Monroe Township (part 1 of 2)

Monroe Township

THIS township was organized February 11, 1817, out of the north half of Worthington. It contains thirty-six square miles, and corners with the southeast corner of ^ladison, having Washington on the west, Worthington on the south, and Mifflin on the north. Part of the north and all of the east line joins Ashland County. Its general surface is broken, and in places even hilly, but the land is generally fertile, producing large crops of everything raised from the soil of Ohio. It is well watered with numerous springs and running streams. The beautiful Clear Fork crosses the southeast corner ; it only gives Monroe a short call. Switzer's Run, a tributary of the Clear Fork, crosses the southwestern portion of the township, and Rocky Fork and its tributaries and a portion of the Black Fork water all the northern part. The Rocky and Black Forks of the Mohican unite in the eastern part of the township. The Pennsjlvania Central Railroad enters the township on its eastern line with the Black Fork, follows that stream to its junction with the Rocky Fork and continues up the latter stream to Lucas ; thence it turns north, leaving the township near its northwest corner. There is much beautiful natural scenery inthis township, although in that respect it may not quite equal Mifflin, but the country along Switzer's Run, and the valleys of the Clear and Black Foi-ks, are lovely to look upon, and were thoroughly occupied and appreciated by the Indians, as they now are by a more cultivated race. Among the landmarks worth mentioning, is Pipe's Cliff. This romantic ledge of rocks is situated in the southern part of the township, near the center of Section 28, about two hundred 3'ards northeast of the residence of J. J. Douglas. The Lexington & Perryville road curves around the base of the rocks, but a fair view of them cannot be had from the road ; to appreciate the beauty and picturesqueness of the spot, one must climb up among them. They derive their name from old Capt. Pike, the noted Indian chieftain, who figured prominently in the early Indian wars, and was"for many years an inveterate enem}'' of the white race, until finding further resistance useless, he buried the hatchet, signed the treaty of Grreenville, and was ever after a firm friend of the whites. In the war of 1812, when the British attempted to secure the services of this chieftain, he nobly replied: "When I signed the treaty of Greenville, it was understood that I was not again to take up the hatchet while the trees grow and the water runs ; " and he kept his word. Mrs. Swigart, still living in Lucas at the age of eighty-three, remembers Capt. Pipe ver}' well, and says, the last time she saw him, he told her he was about one hundred j'ears old. It is said that a scouting party under Capt. Broadhead, or belonging to his expedition, while passing through this section, discovered a party of Indians seated upon some portions of the rocks belonging to Pipes Cliff, and unobserved by them, approached within shooting distance and fired upon the party, killing a sister of

Capt. Pipe, who happened to be among them ; and that tliis traged}^ gaA^e the place its name, but there is a doubt as to the correctness of this story. Aside from any Indian traditions, however, these rocks are well worth a visit. At the eastern extremity- of Pipe's Cliff a projecting rock rises full one hundred feet above the valley below, and affords a magnificent view of tlie surrounding country. The summit of this rock is about forty feet in diameter, is connected with the main cliff on the north, and can be reached from either side. From the west, a narrow patliway winds up along the brow of the main cliffs until it reaches a height of some fifty feet, when it enters a narrow gorge in the rocks, turns abruptly to the north and pushes boldly to the summit. To the east, the ground slopes gradually to the plain. To the south lies the lovely valley of Switzer's Run. The summit itself is a bare rock, with the exception of here and there a bush. Near the center of the summit is a singular rock, some six feet in diameter and two feet high, resembling in many respects, a rude altar. Tradition points out this as the place where Capt. Pipe came annuall}- to offer up a sacrifice in behalf of his murdered sister. Near the western extremity of the clifts, is a cavernous opening called the Dragon's Mouth. The upper jaw is formed b}- a ledge of rocks, which project into the air some fifteen or twent}- feet, and at an angle of about thirty-five degi'ees, the lower jaw being formed by the sloping earth. Viewed from the west, this cavern bears a striking resemblance to a huge mouth. To the right of the Dragon's Mouth is a perpendicular rock some thirty or forty feet in height, and entirely detached from the main cliff. Its sides are indented and furrowed b}- the beating storms of past ages ; its summit is crowned with shrubs and clambering vines. The solitary- rock, thus standing in monumental loneliness, has been appropriately named, in commemoration of the murdered sister of Capt.

Pike, " Onalaska's Tower." There are several other points along these cliffs worthy of notice, such, for instance, as the " Hanging Rock," " The Porch," the " Frowning Cliff," etc.

This township, like most others in the county, was heavily timbered with hard wood, and, in making their homes, the settlers were compelled to encounter this forest, as well as the bears, wolves, wildcats, and other animals that abounded. Indians were plenty, but it does not appear that the}^ committed any depredations in this township, though generally keeping the settlers in continual dread.

The first settlers followed up the Black Fork in 1809. When they came to the junction of the Black Fork and Rocky Fork, some of them continued up the former and settled in Mifflin. Among the latter were the Copuses, the Zimmers, some of the Hills, Andrew Craig and others mentioned in the history of Mifflin. Others continued up the Rocky Fork, and settled first in the neighborhood of the present village of Lucas. Among these early settlers, David Hill has the honor of being the first, and of building the first cabin in Monroe Township. It was erected on the farm for many years occupied b}' John Swigart, adjoining the village of Lucas. The place is now

> owned by Ursula Kerr. It stood on the north side of and near the railroad, on the bank of a little spring Ijrook. The following is a list of the earliest settlers of the township, so far as known : David Hill, Section 0 ; Frederick Bonenberg, Section 10 ; John G. Peterson, Section 1 ; John Lambright, Section 2 ; Mordecai Williams, Section 9 ; William Slater, Section

'35; Adam Wolfe, Section 19 ; Robert and William Stewart. Those who settled on Section 8. were William IMcLauglin, William Ra}', William Ferguson, Thomas Rigdon and Thomas McBride. Jeremiah Smart, Section 4 ; Andrew Richey ; Michael Huffman and Ebenezer Smith settled on Section 6 ; Thomas Pope and David Balliett, Section 9 : John Her aud Melzer Coulter, Section 19 ; David and Charles Sclirack, Section 34 ; David Ellis, Section 17 ; Fredei'ick Cromer and David Crawford, Section 26 ; iVbraliam Baughman, who came in 1812 or 1814, Section 25 ; Christian Grood, Section 3 ; John Douglas, Section 28 ; Frederick Switzer, Section 13 ; and Solomon Gladden, who came in 1817. Mr. Switzer came in 1817, and Mr. Douglas in 1818.

Of the settlers above named, a few came in 1809, with David Hill ; others followed in 181U and 1811, and all of them were here by 1818. Adam Wolfe came in 1816, and William Mc- Danel in 1819. both settling on Section 26. The majorit}' settled along the Rocky Fork and Switzer's Run. These, aud perhaps others whose names are not recorded, w^ere the men who laid the foundation upon which rests the prosperity and happiness of the people of ^lonroe. They came mostlj' from Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. A few were from Virginia. They were a hard}' people, inured to hardships and dangers before they came here, and were men of sterling integrity and worth, and of strong convictions. In religious belief, they were generally Lutherans. It is somewhat remarkable that, of the five churches in the township, four are Lutheran. As in other parts of the country, wherever a few settled near each other, the}' organized a school and a religious society in their cabins.

The first schoolhouse was located on the farm afterward owned by R. Oldfield, near Lucas ; now owned by Josiah Rummel. One of the earliest schoolhouses was located on Section 26. It was of hewed logs, covered with a clapboard roof, etc., as was usual in that day. Some of the teachers in this house were John Clark, John Tucker, William Wigton and Joseph Wolfe. This district embraced a large part of the township, children coming several miles through the woods to school. The same house was frequentl}' used for religious meetings, singing schools, etc. One of the first schools was also opened in the northern part of the township, near the Mount Zion Church. The school was first kept in private houses, and afterward in the log church.

One of the earliest schools was located on Michael Shinnebarger's land, and one also near what is now called the Hastings Post OflSce. This post office was established in 1829, being the first one established in the township. John Tucker was one of the early school teachers. He was a New Hampshire Yankee, and was one of Johmi}' Appleseed's converts, and also a doctor.

The Rev. Michael Schuh, one of the founders of the Mount Zion Church, was a very learned man - a German scholar, and for a long time kept a select school in the old log church, which he was instrumental in erecting, on the site of Mount Zion Church. It was a high school or seminary, and was started about 1820. Many of the influential men of the township were partially educated there. Mrs. John Swigart, before mentioned, came from Washington County, Penn., and settled near New Lisbon in 1804 ; and in what was then called the Twentysecond Township, now Orange Township, Ashland County, in 1814. She removed from there to Monroe in 1821. Solomon Gladden, John Lambright and Adam Wininger were her neighbors then. Mr. Gladden came to the township in 1816, but did not settle permanently until 1817. He was a ver}' excellent, well-informed and prominent man ; serving man}' years as Justice of the Peace, and one term in the Legislature. He was also something of a military man, commanding the Perryville rifle regiment, and serving with credit in the war of 1812.

