Delaware County, Ohio - Chapter 18: Townships and Towns, 1908 (part 2 of 16)

William Fancher, with his wife and a large famly. emigrated from Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, in 1810. They bought about 1,000 acres of land in the southern part of the township. He was a veteran of the Revolution, and a number of his sons served in the second war with England. The family was prominent and highly esteemed among the early settlers. About the same time, and from the same part of Pennsylvania, X. B. Waters and family came to Harlem Township. After residing here for several years, the}- removed to Fairfield County, where they resided for about eighteen years. They then returned to this county, settling in the northern part of Radnor Township. Here Mr. Waters die 1 in 1858. His wife was a Miss Cary, a sister of the wife of Squire Adams. 1 lis son. Benjamin C. Waters, married a daughter of Colonel William Budd. about 1846. He was a blacksmith for several years in the village of Harlem. He served as justice of the pe ice, and in i860 he was elected sheriff, and was re-elected in 1862. In the latter part of the Civil war he was provost marshal for the count}-, and for several years United States mail agent on the route from Cincinnati to Cleveland. He was elected probate judge in [872. Though not a trained lawyer, he had acquired consider-

Among the early and most numerous of the pioneer families, is that of John Budd, who emigrated from the Wyoming Valley in 1810, and settled upon a large tract of several hundred acres, situated in the west part of the township, on Duncan Run. This family by marriage was connected with all the earlj families of this township. When Mr. Budd came to Ohio, he was well advanced in years, ami all his sons were young men grown Their names were Benjamin, Eli. John and William. We may not give their names in chronological order of birth. Benjamin Budd settled east of his father, cleared up a farm, but in a few years afterward he sold his farm and moved to Indiana with his famly. His brother, Eli, settled on a farm farther east, cleared it up, and about the same time sold out and moved to Indiana. The elder Mr. Budd died on the old homestead he helped to im prove in the early days, and his son, William. by purchase and inheritance, became the owner of the old homestead property. His son. John, or Dr. John Budd, the cognomen 1>\ which he was known,' purchased from his father for $250, 100 acres of land situated north of the village of Buddtown, as it is called, where he settled and lived until his death in 1872. Soon after his father settled in Harlem, he married. Mary Adams, sister of Elijah and John Adams. They had several children. He was a botanical physician. While he never went to college, he had practical common sense, and never undertook to do in his profession anything beyond his skill. He was amiable, kind-hearted and a good citizen. William, who was better known as Colonel Budd, was something of a character, he had dash and enterprise, owned and ran a mill, kept store, carried on farming on a large scale, dealt in stock, and had a taste for military and political life. He was colonel of a regiment in the peace establishment, and had a great taste for litigation, lie sometimes engaged in legal practice in the justice courts.

His wife was a sister of Elijah Adams. They reared a large family. Colonel Budd left a large estate. Upon his death, his eldest son. James Budd, became the .owner of the old homestead, consisting of several hundred acres, to which he made additions until he became the largest land owner in the township, and one of the largest in the county. James Budd was very much like his father, generous and kind-hearted. For many years he was extensively engaged in the stock business, and at the close of the Civil war, met with heavy pecuniary losses, sold his farm and moved West. The oldest daughter married Major Jesse C. Tull. He was a native of New York, and when a young man, came to Ohio and was employed as a school teacher in Harlem. Alter his marriage, he was an active business man. dividing his time between agricultural and mercantile pursuits. He later moved to Columbus and engaged in the hotel business. Am ther daughter became the wife of Judge B. C. Waters

Another early settler in this township was Benamin M. Fairchild, who emigrated from Bennington, Vermont, in 1808 or 1809. For many years he was employed by Benajah Cook to work on the farm. He was a millwright and mechanic, but being a natural genius, he was successful at any work he undertook. About the beginning of the War of 1812, he was married, and at this time sent for his brother Shuman and family to come from Vermont. He was able by industry and economy to purchase a 150-acre farm. He built several grist and saw-mills, and opened up several stone quarries on Duncan Run, which he had purchased from Coloned Byxbe. He gave the stone for the Central College. In 1878 he died at an advanced age. Shuman settled on a farm adjoining his brother's farm on the south. He died without heirs, and left his estate to his wife and relatives, except $1,500, which he donated to the church

George Fix was an early settler coming into the township a number of years later than those we have mentioned. About [812 Conrad Wickizer came from Berks County, Pennsylvania, and settled in the southeastern part of the township. The Mann family - Thomas, Eleazer, Abijah and Gordon Mann - were among the early settlers. Daniel Hunt was another. He came from Washington County, Pennsylvania, and settled on a farm about a mile east of Centerville, about 1835. He was an industrious and successful man, but his kindness in such matters as bail debts led him into financial straits. He was justice of the peace for several years and a member oi the Disciples' Church.

About eighty years ago John Hanover and family came into the township from Ohio County, West Virginia. And about the same time Elam Blain, a Pennsylvanian, settled on a new farm on Spruce Run. He was an intelligent but unassuming man. He was justice of the peace for fifteen years, and held other township offices. He raised a large family. Another settler of this period and in this neighborhood was John Miller. He was one of the pioneers who helped to clear up the township. He died in 1880 past eighty years of age, leaving numerous descendants. Jonathan Bateson, a brother-in-law of Daniel Hunt, came here about the same time as Hunt. He also for several years was a justice of the peace. He and Hunt married sisters by the name of McClelland. In 1839 Nathan Paul settled on a farm of about 400 acres about half a mile east of Centerville. He was intelligent, enterprising and thrifty. He married a Miss Bell and had two sous and a daughter. He died in 1850 at the age of forty-one. leaving a large estate. Among other prominent settlers who have many descendants in the township at the present time were Thomas, Joseph, David and John Gorsuch, and a glance at the list of township officers will show that this is a prominent name. We Have given all the data regarding the early settlement of the township that we have been able to secure at this late date, and of course, it is beyond the scope of a work of this kind to attempt to go into details of the present population, which alone would make a large volume.

Axu Representative Citizens

This township was set off June 8, 181 3, and is designated as No. 5 in the original survey. It is five miles square, and contains 16.000 acres of land. It is bounded on the north by Morrow County; mi the east by Porter Township ; on the south by Berkshire Township, and on the west by Brown. The surface of the land is generally quite level, though in the southern and eastern portions it is more undulating. As in other parts of the county, the most fertile lands are those which border the streams. While the grain crops do well in this township, the general character of the soil makes it better adapted for grass and grazing than for growing crops. Originally the land was heavily wooded with all the varieties of hardwoods that grow in this part of the State. The rich bottom lands were covered with spice bush, black haws and paw-paw underbrush ; wild plums, grapes and crab apples also grew spontaneously and in great abundance. These constituted all the luxuries of the early pioneers and in most cases were all he desired. These fruits, besides being used fresh in various ways, were also dried for use in the winter season, or preserved in maple sugar, this and wild honey being the only sweetening they had. Young horses and cattle were often wintered in these swails. and managed somehow to come through without grain or dry feed. The hogs were allowed to run at large, at first without brands or ear-marks, and these fed and fattened on acorn and beech-nut mast. In a few years these animals had increased so rapidly that they came to be regarded as public property, and anyone feeling in need of pork was at liberty to help himself.

Kingston is amply supplied with springs and streams of pure water, sufficient for home use and tor stock. Alum Creek is the largest stream and runs across the northwestern corner of the township. Little Walnut Creek is the next stream in size. It enters the township on the north about a mile and a half west of the north-east corner. It runs in a southerly direction, dividing the township into two nearly equal parts. It has numerous small tributaries, which are helpful in draining the township. Other streams are Butler Run, west of and nearly parallel with Little Walnut , Indigo Run is in the northeastern part of the township, and Taylor Run flows in the southeastern portion. Butler Swamp, the source of the run of that name, took its name from a man named Butler, who settled near it in 1807. It was supposed that this land would never be fit for farming, but clearing up and drainage has demonstrated the fact that it is not only tillable, but very fertile.

John Phipps was the first settler in this township. He came about 1807. and located in the southeastern part of the township, on or near Little Walnut. Little is known of him because he remained here only a short time before he returned East with his family. The same year, two brothers, Abraham and James Anway. came from Pennsylvania and settled in the same part of the township where Phipps had been. They raised large families. Soon after these men came George Hess from the same State, and located in the same neighborhood. He lived on the farm which he cleared until his death in 1835. He was married but had no children. The property afterwards was owned by Ceptor Stark. In 1809 came James Stark, Ji ihn Rosecrans and his four sons. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and John; Dr. Daniel Rosecrans and his four sons. Nathaniel. Jacob, Purlemas and Crandall, and Joseph Patrick ami wife. James Stark selected a farm of about 200 acres in the eastern part of the township. For many years he entertained travelers at bis house, which was the only hotel or tavern ever kept in the town- ship. The Sunbury and Mansfield roads crossed on his farm, and the locality came to have the name of Stark's Corners. He married a Miss Wilcox before coming here, whose family connection was very numerous, and he, having the confidence of a very wide acquaintance, was able to induce many settlers to come into the county. By a former marriage he had three daughters. One married a Mr. Perfect, of Trenton Township; one married Dr. Bige- Iow, of Galena, and the third married Benjamin Carpenter of the same town. They all had large families. By his second marriage he had one son, James N. Stark, who at one time owned two thousand acres of farm lands in Kingston and Porter Townships. Joseph Patrick was a remarkable man, having unusual intellectual ability, but he was afflicted with an impediment in his speech. He was well versed in history, and was successful as a business man. He accummulated a large fortune for his day, and by honest methods. Among the positions of trust with which he was honored was that of county treasurer. He removed to Berkshire Township at an early day. He married Sarah Taylor, daughter of Daniel Taylor, who emigrated from the Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania, and settled in the southeastern part of the township on the run which later was railed by his name.

