Monroe Township

Monroe Township

MONROE belongs to the northern tier of the townships of Coshocton county. On the north it touches Richland and Killbuck townships of Holmes county, on the east Clark township, on the south JefTerson and on the west Tiverton. Owing to its location and topographical features it was probably the last township of the county to yield its pristine wildernesses to the subduing hand of civilization. Hemmed in on all sides by bold and rugged hills, the topography of its own territory from a picturesque point of view in places ajiiiroaches the attractive elements of grandeur and sublimity, but seen from an agricultural standpoint the view was not so entrancing, and doubtless deterred many settlers from taking possession of the soil. Very little limestone is seen in the township but sandstone rock, both massive and fragmentary, is scattered in rich profusion over many a hillsiile and crops out with uniform regularity in all parts of the township. The valleys were in early times decked with a thrifty forest growth, but the hill tops were usually bleak and bald or covered only with scantiest vegetation of shrubs and bushes.

ment is proiiortionate to the size and advantages of the streams and their valleys. In Monroe township the streams are inconsiderable in size, and did not ofler to settlers the same inducements possessed by larger streams. Beaver run rises in the southern p.irt and flows southeasterly draining the southwestern corner of the township. It received its name from the fact that John Severns of Jefferson township was one of earliest settlers on its banks. He had emigrated from Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and on this account, to distinguish him from another John Severns, he was familiarly known as Beaver John. Big run has its source in the western part of the township and flows eastward, entering Killbuck creek in Clark township. With its little branches it drains most of the northern half of the township. The ridge lands in the southern central portion of the township are undulating and afford locations for fine farms.

The third section, or southwest quarter of the township, is military land. It was surveyed into forty 100-acre lots, in 1818, by Alexander Holmes. The remainder of the township is congress land, surveyed in ISO.S, by Silas Bent, Jr. The township was organized in 1S24, and in its original extent embraced what is now ClaA township, and probably other territory. The first justice of the peace was James Parker, who served fifteen years. Jeremiah Williams, William Estap and James Curtis followed him. William Hughes has now filled this office for about thirty years.

The earliest settlers were principally Pennsylvanians, with a strong admixture, however, of Virginians. During the last twenty years, there has been a steatly inflow of Germans, and this element is now of considerable strength. The early settlers, generally, were without much means, and many of them moved about, from place to place, a great deal. In 1827, the only resident tax-payers in this township were Jeremiah Fetrow, lot 3, of section 3; Daniel Fetrow, lot 2, section 3; William Griffith, lots 4 and 5, same section, and James Parker, the west half of the southeast quarter of section 25. It must be remembered, however, that real estate was not taxable until five years after it had been entered, and most of these were probably in the township in 1822. Mr. Parker was from Beaver county, Pennsylvania; was the first justice of the peace for this township, and finally moved further west.

William Griffith was born near Wheeling, Virginia, and came to this township as early as 1.824. At one time he owned 500 acres of the military section. He was the only child of wealthy parents, a practical farmer and thorough businessman, accommodating to his friends and neighbors, and widely respected for his strict integrity. He unfortunately became addicted to the popular vice of the day, and, from consequent neglect of business, his property became reduced, and he at last removed to Illinois.

Andrew Fetrow and his two sons, Jeremiah and Daniel, a German family, moved to this township from the vicinity of Sugar creek, in the eastern part of the State. After living here for a while they became scattered, and are no longer in this neighborhood.

Absolom and Joseph Severns, two brothers from Beaver county, Pennsylvania, were among the earliest settlers. The former was not a property owner here, and removed to a place near Canal Lewisville. Joseph owned a small tract of land, but in 1829, while yet a young man, .sold it and emigrated to Illinois.

Peter Rutledge, a Marylander by birth, owned a farm in the northeast quarter of section 23, settling upon it in about the year 1823. He was regarded by his acquaintances as a man of more than ordinary intelligence, but was of a quiet disposition and not desirous of political preferment. He removed to Illinois thirty or more years ago.

Daniel Butler, the son of Joseph Butler, who was an early settler in the Walhonding valley, cleared and occupied a place in the southern part of the township, and his son-in-law, William Griffith, afterward entered it. Mr. Butler continued to farm it for a number of years, then removed to Putnam county.

quarter of section 22, about 1823. He remained a resident of this place up to his death. His brother Matthias was also a settler of this township.

David Groves came from Green county, Pennsylvania, in 1825, and settled upon eighty acres in the southeast quarter of section 13. He sold the place about 1831 and removed to Simmons' run, where he died.

Samuel Brillhart came from Kockingham county, Virginia, in 1827, and engaged in farming for a year for John Stevens, in Jefferson township; then in the fall of 1828, he removed to lot 8 of section 3, and soon after entered it. He was a mechanic, and in connection with farming carried on a blacksmith and wagon shop, and for a time, a cooper shop also, shipping a great many barrels to Renfrew's steam grist-mill at Coshocton. He died in this township, and his descendants are still residents in this vicinity.

