Jefferson Township (part 1 of 2)

Jefferson Township

Jefferson township lies in the east central part of Madison county, being one of the boundary townships. It is bounded on the north by Caanan township; on the west by Deer Creek and .Monroe townships, and on the south by Fairfield township. On the east it is washed for several miles by the waters of Big Darby creek, but when near the southeastern corner, Franklin county stretches west of the creek, forming a part of the eastern as well as about one mile of the southern boundary.

Jefferson township was one of the original subdivisions and embraced a much larger area than it does at the present time. It was erected on April 30, 1810, and under that date is found the following commissioners' record : "Ordered, that all that tract of land comprehended in the following boundary be and the same is hereby created into a separate township, to be known as Jefferson township, and is bounded as follows, viz: Beginning at the lower corner of Calvin's survey, or on the Franklin county line north of Carey's; thence ou a straight line west to the Champaign county line; thence south along the said line until it intersects the Deer Creek township line; thence with the said township line east to Franklin county: thence along said line to the place of beginning." This erection was subsequently declared void, and a second one made on June 11. 1811, on which date the commissioners' records show the following: "Ordered that all the tract of land comprehended within the following boundaries be and is hereby erected into a separate township, by the name of Jefferson, and bounded as follows, viz: Beginning at the south corner of Darby township; thence with the south line of Darby township westerly to a point running south will strike the east boundary of Mark's survey, on Little Darby creek ; thence southward to where the state road, leading to Franklinton, crosses the Glade Run branch of Deer creek ; thence easterly so as to include all the inhabitants of Darby creek in said township, continuing to Franklin county line; thence with said line to place of beginning." The commissioners continued to organize different townships at a later date, taking a part from Jefferson at various times, giving it different shapes, until its present area and formation was reached. It is very irregular in shape, stretching for about five and a half miles from north to south, and about five and onefourth miles from east to west.

Jefferson township is, for the most part, rather level and was originally a nonproductive region, covered with stagnant water, producing much fever and ague, which retarded the early settlement. It has sufficient elevations and depressions to afford excellent facilities for underdraining, which, of late years, has received no small amount of attention, at present there being thousands of rods of tile buried beneath the surface. Through the medium of the underdraining, the citizens of Jefferson township have rendered it a fine and productive farming country. It has been freed from the early diseases and is a very healthful and productive township and a desirable location. The northern portion of the township is level, but as it nears the central part it becomes more rolling, and finally empties the water from .the flats into the Little Darby. The southern portion slopes toward the south and east, emptying its waste waters into the Big Darby through the Little Darby, which flows through the central and southeastern part of the township.

oak openings, and prairie land. The soil is of a deep clay loan), capable of the highest fertility, and produces fine crops of wheat, corn, oats and hay. Wool was a staple product of the township in the earlier settlements and is not altogether abandoned. Cattle, horses, sheep and hogs are raised in abundance. Special attention is given to raising cattle. The timber of the township, of any value, consisted mainly of oak. hickory and elm, although there were other varieties existing, such as sycamore and the timbers of lesser value found along streams. The more valuable timbers, such as walnut, poplar, etc., were lacking. The township is watered or rather drained by the Big Darby on the eastern boundary, and Little Darby through the center, and their small tributaries, the largest being Price's run. Along the last-named stream are numerous springs of excellent water, some of which possess mineral substance. There are also many picturesque spots along its banks. Little Darby, the principal stream traversing the township, enters the territory about half a mile north of the -Urbana pike and, with its irregular course to the southeast, makes a total distance within her limits of about ten miles. It passes out of the township southeast of the village of West Jefferson and one mile and a half south of the National road.

Settlement

The honor of being the first white settler within the present limits of Jefferson township must be accorded to Michael Johnson, wife and eight children. Johnson emigrated from Virginia to this section of the Northwest territory in 179t5-97. About the same time. William Lapin located in this township, and subsequently married Margaret, daughter of Michael Johnson, which family had settled about four miles northwest of the site of West Jefferson. Another pioneer of this township was Silas Springer, who first located near Plain City, but afterwards removed to this township. The next to locate here was Reason Francis, also a native of the Old Dominion. Mr. Francis emigrated to the neighborhood in 1800 and settled between the Darbys. He was quite a hunter and loved the chase; possessed many peculiar characteristics, and was a shrewd, sharp business man. Another early settler was Tobias Bright, who, it is claimed, killed an Indian in 1810, at the old camping-ground on Spring Fork, near its junction with Little Darby creek. He was tried and acquitted. One of the Lapins also shot an Indian near the same place a few years later, but these events were common in pioneer days. The Indians were, as a rule, inveterately detested, especially by those who had lost friends or relatives during the Indian wars.

About the beginning of the nineteenth century, Nehemiah Gates came into the township. and remained until after the War of 1812. He then returned to bis native state of Virginia, married a Miss Johnson, and again came to Madison county. He was married four times, his last wife being a sister to his first. Mr. Gates was a native of the state of New York, and, after his first settlement on Little Darby, he assisted in erecting a mill on that stream. He was an industrious, hardworking man. and was much respected by the pioneers. His name is found among the first juries of Madison county.

Philip Sidener came from Bourbon county, Kentucky, in 1802, and settled on the Scioto river, four miles below Franklinton. He built and operated a distillery at this place, but was very much annoyed by the Indians, who were continually begging whiskey of him, and if he would not comply with their wish they Would either buy or steal it. After a brief residence in this place, unusual sickness induced him to sell his farm and "strike out'' for the Darbys. He built his cabin on the east bank of the Little Darby, about sixty rods south of the National road, and was a close neighbor to Reason Francis and Tobias Bright. A short time after Philip Sidener settled here, Tobias Bright and another neighbor called one evening at the camp of two Indians on Spring fork. After spending, the early part of the evening, they started home, and, when a few paces away. Bright turned and shot one of the Indians dead. This cold-blooded act caused great incligiuition among the Indians and spread general consternation over the settlement. A general uprising was expected and such was the feeling of unrest that it led to Mr. Sideuer's removal to Kentucky.

The settlers who remained built a stockade about fifteen feet high, inclosing about an acre of land, including Sidener's cabin. This was in 1811 and some of the posts could he seen as late as 1890. The excitement soon subsided, and Mr. Sidener returned to the place of his former settlement, where he built another cabin.

Such was the life of the earlier settlers and it is interesting to note a few other incidents and facts that relate to these early settlers. There were no roads at this time save an Indian trail from the Muskingum and Scioto to Mad rivers, passing just north of the present National road. There were no schools and religious services were held only at intervals, this generally occurring at the home of some pioneer. There were no blacksmiths and wagonmakers, hut every man was his own mechanic. There were no stores nearer than Frankl inton. Quite a number of the early settlers engaged in making whiskey, as this was the only thing they could transport to Chillicothe - and profitably exchange for other goods. It is interesting to note that the greatest hulk they took in exchange was salt, which was an actual necessity. The clothing was of buckskin, flax or linsey-woolsey; the wants of the people were few; game was plentiful, and there was not much to stimulate the people to exertion, as there was little market for any surplus they might produce.

Bone and muscle were at a premium, as is the case in all countries where mental culture is neglected. And, although the pioneers of this section were educated through the rough education of experience, still they lacked the opportunities of school education. The standard of the pioneer .in those times was the physical power of a man. This led to many personal encounters for supremacy of this title. The title of "best man" in a community was contested just as bitterly by our pioneers as the title "belts" of today. Musters were held at Philip Sidener's house four or five times a year, and it is related by these sturdy forefathers that it was no uncommon thing to see twenty or thirty men, with their coats off, either fighting or ready to see fair play between the combatants.

There was a strong feeling of antagonism existing between the Darbyites. as they were then called from the location, and those living on Deer creek. They scarcely ever met without having a rough-and-tumble time to prove their superiority. John, nicknamed "Chunky," was the acknowledged leader among the Darbyites. He was very peaceful except in times of combat. A Mr. Graham was the "bully" among the Deer Creekers. But these men never met in personal encounter.

At that date, about half of the township was prairie, or barrens, thought to be of little value, and, in consequence, the settlements were all made along the streams. The first ground plowed in Jefferson township, according to the early settlers, was that lying

The Indians were peaceable, lazy and mostly honest, rarely stealing anything from the whites. The squaws would raise a little corn but the men would spend the time in hunting and fishing. The younger ones used bows and arrows to kill game, as they had what the pioneers had was gold and silver, paper money not coming into use this far west until a later date. Small change was scarce, and to remedy this a silver dollar was cut into pieces, which passed for their proportionate value. Sometimes a shrewd operator would cut a dollar into nine pieces, instead of eight, and still pass them for the fractional parts, "nine-pence," or one-eightli of a dollar.

William Johnson, according to tradition, settled in Jefferson township about the. year 1803. "Uncle Billy," as he was familiarly known, was a native of Virginia, but was married in Pennsylvania. He came to the Little Darby with his wife and family, settling about one and a half miles southeast of the present town of West Jefferson. He was through life a farmer, and remained in Madison county until 1842, when he moved to Franklin county and died the following year. He was a man of small stature, but possessed a strong constitution.

Rev. Lewis Foster, who settled in Jefferson township in 1806, brought his wife and seven children with him and located on land given him by his father, Reverend Foster. The latter had embraced the faith of the Methodist church, and commenced preaching while in Pennsylvania. Soon after coining to Ohio, he was able to organize a society at his residence. He remained in this township until 1S35 and then removed to Illinois. Today Foster Chapel stands as a monument to his Christian walk and zealous work in its behalf.

