Muskingum County, Ohio - Chapter 45, 1892 (part 13 of 31)

AS near as can be ascertained the first settler county, and settled on Wakatomaka creek, near within the bounds of what is now Adams Dresden, and in 1808-10 settled on Wills creek township was James Wilcox, who was of in what is now Adams township. The town- English descent and came from a seafaring ship being an entire wilderness, he built a hut family who were early settlers of the state of of brush and bark in which he lived until he Maine. James Wilcox first went to Marietta could build a log cabin in which to shelter his and then came to what is now Muskingum family. Bear, wolves and panther abounded, and his hogs had to be kept in a close pen to keep them from being devoured. One night he heard them squealing in terror and, seizing his ax, an implement which the old pioneer kept handy, not only for use but for defense, he sprang out and would have attacked bruin single handed, when his faithful wife, who was Rebecca Campbell, from Virginia, seized him by his hunting shirt and held him back. The bear sprang through the side of the pen and escaped, and the hogs following, were scattered through the woods in all directions. Mr. Wilcox cleared up his farm and reared a large family of children, and some of his descendants are citizens of this county and township.

Among the next earliest pioneers were David Brelsford and Jacob Hashmar, and Hugh Ballentine, who settled on the bend of Wills creek. About 1814, Abraham Wisecarver settled on Section 18. Caleb Bidwell, Samuel Monroe, Robt. Osborn and Wm. Barton were early settlers. In 1817 Valentine Shirer from Pennsylvania settled on Section 16. In 1812 James Sprague and Sons of Monroe township, cut out the first road, which ran through Adams township. It was from the settlement on Symmes creek to Otsego, in Monroe township.

Before there were any settlers in this township, there was a trail from Cambridge to the salt works, at the mouth of Wills creek, which was originally a deer trail, and at a long time previous to the settlement of Wilcox, the Indian scout and intrepid hunter and trapper passed over this trail. Probably about 1818 it was open for teams. Another road through the township was from Mechanicsville to Marquand's Mills, which was first laid out by Jonathan and Stephen Starkey, in 1821. The former picked it out, and the latter measured the distance by following at the supposed rate of three miles an hour.

In 1814, Benjamin "Stuffle" Whitabury, with his step-sons, John and Wm. Campbell, and his step-sons-in-law, Jock Lewis and John Rife, came from Vermont. Whitabury settled on the Hanks farm. Wm. Campbell settled on the Foutch tract. Jock Lewis settled near the mouth of Symmes Creek. John Campbell "squatted" on the south part of the old Gordon farm, afterwards owned by Nixon Stewart and John Rife, and only a little distance from Whitabury, who expected to own a fine strip of land to the east and southwest of him. It seems that John Campbell was a squatter for five years and then bought his land, which he owned eight years, and sold out in 1828 and went West.

In March, 1818, Anthony Slater, Esq., cut his way through the woods and settled on the homestead where he so long resided. He was from near Leesburg, Loudon Co., Va., and emigrated to Ohio in 1816 and settled in Washington Township this county. He built a log cabin and afterwards, in 1828, a hewed log house. He assisted in building the New Hope Lutheran church of hewed logs, in Salem township, and also the Bainter school house in Monroe township, which was one of the earliest school houses in this part of the county. He was one of the early justices of the peace of Monroe township before Adams township was formed, and himself and Sq. Caleb Jordan were the first justices of the peace of Adams township. Mr. Slater was justice of the peace for twenty-one years in succession. The first couple he married were Alpha Buker and his first wife. Mr. Slater went to mill and for mail to Zanesville, eighteen miles away. Letters from his parents in Pennsylvania cost 1 8 54 cents postage. The last bear known to have been killed in this township, was on Mr. Slater's farm, and met his death there at the hands of the famous hunters, H. and D. Bainter, in 1816. Anthony Slater was the ancestor of George W. and Harrison V. Slater, of this township, (see sketches). In 1818, Jacob Sturtz, a pioneer settler of Washington township, settled on land owned by George W. Bell. He understood the use of all kinds of tools. He was a fair blacksmith, gunsmith and carpenter, and made gunpowder which was sold. His descendants rank among our most honorable citizens. Charles Sturtz, son of Jacob Sturtz, came with his father to Adams township when he was six years of age and grew up with the pioneers. When young, he was a great hunter, and became a substantial farmer and business man. He is' now a venerable man in his eightieth year and has many reminiscences of pioneer days. In 1818-19, Charles Marquand Sr., and Stephen Starkey, petitioned congress to reduce the price of land from $4.00 to 82.25 per acre, and to sell it in smaller lots than 160 acres, which previous to this was the smallest amount which could be purchased. This opened the way for a rapid settlement of the township and men from New England, Virginians, Pennsylvanians, Germans and Irish came in bringing their families. In 1820, John Barrett came here from Salt creek and was followed by John Bell,, of Perry township, who was a soldier in the war of 1812, and reared a large and respectable family of children. He settled in Perry township in 181 1.

county. He was secretary of the board of trustees of Edwards, now Fairview church, in 1836-1838. In the spring of 1821 (some authorities say as early as 1818-1819,) Mordecai Edwards came from Salt creek and put up a little log cabin on the farm where his son William now lives. "Father Edwards," as he was known to the pioneers, was the stanch friend of the Christian religion and of education, and his influence as one of the founders of the Edwards school and Fairview church, has been far-reaching, extending not only to this generation and this township, but to many generations to come and throughout the country. He entered the land on which he built his humble cabin, and cleared up his farm from the heavy timber. His wife was Phoebe Barrett. They attended the old Methodist church at Wheelens, of which Mrs. Edwards was a member, and both were members of the original class formed by the Rev. Jesse Roe, called Bethesda, and also of the first Fairview society, the history of which could not be written without giving an account of his connection with it. Afterwards came the Millers, Swigers, Shanafelts, Davises, Yearians, Fillers, Crumbakers, and many others.

In 1826, on account of the inconvenience in working the roads, Adams township was formed from Monroe and Madison. It was named Adams, at the suggestion of Caleb Jordan, Esq., and in honor of John Q. Adams, then a candidate for president. Soon after this Solomon Wenna came with his family. In 1826 James Stewart came from Jefferson county.

In 1827 John Wagoner moved here. David Ross came the same year. John Ross was a local director about twenty years and at his death was justice of the peace. Jacob Gaumer, Jr., came to Ohio in 1808 with his father, Jacob Gaumer, who was a Revolutionary soldier and settled first in Washington township and then in Salem township, giving two acres of his land for the Lutheran church. Jacob Gaumer, Jr., after marriage, in 1814, moved with his family through the woods and settled in Adams township, on the land now occupied by Geo. W. Bell. He was a noted hunter and selected this land on one of his hunting excursions. He built the first brick house in Adams township. The brick were made and burned on his farm in 1840 and the building was erected in 1841, and is still in good condition. Mr. Gaumer assisted to build the log Lutheran church and also the barn structure which took its place. He was a soldier in the war of 1812.

a squatter on the Crumbaker farm. "Pensioner Davis," a Revolutionary soldier, lived on the Knisely lot, and afterwards moved into a rail pen just below D. Sarbaugh. Joe Williams, a blacksmith on the D. Ross farm. He moved away in 1819. In 1823 S. J. Hanks settled on Section 25. In 1831 Jacob Wagoner settled on Section 24. P'rom 1825-1835 many families came and went. Campbells, Stoners, Crusemans, Sturges, Starkeys, Shanafelts, Yearians, and others had left. But Joys, Melchers, Powelsons, Ramseys, Sandels, Mitchells, Shaws, Sarbaughs, Jordans, Tomlinsons, Rollings, Rollers, Cooneys, Shoemakers, Millers, Browns, Priors, came into the township. Among others the Vinsels have figured much to the credit of the township. The Swarts family have been publicly known, and have a wide influence.

The Shaws became public business men and have wielded much power. The Taffies have been helpers for good in the community, and loyal to their country in war. George Wertz, Ivsq., reared a family who are ornaments of society and of strict integrity. Among the original pioneers large families were the rule, and it is worthy of note that Asa Brown, a settler on the old Stewart farm, had a family of eighteen children. In 1833 the first saw-mill was built by David Swigert on Section 23. In 1835 E)avid Brelsford built a saw-mill on the river bearing his name. A saw-mill was also built by William Willis on Symmes creek; date is unknown.

The first marriage of which there is any record in the township was solemnized between David Shirer and Lydia Gaumer in 1822. The first blacksmith was David Brelsford in 1810; settled on Section 1. Phineas Tomlinson was also one of the first blacksmiths in the township. The first frame house was built by William Barton. Anthony Slater introduced the first threshing machine and the first mower into this township.

A petition was presented by Caleb Jordan, Fisq., signed by a number ot citizens of Madison and Monroe townships, setting forth that they labor under many difficulties and disadvantages in consequence of the distance they have to travel to elections, and praying that a township maybe set off of part of Monroe and Madison townships, and the commissioners believing the prayer of the petitioners necessary for the convenience of the inhabitants and township officers, do hereby order a new township to be set off according to the following boundaries, to-wit: Beginning at the northeast corner of Salem township line and running thence west along said line to the northwest corner of said line; thence north to Coshocton county line; thence east to the northwest corner of the original survey of township No. 3, range 5; thence south to the place of beginning, comprising the original surveyed township No. 3 in the 6th range of military land, which shall constitute a new township to be called Adams township. Also ordered by the commissioners, that an election be held at the house of Caleb Jordan, Esq., on the 1st day of January next, being January I, 1827, to elect township officers for the township. December 5, 1826."

An election was held at the house of Caleb Jordan, Esq., and a full set of officers, except justices of the peace, were elected viva voce. Caleb Jordan was a resident of Madison township in section 14, and justice of the peace, and Anthony Slater was a resident of Monroe township and a justice of the peace, and both were included in the new township. As " viva voce" was not a legal method of voting, this election was declared null, and a new election ordered. The place was near the present town house on section 18, at the residence of John Campbell, and it took place April 2, 1827. Caleb Jordan was appointed clerk; James Wilcox, Anthony Slater and Jesse Roe were appointed judges of the election, which resulted as follows: Town clerk, Caleb Jordan; trustees, Anthony Slater, James Wilcox and Benjamin Whitebury; overseers of the poor, Abraham Wisecarver and David Ross; fence viewers, Jacob Sturtz and Powell Chrisman; treasurer, John Campbell; constables, John Shanafelt and John Mullen; supervisors, David Swiger, Thomas Green, Francis Titus and Robert Brown. The first grand juror was Jesse Roe; the first petit juror was Mathew Humphrey. In 1829 the election w'as at the house of Adam Miller, and afterward alternated between private houses and schoolhouses. In 1876 a town house was erected on land belonging to Mary Stewart in section 18.

