Clark Township

Clark Township

Clark township la bounded on the east by Greene township, of Clinton county ; on the southeast and south by Highland county; on the west by Brown county and Jefferson township, of Clinton county, and on the northwest and north by Washington township. It Is located In the southern part of the county and extends further south than any other portion of the county. It is very irregular In shape. A line drawn between the extrcmest points north nnd south would extend about nine miles and such a line across the center, east and west, would measure about six and a half miles. Its area Includes about twenty-three thousand Are hundred acres of land. This section was part of the Virginia military district and, prior to the organization of Clinton county in 1810. the eastern portion was Included In Illghland county and the western portion was embraced In Warren county, the line between the two being about one-half mile west of the present site of Martinsville. From 1810 to 1817, the portion east of this line was included In Crcen township, that west of the line. In Vernon. A petition, signed by many citizens of this section of the county, was presented to the codnty commissioners on July 14. 1S10, asking that a new township be organized with the boundaries as they are at present, except that it extended northward to Cowan's creek, thus including nil the eastern portion of Washington township. It was reduced to Its present confines by the establishment of Washington township in 1835.

Natural Features

The East fork of the Little Miami river drains the southern and southeastern parts of the township. Its tributaries are mingled so thoroughly with those of the Bast fork of Todd's fork, which drains the northern and western portions of the township, that the securing of the outlets for the erection of farm drains has always been a rather simple matter. Large, open ditches have been built through the central and southwestern portions of the township, thus completing the natural drainage systems. The greater portion of the township is level or slightly rolling, with a gradual and general slope toward the south or southwest.

Settlement

Tradition has It thnt Thomas Johns was the first to settle within the present bounds of Clark township. He is said to have located on the Bast fork, about three miles southenHt of the present site of Martinsville. Nothing about the place of bis birth or of the date of his settlement can be ascertained. However, it Is known that Isaac Miller settled about three miles east of Martinsville. The story is told that Mr. Miller, needing a hoe. Journeyed sixteen miles on foot through the forests to New Market In Highland county to make his purchase. Joseph McKibben also settled about the same time In the same neighborhood. In 1806. John Wright came from North Carolina, bought the present site of Martinsville, for two dollars an acre, and settled there. He was mainly Instrumental in the laylng-out of that village and erected the first bouse within Its limits. A daughter of bis was the first person to be Interred In the Friend's graveyard at Martinsville. By the year 1808, Samuel McCulloch had settled on East fork, four miles southeast of Martinsville, and Isaac Van Meter and John Jones near the present site of Lynchburg.

spring of 1808, and settled about one mile east of Martinsville. Samuel Moon, nnother brother, and John Ruth, a brother-in-law and the husband of Jane Moore, came to the same neighborhood In the following fall. In the spring of the following year, 1809, Joseph Moon, Sr., father of the above, with bis family and two sons, William and Jesse, and their families, and his brother, John Moon, Joined the others In the new settlement Another brother-in-law, James Garner, the husband of Mary Moon, settled In the same limits in 1811.

In 1810. John Beales. of North Carolina, Christopher Hlatt, of Virginia, and James Puckett and Daniel Puckett. both from North Carolina, settled In the neighborhood about Martinsville. Daniel Puckett was a minister in the Friends church and was one of the first to preach the gospel In the new settlement. He afterwards moved to Indiana. William West settled one-half a mile north of Martinsville In 1811. He is the ancestor of the great family of Wests, of Clark township. Joseph Mills. Sr., of North Carolina, settled to the northeast of Martinsville In 1814. In the same year. David Hockett. Sr.. settled In that neighborhood. He died In 1R42. at the ripe age of seventy-seven. Jonathan Hockett. a brother of David, settled one-half mile west of Martinsville in 1816.

Jacob Hunt and family, of Virginia, settled a short dirt a nee to the north of Martinsville in 1816 and the following year were Joined by his brother, Thomas Hunt, who settled adjoining. In 1810. Aaron Betts, of Virginia, settled to the west of Martinsville, purchasing a large tract of land.

The following names should be mentioned in a list of the early pioneers of the township. No authentic information could be obtained as to tbe date of their settlements: John Lytle, William Nixon. Aaron Ruse. William and Richard Owsley, Joshua Betterton. Daniel Nordyke, Jacoh Jackson. Owen Went. Isaac. William and Robert Jones. Gideon McKIbben. Thomas McLin, William Chalfont, William Davis, Ashley Johnson. George Shields, William Patterson and James Hadley.

