Crawford County, Ohio - Chapter 11: Cranberry Township, 1912

Location and Erection of the Township - Topography and Drainage - Cranberry Marsh - First Settlers - Early Industries - New Washington - Kibler's Tannery - Postmasters - Construction of Railroad - Justices - Education - Churches.

Cranberry township comprises land lying on either side of the eastern boundary of an extensive tract which, subsequent to 1820 was known as the "New Purchase." The three tiers of sections on the east belonged to the "Three-mile Strip," a narrow tract of land lying next east of the boundary mentioned above ; and the tier of sections on the west and the fractional tier lying next east of the western tier, were portions of the New Purchase. The former portion of the township - that lying east of the New Purchase - was laid out in sections as early as 1807, the remainder not being surveyed until about 1820. These townships were at first known only by their numbers and ranges, names being given subsequently to them by the settlers. Cranberry was named from the extensive cranberry marshes lying in its southwestern parts. It was erected as a township by the Crawford county commissioners in 1826 and included what is now Cranberry and the eastern four miles of the present Chatfield township. Its boundaries have been frequently changed but in 1828 at the presidential election the polling place was at the cabin of Joshua Chilcote, in Cranberry. Out of the fifteen or sixteen votes then cast, seven came from Cranberry, and the remainder from the Chatfield part. In 1828 Chatfield was erected by taking from Cranberry its four western sections. Its present boundaries and dimensions were assigned to Cranberry in 1835, at which time Sandusky township was divided and Jackson township created, sections 34, 35 and 36 being annexed to Cranberry.

The surface of Cranberry township is generally flat, though in the northern part somewhat undulating. Lying on the northern slope of the Ohio watershed, it is drained on the northern and eastern sides by streams running into Huron river. Its western side is drained by Sycamore creek, a branch of the Sandusky. The drift deposits are deep and in no place is the underlying rock exposed. In the southern part of the township is found a rich, black and largely alluvial soil, while in the northern part, being mixed with sand and clay, it is somewhat lighter. This clay of a heavy tenacious quality, has been used to quite an extent in the manufacture of brick, tile and pottery. A few sulphur springs occur in several parts of the township but are of no particular value.

Owing to the wet and marshy character of the soil in a large part of the township, Cranberry offered few or no attractions to the pioneer settlers and, as a rule, they passed on to more favored localities. Of course, in those days artificial drainage was not thought of, or, if thought of, was regarded as impracticable, as so much other real work needed to be done. The vast cranberry maijsh, however, proved an attraction to hunters and trappers, as it was a favorite hiding place for game, and in the win- ter, when the water was frozen, was the scene of many an exciting hunt. Wolves, foxes, mink, and other fur-bearing animals were taken in large quantities, while occasionally a panther or bear was found. In wet weather the water was in some places two feet deep and large pools of stagnant water abounded through all this vicinity.

Bands of Wyandot Indians camped in the northern part of the township as late as 1825 and they continued to visit the locality for ten years subsecjuently, after which they came no more. In the winter they often organized extensive hunts, being sometimes joined by the white settlers. The game was surrounded by a wide circle of hunters, who gradually closed in upon it, driving it to a common center, where it was slaughtered, being afterwards divided among the participants. Many such exciting scenes took place in early days in this township. Most of the large ponds which in those days formed such a leading feature of the landscape, are no longer to be seen, owing to the system of drainage inaugurated somewhat over a generation ago, by which means the stagnant water was turned into neighboring streams. The marsh has also been drained and the soil rendered fit for the plow.

The name of the first settler in Cranberry township will probably never be ascertained. In 1825 thtre were but three or four families settled in the township, none of whom, probably, had been there more than three or four years. In 1823 or 1824 a Mr. Bergin built a log cabin on what was afterwards the Cory farm, being assisted in raising it by some settlers from Auburn township. By 1826 he had cleared and fenced a number of acres.

In that year the township witnessed the advent of Aaron Cory, an ordained minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, who was of Scotch descent. He is thought to have been a descendant of Giles Cory, who was executed for witchcraft at Salem, Mass., September i, i6q2, when aged 77 years. Removing from New Jersey to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, in 1802, he had resided there a number of years and afterwards been a resident of Richland and Wayne counties. He died in Cranberry township in 1834 at the age of 60 years, having founded a family that has given to the county some of its most intelligent, distinguished and upright citizens. Among them was Thomas, son of Rev. Aaron, who "served with singular fidelity in various positions of honor and trust." Another, James E. Cory, represented Crawford county in the state legislature and was the author of several useful legislative enactments, and Hugh M. Cory was state senator from 1909 to 191 1.