Mrs. Swigart says that thirteen soldiers were buried on the bank of the Rocky Fork, near where the first settlement in the county was made, at Beam's Mill. These soldiers died while they were in camp near the spring there, and before the block-house was erected. They were buried on the point of the hill, above the present mill. There is nothing to mark their grave, and the spot could now be pointed out with ditficulty. These soldiers cleared off a little field there. John Swigart was for many years a Trustee of the township, and Jacob Mason was one of the first Justices of the Peace. At one time, a 3'oung couple came to him to have the marriage ceremony performed. Money was a scarce article in those da^'S, and the wouldbe husband had not the wherewith to pay for getting the knot tied. A happj' thought, however, came to his relief, and he offered the Justice a pup, which, under the circumstances, was kindly accepted and the ceremony performed. This would not seem, in the light of to-day, a sufficient compensation for a marriage ceremony, but in those days of wild animals, a good pup represented a money value not to be overlooked. Mr. Swigart served in the war of 1812, in the same compan}' with Grladden. They were in the battle of Mackinaw. Gen. Brooks cut the first road through the township, when he advanced to the seat of war in 1812. He passed the present site of Lucas, encamped there for a short time, and cleared off a little gi'ound about where the village stands. Mrs. Swigart says Brooks had about one hundred wagons, each of which were drawn b}^ six horses. One wagon was loaded with specie, with which to pay the army about Fort Meigs. The money was put up in little iron-hooped kegs. Mrs. Swigart was married in what is now Orange Township, Ashland Count}', her husband being the first school teacher in that township. The adventures of the early settlers of Monroe with the wild animals "were numerous and interesting, but space forbids more than a glance at them. The Williams family were among the earliest settlers, Mordecai Williams arriving in the county in 1810, and settling on the Rocky Fork of the ]\Iohican, west of the present site of Lucas, in 1815. Mr. Williams and his wife lived more than eighty j'ears, and raised a large family of children. One of his sons, Joseph, relates being chased by wolves, and barely escaped into the cabin. The following bear story was related to Gen. Brinkerhoff, by Solomon Gladden : Washington Chew, a son of William Chew, when a boy often years, went out to hunt the cows. In passing along the creek bottom, on the McBride farm, he came suddenly upon a black bear. As the bear refused to run, he turned and beat a hast}' retreat, the bear following. Finding he could not escape, the boy climbed a small dogwood tree. The bear came up and, after considering the matter, commenced gnawing at the roots of the tree. He continued to gnaw until the tree began to tremble and the boy gave himself up for lost, when, fortunately, a hog came grunting along, and the bear ran away after that, leaving young Chew to escape. A few days after this, Mrs. Isaac Applegate discovered a bear among their hogs, and went for assistance to her neighbor, David Crawford. Mr. Crawford took his gun and dog, went over to the cabin of Solomon Gladden, who also took his gun and dog, and the two men went on a bear hunt. They struck the trail, and after a long chase treed the bear. As it was now night, they camped at the foot of the tree, having been joined by Joseph Applegate, Hugh and Samuel Reed. Bruin was kept up the tree during the night, and in the morning Mr. Crawford fired at him. The bear fell, but did not appear to be hurt, and ran away, notwithstanding the efforts of the dogs and hunters. The chase was now a very exciting one, and the bear was soon brought to bay by the dogs. Mr. Gladden, being fleet on foot, was rather ahead of the others, and attempted to get a shot at the bear, a difficult matter, surrounded as it was by the dogs. In his haste and excitement, he fell over a log, his gun discharging itself into the ground. The bear retreated again, with the dogs hanging to, and snapping at it. As his gun was useless, Mr. Gladden caught up a club, and followed up beating the bear over the head as it turned at bay. This continued a long dis- tance, until dogs, man and bear were nearly exhausted. At length, Mr. Applegate came up with a gun, but was too tired and worried to shoot, and handed the gun to Gladden, who placed the muzzle against the bear and fired, killing it and putting an end to the chase.

Mr. Gladden brought a pack of hounds from Jefferson County at one time for the purpose of hunting wild-cats, and killed about thirty of these animals altogether. During the time these wild-cats were so plenty, Mr. David Crawford, who was troubled a great deal with them, secured a 3'oung dog, which he was anxious should be trained to hunt them, and desired to try him on a live cat, which he was unable to do. But Solomon Gladden thought he could secure one. Taking his hounds one bright September morning, he entered the woods, and had not proceeded far before the hounds struck a trail and soon treed a cat. The tree was a small one, and Gladden determined, if possible, to take it alive. He succeeded in clubbing the cat from the tree, and, after the dogs had worried it sufficiently, he seized it b}- the hind legs, drove off the dogs, placed his foot on its neck and attempted to manage it alone, but found he had caught a tartar. He could neither let go nor hold on with safety. After much maneuvering, he succeeded in getting off his suspenders, with which he tied the " varmint," and in this way carried it to Crawford's house. Mr. Gladden was full of stories like these, that picture these woods as the paradise of hunters.

^Y\\d turkeys were also ver}- plenty, and were ti'apped as well as shot. A pen for this purpose was made in different shapes, according to the fanc}' of the builder. It was generally made in the woods, of small logs, about eight or ten feet square, and covered over with bark or brush. The logs were far enough apart to admit light to the pen, but not allow the escape of a turke}-. In two or more places under the sides of the pen, the earth was removed sufficiently to allow the turkey to creep under into the pen. Considerable corn was scattered about these places of ingress, and the turkey in picking up the corn kept his head down until inside the pen. It was then caught, for it did not have sense enough to creep out the way it came. It alwaj-s looks up, instead of down, for a place of exit.

William Chew, the father of the boy who was treed by the bear, came to Monroe in 1821, and settled on Rocky Fork. He was the father of seventeen children, man}- of whom are now citizens of the township. The Mr. Applegate mentioned settled on Rocky Fork in 1822, and cleared a farm, which is now one of the finest in the township.

In 1819, the following names appear on the tax duplicate of Monroe Township, which aflfords positive evidence regarding its early settlements. It is presumed the list comprises nearly all the heads of the families in the township at that date.

In the. spring of 1817, the first election was held, and John Gr. Peterson, William McLaughlin and David Ellis were elected Trustees ; David Crawford, Treasurer.

- At the election held the succeeding fall, Thomas Pope and Andrew Richey were elected Justices of the Peace. The clerks of this election were Solomon Gladden and David Ellis. The election was held in a ca1)in on the farm afterward owned b}- Daniel Beasor, and which is yet in possession of a member of that family. Solomon Gladden was the third Justice of the Peace, and held the office fifteen years. At this first election, the candidates found much diflBculty in getting together enough voters to hold a legal election, ten being the required number. Up to 12 o'clock only nine had voted, and matters began to look serious ; the candidates were alarmed ; the fate of two Justices of the Peace was held in dreadful suspense. Nothing was impossible to a politician, however, even at that early day, and, after a solemn council, it was suggested by a brilliant wire-puller that the woods be searched for another sovereign. Frederick Sweitzer was the man who was dispatched on this mission, and soon re-appeared with Mordecai Williams, who cast the tenth vote and thus saved the country. It is \&cy evident that thej' had not then learned the art of stuflfing ballot-boxes, else they would not have taken the trouble to send for another voter.

The religious sentiment of the township is better developed than in most other townships of the county ; one of the earliest churches in Richland Count}' having been established here - Mount Zion. That friend of humanit}', Johnny Appleseed, was probably instrumental in organizing one of the first, if not the first religious societ}-. AVhile scattering apple-seeds, he also scattered religious tracts, and these, like his seeds, took root in the soil of this township and gi'ew. Mr. John Tucker, one of the oldest of Monroe's pioneers, concluded that Johnnys tracts contained as much religion as any man needed, and succeeded in organizing a society, of which David Crawford, Joseph Applegate, Henry Wyrick, John Ej'ler, George Shambaugh, their wives, and some of their children, were members. This society did not flourish, however, and after a time, ceased to exist.

The Mount Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church was the first established in the township, and among the first in the county, having been organized by a man named Ridenour soon after the war of 1 81 2. Ridenour was the first preacher, and held meetings in private houses, barns, and in the open air. It is believed the first organization was effected, and first meetings, held in the house of Michael Shinnebarger. Some of the first meml^ers were Michael Shinnebarger and wife, Michael Culler, Jacob Koogle, Adam Wininger and wife, Gerhart Sheets, a carpenter, John Ernsberger, Henry Smith, the Messrs. Keifers, Mrs. Bonenberg, John Swigart and wife. The Cullers, of which there are many families now living, both in Mifflin and Monroe, were influential in this church, as well as in the organization and building up of other Lutheran churches in this part of the county. They have been ready, it appears, with their money and influence to assist in this work. Adam Wininger, above mentioned, was the first blacksmith in the township, and located his shop on the Rocky Fork, a short distance east of Lucas. After Ridenour's time. Michael Schuh arrived, took charge of this organization, and assisted materiall}' in strengthening it. It was during his pastorate that the first church in the township was erected near the spot where Mount Zion Church now stands. It was a log church, and was erected in 1818, on a fine elevation overlooking the valley of the Black Fork. This elevation probably suggested the name of Mount Zion. This organization has always been a live, active and numerovis one. The old church was occupied until 1832, when a fraine was erected. This building was about 30x50 feet, and was erected near the old log building. Mr. Castetter and George Culler did the carpenter work, and the meinliers generally furnished the material. This Iniilding served the purpose until 1866, when the present fine frame building was erected at a cost of about $5,000. In January. 1880, thej^ finished the steeple and placed in it a good bell.

The ministers in this church, after Mr. Pchuh. were : Rev. Mr. Mohler. who preached in both English and German ; J. F. Ruth, who came from Frederick County, Md.; George Leiter, from Mansfield ; Rev. Hanich, William Emerson, Jesse Helsel, J. F. Ruth (a second term), Harmon L. Wiles, Isaiah J. Delo, G. H. Slaybaugh and John A. Hall. The present membership is about two hundred, and the contributions to charitable purposes very liberal.