Dr. Daniel Rosecrans first located on Little Walnut Creek'. Later he sold this and bought a farm on Taylor's Run. lie was the firsl justice of the peace in the township. His son Crandall married Jemima Hopkins, who was related to Stephen Hopkins, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. They had three sons, the eldesl of whom was Major- General William Stark- Rosecrans. who won fame as a general in the war for the Union. A sketch of him will be found in the chapter devoted to the military history of the county. Sylvester, another of the sons, also became distinguished, but in a different sphere. After graduating from Wesl Point, lie joined the Roman Catholic Church, went to Rome for his theological training, became a bishop and was placed in charge of the Diocese of Columbus, lie was noted Ei r hi- great executive ability, his scholarship and his eloquence in the pulpit.

Previous to our second struggle with England, Solomon Steward, who had served in the Revolution, came here from the Green Mountain State. In 181 5 he married Xancy White, a sister of Mrs. Benjamin Benedict, ami soon alter settled in Porter Township. In 1812 Peter Van Sickle came with his young family from New Jersey. He located on land in the southernmost part of the township west of Little Walnut. He had two sons, William G. and Asa, and four daughters. The oldest daughter married Hon. Almon Stark, who for years was an associate judge of our Common Pleas Court. The youngest daughter became the wife of R. J. Lott. At his death Peter Van Sickle left quite an estate, besides giving his children much financial help as they started out in life. In 1814 two brothers, Richard and Charles Hodgden, emigrated from Connecticut and settled in this township. They "bached" it for a while together. Finally Richard married a Miss Place and Charles married a Miss Blackman. and after she died he married a Miss Brockover and moved to Union County. John White, from West Virginia, also came here in J 814. He purchased 1,000 acres of land, the northeast quarter of Section 1. He had a large family, some of whom had reached maturity, and these soon married and settled in the neighborhood. Mr. White immediately became prominent and influential in the township. John Van Sickle a cousin <if Peter Van Sickle came into t\v township about 1815. Both these men brought sufficient means with them to enable them to have such comforts and conveniences as were possible under pioneer conditions. John Van Sickle married Susannah Wicker, who was a native of the same county in New Jersey. They bad eight children, all of whom were married and reared families. David was a farmer in Kingston; Peter had a farm in Porter Township; William W. resided in Delaware; Elizabeth married George Blaney, of Porter Township; Mary married Charles Wil cox. of Porter; Esther married a Mr. Knox, and spent her life in Trenton Township; Dru silla married Dr. H. Bessee, and Jane married Lewis Buck, of Morrow County. John Van Sickle carried on farming on a large scale. Upon arriving at age, each of the children received from him 100 acres of land. He built a (lam and a grist- and saw-mill near Sunbury, and carried this on along with his farming. He was a consistent and active member of the Presbyterian Church, and with Dr. Fowler'; father was one of the founders and main-stays of the Old Blue Church at East Liberty. He spent his declining years in that village. Benjamin Benedict settled on a 150-acre farm about one mile below the center of the town, on Little Walnut in 1S15. He married a daughter of John White. They had two sons. Nelson and Sturgis. Benjamin Benedict died in 1877, at the advanced age of eighty-eight years. He was highly esteemed by his neighbors for his industrious and honorable life. In 181G a man named Waldron also came into the township. He was from Xew York. His four sons were George, who lived in Brown Township ; Richard, William and Jonas. The next year Joseph Lott came from Luzerne countv. Pennsylvania, and settled on the East Branch of Little Walnut Creek. He reared two sons and two daughters. Riley T. and Josiah were farmers in Kingston. His oldest daughter became Mrs. William G. Van Sickle, and Eliza, the youngest daughter, married Ezekiel Longwell. In 1817, also, John Hall h cated on a wild tract of 100 acres on the Little Walnut. He married one of the daughters of John White, from whom he had purchased his farm. They had four children. Mrs. John J. Wilcox was their only daughter. William, their oldest son, went to Iowa where he practiced law. George W. also went West, where he engaged in farming, and John W. made his home in Delaware. Hiram Cuykendall, a veteran of both wars with England, settled on a farm in this township in [820. He died nearly seventy years ago at a great age. Tin imas and James Carney, two brothers, came from Luzerne County. Pennsylvania, Thomas in 1820 and James in 1823. They were both hard workers and set about clearing farms. Thomas married one of the Lott girls, and James brought his wife, who was Jane Ostrander beforeJier marriage, with him to the township. Both brothers raised families. Moses Decker came from New Jersey to Kingston in 1820. He settled in the eastern part of the township, near his brother-in-law, Isaac Einch, who had preceded him from the same State. Mr. Decker was a soldier in the War of 1 812, was the first postmaster of Kingston, a justice of the peace for a number of years, and prominent and well known throughout the county. He married a daughter of Hiram Cuvkendall. Moses Decker was a carpenter and millwright, and built many of the early mills in the county. The first frame barn in the township was built by Elder Wigton on his farm. It was framed, raised and completed by Mr. Decker. It was a neverfailing custom in those days to serve liquor of some kind, usually whiskey, at all raisings. On this occasion Mr. Decker forbade that any liquor be brought on the ground. It was thought that failure to provide this energizer would result in the people staying away, but help enough came, and the first attempt at raising the barn was successful. This was in 1827, and while the structure that was erected on that occasion has long since crumbled into dust, Mr. Decker"s influence for temperance is still at work, and Kingston still holds the reputation it long ago earned for the temperance and sobriety of its inhabitants. Mr. Decker lived to be upwards of ninety, and left numerous descendants in the county. Oliver Stark came from Pennsylvania to Kingston in 1825, being then twenty-four years of age. Four years later he married the first white child born in Kingston Township. Eliza Patrick, the daughter of Joseph Patrick. Oliver Stark was successful and prominent in his day. He was justice of the peace for twentyone years, and served as county commissioner for three years from 1846-49. He left a large estate when he died, which was shared by a number of descendants.

Other early settlers were Gilbert I and family who came from West Virginia in 1817, and purchased John Hall's first farm from him. A few years later, William Gas- ton, his brother-in-law, came from the same county and settled near by. He was followed within a few years by his brother John Gaston. The district where they settled came to be known as the "Virginia District." Daniel Maxwell, who by his first marriage with one of the Earns sisters, was a brother-in-law of the Gastons and Potter, settled on a farm near the center of the township. He married for his second wife, a Miss Haslett. He was a typical Virginia gentleman, intelligent, a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, who was held in high esteem. For twenty years before his death he filled the office of justice of the peace, in which office he was succeeded by his son, William H. Maxwell. James Gaston, a native of the Emerald Isle and a relative of the Gastons we have mentioned, also settled in the "Virginia District." Elder Thomas Wigton came here from Pennsylvania in 1814, and settled on a hundred acres near the center of the township. He was a local preacher in the Baptist Church, but being broad-minded and tolerant of the views of others, he was popular with members of other churches than his own, for whom he often preached. In 1834 John Haslett came to Kingston from Augusta County, Virginia. He purchased 150 acres from Isaac Rosecrans in the east part of the township. He was a local preacher in the Methodist Church. Of good mental ability, kindly disposition, noted foi his southern hospitality, he was an enthusiastic and effective preacher. In 1834 Henry Sheets with his large and grown-up family settled in the woods in the northwestern part of the township. He had seven sons, the youngest of whom, Jacob Sheets, was for many years a justice of the peace. In 1824 Daniel Terrill immigrated to Kingston Township and settled on a farm in the southwest quarter-section. He was from Essex County, Xew Jersey.

Representatives of nearly all the nationalities that helped to establish the original thirteen colonies were to be found among the pioneers of Kingston Township: Puritans from New England, Dutch from Pennsylvania and Xew Jersev, English from the latter State and from Virginia, and Scotch-Irish from Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Their common dangers and common necessities tended to suppress the controversies that would naturally arise among people so radically different in racial characteristics, religion, temperament, habits of thought, manners and customs. They dwelt in harmony, their children intermarried, and today we have in the citizenship of Kingston Township, a race of men and women that for physical, mental or moral excellence are the peers of any other community.

