Monroe Township

Soil Forests Coal Ancient Scripture

ON ROCKS RESERVATION, FOR. SCHOOL PURPOSES FIRST ROAD BOUNDARIES OF TOWNSHIP OTSEGO, AND ITS DIRECTORY FIRST ORCHARD, AGAIN FIRST TAVERN, OR HOTEL

Hogs, Cattle, Sheep

This township was named for James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States, who was born in Westmoreland count}% Virginia, in 1758. His father's given name was Spence ; his mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Jones. He was educated at the College of William and Mary, and, immediately after leaving college, identified himself with the Colonists, in their struggle for freedom. It was the memor}' of this characteristic that induced the colonists of this township to choose him for their patron saint - and so they named the township Monroe.

The first settler in this region was Charles Marquand, who immigrated from the Island of Guernsey, France, and located on Wills creek, in the northwest corner of Monroe townsliip, with his familj', in 1810. John Marquand, his grandson, occupies a part of the old homestead. Charles Marquand built the first log house in the township : he cleared the first ground and set out the first orchard, which was on the northwest quarter of section one.

James Sprague came from Bedford county, Penns\l\ania, and located at Wakatomika, Ohio, in 1802. In 1812, he, with hit. sons, Samuel, Jonathan, and Elijah, cut a road from Symmes creek to White Eyes creek, and to the Indian village that occupied the same site now occupied bv the N'illage of Otsego, and moved there in May, of that year. They planted corn on the site of the deserted \illage, but it did not ripen on account of early frost, and tliey were obliged to procure corn from Wakatomika for the first 3'ear"s provision. His first house w as built on the northwest quarter of section thirteen, and was raised by himself and family. At that time there was no land entered within the bounds of Monroe.

Jacob Bainter also came from Pennsylvania, and bought lots twenty-nine and thirty, of the " School Land," and located upon the same in 181 2. Adam Bainter located on lots six and seven, of School Lands, at the same time.

year 1814. David Richardson came from Vermont in 1816, and bought Stoner's pkce. His wife, Mary, taught the first school in the neighborhood - in her own house. She died in 1880, in the ninety-second year of her age.

In 1817, Tunis Elson came from Pennsylvania, and settled upon the southeast quarter of section two, now owned by Decatur Buker. Jared Cone came from New England, and bought of James Sprague the northeast quarter of section thirteen, in the year 1813.

Topography

The territory comprising this township is situated in the extreme northeast corner of Muskingum county. It is drained entii-ely by "White Eyes" creek, (so named in commemoration of the noted Indian by that name, who, notwithstanding he was indeed the white man's friend, was murdered by white men). The stream traverses it from the southwest to the northeast corner. Wills creek just touches the northwest corner of the township, and effects very little drainage.

In the southern portion of the township, the hills are of comparatively easy ascent and descent, but the northern part is more broken. The soil is well adapted to some kinds of farming - generally a preponderance of sand, supplied from adjacent cliffs. There is need of skillful labor, and hence, as this is the price of good crops, the fields present *an appearance of thrift. The famous forests of southeastern Ohio are well represented here, though not nurtured. Coal of good quality, and in apparently inexhaustible quantities, is found here.

Ancient Scripture On The Rocks

On Robert Wilson's land are to be seen a number of «i-ocks engraved with characters not familiar to our people. They are believed to be chiefly English letters.

When the Government surveyed this township, the southwest quarter was reserved for school purposes, and surveyed into one hundred acre lots, numbered from one to forty, commencing at the southeast corner of the four thousand acre tract, and ending on the northwest corner of the same.

The first road was made between Symmes creek and the present site of Otsego, by James Spi-ague and sons, in 1812. The first regularly laid out road was svirveyed by Charles Roberts, in 1815, from James Lindley's, in Union township, to the mouth of Wills creek. The next was from James Sprague's, in Monroe township, (then Higliland township), to Colonel John Reynolds' store, on the Wheeling road, in Union township, in 1817, by Joseph K. McCune, surveyor.

The County Commissioners, July 2d, 1819, defined the boundaries of Monroe township, as follows : "Beginning on the noitheast corner of Muskingum countj-, thence west to the line dividing the sixth range ; thence south to the line dividing the second and third townships, in the sixth range ; thence east to the county line ; thence

There is but one village in Monroe township. The site occupied by it was entered by JameS' Sprague, in 181 1, and afterwards sold to Moses Abbott and Francis Wires. In 1838, they procured the services of James Boyle, the County Surveyor, and laid out the town. The eastern portion was laid out by Abbott, and the western portion -by Wires. The town was named after Otsego, New York, by Dr. Alonzo DeLamater. It has never been incorporated. It is a desirable point for business, and contains a Methodist church (T. H. Scott, pastor) ; a Baptist church ; a postoffice, with A. V. P. Hager as Postmaster ; three physicians (named under the title of-"first physicians") ; a hotel, by Joseph C. Miller, and another by Joseph C. Simmons : a general variety store, by A. V. P. Hager, and one by Boyce & Cowden ; a drug store, by Dr. A. L. Jackson ; a grocery, by Thomas H. Davis ; shoe shop, by Thomas H. Davis ; blacksmiths - James T. Case and Isaac McGraw ; wagon shop, by John Hammond ; harness shop, by Marquis Norris : tanner}', by Walker & Co. ; a carpenter - Thomas Riney ; a cabinet maker, E. H. Bradford ; milliners - Catharine C. Wortman and Phoebe Riney ; coal dealers - William and Alfred Smith. The village has twenty-seven houses, and one hundred and twentjr inhabitants.

The first orchard in the township was set out by Charles Marquand. James Sprague and sons hauled a load of apple trees from Wakatomika, on a sled, through the woods, and set them out in the woods, where Otsego now stands. This was in April, 181 2.

The first hotel, or tavern (the latter term was more familiar), it is believed, was kept bv David Richardson. He built tlie house now kept by Joseph C. Miller, about 1837, ^^^ "kept hotel." After him came George Hahn and Thornas Miller, who kept tavern in a house erected upon lot nine, opposite the present store of A. V. P. Hager. This tavern was burned in 1870, and never rebuilt. In 1865, Joseph C. Simmons opened hotel on lot four, and ten jears later moved upon a farm. In 1876, he again opened a hotel on lot fifteen, in Otsego, (Abbott's part of same.)

The first frame house was built by Martin Richardson, in 1813, on section nineteen, where Harrison Honnold now lives. The first brick house was built by David Richardson, on the southeast quarter of section thirteen (now owned b}' Caleb Buker), in 1819, and is still standing. The first stone house was built by Caleb Buker, and is: occupied by his son.

