Concord Township

Concord Township

AKCHIBALD BUTTS, farmer ; born in Concord Township Nov. 2, 1827, and the son of Isaac and Effa (Hamilton) Butts ; the former was born in Virginia in 1797, and, in 1826, came to Ohio, locating; in this township ; worked at Cryder's mill on the Scioto River for two or three years. It was at some time during this period that the marriage with Miss Hamilton took place ; about the year 1829, he purchased and moved on the farm adjoining, where Archibald Butts now lives ; here he remained until his death in July, 1877, at which time he was the owner of about five hundred acres of land in one body, his wife having died some twenty-five years previously. Archibald Butts obtained a fair education in the manner that most farmers' boys do, by attending the neighborhood school in the winter, the summer being spent upon the farm in honest toil. Nov. 3, 1849, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Nancy Blomer, and commenced life on the farm where they now live ; ten children, and all living, gladden their hearts; they are named Mary U., Isaac, Jessie, Sarah, Caroline, Matilda, John, Harmon, Louise a,nd Bertha L.; farming and stock-raising have occupied Mr. Butts' attention through life. He has served his township as Supervisor for seven terms with satisfaction to all.

CICERO T. CARSON, farmer; P. 0. Delaware ; is a son of William Carson, who was born in 1802, in Pennsylvania, and in 1806 came to Ohio with his parents, who located in Ross Co., and, in 1821, came to Delaware Co., where he bought 1,100 acres of land, of which the present homestead is a part. April 16, 1833, William Carson married Eliza T. Thompson, whose parents located in what was known as Delaware Run neighborhood in 1820. At the age of 20, Eliza commenced teaching school in Genoa Township, for which she received 75 cents per week ; she was the first lady teacher in a district school in Delaware, which school was held in a stone building that stood on the south of Winter street, at the corner of Franklin. The summer following this, she taught a select school in the same house ; among her scholars were R. B. Hayes and his sister Fannie ; he was then 9 years old. After Miss

Thompson's marriage to Mr. Carson, they moved on the present homestead, when he died, May 9, 1873, in his 72d year ; she is living with her son, and is in her 75th year. Cicero T. Carson was born Feb. 23, 1837, on the farm where he lives; at the age of 14, he commenced attending school at Delaware, where he remained three years ; in 1855, he entered the Shelby High School, at G-ermantown, Tenn., remaining one year, going from there to the Center Hill Academy, Mississippi. In 1857, he accepted a position as book-keeper in the Marysville Bank, at Marysville, Ohio, which he held for two years ; he then attended the Ohio Wesleyan University, Delaware, for one year ; he then went to Kansas, and taught a select school in Atchison for two years; returned home in 1861, and took charge of the farm. In 1864, he served as Sergeant of Co. K, 145th 0. N. G., for five months. Dec. 24, 1874, he married Carrie Yeend, who was born April 21, 1845, in Gloucestershire, Eng.; when 7 years old, she came with her parents to Ohio ; she taught district and high school five years, and for five years more was teacher in the Girls' Industrial Home. In 1868, Mr. Carson bought the homestead of 177 acres. They are members of the Liberty Presbyterian Church.

AURELIUS DEPP, farmer and stock -raiser; P. 0. Jerome, Union Co. His father, Abraham Depp, was a native of Virginia, and a blacksmith by trade, having worked for forty years in one shop, commencing when 9 years old ; in 1834, he came to Ohio, stopped in Columbus, where he worked some at his trade, being the second smith to work in that place. In that year, he purchased the present homestead, at that time containing 400 acres. Having returned to Virginia for his fanjily, he started with them for Ohio, in 1835 ; before reaching their destination his wife died. About three years after settling here, he married Chaney Ellis. At his death, his property was valued at $30,000; this, excepting 100 acres of land on which his widow lives and holds during her natural life, was divided among his children. Aurelius Depp was born near Richmond, Va., Oct. 20, 1831 ; his boyhood days were divided between work on the farm and attending school ; at the age of 22 years, he entered Oberlin College, which'he attended for two years; his father being in ill health, he was compelled to return home and take charge of affairs. Sept. 9, 1858, he was married to Catharine Letchford, daughter of Pleasant Letchford, an early settler of Columbus, who was the owner of 226 acres of land within a mile of the city, and was a prominent colored man of the county of Franklin ; at his death his property was valued at about $25,000. After Mr. Depp's marriage, he moved on to his present place, which contains sixty acres ; he also owns, seventy-seven acres within a mile of the city of Columbus ; nine children are the fruit of their marriage. Ardemian, Mary E., Abraham L., Freeman W., Catherinfe and Queen Victoria are still living ; Martha B. , Aurelius and Victor Emanuel are dead; the latter and Queen Victoria were twins. In September, 1864, Mr. Depp enlisted in the 12th U. S. C. I.; he was in the two days' battle of Nashville, also at Franklin, Tenn., and Decatur, Ala.; since the war, he has been a successful farmer and stock raiser ; he has filled some of the township offices, and is an active man in his neighborhood.