Liberty is one of the three townships into which Delaware County was originally divided when it was set off from Franklin County. At that time it composed about half of what are now Orange, Berlin, Delaware and Scioto Townships, and the territory now embraced in Concord Township. Delaware Township was set off from Liberty at the first meeting of the county commissioners. Notwithstanding the loss of territory sustained when the townships above named were formed, Liberty Township is still from four to five miles wide and about eight miles from in nth to south. It is bounded on the north by Delaware Township ; on the east, by Berlin and Orange ; on the south by Franklin County, and on the west by Concord Township. The Olentangy River enters the township at a point a little east of the center of the northern boundary, and courses a little east of south to the Franklin County line, where it is the boundary between Liberty and Orange Townships. The township is drained by a number of small tributaries of the Olentangy, among which we may mention McKinnie's, Wild Cat, Big Wolf and Lick Runs. There are many fine springs of pure and mineral waters here as elsewhere in the county. F< >r a distance of two or three miles, the Scioto River forms the southwestern boundary of Liberty Township. In early times this portion of the township was a favorite camping ground for the Indians, a tine spring of very cold and pure water on the Stanberry farm being, perhaps, not the least' among the attractions of the spot. The land is rolling, and for fertility is not surpassed by that in any other part of the county. Originally it was heavily timbered with the varieties of trees common to this section. The land in the river bottoms is especially rich and yields large grain crops. Who were the original inhabitants of this part of the county will never be known. The evidence of their presence and their labor is here, but they faded into the mysteries of the past leaving no record of their advent, civilization or exit. The subject of the Mound Builders is treated in another chapter, so we shall not dwell upon it here.

The claim has been made that the first white settlers in Delaware County located here, and this is douhtless true as regards permanent settlement. In an old issue of the Delaware Gazette we find an excellent historical sketch of the settlement by Captain Nathan Carpenter, which was written by one of his descendants, A. E. Goodrich, from which we quote the following paragraphs :

"Captain Nathan Carpenter was born at Rehoboth. Massachusetts, in 1757. and grew to manhood amid the excitement preparatory to the Revolution, a zealous patriot. He was among the first to respond to the call of his country when the great colonial struggle came on, though scarcely more than a boy in age. He fought bravely at the battle of Bunker Hill, at which place his brother was killed and himself wounded. Afterward he participated in several battles, among them, the pursuit and capture of Burgoyne at Saratoga. After the close of the war. Mr. Carpenter lived in Connecticut until 1795. when he removed to New York and purchased a large estate on the Unadilla River. It was while residing here that the excitement over the Ohio territory rose to a height exceeded only by that perhaps over California in later years. Public meetings were held, at which were discussed the stories of its delightful climate and inexhaustible wealth. Never having become attached to the country which he had adopted as his home, he was inclined to share in the enthusiasm. He disposed of his estate and other effects which he would not need, and having procured everything required for his future home, started for the new El Dorado on the 12th of February, 1801. About twenty other young men ( Powerses, Smiths, and others) accompanied him. He traveled on wagons and sleds as far as Pittsburg, where he loaded his effects and passengers into a boat and continued his journey by floating down the Ohio River. When they reached the mouth of the Scioto River, the cargo and passengers were transferred to keel-boats, in which they were moved up to Franklinton. a place consisting of three or four log houses, and situated across the river from where Columbus now stands. Here a large canoe was procured, and the goods transported up the Olentangy to the place now owned by Captain V. T. Hills, about two miles south of the northern boundary, on the east side of the river, and where he arrived on the 1st of May. 1 801, having been two months and eighteen days on the voyage. The first business in order was the erection of a cabin for a shelter, which was built on the bank of the river just above highwater mark. It was rudely chinked with split sticks and covered with bark, but without floor or chimney. Flat stones were set up against the logs to make a safe place to build a fire. The cabin was scarcely finished when it commenced to rain, and continued for eight clavs in succession. After the flood had abated, the land was surveyed, and according to previous arrangement, Capt. Carpenter received choice of land in the section. He now began prospecting for a site on which to build a permanent home, which must be erected and finished before winter. His assistants were equally engaged in clearing, planting and hunting, and the result was they harvested 500 bushels of corn, besides superabundantly supplying the party with the choicest meats. Game was plenty ; deer were to be seen every day ;

"During the summer a substantial hewedlog house was erected on the site of the present residence of Squire Carpenter. The family were moved into it and provided with improved furniture and other adjuncts of civilization. In the spring following Capt. Carpenter's settlement, his party was joined by two other pioneer adventurers, Thomas Cellar and Josiah McKinnie, who were also men of wealth and influence, having their land paid for, and bringing with them surplus money. Mr. Cellar had purchased an entire section (4,000 acres) of land, and upon his arrival built a house on the Taggart farm. McKinnie located on the opposite side of the river from Carpenter. The colon}- now consisted of the families of Carpenter, Powers (who came with Carpenter), Cellar and Mc- Kinnie. Cellar was a gunsmith, and had manufactured guns for the war of Independence, while the others had used them to that end. They were now associated together, not in war. but in subduing the wilderness and building up homes in the new land of promise.

"The children of Captain Carpenter, ten in number, were now young men and women, and, being of congenial disposition, were sufficient company for each other to render their forest home cheerful and pleasant, instead of suffering it to become lonely and irksome. They often had exciting stories to relate concerning their adventures with wild animals and the Indians. With the latter they were usually on pretty good terms. As main- or these pioneer stories have been handed down to the present, we will give one or two by way of embellishment to dry facts. There were those among the Indians, who sometimes become intolerable in their conduct, especialh in their demands for whiskey, and the whites in such cases, did not hesitate to enter into a skirmish with them, knowing that they were in bad repute, even with their own people. An old Indian, whose name was Sevans. came to Carpenter's one day and asked for 'Whisk.' Ira. the eldest son, who chanced to be present, knowing too well what the result would be. informed Mr. Sevans that he could not be accommodated. The old Indian urged his demand with so much importunity, that it became necessary to use other kinds of persuasion than argument. He first drew his knife, but Ira wrested that from him with little difficulty, which rendered the red man furious, and he began drawing his tomahawk from his belt, when a kick from his palefaced adversary, sent him sprawling out of doors. As soon as he recovered himself, he threw his tomahawk at young Carpenter with all the force he could muster, but the door was brought together in time to intercept the blow. The weapon passed through the door, however, and was now in possessii >n of the white man, who chastised Mr. Sevans quite severely. He then gave him back his knife and tomahawk, with the injunction never to be seen there again - an injunction the old rascal faithfully obeyed.

"There being a surplus of help at home, John Carpenter, the second son, concluded that he would hire out his services, and obtain employment of a Mr. Patterson, who had a trading-post at Sandusky. He set out for that place on foot and alone, following the Indian trails, which were the only roads that were at that time through the wilderness. He traveled in the daytime, guided by these trails and a pocket-compass, and at night he slept by the side of a log. His first night's rest was quiet and undisturbed, but late in the second night, he was awakened by shrieks or howls, the source of which was evidently approaching nearer every moment. Being thoroughly awakened and conscious of his impending danger, he remained perfectly still by the side 1 if his log. The shrieks were soon changed ti 1 snuffings, and then the beast sprang upon the log directly over bis head; walking down the log smelling of its intended victim, it again alighted upon the ground, and, after smelling of him from head to foot, began to cover him up with leaves that were within reach. After having accomplished this feat to its satisfaction, it retired some distance and began to shriek most hideously, and soon Carpenter heard a response in the distance, which convinced him that he was the subject of a grand supper talk. Not wishing to become the food of a panther and her cubs, he quietly crawled out of the pile of leaves which had been heaped upon him, and climbed up the nearest tree. The answering sounds which he had heard grew nearer, and soon the young family made its appearance. They tore open the bed of leaves, but their anticipated supper had disappeared. Uttering hideous shrieks, the old one struck the track and followed it to the tree, and, rearing up against the trunk with her fore feet, stared indignantly at the subject of her disappointment. When the in. irning dawned, the huge panther withdrew her interesting family, and young Carpenter, happy in his escape, went on his journey. Many other incidents of interest pertaining to this pioneer settlement might be narrated, but our space will not permit; so we will return to facts.