The Sunday school has always been a strongone, and now numbers about one hundred members. It was organized in 1844 by William B. Miller, though spasmodic efforts had been made before that for a Sunday school. The school has always been well sustained, and is an influential institution. From Mount Zion Church have sprung five other churches, within a radius of a few miles, viz. : The Pleasant Yalle}^ Church, of Monroe ; the Petersburg Church ; the Emanuel Church, of Madison Township, near Goud3-'s Mill ; the St. John's and Lucas Churches, both of Monroe.

The St. John's Evangelical Lutheran is located near the southeast corner of the township. It was organized in 1838, hj the Rev. George Leiter, at the residence of M. Stouffer, near the present location of the church. The first meetings were held in private houses and other places until a church could be built. The original members were as follows, the list being copied from the first record-book, now in possession of the Pastor, Rev. C. S. Ernsberger : John Smith. ^lathias Stoufter. George Rummel, Samuel Hess. John Graber and wife, Elizabeth Stouffer, Mary Rummel. Nancy Smith, Peter Rummel. Samuel and Elizabeth Dome, Catharine Crouse, Mary Shellenl)erger, Louisa Zoda, Margaret Parr, and John and Ellen Rummel. The ministers, after Rev. Leiter, w'ere ReA'S. Shaffer. Hoffman. Eastman, Smith, Emerson, Ruth, Wiles, Domblazer, Earhart and Ernsberger.

The first church building was a frame, erected in 1842, at an expense of about $200 ; this was occupied until 1870. when the present comfortable and substantial brick was erected. at a cost of about $4,600. The Pastor of this church serves three other Lutheran churches, the four churches emplo3"ing the minister at about $800 per annum ; dividing the expenses among them.' The present membership is 120. A Sunda;y school was organized in 1843, and is healthy and well sustained, with a membership of about sixty. L. Ernsberger is present Superintendent.

The Pleasant Valley English Lutheran Church w'as organized in 1863, and a church erected about the same time on Section 28, near the residence of John J. Douglas. Charles Schrack donated the ground for this church, with the understanding that it should be free to all denominations when not occupied l)y the Lutherans. The principal original members were John J. Douglas, Aurelius Tucker. Lemuel Craig. George Swigart. John Swigart, Benjamin and Adam Beny, Joseph Hastings and others. The church is a neat, substantial brick, and cost about $3,000. It was erected during the war, when political matters divided the people of that, as well as other townships, and under the excitement and feeling engendered by that struggle, the regular Pastors of the other Lutheran churches in the township did not occupy its pulpit, but the feeling has now subsided, and the '- brethren dwell together in unitv."

D. I. Foust was the first minister ; D. A. Coon was also one of the earl}' ministers, after which came T. F. Dornblazer, and other regular ministers of the Lutheran Church in the circuit. Rev. C. S. Ernsberger preaches for them at the present time. The membership is about one hundred and twent^'-five.

Many years before this church was erected, a Sunday school was organized in the Hastings Schoolhouse, called the Hopewell Sunday School. It was well sustained, and when the new church was erected, moved into it. H. J. McDanel is present Superintendent, with a membership of about seventy.

The United Presbyterian Church of Monroe is a comfortable brick edifice, located on Section 30. It originated a few miles south of its present location in Worthington Township. On the records in Mansfield appears a deed, dated November 24, 1827, from William Robinson, "to Frances Johnson. John Douglas and Robert Kenton, as Trustees of the Worthington Associate Reformed Church and their successors in oflfice.'' It conveys two acres of ground in the northeast quarter of Section 18, for the purposes of this church. The organization of this church occurred some years before this, and the first church was built of logs. The original members were John Douglas, Frances Johnson, Adam Johnson, John Robinson, Robert and William Stewart, Robert Kenton, Peter Alexander, David Filloon and others.

Rev. James Johnson, of Mansfield, was one of its earliest ministers, preaching there once a month ; afterward, Rev. William Loughridge and the Rev. George Wilson, officiated ; and later. Rev. Richard Gaile}'. In 1858, it became the United Presbyterian b}" the union of the Associate and Associate Reformed, and the new church was erected in Monroe, which location was considered more central. Rev. D. H. French followed Mr. Galley in 1867. Mr. Galley was the first preacher in the new church, and opened a select school in the sameljuilding.

at which young men were prepared for college. He afterward built a small frame building near the church to which he transferred his school, and which came to be called the Monroe Seminary. Mr. Gailey afterward transferred his school to Lexington, where he died, but his daughter still continued the school. The old seminary in Monroe is occupied as a dwelling by James McCulloch, a brother of the venerable Judge McCulloch, of Mansfield.

Rev. G. M. Reed preaches in this church every three weeks. The membership is about forty-eight. For the last eight years, no Sunday school has been connected with the church.

The Rocky Fork and Black Fork furnished the settlers of Monroe with that which is so necessar}- ever3'where, but which was of great importance in a new country, and especially before steam power was understood - waterpower for milling purposes. A thing most essential to the well-being and prosperity of every community is a mill - one that will saw the lumber for dwellings, and manufacture corn and wheat into meal and flour. To-day mills can be located at any point where water can be procured from a spring or well, but in those days, before steam was used, mills were located on the banks of a stream, flowing with suflScient volume and force to turn the machiner}'. These streams were of incalculable benefit to the earliest settlers, not only to furnish water power but means of transportation to and from civilization. The Black Fork was navigable for small row-boats and scows up through Monroe into Mifflin Township, and the hunters, trappers and farmers of those daj's would load their canoes with furs, pelts and produce of diflferent kinds and travel dowm the stream to the nearest trading-place, and return with such materials as they needed, and for which the}' had exchanged their cargoes. The rapid advance of civilization, the building of mills and cutting of roads soon put an end to this, and for many years the streams have

History Of Richland Couxty

The earliest settlers in IVIonroe went to Fredericktown and IMount Vernon for their grinding, and afterward to Herring's mill at Newville, in Worthington Township. Peter Zubj' has the honor of erecting the first mill in Monroe, about a mile east of the present village of Lucas, on Rocky Fork, in 1820. It was a "little choppin' mill," as the old settlers express it, by which it is meant to convey the idea that it was a small affair and did not do fine work. It is fair to presume that a little improvement has been made in milling since that time. Mr. Zuby erected both a saw and grist mill, both of which are yet in operation, and are now known as the Doran Mills. Mills were erected from time to time, until they numbered twelve or fifteen, including saw-mills. The second saw-mill was built b^' a Mr. Ailer, half a mile from, and a little south of west of, Lucas, about 1822. This mill is still in operation, being now owned by Mr. Williams. The second gristmill was built on the Rocky Fork, half a mile east of the present village of Lucas, in 1830, by Reinhart Oldfield. Later, it was owned by Abraham Marks, and is now owned and operated by Silas Rummel. A splendid saw-mill, one of the ])est in the township, is also attached to the mill. One of the earliest sawmills was erected by the McBrides, within the present corporation of the village of Lucas, about 1820. It is still running, having been repaired and rebuilt several times. One of the earl}- saw and grist mills was that of Charles Schrack, on that pretty little tributary of the Clear Fork called Switzer's Run, in the southern part of the township. It is a water mill. The third mill in the township was built in 1830, by Mr. LaRue, on Rocky Fork, about one mile west of Lucas. It is now owned and operated b}' Mr. Mathews. In 1835, John Swigart liuilt a saM^-mill on Thompson's Run, below and near the Hastings Post

Office. Jacob Culler also built a saw-mill in 1832, on the Rocky Fork, below the old Zuby mill, and still further down the stream is a sawmill built by the Beasores about 1855, now known as the Mower's Mill. About 1846, John Culler built a woolen-mill one and a half miles east of Lucas, near Jacob Culler's sawmill. It has never done a large business, but is yet, occasionally, in operation.

Monroe can boast of only one village at present - Lucas - though an attempt was made man}' years ago to start a town at what is known as the Six Corners, near the center of the township, where a number of roads cross. Mr. William Wigton owned the land where a village was blocked out, which was first called Mechanicsburg, and afterward Pinhook. Mr. Wigton came to the township in 1826, and was Justice of the Peace sixteen 3'ears. Christian Welty bought an acre of gi'ound of JMr. Wigton, laid out the town, the plat of which was, however, never placed on record. Mr. Welt}' built the first house, and worked as carpenter in the neighborhood. Soon after, James Greer built a two-story blacksmithshop, and the town gi-ew until it contained five or six dwellings, a grocery, a few shops. a post office, called Six Corners ; and a hotel, kept for some time by William B. Miller. At present, no liusiness is done there, and only about three occupied dwellings and the blacksmith-shop, remain of the town. The post office has disappeared. Soon after it Avas started, an eccentric character by the name of Nicholas Swarenger, came along and gave it the name of "Pinhook," which name the place will probabl}' retain as long as time shall last.

