Madison County, Ohio - Chapter 2: Jefferson Township, 1883

Chapter 2: Jefferson Township

THIS was one of the original subdivisions, and embraced a much larger area than it does to-day. It was erected April 30, 1810, and under that date we find the following: " Ordered, that all that tract of land comprehended in the following boundary be and the same is hereby created into a separate township, to be known as Jefferson Township, and is bounded as follows, viz. : Beginning at the lower corner of Calvin Cary's Sur vey, or on the Franklin Coxmty line north of Cary's; thence on a straight line west to the Champaign County line; thence south along the said line until it intersects Deer Creek Township line; thence with said line east to Franklin County; thence along said line to the place of beginning." This erection was subsequently declared void, and a second one made June 11, 1811, on which date the Commissioners " ordered that all that tract of land comprehended within the following boundaries be and is hereby erected into a separate township, by the name of Jefferson, and is bounded as follows, viz.: Beginning at the south corner of Darby Township; thence with the south line of Darby Township westerly to a point running south will strike the east boundary of Mark's Survey, on Little Darby Creek; thence southward to where the State road, leading to Franklinton, crosses the Glade Run Branch of Deer Creek; thence easterly so as to include all the inhabitants of Darby Creek in said township, continuing to Franklin County line; thence with said line to place of beginning." The Commissioners continued to organize different townships, taking a part from Jefferson at various times, giving it different shapes, until its present area and formation was reached. It is very irregular in shape, stretching for about live and a half miles from north to south, and about five and a fourth from east to west. Its northern boundary is Canaan Township. On the east it is for several miles washed by the waters of Big Darby Creek, but, when near the southeastern corner, Franklin County stretches west of the creek, forming a part of the eastern as well as about one mile of the southern boundary, whilst the remainder of the southern boundary is formed b)r Fairfield Township, and on the west it is bounded by Deer Creek and Monroe Townships.

Topography, Soil And Timbek

It is for the most part rather level, yet sufficient elevations and depressions to afford excellent facilities for underdraining, which has of late years received no small amount of attention, and now there are several thousand rods of tile buried beneath the surface of what was once a non-productive region, covered with stagnant water, producing much fever and ague. Through the medium of the underdraining, the citizens of Jefferson Town ship have rendered it a fine and productive farming country. The northern portion of the township is level, but as it nears the central part it becomes more rolling, and finally empties the water from the flats into Little Darby, which stream has a few very abrupt and picturesque spots along its

The territory in question was composed of oak openings and prairie. The soil is of a deep clay loam, capable of the highest fertility, and produces fine crops of corn, wheat, oats and grass. Wool is a staple product of the township, together with cattle, horses, sheep and hogs. Special attention is given to the raising of cattle and wool -growing. The timber of the township, of any value, mainly consists of oak, hickory and elm, whilst other varieties exist, as sycamore and such timber as is often found along streams, and of comparative little value, but not much of the more highly valued timber, such as walnut and poplar with its spreading branches, shaded the surface of Jefferson Township. The township is watered by Big Darby on its eastern boundary, and Little Darby through the renter, and their small tributaries, the largest being Price's Run.

Along the aforesaid stream are numerous springs of excellent water, some of which possess mineral substances. Little Darby, the principal stream traversing the township, enters the territory about half a mile north of the Urbana pike, and with its irregular course to the southeast makes a total distance within her limits of about ten miles, passing out of the township southeast of the village of Jefferson, and one mile and a half south of the National road.

Pioneers And Pioneer Life

The first white persons who settled within the present limits of Jefferbon Township were Michael Johnson, wife and eight children, who emigrated from Virginia to this section of the Northwest Territory in 1796-97. About the same time, William Lapin located in this township, and subsequently married Margaret, daughter of Michael Johnson, which family had settled about four miles northwest of the site of Jefferson. Silas Springer, another pioneer of this period, first located near Plain City, but afterward removed to this township. Full sketches of all of these families will be found in the general history of the county, to which we refer the reader for further information. The next to locate here was Reason Francis, also a native of the Old Dominion, who came to the neighborhood in 1800, and settled between the Darbys. He was quite a hunter, and loved the chase; possessed many peculiar characteristics, and was a shrewd, sharp business man. Another early settler was Tobias Bright, who, it is claimed, killed an Indian in L810, at the old camping ground on Spring Fork, near its junction with Little Darby. He was tried aad acquitted. One of the Lapins also shot an Indian near the same place in subsequent years, but these events were common in pioneer days, as the Indians were, as a rule, inveterately detested, especially by those who lost friends during the Indian wars. Along about the beginning of the present century, Nehemiah Oates came into the township, and remained until after the war of 1812. when he returned to Virginia, his native State, and married a Miss Johnson, and again came to Madison ('Dimly. She bore him nine children, viz., Ezra, Miar, Jacob, Henry, Mary, Eliza, Olive, Rebecca and Harriet. His wife died, and hf was subsequently married three times. The second and third left no issue, but his fourth wife was Susan Johnson, a sister of his first wife, who bore him two sons. Mr. Gates was a native of New York, and, after his final settlement on Little Darby, he assisted in erecting a mill on that stream. He was an industrious, hard-working man, and was much respected by the pioneers of his time. We find his name among the tirst juries of Madison County.

Philip Sidener came from Bourbon County, h'y., in 1802, and settled on the Scioto River, four miles below E ranklinton. lie there builj and op erated a distillery, bul ty much annoyed by the [ndians, who were continually begging whisky of bim, and if he would not give it, they would either buy or steal it. He was located on what is now known as the Hoff man farm, hut. after a brief residence, unusual sickness induced him I his Earm and " strike out " for the Darbys. He built his cabin on the east bank of Little Darby, aboul sixty rods south of the National road, and a abor to Reason Francis and Tobias Bright A short time after Philip Sidener settled here, Tobias Bright and another neighbor one evening called at the camp of two [ndians on Spring Fork. Aiter spending the early part of the evening, they started home, and, when a few paces away, Brighi turned and -hot one of the [ndiant dead. This cold-blooded ad ca greal indignation among the [ndians, and spread general consternation over the settlement. A general uprising was expected. Suchwerethe feelings, thai il led to Mr. Sidener's removal to Kentucky.

