Lafayette Township

Lafayette Township

LAFAYETTE township was the last organized in Coshocton county. It was formed in 1835. The western half of its territory had previously been a part of Tuscarawas town- hip ; the northeastern quarter had belonged to Oxford, and the southeastern quarter to Linton township. It was named in honor of General Lafayette, the news of whose death, it is said, reached Coshocton during the session of the county commissioners at which the township was ordered to be oraganized. The first township officers were Wendel Miller, Laken Wells and Simon Moses, trustees; John Dean, clerk; John Wagoner, treasurer; David Pitch and James Kinner, constables ; and John Dean and Ralph Phillips, justices of the peace.'

Its position in the county is just east of Tuscarawas township; on the north, east and south it is bounded by White Eyes, Oxford and Linton townships respectively. The Tuscarawas river flows in a westerly direction through the northem part of it. White Eyes creek enters the river from the north, and from the south several small streams which drain the greater portion of the township. In the southeastern part of the township, however, the streams flow . southward and enter Wills creek in Linton township. The Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and St. Louis railroad crosses the township a short distance south of the river by a direct course nearly east and west, while the Ohio canal, north of the river, observes more closely the windings of the stream.

The topographical features of the township differ somewhat from those of most other townships, A broad expanse of level country, known as White Eyes plains, begins in the western part of the township and continues eastward eight or ten miles, through Oxford township into Tuscarawas county. It has an average width of about two miles and follows the bottom lands on the south of the river. It is separated from these bottom lands generally by a bluff rising thirty or fortyfeet. About a half mile north of the village of West Lafayette is a remarkable hill, isolated from all others. The plains stretch away to the south and a narrow valley separates it from the river on the north. Towards the east it rises abruptly to a considerable height, but on the opposite side it slopes very gradually and does not reach the level of the surrounding country for a half mile or more. The soil of the plains is a gravelly sand. It was considered worthless by the first settlers, as crops could be raised upon it with indifferent success, but later it was found to be quite fertile under proper cultivation. The plains were very sparsely timbered at the advent of. the earliest pioneers. Clumps of bushes, or stunted trees, were scattered here and there, but generally tall, waving grass, called wild grass, was the only existing vegetation. The rich river valley was heavily timbered with the sycamore, sugar and other species of woodland growth. South of the plains the surface is broken up into hills, which had a scanty covering of trees, such as the oak, chestnut, hickory, poplar, walnut and other varieties.

The entire township consists of military land. The first section, or northeast quarter of the township, is known as the Joseph Higbee section. It was not occupied to any great extent until after 1820. The second or Swan section, the northwest quarter of the township, was settled early by several families who owned extensive portions of it. The third section, or southwest quarter, is a school section and remained unoccupied, except by a few squatters, until about 1825. 'The fourth section, or southeast quarter, called the Cummins section, was at an early day surveyed into ten lots of 400 acres each, which were .sold by lots or fractions of lots, to men who are numbered among the earliest permanent settlers of the township.

It was probably about the year 1804 that the first permanent settlers began to occupy the territory of this township. Prior to this date, portions of the land had doubtless been cultivated to isome extent by squatters with no title to the soil.

Seth McClain, a Virginian, about 1804, settled' in the eastern part of the township, putting up a cabin near the fine spring which now supplies Vincent Ferguson's house. After residing some ten years, he discovered that he was on the Higbee section of military land, and moved over into Linton township, where he became one of its most ractive, energetic pioneers. He had married one -of the Sells, whose connection had settled further up the river. His son James, father of Seth Mc- Clain of Coshocton, and Colonel E. W. McClain, died a few years ago, aged about seventy-five years.

Thomas McClain came into the township about 1805 and settled upon lot 2 of the Cummin's section, where he remained until his death. His son Isaac still resides in the township and is one of its oldest citizens.

Thomas Wiggins, from Virginia, was probably here as early as 1804. He settled upon lot 10 of the Cummins section, in the northwest corner of the section, and died in June, 1811. A number of his descendants still live in the township.

George Miller, a brother to Michael Miller, -formerly of Franklin township, and to Henry Miller of Jackson township, both among the earliest settlers of the county, hailing from Hampshire county, Virginia, purchased a tract of about :a 1,000 acres off the east side of the northwest .section, and settled upon it about 1806. He had' previously lived for a few years in the vicinity of Tort Washington, Tuscarawas county. He reared a large family of children, consisting of Windel, Isaac, Daniel, Abraham, Francis, Thomas, George, John and several daughters. George and Isaac, two of the sons, caipe out first and raised a little^cabin, the others following soon after. Abrar ham afterward settled in Clark to'^nship. Windel, John and Daniel were soldiers in the war of 1812; the latter died February 1, 1881, in Plainfield,, a very aged man.

In 1804, Francis MoGuire, who also was a Virginian, moved to the Tuscarawas valley, near Port Washington, and two years later, came to the northwestern corner of this township. The family was carried in a wagon, which was driven along on the bank of the river, sometimes in it, and they afterwards used the wagon-bed as their shelter and sleeping place, until a cabin could be built, which, in the want of help to any considerable extent from neighbors, took more time than in after years. Mr. McGuire purchased a, tract of more than 1,000 acres off the west side of the Swan, or northwest, section, and resided at the old homestead, north of the river, until he died. May 9, 1858, aged seventy-six years. His property is still held by his descendants. His two wives were daughters of George Miller.

Archibald Elson, from Brook county, Virginia, in 1805 or 1806, purchased and settled upon lot 4 of the Cummins section. He died at an early day and most of his descendants moved West. A daughter was married to Richard Fowler, and their posterity is still well represented in Linton township.

Matthew Orr, a German, who had been living in New Jersey, came out about 1808, and settled upon a portion of lot 9 in the southeast section. . William Johnson, father of Judge Thomas Johnson, of Linton township, was the owner of seventy-five acres in the same lot and occupied *it for a few years, then removing to Linton township. It is said that he received this small piece of land as a remuneration for his services in bringing out the Orr family from New Jersey.

resident holder of a 400-aorelot on the fourth or Cummins section. He was here before 1811, and moved away before 1821. Nothing is known of his history.

Thomas Foster was in the township prior to the war of 1812. He was from Sussex county, New Jersey, and served as sergeant in Captain Adam Johnson's company at Mansfield. He first lived on the Swan section, but afterward purchased a piece of land in the southeastern part of the township. He died childless; was an unoffending, kind-hearted citizen, and one of the. organizers of the Methodist Protestant church.