Prior to the War of 1812, Nathaniel, Henry and Robert Frakes took up their settlement on Little Darby, in this township. They entered the Indian War, in which Nathaniel and Robert were killed, a short time after their settlement in this county. Henl-y died a short time after the war. Michael Dickey and a second Robert Frakes also settled at an early date. The latter was a native of England and was much heralded by the settlers in this locality, as he was a cooper by trade, and probably the first one to meet the wants of the few settlers then in Jefferson township. He also carried on farming on a small scale, as his cooper business did not furnish him steady employment. He died in 1830.

Moses Nickens was the first colored settler in this township. He came to Madison county in the year 1810, having served under General Washington in the Continental army. He remained a resident quite a number of years.

Isaac Ruperts came from Virginia about the year 1810 and settled near what was then known as the Gates mill. During the period of the War of 1812, dates the settlement of David Harriman and family. He and his wife soon afterward died and the children moved from this county. Jacob Sidener. a son of John T. Sidener, emigrated to this township after the War of 1812. Moses Pippet was also an early settler. Samuel Jones came about the year 1818 with his wife and nine children. The Ayle family were early settlers, among whom was John Ayle, a native of Martinsville, Virginia, and who reached Jefferson township about 1828. He ever after remained in Jefferson township until his death. August 17. 1861. James Burnham was among the early settlers in this township, but the date of his settlement cannot be ascertained. He was born in Windham county, Connecticut, December 12, 1791, and came to Ohio in 1817. with a large train of emigrants, over fifty of whom were Burnhams, and who settled in this and other counties in the state. Mr. Burnham kept a hotel on a stretch of the Columbus and Urbana stage route for a number of years. Mr. Burnham was appointed general of a brigade of cavalry which was organized for protection against the Indians. For many years the parades of this company were marked days in the calendar. In early days Mr. Burnham was elected county commissioner, and was re-elected to this responsible post for a period of fifteen or eighteen years. He also served as justice of the peace for a term of over thirty years. In all of these positions, and wherever known, his name was a synonym for integrity, good judgment and fidelity to every trust. Mr. Burnham died on January 6, 1857. This good old pioneer left a name which can hardly be equalled by any settler of the present day.

The family of Thomas Timmons marks a great place in the early settlements. Mr. Timmons was a native of Pennsylvania and came to this county with the Foster family. He was an industrious pioneer and a man of rugged constitution. He was much interested in the establishment of Alder chapel, and liberally assisted to that end. He was w'ell estimated in the minds of his friends.

Early Roads

When the white man first came to this part of the state and began to penetrate the wilds of this territory, they found no roads but a few Indian trails. The most prominent one, as was previously mentioned, was the one from the Muskingum and Scioto rivers to the Mad river. It passed rather westerly through the township, entering just north of the National pike. However, the first road cut out for a thoroughfare was the old state road. It entered the township a little south of the National pike, passing westward, bearing a little to the north, and finally crossing the line of the National pike, and continuing in almost the same direction through the township. It was a thoroughfare from east to west, and great stage loads of passengers were hourly seen passing along the line. This, however, was not long open for travel until a road was opened from Amity to Georgesville. being almost due north and south and at right angles to the state road.

The next in order was the great National pike, which was surveyed almost on the fortieth parallel, very nearly due east and west. It awakened the interest of the people, and many who had as yet thought little of settling in Madison county were now induced to come from the east and make their home along such a great road. It was the greatest inducement which could have been ottered for settlement in this county. It added new facilities, increased travel and made it possible for the early settlers to transport their products to foreign markets. A short time after the building of the National pike, the old state road was abandoned. After this, roads became more numerous and the records of the county commissioners are filled with petitions for the opening up of new roads.

Mr. Gilmore, according to the early settlers, was the first man to keep a store in Jefferson township. He was a one-legged man and it was quite difficult for him to get around. He soon concluded to take in a partner and. accoi'dingly, a Mr. Dalby became associated in the business. Mi-. Dalby had but one arm, but it seems that the business was managed quite well. Dalby would do the selling and get the goods, while Gilmore would tie them up, and thus they followed their business. Mr. Atkinson kept the first tavern on the state road. The building was of hewed logs and formed a comfortable inn for that day, but with the building of the National road this tavern was closed. J. W. Simpkins opened a tavern on the National pike. This was the second tavern to be started on this pike, but the name of the proprietor of the first cannot be learned.

West Jefferson

West Jefferson was first laid out and called New Hampton. When the first settlers located in this part of the county, their closest town or trading point was at Franklinton (now Columbus), a distance of fifteen to twenty miles, for some of the pioneers, and over mud roads. It was decided to lay out a place in the township, where some one would keep in store such necessaries as were likely to be handled by a pioneer merchant. In consequence, on July 5, 1S22, Samuel Jones and Samuel Sexton acknowledged the original plat of New Hampton and the signing of the deed, before Justice A. Burnham, and it was recorded July 13, of the same year. There were three streets east and west, viz., Main. North and South streets, each sixty feet wide, and two alleys east and west, viz., Jones and Sexton. The streets north and south were five in number; the first three. Friend. Center and Pearl, were each sixty feet in width, and the latter two, Union and Prairie, were forty-nine and one-half in width. There were ninety-three lots in the first and only plat of New Hampton, mostly four by ten poles in size. The town, at the height of its prosperity, consisted of a store or two, two or three taverns, a postoffice, about seven families and a Baptist church. Soon after this hamlet was opened up, a Mr. Gilmore started a store, referred to in the preceding paragraph. It is generally believed that Benjamin Pike kept the postoffice and tavern in New Hampton as early as 1825.

Another tavern was kept in New Hampton by a widow lady, whose name is given as Tacy Widener. Soon after the building of the National road, in 1836-37, all business houses and dwellings were moved to the great road, and the pioneer village was abandoned.

West Jefferson was first called Jefferson and, in reality, still bears this name, as the records show, but the postoffice was called West Jefferson and common usage has given the town this name also. It is very probable that steps will be taken in the near future to change this name by law to West Jefferson.

The town was laid out on September 13. 1830, by Rev. Isaac Jones, who owned the land. The first plat called for sixty-four lots and was surveyed in the fall of the same year by Janies Millikan. Unlike most towns, only a few years elapsed until, on April 24, 1834, the first meeting was held for the incorporation of the village. This meeting was held at the postoffice and motions were passed to have special laws and town government, as the citizens deemed advisable. At this meeting John W. Simpkins was chosen president; David Wilson, recorder; David Mortimore, Ferrin H. Olmsteadt, James Roberts, Wilson Graham, Abraham Hare and Joseph Powers were chosen common council ; Joseph Powers was chosen marshal and Ezekiel Arnett was appointed the first street supervisor.

The first ordinance the council passed was to charge circus shows, etc., the sum of ten dollars license for every twenty-four hours' exhibition. At the same meeting they passed an ordinance to charge a grocery-keeper the sum of thirty-five dollars license a year. In May. 1834. the council passed an ordinance that the president should have for his services and stationery annually, twelve dollars; recorder, ten dollars; marshal, five dollars, and treasurer, five dollars. At the second meeting of the council all members for non-attendance. Subseciuently, James Roberts was also fined one dollar for nonattendance, but this sum was refunded to both in August, 1834. The first calaboose was were present save Olmsteadt, who, by motion of Abraham Hare, was fined one dollar built in 1S35, at a cost of about sixty dollars.

The new town soon grew to be of considerable importance, in consequence of the opening of the National road, and ere a, great while it was not an uncommon occurrence to see daily the five hotels thronged with travelers and the street lined with stages and horses Among the early merchants were Mr. Dalby, who built the Mantel house, keeping tavern and store in the same building; Thomas Mortimore, J. W. Simpkins, W. J. Black, J. Hancock, WT. Graham and Nathan C. Davis, who was associated with Calvin ITorr. Abraham Hare was a hatter by trade and opened up the first business of this kind in the town. J. W. ("Squire") Simpkins kept the first postoffice, which was designated West Jefferson, having moved his office from New Hampton. The town seemed to grow rapidly and large business firms located here. At one time it was the leading business point in the county.

In 1S46, with his father. Doctor Bliss established a large wholesale and retail drygoods trade in Jefferson, but, at the height of their mercantile trade, Doctor Bliss died, and the business finally became extinct. The population of the village at this time was six or seven hundred, stage coaches did a thriving business and the freight, to and from the village, was hauled in wagons drawn by four and six horses. There were two batteries, which made hats and caps from the fur of wild animals caught in the woods. There were two slaughter houses, run by Jeannette Stutson and Crabb & Parks. These ilid a flourishing local business and killed all the hogs raised in the immediate neighborhood. These two firms later built two grist-mills after the completion of the Pennsylvania railroad, in 1850, and shipped flour and feed to distant parts. The first mill was equipped with four sets of burrs and they did an extensive local business, utilizing all the wheat grown in this section. There were also two tanneries, owned by E. S. Han- cock and Iialser Mantel. They did a large local business and furnished the shoe makers with their leather for boots and shoes. At that time the shoemaker "whipped the cat" - going to a farm house, where he took the measurements for shoes and boots for the entire family and remained until he had them all fitted out. There was also a earding-niill in Jefferson, which was run by Charles C. Jones. The farmers brought in their wool and it was carded into rolls some two feet long by an inch in diameter. This mill was patronized by the entire east side of the township. Later other establishments were erected and carried on. but when the Little Miami railroad was completed through West Jefferson, it demoralized the travel on the National road and badly affected the business of the village. Goods could now be shipped in and sold cheaper than they could be manufactured at home and the local industries began to disappear. For a time the village was at a standstill, but. with the coming of new settlers and the advanced changes in conditions, which began to be taken advantage of in this little village, new life began to spring up. The railroad has been a great advantage to the town and this has been increased by the building of the Ohio Electric line from Columbus to Springfield. This was completed in 1905 and is the main line of this road. In 1913-14 the Pennsylvania railroad raised its tracks through the town and now all the roads and streets go under the tracks. This is a great advantage, as it alleviates the possibility of accidents and also takes the tracks off the streets.