The Bethesda M. E. church is the oldest religious organization within the bounds of Adams township. Its origin can be traced to "Wheelens" in Madison township, which was the place of worship for the original pioneers for many miles around. It is now forsaken and the humble church residence is in ruins. On the authority of Rev. Hugh W. Stewart, who was born and reared in Adams township and took a great interest in its history, we make the statement that the first sermon in Adams township was preached in the neighborhood of Bethesda in 1821 by Rev. Jesse Roe, who was a very zealous local preacher

In 1827 a class was organized by Joseph Casper and Cornelius Springer at Jesse Roe's school house. It was composed of Jesse Roe, Margaret his wife, and their son Thomas, James Stewrart, Margaret his wife, and their son John; Mordecai Edwards and wife; William Barton, Jane his wife, their son Alexander and daughter Sarah; Caleb Bidwell and wife. James Stewart was the class leader. Rev. Jesse Roe was largely instrumental in introducing Methodism into Adams township. He lived the life of a devout Christian and died strong in the faith he had preached to others.

A log church w-as built in 1835, ar*d dedicated by Rev. H. S. Fernandes - the text being Genesis xxviii: 16, 17. A white frame church was dedicated by W. F. Lauck in 1856, and marks the old site. At this date, June, 1892, a movement is on foot for the erection of a new and more elegant structure. The orginal members of Roe's or Bethesda church, in 1831, we give in full. The records from which this is taken are still preserved but very much worn, and contain nothing further of interest. The list shows wrho constituted the class from which Fairview church sprang. It was led by James Stewart, Sr. James Stewart, class leader; Margaret Stewart, John Stewart, James Stewart, Jr., Jane Stewart, Ann Stewart, Samuel Steadman, Martha Steadman, Mordecai Edwards, Phoebe Edwards, Margaret Roe, Mary Noble, Nancy Barclay, Robert Shields, Susanna Shields, James Armstrong, Rachel Armstrong, Mary Hill, Mary Steers, Win. Hilling, Pleasant Hilling, Mary Winner, Aaron Winner, Elizabeth Miller, Jeremiah Hanks, Catherine Hanks, Helen Hanks, Martha Lucas, Mary Ridgway, Wm. Collins, Pdizabeth Collins, Margaret Burnside, Jane Burnside, John E. Honnold, Mary Honnold, Catherine Jackson, Jane Needier, Elizabeth Titus, Mary Titus, 1st; Mary Titus, 2nd; Harriet Armstrong, Jacob Linder, Alice Linder, Adam Miller, Mary Stump, George Needier, Benjamin Stump, William Davis, Rebecca Davis, Jane Yearing, Jacob Yearing, Catherine Davis, Nixon Stewart, Elizabeth Snoots, Elizabeth Wilcox, Elizabeth Walls, Charlotte Larnum, Mary Seaborn, Eliza-

Rev. Jesse Roe was a zealous Methodist preacher of the pioneer type. He was the real founder of both Bethesda and P'airview church. He was largely instrumental in the spread of Methodism in this part of the county, and the marks of his efforts are very plain to the historian. He died in 1828 in the faith he had preached to others, and was buried in the Wheelens graveyard. Before the church was built, the land adjoining the church site was bought by Robt. Shields and Robt. Halsty for burial purposes. The first burial therein was Jonathan Rudd's child. In 1882, the number of church members was go. The leaders were Nathan Ross, John Foster and Samuel W. Sutton, Jr. The Bethesda church is now in a flourishing condition and one of the most zealous Methodist churches in the county.

No history of Adams township would be complete with a full account of the founding and progress of the famous P'airview church, which from the times of the pioneers, has been the most noted church in Adams township and for miles around. Its converts are numbered by the hundreds, and many of the Methodists of this county and in far distant places became connected with their church in this township. It is the second oldest church organization in what is now Adams township, although the original pioneer settlers of Adams township first attended the Methodist church at "Wheelens," probably as early as 1810-15, which is situated in the King neighborhood in Madison township. From Wheelens originated the society called Roe's, now Bethesda, and here our fathers and mothers attended divine services, until the neighborhood some four or five miles southeast became settled with Methodists and their friends. A branch from the old society was soon formed in this neighborhood, called by some Pldwards, and some Wesley, and afterwards known as P'airview society. Many of the early members of P'airview church, when it was organized in 1831 and the few succeeding years, were received from Roe's, or Bethesda church. In fact, Mordecai Edwards and his wife were both members of Roe's church, as were also Wm. Hilling and wife and John Stewart, Wm. Davis and other prominent members.

These two pure fountains of Christian life, one flowing from Wheelens and the other from Roe's societies, unite with the Edwards' neighborhood, to form P'airview church.

The services continued to be held at the house of "Father Pldwards," as he was called, until 1828, when a log school house having been erected on his farm, it was found more convenient to meet there. In this building a few would meet for prayer and class, and at times for preaching under Rev. Roe, and other times listening to exhortations by Bro. Granville Moody, then a licensed exhorter and afterwards an eminent Methodist minister. In the fall of 1831 a class was formed by Rev. John W. Guilbert, then pastor in charge of Cambridge circuit, appointing Thos. Roe as leader. The first recorded meeting of the class was May 4, 1833. There were doubtless others unrecorded. At this date, an opportunity to unite with the church on probation was given, when Joseph and Eleanor Green, and Catherine P'iller gave their names. The original class numbered twelve persons, as follows: Mordecai Edwards, Wm. Hilling, Basil Ridgway, Wm. Davis, and their wives; John Stewart, Catherine Shaw, Mary A. Davis, and Thos. Roe. We are indebted to the manuscript of the late Rev. Hugh W. Stewart, for many ol the interesting reminiscences which follow. Of the twelve original members of P'airview Church, all have passed to a Christian's reward. Wm. and Pleasant Hilling removed to the west, and are deceased. Mordecai Edwards and wife are also dead, (for full history of his life and sketch of his son Wm. Edwards) Of Bazil Ridgway, the following anecdote of his connection with his class, is preserved. When Rev. Guilbert enquired of him if he desired a society here, he responded "Yes, Sir." What is your first name? "Bazil." Upon which his name was enrolled with the others. He finally settled in Coshocton Co. He was very benevolent and gave largely in support of the church, and died July 18, 1857, a professing Christian. Sister Mary Ridgway was a member of Roe's Church from which she was transferred. She died Nov. 9, 1855. The names of William, Rebecca and Mary A. Davis, were laid aside on account of their removal to a distance. Catherine Shaw emigrated from Virginia and died March 22, 1854. Thos. Roe was a temporary leader from Rev. Jesse Roe's society, and never attended to his duty, living too distant. He afterwards became a local preacher, but finally lost his religion and died in Sept. 1861. Catherine P'iller died in the Christian faith. Joseph Green was accidentally killed on a canal boat.

His wife is also dead. John Stewart, known as "Father Stewart" was class leader for more than thirty years. Himself and wife are both deceased. Thus originated a society of Christians, whose work is a lasting monument. It is further quaintly remarked by Rev. Hugh Stewart, that "the external appearance of the school house in which they worshiped was somewhat of the backwoods style. The interior, by the labor of the sisters, was always neat and tidy. From the exterior and perhaps from the appearance of the people. Bro. Guilbert could never constrain his colleague, Bro. Lybrand, to preach in this place." He further naively remarks, "one thing strange in connection with the formation of this class is that both its founder and temporary leader fell from grace and left a dim evidence of their future glorification. That there should be any premonition in this, we deny, but simply remark its singularity."

Wm. Hilling, John Stewart, and Mordecai Edwards were all class leaders, the class remaining undivided until 1828. It being large, it was then divided into two - one under the leadership of Mr. Edwards and the other under the leadership of John Stewart. In 1835, the society began to feel the need of a more suitable place of worship, the serviceshaving been conducted in the log school house until this date. It was decided to build a hewed log church, which was completed by July of this year, on land donated in 1834 for church purposes by Mordecai Edwards, and near the grave of the old pioneer and class leader, James Stewart, who was the first person buried in Fairview church yard in 1826. _

Edwards, John Stewart, Wm. Hilling, Joseph Green and Jacob Yearing. Solomon Wenner was employed as builder and erected a good hewed log building. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. H. S. Fernandes. The subject, "The Wedding Garment." The society prospered this year, the class numbering fifty. During the year 1837, the class enjoyed a gracious revival. In 1838 it numbered sixtyfive members. The class was consequently divided, 33 being dedicated to John Stewart, and about the same number to Mordecai Edwards, the division being made by Rev. James Armstrong. Under the labors of E. H. Taylor and D. Cross in Feburary, 1847, one of the most powerful revivals of religion came over the society, thirty-four members united with the c. lurch, and this year there were in all eighty members, which is probably the greatest num her the society ever contained of full members. In 1851, the "Harmony Excitement," as it was called, came up, and many of the Fairview members joined that class, and by 1853, the members had decreased to 43, which was partly caused by emigration. In 1847, the trustees were John Stewart, M. Edwards, B. Ridgway, I. Knisely, J. J. Bell and A. Ross.

In 1854, they began to feel the need of a new church building. The old site being considered too low, a new one was chosen ten rods north of the old one, on a high eminence which overlooks the surrounding country for miles, and is justly called Fairview. In the fall of 1855 the new church , a large and beautiful frame structure, was completed. In June, 1859, the church experienced another powerful revival, during which over thirty joined on trial. In January, 1864, another revival was vouchsafed the church, resulting in twenty-five full members. Among the many noted revivals in this church, those of 1847, '59 ar)d '64 were the most remarkable. "This church has certainly been a power for good in the Lord." From it have gone forth many ministers of the gospel, exhorters, class-leaders, and Sabbath-school superintendents. Among them the Revs. Wm. C. Filler, Benj. F. Heskitt, C. N. Edwards, H. B. Edwards, J. E. Starkey, Wm. B. Stewart, H. W. Stewart; also as members, Revs. Nixon Stewart, John Macennally, and Thos. Roe, eight traveling and two local ministers of the gospel. In 1882 the church membership was eightyfour. The class leaders were Wm. Edwards and W. H. Reese; the steward was Wm. Edwards; the local preacher was Nixon Stewart; the circuit preachers were H. M. Rader and J. R. Hoover.