In the first days of the settlement the meal for bread for tbe community was ground on a hand-mill owned by Joseph Moon. Sr. A short time afterwards. Isaac Nordyke built a borse-mlll five or six miles away from the Martinsville settlement. The next opportunities were to take two or three bushels of grnln on horseback to the mill on Cowan's creek or the East fork. When the water was too low for these mills to operate, a Journey of three or four days was required to reach the mills on the Miami. The first mill to be built within tbe confines of the township was a saw and grist-mill built by William Leagitt on the East fork, followed by Isaac Jones, near Lynchburg, and the third was built by Aaron Ruse on the same stream, between Leagitt's and Jones'. William Patterson built tbe fourth mill in tbe township on tbe East fork of Todd's fork, half a mile northwest of Martinsville. A cardlng-mlll. run by oxen on an Inclined wheel, was built about 1827. by Christopher Hiatt. John Lytle later erected another cardingmachine near tbe present site of Martinsville, as did also Curtis Jackson. The first mill within tbe township to use steam power was built about a mile west of that town In 1833 or 1834. Isaac Pidgeon applied steam to a carding and fulling machine, to which he attached apparatus for grinding corn a short time later. Two other steam-mills were built later - one known as Kester's. about two miles northeast of Martinsville, which was removed several years later to Farmer's Station: the other, in Martinsville, built with money raised by subscription for that purpose. The mill was built and operated for a while by Angus McCoy and Daniel Carey. This mill was destroyed by fire about the year 1860, while owned by Jehu Darls. who erected another building.

The following are the officers of Clark township 1n 1015: Trustees. Newton Davis, Albert Wood and Frank Brown ; clerk, H. A. dank ; treasurer. Hnrley Rotts. The population is sixteen hundred and sixty-seven.

Martinsville is situated In the northern part of Clark township, on the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern railroad, about midway between New Vienna and Blanchester. This village was laid oat and platted by John Wright, William Nixon and James Moon, proprietors, on September 28, 1816. It was part of the Darid Bradford survey, No. 2,391.

The first election for this township was held In John Wright's store, in Martinsville. In the year 1806, John Wright, of North Carolina, settled upon land from which the larger part of the present site of Martinsville was taken, buying the land at two dollars per acre. Mr. Wright was mainly instrumental in the laying out of the village and erected the first house within the present limits.

About the year 1828, John Lytle erected a carding machine near the present site of the village, and Curtis Jackson built a mill near by, both of which were run by oxen on an Inclined wheel. A steam mill, the first in the village, was erected at Martinsville, with funds raised by subscription, about two thousand dollars having been obtained for the purpose. The mill was built and operated for a time by Angus McCoy and Daniel Carey. This mill was destroyd by fire in I860 or 1861, while owned by Jehu Davis. The first merchants in the village wore Lewis Garrett and Robert Grant. Their store was opened up about the time of the laying out of the town, in 1816. It Is said that the main feature of their business was the liquor traffic. They soon failed. They were soon followed by John Wright, whose entire capital did not exceed five hundred dollars. The first hotel was opened by Samuel Harbin, who was followed by Peyton Burton, who was succeeded by Samuel Hlatt. The first hatters were John Chew and Thomas Sally. William Moon was the first blacksmith and gunsmith, opening a shop as early as 1809. Asaph niatt was the first cabinetmaker, beginning his work about 181ft. Jesse Jackson was the first to follow shoemaklng as a profession, and Aaron Bets was the first tanner.

About 1 834-1 935, Dr. John E. Dal ton, of New Hampshire, became a resident of Martinsville. He was probably the first practicing physician who resided in the township. Doctor Dalton was also engaged In the mercantile business, and brought the first case of boots of Eastern manufacture ever offered for sale In the village. The issue of the Wilmitiffton Democrat and Herald for Jauuary 31, 1834. mentioned the fact that a postoffice had been established at Martinsville and Dr. John E. Dalton appointed postmaster. The Doctor must, therefore, have come to the village not later than 1833. He was succeeded In the postoffice by David W. Hockett, and the third postmaster was John Hart. Others who have served this office are: Charles Cllne, G. R. Moon, William nimes, Thomas Gaddls, C. C. Moon, Charles McKenxle, C. L. Hixson and J. T. Crawford, and the present postmaster, C. W. Turner, who received the appointment in 1914. His assistant Is Mm Turner.

When Doctor Dalton and others petitioned for the office, the law required that offices should be at least four miles apart. To ascertain whether the office could be obtained, the distance to Cuba, the nearest postoffice, was measured with a tape line, and it was found to be but very little over the required distance. Doctor Dalton also had the honor of being the first to agitate the temperance cause publicly In the community.