Capt. Carpenter died in 1X14. On the evening of the 9th of September, a little more than thirteen years after his settlement in the township, he was returning from the town of Delaware on horseback. The animal on which he was mounted was a very vicious one, and, having left town late, night overtook him before he reached home. He could not see the road, and his horse had no disposition to follow it. Winding along the river, it passed between the bank and a tree that stood very near to it. An overhanging limb swept the rider from his seat, and, being so near the brink, he fell down the precipice upon the rocks below. He raised up his hands and uttered a solitary cry for help. The familiar voice attracted the attention of a neighbor near by. who hastened to his assistance. He immediately asked for water, which the man. with his hat for a cup, procured for him from the river. Dr. Lamb was soon at the scene of the accident, but his injuries were fatal, and he soon expired, thus ending, at the age of fifty-six, bis eventful life. His death cast a cloud over the entire community; all were conscious that they had lost a friend. His family were devoutedly attached to him; his physician and many friends wept at his grave, as they laid him by the side of his wife, who bad died ten years before." Among those who came here with Capt. Carpenter were Thomas and Avery Powders, who settled on farms adjoining Carpenter's. Avery Powers was one of the first county commissioners, and performed the duties of his office with credit to himself and with the approval of the community. His death occurred some years prior to that of Capt. Carpenter's. His son, Benjamin Powers, was president of the First National Bank of Delaware, and his grandson, George W. Powers, is now cashier of the same institution. Thomas Powers was killed at the battle of the Thames in the War of 181 2. Josiah McKinnie, to whom we have already referred was one of the first associate judges of Delaware County. He and Thomas Cellar, who came with him, are buried in the old Liberty church cemetery. James Gillies and Ralph Watson and George Case came into the township not many years after the settlers whom we have named. In 1804, John, Ebenezer and Aaron Welch, with their brother-inlaw, Leonard Monroe, came here from Unadilla County, New York. John Welch came here as agent of the Glover lands, but the country pleased him, so he made his home in this township. Aaron died in Delaware in 1816; Ebenezer died in 1823. and John Welch died in Marlborough Township in 1832. \bijah and Dr. David Welch were sons of John Welch. Abijah was one of the first of the settlers to die. The mother of John Welch, who came here with him, died at an early date. John Welch was a justice of the peace, probably the first one in the county to bold that office. Isaac Welch, a nephew, settled near the mouth of Welch's Run at an early date.

Ebenezer Goodrich settled in the extreme southeastern corner of the township about 1806. He purchased his land before he left Connecticut. He was unmarried and for many years had only his faithful dog as a companion. He was a soldier in the War of [812, and after his return he held the office of justice of the peace for a number of years. I lis death occurred on October 15, [846. He was successful in acquiring a considerable property. John Hardin came here from Fairfield County about the some time as Goodrich. In 1815. Timothy Andrews and his son, Capt. Timothy, came from Connecticut and settled on what is known as Middlebury Street. The senior Andrews died in 1840. Other settlers in the neighborhood were Solomon Moses, Joseph M. Gardner, Lemuel Humphreys. Abner Pinney and Eben C. Payne. All were natives of Connecticut except Gardner, who came from New Hampshire. Middlebury was named in honor of their native town. Humphrey became a justice of the peace. Gardner was the first person buried in the Powell cemetery. David Buell and David Thomas came here from the same state as most of the other early settlers, the latter in 1810. He settled one mile below the old Presbyterian Church, where he kept a tavern, also the stage stand, which was on the route between Franklinton and Sandusky.

What is known as the Stanbery section was originally purchased by Dr. Jonas Stanbery from some old Revolutionary general prior to the War of 1812. He never occupied the land, though later his son Charles Stanbery took up his residence here. As we have already said, this was a favorite hunting ground for the Indians, and later the whites. Squatters also occupied it at an early day. One of these was a millwright named Pasco. He erected a mill on the Scioto River at an early day. Lint his venture was not a success. A colored man, whose only known name was Peter, was another of these squatters. For a number of years his cabin was known as a station of the "underground railway," his door being always open to fugitive slaves.

About 1809, Isaac Patton settled in the northern part of the township. He was a captain in the War of 1812. Benjamin Bartholomew settled in the southern part of the township sometime soon after 1814. Mrs. Bartholomew's father, Caleb Hall, who was a native of Massachusetts, settled here.

The article by Mr. Goodrich, from which we have quoted so freely in the earlier part of this sketch, gives such an excellent picture of the wilderness life of the early pioneers, that we will make further use of it here. "The encroachment of the white man - as. it naturally would - irritated some of the Indian tribes until they became hostile, ami were readily induced to become allies to the British in the War of 181 2. Although too infirm to join the army himself, Capt. Carpenter was represented in the ranks by his five sons - Ira, John. Alfred, Nathan and James - as well as by many of his neighbors. No one but the father was left at home (at Carpenter's) to provide for the family, or defend it against the hostile Indians, who sometimes made incursions in their vicinity. Nathan Carpenter, Jr., in going to the war. had left at home a wife and babe. Thev lived about half a mile from the old home. Laura, the youngest daughter, then sixteen years of age, went to stay with her in her solitude. She had looked after the various little charges around the house one evening, and had gone inside to attend to the housework, when, looking out of the window into the moonlight, she saw two savages approaching the house. Having just heard of the murder of an entire family but a short distance from their neighborhood, she was considerably startled, and exclaimed, 'My God, Electa!' (which was the name of the young wife who sat in the middle of the room with the child in her arms) 'what do you suppose these critters want ?' Electa understood too well her meaning, and was unable to utter a word. In order that they should not surprise her. Laura advanced, opened the door, and propped it open, then, seizing the axe, she retired behind her sister's chair that she might better conceal her motions and the axe. with which she had determined to defend them to the last. The savages, armed to the teeth, walked up to the door, came in, and began their parley by making pretenses, during which time Laura remarked that they" could obtain what they wanted at her father's house upon the hill. ' 'Oh. vour father live near here?' 'Yes,' she answered ; 'only a short distance,' After a few more words, they shouldered their guns and started, as they said, for the 'big house.' Thus the young girl had saved their lives by artfully insinuating that help was near. After they were gone, she received the congratulations and thanks of her sister, who.

during this time, had sat speechless and as white as death, which each moment she expeeted to suffer. After barricading the house. Laura, expecting their return, stood guard with the axe until morning, when they returned to the manor-house. The savages had not gone there, as they pretended they would, but, on the contrary, as soon as they were out of sight, they went into the woods and were never seen afterward. * * * Unlike the Ohio, the shores of the Olentangy were swarming with Indians, by whom our party was received with many tokens of friendship, notwithstanding the stories they had been told of their hostile and. savage nature. The Wyandots predominated in numbers and enlightenment, followed in their order by the Senecas, Delawares, Shawnees, Choctaws and the Taways. who were noted for their uncleanliness.'1 But there were other dangers that beset the pioneer. Ferocious wild beasts roamed the woods - wolves, bears, panthers and wild cats. Then there was the danger of starving to death. There was no Delaware or Columbus to which to go for supplies of food, but this lack was not felt because there was no money with which to purchase provisions. The prices of sugar and coffee ranged from 25 cents to 75 cents per pound, while the price received by the settlers for what he sold was correspondingly low, so it was difficult lor men to rake and scrape enough money together to pay taxes.

There has always been a dispute as to who was the first white child born in the township, that honor having been claimed by both Benjamin Powers and Jeremiah Gillies, the date of the latter's birth being August 7, 1803, and it is said that Mrs. Carpenter claimed that he was born before Powers.

Ebenezer Goodrich and Betsey D|ixon were married at Middlebury, now the village of Powell, in June, 1813, by Aaron Strong, a justice of the peace. About this time also, Nathan Carpenter and Electa Case were married. George Dean was the first merchant. About 1829 or '30 he opened a store on the Goodrich farm, which he sold a few years later to Edmund Goodrich and Henry Chapman.

After a few years they discontinued. Then there followed a period when there was no store. Joseph M. Cellar was the next storekeeper. His place of business was located at Liberty Church, and here, about sixty years ago, a postoffice was established under the name of Union. This business died out after a few years. The next attempt at merchandising was made by Thomas R. Hall at Middlebury. This store at the corners led to an application for a postoffice. This was secured through the influence of Judge Powell of Delaware, and the office was called Powell in appreciation of his efforts. Joshua Pennel was the first postmaster and also kept a store. The place was surveyed and laid out as a village early in 1876, and the plat was recorded on March 29 of that year. A. G. Hall was the owner of the land on which the village was located, and he built the first house in that place, Since that time the village has grown considerably in population and as a business center. The village cemetery is one of the oldest in the county, the remains of many of the early settlers of this portion of the township having been buried here.

The village of Hyattsville was laid out February 6, 1876, by Henry A. Hyatt. Ed Nalz was the first merchant. He sold out to Henry Cook and opened another store in the depot building, and in 1877, when the postoffice was established, Hyatt became the first postmaster. Later his business was almost exclusively that of a grain warehouseman and shipper. This village undoubtedly owes its existence to the building of the railroad through the township, and to some extent this is also true of Powell. P. Banner is the present village blacksmith, while W. B. McCloud & Co. keep a general store and H. W. Mc- Clary caters to the public in the line of groceries.

This township was organized June 15, 1808, as a result of a petition to the commissioners of Delaware County, and was given its name in honor of Marlborough Township, Ulster County, New York, the native place of many of the petitioners. It is now but a shadow of its former size, originally including a part of Waldo Township, in Marion County, Westfield Township, in Morrow County, the township of Oxford and the northern half of Troy, in Delaware County. It lost that part now Oxford Township, March 6, 1815, the northern half of Troy Township, December 23, 1816, and February 24. 1X4X, that part which is now in Westfield Township and in Waldo Township was set off, leaving Marlborough but half the size of an ordinary township.