The settlors who remained built a stockade about fifteen feet high, inclosing about an acre of ground, including Sidener's cabin, in ISI I. Some the remains of che posts are ye1 to be seen.

of his Cormer settlement, and buill a cabin ju-t south of the pre dence of -John Heath. There were no roads 3ave an Indian trail from the Muskingum and Scioto to Mad River, passing jusl north of the National road. There were no stores nearer than Franklinton, no schools, and for many years religious 3ervices were only held at intervals. There were no blacksmiths and wagon-makers, bul every man was his own mechanic.

The clothing was of buckskin, flax or linsey; the wants of the per, pi,. were few: game was plenty, and there was noi much to stimulate the people to exertion, as there was but little markel Eor any surplus they might produce.

Quite a number of the early settlers engaged in making whisky a- the only thing they could transport to Chillicothe and profitably exchange for other goods. The greatest hulk they took in exchange was salt, an actual necessity. It is claimed that the whisky made then was whisky, and not the poisonous -tuff rue], gel crazy on nowadays.

W in all countries where mental culture i- neglected, hone and muscle are at a premium. Physical power was the standard of merit in pioneer days. This, of course, led to many personal conflicts. Musters were held at Philip Sidener's house about <-\<-ry three months, and it is said that it no uncommon thing to see twentj to thirty men with their coats off, either fighting or ready to see fair play between combatants. At that time, there was a strong feeling existing between the Darbyites and those living on Deer Creek. They scarcely ever met without having a rough and turn ble time to prove who were the best men. John, better known as "Chunky" Johnson, was an acknowledged leader among the Darbyites. lb- was, how ever, not a quarrelsome man. but was always ready to enforce his claim of physical superiority by fighting any one who disputed it. A. Mr. Graham was the -' bully" among the Deer Creekers, hid. fortunately for both, he and Johnson never came into personal collision.

Nathaniel, Henry and Robert Frakes were among the settlers prior to the war of 1812. They took up their abode on Little Darby, and soon the cry of the Indian war was heard, and they all three took part in the struggle, in which Robert and Nathaniel were killed. Henry soon after died. About the same time, we chronicle the name of Michael Dickey, who settled near the W. O. Browning farm, now owned by Mr. Bradfield. Prior to the war of 1812, we find the settlement of a second Robert Frakes, who was a native of England, but married in Pennsylvania, where two children were given the union, and then they settled in Jefferson Township. When he came to the neighborhood, it was conceded that a valuable man had come, as he was a cooper by trade, and probably the first one to meet the wants of the few settlers then in Jefferson Township. In connection with his trade, he did some clearing and farming, as the former would not furnish him constant employment. He died about 1830, and his wife subsequently. He was small, industrious, energetic, and a man of strong constitution.

We now come to the settlement in Jefferson Township of probably the first colored man, Moses Nickens, who came in the year 1810. He was a soldier in the Continental army under Gen. Washington, and went forth to bear arms in the battles of 1812 from Madison County. As a neighbor, he was obliging and sociable; as a citizen, he was industrious, peaceable and inoffensive; but as a husband he was brutal, and neighbors frequently rescued his wife from his fury. He remainied a resident quite a number of years, but finally died in Columbus, Ohio.

About the same date as the preceding settler came Isaac Rubert, from Virginia. He, with four children, viz., Benjamin, John, Mary and Phoebe, settled near the old grist-mill on Little Darby, which was in an early day known as the Gates Mill. Benjamin Rubert married Elizabeth, eldest sister of the late David Sidener. The Rubert family were generally all wellrespected citizens, and filled a favorable place in *he circles of society and the community at large.

During the period of the war of 1812 dates the settlement of David Harriman and family, on Little Darby, near the grist-mill below Jefferson. He and wife soon after died, and among the children we are able to record the names of David, Enoch, Job and Elizabeth. They subsequently settled near Springfield and Xenia, Ohio. John T. Sidener, Sr., brother to the pioneer Philip Sidener, died in Kentucky, and his wife subsequently. when in advanced age, came to Jefferson Township, where she died. One of their sons, viz. , Jacob, who was a native of Maryland, was married in Kentucky, to Lucretia Blair (a distant relative oi' the Blairs of this township). Soon after Jacob was married, he entered the war of 1812 from Kentucky; he served until its close, and in a short time thereafter, he, wife and two children came to Jefferson Township, settling about two miles south of the present village of Jefferson. He was a land-owner and farmer through life, and possessed a common characteristic of the pioneer Sideners - reticence. He and wife both died in Madison County. Their immediate posterity were ten in number, all of whom are now deceased; but six of his (Jacob's) grand-daughters are now residents of Madison County, and are daughters of Margaret (Sidener) Zinn, viz., Mrs. James Peene, Mrs. L. D.

Mrs. D. Brown; the two latter reside in London, and the four former in and about Jefferson. While we are writing of the family, even though the settlement does not come chronologically in order, we will mention the name of John T. Sidener, Jr. (a brother to Jacob). He was also a native of Maryland, but in 1828 came from Fayette County, Ky., to Madison County, and settled about two miles south of the town of New Hampton, or the present site of Jefferson. While in Kentucky, he married Margaret Hickey, who was born and raised in Scotland. On coming to Ohio, they had ten children, and settled on land which he (John T.) had previously purchased. It was all in the natural wilds and undeveloped condition, but he soon transformed it into open and productive fields. He, however, only lived until March 30, 1839, when death overtook him. His widow survived him five years. Two of their children are now living, viz., Jeannetta, wife of David Duncan; and Eliza, wife of G. P. Simpkins. Among the early settlers of New Hampton were Samuel Sexton, one of the founders of the place. He and family came to Jefferson Township about 1818. He was a teacher, and one of the early Justices: a native of New Jersey, and an excellent citizen. About ten years after coming to Ohio, he buried his wife. His sec ond wife was the widow of Moses Pippet, who was also an early settler of the place then known as New Hampton. Subsequently, New Hampton's population was increased by the coming of Samuel Sexton, Sr. , wife and son-inlaw, William Jones, eldest son of Samuel Jones. They remained a few years, when both families became dissaiisfied and returned to New Jersey, from whence they had migrated.