The population of this village, according to the census of 1880, was 356; 1890. 336; 1900. 338; 1910. 334. A telegraph office was opened In 1868-64 by I. N. Miller. From this station, during the fall and winter of 1881. about $100,000 worth of hogs and 120.000 worth of wheat were shipped. The valuation of town lots in Martinsville, according to the assessment of 1880, was $11,813; valuation of dwellings, $30,846; valuation of other buildings. $2,965: valuation of mill property. $1,400; total value, $46£23.

The present officers are: Mayor. E. C. Garner; marshal. Fred Aldrlch; clerk. L. M. Townsend: health officer. Fred Aldrich; street commissioner, J. D. Loney; treasurer, L. C.

The high school has an enrollment of one hundred and seventy pupils; the following teachers have heeu employed for the ensuing term: Superintendent, Kurl Kay; principal. Miss Clurn E. Smith; assistants. Hoy M. Black. Joe \\ Deck, Miss Esther T. Carroll. Mrs. Gertrude Winters, Miss Josephine Simmons. The teachers and pupils have a splendid new thlrty-tive-tbousnud-dollnr building in which to do.jlheir work. Members of the school board are: President, Dr. W. K. Ruble; clerk, i\> M. West; George Townseud, Harry Greene, Homer Eaglhi. . t

Martinsville bus a volunteer lire department, the equipment consisting of a hand engine. o|>eruted by twenty men, and one thousand feet of hose. There are Ave wells located in different parts of the village, which furnish an ample supply of water In time of tires. E. H. Hazard is the Are chief.

The Martinsville band was organised in 1013 by H. A. Clark. There are fourteen pieces. Their concerts on -the -public srruare every Thursday night are enjoyed and highly appreciated by great crowds of people.

The Martinsville Protective Association was organised in 1007. The officers of this organization are: President, C. H. Clelland ; vice-president, Jesse Moon; secretary. F. W. Spencer; treasurer, W. T. Scott.

The Farmers Bank, D. D. Hunt, president; L. M. Townsend, cashier; capitalisation, twenty-live thousand dollars, was established in 1MJ3 by F. M. Moore and Xathaulel Hunter, who were succeeded on August 1. 1S73. by 1-irkin Clelland and Milton Hunt.

W. T. Jay. dry-goods, boots, shoes, carpel* and groceries, started in business in 1W>7, In a room twenty by eighty feet. Mr. Jay conducted this business until 1001. when he shipped his stock to New Albany, Indiana. But realising his mistake in leaving this prosperous town, he returned within a year and o|iened up n store in the same room he had occupied Itefore. He Is now doing business at the old stand. Mr. Jay has been successful, as the number of years he has been in business will testify. The Clinton Supply Company. S. S. Montgomery, proprietor, deals in dry-goods, notions, lustts, shoes and carjiets. In 1010. S. S. Montgomery and William Hunt purchased the stock of dry-goods, notions, hoots and shoes of Kester & Moon. Immediately upon taking possession they closed out at auction a part of the stock purchased of Kestor & Moon anil replenished with new and staple stock. lu 11)14. the firm dissolved partnership, Mr. Montgomery taking over the entire business. He has an extensive installment business, which keeps one man on the road all the time. M. E. West, groceries, hardware, paint, harness, etc.. has been In business since 1903. Eight of these years he was associated with F. W. Hadley. but In 1011 this imrtnership was dissolved. Botts & Dolph sell groceries, hardware, paints, harness, etc. In 10O0 Harley Botts purchased the above line of Alva Florea. Ijiter In the same year Mr. Botts sold out, Mr. Florea again hecomlng the owner. In 11X»7. Mr. Botts repurchased the stock of Mr. Florea and was the sole owner until 1010. when I* C. Dolph bought a half i uteres! In the bust net*. F. W. Spencer, restaumnt and con feet! on cry, commenced business In 1002. He manufactures his Ice cream, having a isiwer plant of one hundred gallons per day capacity. By insistent effort and courteous treatment he hns established a successful business. J. E. Thrusher. jeweler, also handles shoes and does shoe repairing. Odls Wood opened a barber shop In 1012. A. M. Peale Is a painter and paperhanger, also cobbler. W. A. Denlns, baker, started in business In 1014. nnd from nil Indications It will be a permanent establishment. Mrs. J. L. T.oney, milliner and dressmaker, is assisted by her daughter. Ethnlyri. Simmons Sisters handle millinery. Ernest R. Hazard, lumber, feed and conl. moved to Martinsville In the spring of 1010. haying purchflsd,the business of H. J. Wright. Mr. Husnrd has- one of the most up-to-date lumber yards fur a small town hi the state. When tiie new addition to Martinsville wus opened up Mr. Hazard purchased some lots and built a handsome resideuce for himself and family. Clinton Hotel - H. J. Swearingen & Son conduct this popular hotel. H. J. Swearlugeu & Son, livery and feed and auto service, have been in business since 1003. Dr. H. A. Clark, dentist, enjoys a lucrative business. Dr. W. T. Scott located in our town in 18S0, and Dr. W. K. Kuble bus beeu in practice since 1800. S. M. White, undertaker, located here In 1014. The Martinsville Creamery Company is a stock company, unrated by George Neffner and managed by F. N. Smith. George Harris, blacksmith, woodworker and general repairing, became the successor to P. M. Webb in March, 1015. F. N. Smith, coal and grain, moved to Martinsville iu 1914. R. II. James, tinsmith, located here iu 1000. West & Towusend, real estate, fanning Implements and plumbing, located here In 1890. A. F. Sbai>er & Son have a large machine shop In course of const ruction, which will be in opera*- tlou iu the near future. Lewis Pflster, blacksmith, one of the pioneers uf the town, began manufacturing buggies In 1S85, under the Arm name of Vance & Pflster. This firm did an extensive business at the time. Buggies can still be seen that were made by them twenty-nine years ago. Iu 1874 George Harris became a partner with Mr. Pflster In the blacksmltblug detriment, the firm name being Pflster & Harris. They conducted the blacksniitbiug business until 1003, when the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Pflster continuing the business. -