In 1821 the following additional property owners resided in the township, all on the 4th or Cummins' section : Frederick Dum, John Dean, James Kinner, John MulhoUand, Jacob Maple, Jr., John Merrit, John Norris, and Samuel and Jacob Switzer.

Just about this time, or maybe a year sooner, Joseph C. Higbee, from Trenton, New Jersey, settled upon the military section that bears his name, and remained upon it until his death, which occurred about 1873, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. He was not the original proprietor of the section, but seems to have obtained it by inheritance. Mr. Higbee was a very eccentric personage. As illustrating the style of the man, the story was long current in the neighborhood that, wheri he first came to the country, then in comparatively a wilderness condition, he brought with him six dozen ruffled shirts. One of his daughters was married to Rev. Mr. Southard, who was for a time a minister of Trinity church. New York. Another is said to have married Mr. Hay, a lawyer in Pittsburgh. John Richmond, of Orange, married a daughter by the second wife.

Mr. Higbee sold a small portion of his section, shortly after his arrival here, but the demand for land was not great until the building of the Ohio canal, when a throng of emigrants moved in and purchased all available territory. William Wheeler, Allen Davis, Simon Moses, Henry Shaw, Robert Shaw, Ralph Simeon, Enoch Philips, John B. Stout, James Ransopher, David Fitch, Adam Merrit and Andrew Ferguson were the first purchasers from Mr. Higbee.

after the Miller and McGuire tracts were sold, was mainly disposed of in parcels after the opening of the canal, through the agency of William K. Johnson.

In 1832, an English colony, consisting of Isaac Maynard, Abram and Lewis Daniels, George Cox, George Whooky, James Board, James Jennings, John Cole and Jaroes George, bought adjoining lands in the school section. They named their settlement Summerset valley, in honor of their native county in England. Not being practical backwoodsmen, their stay was not protracted ; their lands are now owned by Colman Beall and sons, and Judge Burt and sons. Not one of the descendants of the colony remain In the valley.

When Ohio was admitted into the Union, it was agreed by the United States that the one thirty-sixth part of the territory, included within the limits of the State, should be set apart for the support of the conjmon schools within the State. In the United States Military district, the school lands were selected by lot by the secretary of the treasury, in sections of 4,000 acres each. Only one of these school sections fell within the limits of Coshocton county - the third or southwest sec- > tion of Lafayette township.

This section was surveyed into twenty-five square lots of 160 acres each. No disposition of the land appears to have been made prior to 1825. About that time, or a little later, several of the lots were leased upon the following conditions: The lessee was to clear a certain portion of the land taken, erect a cabin and plant out an orchard, and in return for these services was to have free use of the land for a fixed term of years. Among the lessees were Peter Metzler (a Virginian by birth and a Baptist by faith), lot 9; Levi Shaw, who emigrated from New Jersey about 1820, lot 2 ; Levi and Absolom Roderick, Virginians, lots 5, 6 and 16. There may have been several others whose names can not now be recalled. This system of leasing the land did not afford any immediate income, and, although it enhanced the' value of the property, seems to have been unsatisfactory. Consequently, about 1828, the land was sold at public auction at Coshocton. It was sold remarkably cheap, $19.25 only being paid for eighty acres in one instance, and, as ten years' time was allowed in which to complete payment for it, a number of men in indigent circumstances availed themselves of this opportunity to procure homes. Among the purchasers were Daniel Craig, Adam Aronhalt, Oliver B. Bundle, Jacob Ostler and Peter Moore. The latter had emigrated to Coshocton county prior to the war of 1812, and was a soldier under Hull at his disastrous surrender. Ostler, too, had been in service. He enlisted from Harrison county, was in General Harrison's army, and came to this county just after the war.

The first settlers were nearly all from Virginia ; those who came in a little later were principally from New Jersey. The township has steadly grown in population and now contains 1018 inhabitants. Of its citizens of a later date, several deserve a passing notice. Colonel R. W. McClain, a descendant of one of its earliest settlers, died a few years ago. He was an extensive and successful farmer and stock raiser, one of the township's most substantial and influential citizens. He enlisted and served during the Mexican war, and commanded one of the first companies raised in this county in 1861, aftervvards rising to the rank of Colonel

James M. Burt came into the township in 1837, having previously spent several years in this county. He was an extensive farmer, wool producer and stock raiser, and one of the early justices of the peace. He served two terms in the State legislature and two in the senate; was appointed associate judge in 1849, and filled the position till the new constitution, abolishing the office, went into effect. Since that time he has served on the State board of equalization. He is now living just over the county line, near New-comerstown.

Stryker Morgan kept tavern in the western part of the township, where Prancis McGuire now lives, in early times. He came from Sussex county. New Jersey, about 1820, and provided entertainment for the traveler until he died, a few years before the late war. " Morgan's tavern," at the time of its erection, was the only weatherboarded building in the township house near West Lafayette. Samuel C. McMunn, several years later, owned one about a half mile east of town. The building of the railroad withdrew the custom from these country taverns, and theydied a natural death soon after.

Mills did not play a very active part in the development of this township. The first and only grist-mill of any note was erected in 1875, at a cost of $20,000, by Robert D. Boyd, at Wild Turkey Lock, on the canal, in the northwestern corner of the township. It is a large building, contains two run of buhrs, and is now owned by the heirs of Alexander Renfrew. A little corn-mill and a saw-mill had previously occupied the site of this mill. John Barto had, many years before, built a little turning-lathe here, where he manufactured broom handles. Mr. Willard put in a pair of buhrs and sold to John Balch, who added the saw-mill.

John Morgan had a saw-mill on Morgan's run, upon which the lumber for the first weatherboarded and frame buildings in the township was sawed. It was entirely destroyed by a flood in 1852.

Judge James M. Burt, about 1854, built a steam saw-mill on lot 9 of the third section. This was the only stationary saw-mill in the township south of the river. It was operated twenty-one years.

James Hunter owned and ran a little distillery on the Prancis MaGuire tract, close to the Tuscarawas township line, in early days. Somewhat later, Joseph Higbee operated one on the Perguson place.

One of the earliest school-houses stood on the line between lots number 1 and 2 of the school section. The building had been a cabin used by Irvin Coulter; School was taught here prior to 1828 by Thomas Fitch, who came from New Jersey about 1808, and was considered the best educated man in the community. He died here and was buried at Jacobsport. About 1815 a little, school-house was built on the J. W. Miller place a little northwest of the center of the township. Mr. Dunlap was the pedagogue in this domain and used the ferule freely upon the slightest provocation.

