Columbiana County, Ohio - Chapter 18: The, Towns and Townships - L, 1905

Chapter 18: The, Towns and Townships - L

Some of Columbiana County's Municipalities - Small Beginnings - Growth and Rapid Development of Cities, Tokens and Hamlets of the County - Something About the Toiwships and Their Early Settlement - Butler, Center, Elkrun, Fairfield, Hanover and Knox Townships - Lisbon the County Capital.

Is in the northern range of townships, the sec- Schrivcr all settled in the township in 1806, ond from the western border of the county, and William Kcnnett, James French, and Dan- The soil is fertile, the contour of the land pre- I iel Burns, between 1810 and 1820. Isaac Test senting a rolling aspect. It is well adapted to I came to Butler when his father, Zaccheus, came the cultivation of grain, to grazing and to fruit ! to Ferry township. A brain Warrington. Jr., culture. Among the earliest settlers of the ' came from New Jersey in 1805, lived with his township were William Whinnery. who entered uncle Abram Warrington in Salem for a short section 27 in 1800 or 1801. ami settled with his time, and then went to Damascus, stopping the family in 1806 on the southwest quarter of that : first night with Samuel Morris, who lived on section. Mr. Whinnery divided the section the northeast quarter of section 5, ami had been among his six sons. Robert. John, Thomas, there about a year. Mr. Morris was killed by- James, William and Zimri. Dr. J. C. Whin- falling from a tree while hunting a coon in the nery was the son of James, and father of Miss spring of 1806. Abram Warrington. Jr.. Abby Whinnery. who became a famous vocalist. Iumght the Morris place. Me married Keziah singing in the leading soprano parts of orato- Woolman on Christmas Day, 1806, in the rios for many years. She was still living in 1 Friends' Meeting House in Damascus. Theirs 1905. William Whinnery. son of William ! was the first marriage in the settlement. Whinnery. settled on the northwest quarter of j Legislative authority for the organization section 3.2. Sampson King settled on the south- j of the township was enacted in 1806. but the west quarter of section 31, George Mount* j date of the First election of township officers is locating on the northeast quarter, while Rich- not known, as the first and second volumes of ard Beck became owner of the northeast quar- the township records are missing. The third ter. Other pioneers of the township were: volume logins with the records of 1839. Jo- David Bursoti and John Johnson, who located seph Coffee. Jonathan Walton and John Klliott in 1803: William and James Randels. in i8ofV; ; were trustees in [839-41. Isaiah Harris and family of seven, alsoin 1806: Damascus. Winona and Valley arc villages Isaiah Woolf and family and Garrett Campf in the township. Damascus was platted in and family, in 1804 : and John and Hugh Bums. 180K by Horton Howard, agent for the owner Jacob Gaunt and Philip Irey, in 1805. William of the site at the time, a Mr. Hooper of Eastern

Pennsylvania. The Mahoning ami Columbiana church membership on the matter of discipline County line now divides the town in almost ( in 1854, still remembered by a number ot the equal parts. Winona lxxame a post ofbce site 1 older church people of the village, there still in 1S68, with James Dean as the first pnsimas- 1 remained the spirit of brotherly love one with the "meeting houses," which were among the when the Wilbcrs erected a separate home, chief features of the town, was published in tne " The Yearly Meeting House, in which the paper published in the then new town of Se- seating capacity of i,<xx> people and it is estibring, just across the Mahoning County line, mated that there have on several occasions been depot, meat market, hotel and job printing held in either 1864 or 1866. Hitherto these office, carriage shop and splendid schools, in- : had been held at Mount Pleasant, but since that eluding an academy under tutorship ot the [ time the meeting has alternated between the two

. requirements for which it was built, lis first separating file two. In 1876 a lot was purministers were Joshua Lynch, of \\w Jersey, chased adjoining the first site on the north, and and Catlett Jones, of Virginia. Additions were a substantial brick edifice built. In 1905 Curtis tlie land is rolling and more fertile than in the southern and central portions. The middle fork of Beaver Creek enters the township from Salem township, near the east line of section 5. and. having a general southeast course, passes out 011 the south line of section 13. It has a rocky and. for the most part, tortuous course. Traversing almost the entire length of the tow nship from north to south, near the west line, is Cold Run. A mile aliove the point where it leaves the township it receives the waters of the west fork of the Beaver, and is known by that name below the junction. There are several other small streams in the township. These creeks and brooks were important factors in the early days of the county, as they furnished power for many years to the "mills of the pioneers," w hich are treated of in another chapter.

It is probable that the first settlement in Center township was that of Lew is Kinney and associates in 1H02. Mr. Kinney purchased the present site of Lisbon, and erected a cabin at what in 1005 was the foot of Jefferson street. Christian Smith built a log tavern in 1803. also on the site of the town. Thomas Frederick took up section 12 in 1804. Frederick Blccker. Andrew Brinkcr, Jonathan Hamilton, William Paul, Michael Mowry, Harmon Fagan, Jehu Powell, Jacob and Conrad Worman, also came into the township prior to 1808. About this lime, also, Cabriel Laird, Frederick Crubaugh. Robert Blackledge. the Brandcrberrys and George Lee, became residents of the township liy settlement. Early settlers also were: The Koflfel family, on section 29 ; Jacob Springer and Peter Glcssner, on section 30; Daniel Lindesmith, on section 31; John and James Pollock, on section 32; John J. Bowman, on section 8; Rev. John Stough. who was the father of six sons, all horn in the township, and was the first settled minister in the township, located on section 8 in 1805; Joab Gaskill with his live sons, on section 25.

The records of the township from its organisation in 1803 until 1825 are lost. In 1825 the township trustees were: Jacob Watson. John Gaskill and Joshua Chandler. In 1905 'he justices of the peace of the township were: Jnvqih B. Richie, Lodge Riddle and J. M.

February to, 1803, Lewis Kinney laid out New Lisbon, the plat being acknowledged a short time afterward before Esquire Alexander Edic. of Jefferson County. The lots were numl>ered from the northeast corner of the plat, and the first block was set aside for a cemetery. The two blocks on the southeast Mr. Kinney reserved for himself, but in 1805 sold them to John Arter. With a view to securing die county seat, he set aside for the use of the county a number of lots w here was later erected die Union school building, but was induced to change the location to what afterwards was made the Public Square and where the Court I louses were built in later years. Many additions were afterward made to the plat of the town. The first buildings erected in the village were of logs. The first postmaster in New Lisbon, says Brant & Fuller's "History of the Upper Ohio Valley," was William Harbaugh, who kept the post office in an old log building on Washington street, where the carriage sho|>s of William Myers were afterwards located. Co). Thomas Rowland succeeded Harbaugh as |>ostmaster and when in 181 2 Colonel Rowland entered the service to fight the British, Fisher A. Blocksom presided over the post office in a little brick building on Market street. At that time the mail came in once a week nil horseback from Pittsburg to New Lisbon, and was forwarded thence to Cleveland.