WILLIAM D. DUNLAP, farmer ; was born in this county Nov. 16, 1836. He was married, June 28, 1855, to Miss Susan Evans, when himself and wife, together with his parents, David and Sarah Dunlap, remoVed on to the place where he now resides, occupying the house and living as one family ; after his father's death, his mother continued to make her home with her son. Nine children have been born to Mr. Dunlap and wife, all living ; their names and dates of birth are as follows: Sarah K., born Aug. 16, 1856: Joseph A., March 4, 1858 ; James F., March 12, 1860 ; Charles E., Jan. 10, 1862 ; Richard A., Oct. 13, 1863 ; John W., May 24, 1865 ; Thomas J., July 2, 1869; Ida E., March 29, 1873; Harrie E., May 30, 1879. Mr. Dunlap's farm contains 95 acres, and is situated three and one-quarter miles southwest of Delaware ; he is a member of Olentangy Lodge, No. 53, I. O.'O. F, of Delaware.

LEWIS EDELBLUTE, farmer ; P. 0. Delaware ; was born April 18, 1840, in Delaware Township ; he is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Edelblute ; his boyhood days were divided between work upon the farm and attending school ; however, at the age of 17 he commenced to work out by the month, dividing his wages with his parents. Aug. 19, 1859, he married Mary A. Peck. In August, 1862, he entered the army as a member of Co. I, 82d 0. V. I. ; the December following, he was taken prisoner while with a provision train en route from Fairfax Station to Dumfries, Va., and held as such for three months, .being confined in Castle Thunder until paroled in the spring of 1863 ; on July 1 of that year, during the first day's battle of Gettysburg, he was shot through the head, the ball passing in just below and taking off the lower tip of the left ear, coming out under the right eye, taking out the upper jaw bone ; he fell into the enemy's hands, tfut was recaptured the next day ; with this wound he barely escaped death, and for some time the only sustenance he received was through a tube ; he has to this day been compelled to subsist on semi-solids and fluids ; Mr. Edelblute remained in the hospital for seven months ; coming home as soon as able, he took charge of his farm affairs ; his homestead consists of 40 acres. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Edelblute, of whom Mary P., Elizabeth J., Lewis S., Eveline and George A., are living ; two - Lucy and an infant - are deceased. Mrs. Edelblute is a member of the Baptist Church. BENJAMIN FRESHWATER, farmer; his father - Christopher Freshwater, a carpenter by trade - came to Ohio in 1812, in company with the Hills of this township ; on his journey hither from Pennsylvania, he carried his gun and broad-ax on his shoulder ; upon their arrival here, he purchased 50 acres of land on the west side of the Scioto River, in what is now known as the Hills settlement, and erected his cabin upon it ; at that time, there were only two settlements in what is now Concord Township. Not long after arriving here, having made some preparations for a home, he married Miss Elizabeth Hill. Subsequently, he exchanged his little farm of 50 acres for 100 acres on the east side of the river, and to this additions were made, until at one time he was the possessor of 950 acres. His demise took place Oct. 14, 1865, leaving twelve children. Prior to the maturity of the children, his family had received but one professional visit from physicians. Benjamin Freshwater was born April 9, 1829, within a mile of where he now lives. The usual duties of a farmer's boy devolved upon him during his earlier days, receiving his schooling from the bcal schools ; in connection with a brother and with the assistance of two dogs, some years ago, he killed the largest wildcat that was ever captured in the county. Dec. 18, 1852, he united in marriage with Miss Mary Harriott; she died July 9, 1863 ; they had seven children ; Mary E., Sarah M., Henry 0., Lero^ and Adelia A., are living. In

September, 1868, Mr. Freshwater married Mary J. Cunningham ; they have four children - Louella, George, Malinda and Frances. For twentyeight years, he has lived on his present farm of 86 acres, being recognized as a kind and friendly neighbor. For fifteen years from the time he was 19 years old, he was a member of the United Brethren Church ; he then joined the Christian faith, and so remains to this time. The gun brought to this county by his father in 1812, and by which it is reputed over four hundred deer have been killed, is still in his possession.

THOMAS S. HALL, superintendent of gas and water works, Girl's Industrial Home ; was born Sept. 10, 1842, in Liberty Township, where the village of Powell now stands. Thomas S. remained at home till 1 9 years old, when he entered the Ohio Wesley an University, at Delaware, where he attended only three months ; from this institution he went into the army ; he had previously made an attempt to enlist, but could not pass muster, on account of a broken limfc ; his first term expired in September, 1862, and in May, 1864, he enlisted a second time, in Co. K, 145th 0. V. I.; shortly after, was promoted to the office of Sergeant, and from that office to Second Lieutenant, which position he held till he was discharged, at the close of the rebellion ; there were six brothers in the army, two of whom sleep under Southern soil. After coming home, Thomas S. worked one year at the Powell mill ; he then went to Orange Station, where he was railroad agent ; he at the same time had charge of J. Pennel's store, and was Assistant Postmaster ; remained there one year, when he, in company with his brother E. J., bought an interest in the Powell min, where they manufactured laths, shingles and broom handles ; he remained there five years, till 1871, at which time he accepted the position of night watchman at the Girls' Industrial Home ; also had charge of the mail and passenger travel, to and from Delaware, till the water and gas works were put up, since which time he has had charge of them ; he is the oldest employe at the home, and has gained quite a reputation for capturing and bringing back escaped inmates of the home ; has been in the employ of the State eight years, and has in that time been ofi' duty only twenty days, ten days of which were given him by Dr. Nichols and the same by Dr. Hills, as a reward for his close attention to business. Nov. 12, 1863, he was married to Miss Frances A. Topliif ; she was born Jan. 1, 1843, in Franklin Co , Ohio,

They have six children, all living - William F.' Lettie A., Ernest E., Harrie I., Mabel D. and OUia A. Mr. and Mrs. Hall are members of the M. E. Church ; he is a prominent Sunday school man ; for four years he was Superintendent of the Powell Sunday School, keeping it alive through the year, something never done in that place before ; for the last two years, has been conducting a Sunday school in Concord Township.