Darius Suow was a peculiar but very valuable character in the early stages of the township's growth. He was probably the only Yankee in it hailing from Connecticut. When he first entered the township, in return for some services rendered, he procured a life-lease for a small tract of seven acres in section 23. On this he planted an orchard and erected a blacksmith shop. During the summers he would engage in farming and blacksmithing, and in winter furnish the little educational instruction the settlers of those early days could afl'ord for their children. About 1830 he moved to the Mohican river, in Holmes county, but afterwards returned. He was raised a strict Presbyterian, but afterwards joined the Baptists and became one of their itinerant pioneer ministers. From this faith he turned to the teachings of Alexander Campbell, and became one of the propagators of the Disciple church in this county. In later life he procured a landwarrant for services rendered by his son in the Mexican war, in which his son was killed, and with it entered a lot in this township. Mr. Suow died in this township.

Jacob Lutz, in 1828, came from Green county, Pennsylvania, and was among the first settlers on Big run. He settled on the southwest quarter of section 9, possessing only a squatter's right, and the next year moved a short distance across the

Holmes county line. After living there and in Clark township a short time, he returned to Monroe, at first entering forty acres in section 10, and afterwards adding more to it. He spent his time in farming and hunting. Of this latter pursuit he was very fond. In 1850 his wife died, and several years later he removed to Paulding county, where he died. He had two children, a son now living in Iowa, and Mrs Jacob Sondals, of this township.

James Conner, of Beaver county, Pennsylvania, located in the northwestern part of the township prior to 1828. Thomas McConnel, in 1828, moved from Green county, Pennsylvania, to the southeast quarter of section S. After a stay of about ten years in this county, he removed to Indiana. Larry Croy, in 1829, was living on Big run ; he afterward moved to Holmes county. John Windsor came about 1830, but remained in the township only a few- years. John Kced, a little later, came from Gallipolis and settled on the ridge in the southern part of the township. He remained here until his death, and his children have removed to other parts. Ezekiel, James and Joseph Severns, brothers to John Severns, came from Beaver county, Pennsylvania, and settled on the ridge. William Hughes, still living, came in 1832 or 1833. The country settled up gradually, but as late as 1850 there was still some unentered land in the township. The portions first settled, along the streams and on the ridge, in the south central portion of the town.ship, will compare in value with most uplands north of the river, but the parts later settled were not so desirable for agricultural purposes.

The water power afforded in the township is slight. On Big run a sm.ill mill was built, forty or more years ago, in the southwest quarter of section 8, by John Oxley. By him it was sold to Charles Purdy, of Holmes county, and his two sons, Gord and Polk, successively operated it for a few years. George and Charles Cascr next obtained it and the latter now owns it. The gristmill contains but one run of buhrs, and is adapted only to the grinding of corn and buckwheat. The saw-mill has prepared a large amount of lumber in this i)art of the township.

184G, by Benjamin Williams. They were at first unpretentious in size, but afterwards somewhat enlarged. Mr. Williams sold to John Power, in 1856 or 1S57, and he, some five years later, to Joseph McCoy. Subsequent owners liave been John Burrows, Abraham Landis, William Hughes and Samuel Beck. Mr. Beck is the present owner. The grist-mill contjiins two run of buhrs. The water power is a large overshot wheel, fed from a race which is about a half mile in length. Mr. Beck has added steam power to the mill, and it now operates at all seasons of the year, doing a custom work principally. A stationarj- saw-mill was attached when the mill was first built, but after a few j'ears it was allowed to run down. A portable mill has supplied its place and is now in operation.

New Princeton was laid out in this vicinity by William Whinnery years ago; the exact date is not known, for the plat is not on record. It consisted of but sixteen lots, of irregular size, and its two thoroughfares rejoiced in the names of Telegraph and Mill streets. A postofflce was kept here at one time, a number of store.s have been in operation, but all that marks the i)lace now is the mill and a few houses. A tannery was also operated here, but for several years it too has been idle. Mr. Whinnery was running it in 1858; his son, Columbus, then controlled it for some time, and was succeeded by William Wolfe. Mr. Wolfe dispo.sed of it in 1875, and after being oi)erated liy Charles McLain for probably a year, it suspended business, but will soon be reopened. Dr. J. W. Robinson has been practicing medicine here for seven or eight years.

The village of Spring Mountain, located on lot 10 of the 3d section, was founded in August, 1836, by Thomas Gillam, proprietor, under the name of Van Buren. The original jilat comprised that part of the village lying south of the street running east and west, lots 1 to 22 inclusive. Four of these are said to have been deeded to the surveyor for his services in ])latting the village. Li December, 1839, Mr. Gillam made a small addition on the north of the village. A change in the name having been determined upon some twenty years subsequent to its foundation, the honor of selecting the new name was conferred upon Mrs. George Conant, whose husband was the principal of the academy, and she, with an eye to natural fitness, called it Spring Mountain.