Dr. John Thompson was the first physician in the tow n. He located in 1807. Dr. Horace Potter came in about 1808. Dr. George McCcok located in New Lisbon in 1817 and practiced for many years IxMore removing to Pittsburg. The first Iwnk in Columbiana County was the Columbiana Bank of New Lisl>in. under a charter granted by the Ohio Legislature. The first meeting for the election of directors was held on the "th of March. 1814, and Thomas Gillingham. Thomas Moore, James Craig, William Harbaiifjh. Holland Green, Alex Snodgrass. George Emily, Horace Potter. Martin Helman, Joseph Richardson. John Street. Elderkin Potter, and Gideon Hughes were elected directors. Ixioks having

Urn previously opened for suliscriptions of stock at Steubenville. Pittsburg, Canton. Beaver, Grecnsburg, Salem, Beaver Mills, Petersburg. Poland, Sandy Store. Fairfield, Yellow Creek and New Lisbon. Martin Heltnan was cbosen president of the bank. Elderkin Potter, cashier, and Fisher A. Blocksom, attorney. A stone building was erected immediately south of the new Court House, which structure was used as a Ixmk for many years. Owing to lite monetary troubles of iSjj the bank ceased to do business. In 1835, however, it was reorganized, Andrew \Y. L>omis l>eing elected president, and B. \Y. Snodgrass. cashier. A new two-story banking house was built on the corner of Beaver and Walnut streets, where William Steel's grocery was afterward located. The directors under the new organization w ere : Horace Potter. George Graham. George Ktully. Charles D. Coffin, William Carey, Joshua Hanna, John Burns, David Begges. David Small. George Garret son, Holland Green and Benjamin Hanna. The First National Bank was organized in 1874. with John McDonald, president; R. B. Pritchard, vice-president, and O. W. Kyle, cashier. In January, 1878, M. J. Chilil was appointed cashier, Mr. Kyle having resigned. One morning in October, 1898, the bank closed its doors, the affairs of the institution having become involved. Simultaneously Cashier Child disappeared, and 110 trace had been discovered of him up to 1905. Indeed, little, if any, effort seemed ever have to been made to find him. I. B. Cameron was made receiver November u, 1898. and a little later, he being elected State Treasurer. L. C. Laylin succeeded him. and he, in turn having been elected Secretary of State, was succeeded by Judge J. G. Moore. January 1. 190J. The affairs of the Ixmk had not yet been entirely closed in 1905. although creditors had lieen paid 73 percent. In 1870 the Firestone brothers established a private Link, which was still doing business in 1905. The LisUm Hanking Company. .also a private institution, was estal>- lished in 1900 with former County Auditor George R. Harvey as cashier and manager. It also continued to do business. The People's Savings & I-oan Association was organized in

1889. with A. A. Ramsey as secretary and manager. The association was capitalized at a half million dollars. The Columbiana County Mutual l ire Insurance Company of New Lisbon was incorporated in 1837, with John Armstrong as president and George Fndlv as treasurer. The company was still in successful operation in 1905. with W illiam M. Hostetter. secretary and treasurer.

Lisbon Churches

The first minister of the Gospel to locate in New Lisbon was Rev. Clement Vallandigham, of the Old School Presbyterian Church. He came in 1807 and preached to the people of New Lisbon, continuously, until the year of his death, which was in 1839. His first sermons w ere preached in the old log Court House, and afterward a tent was used for a considerable time except in inclement weather. The first Presbyterian house of worship was built in 1814. This was replaced in 1841 by a more pretentious building, which served the congregation as a house of worship until 1897, when a handsome building which cost approximately $15,000 was dedicated. Rev. Robert H. Pugh was pastor in 1905. The United Presbyterian Church was incorporated in 1859 and a building erected in i860. Rev. S. F. Herron was the first pastor. Rev. A. Y. Young was pastor in 1905. having l>een called to the field in 1904.

In August, 18^7, the Mahoning Baptist Association met in New Lisbon. One item of business transacted was the choice of Walter Scott, a man of considerable power as an orator, and who was teaching school in StculxMiville at the time, to be an evangelist to work among the 15 or 20 churches then embraced in the association, which had adopted the name of Disciples. His preaching was followed by great results. In 1841 the society built a new house on the site of the old one. In 1875 Rev. William Baxter, in a memorial sermon, said in referring to Klder Walter Scott's preaching and its results: "Nothing has ever occurred in the history of this town of such importance to the world as the sermons delivered by Walter Scott. Not a single congregation of this body

(the Disciples, later still the -Christian' Church ) was in existence when he began his plea in 1827 : now there are 300 or 400 congregations in this State. The echoes of Scott's preaching have gone round the world ; myriads of hearts have been gladdened. The teachings of other religious l>odies have been modified by the truth which he and his fellow -laborers so ably and earnestly presented." Rev. J. W. (jorrell was the minister in 1905.

In 1826 a brick structure was built by the Methodists on the hill near Market street. In 1838 they erected the building which stood near the site of the new Court House: and in 1888 tlie congregation built the modern house of worship at the corner of Market ami Washington streets, at a cost of $16,000. Rev. Amos A. Brown was the minister in 1905.

In 1813 the Society of Friends began to hold meetings in a dwelling house, and about 1X16 a small meeting house was built on Jefferson street, which was still standing in i<X>5. Hut the existence of the society as an organization had ceased some years before. The Protestant Episcopalians formed an organization in 1 86.}. and in 1876 a neat chapel was built on Walnut street. Rev. Mr. Spence. a voting man. was in 1905 serving the parish as rector, it being still a mission station. The Reformed Church had an organization still in K/05, of which Rev. C. H. Brant was pastor. The A. M. E. denomination, ttxi. had an organization, hut no settled pastor. St. George's Catholic Church was joined in parish work with the congregation at Dungannon.

