Hamilton Township (part 1 of 3)

Early Manufactures

Among the many inconveniences to which the early settlers were subjected, perhaps none were more keenly felt than the want of grist and saw mills. The very earliest settlers had to go to Columbia to mill, packing their grist of corn meal on horseback, by paths through the forest. Families were a man named Waldsmith erected a mill at Indian Riffle, near Camp Dennison. This mill was constructed on some kind of a flat- boat, anchored out in the river, the current of the river supplying the motive power. It ground corn only. This shortened the distance measurably, and was, no doubt, hailed with joy. In the year 1806, Piercy Kitchel built a flouring-mill on the west bank of the Little Miami River, where Greely's mill now stands. This was making rapid progress in the right direction, and since then mills have been erected at other points on the west bank of the Miami, convenient of access to the people of Hamilton Township, although there are none at present within the limits of the township.

The first saw-mill in the township was built by Theophilus Simonton, the neighbors contributing largely in its completion by volunteer labor in digging the trench some three- fourths of a mile that conveyed the water from the main stream to the mill. This mill was built about the year 1812, and located on the creek near where Simonton first settled. This stream was named Conococheague Creek by the early settlers from Pennsylvania. At a later date, Samuel B. Walker's sons built a saw-mill on the same stream, on the farm now owned by A. J. Walker. These mills were what might be termed wet- weather mills, as it was only during comparatively wet times that there was sufficient water to furnish the necessary motive power, and were, under the most favorable circumstances, of very limited capacity; yet to these early settlers they were a great convenience. Since then many other mills, mostly steam, have been located at different points throughout the township until the greater part of the saw timber has been converted into lumber. In the early times, and indeed, for many years, salt was an expensive article, and was with much diffi- culty obtained. Farmers would frequently combine together and load a wagon with corn, take it to Cincinnati, and return with a barrel of salt, the proceeds of the load of com. About the year 1803 or 1804, one Peter Wilson, having discovered that certain springs, some half mile south of the present site of Maineville, possessed, in some degree, a saline quality, and being furnished with some capital by Gen. Lytle, undertook the manufacture of this article of household necessity. He sunk some three or four wells to a considerable 'depth, built a furnace, and placed in it a number of kettles, and proceeded to collect the water and boil it down; but the water proving too weak to make the enterprise a paying one, Wilson soon abandoned it The furnace and kettles, however, remained for a number of years, and neighboring farmers for quite a distance would frequently camp there and boil down the water from the wells, and in this way procure small quantities of salt for their own use.

The manufacture of whisky was not wholly neglected by* the early inhabitants. Simonton, who was the pioneer in saw-mills, was also the pioneer in distilling whisky. At an early date he erected a small copper still, just west of where Dr. Donough's house now stands, and commenced the manufacture of whisky, and this he continued for some years. The capacity of the still was from sixteen to eighteen gallons per day. He also* put up a small corn-cracker to grind com for the use of the still.

The drinking of whisky was almost a universal habit in those days, and Simonton's still-house was the scene of many a wild gathering, the neighbors meeting there to* talk over the events of the times and enjoy a social drink together. Al*out the same time, a man named Cunningham erected a small distillery near where Thompson Spence now lives, but did not continue long.

At a much later date, Vandervort's flouring-mill, at Foster's Crossing^wae converted into a distillery, and turned out, from time to time, considerable quantities of whisky.

We will now turn to what must have been a much more profitable branch of early manufacturing, and this was the manufacture of shoe leather. A tannery was opened for business about the year 1835. This tannery was located one-half mile north of Murdoch, on the farm now owned by F. Bateman. The farm was at that time owned by Jonathan Hopkinson, who built the tannery and conducted the business. The manufacture of leather proved a valuable addition to the neighborhood. Hides of cattle were tanned on the shares, one-half for tanning, and thus the farmers were enabled to supply their families with winter shoes at a small expenditure of money. Mr. Hopkinson and son continued the business for a number of years; but the establishment finally succumbed to the inevitable fate in store for all country tan-yards.

Eablt Graveyards

The early settlers, in many instances, interred their dead on their farms; yet there are throughout the township a number of graveyards of a very early date. The one known as Hill's Graveyard, on the hill near the Clermont County line, was used for this purpose as early as 1800, in which year there was buried J. Hill, as shown by the rude headstone. The first interment at Bethel Graveyard was that of Annie Spence, in the year 1806. The Hopkinsville Bury ing Ground owes its origin to the following incident: At an early date, a body (the name not remembered) was being taken to Deerfield for burial, and when the funeral train reached the river they found it too high to ford. They returned to Hopkinsville, and, after much persuasion, obtained permission iron Col. John Hopkins to bury the body on the site of the present burying grounds.

Hamilton Town8Hip

There are other old graveyards in the township, notably the one east of Zoar, at the foot of the hill, but the writer cannot give names of first burials.

The Maineville Burying Ground is of later origin. The following, copied from an inscription on a stone, probably marks about the time of its establishment as a resting-place for the dead: M Sacred to the memory of Peter Dudley, who departed this life October 22, 1819. w

Eablt Reminiscences Miscellaneous

Received of Sami B. Walker the sum of Two dollars and twenty- six cents, being in full of his State tax for the year 1805. I say received by me.

Resolution of the Grand Juiw for them to meet at the time of adjournment or otherwise to be obliged to pay one-half pint of whisky viz, to come in proper order to do business and not to be intoxicated, otherwise they shall be obliged to pay four half pints of whisky.

Resolved that they will meet according to tne time they appointed to meet according to adjournment, or if not, to be obliged to pay one-half pint of whisky, each one who does not meet against the time agreed upon, ana if any person, who is a Juror as aforesaid shall attend intoxicated, he shall be entitled to pay the sum of fifty cents. Also we resolve that all drink that is brought in for the use of us the Jurors aforesaid shall be equally divided, or in other words each Juror pay his part of the same. And we do agree to adjourn to ten o'clock to-morrow. Absent Jacob Barker and Joseph Mounts. Resolved also that we will appoint John Craft a moderater during the time the Jury sit.

Taken up by John Cramer a sorrel horse Colt supposed to be one year old past. Appraised to $7.00 by Thos 8pence and Jacob Morgan. Jany 27th 1816.

License is hereby granted unto Samuel Anderson and Judith Clinton to be joined in marriage agreeable to the law of the State of Ohio, entitled ** An act regulating marriages." Therefore, any Justice of the Peace, or Minister of the gospel legally authorized, may Join the said Samuel Anderson and Judith Clinton in marriage, agreeable to said law, provided always that there is no legal objection.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Court of Common Pleas at Lebanon, the 24th day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty.

Owing to the loss of the early records, we are unable to give a complete list of the officers of this township, from its organization, to this date. The following is a list from 1857 to 1881, inclusive.

Politics

The political complexion of the township, has been for many years largely Republican. The vote at the Presidential election of 1880 was as follows: Garfield, 401; Hancock, 202. In the year 1828, the township gave a Democratic majority, Andrew Jackson having a majority of about 60, out of a vote of less than 300; he also carried the township, by a reduced majority, in 1832.

Justices Of The Peace

Only a partial list of Hamilton's Justices can be given, as the records are mostly lost. Among the earliest were Michael H. Johnson, John Bowen, James Miranda, Theophilus Simonton, Samuel B. Walker, James Hill, Thomas Dickey, Col. John Hopkins, and later Esq. Munger, David Morgan, Calvin Kitchel, H. C. Dwinel, Daniel H Shields, Clarkson Butterworth, William H. Cummins, Milton Monce and Peter Doughman. The presents incumbents are Wm. C. McCammon and J. C. Redman, the latter having served since 1865.

In this contest Hamilton took an active part She furnished two companies - the one a light-horse company, commanded by Col. John Hopkins, the other a rifle company, commanded by Theophilus Simonton. The writer has not been able to learn the names of any members of the first named company. The latter while making ready to take the field, had its headquarters at Hopkinsville, Theophilus Simonton was chosen Captain. The company was composed of about forty men. The writer has been able to gather from tradition and records the following names of members of the company. The list so far as it extends is thought to be reliable. Theophilus Simonton, Captain; Alex Simonton, William Spence, William Hopkins, Samuel Anderson, Arnold Snyder, Henry Snell, Samuel B. Walker, Robert Shields, Thomas Wallace, John Wallace, Alex Brannon, John Brannon, Ludwick Thompson, James Johnson, Alex Bigham, Theophilus Wasson, Alexander Work, Abraham Haney, William Coburn, David Simonton, Valentine Ertle, James Hill, Hugh McCullough, John Vandervort, Jonas Vandervort and John Gillis. David Shields, Colen Spence and Archibald Clinton were also out in the service, but probably not in this company. Simonton' s company was at the siege of Fort Meigs and underwent many hardships. The following extract from an original letter, now in existence, will serve to show the spirit that animated those heroes:

Dear Wife: ***** We have been preparing to receive another visit from the enemy this while past, but it is the opinion of a good many they never will have the effrontery to show their infernal faces at Fort Meigs again ; if they do, they will have cause to rue it. as our forces will be strong enough to give them a complete drubbing. Eight hundred mounted men from Kentucky arrived here last night. Our beloved and worthy General Harrison left here the 12th of last month and I have not seen him since, but he is expected here this evening with a number of regular troops. *****

Mexican War

There can be but little said of the part the township took in this war. The names of the following are remembered as volunteering their services :

The War Of The Rebellion

The writer regrets exceedingly his inability to give a full and complete list of those who went from the township into this conflict, but can only give the names as obtained from memory, which must necessarily furnish only an incomplete list.