Other settlers who came about the time of Cory were Charles Doney, George Myers and Joshua Chilcote. Doney, who came in 1825, was a hunter and trapper and built a log cabin near the cranberry marsh. He gave his name to a long winding ridge or strip of land which extended out to the center of the marsh and which to this day is known as Doney's Point. He was a Connecticut Yankee and had previously settled in the northern part of Richland county but on account of game becoming scarce in that locality had removed to Cranberry township, this county, where he erected a cabin for himself and family. He cultivated a small garden but his main business was hunting. He had much trouble with the Indians, who stole his furs, but he finally stopped this practice by catching one of the thieves and giving him a sound thrashing.

George Myers bought land on the subsequent site of New Washington and was afterwards closely identified with the early history and development of that village.

Chilcote was an Easterner who before coming here had resided for some time in Columbiana county, Ohio. He was an enterprising and energetic citizen, took a prominent part in opening up roads through this locality and served with ability in most of the township ofifices. It is thought that the first marriage in the township was that of one of his daughters with "Oak" Tyndal. He has numerous descendants, though most of them are residents of other counties. His immediate family numbered five sons - John, Nicodemus, James, Joshua and Heathcote - and two or three daughters. In 1820 Jacob Lederer settled in the township with his three sons.

About 1828 James Boner settled in the southern part of the township. He also was one of the township's most useful citizens during its early period. He was a man of more than ordinary intelligence and served for many years as a justice of the peace. A for- mer historian relates that on one occasion - about 1829 - ^Judge Boner was called upon to "splice" a young German named Zipsie with the object of his choice. About a week later Zipsie appeared and addressing the Judge, who was weeding his garden, exclaimed: "Wie gehts, Mishter Boner, wie gehts. You did got me a firsh shtrate wife dot time."

In 1830 arrived Jacob Boyer, Jacob Shafer and Christopher Faulk. They were followed three years later by a large number of German settlers who located in various parts of the township. Among them were George Klein^ Timothy McCarty, Jacob and Philip Gangloff, George Seifert, Warren Rang, William Hoover, Henry Koehler, Benjamin Hudson, George Seiter, William and Arthur Tildon, George Donnenwirth, William Scott, George Strohacker, Frederick Weaver, Michael Hartneck and Joseph Worst.

About the same time came Adam and Valentine High, Jefferson Kibler, Valentine Lantz, John, William and Armstrong Irwin, John Siefert, Amos Stevens and six sons, and others. Most of the German settlers came directly from Germany to Cranberry township. The majority of these settlers selected the higher lands for their settlement, but some braving malaria, chose the ridges that projected like peninsulas into the swamp. They took some measures, however, for draining the worst places and in the course of years their united labor in this direction had a most beneficial result. Many of them made no little money out of the cranberry-picking industry, the berries in 1824 selling for 20 and 25 cents per bushel, with the price steadily advancing. With the aid of a box-like implement having a serrated board for scraping off the berries, 15 or 20 bushels per day were often gathered. The pickers wore long-legged boots to keep out the water and as a precaution against snake-bites, rattlesnakes being numerous in the marsh. The picking season began the latter part of September and lasted until well into the following spring; but few being gathered in the winter, however, owing to their being frozen in the ice. Those gathered in the spring were considered of the best quality, as they required less sugar to prepare them for table use. By 1855 the marsh had become so dry that cranberries no longer grew there in paying quantities.

Previous to 1830 the township was without any of the usual appurtenances of civilization. Mills, manufactories, schools, churches or villages were non-existent. To obtain flour or meal it was necessary to go to the Huron river, 20 miles north, except that a very small quantity could sometimes be obtained at the horsemills in Auburn township. Household supplies were brought from Huron and Richland counties, or where obtained, later, at Bucyrus. By 1842 Jefferson Wallace, a cabinet-maker began "business in the southern part of the township, after which many of the citizens procured their household furniture from him.

