Brown Township

Brown Township

This township was laid out Marcli 9, 1825, and " attaclied to Jefferson until it sliall be ascertained that there is inhabitants enough in Brown to have it organized." March 6, 1826, " ordered by the Commissioners that Brown be hereafter considered a separate and distinct township, and the election be held at the house of Josias Ewing, for township officers, on the first Monday of April, and Jefferson be henceforth attached to Union." The name was given to perpetuate the memory of Major-General Jacob Brown, the hero of Chippewa and Port Erie, who had but recently become commander-in-chief of the U. S. Army.

The first post-office, called Phifer's x Boads, was where Brownsville now is, and of late has borne the name of Jelloway, after the stream of this locality.

The present merchants are, Wm. Patton, Sam'l Beeman, Pinckley & Watz ; doctors, E. Booth, L. D. Whitford ; wagonmakers, Thomas Thompson, Emanuel Storer ; blacksmiths. Smith & Hagerman, D. Thompson; tailor, E. Schuch ; shoemakers, E. Waddle, W. StuU and Knee ; tavern, Mrs. Phifer; tanner, Henry Erazier ; gunsmith, Henry Baisin ; grocer, J. H. Burriss. The Methodists have a meeting-house, wherein Bev. Mr. Ball preaches.

Knox Coukty

The most numerous families in this township are the McKees, Waddles, Halls and Blairs, descendants of early settlers, who cleared the way for the present.

Charles McKee emi^'rated from Ireland, with fourteen children, about 1808. Alexander McKee settled in this county in 1809 ; he resides on his old place on Big Jelloway, where was once an Indian camp ; and when he first settled there, sixtyfive Indians called at his hut, drank metheglin with him, and they had a jovial time all round.

The Halls, Sovernses, Pinkertons, Waddles, and Stewards have also been plenty in Brown. John Oarghnan (pronounced Oarnahan) was a wild Irishman of much note about 1826 ; he was a warm-hearted, impulsive creature ; and " faith, an' he was a knowledgeable mon." Many anecdotes are quoted of him, which we have not room to produce.

Jacob Phifer from Strasburg, Germany, located in this township in 1818, when all was wild and new. He died Oct. 9, 1816, aged 89. He had served ten years a soldier in Europe, three years in the Bevolutionary War, and three months in the war of 1812. The old soldier was the father of Preeman, John, James and Michael.

James Blair, our old friend, "God bless you," was one of the earlv stock. In 1816 he tended the old Slirimx^lin mill ; moved to Brown in 1820, and has been one of its most prominent men, having served as justice long enough to entitle him to vote, and his decisions have been generally approved of by his fellow citizens. He has been engaged in

Zephaniah Wade, who commanded a company of Riflemen from Loudon co., Ya., in 1777, moved to this county in October, 1816, with his son, Thomas. Zephaniah and his wife, Irene Longley, are both dead. J. J. Skillings has been one of the most active business men.

There have been a few small mills on Big Jelloway from its early settlement, but the want of water, during the year, has caused some of them to suspend. Emor Barret's grist mill was built about 1833, and is yet in operation. It is run by an overshot wheel 16 feet high. Tliomas Wade has a saw mill 2J miles above it run by an overshot wheel 30 feet high. A set of carding machines have also been run at this stand. The mills of James Blair, Ab. Whitney, and Joseph Hall have gone into dilapidation and decay.

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; 3,103 words in this source stream.

Brown Township

BROWN belongs to the northern tier of townships, with Pike on the west, Jefferson on the east, and Howard on the south. It was named in honor of Major General Brown, a distinguished officer in the last war with Great Britain. It was originally included in Union. On the ninth of March, 1825, it was "attached to Jefferson, until it shall be ascertained that there are inhabitants enough in Brown to have it organized." At that date there were but a small number of inhabitants in the township. Several families in the meantime having moved into the township it was further ordered by the commissioners March 6, 1826, "that Brown be hereafter considered a separate and distinct township, and the election be held at the house of Jonas Ewing for township officers on the first Monday in April." The following have been the justices of the peace for Brown township since 1825: 1825, Samuel Parkhurst; 1826, Jonas Ewing; 1830, James McMillen; 1831 James Blair; 1833, James McMillen; 1834-7, James Blair and Thomas Wade; 1840, James Blair and Thomas Wade; 1843, James Blair; 1844, Thomas Wade; 1845, J^hn W. Guberson; 1846, William Soverns and James Blair; 1849, Janies Blair; 1850, William Severns and Joseph Pinkley; 1852, Solomon C. Workman; 1853, Joseph Pinkley; 1854, John Hicks; 1856, John W. Leonard; 1857, Joseph Pinkley; 1859-62, John W. Leonard; 1863, John P. Cumingham; 1866, Miles Darkins and Jacob Frederick; 1872, Miles Darkins and John W. Leonard; 1875, Edward E. Whitney; 1878, Marion Pinkley and E. E. Whitney; 1879, D. C. Whitney. I

