Madison County, Ohio - Chapter 5: Pleasant Township, 1883

Chapter 5: Pleasant Township

THIS township occupies the southeast corner of Madison County, and the territory comprising it was one of the earliest settled portions of the county. This was doubtless brought about principally from its geographical position and its proximity to the older settled counties, especially that of Boss, which in an early daj appears to have been the center - a kind of asylum for the emigrant-- of this portion of the Stati - from which they radiated and formed settlements in all the surrounding country, which was then an unbroken wilderness. From the Ohio River up the valley of the Scioto, early settlements were made, and Chillicothe boob became the prin cipal trading point, upon the frontier. From this, as a base for supplies, the ever-onward pioneer and huntsman pushed up the Scioto and its numerous tributaries - Paint, Deer and Darby Creeks; and it seems that the two lastmentioned streams were early visited by those in quest of game and a location, as it soon became known that along these streams were found plentiful herds of deer and immense flocks of wild turkeys, and what was more than all as good a body of land as the sun ever shone upon. As you ascend Deer (.'reek some thirty to thirty five miles from its mouth, or where it empties its waters into the Scioto, you strike the corner of Madison County and the southeast corner of Pleasant Township.

The first Bettlers of this township were James and William Hewey and David Martin, who built their cabins on the northeast bank of Deer Creek in L797. The land now belongs to Gabriel Alkire. William Alkire came in 1799, but as a record of the pioneers who came prior to 1800 appears in the general history of the county, we refer the reader to the pioneer chapter for a history of these men. Peter Long, of German descent, who settled in the northeast part of this township soon after 1800; was one of the earliest settlers in that neighborhood. Two of his sons, Jacob and John, never married, and reside on the old home place. One daughter married John Oglesbee, and also resides on a portion of the home farm. William Woods, a native of Maryland, born near \\ ashington, D. C; he married Elizabeth Dickison, and subsequently removed to Greenbrier County, Ya.: thence, about 1801, came to Ohio and settled on Duffs Fork, in this township, and there he resided until quite aged, when he removed to his son. William D.. who then owned the mill east of Mt. Sterling, and there resided with him till his death. Wlien became to this county, he purchased 600 acres of land on Duff's Fork, and during the war of 1812, the army opened a military road through his farm or land, known as " Langham's Trace."' over which the soldier- passed to join Gen, Harrison's army in the Northwest. Mr. Wood was the rather of the following children: William J;.. Anna, Jonathan, Phebe, Rhoda, John and Mary, who grew to maturity: all now deceased except Mary and Rhoda, who are -till living and reside in the West, and one whose name is not remembered, but she married a Mr. Oxford and resides in Indiana, and one son, Jonathan, who resides in Illinois. William D.. the eldest son. spent his life in Pleasant Township, engaged in the milling business. He married Elizabeth Tanner, by whom he had seven children, four now Burvive -Courtney, Elizabeth, Eliza Jane and Mahala. Mr. Wood was generally known as Col. Wood, from the office he held so long in the State Militia. He was one of the prominent active men of that <ia\ : he erected a combined grist, saw and carding mill on Peer Creek, just above where the cemetery is now located. He was also an active stockdealer, anil for a lone; time engaged in the mercantile trade, and in the business interests of this community was one of its most valued citizens. He held most of the offices o( trust of his township, and was highlj bs teemed and respected.

John R. Robinson, a native of South Carolina, settled on laud in the southeast part of the township about L806, and became quite an extensive, farmer and stock raiser and was a prominent and reliable citizen, and served as a Justice of the Peace many years. He was the father of seven or eight children, of whom six are now living -Elizabeth, wife of F. O. P. Graham, John S.. Samuel. .Mrs. \V. C. Douglass, David and Joseph, who are all extensive farmers and land owners of this township and prominent and reliable citizens.

John J. Smith, a native of Kentucky, married Rachel Allure, and. with his father in-law, Mr. John Alkire. about 1805-06, came to Ohio, and Mr. Smith settled where A. R. Alkire now lives Mr. Alkire settled on the east bank of Peer Creek, just in the edge of Pickaway County, and a few years afterward, probably about L810 12, erected a e;rist-mill on the west bank of Peer Creek, in Pleasant Township, just opposite to his tract of land. The mill was built of lo^s. with " Raccoon buhrs," and run by water-power, with a bolting attachment operated by hand. This mill he ran several years, when it came into the ownership of Mr. Smith. Subsequently Mr. Alkire removed to Sangamon County. HI., became wealthy, and there resided till his death. Some of his children still reside in that county. Mr. Smith subsequently rebuilt the grist mill and attached a saw-mill; finally he sold the mill to Otho Williams and William Loach: they were succeeded by William P. Wood, and he by Elijah Atkins, who died, and the mill is now owned by his heir- This was one of the first and. doubtless, the first e;rist mill erected in Pleasant Township. Mr. Smith resided where he first settled till about 1838, when he removed to Iowa, where he died about l^Td, at the .cod age of nearly out' hundred years He was a very active, robust man. shrewd and quick in business, taking an active interest in all the secular affairs of his community and tilled someof the township offices prior to moving W est.