Company - , Second Ohio Volunteer Infantry - Captain, J ames E. Murdoch. Members - J. C. Bums, Charles Chaney, Henry Dunham, Henry Geise, Frank Hopkinson, Henry Boat, Henry Smith, William Semon, John Spence, Erwin Swank, John Walker, Gaines Walker, Robert Shields, Pliny Cottle, Dudly Mulford, John Snook, Jesse Hines, William Legg. The following were in the service, but their companies cannot be given : John Atkinson, William Atkinson,

Post Offices

The first post office in the township was at Hopkinsville, established is 1825, and afterward post offices were established in the following order viz. : Dallasburg, 1848, Maineville, 1854; Foster's Crossing, 1859; Murdoch, 1866, and Cozaddale, 1871. The very earliest settlers received their mail probably at Lebanon. The following, copied from the address on the back of an early letter, will show how indefinite the directions :

This letter was written in 1805. It will be seen that Southern Hamilton was without an office until 1848, but the postal facilities were not so bad as this would indicate, as there was a post office at O'Banionville in Clermont county, near the Warren line at quite an early date, affording the advantage of a weekly mail to this section. The above offices are, with the exception of Dallasburg, in operation yet, each having a daily mail.

Hopkinsville, situated on the Montgomery & Hopkinsville pike, is the oldest village in the township, dating back to about 1808. In its early days, it was the center of trade for the whole township, and enjoyed a good degree of prosperity. It was also for a long time the legal place for holding township elections, and headquarters for general musters and all public gatherings; but in course of time new places sprung up and trade was diverted into other channels. The village now contains one store, a blacksmith shop, shoe shop, schoolhouse and church. At one time, it contained three stores and three taverns. Col. John Hopkins, Matthias Eapp and Boss Erwin were the merchants.

Zoar - This place was also settled at an early day, but the year cannot now with certainty be given. It at one time gave promise of being quite a manufacturing place. About the years 1844 to 1847, there were two blacksmith shops and two wagon-makers' shops located here, working some eight to ten hands. Ferdinand Dugan was one of the proprietors and enjoyed quite a large Southern trade in plows and wagons. He also manufactured wagons for service in the Mexican war. A wheelwright shop, by Matthew McNeely, was also, at this time, in full operation. But this prosperity was destined to be only transitory. The building of railroads and establishment of large manufactories changed all this, and the streets of Zoar became long ago deserted and the sound of the hammer is no longer heard within her borders.

Mr. Cozad spent money very liberally in putting up buildings and improving the place, hoping to make a permanent manufacturing town, but his hopes were not fully realized, as evidenced by the many tenantless houses. There are now in the village two stores and one shoe shop;

Murdoch , situated on the Murdoch pike, in the midst of a well improved and finely cultivated farming district, owes its importance mostly to the fact of its being for a long time the home of Prof. J ames E. Murdoch, from whom it derived its name. The following comprise the extent of the village, to wit : Cottage of Prof. Murdoch, now occupied by the writer of this sketch ; the residence of John Spence, Sr. ; the residence of Ellen Walker, widow of the late W. H. Walker ; the Presbyterian Church and parsonage; store by Alexander Robb, and a neat, pretty schoolhouse just completed.

Mai Neville

Maineville, the only incorporated village m the township, is situated near its center. The first permanent settlers were from the State of Maine, and it dates back to the year 1815; but previous to that period, about 1802, one John Wilson cleared off quite a good-sized patch of ground near where Benjamin Tuft's house now stands. Wilson also, about the same time, cleared a small field just west of William Burton's house. In a short time, he abandoned these clearings and a dense growth of hickory and other forest trees grew up, and, by the time permanent settlers came, these clearings were almost an impenetrable thicket. The first house built in Maineville was a log one, and stood near where H. L. Clinton's residence is now located. It was built by a man named Carr. Carr was a blacksmith, and carried on his trade in this building. He gave his attention mostly to making axes. Carr's axes became quite famous throughout the settlement As we have already stated, the first permanent settlement was in 1815. In that year, Moses Dudley, with his family, moved from Maine and settled where Capt Whitten afterward lived. He owned some two hundred acres of land on the south side of the present pike. Dudley built the first frame house in the village. He died in 1842, and was buried in the cemetery east of the village.

Dr. John Cottle came from Maine in the year 1818, and settled where Mrs. Smitzer now lives. The Doctor was the first graduate of a medical college to practice in the township. Some idea of the extent of his practice may be gathered from the fact that at an early day his nearest competitor on the west was Dr. Noble, at Sycamore Creek, and on the north Dr. Montague, at Deerfield, and on the south none nearer than Goshen; while, on the east, he rode beyond Clarksville and Wilmington, and for a longtime he kept an extra horse at Clarksville for use in that section. Cottle was not only a good physician, but a skillful surgeon. The writer remembers well, when a small boy, of the ( Id Doctor and his son Lucius coming to his father's and removing, with the knife, a cancer from the breast of his mother. The operation was a complete success, as it never afterward gave her any trouble. Cottle built the first brick house in Maineville, and probably the first in the township. This was in 1821. The house still remains in good preservation, and is owned, and, as before stated, occupied by Mrs. Smitzer. In 1822, Elder Benjamin Tufts, with his family, moved from Maine, and settled where Benjamin Tufts now lives. These were but the forerunners of many other immigrants from that far-distant Eastern State. The village was for a long time called Yankeetown, but was afterward changed to Maineville. Among the early industries was a wagon - maker's shop, Josiah Greely and Robert Blackstone proprietors. There was also at one time a foundry located here, at which engines and many other articles were turned out, but after some time the shops were closed, the cost of shipping ore, etc., being too great

The village was incorporated in the year 1850. The first election for village officers was held April 25, 1850, and resulted in the election of Silas Dudley for Mayor.

The year 1850 will be remembered by many as being the cholera year, and this village, seemingly protected by its isolation from the large cities, was never theless destined to undergo the devastation and horrors of that fearful plague of the Orient in all its intensity. Death reigned in almost every house: terra seized hold upon the stoutest hearts, and it was with difficulty that the dead were buried. Many of the best citizens were its victims. In a radius of twu miles more than fifty persons died in a short space of time. Among the business men who died were Nathan Butter worth and Sherman Knowlton, mer chants.

In this year, Col. James Ford came from Maine and settled here, succeed ing Butterworth & Knowlton in the mercantile business. CoL Ford proved himself to be a public-spirited and enterprising citizen, possessed of excel lent business capacities. He carried on the merchandising business with marked success up to the time of his death, which occurred in the spring of 1865. At the time of the Colonel's arrival, and for some time afterward, the citizens of Maineville were making strenuous efforts to induce the Government to establish a post office in the village, but without success. Finally Ford took hold of the matter, and having a personal acquaintance with some of the lead ing officials at Washington, succeeded in bringing about the desired result and a post office was established in 1854, Ford receiving the appointment of Postmaster, a position which he continued to hold, notwithstanding the administrative changes, until his death. In this connection it will not be invidious to mention the name of Sullivan Stevens, although still living. Stevens has been closely identified with the commercial interests of the place for nearly a third of a century. During these long years of business relations with the people, he has never failed to command their entire confidence and esteem.

Maineville Business Directory The Churches

The forms of religion that prevailed largely among the early settlers, wen1 Presbyterian and Methodist. The former had its center in the southern part of the township, among the settlers from Pennsylvania. The latter had two strongholds within the township, one at Zoar, and the other in the Hill settlement, in the southwestern part of the township.

Church At Zoar

This was the pioneer Methodist organization in the township. Tho Motmtees and Ludlums were prominent among the early, active and influential members. The first church building was a log one, and stood on the same spot where the present one now stands, and was built about the year 1820. Previous to this time, class-meetings were held at private houses, and the Methodists and Presbyterians united in occasional services at Mounts' Station. The church continued to enjoy a good degree of prosperity, and in 1837 the log building was replaced by the present one. In the winter of 1843-44, a most remarkable revival took place in this church. The meetings were under the ministration of Rev. Smith and Fife, two ministers possessing unrivaled powers as revivalists. The religions excitement attending these meetings, was very great and more than two hundred were converted. This period marked the time of the church's greatest prosperity at Zoar. The establishment of an organization at Maineville, a few years later, gradually drew the interest in that direction, and the members are now comparatively few.

I have already stated that the Methodists had, at an early day, another stronghold in the township, in the Hill neighborhood. At a very early date, several families of Hills - all relatives - settled in this locality. They were earnest and active Methodists, and noted for their wonderful powers of spiritual song. They proceeded at once to organize class meetings, going from house to house, and engaging in exhortation, song and praise to God. Some years later, this point became a regular preaching place on the Circuit, and for many years the old log schoolhouse, a few hundred yards west of the Hill Graveyard, was used for public worship. The walls of this primitive building often resounded to the fiery eloquence and pleadings of many of the grand old preachers of early days; many were the revivals that took place within its portals; many weary and troubled souls found rest and quiet around its rude alters; but time has wrought great changea The old building long since (1854) yielded to the force of the storm king, and the material of which it was built, became scattered far and wide. The congregations that were wont to assemble there have, too, like tho building, yielded to the process of disintegration; some have moved away, some have sought other places to worship, while many, very many , have crossed the river, we trust, to enter into that House not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens, whose builder and maker is God.

Maineville Methodist Episcopal Church

The first regular church organization of the Methodists at this placo was in 1842, the Dudleys and Tufts, taking a prominent part in the movement. Previous to this time, they had class-meetings and religious gatherings at private houses, and occasional preaching. At the time of the organization, they had no church building, but the Baptist brethren kindly allowed them the use of their house until they could erect one of their own. The new organization at once enjoyed a season of great prosperity. Revival meetings were held under the leadership of Smith, Fife and others, and large accessions were made to the church. In 1844, they erected a commodious brick building of their own. The church has continued with varied success to the present time. It is the only Methodist organization, with the exception of Zoar, in the township. The total number of members now is about one hundred. The Rev. Baughman, Rev. Bishop Soule, Rev. George Maley and Rev. James B. Finley preached here at different times. This society supports a flourishing Sabbath school.