Samuel Jones emigrated to Ohio about the same time (1818), with his wife and nine children, viz., William (married as given above), Abigail, Mary A., Abraham, Samuel, Jr., Isaac, Sarah A. (died in New Hampton), as did also Thomas, and Susan, who, after burying her mother in 1823, returned to her native State with her father. Of Mary and Abigail we can learn nothing, but Samuel, Jr., Abraham and Isaac remained in Jefferson Township, where, in fact, the former and latter both died. Abraham subsequently settled near Sandusky, Ohio, where he resided until death.

We find the Ayle family as being early settlers of Jefferson Township, and mention the name of John Ayle, whose father, Valentine Ayle, was a native of Germany, a patriot of the Revolution, and was captured on the ocean. He subsequently settled in Virginia, but finally died at Georgesville, Ohio. John was a native of Martinsville, Va. , and reached Jefferson Township about 1828. He ever after remained in the township until his death, August 17, 1861. He was twice married. By the first union, four children were born, two of whom are living, and one in this county. His second wife was Elizabeth, widow of James Canuedy. Her maiden name was Griffith. She was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in Madison County. She and John Ayle had a family of eight children, three of whom are now living.

Among the earliest settlers of Jefferson Township was James Burnham, son of James and Tamma (Holt) Burnham, who, during a life of sixty-six years - forty of which were passed in that township, in the plain, substantial occupation of farming - was widely known as a public-spirited and leading citizen, always ready to assist in every enterprise designed to promote fclie public welfare, and always occupying positions of public trust till near the close of life, when failing health forbade. He was born in Windham County, Conn., December 12, 1791. and came to Ohio in 1817, with a large train of emigrants, over fifty of whom were Burnharus, and who settled in Madison, Union and Champaign Counties. James Burnhani located in the northwest part of Jefferson Township, where for years he kept hotel on a stretch of the Columbus & Urbana Stage Route, then very thinly settled, and whence he removed, about 1832, to a farm adjoining Jefferson, then not yet laid out.

In those earliest days of settlement, when Indians still prowled around, military organizations were thought useful ae well as ornamental, and a brigade of cavalry was organized from the counties of Madison and Union, and perhaps Champaign. Of this brigade Mr. Burnham was appointed General, and for many years its parades were marked days in the calendar.

In very early days, Mr. Burnham was elected County Cummissioner, and was continuously re-elected to this responsible post for a period fifteen or eighteen years. He was also, in very early days, elected Justice of the Peace, and was re-elected to that office till his successive terms amounted to over thirty years, and till, in 1854, he declined a re-election. In all these positions, and wherever known his name was a synonym for integrity, good judgment and fidelity to every trust.

In 1823, Mr. Burnham married Mary Ann Jones, whose family was from Pemberton, N. J., and who was a sister of Rev. Isaac Jones, so widely known throughout that region. Mr. Burnhani died January 6, 1857, leaving his widow, who survived him nine years, and three sons and a daughter. The eldest of these, James S., is editor and publisher of the Index, a weekly newspaper at Minneapolis, Kan. The second, Lester A., occupies the paternal farm, near Jefferson; and the third son, John, is located at San Jose, Cal. The daughter, Emma, survived her father only two years, dying in the bloom of early womanhood. Besides these, two daughters died in childhood, and a third, Mary, in 1848, two years after her marriage to Thornton Ross. The younger brothers of James Burnham located in Jefferson Township - Nathan and Lester H., the former of whom died in November, 1882, and is sketched in another place. The younger, Lester H. , died about 1866, and his widow and children removed to Kansas. Especial mention should be made of the unswerving courage and loyalty to conscience of Lester H. Burnham, who, with N. C. Davis and Moses Byers, made up the trio of Abolitionists and underground railroaders of the county for many years, when to be such was to be the object of general scorn and derision, and who assisted loads of fugitives on their weary way to Canada, then the nearest land where a black man could safely shout liberty. These men aided in the organization of the Republican party, and saw the triumph of their principles when slavery perished by the very sword it had drawn against freedom. N. C. Davis is still living, and resides near Mechanicsburg, Ohio. Moses Byers removed to Iowa about the year 1850.

Tin' emigration of the Foster family brought, in its turn, the family of Thomas Timmons, who was born in Pennsylvania. He was a son of Peter and Elizabeth Timmons, both natives of Pennsylvania, where he died, but Elizabeth came to Ohio and died about the time of the late war. Thomas was raised in his native State, where he married Hannah (Silvers) Peoples. They had one child when they bought and settled on the Lewis Foster farm. There he lived until his death. October, 1864. He bad, however, buried his wife in 1853, and at his death left his second wife a widow. He was the father of eleven children, five of whom are living now. viz., Rebecca, Mary, Thomas F., Laura and Asa T. Thomas Timmons was an indus trious and frugal pioneer. He was a man of rugged constitution, and, though not wealthy, placed himself in comfortable circumstances. He was much interested in the establishment of what is now known as Alder Chapel, and liberally assisted to thai end. He was of a «[uie! turn, and very atten-

Whilst mention has previously been made of the pioneer, Philip Sidener, we deem it nothing more than due a pioneer family such as they to more particularly outline them further, as what ha3 been said in regard to the pioneer was in connection with other events.