Lucas was laid out in 1836, by John Tucker, before mentioned, who acted as agent for his brother David, the proprietor of the town. It is pleasantly situated, about seven miles southeast of Mansfield, on the Pennsylvania Central Railroad, and on the Rock}' Fork of the Mohican. It is on the west half of the southeast quarter of Section 8. The first lots were sold at auction, and the first house, built by James King, is yet standing near the lower end of the village, on the east side of Main street, a few doors below the Monroe House - Lot No. 2. The fii'st store in the place was opened by Mr. King in this building. Gen. Brooks encamped on this spot on his way to the seat of war in 1812, cleared off a little patch of ground here and cut the first road. The place was named in honor of Gov. Lucas, of Ohio. The frame hotel called the Monroe House is probably the second house in the village, and has been used for hotel purposes ever since it was built, having been several times repaired and enlarged. It stands at the intersection of the two roads that cross in the village, and has never yet had a competitor in the business. A majoritj- of the first settlers in Monroe located their lands along the Rocky Fork, near the site of Lucas, and two of the earliest schoolhouses were built in this neighborhood, not far apart, one called the McBride, and the other the Williams Schoolhouse. These served the purpose until the village was incorcorporated, when a two-story frame schoolhouse was erected by the corporation. In 1877,, this was moved up on Main street and is occupied by 3Ir. Swigart as a wagon-shop, and a fine brick was erected for school purposes. This building is three stories in height and cost about $6,000. The two lower stories are used for the schools, and the upper occupied by the Odd Fellows. Three teachers are employed, ^larian Douglas, son of J. J. Douglas, being Principal. The buiding was erected by John Charles. Lucas can only boast of one church at present. The first church organized in the place was a Baptist, about 1830, by Rev. James Johnson. The first organization occurred in a schoolhouse, and for several years meetings were held in this house ; but they succeeded, in 1838, in erecting a frame church. The original members of this society were Alexander Lakin,

James Hewlit, Cornelius Bartelow, Thomas MofRtt, Peter Sweitzer, and others. After a time, the older meml)ers moving awa}', the organization was broken up and the church sold.

Rev. S. B. Leiter also organized a German Reformed Church here at an earl}' day ; they worshiped in the Baptist Church, and, afterward, when that church was sold, joined with the Lutherans in building the old frame church that stood on the hill where the new brick now stands. This was called a union church, was built in 1846, and occupied by both denominations. The German Reformed organization did not last, however, and the church finally came into possession of the Lutherans, who, in 1872, built the only church now in the village. It is a substantial brick, and is not yet entirely finished. This church was organized about 1850, and originated, as before mentioned, from the Mount Zion Church. The original members were David Balliet, Samuel Henry, Samuel Barr, David Henry, David Leiter, John Cronie and others. The first Pastor was Rev. W. A. G. Emerson, followed by Revs. Jesse Helsell, F. J. Ruth, H, L. Wiles, and others before named in connection with the other Lutheran churches in the township. Rev. C. S. Ernsberger is present Pastor. The membership is about one hundred and thirty. x\s is the case with the other Lutheran churches in this vicinity, a large and healthy Sunday school is maintained. It is a union school, the children of all religious denominations attending ; the present eni'ollment of pupils being 164. Jacob Leiter is Superintendent.

Lucas is about half a mile long, but without much width, being built principall}- on either side of a single street. It contains three blacksmith-shops, one hotel, one wagon-shop, four doctors - Bowles, Mecklen, Conway and Skeggs ; and three stores, kept by I. C. Charles, Myers & Son, and W. W. Lemon. Charles keeps groceries and notions in the brick block on the corner, at the intersection of the two streets. Mj'ei'S &

Son carry a stock of dry goods, groceries and general merchandise, keeping what is called a "country' store," a general assortment of of everything country people want ; W. W. Lemon carries a large stock of the same class of goods. These stores are well sustained, and business does not appear to be overdone.

1,765. In 1870, it is found to have decreased in numbers for some reason, the census showing a population of 1,572. Probably the war of the rebellion had something to do with this decrease. Considering the extent of available territory' in this country, and the cheap lands of the West, anj^ great changes in the population cannot be expected.

Source changes here: from History of Richland County Ohio, by A.a. Graham, published 1880; 6,475 words in this source stream.

Monroe Township

- 1817, out of the north half of Worthington. It contains thirty-six square miles, and corners with the southeast corner of Madison, having Washington on the west, Worthington on the south, and Mifflinonthenorth. Partof the north and all of the east line joins Ashland County. Its general surface is broken, and in places even hilly, but the land is generally fertile, producing large crops of everything It is well watered with numerous springs and running streams. The beautiful Clear Fork crosses the southeast corner ; it only gives Monroe a short call. Switzer's Run, a tributary of the Clear Fork, crosses the southwestern portion of the township, and Rocky Fork and its tributaries and a portion of the Black Fork water all the northern part. The Rocky and Black Forks of the Mohican unite in the eastern part of the township. The Pennsylvania Central Railroad enters the township on its eastern line with the Black Fork, follows that stream to its junction with the Rocky Fork and continues up the latter stream to Lucas; thence it turns north, leaving the township near its northwest corner. , There is much beautiful natural scenery in this township, although in that respect it may not quite equal Mifflin, but the country along Switzer's Run, and thé valleys of the Clear and Black Forks, are lovely to look upon, and were thoroughly occupied and appreciated by the Indians, as they now are by a more cultivated Among the landmarks worth mentionraised from the soil of Ohio.

rocks is situated in the southern part of the township. near the center of Section 28, about two hundred yards northeast of the residerge of J. J. Douglas. The Lexington & Pett? | ville road curves around the base of the rocks; but a fair view of them cannot be had. Aron : the road; to appreciate the beauty and: pie Bae esqueness of the spot, one must climby py | among them. 'They derive their name from old | Capt. Pike. the noted Indian chieftain, who figured prominently in the early Indian wars, and was for many years an inveterate enemy of the white race, until finding further resistance useless, he buried the hatchet, signed the treaty of Greenville, and was ever after a firm friend of the whites. In the war of 1812, when the British attempted to secure the seryices of this chieftain, he nobly replied: "When I signed the treaty of Greenville, it was understood that I was not again to take up the hatchet while the trees grow and the water runs;" and he kept his word. "Mrs. Swigart, still living in Lucas at the age of eighty-three, remembers Capt. Pipe very well, and says, the last time she saw him, he told her he was about one hundred years old. It is said that a scouting party under Capt. Broadhead, or belonging to his expedition, while passing through this section, discovered a party of Indians seated upon some portions of the rocks belonging to Pipe's Cliff, and unobserved by them, approached within shooting distance and fired upon the party, killing a sister of

Capt. Pipe, who happened to be among them ; and that this tragedy gave the place its name, but there is a doubt as to the correctness of this story. Aside from any Indian traditions, however, these rocks are well worth a visit. At the eastern extremity of Pipe's Cliff a projecting rock rises full one hundred feet above the valley below, and affords a magnificent view 'ef the surrounding country. The summit of this rock is about forty feet in diameter, is connected with the main cliff on the north, and can be reached from either side. From the west, a narrow pathway winds up along the brow of the main cliffs until it reaches a height of some fifty feet, when it enters a narrow gorge in the rocks, turns abruptly to the north and pushes boldly to the summit. 'To the east, the ground slopes gradually to the plain. To the south lies the lovely valley of Switzer's Run. The summit itself is a bare rock, with the exception of here and there a bush. Near the center of the summit is a singular rock, some six feet in diameter and two feet high, resembling in many respects, a rude altar. Tradition points out this as the place where Capt. Pipe came annually to offer up a sacrifice in behalf of his murdered sister. Near the western extremity of the cliffs, is a cavernous opening called the Dragon's Mouth. The upper jaw is formed by a ledge of rocks, which project into the air some fifteen or twenty feet, and at an angle of about thirty-five degrees, the lower jaw being formed by the sloping earth. Viewed from the west, this cavern bears a strjking resemblance to a huge mouth.

To the right of the Dragon's Mouth is a perpendicular rock seme thirty or forty feet in height, and entirely detached from the main cliff Its sides are indented and furrowed by the beating storms of past ages; its summit is crowned with shrubs and clambering vines. The solitary rock, thus standing in monumental loneliness, has been appropriately named, in commemoration of the murdered sister of Capt.

Pike, "Onalaska's Tower." There are several other points along these cliffs worthy of notice, such, for instance, as the "Hanging Rock," "The Porch,' the "Frowning Cliff," etc.

This township, like most others in the county, was heavily timbered with hard wood, and, in making their homes, the settlers were compelled to encounter this forest, as well as the bears, wolves, wildcats, and other animals that abounded. Indians were plenty, but it does not appear that they committed any depredations in this township, though generally keeping the settlers in continual dread.

The first settlers followed up the Black Fork in 1809.. When they came to the junction of the Black Fork and Rocky Fork, some of them continued up the former and settled in Mifflin. Among the latter were the Copuses, the Zimmers, some of the Hills, Andrew Craig and others mentioned in the history of Mifflin. Others continued up the Rocky Fork, and settled first in the neighborhood of the present village of Lucas. Among these early settlers, David. Hill has the honor of being the first, and of building the first cabin in Monroe Township. It was erected .on the farm for many years occupied by John Swigart, adjoining the village of Lucas. The place is now owned by Ursula Kerr. It stood on the north side of and near the railroad, on the bank of a little spring brook. The following is a list of the earliest settlers of the township, so far as known: Dayid Hill, Section 9; Frederick Bonenberg, Section 10; John G. Peterson, Section 1; John Lambright, Section 2; Mordecai Williams, Section 9; William Slater, Section 35; Adam Wolfe, Section 19 ; Robert and William Stewart. Those who settled on Section 8, were, William McLauglin, William Ray, Will iam Ferguson, Thomas Rigdon and Thomas McBride. Jeremiah Smart, Section 4; Andrew Richey; Michael Huffman and Ebenezer Smith settled on Section 6; Thomas Pope and David Balliett, Section 9; John Ler

_and Melzer Coulter, Section 19; David and Charles Schrack, Section 34; David Ellis, Section 17; Frederick Cromer and David Crawford, Section 26; Abraham' Baughman, who came in 1812 or 1814, Section 25; Christian Good, Section 3; John Douglas, Section 28 ; Frederick Switzer, Section 13; and Solomon Gladden, who came in 1817. Mr. Switzer came in 1817, and Mr. Douglas in 1818.