Maineville Pree-Will Baptist Church

number of years they worshiped in a schoolhouse east of Maineville, and not far from the Maineville Graveyard. About 1830, they built the present brick building. For a number of years this society enjoyed a good degree of success; but of late years, the membership has from various causes diminished, flow ever, it still supports a regular minister, and a good class of Sabbath school scholars, and is in a quiet way doing much good.

Elder Moses Dudley was the first pastor of this church. Among those who preached from the pulpit in early times may be mentioned the names of Marco* Kilburn, Black Isaac, Richard Simonton and John Dudley, the latter a New Light.

United Presbyterian Church, Hopkinsville

Information concerning the early organization and progress of this church, is of a very meager character, owing to the fact that the minute-book was lost by burning some few years ago. The society was organized as a branch of the Sycamore Associate Reformed Church, on the west side of the Little Miami Rev. David McDill is believed to have been the first preacher; he probably preached at Hopkinsville occasionally, as early as 1820. The church was organized soon after this. About 1827, William Hopkins was elected a Ruling Elder. The ministers who have served the congregation are as follows: Rev. John Graham, Rev. Peter Monfort, Rev. Henry Allen, Rev. Robert K. Campbell from 1850 to 1806, Rev. H. Y. Leiper 1808 to 1869, Rev. James fl Elliot 1870 to 1880. Rev. S. A Buck is the present pastor. The present number of members is about twenty- six. A good and efficient Sabbath school has been kept up for many years.

Bethel Presbyterian Church

This was the first religious organization in the township, and the varied relations of this church to the people in general have been so widespread and long continued, and its influence in giving character to society so potent for good, that its history is so interwoven with the history of the township, as to be inseparable. In view of these well-known facts, the writer feels that in giving a somewhat detailed history of the church, no apology is dua

About the close of the last century. Samuel Walker, of Franklin County, Penn. , purchased ( as already stated in the account of the early settlement of the township ) a large tract of land in the southern part of the township, upon which, not long after, four of his children, viz., Esther Spence. Mar garet Spence, Samuel Walker and Sarah Martin, settled for the purpose of mat ing homes for themselves and their children. These families brought with them the seeds of Presbyterianism, which, with many discouragements, prayer? and self -denials, they planted in the wilds of what was then known as the Miami country.

-which was organized the Bethel Church. These fathers and mothers under went many ^hardships in their efforts to give to their children the religious institutions which they now enjoy, but they met their trials with patience and courage, toiled in hope, prayed in faith, and their labors were blesed The church was not organized for about twelve years after the first settlement of these pioneer families. During this time, they enjoyed occasional preaching by several faithful ministers. The Rev. Robert B. Dobbins, a member of the Presbytery of Washington, which was then a part of the Synod of Kentucky and located chiefly between the Scioto and the Miamis, visited the Bethel neighborhood about twice a year, preaching and administering the ordinance of baptism to the children of such as held certificates of standing in the churches from which they had removed. Other ministers also occasionally preached in the neighborhood, both before and after the organization of the ohnrch, among whom may be mentioned. Revs. Nicholas Petinger, Father Boyd, Crothers, Monfort, Reuben Frame, James and William Dickey At last the long desired time arrived when a church was to be organized, and this little band were to be gathered in closer union, and strengthened by the bands of outward ecclesiastical organization.

On the 9th day of September, 1814, the Rev. Robert B. Dobbins preached, i and after the sermon proceeded to organize the church in the usual way. The minutes, which record the matter, read thus: "The congregation of Bethel (after sermon) proceeded to the election of Ruling Elders. The votes were cast up, and it appeared that Colen Spence and Robert Shields were duly elected." On the next day these two brethren were solemnly set apart to the office to which they had been chosen by the congregation, and immediately thereafter held a meeting at which ten persons were received into the church - - : Rev. R. B. Dobbins, Moderator - eight upon certificate, and two upon examination. Their names are as follows: Isaac Spence and Esther his wife, Martha Shields, Margaret Spence, James Anderson and Martha his wife, William Wasson and Agnes his wife; and on examination, William Spence and Rebecca his wife. This little band constituted Bethel Church at its organization sixty -seven years ago. These brethren who were elected to the eldership served the church faithfully during the remainder of their lives, often riding; 1 on horseback forty and fifty miles to attend the meeting of Presbytery.

The little church for several years had no house of worship, but held their ' meetings, in the winter season, in a log schoolhouse near the present Bethel Graveyard, and in the summer season in the groves. To them, the groves were indeed God's first temples. It might be pleasant to linger among these memories of the past, and notice every feature in the growth of the church* but space will not admit of it. We pass over several years, burdened, doubt- 1 less, with many trials of faith, and come to the year 1823. This year marked an epoch in the history of the church. In this year, it was determined to 1 erect a house in which to worship God. It was not a costly structure, but 1 answered its end, and was adapted if not to the wants, at least to the circum- 1 stances of those concerned. It was built of logs, hewn from the forests in the 1 immediate vicinity. The seats were made mostly of puncheons, and of course without any backs. In the center of the room was a capacious hearth, but no chimney; none was needed, for on the hearth was built a fire of charcoal, which 1 made no smoke, and the materials of which could also be drawn from the near l forest. The building stood near where the parsonage now stands. The church 1 continued to grow in numbers each year marking new accessions.

The people worshiped in this house till the year 1839. Up to this time the minutes of the session record a great number of judicial cases. This is owing largely, no doubt, to the condition and habits of society at that time.

1 The most frequent charge is "the too free use of spirituous liquors." In these i early days the baleful influence of intemperance was felt in every relation of i life, not only in the evils of intoxication, but in the kindred evils which always accompany it. It is not to be wondered at that the church session experienced i great difficulties in this direction, when we reflect that whisky was a principal guest at every gathering, and had a place upon every side-board. But happily, i as the preaching of the word and the means of grace increased, we find the i evils of intemperance abating from the church. On the Sabbath when there was no preaching, religious services were held under direction of the session, which were called Society meetings, at which some one was appointed to read a sermon from some approved author, prayers were made and hymns sung.

merits incidental to all churches at an early day. Goshen was also a preaching place in connection with Bethel Church, and continued this relation until 1833. when a petition was presented asking for the organization of a church in that place. The records show that at this time the session was composed of the following members : Rev. S. G. Gaines, Moderator, Z. Owen, J. Oliver, R. B

McKinnie, T. Dickey, S. W. Spence, Geo. Shields, Rob't Shields, Wm. Thack er, J. B. Spence and Benjamin Erwin. The session met May 30th. 1833, at which quite a number received their certificates with a view of uniting with the Goshen organization, and the little church of Bethel, never too strong, became two bands. This church was not discouraged, however, and in the year 18$ undertook the work of building a new house of worship of more substantial character and better adapted to their wants. The log building was 24x36 feet the one proposed was to be of brick, 40x50 feet, and was in due time completed We copy from the report of the the treasurer the names of those confcributing to the building fund, varying in amount from $ 1 to $85. James Walker, George Shields. Benj. Erwin, R. Dobbin Shields, William Schuyler. Samuel B. Walker, John Shields, Samiiel W. Spence, John McClave, William Ramsey, Eli McKinney, Bennet Simonton, Joseph Clinton, William NeweL James Hall, John Abernathy, John Spence, Sr., Thomas Monce, Andrew Newel, David Morgan, Thomas Dickey, Robert Shields, James B. Spence. William Shields, John Gillis, Joseph Gillis, A. J. Walker, William Co burn, Andrew W. Spence, William B. Spence, Daniel Quinby,Mrs. Janetta Eveland, Peter Eveland, Francis Hopkinson, Estate of William Spence, Dec.. Isaac Spence, Sr., James Spence. Peter Schuyler, James Martin. William Swank, John Spence, Sr., Isaac Spence. Jr., and Colon Spence.

From about 1832 until 1842 (as nearly as can be learned from the records) the church was supplied in connection with Goshen by Rev. L. G. Gaines, who was known as a pioneer church builder, he being instrumental in the erection of a number of church buildings. His immediate successor was the Rev. A. H. Rodgers, whose name appears first on the minutes of session of May 28, 1842; he continued to serve the church until December 3, 1843. when his name disappears and is followed by the Rev. S. J. Miller, who preached until 1847. For the next two years, we find the names of Edward Kemper and Slack as supplies. These were followed by Rev. P. Rees, who supplied the church from February 1849, until September 1850, when the Rev James Connelly took charge of the church and continued to serve until 1852; he was succeeded by Rev. James Coe, who preached for the churches of Bethel and Goshen (as his predecessors had done) until the latter part of 1853. Two other ministers' names appear from this date to 1856, viz., Revs. McCombs and Caldwell. The records do not show whether they were regular supplies or

In the year 1856 an important action was taken by the congregation, the first of the kind of which there seems to be any record in the minutes of the session. That action was embodied in the following resolution by the

A vote was then taken and the result was that Rev. J. M. Drake was unanimously chosen. This pastorate continued through two years, when the church again fell back into the stated supply system and employed the R^- D. Kingery, who we believe was the first minister that was employed for ^ his time at this place. Rev. Kingery continued to serve the church until the autumn of 1860, when he was succeeded by Rev. I. J. Cushman, whose paster ate continued for more than twenty years, and was only terminated by his death, which occurred in August, 1881. Of this long and faithfal pastorate much of interest might be said, suffice here to say that in Mr. Cushman's death the whole community recognized the loss of an able minister and an upright and consistent Christian in every relation of life. January 1, 1882, the Rev. George M. Maxwell accepted the pastorate of the church and began his labors.

