Harrison Township

Harrison Township

The earliest settlers were Wendel Melker, Adam Lybarger, the Gorsuches, Peter Wolf, Joseph Horn, Benjamin Horn, Andrew Oasto, the Dudgeons, the Biggses, the Schoolers, PhiJip Melker, Isaac Cohen, Arthur Pawcett, the Welkers. The Dudgeons, among these, deserve more than a passing notice. Three brothers and a sister, at an early day, settled in this wilderness region. In company with their father, they had crossed the Atlantic in 1801. Simon, Moses and Hugh Dudgeon, brothers, were natives of Ireland, who came to this country poor and penniless, and by honest industry acquired a competency. Simon had served six months as a British soldier in the Revolutionary war. He was in his 26th year, of great physical strength, resolute and determined. He landed in the city of ^ew York with only an English shilling in his pocket, which he paid out to a washerwoman for washing his clothes. He worked, as he could get employment, in Vermont, Connecticut and Kew

York, and lived with his father and brotliers^ Thomas and Hugh, for eight years, nntil he accumulated $1000 ; and with that, in 1810, he started from Delaware county, N. Y., west to hunt a better location, visited Knox county, and bought the tract of land upon which he erected his house and lived until death. He went to Washington county. Pa., married, and returned to his land in 1811. The issue of this marriage was ten children. Xlne are now living, to wit : Charles, Moses, David, Simon, May, John, and Andrew in Harrison township; William, Jane, Mrs. Horn, in Auglaize county. Simon, Sr. first bought three quarter sections of land, and added to it by purchase till, at his death, he luid 712 acres. He was very industrious and domestic in his habits.

Paul Welker, one of the oldest settlers in that part of the county, tells, with much humor, the way in which ho first became aware of Dudgeon being in the county. He was out hunting one day, and having chased a deer into some underbrush in some frog-ponds, was startled by t]ie sound of an axe cutting wood ; he stealthily approached the spot from whence the noise proceeded, expecting to find an Indian, when, greatly to his surprise, he discovered our pioneer chopping trees to make a cabin. He had not heard of this new comer, and could but express his astonishment tliat lie should have cliosen a spot back of the big frog-ponds for a house. Forbidding as tlie place then was, Simon, by dint of labor, there made his living, and loft to his cliildren, as its result, an estate of over $23,000, besides some $10,000 advanced to them during his life time. They now own over 1,500 acres of land in that vicinity. Simon died of apoplexy in the street, Mt, Yernon, in his sixty-ninth year. Two of his brothers died of this same disease : Thomas, in Delaware county, X. Y., and Hngh, in Knox county, February 16tli, 1861. Moses, another brotlier, died in this county about thirty years ago. Their sister, Mrs. Young Love, is now living near Frcdericktov/n.

The Lybarger family became quite numerous also. Adam died in April, tiiis year. He had risen from dinner, after eating very heart}", and walked into the yard to get a stick of wood for the fire, when he dropped dead.

Wen del Mclker, with his brother Philip, moved into this country from Yirginia in 1808. All that survive of tlio Molker name in Harrison are four children - all mutes.

Arthur Eawcett was, like the Dudgeons, from the Emerald Isle, and felt the eifects of poverty, in early youth. After a time he too makes his way to the "great West," and is found in this county, in 1810, clearing land, upon which he has since resided. He is now in his 77th year, and his wife, Susannah, in her 67th year. They have had ten child/on - ciglit now live, viz : Samuel, who married Elizabeth Biggs, daughter of James Hayes. He Avas born in Harrison township, in 1816, and now lives in Butler. Philip, who married Mary Ellen Yancc, lives in Illinois ; Elizabeth, wife of

Geo. W. Scliooler, in Allen county ; Lucinda, wife of Hamilton Marshal, in Allen county ; and the following in Harrison township : Anna, wife of Isaac Hays ; Mary, Mrs. Ralph Eaucett ; John, who married Hannah Washburn ; Icetas, who married Rebecca Barnett ; and Catharine, wife of Joseph Horn.

Andrew Oasto moved into Marion county, and died sixteen years ago. l^one of his blood now live in this county. Isaac Ooen, another of the earhest settlers, died, Avith none here to represent him. Joseph and Benjamin Horn died about the same time, eight years ago. The Biggs brothers - William, Noah and Jeremiah - came to this township about 1811. The Schoolers settled in the neighborhood, where that name is now found, in 1818. John Schooler died in 1853 ; he was from Beaver county. Pa. : had twelve children - nine now living. Isaac is at Carthage, Jasper county, Mo. George and Rachel, Mrs. Ashbourne, live in Auglaize county, James in Coshocton ; William, Joseph, Moses and Samuel are in Harrison. Both the justices of the peace in the township are sons of John Schooler. The people of Knox county twice honored him with a seat in the Legislature ; he died some eight years ago, much lamented by a large circle of relatives and friends.