That part of Waldo Township set off from Marlborough was the first of the township settled, Nathaniel Brundige and Nathaniel Wyatt, Sr., locating about a mile north of Norton in 1806. These two pioneers, originally fnun Marlborough Township, Ulster county, New York, had moved to Washington County, Virginia, Wyatt in 1797, and Brundige in 1798, and in 1803 with their families joined the tide of emigration into Ohio. For two years they were located at Piqua, Ohio, where they erected a cabin and made a clearing. At the end of that time Wyatt traded his property for a tract of wild land a short distance south of the old Greeneville Treaty line, and with his brother-in-law, Brundige, set out to locate it. Alter cutting their way through the untangible underbrush which obstructed their pathway along the banks of the Olentangy, thev arrived at their destination. Immediately, they set about erecting a cabin to which thev brought their families in the spring of the same year. The following year witnessed the coming of Jacob Foust, who located within the present limits of the township, squatting on land at the forks of the Whetstone. Eldei William Brundige, father of Nathaniel, came in 1808, accompanied by his family, and in 1810 Capt. William Drake and family arrived from Marlborough Township, in Ulster County, New York. William Reed, the first settler in Norton, came in 1807. and afterward participated in the War of 18 12. Capt. John Wilcox, who had served with honor in the Revolutionary War, participating in the battles of Saratoga Springs and Stillwater, and being present at the surrender of General Burgoyne to Washington, located in Marlborough Township some time prior to the War of 1812. Thomas Brown arrived at Norton in 1808, and was the first blacksmith in the township. Faron Case came in 18 10, and James Trindle in 1811. Ariel Strong settled along the Olentangy River in 1808, followed shortly by James Livingston, who saw service in the War of 1812, and in 1809 William Sharp became established at Norton and gained prominence as the greatest hunter of this section, speaking the language of the Indians, among whom he lived for weeks at a time during his younger days. William Hanneman came from Kentucky in 1810, and Isaac Bush, Silas Davis and Joseph Curran became settlers in the township before the War of 181 2. Peter and Fred Duncklebarger located east of Norton in 181 5, and other settlers of the same period were- Elisha Bishop, Adin Winsor, Joseph Bishop. Isaac Stratton, Henry Coldren, Elisha Williams, George Jeffries, Thomas Rogers and L. H. Hall. Joseph Gillett. a Revolutionary soldier, settled just west of Norton in 1818, and was followed in 1819 by his brother James.

In 181 1. Nathaniel Wyatt, Sr., erected the first brick building in the township from brick made on his place. It was a two-story structure, 20 by 36 feet in dimensions, and became famed throughout the State as Wyatt's Tavern, the first conducted in the township. It was situated on the old State Road, and formed a part of the celebrated Fort Morrow, now in Waldo Township, Marion County. This fort consisted of two block houses, one built by the settlers of round lugs and the other bj the < rovernment, of hewed logs. The latter bore the painted inscription. "Fort Morrow. Built by Captain Taylor." The upper story of these block houses projected out about four feet all around over a basement six feet high. Where the second story projected over the basement, there were port holes in the floor, enabling the defenders to better guard against a close attack. The tavern lay between the two block houses. It was from this fort. Captain Drake and his company of soldiers went forth to the relief of Fort Meigs.

The first white child born in Marlborough Township was William Brundige, son of Nathaniel, born December 3. 1808, and the first burial was that of Ruth Wyatt. John Brundige, son of Elder William, was married in 181 1. to Phoebe Drake, a daughter of Captain Drake, and this proved to be the first marriage. The first minister was Elder William Brundige, and the first school master, Robert Louther. A man named Case brought a stock of goods to Norton and remained until he closed them out, thus being the first store keeper, but it was several years later before a regular store building was built. The first road was the old Military Road, running along the west bank of the Olentangy River an I passing through the town of Norton. This road was abandoned when the Columbus and Sandusky Pike was constructed, the latter running a little west of the old road. The first mill in operation was the saw mill, built as early as 1820 by Robert Campbell of Philadelphia, on the Whetstone River, in the southeast part of the township. Just north of this mill, a woolen mill was built in [846 b) J. W. ( one ami operated successfully for a number of years, then was converted into a grist mill by "Mr. Kline.

The village of Norton was laid out by Colonel Kilbourn and the plat filed in [806 1 r 1807 and is situated just south of the boundary line between .Marion and Delaware Counties. The old Military Road passed directly through the town, forming the main street, and at the present time the Marion Pike cuts diagonally through. The first building en was the cabin of William Reed, the pioneer settler of the village. Thomas Jefferies was the first postmaster of Norton, as well as of the township. Hie first schoolhouse of the township was located in Norton and was a logstructure of the most primitive type.

The old Baptist Church of Troy Township was the first organized in Marlborough Township, and of this Elder William Brundige was pastor. The first church organized within the present limits of the township was the Lutheran Church, on the east side of the Olentangv and a mile east of Norton. The congregation first held services in the log school in that vicinity at a very early date, and Henry Cline was the first preacher. In 1852, a revolt in the church led to the organization of a new congregation formed partly from the old church, the new church being the German Reformed. The Lutherans immediately erected a new church, and in a spirit of rivalry the new congregation built an edifice adjoining, in 1855. Both churches use the old cemetery, which stands in the same lot as do the church edifices. Rev. J. G. Rubl was first pastor of the German Reformed Church. The Baptist Church of Norton is an off-bout of the old .Marlborough Baptist Church of Troy, and in 1859 the building it now occupies was built at a cost of $1,- 200. It was dedicated in i860, by James Harvey, its first pastor. The Methodist Episcopal Church at Norton was built in 1855, although for a few years previous to that time the congregation bad existed, services being held in school rooms and houses, led by Rev. I'lumer. The church cost $1,200 in its construction and was dedicated by Rev. Pilcher. The Wyatt Cemetery is the historic burying ground of this section of the State, and for more than forty years was part of Marlborough Township. It is now just across the line in Marion County. The earliest settlers of the community, including the Wyatts, Brundiges and Drakes. found there a final resting place, and it is a fact worthy of mention that the defendet the United States in all the wars in which this country ha- engaged, have representation in this little cemetery.

Scarcely any record exists of the early settlers of this township, and even after availing ourselves of the labors of those who have preceded us in the field of historical research, there is a paucity of material which is deplorable. The early settlers who came out here to make for themselves homes in the wilderness were too busy doing with their might what their hands found to do - and there was plenty to be done - to realize that a record of themselves and what they accomplished would be of interest to those vet unborn ; to them, sufficient unto the day was the evil thereof. This township is bounded on the north by Berlin Township; on the south by Franklin County; on the east by Genoa and on the west by Liberty Township. Originally it was known as Township 3, Range 18 of the United States Military Lands, and when the first settlers came here, they found Sections 2 anil 3 to be a part of Liberty Township, and Sections 1 and 4 were a part of Berkshire Township. On September 3, 1816, the county commissioners granted a petition to set off the original survey of Township 3, Range 18, as a separate township. The prime mover in this matter was Alpha Frisbey. The township was to be called by the classic name of Virgil, but this was too much for the simple-minded folk of those days, and a petition was presented to the commissioners to change the name to Orange. This was granted on September 9th, just six days later. A glance at the ma]) will show that what would naturally be the southwestern corner of the township, on the west side of the Olentangy River, is really in Liberty Township. As a matter of fact, this was originally a part of Orange, and its annexation to Libert}- Township was brought about in the following-manner: Ebenezer Goodrich, who lived on this corner, was elected justice of the peace by the people of Liberty Township, about [824. It did not occur to him, or to anyone else, that he was not a citizen of Liberty, and therefore, not eligible to the office. This fact finally was brought to light, and it became apparent to all that all the official business transacted up to that time was, consequently, void. How to remedy this state of aft'ahs was a perplexing problem, until it was suggested that the General Assembly be petitioned to make this tract of land a part of Liberty Township; so in 1826. the Olentangy River was made the boundary of the township across that corner.

The ridge along which run the tracks of the "Big Four" and Pennsylvania Railroads forms the water-shed between the Olentangy River and Alum Creek. The river bottoms ate rich, and the ridges, which rise immediately back of these bottoms were originally covered with beech trees, indicating a clayey formation. The same is to a large extent true of the southern central part of the township. Extensive elm swamps were originally found in the northern portions of the township, but these have been redeemed by clearing and tilling, the rich black soil producing fine crops.

In 1807, Joab Norton, for whom the town of Norton, in Marlborough Township was named, was the first settler in Orange Township. He built his cabin in Section 2, then a part of Liberty Township. He was influenced in coming here by his wife, who wanted to be near her father, John Goodrich, who purposed coming to Worthington, Franklin County, where many of his former neighbors in Berlin, Connecticut, had already settled. They reached Worthington in November, having been on the road since September. Norton was a tanner and currier by trade, and, not content to be idle, he sunk vats and prepared to engage in the business, which the promises and prospects held out to him before he left the East led him to believe was waiting only to be claimed. Skins and hides were not to be had, and so he started north, and purchased tlic 150 acres of land where he settled in this township. After he had provided a home for his family, Mr. Norton sunk vats, so as to be prepared to do a little tanning- (luring the in- tervals in his work of clearing the land. He could not content himself with the Frontier life, and so, in 1808, he took a trip East on horsehack. Upon his return in the fall, he was attracted by the prospects of business in the new town of Delaware, which Colonel Byxbe was developing, and so he purchased a house on the hill-side just north of where the Edward's gymnasium of Ohio Wesleyan University now stands. The details of his experience in this venture are covered in the chapter devoted to the manufacturing industries of the county.