In or about 1836 a log grist-mill was erected in the northwestern part of the township, on Broken Knife creek, "niggerhead" stones being used. This mill was conducted, it is thought, for about six or seven years and produced a good article of flour. On the other side of the race was a sawmill operated by Mr. Chilcote, which ran for about the same length of time. Both mills were built of logs, the grist-mill being the larger building.

In August, 1833, the town of West Liberty was laid out, and the plat was filed in the Recorder's Office in Crawford county, on Sept. 2, 1833. It was platted and surveyed on land belonging to John Drum, who was the projector and proprietor of the new town. Its location is described as being the south end of the west half of the southwest quarter of section No. 12, Chatfield township (now Cranberry. ) It was laid out almost entirely on the east of the road which ran through the northern part of the county from Mansfield to Attica and Tiffin. There were three north and south streets and three north and south alleys, named Caroline, Walnut and Poplar streets, and a West, Middle and East alleys. All of the 26 lots laid between two east and west streets, Jackson being the street on the north and Front on the south. The Mansfield and Tiffin road crossed diagonally through the southwest corner of the plat. It was proposed to abandon that part of the road that cut through the town and have it enter from the north on Caroline street, run south to Jackson, then east to the original road. It was only four days after the plat was filed in Bucyrus, that George Myers filed the plat of New Washington, which laid just south of

Drum's town of West Liberty. There was a very spirited rivalry for a while between the two places as to which should be the town. But eventually New Washington proved the stronger, and the site of West Liberty was abandoned, but it is now the northern part of New Washington.

George Myers was a very energetic and industrious citizen. His cabin stood near the site of the grist-mill and was a small building constructed of round logs. He was a short chubby man with heavy whiskers, which stood straight out from his face and which caused him to be generally known as "Chipmunk" Myers. In course of time he broke himself down by hard work. By 1833 he had cleared and fenced 30 acres of land and had it under cultivation. A part of it is now the business center of New Washington.

The early growth of New Washington was slow but steady. It was well situated for a trade center, having no near rivals in this, respect and the number of merchants gradually increased, most of them keeping large and well selected stocks. Jacob Hoover came soon after Myers and built a round log cabin near the northern limits of the town. He, however, was a very different kind of man, having a strong disinclination to hard labor and being by natural taste a hunter, at which he was very successful.

The first stock of goods was brought to the town by a Mr. Hussey, who, in 1835 or 1836 erected a double log cabin, where he kept a general assortment of goods, purchased in Sandusky City and valued at about $800. The stock, of course, included a liberal supply of whiskey, without which as a sort of lubricating oil - as was generally supposed in those days - the world would have failed to turn on its axis. Mr. Hussey was drowned in a storm on Lake Erie in 1842, and for some years after his death his business was conducted by his widow, who subsequently became the wife of John A. Sheets. Mr. Sheets then carried on the business, increasing the stock until it was worth several thousand dollars, and enjoying an excellent trade. He was succeeded by his sons, by whom the business was still further expanded and increased in value and importance.

New Washington and had a good trade, though secondary in importance to that of Sheets. He had, however, one of the largest asheries in the county and turned out on an average about fifteen tons of excellent pearl-ash per annum for about eight years. He also owned a large farm near the town from which he cut and burned the timber, preserving the ashes for use in his ashery. Many of the early merchants dealt in furs and some in wool, or in anything from which an honest penny might be gained, achieving success or failure according to their business ability or the conditions by which they were confronted. In 1836 New Washington could boast of seven families who were living in log cabins of various patterns and dimensions. By 1840 the population- of the village had increased to nearly fifty, at which figure, or nearly so, it remained for about twenty years.

Adam High, previously mentioned as among the early arrivals came in 1834, and was an old man when he arrived. He was one of the most wealthy among the pioneer settlers, having money out at interest as well as invested in land. His cabin, built probably the year of his arrival, is thought by some to have been the second one erected in New Washington. His son Valentine carried on a blacksmith's business for many years, opening a shop about 1837. He also built a small tannery which he conducted for about eight years. Years later, a grandson of the original Adam High was badly hurt in the most serious accident that ever occurred at New Washington. The grandson was also named Adam, and was a wagonmaker. On July 4, i860, he was pounding broken brick on a charge of powder in an anvil. The charge exploded and tore off his left hand and about one-half of his arm below the elbow. His face and breast were much bruised and a deep wound was made in his side under his right arm and shoulder. At the same time three or four others were also badly hurt, among the worst injured being Mr. Gangloof. The latter was holding the powder receptacle from which he had just charged the anvil and it also took fire, burning his hand, arm and face. The faces and necks of all were much cut and marked by the fine grains of brick, though fortunately all their eyes escaped injury.