Of the settlers above named, a few came in 1809, with David Hill ; others followed in 1810 and 1811, and all of them were here by 1818. Adam Wolfe came in 1816, and William Mc- Danel in 1819, both settling on Section 26. The majority settled along the Rocky Fork and Switzerss Run. These, and perhaps others whose names are not recorded, were the men who laid the foundation upon which rests the prosperity and happiness of the people of Monroe. They came mostly from Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. A few were from Virginia. They were a hardy people, inured to hardships and dangers before they came here, and were men of sterling integrity and worth, and of strong convictions. In religious belief, they were generally Lutherans. It is somewhat remarkable that, of the five churches in the township, four are Lutheran. As in other parts of the country, wherever a few settled near each other, they organized a school and a religious society in their cabins.

The first schoolhouse was located on the farm afterward owned by R. Oldfield, near Lucas ; now owned by Josiah Rummel. One of the earliest schoolhouses was located on Section 26. Itwas of hewed logs, covered with a clapboard roof, etc., as was usual in that day. Some of the teachers in this house were John Clark, John Tucker, William Wigton and Joseph Wolfe. This district embraced a large part of the township, children coming several miles through the woods to school. The same house was frequently used for religious meetings, singing schools, etc. One of the first schools was also opened in the northern part of the township. near the Mount Zion Church. The school was first kept in private houses. | and afterward in the log church.

One of the earliest schools was located on Michael Shinnebarger's land, and one also near what is now called the Hastings Post Office. This post office was established in 1829, being the first one established in the township. John Tucker was one of the early school teachers. He was a New Hampshire Yankee, and was one of Johnny Appleseed's converts, and also a doctor.

The Rev. Michael Schuh, one of the founders of the Mount Zion Church, was a very learned man - a German scholar. and for a long time kept a select school in the old log church, which he was instrumental in erecting, on the site of Mount Zion Church. It was a high school or seminary, and was started about 1820. Many of the influential men of the township were partially educated there. Mrs. John Swigart, before mentioned, came from Washington County, Penn., and settled near New Lisbon in 1804 ; and in what was then called the Twentysecond Township, now Orange Township. Ashland County, in 1814. She removed from there to Monroe in 1821. Solomon Gladden. John Lambright and Adam Wininger were her neighbors then. Mr. Gladden came to the township in 1816, but did not settle permanently until | 1817. He was a very excellent, well-informed and prominent man; serving many years as Justice of the Peace, and one term in the Legislature. He was also something of a military man, commanding the Perryville rifle regiment, and serving with credit in the war of 1812.

Mrs. Swigart says that thirteen soldiers were buried on the bank of the Rocky Fork, near where the first settlement in the county was made, at Beam's Mill. These soldiers died while they were in camp near the spring there, and before the block-house was erected. They were buried on the point of the hill, above the present mill. There is nothing to mark their grave, and the spot could now be pointed out with difficulty. These soldiers cleared off a little field there. John Swigart: was for many years a Trustee of the township, and Jacob Mason was one of the first Justices of the Peace. At one time, a young couple came to him to have the marriage ceremony performed. Money was a scarce article in those days, and the wouldbe husband had not the wherewith to pay for getting the knot tied. A happy thought, however, came to his relief, and he offered the Justice a pup, which, under the circumstances, was kindly accepted and the ceremony performed. This would not seem, in the light of | to-day, a sufficient compensation for a marriage ceremony, but in those days of wild animals, a good pup represented a money value not to be overlooked. Mr. Swigart served in the war of 1812, in the same company with Gladden. They were in the battle of Mackinaw. Gen. Brooks cut the first road through the township, when he advanced to the seat of war in 1812. He passed the present site of Lucas, encamped there for a short time, and cleared off a little ground about where the village stands. Mrs. Swigart says Brooks had about one hundred wagons, each of which were drawn by six horses. One wagon was loaded with specie, with which to pay the army about Fort Meigs. The money was put up in little iron-hooped kegs. Mrs. Swigart was married in what is now Orange Township, Ashland County, her husband being the first school teacher in that township. The adventures of the early settlers of Monroe with the wild animals were numerous and interesting, but space forbids more than a glance at them. The Williams family were among the earliest settlers, Mordecai Williams arriving in the county in 1810, and settling on the Rocky Fork | of the Mohican, west of the present site of Lucas, in 1815. Mr. Williams and his wife lived more than eighty years, and raised a large family of children. One of his sons, Joseph, re-

| into the cabin. The following bear story was related to Gen. Brinkerhoff, by Solomon Gladden : Washington Chew, ason of William Chew, whena boy of ten years, went out to hunt the cows. In passing along the creek bottom, on the McBride farm, he came suddenly upon a black bear. As the bear refused to run, he turned and beat a | hasty retreat, the bear following. Finding he could not escape, the boy climbed a small dogwood tree. The bear came up and, after considering the matter, commenced gnawing at the roots of the tree. He continued to gnaw until the tree began to tremble and the boy gave himself up for lost, when, fortunately, a hog | came grunting along, and the bear ran away after that, leaving young Chew to escape. <A few days after this, Mrs. Isaac Applegate discovered a bear among their hogs, and went for assistance to her neighbor, David Crawford. Mr. Crawford took his gun and dog, went over to the cabin of Solomon Gladden, who also took his gun and dog, and the two men went on a bear hunt. They struck the trail, and after a long chase treed the bear. As it was now night, they camped at the foot of the tree, having been joined by Joseph Applegate, Hugh and Samuel Reed. Bruin was kept up the tree during the night, and in the morning Mr. Crawford fired at him. The bear fell, but did not appear to be hurt, and ran away, notwithstanding the efforts of the dogs and hunters. The chase was now a very exciting one, and the bear was soon brought to bay by the dogs. Mr. Gladden, being fleet on foot, was rather ahead of the others, and attempted to get a shot at the bear, a difficult matter, surrounded as it was by the dogs. In his haste and excitement, he fell over a log, his gun discharging itself into the ground. The bear retreated again, with the dogs hanging to, and snapping at it. As his gun was useless, Mr. Gladden caught up a club, and followed up beating the bear over the head as it turned at bay. This continued a long dis- tance, until dogs, man and bear were nearly exhausted. At length, Mr. Applegate came up with a gun, but was too tired and worried to shoot, and handed the gun to Gladden, who placed the muzzle against the bear and fired, killing it and putting an end to the chase.

Mr. Gladden brought a pack of hounds from Jefferson County at one time for the purpose of hunting wild-cats, and killed about thirty of these animals altogether. During the time these wild-cats were so plenty, Mr. David Crawford, who was troubled a great deal with them, secured a young dog, which he was anxious should be trained to hunt them, and desired to « try him on a live cat, which he was unable to do. But Solomon Gladden thought he could secure one. Taking his hounds one bright September morning, he entered the woods, and had not proceeded far before the hounds struck a trail and soon treed a cat. The tree was a small one, and Gladden determined, if possible, to take it alive. He succeeded in clubbing the cat from the tree, and, after the dogs had worried it sufficiently, he seized it by the hind legs, drove off the dogs, placed his. foot on its neck and attempted to manage it alone, but found he had caught a tartar. He could neither let go nor hold on with safety. After much maneuvering, he succeeded in getting off his suspenders, with which he tied the "varmint," and in this way carried it to Crawford's house. Mr. Gladden was full of stories like these, that picture these woods as. the paradise of hunters.

Wild turkeys were also very plenty, and were trapped as well as shot. A pen for this purpose was made in different shapes, according to the fancy of the builder. It was generally made in the woods, of small logs, about eight or ten feet square, and covered over with bark or brush. The logs were far enough apart to admit light to the pen, but' not allow the escape of a turkey. sides of the pen, the earth was removed sufficiently to allow the turkey to creep under into the pen. Considerable corn was scattered about these places of ingress, and the turkey in picking up the corn kept his head down until inside the pen. It was then caught, for it did not have sense enough to creep out the way it came. It always looks up, instead of down, for a place of exit.

William Chew, the father of the boy who was treed by the bear, came to Monroe in 1821, and settled on Rocky Fork. He was the father of seventeen children, many of whom are now citizens of the township. The Mr. Applegate mentioned settled on Rocky Fork in 1822, and cleared a farm, which is now one of the finest in the township. ~

In 1819, the following names appear on the tax duplicate of Monroe Township, which affords positive evidence regarding its early settlements. It is presumed the list comprises nearly all the

In the spring of 1817, the first election was | held, and John G. Peterson, William McLaughlin and David Ellis were elected Trustees ; David Crawford, Treasurer.

At the election held the succeeding fall. Thomas Pope and Andrew Richey were elected Justices of the Peace. The clerks of this election were Solomon Gladden and David Ellis. The election was held in a cabin on the farm afterward owned by Daniel Beasor, and which is yet in possession of a member of that family. Solomon Gladden was the third Justice of the Peace, and held the office fifteen years. At this first election, the candidates found much difficulty in getting together enough voters to | hold a legal election, ten being the required number. Upto 12 o'clock only nine had voted, and matters began to look serious; the candidates were alarmed ; the fate of two Justices of the Peace was held in dreadful suspense. . Nothing was impossible to a politician, however, even at that early day, and, after a solemn council, it was suggested by a brilliant wire-puller that the woods be searched for another sove- 'reign. Frederick Sweitzer was the man who was dispatched on this mission, and soon re-appeared with Mordecai Williams, who cast the tenth vote and thus saved the country. It is very evident that they had not then learned the art of stuffing ballot-boxes, else they would not have taken the trouble to send for another voter.

The religious sentiment of the township is better developed than in most other townships of the county ; one of the earliest churches in Richland County having been established here - Mount Zion. That friend of humanity, Johnny Appleseed, was probably instrumental in organizing one of the first, if not the first religious society. While scattering apple-seeds, he also scattered religious tracts, and these, like his seeds, took root in the soil of this township of Monroe's pioneers, concluded that Johnny's tracts contained as much religion as any man needed, and succeeded in organizing a society, of which David Crawford, Joseph Applegate, Henry Wyrick, John Eyler. George Shambaugh, their wives, and some of their children, were members.. This society did not flourish, however, and after a time, ceased to exist.