Stoner, in her own house. Her husband brought her from Pennsylvania, and settled on the southeast quarter of section thiiteen, in the year 1814, and she oped school soon after. The next school was taught by Mary Richardson, from Vermont, in 1816-T7. She taught in her own house, one ^ half mile south of Otsego, and had ten or twelve pupils, four of whom were living in 1880, viz : Samuel Sprague, Elijah Sprague, Frederick Bainter and John Bainter. The first school house built for that purpose was on 'the southwest quarter of section eight, now owned by Benjamin Bradford. This was in 181 7.

The first sawmill in the township was built b}^ Martin Richardson, in 1817, on White Eyes creek, where Flarrison Honnold now resides. The first gristmill was built by Tunis Elson, in 1819, on White Eyes creek, on the northwest quarter of section one. John Dill was the millwright. This mill did good service, although it had but one run of buhrs. About 1840, Messrs. McDonald and Achison became proprietors, and ran the mill four years, when it passed into the hands of H. and J. Bradford, who still own it.

A dam was built across Wills creek in the northwest quarter of section five, in the year 1819, by Charles and Peter Marquand, who then erected a sawmill, to be run by this power, but did not complete it until 1820. They built a carding and gristmill, which went into operation in the fall of 1829.

The carding mill was operated until 1850, when it ceased, and was started again during the war of the Rebellion, and run for about two years.

Samuel Sprague built a sawmill in 1839 - loc^ition not known - and sawed a large proportion of the lumber for the buildings in Otsego, at that time. .

The Methodist Episcopal Church was the first in the township. It was gathered together in 18 16, by Jacob Young and Wm. Knox, who organized the first class, which comprised the following members : George Bainter and Lydia, his wife, and their son, John ; Ashfield Watrous and Elizabeth, his wife ; Samuel Sprague, Catharine Kelly, Miss Jack and Charles Marquand.

The first death in the township was that of Timothy Watrous, in 1818. His daughter died about the same time, and they were bui'ied where Walker's tannery now stands, and, after four years, they were taken up and bnried in the Water's graveyard, situated on section ten.

Maysville Methodist Efiscofal Church. - In the year 1822, Rev. J. P. Durbin, of the Zanesville circuit, organized a class at Hugh Ballentine's house, with the following members:

Hugh Ballentine, wife, Mary, and family ; Wm. Clark, wife, Nancy, and family ; Charles Wilcox, wife, Nancy, and family. Meetings were held at Ballentine's house until 1848, when a church was built, on the northwest quarter of section five. This was a frame structure, 30x40. It was burned in 1854, and rebuilt, of the same size, in 1855, and is yet standing.

The maximum number of members was eighty. The present number is seventy-five. The pastor. Rev. J. Wilson, is of the East Plainfield circuit.

Pleasant Valley Methodist Protestant Chttrch. - This class was organized in 1828. or '29, bv Rev's. Myers and Gibbons, and composed of the following members : James Holcomb and Electa, his wife ; Phineas Palmer and Margaret, his wife ; David Richardson and Marv, his wife ; James Sprague and Susanna, his wife ; Samuel Sprague, Elijah Sprague and Elizabeth, his wife. Phineas Palmer was Leader.

The first meeting hou.^e was built in 1835. It was a frame structure, 35x42. located on the site now occupied b}' the cemeterv. It was I'emoved in 1870, and the present edifice built b}- Thomas Riney. It is a neat and comfortable house, 28x50, pleasantl} situated, in the vallev just north of the town of Otsego.

The membership numbers one hundred and fifteen. The pastor is Rev. Thomas H. Scott. The Leader, Martin R. Palmer ; the Steward,. Decatur Buker ; the Trustees, D. J. Abbott, Joseph C. Miller, Lafayette Buker, Richard Boyce, and Harrison Honnold.

Otsrg-o Baptist Church. - This societj- was composed of members who withdrew from the church at Adamsville, Elder William Spencer, pastor, for the convenience of chinxh organization nearer home. The pioneer preachers in this region, before the formation of a church, were: Rev. Barton Hawley, Elders Rees, White, William Spencer, and Rev. William Mears.

The following persons having obtained their letters from the Salem township Baptist Churcii, were, on the 20th of July, 1844, constituted the Otsego Baptist Church, by Elder William Sedwick, who, from that date, took charge of the congregation, and served as pastor until May 19, 1849, when he resigned :

January 3d, 1849, Elder D. L. Clouse, took charge of the church and served as pastor until November 30, 1850, when he resigned to accept another charge. The church then called Rev. J. B. St. Clair, who began his pastorate February 8, 185 1, and served until May, 185 1, when death closed his earthly career, and the congretion mourned the loss of a good man.

In August, 185 1 ,_Rev. B. Allen came to the pulpit, and served the congregation until August, 1854, when he took charge of the church at New Concord. The church was then supplied by Rev. E. W. Handel, for one year, from September, 1854, when Elder Hugh Brown became the pastor, and served until September, 1859. ^^ ^'^~ tober, of that year, C. T. Emerson, a licentiate, from Newcomerstown, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, moved into the vicinity of the church, was ordained, and became their pastor, and served until September, 1862, when he resigned.

Elder WiUiam Sedwick, of Adamsville, was called a second time to the pastorate of this church, in October, 1862, and served until August, 1866,. He was succeeded in September, following, by the Rev. G. T. Jones, of Antrim, Guernsey county, Ohio, who served two years ; and in April, i8"68. Rev. J. G. Whitaker, was called to the pastorate, and continued until March, 1872, when he alternated with A. Jordan, and J. C. Skinner, until June, 1873, when Rev. A. Woder, of Coshocton, became pastor for one year. InT875-6-7, the Rev. J. G. Whitaker served them as pastor, and in September, 1878, S. R. Mears, a hcentiate, and graduate of Denison University, was called, ordained, and inistalled as pastor.

The first church was built of brick, thirty by forty feet, at a cost of one thousand dollars, in 1840. The second church was built in .1869; was forty by fifty feet, and cost two thousand five hundred dollars.

The officers chosen at the organization were : Deacons, Jared Cone, Sen., and Gilbert Ross. The Trustees were: David Richardson, Sr., Philip Darner, and Jared Cone, Sr.

Otsego Presbyterian Church. - In 1848, the Rev's. William Wilson, and William Wallace, being appointed by Presbytery, organized the church, which was named, " Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church, "' with the following members : Malcolm McNeel and Isabel, his wife, John McNeel and' Margery, his wife, Malcolm Mc- Neel (the less) and Eliza, his wife, Mary and Margaret McNeel, James McNeel and sistei-s, Margery, Margaret, Sarah, and Mary, Arthur Hamilton and Catharine, his wife, Samuel Hamilton and wife.

The Elders elected, were : Malcolm McNeel, John McNeel, and Arthur Hamilton ; the Deacons were: Samuel Hamilton, and Malcolm McNeel, (the less).

A frame church, 30x36, was erected on the northeast quarter of section nineteen, on lands of Malcolm McNeel, one acre and a quarter being subsequently donated for this purpose, by the McNeel heirs ; the church was finished in 1849, and is still occupied by the congregation.