George Shichtal had a finger torn off. The force of the explosion was terrible, throwing Mr. High up and back and causing him to strike on his shoulders and side six or eight feet from the anvil. One or two others were also knocked down. Robert Robinson, a tanner and cobbler, began the manufacture of shoes in 1834. He prepared his own leather, having five or six vats and selling his surplus in Bucyrus. He employed three men and kept several hundred dollars worth of stock on hand. About 1845 his tannery passed into the hands of Matthias Kibler, an active and enterprising citizen who did much for the de- \'elopment and improvement of the town, particularly in advancing its educational interests.

Mr. Kibler was born in Germany, June II, 1822, and came to Cranberry in 1841. He started tanning on a farm that was subsequently owned by Daniel Early. In 1846 or '47 his tannery burned and in the next spring he took up his residence in New Washington, as above mentioned purchasing the tannery of Mr. Robinson. This he conducted with great success, also dealing in boots and shoes. His business increased until it became the largest and most successful of its kind that ever existed in the town. On his death, which took place Sept. 23, 1876, it passed into the hands of his sons, being conducted by his son Jefferson and later in connection with his brother Matthew, under whose management twenty or more vats were in full operation, and today the hide business of the Kiblers is one of the greatest industries of the county. Mr. Kibler, Sr., served with credit in various local offices and at the time of his death was mayor of the town. He made an addition to the town of a number of lots platted from a tract which he had purchased on his first arrival here. He was the chief mover in having the township at an early day divided in eight school districts and supplied with schools and adequate school facilities.

Jacob and Magdalena Lederer came to Cranberry in 1826; Valentine and Catherine Lantz in 1834; John M. and Jane Robinson came in 1835, locating half a mile west of Waynesburg. Robinson was one of the earliest blacksmiths. Amos and Hannah Stevens came in 1834, as did also John and Saloma Siefert.

Robert Cunning, grandfather of J. H. Stevens, served in the War of the Revolution. Amos Stevens was a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church.

Thomas and Esther Cory ( father of Aaron and Elizabeth) came to Cranberry in 1826. Aaron emigrated to Ohio, settling in Wayne county about 18 14- 15.

George Donnenwirth came to New Washington in 1838 and kept a blacksmith's shop. He was postmaster for several years, 1852 to 1856, the office being located at his shop. In those days New Washington got its mail from Chatfield. Every Sunday, regardless of the weather, Mr. Donnenwirth went over to Frisbie's on the pike and got his mail. During the week his sons or the neighbor boys frequently went over, walking the distance, about five miles. A correct list of the postmasters of New Washington from 1846, with dates of appointment, is as follows:

One of the most enterprising citizens that New Washington ever had was William H. Pratt who came in 1844. He was a carpenter and millwright having a very thorough knowledge of his trade and was moreover a man of good general business ability. He entered largely into building operations, having a large shop, and keeping fifteen men employed. He erected a large number of buildings throughout Cranberry and adjacent townships, many of which are standing today, and his reputation as a contractor stood high throughout the county. After carrying on this business for about eight years, he sold out and opened a provision store and saloon. He also dealt largely in furs, buying all he could ob- tain and shipping them to the eastern markets, where they brought a good price. In a single year - 1859 - he invested $2,000 in this branch of his business alone. He also caught many fur-bearing animals by means of dogs and traps. At that time mink skins sold for $4 and $5 each; coon skins, 75 cents to $1; fox skins from $1 to $2 and wolf skins for about a dollar, exclusive of the bounty, which was several dollars.

After conducting his provision store a few years he sold out that branch of his business and put in instead a stock of drugs, which also proved a good investment. In the early fifties he bought a steam muley sawmill, which he ran for about four years. This mill afterwards passed through various hands. In 1871 he built a large planing mill, which he conducted until 1880, when it was sold to Anthony Harmon.