West Jefferson at present is a flourishing town of one thousand seventy population. Work has already begun on paving the main street, which will extend almost a mile in length and cost forty-two thousand dollars. A new high school building was erected in 1911, at a cost of twenty-live thousand dollars, and the children of this town are accommodated with the best possible facilities for acquiring a preparatory education. The building is modern and up-to-date in every respect and is an evidence of the interest and desire of the citizens of the town to furnish their children with the proper facilities for education. The town hall and opera house was erected in 1893, at a cost of twentyfive thousand dollars. It is a modern and very beautiful building and affords opportunities for public meetings and shows, having a seating capacity of six hundred. The city library, postoffice and the oflices of the different town officials are all located in this building. The village is supplied with natural gas for lighting purposes, which is piped in from Columbus. Plans are under way to secure electric lighting for the city and residences, as this has already been furnished to the canning factory and elevator. This will be furnished to the city by the Ohio Electric Company. The Commercial Men's Club was organized June 15. 1915. with fifty-two members. Dr. L. E. Evans was chosen president; Howard Johnson, secretary, and R. C. Millikin. treasurer. W. .7. Burns is the oldest man in the town, with Edward Powell a close second. Mr. Powell was born on July 2. 1S28. in Ireland, but came to this country and, after remaining a year or two in Cincinnati, settled in Jefferson on July 4, 1855. He was married in 1858 and has remained in this village since that time, keeping house in the same residence the greater part of that time. L. C. Eglesperger is the oldest resident in the town. He has been a resident for seventy-six years, having been born here in 1839.

Redmond, treasurer; Oscar Sprague, marshal; Albert Clark, night watchman; Dr. Lester Olney, P. W. Damson, E. J. Buckley. Forrest Brown. George Baber and George Hann. council. There are four churches and four lodges, which will be referred to specifically in another chapter.

Source changes here: from History of Madison County Ohio, by Chester E. Bryan, published 1915; 14,299 words in this source stream.

Jefferson Township

Jefferson township lies in the east central part of Madison county, being one of the boundary townships. It is bounded on the north by Caanan township; on the west by Deer Creek und Monroe townships, and on the south by Fairfield township. On the east it is washed for, several miles by the waters of Big Darby creek, but when near 'the southeastern corner, Franklin county stretches west of the creek, forming a part of the eastern as well as about one mile of the southern boundary.

Jefferson township was one of the original subdivisions and embraced a much larger area than it does at the present time. It was erected on April 30, 1810, and under that date is found the following commissioners' record: "Ordered, that all that tract of land comprehended in the following boundary be and the same is hereby created into a separate township, to be known as Jefferson township, and is bounded as follows, viz: Beginning at the lower corner of Calvin's survey, or on the Franklin county line north of Carey's; thence on a straight line west to the Champaign county line; thence south along the said line until it intersects the Deer Creek township line; thence with the said township line east to Franklin county; thence along said line to the place of beginning." This erection was subsequently declared void, and a second one,made on June 11, 1811, on which date the commissioners' records show the following: '"'Ordered that all the. tract of land comprehended within the following boundaries be and is hereby erected into a separate township, by the name of Jefferson, and bounded as follows, viz: .Beginning at the south corner of Darby township; thence with the south line of Darby township westerly to a point running south will strike the east boundary of Mark's survey, on Little Darby ereek,; thence southward to where the state road, leading to, Franklinton, crosses the dade Run branch of Deer creek;. thence easterly so as to include all the inhabitants of Darby creek in said township, continuing to Franklin county line; thence with said line to place. of beginning." The commissioners continued to organize different townships at a later date, taking a part from Jefferson at various times, giving it different shapes, until its present area and formation was reached. It is very irregular. in shape, stretching for about five and a half miles from north to south, and about five and onefourth miles from east to west.

Jefferson township is, for the most. part, rather leyel and was originally a nonproductive region, covered with stagnant water, producing much fever and ague, which retarded the early settlement. It has sufficient elevations and depressions to afford excellent facilities for underdraining, which, of late years, has received no small amount of attention, at present there being thousands of rods of tile buried beneath the surface. Through the medium of the underdraining, the citizens of Jefferson township have rendered it a fine and productive farming country. It has been freed from the early diseases and is a very healthful and productive township and a desirable location. The northern portion of the township is level, but as it nears the central part it becomes more rolling, and finally empties the water from the flats into the Little Darby. The southern portion slopes toward the south and east, emptying its waste waters into the Big Darby through the Little Darby, which flows through the central and southeastern part of the township.

oak openings and prairie land. The soil is of a deep clay loam, capable of the highest fertility, and produces fine crops of wheat, corn, oats and'hay. Wool was a staple product of the township in the earlier settlements and is not altogether abandoned. Cattle, horses, sheep and hogs are raised in abundance. Special attention is given to raising cattle. The timber of the township, of any value, consisted mainly of oak, hickory and elm, although there were other varieties existing, such as sycamore and the timbers of lesser value found along streams. The more valrable timbers, such as walnut, poplar, ete., were lacking. The township is watered or rather drained by the Big Darby on the eastern boundary, and Little Darby through the center, and their small tributaries, the largest being Price's run. Along the last-hamed stream are numerous 'springs of excellent water, some of which possess mineral substance. Thére are also many picturesque spots along its banks. " Little Darby,' the principal' stream 'traversing the township, enters the territory about half a mile north of the Urbana pike and, with its irregular course to the southeast, makes a total distance within her limits of about ten miles. : It passes out of the township southeast of the village of West Jefferson and one mile and a odd south of the National road.

The honor of being the first white settler within the present limits of Jefferson township must be accorded to Michael Johnson, wife and eight children. Johnson emigrated from Virginia to this section of the Northwest territory in 1796-97; About the same time, William Lapin located in this township, and subsequently married Margaret. daughter of Michael Johnson, which family had settled about four miles northwest of the site of West Jefferson. Another pioneer of this township was Silas Springer, who first located near Plain City, but afterwards removed to this township. The next to locate here was Reason Francis, also a native of the Old Dominion. Mr. Francis emigrated to the neighborhood in 1800 and settled between the Darbys. He was quite a hunter and loved the 'chase; possessed many peculiar' characteristics, and' was a shrewd, sharp business man. Another' early settler was Tobias Bright, who, it is claimed, killed an Indian in 1810, at the old camping-g round on Spring Fork, near its junction with Little Darby creek. He was tried and' acquitted. One of the Lapins also shot an 'Indian near the same place a few years later, but these events were common in pioneer days. The ° Indians were, 'as a rule, inveterately detested, especially by those who had lost friends or relatives during the Indian wars.

About the beginning of the nineteenth century, Nehemiah Gates came into the 'township, and remained until after the War of 1812. He then returned to his native state of Virginia, married 1 Miss Johnson, and again came to Madison county. He was married four times, his last wife being a sister to his first. Mr. Gates was a native of the state of New York, and, aftet his first" settlement on Little Darby, he assisted in erecting a mill on that stream. He was an industrious, 'hardworking man, and was much respected by the pioneers. His name is found among the first juries of Madison county.

Philip Sidener came from Bourbon county, Kentucky, in 1802, and settled on the Scioto river, four miles below 'Franklinton. He built 'and operated a distillery at this place, but was very much annoy ed by the Indians, 'who were continually begging whiskey of him, and if he would not comply with their wish 'they would either buy or steal it. After a brief residence in this place, unusual sickness induced him to sell 'his farm and "strike out" for the Darbys. He built his cabin on the east bank of the Little Darby. about sixty rods south of the National road, and was a close neighbor to Reason Francis and Tobias Bright. A short time after Philip Sidener settled here, Tobias Bright and another neighbor called one eyening at the camp 'of two Indians on Spring fork. After spending the early part of the evening. they started home, and, when' a few paces away. Bright turned and shot one of the Indians dead. This cold-blooded act caused great indignation among the Indians and spread general consternation over the settlement. A general uprising was expected and such was the feeling of unrest that it led to Mr. Sidener's removal to Kentucky.

The settlers who remained built a stockade about fifteen feet high, inclosing about an acre of land, including Sidener's cabin. This was in 1811 and some of the posts could be seen as late as 1890. The excitement soon subsided, and Mr. Sidener returned to the place of his former settlement, where he built another cabin.

Such was the life of the earlier settlers and it is interesting to note a few other incidents and facts that relate to these early settlers. There were no roads at this time save an Indian trail from the Muskingum and Scioto to Mad rivers, passing just north of the present National road. There were no schools and religious services were held only at intervals, this generally occurring at the home of some pioneer. There were no blacksmiths and wagonmakers, but every man was his own mechanic. There were no stores neirer than Franklinton. Quite a number of the early settlers engaged in making whiskey, as this was the only thing they could transport to Chillicothe and profitably exchange for other goods. It is interesting to note that the greatest bulk they took in exchange was salt, which was an actual necessity. The clothing was of buckskin, flax or linsey-woolsey ; the wants of the people were few; game was plentiful, and there was not much to stimulate the people to exertion, as there was little market for any surplus they might produce.

