Butler Township

Butler Township

BUTLER TOWNSHIP was formed March 5, 1849, by taking the eastern half, which had, prior to the erection of AshUmd Count}', been a part of Clear Creek Township, and a strip two miles in width from the eastern part of Blooming Grrove, and uniting them into a new township four miles in width and six miles in length. It is thus equal in size with all others in the north part of the count}-, having twent}'- four square miles of territory'.

The surface of Butler Township is flat. No other township in Richland Count}' is so level. It is drained by the Whetstone, the head-waters of which find their sources in the northwest part of the township. In early times, it was wet and uninviting to the settlers, if that part is excepted on the Whetstone, and, consequently, it settled slowly. But since the country became opened to the sun, and the fallen timber all removed, which olistructed the drainage of the surface, it has developed into a fine agricultural district, with a rich, productive soil, well adapted for grass and stock-raising. The timber is chiefl}'' beech, sugar, hickor}-, black walnut, cherry and oak, with a few S3-camores lifting their long arms in the air. In its topographical features, it does not present the same variety of hill and dale as some other townships. With the exception of the Whetstone, but little running water is found within its boundaries ; Ijut good water is obtained at a convenient depth by digging.

being the first white child born in the township. The first death, that of his daughter Nancy, also took place at his house in 1818. His son, Henr}' Foulks, laid out the village of La Faj-ette in 1838, and kept the first store. The old homestead farm was sold to E. T. Kirk. Some of the descendants are yet in the neighborhood. James Kirk, son of E. T. Kirk, occupies the premises at present.

The first Justice of the Peace was C3rus Evarts, who was Justice here before Ashland County was made. He was a resident for some time, of the township.

Robert Houston entered 160 acres of land on the Whetstone in 1818. He came from Delaware. In the 3'ear 1824, he was married to Sarah Owens, being the first marriage in the township. Their son, John Houston, is now living in La Fayette. He is running a steam saw-mill, and doing a large business. The first - saw-mill put in operation in the township was on the site of this mill, b}' a Mr. Fairchild, in the year 1839.

Abraham Claberg came to Butler in the year 1815. His nearest neighbor was Jacob Foulks. Only two or three other families were in the township at the time. Occasionalh", Indians were seen. His house stood on the banks of the Whetstone. He had two sons, Jacob and Isaac. Jacob still lives two miles north of La Fayette, and is one of the Commissioners of this county.

Count}' in the year 1 814/and settled two miles below Ashland, and, after living tliere five years, came up to Butler Township, and entered a quarter of land on the Whetstone, two miles north of Oliveslnn-g, in 1819, where he planted a large orchard, raising the first apples in the neighborhood. He assisted in building the first Presb^'terian Church in Olivesburg ; was active in organizing the first school in Butler Township. He had five sons and five daughters ; Archibald was the oldest son, and still lives at La Faj'ette, and is nearh* eighty years of age. The 3-oungest daughter married the late Mr. Charles Anderson, and is living at La Fa^'ette. Mr. Owens died in the 3^ear 1842, aged seventj^-six. James Laughlin, one of his nearest neighbors, was associated with him in early church and school enterprises. The first school organized in the township was on Mr. Laughlin s land, and was taught by Joseph "Ward. Sr., of Weller Township.

John Wolf settled in the west part of township, in 1816. The Starrs were his nearest neighbors for some time. Mrs. Starr is still living on the old farm, where she has resided about sixty-five years. Her son, ^Mitchel Starr, is a practicing physician. Mr. Wolf was a lifelong member of the ^lethodist Church. His house was, for a long time, one of the " backwoods chapels," where itinerant preachers held religious service, long before commodious churches were built. The Rev. Mr. Boardraan was their first preacher. Mr. Wolf was an officer in the M. E. Church till the close of his useful and self-denj-ing life. One of his daughters married the Rev. Jacob Fegtly, of the North Ohio Conference. The entire family removed to Iowa about the j'ear 1857.

The first religious society at La Fayette was formed in 1842, and was composed of eight members, viz.: Joshua Ford, Elizabeth Ford, Edward T. Kirk, Mary Kirk, Samuel Robinson and wife, Mrs. George Dancer and John Freeman. For a time, they held their meetings in a log schoolhouse. In 1844, they built their first church, a frame building, at a cost of $500. The Trustees of this church were Joshua Ford and Edward T. Kirk. Edward T. Kirk and wife made a deed, and donated, in fee simple, one acre of ground for church and graveyard. The Rev. John Quigley was the Pastor, and dedicated the chui'ch ; John H. Power was the Presiding Elder. In 1857, the old church edifice gave way to a more commodious building, of modern style. The contract was given to James 0. Hagerman, of Weller Township, for the sum of 11,200. The Trustees were Joshua Ford, E. T. Kirk, Michael Kirk, Daniel Freeman ; the Pastor, Silas Sej-raour.

