Berlin Township

Berlin Township

This township received its name from some of its earliest settlers having emigrated from Berlin, Connecticut. It was created March 9th, 1825. Stephen Cole proposed the name. Among the first voters were A. H. Royce, Ed. Richardson, the Markle} s, George Wolford, James Traer, John Brown, Sr., Jno. C. Brown, John and Peter Keregher, Ered. Ogg, Jeremiah Brown, Eichard and Asael Roberts, John Long, Jacob Leady, Joseph Lane, Daniel Hedrick, the Joslins, and John Moltzbaugh.

Palmyra, dm*ing the days of our vassalage to stage and wagon transportation, was its sole town, and for many years a noted place of refreshment for man and beast, voyaging by mud or snow from Mt. Yernon to Mansfield. Since the construction of the railroad, it has dilapidated.

. Ankenytown, or " Squeal," as it is more commonly called for the sake of euphony, is noted from the fact that when the steam-horse first made his appearance there, his " squeal " so terrihly alarmed the natives that they came out armed capapie with gnn and blunderbuss to capture him, and some worthy German denizens attempted to stop his travel on the iron track by tearing up the rails ; the history of which fully and at large appears in the records of Knox Common Pleas.

Among the earliest settlers in this township were the Robertses, Richardsons, Wrights and Earquhars - all Priends, and from Maryland ; the Browns, Pinkie} s, Leedys, Hcdricks, Coles, Wm. Van Home, Peter Wolf, David McDaniel and Henry Markley, an intelligent Pennsylvania German, and his brother-in-law, Michael Harter. Markley had been a merchant, and was a quick and sprightly business man, and hence was selected for one of the lirst Commissioners. He was generous, and well liked by the people.

John Lewis and his family, Quakers, were here in 1808. November 14th, 1857, John, Jr., died. Casper Fitting, in 1808, lived with his family on the place, since known as the Harter stand. He is dead, and his sons, Frederick and Solomon, are living ; the former a successful merchant at Bellville.

The Harters are worthy of s^^ecial notice. Their tavern, at an early day, was the best in northern Ohio. The old peoj)le were kind and hospitable, and the society of the amiable Miss Christina made it uncommonly interesting for sleighing and other parties. The fame of Aunt Christina's cookery, pronounced by connoiseurs tlie best, caused travelers to ride long miles after night to get there. The Harters moved to Canton, where some of their descendants reside.

In 1849, a Postoffice was established at the residence of Richard Roberts, Esq., called " Maple Grove," and he was appointed Postmaster, and continued as such till 1860, when it was discontinued by his request.

Among the present settlers, we find Joseph Baker and wife, who emigrated from Virginia in 1819, the Elliotts, Joel and Amos, the Gibsons, the Eoots, the Dennises, and the Loves. Amos H. Royce, the first Justice, is yet living in the enjoyment of health and plenty. We can not but commend the character of Henry Miller, Esq., the upright man ;. Alexander Menzie, the energetic old Scotchman ; and others we might name, had we the space.

Source changes here: from History of Knox County, Ohio, Its Past and Present, Containing a Condensed, Comprehensive History of Ohio, Including an Outline History of the Northwest; a Complete History of Knox County ... a Record of Its Soldiers in the Late War; Portraits of Its Early Settlers and Prominent Men ... Biographies and Histories of Pioneer Families, Etc, by Hill, N. N. (Norman Newell), Comp, published 1881; 4,222 words in this source stream.

Berlin Township

Rock-ribbed and ancient Stretching in pensive quietness between; The venerable woods; rivers that move In majesty, and the complaining brooks That make the meadows green;

BERLIN township derived its name from Berlin, Connecticut, the name being proposed by Stephen Cole. It was created June 4, 1822, as stated on the journal of the commissioners in the following extract:

Ordered, That the following boundaries be laid out into a separate and distinct township, to-wit : Beginning at the southwest comer of the eighth township in the thirteenth range, thence north on the township line to the old boundary line ; thence on said boundary line to where the nearest north and south line in the new purchase strikes said boundary line; thence north on said north and south line to the county line between Knox and Richland counties; thence east on said line one-half mile further than where the line between the twelfth and thirteenth ranges strikes said county line; thence due south one-half mile east of said range line to the south boundary of the eighth township in the twelfth range; thence west on said township line to the southwest corner of the same; thence north to the southeast comer of the eighth township in the thirteenth range; thence west on said township line to the place of beginning, which shall be known by the name of Berlin township, which shall be

An election was ordered to be held at the house of Michael Harter on the twenty-second day of June, 1822, for the purpose of electing township officers.

It first belonged to Wayne, but was afterward included in the territory of Pike, before receiving an independent existence. Its northern boundary line joins Richland county; it is the most northern of the second tier of townships from the west line of the county - the tier in which Mt. Vernon islocated. The Greenville treaty line, located by General Wayne at the close of the Indian war in 1795, passes across the northern part of this township, running a little south of west, about a mile north of Ankenytown. The Baltimore & Ohio railroad passes diagonally across it from northeast to southj west. It is sufficiently watered by the east branch ! of the East fork of Owl creek; this stream passes I diagonally across the township in the same general j direction as the railroad. The tributaries of this stream drain the larger part of its surface. The i west branch of Schenck's creek, a tributary of the i Kokosing, rises in the northwest corner of the township, and numerous and beautiful springs are to be found in various parts.