Hon. H. H. Gregg, in the country's centennial year of 1S70. prepared an article upon the early schools of Lisbon and of the county for the State school commissioner, some of the main points at least of which are worthy of !>eing preserved as matters of historv. '-The lot or square of ground on North Market street, on the hill ( in New Lisbon), occupied from the commencement of the town for school purposes." Mr. Greg? says, "was originally a beautiful grove of white-oak saplings or Imshes. in the midst of which was constructed a rude log cabin schoolhouse, of round logs, clap-lx>ard roof, light l>eing admitted through greased pa|>er used in the place of window-glass. The furniture of that day was generally constructed of slabs, flat side up, adjusted by fixing pins in the walls, and desks to corres|»ond, and the teacher sat on a stool of primitive style, with ri'd near at hand to insure obedience to his .nandates. This school was early presided over by Daniel Wilson, who continued to teach until 1808. when he died of a fever which prevailed at the time and proved fatal in many cases. He was succeeded by Reuben McXamee. who was afterward county commissioner, and also by Rev. Thomas Rigdon. a Baptist minister, who was elected a Representative in the Legislature from 1813 to 1810. This primitive log cabin schoolhouse was succeeded by a hewed-log house, which was at the time considered a great improvement in architectural style. The School Board was compised alxiut this time of Gen. Rezin Beall, Maj. Thomas Rowland, Daniel Harbaugh and Eisher A. Block som. In the

also De Lorma Brookes, who was a Representative in the Legislature in 1826-27. Thomas Morrel. long a citizen of New Lislion. and David McKinley I grandfather of William Mc-

I were also early teachers in this school. In later years Robert Whitacre and Jacob J. Williard taught school in the same house, the former for six years auditor of the county and the last named serving as treasurer and also as county surveyor. The last teacher to jKcnpy the old building was David Anderson, who. for 37 years, well and faithfully served the people of New Lislxm as a teacher. In Septeml>cr. 1849, the Ixianl of school directors declared the old hewed-log house 'no longer tenable.' and Mr. Anderson and his pupils were obliged to alvmdon the premises ami occupy a building on West Walnut street which had lieen rented for school purposes."

Tayler, afterward Congressman and judge of the United States District Court. In 1905 the town was splendidly equipped with school buildings, the two fine structures, the Market street and the Chestnut street buildings furnishing ample facilities for school purjioses. Fur severcal years Prof. H. W. Crooks had been superintendent of schools; hut in 1905 Professor Crooks received a more lucrative call, resigned, and Prof. \V. O. Lambert, of Barnesville, Ohio, was chosen to fill this vacancy, and had accepted the position.

Intimately associated with the subject of schools is that of libraries. The Lepper Library of Lisbon was founded in 1897 by Mrs. Virginia Lepper, in memory of her husliand, Charles W. Lepper.

Substantial contributions were also made by citizens and former resident* of the town. The late Senator Marcus A. Hanna and Gen. Anson G. McCook made generous contributions to the cause. The title of the library property is the Lepper Library Association, a corporation composed of seven trustees chosen for life. The lxiard as originally constituted was: N. 15. Billingsley. president; Isaac P. Farmer, vicepresident; C. C. Connell. secretary; S. J, Firestone, treasurer; I. B. Cameron. R. \V. Tavler and W. S. Potts. R. W. Tayler and 1.' B. Cameron resigning. Dr. Frank Moore and Hal. Wright were, in 10.04. chosen in their stead. Mrs. M. P. Springer was chosen librarian at the beginning, and continued to serve in that capacity in 1905.

The Columbiana County Law Library Association was organized in i&yi. and was given as quarters what had l>een the grand jury room in the Court House. On the shelves are 1.700 volumes, the property of this association. They embrace the legal reports from several States, the "Reporter" systems of all the States, digests, encyclopedias, etc. Fifteen per cent. - of all the fines in criminal cases in the county courts is applied to the maintenance of the library. The county pays the librarian a salary not to exceed S500 a year. Abrain Moore, who had served the county as recorder from 1884 to 1889. inclusive, was librarian in 1005.

January 17. 1895, the name of the town was changed from "New Lislion" to "Lislion." In this work both names appear, so as to accord with the period to which reference is made. The census of 1900 showed the tow n to have a population of 3,330. In 1905 George T. Farrell was mayor ami Lodge Riddle, clerk.

"The older merchants and business men of Lislxin have nearly all passed over the river. 1 A few years ago we had the Shultz Brothers. Mahlon Briggs, Samuel Small, James Pcrcival, H. H. Gregg. John A. Momni. Martin Helman, Horace P. Hcssin, J. F. Benner. William Huston, Ezra Frost. George Nace. David Bower, and one or two others, but these have h11 passed over, leaving liehind M. X. Hamilton and James K. Frew as sole representatives of the older generation of Lislion business men. William Bradbury. ! proprietor of the Commercial House, and 1 S. J. Firestone, the banker, might ob- I ject to being classed as "has heens." 'BUly' is apparently as young as he was 40 years ago and can still hold up his end with the lx\vs. William Myers, the pioneer carriage maker, is still with us, though not actively engaged in business. The new generation of Lislion business men ane mostly young men, and one notable fact is that with perhaps a few exceptions they are all native to Lislion or Columbiana County. G. L. Miller, the clothier, may perhaps be considered the oldest merchant of the new generation in years, although he doesn't allow time to affect his spirits, nor enterprise. But the distinguishing characteristic between ! the merchants of 20 years ago and those of to- - day is that then they were mostly grey-lieards I while now they are composed of comparatively young men."

The township of Elkrun is in the interior of the county, adjoining Center on the east. A larger portion of the township is yet timbered, the surface being broken to a considerable extent with rough hills, with intervening fertile valleys. The principal stream is the Middle Beaver. The settlement of the township was begun about 1800 by John Snyder and others. Snyder settled on section 2, where he lived until aliout 1836. Levi Haines settled on section 1 near the same time. John Gardner settled in the township about 1801. He had rive sons, namely, - John, George, Michael, Rudolph and Lewis. In the fall of 1801 Jason Morlan purchased section 12. His sons and sons-in-law long occupied and cultivated the section. William Neal was an early settler on section 11. In the same neighborhood was Benjamin Harrison, whose sons, l^atham and William, lived on the section to a good old age. James Cowgill. Nathan Heald, William Siddell, .Gilbert Williamson and Smith Bell also settled in the same locality about 1802 and 1803. Isaiah Morris in 1803 purchased section 10 at $4 an acre. His wife lived to the age of 102. Their sons, Isaiah and Jonathan, lived and died in the township; Isaiah had six sons and nine daughters; Robert, son of Jonathan Morris, had a family of 21 children. These are but examples of many large families in those early times. There was no fear of "race suicide" in those early days in Columbiana County. In the northwestern part of the township Hugh Pike, Alexander McCoy, Frederick Zeppernick, William Caldwell, Henry Walter, Robert Whan and Thomas Hawkins were among the earliest settlers. William McCready settled on a part of section 17 in 1805. John Thompson about 181 1 purchased this tract. On this farm in 1854 was built probably the finest and most commodious barn in the county, at that time, costing $10,000. On section 34 and adjoining Levi Ijowry, John Hollinger and Martin and John Switzcr were early settlers. Matthias Walter located on section 26 about 1810; he died in 1854. His son, Henry, settled on the northwest quarter 01 section 25. The father and son both kept taverns. I lenry Walter was a soldier of 1812, as was also Christian Bowman, who married a daughter of Henry Walter. Christian Bowman settled on the southwest quarter of section 26, on the farm occupied years later by Christian Bowman. Jr. In 181 1 George and David Bowman settled on section 25. On the same section James Brisbine and William Downey were pioneer set-1 tiers, and to the north was Jonas Earr, whosettled about 1805. <

Elkruti township was organized in 1806. The records from 1800 to 1820 are missing.' In 1820 Samuel Kemble, John Travis and Andrew Armstrong were trustees, and James Orf was township clerk. In 1904 Horace Martin was township clerk.