The general surface of Brown township is broken, | and in many places hilly, but the land is generally fertile, and yields ample returns to the husband- ; man for his labors. It is well timbered with oak, ' sugar, beech, chestnut, elm and sycamore.

The Big Jelloway creek is the main stream of water, and traverses the township from northwest to southeast, entering near the northwest corner from Richland county and continuing in a southeasterly direction, passes out of the northeast corner of the township into Howard. It was named after Tom. Jelloway, a noted Indian chief, whose tribe was frequently camped along this stream. The Little Jelloway creek crosses the southwest corner. Sapp's run rises near the centre of the township, and flows in a southwesterly course, emptying into the Big Jelloway. These streams, with their tributaries, afford abundant water power and privileges for all practical purposes.

This township at its first settlement, and for many years subsequent, was one of the best hunting grounds in Ohio. The numerous high hills here and in the adjoining townships of Ashland and Richland counties, afforded a retreat for deer, bear, wolves, fo.xes, and other wild animals, and they were to be found in this section several years later than in the other townships of Knox county. As late as 1840 deer were still hunted.

There was a noted pigeon-roost in the southern part of Brown township, where on each returning spring, for many years after its first settlement, immense numbers of pigeons would roost. The roost covered about six hundred acres, and was visited by hundreds of persons within a radius of fifty miles. Bears still lurked in the forest, and on one occasion Alexander McKee, a pioneer of Brown, while hunting pigeons, came very near losing his life at this roost. He became separated from the party of hunters who accompanied him to the roost, and while engaged in killing and bagging the birds, he suddenly aroused a large and ferocious she-bear with three or four cubs. He ascended the nearest sapling he could find, pursued by the bear, who caught him by the leg, just as he reached the first limb of the tree. He held on with a firm grip, and shouted lustily for help, but the noise and confusion caused by the hunters and flying pigeons prevented his companions from hearing him for some time. In the meantime the bear was tearing the flesh from his limb with all possible dispatch, and before assistance came he was so badly lacerated as to be a cripple for life, and it was by much care and attention that his life was saved at all.

As far as can be ascertained, Charles McKee was the first white man to permanently settle within the present limits of this township. He came here from Ireland about 1809. Alexander McKee was probably the second settler, coming to Brown about 1 8 10, and locating in the eastern part of the township, near Big Jelloway creek. At that date Indians were numerous, and they had camps in different places, especially along the Jelloway. They were frequent visitors at the cabin of Mr. McKee. He was a jovial, hospitable Irishman, and generally kept a good supply of liquor on hands, both for his own use and for the entertainment of his friends; and one occasion a party of sixty-five Indians called at his house, and remained some hours, drinking whiskey with him, and having a jolly time generally. He was a noted hunter, and was engaged much of the time hunting the wild animals which abounded in Brown at that time.

Jacob Phifer was another of the early settlers and enterprising citizens. He was a native of Germany, and served ten years in the German army prior to his coming to America. He was also a soldier in the war of 181 2, serving in the American army. He came to Brown in 18 18, settling in the northern part of the township, and was engaged in farming some years. He also kept a hotel on the present site of Jelloway, several years before the village was located. His hotel was on the line of the old stage route leading from Cleveland to Columbus, and was a favorite stopping place of the wearied traveller in the days of the old fashioned stage-coach. He died in 1846, at the advanced age of eighty-nme years.

Zephaniah Wade came from Virginia to this township in 18 16. During the Revolutionary war he became an ardent patriot and commanded a company of rifleman from Loudoun county, Virginia. He was an efficient officer and his company was in several battles in that memorable struggle for independence.