Originally it was covered with a dense forest of hard wood of every description. This fact speaks volumes for the quality of the land ; wherever the soil was covered with black walnut, sugar, beech, hickory, etc., the pioneer well knew the soil could not be surpassed for agricultural purposes. When the first white settlers made their appearance there was not probably a spot of ground in the township large enough to erect a cabin without first clearing away the trees and underbrush. It was a paradise for the wild animal and the wild hunter.

The Mound Builders left traces of their occupation, and it is almost startling to think that in the centuries gone by a civilization existed here that might have compared favorably with the present one; that, probably, the land was cleared and cultivated as it is to-day. The number of mounds and ancient earthworks that existed in this township will never be known; no doubt the ravages of time have destroyed hundreds of them, and only those remain that were exceptionally large, or that occupied positions exceptionally favorable for preservation. One of these elevations was known to exist on what is known as the Ellis Willet place, near the Quaker meeting-house. It was not large, being, perhaps, thirty or forty feet in diameter at the base, and eight or ten feet in height. It stood exactly upon the spot Mr. Willet had selected for his house, and hence was destroyed. The cellar was dug directly under the mound; human bones were found, some articles resembling cooking utensils, or supposed to have been used for that purpose; charcoal, evidences of fire, etc.; these are usually found in all the ancient mounds that receive a thorough examination. Thus it is that the abode of one civilization is reared upon the tomb of another, and -

A mound, larger than the "ordinary size, is located on the Davis farm, in the southern part of the township. It is, probably, fifty or sixty feet in diameter at the base and fifteen feet in height. Like the others it is made up of sandy loam, and situated on high ground. These mounds are evidently connected with the one that stood on the present site of Fredericktown, and with several others in Morris township. Were the timber cleared away these mysterious elevations would all appear in sight of each other, or at least in such connection that signaling from, one to the other would j be comparatively easy.

I Whether the Mound Builders were the first animals in human form to tread the soil of Berlin township can only be conjectured. It has been established by indisputable evidence that they were here more than seven hundred years ago, and were the pioneer settlers here so far as history traces the inhabitants.

It does not appear that the next inhabitants of this township, the Indians, had any permanent residence within its limits; they used it, however, as a hunting ground, roaming freely through its silent woods for centuries before they were disturbed and driven away by the white savage. When the first settlers came they found the territory occupied by stray squads of hunters from the Greentown and Jerometown Indians, and the Delawares and Wyandots. An old Indian named Toby is remembered by the early settlers. He established his wigwam on what has since been known as "Toby's Run," where he lived and hunted until about the time of the War of 1812, when he disappeared.

The third race to occupy this territory began coming about 180S, or before. Bedford county, Pennsylvania, probably has the honor of sending Berlin its first settlers; these were the Markleys. Henry Markley came in 180S, and erected the first cabin in the township, upon the farm now owned by James Mclntire. Markley was accompanied by John Brown, sr. Mr. Markley purchased one thousand acres of land, lying on the I north side of what was known as the Ellicott section ; this section occupying one-fourth of the township, or four thousand acres. His family consisted of his wife, three sons and two daughters, viz: Henry Markley, jr., John, James, Mary and Amelia; all are now dead. John Brown's family consisted of wife, three sons, John, Jeremiah and Thomas, and a daughter, who married John Pinkley. None of these are now living.

Amos H. Royce, the first justice of the peace in this township, came to Frede.acktown in 1809, and settled in this township in 18 10. He was born in 1786, in Connecticut, removed with his father to New York State, and from there to this county. This remarkable pioneer is yet living in Fredericktown at the age ot ninety-four, and is yet in full possession of his mental faculties and enjoying good health, with a fair prospect of completing, at least a century on earth. His father was a Revolutionary soldier, and for this service obtained a land warrant for lands located in this township, upon which Amos H. settled with a family of ten children, viz: Norton D., Mary, Emeline, Sally, Louisa M., Julia Ann, Alfred, Laura, Lucy and Jane A. Those now living are Emeline, Julia Ann, Laura and Jane A. Amos H. Royce was a soldier in the War of 181 2, serving on the frontier and with General Hull for a short time, and for this service draws a pension. He was one of the soldiers surrendered by Hull. He assisted in building a block-house at Mansfield and one at Trucksville, and was stationed at New Haven, or rather encamped on the site of that village, at the time of the Copus murder, and was one of a squad of soldiers that followed that same band of Indians a short distance just prior to the massacre, they having encamped the night before the murder near the site of New Haven.

The Leedys were an important and influential family among the pioneers of this township. There were five brothers : John, Jacob, Abraham, Samuel and Daniel. Some of these settled further north in Richland county, in the vicinity of Bellville. Many of their descendants are yet living in Richland and Knox. The Leedys trace their ancestry back to Switzerland; in this country they first settled in Maryland, and moved thence to Bedford county, Pennsylvania, before coming to Ohio.

Among the earliest settlers in this township beside those mentioned, were Stephen Cole, Ed. and Isaac N. Richardson, George Wolford; James Fraer, John C. Brown, John and Peter Kreigher, Frederick Ogg, Jeremiah Brown, Richard and Israel Roberts, John Long, Joseph Lane, Daniel and Joseph Hetrick, the Joslyns, John Moltzbaugh, the Wrights, Farquhars, Pinkleys, William Van Home, Peter Wolf, David McDaniel, Michael Harter, John Lewis, Casper Fitting, and perhaps others.