Other business Interests Include: W. W. Townseud, plumber; H. J. Swearenger, livery: Clyde Herroii. dry cleaning; B. W. Williamson, O. Guy Uuouemus, decorators and painters; Will Christ, veterinary; W. J. Klrby & Sou and Christopher Savage, stock buyers; Mack Brown, who resides In tills township, is a breeder of fancy Poland China bogs: lie Is also an excellent Judge of hogs and has taken many prizes on his bogs at the state fairs of Ohio and Illinois: Scott Brender Is a White Orpington fancier, and is also the owner of " Patsy Dumas," the great racing mare, which has a mark of 2:1<>. "Patsy Dumas" is a pacer and has won considerable money in this and neighboring states.

Martinsville has quite a reputation for her trained bloodhounds. They are the projieny of W. T. Scott and C. W. Turner. These bounds are noted In this part of the suite for their ethVlency. William Prncht Is the agent for the Baltimore & Ohio railroad at present.

The religious interests of the town are taken care of by the following churches: Church of Christ, Methodist nud Friends. The town also supiiorts three temperance societies, the Woman's Christian Tcui|>erance I'nlou proper and Voting People's Branch and Ix>yal Temperance legion, branches of the Woman's Christian Teui|s.'rance Ctilon. These societies are ever ready to help the poor and administer to the sick. In fact, they aid in every way they can to cheer and bless humanity. This society has at preseut fifty-four members.

While the town Is loynl to the religious work nt home, yet It does not neglect tbe work elsewhere. The Christian Women's Board of Missions Auxiliary Is a branch of the Christian Women's Board of Missions, whose headquarters are at Indianapolis, Indiana. They support missionaries In foreign fields, schools in tbe mountains ai(d sjso for the negroes of the South; furnish Bible charts to the state universities and also look after the foreigner as soon as he comes to our land.

The Young People's Branch, a branch of the Woman's Christian Tem|H?rance Cnioii, are doing splendid work. They meet every two weeks at tbe home of one of the members, and enjoy a social hour after tbe business session of tjje meeting. They can boast of being the largest Young People's Branch society In the county, having an enrollment of sixty-five memtiers. Tbe motto of this society Is "Others." Their colors are blue and white.

The Martinsville Otmd Reading Club was organized In March, 1012. The club consists of twelve members ami its object Is to promote good reading and social enjoyment After the business session of each meeting n projrram of readings Hnd music Is enjoyed. Refreshments are then served by the hostess. The motto of this society is, "Speak no evil, hear no evil, see no evil." The colors are red, white and blue.

Farmer's Station Is a stop on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, about midway between Martinsville and New Vienna. This town was never platted, and evidently sprang up after the building of the railroad through this part of the county. J. P. McKlbben is the present agent for this railroad. Klbben also owns and runs an up-to-date general merchandise store in the village. A produce house Is also kept In connection with the store. It. E. Rills and Benjamin Drake have a blacksmith shop and do general repair work of all kinds. F. M. & Ed Achor are dealers in buggies and farm implements. There are two coal yards in the village, operated by McKlbben & Preston. The population at present comprises about twenty families.