Philip, as previously stated, came to Ohio early in the present century, and remained until his death, which occurred about the year 1828. Hw was a peaceable pioneer and frontier woodsman; had many combats with wild animals, which then roamed the forest of Ohio and frequently came in contact with the Indians, but, as they were generally peaceable, as well as he, they never had any trouble, save once, when he received a wound in the arm, which he carried to his grave. He was a noted pioneer, of rather a discontented nature. His son David was born in Kentucky about 1790, and died at Columbus, Ohio, in May, 1880, at a great age. He matured in Jefferson Township; was not a large man, but was vigorous, energetic, and possessed a strong constitution. He was determined in his undertakings, and possessed the trait of economy, which placed him among the substantial farmers of the county. He served from Madison County in the war of 1812, under Gen. Hull, and was taken prisoner at Hull's surrender, taken to Canada, where he endured many privations connected with the military - prisoners of that day. He returned home, and, soon after the close of the war, married Elizabeth Hann, a native of New Jersey, and died in 1833, leaving as her posterity eight children, seven of whom are now living. David's second wife was Nancy Bond, of whom five children were born, and three are now living. His settlement was on the farm now owned by John Heath, about one mile south of Jefferson. There he lived until the Centennial year, when he located in Columbus, Ohio. At the time of his death, he had lived a widower fourteen years. He and family were generally members of the Methodist Church. His political affiliations were given to the interest of the Old-Line Whig and Republican parties.

For months and years after the whites began to penetrate the wilds of the territory in question, there were no roads but a few Indian trails, the most prominent one of which we have previously merely mentioned. It passed rather westerly through the township, entering just north of the National pike. However, the first route cut out for a thoroughfare was the old State road. It entered the territory in question a little south of the National pike, passing westward, bearing a little to the north, crossing the line of the National pike just in front of the residence of James Peene, and continuing in almost the same direction through the township. It was a thoroughfare from east to west, and great stage- loads of passengers were hourly seen going by the few pioneer huts then along the line. This, however, was not long open for travel until a road was opened from Amity to Georgesville. being a line almost due north and south, or at a right angle from the State road.

Next in order came the great National pike, which was surveyed almost on the fortieth parallel, through the township, very nearly due east and west. It awakened the interest of the people, amd many who had as yet thought little of settling in Madison County were now induced to come from the East and make their homes along such a great road. It added new facilities, increased travel, enlarged business and gave the people new thoughts. The great pike resulted in the abandonment of the State road, and now few traces of it are to be seen. After the building of the National pike, the roads became more and more numerous, until now they cross the township at right angles and triangles, and are too numerous to mention. The roads are for the most part pikes, and in every instance are free of toll, which speaks well for the enterprise of the citizens.

Early Incidents, Customs And Reminiscences

The earliest incident of note we have to place upon record is a bear chase by Reason Francis, which must have taken place as early as 1805. He was one day wending his way homeward on horseback through the dense forest, when he discovered a large bear, which he decided to give chase. The thought was executed by putting his horse under a good speed-, but, after a long and continuous chase through the woods, and his horse being almost exhausted, the bear struck on a trail, or path, which led by the pursuer's house, standing then on the east bank of Little Darby. Down the path the chase continued, and, when passing by his house, he succeeded in getting his dog to pursue the animal, which soon resulted in treeing bruin near the creek. The dog was very vicious, and, when the bear ascended the tree, he fastened his teeth so firmly in the bears' ham that the b«ar carried him up the tree. Upon reaching the first limb, which chanced to be one partly decayed, the bear hoped to rest and free himself from his enemy; but alas! the limb broke, and down came dog and bear, the latter seizing the dog in his squeezers and making him howl terrifically, when Francis, with his tomahawk, came up and buried it in the skull of his victim, releasing his faithful dog. The horse had been so completely exhausted that he soon afterward died from the effects.

About 1825, there was a wolf den near the residence of the late A. R. Haynes. The animal made iis usual visits'south to the plains, on the Roberts and Heath farms, to catiih sheep. A large pit was dug in the ground near his path, covered over with a board arranged on a pivot, and bait suspended in the air. The animal scented it and became the desired victim. Rev. Isaac Jones was called to the scene. A forked stick was procured and placed over the animal's neck. Mr. Jones then had some one hold the stick, keeping the wolf close to the ground, and he descended, chained and gagged the animal, came out and took the wolf to John Mills' grist-mill, where he was kept to fight dogs for a long time. The wolf-trap was thought lessly left open, and subsequently a neighbor's cow became a victim of the same trap. After several long and continuous searches, she was given up as being strayed off, but was finally found, after a long while, in the wolfpit, in almost a decomposed condition. Rev. Jones seems to have been much given to hunting. In 1835, when game was becoming scarce, a large crowd assembled for a wolf-hunt, and such other animals as might be within their intended circle. Rev. Jones was appointed to climb a tree, and when the game was driven near him, to do the shooting. As he was ascending the tree, a Mr. Pitcher handed him his gun, and the hammer caught on Pitcher's sleeve, resulting in firing off the gun, and the ball passing through Jones' wrist, crippling him for life. His attendant physician was Jonathan Alder. The accident badly affected the hunt, but still a few wolves and some deer were caught.

licenm >. We feel that it will not be out of place to record an aet of the Commissioners at a meeting of June 2, 1812, "ordering that each tavern of

^^i^^lJ^^^^^ liceDseof The same was oidered in Ibid An act of the Commissioners of 1847 was that each phv sician then practicing medicine in Jefferson Township should pay a Hcen e far such privilege to the amount of $3 for that year.1 The aX^ySn arm, but the business was managed quite well, after all. Dalby would mt he goods, do the selling, and Gilmore would tie them up, and thus the v fol owed their business. Dalby became the first merchant in Jefferson here after mentioned. It is generally believed that Benjamin Pike kept the post office and tavern in New Hampton as early as 1825, but we think th't the first tavern within the limits of the township was kept by a Mi Attin

flaTS deStl'°^d theAmeriU in ho spring or ] 882, and the Mantle House, kept by E. R. Hill, is the onlv one open for business m the township. }