The Sandy and Beaver Canal was built along the north bank of the Middle Beaver, and while commerce continued on that ill-starred s waterway the interests of the township were j' considerably promoted thereby.

April 30, 1835, County Surveyor J. G. Williard platted the village of Elkton, on the north bank of the middle fork of the Beaver, in section 21, for William Kemble. In 1848 the village attained its maximum growth, having then about 25 houses. After the canal suspended business, the village ceased to grow and lost its importance as a business center. It continued to he a country trading point. The Elkton post office was established about 1845, George Kemble being the first postmaster. Prominent anions the early physicians were Dr. Hardman, Dr. William Moore and Dr. J. N. - Calhoun.

The village site of Elkton is elevated but a few feet aljovc the level of the creek, and on the night of August 1 1, i8^»r, a flood occurred, resulting from a long and continued rain and the breaking of several mill-dams and ponds on Beaver Creek and Elk Run, which formed a confluence in the neighlxirhood of the village; and soon the water stood eight feet over the level of Canal street, the principal thoroughfare. So sudden was the rise of the water that the occupants of the bouses were in some cases unable to robe themselves and escape to higher ground. Several dwellings were washed away and many bridges, outbuildings, etc.. and fourpersons lost their lives, viz. : Mrs. Susan Kemble. mother of the founder of the village, aged 73: her grandson. Alonzo Hawkins, aged 15; and Mrs. John A. Huffman and her two yearold child. The destruction of property by the flood was great.

The Society of Friends first established public worship in the township, building' a meeting house on section 2 alxmt 1810, on a piece of hind given for the purpose by Isaac James, who was the first minister. The meeting house was abandoned as a house of worship about 1X60, the Friends of Elkruu township uniting with those of Carmel in Middleton township in forming a monthly meeting, and assembling at the places alternately. Many of the Orthodox Friends joined the "Hick-sites" in 1828. A class of Methodists was formed at the house Samuel Kemble, on section 9, in 1814. Occasional meetings were held at the houses of tncmliers until al*>ut 1825. when a log church was built and used until 1862. Then a new bouse was built on the same section but farther east. The church since 1862 has Ijeen one of the four charges constituting the Hlkton circuit. In September, 1840. Rev. Joshua Monroe organized in the village of F.lkton a class, which in the course of years, liccamc known as the "Bethel Methodist lvpiscopal Church of Elkrun,'' but later adopted the name of the F.lkton Methodist Episcopal Church. The services were first held in members' bouses, in barns and often in groves in the summer season ; but about 1830 a meeting house was built on land given by Amos Stevens, which was the place of meeting for many years, from which fact the appointment liccamc known as the "Stevens Church."

In 1822 the Bible Christians first held services in Fairfield township but without establish ing a permanent society, l our years later Rev. John Adams, at that time a resident of F.lkrun township, began holding meetings in the house of Joseph Paxton. at what was afterwards known as Chamberlain Mills and in course of time a goodly number became associated in the church fellowship. John I'axton occasionally ministered to the society during a peri<Ml of six or eight years. In 1828 the society built its first meeting house at Church Hill. It was a log building and had a loose lloor. without stove or fire-place. In 18 }-; a frame house was built on the same site which was used until 1872, when a more modern structure was erected at a cost of $2,750.

In 1840 a fund was raised by subscription and what was known as the "Elkton Free Church" was built, and dedicated to the use for public worship of any Christian denomination under proper restrictions. The church was used by different denominations until 1870. j when the old house was sold and removed, and \ a new structure built, larger and more modern, largely through the munificence of Alfred Dickey. It was continued as a union church as was its predecessor. Because of a clause in the 1 constitution of the Free Church limiting the 1 meetings to "preaching services." the people of Elkton determined, in January. 1842, to build a house tor Sunday-schools, singings, township meetings and other public gatherings, j Subscriptions to build such a house were raised in all parts of the township, to lie paid in money, labor, building material or farm products. A frame house was erected on a lot adjoining the Free Church and. being painted white, was almost universally known as the "White House."

Was organized in 1805. It is township 12, range 2. on the northern liorder of Columbiana County. The surface is level in the northeast, undulating in the central part, and moderately hilly in the southern portion, almost the entire area being susceptible to cultivation. It was originally covered with forests, and has yet much timber land. The soil is very favorable f) the cultivation of fruits. It has no large streams, but is reasonably well supplied with the smaller ones. Matthias Lower is said to have been the first |ieimancnt settler. He was a native of Maryland, and located in the valley of Bull Creek, in 1800. before the land was surveyed, lie afterward united with William Heald and the two purchased section 23. Heald taking the northern part. It was in Ixwer's log barn that, in the fall of 1803. the first session of the Columbiana County Common Pleas C ourt was held. In 1801 and the few ensuing years a large settlement of Friends was formed in the southeastern part of the township. Among them was William I leald. a surveyor.

under whose direction a greater part of the county was subsequently surveyed. With his family of five children he settled on section 26. and lived in the county more than 60 years, being active in his profession until 1850. In 1801 Samuel Oliphant settled on the northeastern part of section 27. A daughter married Hon. Richard Beeson. of Unity, in 1804, and lived to l>ccomc a centenarian. John Crozier, the first justice of the peace in the township, settled thereabout 1802, and lived at East Fairfield until his death. Abel Lodge was an early settler. He lx?came widely known as an innkeeper at East Fairfield. Near Middleton, Henry Dixson owned a tract of land, upon which his sons in-law. John Woods and John Cope, were early settlers: and in the same neighborhood John Alliuan lived as early as 1802. In 1806 James Boulton became a resident of the township; in 1837 he died from injuries received by Iwing thrown from a wagon. Joshua Dixson in 1802 located on sections 3 and 4. building his first cabin home on section 4. In the organization of the township he took a prominent part. When he located in the township he hail 1 1 children, a 1 2th child l>eing born afterwards.

Among the first marriages in the township was that of Benjamin Hanna and Rachel Dixson. which was solemnized December 15. 1803. according to the custom of the Friends.

The first officers in the township in 1805 were: Justice of the peace. John Crozier; trustees. Robert Hanna, Caleb Cope and Nicholas Firestone. In 190^. the trustees were : Frank F. Windle, H. O. Newell and I. M. Levan. The justices of the peace were : S. S. Weaver and Stanton Thomas.