WILLIAM H. HEATH, blacksmith and wagon-maker ; P. 0. Delaware ; lives in Concord Towjiship ; he was born Dec. 18, 1844, in New Jersey. His parents, Benjamin and Pamelia Heath, came to Ohio when William was but a child, and located on the present family homestead ; here the father lived with his family until his death in October, 1879, at the age of 84 years ; he had been a leading member of the Baptist Church for forty years, and was, at the time of his demise, a member of the Concord Baptist Church ; his widow and a son, Othia J., are living with Mr. Heath in the old homestead. Although never having served as an apprentice, Mr. Heath is a good mechanic and has a shop on his place. Oct. 4, 1864, he was married to Susan Jones ; they have had eight children, of whom Isaac, born Oct. 2, 1865 ; Sarah E., May 12, 1869 ; William H., Aug. 15, 1871, and George, March 2, 1874, are still living; Abraham and three infants are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Heath are active members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Heath has a brother, Kichard B., living in Red Oak. Iowa, a brother, George G., and sister Mary, deceased. Mrs. Heath's parents, Abraham and Sarah Jones, came to Ohio at an early day and purchased 300 acres of land. Mr. Jones became a member of the Baptist Church in early life, and so remained until his death in February, 1866, having served as a Deacon for forty years. Mrs. Heath lived with her parents until her marriage.

SOLOMON HILL is a farmer, living in Concord Township, where his grandfather came as one of the earliest settlers, who purchased 1,300 acresof land, which he divided among his children, seven sons and three daughters, 115 acres of which was given to Mr. Hill's father, whose name was Stephen, the mother's name being Susan ; on this farm they lived until the father's death, passingthe later years with his son Solomon, who still resides on the farm, and where he was born. May 28, 1825. Mr. Hill received his education in schools held in two difi'erent sohoolhouses, built upon the old homestead : some of the lumber that entered into the coHstruction of the first house built upon the farm is still upon the place. Mr. Hill is the only grandson of Stephen Hill, Sr., now living in Delaware Co. At the age of 26, he was married to Miss Rachel Kilbery. They have had two children - Asa and Melvina, both deceased. Soon after the death of the last child, Mr. Hill was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife. From the time of her death until Dec. 15, 1859, Mr. Hill lived at his father's. On that date, he was married to his present wife, who was Miss Mary> J., daughter of William and Catharine Jackson ; she was born Sept. 28, 1836, in Concord, Township ; they have had three children, of whom Ruth, and Murtlo are still living - Susan having died. Ruth is now Mrs. Kilbery ; her husband is a brother of her father's first wife. Mr. Hill is proprietor of the Hill pleasure grounds, on which he has given a Fourth of July picnic dinner each year, for sixteen years, and during that time he has given from six to ten public parties, each year. The grounds are nicely arranged and highly ornamental ; an excavation for a lake in the grounds has been commenced, but is not yet completed. Aside from his other duties, Mr. Hill has been for years, and is still, engaged in the manufacture of brick, having furnished all that has entered into the construction of the Girls' Industrial Home, excepting for one story of one of the buildings.

WILLIAM JACKSON, farmer; P. 0. Jerome, Union Co.; was born Jan. 27, 1813, in Stark Co., Ohio, and, at the age of 11 years, his parents, . Francis and Elizabeth Jackson, moved to Licking Co. Mr. Jackson's great-great-grandfather on his father's side was one of a number of men whb drew their wives by lot out of a ship load of women that came to the New World as helpmates for the brave men who had preceded them ; this ancestor drew a "little fat Dutch girl" who proved to be a helpmate indeed, making him a true wife and their children a loving mother ; when our subject was 15 years of age his father died ; he remained at home about one year thereafter, after which time he was employed on public works until he reached the age of 22. He was then married to Miss Kittie McKitrick ; they have had twelve children, eight of whom are living - Mary A., Elizabeth L., Susan M., ' James A., Arthur F., Marcella A., Emma 0. and Harvey D.; those deceased being Emily, William H., Francis L. and Smith A.; two of their sons were in the army during the late war ; William H. died in

Missouri ; his body was brought home and buried. In Mr. Jackson's family, there is a little girl who was born on his farm ; her father and mother's name was Hamlin ; the mother died soon after the child's birth ; her maiden name was Jackson ; she claimed to have come from Texas ; the whereabouts of the father is not known. Mr. Jackson has a good farm of 236 acres adjoining the State farm on the south, the Scioto River forming its eastern boundary.