Marvin Tracy held many public positions, and was universally respected for his honesty and integrity. Paul Welker and John Troutman have been hard-working farmers, of good reputation.

year. His brother, Samuel, came out in 1817, and is now sixty-three years of age. These men have lieen useful citizens. The first brick house in this township was that of Nathaniel Eoss.

The first road laid out was from Mt. Yernon to Coshocton. The j)i'opi'ietors of the town were all from the East, and they then believed light must be sought from that quarter. They did not know there was a Lake Eric, or if they did, they did not seem conscious that the great commerce and trade of this section must be drawn north and south ; hence, supposing that travel would be most from east to west, they laid out the town with this view - making its lU'incipal street, " High," the widest, and " Market," the present Main Street, much the narrowest.

Source changes here: from History of Knox County, Ohio, Its Past and Present, Containing a Condensed, Comprehensive History of Ohio, Including an Outline History of the Northwest; a Complete History of Knox County ... a Record of Its Soldiers in the Late War; Portraits of Its Early Settlers and Prominent Men ... Biographies and Histories of Pioneer Families, Etc, by Hill, N. N. (Norman Newell), Comp, published 1881; 3,305 words in this source stream.

Harrison Township

HARRISON township was organized March 9, 1825, and named in honor of General William H. Harrison. It is an excellent township of farming land, being generally level or moderately roUing. It was once very heavily timbered, with the usual varieties found in Ohio, and much oak, sugar and beech timber are still found in the township. It is well watered, both with springs and streams. The Kokosing river crosses the north-west corner. Indian Field's run is the principal stream. It rises in the western part of Butler township, runs west to near the centre of Harrison, and turning north flows into the Kokosing river. At the mouth of this stream the Indians had cleared a large amount of land, on which they raised much corn, and the stream was so named from this fact. The Kokosing and Indian Field's run have numerous small tributaries not named. Barney's run rises in the northwest part of the township, and flowing north into Howard township, empties into the Kokosing river. There are no mounds in this township. A small beaver dam still spans Indian Field's run on Simon Dudgeon's farm.

The Indians were numerous when the first settlers came to Harrison, and for several years after the first settlement they would come from Greentown and the Upper Sandusky to hunt the deer and other wild animals which abounded here. The old Indian trail leading Irom Greentown to the Wakatomica, passed through Harrison, and bands of Indians were passing frequently through the township several years after the conclusion of the last war with Great Britain. It was also much used by the early settlers before any roads were laid out. After General Lewis Cass, the distinguished Democratic statesman, was appointed governor of Michigan territory, he passed over this trail on horseback, on going from his home in Muskingum county to Detroit. He was accompanied by a party of three or four men, and stopped over night

Andrew Casto was probably the first white man to settle in Harrison township. He entered land in the western part of the township. But little of his early pioneer experience can be obtained as he has been dead many years, and none of his family are living in Knox county.

Jeremiah Biggs, who is claimed by some to have been the first settler of Harrison, was born in Virginia December 27, 1769. He came to this township in 1808, settling on section sixteen. When he first settled here, Harrison was almost, if not altogether, an unbroken wilderness. Deer "were as plenty as sheep," the wolves "made night hideous" by their howling, the Indian still lurked in the forest, and Mr. Biggs experienced all the privations, hardships, enjoyments, and pleasures incident to pioneer life. He raised a family of eleven children; one of his sons, John, who was born here in 1812, is still residing in the township. A few years after his removal to Knox county, Mr. Biggs' friends in Pennsylvania sent him a letter addressed as follows: "To Jeremiah Biggs on Owl Crick, State of Ohi," Notwithstanding this vague direction it arrived at its destination. This letter is still in possession of John Biggs. Mr. Biggs lived long to enjoy the fruits of his arduous pioneer labors. He died in 1844.

The Dudgeons have long been a prominent family. Simon Dudgeon was born in the county of Donegal, Ireland, in 1776. His father owned a small freehold in Ireland, and being a man of much enterprise and resolution, determined to better his condition by emigrating to America. At the time he formed this resolution, his sons, Simon, Moses and Thomas were in the British army, serving as regulars. Desiring to have all his family with him when he went to America, he sold his freehold and bought the unexpired time of his three soldier boys. He sailed for the United States in 1801, landing at New York city. When Simon landed he had but one English shilling left. He procured employment in the city, and after working a short time went to Connecticut, remaining in that State several months. From there he removed to Delaware county. New York, purchased a farm and lived there until 18 10, when he came to Harrison township, and entered three quarter sections of land near the centre of the township. After making some improvements, he went to Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he was married to Miss Nancy Elliott, by whom he had ten children, viz: Jane, Thomas, Charles, Moses, David, William, Simon, Mary, John, and Andrew. Eight are still living, four in Harrison. Mr. Dudgeon returned to Knox county in 181 1, living on his place in Hurrison until his decease, June 2, 1845.