James Blair, one of Browns most prominent and useful citizens, came to Knox county early in this century. He first settled in Union township, but removed here in 1820. Being well educated and having the esteem and confidence of his neighbors, he was frequently chosen justice of the peace, and served more terms in that capacity than any one that has ever resided in the township. After his removal to Knox county he worked several years in Shrimplin's mill, on Owl creek. He also followed farming while living here. He was a poet of considerable local celebrity, and his poetical effusions were occasionally published in the papers of that period. No citizen of Brown has ever been honored by its citizens more than James Blair, and his memory will long be cherished here.

James Serverns, John Carghnau, Richard Dakin, Samuel Parkhurst, A. Whitney, Joseph Hall, Jacob Bauge, Daniel Worley, William Prior, Solomon Workman, Adam Sapp, Jacob Robinson, Jacob Shimer, Josiah Frost, and Joseph Robinson, were of the first setders of this towhship. The early settlers of Brown were mostly from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, with a small number from Ireland and Germany. They were a hardy, industrious, and frugal people, most of them inured to hardships and dangers before they came here, some of them having served in the Revolutionary war, and also in the Indian wars of the latter part of the last century, and of the still later War of 1812.

They were men of strong convictions, sterHng integrity and worth, and were well qualified to lay the foundation upon which the prosperity of Brown now rests. Immor Barrett, who came from Bedford county, Pennsylvania about 1832, built the first grist-mill, and the first saw-mill in 1833. These mills were located on the Little Jelloway run, in the southern part of this township. Barrett while residing in Pennsylvania, had been principally engaged in school teaching, and was thoroughly educated, and an estimable citizen.

James Blair built the second grist and saw-mill combined about 1836. John A. Pheister built the third flouring mill in Brown about 1840. There was a saw-mill attached to this grist-mill. Prior to the erection of these mills, the settlers did their milling at Shrimplin's and Gimn's mills on Owl creek, and at Loudonville.

The first school-house as far as known was built near the present village of Jelloway, about 1830, and Joseph Dunlap was the first school teacher. This district embraced a large part of the township, the children coming for several miles through the forests to school. This, as well as all the first school-houses, was frequently used for religious meetings, lectures, singing schools, etc. Joseph Pinkley was another of the first teachers.

There is a strong and earnest religious sentiment developed m Brown, the inhabitants most universally, being believers in the Christian religion, and many of them members of some Evangelical denomination. Religious meetings were, at first held in the houses of the pioneers, and in the school-houses. Camp meetings were occasionally held in the woods, "God's first temples," and were always attended by large numbers from Knox and adjoining counties; and although much good was accomplished in the grove meetings, yet they were often the scenes of much rowdyism and confusion, and after the erection of the first church edifices, were discarded by the moral class of the community. Revs. James Marvin and James Hughes of the Christian or New Light church were the pioneer preachers of Brown. They were earnest, devoted ministers and zealously labored for the salvation of the people. The Methodists and Lutherans were early in the field, and the ministers of these denominations held meetings frequently at various places in the township.

The German Evangelical Lutheran church was organized in 1850. The same year a log church was built one and a half miles southwest of Jelloway. This organization has been, from its commencement, a live, active and numerous one, the membership including many names from Knox, Richland, and Ashland counties. Its first members were Jacob Young, George Arnholt, George and Peter Ricard, Thiebolt Lauffer, Adam Arnholt, Peter Maerschal, George Laemer, John Kiever, Frederick Coleman, Gottleib Moltz, Philip and Godfrey Kick, Nicholas Wolyung, Valentine Dohn, John Young, Peter Klein, Fred Schuh, Jacob Young, jr., John Keifer, jr., John Aultz, John Toby and George Rinehart. Its first officers were, Elders Thiebolt Lauffer, Peter Ricard; Deacons, Casper Boehm, Jacob Ricard; trustees, George Ricard, sr., and G. Holtz. Rev. H. Belzer was the first pastor, succeeded by Revs. C. F. Diehl, I. H. Herzberger, I. J. Buckstein, Louis Danman, H. Eisfellen, G. Keif, C. Gabauer, and E. A. Born, the present one. The present membership, including the baptized children, who are considered members, is one hundred and forty. The society continued to worship in the log building until 1857, when a more commodious and neater frame edifice was erected at a cost of one thousand six hundred dollars. In 1880 a parsonage was built in Jelloway village, which cost nearly one thousand dollars. There is a cemetery attached to the church in which many of the first members and their families rest.

