ' ' a man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees '' (Psa. lxxiv, 5), and no doubt, from the amount of practice required in this respect, " there were giants in those days," so that, as each year passed by, the area of cleared, land steadily increased. ' ' Log-rolling" and " brush -picking " called into requisition every hand old enough to bear any part in the toil. When the settlement had increased in numbers, the " log-rolling" became an occasion of merriment that made the forests echo and re-echo with peals of laughter that took off the rough edge of the severe toil. The surprise party of that day was not the celebration of a wedding or birthday anniversary, but a company would collect, and, under cover of the darkness, while the owner enjoyed the sweet repose of slumber, the merry party would roll and pile the logs ready for burning. When the merry springtime brought the gay Bongster, and the music of early birds filled the forests with melody, and the wild flowers peeped forth, then began the earnest labor of preparing the ground for planting. The old wooden mold-board among the roots presents a picture of difficulty and rugged toil vastly different from the same labor of the farmer to-day. From the time of planting until harvest, a contin- tied warfare had to be maintained between the farmer and the squirre s and blackbirds. The cultivation was done with the "single-shovel" and the hoe Corn was the chief breadstuff for many years, wheat bread appearing on the table only occasionally, as a rare luxury. The " patch " of flax was a part of every farmer's crop. In the winter and spring, the nice days were employed by the men and boys in dressing it. Then the women spun and wove it into cloth, from which the various articles required in the family were made. Thus, not only the clothing, but the bedding also, was manufactured at home. Among the early settlers were Nimrod Dickey, John Ruth and Isam Good, who manufactured wheels, reels, chairs, tubs, buckets, etc. Girls were employed at 50 cents a week to spin, but, in order to get full wages, were required to spin twelve cuts of flax per day, or six cuts of tow (coarse part of flax). Weaving was worth 8 cents a yard. These products of home manufacture could be ex changed in Hillsboro or Wilmington for calico or muslin at 50 cents a yard. A calico dress of the present day would therefore be equal to the wages of a girl for three months in those days. As to the clothing of the men, buckskin pants, with tow hunting shirts for every-day wear, and sometimes linen shirts and cotton coats for extra occasions, was the general custom. After a few years, when the wolves had been sufficiently destroyed to allow sheep-raising, woolen garments took the place of the above. The preparation of buckskin for wearing was an art peculiar to the times. First, the deer-skin was soaked until quite soft, then the hair and grain were cut off with a sharp piece of steel. The skin was then dried. The brains of the animal were put into a cloth and worked through it until the substance had the appearance of soapsuds. Next, the skin was soaked in this fluid until it was well saturated and had become perfectly soft. It was then worked over the sharp edge of a board until well dried. This process was repeated until the skin was perfectly pliant and would remain soft upon becoming wet. After each washing it was smoked. In these primitive times, it was not uncommon for the boys to go bare-headed until ten or twelve years of age. In summer, straw hats of home manufacture were worn. Frequently, the boys of the family were taken to Hillsboro or Wilmington, each head measured, and wool hats made to order, generally of wool brought by the farmer.

The man who wore a pair of boots was regarded as an aristocrat, though shoes of leather tanned at home, and especially moccasins, were very common. Not one man in ten owned a wagon, and only one now and then could purchase a barrel of salt. In 1809, Samuel Moon and a neighbor took a horse apiece and rode to the Scioto Salt Works to procure a supply, carrying it home in sacks on the horses. A few years lator, it could bo obtained at $18 per bar rel at a small store near the present site of New Vienna. At one time, a day's work was worth 50 cents; later, only 81 cents, and even 25 cents. A day's work was frequently given for two bushels of corn. Twenty-five cents a cord was paid for chopping. A bushel of wheat would bring 50 cents. About 1815 or 1820, Jonathan Hockett took two bushels of wheat to Wilmington and exchanged for one pound of powder in older to obtain a supply to kill the -squirrels and save his corn.