No class of men have contributed more to the spread of pure morality than the itinerant Methodist preachers, and none have suffered more from the silence of the historian. The days of the rifle, the ax, and thesaddle-bags have passed away, and the voices of those old timeworn pilgrims are silent in their graves, but "By their words ye shall know them,'' and from far-off Maine to distant Oregon, the prosperous Methodist churches of the present day are the result of their humble efforts. Before them was spread the trackless forests and the sky girted prairie. Here, guided by the blazed track of the settler, there by the Indian war path or hunter's trail, they made their way from one appointment to another, spreading the gospel, and everywhere raising the standard of the cross.

1835, with Wm. C. Filler as superintendent. Some of the first teachers were Sarah Florence, H. Edwards, Harriet Edwards, John and Nixon Stewart, B. Ridgway and others. They used the Testament, spelling book and church hymn book.

Soon after our German settlers began to come into the township, they felt the need of attending religious services in the language of the Fatherland, and according to the doctrines of Martin Luther. Therefore, in 1839 the Zion Evangelical Lutheran was organized by the Rev. Fred Minner. The following are the founders and original members of this church: John Vollmer, Jacob Fiers and family, Martin Sauer and family, Michael Strohecker and family, Adam Shroyer, John Denny, Martin Zimmers, David Grass, Christian Lerwig, John Hahn, Henry Lapp, Jacob Roller, Philip Moser, Michael Grass, Henry Smith and Michael Thresh. The church trustees were John Vollmcr and Adam Shroyer. The ground for the church was given by Valentine Sandel, and a log church was erected in 1841. The early pastors were Revs. Minner, Gehbel Kaemmerer, Schnell and Schmidt. Rev. A. N. Bartholomew, was the first pastor who preached in the English language. This occasioned a division in the church, the older members, clinging to the language of their fathers, held the church property and burying ground, and became incorporated as the Evangelical Lutheran and Reform Zion church.

In 1872 a new frame church was erected north of the old church, the land for this purpose being given by Jacob Sandel. The dedicatory services were held October 5, 1873, by the Revs. G. YV. Mechling, W. P. Rutterauff and J. Weller. The Rev. J. W. Bartholomew was the first pastor of this new society. He was succeeded by the Rev. J. P. Hentz, Rev. John Webber, and others. This new organization attracted the majority of the members of the old church. Among the wardens of this church, we find the names of Valentine Thresh, Albert Klein, and others, and among the ciders, Peter Houk, Geo. Reiger and David Grass. The society is now in a flourishing condition. The Adams Township Baptist church, was constituted March 3, A. D. 1855, by elders Wm. Sedgwick and E. W. Handle. Among the prominent founders of the church were John and Jacob Darner. It never had a large membership, but was very harmonious and strong in the faith. Preaching was held here monthly for some years, afterwards semi-monthly. July 23, 1881, Rev. L. R. Mears, pastor, preached the last sermon of which there is any record. The society had been gradually growing less by means of death, letters of dismissal, removals, etc., and the church, by this time, had not enough members to support it. It was finally disbanded, and in 1891, the church building was sold. The names of the original members were John Darner, Rebecca Darner, Abigail Darner, Henry Darner, Elizabeth Darner, Judson M. Darner, Angeline Darner, Mary Matchett, Abigail Sturtz, Abraham Gray, Elizabeth Layton, Elizabeth Hawk, Rebecca McKinney, Mary Clossin and Elizabeth Clossin. The clerks were John Darner, afterwards Judson M. Darner. John Matchett was deacon. Among the pastors was Rev. Eli Erey, Rev. W. M. Marshall, Rev. J. C. Skeimer and Rev. Lyman Mears, who was the last pastor.

The first school house in this township stood on land belonging to a man named Minnick, near the site occupied by the town house of to-day. The first teacher was Wm. Jennison from New Pingland. He taught school here in 1820. He was succeeded by Thos. Barclay 1 In 1828, Edwards, Barrett, Wagoner, Gaumer and others joined and put up a log school house, at the old forks of the road below Fairview, on the land of M. Edwards. The roof was the regular old time weigh-pole affair. The building was 18x20 feet with puncheon floor and loft, the cracks of the loft between the slabs were daubed with mud, the floor was very loose and could easily be taken up. The chimney was an odd affair built in the southwest corner and would contain a back log about six feet long. The benches were of loose slabs or split logs with two round pins for legs at each end and one in the middle. The writing desks were rough slabs resting on pins driven into the wall. James Hayworth taught the first few terms in this house. He was a friendly old miser, and had considerable property which, when he died, went to the state. Many a nocturnal search, alter his death, was made on his farm for his hidden wealth. He wore wooden shoes and lived alone in a rude hut, his habits of life being very simple. Sometimes to keep up his fire lie would drag in a dry sapling, brush and all, and burn one end in the fire place while the other end stuck out of the open door. He was a curious, clever fellow, a fine scholar and good teacher. In 1836, a school house was erected by the Stewarts, Bells, Saffles, Cowdens and others. The custom was, in those days, for any neighborhood who needed a school house, to build one. They were subscription schools at first. This school house stood on the land of J. J. Bell. Edward Menaugh, familiarly

In 1841 the citizens contributed and built a house on the farm of Solomon Wenner. This building was an improvement, and was built of hewed logs about 22x24 with permanent desks. B. V. Webster taught the last term in the Edwards schoolhouse and the first term at Wenner's. J. O. Sullivan followed and introduced the " McGuffey Readers." Before this they read in almost anything. In 1853, in consequence of a new constitution of the state, the township was re-districted, and instead of five parts, as before, it was made into four districts. This threw much of the Wenner and the Lowe districts together, and henceforth it was designated No. 3. Dr. J. W. Wortman taught the last term in the Lowe house. Jas. L. Honnold taught in the Wenner house in 1853-54. In those old school houses were taught Cobb's, United States, elementary, and McGuffey's spellers, the bible, United States history, McGuffey's readers, and almost any other book, Smith's Geography, Parke's arithmetic and Kirkham's grammar. Grammar was a luxury. If a boy could read, write, and cipher, he was considered well enough educated. It a man had a little idea of a noun, and that the earth was not flat, "above all of which was the knack of using a gad on a boy's back," then he might " teech skule." Some of the teachers, however, were well educated. The pay of the country teacher was not large. Edward Menaugh received $12 per month and " boarded round." Hiram Shaw taught a subscription school in the thirties, at $1.25 per scholar, making about $10 per month. In 1838, Clegget Ridgvvay taught and was considered a good teacher. In 1854, a farm house was erected on the Sandel farm, 24x25, costing $339,373^. It was a substantial building of modern improvements. In 1844, in District No. 3, there was a large number of scholars. H. D. McGaw taught an average of over 60 per day. N. B. Stewart, who taught a very long term, had a daily attendance of fifty-one. Besides the common branches there was taught philosophy, history, music and algebra.

Among the old time school teachers, were James Stewart, Hiram Shaw, C. C. Ridgway, Jonathan Gaumer, Levi Stoner, Caleb and Rev. A. Jordan, A. G. Honnold, and others who were efficient teachers. Rev. J. C. Spencer was "barred out" of his school house at one time and John Wagoner assisted him to open it. F. M. Buker found foxes and rabbits so abundant, that he had trouble to keep his boys in when it was a good day for hunting. He introduced steel pens to escape the nuisance of making them out of quills.

Rev. George Gaumer became an effective Lutheran preacher. S. J. Hanks had seventy scholars; of these four died in the army. Rev. Thos. R. Taylor, A. M., taught school in this township at seventeen years of age and had an average of thirty scholars. J. L. Honnold was a teacher who was very popular. Rev. J. E. Starkey was a faithful teacher. Ratie C. McBride was well remembered. Hon. H. D. McGaw is another of the old time pedagogues. C. N. Gaumer, another old teacher, afterwards married one of his scholars. John Wagoner, in his school had the first public exhibition in in district No. 3. Samuel W. Sutton has been an efficient and excellent teacher for twenty years in the township.

At present there are four school districts in Adams township, and the schools may be said to have greatly progressed since the olden days, having a wider and more varied course of study.

HARRISON is bounded thus: North by Wayne, east by Blue Rock, south by the county line, and west by Brush creek. Its surface is broken and rough. Duncan's run, Back run, Blue Rock run and Sycomore run all have their sources in Brush creek township and flow eastwardly through Harrison township into the Muskingum. The highest elevations contain most limestone. The lowlands are quite productive, coal is abundant, but not easily mined. Jacob and Nathaniel Ayers bored the first saltwell in the township, in 1816, on section 10, township n, range 13, on the west bank of the river, just above the mouth of Sycamore run. It was sunk four hundred feet. Later another well was sunk near by. These wells in time became the property of John Stevens, known as the Stevens Salt Works. Later still Jacob Neff assumed control and rebored the old well to a greater depth, rebuilt the furnace and put in improved machinery. The two wells operated at a comparatively recent date by William Edgely were formerly known as Stephen Guthrie's Salt Works. One of them was sunk by Stephen Guthrie for James Taylor, the other by Charles Lucas for Stephen Guthrie. Other wells in this township were bored by Michael Waxier for Moses Ayers, by Nehemiah Dillon, and by W. B. Culbertson. There were many others, not above specified.

A family named Bean in 1798 lived in a large sycamore hut that stood near the mouth of Black run, and are thought to have been the first settlers. They were followed early by Nathaniel Ayers, Samuel McBride, James Hemmett, Henry Ballou, Thomas Winn and James Neff. George Dutro lived on section seventeen in 1804, and about that time Jacob Baker came. It is thought that John W. Baer was the first blacksmith in this township. As ''the Buckeye Blacksmith" he afterward became prominent politically. In 1827 William B. Rose had a "smithy" on Duncan's run. Later he had a shop on "the Island," where he made iron work for Mr. Taylor at the time of the erection of the mills. The first frame house in this township was erected by James Taylor, in 1830. Six years later Amos F. Whissen built the first brick house in the township, at Taylorsville.