Joab Norton and others made application as early as 1809 for permission to form a rifle company. This was granted on June 24th of that year, and Norton became third sergeant of the company, which was composed of about forty officers and privates, mostly from Liberty Township. Apparently, Norton had a taste and talent for military affairs, and was popular with the members of the company, as well, for his promotions were rapid. We find that on September 12th of the same year he was commissioned sergeant major, and two years later, on September 6th, he became lieutenant. It was not long before he was macTt captain of the company.

The company was called out in June, 1S12. by Gov. Meigs, to defend the frontier settlements against any hostile incursions. Capt. Norton afterward proceeded with his command to Sandusky, where he was engaged in building a block-house, of which he expected to be given command. He was here when Hull surrendered Detroit. For some reason the Captain was not placed in command of the block-house, and he returned home with his company. While at Sandusky, the germs of the malarial disease, which finally caused his untimely death on July 17, [813, were undoubtedly implanted in his system. He was a man of large executive ability, a devout Christian, and of cheerful disposition. He was buried with Masonic honors in the first cemetery laid out in the city of Delaware. He had been commissioned a justice of the peace "ii January 28, 1812. Besides a widow, he lett four children - Desdemona, who afterwards became Mrs. Col flesh ; Edward; Matilda, who

In 1808. Eliphalet Ludington came from Connecticut, and purchased land adjoining Norton's. Others who came that year were William and Joseph Higgins, with their families, and their mother, who brought the younger members of her family, viz. : Josiah, Elisha, Irving, David and two daughters. The older boys had enjoyed unusual educational advantages for their day. Joseph had exceptional skill as a penman, and he was so clever in imitating the hand-writing of other people, that he was suspected of having signed the counterfeit bills which were issued for the South. Apparently, there was no just ground for the suspicion, and the family continued to retain the respect of the community. Later, however, the family left the community under a cloud. Before the family left Vermont, the father of the boys ran off to Canada with a younger, if not a handsomer, woman than his wife. He came to Orange about 181 2, with the intention of "making up." However, he brought his paramour with him as far as Berkshire, so that in case his overtures were not favorably received, he would not be left alone. He knew his wife's weak points, and sent a messenger with his pocket-book to his wife, with the simple instruction, to "hand it to the old woman." The result was a reconciliation which brought disaster to the family. Changes in the habits and actions of the family soon aroused the suspicion of the community, and finally, the father and the three younger sons, Josiah, Elisha and Irving, were arrested for counterfeiting. A large amount of counterfeit coin, some paper money, together with dies and metal were captured. The boys escaped by means of some technicality, and later, the old man. too, escaped much merited punishment. The family left the township at once, and have never since been heard of.

In 1810. the wife of Eliphalet Ludington died, leaving an infant boy a few weeks' old. This was the first birth and death in the settlement. Soon after Mr. Ludington took the baby and returned to Connecticut. The fanii- lies of Nahum King and Louis Eaton came into the township that year. The next year lames McCumber with his third wife and two sons by his former marriages came into the township. Collins P. Elsbre, who was then a boy of eleven years of age, accompanied his mother and step-father. Their first actual residence was in the cabin which had been abandoned by Mr. Ludington. They purchased 150 acres of land adoining Norton from James Kilbourn and immediately began to make a clearing. A log cabin 12 by 18 feet was erected and occupied in the fall. In 18255, young Elsbre married Matilda, the third child of Captain Norton. Elsbre lived until February 16, 1880, when he was gored to death by .1 bull. Other early settlers who came into the township prior to the War of 1812, were the Arnolds, Stewarts and Asa and John Gardner. With the exception of the Gardners, these people remained in the township but a short time. Soon after the war. Lee Hurlburt settled on the west bank of Alum Creek. Hurlburt went to the War of 1812 as a subsitute for his father, who came into the township with him. bringing his family of twentythree children. The first settler on Alum Creek' was probably Samuel Ferson, who came from Pennsylvania and settled here about 1819. His brothers, James. Paul and John, his sister Sallie, and Margaret Patterson, whom John afterwards married, came with him. In [824, David Patterson. Cyrus Chambers, Thomas McCloud and Nelson Skeels settled on the wesl bank of the creek. The following year Samuel Patterson, with his father and mother and two sisters, located on the east side of the creek.

At different times, there has been considerable competition between the different village^ in tin' township, each seeking In become the leading village, in which would be centered the chief interests of the township. These were Williamsville, on the Columbus and San dusky Pike, being located at tin- four corners just wesl of the present village of < )range; the latter place was the second aspirant for distinction, and Lewis ('enter, which is today the recognized metropolis of the township. Africa is a settlement that has not been without its influence upon the community. It was given this name by Leo Hurlburt, who was strongly in favor of slavery, though he took no action to oppose the operations of his neighbors, the Pattersons, who were prominently active in the service of the "Underground Railway." Much quiet assistance was given to fugitive slaves, but no pursuers ever came to this part of the township. In 1854, about thirty negroes, having been freed by the will of their deceased mistress, were sent from North Carolina to the Patterson neighborhood to find homes. Upon their arrival, the friends of the anti-slavery movement provided them with homes. The negroes remained in this neighborhood, some of them for manyyears, though the negro settlement has in the course of time disappeared. One of the Elsbre family in the west part of the township had an interesting' experience in connection with a hunt for some runaway slaves. About Christmas time in the year 1834. a negro boy calling himself John Quincv Adams, came to his cabin, and remained until the following summer. One day wdiile he was working on the pike, he was recognized by two negroes who had run away from the same neighborhood he came from. Realizing that they would be pursued, and fearing that he too would be recaptured, he fled that night and was never heard from again. The pursuers were put on the trail of the boys by a neighbor, Mark Coles, who had previously known their master, and one bright, September night, as Mr. Elsbre sat with his little family enjoying a social chat with a neighbor, the door of his cabin was rudely opened, and a burly six-footer strode in. carrying a club big enough to use in killing an ox. Without saying a word, he proceeded to examine the trundle-bed in which the younger children lay, and. with a glance toward the bed where Mrs. Elsbre lay with a two-weeks-old baby, he started up the ladder toward the loft. This was too much for Mr. Elsbre's equanimity. He had repeatedly asked the meaning of the demonstration, hut got no answer, and, seizing his gun from its place, he ordered the intruder to come down, or he would 'put him on the coon-board in a minute.' The rifle was unloaded, but the trespasser saw the frightful hole in the end. and deciding that discretion was the hetter part of valor, he came down. Still threatening: with his gun. Mr. Elsbre drove the ruffian out of the cabin and the enclosure where his companions were waiting. Of course the negro boys who were sleeping upstairs were aw akened. and made their escape through a back window. When Air. Elsbre was satisfied that the boys had gone, he satisfied the pursuers that the slaves they were seeking were not there, and he was not disturbed again.

In 1835, Anson Williams bought 1.000 acres of land in Section No. 3. At first he settled in the southeastern part oi the tract, but the following year he moved to the site of Williamsville, and in December, 1836, he laid out what he expected would soon develop into a thriving village. There were alreadv two settlers here besides Mr. Williams - William Dutcher, and Mr. William's son-in-law. Isaac Bovee. Williams built a large frame house to be used as a hotel, in one part of which he opened a place of business, for the sale of general merchandise and liquor. That Mr. Williams' plans were visionary is plain, from the fact that there was already a good hotel farther north, where the stage changed horses, and which continued to do the bulk of the tavern business. This was a brick structure that had been erected in 1827 by George Gooding. It is said that a Mr. Saulsburv, who lived nearby, and who was a carpenter by trade, having an eye to business, to say the least, did nothing to discourage Mr. Williams in his ambition. Mr. Saulsburv served as justice of the peace, and established the first manufactory in the township. He formed a partnership with Squire Truman Case, and secured permission from the State Penitentiary authorities, who had a monopoly of the business, to manufacture grain cradles. They made a snath with an artificial bend, which at that time was quite a novelty, and it is said their product was of a high grade.

in 1823, was the first settler at this point. The spot is marked by a well he sank. At that time the locality was a swamp. The name was given to the place by William L. Lewis. VL near the railroad track when it was put through. The building of the C, D. & M. Railway placed the people of this township within easy reach of Delaware or Columbus, but considerable business is still transacted here. The leading business men of Lewis Center at the present day are : Bert Slack, blacksmith; C. A. DeWitt and A. C. Barrows, geenral store proprietors ; John O. Gooding, grain and implements; E. R. Case, hardware and groceries; Frank Slack, glove manufacturer; P. W. Willey, physician.

Orange station probably would never have had any existence, had not Mr. Lewis for a time objected to the location of the railroad station, so that the companv abandoned the site. Mr. Lewis was afterward influenced by friends to withdraw- his objection, but in the meantime, the senior George Gooding had offered the company the use of ten acres of land so long as they would keep a station on the tract. The company accepted the proposition and kept a station there as well as at Lewis Center, until 1879. F°r a time a postoffice was maintained here.