a- Graham, a native oi Virginia, married Elizabeth Trimble and emigrated to Kentucky, thence, about 1806, came to Pickaway County, Ohio, and. in February. 1N>7. came to Madison County and settled on the place where his Bon Robert now resides, and here he lived between fifty and sixty years and removed to Indiana, where he died at an advanced age. His wife died while living in Madison County. They had twelve children, one dying in infancy -James, Washington, Joseph, Walker, -lane. Margaret, Malinda ami I il married, moved West ami settled in Indiana and Illinois.

vvil.li farming, he followed through life- Polly married I aac Ukire; bad eight children Betsey, Forgus, Jackson, Cynthiann, Lucinda, W II liar rison, G/eorge and Martha, all living. Robert, married Anna Davidson; have had eighl children, of whom Margaret, Emily, Robert V., William II II. ;ind Taylor are deceased. F. M. Trimble, Elizabeth M, James and John are living. Mr. Graham still resides upon the old home place of his father, where he has spent all his life since two year.-, of age, except two '-ai during which he re ided in Franklin County. He i now aeventyi years of age and hai resided seventy throe years on this farm. He has lived to see this count ry, from its wild and primitive state as they found

In the early years of their residence here, he saw groups of Indians, an many as fifty at one time, who would bring in wild game and other article,-, of traffic for milk, corn meal and other articles, products of the farm Bui we must now revert again to the father and old pioneer, Forgu Graham H< \asan earnest worker in the Christian Church and a minister in the same for man, j ears. He and < freorge A Ikire organ ized the Christian ' Jhurch of Pleasant Township, known as the Antioch Church, whose histoi written in another page of this work-. Mr. Graham was one of the princi pal pillars and support of this church during his long residence here. His house was a preaching place for several years prior to the building of a church edifice, and his "" latch string" vsa ever out for the admission of the ministers, brethren and friends of the Christian work. He began life poor, gave largely and liberallj and labored earnestly all his life for theChri cause; ye1 he prospered financially. He owned about 500 acre-, of land, and always had an abundancefor all home comforts, notwithstanding he tra much and endured many hardship, in his various journey* to j reach the Gospel and establish the truth as he understood it. He died and p as a shear fully ripe and ready for the gleaner, and, although his death wa- a gr< at lose to the church, yet it was doubtless to his lasting gain

Another early settler and pioneer was the old Virginian, William h. who emigrated to Kentucky; thence, about L808, came to Ohio and settled in this township, one mile north of Mt. Sterling, where he and his wife Margaret lived and died. Thej had -even children James, John, rge. William, Samuel. MargaTel and -lane M. dames, the eldest, served in the war of 1812, who, with William, Margaret and Jane, married and settled andjdied in this county, George,moved West and settled where he resided until his denth. Samuel has been thrice married first, to Miller; second, to Miss AJkire, and his third and last wife was Mrs. Jane Dennison, who is also deceased, and Mr. Creath is the third time a wid and now resides with his youngest son in Oak Run Township. Thomas Anderson, a native of Virginia, emigrated to Kentucky in an early day: thence, about 1805 06, removed to Ohio and settled on Opossum I Jam, in

Franklin County, and, about ISM. removed to this township and near Mt. Sterling, on land now owned by Mr. Loveberry; here he remained through life, devoting his attention to farming. In the war of L812, he ed as a i.ieutenant. He married Rebecca Cochran, of Virginia, by whom he had eight children: three now survive - Elizabeth, now Widow Cochran, residing in Allen County, Ohio; Nancy, wife of John Devoll, residing in I ette County, and Stephen, biographical sketch is contain) moved West, where they died. Margaret married John Berry, and settled on the farm of Stephen Anderson, whore she died. Sarah married Samuel Buziek, and also died on Mr. Anderson's farm. Mr. Anderson was a member of the M. E. Church, an earnest and devoted Christian worker and class leader for many years.

John Biddle. a native of Pennsylvania, born near Mifflintown, emigrated to Ohio and settled at Staunton, near Troy, Miami Co. , Ohio, one of the pioneers of that connty, and served in the war of 1812 as a teamster, and was surrendered to the British by Gen. Hull at Detroit; but they were subsequently recaptured, and his team returned to him. Thence, about 1815, he removed to Madison County and settled in this township, on land now owned by John Puckett, and a few years after moved to what i8 now the north part of Mt, Sterling, on the London road, where the spot is stil! marked by a few old apple trees that yet remain. He remained a resident of this township the balance of his life, and died at Mt. Sterling January 9, 1N58. He was twice married; by his first wife be had seven children, three now survive - Ruann, married Elijah Smith, and resides in Salem, Ore gon; Mary and David (twins), the former married Gabriel Alkire, and the latter is unmarried and resides at Mt. Sterling. Of those deceased, William married Elizabeth Warner, of London, settled in Mt. Sterling and entered upon the mercantile trade, and was fully identified with the business interests of this place for many years; thence he moved to London and engaged extensively as a stock-dealer. He was active and prompt in business and successful in all his undertakings, and. at the time of his death, in the summer of 1882, his estate was valued at $50,000. He had three children - Sallie. wife of Mr. Robison. druggist at London; Mary and William; the latter is now a partner of Mr. Robison; Abner, married Rachel Ferrin, settled at Mt. Sterling and has been engaged in farming through life, and had two children - John and Mary; the former is now of the firm of Riddle & Snider. Mr. Riddle died just one day prior to his brother William.