E. Richardson moved to the West, but his brother became a judge, and was an influential man in the county. The descendants of the Kreighers and Robertses are, some of them, yet living on the old places, where their fathers settled in 1808 or 1809. John Long was a relative by marriage of the Leedys; one of his family is now a resident of Pike township. Joseph Lane came from Connecticut, and married the daughter of Stephen Cole; he was a cabinetmaker. Daniel Hetrick and his brother came from Bedford county, Pennsylvania; the former marxied a Leedy and raised a large family, some of -whom are yet living in this neighborhood. John Moltzbaugh came about 1815; he was a Dunkard preacher, and with the help of the Leedys organized a Dunkard church. Stephen Cole came from Connecticut, settling here about 1 81 6, and becoming an influential man among the pioneers. His family consisted of Stephen, jr., Wilbur, Henry, Russel (now living in Chicago) and two daughters. Wilbur now occupies the old homestead.

Richard Roberts, an old resident of this township, was born in Frederick county, Maryland, in July, 1789, and removed to Ohio, with his father, Henry Roberts, in 1805, and stopped in Belmont county one year. In 1806 he pitched his tent and built a cabin on the farm now owned by Nicholas Darling, in Morris township. In 1819 he built a cabin on the farm m Berhn township, on which he died, August 24, 1877, at the age of eighty-eight years, making him fifty-eight years a resident of Berlin, and a resident of the State seventy-two years. He married a daughter of John Garrison, an early settler, in the vicinity of Palmyra. His family consisted of nine daughters and one son^a family of intelligence and high respectabihty. Of the members of this family Mrs. Louisa Cohen, a widow lady, is now a resident of Mt Vernon; Rebecca married Gideon Elliott, and died some years ago; Mrs. Hubbell, some years after the death of his wife, married Ellen, a sister of his deceased wife; Phoebe married C. G. Mount, and resides in Fredericktown, a widow ; Martha died in childhood; Elizabeth, wife of Milton B. Williams, of Berlin; Mary, wife of Cory B. Chancey, and Emily, the wife of W. B. Rowley, of Fredericktown. Burr resides on the homestead.

Uncle Richard, as he was familiarly called, was of a very social disposition - a great talker - and delighted in talking over the scenes of early times. The cabin, the big log fire, and the winter evening were the neces.sary surroundings for Uncle Richard

Celestial Le Blond, a Frenchman, was also among the early settlers in this township. His name is entered on pool-book as "Celestiai Light;" he was a Httle eccentric and quite conspicuous. He was the originator of Shaler's mill, but was unsuccessful; he afterwards removed to Bellville, where he died. The family subsequently moved west, and a son, Francis C, became a member of Congress from one of the western districts of Ohio, One of the early and prominent settlers was Michael Harter, a brother-in-law of Henry Markley, who came about 1808, and settled upon land now owned by the Farquhar heirs. Harter erected a log house on the crossing of the two roads leading from Mt. Vernon to Mansfield, and from Columbus to Wooster. "Harter's tavern" became a prominent place. The first and many subsequent elections were held here, and the militia musters of those early days. It was said to be the best tavern then in northern Ohio. The old people were kind and hospitable, and the society of the amiable Miss Christiana made it an uncommonly interesting place for sleighing and other parties. The fame of "Aunt" Katie's cooking spread far and wide, and caused weary, mud-bespattered travellers to ride many long miles after nightfall to get there. Harter planted the first orchard in Knox county, and now lies buried in the midst of it, on the hill east of the old tavern stand. He brought the trees from a nursery then called a plantation, down on the Muskingum river. Harter's brotherin-law, Markley, had been a merchant, and was a quick, sprightly business man, and hence was selected as one of the first commissioners of the county. He was generous and well liked by the people. The road upon which stood Harter's tavern became a great thoroughfare, over which the great four- and six-horse freight wagons rolled, carrying the produce of the rich counties of Knox and Licking to the market at the lake. The early stages and mail carriers also passed over this road many years. The tavern was built abOut 1813 or 18 14; subsequently a brick addition was built. Mr. Harter died here, and his widow sold out and moved to Canton, where some of the descendants yet reside. One of the same family is now president of the Peerless Reaper company, at Canton; another a director in three of the banks there ; another the prosecuting attorney of Stark county, and a fourth is the treasurer of the Aultman & Taylor company, at Mansfield.

Jacob Switzer was probably the next owner of this tavern stand; but after the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark railroad was built, it went down gradually until it was no longer a paying institution. Switzer sold to a man from the West Indies by the name of John Bassett. Warner Miller, long a resident of Mt. Vernon, and now living in Newark, held a mortgage on it and became its owner. It is now a brick dwelling house, and is owned by a Mr. Gilmore.

What has for many years been known as "Shaler's mill," a half-mile east of the present village of Ankenytown, was among the first mills erected in the township, and the first post office was established here, the first postmaster being Mr. J. M. Robinson. This was about 1844. Mr. H. W. Greegor succeeded Mr. Robinson, about 1848, and has retained the office ever since. It was called Shaler's Mills post office, and yet retains that name, though Mr. Greegor has kept it for many years in his store at Ankenytown.

In 1849, a post office was established at the residence of Richard Roberts, called "Maple Grove," * and he was appointed postmaster, continuing as such until i860, when the office was discontinued at his request.

