John Detwiller Tavern and Farmstead

In following through the history of the settlement of this township, it will he noticed that but comparatively few families found homes here at so early a period as in adjoining townships, anil it was m.it until a late date that a sufficient number had been added to the neighborhood to enable themlfc 1 support those institutions that are necessary adjuncts to the well-being of all civilized communities. It is not surprising then that churches and schools were not instituted here until after they were enjoyed in almost every other locality throughout the country, Radnor and Scioto Townships being contiguous, afforded opportunities for those living in Thompson for worship, and it was to churches in these localities that the good people would make their regular Sunday journey. These, of course, were at times attended with some difficulties. The Scioto River intervened between Radnor and Thompson; this had to be forded, which in times of high water was not only a dangerous undertaking, but in the flooded stages impossible. Thus were the devout who journeyed in that direction either compelled to forego their accustomed pilgrimage to the temple of God. or avail themselves of similar privileges afforded in Scioto. It was not until about the year 1840, that religious organizations began to take shape here. About this time, the New Lights or Christians formed their society, and in 1843 erected a church on Tau Way Run, the Rev. Isaac Walters officiating as their first minister. Here they held their services until 1873. when the church burned down, it is thought through the act of an incendiary. Nothing daunted, and with commendable zeal, they immediately commenced their plans for '. new building, and this they completed in 1875. the site being one mile west of the old church. Since that the society has been disbanded.

Passage source: 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, published 1908.

Susanna Cochran, born in 1817, was the first native white child of the township, and the death of Michael Dilsaver was the first death recorded. The marriage of William Travers and Catherine Swartz in 1822 was the first marriage, and with the dance and feast which followed was an occasion long to be remembered by the settlers who had congregated from many miles around. James Crawford taught the first school in the cabin on Fulton Creek. The first brick house was erected by a man named Hoskins, and Thomas Lavender, the first brick mason and the first to burn a kiln of brick, also erected one of the first brick buildings. Dr. Mathlaj Gcrehard was the first practicing physician resident in Thompson. The earliest store was that conducted by Joseph Cox in a house near the Mills. John Detwiler, pioneer tavern keeper, was also a dealer in liquors. It was not until 1869 that a bridge was erected in the township, this being a wooden structure across the Scioto, joining Thompson and Radnor. In 1875 a small covered bridge was constructed across Fulton's Creek. Prior to this time it was necessary for the settlers to lord the stream, the most favorable spot being at what was known as Broad Ford, on the southern boundary line. Jacob Swartz had a large flat boat and a canoe which he used in transporting people across the river, farther up stream.

Passage source: 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, published 1908.

Machine-read from a century-old scan, so expect the errors a machine makes: misspelled names, dropped words, stray characters.

Read the whole chapter on Thompson Township - 8,693 words on its settlement, mills, schools and churches.