- Bone and muscle were at a premium, as is the case in all countries where mental culture is neglected. And, although the pioneers of this section were educated through the rough education of experience, still they lacked the opportunities of school education. The standard of the pioneer in those times was the physical power of a man. This led to many personal encounters for supremacy of this title. The title of "best man" in a coumunity was contested just as bitterly by our pioneers as the title "belts" of today. Musters were held at Philip Sidener's house four or five times a year, and it is related by these sturdy forefathers that it was no uncommon thing to see twenty or thirty men, with their coats off, either fighting or ready to see fair play between the combatants.

There was a strong feeling of antagonism existing between the Darbyites, as they were then called from the location, and those living on Deer creek. They scarcely ever met without having a rough-and-tumble time to prove their superiority. John, nicknamed "Chunky," was the acknowledged leader among the Darbyites. He was very peaceful except in times of combat. A Mr. Graham was the "bully" among the Deer Creekers. But these men never met in personal encounter.

At that date, about half of the township was prairie, or barrens, thought to be of little value, and, in consequence, the settlements were all made along the streams. The first ground plowed in Jefferson township, according to the early settlers, was that lying between the National road and the railroad. just east of Little Darby. This land was placed under cultivation by Mr. Sidener.

The Indians were peaceable, lazy and mostly honest, rarely stealing anything from the whites. The squaws would raise a little corn but the men would spend the time in hunting and fishing. The younger ones used bows and arrows to kill game, as they had not become familiar with fire arms. There was but little money in circulation, and what the pioneers had was gold and silver, paper money not coming into use this far west until a later date. Small change was scarce, and to remedy this a silver dollar wus cut into pieces, which passed for their proportionate value. Sometimes a shrewd operator would cut a dollar into nine pieces, instead of eight, and still pass them for the fractional parts, '"'nine-pence," or one-eighth of a dollar.

William Johnson, according to tradition, settled in Jefferson township about the year 1803. "Uncle Billy," as he was familiarly known, was a native of Virginia, but was married in Pennsylvania. He came to the Little Darby with his wife and family, settling about one and a half miles southeast of the present town of West Jefferson. He was through life a farmer, and remained in Madison county until 1842, when he moved to Franklin county and died the following year. He was a man of small stature, but possessed a strong constitution.

Rey. Lewis Foster, who settled in Jefferson township in 1806, brought his wife and seven children with him and located on land given him br his father, Reverend Foster. The latter had embraced the faith of the Methodist church, and commenced preaching while in Pennsylvania. Soon after coming to Ohio, he was able to organize a society at his residence. He remained in this township until 1835 and then removed to Illinois. Today Foster Chapel stands as a monument to his Christian walk and zealous work 'in its behalf.

Prior to the War of 1812, Nathaniel, Henry and Robert Frakes took up their setttement on Little Darby, in this township. They entered the Indian War, in which Nathaniel and Robert were killed, a short time after their settlement in .this county. Henry died a short time after the war. Michael Dickey and a second Robert Frakes also settled at an early date. The latter was a native of England and was much heralded by the settlers in this locality, as he was a cooper by trade, and probably the first one to meet the wants of the few settlers then in Jefferson township. He also carried on farming on a small scale, as his cooper business did not furnish him steady employment. He died in 1830.

Moses Nickens was the first cokored settler in this township. He came to Madison county in the year 1810, having: served under General Washington in the Continental army. He remained a resident quite a number of years.

Isaac Ruperts came from Virginia about the year 1810 and settled near what was then known as the Gates mill. During the period of the War of 1812, dates the settlement of David Harriman and family. He and his wife soon afterward died and the children moved from this county. Jacob Sidener, a son of John T. Sidener, emigrated to this township after the War of 1812. Moses Pippet was also an early settler. Samuel Jones came about the year 1818 with his wife and nine children. The Ayle family were early settlers, among whom was John Ayle, a native of Martinsville, Virginia, and who | reached Jefferson township about 1828. He ever after remained in Jefferson township until his death, August 17, 1861. James Burnham was among the early settlers in this township, but the date of his settlement cannot be ascertained. He was born in Windham county, Connecticut, December 12, 1791, and came to Ohio in 1817, with a large train of emigrants, over fifty of whom were Burnhams, and who settled in this and other counties in the state. Mr. Burnham kept a hotel on a stretch of the Columbus and Urbana stage route for a number of years.. Mr. Burnham was appointed general of a brigade of cavalry which was organized for protection against the Indians. For many years the parades of this company were marked days in the calendar. In early days Mr. Burnham was elected county commissioner, and was re-elected to this responsible post for a period of fifteen or eighteen years. He also served as justice of the peace for a term of over thirty years. In all of these positions, and wherever known, his name was a synonym for integrity, good judgment and fidelity to every trust. Mr. Burnham died on January 6, 1857. This good old pioneer left a name which can hardly be equalled by any settler of the present day. .

The family of Thomas Timmons marks a great place in the early settlements. Mr. Timmons was a native of Pennsylvania and came to this county with the Foster family. He was an industrious pioneer and a man of rugged constitution. He was much interested in the establishment of Alder chapel, and liberally assisted to that end. He was well estimated in the minds of his friends.

Early Roads

When the white man first came to this part of the state and began to penetrate the wilds of this territory, they found no roads but a few Indian trails. The most prominent one, aS was previously mentioned, was the one from the Muskingum and Scioto rivers to the Mad river. It passed rather westerly through the township, entering just north of the National pike. However, the first road cut out for a thoroughfare was the old state road. It entered the township a little south of the National pike, passing westward, bearing a little to the north, and finally crossing the line of the National pike, and continuing in almost the same direction through the township. It was a thoroughfare from east to west. and great stage loads of passengers were hourly seen passing along the line. This, however, was not long open for travel until a road was opened from Amity to GEOr EE Sy. ille, being almost due north and south and at ree angles to the state road.

The next in order was the great National pike, which was surveyed almost on the fortieth parallel, very nearly due east and west. It awakened the interest of the people. and many who had as yet thought little of settling in Madison county were now induced to come from the east and make their home along such a great road. It was the greatest inducement which could have been offered for settlement in this county. It added new facilities, increased travel and niade it possible for the early settlers to transport their products to foreign markets. A short time after the building of the National pike, the old state road was abandoned. After this, roads became more numerous and the records of the county commissioners are filled with petitions for the opening up of new roads.

Mr. Gilmore, according to the early settlers, was the first man to keep a store in Jefferson township. He was a one-legged man and it was quite difficult for him to get around. He soon concluded to take in a partner 'and, accordingly, a Mr. Dalby became associated in the business. Mr. Dalby 'had but one arm, but it seems that the business was nianaged quite well. Dalby would do the selling and get the goods, while Gilmore would tie them up, and thus they followed their business. Mr. Atkinson kept the first tavern on the state road. The building was of hewed logs and formed a comfortable inn for that day, but with the building of the National road this tavern was closed. J. W. Simpkins opened a tavern on the National pike.' This was the second tavern to be started on this pike, but the: name' of the DEApriegr of the first cannot be learned.

West Jefferson

West Jefferson was first laid out. and called New > Aaa When the first settlers located in this part of the county, their closest 'town or trading point was at Franklinton (now. Columbus), a distance of fifteen to.twenty miles, for some of the pioneers, and over mud roads. It was decided to lay out a place in the township, where some one would keep in store such necessaries.as were likely to be handled by a pioneer merchant. In consequence, on July 5, 1822, Samuel Jones and Samuel, Sexton acknowledged the original plat of New Hampton and the signing of the deed, before Justice A. Burnham, and it was recorded July 13, of the same year. There were three streets east and west, viz., Main, North and South streets, each sixty feet wide, and two alleys east and west, Val zie Jones and Sexton. The streets north and south were five in number; the first three, Friend, Center and Pearl, were each sixty feet in width, and the latter two, Union and Prairie, were forty-nine and one-half in width. There were ninety-three lots in the first and only plat of New Hampton, mostly four by ten poles in size. The town, at the height of its prosperity, consisted of a.store or two, two or three taverns, a postoffice, about seven families and a Baptist church. Soon after this hamlet was opened up, a Mr. Gilmore started a store, referred to in the preceding paragraph. It is generally believed that Benjamin Pike kept the postoffice and tavern in New Hampton as early as 1825.

Another tavern was kept in New Hampton by a widow lady, whose name is given as Tacy Widener. Soon after the building of the National road, in 1836-37, all business houses and dwellings were moved to.the peiee road, and the pioneer village was abandoned.

West Jefferson was first called Jefferson and, in reality, still bears this name, as the records show, but the postoffice was called West Jefferson and common usage has given the town this name also. It is very probable that steps wi'l be taken in wee near future to change this name by law to West Jefferson.

The town was laid out on September 13, 1830, by Rev. Isaac Jones, who owned the land. The first plat called for sixty-four lots and was surveyed in the fall of the same year by James Millikan. Unlike most towns, only a few years elapsed until, on April 24, 1834, the first meeting was held for the incorporation of the village. This: meeting was held at the postoffice and motions were passed to have special laws and town government, as the citizens deemed advisable. At this meeting John W: Simpkins was chosen president; David Wilson, recorder; David Mortimore, Ferrin H. Olmsteadt, James: Roberts, Wilson Graham, Abraham Hare and Joseph Powers were chosen common council; Joseph Powers was chosen marshal and Ezekiel Arnett was appointed the first street supervisor.