As before mentioned Shaler's mill was established by Celestial Le Blond, about 18 15, or perhaps later. He undertook more than he was able to perform, being without practical experience in mill building, and after erecting a saw-mill, and doing, I perhaps, some preliminary work on the grist-mill, he sold out to a Mr. Brollier, who erected the first grist-mill. Brollier sold out to Mr. Shaler about 1840, the latter running the mill many years. It is yet in operation, being owned by Mr. William Toms.

Amos H. Royce erected one of the first sawmills, on the present site of Ankenytown, on Isaac's run. He purchased two acres, containing the mill seat of Mr. William Shultz, an early settler from Pennsylvania, and after running the mill a few years, sold out to Snyder & Grove, who erected a grist-mill, which they conducted several years. This mill went down several years ago. Isaac's run no longer furnishes the amount of mill power that it once did. Two or three other saw-mills were erected in an early day upon this same stream, above that of Mr.Royce. David McDaniel built one and Moses Faulkner another. These have long since disappeared. Several saw-mills were also erected on the main fork above Shaler's mill, but none now exist. Saw-mills are no longer erected; timber is getting too scarce; farmers now buy the larger part of the lumber they use, at the city lumber yards. Messrs. Strong & Son's mill was erected on the east branch of Owl creek in the southern part of this township near Fredericktown. The first mill here may have been built as early as 1825. Strong subsequently erected an expensive and excellent mill, and did a large business for some years. It passed into other hands a few years ago, and was destroyed by fire.

Palmyra, for many years, was the only town in the township. It was laid out November 17, 1835. Prior to this date a tavern had been erected there, which for many years was a noted stopping place for stages and wagons, voyaging by mud or snow from Fredericktown to Mansfield. A post office was estabhshed there; this with the tavern and a little grocery constituted the business; and a few dwellings added made up the town. The railroad came through and extinguished what little life it had, by monopolizing the carrying trade; nothing is left of it but a few dweUings and a church.

The land upon which Ankenytown stands was first owned by Aaron Bull, a Revolutionary soldier, who, for services in that war, received the land warrand which placed him in possession of land, then in the wilderness, but now highly cultivated and very valuable. One of the earliest settlers here was Sylvester Clark, who married the daughter of this soldier, and came here to occupy the wild lands of his father-in-law. There are many owners of this property at present. Mr. Shultz, before mentioned, early purchased some of this land of Clark, and Mr. Royce purchased two acres of it for a mill seat. Abraham Leedy was also one of the first purchasers of ground upon which the town stands. The mill, before mentioned, was probably the germ of the present town. When the railroad came through, Warner Miller, of Mt. Vernon, erected a warehouse, and also established a store, putting Mr. H. W. Greegor in charge of both. George Ankeny came here from Pennsylvania about this time, purchased a small piece of land from Abraham Leedy, and built a blacksmith shop in the town. He was a very excellent and influential man, and the town came to be called by his name. He was a blacksmith, a justice of the peace and finally a member of the legislature. Mr. Brollier, who owned Shaler's mill, started the first store here about 1840, and kept it three or four years, but failed to make the business pay. J. M. Robinson was the next store keeper, and H. W. Greegor took charge of it about 1851, and has kept it ever since.

The place sometimes went by the name of "Squeal," from the fact, it is said, that when the iron horse first made its appearance, his "squeal' so alarmed the natives that they turned out armed cap-a-pie with guns and blunderbusses to capture him, though this account is probably somewhat exaggerated. The iron horse, however, ran over and killed some stock belonging to some of the farmers, which so incensed them, that, fearing this might be of frequent occurrence, they banded together and tore up the track, which brought on a lawsuit, the history of which appears on the records of the common pleas court at Mt. Vernon.

The first school-house, probably, in the township was erected on the site of Ankenytown, on a lot directly opposite Mr. Greegor's store. John Lewis, a son of Governor Lewis, taught here. The building was a hewed log, and was afterward used as a dwelling. The next school-house was probably that built upon land donated by Abraham Leedy. Ankenytown now contains one store, a few shops and a dozen or m.ore dwellings. Mr. Greegor has kept the store about thirty years, during which time he has also been freight and express agent for the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, servmg without compensation. Ankenytown is at present the only village in the township. Shaler's mills once aspired to be a town, and obtained a store and post-office, but being unable to advance, realized the full meaning of qui non proficit, deficit.

But three churches have an existence within the limits of the township. The Dunkards were probably the first religious denomination to sow the seeds of the gospel on the soil of Berlin. Their society was organized as early as 181 5, by John - Moltsbaugh and the Leedys, as before mentioned. | Another pioneer family, the Hetricks, were also members of this society. It was the habit of this ^ society in those early days, and part of their religious creed, to feed the multitude; they therefore : held services every two or three weeks, in the i cabins of the members, and invited everybody to come, spreading a large table with all the good ; things the forest and soil produced. The members ! of the society and the older people sat down to this table, after which everybody present was invited to \ the repast. When the wants of the "inner man" ' were satisfied, and everybody in good humor, the ; preaching began; the people were then in good condition to receive the gospel and look favorably ; upon its teachings. I

About 1850 the society erected the present sub- | stantial frame church, about one-quarter of a mile | north of Ankenytown. There are forty or fifty [ people yet connected with this church, and for some j reason they call themselves Baptists.