FasteTTn 180S flZ ^^ Whi°h met at the residence of *ev. Lewis lostei in 1808, and organized a small society. We are able to «-ive a few of the names constituting the original class: Lewis Foster and wife Joshua John, Benjamin and Joseph, four sons of Rev Foster and Their wrves; Rebecca Tamilson; Cassa Dwyer; Joseph Downing hi brother Frank and their wives; John Hayden, wife and family. Amonl the fi s E^E^lET* t,"1:"S WT ReVS" William Si"-°-- Daniel Dav d pose of erecting thereon a church building. The Trustees at the time were John Hayden, Frank Downing, John Buck, John Foster and Joseph Powers. The deed was acknowledged before Squire Samuel Sexton, of New Hampton. A comfortable hewed-log church was soon erected, wherein the note;- praise were sounded to the All-Wise, and their hearts rejoiced in the privileges they then enjoyed. Now the ground is ornamented with a comfortable as well as a neat and attractive brick church. The present Trustees are Chauncy Beach, John Millikin, Owen Harbage, Philip Tewax and A. J. Dickerson. The last named is now serving as Class-Leader.

The Methodist Church of Jefferson - The society at Foster Chapel had grown and cast its seed in the vicinity of the village of Jefferson, but not until 1833 was there a class organized here, which consisted of about ten or a dozen members, a part of whose names we are able to record, viz. : Ezekiel Arnett and wife; a Mr. Mortimore and wife, who lived in a log house where the residence of James Peene now stands, and in whose house the society was organized; Mrs. Jarvis Pike and Mrs. Mary Lewis. The officiating minister was Rev. Gravett. They were industrious and zealous in the good work begun, and erelong the class numbered almost double as many as at first. They woi'shiped in Mortimore' s residence mostly until 1836, when they commenced holding their meetings in the schoolhouse in Jefferson, where they were served by Rev. Sutton. They experienced some unpleasantness with the Universal ists, who also used the same building, and in 1837. even though the flock was small, and financially not able, they had the will, and also found the way, to erect a substantial frame church, on Lot No. 50, in the village of Jefferson. While in this bouse, the society still enlarged, and in 1862 a more modern and comfortable brick edifice was erected, at a cost of about $5,000. They have a good bell of 1,378 pounds, a parsonage, and the total value of the property is about $8,000. Their present membership will number about one hundred and seventy-five, and they have an interesting Sabbath school.

Blair Chapel. - Methodism still continued to grow in the township of Jefferson, and in 1844 we find, largely by the efforts of the Blair family, that a society was organized about four miles northwest of the last-mentioned congregation. In the year above given, Rev. J. W. Young, of the Marysville Circuit, was solicited to come and organized the society, which resulted in the following members: John Blair and Jency, his wife, G. W. Blair, R. C. Blair, Jacob B. Coon, J. C. Coon, Elizabeth Tillman, Leonard Thomas. J. Zsidock Chapman, Hiram Stodard and Eliza Stodard. Four of the original class are now living. The church has had numerous revival-. and swollen its membership to about seventy in all, and is new served 1>\ shiped in the residence of G. W. Blair, when they all threw their mite to gether; Mr. Blair donated a lot from his farm, and a frame church edilic< was constructed, plain but comfortable, at a cost of about $700, and was dedicated in the fall of 1853, by Rev. Uriah Heath. The building served them a period of twenty-nine years, with the nominal expense for repairs of $20 - a striking illustration of economy. At present there is a substantial brick church, five miles northwest of Jefferson, nearing completion, on the farm of E. B. Haynes. who donated the lot on which it stands. The bnilding is 32x52, with steeple and bell. It is to be completed a1 a cost of about s-J.()()0.

them dinging to t ho persuasion o\' the Baptist Church. The date we are unable to give, but, during the earlj part of t ho third deoade of thi> present oentury, Rev. [saao Jones1 labors resulted in organizing the firsl society of Baptists in this township. They firsl worshiped in a very plain log hut. which stood about twenty paces west of (ho gate entering the Hampton Cemetery. Its oeiling was only abouteight feet high, covered with clapboards. Subsequently, however, a brick, as they thought of modern 9tyle, was erected, and. if now standing, would bo near the center of the cemetery. It was 20x32, and twelve feel oeiling, which served them until about L848, when they built their present frame in the village of Jefferson; but now a now and handsome church edifice is expected in the near future.

Rev. Jones Labored hard in the cause o\' Christianity in his chosen ohurch, possessing unwavering fidelity. The people were industrious and determined to sustain the oanse. Rev. Jones continued Ins ministerial labors here until his death, in 1842. The ohurch qow numbers Beventy-six members, and prosperity still seems to strotoh forth an inviting hand. They are served b\ Rev. L. R. Moors, the present incumbent. The church property is in the hands of a Hoard of Trustees, composed of J. T. Colliver, ML*. D., George Silvers and C C. Jones. The present Church Clerk and Treasurer aro Quinn Bradley and L. D. Hull, respectively.

Alder Chapel Universalist Church was organized as a society in the spring of lsbi>. known, as the First Universalist Church of Jefferson Town ship, though there had been for years occasional visits o\' Universalist min isters. direoted to the interest of the vicinity. In the year the society was organized, Thomas Timmons deeded a half acre of ground in consideration of $50, on which to build a church edifice, and the same year a com fortable, plain, but neat struoture, 28x40 feet, was erected, at a cost of about $1,000, including the boll. The society now numbers twenty-three members, and is served by the Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Crosley, of London, Ohio. Since the re-organization in L874, it has boon regularly served, and it has since that time also boon designated as Alder Chapel, and is undei the control of a Board of Trustees, viz., C. G-. High, Stephen Can and P. -I. Cutler.