As early as 1867, it became apparent that it would soon be necessary to rebuild the church. About this time, Prof. James E. Murdoch, whose benevolence and generosity are widely known, made a proposition to the church, that if they would rebuild he would raise and contribute a sum equal to half the cost of rebuilding. This proposition was accepted April 14, 1870, committees were appointed to solicit subscriptions; building committees were also appointed; subscriptions were secured from the congregation and community to the amount of about $2,525. This, with Prof. Murdoch's generous proposal, made a building fund of $5,000. Nothing more was done, however, until April 15, 1872, when the building committee were directed to proceed with their work. On the first Monday in May, the work of removing the old building was begun, and in the fall of the same year the new house was completed. The cost of the building, exclusive of the material of the old one, was $4,518.56, and including the same, $5,178.

Within its walls were gathered, on the 2d day of December, 1880, a large assemblage of the people ; the occasion was the celebration of the twentieth anniversary of the Rev. I. J. Cushman's pastorate. The old and the young were there. Those that still walked in the ways of the world, as well as the professed followers of Christ, were there, the former drawn thither by their admiration and profound respect for him who in his every day contact with the world, followed faithfully that line of conduct which he so ably and earnestly advocated in the pulpit, the latter by those mysterious chords of love and confidence that bind God's followers to a faithful leader.

The Ministerial Association of Cincinnati delegated a committee to attend the services, consisting of Revs. J. G. Monfort. D. D., Thomas H. Skinner, D. D., Edward Cooper, D. D., L. F. Walker, W. H. James, Thomas Courtleyou and J. P. E. Kumler, D. D. The church was filled to its utmost capacity. After a half hour spent in devotional exercises, Mr. Cushman was called on, and gave a review of his twenty years' work. He was followed by Rev. William B. Spence, of Sidney, who spoke of pioneer life in this section of the Little Miami Valley, and recalled many incidents connected with the early history of this church, near which he was bora in 1804. This closed the morning exercises, and after partaking of a banquet served in the parsonage, the audience returned to the church, where the afternoon exercises were begun by Rev. Thomas Courtleyou, Mrs. Cushman's pastor before her marriage. He was followed by Mrs. Horace Clinton, a sister of Rev.' Mr. Walker, in an eloquent and touching address to the pastor, on behalf of the congregation. The address was followed by the presentation of the "Eagles." This was an unique and most touching ceremony, in which each year was represented by a Sabbath school scholar. This band of children, twenty in number, came forward in procession and successively repeated an appropriate verse prepared for the occasion, each in turn presenting a golden coin to the pastor. At the conclusion of this touching ceremony, congratulatory letters were read, presents tendered, and some short speeches made by brother ministers present. The audience then sang the hymn, "Blessed Be the Tie that Binds," and were dismissed, thus closing an eventful day in the history of Bethel Church.

Members Received into the Church , 1814 to 1850 . - 1814, James Smith and Agnes, his wife; 1815, Hannah Walker, Samuel Stewart, Mary Sewel; 1816, Margaret Spence, Isabella Spence, Hannah Spence; 1817, Alex. Hall; 1822,

May 29, 18307the church of Union having, by consent, united with Bethel Church, the following enrolled themselves as members, viz. : Harman Eveland. Jennetta, his wife, Mrs. Sarah Orr, Mrs. Martha Paxton, Mrs. Elenor Leeper. In this same year a camp- meeting was held at Montgomery, lasting from August 27 to August 81, inclusive, at which the following persons were received into the communion of the church, viz. : Catharine Brunson, Thomas Brunson,

David Cummins, Deborah Foster, Elizabeth Parker, Jessie Wood, Elizabeth Wood, Andrew J. Walker, Hester Haywood, Margaret Heaton, Phoebe Heaton, Lydia Haywood, Joseph A. Shields, Caleb Oliver; 1830, Sarah Munce, Margaret Oliver, Margaret Cranny Nancy Cox, Catharine Spence; 1831, Mary Ann Nickles, Anna Garrison, Jonas Garrison and Elizabeth, his wife, Miss Rachel Phillips; 1832, John Spence; 1833, Abraham Wilson, Margaret S. Frame, David Biggs, Elizabeth Scott, Jane Scott, Richard McKinney and Lydia, his wife, Mrs. Martha Boyd; 1834, Andrew Campbell, Rebecca Gordon, Joseph Rapp and Margaret Rapp; 1835, Mrs. MarthaJxwin, Carrie A. Westerfield, George Rapp, William Scott, Maria^OIIver, Mary Scott, Margaret Gaines, Vtf Hiram Cox and Margaret, his wife, Caroline Spence, Isaac Westerfield, Hannah Oliver, Margaret Dickey, Agnes Campbell; 1836, Mrs. Mary Marsh. Mrs. Elizabeth Cook, Mrs. Eliza Spence, from Middle Spring, Penn.; 1837, Agnes Lowry, Maria Fold, James Hindman and Mary, his* wife, Samuel Anderson, Katherine Quimby, Mrs. Mary Felter, Mrs. Martha Boyd; 1838, Preston Bishop and Hannah, his wife, Fannie Stephens, Adaline Stephens, William Schuyler and Christina, his wife; 1842, Ruanza Phillips, Elizabeth Anderson, Mariah Millspaugh, Rachel Burton, Elenor Morris, William Coburn. Leah Walker; 1843, Dgnira Johnson, Jane Walker, Elizabeth Clinton, Nancy Newel, Lewis Elston; 1845, Cassander Wene, Louis A Miles, Sarah Miles, Joana Spence; 1846, Eliza Phillips; 1849, Elenor Walker, William BL Walker, Mary Jane Shields, Mary Spence, Ezra A. Butler; 1850, Rachel Shields.

nel W. Spence, J. B. Spence, B. Erwin, William Thacker, William Swank, James Walker, Samuel Spence, Dr. N. W. Bishop, Alexander Robb, Daniel Shields. The present incumbents are A. J. Walker, William Swank, Dr. N. W. Bishop and Samuel Spence.

Bethel Temperance Society

The use of intoxicating drink was a besetting sin among the pioneer settlers. Its evil effects were felt in almost every household. Was there to be a wood-chopping or a log-rolling, and we might add with truth, a church building to be raised, whisky was regarded as one of the essential aids to a proper performance of the work. No farmer thought of commencing his harvest, without first securing a liberal supply of liquor. Thomas Dickey, then a young man, was one of the first to awaken to a knowledge of the moral degradation being fastened upon the community by its use. About the year 1825, young Dickey, in connection with James Walker, William Shields, and Andrew Spence, organized the "Bethel Temperance Society." A constitution was drafted and necessary by-laws were adopted. Thomas Dickey was chosen President. Accessions were rapidly made, and in a short time the society numbered one hundred members. It is a remarkable fact that among all these members, but a single violation of the pledge occurred. The influence of this society for good was incalculable. It banished whisky from the social gatherings, from the harvest field, from the log-rolling and other similar gatherings. The society preserved its organization for many years and finally died out, not because the temperance spirit was less dominant, but because the work was completed in the neighborhood. There was no longer any foe to fight.

Iiy Louis F. Coleman

Only a century ago, the territory known as Deerfield Township was clad in its native wildness. Not an open space could be found which would let the mellowing light of the sun pass to the then undisturbed soil. The forest stood an impenetrable wilderness and, with not a tree amiss from their number, defied any transformation of nature's unexplored solitude. Heavy under brush formed itself into one continuous mat, only broken by the winding trails along which the native red man was wont to wander.

Topography

Already had the streams penciled their courses between the rounded and rock-ribbed hills and the many springs had an easy outlet at all times by which their chilled waters were carried oceanward. The springs and streams are to day as they were centuries ago. The names they bear were given to them by the early settlers. They were so given on account of local causes.

The Little Muddy Creek is the pride of the Northern part as it courses its way toward the Little Miami. Then comes Muddy Creek, the largest stream of the township, taking up the waters ' ' that become unclasped from the folds of the ground,'' near Socialville, then forwarding its way diagonally across the township in a northeasterly way. Spring Run carries the waters away from the many springs in the southwestern part The Little Miami seal lops the eastern boundary and coaxes the waters from Espy's Creek (now Simpson' s) and Cat, or Monger's Run. The township is well watered throughout The wells are of the best, being from twenty to thirty feet in depth, and limy in nature, owing to the limestone strata that exist throughout our territory. The lowlands at the source and along the streams, in the earlier period, were covered with water, which places, in later days, have been tiled and drained and now form some of the richest farms in Southwestern Ohio. Swamps and marshes were numerous at an early date, but they have become valuable fields by the ingenuity of man.

The character of the soil in the north is of that rich black quality generally found in bottom lands, which is so well adapted to the raising of com and heavy yielding barley; in the south it assumes a more clayey nature, better known a* wheat- and-oats land. This difference in the soil makes the season for the farmer two weeks earlier in the northern part than in the southern. The forests are so far cleared away that not more than one-eighth part of the township » now covered with woodland. .

The land originally was well timbered with oak, elm, ash, hickory, wil cherry, maple, sugar-tree, black and white walnut, sycamore, cottonwood, etc - etc. ; but the forests have so yielded to man's longing for cleared land, that scarcity of certain kinds of timber is so great that many trees now are sold ® $50 as they stand in the woods. The monarch oaks seem troubled as their and dying tops indicate, owing to the stealing away of the moisture from tn® ground, by the thorough draining of the land and the destroying of the under brush.

Rich deposits of gravel are found in the northern part, supposed to w been cast there by the melting of icebergs in a very remote period, when ^ oceanic waters rolled over our surface. These icebergs holding this grRT wended their way through what we now term valleys, until they reached this latitude, where it is supposed the temperature was such as to melt them, thus depositing the gravel and forming inexhaustible knolls from which the necessary material has been obtained for the numerous improved roads of the township.