The Mount Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church was the first established in the township, and among the first in the county, having been organized by a man named Ridenour soon after the war of 1812. Ridenour was the first preacher, and held meetings in private houses, barns, and in the open air. It is believed the first organization was effected, and first meetings, held in the house of Michael Shinnebarger. Some of the first members were Michael Shinnebarger and wife, Michael Culler, Jacob Koogle, Adam Wininger and wife, Gerhart Sheets, a carpenter, John Ernsberger, Henry Smith, the Messrs. Keifers, Mrs. Bonenberg, John Swigart and wife. The Cullers, of which there are many families now living, both in Mifflin and Monroe, were influential in this church, as well as in the organization and building up of other Lutheran churches in this part of the county. They have been ready, it appears, with their money and influence to assist in this work. Adam Wininger, above mentioned, was the first blacksmith in the township, and located his shop on the Rocky Fork, a short distance east of Lucas. After Ridenour's time, Michael Schuh arrived, took charge of this organization, and assisted materially in strengthening it. It was during his pastorate that the first church in the township was erected near the spot where Mount Zion Church now stands. It was a log church, and was erected iX 1818, on a fine elevation overlooking the valley of the Black Fork. This elevation probably suggested the name of Mount Zion. -This organization has always been a live, active and numerous one. The old church was occupied until 1832, when a frame was erected. This building was about 30x50 feet, and was erected near the old log building. Mr. Castetter and George Culler did the carpenter work, and the members generally furnished the material. This building served the purpose until 1866, when the present fine frame building was erected at a cost of about $5,000. In January, 1880, they finished the steeple and placed in it a good bell.

The ministers in this church, after Mr. Schuh, were: Rev. Mr. Mohler, who preached in both English and German; J. F. Ruth, who came from Frederick County, Md.; George 'Leiter, from Mansfield ; Rev. Hanich, William Emerson, Jesse Helsel, J. F. Ruth (a second term), Harmon L. Wiles, Isaiah J. Delo, G. H. Slaybaugh and John A. Hall. The present membership is about two hundred, and the contributions to charitable purposes very liberal. ;

The Sunday school has always been a strong one, and now numbers about one hundred members. It was organized in 1844 by William B?' Miller, though spasmodic efforts had been made before that for a Sunday school. The school has always been well sustained, and is an influential institution. From Mount Zion Church have sprung five other churches, within a radius of a few miles, viz.: The Pleasant Valley Church, of Monroe ; the Petersburg Church ; the Emanuel: Church, of Madison Township, near Goudy's Mill; the St. John's and Lucas Churches, both of Monroe.

The St. John's Evangelical Lutheran is located near the southeast corner of the township. It was organized in 1838, by the Rev. George Leiter, at the residence of M. Stouffer, near the present location of the church. The first meetings were held in private houses and

_ Other places until a church could be built. The original members were as follows, the list being copied from the first record-book, now in possession of the Pastor, Rev. C. 8. Ernsberger: John Smith, Mathias Stouffer. George Rummel, Samuel Hess. John Graber and wife. Elizabeth Stouffer, Mary Rummel. Nancy Smith, Peter Rummel, Samuel and Elizabeth Dome, Catharine Crouse, Mary Shellenberger, Louisa Zoda, Margaret Parr. and John and Ellen Rummel. The ministers. after Rey. Leiter, were Revs. Shaffer, Hoffman, Eastman. Smith, Emerson, Ruth. Wiles, Domblazer, Earhart and Ernsberger.

The first church building was a frame, erected in 1842, at an expense of about $200; this was occupied until 1870. when the present comfortable and substantial brick was erected, at a cost of about $4,600. The Pastor of this church serves three other Lutheran churches, the four churches employing the minister at about $800 per annum ; dividing the expenses among them. The present membership is 120. A Sunday school was organized in 1843, and is healthy and well sustained, with a membership of about sixty. L. Ernsberger is present Superintendent.

The Pleasant Valley English . Lutheran Church was organized in 1863, and a church erected about the same time on Section 28, near the residence of John J. Douglas. Charles Schrack donated the ground for this church, with the understanding that it should be free to all denominations when not occupied by the Lutherans. The principal original members were John J. Douglas, Aurelius Tucker, Lemuel Craig, George Swigart, John Swigart, Benjamin and Adam Berry, Joseph Hastings and others. The church is a neat, substantial brick, and cost about $3,000. It was erected during the war, when political matters divided the people of that, as well as other townships, and under the excitement and feeling engendered by that struggle, the regular Pastors of the other Lutheran ehurches in the township did not occupy its pulpit, but the feeling has now subsided, and the " brethren dwell together in unity."

D. I. Foust was the first minister; D. A. Coon was also one of the early ministers, after which came T. F. Dornblazer, and other regular ministers of the Lutheran Church in the circuit. Rey. C.S. Ernsberger preaches for them at the present time. The membership is about one hundred and twenty-five.

Many years before this church was erected, a Sunday school was organized in the Hastings Schoolhouse, called the Hopewell Sunday School. It was well sustained, and when the new chureh was erected, moved into it. H. J. McDanel is present Superintendent, with a membership of about seventy.

The United Presbyterian Church of Monroe is a comfortable brick edifice, located on Section 30. It originated a few miles south of its present location in Worthington Township. On the records in Mansfield appears a deed, dated November 24, 1827, from William Robinson, "to Frances Johnson, John Douglas and Robert Kenton, as Trustees of the Worthington Associate Reformed Church and their successors in office." It conveys two acres of ground in the northeast quarter of Section 18, for the purposes of this church. The organization of this church occurred some years before this, and the first church was built of logs. The original members were John Douglas, 'Frances Johnson, Adam Johnson, John Robinson, Robert and William Stewart, Robert Kenton, Peter Alexander, David Filloon and others.

Rev. James Johnson, of Mansfield, was one ~ of its earliest ministers; preaching there once a month ; afterward, Rev. William Loughridge and the Rev. George Wilson, officiated ; and later, Rev. Richard Gailey. In 1858, it became the United Presbyterian by the union of the Associate and Associate Reformed, and the new eburch was 'erected in Monroe, which location was considered more central. Rev. D. H. French: followed Mr. Gailey in 1867. Mr. Gailey was the first preacher in the new church, | and opened a select school in the same building, at which young men were prepared for college. He afterward built a small frame building near tne church to which he transferred his school. and which came to be called the Monroe Seminary. Mr. Gailey afterward transferred his school to Lexington, where he died, but his daughter still continued the school. The old seminary in Monroe is occupied as a dwelling by James McCulloch, a brother of the venerable Judge McCulloch, of Mansfield.

Rey. G. M. Reed preaches in this church every three weeks. The membership is about forty-eight. For the last eight years, no Sunday school has been connected with the church.

The Rocky Fork and Black Fork furnished the settlers of Monroe with that which is so necessary everywhere, but which was of great importance in a new country, and especially before steam power was understood - waterpower for milling purposes. A thing most essential to the well-being and prosperity of every community is a mill - one that will saw the lumber for dwellings, and manufacture corn and wheat into meal and flour. To-day mills can be located at any point where water can be procured from a spring or well, but in those days, before steam was used, mills weré located on the banks of a stream, flowing with sufficient volume and force to turn the machinery. These streams were of incalculable benefit to the earliest settlers, not only to furnish water power but means of transportation to-and from civilization. The Black Fork was navigable for small row-boats and scows up through Monroe into Mifflin Township, and the hunters, trappers and farmers of those days would load their canoes with furs, pelts and produce of different kinds and travel down the stream to the nearest trading-place, and return with such materials as they needed, «nd for which they had exchanged their cargoes. The rapid advance of civilization, the building of mills and cutting of roads soon put an end to this, and for many years the streams have

History

The earliest settlers in Monroe went to Fredericktown and Mount Vernon for their grinding, and afterward to Herring's mill at Newville, in Worthington Township. Peter Zuby has the honor of erecting the first mill in Monroe, about a mile east of the present village of Lucas, on Rocky Fork, in 1820. It was a "little choppin' mill," as the old settlers express it, by which it is meant to convey the idea that it was a small affair and did not do fine work. It is fair to presume that a little improvement has been made in milling since that time. Mr: Zuby erected both a saw and grist mill, both of which are yet in operation, and are now known as the Doran Mills. Mills were erected from time to time, until they numbered twelve or fifteen, including saw-mills. The second saw-mill was built by a Mr. Ailer, half a mile from, and a little south of west of, Lucas, about 1822. This mill is still in operation, being now owned by Mr. Williams. The second gristmill was built on the Rocky Fork, half a mile east of the present village of Lucas, in 1830, by Reinhart Oldfield. Later, it was owned by "Abraham Marks, and is now owned and opera- | ted by Silas Rummel. A splendid saw-mill, one of the best in the township, is also attached to the mill. One of the earliest sawmills was erected by the McBrides, within the present corporation of the village of Lucas, abqut 1820. It is still running, having been repaired and rebuilt several times. One of the early saw and grist mills was that of Charles Schrack, on that pretty little tributary of the Clear Fork called Switzer's Run, in the southern part of the township. It is a water mill. The third mill in the township was built in 1830, by Mr. LaRue, on Rocky Fork, about one mile west of Lucas. It is now owned and operated by Mr. Mathews. In 1835, John Swigart built a saw-mill on Thompson's Run, below and near the Hastings Post

Office. Jacob Culler also built a saw-mill in 1832, on the Rocky Fork, below the old Zuby mill, and still further down the stream is a sawmill built by the Beasores about 1835, now known as the Mower's Mill. About 1846, John Culler built a woolen-mill one and a half miles east of Lucas, near Jacob Culler's sawmill. It has never done a large business, but is yet, occasionally, in operation.