Rev. William Wallace was the first pastor, and officiated until 1852, when he died, and the church had no settled pastor for a few years. Rev. Robert Marquis was next called, and remained with the church three years, preaching one-half of his time, and was then employed for his whole time by the Cambridge congregation. The Rev. W. V. Milligan was his successor in this church, serving three j^ears. There has been no regular pastor since that time, but the pulpit has had occasional supplies ; of these, pi-incipally, were Revs. Watson, Russell, Alexander, McBride, March, and Williamson. Rev. McKnight Williamson is the present pastor.

The name of the church was changed from "Pleasant Hill" to "Otsego" Presbyterian Church at the time of the union of the new and old school divisions of the church.

Union Chaf el Methodist Protestant Church. - Anno Domini, i860, a number of the citizens of the neighborhood, where this society was formed, assembled at a private house, in the capacity of a prayer meeting, and so earnest was the desire for an outpouring of God's Spirit on the little band, that it came, and they were revived to that degree that they determined to organize a class, which was done, the Rev. H. T. Lawson officiating. The following persons became members of the class : Robert Donaldson and Nancy, his wife, Frances Holcomb and Susan, his wife, Elijah Sprague and Elizabeth, his wife, G. W. Vensel and Sarah Ann, his wife, Samuel Echelberry and Charity, his wife, Hannah Elson, and AHce Elson.

Mowing Machine Tannery

The first tannery was inaugurated by Joseph Walker, in 1826. It was located on lot No. one, of the school lands, and in 183 1, he moved it to lot thirteen, where he conducted the business until 1870, and then removed to Otsego, and built on lots thirty-four, thirty-five, thirty-six and thirty seven, of Wires' addition to that town plat. It is now operated by R. A. Walker, son of Joseph W. Walker, and is the only tannery in Monroe township.

In 1832, Dr. Alonzo DeLamater arrived from Otsego, New York, and beg^n the practice of medicine, and continued until death closed his career, in 1839. ^^ ^''-^ succeeded by Dr. G. W. Mitchell, who practiced one year, and was succeeded by Dr. William DeLamater, brother of Alonzo D. Dr. James Hull began the practice of medicine in 1841, and was shortly after succeeded by Dr. McVickers, who remained about two years, and was succeeded by Elijah Wortman, in 1848. Dr. J. M. Lane commenced practice at Otsego, in 1865, and was followed by Dr. Nathan ,B. Ridge way, in 1870, and was succeeded by Dr. A. L. Jackson, in 1878. The present physicians are Dr"s. A. L.Jackson, J. J. Bradford, and Abraham Walker.

The first store in Monroe township was that kept by Charles and Peter Marquand, on Wills Creek, in 1834. The first store in- Otsego was kept by Alonzo and Ralph DeLamater. They built their store-house where Boyce & Cowden now keep about the year 1837. The next merchant was Thomas Wilson ; and about this time Thomas McCall opened a store in the building now occupied by Joseph C. Simmons as a hptel.

In 1839, James Bell built the corner storehouse, occupied by the postoffice, in 1880 ; he carried on the mercantile business four years, and was succeeded by 'Squire Marshall ; after him, came Caleb Buker, and then, (1865), A. W. liague, the present occupant. William and Clark Ford also kept store in Otsego for a short time. In 1871, G. B. Johnson opened a store at Johnson's Mills, where he ig still in business.

The first blacksmith was Parker Shepardson, whose shop was on White Eyes' Creek, abont where Jerome H. Waters now lives. This was in "an early day."

Fine Stock

Hogs. - The Chester White were imported in 1862, by Decatur Buker. He now has also Poland China and Essex.. Lafayette Buker is the principal stock raiser at present.

Durham Cattle. - In 1865, Decatur Buker and Barton Cone purchased three head of " short horns," of J. G. Hagerty, of Licking, county, Ohio, and one of H. H. Haukins, of Clinton county, Ohio, and one from John G. Coulter, at a total cost of $650. These were the first fine cattle introduced into the township, and from which the Monroe farmers improved their herds.

Merino Sheej). - Ebenezer Achisoh was the first to introduce this breed of sheep. The experiment, however, was a failure on his part, as the people could not be induced to appreciate the runts, and he himself ultimately gave them up, and it was not for years afterwards that their value was discovered and their gradual introduction accomplished.

Baptist Church Military Record

This territor}' was probably traversed by white men as early as 1774, when, by order of the Governor of Virginia - the Earl of Dunmore - Colonel Angus McDonald marched against the Indian town, Wakatomika, near the present site of Dresden, and spread desolation among those simple children of the forest. We cannot now see a reason to justify this procedure, indeed, if we illumine the past never so fully - history finds no justification for might making right! But they are gone to their fathers, who first enjoyed the allurements of those grand old forests ; amid their peaceful shades hunting the appetising game, and drawing from the limpid waters toothsome fishes, and " worshiping in God's first temples." That their loss was our gain, we, of course, with due selfish gravity, proclaim, and add, " to the victors belong the spoils." In the briefest retrospection we say that the fortunes of war have discovered the beauty and fertilitj'^ of most of our country. And those who have made their homes in the Muskingum Valley easily appropriate these maxims, and recount how their

But one thing mars the completeness of this picture, and that is the absence of the record concerning those who wereliere probably before 1810.

The first actual settler in this township, William Denison, came from Massachusetts, and located on the northeast qviarter of section fifteen, in 1810. His son, William S. Denison, now occupies the property, and claims that his father was the first actual settler in the present Salem township.

Jesse Williams came with Denison, and married his daughter, Lucy, and settled on the northwest quarter of section thirteen. Jacob Swigert came soon after, and located on lot forty, of the school land, in Salem. Philip Shi'oyer located on lot eleven, of the same lands. Peter Worts on lot eight, and Jacob Gaumer on lot twenty-eight, about 181 1. Lawrence Wisecai-ver, George Stoner, Peter Li vingood, George Shurtz, Samuel Shurtz, John Shurtz and Jacob Sturtz were early settlers. Joseph Stiers came in 1815, and settled on the southwest quarter of section eight. William and Stephen Starkey came from Virginia and settled about the same time, and Thomas Collins located on the southwest quarter of section thirteen, in 1815. The Rev. William Spencer located on lot thirty-six, of the school lands, in 1816.

Topographically the territory embraced in this township is moderately hilly, with a considerable part of the surface very low, called "prairie." The highest grounds are in the southern part, on WilHam Drummond's farm, on which there is a cone-shaped hill, known as " Drummond's Knob." When first settled by the whites, the prairie lands were covered with a coarse grass, or low brush. Within the memory of the " oldest inhabitant " large trees have grown from these brush oaks, but much the greater part has been cleared away, and the land converted into fertile grain and meadow fields.