John Schooler, another prominent citizen, was born near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, about the year 1770. When he was twenty-six years old he removed to Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where he resided until his removal to Harrison township in 1 81 8. Four years prior to his coming to Knox county he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in the southeast part of Harrison township. While living in Pennsylvania he was married to Miss Sarah Walker. They raised a family of twelve children: James, Rachel, William, John, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, George, Hannah, Jane, Samuel, and Sarah Ann - six of whom are still living. Mr. Schooler was a member of the legislature from Knox county, in 1831 and 1832; he also served as justice of the peace several terms, and was otherwise prominent in public affairs. Mr. Schooler was a participant in the Indian wars of the latter part of the last century, and was also a soldier of the War of 18 12. He endured many hardships, and m.ade some narrow escapes while a soldier. At one time a squad of soldiers was sent in pursuit of some Indians who had committed depredations in the frontier settlements. They were cut off from their supply of rations while in the wilderness, and were without provisions about a week, when one of them shot a deer, and every particle of meat, even the hoofs and head were cooked and devoured by the famishing soldiers. Mr. Schooler had a small piece of bacon concealed, from which he would take a bite or two each day, so that he did not fare quite as hard as some of his less fortunate comrades. He was a noted hunter. In one year, while residing in Pennsylvania, he killed one hundred and fifty-three deer, and at another time shot two panthers. Game was still abundant when he came to Harrison, and one fall

The Harrods were also noted pioneers, being among the first to settle in Knox county. Michael Harrod removed to Harrison early in this century, settUng in the southeast part of the township. John, son of Michael Harrod, who was born in 1807, was many years a resident here. He was married in 1829, to Rachel Veach, and removed to Clay about the time of his marriage. They raised a family of eleven children. Michael Harrod built the second brick house in the township, which was blown down by ths Burlington storm, and Mrs. Harrod and an infant in her arms, were covered up with the bricks. Mrs. Harrod had an arm broken, but the infant was not injured.

Arthur Fawcett came to Harrison about 18 10. He was a native of Ireland and being poor it was with considerable difficulty that he secured sufficient means to pay his passage across the Atlantic. He settled in the dense wilderness of Harrison township, and cleared up a farm. Many years after his removal here, he experienced a considerable loss at the hands of some thieves. He had secreted one thousand dollars in his milk-house loft, for safekeeping. It remained undisturbed some time, when one night it was stolen, and no clue to the thieves could be obtained.

Daniel UUery was a thrifty Pennsylvania Dutchman. He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1790, and came here in 1817, locating one hundred and sixty acres of land. At an early age he was married to Miss Mary Kinder. They raised a family of thirteen children, seven of whom are still living. One of his sons, Valentine, is a resident of Harrison.

George Lepley, another Pennsylvania German, was one of the first settlers, and is the oldest man now living in the township. He is the only one of the first generation that settled in Harrison, still residing here. He was born about 1790, and his wife who is but one month younger than her husband, is still living. Mr. Lepley came from Somerset county, Pennsylvania, about the ye?,r 1807, and first settled in Buder township, but removed to Harrison about 18 12. He served three months in the last war with England, but was in no engagements.

William Green, one of the early pioneers of Ohio, was born in Maryland about 1789, and with his father settled in the southern part of Licking county, Ohio, about 1804. He removed to Harrison township in 1824, settling in the southern part of the township. He was married to Elizabeth Morris while a resident of Licking county. One of his sons, Daniel, has been a resident of this township since 1824. He was married to Miss Lydia Bowman in 1843, and their family of nine children are all living. Two of his sons are residents of Washington city, one being a clerk in the census office, and another, an attorney-at-law. William Green died in 1853.

The Horns are quite a numerous family. Benjamin Horn came from Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 181 8, and Joseph in 1820. They both setded in the southeastern part of this township. Joseph Horn was born about the year 1788, was married to Miss Anna Ely in Pennsylvania, and their family of eleven children are all living. The Horns are noted for their longevity and thrift.