When Lafayette township was organized the four military sections were organized as school districts, and log cabin school-houses built in each

On the Swan section the school-house stood on the State road near the east line of lot No. 5, now owned by Judge J. M. Burt. Here Thomas -O'Neal, a well qualified teacher, taught several years and followed that profession until his useful life closed in White Eyes township at an advanced age.

The Higbee section house stood on the south side of the State road a little west from and opposite the present brick .school-house. Here .James Curran taught for a time and left for parts unknown to the present inhabitants. He was suc- -ceeded by W. M. Cammart who remained until the erection of the brick school-house near the Baptist church.

The Cummins section cabin stood near where the frame school-house of district No. 1 now stands. John Buker was the teacher. He went West many years ago. The school section cabin -stood near the center of lot No. 8, about eighty -rods southwest from the present frame house known as the Burt school-house. Craven A. Mc- Bane taught the first school here. His father, Jesse McBane, was one of the earliest settlers of the school section, and a useful and highly respectable citizen of the town. Both father and son have been numbered with the dead many years. The only surviving member of the family in this county is the youngest son of Jesse, John C. McBane, now county commissioner.

West Lafayette postoffice was established about 1839. It was obtained through the efforts of - Judge Burt and others. Henry Johnson was the first postmaster, and retained the office for many years. It was abolished for a brief season during Harrison's administration, but soon after reestablished. Following Mr. Johnson in this official capacity, have come Samuel C. McMunn, James MoMath, and Robert Beall.

The village of West Lafayette was laid out in 1850, by Robert Shaw and William Wheeler. The original plat consisted of only thirteen lots, of which were north and five south of the ^tate road, now Main street. Additions have since been made by Rue & Ketchum, James M. Burt and J. H. Russell. The village is built upon a level plain, and contains an even 250 inhabitants. It is by no means compactly built, but is strung along the one street for a distance of half a mile. An unusual number of its dwellings are fine, spacious residences, and every thing betokens an active, thriving, little business place. It is the only village in this county, beyond the county seat, that can boast of a railroad. The " Pan Handle " road passes through it, and doubtless gives it much of its business stir.

John Coles, an Englishman, opened the first store in the township, in 1838, on lot No. 9, of the school section (then called Summerset valley), which lot he then owned. In 1836, he sold his lands and removed his store to the Ketchum farm, and from there to Wild Turkey Lock, and in 1850, to the town of West Lafayette, where he died and was succeeded by Abbot & Andreg. Thornton Fleming erected a dwelling and storeroom in 1853, and remained in business there until his death. Samuel Adair sold goods there for a short time ; also Thomas and Robert Scott. Stephen RoUey opened a store in a room erected by William Paddock, which was soon after destroyed by fire, together with Paddock's dwelling. James McMath, in 1858, built a store-house and dwelling, and remained in business there until his death, in February, 1868. His wife died some months before him. His son, J. G. McMath, continued the store a few months, when the remaining stock was sold at public sale, and there was no store here until the spring of 1869, when T. H. Familton bought tha McMath real estate and began business with an extensive stock of goods. Mr. Familton has been in the mercantile business here ever since. Besides his store, there is now that of Smith & Scott. Bell & Leggett are grain dealers.

Dr. George E. Prior was the first resident physician. He beganboardingatJohnston's tavern in 1842, but soon purchased five acres of land and erected thereon a pleasant residence, now standing due south of the Lafayette depot. He died - after a residence of sixteen years, and was succeeded by Dr. Whittaker, who subsequently removed to Oxford township, where he died. Dr. Joseph S. Barr purchased property, practiced here several years, and sold out to Dr. J. C. Hughes, who secured an extensive practice and sold out in 1880, to Doctors Richards & Yarnell, with Dr. Morris and Dr. W. W. Williams, now dispense medicine to the afflicted.

Samuel Gorsline and John Weir feed the hungry public, for a just and equitable recompense. Two grocery saloons find a local habitation here, and the artisan's crafts are represented by two blacksmith shops, one wagon, one harness and one shoe shop.

The school-house is a commodius, two-story brick, standing a short distance east of the village. It was erected during the year 1871, at a cost of $3,000. The first term began January 2, 1872, with William Gorsline and Miss Kate Boyd as teachers. The old school-building was a little brick, which stood opposite the Baptist church, and in which William McCammant was the first teacher.

Grange No. 1,310, located at West Lafayette, was organized in February, 1878, by Mr. John McDonald, of Coshocton county. The first officers were James M. Burt, master ; C. F. Sangster, overseer ; Joseph Love, lecturer ; J. B. Burt, secretary, and Francis McGuire, Jr., treasurer. C. F. Sangster succeeded Judge Burt to the office of master, and he in turn was succeeded by James L. Eogers, the present incumbent. The membership of the grange has increased to about fifty and comprises in its list the intelligent, wideawake, successful farmers in this vicinity.

The West Lafayette Baptist church was formed in 1870, by dividing tlje congregation of White Eyes Baptist church into two parts and organizing the western division into a separate congregation. The White Eyes Plains church was the first Baptist society formed in Coshocton county. It was organized at the house of Isaac Evans, in Oxford township, November 5, 1825, by Elders S. Norris and William Spencer, with the following members : James Brooks, Windel and Jane Miller, Levi and Rachel Rodruck, Ezekiel and Sarah McFarland, Elizabeth Worth, Rachel Calhoun, Hannah Barto and Catherine, Hannah and Lydia Rose. James Brooks was the first deacon and Benjamin Headly, who became a member soon after, the first clerk. Elder Norris was the first pastor, and labored with them three years, when he was succeded by Elder William Spencer, whocontinued with them until about the year 1831, at which time the church numbered about twenty-four members. The earliest places of worship were dwellings and school-houses in this and Oxford township. The first recorded meetr ing in this township was held at the house of Windel Miller, May 21, 1825. In the year 1847 the present house of worship in West Lafayettewas erected. Three years later another church was built, near the center of Oxford township, to accommodate the eastern portion of the church, making it a regular place of worship. In 1870, the church having largely increased in members, efficiency and territory, divided into two separate and independent bodies, as mentioned above. The pastors, up to the date of separation have been, after William Spencer, Elders Pritchard, Sedgwick Rice, L. Gilbert, H. Sayer, L. L. Root, H. Broom, A. W. Odor, J. G. Whitaker, L. Rhineheart and E. B. Senter. SinCe then the following pastors have had charge of the West Ijafayette church: E. B. Senter, G. W. Churchill, J. P. Churchill, Thomas Jones, J. P. Hunter and D, Trichler. The present membership is about seventy. Prior to 1870 there had been a union Sunday-school conducted at West Lafayette in the Baptist and Methodist churches, alternatelyr but in that year a Baptist Sunday-school was organized which has been successfully carried on to this day. Its membership ia forty-three, and its superintendent, J. B. Burt.