The principal town in Fairfield township is Columbiana and there is none in the county more beautifully located. It was laid out in the spring of 1805 by Joshua Dixson. on sections 4 and 5. and the Pittsburg. Fort Wayne &- Chicago Railway was afterwards built through its borders. It is said Jesse Allen was the first merchant in the place, and began business about 1812. Later Benjamin Hanna had an interest, the firm being known as Jesse Allen & Company.

The village of Columbiana liecame a corporate body in 1837. Under the charter an election of officers was held at the house of John Sturgeon, May 27, 1837. William Hickman was elected mayor and Samuel Nichols, recorder. The charter was surrendered in 1842, ami for 14 years the village was unincorporated. Then in 1856 - June 9th - the county commissioners granted a new charter, the corporate limits being the same as those under the original charter. A borough election was held April 14, 1857. when George I^mb was elected mayor and Jonathan Esterly, recorder.

In June. 1858, School District No. 2 was organized, under act of March 14, 1853, as a special district. In the fall of 1864 the schools were transferred to what was afterwards known as the Fast building, which was completed that year. The West building was erected in 1873. at a cost of $12,000.

Moses Curry is believed to have been the first settled physician in Columbiana. Other physicians who practiced long ami quite successfully were: Drs. Gustavus Allen, John B. Preston. John McCook. John C. l^vis. Gideon Wansettler, Enoch Cloud, Fli Sturgeon, George Willand, Nicholas Sampsell. D. Beard, Sylvanus Fisher and A. C. Yengling. Dr. Yengling removed to Salem, and in 1905 was still practicing. Other Columbiana physicians were: Drs. John Metzger, Daniel Deemer, George S. Metzger. A. L. King. J. B. Thompson. Enos Greenamver, John B. Weaver and Charles Orr.

Early in the history of Columbiana a number of batters plied their trade in the village. Almut 1835 Sheets & Homes operated a stovefoundry. The building was subsequently converted into a blacksmith shop. In 1858 the Strickler Brothers began the manufacture of boring machines and agricultural implements. The later history of the establishment, with the large business which grew out of it, are noted in the industrial chapters of this work. The manufacture of carriages and light wagons was long the principal business of the town: but in lajer years, owing to the cheaper work being produced in the larger cities, the business in that line had fallen. Two firms, however, in 1905

J. Esterly & Company for many years did the leading hanking business; but in 1896 J. Esterly, the bead of the concern, died suddenly, and the lank went into litigation. A receiver was appointed and by 1904 the affairs of the concern had Ijeen closed up, tiie creditors securing about 33 per cent. The firm of Shilling & Company also went into litigation in March, 1905, and its affairs were thrown into the bankruptcy court. This failure involved the affairs of the Columbiana Handle Works, one of the leading industries of the town. This concern, originally doing business as the Columbiana Handle Company, had failed in i8<>6. and S. S. Shilling had undertaken to put it on its feet. It was reorganized as the Columbiana Handle Works, but it seems that all parties involved had not done their part financially and the final collapse of the works and the Shilling Kink seems to have l>een one result.

In July, 1002, the First National Hank of Columbiana began business, with a capital stock of $50,000. In 1905. John E. Allen was president; C. M. Young, cashier, and J. B. Stewart, assistant cashier.

The Columbiana village school district embraces some territory outside the town, and the one building, although large and well-ei pupped, is usually in a somewhat crowded condition. Prof. K. O. Trescott was superintendent in 1905.

In 1900 Columbiana had a population of '-339- 1" '9°5 Dayton Fisher, president of the Council, was acting mayor. Mayor Renkenberger having died the year before.

Among the early settlers of Fairfield township, the Friends largely predominated. They founded a religious society which was the first in the township, and was the second Monthlv Meeting of the Friends in Ohio. In 1X03 a delegation was appointed by the Redstone Quarterly Meeting of Pennsylvania to visit the new settlement and organize what was afterwards known as the "Middleton Monthlv Meeting of the Society of Orthodox Friends." The same year a log meeting bouse was built near the center of section 26, which was used as a place of w orshin until 1810, when a brick house was built in Middleton. This was destroyed by fire in 1858. and a frame structure erected in its stead. A school for instruction in the common English branches was maintained by the Friends at Middleton for many years. The membership of the Middleton Meeting was reduced by the formation of societies in adjoining townships, and by defections to other factions and denominations. To accommodate those living in the northern part of the township a social meeting house was built of logs, before 1820, in what was afterward the Friends' graveyard in Columbiana. For a time worship, held according to the custom of the Orthodox branch, was maintained, but most of the meml>ers in that part of the township liccame Hicksites, and meetings were held by that organization. Ami so the Hicksite Friends' Meeting of Columbiana may be said to have a distinct history since 1832. The regular Monthly- Meeting was discontinued in 1867.

The Carniel Meeting of the Orthodox Friends was organized in Middleton about t8ro. In that year a log meeting house was built on a lot donated by Jacob Heacock, and was used until 1835, when a new one was built, which was partially destroyed by tire in 1845. The first Monthly Meeting at Cannel was on December 12, 1817. The monthly meetings w ere discontinued in 1854, nearly all the old members having either died or removed. However, the Friends living in that neighborhood held monthly meetings in Middleton, after that date, and in 1828 the Hicksites formed a separate Meeting in F.lkrun township. Here until about 1845 the meetings were well attended, but soon after that date members l>egan to remove, and after Decerning, 1 851. no monthly meetings were held. The ("armel Monthly Meeting for Women was established in 1820, l>ut discontinued in 1840.

About the year 1813 a Reformed Church missionary from the East hy the name of Mahnesmith visited the northeastern section of the State, preaching in Columbiana and Mahoning counties. This missionary's labors continued with greater or less regularity at Columbiana until about 1830. August 13, 1814, the "School and Meeting House Society of Columbiana" was organized, the object of which was to build a house on a lot granted the society by Joshua Dixson, "proprietor of the town of Columbiana." The only conditions of fellowship required in this society were a "practical conformity to the principles of equity, and that every member shall be considered as possessing in himself an original and inalienable right to believe and worship God as his own conscience may dictate, without lieing called into question by any of the other memlx-rs." It was "'allowed for any licensed preacher that preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ in purity to preach in the above meeting house, if he makes application to the trustees; ami should it happen that application should lie made for two preachers in one day, let the one preach in the forenoon and the other in the afternoon, so that none may meet a disappointment." The house built by this society was of hewed logs and stood on die lot afterward occupied by Grace Reformed Church. In 1821 a movement was started by the Lutheran and Reformed congregations to build a new union church. The effort succeeded in 1822 in which year the building was dedicated. Each congregation had iis own pastor, elders and deacons, but the trustees, a secretary and a treasurer were elected annually by the congregations in joint meeting. The house occupied the site where Grace Reformed Church afterwards stood. After the separation of the two congregations - Reformed and Lutheran - the latter worshiped in the old Methodist meeting house. A few year- later they built a fine house of worship of brick in the southern part of the village, which received the name of "Jerusalem Church." In 1005 Grace Refnrmed Church had no settled pastor. Rev. G. A. I'lier was pastor of the Lutheran Church.