In early days, the country contained many 14 deer-licks," being springs tainted somewhat with saline substances, and to these many deer were wont to go. It is from this cause that the name Deerfield was given to the township. This name was given to one of the townships of Hamilton County about 1796, which included nearly all of what is now Warren County. There were three noted licks - one was north of Mason, on Dodd's place, where the early settlers went to capture game. The men had planks placed in the trees upon which they rested while awaiting the coming of the deer. Another was known as the Deer Park and was south of Mason. This consisted of a spring and grounds within an elevated ridge. Upon the ridge, the settlers had placed a barrier of logs leaving an open place through which the deer could enter in order to reach the spring. When once within this inclosure, the hunters, closing the opening, would take all within oaptives. This was an attractive place for sportsmen and many deer were killed here. The third lick was south of Social- Around these springs to-day nothing is seen but cultivated fields.

Early Settlements

To whom is due the honor of being the first settler in this township is not definitely known, as persons settled early in different localities. The forfeitures in Symmes' Purchase are explained in the general county history. There were many of these in Deerfield Township. The first settlers of the township located on these claims and were generally of the poorer class. Joseph Coddington and Peter Tetrick were undoubtedly the first white men who made their homes in the township. Coddington settled on the forfeiture of Section 35. He was a Pennsylvanian by birth, and settled here about 1795; his first house was made of bark built against a log, and in it he lived while making his improvements. Having cleared some land, he raised corn and carried it on his back to Columbia to be ground, being gone some days at a time for this purpose. He afterward built a log house and continued his improvements. He shot deer and wild turkeys from the door of his cabin and had adventures with bears and wolves. He had a family of ten children who grew up, married and raised families. His descendants write their name Corrington. Joseph Coddington and two of his sons served in the war of 1812.

Peter Tetrick settled on the forfeiture of Section 27, where he built a rude house and lived by himself ten years before he was married. He came from Virginia quite early and stopped at Fort Washington before coming to this township. Failing to secure a deed for his forfeiture land, he purhased land from Thomas Espy upon which he lived and raised a large family. He married a Miss Lowry.

Benjamin Morris was probably the first settler in the immediate vicinity of Twenty Mile Stand; he settled on the forfeiture in the northeastern part of Section 20, for which he received a deed in 1798; he afterward removed to Turtle Creek Township.

Robert Witham settled about 1798 on the eastern half of Section 28; he was the ancestor of many families of Withams now found throughout the township.

was on Section 18, upon which he settled about 1796. He was a man given to much speculation and traded continually in land; he was from Wales.

Thomas Espy, Jeremiah Morrow and John Parkhill, having selected lands in the same vicinity, came up from Columbia to survey them in the winter of 1796-97. They encamped in the woods; the weather was extremely cold, and Mr. Parkhill, having his feet frozen, they were detained for some time in the wilderness. Gov. Morrow was at that time a young unmarried man, and boarded at the house of Mr. Espy, in Columbia, and followed the business of surveying. Espy and Morrow came to Columbia in 1795.

Thomas Espy settled on Section 21, and built his cabin about one-half mile north of the site of Twenty Mile Stand, on a stream then called Espy's Run. Morrow and Parkhill settled on Section 15. Soon after, David Espy, a brother of Thomas, purchased the lands where Twenty Mile Stand now is, and began a settlement there, where he continued to reside until his death, at an advanced aga Parkhill and Morrow were brothers-in-law, and lived as near neighbors until their death, and died within two weeks of each other, in 1852, both over eighty years of age. David Espy was a Swedenborgian. Thomas Espy, John Parkhill and Gov. Morrow were members of the Associate Reformed Church and assisted in the establishment of a church near Glendale, Hamilton County, which was the first church of this denomination in the Northwest Territory. Morrow was the father of eleven children, Parkhill of fifteen and Thomas Espy of eleven.

Ruloph Schenck was one of the earliest in the western part of the town ship, settling on Section 6, now the Voorhis place. Being Indian-like in most of his ways, caused him to be known as the " Old Injun. "

Before 1800, James McCready settled on the farm, which is still in the family name, in Section 14. About the same time, James Ross settled in the central part of Section 20.

John Briney settled on the forfeiture of Section 6, which passed into the hands of John Randall, who came shortly after 1800, and was quite a prominent man in his day.

Sam. Bouseman settled the forfeiture of Section 5, which is now known as the Harper farm. The forfeiture of Section 33 was settled by a man named Powell.

Three brothers by the name of Clark - John, Elisha and Brazilla - located in the eastern part of the township in the early part of the ceQtury. John was a local preacher of some prominence, and is the ancestor of the Clarks now in the township. The other two lived but a short time in the community.

John Meeks, about 1797, lived for a short time on the Crawford farm near Union. Maj. William Mason emigrated to Ohio about the year 1795; at an early day he was made Major in the Ohio militia, and served in Harmar's campaign against the Indians; also in the war of 1812. Upon his arrival in tbe township, he purchased a section of land upon which he settled, and, in time, laid out the village of Palmyra. He raised a family of four children, all of whom married and remained in the township.

One of the most prominent men of the northern part of the township was Judge J. D. Lowe, who came to this community about 1800; he was an Associate Judge from 1803 to 1824; he speculated much in land and became^0 owner of several large tracts; he gave a lot for the Unity Church and graveyard; he located on the hill east of Students1 Hall, where he kept an important stopping-place for travelers and where a post office was soon stationed His family consisted of six children, and, when they became grown, he removed with them to Dayton, where some of them have been quite prominent in the legal profession, and one has been Governor of Iowa.

Joseph Scofield was among the settlers about 1800, who located south of Mason. A man by the name of Keelor settled the extreme southwestern section of the township, which is now known as the Morrison farm.

Among others who owned lands in the early part of this century, and have no descendants now in the township, were Ralph Phillips, John Gano, Jedediah Tingle, Benjamin Scudder, Benjamin Stites, John Shaw, Patrick Shaw, Ralph Hunt, David Flynn, John Cain, Piercy Kitchel, Garrett Peterson, John Howard, Luther Ball, David Enyart, John Glass, James Fugate, Henry Houk, Jedediah Hewett, John Trimble, Dick Compton, H. Cole, Dr. Cazad, William Kendall.

John Seward, the father of Mason Seward, a prominent man of Mason for many years, emigrated here in the first decade of the century and located just east of town.

The Cline family came from Pennsylvania a short time after 1800 and settled on Section 22. To Frederick Cline, who is still living, we are much indebted for valuable information.

The Dodds family first settled north of Lebanon, but came to this township in 1808, and located south of Mason on the Jos. Dodds farm. Benjamin Dodds, the father, was a man of energy, and raised a family consisting of eleven children, most of whom remained in the township and became the heads of large families.

The Voorhis family first settled west of Lebanon on the Snook farm. Of the children that became grown, Alfred located on the old Schenck farm, which he still owns.

The William Coulson family came from Pennsylvania to this township in 1811, and settled on the farm north of Mason, which is still in the family. Mr. Coulson was quite a prominent man during his years of activity; his family was large, most of whom remained in the township.

James Johnson came about the year 1806, and settled on Section 18; his family consisted of eleven children, most of whom arrived at the age of maturity.

John Randall settled early on a farm west of Mason. For many years he was the Treasurer of the county, being regarded by all as a man of honesty and integrity.

Baysore. Yan Horn, Argendine, Hoff, McClung, Bursk, Bennett, Vandyke and Smith, who came at a later day and are at present well represented in the township.

Deerfield was one of the four original townships into which the county was divided, May 10. 1803. As originally organized, it included more than one- half of Turtle Creek, all of Union and all of Salem north of the Little Miami, together with its present territory. Its position is in the extreme southwestern part of the county. The township embraces 20,566 acres, or a little over thirty-two sections. It includes part of Townships 3 and 4, of Ranges 2 and 3 north. The first township seat was at Deerfield, and the first election was held at David Sutton's house, June 7, 1803. Mason, formerly known as Palmyra, has been the township seat since 1815. The first election at Palmyra was held at the house of James Fugate.

From imperfect early records, we find that Moses Kitchel, Andrew Lytle and David Fox were the first on the list of the Justices of the Peace. Afterward were L. D. Leonard, Joseph Scofield and James L. Kitchel. After this they were elected as follows:

Andrew Lytle, elected 1808, continued until 1814; Stephen Bowyer, elected in 1808, resigned in 1810; Garrett Peterson, elected in 1810, continued till 1816; Piercy Kitchel, elected in 1811, continued till 1817; Abram Van Fleet, elected in 1814, continued till 1817; William Coulson, elected in 1816, continued till 1828; John Lowe, elected in 1817, continued till 1824; James Fugate, elected in 1817, continued till 1820; Stephen Bowyer. elected in 1820, continued till 1823; Henry Houk, elected in 1823, continued till 1835; Alex Dill, elected in 1824, continued till 1827; David Slayback, elected in 1827. continued till 1830; William Kirkwood, elected in 1828, continued till 1831; Abraham Phillips, elected in 1830, continued till 1845; Mason Seward, elected in 1831, continued till 1837; George G. Murphy, elected in 1835, continued till 1837; John A. Dodds, elected in 1837, continued till 1846; James Baxter, elected in 1837, continued till 1859; John Morrow, elected in 1845, continued till 1848; William Miller, elected in 1846, continued till 1852; P. W. Wikoff, elected in 1848, continued till 1851; Mason Seward, elected in 1851, continued till 1854; Milton Coulson, elected in 1852, continued till 1864; Thomas Crawford, elected in 1854, continued till 1857; D. W. Vandyke, elected in 1857, continued till 1860; James R. Kendall, elected in 1859, continued till 1862; D. W. Baxter, elected in 1860, continued till 1866; R. H. Bennett, elected in 1862, continued till 1865; D. W. Vandyke, elected in 1861, continued till 1879; Reading Doty, elected in 1865, continued till 1868; T. J. Blackburn, elected in 1866, continued till 1869; John Haines, elected in 1868, continued till 1872; R. H. Bennett, elected in 1869, and still continues: P. C. Byrne, elected in 1872, continued till 1878; T. J. Blackburn, elected in 1878, continued till 1881; J. H. Vallandigham, elected in 1879, and still continues; Darius Ross, elected in 1881, and still continues.