Nathaniel Ross came' to Harrison about 1815. He was born in Green county, Pennsylvania, in 1794. Prior to his removal to Ohio he was married to Miss Sarah Hair, by whom he had eight children, three - Samuel H., Mary, and Timothy - only, survive. Mr. Ross was a man of indomitable spirit, great liberalily, and was remarkable for his ! extensive reading. He was one of the very first in 1 Knox county to embrace and advocate the politi- j cal views and doctrines of the Abolitionists, and was, consequently, the subject of much persecution. So bitter at one time was this persecution that he was both politically and socially ostracized by his neighbors, but he never deviated in the least j from the path of duty as he considered it. He was | also one of the very first to espouse the religious j views of Alexander Campbell. At that time it was ; almost as much of a stigma to be called a Camp- ; bellite as it was an Abolitionist. But he lived to ' see the unpopular political and religious doctrines, j which he so ardently contended for, both triumphant and honorable. While Mr. Ross was a resident of Harrison he was a sufferer by two tornadoes which swept over this place. The noted Burlington storm. May 18, 1825, prostrated all of his buildings, destroyed much valuable timber, and otherwise damaged him financially; and, on the second day of September, 1846, another tornado destroyed one of his out-buildings, and a log falling upon his daughter, Rachel Ann, a young lady of sixteen years, caused her death instantaneously. But one of his children, Samuel, now resides here. Several years since he removed to Hancock county, Ohio, where he is now living with his daughter, Mrs. Mary Crumrine.

The Lybargers, although not of the first settlers, have long been identified with the history and interests of Harrison. George, Adam, Henry, and Andrew Lybarger, brothers, emigrated from Bedford county, Pennsylvania, to Knox county, in the fall of 1819. They rented a house in Mt. Vernon and remained there during the winter of 1819-20. The following spring they removed to Harrison, where they purchased a large tract of land in the northwest part of the township, much of which was Owl creek bottom land and very productive. George Lybarger was born in Pennsylvania April 30, 1 79 1. He was married to Miss Magdalena Lybarger October 9, 18 14. Their children were Maria, Elizabeth, Valentine, Simon, Eli, George, Henry, and Louis, five of whom are still living. The Lybargers were industrious, frugal Pennsylvania Germans, very zealous Lutherans, and were the prime movers in the organization of the Mt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran church of this township. George died in 1876, Adam in 1872. All of the four brothers are dead. Their descendants are still numerous here.

Isaac Coan, Hugh Miller, Paul Welker, Silas Ralston, Wendell Melker, John Wolf, John Troutman, Israel Dillon, Benjamin Ellis, Jacob Hayes, Marvis and Asa Freeman were early settlers, and influential citizens. The inhabitants of this township are principally Pennsylvanians and their descendants, but there is also a sprinkling of Virginians and Marylanders.

Most all of the early settlers who endured the toils, privations and hardships in rescuing the township from its wilderness condition are gone to their long rest. Their children and grandchildren, who are'now living in comfort and even luxury, can but faintly realize what their ancestors suffered to purchase the blessings they enjoy.

The Burlington storm, one of the greatest that has occurred in Ohio since its first settlement by the whites, swept across this township from southwest to northeast. It prostrated everything in its path, which was about three-fourths of a mile in width. Log, frame and brick houses were blown down, and not a large tree was left standing. It was also accompanied by heavy hail; some of the hail stones were said to be larger than hen's eggs. The second tornado, September 2, 1845, crossed the southern part of Harrison, and caused a great destruction of property and a loss of life.

In November, 1857, another violent whirlwind swept over the southern part of the township. It threw down the dwelling house of Jacob EUett, some of the family being covered by the debris, and severely injured. It also uprooted many trees, blew down the fences, and passing into Butler township tore down a house in which a corpse was laid out. There have been one or two severe wind storms since the one of 1857, and the inhabitants live in fear of a recurrence of these cyclones every few years, though probably without reason. Several accidents resulting in loss of life have occurred in this township. Some twenty years since William Lepley was killed by falling on an upright saw in his mill while sawing logs. About 1859, John Guess while engaged in cleaning out a well was overcome by the "damps" or gas generated therein, and lost his life. Samuel Lepley accidently shot himself while handling a gun, and was found dead by his friends. About 1833 a Mr. Morrison was killed by a falling tree.

The first road in the township was the one leading from Mt. Vernon to Coshocton, now known as the Mt. Vernon and New Castle road. This w'as laid out probably as early as 1809 or 18 10. The Gambier and Martinsburgh road was cut out some years after this one.

The first and only grist-mill in the township was erected several years since by Simon Dudgeon, on Indian Field's run. It is a small one and has never done much grinding. The inhabitants generally get their milling done at the Gambier or Green Valley mills.

The first post-office was established about 1842, and named Wolfe's post-office, in honor of George Wolfe, the first postmaster. This office was discontinued some ten years after its establishment. Some years ago the inhabitants residing in the central part of the township petitioned the postmaster General for another office. Their petition was granted, Pipesville post-office established, and Mr. Warren Pipes appointed postmaster. Mr. Pipes died some time after his appointment, and his daughter Anna Bell has had charge of the office since his death. The inhabitants receive their mail semi-weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the mail route being from the office to Gambier. Mr. John Burkholderis the mail messsenger.