A powerful revival followed the building of this church, and the society has continued to prosper. Only one of the original members is yet connected with the societ}' - Mrs. E. T. Kirk. A Sunday school was organized when the new church was built, and is yet in successful operation. The present Superintendent is John Kirk.

The Disciple Church is situated in the northwest part of the township. It was built about the 3'ear 1870. Is a commodious structure, 40x50 feet in size. Its principal members are Charles Thompson, Peter Davidson, Thomas Tucker, George Garrow, Abram Crabbs, David Enzor and John Davidson. The Pastor is Rev. Mr. Cline. A successful Sal)bath school is connected with the church. The Winebrenarians have a small societ}' in the southeast part of the township.

There is no grist-mill in the township ; two sawmills are in operation,owned b}' ^lorris & Sechrist and John Houston. The country- is well adapted to stock-raising. Th| Messrs. Kirk have large stock-farms near La Fayette. A farmers' grange was organized here in 1874, and holds regular meeting's. The citizens seem to take a laudable interest in guarding the morals of the community. All liquor-selling is prohibited, and other nuisances banished, as far as practicable. Not a drunkard is to be seen in the communit3\

No railroad at present touches the township. A tile factor}', near Shenandoah, worked bj' Messrs. Whisler & Starr, is doing a good business.

The Grange owns and occupies a commodious hall in the village of La Fayette. It meets every two weeks, reads essays, collects statistics, discusses agricultural questions of interest, and keeps on hand a small stock of groceries. The Grange is said to be in a prosperous condition.

In the year 1828, a grand union wolf- hunt was organized by the citizens of this and adjoining townships. There were but few wolves, but there wei*e at that time deer, wild turkeys, and other wild game. A central point was previously marked out in a little " neck of woods," the trees blazed conspicuously all round to form a "dead line."' Marshals were appointed to manage the incoming lines, fill up vacancies, and prevent the escape of game through the lines. The "center" w^^ near where the village of La Fayette now stands. The lines were formed about two or three miles back from the center, about 10 o'clock in the morning. Hundreds of people were on the lines in waiting, with guns, tin bugles, dogs, pitchforks, butcherknives, etc. At a given signal, the lines advanced toward the center, every man and boy did his " level best " to make the biggest noise, and, as the advancing columns approached each other, the affrighted game, with heads aloft, would rush from side to side, seeking some avenue of escape. A number of wild turkeys rose on wing and sailed out over the lines in regular turkey triumph.

When the lines had come within sight of each other and the game was seen flying to and fro, the excitement in the crowd was indescribable. The officers lost control of the men, who commenced firing before the proper time. While in range of the opposite lines, one man had the bark of a tree knocked in his face by a passing bullet. In the center was a little knoll that protected opposite parties. A number of deer and turkeys were killed, but no wolves. The writer of these pages partook of a turkey killed by Archibald Owens on that day. After gathering up the wounded and the slain, a grand carnival was held, and, when the hunters separated for their homes, it was, no doubt, with the impression that it was the greatest and the grandest day since the days of Nimrod.

Source changes here: from History of Richland County Ohio, by A.a. Graham, published 1880; 1,403 words in this source stream.

Butler Township

UTLER TOWNSHIP was formed March 5, 1849, by taking the eastern half, which had, prior to the erection of Ashland County, been a part of Clear Creek Township, and a strip two miles in width from the eastern part of Blooming Grove, and uniting them into a new township four miles in width and six miles in length. It is thus equal in size with all others in the north part of the county, having twentyfour square miles of territory.

The surface of Butler Township is fiat. No other township in Richland County is so level. It is drained by the Whetstone, the head-waters of which find their sources in the northwest part of the township. In early times, it was wet and uninviting to the settlers, if that part is excepted on the Whetstone, and, consequently, it settled slowly. But since the country became opened to the sun, and the fallen timber all removed, which obstructed the drainage of the surface, it has developed into a fine agricultural district, with a rich, productive soil, well 'adapted for grass and stock-raising. The timber is chiefly beech, sugar, hickory, black walnut, cherry and oak, with a few sycamores lifting their long arms in the air. In its topographical features, it does not present the same variety of hill and dale as some other townships. With the exception of the Whetstone, but little running water is found withm its boundaries ; but good water is obtained at a convenient depth by digging.

being the first white child born in the township. The first death, that of his daughter Nancy, also took place at his house in 1818. His sen, Henry Foulks, laid out the village of La Fayette The old homestead farm was sold to E. T. Kirk. Some } of the descendants ate yet in the neighborhood. James Kirk, son of E. T. Kirk, occupies' the premises at present.

The first Justice of the Peace was Cyrus Evarts, who was Justice here before Ashland County was made. He was a resident for some time, of the township. } * Robert Houston entered 160 aeres of ans on the Whetstone in 1818. He came from Delaware. In the year 1824, he was married to Sarah Owens, being the first marriage in the township. Their son, John Houston, is new living in La Fayette. He is running a steam saw-mill, and doing a large business. The first | saw-mill put in operation in the township was on the site of this mill, by a Mr. Fairchild, m the year 1839.