Assessors - The following persons have been Assessors since 1842: Felix Welton, three years; James Baxter, two years; James Thompson, three years; David Whitaker, five years. From 1857 to the present, the one elected Constable was also elected Assessor for the township. Prior to 1842, there was only one Assessor for the county, who appointed deputies at times from the several townships. But, as the county rapidly increased in wealth, the duty of assessing property was given to one from each township.

Overseers of the Poor were also elected during the first forty years of our township history. These overseers would see to the welfare of those who were citizens of the township and unable to make a living. The paupers would be sold out, so to speak, to the lowest bidder, who would take care of the unfortunate one for a year. The records are full of such sales as the one we insert:

Besides this, whenever a person or family would come into the township, and it was thought that a charge or burden would be the result, such a warrant as this would be issued:

You are hereby directed to command John Lewis (a black man), and family; like wise his mother-in-law, Nancy Symmes, forthwith to depart the township of Deerfield, and of this writ make legal service and return.

The county officers that have been taken from Deerfield Township are David Sutton, Clerk of Court from 1803 to 1815; John Randall, Treasurer, from 1828 till 1836; F. S. Welton, Recorder, in 1859; A. B. Gooch, Recorder, from 1866 till 1871; J. D. Lowe, Associate Judge from 1803 till 1824; John A Dodds, member of General Assembly in 1849, 1850, 1851.

As early as 1790, an open way was made through this region by Gen. Harmar with his several hundred men, who marched from Fort Washington (Cincinnati) to the Maumee for the purpose of attacking the Indians there This trace entered the township on the west side, and, running north and north east, passed out of the township on the north side. The army encamped a short time on the bottom of Little Muddy Creek, on the place now owned by Joseph McClung on Section 32. This open way made by them was used as a road for a long time by the settlers after locating in their new homes.

The trace made by the first- comers to Bedell's Station, crossed the township passing just west of Mason, and then, in a winding way northward, through Sections 31, 25 and 26. In a short time after this settlement was made, one of the most important early roads was constructed from Columbia to Deerfield, passing through the eastern part of the township, and known then by the name of the Round Bottom road, but now called the Union & Twenty-Mile Stand pike.

The State road, running from Cincinnati to Chillicothe, through Twenty- Mile Stand, was laid out in 1804. In 1834, this became a chartered pike, and was known as the Cincinnati, Montgomery, Hopkinsville, Roaches ter & Clarksville macadamized turnpike. In 1836, the company was authorized to construct a toll -bridge at Foster's Crossing, which continued as such for many years.

In 1806, a road, starting from a mill near Deerfield, extended to the county line west of Socialville. The same year, the road running from Mason through what is known as Dogstreet to the present powder-mills, was laid out In the latter part of 1806, the road running north and south through Socialville was laid out.

The State road, extending from Cincinnati to Xenia, through Mason and Lebanon, was laid out about 1810 or 1812, in its present place, and was noted in its early day for the extent of travel thereon.

Nearly all the important roads of the township are now free turnpikes, and have been macadamized since the passage of the Free Turnpike Act of 1865. There are over sixty miles of pikes within the limits of the township.

The Muddy Creek Baptist Church was one of the oldest Baptist Churches in the county. It was admitted into the Miami Baptist Association in 1804. The first preaching of the society was at private houses, and afterward in a schoolhouse erected near where the Muddy Creek Graveyard is. Aboat 1817, the society purchased a lot and erected an old-fashioned frame meeting-house. A brick building was afterward erected. The name of this society was dropped from the minutes of the association in 1854.

The Christians or New-Lights erected a log meeting-house in the western part of Section 29 about 1815, at which Rev. Isaac Dearth, Rev. Richard Simonton and others preached. This society ceased to exist about 1820.

The Unity Presbyterian Church was one of the old churches of the township. As early as 1808, the Presbyterians held services at private houses. In 1812, David Williamson and Noah Corey were ordained Elders of the Unity Church. The leading members about 1812 were George Williamson, John Vandyke, Sr., Hannah Vandyke, Mary Williamson, Peter Williamson, Hannah Williamson, John Vandyke, Mary Vandyke, Peter Vandyke, Judge J. D. Lowe, Hannah Corey, Peter Wikoflf, Catharine Wikoff, John Lynn, Jane Lynn, John Monfort, Mary Monfort and others. The congregation gradually increased, and, in 1814, feeling the necessity of a public place of worship, a lot was given by J. D. Lowe to the trustees of the church, located just east of the Unity Graveyard, on which was erected a log church. About 1832, this congregation was divide^, one division forming the Harmony Church at Monroe. The Unity Church ceased to exist some years ago, the few remaining members uniting with the Pisgah Church, in Butler County, and forming a new society called the First Presbyterian Church of Mason, which dates its existence from October 25, 1845. This church is still in existence.

The Bethel Methodist society was organized about 1830 at the house of Augustine McNail. About 1840, the society erected a church on a lot donated by Uriah Keeler. The congregation was blessed with several successful revivals. In 1875, the church was burned. The location of the church was then changed to Hamilton County and a new house erected.

The Union Methodist society was organized as a class before the year 1820. Its first meetings were held at a log house called Union, about two miles northeast of the present site. In 1834, the society built a brick house on the site of the present church. The Trustees at that time were Frederick Cline, Brazilla Clark, Michael Bowman, Levi Bowyer, Stephen Bowyer, Elisha Clark. Joel Hanly and John Clap. The present brick structure was built in J862 and cost $1,092.85.

The Socialville Methodist society originated in a class which sprang from the Bethel society, and, in 1845, a church was built on a lot donated by Henry Hageman, costing a little over $800. The first Trustees were N. Dawson, David Bennett, Abbott Norris, Jonathan Myers, Aaron Scull, S. P. Wilkinson and Joseph Hulse.

The Mason Universalist society took the first steps toward the erection of a church on the 15th of August, 1835. On this day a meeting was held and the following resolution adopted:

David Hoffman, Georg© G. Murphy and Peter Wikoff were duly appointed Trustees; James Fugate, Treasurer, and John McKinney, Clerk. The house was soon erected, and the society has ever since been in a flourishing condition.

The Mason Methodist Church, in 1837, numbered thirty members, and in that year took steps toward erecting its first house of worship. A lot was donated to the society by Rev. J. J. Hill, and a house of worship costing $2.- 000 was erected thereon. The Trustees at that time were Thomas White. Will iam White, John Randall, William Morris and Enoch Harker. The society prospered for many years and maintained a good Sabbath school. Subsequent to i860, services were for a time discontinued, and the church became dilapidated. In 1880, a new house was erected at a cost of $2,500.

The Somerset Presbyterian Churchy is in the extreme southern part of the township. The congregation was organized about 1820, and, in 1822, Rev. Ludwell G. Gaines became pastor of this church in connection with the Presbyterian Church at Montgomery. The church is still in existence and generally has had its pastors in connection with the church at Montgomery or Mason.

When the early settlers established their new homes, they did not forget that their minds could be cultivated in a wilderness. As early as 1805, houses were built for this purpose. They were constructed of unhewn logs, covered with clapboards held in their places by weight-poles. The open places be tween the logs were chinked and daubed with clay mortar. A large fire-place with an outside stick chimney was at one end. The floor was made of punch eons split from large logs and hewn into shape; these were notched on the underside and held in position on the sleepers by their own weight. The seate were mostly of split logs, sometimes of sawed slabs. The writing-desk was placed along one side, and was held in a slanting position by pins driven obliquely into the wall. The door opened outward, swinging on wooden hinges and fastened by a latch-string. The windows were small and not of glass, but in its stead greased paper was used, admitting but a feeble light The teach ers in those days were determined to impart and the pupils as determined to learn. The schools were conducted on the subscription plan. Then the course of study was in the American Preceptor, English Reader, Testament, Webster's Speller and very limited lessons in arithmetic. School government was directly under the charge of the birch.

Time has changed the school system. Now nine months take the place of the original four; teachers receive their salaries from the public school fund, arising from a tax levied on all property. Brick buildings have replaced the log ones; a broader field of knowledge is required of all instructors. Yet, with all these, the system is far from a perfect one, for, as Garfield says, "it is to - me a perpetual wonder that any child's love of knowledge survives the outrages of the Bchoolhou8e.,,

Our schools are Beven in number, besides the Mason Special District No. 1, Students' Hall, has already had four houses, the first being a log one located in the center of Section 26; the second being the famous " Old Stone." standing several rods south of the present site. This was one of the most popular places of former days. Singing schools, literary societies and Sunday meetings were held there, thus bringing together people from far and near, to chant the melodies from the ' ' Old Missouri Harmony." Two brick structures have been in use since, the last having been built in 1873 at a cost of $3,000. Three have been built in No. 2, Mound, better known as w Dogstreet," the first being at a place a half mile south of the present one. No. 3, Union, has had four houses. No. 4, Twenty Mile Stand, has had four; the last, built in 1879, is one of the finest in the county. No. 5, Lick, has had three. No. 6 has had three, the' first standing where the Muddy Creek Graveyard is. No. 7, Unity, has had four. Mason, also, has had four, the first standing about half a mile north of the town; the second was a frame; the last two have been brick.

Our school buildings are among the best in the county. In 1840, the average wages were $21 per month; now they amount to $50. The enumeration in our schools has been gradually on the increase.

In 1878, a Township Superintendent was employed by the Board of Education, whose duty it was to make the school work in the different districts more uniform. A general examination was held in each school, and the merits and demerits of the different teachers were made visible. This proved detrimental and was immediately dispensed with.