DANIEL L. KELLY lives in Concord Township on a farm which he owns and operates ; it consists of 124 acres ; besides this, he is the possessor of property in Delaware City ; he was born Jan. 12, 1823, in Champaign Co., Ohio; lived with his parents until 5 years of age, when William Shockley, his grandfather, took him to Fleming Co., Ky., with whom he lived, about nine years ; he then came to Brown Co., Ohio, and lived with his brother, John Kelly, two years ; the following seven years, excepting a year and a half spent in Kentucky, he made his home with an uncle in this county. Sept; 26, 1847, he married Miss Annie C. Kooken, who was born in this township May 15, 1820 ; her father died when she was quite young ; she lived with her mother until her marriage with Mr. Kelly ; the latter's father, Thomas Kelly, came to Ohio from Hot Springs, Va., in 1809, when a young man; for i about twenty years, he made his home in this section of the country, and then went West ; the next thirty years he lived in Iowa and Missouri ; in 1860, at the age of 75, he returned to this county, where, at the home of his son, Daniel L., he shortly afterward died. Mr. and Mrs. Kelly are the parents of nine children ; those living are Margaret K., Mary/S., George E., William A. and James. Mrs. Kelly died Sept. 17, 1863, three of her children having died before her. The first year after his first marriage, Mr. Kelly lived in Belle Point, moving on to a farm in 1848 ', in 1851, he.bought and moved on to what is known as the Sugar Grove farm, remaining until his second marriage, April 21, 1867, to Mrs. Louisa Freshwater; she had one child - Mary F. E., born June 24, 1864 ; by this wife, Mr. Kelly is the father of two children - Charles W., born Aug. 5, 1868, and Jessie I., Nov. 5, 1879 ; shortly after his second marriage, he sold his old place and purchased and moved on to the farm'where he now lives. In his younger days, Mr. Kelly helped cut out and open up for travel the present pike from Belle Point to Delaware, and, when living with his uncle, often went with wagon-loads of grain to Sandusky City, a distance of 125 miles. He has filled most of the public offices of his township, and figures prominently in his locality ; in 1859, he . accepted the position of Land Appraiser, and again in 1879.

ELIJAH KENT was born Jan. 14, 1824, in Madison Co., Ohio ; he is the son of Silas and Olive Kent ; they moved to Union Co. when Elijah was but a child; Aug. 12, 1831, the father died ; Elijah remained with his mother until he was 24 years old, when, Aug. 23, 1848, he married Miss Charlotte Norris, who was born in Harrison Co. March 23, 1828 ; her parents took up their abode in Union Co. when Charlotte was about 12 years of age, she living with her parents until her marriage with Mr. Kent ; from this union there have been born to them eleven children ; of these, Ellen, Dudley and two infants are deceased ; Emily J., born Sept. 23, 1849 ; George, Sept. 9, 1853 ; Edward, Nov. 2, 1856 ; Andrew D., Oct. 12, 1858 ; John, Nov. 12, 1860 ; Silas, Dec. 27, 1862, and Benjamin F., Aug. 14, 1865, are still living ; Emily and George are married, the others live at home. In 1865, Mr. Kent purchased and moved on to his present farm ; it contains 338 acres ; in addition to this, he owns a fifteen-acre lot in this township and 349 in Liberty. As a stock-raiser and shipper, Mr. Kent has been recognized for some years as one of the most extensive in the county ; he has also dealt considerably in real estate, and in a general way is prominently identified with the business interests of the township.

D. W. C. LUGENBEEL, teacher, Belle Point ; was born Feb. 7, 1831, and is a son of John and Pamelia Lugenbeel, who moved to Ohio when our subject was a child ; they located in Delaware Township, where they remained until the subject was about 20 years old, when they moved away ; he, however, remained in Delaware, attending the university, and was one of the four first students in that institution. Mr. Lugenbeel attended the university three years, and then spent some time with his parents ; returned to the university, where he remained one year, being in the class with Mrs. Hayes and her brothers ; in 1850, he left the school, and connected himself with the Delaware Democratic Standard, on which he worked till 1862 ; in May, he enlisted in Co. C, 86th O. V. I., and remained with the company until the expiration of his term, about eighteen months ; after returning home, he worked on the paper he had formerly been connected with ; while in the army, he corresponded for seven different papers, of which two were in Cincinnati, two in Delaware, one in Marysville, one in Springfield, Ohio, and one in Lancaster, Ohio. Mr. Lugenbeel has a large newspaper experience, having been sole propietor of four, and partner in two other, papers, and for several years has been correspondent for all the Delaware papers from the townships of Concord, Liberty and Scioto ; he has been in thirty-three of the thirty-eight States, having spent several years in traveling ; and in that time he gave considerable attention to collecting curiosities, and now has quite a museum ; about 1864, Mr. Lugenbeel commenced teaching, to which he has since devoted his time and attention ; he has taught fifly-five terms of school in Delaware Co., has filled the office of Township Clerk one year, and Township Constable three years ; is a member of the Reform Church, and is now prominently identified with the Sundayschool interests of Concord Township. As a poet, Mr. Lugenbeel has gained quite a reputation, writing poetry on any subject he may choose.

REV. JOHNC. MERCHANT, farmer; P.O. Jerome, Union Co. ; a son of Yammer and Edith Merchant; born July 10, 1838, in Columbus, Ohio, where he remained with his father until he was 7 years old ; the family then moved on to a farm ; the father, who was a devout Christian, died Aug. 13, 1875. At the age of 17, John C. entered the Union Seminary in Franklin Co., where he attended two years ; when he arrived at the age of 36, Mr. Merchant was ordained for the ministry, having become a Christian when only 13 years old, at which time he joined the African Methodist Church, of which he has been an active and earnest member. At the age of 23, he was married to Miss Sarah J ackson, and to them were born three children - Sandy E., John W. and Susan P., all of whom are still living. The mother died in 1866, leaving the care of the children to the father and his people. In 1874, Mr. Merchant came to Delaware Co., settling in this township. Since his citizenship here, he has married Keziah Depp, who lived but a little over a year, leaving an infant child, Ida E. R. Mr. Merchant owns a nice little farm one and a half miles south from the Girls' Industrial Home. He is a prominent man among the colored people.