The Dunkards or German Baptists organized a society at an early day, which is known as the Danville German Baptist church. The same officers that are chosen for the government of the Dunkard church near Danville, rule and govern in the church in Brown township.. In 187 1 a frame building was erected on section fifteen. Revs. Joseph, John L. and John J. Workman have been the pastors of this church.

At one of the camp meetings held in this township about 1840, a tragedy occurred, which resulted in the death of a man named Bartlett. He had a stand at the camp grounds where he sold refreshments. During the progress of the meeting, he had incurred the displeasure of a party of roughs, who were in attendance at the meeting. In order to be revenged they cut a portion of the harness of his team, unknown to him. He started his horses homeward, when the loud yelling and other demonstrations of the party, frightened them so that they ran away at a violent speed. Bartlett was thrown out of the wagon and instantly killed.

Jelloway, originally named Brownsville, is the only town in Brown township. It is situated near the Big Jelloway creek, in the northeastern part of the township and has a population of about one hundred and fifty inhabitants. It was laid out in 1840, by Freeman Pipher. James Pearce built the first house, which he used for a storeroom, and he kept the first store in the town. Steven Brown built the first dwelling house, and Silas Brown the second one. Freeman Pipher was the second merchant. Silas Brown was the first blacksmith. Dr. Maynard was the first physician. Jacob Pipher kept the first hotel, which was built several years before the town was laid out, and was on the line of the old Cleveland and Columbus stage route. The first post office in the township was kept at this hotel, and Jacob Pipher was probably the first school teachers. The village is divided into two school districts, the school-houses in both districts being located ontside of the village.

The first church was organized in 1850 by the Episcopal Methodists, and a frame edifice erected the same year. Samuel Boyles, Nelson Burrows, John W. Moffitt, Elias Stillwell, Joseph B. Rolland, Joseph Burns, and Francis DeWitt, were the building committee. Among the first members were William Hall, Michael Phifer, Mrs. Lybarger, and Rebecca Phifer. Reverends Bear, Lydy, Neal, Plumber, and Sheldon have been pastors of this organization. Rev. William Wright is the present pastor. The present officers are : George Blakely, John Nuhart, and William Patton, trustees; Marion Pinkley and Michael Oswoltz, stewards. The membership at present numbers about twenty-five.

There is a flourishing Union Sunday school held in this church, with E. L. Waltz as superintendent. There is a cemetery attached to the church, and the only one within the village limits. A new and commodious church edifice will be erected this year, 1881.

The Jelloway English Lutheran church was organized February 20, 1881. The members composing this organization are : S. Hildebrand, Miss Sadie M. Witt, John L. Hildebrand, George Thoma, Mrs. E. A. Hildebrand, F. L. \Valtz, C. Fish, Mrs. Alice Waltz, W. M. Bauer, Mrs. Alice Hildebrand, jNIiss Lucinda Waltz, and Mrs. Mary E. Myers. The officers are: George Thoma, elder; E. L. Waltz, John L. Hildebrand, deacons; S. Hildebrand, treasurer ; W. M. Bauer, secretary ; Rev. J. W. Kapp, present pastor. A frame church building will be erected this present year.

The Farmers' Home Fire Insurance company of Jelloway was incorporated April 9, 1872. The first board of trustees were: J. S. Tilton, president; J. W. Smith, vice-president; James Barron, treasurer; S. Hildebrand, secretary; T. O. Boyd, William Barron, J. M. Nyhart, I. R. Bailey, D. M. Tilton. It was organized with a capital of two hundred thousand dollars. In 1S79 the capital was reduced to one hundred thousand dollars. There is a real estate security of three hundred and eight thousand five hundred and seventyfour dollars for the payment of the capital. The distinctive features of this company are: i. It is a stock company, therefore there can be no assessments on its policy holders. 2. Its capital and assets are secured by real estate first leans on improved farms, worth over three hundred thousand dollars, exclusive of miprovements or other perishable property. 3. Its rates are low, and no efforts are spared to protect the interests of its patrons. 5. It pays the full amount in case of damage by fire or lightning; 6. Because it is purely a farmers' company, insuring only farm property and detached dwellings, private barns and their contents, and detached churches. Since its organization nearly fifty thousand dollars in losses have been paid. The present board of trustees are: Amos Clark, president; S. Hildebrand, vice-president; E. L. Waltz, secretary; William Garrett, treasurer; Tobias Castor, adjuster; C. Pinkley, I. R. Bailey, George Wohlfard. J. A. Colopy, T. O. Boyd, Amos Clark, James Barron, C. Banbury, William Colwell, W. H. Frasher, J. M. Holmes, William Barron, George McClurg, G. W. Blakeley, William Long, C. W. Critchfield, and R. Banbury.