The first house was built on the corner by Samuel Gillam, brother to Tliomas Gillam, and was used as a tavern for several years. The second house was designed for a store. It was a very small building, and a very small stock of goods was kept in it by William Estap. In about three years he disposed of the establishment to William Drake, who very materially increased the amount of goods. He in turn was soon succeeded by Levi Drake, who so enlarged the stock of goods as to make a very presentable appearance for a country store. His successors were William Sturgeon, Richards <t Brothers, Richards & Mc- Coy. Day tt Simmons, in 1859-GO, and afterward Joseph McCoy, operated iu this line briefly, but soon closed out. About 1865, John Emerson started a small grocery. He was succeeded by Baker ct Lyba-ger, who soon purchased the stock of Richards Sz McCoy. Since 1866, they have uninterruptedly engaged in mercantile pursuits at this place.

The population of Spring Mountain is scarcely seventy-five. It contains two blacksmith shops and one shoe shop. Isaac Baker is postmaster. The mail is tri-weekly, received from Bloom field. Prior to Buchanan's administration, the jiostoffice here was called Ridge. Si)ice then it has been Spring Mdunlain.

Dr. Briggs was practicing medicine here as early as 1850. He remained only a short time, and, after a little while, was followed by Dr. Thomas Finney, who practiced several years. In 1858, Dr. W. R. Wing located here and continued in practice until 1866. Dr. J. W. Winslow began a practice in 1863, which is still maintained. Recently he has ai?sociated with him Dr. T, W. Workman.

War.saw Lodge No. 255, of the Masonic fraternity was removed from Warsaw to this village in 1877. It was chartered October 17, 1854. The first officers were: William Stanton, master; David Lawson, senior warden ; Levi Drake, junior warden ; John Hays, senior deacon ; P. Metham, junior deacon; John Williams, secretary; AVilliam Thompson, treasurer; Samuel Darling, tyler.

The lodge is at present officered as follows : John Wilson, master; E. L. Lybarger, senior warden; Corwin McCoy, junior warden; George Wilson, senior deacon; James Wilson, junior deacon; Isaac Baker, treasurer; William D. Hastings, secretary; Abram Bartlett, tylcr. The membership is at present about thirty.

One of the past institutions of Spring Mountain which has reflected honor upon the village, was the academy. It was built by individual subscriptions, and among the stockholders were Silas Moore, J. S. McCoy, William D. Hastings, Samuel Anderson, Mr. Thompson and Levi Drake. The academy building, a large two-story frame, was erected in 1855, on lot 10, and the year following a spacious boarding hall, now the Mountain Hou.se, was erected on lot 17. George Conant (afterward superintendent, Coshocton schools), was the first principal, remaining two years. J. S. Haldeman sticceeded him, serving from 18.57 to 1859. J. B Selby followed him and remained several years. His assistant. Miss Ada Baker, then conducted the school for a year or two, and was succeeded by Mr. Taylor. Prof. Conant returned about 1867, but taught only a few months when the school was abandoned. The attendance previous to 1861 had averaged about sixty, but about that time a large number of students enlisted into the service, and during the war the attendance was greatly reduced, and did not recover its former numbers. Soon after the school was opened, its management came into the hands of a conference of the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1870, the lower room of the academy was sold to the directors of the school district, and the district school has since been held there Since 1877, the upjier room has been occupied as a hall by the Masonic Lodge.

The only cluu'ch in Spring Mountiiin is the Methodist Episcojwl. As early as 1842 preaching was held at the house of John McCoy, Sr., once in two weeks. The appointment was then within the bounds of Roscoe circuit. The original membership of the class comprised the following persons: Timothy R. Johnson and wife, John McCoy and wife, Silas Moore and wife; Sarah McCoy, wife of J. S. McCoy; Jacob L. Weatherwax and wife, Jonas Gilbert and wife, and William R. Drake. The services were soon transferred to the house of Silas Moore, residing in the " suburbs " of Van Buren, and in a year or two to a small log cabin in the \-illage. The height of the room to the loft was so slight that a man of ordinary stature could scarcely stand erect; yet there wefe.a number of successful revival meetings held in it. About this time Keene circuit, comprising this congregation, was formed as it now stands. A few years later a new schoolhouse was built near by, and the preaching was held there. Quarterly meetings were held at the barns of Silas Moore and Samuel Brillhart. In 1851 the present frame church was biult ai^ dedicated by Rev. Harvy Wilson. At the first quarterly meeting held in the church. Rev. George Conant, the j)astor in charge, protracted the services, and his efforts resulted in the conversion of from fifty to sixty souls. Other marked revivals were held during the winters of 185.5-'56, 1859-'G0 and 186.5-'66 ; since which time the church has been prospering. The present membership numbers about sixty. Rev. E. H. Dissette is pastor in charge.