The other church edifice in West Lafayette belongs to a Methodist Episcopal society. It waserected in the summer of 1856 and dedicated in the following January, by Bishop Simpson and Rev. James Bray. Rev. Charles Holmes had been preaching in the school-house for a while, but no class was organized until about the time the church was built. The church lot was donated by Jacob K. Shurtz, and the building cost about $700. The original class, as nearly as can be determined, consisted of the following members: Wilson Carp and wife, Mrs. Julia Miller, Thornton and Eliza Ann Fleming, B. F. and Elizabeth Fleming, Mrs. Eleanor L. Ketchum, Mrs. Collins, Mrs. Helms, Thomas Scott and wife, Mrs. Mary

Terguson and Dr. George E. Prior. B. F. Fleming was the first leader. During the winter of 1867-8, a series of revival meetings were conducted by Rev. J. E. Starkey, which resulted in about seventy accessions to this church, besides many additions to neighboring churches. The membership now numbers about 100. In 1880, a spacious, fasty parscaiage was erected, which is now occupied by Rev. John I. Wilson. A healthy and flourishing Sabbath-school has been in operation since 1870, over which James L. Rogers now presides. Its membership is about seventy.

The Zion Methodist Episcopal church is located in the extreme southwestern part of the town-. ship. During the winter of 1848-9, Rev. D. P. Mitchell conducted a series of meetings, at which many conversions were made. One of the beneficial results attending the meetings was the immediate erection of a church building. The society had been organized some time before, and services had been held at the adjoining schoolhouse. Among the first members were Absolom Rodruck, Joseph B. Johnson, John Smith, Frank, Joseph and Edward Wells and Hiram Jennings. The present house of worship was built about ten years ago, and the society is in good condition.

Plains Chapel, a Methodist Protestant house of worship, is situated on the State road about one and a half miles east of West Lafayette, on a lot donated to the church by Andrew Ferguson. Its erection was begun in 1841, and finished August, 1842. Though an old, it is still a substantial and serviceable brick building about forty by fifty feet in size, and has been extensively repaired of late at a cost of 1900. The society was organized in Oxford township, at Loos' school-house, about 1836, and meetings held there until the was built. The earliest pastors were Revs. Israel Thrapp, Richardson, Ross, Cass Reeves, Joel Dolby, William Baldwin and James Nugen. The principal early members were Andrew Ferguson, George Leighninger, Leonard Eichart, Thomas Foster, Simon Moss, James Ransopher, John Paddock, John Switzer, George Waggoner, Christine Loos, John Klinger and Levi Penn. The present number of communicants is seventy-five. Rev. William Wells is the ipastor in charge. The Sunday-school is an institution whose organization ante-dates the erection of the church.

A United Brethern society formerly existed in the southern part of the township, and possessed a small frame church, known as Clay Point church. It was built about 1843, when the society was in its infancy. Its early members were Samuel Wolfe, David Wolfe, David Jones, Isaac Doty and John Sicker, with perhaps some others. It never acquired any considerable strength, and perished during the early part of the late war.

Except West Lafayette, there is no village in the township. One (^lled Birmingham was laid out in 1830 by Joseph C. Higbee, on the canal, in the extreme eastern part of the township. Mr. Higbee's residence and a warehouse were all the buildings it ever contained. Evansburg, which was laid out a few months later, in Oxford township, grew rapidly at first and practically killed it.

One bridge spans the Tuscarawas river in this township about a mile north of West Lafayette. It is an iron structure, built in 1878. The stone work was furnished by N. W. Buxton at a cost of 16,290; the superstructure costing $8,746 was furnished by the Cincinnati Bridge Company, J. W. Shepman & Co., of Cincinnati, and the Coshocton Iron and Steel Works.

No important earth works have been left in Lafayette township to mark the dwelling here of prehistoric races. A circular fortification, enclosing about three acres, has been observed on Plain Hill north of West Lafayette, and several Small mounds stood between it and the village, but they have now been obliterated by the plow. The railroad in its construction passed through a small mound on the Ferguson farm but nothing is known to have been discovered in it. A small one may be seen on Velser Shaw's farm in the northern part of the township ; "another stood on the old Higbee place but is now leveled to the ground. It was composed of sand, differing from the surrounding soil. The sand had probably been obtained in the river bed not far distant.

No Indian village is known to have been situated here, though the plains were favorite hunting grounds with the savages. An Indian trail extending from the river to the Indian town Lichtenau passed up Burt's run then down Rock run to the Muskingum,

True patriotism seems to have actuated the inhabitants of this township from its earliest settlement to the present time. During the war of 1812 and the Mexican war, a goodly number of its best citizens voluntarily took the field and faithfully served their country.

When the Northern frontier was considered in danger, in consequence of the Canadian rebellion, in 1839, a company of infantry promptly volunteered, and were armed and equiped by the State.

During the war of the rebellion, the full quota required by the governmenrt was promptly furnished at each and every call by voluntary enlistment and substitutes. Every person of suitable age and ability that did not volunteer, furnished a substitute or paid his proper proportion to procure the number required to fill the township quota.

John Elson, Daniel Simons, Henry Babcock, Joseph Lacy, Thomas Foster, Jabez Norman, Francis McGuire, son of William, Thomas Owens, Eichard Phillips, Daniel Easton, Thomas Wymer, Henry Hoagland, Thomas West, John Chamberlain, J. Snell, Cone Coulter, David Horn, David and James Robinson, and William Fowler were killed in battle or died of wounds and sickness in the service. All except Cone Coulter and John Chamberlain are buried on Southern battlefields and soldiers' cemeteries. John Elson found a grave in the Gulf of Mexico, having died on the passage of the Fifty-first regiment from Texas. Peter Chamberlain, Jerome Shaw, George Miller, Henry Garret and James Easton died soon after their return of wounds received and disease contracted In the service.

Source changes here: from History of Coshocton County, Ohio;, by Hill, Norman Newell, Jr., [from Old Catalog] Comp, published 1881; 5,213 words in this source stream.