B. Thoma, T. O. Boyd, J. L. Hildebrand. The present officers are Tobias Castor, president; W. M. Crowner, vice-president; T. O. Boyd, treasurer; S. Hildebrand, actuary; S. M. Vincent, legal director; A. J. Hyatt, medical examiner; R, M. Critchfield, E. O. Lybarger, trustees and general agents. The association pays to the insured therein the amount specified in the certificate of insurance at the expiration of a term, ranging from eight to twenty years, according to the age of insured at time of insurance, or if he dies before the stipulated period arrives, to his or her representatives. The membership of the association is limited to five thousand. The beneficiary fund is supported from the surplus of membership fees and assessment of its members. A membership fee of ten dollars.

from any person of sound mind, between the ages of eighteen and sixty, entitles him to a certificate in the association. All claims arising against the company for death of a member or expiration of a certificate is paid within ninety days after maturity or satisfactory evidence received at the office. Both of these companies are well officered, and are a credit to the enterprise of Jelloway. They are both transacting a very satisfactory business at present.

Although the town of Jelloway has no railroad advantages, it is a place of considerable business activity. There are at present in the village two dry goods stores, owned by Kinder & Myers and Patton & Derry, one drug store by A. J. Hyatt, one grocery by John Butler, one hotel by Mrs. Clara R. Cummings, one blacksmith shop by W. B. Mix, one harness shop by Fred Sheriff, one millinery establishment by Mrs. Belle Derry, one physician, Dr. A. J. Hyatt; one attorney, S. M. Vincent, etc. Mrs. C. R. Cummings has charge of the post-office, and the village has the benefit of a daily mail from Mt. Vernon, Mr. Solomon R. Workman being the mail carrier. In 1878 a town hall thirty-six by fifty feet was erected at a cost of eight hundred dollars.

Source changes here: from History Knox County, Ohio, by N. N. Hill., Jr, published 1881; 2,786 words in this source stream.

Brown Township

The Big Jelloway creek is the main stream of water, and traverses the township from northwest to southeast, entering near the northwest corner from Richland county and continuing in a southeasterly direction, passes out of the northeast corner of the township into Howard. It was named after Tom. Jelloway, a noted Indian chief, whose tribe was frequently camped along this stream. The Little Jelloway creek crosses the southwest corner. Sapp's run rises near the centre of the township, and flows in a southwesterly course, emptying into the Big Jelloway. These streams, with their tributaries, afford abundant water power and privileges for all practical purposes.

This township at its first settlement, and fer many years subsequent, was one of the best hunting grounds in Ohio. The numerous high hills here and in the adjoining townships of Ashland and Richland counties, afforded a retreat for deer, bear, wolves, foxes, and other wild animals, and they were to be found in this section several years later than in the other townships of Knox county. As late as 1840 deer were still hunted.

There was a noted pigeon-roost in the southern part of Brown township, where on each returning spring, for many years after its first settlement, immense numbers of pigeons would roost. The roost covered about six hundred acres, and was visited by hundreds of persons within a radius of fifty miles. Bears still lurked in the forest, and on one occasion Alexander McKee, a pioneer of Brown, while hunting pigeons, came very near losing his life at this roost. He became separated from the party of hunters who accompanied him to the roost, and while engaged in killing and ferocious she-bear with three or four cubs." He ascended the nearest sapling he could find, pursued by the bear, who caught him by the leg, just as he reached the first limb of the tree. He held on the noise and confusion caused by the hunters and flying pigeons prevented his companions from hearing him for some time. In the meantime the bear was tearing the flesh from his limb with all possible dispatch, and. before assistance came he was so badly lacerated as to be a cripple for life, and it