Hogs were driven from this section, sometimes to Cincinnati and sometimes to the East. As the hogs had the entire range of the woods, it was necessary that a certain day should be fixed upon by the neighbors and the pur chaser, when the animals should be collected and confined in a lot or field, where a horseman would chaso them several times around in order to weary them, as otherwise they would be able to escape the swiftest riders, through the woods and brush. Whon collected, the first work was to weigh a few out of each man's lot, from which the average could bo obtainod. In order to weigh, a poBt and pole were erected in the manner of a well-sweep. To the end of the pole a large pair of steelyards was attached, then, one at a time, the hogs were caught and suspended by straps from the steelyards. A hog two or three years old, weighing 200 pounds, waB considered extra good, and was worth, in early times, $2.50 per hundred. In 1820, pork was worth only 1 cont per pound. In 1815, the tax on personal property, as required by tire County Commissioners, was 25 cents on each head of horses three years old and over, and 8 cents on each head of cattle over three years. At the same time, a bounty of 50 cents was paid by the county for each wolf-scalp brought in.

The cooking for the family was done by the good housewife and her daughters, before the large open fire-place. The bread - generally consisting of "corn pone" or "corn dodgers" - was baked in a " skillet," or " Dutch oven," or the " johnny-cake" on a smooth board before the fire. In the same manner the meat was cooked in vessels on or before the fire. When the meal was prepared, the family gathered around a table, constructed by taking a broad slab or slabs, split from the trunk of a large tree and hewn down to the proper thickness, and attaching legs, as in making an ordinary bench. The first square tables known in the neighborhood were made by Joseph Moon and John Ruth, by hewing the material from the trunk of a walnut tree. The queensware in common use consisted of pewter plates, and the rest chiefly of browu earthenware. Milk was the common beverage, although much danger was thus incurred from the prevalence of milk-sickness, several deaths occurring in the early settlement from this cause. Spicewood and sassafras tea were frequently used. With many, wheat bread and coffee were used on Sabbath mornings.

Fortunately for the early settlers, the sugar tree grew abundantly, and in the early springtime, the " big kettles" were brought out and hung beside a log or placed in earthen furnaces, the trees tapped, the horse and sled for hauling, and, in fact, the whole force of the family often employed in transforming the rich treasure of sweetness from its watery form into one suitable for use, when it was stored away. Kettles for boiling being in demand at this time, a resident of Hillsboro brought a number to the neighborhood, Avhich were rented to those needing them, the rent being a certain number of pounds of sugar for each year's use. They were kept until the rent exceeded the cost of the kettles, after which neither rent nor kettles were ever called for.

In these early times, no time-pieces were in use in the neighborhood. Oc - casionally a suu-dial was constructed, but generally a sun-mark was the only means by which the time could be known. It was not until 1816 or 1817 that the first wooden clocks were brought around. The ' first were without cases, and were attached to the wall, the pendulum and weights hanging below from which the name of " wall-sweeps " was derived. The clocks in this condition cost $20. In a few years, cases were furnished at $16 each, making the total cost of a time-piece $36. In the early settlement of the township, the meal for bread was ground on a hand-mill owned by Joseph Moon, Sr. Israel Nordyke owned a horse-mill five or six miles from the Martinsville neighborhood. The next opportunities were to take two or three bushels on horseback to the mills on Cowan's Creek or the East Fork. When the water was too low for these to run, a journey of three or four days was required to reach the mills on the Miami. Within the limits of the township, the following mills have been built: First, William Leagitt built a saw and grist mill on the East Fork, followed by Isaac Jones near Lynchburg, and the third wa3 built by Aaron Ruse, on the same stream, between Leagitt's and Jones'. Next, William Patterson built one on the East Fork of Todd's Fork, half a mile northwest of Martins- ville. About 1827, Christopher Hiatt built a carding machine, which was run by oxen, on an inclined wheel. Later, John Lytle erected a carding machine near the present site of Martinsville, and Curtis Jackson built a mill near by, both of which were run by oxen on an inclined wheel. In 1833 or 1834, Amos Holloway built the first steam mill, about one mile west of Martinsville, and Isaac Pidgeon applied steam to a carding and fulling machine, to which he also attached apparatus for grinding corn. Two other steam-mills have been built Bince - one known as Hester's, about two miles northeast of Martinsville, which was removed a few years ago to Parmer's Station; the other was built at Martinsville, with funds raised by subscription, about $2,000 having been obtained for the purpose. The mill was built and operated for awhile by Angus McCoy and Daniel Carey. This mill was destroyed by fire in 1860 or 1861, while owned by Jehu Davis, who erected the one now standing.