St. Simon am! Jude's Catholic Church. - The settlement of Catholics dates quite early between Columbus and Springfield, but very sparsely for a time. They were, however, visited by different clergymen about every throe months, who held services in the respective dwellings of the members subsequently in the Town Hall of Jefferson. In this manner was Catholicism nursed in its infancy in Jefferson Township, but not until the year 1864 was the subject oli a church edifice agitated, when Rev. John M. Conway took the matter in charge Soon afterward, a subscription was begun and favorably patronized. In L866, Edward Buck donated the lot for the church, and in the Kpring of 1867 the foundation was begun and the cornerstone laid Ma_\ 1*.' of the same year, b\ the Kt Rev. Sylvester H Rosecrans, p of Columbus, Ohio The building is a brick. 34x6? feet, and was Completed to the tower under the management of Father Conway. It was dedicated b\ Bishop Edward Fitzgerald, of Little Rock, Ark., October 31, 1869, and has since been served t\\ the Revs. F MLoGrath, J, M. Thisse, -' A Burns, 11 Kiffmeyer and \Y. V. O'Rourke, under the supervision of Fa ther Conway, but in March of 1ST:?. Rev. B M Midler took charge, and is the present pastor. In the meantime, the standing debt has been released, and. during ls7ld. a tower and belfry, ninety one feet in height, erected, and furnished with a good bell of 1 *_>:U pounds, at a total cost, building and mention the names of Mary Smith, Andrew Bayless and wife, David Siago, Louisa Walker, Pereene Ricks, Mary Cooper, and a few others. They were first visited by lt«-v. Edward Wright, and through his efforts a few acce sione were made, and the society regularly served with a minister ever since. Their membership is composed of twenty five. The society fir liped in private dwellings, and mo embled at the

1 they purchased their present property, which is the old academy and grounds. The building isvery plainly furnished, the total value of grounds and building being estimated at $1,000. It is under the controlof a Board of Trustees, composed of Martin V. Ricks, Henry Jonee and Washington Boone. Tin- first-named Trustee is also Class-Leader, ae well af one of the Stewards, with Henry Jonee and Henry Grimes.

The firsl efforts toward enlightening the mindsof the young and drill ing them in the way they should go was brought about by the feeble but fruitful effort of Lucinda, widow of Thomas Jones. She was better known \>\ her maiden name, Lucinda Burnham. She procured a subscription and taught a chool of a few scholars about 1823, in a log hut thai stood on the present site of Pleasant Hill Cemetery. George Pike, an early settler in the vicinity, and Erom New Jersey, followed farming and teaching school. H ugh! in the same cabin as hie predecessor, bul not until about 1Sj!0. The cabin was of the rudest kind round poles or logs, chinked with split sticks, and plastered with mud, greased paper drawn over openings to ad mit the light, a huge fire place, puncheon floor, Blab writing desks and

. which would present to view a wonderful contrast if compared with the modern built and furnished one- of thie latter quarter of the nineteenth century. It wae generallj e, in those days, that the man whose pathy and confidence of the people, and their support, teach a subscription school; but in this Jefferson Township may feel proud of not having vn. In 1826 or 1827, oneof the best of citizens, viz., Samuel Sexton who was a man of considerable ability, and above all, a gentleman -began teaching. A.1 this time, Mr. Sexton was a widower, and. having a double log house, he obtained subscription and taught a session or two in one room of his dwelling. In this school, Abraham. Cyntha, Abner, Rhoda, Mary, Lewis. Martin and Catharine Join sob Gates, Henry Penny and a

About L830 or 1831, there was a better and more comfortable c building erected, and probably the first real choolhouse in the township. It - built justwest of the present residence of MaryVickers, which wae used until the year L836, when a frame b teded it, but located in the village of Jefferson. The schools of those days were vastly different from the present one-. Whilst we have our rooms ornamented with charts, maps and globes, the most prominent ornament in those d< < I supply overcome by moral suasion. The earliest records of the township, if any were kept, have been lost, and the earliest dates and statistics we can accurately give are in the year 1840. when we find there were seven districts, with a State tax of $217, and local tax of $157.28, total of $374.28, which was proportional to the enumeration divided among the several districts, as follows: District No. 1. with thirty-two pupils, $29.94; No. 2, with fortynine pupils, $45.85; No. 3, with forty- eight pupils, $44.91; No. 4, with 101 pupils, $94.50; No. 5, with twenty-six pupils, $24.33; No. 6, with ninety-eight pupils, $91.70; No. 7, with forty-six pupils, $43.05; total number of pupils, 400; total cash. $374.28 - making an average of nearly 94 cents public fund annually to each pupil in the township.

From this onward, we find schools more numerous and qualifications of teachers better, until now they have eleven schoolhouses in the township, and generally supplied with either a graduate of some good normal school, or a self-made teacher of determined will. The houses are all brick save one, principally new, of modern style and furniture, and good schools are maintained. There are, however, four fractional districts, viz. : No. 8, which is formed from Jefferson, Monroe and Deer Creek; No. 3 is formed from Fairfield and Jefferson, and No. 1 is formed from Canaan and Jefferson. The Board of Education is composed of eleven members, viz. : No. 1, L. C. Alder; No. 2, Philip Durflinger; No. 3, Joshua Truitt; No. 4, Abner Jobnson; No. 5, Isaac H. Hambleton; No. 6, D. S. Conklin; No. 7, S. K. King; No. 8, John Seaman; No. 9, J. M. Wilson; No. 10, E. B. Haynes; No. 11, Owen Harbage. The last named is President of the Board. The frame building previously mentioned in Jefferson was succeeded, in 1845, by an academy, which Jeremiah Olney was instrumental in organizing. The institution was conducted by a stock company, but soon failed to meet their expectations and sank into oblivion as an enterprise such as it was intended, but not until 1856 was the building bought by the School Board from Horace Putman, who had bought it of Olney. We are led to believe that about this time Jefferson was set apart as a special school district, and the building last mentioned served the district until 1868, when a new and handsome brick was completed, at a cost of $17,000, including grounds and furniture. The building is two-story, 50x72 feet, contains six rooms, and a large hall, 25x50. The schools are in a good condition, and superintended by Prof. F. Pearson, with four assistants. The School Board is Jacob Mc- Neal, Dr. J. N. Beach, Dr. J. T. Colliver, John E. Eoberts, Eugene Babb and J. J. Booth, the last named being Clerk of the Board.