The question of locating the Town-house caused a good deal of discussion, there being many conflicting interests. Some wanted to have it located at the center of the township ; the citizens of Lewis Center wanted it built in their village. Finally, it was built of brick, in its present location at the center of the township, in the year 1871. at a cost of $825. The Orange township officials for 1908, as reported to the county auditor, are : Andrew Bagley and J. S. Gooding, justices of the peace; C. C. Ballenger, C. D. Lehman and F. E. Smith, trustees ; Frank B. Ferson. clerk : E. L. Grove, treasurer; W. B. Crumb, assessor.

It is bounded on the north by Westfield Township, Morrow County; on the east by Peru Township, in the same county; on the smith by Brown Township, Delaware County and on the west by Troy and Marlborough Townships. Originally, Oxford was a part of Marlborough Township, which exercised dominion clear to the shore of the lake. Seven years later, on March 6, 1815. a petition was granted by the county commissioners, erecting Oxford into a separate township. John Shaw is credited with being the chief promoter of this movement. At that time the boundaries were fixed as follows: "Beginning at the southeast corner of the sixth township, Range 18, United States Military Lands, and running thence north on the east line of Range 18 to the Indian boundary line ; thence westerly 1 m said line to the east line of Range 19; thence south on said Range line to the s< nth line of the sixth township; thence east on said line to the place of beginning." In 1818, all thav part of Radnor Township which was due north 1 f Oxford, and north of the Indian boundary line, was annexed to Oxford Township. When Westfield Township was formed in 1822, the territory was taken from Oxford and in 1847, when Morrow County was established, a strip one mile wide and five miles long was taken from the north side of Oxford and added to Westfield.

west branch of Alum Creek, which flows from north to south through the eastern quarter of the township, the surface is similarly broken; otherwise, the surface of the township is generally level. In the rolling lands, the soil is clayey, but most of the land in the township is a rich black loam. In the early days this was so wet and swampy that the settlers almost despaired of ever using it. Much of this land had been reclaimed by ditching and tiling and has proven very productive. Grains are all raised profitably, and much attention has been given and si ill is given to stock-raising.

the southwest quarter of the township, which was issued to John Rathbone, of New York. It was nearly half a century, however, before this land was placed on the market. The first settlers in the township were Ezra Olds and his wife, Comfort. In 18 10, they located in the northwest corner of the township, at what was afterwards called Windsor's Corners. In the same year a settlement was started in the southeastern part of the township, which later became known as the .Mum Creek District. The first pioneer here was, Andrew Murphy who, in a short time, was joined by James Me- WJlliams, Hugh Waters, Henry Riley and Henry Wolf. In the fall of 1810 or spring of the next year, Henry Foust settled on a farm a short distance east of the Olds farm. He married Mary Olds in 1812. A couple of years later, William T. Sharp, who came as far as Norton with Harrison's army, decided to make his home here, and for some time lived in the family of Henry Foust. David Kyrk came into this part of the township soon after the war of 181 2. Elijah Smith and Calvin Cole came into the township about 181 5. About two years after that Robert Brown settled in that part of the township where Ashley is now located. A year later. Ralph Slack came up from Berkshire, and settled where the southeastern part of the village is built. His brother John Slack settled on the next farm to the east, across the creek. Adam Shoemaker settled a little north of the present village of Ashlev in 1 8 10, but a few years later moved to a farm just east of the village. He had a large family of boys, and has numerous descendants still living in Ashley. In 1823, Amos Spurgeon settled on the farm now occupied by the northwestern quarter of Ashley, and in 1826. Thomas Barton settled on the farm next northwest. In 1842, the land purchased by John Rathbone was placed on the market by his grandson. Hiram G. Andrews, of Delaware. It was divided up into sections of 100 acres each. ( irirfith Thomas was the first purchaser in [843. Others who bought lots soon after were Evan McCreary, Isaac Clark. George Houseworth and X. E. Gale. They paid from three to eight dollars per acre. This territory was for many years known as the "great south

The land was so wet that it took many years of hard work ditching and tiling before it was in condition to till, but today there is no better farming land in the county than this. Seth Slack built the first brick house in this section.

The first justice of the peace was Andrew Murphy. He was succeeded by Ezra Olds, who filled the office for thirty years. The first brick house in the township was built by Aden Windsor in 1832. He also built the first frame barn a few years later. The first frame dwelling was built in 1840 by a carpenter by the name of Harkness. for Henry Foust. The first death in the township was that of a child of Comfort Olds, in 1812. Interment was made in the cemetery at Norton. Job Foust was the first white child born in the township. The mills, schools, religious development and military history of the township are treated in other chapters of the work.

The village of Ashley is the most populous municipality outside of the city of Delaware in the county. Its original name was Oxford, but was changed to Ashley in honor of L. W. Ashley, one of the proprietors of the ground upon which the village was built. The other owner was J. C. Avery. County Surveyor Charles Neil platted the village on June 15, 1849, laying it off in 69 lots. On August 6th of the same year an addition of 83 inlots was made and on June 18, 1850, J. C. Avery, S. Finch and Henrv Lamb made an addition of 15 in-lots. In 1852, Lamb and Finch platted ten out-lots, and in i860. L. W. Ashley added three more lots. In 1877. Hugh Cole and John Doty made a small addition, bringing the total number of lots up to 183. In May. 1850. a small grocery and dry goods store was started by Lewis Purmort on the Shoemaker farm east of the village. Later in the same year Aloy Patee built the Ashley hotel, and Purmort moved his stock of merchandise into one of the rooms of the hotel. In 1850 or 1 85 1. the first postoffice was estahlished. and J. H. Miller, of the dry goods firm of Miller & Mulford served as the first postmaster. Among the earliest firms were Robert Morehouse. Tr.. who erected a frame buildingp on in-lot No. 4 and started in the dry goods business. Two years later they sold out to J. S. Brumback. A vear or two after the village was laid out. Benjamin McMaster, Joseph Riley and Israel Potter erected a grain warehouse, of which Mr. McMaster became sole proprietor in 1853. He engaged in the grain business a few years longer and then sold out to the firm of Breeden & Place. About the time this grain warehouse was first erected, Jesse Meredith built another on the railroad grounds, and combined the grain business with the duties of station agent. Among other early merchants we may mention Adam Sherman and a Mr. Clark. The village of Ashley was incorporated August 30, 1855, and the following were the first city officials : James Culbertson, mayor; A. Patee. recorder; Jesse Meredith. S. Joy, Levi Shisler and Samuel Shisler, councilmen. Thev served until the regular election the following spring, when L. D. Benton was elected mayor; J. M. Coomer, recorder, and Solomon Joy, Samuel Shisler, S. I'.. Morehouse. A. G. Hall and George Mc- Master, councilmen. Benjamin Fry was the first marshal, and Solomon Joy the first treasurer. The first ordinance passed by the Council was for the suppression of intemperance. In the spring of 1857, B. F. Fry was elected mayor. Ashley is now one of the most prosperous municipalities of its size in the State.

Its financial interests are taken care of by the Ashley Bank and the Farmers' Savings Bank. The Ashley Milling Company and the firm of Lin & Shoemaker conduct prosperous flouring mills, while Frank Goodrich and Graham Company are elevator proprietors and dealers in grain. The hardware buisness is represented by B. Bartholomew and John Olds; Fisk & Wilcox deal in agricultural and other implements ; A. B. Claypool. Lee & Fisk. Frank Sharp and Ray Waters are gr< icers ; James Dugan deals in clothing; A. Aldrich, Charles Malony, William Robinson, and E. Wilkerson are blacksmiths; Miller Bros, are proprietors of a furniture and undertaking establishment ; while the dry goods interests are looked after by E. C. Sipes (proprietor of "The Bazaar"), Westbrook & James, and Jo- seph Wilt. There are two hotels - the Cottage and the Franklin, presided over respectively by William Ashbrook and E. Stalkbarger. and other business interests are represented by John Brehm, baker and confectioner; Frank Barto, William Osborn, barbers; M. Powell, dentist; O. M. Gilbert, distillery; Jesse Achelson and Ray White, draymen ; Aldrich & Stratton and Ed Keltner, emblem manufacturers ; James Durkey, harness and shoes; D. Davis and Frank Pierce, jewelry; Clyde Sherman, livery; Welch & Windsor and A. M. Myers, meat; Mrs. Clara Wilkerson, millinery; A. P. Oliver and A. E. Thomas, real estate and insurance; Ray Slack and J. G. Redman, restaurants ; Doctors Burke}-, A. E. Westbrook, Elda Welch and M. McGough, physicians. The Ashley Star has W. S. Shoemaker for editor and manager, while Charles Longwell is engaged in the manufacture of monuments.

Oxford Township Officials (1908): Jerome Harroun and Seebers Martin, justices of the peace ; Stanley Beel, J. B. Glenn, and E. A. Martin, trustees; Ralph Davis, clerk; Leroy Watters. treasurer; J. L. Porterfield. assessor; John R. Compton and B. L. Martin, constables.