Lafayette Township

LAFAYETTE township was the last organized in Coshocton county. It was formed in 1835. The western half of its territory had previously been a part of Tuscarawas town- hip; the northeastern quarter had belonged to Oxford, and the southeastern quarter to Linton township. It was named in honor of General Lafayette, the news of whose death, it is .said, reached Coshocton during the session of the county commissioners at which the toA\Tiship was ordered to be oraganized. The first township officers were Wcndel Miller, Laken Wells and Simon Moses, trustees; John Dean, clerk; .John Wagoner, treasurer; David Fitch and James Kinner, constables ; and John Dean and Ralph Phillips, justices of the peace.

Its position in the county is just east of Tuscarawas township; on the north, esust and south it is bounded by White Eyes, Oxford and Linton townships respectively. The Tuscarawas river flows in a westerly direction through the northern part of it. White Eyes creek enters the river from the north, and from the south several small streams which drain the greater portion of the township. In the southeastern part of the township, however, the streams flow southward and enter Wills creek in Linton township. The Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and St. Louis railro.ad crosses the township a short distance south of tlie river by a direct course nearly oast and west, while the Ohio canal, north of the river, observes more closely the windings of the stream.

The topographical features of the township differ somewhat from those ol most other townships. A broad ex])anse of level country, known as White Eyes plains, begins in the western part of the township and continues eastward eight or ten iniles, through Oxford township into Tuscarawas county. It has an average width of about two miles and follows the bottom lands on the south of the river. It is separated from these bottom lands generally by a blufi' rising thirty or forty feet. About a half mile north of the village of West Lafayette is a Temarkable liill, isolated from all others. The plains stretch away to the south and a narrow valley separates it from the river on the north. Towards the east it rises abruptly to a considerable height, but on the opposite side it slopes very gradually and does not reach the level of the surrounding country for a half mile or more. The soil of the plains is a gravelly sand. It was considered worthless by the first settlers, as crops could be raised upon it with indiflferont success, but later it was found to be quite fertile under projier cultivation. The plains were very sparsely timbered at the advent of the earliest pioneers. Clumps of bushes, or stunted trees, were scattered here and there, but generally tall, waving grass, called wild grass, was the only existing vegetation. The rich river valley was heavily timbered with the sj-camore, sugar and other species of woodland growth. South of the plains the surface is broken up into hills, which had a scanty covering of trees, such as the oak, chestnut, hickory, poplar, walnut and other varieties.

The entire townsliip consists of military land. The first section, or northeast quarter of the townshij), is known as the Joseph Higbee section. It was not occupied to any great extent until after 1820. The second or Swan section, the northwest quarter of the township, was settled early by several families who owned extensive portions of it. The third section, or southwest quarter, is a school section and remained unoccupied, except by a few squatters, until about 182<). The fourth section, or southeast quarter, called the Cummins section, was at an early day surveyed into ten lots of 400 acres each, which were sold by lots or fractions of lots, to men who are numbered among the earliest permanent settlers of the township.

It was probably about the year 1804 that the first permanent settlers began to occupy the territory of this township. Prior to this date, portions of the land had doulitless been cultivated to some extent by squatters with no title to the soil.

Seth McClain, a Virginian, about 1804, settled in the eastern part of the township, putting up a cabin near the fine spring which now supplies Vincent Ferguson's house. After residing some ten years, he discovered that he was on the Higbee section of military land, and moved over into Linton township, where he became one of its most active, energetic pioneers. He had married one of the Sells, whose connection had settled further up the river. His son James, father of Seth Mc- Clain of Coshocton, and Colonel R. W. ]\IcClain, died a few years ago, aged about seventy-five years.

Thomas McClain came into the township about 1805 and settled upon lot 2 of the Cummin's section, where he remained until his death. His son Isaac still resides in the township and is one of its oldest citizens.

Thomas Wiggins, from Virginia, was probably here as early as 1804. He settled upon lot 10 of the Cummins section, in the northwest corner of the section, and died in June, 1811. A number of his descendants still live in the township.

George Miller, a brother to Michael Miller, formerly of Franklin townshiji, and to Henry Miller of Jackson township, both among the earliest settlers of the county, hailing from Hampshire county, Virginia, purchased a tract of about a 1,000 acres off the east side of the northwest section, and settled upon it about 1806. He had previously lived for a few years in the vicinity of Port Washington, Tuscarawas county. He reared a large family of children, consisting of Windel, Isaac, Daniel, Abraham, Francis, Thomas, George, John and several daughters. George and Isaac, two of the sons, came out first and rai.xod a little cabin, the others following soon after. Abraham afterward settled in Clark township. Windel, John and Daniel were soldiers in the war of 1812; the latter died February 1, 1881, in Plainfield, a very aged man.

In 1804, Francis McGuire, who also was a Virginian, moved to the Tuscarawas valley, near Port Washington, and two years later, came to the northwestern corner of this township. The family was carried in a wagon, which was driven along on the bank of the river, sometimes in it, and they afterwards used the wagon-bed as their shelter and sleeping place, until a cabin could be built, which, in the want of help to any considerable extent from neighbors, took more time than in after years. Mr. McGuire purchased a tract of more than 1,000 acres off the west side of the Swan, or northwest, section, and resided at the old homestead, north of the river, until he died, May 9, 1853, aged seventy-six years. His property is still held by his descendants. His two wives were daughters of George Miller.

Archibald Elson, from Brook county, Virginia, in 1805 or 1806, purchased and settled upon lot 4 of the Cummins section. He died at an early day and most of his descendants moved West. A daughter was married to Richard Fowler, and their posterity is still well represented in Linton township.

Matthew Orr, a German, who had been living in New Jersey, came out about 1808, and settled upon a portion of lot 9 in the southeast section.

William Johnson, father of Judge Thomas Johnson, of Linton township, was the owner of seventy-five acres in the same lot and occupied it for a few years, then removing to Linton township. It is said that he received this small piece of land as a remuneration for his services in bringing out the Orr family from New Jersey.

Guire, Sr., P. O., Canal I.Ewisville

resident holder of a 400-acre lot on tlic fourth or Cummins section. He was here before 1811, and moved away before 1821. Nothing is known of his history.

Thomas Foster was in the township prior to the war of 1812. He was from Sussex county, New Jersey, and served as sergeant in Captain Adam Johnson's company at Mansfield. He first lived on the Swan section, but afterward purchased a piece of land in the southeastern part of the township. He died childless; was an unoffending, kind-hearted citizen, and one of the organizers of the Methodist Protestant church.