The first survey for a road in Harrison was made from Taylorsville to Brush creek. The viewers were David Butt, John Oakes and Gearing Scarvell. In 1829, James Taylor constructed a dam across the river at Duncan's Falls, and at the same time built a sawmill on the west side of the river. In 1830 he put up a grist mill. When the Muskingum navigation was improved, the old dam was replaced by Col. James Sharp, under a contract with the state. After it had been in possession of several intermediate owners, the grist mill became the property of W. & W. H. Frazier. Among his other enterprises, Mr. Taylor kept a ferry and engaged in the manufacture of salt. One Bixby was the first physician in the township. His professional standing is uncertain. Dr. Noah L. Mercer is said to have been the first "regular" medical practitioner. Other early and later physicians were Doctors Mason,

Clapp, Ballou, Wilkins, Huff, McCormick' Terran, Atwell, Howard, Groves, Suters, Milligan, Blackburn, Lyons, Ulrich, Henry, Dorr, Richie and Evans. The first public school house of which any authentic record is preserved, was a two story frame building erected in Taylorsville in 1834. Elsewhere will be found reference to the fact of the late President Garfield having taught school in this township. Henry Ballou, mentioned elsewhere in these pages, was a brother of Mr. Garfield's mother.

This township was organized December 20, 1839, under authority of the following order of the county commissioners: "A petition was presented by John Hammond, signed by a majority of the householders residing within the boundaries of the proposed new townthip, and the commissioners, being satisfied that the necessary notice of such intended application had been given by advertisement, as required by law, proceeded to take the matter into consideration. The petitioners set forth that they labor under many difficulties and disadvantages in consequence of the distance and other difficulties they encounter in going to and from elections, and also praying that a new township may be set off of parts of Blue Rock, Brush Creek and Salt Creek townships; and the commissioners, believing it necessary for the convenience of the inhabitants and township officers, do hereby order a new township to be set off, according to the following boundaries, to-wit: Beginning at the . southwest corner of section 14 in the original surveyed township number 10, in range number 13, and running thence north to the center of the Muskingum river; thence following down the center of said river, according to the meanderings thereof, to the line which divides the counties of Muskingum and Morgan; thence west on said line to the place of beginning - all in the congress district of lands - which shall constitute a new township to be called Harrison township. Also ordered by the commissioners that an election be held at the house of P. Burkhalter, in Taylorsville, on the 20th instant (being December 20, 1839), between the hours of 8 and 10 A. m., and close at 4 p. m., to elect township officers according to law." This order is dated December 4, 1839. The new township thus formed comprised that portion of Blue Rock township lying west of the Muskingum river in range 12, one row of sections from the eastern part of Brush Creek township in range 13, and one section of Salt Creek township lying west of the river. It was named by John Hammond, in honor of Gen. William Henry

Harrison. The first justices of the peace were J. VV. Whisson and YVilliam Price. Henry Ballou and "Squire" Groves were also early justices.

Taylorsville is an incorporated village pleasantly situated on the west bank of the Muskingum, and also on the line of the Zanesville & Ohio River railroad, in the extreme western part of Harrison township, nine miles south of Zanesville. It is a clear, healthy location, surrounded by a rich farming country, and has the advantage of river navigation and express and telegraphic communication. One of the oldest villages in this part of the state, Taylorsville's importance as a trade center was widely recognized. Under railway influence her interests are improving, and the development of her natural resources, coal and potter's clay, seem probable in the early future. The postofifice was established in 1850, with Ur. Fearnes as postmaster.

James Taylor was the founder of Taylorsville (laid out in 1833), from whom the town derives its name. He previously built the dam and also a grist-mill, it having six run of buhrs, and had a large custom. Above the mills a saw-mill was erected also by Mr. Taylor. YVilliam Bagley, from Morgan county, erected a woolen-mill, which was subsequently bought by James and Robert Brown. The woolen-mill now occupies a different site, and is used as a grist-mill. Gearing Scarvell was the surveyor who laid out the town. Mr. Taylor was a public-spirited man, who when he came possessed considerable means; reverses, however, swept away his fortune, and he died a poor man. He lived at Duncan's Falls, opposite Taylorsville, and there ended his days. Gearing Scarvell was the first merchant. He carried a general stock, and also dealt largely in coal. Philip Sheppard was the next merchant, and also carried a general stock. Robert Sheppard was the first school-teacher. The school was held in private houses for several years till a schoolhouse was built. William B. Rose was the first blacksmith. He met a violent death at the hand of a murderer, a man named Annon, who was tried, convicted and sentenced to a term in the penitentiary. Gearing Scarvell probably built the first house in Taylorville.

The Taylorsville canal is a part of the system of "improvements in the navigation of the Muskingum." It is a mile in length, and was constructed for the state by Lyons, Buck & YVolf, contractors, the work under the supervision of Christley Wolf, having been completed in 1840. The locks' are 36 feet wide and 200 feet long.

The Taylorsville bridge was projected by Gearing Scarvell in 1873 and was originally intended to be a private enterprise; but the county commissioners took it in hand and it w'as begun July 1, 1874, and finished in about four and one-half months. T. B. Townsend, of Zanesville, was the stonework contractor, and the superstructure was erected by the Smith Bridge Company, of Toledo, Ohio. The entire structure cost about 828,000, and it is noted for its great length, about 800 feet.

Taylorsville was for a long time a mission of the Catholic church of Zanesville. A church was erected in 1836 and dedicated by Bishop Purcell. It is a frame building 25x40 feet. The contractor was Anton Erbst, and the cost was 81,000. From that time this congregation which at different times has numbered from 75 to 100 souls, has been supplied with a local or regular pastor. The parish and church are known as "St. Anna's."

A Methodist protestant class of fifteen or twenty members was organized in 1842, by Rev. Nathaniel Linder, who preached in the woods near the Hiram Price place now. Among the members were Robert YVelch and his wife and two daughters, Peter Mohlerand family, James Morrison and wife, Mrs. David Young, Isaiah Dennis and his wife, Robert T wyman and Joseph Fish. In 1843, a revival under the preaching of Revs. James YVinn and J. Huntsman brought the membership up to 112, and a church house was erected on land furnished by Mathias Young, near the center of section 30. It was a frame building, 24x28. In 1869 it was replaced by another structure, 24 X38, which cost8i,i09,andwasdedicated in May, 1870, by Revs. George H. Heisey and J. C. Ogle. St. John's Evangelical Lutheran church was organized April 11, 1878, with fifty members, by Rev. Andrew Birch. In October,

1878, a lot was purchased in Taylorsville and a church building was begun. The cornerstone was laid the following spring, and the church was completed and dedicated September 28,

1879, Rev. H. Cramer, of Zanesville, preaching a sermon in German and Prof. M. Loy delivering an address in English. The building cost 81,000.

The first class of the Blue Rock Methodist PLpiscopal church was founded by Rev. Samuel Hamilton, with Joseph Kirk as leader. Among the original members were Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Barringer, Mr. and Mrs. John Hammond, Mr. and Mrs. James Shauer, Mr. and Mrs. John W. Baer, Mr. and Mrs. John YVhite, and Susan Adams. The first house of worship was a primitive log affair, 20x25 feet, and stood be- tween the forks of Blue Rock creek, on section ing 26x30. The membership of this church 11. A frame building was erected near the old has ranged between sixty and nearly a hunsite in 1852. It was larger, its demensions be- dred.

THIS township was organized December 3, Dr. McNeal. Dr. McCall came to Gaysport, 1810, from Salt Creek township, and is 1844; Dr. Coverdale practiced at Ridgeway, bounded north by the mother township, 1836; Dr. Wilson was at Rural Dale, 1837; Dr. east by Meigs township, south by Morgan county James Hull was early at Keifer; Dr. Smith was and west by Harrison township. The first elect- at Rural Dale, 1853-1865, Dr. Lewis Haworth ion of which there is any record washeld January came later; Dr. Macomber in 1858, and later, 6, 1814, at the house of Lewis Allwine. Follow- Drs. Cooper, Kennedy, Jennings, Axline and ing is a list of first things of their kind in this Leeper; Dr. Carlow came to Gaysport in 1850, township: Mail through the township carried and Doctors Hatfield, Ward and Baughman by Daniel Convers, in 1779, on the Muskingum also practiced there. The salt interest was river by canoe. Local mail carried by Tim- more or less important in this township until othy Gates, on horseback, from Zanesville to 1869. Timber, coal, sandstone and fire-clay McConnelsville; mail coach, Zadoc Burdick's, were also abundant and have contributed their between the two towns just mentioned; frame part toward the development and prosperity house, Caleb Hall's, near Rural Dale; brick of the township. The first school has been house, Caleb Butler's, on section 28; stone mentioned. A union school, for Blue Rock, house, Thomas McLees's, now occupied by Meigs and Salt Creek townships was located on James R. S. McLees; orchards, those of Levi the land since owned by Frederick Wion, and

Newkirks; marriage, that of Stephen Reeves was a union school for Blue Rock and Meigs and Mary Briggs, in 1803; tavern, that kept townships, on land owned by David E.

graveyard, that on the property of Tobias Dil- There was a school on George Stewart's land, ley; blacksmith, John Bird; wagonmaker, taught by Joseph Webster, as early as 1824. David Dutro; shoemaker, Robert Silvey; In 1828 a school house was built on James wheelwright, Jesse Thomas; wooden plow- Starrett's land. There was a school on Enoch maker, J. Revenaugh, Jr.; stone-mason, John Harlan's place in 1830. Perhaps as early as Davis; chairmaker, James Burroughs; dis- 1830, there was a school in connection with tiller, Absolom Roberts; tanner, Thomas the Blue Rock church. The most important White; cabinetmaker, Joshua Crumbaker; early school, the parent of the three schools grocery, by John P. Farrell; general store, in the northeastern part of the township, was Rufus Putnam; store and warehouse, built by on Joseph Starrett's place, near Kiefer, where Moses Reeves, at Gaysport; physician, Dr. a pretentious school house for those days was Baker, in 1805; salt well, that put down by built by John Ward, in 1833.