The oldest religious organization in the township is the Methodist Protestant church, located in the northwest quarter of section 10. The earliest preaching in this vicinity was by Rufus Richeson, under whom a class of thirteen members formed, about 18.3G. Among these were Charles Holmes, the first leader, Sarah Holmes, his wife, and his daughter Susanna, Edmund Mc- Coy, his wife, Mary, and daughter Susanna; MarthaOxley, and John and Mary Lutz. Mr. Richeson was engaged to preach once in five weeks, on a week day, and filled the engagement only a fewtimes; he was succeeded by another minister, whose name is not recollected, and whose continuance was equally brief. After an interim of about one year. Rev. John Baker was called to this charge; he had four other appointments, and from the five is said to have received sixteen dd- Im-s for his services the first year. Money in those days was a rare article, and the pioneer members possessed few of this world's goods. The first meetings were held at the cabins of Charles Holmes and Edmund McCoy for some time, and Avere then transferred to the school-house. There was difflculty in obtaining the use of this building during term of school, and it was determined to build a church. This was done about 1848. The building cost little or no money. It was a log structure and the material and labor of construction was furnished by the members and friends of the church. The little ready money necessary to procure glass, nails,etc.,w'as obtained by the contribution, on the part of some members, of wheat and other farm products, which were readily converted into cash. This house of worship served until about ten years ago, when the present frame church was erected on the same site, originally donated to the church by Edmund McCoy. The new church was built during the pastorate of John D. Murphy, by Elijah Fortune. The early pastors of the church, succeeding Mr. Baker, were Revs. Hamby, Sam- uel A. Robinson, James Sneed, William Tipton, William Holland, Henry D. Lawson, Lj'sander jSIay and William Hastings. The church was named Mount Pisgah, but it is now generally known as the Big Run church. Its membership is small - about thirty; its pastor is John Baker, the first minister that served the congregation for any length of time. A Sabbath-school was organized about 1855, under the charge of John Pixlor, and has been continued every summer since.

Pleasant Hill church, of the Evangelical association, located in the southwest quarter of section 10, was organized as a German congregation nearly thirty years ago. Of its earliest members may be mentioned Michael Duppart and wife, Gideon Shelhorn, John Loudener and wife, Matthias Kasner and wife and Mary Ann Hostetter. The early meetings were held at the house of Michael Duppart, but during tile ministry of George HossenHuch, about 1863, the house of worship .still in use was built. Since then a Sunday-school has been regularly held during each summer. The services are now conducted in English, and the membership of the church is about forty.

Another congregation of the same denomination - Beaver run church - is situated near New Princeton. Aaron Heaton and wife, Peter Holser and wife and Christian Bowers and wife, are said to have been the first members. A. J. Mc- Coy, Mrs. Rosanna Snyder and Adam Miller and wife, were also early members. The society was organized about 1855, and the early meetings were held in the school-house. Jacob Rasseler and John Kinsley were amongst the first ministers. During the winter of 1866-67, the present frame meeting-house was built, and in the following spring it was dedicated by C. M. Reinhold. This was while Henry Seachrist was pastor in charge. The church membership at this time numljers about sixty. Revs. Frank Tuthero and J. R. Reinhart, are pastors of the circuit to which this church belongs. An efficient Sunday-school has for many years been an interesting department of the church. It is superintended by William Heaton.

Saint Elizabeth Catholic church, situated in the southwest quarter of section 21, is the only organization of this church in the northern i)art of the county. The church edifice, a weatherboarded log structure, was built about the year 1857, un'ier Father Frederick Bender, now of Denver, Colorado, on the land of Conrad Heck, one of the original members, still living. Jacob Hemnier and William Kronapple were other early members. Services had been held for a few years prior to the building of the church. In 1858, Rev. Serge De Stchaulepinkoff became a resident pastor at Coshocton, ani since then, the pastors of Saint George's church, at Coshocton, have supplied this church. The membership of the church is about 100, sixty of whom are communicants.

Monroe Regular Baptist church was organized in 1847, under the name of the Wolf Creek church, subsequently changed to Monroe. When first organized, it went forward with seeming zeal for success, and in a few years had a membership of over sixty. In 1867, it changed its location, at that time having a membership of twenty-seven only. The ministers that have served as pastors to this church have been J. M. Winn and L. L. Root. In 1880, a church was

Harmony Regular Baptist church was organizetl in 1806, with about twenty-seven members. Since then it has steadily increased, and is now about sixty. The pastors have been .\. W. Arnold and J. K. Linebaugh. The congregation contemplates building a church in the northwestern part of the township soon.