The oldest of these sacred spots in Jefferson Township is that at Foster Chapel, which was used as a burying- ground as early as 1808, when the burial of a child of a Mr. Maythorne first dedicated the ground to the purpose for which it is now used. The original lot was. as we find most early cemeteries, without much regularity or order, but an addition has since been made, and order and regularity are maintained. It is under the cliaige of the Board of Township Trustees. The location is an admirable one for its purpose, and is known far and near as containing the remains of Jonathan Alder.

From the gravestones that mark the resting-places of about the first interred here, we find the following: During 1810, Jane Buck and Jane Smith: 1812, Hannah Uder and Thomas Foster; 1814, John Kilgore and Margaret Alder; L815, J. Blont: 1817, Anna Morris and her son John;

Jefferson Townse1Ip

.1818, Henry Smith; 1820, Elizabeth Moore, John Belsher and Thomas Tomlinson; 1821, Elizabeth Powers and an infant son of Paul Alder; 1823, Rachel Downing, Walter Powers, Harry and Henry Smith. Among the elder persons interred here we record the following: John Kilgore, eigh'yfive years; Thomas Kilgore, eighty years nine months and twenty-four days; and Elizabeth Timmons, seventy-seven years four months and six days. The monument of Ambrose Beach marks the doorstep of the original church building. He was an old pioneer of Canaan Township, and an honored citizen.

New Hampton Cemetery, containing about two acres and located near the village of Jefferson, was laid out and granted by Samuel Jones in the year 1823, and in the same year he dedicated it by the interment of his wife. Among a few other early interments, we find Daniel Sexton in 1823; Sarah, wife of Samuel Sexton, in 1827; and Elizabeth, their daughter, in the same year. Anna, wife of Levi Hann, died in 1831; and Anna, wife of Jacob Hann, in the year following. This cemetery contains the remains of Rev. Isaac Jones, who was interred in 1842. The grounds were never regularly laid out, hence no systematic order was maintained, and under the control of no special body or company; but for the last few years it has beeD managed by the officials of the township to which it belongs.

Pleasant Hill Cemetery is located about one mile west of Jefferson, and contains five acres, including the fence and half of the pike. It was laid out by Sebastian Roberts in 1864. The first interment was Thomas, father of Sebastian Roberts, in September of the year in which it was laid out, and in December of the same year was interred Susan, widow of Thomas Roberts. In 1869, the founder's body was laid to rest in the yard. The cemetery remained in the hands of the widow and his heirs until the fall of 1880, when it was bought by an incorporated stock company of ten members. The company was fully organized March 7, 1881, and the following Board of Officers elected: Trustees are Dr. J. N. Beach, Dr. J. T. Colliver, Quinn Bradley, Dr. Charles Snyder and Martin Kuehner; the last-named was chosen President; Jacob McNeal, Secretary; and W. W. Fellows, Treasurer. Since the yard was laid out, lots have been for sale. Good order and system have been maintained.

Another of the cities of the dead is Blair Cemetery, located four miles northwest of town, and containing one acre of land. It was donated to its sacred purpose in 1853, by G. W. Blair, and on May 1 of the same year, it received the body of Rebecca J. Blair, the donor's daughter. It now contains about two hundred interments, and, in consequence of its location, is sometimes called Pleasant Hill. It has always been free for interments, and G. W. Blair looked upon as General Superintendent, but is under control of the Township Trustees.

Calvary Cemetery is nicely located three-fourths of a mile south of the Catholic Church, on the Lilly Chapel pike, and consists of two acres, which was donated for the purpose by John Fry in 1877. It was consecrated November 14 of the same year, by Archbishop J. B. Purcell, of Cincinnati, and has ever since been the burial-place of the Catholic people of this vi cinity, whose loved ones are asleep in the Lord.

In an early day, the settlers needed a point closer than Franklinton for some one to keep in store such necessaries as were likely to be handled by the pioneer merchant. In consequence, on July 5, L822, Samuel Jones and Samuel Sexton acknowledged the original plat of New Hampton and signing of deed, before Justice A. Burnham. There were three streets east and west, viz., Main, North and South streets, each (sixty feet wide; two alleys east and west, \iz., Jones and Sexton. The streets north and south were five in number, and the first three were each sixty feet in width, and the last two mentioned were forty-nine and a half - Friend, Center, Pearl, 1'nion and Prairie. There were ninety-three lots, mostly four by ten poles in size. The town had accumulated a store or two, two or three taverns, a post office, about seven families, and a Baptist Church, most of which have heretofore been spoken of. It was not long after the National pike was opened until all business and dwellings were moved to the great road, and the pioneer village, save the church, sank into utter oblivion. Benjamin Pike, one of Hampton's citizens, was Postmaster, hotel -keeper, and for a number of years served in the State Legislature, as what they termed "Second Mate."

Since the town of New Hampton was the beginning of Jefferson, we deem it not inappropriate to continue the history of the last-named village, which is frequently improperly called West Jefferson, in consequence of the post office being so named. The town was laid out in September, 1831, by Kev. Isaac Jones, who owned the land. The lots, sixty-four in number, were surveyed in the same fall, by James Millikin, father of the hardware merchant of the place, at this writing. Unlike most villages, a few years only elapsed until, on April 24, 1834, dates the first meeting of the Town Council at the post office to incorporate the place and have special laws and government, as the citizens deemed advisable.

At this meeting. John W. Simpkins was chosen President; David Wilson, Recorder; and the following the Common Council: David Mortimore, Ferrin H. Olmsteadt, James Roberts, Wilson Graham, Abraham Hare, Joseph Powers; the last-named was chosen Marshal. Ezekial Arnett was appointed the first Street Supervisor.

The first ordinance the Council passed was to charge circus shows, etc., the sum of $10 license for every twenty-four hours' exhibition. At the same meeting, they passed an ordinance to charge a grocery -keeper the sum of $35 license a year. In May, 1834, the Council passed an ordinance that the President should have for his services and stationery annually $12; Recorder, $10; Marshal, $5; and Treasru'er, $5. The second meeting of the Council, all members were present save Olmsteadt, who, by motion of Abraham Hare, was fined $1 for non-attendance. Subsequently. James Roberts was also fined i?l for non-attendance, but it was refunded to both in August of 1834. The first calaboose was built in 1835. at a cost of about $6( ».