JOSIAH MARSH, farmer; P. 0. Jerome, Union Co. Mr. Marsh was born May 12, 1841, within a mile of where he now lives ; he is the son of Joel and Rachel Marsh ; the father came to Franklin Co., Ohio, in 1813 ; in 1821, he married Miss Hill, daughter of Stephen Hill, of Concord Township, this being the first marriage in that township ; after living awhile in Franklin Co., they settled near her father's ; here they lived something over fifty years, when she died ; he survived her but a short time, dying Jan. 3, 1874, both having been faithful Christians. Joel Marsh was a man of infiuence in his locality, having been a Justice of the Peace for twelve consecutive years, then declined further honors tendered him in that line ; however, some years subsequently, he was persuaded to assume the mantle of that office . again, performing the duties for three years more ; he has filled other positions, among which may be mentioned that of Township Trustee, which he held for several years. Josiah Marsh and his sister, Mrs. Layman, are living at the old homestead.; Mrs. Layman and her husband moved to her father's home in September, 1867, and on Oct. 8 of the same year, Mr. Layman died from the effects of an injury received a short time previously. The homestead farm contains 117 acres, and is situated just north and adjoining the State farm of the Girls' Industrial Home, on the Belle Point pike. On account of ill health, Mr. Marsh has traveled considerably ; in 1863, he took a tour around the lakes; in 1876, he took in the Centennial at Philadelphia, and during this trip visited other Eastern cities.

H. W. NEWELL, contractor and builder ; is a native of Delaware, in this county, where he was born Feb. 14, 1846, the son of John and Eliza Newell; at the age of 13, he took a position as clerk in a confectionery store in Delaware. In April, 1861, at the age of 15, he ran away and enlisted in the 4th 0. V. I.; his mother caused his return, but in a few days he joined his company in Cincinnati, remaining at Camp Dennison until the expiration of his three months' enlistment ; the September following, he enlisted in the 20th 0. V. I.; Feb. 14, 1862, his 16th birthday, was in the battle of Fort Donelson, subsequently took part in the battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, Jackson, Raymond, Grand Gulf, Champion Hill and the siege of Vicksburg ; then re-enUsted and served through with Sherman to the sea, and discharged in August, 1865, at Columbus ; the last two years he was Sergeant Major. May 11, 1867, Mr. Newell married Miss Hattie McCowly ; they had three children - Harris H. and Nettie M., living; Freddie W., deceased; Mrs. Newell died May 31, 1876 ; Jan. 31, 1878, Mr. Newell married Miss Annie MoCowly, a sister of his first wife; she died Jan. 31, 1879, just one year from marriage; he, with his sister and two children, are living in Columbus. In 1867, he took a trip to California and Colorado ; has studied medicine, and attended lectures ; has been Superintendent of Hospital at State Penitentiary, and i^ now contracting and building, and 'constructing two buildings at the Girls' Industrial Home.

0. PEASLEE, boarding-house ; Girls' Industrial Home; was born Jan. 5, 1828 ; is a son of Joptha and Barbara Peaslee, of Union Co., Ohio ; the father died about three months before the subject was born ; he remained with his mother till 17 years old, when he commenced to learn the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked three years ; he then went to Morrow Co. and entered a Quaker school, which he attended three years; he then taught school one year, when he went to ^den and opened a shoe-shop,*remaining there eight years. Here he married Ruth Gardner; they had one child - Marcus G., who graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University, only living a few months thereafter ; in 1859, Mr. Peaslee moved to Delaware and ran a boarding-house for eight years at the female college ; then opened what is now the Central- Hotel : after the death of his son, he, with his wife, went South, to Post Christian, Miss., where he opened a large hotel, and remained there until Mrs, P.'s death, Dec. 26, 1878, when he closed., his house and brought her remains back to Delaware. Mr. Peaslee is now running a boarding-house at the Girls' Home in Concord Township.

JOHN F. PENROD is a Constable of Concord Township, where he was born Dec. 13, 1850 ; he is a son of Henry and Sarah J. Penrod ; previous to 1860, they lived in the county on one of several farms which they owned; in the year 1860, having sold their property, they emigrated to Lyon Co., Kan., where they purchased a farm, which, in 1869, they exchanged for property in Emporia, Kan., whither they moved, and where they still reside. John F. remained with his parents until 16 years old, when he returned to Ohio, and for the three subsequent years, worked on a farm during the cropping season and attended school in winter; the following three years he worked in a saw-mill, acting most of the time as engineer. Oct. 3, 1872, he was married to Rosetta Hinkle, daughter of William and Matilda Hinkle; she was born in Morrow Co. Oct. 3, 1851. Most of the time since his -marriage, Mr.

i'enrod has lived on a farm ; during this time, however, he has done some clerking in? a store. He was elected Constable of his township in the spring of 1879, and still holds that honorable position.