In 1821 the following additional property owners resided in the township, all on the 4th or Cummins' section : Frederick Dum, John Dean, James Kinner, John Mulhulland, Jacob Maple, Jr., John Merrit, John Norris, and Samuel and Jacob Switzer.

Just about this time, or maybe a year sooner, Joseph C. Higbee, from Trenton, New Jersey, settled upon the militiiry section that bears his name, and remained upon it until his death, which occurred about 1873, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. He was not the original proprietor of the section, but seems to have obtained it by inheritance. Mr. Higbee was a very eccentric personage. As illustrating the style of the man, the story was long current in the neighborhood that, when he first came to the country, then in comparatively a wilderness condition, he brought with him six dozen ruflled shirts. One of his daughters was married to Rev. -Mr. Southard, who was for a time a minister of Trinity church, New York. Another is said to have married Mr. Hay, a lawyer in Pittsluirgh John Richmond, of Orange, married a daughter by the second wife.

Mr. Higbee sold a small portion of his section, shortly after his arrival here, but the demand for land was not great until the building of the Ohio canal, when a throng of emigrants moved in and purchased all available territory. William Wheeler, Allen Davis, Simon Mo-ses, Henry Shaw, Robert Shaw, Ralph Simeon, Enoch PIuUjm, John B. Stout, James Ransopher, David Fitch, Adam Merrit and Andrew Ferguson were the first purchasers from Mr. Higbee.

after the Miller and McGuire tracts were sold, was mainly disposed of in parrels after the opening of the canal, through the agency of AVilliam K. Johnson.

In 1832, an English colony, consisting of Isaac Maynard, Abram and Lewis Daniels, George Cox, George Whooky, James Board, James Jennings, John Cole and James George, bought adjoining lands in the school section. They named their settlement Summerset valley, in honor of their native county in England. Not being practical backwood.smen, their stay was not protracted; their lands are now owned by Colman Beall and sons, and Judge Burt and sons. Not one of the descendants of the colony remain In the valley.

When Ohio was admitted into the Union, it was agreed by the United States that the one thirty-sixth part of the territory, included within the limits of the State, should be set apart for the support of the common schools within the State. In the United States Military district, the school lands were selected by lot by the secretary of the treasury, in sections of 4,000 acres each. Only one of these school sections fell within the limits of Coshocton county - the third or southwest section of Lafayette township.

This section was surveyed into twenty-five square lots of 160 acres each. No disposition of the land appears to have been made prior to 1825. About that time, or a httle later, several of the lots were leased upon the following conditions: The lessee was to clear a certain portion of the land taken, erect a cabin and plant out an orchard, and in return for these services was to have free use of the land for a fixed term of years. Among the lessees were Peter Metzler (a Virginian by birth and a Baptist by faith), lot 'J; Levi Shaw, who emigrated from New Jersey about 1820, lot 2; Levi and Absolom Roderick, Virginians, lots 5, 6 and 15. There may liave been .several others whose names can not now be recalled. This system of leasing the land did not aflbrd anj' immediate income, and, although it enhanced tire value of the property, seems to have been unsatisfactory. Consequently, about 1828, the land was sold at public auction at Coshocton. It was sold remarkably cheap, §19.25 only being i)aid for eighty acres in one instance, and, as ten years' time was allowed in which to complete payment for it, a number of men in indigent circumstances availed themselves of this opportunity to procure homes. Among the purchasers were Daniel Craig, Adam Aronhalt, Oliver B. Rundle, Jacob Ostler and Peter Moore. The latter had eniigrated to Coshocton county prior to the war of 1812, and was a soldier under Hull at his disastrous surrender. Ostler, too, had been in service. He Unlisted from Harrison county, was in General Harrison's army, and came to this county just after the war.

The first settlers were nearly all from Virginia; those who came in a little later were principally from New Jersey. The township has steadly grown in population and now contains 1018<inhabitants. Of its citizens of a later date, several deserve a passing notice. Colonel E. W. McClain, a descendant of one of its earliest settlers, died a few years ago. He was an extensive and successful farmer and stock raiser, one of the township's most substantial and influential citizens. He enlisted and served during the*]Mexican war, and commanded one of the first companies raised in this county in 1S61, afterwards rising to the rank of Colonel

James M. Burt came into the township in 1837, having previously spent several years in this county. He was an extensive farmer, wool producer and stock raiser, and one of the early justices of the peace. He served two terms in the State legislature and two in the senate; was appointed associate judge in 1849, and filled the position till the new constitution, abolishing the office, went into eflect. Since that time ho has served on the State board of equalization. He is now living just over the county line, near Newcomers town.

Stryker Morgan kept tavern in the western part of the township, where Francis McGuire now lives, in early times. He came from Sussex county, New Jersey, about 1820, and provided entertainment for the traveler until he died, a few years before the late war. " Morgan's tavern," at the time of its erection, was the only weatherboarded building in the township house near West Lafayette. Samuel C. McMunn, several years later, owned one about a half mile east of town. The building of the railroad withdrew the custom from these country taverns, and they died a natural death soon after.

Mills did not play a very active part in the development of this township. The first and only grist-mill of any note was erected in 1875, at a cost of 120,000, by Robert D. Boyd, at Wild Turkey Lock, on the canal, in the northwestern corner of the township. It is a large building, contains two run of buhrs, and is now owned by the heirs of Alexander Renfrew. A little corn-mill and a saw-mill had previously occupied the site of this mill. John Barto had, many years before, built a little turning-lathe here, where he manufactured broom handles. Mr. Willard put in a pair of buhrs and sold to John Balch, who added the saw-mill.

John Morgan had a saw-mill on Morgan's run , upon which the lumber for the first weatherboarded and frame buildings in the township was sawed. It was entirely destroyed by a flood in 1852.

Judge James M. Burt, about 1854, built a steam saw-mill on lot 9 of the third section. This was the only stationary saw-mill in the township south of the river. It was operated twenty-one years.

James Hunter owned and ran a little distillery on the Francis MaGuire tract, close to the Tuscarawas township line, in early days. Somewhat later, Joseph Higbee operated one on the Ferguson place.

One of the earliest school-houses stood on the line between lots number 1 and 2 of the school section. The building had been a cabin used by Irvin Coulter. School was taught here prior to 1828 by Thomas Fitch, who came from New Jersey about 1808, and was considered the best educated man in the community. He died here and was buried at Jacobsport. About 1815 a little school-house was built on the J. W. Miller place a little northwest of the center of the township. Mr. Dunlap was the pedagogue in this domain and used the ferule freely upon the slightest provocation.