As far as can be ascertained, Charles McKee was the first white man to permanently settle within the present limits of this township. He came here from Ireland about 1809. Alexander McKee was probably the second settler, coming to Brown about 1810, and locating in the eastern part of the township, near Big Jelloway creek. At that date Indians were numerous, and they had camps in different places, especially along the Jelloway. They were frequent visitors at the cabin of Mr. McKee. He was a jovial, hospitable Irishman, and generally kept a good supply of liquor on hands, both for his own use and for the entertainment of his friends; and one occasion a party of sixty-five Indians called at his house, and remained some hours, drinking whiskey with him, and having a jolly time generally. He was a noted hunter, and was engaged much of the time hunting the wild animals which abounded in Brown at that time.

Jacob Phifer was another of the early settlers and enterprising citizens. He was a native of Germany, and served ten years in the German army prior to his coming to America. He was also a soldier in the war of 1812, serving in the American army. He came to Brown in 1818, settling in the northern part of the township, and was engaged in farming some years. He also kept a hotel on the present site of Jelloway, several years before the village was located. His hotel was On the line of the old stage route leading from Cleveland to Columbus, and was a favorite stopping place of the wearied traveller in the days of the old fashioned stage-coach. He died in 1846, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years.

Zephaniah Wade came from Virginia to this township in 1816. During the Revolutionary war he became an ardent patriot and commanded a company of rifleman from Loudoun county, Virginia. He was an efficient officer and his company was in several battles in that memorable struggle for independence.

James Blair, one of Browns most prominent and useful citizens, came to Knox county early in this century. He first settled in Union township, but removed here in 1820. Being well educated and having the esteem and confidence of his neighbors, he was frequently chosen justice of the peace, and served more terms in that capacity than any one that has ever resided in the township. After his removal to Knox county he worked several years in Shrimplin's mill, on Owl creek. He also followed farming while living here. He wasa poet of considerable local celebrity, and his poetical effusions were occasionally published in the papers of that period. No citizen of Brown has ever been honored by its citizens more than James Blair, and his memory will long be cherished here. James Serverns, John Carghnau, Richard Dakin, Samuel Parkhurst, A. Whitney, Joseph Hall, Jacob Bauge, Daniel Worley, William Prior, Solomon Workman, Adam Sapp, Jacob Robinson, Jacob Shimer, Josiah Frost, and Joseph Robinson, were of the first settlers of this towhship. The early settlers of Brown were mostly from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, with a small number from Ireland and Germany. They were a hardy, industrious, and frugal people, most of them inured some of them having served in the Revolutionary war, and also in the Indian wars of the latter part of the last century, and of the still later War of 1812.

They were men of strong convictions, sterling integrity and worth, and were well qualified to lay the foundation upon which the prosperity of Brown now rests. Immor Barrett, who came from Bedford county, Pennsylvania about 1832, built the first grist-mill, and the first saw-mill in 1833. These mills were located on the Little Jelloway run, in the southern part of this township. Bare rett while residing in Pennsylvania, had been principally engaged in school teaching, and was thoroughly educated, and an estimable citizen.

James Blair built the second grist and saw-mill combined about 1836. John A. Pheister built the third flouring mill in Brown about 1840. There was a saw-mill attached to this grist-mill. Prior to the erection of these mills, the settlers did their milling at Shrimplin's and Giffin's mills on Owl creek, and at Loudonville.

The first school-house as far as known was built near the present village of Jelloway, about 1830, and Joseph Dunlap was the first school teacher. This district embraced a large part of the township, the children comiag for several miles through the forests to school. This, as well as all the first school-houses, was frequently used for religious meetings, lectures, singing schools, etc. Joseph Pinkley was another of the first teachers.