The Methodist Episcopal church, located near j the south line of the township, was organized about | 1830; though many years before this the denom- i ination had itinerant ministers through the town- ; ship, who preached in the cabins of the settlers and \ in the old log school-house, in the open air, or ] wherever they could get an audience. The original members of this church, or some of them, were j John Durbin and wife, Stephen Cole and wife, A. H. Royce and wife, Isaac Cole and wife, and some j others. The Coles were prominent, and donated j the land upon which the present church stands. ! Before the church was erected the society met j at the cabin of Mr. Royce, and in the school- \ house. Their first church edifice was erected ! about 1834, and was used about twenty years, when j the present neat frame was built. It stands a little east of the road leading from Mt. Vernon to Mans- ! field. Revs. William Herr and Russell Bigelow were among the earliest ministers of this church, as well as of all other Methodist churches in this and ' the adjoining counties. Rev. D. D. T. Mattison is the present pastor, with a membership of about : fifty. I church, was organized even before the church had an existence as an organization here. It is one of the permanent institutions of this neighborhood.

A second Methodist church was organized at Palmyra, about 1840, but has since gone down, though it had an active existence several years. Robert Sites and Joseph Palmer were probably influential in establishing it. They worshipped in the school-house a few years, then purchased a cooper shop and fitted it up tor a church building. Most of its members now belong to other churches.

Lately, about 1874, the Disciples erected a church at Palmyra. This organization was effected after many years of gradual growth, during which an occasional minister visited the neighborhood and preached to the people. There are thirty or forty members now connected with this church.

While the Methodists were in a flourishing condition they established a Sunday-school, which has been regularly kept up and now meets in the new church.

In 1830 this township had five hundred and twenty inhabitants; eleven thousand six hundred and seventy-four acres of land were entered for taxation, and valued at thirty-four thousand seven hundred and twenty-four dollars. In 1840, the population was one thousand one hundred; in 1850, one thousand one hundred and fifty-six; in i860, one thousand and twelve; in 1870, eight hundred and eighty-seven; and in 1880, nine hundred and ten.

Source changes here: from History Knox County, Ohio, by N. N. Hill., Jr, published 1881; 4,124 words in this source stream.

Berlin Township

¢________ The hills Rock-ribbed and ancient as the sun; the vales Stretching in pensive quietness between; The venerable woods; rivers that move In majesty, and the complaining brooks That make the meadows green; Fi A : Are decorations all

ERLIN township derived its name from Berlin, Connecticut, the name being proposed by Stephen Cole. It was created June 4, 1822, as stated on the journal of the commissioners in the following extract:

Ordered, That the following boundaries be laid out into a separate and distinct township, to-wit: Beginning at the southwest corner of the eighth township in the thirteenth range, thence north on the township line to the old boundary line; thence on said boundary line to where the nearest north and south line in the new purchase strikes said boundary line; thence north on said north and south line to the county line between Knox and Richland counties; thence east on said line one-half mile further than where the line between the twelfth and thirteenth ranges strikes said county line; thence due south one-half mile east of said range line to the south boundary of the eighth township in the twelfth range; thence west on said township line to the southwest corner of the same; thence north to the southeast corner of the eighth township in the thirteenth range; thence west on said township line to the place of beginning, which shall be known by the name of Berlin township, which shall be

An election was ordered to be held at the house of Michael Harter on the twenty-second day of June, 1822, for the purpose of electing township officers.

It first belonged to Wayne, but was afterward included in the territory of Pike, before receiving an independent existence. Its northern boundary line joins Richland county ; it is the most northern of the second tier of townships from the west line of the county - the tier in which Mt. Vernon islocated.

The Greenville treaty line, located by General Wayne at the close of the Indian war in 1795, passes across the northern part of this township, running a little south of west, about a mile north of Ankenytown. The Baltimore & Ohio railroad passes diagonally across it from northeast to southwest. It is sufficiently watered by the east branch of the East fork of Owl creek; this stream passes diagonally across the township in the same general direction as the railroad. The tributaries of this stream drain the larger part of its surface. The west branch of Schenck's creek, a tributary of the Kokosing, rises in the northwest corner of the township, and numerous and beautiful springs are to be found in various parts.

Originally it was covered with a dense forest of hard wood of every description. This fact speaks volumes for the quality of the land; wherever the soil was covered with black walnut, sugar, beech, hickory, etc., the pioneer well knew the soil could not be surpassed for agricultural purposes. When the first white settlers made their appearance there was not probably a spot of ground in the township large enough to erect a cabin without first clearing away the trees and underbrush. It was a paradise for the wild animal and the wild hunter.

The Mound Builders left traces of their occupation, and it is almost startling to think that in the centuries gone by a civilization existed here that might have compared favorably with the present one; that, probably, the land was cleared and cultivated as it is to-day. The number of mounds and ancient earthworks that existed in this township will never be known; no doubt the ravages of time have destroyed hundreds of them, and only those remain that were exceptionally large, or that occupied positions exceptionally favorable for preservation. One of these elevations was known to exist on what is known as the Ellis Willet place, near the Quaker meeting-house. It was not large, being, perhaps, thirty or forty feet in diameter at the base, and eight or ten feet in height. It stood exactly upon the spot Mr. Willet had selected for his house, and hence was destroyed. The cellar was dug directly under the mound; human bones were found, some articles resembling cooking utensils, or supposed to have been used for that purpose; charcoal, evidences of fire, etc.; these are usually found in all the ancient mounds that receive a thorough examination. Thus it is that the abode of one civilization is reared upon the tomb of another, and -

A mound, larger than the ordinary size, is located on the Davis farm, in the southern part of the township. It is, probably, fifty or sixty feet in diameter at the base and fifteen feet in height. Like the others it is made up of sandy loam, and situated on high ground. These mounds are evidently connected with the one that stood on the present site of Fredericktown, and with several others in Morris township. Were the timber cleared away these mysterious elevations would all appear in sight of each other, or at least in such connection that signaling from one to the other would be comparatively easy.