Many organizations have been formed within our limits. Some were only of short duration; others have been longer kept up. The temperance people have at different times organized societies, but none are now maintained.

The Horse Rangers lias been among the most noted orders. It has for its object the maintenance of the laws of our land, by detecting villainy and outlawry in its various forms. It was organized in 1849, but not until 1850 was it ready for emergencies. Its early members were James Bowyer, P. W. Wikoff, Garret Wikoff, William Kendall, J. M. Duvall, Alfred Yoorhis, Joshua Cox, William McVay, R. H. Cunningham, William Harper, Ralph Moore, William C. McVay, J. A. Dodds, Aza Coleman, Thomas White, Jos. Dodds, William Cox, Peter Faust, W. W. Howard, J. Ross, W. W. Van Hise, J. F. Thompson, A. J. Hoff and S. Voorhees. Since then its work has been well done. More than twenty horses have been stolen from its members, but, by its quick work and detective force, they have never lost a horse, and, in most cases, have captured the thieves. Sometimes the expenses of recovering a stolen horse would amount to $500 (which is always borne by the company) when the horse stolen probably was not worth $50. The number of members now is 164. The present officers are: P. W. Wikoff, Captain; J. M. Voorhees, Lieutenant; R. H. Bennett, Secretary ; R. M. Cox, Treasurer. An order of this kind established five years ago at Twenty Mile Stand now has seventy members.

Mason Grange, No. 49 , P. of H., was organized May 10, 1873, by S. H. Ellis, then Master of State Grange. There were about twenty charter members. R. H. Bennett was chosen as Worthy Master, and B. F. Lee as Worthy Overseer. This organization is still in existence, but interest in it is rather on the decline and the number of members greatly reduced.

Mason Lodge , No. 209 , 1. O. O. F., was instituted February 21, 1853, by J. Hamilton, Grand Master, with six charter members and the following officers: John Loree, N. G. ; Joseph A. Dodds, V. G.; D. R. Whittaker, Recording Secretary; J. M. Duvall, P. Secretary; F. T. Bundy, Treasurer. These, with William McAulley, were the original members. The number of initiations from the instituting of the lodge to the present time is 180; those admitted by card, 22. The present membership is 52. The officers now are: J. C. Bennett, N. G.; J. M. Wood, V. G.; L. L. Dodds, P. and R. Secretary; S. K. Bowyer, Treasurer. '

Mills And Distilleries

Our first settlers had to go to Columbia to get their grists ground, but, as time moved on, mills were built along the Little Miami. One was built by William Wood about 1799, where the King Powder-Mills are. It passed into the hands of Hunt & Lowe; then under Isaac Stubbs' control, where it remained until the mill ceased running, in 1877.

Piercy Kitchel built a mill at Foster's in 1806. It passed into the care of Phillips & Clark, who used the mill until it burned, in 1844. Seventeen years afterward, it was rebuilt by S. B. Greeley, who still runs it. Shortly after the building of this mill at Foster's, one was erected by Gov. Morrow about a mile below.

A woolen and carding mill was kept busily at work for several years at Gainesboro. One was built by Richard Sibbet, in 1823, at Stringtown, south of the "Old Stone" Schoolhouse. This was run awhile and then converted into an incubator; but failure was the consequence and business soon stopped

In early days, many distilleries were scattered over the township. Some four or five were around Mason; one was north on the McClung farm; one to the east, on the Lewis farm; one southeast, on the Dogstreet road, on the Dill place; one to the west, on the Randall farm. In fact, they seem to have been within calling distance from each other. Of course, these stills were small affairs, yet they converted nearly all the corn raised into liquor. These have all been stopped and none are now running in the township.

In 1877, A. King purchased the grist-mill property from the Stubbs' estate and began immediately to erect the many houses necessary for the manufacture of powder. Everything was soon in readiness and to-day it is one of the most extensive powder-mills in the country and the leading manufacturing establishment in the county. It is known far and wide and goes by the name of the Great Western Powder Mills.

One of the oldest burying-grounds was the now unused part of the Unity School lot It was set apart about the year 1800, when the first bodies were buried there. In 1813, J. D. Lowe gave a lot, adjoining the one he gave to the Unity Church. In this many bodies have been interred, but it is no longer osed as a burying- place.

In 1803, the Union yard was opened for the interment of the dead. This is in the Bowyer community, about a mile north of the present Union Church. About the same time the Muddy Creek Graveyard was started.

Just after Mason was laid out, a yard was commenced on the north edge of the town. Besides these yards, many private family burial places dotted the township.

In 1868, a move was made to form a common place of burial for the town ship. The Trustees purchased ten acres of ground from P. W. Wikoff for $2,- 000, to be used as a cemetery under the control of the township. The grounds were immediately prepared, divided into lots, graded and sectioned. Hundreds of bodies were taken from the old graveyards and moved to this. Many have been buried there since. Monuments of the most beautiful design have been erected to these dead opes by their living friends. The greatest care has been taken to make it one of the most beautiful of places. This has been done, and no "city of the dead" in this county is more beautiful than this.

Prior to 1820, the citizens here had to go to Lebanon for their mail, that being the nearest point where there was an office. In those days but little mail was received, the postage being 18 cents for every letter.

The first office was at Judge J. D. Lowe's stand, the place being a half mile east of where Students' Hall now is. It remained there till the early part of the decade of 1830, when it was moved to Mason. Here it was called, for a short time, Kirkwood; then the name was changed to Palmyra; but, as there was another such office in the State, the name Mason was given it.

In the earlier period, no political strife troubled the minds of the people. Every one attended to his own individual business and not to public affaire. Jackson's campaign was the sprout of party ism. The Democratic element was fostered early, which still survives and lives in the majority. At but very few of the times have they been placed in the minority. The vote of the township at different periods is given below. The names of Democrats are printed in Italics:

The War Record

The citizens of Deerfield Township have every reason to be proud of their patriotic soldiery, both in the war of 1812 and in the great struggle of 1861 to 1865. At both times our men were in readiness to answer the call of the Government, and, during the years of the contests all her demands were responded to cheerfully and willingly. How much was done by the people of the township can never be known. Tradition is the only source of information as to the soldiers of 1812. We are told that Mason Seward and John Patton were among the first to enlist in our county. Others who followed were Philip Seward, George Cline, Maj. Mason, Caliph Leonard, John Cline, Capt Spencer, Brazilla Clark, James Striker, Richard Cox, Robert Doan, Dick Compton, James Johnson, Patrick Shaw, Byron Williams, John Parkhill, Jedediah Tingle, Sam Harris, James Seward, Joe Coddington, Isaac Coddington, Freeman Coddington, David Briney, Fred Briney, Nicholas Rynearson and several others whose names we are unable to get. ' Seward, Mason and Spencer held important offices while serving in the war.

Soldiers Of The Rebellion

Mason is located in the northern part of Deerfield Township on the Cincinnati Northern Railroad, about seven miles from Lebanon and twenty one from Cincinnati. It has been a well-known point on the Cincinnati, Lebanon & Xenia Turnpike. It is on Muddy Creek, in au undulating, fertile and populous part of the county, and is remarkable for its healthy location and the enterprise and progressiveness of its inhabitants.

This place was laid out August 18, 1815, by Maj. William Mason, but was called at that time Palmyra. Other additions were made to the town in 1882, 1885 and at other periods. These have been known as the Mason, Lamb, Wikoff, Cox and Bennett Additions.

When the poet office was stationed here and named Palmyra Post Office, it was found that another post office of that name was in the State, and it behooved the people to make a change in the name. A meeting was called and a committee appointed to adopt such a name as was deemed best Some wanted the name Van Buren, in honor of the newly elected President; others wanted the name Mason, in honor of him who first laid out the town. The name Mason was finally given to both town and office, which met the general approval of all. The following is from the act to incorporate the village of Mason:

Section 1 . Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, that so much of the township of Deerfield, in the county of Warren, as is included within the limits of the original plat of the town of Palmyra, now called Mason, and the additions thereto, be and the same is hereby created a town corporate by the name of the town of Mason.

This was passed January 22, 1839, but was not accepted by the citizens of Mason till March 22, 1840, at which time an election of officers took place, resulting as follows: Mason Seward, Mayor; J. G. Paulding, Recorder; Felix Welton, L. Murphy, Abe Duvall, Ezra Dawson, Ephraim Meighan, Trustees.

The Postmasters since the establishment of the post office have been as follows: William Kirkwood, Mason Seward, William Dodds, A. C. Bates, D. W. Vandyke, Mason Seward, Thomas J. Blackburn, Mrs. Sena Ross, Mrs. Fla Sausser and Felix Welton.

In 1862, James McCormick started the first newspaper, which was called the Mason Democrat , which passed into the hands of Daniel Flan agin, and was discontinued in 1864. In 1878, the Mason Vanguard was started, but did not long continue.

In 1814, Judge J. D. Lowe laid out and platted a town of sixteen lots situated at the cross roads, a mile north of where Mason now stands. It was named Unity, but usually went by the name of "Lowe's Town." A church, bearing the name of Unity was erected, and a graveyard started at this place, but to-day the latter is the only remnant existing of the town.

Gainesboro was another ill-fated place. It was laid out June 26, 1815, by Ralph W. Hunt, and consisted of 134 lots. It was situated at the site of Hunt & Lowe's flour, wool and carding mill, and where King's powder mills now are The population of the place was at one time about 150, but it rapidly declined and soon ceased to exist as a town.

About 1840, two Mormon missionaries, a fathdr and son, named Lamar ee, hailing from the Mormon Church at Nauvoo, 111., came to the place where Socialville now is. They preached their doctrines and made several converts among whom were Arthur Monfort and wife, Dr. Johnson and wife, who finally joined the sect A large meeting was held in a grove, at which several Mormon missionaries were present. More persons joined the sect and much excitement prevailed. The place began to be known as Morrpontown. After the excitement had somewhat abated, a Methodist Church was built on a lot donated by Henry Hageman, and, at his suggestion; the name of the town was changed to Socialville. The village now has a population of about Bixty.