Monroe can boast of only one village at present - Lucas - though an attempt was made many years ago to start a town at what is known as the Six Corners, near the center of the township, where a number of roads cross.

village was blocked out, which was first called Mechanicsburg, and afterward Pinhook. Mr. Wigton came to the township in 1826, and was Justice of the Peace sixteen years. Christian Welty bought an acre of ground of Mr. Wigton, laid out the town, the plat of which was, however, never placed on record. Mr. Welty built the first house, and worked as carpenter -in the neighborhood. Soon after, James Greer built a two-story blacksmithshop, and the town grew until it contained five or six dwellings, a grocery, a few shops, a post office, called Six Corners; and a hotel, kept for some time by William B. Miller. At present, no business is done there, and only about three occupied dwellings and the blacksmith-shop, remain of the town. The post office has disappeared. Soon after it was started, an eccentric character by the name of Nicholas Swarenger, came along and gave it the name of " Pinhook," which name the place will probably retain as long as time shall last.

Lucas was laid out in 1836, by John Tucker, before mentioned, who acted as agent. for his brother David, the proprietor of the town. It is pleasantly situated, about seven miles southeast of Mansfield, on the Pennsylvania Central Railroad, and on the Rocky Fork of the Mohican. It is on the west half of the southeast quarter of Section 8. The first lots were sold at auction, and the first house. built by* James King. is yet standing near the lower end of the yillage, on the east side of Main street, a few doors below the Monroe House - Lot No. 2. The first store in the place was opened by Mr. King in this building. Gen. Brooks encamped on this spot on his way to the seat of war in 1812, cleared off a little patch of ground here and cut the first road. The place was named in honor of Goy. Lucas, of Ohio. The frame hotel called the Monroe House is probably the second house in the village, and has been used for hotel purposes ever since it was built, having been several times repaired and enlarged. It stands at the intersection of the two roads that cross in the village, and has never yet had a competitor in the business. A majority of the first settlers in Monroe located their lands along the Rocky Fork, near the site of Lucas. and two of the earliest schoolhouses were built in this neighborhood, not far apart, one called the McBride, and the other the Williams Schoolhouse. These served the purpose until the village was incorcorporated, when a two-story frame schoolhouse was erected by the corporation. In 1877, this was moved up on Main street and is occupied by Mr. Swigart as a wagon-shop, and a fine brick was erected for school purposes. This building is three stories in height and cost about $6,000. The two lower stories are used for the schools, and the upper occupied by the Odd Fellows. Three teachers are employed, Marian Douglas, son of J. J. Douglas, being Principal. The buiding was erected by John Charles. Lucas can only boast of one church at present. The first church organized in the place was a Baptist, about 1830, by Rev. James Johnson. The first organization occurred in a schoolhouse, and for several years meetings were held in this house; but they succeeded, in 1838, in erecting a frame church. The original members of this society were Alexander Lakin,

Rey. S. B. Leiter also organized a German Reformed Church here at an early day; they worshiped in the Baptist Church, and, afterward, when that church was sold, joined with the Lutherans in building the old frame church that stood on the hill where the new brick now stands. This was called a union church, was built in 1846, and occupied by both denominations. The German Reformed organization did not last, however, and the church finally came into possession of the Lutherans, who, in 1872, built the only church now in the village. It is a substantial brick, and is not yet entirely finished. This church was organized about 1850, and originated, as before mentioned, from the Mount Zion Church. The original members were David Balliet, Samuel Henry, Samuel Barr, David Henry, David Leiter, John Crome and others. The first Pastor was Rev. W. A. G. Emerson, followed by Revs. Jesse Helsell, F. J. Ruth, H, L. Wiles, and others before named in connection with the other Lutheran churches in the township. Rey. C. S. Ernsberger is present Pastor. The membership is about one hundred and thirty. As is the case with the other Lutheran churches in this vicinity, a large and healthy Sunday school is maintained. It is a union school, the children of all religious denominations attending ; the present enrollment of pupils being 164. Jacob Leiter is Superintendent.

Lucas is about half a mile long, but without much width, being built principally on either side of a single street. It contains three blacksmith-shops, one hotel, one wagon-shop, four doctors - Bowles, Mecklen, Conway and Skeggs ; and three stores, kept by I. ©. Charles, Myers & Son,and W.W. Lemon. Charles keeps groceries and notions in the brick block on the corner, at the intersection of the two streets. Myers &

Son carry a stock of dry goods, groceries and general merchandise, keeping what is called a "country store,' a general assortment of of everything country people want; W. W. Lemon carries a large stock of the same class of goods. These stores are well sustained, and business does not appear to be overdone.

1,765. In 1870, it is found to have decreased in numbers for some reason, the census showing a population of 1,572. Probably the war of the rebellion had something to do with this decrease. Considering the extent of available territory in this country, and the cheap lands of the West, any great changes in the population cannot be expected.

Source changes here: from History of Richland County Ohio, by A.j. Baughman, published 1908; 3,207 words in this source stream.

Monroe Township

Monroe township ix six miles square and was organized February 11. 1817. The surface is broken, but the land is generally fertile. productive of crops upon uplands and valleys. The township has abundant water supply. both of running streams and flowing springs. The Clearfork of the Mohican flows across the southeast corner; the Blackfork across the northeast part: the Rockyfork through the northern part, and Switzer's run diagonally through the southwest part of the township. Of the gushing spring+. Schrack's. on the northeast quarter of section 34, and the Sheehy spring on the southeast quarter of section 22. have the greatest outputs. .\ few of those of less flow are:

The first settler was David Hill, who built the first cabin in the township. The site of this cabin is on the southwest quarter of section 9. where Silas Rummel now lives.

The following is a partial list of the early settlers: David Hill. section 9; Frederick Bonenberg, section 10; John G. Peterson. section 1; John Lambright, section 2; Mordecai Williams, section 35; Abraham Baughman, section 25: Adam Wolfe. section 19; Frederick Switzer, section 13: Robert and William Stewart. William Ray, William McLaughlin, Thomas Rigdon, William Ferguson and Thomas McBride, on section 8; Jeremiah Smart, section 4: Thomas Pope and Daniel Balliett, section 9: Andrew Richey, Michael Huffman and Ebenezer Smith. section 6; John Iler, Melzer Coulter. section 19; David and Charles Schrack. section 34; David Ellis. section 17: Frederick Cromer and David Crawford. section 26: Christian Good. section 3; John Douglass. xection 28: Solomon Gladden, section 23: William McDanel. section 26,

Adan Wolfe settled in Monroe township in 1816. He had been a soldier in the war of the \merican Revolution. He died April 24, 1845, aged eightyfive vears. .\dam Wolfe was the grandfather of Judge N. M. Wolfe. of Mansfield. <

Joseph Reed came to Richland county, Ohio. in 1829, and settled on the northwest quarter of section 23, in Monroe township, where he resided until his death. October 3. 1874. He was the father of J. M. Reed. of this city, and the erandfather of Verner Z. Reed. of Colorado.

Solomon Gladden came in 1816, but did not settle permanently until 1817. He had served in the war of 1812. was a justice of the peace and a member of the legislature. "Squire Gladden was the grandfather of the Hon. W.S. Kerr. Mansfield's ex-congressman.

Samuel Douglass came to Richland county in 1829 and settled in Monroe township in 1831. .He was the grandfather of the Hon. A. A. Douglass and Judge 8S. M. Douglass, of Mansfield. The Douglass farm contains over two hundred acres. and has been in the possession of the family over seventy vears.

Abraham Baughman had been the first settler in the vicinity of Greentown, but during the war of 1812 removed to Monroe township and entered the southwest quarter of section 25, where he located and resided until his death, in January, 1821. Abraham Baughman and wife and three of their sons - Abraham, Jacob and George - are buried at Perrysville.

The first election in the township was held in 1817, and resulted in the election of J. G. Peterson. William McLaughlin and David Ellis as trustees and Andrew Richey as lister. Ten votes were cast.

The first grist mill was erected in 1820 by Peter Zerby. This was the Octorora mills, and was situate near where the Pennsylvania railroad crosses the Rockyfork.

Another grist mill was erected on the Rockyfork, between Zerby mill and Lucas in 1830, by Reinhart Oldfield. This mill is still being operated. The LaRue mill. west of Lucas, was also built in 1830. Is not now running. Another early grist mill was that of Charles Schrack's, on Switzer's run, known some years since as the Rose Mills. .. number of saw mills were erected on the Rockyfork and on Switzer's run. A woolen factory was built in about 1846 on the Rockyfork, a mile and a half below Lucas. and was operated for several vears.

In 1819 the following names appear on the tax duplicate of Monroe township: James and George Archer, Abraham Baughman, Stephen Brady, Jacob Baughman, George Baughman, Frederick Boneberger, James Church, Frederick Cramer, John Douglass, David Ellis. William Furgeson. Benjamin Forbey, Benjamin Gatton, Christian Good. Solomon Gladden, Henry Huffman, Rebecca Hensel, James Irwin, John Iler. Peter Kenney. Lawrence King, John Lambright, William McLaughlin, Amerine Marshall. Thomas and -\lexander McBride, Jr.. Jacob Oler, John G. Peterson. William Bay, \ndrew Richey, Jacob Switzer. Frederick Switzer. William Slater, Thomas Summerman, Samuel Stewart, David Shrack, Ebenezer Smith. M. Shinnebarger, Jeremiah Smart, Jacob and Mordecai Williams, Willian. Wilson. \dam Wininger. Samuel White, Adam and Robert Wolfe and Peter Zerby.