Whether the Mound Builders were the first animals in human form to tread the soil of Berlin township can only be conjectured. It has been established by indisputable evidence that they were here more than seven hundred years ago, and were the pioneer settlers here so far as history traces the inhabitants.

It does not appear that the next inhabitants of this township, the Indians, had any permanent residence within its limits; they used it, however, as a hunting ground, roaming freely through its silent woods for centuries before they were disturbed and driven away by the white savage. When the first settlers came they found the territory occupied by stray squads of hunters from the Greentown and Jerometown Indians, and the Delawares and Wyandots. An old Indian named Toby is remembered by the early settlers. He established his wigwam on what has since been known as "Toby's Run," where he lived and hunted until about the time of the War of 1812, when he disappeared.

The third race to occupy this territory began coming about 1808, or before. Bedford county, Pennsylvania, probably has the honor of sending Berlin its first settlers; these were the Markleys. Henry Markley came in 1808, and erected the first cabin in the township, upon the farm now owned by James MclIntire.. Markley was accompanied by John Brown, sr. Mr. Markley purchased one thousand acres of land, lying on the north side of what was known as the Ellicott section; this section occupying one-fourth of the township, or four thousand acres. His family consisted of his wife, three sons and two daughters, viz: - Henry Markley, jr., John, James, Mary and Amelia; all are now dead. John Brown's family consisted of wife, three sons, John, Jeremiah and Thomas, and a daughter, who married John Pinkley. None of these are now living.

Amos H. Royce, the first justice of the peace in this township, came to Fredericktown in 1809, and settled in this township in 1810. He was born in 1786, in Connecticut, removed with his father to New York State, and from there to this county. This remarkable pioneer is yet living in Fredericktown at the age of ninety-four, and is yet in full possession of his mental faculties and enjoying good health, with a fair prospect of completing, at least a century onearth. His father was a Revolutionary soldier, and for this service obtained a land warrant for lands located in this township, upon which Amos H. settled with a family of ten children, viz: Norton D., Mary, Emeline, Sally, Louisa M., Julia Ann, Alfred, Laura, Lucy and Jane A. Those now living are Emeline, Julia Ann, Laura and Jane A. Amos H. Royce was a soldier in the War of 1812, serving on the frontier and with General Hull for a short time, and for this service draws a pension. He was one of the soldiers surrendered by Hull. He assisted in building a block-house at Mansfield and one at Trucksville, and was stationed at New Haven, or rather encamped on the site of that village, at the time of the Copus murder, and was one of a squad of soldiers that followed that same band of Indians a short distance just prior to the massacre, they having encamped the night before the murder near the site of New Haven.

The Leedys were an important and influential family among the pioneers of this township. There were five brothers: John, Jacob, Abraham, Samuel and Daniel. Some of these settled further north in Richland county, in the vicinity of Bellville. Many of their descendants are yet living in Richland and Knox. The Leedys trace their ancestry back to Switzerland; in this country they first settled in Maryland, and moved thence to Bedford county, Pennsylvania, before coming to Ohio.

Fraer, John C. Brown, John and Peter Kreigher, Frederick Ogg, Jeremiah Brown, Richard and Israel Roberts, John Long, Joseph Lane, Daniel and Joseph Hetrick, the Joslyns, John Molizbaugh, the Wrights, Farquhars, Pinkleys, William Van Horne, Peter Wolf, David McDaniel, Michael Harter, John Lewis, Casper Fitting, and perhaps others.

E. Richardson moved to the West, but his brother became a judge, and was an influential man in the county. The descendants of the Kreighers and Robertses are, some of them, yet living on the old places, where their fathers settled in 1808 or 1809. John Long was a relative by marriage of the Leedys; one of his family is now a resident of Pike township. Joseph Lane came from Connecticut, and married the daughter of Stephen Cole; he was a cabinetmaker. Daniel Hetrick and his brother came from Bedford county, Pennsylvania; the former married a Leedy and raised a large family, some of whom are yet living in this neighborhood. John Moltzbaugh came about 1815; he was a Dunkard preacher, and with the help of the eedys organized a Dunkard church. Stephen Cole came from Connecticut, settling here about 1816, and becoming an influential man among the pioneers. His family consisted of Stephen, jr., Wilbur, Henry, Russel (now living in Chicago) and two daughters. Wilbur now occupies the old homestead.

Richard Roberts, an old resident of this township, was born in Frederick county, Maryland, in . July, 1789, and removed to Ohio, with his father, Henry Roberts, in 1805, and stopped in Belmont county one year. In 1806 he pitched his tent and built a cabin on the farm now owned by Nicholas Darling, in Morris township. In 1819 he built a cabin on the farm in Berlin township, on which he died, August 24, 1877, at the age of eighty-eight years, making him fifty-eight years a resident of Berlin, and a resident of the State seventy-two years. He married a daughter of John Garrison, an early settler, in the vicinity of Palmyra. His family consisted of nine daughters and one son - a family of intelligence and high respectability. Of the members of this family Mrs. Louisa Cohen, a widow lady, is now a resident of Mt. Vernon; Rebecca married Gideon Elliott, and died some years ago; Mrs. Hubbell, some years after the death of his wife, married Ellen, a sister of his deceased wife; Phoebe married C. G. Mount, and resides in Fredericktown, a widow; Martha died in childhood; Elizabeth, wife of Milton B. Williams, of Berlin; Mary, wife of Cory B. Chancey, and Emily, the wife of W. B. Rowley, of Fredericktown. Burr resides on the homestead.