The first shingle roof was put on by Joseph Moon, Sr. The shingles were pinned on with wooden pins. The building is still standing, about one mile east of Martinsville, and the holes for the pins may yet be seen in the sheeting. The first roof on which nails were used was on a house uuilt by William Moon. The nails cost 25 cents per pound. The first merchants were Lewis (larrett and Robert Grant, at Martinsville, about the time of the laying-out of the village, in 1816. It is said the main feature of their business was the liquor traffic. They soon failed in business - a fact prophetic of the fate of nearly all who have engaged in like business since. They were soon followed by John Wright, with a capital of only $400 or $500. The first hotel was opened by Samuel Harbin, who was followed by Peyton Burton, who was succeeded by Samuel Hiatt. The first hatters were John Chew and Thomas Sally. William Moon was the first blacksmith and gunsmith, opening a shop as early as 1809. Asaph Hiatt was the first cabinet-maker, beginning his work about 1815. A number of articles of furniture are still in use in different families of the neighborhood. Jesse Jackson was the first to follow shoemaking as a business, and Aaron Betts was the first tanner.

In the first settlement of the country, the amount of wheat sown was so small that each farmer either cut his own with a sickle, or two or more neighbors joined together to harvest their grain. As the acreage increased, cradles were brought into use, the number of hands increasing as the acreage grew greater, year by year. About 1845 or 1850, reapers began to be introduced, after which the acreage rapidly increased.

Prior to 1840 or 1845, the only way of separating the grain from the straw and chaff was by the use of the flail, or by treading out with horses. About this period, Jesse Beales purchased tei'ritory and the right to manufacture a machine to be run with one horse. The attempt was unsuccessful, as was also another machine, designed to be propelled by horses on an incline, from the fact that other machines of a superior grade of construction were soon introduced. The old horse power machine and " tumbling shaft," the first of which were probably operated by John Green, or by John R. Smith and William Hockett, were the first successful machines introduced. Those were followed by the steamer, and last by the "traction" engine.

Prior to the settlement of Clark Township - or of the settlements within its limits - a road had boon opened by the State from College Township, Butler County, to Chillicotlie. In 1835, this became the northern boundary of the township from Morrisville eastward. So far as can be ascertained, the second road was one known as the Lobanon road, from Lebanon to Hillsboro. It wuh known as a county road by three notches cut in the trees along the route. It passed from northwost to southeast, through the present site of Martinsville. A third road was opened from the Lobanon road, starting about one and a half miles southeast of Martinsville, and running northwest, crossing the old State road at the present site of Morrisville; thence to Wilmington. The next road of special importance is the road from Cincinnati, passing through Martinsville west to east, and intei'socting the old State road between New Vienna and Lexington. This road was established by authority of the State, about 1835

The most important improvement of the highways began about 1867 or 1868, when the law provided for the construction of free pikes. C. C. Betts was a prime mover in this work, and occupied the position of Commissioner on the Wilmington & Martinsville pike at the time of his death, in 1870. At the present time, there are about thirty miles of pike within the limits of the township, and all the streams are spanned by well-constructed bridges. Perhaps no other cause has contributed more to increase the value of property, and added to the comforts of travel and the facilities for conveying produce to market, than the improved condition of the highway, within the last fourteen years.