Nathaniel Ayers, at Gaysport, in 1822; school, For many years the inhabitants of Blue on the river, as early as 1815; sawmill, John Rock paid attention chiefly to wheat culture, Trimble's, below the site of Rural Dale, in 1820; but at length stock raising began to assume steam sawmill, Samuel W. Culbertson's, in importance. The first thoroughbreds were in- 1827; steam grist-mill, Worstall Brothers, troduced by John Trimble in 1828. Wool grow- Gaysport, 1872; hand mill, Levi Reeves, 1816. ing, however, is a leading interest. The im- Other early physicians were Dr. Sears, Dr. provemcnt of sheep was begun here about Flanders, about 1830; Dr. Clapp, about 1836; 1828. Fruit growing is quite important. In

1858 an agricultural society was organized, with E. J. Trimble as president and E. Hillis Talley as secretary and treasurer. The first fair was held at the farm of W. T. Talley, the second at James Trimble's, the third at James Findley's. They were useful and successful and were broken up only by the War of the Rebellion. Petroleum was taken from aspring in the northeast corner of the township in 1819, by Martin Smith, and the first oil well sunk in the township was put down on Smith's farm in 1861, near this spring. The second development was made in January, 1866, on the Nathaniel McDonald farm. The Woodberry well was sunk here, and others were put down in the vicinity. The well mentioned produced sixty barrels of oil per day for six months, another well yielded two hundred and forty barrels per day. Great excitement and wild speculation followed. The oil was of slight illuminating power and the small wells were abandoned and in time the larger ones gave out. In this abandoned condition the territory remained with the exception of two wells, which yielded steadily in paying quantities for twelve years, when in 1878, the "Carr Oil Company of Muskingum county" was organized to develop this field; but little practical progress followed.

Rural Dale was laid out by J. B. Milhous in 1854, though there had been a settlement there since 1816, when George Gibbons built the first house. Rockville was the original name of the place, but Milhous changed it when the village was platted, The first store was opened there by Briggs & Kearns in 1836; the first tavern about the same time by William Kisk. Kiefer is an attractive hamlet and was originally known as Ridgeway. When the postoffice was established it was named thus in honor of Gen. Kiefer. The land including Gaysport was originally owned by Jacob Ayers. Asa Gay, Sr., purchased it and laid out the village, naming it in his own honor, in 1880. The telegraph line from Zanesville to McConnelsville was constructed in 1867, but it was not successful and was re-established in 1880 on a better plan. An office was established at Gaysport in 1877. There are three postoffices in the township - one at Gaysport named Blue Rock, one at Kiefer, and one at Rural Dale.

The first Baptist who resided in Blue Rock township, was Sister Joanna John (wife of Jesse John), who came from Chester County, Pennsylvania, in the year 1819. The first Baptist minister who preached in Blue Rock township, was Elder Henry Pringle, at the house of Jesse John in the year 1822, and who traveled all through this region of country, preaching the Gospel, which resulted in bringing many souls to Christ. Elder George Russell, was the second minister to preach in the township. He came to Jesse John's and preached for the first time, on "Easter Sunday, 1823," and continued once a month for several years, and baptised several persons at different points where he preached. Elder Levi Culver was the next minister to visit the neighborhood. He came here in the year 1827, and preached sometimes at the aforesaid place, and other places in the township. He was one of the first missionaries of the Ohio Baptist State convention. After he had baptized a number of persons, a council of ministers was called to consider the propriety of constituting a church. The council meet at the house of John Revenaugh, on the 25th day of July, 1828. The ministers present at the council were Elder Courtland Skinner, Elder Wm. Reece, together with Elder Culver, who advised the importance of constituting a church, which they did at the time. Sister Jane Roberts was the first person baptized in the township, and her husband, Wm. Roberts, was the first deacon of the church. The church was constituted with thirteen members, and called "the Regular Baptist church," of Blue Rock. The names of the constituent members are as follows: Samuel Revenaugh, Catharine Revenaugh, Wm. Roberts, Jane Roberts, Lorena Roberts, Mary Roberts, Thos. Wear, Catharine Wear, Nancy Blair, John Revenaugh, Jane Revenaugh, Elizabeth Wion, Lydia Mace. In a short time after this, they built a house of worship, in the north-eastern part of the township, about four miles from where the Baptists commenced their labors. It was built of logs, 30 by 30, and in this they held their meetings for over twenty years. Elder Levi Culver was their first pastor. He continued until his death, having the care of the church eight years and four months. Rev. Enoch Rector was called to supply the church at the death of Bro. Culver, and continued to preach for them until they called to the charge of the church Elder Reuben Burkley, about ten months later. Mr. Burkley began his labors May 1st, 1836, and died at his post while away from his home, on a preaching tour in Salt Creek township. Elder Benjamin Blake was their next pastor, who remained with them two years. Elder Abel Johnson commenced his labors May 1st, 1844. While he had charge of the church seventeen members received letters to constitute a church in the southern part of the township, where the first efforts were made by the denomination. The church is now known as the Rockville Baptist church, which is a large, flourishing church. This church has since had a successful career. Rev. James B. Sinclair was the first pastor after the division.

The Regular Baptist church, called Rockville, was organized on the 13th day of August, 1844, under the shade of a large forest oak, on the summit of the hill directly south of the village of Rural Dale, and near the place where the meeting house now stands. An ecclesiastical council of the Regular Baptist denomination was present, being previously invited from the churches of Blue Rock, Windsor, Rich Hill, Bristol and Four Mile. A sermon was preached on the occasion by Elder William Stone, of Columbiana county, Ohio, from Daniel, 2d chapter and 44th verse, after which sixteen brothers and sisters who had previously received letters of dismissal from Blue Rock church were duly organized to constitute said church. The names of the constituted members are as follows: James Burris, Elizabeth

Burris, John Gossage, Loreno Gossage, Geo. Bird, Jesse John, Joanna John, Eettitia John, Eleanor Burris, Sarah Scott, Maria Scott, Sarah Harlan, Phebe Briggs, Rebecca Frame, and Hannah Bird. Of this little band, James Burris, Elizabeth Burris, George Bird, Jesse John, Joanna John, Sarah Scott and Rebecca Frame, have been called home to their heavenly Master, and are now reaping the joys of their reward. After the regular organization of this church, it was immediately received into the Meigs Creek association, which was to convene on the next day (August 14th), with the Duncan's Falls church. The first messengers from this church to the association were Jesse John and George Bird. Elder Abel Johnson was chosen first pastor of the church immediately after its organization. In 1845 a meeting house was erected, and dedicated November 22. In 1859 the church withdrew from the Meigs Creek association and it united with the Zanesville association in August, i860. Bethlehem Methodist Episcopal church, situated on the George Stewart place, was built in 1830. The churchyard was opened in 1828, and Mrs. Catharine Wear was the first one buried there. The members about that time were Jeremiah Argo, Samuel Nicholson, Roderick Aston, John Coverdale, Michael E. White and "Father" Winrod and their wives. Jeremiah Argo was a licensed classleader and exhorter. The first local preacher was Levi Reeves. This society moved to Rural Dale and there has since flourished. The third church organized in the township was the Radical Methodist church, its house of worship on land owned by William Betts. Among its prominent members were Mr. and Mrs. Betts, Peter Clapper and wife, Hiram Sherman and wife, Henry Crawford and wife, Margaret Barber and daughter and Pdizabeth Gibbons. Dr. Coverdale, was exhorter, and Mr. Betts classleader. Revs. Linder and Whitney were the first regular preachers. A good frame house was after a time erected on the land of Henry Crawford and the congregation met there from that time on. Sugar Grove Methodist Episcopal church had its inception in a class which met at John Grindslaff's house in 1817. In 1826 this class numbered eighty members. It was divided and in a way reunited at a later date by the organization of the Sugar Grove Methodist Episcopal church of Salt Creek township. There was once an organization of Presbyterians that met in a stone house on land owned by Joseph Wallace, Sr.

THE northwest corner township of the county, Jackson is bounded north by the county line, east by Cass township, south by Licking township, and west by the county line. It was organized in 1815 and is said to be named in honor of Gen. Jackson, the "Hero of New Orleans" of that day. The fir.-,t election for township officers was appointed to be held at the house of Thomas Blizzard, June 6, 1815. Of those who, prior to 1816 by virtue of commissions as justices of the peace, settled controversy and punished offenders, may be named Clark Hollenback, Robert Selbes, and Nathan Baker. Among the well-known settlers of the township were Col. William and Thomas Blizzard, the Fairalls, David Evans, and Hezekiah Bonham. Thomas Wilkins and his son Daniel, located in the southeast, were old-time settlers from Maryland. Clark Hollenback entered land north of Frazeysburg. William McClintock entered a tract adjoining the present village in the summer of 1814, and made improvements, and moved in with his family in the fall of 1815. As late as 1813 much land lay wild and untenanted. On the hills were no settlers, and there were but few in the valleys. Habitations were rude in character, and present civilization seemed far remote and barely possible. The first frame house is thought to have been built for Joshua Bennett, and the first brick house was erected about 1830, by Mr. Blizzard. The old house is situated northwest of Frazeysburg, and became known as the home of Col. William Blizzard. The Mendenhalls were also early settlers. Joshua Bennett, Samuel Mendenhall's son-in-law, came in 1816. A German named Tushman came early; also Joseph Chaney, who located north of Frazeysburg. Level lands soon obtained roads; these hilly regions were impassable, and the laying of a road was an event like the survey of a railroad. The road from Owl creek to Zanesville via Frazeysburg was laid out in 1822 by John Adams and Samuel Frazey, commissioners appointed by the State.

The first mill was put up on the "Tomaka" creek, about two miles west of the village, in 1 8 1 g, and was a combined grist-and-saw-mill, run by Samuel Mendenhall. The dam was washed away in 1830. George Stannetts, who lived in the mill with his family, was miller for some time. Richard Griffin was miller at a later date. The last one was John Norris. The following year James McCintock built a saw-mill down the creek, and along in 1837, Ira Belknap erected a grist-mill on the same dam. In the spring of 1833, the copper stills were put in operation by a man named Blood, but the enterprise failed within the year. In 1827, Frazeysburg was laid out by C. Hollenback; it was originally known as Knoxville. Hollenback built a sawmill in 1820-1822, and William McClintock had an early sawmill on Wakatomaka creek. There was a rude saw-mill and grist-mill in the extreme northwest corner of the township in 1825 which had many owners and disappeared entirely about twelve years ago. Samuel Mills built the first house, and used it as a tavern. John Walker repaired the farmers' tools and shod their horses.