When Lafayette township was organized the four military sections were organized as school districts, and log cabin school-houses built in each section.

On the Swan section the school-house stood on the State road near the east line of lot No. 5, now owned by Judge J. M. Burt. Here Thomas O'Neal, a well qualified teacher, taught several years and followed that profession until his useful life closed in White Eyes township at an advanced age.

The Higbee section house stood on the south side of the State road a little w-est from and opposite the present brick school-house. Here James Curran taught for a time and left for parts unknown to the present inhabitants. He was succeeded by W. M. Cammart who remained until the erection of the brick school-house near the Baptist church.

The Cummins section cabin stood near where the frame school-house of district No. 1 now stands. John Buker was the teacher. He went West many years ago. The school section cabin stood near the center of lot No. 8, about eighty rods southwest from the present frame house known as the Burt school-house. Craven A. Mc- Bane taught the first school here. His father, Jesse McBane, was one of the earliest settlers of the school section, and a u.seful and highly respectable citizen of the town. Both father and son have been numbered with the dead many years. The onjy surviving member of the family in this county is the youngest son of Jesse, John C. McBane, now county commissioner.

West Lafayette postoffice w;is establLshed about 1839. It was obtained through the efforts of Judge Burt and others. Henry Johnson was the first postmaster, and retained the office for many years. It was abolished for a brief season during Harrison's adnunistrati(5n, but soon after reestablished. Following Mr. Johnson in this official capacity, have come Samuel C. McMunn, James McMath, and Robert Beall.

The village of West Lafayette was laid out in 1850, by Robert Shaw and William Wheeler. The original plat consisted of only thirteen lots, eight of which were north and five south of the Stiite road, now Main street. Additions have since been made by Rue & Ketchum, James M. Burt and J. H. Russell. The village is built upon a level plain, and contains an even 250 inhabitants. It is by no means compactly built, but is strung along the one street fbr a distance of half a mile. An unusual number of its dwellings are fine, spacious residences, and every thing betokens an active, thriving, little business place. It is the.only village in this county, beyond the county seat, that can boast of a railroad. The " Pan Handle " road passes through it, and doubtless gives it much of its business stir.

John Coles, an Englishman, opened the first store in the township, in 18.33, on lot No. 9, of the school section (then called Summerset valley), which lot he then owned. In 1836, he sold his lands and removed his store to the Ketchum farm, and from there to Wild Turkey Lock, and in 1850, to the town of West Lafayette, where he died and was succeeded by Abbot & Andreg. Thornton Fleming erected a dwelling and storeroom in 1853, and remained in business there until his death. Samuel Adair sold goods there for a short time ; also Thomas and Robert Scott. Stephen Rolley opened a store in a room erected by William Paddock, which was soon after destroyed by fire, together with Paddock's dwelling. James McMath, in 18-58, built a store-house and dwelling, and remained in business there until his death, in February, 1868. His wife died some months before him. His son, J. G. McMath, continued the store a few months, when the remaining stock was sold at public sale, and there was no store here until the spring of 1869, when T. H, Familton bought the McJfath real estate and began business with an extensive stock of goods. Mr. Familton has been in the mercantile business here ever since. Besides his store, there is now that of Smith & Scott. Bell & Leggett are grain dealers.

Dr. George E. Prior was the first resident physician. He began boarding at Johnston's tavern in 1842, but soon purchased five acres of land and erected thereon a pleasant residence, now standing due south of the Lafayette depot. He died after a residence of sixteen years, and was succeeded by Dr. Whittaker, who subsequently removed to Oxford township, where he died. Dr.* Joseph S. Barr purchased property, practiced here several ye.ars, and sold out to Dr. J. C. Hughes, who secured an extensive practice and Bold out in 1880, to Doctors Richards & Yarnell, who, with Dr. Morris and Dr. W. W. Williams, now dispense medicine to the afflicted.

Samuel Gorsline and John Weir feed the hungry public, for a just and equitable recompense. Two grocery saloons find a local habitation here, and the artisan's crafts arc represented by two blacksmith shops, one wagon, one harness and one shoe shop.

The school-house is a conimodius, two-story brick, standing a short distance east of the village. It was erected during the year 1871, at a cost of 13,000. The first term began January 2, 1872, with William Gorsline and Miss Kate Boyd as teachers. The old school-building was a little brick, which stood opposite the Baptist church, and in which William McCammant was the first teacher.

Grange No. 1,310, located at West Lafayette, was organized in February, 1878, by Mr. John McDonald, of Coshocton county. The first ofl3- cers were James M. Burt, master ; C. F. Sangster, overseer ; Joseph Love, lecturer ; J. B. Burt, secretiiry, and Francis McGuire, Jr., treasurer. C. F. Sangster succeeded Judge Burt to the office of master, and he in turn was succeeded by James L. Rogers, the present incumbent. The membership of the grange has increased to about fifty and comprises in its list the intelligent, wideawake, successful farmers in this vicinity.

The West Lafayette Baptist church was formed in 1870, by dividing the congregation of White Eyes Baptist church into two parts and organizing the western division into a separate congregation. The White Eyes Plains church was the first Baptist society formed in Coshocton county. It was organized at the house of Isiwc Evans, in Oxford township, November 5, 1825, by Elders S. Norris and William Spencer, with the follcjwing members: James Brooks, Windel and Jane Miller, Levi and Rachel Rodruck, Ezekiel and Sarah McFarland, Elizabeth Worth, Rachel Calhoun, Hannah Barto and Catherine, Hannah and Lydia Rose. James Brooks was the first deacon and Benjamin Headly, who became a member soon after, the first clerk. Elder Norris was the first pastor, and labored with them three years, when he was succeded by Elder William Spencer, whocontinued witli them until about the year 1831, at which time the church numbered about twenty-four members. The earliest places of worship were dwellings and school-houses in this and Oxford township. The first recorded meet>- ing in this township was held at the house of Windel Miller, May 21, 1825. In the year 1847 the present house of worship in West Lafayette wa^ erected. Three years later another church was built, near the center of Oxford township, to accommodate the eastern portion of the church, making it a regular place of worship. In 1870, the church having largely increased in members, efficiency and territory, divided into two separate and independent bodies, as mentioned above. The pastors, up to the date of separation have been, after William Spencer, Elders Pritchard, Sedgwick Rice, L. Gilbert, H. Sayer, L. L. Root, H. Broom, A. W. Odor, J. G. Whitaker, L. Rhineheart and E. B. Senter. Since then the following pastors have had charge of the West Lafayette church: E. B. Senter, G. W. Churchill, J. F. Churchill, Thomas Jones, J. P. Hunter and D. Trichler. The present membership is about seventy. Prior to 1870 there had been a union Sunday-school conducted at West Lafayette in the Baptist and Methodist churches, alternately, but in that year a Baptist Sunday-school was organized which has been successfully carried on to this day. Its membership is forty-three, and its superintendent, J. B. Burt.