KOBINSON is a farmer living in Concord Township, with post office at Belle Point ; he was born near London, England, and is a son of William D. and Rebecca Robinson. The father was a carver and gilder of picture frames, at which he worked until his marriage, afler which he opened a tobaqco and cigar store, which he conducted until 1833, when he came to America, landing in New York City on the memorable night of the falling stars; he remained in New York about one year, removing to Ohio with his family in 1834, locating in this township, on the farm where his wife still lives, he having died Aug. 24, 1871 ; John remained at home until he was 21 years of age ; he then commenced business for himself by traveling through the country with a wagon containing a general stock of goods ; this he followed for seven years ; he then bought in interest in a store in California, Union Co., where he remained for two years, when he moved on to the farm where he now lives. He was married in 1852, to Sarah Hill ; they had three children - John A., Rebecca and Mary, all living. Mrs. Robinson died in January, 1862. In November, 1862, he married Nancy Goodin ; they have four children - Sarah B., Thomas G., Flora J. and William D. Mr. Robinson has been Road Supervisor for nineteen years, and School Director for twenty years ; the farm on which he lives belongs to his son, John A., and consists of 317 acres, upon which there is a greenhouse.

JAMES E. ROBINSON, farmer; P. 0. Hoytville. Wood Co.; was born May 5, 1834, in Virginia, and is the son of James and Annie M. Robinson. Mr. Robinson's father was born on the ocean while his parents were on their way from London, England, to New York ; he came from this State from Virginia, locating in Delaware (bounty, when Mr. Robinson was but a child ; the latter remained at home until of age, receiving a liberal education, spending two and a half years at the normal school in Delaware; he then went into the machine-shops at Springfield, where he remained about three years ; he then accepted a position on the railroad, with which he was identified for about seven years, dividing his time between the positions of roadmaster, conductor and contractor. At the age of 22, he married Miss Julia

A. Ross, daughter of Rev. John Ross, of Delaware, who was prominently identified with the building of the William Street M. E. Church, of that place. Mr. Robinson is a descendant of Mary, Queen of Scots, and his wife of Martin Luther ; they have seven children, of whom Arlington A., John C, Ralph W., U. S. and Mary H., are still living ; those deceased are Newton E. and Weldon B. In 1864, Mr. R. enlisted in the U. S. naval service, and for two years thus served his country, since which time he has dev

Source changes here: from 20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio and Representative Citizens, by Lytle, James Robert, published 1908; 2,953 words in this source stream.

Concord Township

The first church building in Concord Township was an old granary, donated for that purpose by James Kooken. Soon after this, A. Depp ( colored) put up a log-cabin church on his farm, as a place of worship for the colored Baptists. The Bellepoint United Brethren Church was formerly situated in close proximity to the old Oiler Cemetery. about a mile below Bellepoint, on the east side of the river. The church was originally started by the Oilers, Jacob, Peter and George, and was a frame building. The early records are lost, and hence much of its history cannot be obtained. In 1864, being somewhat torn by internal strife and differences, some of the most prominent members left and formed a new society called the Christian Union Church. The frame structure, after existing for thirtyfive years, was torn down, and the charge transferred to Bellepoint. The present church is a fine brick building, and is the first built at the village. It cost about $2,600, and the fund for its erection was raised by general subscription. It was dedicated by Bishop Weaver, of the Northern Ohio Conference, in June, 1873, and the first sermon preached in it was by Elder Long, a Christian minister. The names of the different ministers since its removal to the village are as follows: Revs. John V. Pott-. |. C. Beady, D. W. Downey, I. B. Resler. J. IT Cray ton, C. 1.. Barlow, D. F. Cender. J. E. Hill, E. Barnard, and others.

The Christian Church was formed of dissatisfied members of the old United Brethren Church, the dissatisfaction growing out of questions as to the result of the War of 1861-65. The society was organized the first Sunday in April, 1864, at the house of Rev. R. Gates, and the first sermon was preached by him. For several years, the society had no meetinghouse. They made an effort to buy the old frame church from the United Brethren, hut owing to the high price they were unable to do so, and for a time their meetings were held in private residences and. when the weather would admit, in the groves, "God"s first temples." Alter great exertions, they at length succeeded in building a comfortable brick edifice, 40x30 feet, at a cost of $1,050. It was erected on the site occupied by the United Brethren Church. The following ministers have officiated since its formation : Revs. R. Gates, W. W. Lacy, George W. Higgins. Jacob Haskins, Levi Ely, Purdy King, William Davis, Rev. Hanawalt, and others.

The Baptist Church is situated on the pike, a half mile east of Bellepoint, and was established in 1853. The following ministers have had charge of the society : Rev. Levi R. Jones, who officiated from October, 1855. to March, i860; Rev. R. Gates, who held the charge from March, i860, to March, 1865. when he joined the Christian Union Church. The church then accepted the ministrations of Rev. Seth Gates, his brother, who had just repudiated the United Brethren Church. He officiated until 1869. when the church completely died out, and continued in a dormant state until 1879, and was then resuscitated. On the 24th of May, of this year, it was again opened for worship, and the day following Rev. Isenbarger, of Delaware, preached an excellent sermon. For a time they had their pulpit occasionally supplied by pastors of other charges. The old building still stands, but the society disbanded several years ago.

The Eversole United Brethren Church takes its name from old Father Eversole. who fault it, and was long instrumental in keeping it up. No records are to be found, and authentic history of it is not easily obtained.

And Representative Citizens

Presbyterian Church. In 1852, Rev. \V. H. Brinkerhoff organized a church in tins township with thirteen members. He was the only supply, and the church was dissolved in i860. The name given to the church was Stanbury. Xo church building was erected.