The soil is a mixture of sand and clay, and generally quite fertile. The principal streams are SaltCi-eek, which enters from the east, flows in a westerly direction through the township, and turning southeastward passes into Perry township; and Prairie Run, its principal tributary, which rises in the northeastern part of the tovvnship, flowing south and west, and unites with Salt Creek, on Dolphin Winn's farm ; and there are two branches of Symmes Creek that pass through the northwest corner of the township.

Mr.Sutherland Stiers, a reliable citizen, residing on section eight, one mile south of Adamsville, relates that in 1868 he cut down a large white -oak tree for rails, and found within, the body of the tree a number of distinct marks, successive- ^ Iv one above the other, appearing to have been -made for the purpose of a "blaze," or road-mark

- cutting in with an ax and hewing the hacked surface down in the usual manner, and that the growth of the tree had enveloped, but not obliterated these marks. He, with his neighbors, carefully counted the growth, or annular rings, and found them to number one hundred and sixteen, which, subtracted from the date of discoverj% would make the date of their making 1752. These marks could not have been made with a tomahawk, and seem to have been made with such an ax as Americans use. 1752 was twelve years before Boquet's expedition, and ante-dates Braddock's expedition. Who made them?

Agriculture Horticulture

The first orchard was planted by the first settler, William Denison, on the farm now occupied by his son, William S., where he built the first frame house in the township, in 18 12.

The first stone house was built on the northeast quarter of section sixteen, by Jacob Zimmerman, in 1827. William S. Denison built the first brick house in 1841, and now occupies it.

The agricultur ^ implements changed slowly. Mr. W. S. Denison introduced the first mower and sulky rake. The first threshing machine was operated by Singleton Hardy. It was styled a " tramp" machine.

The first short horned cattle were brought into the township by W. S. Denison, and, although not raising thoroughbreds, he has a fine herd of " grades."

In 1861, W. W. Adams purchased some thoroughbreds of Moses Robertson, Washington county. In 1868, he bought a bull in Coshocton county, and since that time has purchased of Mr. Robertson two calves at $75 each, and from these he has raised a fine herd of high grades, having crossed Durhams and Devonshires.

The first public road in the township was surveyed from Zanesville to Plainfield, in Coshocton county. The next was from Mechanicsville. to Livingood's Mill, on section eighteen.

The first marriage was between Jesse Williams and Lucy Denison, " high contracting parties," in 1810. The first birth was their son, Gordon, born in April, 181 1.

The first death recorded was Catherine Gaumer, wife of Jacob Gaumer, in 1816. She was buried in the ground set apart for a graveyard, by the Lutheran Denomination, and was the first person buried there. This is the oldest cemetery in the township. The land was deeded for church and cemetery purposes, by Jacob Gaumer.

Jacob Gaumei" lived on lot twenty-eight of the school land, and repaired guns, and occasionally did blacksmithing, in 181 1. He may be called the first blacksmith. The descendants of Peter Wertz and Abner Wade, cotemporaries of Gaumer, dispute and claim this honor.

New Ho^e Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized in 181 1, by Rev. Anthony Wej^er, with the following members : Jacob Gaumer and Catharine, his wife ; Philip »Shroyer and Mai'ia, his wife ; Peter Wertz and Susan, his wife ; Henry Bainter, Adam Bainter and wife, Samiiel Shurtz and Mary, his wife ; George Shurtz and wife, Christian Shroyer and wife, Catharine ; Jacob Gaumer, Jr., and Elizabeth, his wife ; Daniel Gaumer and Hannah, his wife ; Cathai-ine and Margaret Shurtz, John Shurtz, John Ault and Mary, his wife ; Jacob Sturtz, Jacob Shroyer, Abraham Shroyer, Anthony Slater and Susan, his wife, and George Stoner and wife.

The Elders, from 1812 to 1818, were Daniel Gaiimer and Fi-ederick Munnig (now spelt Minnick). The Elders, from 1818 to 1821, were Samuel Shurtz and Frederick Garijan (now spelt Yarian).

The first church was built on the northwest corner of lot twenty-eight, the site now occupied by the Lutheran Cemetery. It was a small structure, erected in 1817, and, in 1838, was removed, to give place to a two-story, brick church, which did service until 1870, when a new frame building was erected. The corner-stone was laid May 14th, 1870, by N. J. Knisely, and the house was finished the same year. It is forty-two by seventy, and cost six thousand dollars. The dedication ceremonies were performed May 28th, 187 1, bv Rev. M. C. Horine and Rev. J. A. Roof.

The old church site and graveyard, consisting of about two acres, was donated to the Trustees of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, in 1819, by Jacob Gaumer, and the present site of the church (about one acre), was donated for that purpose, by Jonathan Gaumer.

Salem Baptist Church was organized October 10, 1818, by the Rev. Amos Mix and Rev. Henry Pringle, with the following membership : William Spencer, and Catharine, his wife ; Jesse Williams, and Lucy, his wife ; William Cooksey, and Elizabeth, his wife ; John Lawrence, Amos Stackhouse, Philip Shoflf, Elvira and Sarah ShofF, Mordecai Adams, and Hannah, his wife ; Isabella Ackerson, Rebecca Tennis, Ethelinda Denison, Rachel Jordan, Sarah Whittenberry, Lucy Babcock, Lucretia Slack, and Susanna Hickman.

The first church was a small hewed log structure that stood just east of the present village of Adamsville, and was built in 1822 ; in 1838, it was removed, and a building, 40x60 feet, erected, at a cost of $1,000. In 1872, this building was taken down, and a new frame, 36x52 feet, erected in its place, at a cost of $2,500. ,

The first pastor was Rev. William Spencer, who was ordained in 1818, and served till 1839 ; Rev. William Sedwick was installed in May, 1839, ^^^ resigned in 1857 ; Rev. W. D. Siegfried became pastor, January 16, 1858, and resigned in April, i86i ; when Rev. Simeon Seigfried Jr., was called, and resigned October 7, 1865 ; Rev. H. N. Harford came next, and served from March, 1866, one year ; Rev. E. B. Smith came in April, 1867, and remained until March 12, 1870; February It, i87i,Rev. J. G. Whitaker became pastor, and remained until 1875 - Rev. H. H. Dunaway became pastor in Majs 1876, and resigned December 13, 1879; since which time the church has been supplied by Rev. Richard Harrison.

Joseph Stiers and Sarah, his wife, Michael Ellis and wife, Theodore Bailey and wife, Noah lionnold, Thomas Roe, and Mrs. Armstrong. Andrew Magee was the preacher in charge. The first quarterly meeting was held in Noah Honnold's barn. May i6th, 1841.