Upon the organization of the township, measures were taken to hold the first election. This was held in John Wright's store, in Martinsville. Runners were sent out to call a sufficient number together for the purpose. Jonathan Hockett, Sr., was chosen Moderator. A common brown earthen crock, with a cover of like material, was used for a ballot-box. Fourteen or sixteen ballots were cast. No charge of " stuffing, " or of necessity for a returning board to insure a "fair couut," was ever raised. Three Trustees were elected, viz., Joseph Moon, William Nixon and (probably) John Wright. William Patterson was elected Justice of the Peace. The names of other officers cannot be ascertained. A Supervisor was elected, who had the oversight of the road from Cowan's Creek to the East Fork, a distance of nine or ten miles. These officers served without pay.

The first religious service was conducted by Friends, in the dwelling belonging to John Wright. A few individuals are still living who attended this meeting. This was probably not later than 1810. The meetings held at this time were what are known in the society as "indulged meetings," and were under the care of Clear Creek Monthly Meeting. In the year 1816, a monthly meeting was established, and Christopher Hiatt was chosen Clerk. Before the establishment of this meeting, the members had united and erected a log house in a primitive style, with puncheon floor, clapboard roof and ceiling, and warmed by a bed of charcoal on a hearth in the center of the room. As the number of members increased, an addition was joined to this building, by sharpening the ends of logs and driving them between the logs of the first building. The wall between the two thus formed the partition between the men's and women's meetings, two or three logs having been taken out to arrange for " shutters." When, in time, more room was needed, the logs were cut out on the south side of this building, a few feet from the wall, to insure safety, and a shed attached. This shed was generally occupied by the younger portion of the congregation, while the fathers and mothers occupied the older and warmer portion of the building, and, as the projecting ends of the logs on each side concealed the boys from the view of older eyes, it is said, by some who ought to know, that said boys did not always conduct themselves in a manner becoming a place of worship. A brick house, thirty by sixty, was nexk erected, built by voluntary work of the members. Unfortunately, this building was burned before completion. It was warmed in the same manner as the previous building. The coals were brought in on a hand-bar, an arrangement consisting of two long poles and cross-pieces, in which bent clapboards were placed. Into the hollow formed by the bent boards, earth was placed, and on this the bed of coals. At the close of service, four men usually took hold of these poles and carried the hand-bar out; but upon this occasion it was neglected, and it is supposed the boards under the earth became so heated that they took fire and from these it was communicated to the floor. This house was rebuilt and occupied until the building of the present house, in 1844, which was also built by voluntary work and contributions. These church buildings were built upon six acres of ground, donated to Friends for this purpose by Gen. William Lytle, of Cincinnati. The present church building and graveyard occupy ground obtained of Aaron Betts by an exchange of a part of the land donated by Gen. Lytle.

About the year 1838, Thomas Hogan and Daniel Rizer organized and founded the Methodist Church at Martinsville. Mr. Hogan had been a man of intemperate habits, but, having reformed in 1836, became an earnest and useful worker in the church and in the cause of temperance. The first meetings held under the organization were in private dwellings - sometimes, at favorable seasons, in the woods. Rev. James Quinn was among the first preachers who conducted these services. A house for worship was built about the year 1841, which was occupied until the building of the present house, in 1874. The first Sabbath Bchool was established about the year 1850 or 1852.

Early in the history of the community, attention was given to education. A subscription school was opened and taught by Jonah Wright, of South Carolina, about 1812. Pupils came to this school from their homes, now embraced in four or five districts, surrounding Martinsville, and a few came from a distance and boarded. This school was under the control of Friends, and was held in their house, Daniel Moon, John Beales and Christopher Hiatt beingappointed a committee to have the oversight of it. Mr. Wright was followed by Ira Hunt, and next by John Roe, who also taught night schools, which were attended by a number of adult persons. Next came Noah Kellum (of whom some of his pupils claim a correct pronunciation is Kill 'em). A number of others might be added to the list, all of whom taught subscription schools at the rate of $1.50 per scholar for a term of three months, this being the whole number of months of school during the year. This was continued until the establishment of the free school system, about 1835. It is a matter of wonder to us, who begin to appreciate the blessings of this system, that, when the question was first agitated, and provision made by law for a tax to be collected to support free schools, that many of the best citizens of that day were bitterly opposed to the movement. A worthy citizen of this community, an early settler, a man of good judgment, of unblemished character, and occupying a high position in the church, remarked, about this time, that "he would as soon have his property stolen as to pay tax to educate other people's children. "