Uncle Richard, as he was familiarly called, was of a very social disposition - a great talker - and delighted in talking over the scenes of early times. The cabin, the big log fire, and the winter evening were the necessary surroundings for Uncle Richard

Celestial Le Blond, a Frenchman, was also among the early settlers in this township. His name is entered on pool-book as "Celestiai Light;" he was a little eccentric and quite conspicuous. He was the originator of Shaler's mill, but was unsuccessful; he afterwards removed to Bellville, where he died. The family subsequently moved west, and a son, Francis C., became a member of Congress from one of the western districts of Ohio.

One of the early and prominent settlers was Michael Harter, a brother-in-law of Henry Markley, who came about 1808, and settled upon land now owned by the Farquhar heirs. Harter erected a log house on the crossing of the two roads leading from Mt. Vernon to Mansfield, and from Columbus to Wooster. ''Harter's tavern" became a prominent place. The first and many subsequent elections were held here, and the militia musters of those early days. It was said to be the best tavern then in northern Ohio. The old people were kind and hospitable, and the society of the amiable Miss Christiana made it an uncommonly interesting place for sleighing and other parties. The fame of "Aunt" Katie's cooking spread far and wide, and caused weary, mud-bespattered travellers to ride many long miles after nightfall to get there. Harter planted the first orchard in Knox county, and now lies buried in the midst af it, on the hill east of the old tavern stand. He brought the trees from a nursery then called a plantation, down on the Muskingum river. Harter's brotherin-law, Markley, had been a merchant, and was a quick, sprightly business man, and hence was selected as one of the first commissioners of the county. He was generous and well liked by the people. The road upon which stood Harter's tavern became a great thoroughfare, over which the great four- and six-horse freight wagons rolled, carrying the produce of the rich counties of Knox and Licking to the market at the lake. The early stages and mail carriers also passed over this road many years. The tavern was built about 1813 or 1814; subsequently a brick addition was built. Mr. Harter died here, and his widow sold out and moved to Canton, where some of the descendants yet reside. One of the same family is now president of the Peerless Reaper company, at Canton; another a director in three of the banks there; another the prosecuting attorney of Stark county, and a fourth is the treasurer of the Aultman & Taylor company, at Mansfield.

Jacob Switzer was probably the next owner of this tavern stand; but after the Sandusky, Mansfield & Newark railroad was built, it went down gradually until it was no longer a paying institution. Switzer sold to a man from the West Indies by the naine of John Bassett. Warner Miller, long a resident of Mt. Vernon, and now living in Newark, held a mortgage on it and became its owner. It is now a brick dwelling house, and is owned by a Mr. Gilmore.

What has for many years been known as "Shaler's mill," a half-mile east of the present village of Ankenytown, was among the first mills erected in the township, and the first post office was established here, the first postmaster being Mr. J. M. Robinson. This was about 1844. Mr. H. W. Greegor succeeded Mr. Robinson, about 1848, and has retained the office ever since. It was called Shaler's Mills post office, and yet retains that name, though Mr. Greegor has kept it for many years in his store at Ankenytown.

In 1849, a post office was established at the resi. dence of Richard Roberts, called "Maple Grove," and he was appointed postmaster, continuing as such until 1860, when the office was discontinued at his request.

As before mentioned Shaler's mill was established by Celestial Le Blond, about 1815, or perhaps later. He undertook more than he was able to perform, being without practical experience in mill building, and after erecting a saw-mill, and doing, perhaps, some preliminary work on the grist-mill, he sold out to a Mr. Brollier, who erected the first grist-mill. Brollier sold out to Mr. Shaler about 1840, the latter running the mill many years. It is yet in operation, being owned by Mr. William Toms.

Amos H. Royce erected one of the first sawmills, on the present site of Ankenytown, on Isaac's run. He purchased two acres, containing the mill seat of Mr. William Shultz, an early settler from Pennsylvania, and after running the mill a few years, sold out to Snyder & Grove, who erected a grist-mill, which they conducted several years. This mill went down several years ago. Isaac's run no longer furnishes the amount of mill power that it once did. Two or three other saw-mills were erected in an early day upon this same stream, above that of Mr.Royce. David McDaniel built one and Moses Faulkner another. These have long since disappeared. Several saw-mills were also erected on the main fork above Shaler's mill, but none now exist. Saw-mills are no longer erected; timber is getting too scarce; farmers now buy the larger part of the lumber they use, at the city lumber yards. Messrs. Strong & Son's mill was erected on the east branch of Owl creek in the southern part of this township near Fredericktown. The first mill here may have been built as early as 1825. Strong subsequently erected an expensive and excellent mill, and did a large business for some years. It passed into other hands a few years ago, and was destroyed by fire.

Palmyra, for many years, was the only town in the township. It was laid out November 17, 1835. Prior to this date a tavern had been erected there, which for many years was a noted stopping place for stages and wagons, voyaging by mud or snow from Fredericktown to Mansfield. A post office was established there; this with the tavern and a little grocery constituted the business; and a few dwellings added made up the town. The railroad came through and extinguished what little life it had, by monopolizing the carrying trade; nothing is left of it but a few dwellings and a church.