Perhaps the greatest business disappointment that New Washington ever had was the failure of the foundry project in 1850. Elaborate plans were laid out and a large building erected and supplied with furnace and other necessary appurtenances, the project being backed by men with considerable money at their command. The result was eagerly looked forward to by the townspeople who naturally expected an era of business and commercial activity. The proprietors, however, were not made of the right stuff to command success. They s^iuandered their resources in loose living and the foundry was never put into operation. In spite of this the town took on a healthy growth at this time, several new industries arose, new houses were built and the population increased until in the early sixties the town had some 200 inhabitants, who were for the most part thrifty and prosperous. In 1854 a man named Johnson built a large and substantial grist mill at a cost of about $4,000. This mill was furnished with three sets of stone and was operated by steam and soon commanded a large trade, furnishing excellent flour. It is still running, a large part of its product being shipped to other localities.

Another noted citizen of New Washington was Jacob J. Bear. He was born Aug. 6, 1835, and at the age of 13 began to learn the printers' trade at Painesville. He subsequently published a book on latitude and longitude, entitled "Mnemotechny." In i860 he made the journey overland to Pike's Peak, with the intention of engaging in nrining. But finding this occupation unprofitable, he turned his attention to journalism, assisting W. N. Byers in starting the Rocky Mountain News, the first paper published in Colorado. He took part in the Civil War as a member of Company A, Twenty-first Indiana regiment. Returning later to New Washington, he opened a livery business here which he conducted with fair success for a number of years.

So far as is now known the first physician to locate in New Washington was Dr. Stouteneour, and the first lawyer was J. C. H. Elder who opened a law office in the village, January 16, 1878.

The construction of the Mansfield, Coldwater & Lake Michigan Railroad gave a great impetus to the growth of New Washington, which was noticeable as soon as the construction became certain. Many new buildings, both public and jjrivate, were erected, new industries were projected or started, property increased largely in value and the population soon tripled. Since the road was put into operation a number of additions have been made to the village, largely increasing its area. On the 4th of March, 1874, in accordance with a previous petition, signed by a majority of the legal voters, the village of New Washington was incorporated by the County Commissioners and immediately afterward the following officers were elected : Matthias Kibler, mayor ; Lewis Donnenwirth, clerk; John Miller, treasurer; Lewis Faeth, marshal; J. H. Miller, Jacob Stouteneour, William Aschbaugh, Jacob Sheets, William Donnenwirth and John Tribolet, councilmen. Succeeding Mr. Kibler as mayor was W H. Pratt for two years, Peter D. Studer two years, L. C. Donnenwirth four years, and in 1885 H. M. Cory was elected, serving over a dozen years.

On Dec. 28, 1827, the County Commissioners appointed Isaac Matthews and Nicodemus Chilcote as Justices of the Peace. The following is a complete list of those who have held the office, and the dates of their election :

In April, 1862, New Washington had two churches, two dry goods stores, one drug store, six groceries, three blacksmith shops, five shoe shops, two wagon shops, one tin shop, two cabinet shops, one flouring and sawmill, a tannery and an ashery. Today it is a thriving and prosperous town, has a good weekly newspaper, the New Washington Herald, owned by Percy Lantz, and a solid, substantial bank of which George W. Sheetz is president. It leads the county in two things : the Kibler tannery does a business of hundreds of thousands of dollars yearly, and has a national reputation, and a large combination store is the most extensive mercantile establishment in the county. Another thriving industry is the Uhl hatchery, the little chickens being shipped to practically every state.

The Farmers Exchange Bank, of New Washington, C, was organized as long ago as 1876 and is thus one of the old established financial institutions of the county. Its original officers were : John A. Sheetz, president ; Jacob Sheetz, vice president; and John H. Sheetz, cashier, and they continued to operate the bank until the death of John A. Sheetz in 1889. The business was then reorganized, with Jacob Sheetz as president, John M. Guiss, vice president, and John H. Sheetz, cashier. The directors and stockholders, in addition to the officers, were Mrs. Margaret Sheetz and Louisa P. Guiss. The death of John M. Guiss, in 1907, and of Mrs. Margaret Sheetz in 1892, caused further changes. Jacob Sheetz continued as president, Mrs. Louisa P. Guiss became vice president, John H. Sheetz continued as cashier, George H. Seitter became assistant cashier and, in 1910, Miss Ida Kimmerline became bookkeeper. This bank was organized with a capital of $25,000, with a surplus of $25,000. Its earliest location was in the back part of the J. Sheetz & Bros.' store. In 1906 the present modern bank building was erected. This building is of brick construction, with dimensions of 70x25 feet, and two stories in height. The first floor is occupied by the different banking departments, and the second floor by the local telephone exchange and by tenants. The bank is, equipped with a burglar and fire-proof vault, with inside dimensions of 8x11 feet, and an automatic time-lock door, weighing three tons. The officers of the bank are members of the American Bankers' Association, the Ohio Bankers' Association and the Ohio Private Bankers' Association.