The above persons, of whom we have endeavored to give as full an ac count as is accessible to obtain at this late day, after a lapse of more than three-quarters of a century since their settling here, embraces most of the real pioneers. William Ware, who was a very early settler and a prominent man, and was the first Justice of the Peace of Pleasant Township after its erection, was, if we are rightly informed, a settler in what is now Fairfield Township, and hence he is written of in that township as one of its pioneers. Also, Judge E. Fitzgerald, of the early Justices, now belongs to that township There was. however, a family of Grants, who settled here prior to 1812, am! might with propriety be classed as pioneers. There are several persons whom wedesire to mention, although not pioneers, yet they were early settlers, and many of them have done much pioneer work, and whose lives and labors have been identified with the growth, progress and improvements of this count) ; some of them even more so than some of the first settlers. George Kious, a Large land-owner and wealthy fanner, is well and favorably known throughout this community as an old settler, and a valuable citizen of Pleasant Township. David Heath is another old and much esteemed citizen, a wealthy farmer enterprising, and giving aid and support to everything that tends to the elevation of man and to the general public good, whose character and integrity is beyond reproach, and whose life and assciations have been a blessing to the citizens of this township.

John Puckett, an old settler and a pioneer of the Methodist Church, " whose sands of life are nearly run out." deserves more than a passing no- tice; not that we desire to place upon the enduring pages of history every man's life, or that each subject of whom we speak' deserves especial praise, for the best and most divine instruction we have teachers, that with the best of men, after they have done all in their power, they are unprofitable servants; but we do desire to place before the rising generations the lives, examples and teachings of such men as have some stamina of character and moral integrity in them, as beacon lights to the wayfaring youth of years to come. Mr. Puckett's early life shows first, industry and frugality. At quite an early day he engaged in the tanning business. He erected the first and probably the only Tannery ever in the vicinity of Mt. Sterling. This he carried on for several years, ami at a period in the history of this country when it was an important branch of industry to the comfort and convenience of the people of the. community. This, with the honest occupation of farming, he has devoted the energies of his physical powers, and he has been quite successful. But the shining mark of his life has been his devotion to the Christian work. As early as the year 1 831 , we find his house the appointed place for the organizing of a class and society in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he and wife were among the constituent members; and his house continued to be a preaching place until 1834. when a church edifice was erected, and throughout his life Mr. Puckett has given freely of his means and influence for the church and all worthy objects of Christian and moral progress.

Robert Abernathy and Isaac Moore, were two early settlers and sub stantial and reliable farmers; the former is now deceased. The latter is a resident of Mt. Sterling, a prominent, active member of the Methodist Church, and who kindly furnished us with the history of that society from its first organization. Although now quite aged, yet his mind is clear and his recollections of the past vivid and conclusive, and of him we may truth fully say that he is an esteemed and valued citizen.

The Davidson family were also early settlers. Elijah Bragg and Gr. W. Ingrim, two valued citizens, were quite early known and identified with the progress of this community. The Timmons family was another early and well-known family. Drs. Samuel and William McClintick are and have been two prominent and well-known physicians of Mt. Sterling. Dr. D. E. McMillin is the oldest physician of Mt. Sterling, having been in practice here most of the time for forty-five years. Other names of prominent early settlers might lie mentioned, but, as the object of our work is to rescue from oblivion the names, characters and incidents of the oldest and most distant memories and matters of by-gone days, time and space forbid us xtending our remarks upon present men and matters further in this cha >ter. but refer the reader to other portions of this work upon churches, sch ols. societies and the list of officials of the township where many names, cha acters and incidents will be more fully brought out down to the present time.

This was one of the original and first erected townships of the count Altl ough the boundary lines are now different from what they were at its first erection, as part of the territory which was at first embraced in this has been taken off to help form Fairfield and Range Townships. But we here give its lirst and original boundaries as found upon the records at London, which there appears as follows: April 30. 1810, "Ordered, that all that tract of country comprehended in the following boundaries compose a township, to be known and designated by the name of Pleasant, and is bounded as follows: Beginning at the southeast corner of Union Town- ship, on the Franklin County line, thence to the corner of Pickaway County line; thence with the Pickaway County line to the corner of Fayette County; thence with th" Fayette County line to the corner of Stokes Township; thence with Stokes Township line to the place of beginning " The erection of the townships of Union. Jefferson, Deer Creek, Stokes, Darby and Pleasant, although occurring on April 30, 1810, were not recorded for nearly five months, the Commissioners' record book reading as follows: " The above was recorded in this book the 4th day of September, eighteen hundred and ten - 1810."