Many now living can well remember the construction of the primitive schoolhouses. Built of logs, with one end so constructed that the fire-place extended the entire width of the room, and affording space on each end of the forestick for two or three boys to sit and warm, while the light which came down the huge stick-and-clay chimney enabled them to study (or play tricks on each other). The windows were of greased paper, placed in where a portion of a log had been taken out for the purpose. Around the room, on pins placed in the logs, were planks, upon which the children did their writing, seatod upon benches made of slabs, and without backs. It waB frequently so cold in the room that the ink would freeze in the quill pen, and on this account the bottle had to be kept in the pocket. Reading, wx'iting and arithmetic con stituted the course of study, the pupils generally using Murray's Introduction, English Reader and Sequel for Readers, Dil worth's or Wobster's Spellers and Pike's Arithmetic, or, in the absence of those, any text-book most conveniently obtained. The pupil who advanced as far as the double rule of three (compound proportion) was considered competent to teach. Grammar was first taught by Lewis Garrett, of North Carolina. Because he could teach grammar, he was considered a wonder by the people. From the time of these early schools, nothing of importance occurred in the educational interests of the township until about 1845. About this time, Milton Hollingsworth was employed, by a committee of Friends of Newberry Monthly Meeting, to take charge of a subscription school, to be held in a room fitted up for the purpose, over the meeting room in the Friends' Church at Martinsville. At a re-union for officers, teachers and pupils of the schools of Martinsville, held in August, 1878, the following was given, in regard to this school, in the address of welcome, delivered by Reuben Hunt:

" Milton Hollingsworth gave to this community its first grand impulse in the direction of a higher education, around whose pupils clusters so much interest to-day. I make no invidious distinction when I note the fact that in this class is to be found the farmer, mechanic, merchant, physician, lawyer, banker, ex-County Treasurer, editor, legislator and minister of the Gospel, representing every phase of honorable and respectable society."

The next important step was the formation of the special school district, and, somewhat later, the movement, under the privileges granted to special districts, to build the present house and establish a graded Bchool. C. C. Betts, Robert Fulton and Dr. John Carman, as Directors and prime movers in the enterprise, called the patrons of the school together and submitted a proposition to bui Id a house costing not less than $2,500 or $3,000. The proposition was carried, there being only two dissenting voices. The contract was given to George and William Janney, who built the house, which cost, when completed, about $2,800. For some years, only two departments were occupied. The first teachers employed were Mr. and Mrs. - - Adams, graduates of Oborlin College. Mrs. Adams taught the high school, and Mr. Adams the second department. They were followed, in 1859, by Charles Oren and wife, residents of the county, but graduates of Antioch College, having been under the instruction of the noted Horace Mann. Mr. Oren occupied the position of Principal, his wife taking the second department. Between Mr. Adams and Mrs. Oren, this department was for a time under the tuition of Miss Sarah Porter, of Massachusetts. Mr. Oren occupied the position of Principal for about three years, during which the school was firmly established and a reputation gained which drew pupils from every part of thiB and adjoining counties, and several from other States. Mr. Oren then gave his services to his country in the civil war, and entered the army as a Captain. While faithfully performing his duty, he was stricken down by a sharpshooter, on the fortification around Petersburg, Ya., in July, 1864.