The first ordinance the council passed was to charge circus shows, etc.; the sum of ten dollars license for every twenty-four hours' exhibition.. At the same meeting they passed an ordinance to charge a grocery-keeper the sum of thirty-five dollars license a year: In May, 1834, the council passed an ordinance that the president should have for his services and stationery annually, twelve dollars; recorder, ten dollars; marshal, five dollars, and. treasurer, five dollars. At the second meeting of the council -all' members for non-attendance. Subsequently, James Roberts was also fined one dollar for nonattendance, but this sum was refunded to both in August, 1834. The first calaboose was were present save Olmsteadt, who, by motion of 'Abraham Hare, was ge one. dollar buiit in 1835. at a cost of about sixty dollars.

The new town'soon grew to be of considerable importance, in consequence of the opening of the National road, and ere a great while 'it was not: an uncommon occurrence to see daily. the five hotels thronged with travelers and the street lined with stages and horses. Among the early merchants: were Mr. Dalby, who built the Mantel house, keeping tavern 'and store in the same building; Thomas Mortimore, J. W. Simpkins, W. J: Black, J. Hancock, W. Graham and Nathan Davis, who was associated with' Calvin Horr. Abraham Hare was a hatter by trade and opened up the first business of this kind in the town. J. W. ("Squire") Simpkins kept the first postoffice, which was designated West Jefferson, having moved his office from New Hampton. The town seemed to grow rapidly and large business: firms tated, 2ge? At one an it was Ans leading peeutees point in the county. : . é

In 1846, with his father. Doctor Bliss established 'a large wholesale and retail drygoods trade in Jefferson, but, at the height of their mercantile trade, Doctor Bliss died, and the business finally became extinct. The population of the village at this time was six or seven hundred. stage coaches did a thriving business and the freight; to and from the village. was hauled in wagons drawn by four and six horses. There were two hatteries, which made hats and caps from the fur of wild animals caught in the woods. There were two slaughter houses, run:by Jeannette Stutson and Crabb & Parks. These did a flourishing local business and killed all the hogs raised in the immediate neighborhood. These two firms later built two grist-mills after the completion of the Pennsylyania railroad. in 1850, and shipped flour and feed to distant parts. The first mill was equipped with four sets of burrs and they did an extensive local business, utilizing all the wheat grown in this section. There were also two tanneries, owned by HE. S. Han- cock and Balser Mantel. They did a large local business and furnished the shoemakers with their leather for boots and shoes. At that time the shoemaker "whipped the cat" - going to a farm house, where he took the measurements for shoes and boots for the entire family and remained until he had them all fitted out. There was also a carding-mill in Jefferson, which was run by Charles C. Jones. The farmers brought in their wool and it was carded into rolls some two feet long by an inch in diameter. This mill was patronized by the entire east side of the township. Later other establishments were erected and carried on, but when the Little Miami railroad was completed through West Jefferson, it demoralized the travel on the National road and badly affected the busines of the village. Goods could now be shipped in and sold cheaper than they could be manufactured at home and the local industries began to disappear. For a time the village was at a standstill, but, with the coming of new settlers and the advanced changes in conditions, which began to be taken advantage of in this little village, new life began to spring up. The railroad has been a great advantage to the town and this has been increased by the building of the Ohio Electric line from Columbus to Springfield. This was completed in 1905 and is the main line of this road. In 1913-14 the Pennsylvania railroad raised its tracks through the town and now all the roads and streets go under the tracks. This is a great advantage, as it alleviates the possibility of accidents and also takes the tracks off the streets.

West Jefferson at present is a flourishing town of one thousand seventy population. Work has already begun on paving the main street, which will extend almost a mile in length and cost forty-two thousand dollars. A new high school building was erected in 1911, at a cost of twenty-five thousand dollars, and the children of this town are accommodated with the best possible facilities for acquiring a preparatory education. The building is modern and up-to-date in every respect and is an evidence of the interest and desire of the citizens of the town to furnish their children with the proper facilities for education. The town hall and opera house was erected in 1898, at a cost of twentyfive thousand dollars. It is a modern and very beautiful building and affords opportunities for public meetings and shows, having a seating capacity of six hundred. The city library, postoffice and the offices of the different town officials are all located in this building. The village is supplied with natural gas for lighting purposes, which is piped in from Columbus. Plans are under way to secure electric lighting for the city and residences, as this has already been furnished to the canning factory and elevator. This will be furnished to the city by the Ohio Electric Company. The Commercial Men's Club was organized June 15, 1915, with fifty-two members. Dr. lL. E. Evans was chosen president; Howard Johnson, secretary, and R. C. Millikin, treasurer. W. J. Burns is the oldest man in the town, with Edward Powell a close second. Mr. Powell was born' on July 2, 1828, in Ireland, but came to this country and, after remaining a year or two in Cincinnati, settled in Jefferson on July 4, 1855. He was married in 1858 and has remained in this village since that time, keeping house in the same residence the greater part of that time. LL. C. Eglesperger is the oldest resident in the town. He has been a resident for seventy-six years, having been born here in 1839.

The present town officials are: Dr. A. F. Green, mayor; Willard Culp, clerk; William Redmond, treasurer; Oscar Sprague, marshal; Albert Clark, night watchman; Dr. Lester Olney, P. W. Damson, E. J. Buckley, Forrest Brown, George Baber and George Hann, council. There are four churches and four lodges, which will be referred to specifically in another chapter.

The business and professional directory of the town is as follow: Attorney, E. W. Johnson; agent Pennsylvania railroad, William Redmond; agent Ohio Electric Company, Mary Stickley; bakery, Frank Wise, Harvey Johnson; barbers, Horn Fairman, Woodward, Neighborgall and McNeill; blacksmiths, Oscar Sprague, Mitchell & Miller, John-

Dr. David Wilson, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, April 20, 1789, did not study medicine until past middle life, at which period he became a pupil of Dr. Robert Houston, of South Charleston, Ohio. He commenced practice at West Jefferson, this county, December 1, 1831, and continued in active practice about twenty-five years. He died of apoplexy at his home in Jefferson, July to, 18h. im the eighty-eighth year of his age.

Dr. Jeunett Stutson, born in Scituate, Massachusetts, September 7, 1807, was a pupil of Dr. John A. Turner, of Zanesville, Ohio. In the winter of 1836-37, he attended one course of lectures at Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, and came directly from the college to Madison county. locating at Jefferson, where he resided until his death, September 23, 1861, aged fifty-eight years.

Dr. Ezra Bliss had practiced in Vershire, Vermont, for several years before coming to Madison county. He was twice married, having had twelve children by his first wife and four by his second, of whom Webb Bliss was the youngest. Doctor Bliss located at Jefferson about 1846 and died there about 1852.

Dr. John McCullough, who was born on January 10, 1805, in Washington county, Pennsylvania, studied medicine in eastern Ohio, and afterward practiced medicine for several years in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. He moved to Jefferson, this county, in 1848, where he continued to practice until about 1872, when age and failing health compellied him to desist. He was married in 1827 to Abba Brower and died on December 26,.1880, in Springfield, Ohio.

Dr. Benjamin Franklin Crabb, son of Rev. Henderson and Jemimah (Downing) Crabb, was born in Amity, this county, and studied with Dr. Jennett Stutson of Jefferson. He was graduated from Starling Medical College and practiced a few years after 1850 in Jefferson, removing thence to South Charleston, Ohio, and afterward to Washington, Iowa. He was a colonel in the Union army, and was taken prisoner in his first battle, that of Bellmont, Missouri. His last days were spent in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Dr. D. W. Seal, Doctor Archer and Doctor Davis, all eclectics, practiced at Jefferson for a short time from about 1852. Doctor Seal created the impression of being a man of ability and general intelligence. He was tall, with an intellectual countenance, high forehead, and a cultured gentleman. He had a wife and several children and died about 1857 of consumption.

Dr. Thomas W. Forshee practiced at Jefferson about 1854 to 1857. He was a graduate in medicine, and moved to Amity, from which place he went into the army as an officer in the Fourth Ohio Cavalry. He resigned during the war and became an assistant surgeon to some regiment, later moving to Illinois.

Dr. John Colliver was born in Kentucky on December 6, 1811, and came to Ohio as early as 1840. In 1842 he lived over in the Darby plains, on one of James Wilson's farms. It is said of him that he neglected to try to save his large crop of hemp that he had sown, but that he would sit down on the hearth in his log cabin, with his back to the jamb, and alternate until the "wee sma' hours" of night between his book and an effort to keep the faggots burning bright enough to see to read. He subsequently studied medicine with Dr. Daniel Bell, of Somerford township, this county, and located at Mechanicsburg, where he practiced for several years. He moved to Amity about 1852, and was there in 1856, when the smallpox got hold of his family. One daughter died and the entire family became victims to 'the disease. In 1857 he moved 'to 'Lafayette. this county, and in 1858 located at Jefferson. He was long remembered as a genial old gentleman, and honorable as a colleague in the profession, being regarded as. one of the- most eminent eclectic physicians who ever resided in this county. He died of pneumonia at his home in Jefferson on June 10, Bee He married, February 5, 1832, in Kentucky, Matilda Robinson.

of Dr. Charles McCloud, and was graduated from Starling Medical College on February 25, 1850. After a few years of practice at Unionville Center and Plain City, he removed to Jefferson, August 8, 1858. He spent three years in the army. He was married on June 1, 1858, to Eliza J. Snyder, of Champaign county, this state. . Dr. Homer Summerfield Quinn, son of Rev. Isaac and Cynthia (Witten) Quinn, born on February 28, 1849, was a pupil of Dr. John H. Quinn, of Clinton county, this - state, and was graduated from the Medical College of Ohio, with the class of 1862, and, located at Jefferson in the same year. He was elected by the Democratic party to. the state Legislature in the fall of 1877. He married Betty Putnam, of Jefferson, in 1870. ae

Dr. Jefferson T. Colliver, born in Kentucky on January 19, 1841, son of Dr. John and Matilda (Robinson) Colliver, was graduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati on June 1, 1864. He located in Jefferson, and after the death of his father, in the year following,. succeeded to the latter's large and lucrative practice. He married, in November, 1869, Frances Adams, of Clinton, Illinois.