The Methodists built the first church in 1820. Revs. Smith and Cunningham were preachers for the Presbyterians as early as 1818. The first bridge was built over the creek in 1823; it was of hewed timber on trestles, and the work of the neighboring settlers. Squire McCann recalls an old log shanty used for school, church, and singing, which stood two and a half miles from P'razeysburg. Philip Shaffer was an early singing-teacher, having taught in 1831 and 1832. The people of Jackson are healthy and contented; they love their fine hill-side scenery, and the traveler winding his way up the slopes in long stretches sees at each summit a new and pleasant landscape. The early settlers of this township were allured hither by the fertility of the lands in the valley of Wakatomaka creek, like those who settled nearest to the valley of the Muskingum. It is true that the area of perhaps twenty-five miles on either side of the latter stream is included in the term, "Valley of the Muskingum," and yet the smaller valleys have afforded special attractions to the settler. Actuated by the motive to make a paradise wherever nature invited them, the settlers, therefore, selected sites as near to the streams of importance as seemed good to them. Jackson is undulating in its surface, and ocasionally broken. The soil is rich limestone, clay being plentiful on the uplands, and sandy loam in the lower lands and bottoms. Iron and coal of fair quality, are found in various localities. The latter is consumed at home, while the former is shipped to Zanesville via Frazeysburg.

Among the early physicians who practiced in this township for a longer or shorter period were Dr. Elmas Wheaton, of Irville, Licking township, and Doctors Black, Pearce, Bartley and Philander Byam Mordecai Bartley, afterwards governor of Ohio, is thought to have been the only lawyer here in the early days. The first tavern at Frazeysburg was kept by Samuel Mills, who was also an early carpenter. Other of the pioneer knights of the chisel, saw and plane were John Ruckle and Charles Morrow. Among the first surveyors were the Robertses, John and Charles. They came in 1822. Charles Roberts surveyed many of the farms in this township and John Roberts laid out Frazeysburg. Among early and old justices of the peace were Robert Selder, Clark Hollenback and Richard Griffee. Henry Shepherd opened the first blacksmith shop in 1827 in a log building of the old style. James Morgan taught a subscription school in a log house half a mile north of Frazeysburg, in 1822. This is thought to have been the first regular school in the township. John Bowen was a school teacher in Jackson in 1831, Samuel McGinnis in 1832. Samuel Mills' pioneer tavern, opened about 1817, was a log building on the site of the Hamilton store in Frazeysburg. He was succeeded after a number of years by Stephen Cessna. Later "landlords" were William English, Thomas Foster and Jonah Campbell. This old hostelry was long since torn down.

Frazeysburg is not only one of the leading and most prosperous villages of the county, but is situated in the midst of a rich agricultural, wool-growing and stock-producing section. In close proximity is found excellent stone quarries, while the soil supplies the best quality of potter's clay, moulding sand, white and gray clay for the manufacture of tile and pottery, fire and building brick. The village is on the line of the Pan Handle railway and Ohio canal, and contains many handsome print vate residences and business houses, which would do credit to larger towns and cities. Its citizens, as a class, are intelligent, enterprising and progressive, as will clearly appear in a notice of its public institutions. There are three churches, viz.: Disciples', Elder J. S.

about four hundred. M. E. Church, Rev. R. H. Griffith, pastor, with seating capacity of four hundred. The district has a fine two story brick public school building, with four rooms. The enrollment is 201, with an average attendance of- 189. The Frazeysburg Library association was organized April 15, 1890 with library at the store of C. M. Bell. Its officers are J. Corn, president; Mrs. T. J. Tremley, vice president; Miss Marne Cochran, treasurer; C. M. Starner, secretary, and C. M. Bell, librarian. The Frazeysburg Building and Loan Association was organized April, 1888. Its officers are: C. M. Bell, president; T. C. Pearson, secretary; John A. Evans, treasurer. Board of directors: James Stitt, George W. Judy, H.

D. H. Lewis, financial secretary; J. R. Johnson, treasurer: C. E. Ruckle, inside sentinel; C. E. Paugh, outside sentinel. Griffith Post, No. 331, G. A. R., Wm. Lettlcr, commander; W. H. Fairall, senior commander; Hugh Lackey, junior commander;- J. W. Evans, officer of the day; Wm. Wires, adjutant; T. J. Buchanan, quartermaster; C. M. Bell, chaplain; M. Adams, officer of the guard. In 1890 the town officers were Geo. C. Adams, mayor; John Debolt, marshal; R. P. Mendenhall, M. O'Neil, Joshua Bennett, Chas.W. Fleming, Henry Host, H. Night, council-men; M. D. Packard, town clerk; JasperCorn, town treasurer; A. Mendenhall, street

Frazeysburg was platted June 6, 1827, by Clark Hollenback and named Knoxville. As has been stated, the actual survey was made by John Roberts. Numerous additions have been made. In 1828, Mr. Hollenback sold the original town to Samuel Frazey, who changed the name to Frazeysburg. The village was incorporated in 1868, and L. VV. Doane was the first mayor. The postoffice was established in the winter of 1828-29. Samuel Frazey was the first postmaster. Richard Griffee is credited with having opened the first grocery store in the township. Another early store was Whitney's. Col. Blizzard opened a store in 1828. Samuel Frazey had a store near the southeast corner of the present canal bridge in 1828-29, the largest opened in the township to that time.

The Frazeysburg Mill company was organized here in 1885, and is controlled by some of the leading citizens. The building, exclusive of office and engine room, is three stories and basement in height, and 36x48 feet, in dimensions. The engine room is 20x36 feet, and the office 12x18 feet in size. In all departments the mill is equipped with newest improved appliances for the rapid and efficient manufacture of the highest standard grades of bakers' and family flour. The mill is a complete roller mill, with the best purifiers and is propelled by a 30-horse power engine and a boiler, and has a capacity of fifty barrels of flour per day. The staple brand for which this mill has secured more than local celebrity, is known as "Pure Gold," which bears the highest standard of excellence in all markets into which it has been introduced, and enjoys a high degree of popularity both with the trade and consumers. The individual members of this company are John A. Evans, Jus. Stitt and J. W. Frazier, gentlemen whose enterprise and business ability give vitality to this section of the county, and who are recognized as prominent in public affairs. They do merchant grinding and exchange, and deal in grain, flour, meal and mill feed. They are also engaged in the manufacture of brick and tile, noticed elsewhere.

Thomas Brothers & Co.'s Frazeysburg Planing Mills and Lumber Yard, is one of the most important industrial enterprises associated with this section of the county, and was established here by Messrs. Thomas Brothers & Co., in 1889. The present building was completed about the first of June, 1889, and equipped with the necessary machinery for planing, matching and scroll work, and for the execution of every description of planing mill and job work. The individual members of this firm are A. S. and C. W. Thomas and Wm. L. Phelps, gentlemen who bring into requisition that mechanical skill and executive ability which cannot fail to meet the most liberal consideration. The machinery is propelled by a twenty-horse power engine and boiler, and the building, which is two stories in height and 40x50 feet and engine room 14x40 feet in dimensions, gives ample capacity for prompt and efficient work. This firm are prepared to enter into contract to supply doors, sash, blinds, dressed or undressed lumber, lath, shingles, pickets, posts, and for the execution of the entire wood work of public or private buildings.

The Frazeysburg Tile and Brickworks were erected in 1884, and the concern comprehend a ground space of 30x120 feet in dimensions, which are equipped with the best machinery and appliances for the rapid and efficient manufacture of the best building and paving brick and the most substantial drain tile, from three inches to twelve inches in diamensions. Contracts are taken for special sizes or quantities, and stock will usually be found on hand for prompt shipment. The concern also manufactures the best hollow building blocks, whose construction supplies strength and solidity to buildings.

The first journalistic venture in Frazeysburg was the Federalist , published by C. E. F. Miller, in 1875-76. The editorial work was done in Frazeysburg, where the paper was really issued, but the mechanical work was done in Dresden. The Midland is the title of a vigorous, spicy and reliable family and local newspaper, which was started here August 29th, 1889 a five-column eight-page paper devoted to literature, news and local matter, with Rev. C. B. Downs as managing editor, and A. B. Clark, of Newark, associate editor; general business manager, D. H. Lewis. Jasper Corn, M. D., physician and surgeon, druggist and pharmacist, is a native of Jackson county, in this State, and was born in 1847. Dr. Corn is a graduate of the O. W. U. of Delaware, and read medicine with Dr. A. S. Combs, of Thurman, Ohio. He graduated from the Cincinnati Medical College, at Cincinnati, in the class of '73, and located in Keystone, Jackson county, for one year. In the spring of 1874 he came to this place, where he has since devoted his attention to the duties of his profession, to which he still gives his attention in connection with his business interests. In 1882 he started his drug store. The individual members of the firm of Dr. J. S. Trembley & Son, druggists and pharmacists, are Dr. J. S. Trembley and his son, T. G. Trembley. The senior member of this firm is a native of this county, born in 1819. Early in life he devoted his attention to the study of medicine and surgery, and has been in active practice for over thirty-six years. He located in this place in 1868. Mr. T. G. Trembley, is a native of this county and was born in 1850. After completing his early education he became connected with railroad work, in which he was chiefly engaged up to the time of formation of the present partnership in 1875. This is now thepostoffice store, Mr. T. G. Trembley having received his appointment to this place April 27, 1889. J. D. Fleming, M. D., resident physician and surgeon, is a native of this county, born in 1857. He was reared upon the farm, and after completinghis literary education read medicinewith Dr. ,C. F. Wilkin, of Irville, now of Columbus. He graduated from the Columbus Medical College, March 8, 1887, and first opened his office at Adams' Mills, but after one year located in this place March 8, 1888. The canal was completed in 1831-32 and the " Reindeer," a small pleasure boat, made the trip from Newark to Coshocton. The "Union" of Dover was the first regular freight boat to pass through. The Pan Handle railroad was completed through

Some time before 1820 a small cabin was erected for church purposes, north of the site of school-house number three. David Evans donated the land upon which it stood, in consequence of which it was known as Evans' church. Frazeysburg Methodist Episcopal Church was organized at the house of Zachariah Bonham in 1815. Meetings were held at Mr. Bonham's, at R. C. Mendenhall's, at John Wimmer's and at other houses, and later at a school-house near the north side of Frazeysburg. In 1840, a church building was erected at a cost of $1,000. In 1878 it was succeeded by the present edifice, a frame building that cost $1,800. The Frazeysburg Presbyterian Church was organized with 34 members in 1876. Its brick church, which cost $2,370, was dedicated Septembers, 1877, by J. W. Tenney, and the first pastor, Rev. S. D. Smith. Mount Zion Christian Church was organized with eight members in 1832. The first meetings were held at the house of George McDonald. In 1845 the society built its present frame church, which cost about $500, about two miles north of Frazeysburg. The Disciple Church was organized in 1843. The first pastor was Rev. Eewis Corner. A church was built soon after 1880 at Frazeysburg.