The other church edifice in West Lafayette belongs to a Methodist Episcopal society. It was erected in the summer of 1856 and dedicated in the following January, by Bishop Simpson and Rev. James Bray. Rev. Charles Holmes had been preaching in the school-house for a while, but nc^ class was organized until about the time the church was built. The church lot was donated by Jacob K. Shurtz, and the building cost about $700. The original class, as nearly as can be determined, consisted of the following members: Wilson Carp and wife, Sirs. Julia Bliller, Thornton and Eliza Ann Fleming, B. F. and Elizabeth Fleming, Mrs. Eleanor L. Ketchum.Mrs. Collhis, Mrs. Helms, Thomas Scott and wife, Mrs. Mary

Ferguson and Dr. George E. Prior. B. F. Fleming was the first leader. During the winter of 1S67-S, a series of revival meetings were conducted by Rev. J. E. St;vrkey, which resulted in about seventy accessions to this church, be.sides many additions to neighboring churches. The membership now numbers about 100. In 1S80, a epacious, tasty parsonage was erected, which is now occupied by Rev. John I. Wilson. A healthy and nourishing Sabbath-school has been in operation since 1870, over which .lames L. Rogers now presides Its membership is about seventy.

The Zion Jlethodist Episcopal church is located in the extreme southwestern part of the township. During the winter of 1848-9, Rev. D. P. Mitchell conducted a series of meetings, at which many conversions were made. One of the beneiioial result-* attending the meetings was the immediate erection of a church building. The society had been organized some time before, and .services had been held at the adjoining schoolhouse. Among the first members were Absoloni Rodruck, Joseph B. Jolmson, John Smith, Frank, Joseph and Edward Wells and Hiram -Jennings. The present house of worship was built about ten years ago, and tlie society is in good condition.

Plains Chapel, a Methodist Protestant house worship, is situated on the State road about one and a half miles east of West Lafayette, on a lot donated to the church by Andrew Ferguson. Its erection was begun in 1841, and finished August, 1842. Though an old, it is still a substantial and serviceable brick building about forty by fifty feet in size, and has been extensively repaired of late at a cost of $900. The society was organized in Oxford township, at Loos' school-hou.se, about 1836, and meetings held there until the was built. The earliest pastors were Revs. Israel Thra]iii, Richardson, Ross, Cass Reeves, Joel Dolby, William Baldwin and James Nugen. The principal earl}' members were Andrew Ferguson, '(ieorge Leighninger, Leonard Richart, Thomas Foster, Simon Moss, James Ransopher, John Paddock, John Switzer, George Waggoner, Christine Loos, John Klinger and Levi Penn. The present nmnber of communicants is seventy-five. Rev. William Wells is the jiastor in charge. The Sunday-school is an institution whose organization ante-dales the erection of the church.

A United Brethern society formerly existed in the southern part of the township, and possessed a small frame church, known as Clay Point church. It was built about 1843, when the society was in its infancy. Its early members were Samuel Wolfe, David Wolfe, David Jones, Isaac Doty and John Sicker, with jierhaps some others. It never acquired any considerable strength, and perished during the early ])art of the late war.

Except West Ijafayette, there is no village in the township. One called Birmingham was laid out in 1830 by Josejih C. Higbee, on the canal, in the extreme eastern part of tlie township. Mr. Higbee's residence and a warehouse were all the buildings it ever contained. Evansburg, which was laid out a few months later, in Oxford township, grew rapidly at first and practically I'lilled it.

One bridge spans the Tuscarawas river in this township about a mile north of West Lafayette. It is an iron structure, built in 1873. The stone work was furnished by N. W. Buxton at a cost of .?G,290; the superstructure costing $8,746 was fiirni.><lied by the Cincinnati Bridge Company, J. W. Shepman & Co., of Cincinnati, and the Coshocton Iron and Steel Works.

No important earth works have been left in Lafayette township to mark the dwelling here of prehistoric races. A circular fortification, enclosing about three acres, has been observed on Plain Hill north of West Lafayette, and several Small mounds stood between it and the village, but they have now been obliterated by the plow. The railroad in its construction passed through a small mound on the Ferguson farm but nothing is known to have been discovered in it. A small one may be seen on Velser Shaw's farm in the northern part of tlie township ; another stood on the old Higbee ])lace but is now leveled to the ground. It was composed of sand, differing from the surrounding soil. The sand had probably been obtained in the river bed not far distant.

No Indian village is known to have been situated here, though the plains were favorite hunting grounds with the savages. An Indian trail extending from the river to the Indian town Lichtenau i)assed up Burt's run then down Rock run to the Muskingum,

True patriotism seems to have actuated the inhabitants of this township from its earhest settlement to the present time. During the war of 1812 and the Mexican war, a goodly number of its best citizens voluntarily took the field andi faithfully served their country.

When the Northern frontier was considered in danger, in consequence of the Canadian rebellion, in 1839, a company of infantry promptly volunteered, and were armed and equiped by the State.

During the war of the rebellion, the full quota required by the government was promptly furnished at each and every call by voluntary enlistment and substitutes. Every person of suit;ible age and ability that did not volunteer, furnished a substitute or paid his proper proportion to procure the number required to till the township quota^

John Elson, Daniel Simons, Henry Babeock, Joseph Lacy, Thomas Foster, Jabez Norman, Francis McGuire, son of Willialn, Thomas Owens, Richard Phillips, Daniel Easton, Thomas Wymer, Henry Hoagland, Thomas ^^^est, John Chamberlain, J. Snell, Cone Coulter, David Horn, David and James Robinson, and William Fowler were killed in battle or died of wounds and sickness in the service. All except Cone Coulter and John Ch.amberlain are buried on Southern battlefields and soldiers' cemeteries. John Elson found a grave in the Gulf of Mexico, having died on the passage of the Fifty-first regiment from Texas. Peter Chamberlain, Jerome Shaw, George Miller, Henry Garret and James Easton died soon after their return of wounds received and disease contracted in the service.