The first school as far as can be ascertained was taught by John James in a small log building in the Dudgeon settlement. Moses, Jane, Charles and Thomas Dudgeon; John, Charlotte, Levi, David and Elizabeth Harrod; Levi, John and Mary Riggs and Mary Ross were some of the scholars who attended the school. Samuel Hill was another of the early school teachers of this township, as well as of Butler, Jackson and Clay. His services as a pedagogue were in great demand by the early settlers. For many years after the first settlement the schools were taught either in the dweUing houses of the settlers or in small log school houses, but these in course of time gave way for the more commodious and neat frame buildings which are now found in the township. The establishment of the Martinsburgh academy and Kenyon college, both contiguous to Harrison, was of great benefit to the youth of that township, and many of them received a thorough education at those places.

Cunningham, Presbyterians ; the Revs. Charles Waddle, Crawford and Glancy, Methodists; Andrew Burns, Taylor; Lockheart, White, and - - Moody, Disciples; and Truman Strong, Thomas Eaton, and W. W. Curry, Universalists. The Methodists erected the first church edifice, a log one, about 1823 or 1824. This was located in the northeastern part of the township, and called the Mt. Labor church. The organization continued to hold meetings in this church- several years, when the society dissolved, and there are very few of that denomination in the township at this time.

About 1832 a small log church was built on Nathaniel Ross' farm by the Disciples, or Campbellites, as they were then named. Nathaniel Ross and Harrod Riggs, with a few others, organized a society and worshipped several years in this small building. From this little body of earnest workers has sprung the Union Grove church, built in 1 84 1. It is a neat frame, located in section fifteen, and occupied by all denominations, no particular sect having absolute control. It is now principally used by the Disciples. The Revs. Taylor, Burns, Lockheart, White, William and Jackson Dowling, Charles Van Voorhees, and Benjamin Bell, jr., have preached at various times to the Disciple organization here.

The Mt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran church was organized in 1835, by the Rev. H. W. Lauer. The first elders were Henry Lybarger and Samuel Stough; deacons, Adam Lybarger and Jesse Lybarger; trustees, George and Peter Lybarger; clerk, Samuel Stough. Among the first members of this church were Samuel Stough and wife, Henry, Andrew, Peter, George, Jesse, and Anthony Lybarger, and their wives; Ludwig Lehman and wife, Michael and Frederick Lybarger, and Magdalena Ream. The ministers who succeeded the Rev. Lauer, as far as known, were the Revs. W. M. Gilbreath,

K. Booker, the present pastor. The first church edifice was erected in 1837. This was a frame building of sufficient dimensions to hold the large congregation which assembled for worship at that early date. In 1854 this building was replaced by a large and substantial frame, in which the society worship at this time. This organization of Lutherans was a strong body, numerically and financially, from the beginning. The original members were almost all Pennsylvania Germans, and the members now are generally their descendants. The first records of the church were kept partly in English and partly in German. The present membership is eighty-six.

There are several families of Dunkards, or Nazarines in the township, who have occasional preaching at the Union Grove chapel. The Revs. Henry

Source changes here: from History Knox County, Ohio, by N. N. Hill., Jr, published 1881; 3,276 words in this source stream.

Harrison Township

H. Harrison. It is an excellent township of farming land, being generally level or moderately rolling. It was once very heavily timbered, with the usual varieties found in Ohio, and much oak, sugar and beech timber are still found in the township. It is well watered, both with springs and streams. The Kokosing river crosses the north-west corner. Indian Field's run is the principal stream. It rises in the western part of Butler township, runs west to near the centre of Harrison, and turning north flows into the Kokosing river. At the mouth of this stream the Indians had cleared a large amount of land, on which they raised much corn, and the stream was so named from this fact. The Kokosing and Indian Field's run have numerous small tributaries not named. Barney's run rises in the northwest pari of the township, and flowing north into Howard township, empties into the Kokosing river. There are no mounds in this township. A small beaver dam still spans Indian Field's run on Simon Dudgeon's farm.

The Indians were numerous when the first settlers came to Harrison, and for several years after the first settlement they would come from Greentown and the Upper Sandusky to hunt the deer and other wild animals which abounded here. The old Indian trail leading trom Greentown to the Wakatomica, passed through Harrison, and bands of Indians were passing frequently through the township several years. after the conclusion of the last war with Great Britain. It was also much used by the early settlers before any roads were laid out. After General Lewis Cass, the distinguished Dem- ' ocratic statesman, was appointed governor of Michigan territory, he passed over this trail on horseback, on going from his home in Muskingum county to Detroit. He was accompanied by a party of three or four men, and stopped over night

Andrew Casto was probably the first white man to settle in Harrison township. He entered land in the western part of the township. But little of his early pioneer experience can be obtained as he has been dead many years, and none of his family are living in Knox county.