Subsequent changes in the township are as follows: June 1, 1818, " Ordered, that hereafter the boundaries between Range and Pleasant Townships be as follows, viz. : Beginning on the North Fork of Paint Creek, at Fayette County line, thence eastward along said line to Duff's Fork; thence lip said fork to the crossing of the Federal road; thence northward to the line between Union and Pleasant Townships, so as to make the upper line of Range Township one mile and one-half, extending along Pleasant Township." March 2, 1824, change in Range and Pleasant Townships, " Ordered by the Commissioners of Madison County now in session, on petition being presented, that part of Range Township be, and is hereby attached to. Pleasant Township: Beginning at the county line between Fayette and Madison Counties, where the same crosses Duff's Fork, running west one mile with said line: thence a uorth direction to where the Federal road crosses Duffs Fork in the line of Pleasant Township, all that part hereby stricken off of Range Township to be attached to Pleasant Township." Change in Pleasant Township, December 1, 1851: On petition, the line between Pleasant and Fairfield Townships were changed as follows, viz. :" Commencing at a point in the county line near James Adams', thence south with the county line to the lower line of R. Means' Survey, No. 5,766; thence wist with said survey line and the line of Edward Fitzgerald's land to the northwest corner of Henry Fleshour's Survey, No. 5,190; thence to the northeast corner of the Hardin & Gray's Survey, No. 5,799, and with the north line of said No. 5,799 to the county road near Levin Jones' house; thence with said road to Deer Creek; thence up the creek to the present corner of Fairfield Township."

Surface, Soil, Etc

In describing the surface of the various townships comprised in Madison County, it will be observed that there is a great sameness, because the general surface of the entire county is level, and of this township we can say, Lhere is no exception to the general condition of the county in this respect. All. or nearly all of the surface of Pleasant, except along the creeks and small streams, is one extended plain, and were the forests stripped from the face of the country, there would be a great resemblance to the rolling prairies of the West. The streams and creeks have a general southern and southeastern course through the township, indicating that the highest elevation is reached in the north and northwestern portions of the township. The principal stream of the township is Deer Creek, which enters the northwestern portion of the township and. courses south and southeasterlyuntil it reaches the boundary line between this township and Pickaway Count) : thence it flows south nearly on the line for about one mile, when it re-enters Pleasant Township, Hows south and enters Fayette County near the southeast corner of the township. Its main branch is Sugar Run, which empties into it aear tli<> center of the township, on the line of Ste- phen Anderson's farm. Sugar Run is formed near the western line of the township, on the Hicks farm, by the junction of Mud liun and Bradford's Creek. These, with Duff's Fork, in the south part of the township, are the principal streams. The soil is a rich loam and clay, very strong and productive, equally good for grass or grain. Wheat and corn are the principal grains raised. Grass and stock-raising has been a leading business with the larger land owners. During the last few years, as the land is becoming ditched, tiled and drained, more extensive business is carried on in raising grain, and the time is approaching when wheat and corn will be the main articles of export of this township. Quite large portions of this township originally consisted of oak openings and prairies, of which the soil was remarkably deep and rich, consisting principally of a black loam with a clay and disintegrated limestone subsoil. The timber upon these portions was principally burr oak, hickory, elm, black and red oak. Along the creeks and the northern and eastern portions of the township were heavy forests, consisting of the various species of oaks, hickory, elm, and, on the creeks, considerable walnut, on the rolling lands, white oak predominating. In comparison in soil, timber and all natural advantages, few, if any of the townships of Madison County, excel this township.

This township, organized in 1810, was put in working order by the election of officers, held by order of the Commissioners at the house of Forgus Graham; but who the officers were, or who their successors were down to the year 1869, we have no means of knowing or finding out, as the records of the township prior to that date are all lost or destroyed by fire; hence, we can only give them since the above-mentioned date:

Trustees. - 1869-70, Abraham Alkire, William Heath and Courtney Wood; 1871, A. R. Alkire, William Heath and J. D. Abernathy; 1872-73, A. R. Alkire, William Heath and John M. Robison; 1874, A. R. Alkire, William Heath and Henry Bower; 1875, Henry Bower, J. D. Abernathy and William Bennett; 1876, William Bennett, Henry Bower and P. A. Zahn; 1877, F. A. Wickle, William Taylor and J. D. Abernathy; 1878, William Taylor, William Heath and F. A. Wickle; 1879, William Taylor, William Heath and John W. Rea; 1880, John Anderson, William Taylor and William Heath; 1881, C. H. Miller, J. W. Anderson and J. W. Rea; 1882, C. H. Miller, J. W. Rea and William Heath.

Crabb; 1876, I. C. Biggin and E. J. Stone; 1877, Thomas E. Crabb and E. J. Stone; 1878-79, D. W. Wickle and Thomas McDonald; 1880, D. W. Wickle and Matthew Cannon; 1881, Nimrod Fetty and Robert Trimble; 1882, D. B. Wheeler and Robert Trimble.

Roads And Turnpikes

This township contains many quite large farms, especially in the western and central portions, and to and through these are many mud or byroads, but from and through this township leading to all the principal neighboring towns and villages are good free turnpikes. The old Federal road runs east and west through the southern central portion of the township; and from this road, starting at a point about half a mile from the west line of the township and running in a southeast direction into Fayette County, is the Hicks road, which connects with the Washington & Mt. Sterling pike and the London & Mt. Sterling road and the Palestine road are the principal pikes and generally kept in good condition.