Jones Boko

Jonesboro Is the last town started In Clark township. This little hamlet is situated Just south of Martinsville, on the Martinsville and Westboro pike. It is merely a cluster of houses on the cross roads and was never platted. There are no business or professional interests at present. .

Source changes here: from History of Clinton County Ohio, by Albert J. Brown, published 1915; 3,491 words in this source stream.

Clark Township

Clark township is bounded on the east by Greene township, of Clinton county; on the southeast and south by Highland county; on the west by Brown county and Jefferson township, of Clinton county, and on the northwest and north by Washington township. It is located in the southern part of the county and extends further south than any other portion of the county. It is very irregular in shape. A line drawn between the extremest points north and south would extend about nine miles and such a line across the center. east and west, would measure about six and a half miles. Its area includes about twenty-three thousand five hundred acres of land. This section was part of the Virginia military district and, prior to the organization of Clinton county in 1810, the eastern portion was included in Highland county and the western portion was embraced in Warren county. the line between the two being about one-half mile west of the present site of Martinsville. From 1810 to 1817, the portion east of this line was included in Green township, that west of the line. in Vernon. <A petition. signed by many citizens of this section of the county. was presented to the county commissioners on July 14, 1816, asking that a new township be organized with the boundaries as they are at present. except that it extended northward to Cowan's creek, thus including all the eastern portion of Washington township. It was reduced to its present confines by the establishment of Washington township in 1835.

Natural Features

The East fork of the Little Miami river drains the southern and southeastern parts of the township. Its'tributaries are mingled so thoroughly with those of the East fork of Todd's fork, which drains the northern and western portions of the township, that the securing of the outlets for the erection of farm drains has always been a rather simple matter. Large, open ditches have been built through the central and southwestern portions of the township, thus completing the natural drainage systems. The greater portion of the township is level or slightly rolling, with a gradual and general slope toward the south or southwest.

Settlement

Tradition has it that Thomas Johns was the first to settle within the present bounds of Clark township. He is said to have located on the East fork, about three niles southeast of the present site of Martinsville. Nothing about the place of his birth or of the date of his settlement can be ascertained. However, it is known that Isaac Miller settled about three miles east of Martinsville. The story is told that Mr. Miller, needing a hoe, journeyed sixteen miles on foot through the forests to New Market in Highland county to make his purchase. Joseph McKibben also settled about the same time in the same neighborhood. In 1806, John Wright came, from North Carolina, bought the present site of Martinsville, for two dollars an acre, and settled there. He was mainly instrumental in the laying-out of that village and erected the first house within its limits. A daughter of his was the first person to be interred in the Friend's graveyard at Martinsville. By the year 1808, Samuel McCulloch had settled on East fork, four miles southeast of Martinsville, and Isaac Van Meter and John Jones near the present spring of 1808, and settled about one mile east of Martinsville. Samuel Moon, another brother, and John Ruth, a brother-in-law and the husband of Jane Moore, came to the same neighborhood in the following fall. In the spring of the following year, 1809, Joseph Moon, Sr., father of the above, with his family and two sons, William and Jesse. and their families, and his brother. John Moon, joined the others in the new settlement. Another brother-in-law, James Garner, the husband of Mary Moon, settled in the same limits in 1811. '

In 1810, John Beales, of North Carolina, Christopher Hiatt, of Virginia, and James Puckett and Daniel Puckett, both from North Carolina, settled in the neighborhood about Martinsville. Daniel Puckett was a minister in the Friends church and was one of the first to preach the gospel in the new settlement. He afterwards moved to Indiana. William West settled one-half a mile north of Martinsville in 1811. He is the ancestor of the great family of Wests. of Clark township. Joseph Mills, Sr., of North Carolina, settled to the northeast of Martinsville in 1814. In the same year, David Hockett. Sr., settled in that neighborhood. He died in 1842, at the ripe age of seventy-seven. Jonathan Hockett. a brother of David, settled one-half mile west of Martinsville in 1816.

Jacob Hunt and family, of Virginia, settled a short distance to the north of Martinsville in 1816 and the following vear were joined by his brother, Thomas Hunt. who settled adjoining. In 1819, Aaron Betts, of Virginia, settled to the west of Martinsville, purchasing a large tract of land.

The following names should be mentioned in a list of the early pioneers of the township. No authentic information could be obtained as to the date of their settlements: John Lytle. William Nixon, Aaron Ruse. William and Richard Owsley, Joshua Betterton, Daniel Nordyke, Jacob Jackson. Owen West, Isaac, William and Robert Jones, Gideon McKibben, Thomas McLin, William Chalfont, William Davis, Ashley Johnson, George Shields, William Patterson and James Hadley.