Dr. Charles Snyder, born in Champaign county, Ohio, March 12, 1848, was a Suit of Dr. J. N. Beach, and was graduated from the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, March 4, 1870. He was appointed resident physician to the Ohio penitentiary after his graduation, which position he presently resigned, and in 1872 located in Jefferson, where he long enjoyed a flourishing practice. Dr. Horatio Seymour Downs, born in Urbana, Ohio, November 6, 1854, grandson of Dr. John Colliver, was graduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati on June 3, 1879, and commenced practice in Jefferson in June, 1880. He married, May. 4, 1880, Lizzie Bowen.

Mt. Sterling

Dr. Jehial Gregory was the first resident physician in Mt. Sterling, this county. Doctor Seeds, the second, was an Englishman. He claimed to have been a graduate at Oxford, England, and was, at least, a scholarly man. There is a tradition that he was at Mt. Sterling as early as 1883. He married, while there, a daughter of Robert Abernathy, of Jamestown, Greene county, and moved to Wooster, Wayne ene ae and shortly afterward left that city. |

'Dr. William McClintick, who located in Mt. Sterling in 1840, practiced there about twenty years, after which he moved to Danville. His brother, Dr. Samuel McClintick, born February 1, 1821, in Pickaway county, Ohio, son of Joseph and Lizzie McClintick, the former, a native of Ireland, and the latter of Pennsylvania, commenced the study of medicine in 1841, under his brother William and J. F. Wilson, of New Holland, Pickaway county. He attended a course of lectures at Ohio Medical College, during the session of 1844-45, and located in Mt. Sterling in April, 1845, where he was in active practice many years. He married, May 20, 1846, Louisa C. Kauffelt. ~ Dr. Elam Bodman was in Mt. Sterling for several years and was.one of the leading phy sicians. About 1850 he bought a farm up in the Rea settlement and retired from the profession.

-Dr. David FE. McMillen, who located at Midway in 1847, was a physician of extensive acquaintance and was long identified with the interests of the county.

Dr. John H. Holton' was an educated | physician and a good practitioner. | His wife's maiden name was ' Stimmel. _ He 'located at Mt. Sterling about 1860 and moved to London, the' county seat, about 1865, where. he died of pneumonia. .

Dr. E. B. Pratt, who was located at Mt. Sterling for years, was a member of the Madison County Medical Association, and had served as its president. He also was a member of the Ohio State Medical Society. Dr. W. H. Emory, of Mt. Sterling, also was a member of the Madison County Medical Association, as well as of the Ohio State Medical Society.

Amity

Dr. Lorenzo Beach, son of Abel and Elizabeth (Kilbourne) _Beach, was born at New Haven, Vermont, November 7, 1798. He came to Ohio in the fall of 1813 and joined his brother Uri who had preceded him one year, at Worthington. He availed himself of such opportunities as Worthington afforded for improving his education, and about 1816 or 1817 commenced the study of medicine at Worthington and afterward. went to Urbana, Ohio, where he took a course of instruction in the office of Doctor Carter, being one of a class of ten students under Carter, who, upon the completion of the course, gave them'a "certificate" of the fact. James Comstock, who was afterward his colleague and partner in business, and also Doctor Mosgrove, of Urbana, were of this "class." He located where Amity now stands about 1820, being then in his twenty-second year. The amount of professional business transacted in those days, when physicians were scarce, was only limited by their capacity to labor; they traveled over, on horseback, a territory extending often to fifteen or twenty miles in all directions.

For some years after about 1833, Doctor Beach was the leading merchant in the north part of the county, and subsequently began to place his capital in real estate. For several years he was the largest landholder and the heaviest trader in live stock, and the heaviest capitalist that Darby township had ever had. In 1853, when lands in the north part of the county were worth from thirty to forty dollars an acre, he began to sell out, and going to Illinois invested his money in land warrants that were then abundant in the market at eighty cents an acre, and located several thousand acres of land in McLean, Ford, Kankakee and Livingston counties. He married Edith Bull, of Franklin county, Ohio, near Worthington, about the time he commenced the practice of medicine. After her death he married a widow living in Fairbury, Illinois, and died at his home in that place in August, 1878, aged eighty.

Dr. James Comstock located at Amity about the same time that Dr. Lorenzo Beach did and was long well spoken of. He was a brother to Buckley Comstock, for many years a leading business man of Columbus, Ohio, and an uncle to the Comstock, who for years was the proprietor of Comstock's Opera House. He later became a resident of Jamestown, Greene county, where his last days were spent.

Dr. Charles McCloud, probably the third physician at Amity, was born in Vermont on February 2, 1808, and moved with his father in his youth to Delaware county, this state. He studied medicine with Dr. Alpheus Bigelow, of Galena, Delaware county, and settled in Amity about 1883. For a few years he also taught winter schools in Amity, but as soon as the people began to understand him, his practice began to increase, and for many years he was a very hard-working man in his profession, ever enjoying the most implicit trust and faith and respect of his patients. In 1850 he was a Whig member from Madison county in the Ohio Legislature and was elected a member of the Ohio constitutional convention in 1850. He married Jane Carpenter, and died at Plain City, this county, of obstruction of the bowels, April 1, 1861, aged fifty-three.

Dr. James Sidney Skinner was an Eastern man, probably from the state of New York, who settled in Amity about 1840. He was a dapper, dilettante sort of a man, and while a student at Buffalo, New York, he so fascinated a daughter of one Judge Clarke that an elopement and clandestine marriage was the result. His wife was a very accomplished lady. Their history was known at Amity, and it was thought she began to regret the folly of her conduct. She was much admired by all classes of people there, and her influence had much to do in refining the society by which she was surrounded. It was a hard struggle with her husband to make a respectable living, as he did not succeed in becoming a popular practitioner. She sickened and died and her body was started for Buffalo, by the way of Cleveland, in a two-horse wagon. Two days after it had left, her father, Judge "lark, came to Amity to see her, having been notified of her illness, having passed the body of his unfortunate child on the road. 'he doctor afterward practiced at Plain City, this county, Columbus and Cincinnati, and then went to California.

Dr. Davis, who was probably the next, also came from over about Dublin, and stayed only a short time, later moving to Cheney's Grove, McClean county, [linois, where he improved a farm and practiced medicine also.

Dr. Abel W. Field, a New York state man, came to Madison county about 1835, and settled over on the Darby plains, where he lived for several years, at the end of which time he moved to Amity, about 1842, probably as early or earlier than the time of Ashbaw or Davis. He had a fair practice, and was very popular. He was killed while returning from a professional call, by being thrown from his sulky, on the 9th of August, 1851. He was the father of Dr. Archelaus Field, later a wealthy and prominent physician of Ft. Des Moines, Iowa; of Dr. Orestes G. Field, of South Solon, this county, and of Capt. James Field, of Marysville, Ohio.

Dr. James F. Boal, born and reared on Big Darby creek, in the Mitchell settle ment, near Milford, was a graduate of Starling Medical College and had practiced at Canal Winchester, Ohio, before locating at Amity about 1848. He was a creditable practitioner, and active in business. In 1853 he bought up a drove of horses and moved to Illinois.

Dr. Lucius Burr Carpenter, a-native of Delaware county, Ohio, from about Galena, a nephew of Mrs. Dr. Charles McCloud, lived at Amity for several years as a clerk in McCloud's store and as a general student. He taught school and studied medicine with his uncle, and had fairly entered upon a promising future when he fell a victim of Asiatic cholera, during the epidemic of 1850. He was attending the Stanton family over in the plains, who had cholera, and returning late, went to bed not very well; grew worse and died before morning. He married Hester Mann, and left one child, Medora.

Dr. Isaac Newton Hamilton, who was reared at Richwood, Union county, Ohio, brother of Congressman Cornelius Hamilton and Prof. John W. Hamilton, of Columbus, Ohio, remained at Amity from about 1852 to 1855, when he moved to Unionville Center, Union county; afterward to Milford Center and then to Marysville.

Dr. John Colliver and Dr. Thomas W. Forshee, whose careers have been touched on in previous paragraphs relating to the town of Jefferson, also for a time were years successfully engaged in practice at Amity. MIDWAY. Dr. Jehial Gregory was probably the first resident physician of Midway, he having located there about the year 1833. He married Susan Hazle, of London, the county seat, prior to his marriage having boarded at the hotel then kept by John M. Blue, father-in-law of John Dungan, of London. He moved from Midway to Mt. Sterling about 18385, and became the first resident physician there. He studied for the pro fession with Doctor Martin, of Bloomingsburg, Fayette county, Ohio.

Doctor Clarke was the second physician at Midway, locating there 'about 1835, remaining about two years, at the. end of which time he went to London, the county seat, and boarded with Colonel Lewis and practiced there for a short time, then moved to Michigan.