As this township began to be settled early, we would naturally expect to see schools and improvements early established, and we find that such was the fact The class of citizens who first located here were men of nerve and intellect, who sought the welfare of the rising generations; they knew the importance of schools, to educate and train the minds of youth, to bring out their latent powers and to produce strong and healthy intellects, such as should become able managers of church and State. As the first settlement was made on Deer Creek, in the eastern part of the township, so here we find in the Alkire neighborhood a primitive log schoolhouse, erected about 1812. These early schoolhouses are so often described in this history in writing of other localities that here, and hereafter, when we speak of a primitive log schoolhouse, their construction and character will be fully understood by the reader. The first teacher in this school was Adam Alkire. The first schoolhouse has long since been destroyed, and others, more improved, have succeeded it.

At an early day in Mt, Sterling, a lot four rods square was purchased of Abraham Alkire, for which he was paid $10 for school purposes, and upon which the people of the district erected a small frame building, and which continued to be used for school purposes till about 1 850, when an addition was built to the old schoolhouse, which again served the district till about 1802, when Smiley Hughs, acting for the district, purchased from William Riddle four-fifths of an acre of ground, where the present schoolhouse is located, upon which they erected a frame house, 48x2-4 feet, two rooms, with a hall between them, at a cost of $1,100, and they then established it as a graded school. This house served the town until 1876, when the old house was sold and moved away and the present fine two-story brick house was erected, containing six rooms, at a cost of $13,000. This is one of the finest school buildings in the county outside of London, and does credit to the enterprise and educational tastes of the people of Mt. Sterling. The school enumeration in 188] was 201. Total school funds. 12,161.65. Expended for tuition, $1,888, and for contingencies, £.") 16.88. The school now consists of five departments, with the following corps of teachers, viz.. Primary B, Miss Lou Hurst: Primary A, Mrs. H. E. Sehryver; Grammar B, Miss Mary Pierson; Grammar A, Walter W. Storms; High School, Prof. N. W. Bates, Superintendent and teacher.

The Board of Education in Mt. Sterling are D. H. Douglass, President; H. W. Schryver, Clerk; H. D. Marcy, Treasurer; Dr. E. B. Pratt and J. W. Ingrini. Throughout the entire township there are now good schools and schoolhouses. The township is divided into seven subdistricts and one joint subdistrict. Enumeration of scholars in Mt. Sterling, 201. Township school funds, $4,621.10; Expenditures - tuition, $20.50; contingent, $281.95; total $2,331.95. Township Board of Education: Bryan Flynn, O. W. Bostwick, John W. Rea, Joseph Bower, F. O. P. Graham; President, D. E. Robison, Trimble Graham and C. H. Miller.

There have been but few permanently located mills in this township, and they, to some extent, have been written of in speaking of the pioneers. Of course, there have been more or less of portable mills located temporarily in various parts of the country, which, after remaining a short time, having performed their mission, were moved elsewhere. The first mill we gain any knowledge of having been erected in this township was a gristmill, built by John Alkire, in 1810-12, on Deer Creek, on the spot where the present mill now stands. When we consider the limited number of settlers in this neighborhood at the above-mentioned date, and also, that in that day the early settlers as a general thing were accustomed to go many miles distant with a sack of corn on horseback to get it ground into meal, and seemed to be quite contented with that arrangement, we may imagine somewhat how little inducement was given to any person to think of erecting a mill right here at their doors; also, when we take into consideration the limited means which most of the settlers were possessed of, and the difficulty to obtain the materials with which to construct a grist-mill, then we may, to some extent, appreciate the enterprising spirit and courage which Mr. Alkire possessed to undertake that work at so early a day. But he accomplished his undertaking; he erected a plain log mill, with raccoon buhrs and bolting attachment run by hand, the mill being operated by water-power. After running the mill a few years, which, though of the primitive kind, yet it was a great convenience to the community, it passed into the ownership of John J. Smith, son-in-law of Mr. Alkire, who subsequently rebuilt and improved the mill, also attached to it a saw-mili. He was succeeded, probably about 1836-38, byOtho Williams and William Leach; they by William D. Wood, and he by Elijah Atkins, who ran it till his death, since which it has remained the property of his heirs. Farther up Deer Creek, just above where the cemetery is now located, at a later period, Mr. William D. Wood erected a grist, saw and carding mill. At just what date this was built we did not learn, or just how long they were run does not appear, but they have long passed out of existence, and are only remembered by the older settlers.

About 1820, William Wilson, a native of Pennsylvania, located in the north part of the township, on Deer Creek, an ! erected a grist and saw mill, about where the present Wood Mill now stands. He ran the mill several years, when he sold out to John Kious. After running it a few years, he tore down the old mill and rebuilt and improved it, making it much larger, with a greater capacity. Subsequently, he was succeeded by Michael Sullivan, who, after a few years, was succeeded by William Wood, and he by his son, Courtney Wood, who now remains its present owner and proprietor. This mill has proved a great convenience, as prior to its erec tion the neighborhood was compelled to go several miles to procure their grinding, most of them going to the Darby, near Georgesville.