Jeremiah Biggs, who is claimed by some to have been the first settler of Harrison, was born in Virginia December 27, 1769. He came to this township in 1808, settling on section sixteen. When he first settled here, Harrison was almost, if not altogether, an unbroken wilderness. Deer "were as plenty as sheep," the wolves 'made night hideous" by their howling, the Indian still lurked in the forest, and Mr. Biggs experienced all the privations, hardships, enjoyments, and pleasures incident to pioneer life. He raised a family of eleven children; one of his sons, John, who was born here in 1812, is still residing in the township. A few years after his removal to Knox county, Mr. Biggs' friends in Pennsylvania sent him a letter addressed as follows: 'To Jeremiah Biggs on Owl Crick, State of Ohi," Notwithstanding this vague direction it arrived at its destination. This letter is still in possession of John Biggs. -Mr. Biggs lived long to enjoy the fruits of his arduous pioneer labors. He died in 1844.

The Dudgeons have long been a prominent family. Simon Dudgeon was born in the county of Donegal, Ireland, in 1776. His father owned a small freehold in Ireland, and being a man of much enterprise and resolution, determined to better his condition by emigrating to America. At the time he formed this resolution, his sons, Simon, Moses and Thomas were in the British army, serving as regulars. Desiring to have all his family with him when he went to America, he sold his freehold and bought the unexpired time of his three soldier boys. He sailed for the United States in 1801, landing at New York city. When Simon landed he had but one English shilling left. He procured employment in' the city, and after working a short time went to Connecticut, remaining in that State several months. From there he removed to Delaware county, New York, purchased a farm and lived there until 1810, when he came to Harrison township, and entered three quarter sections of land near the centre of the township. After making some improvements, he went to Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he was married to Miss Nancy Elliott, by whom he had ten children, viz: Jane, 'I'homas, Charles, Moses, David, William, Simon, Mary, John, and Andrew. Eight are still living, four in Harrison. Mr. Dudgeon returned to Knox county in 1811, living on his place in Hurrison until his decease, June 2, 1845.

John Schooler, another prominent citizen, was born near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, about the year 1770. When he was twenty-six years old he removed to Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where he resided until his removal to Harrison township in 1818. Four years prior to his coming to Knox county he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land in the southeast part of Harrison township. While living in Pennsylvania he was married to Miss Sarah Walker. They raised a family of twelve children: James, Rachel, William, John, Isaac, Joseph, Moses, George, Hannah, Jane, Samuel, and Sarah Ann - six of whom are still living. Mr. Schooler was a member of the legislature from Knox county, in 1831 and 1832; he also served as justice of the peace several terms, and was otherwise prominent in public affairs. Mr. Schooler was a participant in the Indian wars of the latter part of the last century, and was also a soldier of the War of 1812. He endured many hardships, and made some narrow escapes while a soldier. At one time a squad of soldiers was sent in pursuit of some Indians who had committed depredations in the frontier settlements. 'They were cut off from their supply of rations while in the wilderness, and were without provisions about a weck, when one of them shot a deer, and every particle of meat, even the hoofs and head were cooked and devoured by the famishing soldiers. Mr. Schooler had a small piece of bacon concealed, from which he would take a bite or two each day, so that he did not fare quite as hard as some of his less fortunate comrades. He was a noted hunter. In one year, while residing in Pennsylvania, he killed one hundred and fifty-three deer, and at another time shot two panthers. Game was still abundant when he came to Harrison, and one - fall

The Harrods were also noted pioneers, being among the first to settle in Knox county. Michael Harrod removed to Harrison early in this century, setlling in the southeast part of the township. John, son of Michael Harrod, who was born in 1807, was many years a resident here. He was married in 1829, to Rachel Veach, and removed to Clay about the time of his marriage. 'hey raised a family of eleven children. Michael Harrod built the second brick house in the township, which was blown down by ths Burlington storm, and Mrs. Harrod and an infant in her arms, were covered up with the bricks. Mrs, Harrod had an arm broken, but the infant was not injured.

Arthur Fawcett came to Harrison about 1810. He was a native of Ireland and being poor it was with considerable difficulty that he secured sufficient means to pay his passage across the Atlantic. He settled in the dense wilderness of Harrison township, and cleared up a farm. Many years after his removal here, he experienced a considerable loss at the hands of some thieves. He had secreted one thousand dollars in his milk-house loft, for safekeeping. It remained undisturbed some time, when one night it was stolen, and no clue to the thieves could be obtained.

man. sylvania, in 1790, and came here in 1817, locating one hundred and sixty acres of land. At an early age he was married to Miss Mary Kinder. They raised a family of thirteen children, seven of whom are still living. One of his sons, Valentine, is a resident of Harrison.