There is a strong and earnest religious sentiment developed in Brown, the inhabitants most universally, being believers in the Christian religion, and many of them members of some Evangelical denomination. Religious meetings were, at first held in the houses of the pioneers, and in the school-houses. Camp meetings were occasionally held in the woods, "'God's first temples," and were always attended by large numbers from Knox and adjoining counties; and although much good was accomplished in the grove meetings, yet they were often the scenes of much rowdyism and confusion, and after the erection of the first church edifices, were discarded by the moral class of the community. Revs. James Marvin and James Hughes of the Christian or New Light church were the pioneer preachers of Brown. They were earnest, devoted ministers and zealously labored for the salvation of the people. The Methodists and Lutherans were early in the field, and the ministers

The German Evangelical Lutheran church was organized in 1850. The same year a log church was built one and a half miles southwest of Jelloway. This organization has been, from its commencement, a live, active and numerous one, the membership including many names from Knox, Richland, and Ashland counties. Its first members were Jacob Young, George Arnholt, George and Peter Ricard, Thiebolt Lauffer, Adam Arnholt, Peter Maerschal, George Laemer, John. Kiever, Frederick Coleman, Gottleib Moltz, Philip and Godfrey Kick, Nicholas Wolyung, Valentine Dohn, John Young, Peter Klein, Fred Schuh, Jacob Young, jr., John Keifer, jr., John Aultz, John Toby and George Rinehart. _ Its first officers were, Elders Thiebolt Lauffer, Peter Ricard; Deacons, Casper Boehm, Jacob Ricard; trustees, George Ricard, sr., and G. Holtz. Rev. H. Belzer was the first pastor, succeeded by Revs. C. F. Diehl, I. H. Herzberger, I. J. Buckstein, Louis Danman, H. Eisfellen, G. Keif, C. Gabauer, and E. A. Born, the present one. The present membership, including the baptized children, who are considered members, is one hundred and forty. The society continued to worship in the log building until 1857, when a more commodious and neater frame edifice was erected at a cosi of one thousand six hundred dollars. In 1880 a parsonage was built in Jelloway village, which cost nearly one thousand dollars. There is a cemetery attached to the church in which many of the first members and their families rest.

' The Dunkards or German Baptists organized a society at an early day, which is known as the Danville German Baptist church. The same officers that are chosen for the government of the Dunkard church near Danville, rule and govern in the church in Brown township. In 1871 a frame building was erected on section fifteen, Revs. Joseph, John L. and John J. Workman have been the pastors of this church,

At one of the camp meetings held in this township about 1840, a tragedy occurred, which resulted in the death of aman named Bartlett. He had a stand at the camp grounds where he sold refreshments. During the progress of the meeting, he had incurred the displeasure of a party of roughs, In order to be revenged they cut a portion of the harness of his team, unknown to him. He started his? horses homeward, when the loud yelling and other demonstrations of the party, frightened them' so that they ran away at.a violent speed. Bartlett was thrown out of the wagon and instantly killed.

Jelloway, originally named Brownsville, is the only town in Brown township. It is situated near the Big Jelloway creek, in the northeastern part of the township and has a population of about one hundred and fifty inhabitants. It was laid out in 1840, by Freeman Pipher. James Pearce built the first house, which he used for a storeroom, and he | kept the first store in the town. Steven Brown built the first dwelling house, and Silas Brown the second one. Freeman Pipher was the second merchant. Silas Brown was the first blacksmith. Dr. Maynard was the first physician. Jacob Pipher kept the first hotel, which was built several years before the town was laid out, and was on the line of the old Cleveland and Columbus stage route. The first post office in the township was kept at this hotel, and Jacob Pipher was probably the first postmaster. At that time the post office was known as Pipher's Cross Roads. Joseph Pinkley taught the first school in the town. Jefferson Sapp, Morrison, and Whitford were also of the first school teachers. The village is divided into two school districts, the school-houses in both districts being located ontside of the village.

The first church was organized in 1850 by the Episcopal Methodists, and a frame edifice erected the same year. Samuel Boyles, Nelson Burrows, John W. Moffitt, Elias Stillwell, Joseph B. Rolland, Joseph Burns, and Francis DeWitt, were the building committee. Among the first members were William Hall, Michael Phifer, Mrs. Lybarger, and Rebecca Phifer. Reverends Bear, Lydy, Neal, Plumber, and Sheldon have been pastors of this organization. Rev. William Wright is the present pastor. The present officersare: George Blakely,

Pinkley and Michael Oswoltz, stewards. The membership at present numbers about twenty-five. There is a flourishing Union Sunday school held in this church, with E. L. Waltz as superintendent. There is a cemetery attached to the church, and the only one within the village limits. A new and commodious church edifice will be erected this year, 1881.