By Hon. Thomas M Wales

This is one of the smaller townships of the county, and was originally comprised in the township of Wayne, which at the time of the county's organization, contained all the land in the northeastern part of the county. It is bounded on the north and west by Wayne Township, on the east by Clinton County, and on the south by Washington Township. In shape it is an irregular triangle, and in size ranges with Union and Massie; the three being the smallest townships in the county. It is the second, from the north, of the four townships forming the east boundary of the county, and received its name in honor of General Nathaniel Massie, who was one of the most extensive surveyors and largest land holders of Ohio, an account of whose surveys is given in the general history of this county. It is a part of what is known as the "Virginia Military land," and contains some of the best farm lands in Warren County.

The soil is generally of a rich alluvial character with a yellow clay formation in some parts. Along the water courses lie rich valleys, of varying extent, of dark vegetable soil well adapted to the production of almost any crop.

Location And Survey Of Land Warrants

The whole of the township lies within the Virginia Military District, reserved by Virginia to satisfy the land warrants issued to her State troops for services in the Revolutionary war. A large number of these were, about the year 1790, placed in the hands of General Nathaniel Massie, to enter and survey according to law. Nearly all the lands of the township were located under the laws of Virginia as early as August, 1787. The first surveys in the township appear to have been made in October, 1792. All the surveys were made by General Massie. Below is given the record of the location and survey of each entry in the township.

No. 568 - August 4, 1787, John T. Griffin, assignee, enters 2,000 acres of land, part of a Military Warrant, No. 72, on Caesars Creek, emptying into the Little Miami River, supposed to be two and a half miles below the sugar camp taken by Clement Reed's entry, No. 899; beginning three miles on a straight line from the mouth of said creek, on the northwesterly side, running up the creek 700 poles, when reduced to a straight line, thence- at right angles from the general course of the creek, northwardly for quantity.

No. 565 - August 6, 1787, John H. Foster enters 1,000 acres of land, on part of Military Warrant, No. 2,610, on the upper side of Caesars Creek; beginning at the upper comer of John T. Griffin's entry, No. 568, running up the creek 400 poles when reduced to a straight line, thence at right angles from the general course of the creek and with Griffin's line for quantity. 760 acres only of this were surveyed.

No. 567 - August 6, 1787, Clement Biddle, assignee, enters 966§ acres of land, on several Military Warrants, viz.: Nos. 828, 1,571, l^S, 1,662, 1,555, on the lower side of Caesars Creek, opposite the upper comer of John T. Griffin's entry, No. 568,- thence up the river 400 poles when reduced to a straight line, thence at right angles from the general course of the creek, eastwardly for quantity.

No. 569 - August 6, 1787, Archibald Blair, heir, enters 1,000 acres of land, part of a Military Warrant, No. 48, on the lower side of Caesars Creek, beginning at the upper comer of Clement Biddle's entry, No. 567, running up the creek 400 po'es, when reduced to a straight line, thence at right angles from the general course of th * creek, southwesterly with Biddles' line for quantity.

No. 575 - Col. Abraham Buford enters 1,000 acres of land, part of Military Warrant, No. 768, on the lower side of Caesars Creek, beginning at the lower comer of Clement Biddle's entry, No. 567, running down the creek 400 poles, when reduced to a straight line, thence at right angles from the general course of the creek and with Biddle's line for quantity.

No. 771 - August 9, 1787, James Currie, assignee, enters 1,000 acres of land on several Military Warrants, viz. : Nos. 1,764 for 200, 1,755 for 400, 1,802 for 400 and 1,869 for 200, on the lower side of Caesars Creek, beginning at the lower comer of John Eustace's entry, No. 578, running down the creek 400 poles when reduced to a straight line, thence at right angles from the general course of the creek and with Eustace's line southwesterly for quantity. Oiily 800 acres of this was surveyed.

No. 1,045 - August 18, 1787, Captain Nathaniel Pendleton enters 1,000 acres of land, part of Military Warrant No. 1,891, on the waters of Caesars Creek, beginning at the lower back comer of John Eustace's entry, No. 578, running up with said Eustace's back line the whole length, thence at right angles southwardly for quantity.

No. 1,048 - August 18, 1787, Capt. Henry Moss enters 1,000 acres of land, part of Military Warrant No. 614, on Cfesars Creek, beginning at the lower back comer of Nathaniel Pendleton's entry, No. 1,045, thence up his back line the whole length, thence at right angles southwardly for quantity.

No. 1,146 - August 14, 1787, Robert Gibbons, heir, enters 1,000 acres of land, part of Military Warrant No. 207, on Caesars Creek, beginning at the upper back comer of Wm. Heth's entry, No. 1,085, running down his back line 400 poles, thence at right angles southwardly for quantity.

No. 1,687 - April 19, 1798, Nathaniel Lamme enters 1,000 acres of land, part of Military Warrant, No. 4,083, on CaBsars Creek, beginning at the southwest comer of James Crain's entry, No. 1,994, thence north 6 degrees west, 400 poles, thence south 84 degrees west and at right angles for quantity.

No. 2,818 - Peter Mulen burgh enters 4,000 acres of land, part of Military Warrant, No. 176, on Caesars Creek, beginning at a black and white oak and beech, comer of James Currie's survey, No. 771, in the line of John Eustace's survey, thence with the back line of Currie's, westwardly to the upper back comer of Clement Biddle's survey, thence with Biddle's line south, 5 degrees east, 500 poles, to his comer in the line of Ferdinand Oneal's survey, thence east for quantity. Of this only 1,120 acres were surveyed.

No. 578 - August 6, 1787, John Eustace enters 1,666$ acres of land, part of Military Warrant No. 2,687, on Caesars Creek, beginning at the lower comer of Abraham Buford's entry, No. 575, thedce down the creek 620 poles, when reduced to a straight line, thence at right angles from the general course of the creek, and with Buford's line southwardly for quantity. Of this, 910 acres were surveyed.

Organization

This township was formed from parts of Wayne and Washington, on the 10th of October, 1850, by Benjamin Blackburn, Isaac Leming and John M. Snook, the then board of County* Commissioners, who described its boundary lines as follows, viz.: "Commencing at the point where the road from Wilmington to Lebanon crosses the Warren and Clinton County line, thence with said road to the line between Paul Vandervert and John Wilkinson; thence north, 804 degrees west, to the southwest comer of Thomas J. Fryer's 50-acre lot, in the fine of Peter Muhlenburgh'8 west survey; thence on said line to the comer of James Currie's survey; thence north, 80 degrees east to a sugar tree on the bank of Caesars Creek, op- posite to the mouth Flat Fork; thence north, 10 degrees east to the Little Miami River, thence up said river to the Greene County line. Said new township to contain all the territory in Warren County which lies north and east of above-mentioned lines." In this form it continued until June 11, 1851, when the boundaries were changed and made to read as follows: "Commencing at the township line between Massie and Wayne# where it crosses Clement Reed's survey thence running in a northeastern direction on the back line of the river survey, to the comer of Richard Anderson's survey, and thence on the southwest line of said survey to Cfesars Creek, thence up said creek to the Clinton County line, and the part taken from Massie township to be attached to Wayne, where it formerly belonged." "On the 1st of December following, another change was made in the boundaries, in accordance with a petition presented in the following words, viz. : "To change the lind between the townships of Wayne and Massie, said alteration to begin at the present line on the west side of C«sars Creek, near the mouth of Flat Fork, and nm up the said creek to the bend of said creek above Hisey's milldam ; thence to intersect the present line in the road leading from Waynesville to Harveysburg, for the following reasons: First, it takes us away from where our business is to vote, and in times of high water we cannot cross Caesars Creek. Secondly, it divides our school district, and, thirdly, it requires us to work on the highway where some of us seldom travel, and leaving the road where most of our interest is, almost destitute of labor." Alter this last-named alteration was made, the boundaries were allowed to remain unchanged. As it now exists, Caesars Creek and the Military survey lines form the division between it and Wayne.

This region is well drained by Caesars Creek, a tributary of the Little Miami River, Flat Fork, Jonah's Run and Turkey Run, tributaries of Caesars Creek, and many smaller streams which empty into these. Caesars Creek runs almost the entire length of the township from northeast to southwest; Flat Fork is in the southwestern part; Jonah's Run near the centre, and Turkey Run in the northern comer.

The first officers of the township were John Blodget, John D. Cleaver and Joshua Canbv, Trustees; Jesse Burgess, Clerk; Harvey Glancy, Treasurer. From this time to 1868 the officers can only be given from memory without giving dates of service, as the records of that period were burned in 1871. The Trustees were: Lee Ellis, Albert Crider, Joseph Lukens, Richard W. Jessup, J. D.

Cleaver, Wm. Cleaver, J. H. Crew, Wm. Criswell, A. T. Sabin, Robert Wilson, T. M. Wales and J. D. Harvey. Clerks, Israel Taylor, C. Jessup, J. H. Lippincott, Hiram Madden and D. Q. Fox; Treasurer, B. Scroggy.

Early Settlers

The following is a list of persons who settled with their families in the territory now constituting Massie Township, prior to the year 1820, together with the name of the State from whence they came, so far as is known:

Levi Lukens and his wife Elizabeth (Cleaver) Lukens came from Virginia to Ohio, and in 1807 located on 1,000 acres of land which he had purchased in Massie Township. They built a cabin into which they moved on New Year's day,

1808. They had seven children, three of whom now survive. He died on his farm January 8, 1860, aged 98 years; she died February 2, 1831, aged 68.