THIS township is bounded on the north by Adams township, on the east by Highland township, on the south by Perry township and west by Washington and Madison. The surface is moderately hilly, though much of it is low and level enough to figure as prairie land. Drummond's Knob, in the southern part, is the highest point in the township. The soil is a mixture of clay and sand, and for the most part quite fertile. The principal streams are Salt creek and Prairie run. Two branches of Symmes creek flow through the northwest corner. Grain raising was formerly the leading occupation. Stock-raising and fruit-growing now receive much attention and fairly divide the honors. The first short-horned cattle were brought in by W. S. Denison, who also introduced the first mower and the first sulky-rake. Singleton Hardy operated the first threshing machine in the township. W. W. Adams, since 1861, became prominent as a breeder of fine cattle. Originally a part of Highland, when that township was ten miles square, this township, five miles square, was set off by the county commissioners, in July, 1819. It was named in honor of Salem, Mass., from the vicinity of which historic town, many of the early settlers had come. The northeast quarter of the township is school land. The first election for township officers was held at the house of Jesse Williams. The first justice of the peace in and for Salem township, under the organization, was Joseph Stiers, who served continuously until 1837, a period of eighteen years. Rev. William Spencer was a justice of the peace for Highland township, living within the present township of Salem prior to, and at the time of organization. Some of the early elections were held at the house of Thomas Collins. Adamsville has been the polling place since 1846.

The settlement of this township began in 1810-1811. Among the early settlers were Jacob Gaumer, William Denison, Jesse Williams, Jacob Swigert, Philip Shroyer, Peter Wertz, Laurence Wisecarver, George Stoner, Peter Livingood, George, Samuel, John and Jacob Shurtz, Joseph Stiers, William and Stephen Starkey, Thomas Collins and Rev. William Spencer. Jacob Gaumer located on lot 28. [See biographical department for extended sketches of his and other pioneer families of this township.] William Denison, from Massachussetts, located on the northeast quarter of section 15, on the William S. Denison property, and with him came Jesse Williams, who married Lucy Denison, daughter of William, and settled on the northwest quarter of section 13. Swigert located on lot 40, of the school land, Shroyer on lot 11, Wertz on lot 8. Stiers settled on the southwest quarter of section 8, Collins on the southwest quarter of section 13, and Rev. William Spencer on school land lot No. 28. The Starkeys were from Virginia. In 1868 Sutherland Stiers, a mile south of Adamsville, cut down a large white oak tree and within its body found a succession of "blazes" made with an ax, as was very evident, and not with a hatchet or tomahawk. A computation of the difference between the date of the discovery and the number of annular rings enveloping the scars, revealed the fact that the marks were made in 1752. That was twelve years before Bouquet's expedition and antedates that of Braddock, and the men of Salem have cudgeled their brains in vain in the attempt to identify even a probable white visitor to this territory at that remote date. The first frame house in the township was built in 1812 by William S. Denison. The first stone house by Jacob Dimmer, in 1827, and the first brick house by William S. Denison in 1841. The first public road through the township was that from Zanesville to Plainfield, Coshocton county; the second ran from Mechanicsville to Livingood's mill on section 18. Jesse Williams and Lucy Denison were the first couple married in the township, and their son Gordon Williams was the first white child born here. The first death was that of Mrs. Jacob Gaumer, about 1816. Dr. Jacob S. Reasoner was the first physician in Salem. He practiced here from 1832 to 1853. Dr. Henry Decker came in 1839; Dr. Jared Cone practiced here 1845-55; Dr. James Crawford 1835-42; Doctor Loy and Doctor Blake about 1841-42; Dr. John Mills, who studied with Doctor Decker 1843-50; Dr. P. A. Baker, 1857-79; Doctor Sidle came in i860, but remained only a short time. Dr. Thomas Gaumer came in 1879. Later physicians in this township are Drs. W. R. Hosick, and W. C. Waters. The primitive mill within the borders of Salem was that erected by Peter Livingood, below the forks of Salt Creek, on section 18, about 1814- 16. Sometime about 1830 it was sold to one Bratton, and has long since disappeared. On the southeast one-fourth of section 16, or Salt Creek, Joseph Bowers put a sawmill in operation, in 1832, which he sold, in 1849, to Jacob Keiffer. The latter moved the, concern to the east bank of the stream and, in 1869 added a large frame grist mill. In 1836, Charles Sturtz built a sawmill on a branch of Symmes run, or section 4, in which was made most of the lumber used in building the earlier houses in Adamsville. It is not now in existence. A steam sawmill was built on school land lot 21 about 1850 by Isaac Stiers and Samuel Harris. About a year or two later it was bought by Mr. Shrigley, who added a grinding department. G. W. Shoemaker became the owner in 1854, and was succeeded by John Skinner in 1855. Mr. Skinner's ownership was short lived, however, for the concern was destroyed by fire in 1856. A steam grist mill was built near Adamsville in 1862 by Charles Beck. In 1873 it was sold to John D. Hanks. Levi Mc- Laughlin later entered the milling business at Adamsville. Jacob Gaumer was the first gunsmith in the township. He and Peter Wertz and Adam Wade were early blacksmiths. Stephen Starkey was the first carpenter. The first school house in Salem was erected in 1817 on school land lot 37. Abraham Smith opened the first school there in December, that year. Amy Wade taught there in 1820, Mr. Colvin in 1822. "Jacob and William Shively were two other old settlers," says the Adamsville Register. "Jacob Shively was the first settler on the farm now owned byjulius Taylorand WilliamShively the farm now owned by Jacob Lane. At the present time none of their descendants remain in the township. Janies Shively is a valued subscriber of the Register , residing at Kansas, Illinois. Benjamin Crane, the grandfather of our fellowcitizen, Jacob Crane, was another pioneer. He settled on what is now the Charley Bowden farm in the year 1814, and built a cabin in the woods."

Catharine Gaumer, Philip Shroyer, Maria Shroyer, Peter Wertz, Susan Wertz, Henry Bainter, Adam Bainter and his wife, Samuel Shurtz, Mary Shurtz, George Shurtz and his wife, Christian Shroyer, Catharine Shroyer, Jacob Gaumer, Jr., Elizabeth Gaumer, Daniel Gaumer, Hannah Gaumer, Catharine Shurtz, Margaret Shurtz, John Shurtz, John Ault, Mary Ault, Jacob Shurtz, Jacob Shroyer, Abraham Shroyer, Anthony Slater, Susan Slater, George Stiner and wife. The first church was built on the northwest corner of lot 28, the site now occupied by the old Lutheran cemetery, already referred to, in 1817. In 1838, it gave place to a brick building which was superseded in 1870 by a frame structure. The cornerstone was laid May 14, 1870, by N. J. Knisely, and the church was dedicated May 28, 1871, by Revs. McHorine and Jacob Roff. The old church site and graveyard was donated to the trustees of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, by Jacob Gaumer, in 1819, and the present church site was donated by Jonathan Gaumer. Salem Baptist Church was organized in October, 1818, by Revs. Amos Mix and Henry Pringle, with the following named constituent members: William Spencer, Catharine Spencer, Jessie Williams, Lucy Williams, Wm. Cooksey, Elizabeth Cooksey, John Laurence, Amos Stackhouse, Philip Shoff, Sarah Shoff, Elvira Shoff, Mordecai Adams, Hannah Adams, Isabella Ackerson, Rebecca Tennis, Ethelinda Denison, Rachel Jordan, Sarah Whittenberry, Lucy Babcock, Susannah Hickman and Lucretia Slack. The first church, a hewed log structure, east of Adamsville, was erected in 1822. It was, in 1838, replaced by another building at a cost of $1,000. The present house of worship was built in 1872 at a cost of $2,500. Adamsville Methodist Episcopal church grew out of a class formed in 1840, by Rev. Thomas Buckle. The following were the original members: John

Stiers, Michael Ellis and wife, Sarah Stiers, Theodore Bailey and wife, Noah Honnold, Mrs. Armstrong, Thomas Roe. The first quarterly meeting was held in Noah Honnold's barn, May 16, 1841. A church was built at Adamsville in 1842, at a cost of $1,500. Salem Chapel Methodist Episcopal church was constituted with Richard Johnson, Eliza Johnson, Nancy Spragg, Joseph Stiers, Benaiah Spragg, Margaret Stiers, G. Tousler, Martha Tousler, Solomon Baughman, Nancy Baughman, Joseph Johnson, John Daily and his wife, Ruth Johnson, Nancy Crane and others as its first class; Richard Johnson, leader. In 1852, a frame church house was built at a cost of about $900 on land donated by Benaiah Spragg. Good Hope Lutheran church was organized in 1868 by Rev. William Gilbreath. The following were the constituent members: Levi Statts,

Amandy Statts, Charles Sturtz, Rachel Sturtz, Louisa Sturtz, John Sturtz, Sarah Wisecarver, Elizabeth Wisecarver and Elizabeth Wire. A frame building was purchased at Adamsville in 1871, and fitted up and dedicated as a church. Beulah Baptist church was organized, after a series of meetings in 1872, by Rev. E. W. Dannels, with the following members: Isaac Darner, D. Winn, Ann Darner, Catharine Winn, Samuel Bowmatn, J. A. Winn, Hannah Bowman, H. N. Winn, R. J. Winn, Hattie A. Winn, Robert Scott, Samantha Whitecraft, John Whitecraft, J. W. Bratton, Nancy M. Winn, Elizabeth A. Bratton, William P. Winn. J. R. Bratton, Lizzie Hunter, Mary A. Bowman, Emma Hardy, Emeline Williams, Lucy Williams, Mary Huff, Austin Lehew and Jared Williams. Early meetings were held in Salem Chapel. Later they were held in Milligan's schoolhouse. In 1872 a church lot was bought of J. A. Morrison, and the house of worship was finished and dedicated by Rev. T. Powell, January 11, 1874.