George Lepley, another Pennsylvania German, was one of the first settlers, and is the oldest man now living in the township. He is the only one of the first generation that settled in Harrison, still residing here. He was born about 1790, and his wife who is but one month younger than her husband, is still living. Mr. Lepley came from Somerset county, Pennsylvania, about the year 1807, and first settled in Butler township, but removed to Harrison about 1812. He served three months in the last war with England, but was in no engagements.

William Green, one of the early pioneers of Ohio, was born in Maryland about 1789, and with his father settled in the southern part of Licking county, Ohio, about 1804. He removed to Harrison township in 1824, settling in the southern part of the township. He was married to Elizabeth Morris while a resident of Licking county. One of his sons, Daniel, has been a resident of this township since 1824. He was married to Miss Lydia Bowman in 1843, and their family of nine children are all living. Two of his sons are residents of Washington city, one being a clerk in the census office, and another, an attorney-at-law. William Green died in 1855.

The Horns are quite a numerous family. Benjamin Horn came from Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1818, and Joseph in 1820. They both. settled in the southeastern part of this township. Joseph Horn was born about the year 1788, was married to Miss Anna Ely in Pennsylvania, and their family of eleven children are all living. The Horns are noted for their longevity and thrift.

Nathaniel Ross came to Harrison about 1815. He was born in Green county, Pennsylvania, in 1794. Prior to his removal to Ohio he was married to Miss Sarah Hair, by whom he had eight children, three - Samuel H., Mary, and Timothy - only, survive. Mr. Ross was a man of indomitable spirit, great liberalily, and was remarkable for his extensive reading. He was one of the very first in Knox county to embrace and advocate the political views and doctrines of the Abolitionists, and was, consequently, the subject of much persecution. So bitter at one time was this persecution that he was both politically and socially ostracized by his neighbors, but he never deviated in the least from the path of duty as he considered it. He was also one of the very first to espouse the religious views of Alexander Campbell. At that time it was almost as much of a stigma to be called a Campbellite as it was an Abolitionist. But he lived to see the unpopular political and religious doctrines, which he so ardently contended for, both triumphant and honorable. While Mr. Ross was a resident of Harrison he was a sufferer by two tornadoes which swept over this place. The noted Burlington storm, May 18, 1825, prostrated all of his buildings, destroyed much 'valuable timber, and otherwise damaged him financially; and, on the second day of September, 1846, another tornado destroyed one of his out-buildings, and a log falling upon his daughter, Rachel Ann, a young lady of sixteen years, caused her death instantaneously. But one of his children, Samuel, now resides here. Several years since he removed to Hancock county, Ohio, where he is now living with his daughter, Mrs. Mary Crumrine.

The Lybargers, although not of the first settlers, have long been identified with the history and interests of Harrison. George, Adam, Henry, and Andrew Lybarger, brothers, emigrated from Bedford county, Pennsylvania, to Knox county, in the fall of 1819. They rented a house in Mt. Vernon and remained there during the winter of 1819-20. The following spring they removed to Harrison, where they purchased a large tract of land in the northwest part of the township, much of which was Owl creek bottom land and very prodnctive. George Lybarger was born in Pennsylvania April 30, 1791. He was married to Miss Magdalena Lybarger October 9, 1814. Their children were Maria, Elizabeth, Valentine, Simon, Eli, George, Henry, and Louis, five of whom are still living. The Lybargers were industrious, frugal Pennsylvania Germans, very zealous Lutherans, and were the prime movers in the organization of the Mt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran church of this township. George died in 1876, Adam in 1872. All of the four brothers are dead. Their descendants are still numerous here.

Isaac Coan, Hugh Miller, Paul Welker, Silas Ralston, Wendell Melker, John Wolf, John Troutman, Israel Dillon, Benjamin Ellis, Jacob Hayes, Marvis and Asa Freeman were early settlers, and The inhabitants of this township are principally Pennsylvanians and their descendants, but there is also a sprinkling of Virginians and Marylanders.

Most all of the early settlers who endured the toils, privations and hardships in rescuing the township from its wilderness condition are gone to their long rest. Their children and grandchildren, who are now living in comfort and even luxury, can but faintly realize what their ancestors suffered to purchase the blessings they enjoy.

The Burlington storm, one of the greatest that has occurred in Ohio since its first settlement by the whites, swept across this township from southwest to northeast. It prostrated everything in its path, which was about three-fourths of a mile in width. Log, frame and brick houses were blown down, and not a large tree was left standing. It was also accompanied by heavy hail; some of the hail stones were said to be larger than hen's eggs. The second tornado, September 2, 1845, crossed the southern part of Harrison, and caused a great destruction of property and a loss of life.