About 1830, George Puckett built a tannery at or near Mt. Sterling, and carried on quite an extensive business for those days, for nearly twenty years. At that time tanning leather was an important and reasonably profitable business. There were then no railroads or shipping facilities by which they could get either leather or shoes from the East, or, ii they could obtain them by the slow process of their being hauled through by wagons, over the then almost impassable mud roads, it would make them cost enormously, so that the people of pioneer days would be unable to buy them. In those days, the present quick process of tanning leather in a few days by means of chemicals was not known, but it took weeks and months even to tan and dress leather ready for use. Neither had they machinery for mak ing shoes, by which a man could make several pairs per day. as they have at the present time; but everything worked on the slow hand process. Hence, a tannery in this cotintry at that time was a great convenience, and not merely that, but it was quite profitable to the man who carried on the tannery and profitable to the consumers of the leather, for, after the tanner had established his prices upon his leather, so as to give him a good profit, it came to the people for use, much less than they could purchase it from the far East. Therefore, for many years, Mr. Puckett was enabled to do a good and profitable business. But in the course of time, it became unprofitable from the above-mentioned changes, and Mr. Puckett closed out his business.

Towns And Villages

This township contains but one town or village within its boundaries. John J. Smith, written of as an early settler, came from near Mt. Sterling, Ky., and purchased quite a large tract of land in this township, embracing the ground upon which Mt. Sterling now stands. After over twenty years of pioneer work, there was no town or village in the township, and Mr. Smith, about 1828, surveyed and laid off some lots for a town, and platted the same, which was duly recorded at London June 26, 1829, under the name of Mt. Sterling, after his favorite town of Mt. Sterling in his native State. The first house erected was a small frame built by Jacob Alkire, and just opposite to it, on Columbus street, Mr. Alkire erected the second house. Both these houses are still standing, but in a very dilapidated condition, having now stood there over half a century. The first hotel was built and a tavern kept by Andrew J. Mure; he was succeeded by Mr. Benjamin Leach, and he by Robert Abernathy. Soon after, a second hotel was built and kept by John Peterson, located where Levi Southward's livery stable now stands.

Mr. Mure also opened the first store. Wilson & Graham were, however, the first to keep a good and general stock of merchandise. % William D. Wood and Wesley Howard were two early merchants. The first carpenter was James Baker, who was quite an early settler and became somewhat prominent in the early progress of the place. Stephen S. Beale. the first ahoe-maker of the town, was a native of Virginia, and settled here about 1834; hefollowed the shoe making business for fifteen years: thence entered upon Farming and became quite wealthy, owned 1,000 acres of land, besides moneys and personal property. He was a good financier and an energetic business man. a good ueighbor and a useful citizen. William Atkins and Otho Williams were the firsl blacksmiths. The first physician was Dr. J. Gregory; the next, Dr. Leeds, and then Dr. D. E. McMillin, who is still a practicing physician of the place, where he located in L837. Other early physician-- were Dr. William McClintick, Dr. Elain Bodman and Dr. John

The town was incorporated March 12, 1845, and the first election held August 15, IS!-"), resulting as follews: Mayor, Lewis Timmons; Clerk, Smiley Hughs; Marshal, N. R. Stanford; Council, John E. Merrill, Dr. Samuel McClintick, C. W. Cozens, R. W. Evans and Dr. William McClintick. The Mayors of Mt. Sterling since its incorporation have been as follows: L845, Lewis Timmons; 1850-51. C. W. Cozens; ]858, Samuel Mc- Clintick; 1854, Smiley Hughs; 1856, N. J. Kauffeit; L858, G. -J. Smith; 1859-62, Smiley Hughs; L863, Benjamin Leach; 1864, Isaac Moore; 1865 67, N. J. Kauffeit; 1870, B. F. Thomas; 1872, Ira Buzick; 1874 -80, John M. Nicodemus. Present officers of the incorporation ( 1882) are as follows: Mayor, Smiley Hughs: Council, \V. F. Mercer, \\ . J. Hodges, L. Clausson, Taylor Snider and Adam Bailey; Marshal, Christopher De Long; Clerk, D. Bender; Treasurer, N. A. Riggin; Solicitor, B. F. Thomas: Civil Engineer, J. L. McCafferty.

In April. 1871, M. W. Schryver commenced the publication of a new-, paper, known as the Mt. Sterling Review. This paper he continued eighteen months, when he changed the name to the Husbandman, the publication of which ho continued until May 1, 1874, when it ceased for want of sufficient support to justify the publisher to continue it.

Mt. Sterling, at the census of 1880, had a population of 482, and we feel justified in saying that there are few towns of its size situated fifteen miles from a railroad that presents a better appearance than this rural town. It is located iu the midst of a rich and beautiful country: contains a class of active, energetic business men, men of wealth, intelligence and refinement, as is evidenced by their good buildings, fine schools and numerous churches. And had t is thriving town the commercial advantages of a railroad, it would soon rank among the most activo business towns of Madison County.