In the first days of the settlement the meal for bread for the community was ground on a hand-mill owned by Joseph Moon. Sr. A short time afterwards, Isaac Nordyke built a bhorse-mill five or six miles away from the Martinsville settlement. The next opportunities were to take two or three bushels of grain on horseback to the mill on Cowan's creek or the Bast fork. When the water was too low for these mills to operate, a journey of three or four days was required to reach the mills on the Miami. The first mill to be built within the confines of the township was a saw and grist-mill built by William Leagitt on the East fork, followed by Isaac Jones, near Lynchburg, and the third was built by Aaron Ruse on the same stream, between Leagitt's and Jones'. William Patterson built the fourth mill in the township on the East fork of Todd's fork, half a mile northwest of Martinsville. A carding-mill, run by oxen on an inclined wheel, was built about 1827, by Christopher Hiatt. John Lytle later erected another cardingmachine near the present site of Martinsville, as did also Curtis Jackson. The first mill within the township to use steam power was built about a mile west of that town in 1883 or 1834. 'Isaac Pidgeon applied steam to a carding and fulling machine, to which he attached apparatus for grinding corn a short time later. Two other steam-mills were built later - one known as Kester's, about two miles northeast of Martinsville, which was removed several years later to Farmer's Station; the other, in Martinsville, built with money raised by subscription for that purpose. The mill was built and operated for a while by Angus McCoy and Daniel Carey. This mill was destroyed by fire about the year 1860, while owned by Jehu Davis, who erected another building.

The following are the officers of Clark township in 1915: Trustees, Newton Davis, Albert Wood and Frank Brown; clerk, H. A, Clark; treasurer, Harley Botts. The population is sixteen hundred and sixty-seven.

Martinsville i situated in the northern part of Clark township, on the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern railrond, about midway between New Vienna and Blanchéster. This village was laid out and platted by John Wright, William Nixon and James Moon, proprietors, on September 23, 1816. It was part of the David Bradford survey, No. 2,391.

The first election for this township was held in John Wright's store, in Martinsville. In the year 1806, John Wright, of North Carolina, settled upon land from which the larger part of the present site of Martinsville was taken, buying the land at two dollars per acre. Mr. Wright was mainly instrumental in the laying out of the village and erected the first house within the present limits. 3

About the year 1828, John Lytle erected a carding machine near the present site of the village, and Curtis Jackson built a mill near by, both of which were run by oxen on an inclined wheel. .A steam mill, the first in the village, was erected at Martinsville, with funds raised by subscription, about two thousand dollars having been obtained for the purpose. The mill was built and operated for a time by Angus McCoy and Daniel Carey. This mill was destroyd by fire in 1860 or 1861, while owned by Jehu Davis. The first: merchants in the village were Lewis Garrett and Robert Grant. Their store was opened up about the time of the laying out of the town, in 1816. It is said that the main feature of their business was*the liquor traffic. They soon failed. They were soon followed by John Wright, whose entire capital did not exceed five hundred dollars. The first hotel was opened by Samuel Harbin, who was followed by Peyton Burton, who was succeeded by Samuel Hiatt. The first hatters were John Chew and Thomas Sally. William Moon was the first blacksmith and gunsmith, opening a shop as early as 1809. Asaph Hiatt was the first cabinetmaker, beginning his work about 1815. Jesse Jackson was the first to follow shoemaking as a profession, and Aaron Bets was the first tanner.

About 1834-1835, Dr. John E. Dalton, of New Hampshire, became a resident of Martinsville. He was probably the first practicing physician who resided in the township. Doctor Dalton was also engaged in the mercantile business, and brought the first case of boots of Eastern manufacture ever offered for sale in the village. The issue of the Wilmington Democrat and Herald for January 31, 1834, mentioned the fact that a postoffice had been established at Martinsville and Dr. John E. Dalton appointed postmaster. The Doctor must, therefore, have come to the village not later than 1838. He was succeeded in the postoffice by David W. Hockett, and the third postmaster was John Hart. Others who have served this office are: Charles Cline, GR. Moon, William Himes, Thomas Gaddis, C. C. Moon, Charles McKenzie, C. L. Hixson and J. T. Crawford, and the present postmaster, C. W. Turner, who received the appointment in 1914. His assistant is Mrs. Turner.