Many years ago, camp-meetings used to be in vogue in Concord, as they were in many other sections of the country. The first of these of which we have any account was held at the house of Mr. Eversole, near where the United Brethren Church'now stands. After a few years, the place of holding the meetings was changed to grounds near Rigger's bridge, which spans the Scioto where the Marysville pike crosses it. The bridge is now in Sen >t< > Township, but at that time (about 1838-39), was in Concord. For a number of years, this was a place for holding camp-meetings, and the scene of much good and some evil.

Spring View. This church situated on the east bank of the Scioto, overlooking the Girls' Industrial Home, was the outgrowth of a Sunday school held in a schoolhouse near by. When Rev. Thomas Hill was pastor of the Liberty Presbyterian Church, he urged his members to look up places where Sunday schools could be organized. C. T. Carson and wife were members of the Liberty Church, and took heed to the request of their pastor. They asked leave of the school directors to use the schoolhouse for a Sunday school, which was readily granted. Thomas Hall, who was employed at the Girls' Home, was elected the first superintendent. Some difficulty was experienced in getting some one to open the school with prayer. But Mrs. Carson volunteered to perform the duty and was the first to offer prayer for the new enterprise. Dr. Frederick Merrick, of the Ohio Wesleyan University, was a trustee for the Home, and t' x >k an interest in the work, and helped the school by a donation of books for their use. He also arranged for the Methodist Episcopal minister who was preaching at Jerome, to go and hold services at the school house. A revival was the result, and those desiring a Methodist organization predominated, with the result 1l1.1t a .Methodist Episcopal Church was organized. The schoolhouse was soon found too small for the growing interest, and the need of a church building was felt. The proposition was made by Lige Carl (not a church member), George Stokes and C. T. Carson, that they would give $400 ($133 each), if the enterprise was consummated. This was done by smaller contributions, and a frame church was erected (the building now occupied), and dedicated by Elder King. The following ministers were the first to serve the new organization : Revs. Thurston, Shoop, the wife of whom died when he was living on the field, Abernathy, Argo, Prios, Creighton, Holcomb, A. S. Rodgers, Judd, Tubbs, H. H. Miller. T. M. Ricketts. T. Z. Wakefield, P. H. Mindling. The society is connected with the Jerome circuit. A good Sunday school is maintained.

Lying in the southwest corner of Delaware County, Concord is one of the county's most interesting townships in point of historical heppenings and incidents of pioneer life. The derivation of its name is unknown, but the popular belief exists that it was named from the town of Concord, Massachusetts, of Revolutionary fame. Delaware was set off from Franklin County in 1808, and three townships established in the new county, of which Liberty was made to include what is now Concord. When Union Township was created June 16, 1809, it included that part of Concord lying west of the Scioto River. April 20, 1819, Concord Township came into being, its boundaries being fixed in the following manner : "Beginning at the county line between Franklin and Delaware Counties, on the east bank of the Scioto River, and running up the river to where the range line between 19 and 20 strikes the river ; thence north on said range line to the southeast corner of fourth quarter, fifth township, and twentieth range ; thence west to the Scioto River, thence up said river to where the State Road from Delaware to Derby crosses the same ; thence westward along the south line of said road until it strikes the westerly line of survey, and extra No. 2,994; thence southwardly on said line and mi the west line of survey Nos. 2.993. 2.989, 2,998, 3.006, 3,005 and 2,991, to Franklin

County line; thence east to the place of beginning'." Very irregular in outline, it was taken from and added to so frequently in early days, it became a matter of jest as to whether those who resided near the border, would awaken in the morning in the same township in which they had sough repose the night before. About 1852. Scioto Township was allowed one school district from that portion of Concord lying east of Scioto River, extending north, between the river and Delaware Township, to the south line of Radnor. A few years later, on petition of the voters affected a school district was added from the southwest part of Delaware Township, for political reasons, it is thought; and still later a small triangular part of the southwestern part of Liberty Township was added, but in a fewyears restored to that township. A school district lying in the bend of Mill Creek, in the northwest part of Concord, was segregated and annexed to Scioto. This was the last of the many changes. That part of the township lying west of the Scioto River, originally formed a part of the old Virginia Military Lands, anil the farms were laid out by the claimants' surveyors to suit them, being extended one direction to include a desirable building spot, another direction to take in a valuable spring, and so on as their fancy led them, without regard to sections or section lines. This land was heavily timbered with oak, walnut, hickory, sycamore and maple, and east of the river, between Bellepoint and Delaware Township, there was a vast swamp, considered valueless in the early days. It was many years before there was a road to Delaware through this swamp, the settlers going to that city, either by the old pack-horse trail two miles south, or by Rigger's Ford, where the covered bridge on the Marvsville Pike en ^sed the Scioto, and the State Road. After the surrounding forest had been cleared away and an effective system of drainage instituted, the swamp land was reclaimed and became very valuable as it was exceedingly fertile. Scioto River. Mill Creek, Big Run and Deer Lick Run are the streams of Concord Township, and the first named, affording excellent rafting in the days before the construction of many dams, drew many of the early residents who were thus placed within easy reach of Columbus and other river towns. The business of rafting was carried on extensively, trips down the river being made, sometimes, as far as the Ohio River. Mill Creek excelled in its water power, not showing the effect of the dry seasons as early as did the Scioto.