The Salem Chafel M. E. 'Church. - The first class consisted of Richard Johnson, Leader, and Eliza, his wife ; Benaiah Spragg and Nancy, his wife ; Joseph Stiers and Margaret, his wife ; G. Tousler and Martha, his wife ; Solomon Baughman and Nancy, his wife ; John Daily and Talitha, his wife Joseph Johnson, Ruth Johnson, Nancy Crane, and others, whose names are not remembered.

Benaiah Spragg donated an acre of ground, in the southeast corner of section eighteen, for a church site, and in 1852, a frame building, 40x50, was erected, at a cost of about $900.

The Trustees, at the time, were Benaiah Spragg, Richard Johnson, and James Johnson. The preacher in charge was Andrew Magee. The Leaders were William Drummond, James Radcliff, and Washington Spicer. The Stewards were Richard Haynes, William Drummond, and William Elsea.

Good Hofc Lutheran 0?/rc/^. - This church was ol-ganized by Rev. Wm. Gilbreath, in 1868, with the following membership: Levi Stotts and Amanda, his wife; Charles Sturtz and Rachel, his wife ; John Sturtz and Louisa, his wife ; Elizabeth and Sarah Wisecarver, and Elizabeth Wine. Levi Stotts was Leader. The Stewards were Levi Stotts, Charles Sturtz, and W. W. Adams.

In 187 1, a frame building was purchased in Adamsville, fitted tip for the church, and dedicated November 5th, 187 1. The congi'egation have worshiped here since that time.

Beulah Ba-ptistChiirch. - In March, 1872, Rev. E. W. Daniels held a series of meetings in Salem Chapel, and organized a Baptist Church, with the following membership : Isaac Dai-ner and Ann, his wife, Samuel Bowman and Hannah, his wife, Delphini Winn and Catharine, his wife, R. J. Winn, J. A. Winn. H. N. Winn, Hattie A. Winn, Nancy M. Winn, William P. Winn, Robert Scott, John Whitcraft and Samantha, his wife, J. W. Bratton, Elizabeth A. Bratton, Lizzie Hunter, J. R. Bratton, Mary

A. Bowman, Emma Hardy, Emmeline Williams, Mary Huft", Lucy Williams, Jared Williams, and Austin Lehew. In the fall of that year, the congregation assembled in Milligan's school house ;.and in 1873, they bought one and a half acres of land of

B. A. Mornson,offthe northeast quarter of section twenty-two, on which a frame building, 32x42, was erected, and dedicated January nth, 1874, by Rev. T. Powell.

The present Deacons are, Isaac Darner and H. P. Bowman, The present membership numbers seventy. The present Trustees are H. P. Bowman, Thomas Mower, and Jared Williams.

The first pastor was Rev. W. J. Dunn, who was followed by Rev. S. G Barber, August Jordan, J. C. Skinner. C. C. Erwin and E. W. Daniels, the present incumbent.

The first physician in Salem was Dr. Jacob S. Reasoner. He began the practice of his profes- -sion in 1832, and continued in that place until r853. Dr. Henr}' Decker came to Salem in 1839, ^"^^ continues in the service. Dr. Jared Cone began the practice of medicine here in 1845 . and remained ten years. Dr. James Crawford came in 1835, and remained seven years. Dr's. L03' and Blake were here in 1841-2. Dr. John Mills studied with Dr. Decker, and practiced from 1843 to 1850. Dr. P. A. Baker came in 1857, and practiced until A.D. 1879. D^'- Sidle practiced during i860. Dr. Thomas Gaumer came in 1879, '^"'^ continues to "hold the fort."

J ared Cone came to Adamsville in 1835, and built on lot two, of Adams' plat, and opened a store. This was the first general store in the township. He was followed, in 1838, by Roe & Armstrong, who opened in the Collins building, on lot nine, and, in 1839, moved to lot four, of Wheeler's addition, and quit the business in 1842.

Ruff & Leslie began in the Collins building in 1839, '^"^ closed out in 1843. Denison Ross and Isaac Stiers commenced bvisiness in 1844, and kept the store a short time. James Darlington put in an appearance, just sufficient to make it necessary to mention him. Jacob Stenger began in 1852. H. S. Roff and John Mills embarked on the commercial sea in 1853, and were followed, by various parties, im the same building, until 1863, when A. Jordan and Wm. Sedwick opened store. They dissolved a year later, and Mi". Jordan sold out in 1875. He was succeeded by Zimmer & Hurdle, VanKirk & Baker, and Wesley Stiers. C. A. Geyer began in 1877, on lot nine ; A. C. Tomlinson, on lot two, Adams' plat, and A. Jordan, on lot four, Wheeler's addition, in 1878. These three are still in business.

The first tavern in Salem township was kept by Denison Ross, who built a hotel on lot four, 01 Wheeler's addition to Adamsville, in 1838. He subsequently sold it to John Bratton, and it h^s passed through the hands of John Zimmerman, Jacob Stenger, David Richardson, Samuel Van Kirk, G. W. Shoemaker, and perhaps several others. R. H. Lowe keeps the only hotel in the place at this time.

Peter Livingood built the first mill, in Salem (then in Highland township), aboui 1814 or '15. It was a huge, rough, substantial structure (very like its owner), and was located on the southwest quarter of section eighteen, below the forks of' Salt creek. This, being the only gristmill in the township, was a great convenience to the settlers, and Peter did not fail to appreciate the importance of his services. About 1830, Mr. Livingood sold this mill to a Mr. Bratton, who ran i.t for several years ; but, at present, a single decayed post marks the spot where once flourished "Peter Livingood's mill.'

In 1832, Joseph Bowers erected a sawmill, on Salt creek, on the southeast quarter of section sixteen, and, in 1849, ^^'^^ ^^^^ property to Jacob Kieffer, who moved the sawmill to the east bank of the creek, and, in 1869, built a frame gristmill, twenty-five by thirty, adjoining, and put in a small pair of corn buhrs. In 1870, he added a pair of French buhrs, for grinding wheat. The mill is still in good condition, but, owing to the inconstant supply of water, cannot be run more than four months in the year.

Sj'mmes run, in section four, in 1836. This mill sawed most of the lumber used in building the houses in Adamsville. It has been mustered out of service.

Samuel Harris and Isaac Stiers built a steam sawmill, on lot twenty-one, of the school land, about 1850, and, in 1852, sold it to Mr. Shrigley, who put in two run of buhrs. In 1854, Mr. G. W. Shoemaker became proprietor, and, in 1855, Mr. John Skinner associated with him.. In 1856, this mill was destroyed by fire, and has never been rebuilt.

In 1862, Charles Beck built a steam grist and saw mill, near Adamsville, containing two run of buhrs, and, in 1873, sold them to John D. Hanks, who repaired them and is the present proprietor. This is the only mill of the kind in Salem township.

The First School-House In Salem

The first school-house in Salem, was built on the northwest corner of lot thirty-seven, of the school land, in 1817, and the first school began in December, of that year. The teacher was Abraham Smith. Amy Wade taught, in 1820, and Mr. Colvin in 1822.