Cemeteries And Bueying-Grounds

this township; places, many of which were mere family depositories of the tirst settlers who died before any churches or permanent cemeteries were established, and many of which are now entirely obliterated, lying in the open pasture field, with not a stone or vestige of anything left to mark the spot which was once so sacred to the memory of the departed. Others are preserved by a fence carefully surrounding the ground-;, which are kept in repair by owners of the lands, descendants of those buried there, yet they are mere forests of weeds, grass and shrubs which, from inattention, have taken possession of the grounds, while some others are carefully preserved and cared for by friends of the deceased, or by the Trustees of the township, who have been placed in charge of the property, and which are still used as bury ing-pl aces.

One of the oldest burying-grounds we gain any knowledge of is located near the Methodist Church, at Mt Sterling, in which the old pioneers of this neighborhood were mostly interred. It embraces about one acre of ground, and was used for many years as a general burying-place for this neighborhood, until it became literally full of the dead, containing probably several hundred bodies. It is preserved by a fence around it. and probably will be for years to com", but it has long since ceased to be used. On A. R. Alkire's farm is the family burying- ground of the Alkire family, where several of their ancestors found their last resting-place; it is still preserved by a fence, but is not used. Another old family ground is on the J. \V. Douglass farm: this is fenced, but no more are interred there. There were several in an early day buried at a spot on Deer Creek, just below Wood's Mil1, but there is no trace left of the place now, as it is all in an open field.

Soon after 1860, H. G. C. Alkire donated five acres of ground on the west bank of Deer Creek, about one and a half miles above Mt. Sterling, and deeded it to the Trustees of the township, Milton Thomas, Adam Young and Elijah Bragg, and to their successors hereafter, for the consideration of .$1, reserving to himself a family lot in the center of the ground, in circular form, about twenty-five feet in diameter, which he nicely inclosed with a good iron fence. This cemetery the Trustees fenced in and laid off in lots, all numbered in order, and made good gravel roads and walks through the grounds and ornamented it with evergreens and other trees and shrubbery of various species. The ground is a gravel and sandy soil, lying high and dry on the banks of the creek, and is one of the most beautiful rural cemeteries of Madison County, and a very befitting depository and resting-place for the dead.

It appears that the first religious society to enter this township and organize into church work was that known by the name of Christian. On June 30, 1812, a few persons of this faith assembled at the house of Forgus Graham, and entered into compact as follows: "We, the undersigned Christians, hereby organize ourselves into church fellowship by taking the Bible as our only rule of faith and practice, and Christian character as our only test of fellowship, and Christian as the only name, and to be known as the Deer Creek Christian Church." This was signed by the following: Forgus Graham, Betsey Graham, Malinda Graham, Francis Grant, Nancy Grant, James Graham, Polly Graham, Roling Grant, Betsey Grant, Samuel Powell and Betsey Powell. There may have been a few other names signed at that date, but it is believed they were added subsequently. They had no church edifice, but the society met and had preaching at the house of Forgus Graham for many years; occasionally, however, preaching took place at other houses in the neighborhood. In those times, when the country was sparsely settled, and few and bad mud roads, it was difficult to hold preaching with any regularity; hence, the people often became negligent of church duties, and then the society would have to be re-organized. This was the condition with this church. It was re-organized February 27, 1825, under the same name as before. And again, on March 25, 1832, was re-organized under the same name, Deer Creek Christian Church, with Forgus Graham and John Alkire, as Elders, and Patrick Davidson and John Graham, as Deacons, and John Graham, as Clerk. The next and final re-organization waa effected February 13, 1854, by Elder Samuel Wilson and Cyrus Gordy, under its former name. In September, 1858, money was raised by subscription and a house erected for church purposes, which was formally dedicated November 21, L858, by Elder Dr. Dawson, at which time it was decided that it should hereafter be known as the " Antioch Christian Church." In 1864, the following person.-, were elected Trustees: John M. Smith, John S. Robison, A. N. Wilson. H. G. C. Alkire and F. O. P. Graham. The present pastor, is M. M. Lohr.

Mt. Sterling Methodist Episcopal Church. - In August, 1831, a class was organized at the house of John Puckett, with the following members: Lewis Devoll and wife, John Puckett and wife, Sarah Puckett, Sophia Puckett, George W. Tngrim and wife, John Blain and wife, with, perhaps, one or two others, whose names cannot now bo recalled, with John Puckett as class leader. The class continued to meet and had preaching occasionally at the house of Mr. Puckett for about three years. Among the first ministers who preached horewere llev. William Morrow, Jacob Martin, William Westlake and Philip Nation. This place was then one of thirty-four preaching points on the London Circuit. About 1834, by an earnest effort, money was raised and a church edifice was erected on the same ground where the present one stands; this was a small brick church and cost about $700. In this building preaching and services were continued till in the summer of I85(d, they pulled down the old church building and the present frame edifice was erected, at a cost of $2,500, and, in the fall of the same year, was dedicated to service. Rev. Clark preached the dedicatory sermon (since Bishop Clark, of Cincinnati). The present membership is now about 200, with D. H. Douglass and James Jones as class leaders; Stewards, James Jones and D. H. Douglass; Trustees, Isaac Moore, Henry Blain, J ohn McCafferty and J. \V. Ingrim. The present pastor is Rev. Pillsbury. A flourishing Sunday Bchool is connected with the church, which has an average attendance of about 135, with J. W. Ingrim. Superintendent, and D. H. Douglass. Assistant Superintendent.