The school continued to prosper under the Principalship of M. L. Hunt. The second department was in charge of Miss Mary Hunt at this time, and the third had been opened, and had been taught by Miss Josie White, followed by Miss Ella Behymer, then by Miss Sue A. Hunt. About 1865, A. J. Hixson became Principal, who was succeeded, in a year or two, by T. J. Moon, who occupied the position for nearly the whole time until 1879. During a short interval of this period, the school was in charge of Edward Ellis. The intermediate department was under charge of different teachers, and the primary was taught for the greater part of the time by Mrs. Lida Moon. Under the instructions of Mr. Moon, a large number of teachers were qualified and secured positions in the schools of this and adjoining counties. Mr. Moon was followed by the present Principal, Edwin P. West, whose education began in this school, under M. L. Hunt, and who graduated in Wilmington College in

Interesting and profitable literary associations were sustained at different periods. The alumni, composed of students attending, and especially of those who had discontinued school, was held quarterly for some years, the annual meetings, held in September, being occasions of much interest and profit. We are sorry to add that all these seem to have come to an early death by a slow decline. About the year 1805, a public library was organized. By the assistance of a bequest from Clarkson Moon of $50, a library of over one hundred volumes was collected, worth about $220, nearly all of which are still preserved. The facilities for education and for acquiring information at present, compared with that of the early settlers, present strange contrasts. During the war of 1812, only one paper was taken within the limits of Clark Township. This was the Western Star, published at Lebanon. It was left at Lacy's Tavern, now Cuba. In 1808, the nearest post office was Hillsboro, which was also the nearest place of business of any importance. The first railroad passing through the township is the Hillsboro road. The M. & C. road was completed and the first train passed in 1854.* Prior to this, the surplus produce of the country was hauled away and goods brought back in wagons. During the day of wagoning, two enterprising and adventurous young rats of the Nor way species - then but little known in this country - being tired, as we suppose, of city life, and possessed with the idea that fun and food in abundance could be found in some rural district, embarked at Cincinnati in a wagon belonging to Robert Ellis, and succeeded in reaching the village of Martinsville. But, before effecting their escape to a secure retreat, where they would realize their long-cherished day-dreams of well-filled granaries, and revel amid the luxuries of the farmer's barn, their presence in the wagon was discovered, and, being unwelcome visitors, though the first of the kind ever seen in the community, they were doomed to instant death. Such is the history of the first Norway rat hunt in Martinsville.

About, the year 1834 or 1835, Dr. John E. Dalton, of New Hampshire, became a resident of Martinsville. He was probably the first practicing phy sician resident in the township. Being also engaged in mercantile business, he brought the first case of boots of Eastern manufacture ever offered for sale in the village. At this time, there was no post office nearer than Cuba. Mr. Dalton was instrumental, with others, in obtaining the first office, and was the first to hold the position of Postmaster, f He was succeeded by David W. Hockett, and the third was John Hunt. When Mr. Dalton and others petitioned for the office, the law required that offices should be at least four miles apart. To ascertain whether the office could be obtained, the distance to Cuba was measured with a tape line, and it was found to be but very little over the required distance. The law also required that security should be given that the office should not be an expense to the Government. The rates of postage on letters at this time was from 0 cents to 25 cents between any two points in the United States according to distance. Each separate piece of paper included in the communication was subject to these rates.

At this time, a cook-stove was a thing unknown in the country. Mr. Dal ton and Samuel Collins bought a patent right for forty counties in Ohio to manufacture a cook-stove invented by an Eastern gentleman by the name of John Mooro. This stove was made mostly of sheet irop, and was soon displaced by superior articles. Mr. Dalton also had the honor of boing the first to agitate the temperance cause publicly in the community. In this connec- t The indue of the Wilmington Democrat and Herald for January 31, 1834, mentioned the fact that a post office hud junt boon established at Martinsville, and Dr. John E. Dalton appointed Postmaster. The Doctor must therefore have come not later than 1833 to the village. - P. A. I).

tion it may be stated that the first advocates for the abolition of slavery in this vicinity were Christopher Hiatt, Aaron Betts and David Sewell. The cause met with the usual opposition, though no violence was often manifested toward, its advocates, further than that some traveling speakers, stopping overnight at Christopher Hiatt's, had their horses' manes and tails trimmed.