Application for the formation of a church organization for Columbiana was made to the Presbytery of New Lisbon in May. 1865. Accordingly the church was organized May 13. 1865, w ith 13 members. In July. William C. Faulkner, a licentiate, began his ministry with the church. The first meetings were held in Hall, but in 1867 a frame building was erected by Hiram Bell for the society. Rev. J. F. Kirkbridc was pastor of the church in 1905.

In 1834 a small meeting house was built on the Petersburg road, in the edge of Columbiana, which was intended prinnrilv for the Methodists, but was to be free for other denominations when not occupied by the former. This house was used until 1859, when the brick building on the lower part of Main street was erected by the denomination. In 1873 a parsonage was built on the lot adjoining on the south, and in 1000 an addition to the church was built. In 1905 the pastor of the church was Rev. A. M. Carr, D. D.

A temporary organization of the Disciples faith was effected Dcccmlwr 29, 1876. Meetings were thereafter held in School Hall, and in January, 1878, a hall on Main street was fitted up by the society as a place of worship. The society afterward adopted the name of the Christian Church of Columbiana. The removal of a number of the members to other points brought about the aliandonment of the organization before the close of the century. However, alxnit 1898, a new organization , was effected and a comfortable frame structure for a place of worship was built. In 1905 the congregation had no pastor.

Methotlist meetings were held in East Fairfield as early as 1835. An organization was formed a few years later. About 1842 a small house of worship was built, which in 1876 was replaced by a larger and more presentable edifice.

About 1825 a society was organized at Fast Fairfield, which assumed the name of "Primitive Christians" and worshiped according to the forms of that IhkIv for several years. They built a meeting house on a lot which later formed a part of the cemetery. In February. 1828. ministers of the Disciples Church held a series of meetings which resulted in many conversions, and in the adoption by the society of the tenets of the Disciples. The old meeting house was used until 185 1. when a neat brick edifice was built.

A little earlier than 1840 a meeting house was built of logs on the farm of F.lias Holoway. on section 2y, which was at one time occupied by a flourishing congregation. It was known as the Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church. The congregation disbanded prior to i8(x>.

In 1835 the people of the western part of the township built a small meeting house, in which a society of Bible Christians and others worshiped, the latter belonging chiefly to the "Church of God." In about 10 years this home was removed to section 20. three-quarters of a mile northeast of its original location. Then the title to the new property was vested in Samuel Nev. David Galbraith and Samuel I leaton and their successors, as trustees. "To l>e free to all sons and daughters of Adam."

The Mennouite denomination built a log house of worship, near the west line of section 7. Fairfield township, aliout 1828. for the use of people of their faith in that township and of Beaver township, Mahoning County. The log building was replaced in 1873 by an unpretentious structure of brick. In 1905 it still occupied a Ixrautiful knoll surrounded by stately forest trees.

Villages And Hamlets Ok Fairfield Townsi I It

Middlcton was originally platted by William Heald soon after the settlement of the township, to embrace the southeast corner of section 23. It was always well supplied with churches and schools, with a few shops for mechanical industries in a small way. and with several stores at different times. In 1905 the population was less than 200. The inhabitants generally engaged in fruit culture.

Fast Fairfield was laid out in 1803. on the southeast quarter of section 30. It is the oldest village in the township, but never having bad a railroad it was outstripped by its neighliors with less natural advantages. It contained a good school house, two churches and a public ball, with a population of nearly 300. The i>ostoffice is one of the oldest in the county. The village was on the old stage route, and was supplied with mail earlier than 1809. The first permanently located physician was Gustavus Allen. The father of William McKinley was in the foundry business in East Fairfield before 1850.

Hanover township is No. 15 in range 4. and 1 is six miles square as originally laid out. The . surface of the country is slightly undulating and is well adapted to agricultural purj>oses. The townships of Hanover, Knox, Butler and West form a portion of the "divide" between the waters of the Frie and the Ohio River. The west fork of Little Beaver Creek flows through the township, southward along the eastern border, emerging at section 25 In 1806 William Winder located upon a portion of section 33. William Rhodes settled on seclion 32. Samuel Reeder on section 33. and just east of him Benjamin Stackhouse. Stephen McBride settled in 1805 or 1806 in what was later Kensington, near where later the Friends' Meeting House stood, which Mr. McBride was chiefly instrumental in erecting. In 1805 John Sinclair and Frederick Bayard ( who was a great hunter) entered the northeast quarter of section 20. Fnos Flits and James Craig were early settlers of llanoverton - in i8oi> and 1807. Edward Carroll settled in Hanover township shortly after 1804, on the northwest quarter of section 1. Thomas Griswold. a Friend preacher, located in 1806011 the place afterward occupied by Francis Blvthc. His son Joseph was a justice of the peace for a long time. John Farmer and his grandfather. Joseph Jones. Quakers from Georgia, ancestors of James Farmer, who was prominent in the industrial development in Salineville. settled near New Garden in 1804. and in 1812 or 1814 : removed to Salineville. Michael Arter removed from New Lisbon to Hanovcrton in 1817 and there continued to live until his death in 1879. Mr. Arter was conspicuous early in life for the earnest stand he took as a supporter of the anti-slavery doctrine, and gave freely of his time and means in assisting fugitive slaves from the South on their way to Canada through Hanover village which was a station on the "Underground Railroad." James Waugh kept tavern in 1815 on the old State road where later was located the village of New Garden. His tavern consisted of two log ci\y ins, t»ne on either side of the road, and beside them at that" time there were but two other cabins upon the site of New Garden. Samuel Reeder settled in the township in 1806 and Charles Petit in 1808. The latter for years operated a shop wherein was manufactured fanning-mills, coffins and window-sash. Among the early settlers in the eastern part of the township were Amos Frost, who. about 1807, located on section 34: Nicholas Miller, on the same section, and Isaiah Williams, on section 13. Benjamin Saunders settled on section 9. Roliert Burton, who settled in the western part of the township in 1806, was the first justice of the l>eace. Joseph Figley. one of the early settlers in Wayne township, moved afterwards to Hanover. Levi Miller settled in 1810 on two quarters in sections 29 and 32, entered by Mahlon Haines. Miller sold to Samuel Holland, from whom the property descended to Samuel M. Holland, the original proprietor of Kensington village.