The Muskingum Normal School

This institution owes its inception and, measurably, it existence, to the ambition of Prof. E. Spencer, to secure for this region a higher degree of efficiency in the schools. The energy of the Professor, in this behalf, resulted in the inauguration of the school, July 19th, 1880, continuing six weeks, with the following faculty :

Prof. E. Spencer, Principal of the Public Schools, Adamsville, Ohio : Prof. B. Spencer, Instructor in Latin, Greek, and Histor}'. Denison Universit}' ; and Miss Maud E. Bodine, Instructress in plain and ornamental Penmanship, Medina, Ohio.

Classes were formed in Penmanship, Elocution, Grammar, Geograph}-, Arithmetic, Greek, United States History, and Theory- and Practice of Teaching. Ninet\-one students were in attendance. Nine lectures, on practical topics, were delivered during the session. The terms were an a\'orage of five dollars for tuition.

This township was originally a part of Highland, when that township was ten miles square. In July, 1819, the County Commissioners set ofl' the township of Salem - five miles square. The name was derived from Salem, Massachusetts, a number of the early settlers being from that region. The northeast quarter of the township is "School Land," and surve3'ed into one hundred acre lots, numbered from one to forty,' beginning at the southeast corner of said quarter of the township, numbering north and south alternately, and ending at the northwest corner.

bouse of Jesse Williams, but tbe records bave not been preserved, and we have to depend upon tradition, wbich informs us that Rev. William Spencer was Justice of the Peace while Salem was included in Highland. In 1819, when Salem was organized, Joseph Stiers was elected Justice for the new township, and served until 1837. 'The elections were sometimes held at the house of Thomas Collins, who lived near the center of the township.

The lirst distillery was built by Phillip Baker, on the northwest quarter of section nineteen, in 1819. George Stoner had a "still-house" on section four, in 1822, and his whisky was in such demand that it was consumed as fast as he could make it. Mr. Sutherland Stiers, an old citizen, relates that, when a boy, he carried whisky from "Stoner's still" so hot that he was obliged to change hands frequently to prevent the handle of the jug from burning him. This was "hot whisky" then, and did not cease to burn when it was called cool.

Jonathan Starkey, who resided about a mile east of the present town of Adamsville, was appointed Postmaster by President John Q. Adams, in 1827, and in 1829, was reiuoved by President Andrew Jackson, and Henry Bainter, of Monroe township, appointed. This change caused great dissatisfaction, and in 1835, Jared Cone was appointed at Adamsville. Cone was followed by H. T. Roft", in 1853, and he was succeeded by L. D. Stoner, in 1862, and he waslbllowed by Geo. W. Dilley and Adam Moser. J. W. Garrett was appointed in 1869, and continues in office. The office has remained in Adamsville since 1835, and is supplied from Zanesville tri-weekly, by hack.

Mordecai Adams entered the northwest quarter of section seven, and in 1832, having procured the services of William Beaver, a surveyor, laid out the town, which he called Adamsville, in the northrast corner of said section.

In 1832, several houses were erected upon the town site, but as Dr. Jacob Reasoner was the first to occupy, his was termed the first house, as he was the first resident in Adamsville. This house stood on lot ten, and the postoffice is now a part of that building.

Adamsville was incorporated in 1864. The first Mayor was David Richardson, and the first members of the Council were G. W. Shoerpaker, J. W. Stiers, and A. P. Baker.

Source changes here: from History of Muskingum County, Ohio, with Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Pioneers, by Various, published 1882; 3,160 words in this source stream.

Hogs, Cattle, Sheep

This township was named for James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States. who was born in Westmoreland county, Virginia, in 1758. His father's given name was Spence; his mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Jones. He was educated at the College of William and Mary, and, immediately after leaving college, identitied himself with the Colonists, in their struggle for | freedom. It was the memory of this characteristic that induced the colonists of this township to choose him for their patron saint - and so they named the township Monroe.

The first settler in this reeion was Charles Marquand, who immigrated from the Island of Guernsey, France, and located on Wills creek, in the northwest corner of Monroe township, with his family, in 1810. John Marquand, his grandson, occupies a part of the old homestead. Charles Marquand built the first log house in the township ; he cleared the first ground and set out the first orchard, which was on the northwest quarter of section one.

James Sprague came from Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and located at Wakatomika, Ohio, in 1802. In 1812, he, with his sons, Samuel, Jonathan, and Elijah, cut a road from Symmes creek to White Eyes creek, and to the Indian village that occupied the same site now occupied by the village of Otsego, and moved there in May, of that year. . They planted corn on the site of the of early frost, and they were obliged to procure corn trom Wakatomika for the first year's provision. His tirst house was built on the northwest quarter of section thirteen, and was raised by himself and family. At that time there was no land entered within the bounds of Monroe.

Jacob Bainter also came from Pennsylvania, and bought lots twenty-nine and thirty, of the '* School Land," and located upon the same in 1812. Adam Bainter located on lots six and seven, of School Lands, at the same time.

year 1814. David Richardson came from Vermont in 1816, and bought Stoner's place. His wife, Mary, taught the first schoo! in the neighporhood - in her own house. She died in 1880, in the ninety-second year of her age.

In 1817, Tunis Elson came from ennsylvania, and settled upon the southeast quarter of section two, now owned by Decatur Buker. Jared Cone came from New England, and bought of James Sprague the northeast quarter of section thirteen, in the year 1813.

Topography

yes" creek, (so named in commemoration of the noted Indian by that name, who, notwithstanding he was indeed the white man's friend, was murdered by white men). The stream trayerses it from the southwest to the northeast corner. Wills creek just touches the northwest corner of the township, and effects very little drainage.

In the southern partion of the township, the hills are of comparatively easy ascent and descent, but the northern part is more broken. The soil is well adapted to some kinds of farming - generally a preponderance of sand, supplied from adjacemt cliffs. There is need of skillful labor, and hence, as this is the price of good crops, the fields present an appearance of thrift. The famous forests of southeastern Ohio are well represented here, though not nurtured. Coal of good quality, and in apparently inexhaustible quantities, is found here.

Ancient Scripture On The Rocks

On Robert Wilson's land are to be seen a number of rocks engraved with characters not familiar to our people. They are believed to be chief- purposes, and surveyed into one hundred acre lots, numbered from one to forty, commencing at the southeast corner of the four thousand acre tract, and ending on the northwest corner of the same.

The first road was made between Symmes creek and the present site of Otsego, by James Sprague and sons, in 1812. The first regularly laid out road was surveyed by Charles Roberts, in 1815, from James Lindley's, in Union township, to the mouth of Wills creek. The next was from James Sprague's, in Monroe township, (then Highland township), to Colonel John Reynolds' store, on the Wheeling road, in Union township, in 1817, by Joseph K. McCune, surveyor.