The oldest cemetery in the township is that early set apart by the Lutherans. The first person buried there was Mrs. Jacob Gaumer. The first summer Peter Wertz discovered his little daughter Margaret in danger from a copperhead snake. Picking her up, he held her under one arm, while with a club in the other he dispatched the snake. His son Jacob Wertz is authority for the statement that before he left the spot he killed fourteen of those dangerous reptiles.

Mordecai Adams, who owned the quarter section of land which corners on the northeast near the township hall, laid out the town of Adamsville in 1832. According to the Adamsvillc Register, 1889: ." His residence, then located near the present site of Geyer's store, was the only one in the village. A few years later, it was removed to what is known by the town plat as Main street. It is still in existence and increasing in value. It is at present occupied by George Swank, town marshal. In 1857, this property, with the lot, was sold for $80, and paid for with a horse valued at $60 and the other $20 in work. The house was repaired, and in 1867 it was sold for $170. A few days since it was sold to W. A. Roberts for $250. The first house built in the town after the town was laid out, was built by Dr. Reasoner in the spring of 1833. It was located on the lot now owned by J. W. Garrett. Dr. Reasoner was the first physician in the village, and the lot for an office and residence was donated to him. His office was a part of the present drug store of the village. His residence, a frame cottage with a porch on the south side, was torn down by Mr. Garrett in 1877, who built in its place the handsome two-story structure which he now occupies." It is said that William Beaver platted Adamsville for Mr. Adams. Wheeler's addition, on section 4, adjoining the original site, was platted in 1835. Additions were later platted by Jared Cone. Several houses were erected on the town site in 1832. The first one occupied was that of Dr. Jacob Reasoner, on lot ten. About 1833, Thomas Few opened a store in Adamsville, which was kept by Gibson Collins, the proprietor having been a resident of Union township. He was succeeded by Wertz & Daggett. This store was on the familiar Geyer store site. Jared Cone opened a store in 1835, on 2- of Adams' plat, which was the first general merchandising establishment in the township. Roe & Armstrong began business in the Collins building, on lot 9, in 1838. In 1839 they moved to lot 4, Wheeler's addition, and traded there until 1842. Roff & Leslie traded in the Collins building, 1 839 - '43. Denison Ross and

Isaac Stiers began merchandising in 1844, but were in the business but briefly. James Darlington was a later, but by no means permanent merchant. In 1852, Jacob Stenger began trading here. H. S. Roff and John Mills began business in 1853, and had quite a number of successors. In 1863, A. Jordan and William Sedwick took the store, but they separated in 1864, and Mr. Jordan continued the bnsiness until 1875. He was succeeded by Zimmer & Hurdle, Van Kirk & Baker, and Wesley Stiers. Cyrus A. Geyer began business in 1877 anc* sti 1 1 continues. A. C. Tomlinson and A. Jordan opened stores about a year later. A. C. Tomlinson & Son succeeded Tomlinson. Elsea & Winn are more recent merchants here. Snoots & Ferrell are hardware merchants; John W Garrett is a druggist and stationer. The Adamsville postoffice was established about a mile east of that town in 1827, with Jonathan Starkey as post master. It was moved to Adamsville in 1835, when Jared Cone was appointed. Nelson H. Garner is the present postmaster. Denison

Ross erected and opened the first tavern in the township, on lot 4 in Wheeler's addition to Adamsville, in 1838. Later "landlords" were John Bratton, John Zimmerman, Jacob Stenger, David Richardson, Samuel Van Kirk, G. W. Shoemaker and others. The Adamsville house, J. P. Sturtz, proprietor, is the only hotel in the village. Mr. Sturtz took possession April 1, 1890.

Adamsville is fourteen miles from Zanesville, its nearest shipping and banking point, and has daily mail communication with that city. In the beauty of its site and the healthfulness of its location, this village is unsurpassed by any in the county. It is surrounded by a fine agricultural, stock and wool-raising district, and the producers of this section, as a class, are in good circumstances. The populaof the place will reach about 300, and no community or village of its size in the county is actuated by higher motives or a more clear conception of progressive ideas and public welfare. Should this place secure railroad connection, which certainly it invites, it would prove an important shipping point. Isolated as it is, about seven miles from any railroad, thirteen miles north-east of Zanesville, and ten miles east of Dresden, it enjoys an importance as a trade and business center unsurpassed by some of our more advantageously situated towns. There are three good coal veins in the surrounding hills and excellent clay for brick and tile manufacturing. This village enjoys the advantages of one of the best kept hotels in the county; good schools and churches, and a class of enterprising citizens and business men. The average attendance of the public schools is about no. There are two churches, viz.: Evangelical Lutheran and M. E. Church. Hubbard Lodge, No. 220, F. & A. M. H. H. Garrett, W. M.; F. P. Winn, S. W.; G. E. Honnold, Jr. W.; G. V. Kern, secretary; H. L. Cogsil, treasurer; W. R. Hosick, S. D.; P. C. Shroyre, Jr. D.; M. Bowers, tyler. Fred Aler Post, No. 412, G. A. R., G. V. Kern, Com.; H. H. Garrett, Sen. Vice; J. Reckel, Jr. Vice.; J. W. Garrett, Q. M. Eureka Grange was organized in April, 1889. The officers are H. H. Garrett, master; Joseph Young, overseer; P. W. Sturtz, secretary; J. W. Slater, treasurer; J. C. Bell, lecturer; John Fritz, chaplain.

The Adamsville Register , established in 1889, by E. Spencer, editor and proprietor, is a bright and enterprising four page, seven column local newspaper, issued every Tuesday morning at $1 per annum. In 1892 the paper changed hands, passing to E. C. Jordan, who well sustains the sheet for the reputation secured for it by the founder.

THIS is one of the smaller townships of the county, it is bounded north by Newton, east by Brush creek and south and west by the county line. The following record, copied from the county commissioner's journal, is that of the erection of Clay township, December 9, 1841 : " Pursuant to adjournment the commissioners met. Present: John Goshen, Robert Boggs and Littleton Moore. A petition was presented by William Wann, signed by a majority of the householders residing within the boundaries of the proposed new township, at the last June session of this board and laid over to the present session, which was this day taken up, and the commissioners being satisfied that the necessary notice of such intended application had been given by advertisements, as required by law, proceeded to take the matter into consideration. The petitioners set forth that they labor under many difficulties and disadvantages in consequence of the distance and other difficulties they have to labor under, in going to and from elections, etc. , and also praying that a new township may be set off of part of Brush Creek township, and the commissioners, believing the prayer of the petitioners necessary for the convenience of the inhabitants and township officers, do hereby order a new township to be set off, according to the following boundaries, to wit: Sections Nos. 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15, in township 14, range 14, being part of Brush Creek township, Muskingum county, which said new township is called Clay township. Also ordered by the commissioners that an election be held at the house of Adam Rider Sr., in said township." It is said that at this date the entire population of Clay did not exceed 100 souls.

Roseville is a stirring village located southwest of Zanesville, from which it is distant ten miles, is on the Perry county line, a part of the corporation being in Perry county. It is on the C. & M. V. railroad, and is chiefly noted for its pottery industries, which have gained a national repul atiou. The clays found here are as diversified as they are superior in quality, and not only household vessels are manufactured, but high art and antique patterns, embracing flower pots and urns, oriental of pudding pans, frying pans, cooking crocks, coffee pots and general hollow superior stoneware. Austin Lowry, manufacturer of stoneware, plaster dies. Lyman Lowry, stoneware manufacturer. William B. Lowry, manufacturer of stew pots, lawn vases, chimney flues and tops. T. Henry McAdoo, general store. James W. McCoy, manufacturer and jobber of Ohio stone ware, also general store. W. A. Melick, physician. Peter Moore, pottery. Oswald M. Norman, druggist and physician. Owens & Brown (Jacob N. Owens, Ellsworth L. and Walter B. Brown), general store. George W. Owens, groceries, etc. John B. Owens, manufacturer of flower pots, cuspidors, umbrella stands, etc. J. D. H. Parrott, manufacturer of steam and horse clay crushers for potteries and all clay products, also manufacturer of carriages, buggies, wagons and general repair work. People's Building and Loan Co., J. B. Owens, president; G. W. Walker, vice president; G. W. Brown, treasurer; J. W. McCoy, secretary; meets every Tuesday night of each month. Rechabites, Lone Star Tent No. 109, Charles Patch, S. ; B. A. Eby, P. C. R. ; J. N. Dunnington, R. S. ; W. S. Mayers, treasurer; meets every Monday evening. J. P. Richards, Lehigh mines (coal). Alvah Rider, pottery. Edward Rider, pottery, Roseville House. J. H. Snoots, coal pick manufacturer and agent Grims coal drill. J. Cyrus Sowers, pottery. William B. Sowers, pottery. Standard Coal Company, miners, main office, Columbus, Ohio. L. D. Stine, stoneware manufacturer. Noah Tanner, hotel and feed stable. "The Independent," issued Thursday evenings; George H. Stull, editor and proprietor. The Roseville Bank, George W. Brown, president; Thomas Brown, cashier; general banking business. U. A. M. , Jr. O., Clay Council No. 50, J. W. Sagle, C. ; B. A. Eby, recording secretary; Richard Jeffries, treasurer; meets every Thursday evening. G. W. W. Walker, druggist and physician. John F. Weaver, groceries, confectionery, cigars, tobacco; postmaster. Western Union Telegraph, J. B. Barbee, manager. J. C. Wigtom, dealer in fertilizer. J. A. Williams & Co., real estate and collection agency. Wilson Bros. (George N. and T. Arthur), general store. Samuel P. Zehrung, stoves, tinware, and roofing.

Roseville was platted by John Rose in 1812, and was known as New Milford until 1830, when the postoffice was established, with John Allen in charge. For many years following this important event, the mail was carried to and fro on horseback, weekly. In those days the postage was from six and one-fourth to twenty-five cents on each letter, payable in silver by the recipient. The first cabin here was that of Mr. Rose, built, it is said, in 1814. An early addition to Roseville was that platted by James Littleton in 1837. Robert Allen, who was deputy postmaster, was the first merchant . He was succeeded by Allen & Copeland. John Laughlin kept the first tavern in a log cabin. Zadoc Wilson was the first blacksmith. The first shoemaker was a man named Forgran. Elisha Kennedy taught the first school in a log house, with puncheon floor. The second schoolhouse of the same construction was built as late as 1840 and gave place to the present modern frame building. Roseville was incorporated in 1840 and Dr. James Little was the first mayor. The population was then about 300.