Hanover township was organized in 1806. Hanover village (long known as Hanoverton P. O. ) was laid out in May. 1813, by James Craig. Craig organized a stock company, or co-operative store, and obtained an appointment as j^ostmaster. Among the early stores were those kept by George Sloan and Charles Pope. "Pope," says an old history, "committed suicide one day. Iwt notiody ever learned why.'' hi 1834. when the Sandy and Beaver Canal was projected to pass through Hanover township, near Hanoverton, there was a general awakening and "brushing up" among the business men. Michael Arter, George Brown and Horace Potter purchased land along the proposed canal at the village, and laid an addition upon what was later Canal street, which afterward became the business portion of the village. Properties were improved and everything seemed favorable for a prosperous future for Hanoverton. The canal project, however, received a backset in the panic of 1837, and the business projects of Hanoverton received a check, to be revived, however, in 1845, when the canal project seemed to l)e approaching realization. David After and Perry Nicholas, built a great warehouse, which was still standing, opposite the Mansion House, in 1905, and J. R. and A. R. Arter a larger one. which was still occupied as a business place in the early years of the new century. For a brief time business was good in Hanoverton in the buying and shipping of produce, but the canal failing in 1847, Hanoverton"s bright prospects also came to an end, and the town has since l»een moving along quietly, and enjoying a moderate degree of prosperity.

Hanover village was incorporated in 1836. Michael Arter being the first mayor and John Alexander, the first recorder. The population in 1000 was 399. In 1905 A. V. Johnson was mayor and C. II. Swearingen. clerk.

Gillt'ord was another of the "boom" villages of Hanover township, boomed as a result of the Sandy and Beaver Canal project. In [835. upon the projection of the canal, a part of whose chosen course was to pass through section 12, Hanover township. Dr. George McCook, J. G. Willard and Jacob Schreibcr purchased the northeast quarter of section 12 and laid out a town, advertising an auction sale of town lots. About the same time Samuel Fugit and John Hanna laid out lots on the southeast quarter : and on the day of sale about 3.000 people from Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia, with some from more remote States, were present and ready to bid for these choice properties. Excitement ran high, for everyljody thought Gill ford was destined to be a great city. Consequently the lots sold at fancy prices. Meanwhile work on the canal was being pushed. Houses were built and stores and hotels opened up. The town was named in honor of Gill, the engineer in charge of the canal work. At the first sale 150 lots were sold, some bringing sums as high as $250. After the canal bubble had burst, many of these lots were sold for fifty cents to one dollar each. Samuel Boots sold his farm, bought a lot in Gillt'ord and put up a big tavern, in which for a couple of years he did a great business. The town was incorporated in 1830. with a population oi 4CX) or 500. The first officials were: Thomas Hnmdon, mayor, and William Torrance, clerk. The next mayor was Joseph Louthnn, in 183", in which year the golden prospects of the town u»ok to themselves wings. As a municipality its existence was of very short duration. In 1845, when the revival ot the canal scheme gave to the hamlet some promise of the final fruition of its earlier hopes, there was a temporary awakening, but it was never a brisk one; ami after thermal collapse of the canal Gil Word lapsed into the imi>ortance of a rural village, which it ever afterwards maintained.

The village of New Garden was laid out in 1810, and an addition was made to it in 1832. It has always l>een a quiet though reasonably prosperous hamlet, situated as it is in a rich tanning section. James Graham was a prosperous merchant and the postmaster for 40 years. ]-'. K. Lilier had a carriage manufactory and Charles Liber conducted a small foundry.

George Sloan purchased 20 acres on section 35. and in 1838 laid out Dungannon, calling it for his native land in Ireland. The projectors of the town shared with those of Hanoverton and Gill ford their bright expectations Iwsed upon the canal project, and like them of course were doomed to disappointment. Many of the inhabitants of the village, with those of the immediate neighborhood, were Catholics, and a church of their faith has been maintained there.

The village of Kensington was laid out in 1852 upon the building of the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railroad, being first called Mayville, as a tribute to Samuel May Holland, who had owned the village site. The name Kensington was adopted in 1876. The first station agent was Jacob Dutton, who opened the first store. Oliver Miller was for many years station agent. 15. C. Hattin kept a hotel for about 25 years in the town.

The Methodist Episcopal Church at Han- .ivcrt.in was organized in 1834. It was attached originally to the New Lisbon circuit. The first church building was erected in 1837, preaching having originally been held in the Disciples Church. The building was demolished June 30, 1876, by a wind storm, but was at once rebuilt.

The Methodist Episcopal Church at New Garden was organized in 1840. Public worship was held in the village schoolhouse until 1841. when a frame church wns erected. Robert Dennis donated the land for the church. The Methodist Episcopal Church at Gill ford was also organized in 1840. In 1846 J. P. Conly donated a lot upon which the church was built.

The Disciples Church at Hanovertou traces its origin back to 1820. when the Christian Church was organized there. The first house of worship was a log cabin just south of Hanover village. In 1830 the congregation was reorganized as the Disciples Church. An addition to the church was built, and that house served until 1859. when a new building was completed. The Disciples Church at New Garden was organized in 1842. as a branch of the church at Hanoverton. A frame house was built, but in 1856 the branch returned to its patent stem at Hanoverton.

About 1810 John Stauzh. a German Lutheran minister, gathered together a band of worshipers fn iu the German Lutheran settlements in (.'enter and Hanover townships, and he was engaged to preach for them. In 1813 he organized St. Martin's Lutheran Church, and shortly after a log church was Inult. Rev. Mr. Stauzh preached several years without compensation. With small remuneration he served the soriety until 1X47. A brick church was built 111 1847, and in 1870 a frame structure took its place.

St. Philip's Catholic Church was organized at Dungannon in 1S14. In 1827 a church was built near the site of the Catholic graveyard. In 1S47. the majority of the memlxrrs living at Dungannon, a location was olrtained in the town and a large brick building was erected at a cost ot abuit Sif.fxxi.

cicty of Friends, east of New Garden, aliout 1S06. In 1840 the log church was replaced by a commodious structure. Soon the Friends began to move away, the cliurch was abandoned and, in 1859, the structure was demolished. Aboul t he date of the building of the church at New Garden, the Friends living near Hanover erected a log meeting house. At that time this was the only church in the neighborhood. Jn 187 J they replaced the log house with a brick structure. The services of the New (larden Meeting of Friends were transferred to Winona in 1830, they having l«en held in Hanover township prior to that time.

The First Presbyterian Church of Hanoverton was organized alxnit 1830 by Rev. James Roliertson. a minister somewhat noted in Columbiana County for his success in organizing churches. A frame church had been built in anticipation of the organization. Rev. Mr. Robertson was the first pastor, and served until 1846. when he organized a Free Presbyterian Church at Hanoverton, and Iiecame the pastor. In 1 84 1 the frame church building was replaced by a brick structure. In 1846 the church developed factions on the question of slavery, a portion of the congregation going with Rev. Mr. Robertson to the Free Presbyterian Church.