The first white settler of Concord was George Hill, an old Revolutionary soldier, who, in 181 1, made his way from Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, on pack horses, and settled two miles south of Bellpoint on the banks of the river. He built a log cabin on the site of the old Hill home, which he built of stone in 1823. and there with his family lived among the Indians, who were his only neighbors for a short time. His brother-inlaw, Christopher Freshwater, followed him shortly to Delaware County, making the journey from Pennsylvania, afoot, being handicapped in his travel by a gun and broad-ax which he carried on his shoulder. He bought fifty acres adjoining Mr. Hill's, and for many years followed his trade of carpentering. Many of his descendants still reside in the county. Joel Marsh, the third settler in point of time, located near Hill and Freshwater, and his marriage to a daughter of the former, was the first in the township. George Freshwater, son of Christopher, was the first white child born there, and Mrs. Hill, mother of George Hill, was the first who died in the township, as well as the first buried in Hill Cemetery. She was eighty years old when the journey was made from Pennsylvania, and died in 182 1, aged ninety years. John Day. Sr., a negro slave. the property of George Hill, was brought here in 181 1 and immediately upon arrival was granted his freedom. After living there some years he moved to Delaware. Among others of the name linked with Concord's early history, may be mentioned those of William Carson, who came in 1821 ; George Oiler, who located on the east bank of the Scioto ; James Kooken, the original proprietor of Bellepoint, win 1 had l>een a man of prominence prior to locating in Concord in 1835; J. E. Hughes, step-son of James Kooken ; John Robinson ; William Jackson, who was a child when his father brought him to the vicinity (if White Sulphur Springs; D. W. C. Lugenbeel, who for more than half a century taught school without missing a term ; John Cutler, first township treasurer and owner of 800 acres of land ; Daniel Creamer ; Francis Marley. the pioneer blacksmith; Joel Liggitt ; Gilbert Smith; Jacob Wolford; John Black; Daniel Gardner: William Stone; John Jones; Aaron Gillett; John Artz ; Thomas Bryson ; and A. Depp, a colored resilient whose coming dates back to [834, when he purchased a tract of 400 acres. The last named was the organizer of the old colored Baptist Church, long since abandoned and torn down, which stood on bis property and was known as "Depp's Church." Dr. Samuel White, another colored citizen, came in 1836 and for many years was a practicing physician near the Industrial Home. Among the first to locate in the Mill Creek Settlement was Colonel Sebum Hinton, who bought and settled upon 1,000 acres of land. There he built the first saw and grist mill of the township, which afterward was enlarged and for many years did a flourishing business. In connection, he conducted a store at his mill. Others of Mill Creek settlers were William Smart, who came from Pennsylvania; Presley The first bridge in the township was built over Said; Daniel Robbins; and Randall Murphy. Mill Creek by the people of the neighborhood and was located on the line of the old Sandusky Millitary Road.

The White Sulphur Springs, or Fountain, as it is sometimes called, is the home of one of the State's most important institutions. The Girl's Industrial Home, one in which the county and state take a just pride. The history of the Springs date back to the time the firm of Davis & Richards made borings for salt, but instead of that article struck a great flow of sulphur water at a depth of (.60 feet. They left off operations in discouragement, and the well remained in an unfinished state until 1X42, when Nathaniel Hart conceived the idea of establishing a watering place for pleasure and health seekers. Purchasing the property of its owner, Christopher Freshwater, he erected a large building and several cottages for the accommodation of guests. His success was not such as anticipated and in time Mr. Hart sold to' Andrew Wilson, Jr.. who continued the place as a resort until 1865. At that date a transfer of the property was made to John Ferry, who remodeled, enlarged and refurnished the house at a considerable expense. He carried on the business with but little success until 1869, then sold the property to the State of Ohio, which established thereon the State Reform School for Girls, which project was the result of a petition to the Legislature by some of the benevolently inclined citizens of Delaware county. The name of the institution was changed in 1872 by special enactment of the Legislature to "The Girls Industrial Home."

The village of Bellepoint, situated in the angle formed at the junction of Mill Creek and Scioto River, was laid out by James Kooken in 1835, and wild speculation followed for a time, the value of lots going steadilv upward on the strength of a plan to slack the Scioto River and fit it for steamboat navigation. It was soon demonstrated that slack water navigation was impracticable, owing to the fall of the river between Bellepoint and Columbus, and choice lots in the new town became, suddenly, almost worthless. Its founder and a few others still strove to build up the town, but their efforts met with failure. A post office was established there in 1836-37, with Walter Borgan as postmaster. A tavern, conducted by Josiah Reece, the blacksmith shop of Francis Marley, a church and school house, together with a few dwellings, was the extent of Bellepoint' s claim to classification as a village.

Concord Township, peopled with an intelligent, refined and law-abiding class of citizens, was rudely awakened from its peaceful pursuits on September 8, 1838. when the news spread that a cold-blooded murder had been committed on the camp-meeting grounds, near Rigger's Ford. An Irishman, a stranger in tin- community, had been killed by Levi Bowersmith as the result of an argument over money matters. The Irishman had engaged the Bowersmith brothers, Isaac and Levi, to haul some goods from Columbus to the campmeeting grounds, and the job completed, it is said the latter demanded a larger sum of money than that agreed upon. Hot words were passed and the two brothers left the cabin in a rage, but Levi soon returned and with a club struck the Irishman on the back of the head, crushing his skull. The victim of this assault died soon after in the cabin of Protus Lyman. In the trial which followed, Isaac Bowersmith was acquitted, and Levi was found guilty, being sentenced to one year of imprisonment.