The County Commissioners, July 2d, 1819, defined the Nanadaes of Monroe township, as follows: ''Beginning. on the northeast corner of Muskingum county, thence west to the line dividing the sixth range; thence southto the line dividing the second and third townships, in the

There is but one village i in Monroe township. The site occupied by it was entered by James Sprague, in 1811, and afterwards sold to Moses Abbott and Francis Wires. In 1838, they procured the services of James Boyle, the County Surveyor, and laid out the town. The eastern portion was laid out by Abbott, and the western portion by Wires. The town was named after Otsego, New York, by Dr. Alonzo DeLamater. It isa desirable point for business, and contains a Methodist church (T. H. Scott, pastor) ; a Baptist church ; a postoffice, with A. V. P. Hager as Postmaster ; three physicians (named under the title of ''first physicians''); a hotel, by Joseph C. Miller, and another by Joseph C. Simmons; a general variety store, "by Pia Ves" Eee ag eles and one by Boyce & Cowden ; a drug store, by Dr. A. L. Jackson ; a grocery, by Thomas H. Davis; shoe shop, by Thomas H. Davis; blacksmiths - James T. Case and Isaac McGraw ; wagon shop, by John Hammond; harness shop, by Marquis Norris: tannery, by Walker & Co.; a carpenter - Thomas Riney ; a cabinet maker, E. H. Bradford ; milliner s - Catharine C. Wortman and Biebe Riney ; coal: dealers - William and Alfred Smith. The village has twenty-seven houses, and one hundred and twenty inhabitants.

The first orchard in the township was set out by Charles Marquand. James Sprague and sons hauled a load of apple trees from Wakatomika, on a sled, through. the woods, and set them. out in the woods, where Otsego now stands. This was in April, 1812.

The first hotel, or tavern (the latter term was more familiar), it is believed, was kept by David Richardson., He built the house now kept by Joseph C. Miller, about 1837, and ''kept hotel.' After him came George Hahn and Thomas Miller, who kept tavern in a house erected upon lot nine, opposite the present store of A. V. P. Haer. This tavern was burned in 1870, and never In 1865, Joseph C. Simmons opened hotel on lot four, and ten years later moved upon afarm. In 1876, he again opened a hotel on lot fifteen, in Otsego, (Abbott' s part of same.)

The first frame house was built by Martin Rich-' ardson, i in 1813, on section nineteen, where Harrison Honnold now lives. The first brick house was built by David Richardson, on the southeast quarter of section thirteen (now owned by Caleb Buker), in 1819, and is still standing. . The first stone house was built by Caleb Buker, and is occupied by his son.

Stoner, in herown house. Her husband brought her from Pennsylvania, and settled on the southeast quarter of section thirteen, in the year 1814, and she oped school soon after. The next school was taught by Mary Richardson, from Vermont, in 1816-17. She taught in her own house, one half mile south of Otsego, and had ten or twelve pupils, four of whom were living in 1880, viz: Samuel Sprague, Elijah Sprague, Frederick Bainter and John Bainter. The first school house built for that purpose was on the southwest quarter of section eight, now owned by Benjamin Bradford. This was in 1817.

The first sawmill in the township was_ built by Martin Richardson, in 1817, on White Eyes creek, where Harrison Honnold now resides. The first gristmill. was built by Tunis Elson, in 1819, on White Eyes creek, on the northwest guarter of section one. John Dill was the millwright. This mill did good service, although it had but one run of buhrs. About 1840, Messrs. McDonald and Achison became proprietors, and ran the mill four years, when it passed into the hands of H. and J. Bradford, who:still own it.

Adam was built across Wills creek in the northwest quarter of section five, in the year 1819, by Charles and Peter Marquand, who then erected a sawmill, to be run by this power. but did not complete it until 1820. They built a carding and gristmill, which went into operation in the fall of 1829. ;

The carding mill was operated until 1850, when it ceased, and was started again during the war of the Rebellion, and run for about two years.

Samuel Sprague built a sawmill in 1839 - location not known - and_ sawed a large proportion of the lumber for the buildings in Otsego, at that time.

The Methodist Episcopal Church was the first in the township. It was gathered together in 1816, by Jacob Young and Wm. Knox, who organized the first class, which comprised the following members: George Bainter and Lydia, his wife, and their son, John; Asbtield Watrous and Elizabeth, his wife; Samuel Sprague, Catharine Kelly, Miss Jack and Charles Marquand.

Buker's place, south of Otsego. Francis Richardson was the first person buried there, in 1817. The first death in the township was that of Timothy Watrous, in 1818. His daughter died about the same time, and they were buried where Walker's tannery now stands, and, after four years, they were taken up and_ bnried in the Water's graveyard, situated on section ten.

Maysville Methodist Episcopal Church. - In the year 1822, Rev. J. P. Durbin, of the Zanesville circuit, organized a class at Hugh Ballentine's house, with the following members:

Hugh Ballentine, wife, Mary, and family ;Wm. Clark, wife, Nancy, and family ; Charles Wilcox, wite, Nancy, andtamily. Meetings were held at Ballentine's house until 1848, when a church was built, on the northwest quarter of section five. This was a frame structure, 3oxqo. It was burned in 1854, and rebuilt, of the same size, in 1855, and is yet standing.

The maximum number of members was eighty. The present number is seventy-five. The pastor, Rev. J. Wilson, is of the East Plaintield circuit.

Pleasant Valley Methodist Protestant Church - This class was organized in 1828, or '29, by Revw's. Myers and Gibbons, and composed of the following members: James Holcomb and Electa. his wite; Phineas Palmer and Margaret, his wife; David Richardson and Mary, his wife: James Sprague and Susanna, his wife; Samuel Sprague, Elijah Sprague and Elizabeth, his wite. Phineas Palmer was Leader.

The first meeting house was built in 1835. It was a frame structure, 35x42, located on the site now occupied by the cemetery. It was removed in 1870, and the present edifice built by Thomas Riney. It is a neat and comfortable house, 28x50, pleasantly situated, in the valley just north of the town of Otsego. ;

The membership numbers one hundred and fifteen. The pastor is Rey. Thomas H. Scott. The Leader, Martin R. Palmer; the Steward, Decatur Buker; the Trustees, D. J. Abbott, Joseph C. Miller, Lafayette Buker, Richard Boyce, and Harrison Honnold.

Otsego Baptist Church. - This society was composed of members who withdrew from the church at Adamsville, Elder William Spencer, pastor, for the convenience of church organization nearer home. The pioneer preachers in this region, before the formation of a church, were: Rev. Barton Hawley, Elders Rees, White, William Spencer, and Rev. William Mears.