When Doctor Dalton and others petitioned for the office, the law required that offices should be at least four miles apart. To ascertain whether the office could be obtained, the distance to Cuba, the nearest postoffice. was measured with a tape line. and it was found to be but very little over the required distance. Doctor Dalton also had the honor of being the first to agitate the temperance cause publicly in the community.

The population of this village. according to the census of 1880, was 355; 1890, 336; 1900, 338; 1910, 334. A telegraph office was opened in 1863-64 by I. N. Miller. From this station, during the fall and winter of 1881, about $100,000 worth of hogs and $20,000 worth of wheat were shipped. The valuation of town lots in Martinsville, according to the assessment of 1880, was $11,813; valuation of dwellings, $30,345; valuation of other buildings, $2,965; valuation of mill property, $1,400; total value, $46,523.

The present officers are: Mayor, E. C. Garner; marshal, Fred Aldrich; clerk, L. M. Townsend; health officer, Fred Aldrich; street commissioner, J. D. Loney; treasurer, L. &

The high school has an enrollment of one hundred and seyenty pupils; the following teachers have been employed for the ensuing term: Superintendent, Karl Kay; principal, Miss Clara E. Smith; assistants, Roy M. Black, Joe V. Deck, Miss Esther T. Carroll, Mrs. Gertrude Winters, Miss Josephine Simmons. The teachers and pupils have a splendid new thirty-five-thousand-dollar building in which to do their work. Members of the school board are: President, Dr. W. K. Ruble; clerk, J. M. West; George Townsend, Harry Greene, Homer Eaglin.

Martinsville has a volunteer fire department, the equipment consisting of a hand engine, operated by twenty men, and one thousand feet of hose. There are five wells located in different parts of the village, which furnish an ample supply of water in time of fires. E. R. Hazard is the fire chief.

The Martinsville band was organized in 1913 by H. A. Clark. There are fourteen pieces. 'Cheir concerts on the public square every Thursday night are enjoyed and highly appreciated by great crowds of people.

The Martinsville Protective Association was organized in 1907. The officers of this organization are: President, C. B. Clelland; vice-president, Jesse Moon; secretary, F. W. Spencer; treasurer, W. T. Scott.

The Farmers Bank, D. D. Hunt, president; L. M. Townsend, eashier; capitalization, twenty-five thousand dollars, was established in 1863 by F. M. Moore and Nathaniel Hunter, who were succeeded on August 1, 1873, by Larkin Clelland and Milton Hunt.

Business Interests

W. T. Jay, dry-goods, boots, shoes, carpets and groceries, sturted in business in 1897, in a room twenty by eighty feet. Mr. Jay conducted this business until 1901, when he shipped his stock to New Albany, Indiana. But realizing his mistake in leaving this prosperous town, he returned within a year and opened up a store in the same room he had occupied before. He is now doing business at the old stand. Mr. Jay has been successful, as the number of years he has been in business will testify. The Clinton Supply Company, 8. S. Montgomery, proprietor, deals in dry-goods, notions, boots, shoes and carpets. In 1910, S. S. Montgomery and William Hunt purchased the stock of dry-goods, notions. boots and shoes of Kester & Moon. Immediately upon taking possession they closed out at auction a part of the stock purchased of Kester & Moon and replenished with new and staple stock. In 1914, the firm dissolved partnership, Mr. Montgomery taking over the entire business. He has an extensive installment business, which keeps one man on the road all the time. M. E. West, groceries, hardware, paint, harness, ete., has been in business since 1903. Eight of these years he was associated with F. W. Hadley, but in 1911 this partnership was dissolved. Botts & Dolph sell groceries, hardware, paints, harness, etc. In 1906 Harley Botts purchased the above line of Alva Florea. Later in the same year Mr. Botts sold out, Mr. Florea again becoming the owner. In 1907. Mr. Botts repurchased the stock of Mr. Florea and was the sole owner until 1910, when L. C, Dolph bought a half interest in the business. F. W. Spencer. restaurant and confectionery, commenced business in 1902, He manufactures his ice cream, having a power plant of one hundred gallons per day capacity. By persistent effort and courteous treatment he has established a successful business. J. E. Thrusher, jeweler, also handles shoes and does shoe repairing. Odis Wood opened a barber shop in 1912. A. M. Peale is a painter and paperhanger, also cobbler. W. A. Denius, baker, started in business in 1914.'and from all indications it will be a permanent establishment. Mrs. J. L. Loney, milliner and dressmaker, is assisted by her daughter, Ethalyn. Simmons Sisters handle millinery. Ernest R. Hazard, lumber, feed and coal, moved to Martinsville in the spring of 1910, having purchasd:the business of H. J. Wright. Mr. Hazard has one of the most up-to-date lumber yards for a small town in the state. When the new addition to Martinsville was opened up Mr. Hazard purchased some lots and built a handsome residence for himself and family. Clinton Hotel - H. J. Swearingen & Son conduct this popular hotel. H. J. Swearingen & Son, livery and feed and auto service, have been in business since 1903. Dr. H. A. Clark, dentist, enjoys a lucrative business. Dr. W. T. Scott located in our town in. 1889, and Dr. W. K. Ruble has been in practice since 1890. S. M. White, undertaker, located here in 1914. The Martinsville Creamery Company is a stock company, operated by George Neffner and managed by F. N. Smith. George Harris, blacksmith, woodworker and general repairing, became the successor to P. M. Webb in March, 1915. F. N. Smith, coul and grain, moved to Martinsville in 1914. R. H. James, tinsmith, located here in 1909. West & Townsend, real estate, farming implements and plumbing, located here in 1890. A. F. Shaper & Son have a large machine shop in course of constructiou, which will be in operas tion in the near future. Lewis Pfister, blacksmith, one of the pioneers of the town, began manufacturing buggies in 1885, under the firm name of Vance & Pfister. 'This firm did an extensive business at the time. Buggies can still be seen that were made by them twenty-nine years ago. In 1874 George Harris became a partner with Mr. Pfister in the blacksmithing department, the firm name being Pfister & Harris. They conducted the blacksmithing business until 1903, when the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Pfister continuing the business.