Dr. Milton Lemen was probably tikes third resident physician it Midway. He was born on March 1, 1819, in Range township, Clark county, Ohio, a son of Judge John and Rebecca (Donelson) Lemen. Judge Lemen's wife is said to have been an aunt to Gen. Andrew Jaekson's wife. The Lemens were natives of Virginia and emigrated from Tennessee to Ohio. Milton Lemen studied medicine with Dr. Robert Houston, of South Charleston, Ohio, and located at Midway in 1848, soon acquiring an immense practice thereabout. He was a man of great energy, tall, wiry, restive, impetuous - a kind of steam-engine man, and was : ra good physician. In the fall of 1860, he was elected to the Ohio State Legislature as an independent Republican. He- removed to London, the county seat, in 1862, and, in 18638, was appointed by President Lincoln an examining surgeon for the counties of Madison, Clark, Greene and Franklin. He was attacked with paralysis in 1865, before his discharge from the service, and died at his home in London, this county, April 24, 1879. He had led a very inactive life for the fourteen years preceding his death, owing to' his paralytic condition.

Dr. John W. Greene, who was at Midway about 1844, moved from there to Fairfield, Greene county, where he married a: sister of Judge James Winans. -

Dr. Nelson Strong Darling, a native of Massachusetts, who was graduated: from Starling Medical .College, in February, .1853, located in: Midway in the same year. He subsequently married a daughter of Doctor Wetmore, of Worthington, Ohio, and located for a few years..at London, moving thence to Indiana. He was a bright, energetic little man, and successfui: in business. He was a brother of Mrs. R. L. Howards, whose husband was for many years the distinguished professor of surgery in Starling - eal College. Ai

Doctor Garrard was also a practitioner and druggist at Midway for several years, and Dr. Washington Atkinson was probably the next practitioner.

Dr. Orestes G. Field, born in. Canaan township, this county, son of Dr. Abel W. Field, for a number of' years a practitioner :at Amity, was a practitioner at Midway' for several years, having located there after the war. He was graduated from Starling Medical College about the year 1858. :He moved from Amity to South Solow; = county.

Dr. D...A. Morse, later and for years superintendent of a- private nobis for the insane at Oxford, Ohio, also was a practitioner at Amity 'for a time, as was Doctor Seaton, also. Dr. A. Ogan, born on August 4; 1841, in Greene county, Ohio, was educated in the public schools, read medicine with Dr. C. H. Sparrh, of Jamestown, Greene county, was graduated: from Starling Medical College. Columbus, Ohio, in 1873, and located the same year in Midway. He+ was married, in October, 1861, to Miss Z. B-- Owens, at Port William, Clinton county, this state, daughter of Dr. "William Greens; 'of Wilmington, Clinton county. :

Dr. J. Finley Kirkpatrick, son of James S. and Sarah A. Kirkpatrick, was born in Koscfusko county, Indiana, July 17, 1848; moved with his parents when young to Bloomington, Illinois, and there received a liberal education. He read medicine in 1872- 73 with Doctors Finley and McClellan, attended lectures' in 1874- 75-76 in Keokuk, Towa, and was graduated in the latter year. He 'then practiced medicine in Paintersville 'and Jamestown, Greene county, and located in Midway | on. October 18, T8177. He 'was married 'in

Lafayette

The first settled physician in Lafayette was Dr. Christian Anklin, a 'Geriian awl an educated gentleman, whose wife, Martha, an Knglish woman, was a sister of Richard Cowling, of' London, this county. Doctor Anklin came itu Madison county from the East, probably from Philadelphia, where he had married only a few months before, and bought a lot. at the first sale of town lots by auction in Lafayette. He had a fine professional standing and enjoyed, to a large extent, the confidence of the better class of people. After a few years spent in ete he moved to Springfield, Ohio, where he shortly after died.

. Dr. M. Valentine, a native of Ohio, and a graduate of Starling Medical Calleze, arrived in Lafayette about 1847 and stayed there two years. Leaving Lafayette he moved to Royalton, Fairfield county, Ohio, and subsequently to Pulaski, Licking county, Ohio, where he was engaged in practice many years. One of his sons was graduated from Starling Medical College about the year 1872.

Dr. Ransford Rodgers, a native of Vermont, sold his location at Royalton to Doctor Valentine, and was his successor at practice in Lafayette, where he located in 1849. He was a graduate of a medical school and had a good practice, but remained only a few years. . :

Doctor Cheney was probably the next, and he must have located there as early as 1849. He was an Eclectic. He had an extensive practice, but moved to Iowa in 1855.

Dr. William Morrow Beach, a native of Madison county, located at Lafayette in September, 1855, he having practiced two years previously at Unionville Center, in Union county, having been graduated from Starling Medical College in 1853. He remained at Lafayette (marrying there on the 12th of June, 1860) until April, 1862, when he went into the army as a surgeon. Returning, in July, 1865, immediately after being mustered out of the service, he located on a farm two miles west of Lafayette, on the London road, where he long liv ed, practicing his profession.

Dr. John Colliver, who also was one of Lafayette's early physicians, is mentioned in connection with the period of hi S more extended practice at Jefferson.

Dr. Nathaniel J. Sawyer, youngest son of Nathaniel Sawyer, an early land speculator in Madison county, was born in Kentucky. He was graduated from a Cincinnati medical college, and was, one year thereafter, an interne at one of the city hospitals. He subsequently went as physician on board an- ocean vessel bound for Valparaiso, South America, and remained at Valparaiso, engaged in the practice of his profession for two or three years. Upon his return to the United States he improved his farm house on the national road, two miles east of Lafayette, brought a young bride from 'Kentucky there, built a nice office and commenced practice, about 1861. Shortly. thereafter he sold his farm to John Snyder and moved to another one of his farms up in the Dunn settlement. He sold out and moved, about 1870. to Kentucky.

Dr. Edward Granville Forshee, born in Clark county, Ohio, studied with Dr. W. Mz. Beach, of Lafayette, and with his brother, Thomas W. Forshee, at Amity, this county, and was graduated from a medical school in Cincinnati, later locating in 'Hilliards, Franklin county, where he remained for about three years, and where he 'married. About 1863 he located in Lafayette, and in about 1867 moved to [linois.

and was at Lafayette during the last two years of his student life. He attended one course of lectures at Starling Medical College, but died of pulmonary hemorrhage just before he was to have entered upon his last course of lectures previous to his graduation. He was a highly respected young man and his untimely taking off was universally lamented.

Dr. W. F. Wallace, a native of New Hampshire, and formerly a peripatetic schoolmaster of this county, located at Lafayette in the spring of 1881, immediately after taking his degree at Columbus Medical College, but left for New Hampshire in the fall of the same year.

Dr. Sidney C. Teters, who was born in Wayne county, Ohio, and reared in Athens county, married, first, Margaret Gibson, of Meigs county, April 9, 1857, and, secondly, Esther M. Carpenter, of Meigs county; June 2, 1880. He was graduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute at Cincinnati in 1873 and practiced in Athens county for about fourteen years; in Vinton county, ten years, and located in Lafayette in the spring of 1882.

Dr. Daniel Wilson, who settled in Summerford in 1837, was a botanic physician and was one of the best known physicians who ever practiced there. He was a member of the German Baptist church (Dunkards) and a deacon among them, occasionally preaching for them and conducting the exercises on funeral occasions. He died near there on the 27th of May, 1867. He was born in Kentucky, June 5, 1801.

Dr. John Zimmerman, a quadroon Pottawatomie Indian, was the next physician to locate at Summerford, he having previously practiced in South Solon, this county. He located in Summerford about 1848. He also was a Christian preacher and organized the first Christian church there. He afterward went to Liverpool, this state, where he practiced for awhile, from about 1852. The boys over on the Little Darby 'called--him Doctor "Rutabaga," on account of his being a "herb doctor." He was a good practitioner and an able preacher.

Dr. William Adams, who had read medicine with Dr. Enoch Thomas, of London, the county seat, about 1844, practiced in Summerford two or three years, at the end of which time he moved to Clinton, INinois. He was a brother of Eli H. Adams, of Somerford township, and J. T. Colliver, of Jefferson, married one of his daughters.

Dr. Andrew Summers, who located at Summerford about 1848, did not remain long, presently moving West. Dr. Daniel Bell was also there for a short time and also a Doctor Ecord. Dr. J. H. Graham settled there about 1863 and remained about one year, at the end of which time he moved to South Charleston, Ohio.

Dr. Edwin Guy Keifer, son of James and Deniza (Reed) Keifer, born on May 21, 1846, in Fairfield township, Greene county, Ohio, enlisted on August 15, 1862, in Company H, Forty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered out at the close of the war. He enjoyed the luxury of "sticking his legs under the mahogany" for one month at Libby Prison, Richmond, Virginia, General Rasser having surprised the 'eamp at Beverly, Virginia, by' night; 'taking 'in' nearly" ttie"entire command, his regiment © having been changed to a cavalry command. He commenced the study of medicine under John W. Greene, of Fairfield, Ohio, and was graduated from the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery in the spring of 1871, and immediately thereafter located in Summerford. He was married on January 15, 1868, to Lou Snediker, of Fairfield.

Dr. Milton C. Sprague, son of Dr. Jaiues B. Sprague, born in Harmony township, Clark county, Ohio, October 23, 1849, was graduated from the Cincinnati Medical College in June, 1874, and practiced with his father in London, the county seat, until Jan-

Dr. Jeremiah Curl, son of Thomas Curl, was born near Mechanicsburg, Ohio; studied medicine with Dr. Abner Cheney, of that place, and located in Liverpool about 1840. He afterward moved to Marysville, Ohio, where he became a prominent physician.