Probably the first burying ground laid out in Hanover township was 4 he one at the Friends Meeting House near Hanoverton. William Craig is supposed to have been the first person buried there. He died about 1808. Although the ground was laid out by the Friends, it was free for public use, and many persons from a distance conveyed their friends thither for burial. There is an old burying ground, also, near New Garden. That, ton, was laid out by the Friends, near their meeting house; and, although the Friends have passed out of the township, and their meeting house, too, is gone, the graveyard still remain-;. Ixring still free to all denominations and the public generally.

rolling as to its topography, and is drained by the Mahoning River and its tributaries. At an early day the land was largely taken up by speculators, w ho, however, disposed of their holdings in many cases to actual settlers at reastmable figures. The first permanent settler of the township was John Thomas, who came from Pennsylvania. He entered sections 27, J 8 and 29, in 1804. Jacob Shaffer also settleil in Knox in 1804 During the Sunday morning services. June _>. 1822, on the banks of the Sandy. Mrs. Shaffer and her infant child were killed by a falling tree. Daniel Whiteleather, living at the close of the century at North Georgetown, is one of a family of eight children, sons and daughters of Andrew Whiteleather. This family, all grown, settled in the township in 1807. Pannenas l^unboni settled on section 13 in 1814. John Weaver, Jr., from 1 Vd ford County, Pennsylvania, settled on section 35 in 1S10. John Weaver, the father 01 John Weaver, Jr., settled on section 36 in i8jj. In 1821 Cornelius Shcehan of Fancaster County, Pennsylvania, settled on section 3_\ In his family were m children - five sons and live daughters. James Johnson entered a quarter of section 17 in 1823. James Peer, a pensioner of the War of 1812. settled in Wayne township in 1805, and in 1830 removed to Knox, bringing a wife and family. Rev. Joshua Beer, son of the pioneer James Peer, had settled in Knox in 1825. leaving, in Portage County, whence he came, a family of grown sons and daughters. Rev. Mr. Beer had preached in Knox as early as 1818. While preaching in the Middle Sandy Presbyterian Church, he was taken suddenly ill. and died a few days afterward. Christian I )ellenbaugb settled in Knox township in 1824. Dr. Delleuhaugh. a son of Christian, began the practice of medicine at North Georgetown, continuing 28 years. Daniel Burton, a native of Burlington Count v. New Jersey, lx night lands from the government, comprising a part of section <), receiving a grant therefor. I>earing the signature of President John Adams He settled on the land in 1820. Samuel 1 1 off man. a pioneer of Salem township, settled on section 21 in i8j<j. John, the oldest son living of a fam- ily of eight children, still resided on the home farm in Knox township a tew years before the close of the century. George M. Bowman settled on section 23 in 1832. John Kuntz, of Union County, Pennsylvania, with his wife and son Robert, settled in North Georgetown in 1836. Benjamin Anderson entered land in section 30. He died in 1875. Among the early settlers of the township also were Jacob Stoffcr. Henry Keistcr, Daniel Shiveley, George and Adam Wolf. George and John Mountz. Stophcl Miller. 01>adiah Crew, Thomas Stanley, Pleasant Cobbs and Adam and Michael Falor. James Mcl-aughlin. an old Revolutionary soldier, who had served under the immediate command of General Washington, came to Columbiana County from Northuml>erland County, Pennsylvania, and settled near the village of Calcutta, St. Clair township, in the year 1 797- m ne removed to Knox township and settled on section 18. There he resided a few years and then removed to Wayne township where he died about 1834, in his 91st year.

North Georgetown occupies a pleasant, elevated site, and has a population of about 200. It is located on sections 24 and 25, and was laid out in 1830. The village was platted by John Whiteleather and George Stigcr. The first building erected on the site was a log house, built by John Weaver in 1828. In 1833 a hotel was opened by Jacob Ritter. who kept it in operation several years. George Wolf, Alexander Crump, David Eckstine. David Summers, and Samuel Sturgeon, respectively, succeeded to the proprietorship of the house. At the death of Mr. Sturgeon, the house was atwndoned as a hotel. Another hotel was started in 1874 by Jacob Kuntz.

Homeworth, a thriving liltlc town on the line of the C leveland & Pittsburg Railroad, was laid out August 28. 185). under the proprietorship of Jonas Ruff. Samuel box and Jacob Williams. While there had l>eeii a cluster of buildings on the site of Homeworth as early as 1840. yet the town really owes its existence to the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railtoad. The postofnee prior to 1869 was known as "Sandy Postofnee." The first hotel was built by Jonas Ruff in 1852. Over the door of the house for several years was displayed the words, "Call and see Jonas Ruff." Reuben Shidler succeeded Ruff in 1863. In 1871 P. W. Taylor bought the pro|>erty and continued the hotel in connection with his duties as postmaster. The development of the Homeworth oil field, told of elsewhere in this work, in 1904- 05, gave the town something of a Ixxmi. Prior to 1880 for about 25 years, the Homeworth Agricultural Works did a large business in the manufacture of grain drills, com shellers and various other agricultural implements.

Reading, a small and practically extinct hamlet, situated midway between North Georgetown and Homeworth, was platted about the year 1840. when a little cluster of houses was built. It was expected by some that this would be the center of trade for the township. The hamlet never extended beyond the limits of its original 40 acres.

The first regular divine service held in Knox township was in the summer of 1816, Rev. Robert Scmple, of the Hartford (Connecticut) Presbytery, officiating. The service was held in the woods near the site later occupied by the Middle Sandy Presbyterian Church. November 10. 1821, the church was organized i by Rev. John Core, of the same presbytery. The first house of worship was built about 1825, and the structure still in use in 1905 was built in 1853.

The early meetings of the German Baptist Church society were held in log houses as early as 1810 - but they were of an informal character. These house to house meetings were continued until i860, when a house of worship was erected on section 27. In 1878 the church building was enlarged and remodeled. This is the largest church edifice in the township,

The Disciples or Christians of Knox township held informal services as early as 1830. In i860 the society purchased the school house on section to. and removed it to lauds of Dan-

Bethel Church (German Reformed) was ; organized about 1830. Jacob Cronig and Jacob Miller in 1838 donated a site for a church on section 15, where a bouse was built. The original structure was replaced by a larger one in i860.

In 1830 a house of worship was built on the hill east of Georgetown, to be occupied in common by the German Reformed and F.\ 'angelical Lutheran societies. A discussion arising as to the form of service to be used, w hether English or German, resulted in the withdrawal of those who preferred the English. These

The first school in Knox township was o|>cned in a log cabin by Samuel Thomas, on section 29. in the year 1806. In 1826 the township contained four school districts. In 1852 the tow nship . was divided into 11 districts, which number was afterward increase*! to 12. The districts were all provided with good and comfortable buildings.