This township, which was the last one to be organized in Delaware County, and was named after the Hon. Robert Porter, of Philadelphia, who received from President John Adams a patent dated March 21, 1800, for 4, 000 acres in Section 3, Township i and Range 16 of the United States Military Lands. So far as is known, this was the first patent for lands in Porter Township that was issued by the Government. The proprietor of this land was a prominent attorney in Pennsylvania, where he was a circuit judge for many vears. The present township of Porter was created at the June session of the county commissioners in 1826. It is hounded on the north by Morrow County; on the east 1>\ Knox County; on the south by Trenton Township and on the west by Kingston. There are quarries of fine

Waverly sandstone in the township, and these are its only mineral resources. The soil of the township is rich, and all the grain crops do well here. Farming and grazing have always been the principal occupations of the citizens. Before the axe of the white man was brought into this region, it was heavily wooded with all the varieties of timber common to this section of the State. There are a large number of streams in the township, and this makes the problem of drainage a comparatively easy one to solve. Big Walnut Creek is the principal stream of wrater. It enters the township about a mile and a half east of the northwest corner of the township, and flows through the center of the west half of the township into Trenton. Among the principal tributaries of the creek we will mention Long Run, whicn comes into the township from Morrow county and runs in a westerly and southwesterly direction until it empties into Big Walnut a short distance southeast of Olive Green. Sugar Creek runs through the township from northeast to southwest, joining Big Walnut about a mile north of the southern boundary of the township. Wilcox Run is the principal tributary of Sugar Creek.

Prior to 181 2, a number of white squatters, commonly called "Taways," but not related in any way to the Indian tribe of that name, settled in this township. They were indolent and without ambition or enterprise. Their nearest approach to labor was in hunting, trapping or fishing. Wild game and wild hogs with wild fruits were their principal subsistence, though occasionally they broke over and raised a little grain. Among the earliest real pioneers of the township were Daniel Pint. Timothy Meeker and Timothy Murphy. Though they reared large families as was the custom in those days, few if any of their descendants are now to be found in the county. In 1810, Peter and Isaac Plan, two brothers, settled in the southern part of the township. In 1817, two brothers, Fbenezer and Christopher Lindenberger, settled where the village of Olive Green was later located. They were from Rhode Island and owned several hundred acres of land. About the same time two other Rhode Islanders. Festus Sprague and Edward Mason, settled nearby and married two of the Lindenberger girls, sisters of the men we have mentioned. Ebenezer Linderberger was a graduate of an eastern college, and his brother had a better education than was the common lot of men in those days. Mason was also well educated, and possessed a mental endowment that qualified him for any township, county or State office within the gift of the people. He seemed, however, to lack energy and ambition. From the time he settled in Porter until his death which occurred near the beginning of the second war with England, he was justice of the peace and held other township offices. His lazy habits resulted in his becoming very stout, and the slowness of movement, coupled with his ponderosity, gave him an air of importance which led people to call him "Pompey" Mason. Like most large people, he was good-natured, and easy-going, and the radiance of his sunny disposition was shed alike on family, neighbors and friends - he had no enemies. His court was one of conciliation. Before the trial of a cause, he tried by every possible means to effect a settlement between the litigants, thus saving' them money and winning their friendship. Festus Sprague married a sister of Squire Mason. By application and industry Mason succeeded in educating himself sufficiently to meet the requirements for a teacher in those days, and to fill various offices with ability. For many years he served as justice of the peace, and while he possessed no legal training was regarded by those in the profession who knew him as having naturally a legal mind, and his counsel was often sought in im- ]>< rtant cases. He was a man of temperate habits and of the utmost moral rectitude. His neighbors could never understand what it was that influenced him to adopt the polygamous doctrines of the Mormons, which led him, about i S57. to sell his property and move with his family to Utah, where he died not long after. Christopher Lindenberger and part oi his family also moved to Utah for similar reasons. Ebenezer Lindenberger and family moved to the West. John Lindenberger, a son

Section 4 came to be known as the "Irish Section," by reason of the fact that the patent for these lands was issued by President Monroe, on November 28, 1817, to the heirs-atlaw of Hugh Holmes and Robert Rainey, who at that time were residents of Ireland. On April 10, 1837, these parties, by their attorney, conveyed his section to George C. Bumford, who in turn deeded it to John W. Worden. Not long alter that Mr. Worden sold one-half of the section to Benjamin S. Brown. of Mt. Vernon, and this land was not placed upon the market until after Mr. Brown's death in the fall of 1838.

On May [9, 1800, Judge Robert Porter deeded 300 acres of land, situated on Big Walnut Creek about three-quarters of a mile south of the present village of Olive Green, to Thomas Mendenhall. a merchant of Wilmington, Delaware. Mendenhall gave this land to his son Joel Z., who brought his family here and erected a cabin in 18 19. He was a practical farmer and surveyor, which occupatii ins he followed for many years. He was county surveyor for a number of terms. He married his second cousin, Eliza M"endenhall, in Philadelphia before coming to Ohio. Mr. Mendenhall had a good education. He was a justice of the peace and held other township offices. From 1835 to 1853 he resided in the City of Delaware, where he also filled the office of justice of the peace. But city life did not appeal to him, so in the latter year he returned to his farm in this township. The increasing infirmities of age finally compelled him to give up farming, and he moved to Olive Green, where he died about 1872.

Another settler who came into the township in 1817 was Samuel Page, who came fn im Broome County, New York. His farm was on the Sunbury and Mt. Gilead State Road near the Kingston Township line. About two years later he sold this farm to his brother William, who had immigrated to the township. Samuel Page moved onto another farm in Bennington Township, Morrow County, where the village of Pagetown is now located. Wil-

Ham Page was upright and industrious, giving a practical demonstration of the principles of Christianity in his daily life which won for him the high esteem of his neighbors. He was justice of the peace, and filled other offices with credit. He married Miss Sarah Edwards. They had five sons - William A.. Roswell, Samuel, Washington and Ranson, and one daughter, who married a man named Wells. In 1840, William Page laid out the village of East Liberty on his farm. It was laid off into four regular squares. The lots were readily sold and the purchasers erected homes, but the failure at this time to build the projected railroad arrested the development of the place. Dr. H. Bessee, who located here in 1847, Nvas tne nrst physician, and he remained here until the beginning of the Civil War. The first hotel was kept by George Blainey. who was also the first postmaster.

Olive Green was the first town laid out in Porter. It was surveyed and platted in 1835 by Joel Z. Mendenhall for Christopher Lindehberger and Festus Sprague, who were the owners. The village was laid out in eight regular squares, and is located on the State Road between Mt. Vernon and Columbus at the intersection of the road between Sunbury and Alt. Gilead. The first store was kept by Christopher Lindenberger. A post office was established in i860. James N. Stark being the first postmaster. The first frame hi luse was erected by a Mr. Baird. About 1830, Andrew Hemminger, who was of German descent, moved into the township from Tuscarawas County. For many years he was the only settler on the road between East Liberty and the old Vail tavern, and so his home came to be a -lopping place for travelers, lie put up a double log house, and as many as fifty teams were sometimes put up here over night. Aaron R. Harrison located in the western part of the township in 1833. He had a farm of several hundred acres on the road running from Sunbury to .Mt. Gilead. He was born in New Jersey in 1778, and married Mary Condit in 1803. They brought five sons and four daughters with them from New Jersey. He built the first frame barn erected in the township, which was 30 x 50 feet in dimensions.

About 1820, a man named Sturdevant, the father of James and Chauncey H. Sturdevant, settled in the township. A. G. Kennev emigrated from Maryland in 1828, and settled on a farm on a branch of Long Run about half a mile from the northern boundary of the township. They erected the first brick house in the township. Two years after they came here. Samuel Dowell settled at the head of Sugar Creek. Rev. Henry Davey, a Dunkard preacher, settled on Sugar Creek, near the center of Section 1, about 1832. He enjoyed vigorous health, and was capable of great mental and physical labor. He built a saw-mill on his farm and soon had the farm well improved and good buildings erected. He was a recognized leader of his sect, and for many years he was away from home the greater part of the time attending to his ministerial duties. He was well-to-do in this world's goods, but lived simply and without display. In 1856 he sold the farm just described, and purchased another on Big Walnut Creek ; here he lived for several years, finally selling the property and removing to the western part of the State. In 1830, Charles Patrick, a son of Squire Joseph Patrick of Berkshire, settled on the Porter section. He cleared up and improved a farm of 300 acres. The same year William Her and the Gray family came from Tuscarawas County and settled in Seption 1 near the Morrow County line. Her was a local preacher in the Methodist Church, but was broad-minded and tolerant of the beliefs of others, often uniting with members of other denominations in religious work. Other early settlers were 11. Blackledge, who gained the reputation of keeping some of the best stock in the township. Harvey Leach settled in the township in 1834, and married a daughter of Mr. Dunham, whose farm was on the State Road near the Morrow County line. He was a soldier in the War of 1 812. During the later years of his life he was blind.