Dr. Marshall Perry Converse located in Liverpool in 1846. In 1847 he received into partnership his cousin, Dr. Jeremiah Converse, then direct from his well-earned honors as a graduate of Starling Medical College, and they were partners for two years. Dr. M. P. Converse moved West and died in Champaign county, Illinois, in 1856. He was a brother of Dr. George Converse, of Georgesville, Franklin county, who was the father of Congressman George L. Converse.

Dr. John Zimmerman, who located at Liverpool about 1851, was probably a son of the Zimmerman mentioned in connection with reference to the physicians of South Solon. and probably the same man mentioned under the several headings, California and Summerford.

Dr. Joseph C. Kalb, who was born and reared on a farm near Canal Winchester, Ohio, was a pupil under Dr. James F. Boal, of that place and Amity. He was graduated from Starling Medical College in 1854 and located at Liverpool the same year. During the Civil War he was assistant surgeon in the Fortieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

Dr. Andrew Sabin, who practiced medicine in Liverpool in about 1857-58, was a distinguished surgeon in the army, who later moved to Marysville. Dr. F. M. Carter, a native of Virginia, located in Liverpool about 1865 and for years was a practicing physician there.

Dr. John Zimmerman, said to have been a quadroon Pottawatomie. was the first resident physician at Solon. He is thought to have been the father of the Dr. John Zimmerman, who is noticed elsewhere as having been a practicing physician at Summerford, Liverpool and California. He probably died at Solon. Doctor Parker was probably the next. He moved to Tipton county, Indiana. Dr. Alfred Jones, from Charleston, was located at South Solon eight or ten years, at the end of which time he moved to Burlington, Iowa. Doctor Winans, from Xenia, Obio, also was an early practitioner at South Solon. Dr. Thomas Adams was there in 1847, and was followed by Doctor Glass. :

Doctor Ernest located at South Solon about 1861, and Dr. Washington Atkinson located there about 1866. The latter, who had studied with Doctor Curtis, of South Charleston, Ohio, previously had practiced at Midway. The next to locate at South Solon was Dr. John S. Smith, of Washington county, Pennsylvania, a graduate in medicine. Dr. Thomas Wessinger and Dr. H. G. McClellan also practiced at that point.

Dr. O. G. Field, son of Dr. Abel W. Field, was reared at Amity, this county, and studied medicine, in part, with his father. He was graduated from Starling Medical College and practiced at London, California and Midway, as well as at South Solon. Dr. John Sidner, who was graduated from Columbus Medical College with the class of 1882, located for a short time at Jefferson, and then moved to Solon.

California

Doctor Davis, probably the first resident physician of Fairfield township, lived about three miles northeast of where the village of California now stands. Doctor

Holmes built the first house in the village, in 1849. He began practicing there the 'same year, and when a postoffice was established there he was appointed the first postmaster. Doctor McComb, from South Charleston, Ohio, located there in 1851; Dr. Dennis Warner, in 1853; Dr. John Zimmerman and his son-in-law, Doctor Martin, about 1854, and Dr. B. F. Welch, in 1855. The latter was a pupil of Dr. A. H. Baker and also of Dr. Jennet Stutson, of Jefferson.

Dr. Orestes G. Field, who located at California about 1858, had as a partner Doctor Thomas, who had previously been a partner of Doctor Strain's at London. Doctor Field was commisstoned as assistant surgeon in the Fourth Ohio Cavalry, March 19, 1864, and was promoted to surgeon of the same regiment on October 25, 1864.

Dr. Charles W. Higgins, son of Charles Higgins, was born and reared near Alton, Franklin county, Ohio, and was a soldier in the Union army during the Rebellion. He studied medicine with Dr. Richard Woodruff, of Alton, Ohio, and was graduated from Starling Medical College, after which he located at Galifornia, about 1865. He combined merchandising with his profession and prospered. Doctor Smeltzer, a graduate of Miami Medical College, located there in 1882.

Dr. Thomas P. Bond, who was born in Harrison county, West Virginia, June 18, 1825, studied medicine in Whitewater, Wisconsin, and was graduated at Laporte, Indiana, in 1847. He located at Tradersville about 1847, and boarded first with Isaac Fox, and afterward with Abram Lewis. He moved to Mechanicsburg about 1850, and was elected treasurer of Champaign county in 1861. He was commissioned assistant surgeon of the Sixty-sixth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, but had to resign on account of ill health. Recovering his health after his return home, he was again tempted to accept a commission in the Thirty-second Regiment, Ohio Voluntary Infantry, of which he became the surgeon. Again breaking down in health, he again had to resign his commission. Doctor Bond was a good physician and an educated and accomplished gentleman. He died at his home in Mechanicsburg of disease contracted in the army, March 28, 1866. He was married on September 9, 1851, to Mary J. Blew, who survived him.

Newport

Doctor Thornburg was the first resident physician at Newport. Dr. Anderson Neibarger, who was born in Pleasant township, Clark county, studied medicine with Doctor Thornburg, and practiced first at London, from about 1865, for about one year, and then at Newport for four or five years,'and moved to Jamestown, Greene county, near which place he died, about 1875. He married a Miss Morse, of near Catawba, Clark county, a sister of Mrs. David Woosley.

Dr. Benjamin Franklin Riggin, who was born on May 1, 1844, in Pickaway county, near Mt. Sterling. son of Isaac C. and Lucinda (Baker) Riggin, spent five years at Ohio Wesleyan University and left at the end of his junior year, in 1862. He then became a pupil under Dr. John Holton, of Mt. Sterling, and was graduated from Starling Medical College with the class of 1865. During the previous year he had been a partner in practice with Dr. John Holton, at Mt. Sterling, and upon receiving his diploma, returned to Mt. Sterling, and practiced there until 1875, in which year he went to Columbus, where he remained one year, at the end of which time he located at Newport, where he remained until Septmber, 1882, in which month he moved to London, the county seat. He was married on May 17, 1865, to Isabella Leach, daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Bostwick) Leach.

Dr. William MeClintick, a brother of the Dr. Samuel McClintick who, has_ been referred to as a pioneer physician of Mt. Sterling, was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, near Zanesville, in 1817. He studied medicine with Dr. James F. Wilson, of New Holland, Ohio, and located in Mt. Sterling in 1840, where he practiced for about twenty years. He was graduated from Starling Medical College in 1848. He bought a farm two miles east of Danville, and moved to it in 1860, where he died on November 21, 1871, of cancer. He was a good physician; Danville was a good point, and his excessive labor in his profession probably brought «an untimely death. In 1842 he married Hannah Reeves, who died in 1845, without issue. In 1847 he married Fannie Reeves. sister of his first wife, who, with two daughters and one son, survived him.

Dr. Thomas Reeves McClintick, who was born in Mt. Sterling, this county, in 1848, ° read. medicine with his father, Dr. William McClintick, and was graduated from the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati in 1870. He lived on his father's farm until 1877, in which year he married Sarah Howsman, and then moved into the village of Danville. In .1880 he moved to Kansas City. Missouri. .

Dr. James Bradley Morgan was born in Ross county, Ohio; read medicine with Dr. William Latta, of Frankfort. that county, and was graduated from the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati in 1869. locating at Danville the same year. He stayed about one year and then moved to Clarksburg, Ross county. Dr. C. M. Deem, who located at Danville on the 11th of August, 1881, had practiced at Plain City and at Lilly Chapel, Ohio, before going to Danville.

Lilly Chapel

Dr. L. F. Scofield, the first physician to locate at Lilly Chapel, was born at Hilliards Station, Norwich township. Franklin county, Ohio, September 12, 1853, studied with Dr. J. M. Merryman. of Hilliards, and was graduated from Columbus Medical College in: February, 1881. He located at Lilly Chapel on the 23rd of March, 1881. |

The Sickly Seasons Of 1822-23

In 1873-74 a series of articles were contributed to the Plain City Press by Dr. Jeremiah Converse, of Darby township, in one of which he gives the following' graphic description of the malarial epidemic that spread desolation over the eastern part of Madison county sixty years ago. He says: "In 1822-23 this country was visited with a terrible epidemic, which struck down many of the hardy pioneers and laid them low in the dust. There are those yet in our midst whose minds will instinctively go back, upon the mention of these years, to the sorrows and sufferings experienced by themselves. and the inroads and devastating raids of death over a large scope of territory, upon neighborhoods and families. There was scarcely a family in all this great scope of country (Darby Plains) in which death had not marked one or more of its members as its victim. Children were made orphans, the wife a widow, the husband deprived of his companion. parents rendered childless, and in some instances every member of the family was stricken down by the fell monster.

"No tongue can describe, no pen portray. to the mind or imagination of the reader, the scenes of suffering witnessed and experienced by these early settlers. All business transactions ceased, gloom brooded over the minds of the people. and many stout hearts were made to tremble in awe of the impending doom that seemed to await them. Death reigned supreme. Men and women who were not prostrated with disease were busy day and night ministering to the wants of the needy, mitigating the suffering of the sick and consoling the erief-stricken widow and orphan ehildren, whose dependencé' had been ruthlessly torn from their embrace. The condition of many of these sufferers was heartrending. Away from the homes of their childhood, separated from kindred 'and friends by a vast intervening distance of forest, mountain and river, with no kind parental voice whispering consolation to the broken-hearted, no loving mother to imprint the kiss of affection or check the fast-flowing teardrops on the fevered cheek; wipe the cold perspiration from the brow of her dying child, or bid a last farewell to the remains of her loved one. 'Truly here was 'pestilence that walketh in darkness' and a 'destruction that wasteth at noonday.' Many were the bitter tears of anguish wrung in these two years; many a household was hushed in the stillness of death; and still many were the families where one or more of the little group were laid low by the king of terrors.