The new town soon grew to be of considerable importance, in consequence of the National road, just completed, and ere a great while it was not an uncommon occurrence to see daily the five hotels thronged with travel and the street lined with stages and horses. Among the early merchants were Mr. Dolby, who built the Mantle House, keeping tavern and store in the same building. Thomas Mortimore, J. W. Simpkins, W. J Black, J. Hancock. W. Graham, Nathan C. Davis, who associated with Calvin Horr. Abraham Hare was a hatter by trade, and opened business in the new town. ). W. < a- Squire Simpkins kept the first post office, which was designated \\ est Jefferson. The town Beemed to grow rapidly, and large business firms located here. i_ In fact, at one time it was the leading business point in the county.

In 1846, O. H. Bliss, with his father, Dr. Bliss, established a large wholesale and retail dry goods trade, but, during their mercantile career, Dr. Bliss died, and the business finally became extinct. Mills, a pork-house and other establishments were erected and successfully carried on. but when the Little Miami Railroad was completed through the place, it demoralized the trade of the National pike and badly affected the business of the village, which had sprung up as a blossom, now to wither and die. The town contains a population of about eight hundred, four churches, a good school building, six physicians, several dry goods and grocery stores, two drug stores, one carriage factory and two blacksmith shops, two hardware stores, an undertaker, one hotel and a number of saloons.

Jefferson, by the statistics of the railroad, is increasing in business, as can be seen by the following receipts of West Jefferson Station way-bills for the year ending December, 1875, which was $4,515.54; for 1878, it was 15,934.97; and 1881 it was $6,261.03. The receipts for tickets sold in 1878 were $3,642.60; and for the year ending December, 1881, $4,972.70, which shows a steady increase both in travel and goods received at the station.

Secket Societies

Madison Lodge, F. & A. M. , No. 221, located at Jefferson, was granted a dispensation under the hands of the Grand Master, W. B. Hubbard, on January 30, 1852, and the following were charter members: Benjamin Crabb, John Melvin, T. J. Stutson, Samuel Davidson, O. P. Crabb, George J. Archer, James Parks and Richard Acton. While laboring under the dispensation, Benjamin Crabb served as W. M.; John Melvin. S. W.; T. J. Stutson, J. W. They labored under the dispensation until October 'I'l. 1852, at which time a charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of Ohio. At the first meeting after the lodge had been chartered, November 8, the following officers were elected: Benjamin Crabb, W. M. ; John Melvin, S. W. ; Thomas J. Stutson, J. W.; James Parks, Treasurer; O. P. Crabb, Secretary; Samuel Davidson, S. D. ; Albert Downing, J. D. ; R. Acton, Tiler. The lodge then consisted of nineteen members. They have done much for the establishment of Urania Lodge, No. 311, at Plain City, and contributed members thereto. The present officers of the society are: T. J. Stutson. W. M. ; George A. Brookman, S. W. ; W. A. Boyd, J. W. : J. T. Colliver, Treasurer; Jacob McNeal, Secretary: J. J. Booth. S. D. ; J. C. Olney, J. D.; A. Miller, Tiler; Abner Johnson and John E. Roberts, Stew ards. They have a neat and comfortable hall, well furnished.

West Jefferson Book Society

This society was organized in the spring of L875, besides which there was a branch society consisting of twenty-five members. The main society bound itself to supply $400 worth of serial reading matter. The object of the society was to encourage a taste in the community for good reading, believing that, if such a taste is once established, it will -do more to cultivate, refine and civilize mankind than all that spasmodic reformers can accomplish. Unfortunately, the society was of short life, and in August, 1875, Mat Stutson bought the books and put them in his circulating library.

About 1814, Nehemiah dates erected a grist-mill on Little Darby, about one mile above Jefferson, but little of the early history of it is known. However, in 1817, he was succeeded by John Mills, and in 1819 he attached a saw-mill, on which, it is believed, the first lumber was sawed in the township, and was used for the tirst frame house of the territory in question. Subsequently he added a carding machine. So long as the machinery was operated it remained in the name of the Mills family.

Next in order comes the saw-mill of Isaac Jones, which he contemplated building where the present grist-mill stands, but, from a little unpleasantness arising between him and the managers of the National road in regard to the race crossing the road, he abandoned the location and erected it in Jefferson, on Little Darby, and it w-as known as a Mutter mill. In 1836, he erected on the same site a grist-mill, run by an undershot wheel. A few years later, he connected a carding machine, and ran the three enterprises until his death; at the same time followed his profession. The widow sold the machinery to Thomas Cartmill, who soon after erected a new saw-mill, yet standing, and added the second carding machine in L848. He conducted the enterprises until 185 7, when he erected a new grist-mill farther down the creek, and now operated by John Renner. This mill was bailt at a cost of about $5,000, Cartmill doing the most of the work, as he is a fair mechanic. It had an overshot wheel fourteen feet ten inches in diameter. The mill was started with two run of buhrs, but now has four. The builder operated the mill from 1858 to the spring of 1880, when the present owner took charge. It is known as Oak Ridge Mill, in consequence of it being built on a ridge once thickly-covered with that stately forest tiee. About 1834, John Johnson erected a saw-mill about five miles up Little Darby from Jefferson, and ran it about nine year-. when John Byerly succeeded him. and operated the mill until about 1870, since which it has passed into utter oblivion.

In 1817. Charles Roberts erected a saw-mill on Little Darby, about one and a half miles below Jefferson, which ha- ceased to be operated. The year L852 marks the time when George W. Blair erected a saw-mill on Little Darby, five miles northwesl of Jefferson. It was operated and did a large business for about twenty live years, but in the meantime the build ing was once destroyed by fire and a new one erected.