The Jelloway English Lutheran church was organized February 20, 1881. The members composing this organization are: S. Hildebrand, Miss Sadie M. Witt, John L. Hildebrand, George Thoma, Mrs. E. A. Hildebrand, F. L. Waltz, C. Fish, Mrs. Alice Waltz, W. M. Bauer, Mrs. Alice Hildebrand, Miss Lucinda Waltz, and Mrs. Mary E. Myers. The officers are: George Thoma, elder; E. L. Waltz, John L. Hildebrand, deacons; S. Hildebrand, treasurer; W. M. Bauer, secretary ; Rev. J. W. Kapp, present pastor. A frame church building will be erected this present year.

The Farmers' Home Fire Insurance company of Jelloway was incorporated April 9, 1872. The first board of trustees were: J. S. Tilton, president; J. W. Smith, vice-president; James Barron, treasurer; S. Hildebrand, secretary; T. O. Boyd, William Barron, J. M. Nyhart, I. R. Bailey, D. M. Tilton. It was organized with a capital of two hundred thousand dollars. In 1879 the capital was reduced to one, hundred thousand dollars. There is a real estate security of three hundred and eight thousand five hundred and seventyfour dollars for the payment of the capital. The distinctive features of this company are: 1. It is a stock company, therefore there can be no assessments on its policy holders. 2. Its capital and assets are secured by real estate first leans on improved farms, worth over three hundred thousand dollars, exclusive of improvements or other perishable property. 3. Its rates are low, and no efforts are spared to protect the interests of its patrons. 5. It pays the full amount in case of damage by fire or lightning; 6. Because it is purely a farmers' company, insuring only farm property and detached dwellings, private barns and their contents, and detached churches. Since its organization nearly fifty thousand dollars in losses have been paid. The present board of trustees are: Amos Clark, president; S. Hildebrand, vice-president; E. L. Waltz, secretary; William Garrett, treasurer; Tobias Castor, adjuster; C. Pinkley, I. R. Bailey, George Wohlfard. J. A. Colopy, T. O. Boyd, Amos Clark, James Barron, C. Banbury, William Colwell, W. H. Frasher, J. M. Holmes, William Barron, George McClurg, G. W. Blakeley, William Long, C. W. Critchfield, and R. Banbury.

The Jelloway Mutual Aid Life Insurance association was organized March 5, 1878. The charter members were: Byron Castor, W. M. Crowner, A. J. Hyatt, S. M. Vincent, R. M. Critchfield, M. B. Thoma, T. O. Boyd, J. L. Hildebrand. The present officers are Tobias Castor, president; W. M. Crowner, vice-president; T. O. Boyd, treasurer; S. Hildebrand, actuary; S. M. Vincent, legal director; A. J. Hyatt, medical examiner; R. M. Critchfield, E. O. Lybarger, trustees and general agents. 'The association pays to the insured therein the amount specified in the certificate of insurance at the expiration of a term, ranging from eight to twenty years, according to the age of insured at time of insurance, or if he dies before the stipulated period arrives, to his or her representatives. The membership of the association is limited to five thousand. The beneficiary fund is supported from the surplus of membership fees and assessment of its members. A membership fee of ten dollars, from any person of sound mind, between the ages of eighteen and sixty, entitles him to a certificate in the association. All claims arising against the company for death of a member or expiration of a certificate is paid within ninety days after maturity or satisfactory evidence received at the office. Both of these companies are well officered, and are a credit to the enterprise of Jelloway. They are both transacting a very satisfactory business at present.

Although the town of Jelloway has no railroad advantages, it isa place of considerable business activity. There are at present in the village two dry goods stores, owned by Kinder & Myers and Patton & Derry, one drug store by A. J. Hyatt, one grocery by John Butler, one hotel by Mrs. Clara R., Cummings, one blacksmith shop by W. B. Mix, one harness shop by Fred Sheriff, one millinery establishtuent by Mrs. Belle Derry, one physician, Dr. A. J. Hyatt; one attorney, S. M. Vincent, etc. Mrs. C. R. Cummings has charge of the post-office, and the village has the benefit of a daily mail from Mt. Vernon, Mr. Solomon R. Workman being the mail carrier. In 1878 a town hall thirty-six by fifty feet was erected at a cost of eight hundred dollars.