Other business interests include: W. W. Townsend, plumber; H. J. Swearenger, livery; Clyde Herron, dry cleaning; B. W. Williamson, O. Guy Rhonemus, decorators and painters; Will Christ, veterinary; W. J. Kirby & Son and Christopher Savage, stock buyers; Mack Brown, who resides in this township, is a breeder of fancy Poland China hogs; he is also an excellent judge of hogs and has taken many prizes on his hogs at the state fairs of Ohio and Illinois; Scott Brender is a White Orpington fancier, and is ulso the owner of " Patsy Dumas," the great racing mare, which has a mark of 2:10. "Patsy Dumas" is a pacer and has won considerable money in this and neighboring states.

Martinsville has quite a reputation for her trained bloodhounds. They are the property of W. T. Scott and C. W. Turner. These hounds are noted in this part of the state for their efficiency. William Pracht is the agent for the Baltimore & Ohio railroad at present.

The religious interests of the town are taken care of by the following churches: Church of Christ. Methodist and Friends. The town also supports three temperance societies, the Woman's Christian Temperance Union proper and Young Veople's Branch and Loyal Temperance Legion. branches of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. These societies are ever ready to help the poor and adininister to the sick. In fact, they aid in every way they can to cheer and bless humanity. This society has at present fifty-four members.

While the town is loyal to the religious work at home, yet it does not neglect the work elsewhere. The Christian Women's Board of Missions Auxiliary is a branch of jJhe Christian Women's Board of Missions, whose headquarters are at Indianapols, ana. They support missionaries in foreign fields, schools in the mountains and also for the negroes of the South; furnish Bible charts to the state universities and also look after the foreigner as soon as he comes to our land.

The Young People's Branch, a branch of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, are doing splendid work. They meet every two weeks at the home of one of the members, and enjoy a social hour after the business session of the meeting. They can boast of being the largest Young People's Branch society in the county, having an enrollment of sixty-five members. The motto of this society is "Others." Their colors are blue and white.

The Martinsville Good Reading Club was organized in March, 1912. The club consists of twelve members and its object is to promote good reading and social enjoyment. After

268 CLINTON COUNTY, OHIO. the business session of each meeting a program of readings and music is enjoyed. Refreshments are then served by the hostess. The motto of this society is, "Speak no evil, hear no evil, see no evil." The colors are red, white and blue.

Farmer's Station is a stop on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, about midway between Martinsville and New Vienna. This town was never platted, and evidently sprang up after the building of the railroad through this part of the county. J. F. McKibben is the present agent for this railroad. Kibben also owns and runs an up-to-date general merchandise store in the village. A produce house is also kept in connection with the store. R. E. Ellis and Benjamin Drake have a blacksmith shop and do general repair work of all kinds. F. M. & Ed Achor are dealers in buggies and farm implements. There are two coal yards in the village, operated by McKibben & Preston. The population at present comprises about twenty families.

Jonesboro is the last town started in Clark township. This little hamlet is situated just south of Martinsville, on the Martinsville and Westboro pike. It is merely a cluster of houses on the cross roads and was never platted. There are no business or professional interests at present.