\ft. Sterling Presbyterian Church. - On March 20, L847, by appointment of the Columbus Presbytery, Rev. Timothy Stearns and Rev. Channcy P. Taylor, at a called meeting for the purpose, organized a church with the following constituent members: Mrs. Margaret Creath, Sr. . Mr. William Creath, Mrs. Mary Creath, Mrs. Jennie M. Alkire. Mr. Samuel Thornton, Dr. David E. McMillan. Mrs. Lydia McMillan; received by certificate from the London Church: Mrs. J alia Worthington, by certificate from the church at Chillicothe, and Miss Amanda Creath, received on examination. Mr. William Creath was installed as Elder. The church was furnished with a supply minister for many years; the first was Rev. James Dunlap. Services were continued in the old frame church building till the erection of th brick edifice, in 1868-69, at a cost of about $2,000. In December, L869, the house was dedicated to service in due form. The d rmon was preached by Rev. George Carpenter, of Washington C. H. It was dedicated free of all debt or incumbrance. The first regularly called and installed pastor of the church was Rev. George S. J. Browne, on February 8, 1S78. The present membership of the church is sixty-five. Present

Elders: A. B. Hughs, J. II. Schryver, W . J. Hodges and N. J. D. Kauffelt; Trustees, Dr. J. S. McClintick, George Kious and J. G. Loofburrow. Present pastor. Rev. Robert H. Cunningham. The church has had a regularly organized Sunday school since in March. 1^78: present average attendance, fifty -live scholars, with X. J. D. Kauflelt, Superintendent.

McKenard Methodist Episcopal Church. - In March, 1852, a class was organized in the King Schoolhouse by Rev. David Smith, consisting of the following members: William Stone. Elizabeth Stone. Washington Morain, Nancy Morain, Eliza Ann Morain. Harrison Morain, Lizzie Morain, Albert Stone, Joseph Lane. Mary Lane, William Lane, Dilliann Lane. Samuel Thornton, Catharine Thornton, Philip Kyle, Mary Kyle. Harriet Kyle, John Kyle. Rachel Frazier, Millie Smith. Matilda Oglesbee, Mary King, Stephen Anderson and Margaret Anderson, with William Stone as class leader. Their meetings were continued to be held in the schoolhouse above mentioned about three years, when they purchased a house and lot: the building was a large log house, which had been erected for a dwelling, but had never been finished or occupied. This building they finished and fitted up for church purposes, and used it as a house of worship till the summer of L874, when the present substantial and comfortable frame church was erected and occupied the same year for worship: but the house was not dedicated until in the fall of 1879, when, in October of that year, Rev. Joseph Trimble, of Columbus, came here and preached the dedicatory sermon, and the house was in due form set apart for the Bervice of Cod. The present membership is sixty-five, with Frederick Toops as class leader: Steward, Albert Stone; Trustees, William Lane. Stephen Anderson. Albert Stone. John W. Timmons aud Jonathan Warren. Pastor, James Shotip. In connection with the church they have a flourishing Sunday school, which has existed from the first organization of the church. At the present time it has an average attendance of about fifty scholars, with William Lane as Superintendent.

.1//. Sterling ( %ristian ( 'hurch.- -From the best information we can now obtain of the history of the Christian denomination in Pleasant Township, more than seventy years ago it was organized, at the house of Forgus Graham, as given above, in the history of the Antioch Church. And it is believed thai Boon after its organization, it received some members from the vicinity of Mt. Sterling, although at that time Mt, Sterling was not in existence, and that they continued to meet with the Antioch brethren, and were identified with them in church relationship until about the year 1825, when the chinch at Mt. Sterling was organized with these constituent members: George Hornbeck and wife, John R. Robison and wife, John J. Smith, Pleasant Southward and wife. Mary Allure and George Allure, with John 11. Robison ami George Hornbeck. as Deacons, and George Hornbeck, Clerk. The first pastors who ministered to the church were James Burbridge, Forgus Graham, Daniel Long and George Allure. For several years, services were held at private houses, and among the houses at which they most frequently met were those of George Hornbeck. Mary Alkire, John J. Smith, John R. Robison and George Alkire. In 1S37. they erected a brick house for church purposes, on the site of the present church building. This house served ihe church for several years, but was from its erection a very defective building, and finally was pronounced unsafe, and was taken down. The membership of the society became greatly reduced by death and removals, and finally, the organization ceased to have an exist ence.

From this time they had occasional preaching by various ministers of the denomination, held in the Methodist Church, but not until Fedruary 3, 1870, did the church again have an identity as a religious body. At this date the church was re-organized, by Rev. \V. N. Overturf, with fifteen members, of whom F. O. P. Graham and D. E. BobiBon were made Deacons; B. F. Thomas, Clerk, and William Beath, John R. Robison and B. F. Thomas, Trustees. During the year IS71. the present neat and substantial brick church was erected and furnished at a cost of $4,200. In this house there have since been services held regularly every alternate Sabbath to the present time. The present membership is sixty-five. Present officers, same as last given above, except that G. W. Durham is now Clerk, and Rev. Albert Dunlap is pastor. The church has a flourishing Sunday school.