The land upon which Ankenytown stands was first owned by Aaron Bull, a Revolutionary soldier, who, for services in that war, received the land warrand which placed him in possession of land, then in the wilderness, but now highly cultivated and very valuable. One of the earliest settlers here was Sylvester Clark, who married the daughter of this soldier, and came here to occupy the wild lands of his father-in-law. There are many owners of this property at present. Mr. Shultz, before mentioned, early purchased some of this land of Clark, and Mr. Royce purchased two acres of it for a mill seat. Abraham Leedy was also one of the first purchasers of ground upon which the town stands. The mill, before mentioned, was probably the germ of the present town. When the railroad came through, Warner Miller, of Mt. Vernon, erected a warehouse, and also established a store, putting Mr. H. W. Greegor in charge of both. George Ankeny came here from Pennsylvania about this time, purchased a small piece of land from Abraham Leedy, and built a blacksmith shop in the town. He was a very excellent and influential man, and the town came to be called by his name. He was a blacksmith, a justice of the peace and finally a member of the legislature. Mr. Brollier, who owned Shaler's mill, started the first store here about 1840, and kept it three or four years, but failed to make the business pay. J. M. Robinson was the next store keeper, and H. W. Greegor took charge of it about 1851, and has kept it ever since.

The place sometimes went by the name of ""Squeal," from the fact, it is said, that when the iron horse first made its appearance, his "squeal" so alarmed the natives that they turned out armed cap-a-pie with guns and blunderbusses to capture him, though this account is probably somewhat exaggerated. The iron horse, 'however, ran over and killed some stock belonging to some of the farmers, which so incensed them, that, fearing this might be of frequent occurrence, they banded together and tore up the track, which brought on a lawsuit, the history of which appears on the records of the common pleas court at Mt. Vernon.

The first school-house, probably, in the township was erected on the site Of Ankenytown, on a lot directly opposite Mr. Greegor's store. John Lewis, a son of Governor Lewis, taught here. The building was a hewed log, and was afterward used as a dwelling. The next school-house was probably that built upon land donated by Abraham Leedy. Ankenytown now contains one store, a few shops and a dozen or more dwellings. Mr. Greegor has kept the store about thirty years, during which time he has also been freight and express agent for the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, serving without compensation. Ankenytown is at present the only village in the township. Shaler's mills once aspired to be a town, and obtained a store and post-office, but being unable to advance, realized the full meaning of gut non proficit, deficit.

But three churches have an existence within the limits of the township. The Dunkards were probably the first religious denomination to sow the seeds of the gospel on the soil of Berlin. Their society was organized as early as 1815, by John Moltsbaugh and the Leedys, as before mentioned. Another pioneer family, the Hetricks, were also members of this society. It was the habit of this society in those early days, and part of their religious creed, to feed the multitude; they therefore held services every two or three weeks, in the -cabins of the members, and invited everybody. to come, spreading a large table with all the good things the forest and soil produced. The members of the society and the older people sat down to this table, after which everybody present was invited to the repast. When the wants of the "inner man" were satisfied, and everybody in good humor, the preachirg began; the people were then in good condition to receive the gospel and look favorably upon its teachings. :

About 1850 the society erected the present substantial frame church, about one-quarter of a mile north of Ankenytown. There are forty or fifty people yet connected with this church, and for some reason they call themselves Baptists.

The Methodist Episcopal church, located near the south line of the township, was organized about 1830; though many years before this the denomination had itinerant ministers through the township, who preached in the cabins of the settlers and in the old log school-house, in the open air, or wherever. they could get an audience. The original members of this church, or some of them, were John Durbin and wife, Stephen Cole and wife, A. H. Royce and wife, Isaac Cole and wife, and some others. The Coles were prominent, and donated the land upon which the present church stands. Before the church was erected the society met at the cabin of Mr. Royce, and in the schoolhouse. Their first church edifice was erected about 1834, and was used about twenty years, when the present neat frame was built. It stands a little east of the road leading from Mt. Vernon to Mansfield. Revs. William Herr and Russell Bigelow were among the earliest ministers of this church, as well as of all other Methodist churches in this and the adjoining counties. Rev. D. D. T. Mattison is the present pastor, with a membership of about fifty.

church, was organized even before the church had an existence as an organization here. It is one of the permanent institutions of this neighborhood.

A second Methodist church was organized at Palmyra, about 1840, but has since gone down, though it had an active existence several years. Robert Sites and Joseph Palmer were probably influential in establishing it. They worshipped in the school-house a few years, then purchased a cooper shop and fitted it up for a church building. Most of its members now belong to other churches.

an occasional minister visited the neighborhood and preached to the people. There are thirty or forty members now connected with this church.

While the Methodists were in a flourishing condition they established a Sunday-school, which has been regularly kept up and now meets in the new church.

In 1830 this township had five hundred and twenty inhabitants; eleven thousand six hundred and seventy-four acres of land were entered for taxation, and valued at thirty-four thousand seven hundred and twenty-four dollars. In 1840, the population was one thousand one hundred; in 1850, one thousand one hundred and fifty-six; in. 1860, one thousand and twelve; in 1870, eight hundred and eighty-seven;.and in 1880, nine hundred and ten.