The first settlers of Cranberry township were too much occupied in the struggle with nature to pay much attention to the question of education. Their children were taught at an early age to make themselves useful - the boys assisting their father in extending the clearing, draining the marshes or developing the farm, and the girls in helping their mother to perform the multifarious household duties, which, in many or most cases, included the making of homespun clothes for the family. If they attended school at all, it was probably in Auburn township - ^where at an early date there were a few rude schoolhouses - and at short and infrequent intervals. But in the winter of 1833-34 an educational change set in. The elder people had by that time seen the advisability of providing their children with an opportunity of becoming acquainted with the elements of knowledge and a small building was therefore rented and roughly prepared for the purposes of a schoolhouse. The name of the teacher, who was probably the first teacher in the township, has been forgotten. School was taught there every winter until 1839, at which time a large log schoolhouse was built about a mile southeast of New Washington. This was attended by the town children until about 1842, when a log schoolhouse was built in the town. The latter building was used until 1855, when a schoolhouse was built at a cost of nearly $2,000, to be succeeded 30 years later by the present handsome and commodious brick structure. At the time the log schoolhouse was erected in the village, others were built in various parts of the town- ship. One near the present Tabor church, in 1840, and another in the northern part at about the same time. Several years later one was built near the eastern limits. These buildings were used generally for about 25 years, after which the present more commodious and substantial ones were erected.

The pioneer settlers of Cranberry being largely of German origin, the Lutherans and German Reformers united to organize a church in the township. This was done in the spring of 1834 by Rev. Mr. Stanch, who afterward made periodical visits to the society, at intervals of every two months. Among the first members were the families of John Seifert, Conrad Seiter, Phillip Gangloof, Adam High, and Mrs. Ehregott Hesse. Two years later Rev. Maschop came to serve the congregation, preaching once a month. He was succeeded by Rev. John Krauss, who visited the society from 1839 to 1845. At first services were held in schoolhouses or in the cabins of the members, but in 1840 a log church was built in the eastern part of New Washington, which, though small, was adequate to the membership. After the erection of this church Rev. Mr. Krauss visited it every alternate Sunday. He was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Graetz, who preached every Sunday from 1845 to 1850. In 1853, the congregation having largely increased, a new and larger church was erected at a cost of $2,700, including a bell and organ. In the previous year the Lutheran members being in a preponderance, the title of "German Evangelical Lutheran Church" had been adopted. The new church dedicated in 1854, the councilmen at that time being George Donnenwirth, Jacob Utz, Jacob Weil, Valentine High, George Leonhardt, John P. Walter, Michael, Margaret and John A. Sheetz. This is one of the strongest church organizations in the county.

The early Catholics in Cranberry township attended a church located on the Columbus and Sandusky Turnpike, in the southern part of Seneca county. But by 1844 they so increased as to be able to organize a church of their own, which was accordingly done, a small frame building being erected a little to the east of Hillburn's tavern. This building, which cost about $600, was used until 1868, when the present fine church was erected at a cost of $25,000. In 1875 the parsonage was built on an adjacent lot at a cost of $4,000.

About 1850 a Protestant Methodist church was organized in the township, the members meeting for services in schoolhouses. In 1854 they built a frame church on section 27, at a cost of $1,400.

The United Brethren about 1844 began holding meetings at the residences of some of the members of their faith, among whom George Keller was one of the most prominent. Their meetings were afterwards for several years held in a schoolhouse. The society increasing, a church was built in 1852 at a cost of about $800. The families of George Keller, Conrad Cragle, Peter Lash, Nicholas Whittle and Charles Hagerman were among the first members. Rev. John Smith was one of the first ministers. In 1880 or 1881 a Methodist Episcopal church was built in the northern part of the township at a cost of $1,200, the membership of which has since largely increased.