The following persons having obtained their letters from the Salem township Baptist Church, were, on the 20th of July, 1844, constituted .the Otsego Baptist Church, by Elder William Sedwick, who, from that date, took charge of the . congregation, and served as pastor until May 19, 1849, when he resigned :

January 3d, 1849, Elder D. L. Clouse, took charge of the church and served'as pastor until November 30, 1850, when he resigned to accept another charge. The church then called Rev. J. B. St. Clair, who began his pastorate February 8, 1851, and served until May, 1851, when death closed his earthly career, and the congretion mourned the loss of a good man.

In August, 1851,Rev. B. Allen came to the pulpit, and served the congregation until August, 1854, when he took charge of the church at New Concord. The church was then supplied by Rev. E. W. Handel, for one year, from September, 1854, when Elder Hugh Brown became the pastor, and served until September, 1859. In October, of that year, C. T. Emerson, a licentiate, from Newcomerstown, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, moved into the vicinity of the church, was ordained, and became their pastor, and served until September, 1862, when he resigned.

Elder William Sedwick, of Adamsville, was called a second time to the pastorate of this church, in October, 1862, and served until August, 1866,. He was succeeded in September, following, by the Rev. G. T. Jones, of Antrim, Guernsey county, Ohio, who served two years; and in April, 1868, Rev. J. G. Whitaker, was called to the pastorate, and continued until March, 1872, when he alternated with A. Jordan, and J. C. Skinner, until June, 1873, when Rev. A. Woder, of Coshocton, became pastor for one vear. In 1875-6 - -7, the Rev. J. G. Whitaker served them as pastor, and in September, 1878, S. R. Mears, a licentiate, and graduate of Denison University, was called, ordained, and installed as pastor.

The first church was built of brick, thirty by forty feet, at a cost of one thousand dollars, in 1840. The second church was built in 1869; was forty by tittw feet, and cost two thousand five hundred dollars.

The ofhcers chosen at the organization were: Deacons, Jared Cone, Sen., and Gilbert Ross. The Trustees were: David Richardson, Sr., Philip Darner, and Jared Cone, Sr.

Otsego Presbyterian Church. - In 1848, the Rev's. William Wilson, and William Wallace, being appointed by Presbytery, organized the church, which was named, '' Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church," with the following members : Malcolm McNeel and Isabel, his wife, John McNeel and Margery, his wife, Malcolm Mc- Neel (the less) and Eliza, his wife, Mary and Margaret McNeel, James McNeel and sisters, Margery, Margaret, Sarah, and Mary, Arthur Hamilton and Catharine, his wife, Samuel Ham-

The Elders elected, were: Malcolm McNeel, John McNeel, and Arthur Hamilton; the Deacons were: Samuel Hamilton, and Malcolm McNeel, (the less).

A frame church, 30x36, was erected on the northeast quarter of section nineteen, on lands of Malcolm McNeel, one acre and a quarter being subsequently donated for this purpose, by the McNeel heirs; the church was finished in 1849, and is still occupied by the congregation.

Rey. William Wallace was the first pastor, and officiated until 1852, when he died, and the church had no settled pastor for a few years. Rev. Robert Marquis was next called, and remained with the church three years, preaching one-half of his time, and was then employed for his whole time by the Cambridge congregation. The Rev. W. V. Milligan was his successor in this church, serving three years. There has been no regular pastor since that time, but the pulpit has had occasional supplies; of these, principally, were Revs. Watson, Russell, Alexander, McBride, March, and Williamson. Rev. McKnight Williamson is the present pastor.

The name of the church was changed from '¢Pleasant Hill" to ''Otsego"' Presbyterian Church at the time of the union of the new and old school divisions of the church.

Union Chapel Methodist Protestant Church. - Anno Domini, 1860, a number of the citizens of the neighborhood, where this society was formed, assembled at a private house, in the capacity of a prayer meeting, and so earnest was the desire for an outpouring of God's Spirit on the little band, that it came, and they were revived to that degree that they determined to organize a class, which was done, the Rev. H. T. Lawson officiating. The following persons became members of the class: Robert Donaldson and Nancy, his wife, Frances Holcomb and Susan, his wife, Elijah Sprague and Elizabeth, his wite, G. W. Vensel and Sarah Ann, his wife, Samuel Echelberry and Charity, his wife, Hannak Elson, and Alice Elson.

Mowing Machine Tannery

The first tannery was inaugurated by Joseph Walker, in 1826. It was located on lot No. one, of the school lands, and in 1831, he moved it to lot thirteen, where he conducted the business until 1870, and then removed to Otsego, and built on lots thirty-four, thirty-five, thirty-six and thirty seven, of Wires' addition to that town plat. It is now operated by R. A. Walker, son of Joseph W. Walker, and isthe only tannery in Monroe township.

In 1832, Dr. Alonzo DeLamater arrived from Otsego, New York, and began the practice of medicine, and continued until death closed his career, in 1839. He was succeeded by Dr. G. W. Mitchell, who practiced one 'year, and was succeeded by Dr. William DeLamater, brother of Alonzo D. Dr. James Hull began the practice of medicine in 1841, and was shortly after succeeded by Dr. McVickers, who remained about two years, and was succeeded by Elijah Wortman, in 1848. Dr. J. M. Lane commenced practice at Otsego, in 1865, and was followed by Dr. Nathan B. Ridgeway, in 1870, and was succeeded by Dr. A. C Jackson, in 1878. The present physicians are Dr's. A. L. Jackson, J. J. Bradford, and Abraham Walker.

The first store in Monroe township was that kept by Charles and Peter Marquand, on Wills Creek, in 1834. The first store in Otsego was kept by Alonzo and Ralph DeLamater. They built their store-house where Boyce & Cowden now keep about the year 1837. The next merchant was Thomas Wilson; and about this time Thomas McCall opened a store in the building . now occupied by Joseph C. Simmons as a hotel.

In 1839, James Bell built the corner storehouse, occupied by the postoffice, in 1880; 'he carried on the mercantile business four years, and was succeeded by "Squire Marshall; after him, came Caleb Buker, and then, (1865), A. W. Hague,. the present occupant. William and Clark Ford also kept store in Otsego for a short time. In 1871, G. B. Johnson opened a store at Johnson's Mills, where he is still in business.

The first blacksmith was Parker Shepardson, whose shop was on White Eyes' Creek, abont where Jerome H. Waters now lives. in '* an early day."

Fine Stock

Durham Cattle. - In 1865, Decatur Buker and Barton Cone purchased three head of 'short horns," of J. G. Hagerty, of Licking county, Ohio, and one of H. H. Haukins, of Clinton county, Ohio, and one from John G. Coulter, at a total cost of $650. These were the first fine cattle introduced into the township, and from which the Monroe farmers improved their herds.

Merino Sheep. - Ebenezer Achison was the first to introduce this breed of sheep. The experiment, however, was a failure on his part, as the people could not be induced to appreciate the runts, and he himself ultimately gave them up, and it was not for years afterwards that their value was discovered and their gradual introduction accomplished.