One of the first religious societies organized in Monroe was of the Swedeborgian faith, under the teachings of "Johuny -\ppleseed." and of its members were John Tucker, David Crawford. Joseph \pplegate, et al., men who led blameless lives and had the respect of the community in which they lived.

The Lutheran is the prevailing religious devomination in Monroe. The Baptist, the Reformed and the United Presbyterian denominations each had a church and an organization. All are now numbered with the things that were but are not. There are now seven churches in Monroe - five Lutheran. one Congregational and one Disciple.

St. John's Lutheran church is situate at the north side of the Darling valley, about half way between Newville and Perrvsyille. The congregation was organized in 1838. "Saint John's" is used as a synecdochical term, meaning the church, the locality or both. In the '50s the late Rev. W. A. G. Emerson preached at St. John's. He was one of the most talented ministers of his day, with a perfect command of the English language, never hesitating for a term to felicitously express his thoughts. He threw such persuasive power and convincing force into his sermons that he swayed his audience at his will. He dwelt more upon the love of the Father than upon the terrors of the law, and his word pictures were beautifully drawn. Mrs. J. M. Condon, of Sherman avenue, Mansfield, is a niece of the Rev. Mr. Emerson.

Mohawk Hill, near the center of the township, is an elevation of natural as well as historical interest. Its northwest side, being too steep and rocky for cultivation, is still covered with its native forest. The road winds around to lessen the grade, and at the top of the hill there is a rolling surface of tableland, with a dip to the east overlooking the Rockvfork vallev. The hill takes

Pipe's Cliffs, near Green Gables in Pleasant valley, is also a place of both geological and historical interest. Historically, it is named for Captain Pipe, a chief of the Monsey branch of the Delaware tribe. Round Head, an Indian warrior (who married Captain Pipe's sister), with his wife and child and other Indians, were fleeing in 1781 from the punishment which justly awaited them in the Muskingum valley, had encamped upon the summit of these cliffs, and seeing a squad of pursuing soldiers coming up the valley, the Indians opened fire upon them. The soldiers returned the fire, aiming at the part of the cliff from which the smoke came through the thick foliage of the densely forestcovered hill. and Onalaska - Round Head's wife - who was standing near to the edge of one of the rocks with her child in her arms, was struck by a bullet, fell to the base of the cliff. where their bodies were buried. Two Indian warriors were also wounded or killed by the soldiers. Sentimentality must be far-spun out to censure the troops for returning the fire of their ambushed foes.

The late Rey. Richard Gailey founded '""Monroe Seminary," in the southwestern part of Monroe township, in May, 1851, and after successfully conducting the same for about ten years, removed to Lexington, where he continued in the same pursuit until his death, in 1875. Captain I. N. Thompson and wife now own and occupy the Gailey residence of the Monroe academy days.

Of the three attempts at town building in Monroe township, only one - Lucas - succeeded. Octororo was started with fine prospects, but was outrivalled by Lucas, and many people of Monroe today scarcely know it ever existed. Six Corners - commonly called "Pinhook''--still contains a few buildings. Pinhook is situate at the intersection of the Newville-Mifflin and the Lucas- Perrysville roads, with the section line road running east and west through the center of the township. VPinhook was at the height of its prosperity in 1852, and at that time contained <everal business Luildings. a number of dwellings, a schoolhouse and a Masonic hall. William B. Miller was the postmaster and merchant at the place.

Michael Hogan was born in Ireland. Received a classical education. Also graduated in medicine and surgery. Then took a military course. Came to America and located in New York. Was given a commission as major in the regular army, where he served five years. Came to Ohio in 1818, and engaged in the mercantile business at Newville. In 1827 he bought the northwest quarter of section 35 in Monroe township, upon which he removed and resided until his death, January 17, 1875. Buried in the Catholic cemetery, Mansfield. Major Hogan was one the best classical scholars in Ohio. He could read the history of several countries of Europe in the language of each. The oid homestead is still in the possession of the family.

James Stout, a New Jerseyman by birth and a Hollander by descent, entered the west half of the southwest quarter of section 22, upon which he located in 1829, and upon which lived until his death, August 30, 1864. There were but few settlers in that part of the township at that time. There were heavy forests, and wild cats, deer and wild turkeys were numerous, and bears were frequently seen. Mr. Stout was fond of hunting, and his wife could shoot squirrels and other small game equally well with her husband. The Stouts were industrious people and good neighbors. Hiram Stout, the survivor of the family lives at the old home. He is eighty-four years old and a bachelor.

Michael Swigart who was a drum-major in the war of 1812, settled in Monroe township in 1832. One of his sons, Leonard Swigart. was a commissioner of Richland county, 1860-66. "Aunt Betsey" Chew. of Monroe township, and Jesse L. Swigart, of Lucas. are children of the late Michael Swigart.

John Swigart, the father of Luther M. Swigart, of Mansfield, was a Monroe township pioneer. He also served in the war of 1812. He settled in Monroe in 1821.

William Darling, another soldier of the war of 1812. settled in Monroe in 1817. He acquired by purchase 1,185 acres of land in one body, and also owned a number of other farms not connected with that tract. This land hes along the Clearfork, below Newville. and is very fertile. This valley is often called the Darling settlement or the Darling vallev. The following is a copy of an appendix to William Darling's will:

"Having been one of the pioneers of this part of Ohio, the maker of this will, having emigrated from Hardy county. Virginia, in the year 1806, in company with his father and family, to Muskingum county, Ohio, and endured all the hardships, trials and privations incident to the settling and improving of anew country, I do give and bequeath my love, respect and good will to all my old associates, and hope that, by the intelligence, energy and untiring industry of growing posterity, the prosperity of my beloved country may continue to increase as surely and rapidly as though we pioneers were still here to look after our country's welfare; for, next to my love for my God and my family, is my love for my country - these blessed United States. May prosperity and peace be the lot of our happy, happy land."

In one of the charming little vallevs of Monroe township are two phenomena more pronounced and peculiar than exist in any other part of Richland county. These phenomena are a pillar of cloud by day and a cloud of light by night in the same locality.

Upon the eastern side of the valley. traversed by a stream that empties into the Clearfork of the Mohican in the vicinity of Saint John's, is a primitive forest, over a section of which a cloud of misty vapor hovers over the tree tops, as it has in the years gone by. for ages untold.

This phenomenon has never been explained, but many speculative theories have been advanced in attempted explanation of the mystery. Some have opined that there is a mineral deposit in the earth in that locality, although unable to give philosophical or pedantic reasons for such conclusions.

Others suppose there is a subterranean hot spring from which steam issues through some invisible crevice, forming a vapor mist that hangs over the trees like a cloud.

This pillar of cloud causes day dreamers to muse, not upon the cause of the phenomenon, but upon the pictures presented in the form-like shapes one can see, or fancy they see in the cloud. From the other side of the valley, looking over the broad meadows at the wooded slope, with its low-hanging cloud, the scene is picturesque and fascinatingly poetical, reminding old soldiers in some respects of the mists that hang over Lookout mountain at certain times.

The other phenomenon is a jack-o'-lantern that moves over the meadows of the valleys, always going toward the locality where the cloud is seen by day. Many fruitless chases boys have had over the bottom lands after this will-o'- the-wisp in vain, for it always distanced them, or hid away, to reappear further off towards the woodland. These lights were understood to be jack-o' lanterns, but often gave occasion for the pastime of an amusing chase.

Such lights are sometimes called ignis fatuus, and are susceptible of a scientific explanation, when all the facts are collected and compared. Illusions. more or less ludicrous. are occasionally mixed up with what really does occur.

Phosphorus exists in all animal organisms and when the organism 1s decomposed the phosphorus makes its presence visible. If decaving animal substance yields more phosphorus than decaying vegetables. the latter are an abundant source of inflammable gases; hence. the fact that swamp meadows are the places in which the flickering nocturnal lights are often to be seen. produced by the combustion of the gases generated from decomposed grasses and leavex. Particular conditions of the weather hasten decomposition and the lights are more abundant at such times.

Electricity may also produce such. or similar lights, but perhaps cannot be explained as easily in that connection. as can chemical combustion and ignition. Electricity is now so much better understood than it was formerly that many resultants in the years ago, looked upon with superstitious awe, can now be scientifically explained. The old-time phenomenon of Saint Helen's - sometimes called Saint Elmo's - fire. now excites but little attention or remarks. This fire was the lights that are sometimes seen on the points of soldiers' bayonets when upon the march: from church spires and other pointed objects. Such lights are seen when there is a peculiar electrical condition in the air.

St. John's Lutheran church is in the southeast corner of Monroe township, half-way between Newville and Perrysville. In the voeabulary of that part of the country, "St John's" ix used as a svnecdochical term, meaning either the church, the locality or both. While the church society was organized in 1838. a church building was not erected until 1842. services in the interim being held at the home of Mathias Stouffer and at other private houses. .A new churen edifice - a handsome and commodious brick building, costing about $5,000 - was erected in 1870. The congregation ix a large, wealthy and prosperous one.

St. John's is situated in one of the richest vallevs of the Clearfork - a valley that is as beautiful in its landscape as it is fertile in its soil. The township line running east and west divides this valley between Monroe and Worthington townships.

The first settlement in the southeast part of Richland county was at St. John's, and among the early settlers were Samuel Lewis, Captain James Cunningham. \ndrew Craig and Henry McCart. In 1812 the "Lewis block-