Abraham Claberg came to Butler im the year 1815. His nearest neighbor was Jaceb Foulks. Only two or three other, families were in the township at the time. Occasionally, Indians were seen. His house stood on the banks of the Whetstone. He had two sons, Jacob and Isaac. Jacob still lives two miles north of La Fayette, and is one of the Commissioners of this county.

County in the year 1814'and settled two miles below Ashland. and, after living there five years, eame up to Butler Township, and entered a quarter of land on the Whetstone, two miles north of |

Olivesburg, in 1819, where he planted a large orchard. raising the first apples in the neighborhood. He assisted in building the first Presbyterian Church in Olivesburg ; was active in organizing the first school in Butler Township. He had five sons and five daughters ; Archibald was the oldest son, and still lives at La youngest daughter married the late Mr. Charles Anderson. and is living at La Fayette. Mr. Owens died in the year 1842, aged seventy-six. James Laughlin, one of his nearest neighbors, was associated with him in early church and about sixty-five years. Her son, Mitchel Starr, is a practicing physician. Mr. Wolf was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church. His house was, for a long time, one of the "backwoods chapels," where itinerant preachers held religious service. long before commodious churches were built. The Rev. Mr. Boardman was their first preacher. Mr. Wolf was an officer in the M. E. Church till the close of his useful and selfdenying life. One of his daughters married the Rev. Jacob Fegtly, of the North Ohio Conference. The entire family removed to Iowa about the year 1857.

a log schoolhouse. In 1844, they built their first church, a frame building, at a cost of $500. | The Trustees of this church were Joshua Ford and Edward T. Kirk. Edward T. Kirk and | wife made a deed, and donated, in fee simple, one acre of ground for church and graveyard. The Rev. John Quigley was the Pastor, and dedicated the church; John H. Power was the Presiding Elder. In 1857, the old church edifice gave way to a more commodious building, of modern style. The contract was given to James QO. Hagerman, of Weller Township, for the sum of $1,200. The Trustees were Joshua Ford, E. T. Kirk, Michael Kirk, Daniel Freeman ; the Pastor, Silas Seymour.

A powerful revival followed the building. of this church, and the society has continued to prosper. Only one of the original members is yet connected with the society - Mrs. E. T. Kirk. A Sunday school was organized when the new church was built, and is yet in success- _ fui operation. The present Superintendent is John Kirk.

Tucker, George Garrow, Abram Crabbs, David | Enzor and John Davidson. The Pastors Rev, _ Mr. Cline. A successful Sabbath school is connected with the church. The Winebrenarians . _ have a small society in the southeast part of the township. _ Thereis no grist-mill in the township; twosaw- _ mills are in operation,owned by Morris & Sechrist _and John Houston. The country is well adapted to stock-raising. The Messrs. Kirk have large | stock-farms near La Fayette. A farmers' grange _ was organized here in 1874, and holds regular | meetings. The citizens seem to take a laudable interest in guarding the morals of the community. All liquor-selling is prohibited, and other nuisances banished, as far as practicable. Not a drunkard is to be seen in the community.

The Grange owns and occupies a commodious hall in the village of La Fayette. It meets every two weeks, reads essays, collects statistics, discusses agricultural questions of interest, and keeps on hand a small stock of groceries. The Grange is said to be in a prosperous condition.

In the year 1828, a grand union wolf-hunt was organized by the citizens of this and adjoining townships. There were but few wolves, but there were at that time deer, wild turkeys, and other wild game. A central point was previously marked out in a little " neck of woods," the trees blazed conspicuously all round to form a "dead line." Marshals were appointed to and prevent the escape of game through the lines. The "center" was near where the village of La Fayette now stands. The lines were formed about two or three miles back from the center, about 10 o'clock in the morning. Hundreds of people were on the lines in waiting, with guns, tin bugles, dogs, pitchforks, butcherknives, etc. At a given signal, the lines advanced toward the center, every man and boy did his "level best" to make the biggest noise, and, as the advancing columns approached each other, the affrighted game, with heads aloft, would rush from side to side, seeking some avenue of escape. A number of wild turkeys rose on wing and sailed out over the lines in regular turkey triumph.

When the lines had come within sight of each other and the game was seen flying to and fro, the excitement in the crowd was indescribable. The officers lost control of the men, who commenced firing before the proper time. While in range of the opposite lines, one man had the bark of a tree knocked in his face by a passing bullet. In the center was a little knoll that protected opposite parties. A number of deer and turkeys were killed, but no wolves. The writer of these pages partook of a turkey killed by Archibald Owens on that day. After gathering up the wounded and the '| slain, a grand carnival was held, and, when the hunters separated for their homes, it was, no doubt, with the impression that it was the greatest and the grandest day since the days of Nimrod.