In November, 1857, another violent whirlwind swept over the southern part of the township. It threw down the dwelling house of Jacob Ellett, some of the family being covered by the debris, and severely injured. It also uprooted many trees, blew down the fences, and passing into Butler township tore down a house in which a corpse was laid out. There have been one or two severe wind storms since the one of 1857, and the inhabitants live in fear of a recurrence of these cyclones every few years, though probably without reason. Several accidents resulting in loss of life have occurred in this township. Some twenty years since William Lepley was killed by falling on an upright saw in his mill while sawing logs. About 1859, John Guess while engaged in cleaning out a well was overcome by the "'damps" or gas generated therein, and lost his life. Samuel Lepley accidently shot himself while handling a gun, and was found dead by his friends. About 1833 a Mr. Morrison was killed by a falling tree.

The first road in the township was the one leading from Mt. Vernon to Coshocton, now known as the Mt. Vernon and New Castle road. This was laid out probably as early as 1809 or 1810. The Gambier and Martinsburgh road was cut out some years after this one.

The first and only grist-mill in the township was 'erected several years since by Simon Dudgeon, on Indian Field's run. It 1s a small one and has never done much grinding. The inhabitants gen-

The first post-office was established about 1842, and named Wolfe's post-office, in honor of George Wolfe, the first postmaster. This office was discontinued some ten years after its establishment. Some years ago the inhabitants residing in the central part of the township petitioned the post- Their petition was granted, Pipesville post-office established, and Mr. Warren Pipes appointed postmaster. Mr. Pipes died some time after his appointment, and his daughter Anna Bell has had charge of the office since his death. The inhabitants receive their mail semi-weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the mail route being from the office to Gambier. Mr. John Burkholder is the mail messsenger.

The first school as far as can be ascertained was taught by John James in asmall log building in the Dudgeon settlement. Moses, Jane, Charles and Thomas Dudgeon; John, Charlotte, Levi, David and Elizabeth Harrod; Levi, John and Mary Riggs and Mary Ross were some of the scholars who attended the school. Samuel Hill was another of the early school teachers of this township, as well as of Butler, Jackson and Clay. His services as a pedagogue were in great demand by the early For many years after the first settlement the schools were taught either in the dwelling houses of the settlers or in small log school houses, but these in course of time gave way for the more commodious and neat frame buildings which are now found in the township. The establishment of the Martinsburgh academy and Kenyon college, both contiguous to Harrison, was of great benefit to the youth of that township, and many of them received a thorough education at those places.

The religious interests of the people have not been neglected. The early missionary preachers through here were the Rev. James Scott and Cunningham, Presbyterians; the Revs. Charles Waddle, Crawford and Glancy, Methodists; Andrew Burns, Taylor ; Lockheart, White, and Moody, Disciples ; and Truman Strong, Thomas Eaton, and W. W. Curry, Universalists. The Methodists erected the first church edifice, a log one, about 1823 or 1824. This was located in the northeastern part of the township, and called the Mt. Labor church. The organization continued to hold meetings in this church several years, when the society dissolved, and there are very few of that denomination in the township at this time.

About 1832 a small log church was built on Nathaniel Ross' farm by the Disciples, or Campbellites, as they were then named. Nathaniel Ross and Harrod Riggs, with a few others, organized a society and worshipped several years in this smalt building. From this little body of earnest workers has sprung the Union Grove church, built in 1841. It is aneat frame, located in section fifteen, and occupied by all denominations, no particular sect having absolute control. It is now principally used by the Disciples. The Revs. Taylor, Burns, Lockheart, White, William and Jackson Dowling, Charles Van Voorhees, and Benjamin Bell, jr., have preached at various times to the Disciple organization here.

The Mt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran church was organized in 1835, by the Rev. H. W. Lauer. The first elders were Henry Lybarger and Samuel Stough; deacons, Adam Lybarger and Jesse Lybarger; trustees, George and Peter Lybarger; clerk, Samuel Stough. Among the first members of this church were Samuel Stcugh and wife, Henry, Andrew, Peter, George, Jesse, and Anthony Lybarger, and their wives; Ludwig Lehman and wife, Michael and Frederick Lybarger, and Magdalena Ream. The ministers who succeeded the Rev. Lauer, as far as known, were the Revs. W. M. Gilbreath, Ritz, Smedley, Sensebaugh, O'Bannon, Thomas Drake, Showers, and I. K. Booker, the present pastor. The first church edifice was erected in 1837. This was a frame building of sufficient dimensions to hold the large congregation which assembled for worship at that early date. In 1854 this building was replaced by a large and substantial frame, in which the society worship at this time. This organization of Lutherans was a strong body, numerically and financially, from the beginning. The original members were almost all Pennsylvania Germans, and the members now are generally their descendants. The first records of the church were kept partly in English and partly in German. The present mewbership is eighty-six.

There are several families of Dunkards, or Nazarines in the township, who have occasional preaching at the Union Grove chapel. The Revs. Henry Davie, John Workman, Isaac Ross, and Edmonston have preached here at various times.