Paint Township

Paint Township

Paint is the central sub-division of the county, on the northern border, with Madison county at its north. Madison and Marion townships at the east, Union and Jefferson townships at the south and Jefferson township at its west. Its population in 1910 was, including the village of Bloomingburg. two thousand and seventy-nine. Its chief pike is the Bloomingburg and Midway road. It was named from the creek that forms one of its boundaries. It was one of the original townships of Fayette county at its organization. X^ature has made this a fertile domain. The wash from Paint creek gives a natural fertilizer for its otherwise naturally rich soil.

To George Coil must l)e given the distinction of having been the first white man to enter this township with the intention of becoming a resident. It was in the very early days of the last century - about 1802 - when this man of push and genuine enterprise came in and erected his cabin and at once set about clearing up land ^^hich he might utilize as a farming spot. But little is known of him, where he came from or how many years he remained in the county. But records point to the fact that he must have been the first setler.

In 1803 William Hays emigrated from Kentucky, settling on Big Walnut, where he remained until 1805, then moved to this township, settling on a portion of survey X^o. 1063, on the banks of Paint creek, with his father James and the family, consisting of David, John, James, Jr., Rankin, Benjamin. Jane, Mary, Hannah, Elizabeth and Sarah. William and John served as privates in captain McElwain's military company, which was ordered out to Fort Sandusky, where they assembled and built the fort. At the close of the war they returned home and farmed.

It was also in 1805 when Solomon Salmon, of Delaware, came to Paint creek country, settling on the low lands later owned by his son Perry. In 1880 Perry Salmon had in his possession the military patent for four hun- dred acres granted to Solomon Salmon, assignee of John A/IcClain, assignee of Benjamin Parker, assignee of William Johnston, assignee of Samuel kercheval, assignee of Thomas Jenkins, only living representatives of Joshua Jenkins, a sergeant in the Re^-olutionary War. The date of survey of said tract was many years prior to the signing of the instrument by James Monroe, March 26, 1 8 19, several years after possession had been taken by Solomon Salmon. Perry, a relative of his, accompanied him and settled on land owned later years by Gideon Vezay. In the eighties the old cabin erected by him was still standing where built.

From 1805 on the tide of immigration swept in extensively. Among these men was Solomon Sowers, who erected the first mill on Paint creek; Samuel Robins, the pioneer school teacher and justice of the peace; Jacob Pursley, the first blacksmith ; John Oliver, the first carpenter ; Joseph Parris, a soldier in the War of 1812, and also of the Revolution; Leonard Parris! of the War of 1812. a farmer and hunter, and stock raiser: Jeremiah Smith, another soldier, and scores of others whose names have long ago been forgotten.

Nathaniel Tway, of New Jersey ancestry, but born in Ohio, was a soldier in the Revolutionary W^ar and saw three years and a half service. At the battle of Brandywine a ball from the enemy's ranks was lodged in his heel, but otherwise he was uninjured. He came to this county in 1810, working for various farmers by the day. In 18 12 his father, John Tway, and the family came out here and located in Paint township, near the Madison county line. Nathaniel later bought land of the Funks, the title of which not being clear he was unable to hold the lands.

William Squire, born in New Jersey in 1756, enlisted during the Revolution, when eighteen years old, as a private in his uncle's company, serving with much credit. The family, then consisting of himself, wife and four children, settled first in Ross county, Ohio, but later removed to this township. He paid two dollars and a half per acre for the land he purchased.

There were several settlements on the road leading through Bloomingburg. One Lambert lived on the site of the village grave-yard, and Isaac Boner also lived near him.

Col. James Stewart, mentioned elsewhere, settled here early and the commissioners of the new county of Fayette held their first meeting at his cabin in the spring of iSio, which was before the matter of a county seat had fully been fixed upon. In 1812 he was elected colonel of the Fayette county regiment in the Third Brigade of Ohio militia. He was a Presbyterian and aided in the organization of the church at Washington C. H. and at South Salem. He helped snr^'ey the comity into townships and located many settlers on their lands. He died in May, 1862, honored by everyone in the county. They had a large family of sons and daughters to do honor to the family name in this county.

Minor Incidents

The wife of Judge Joseph Gillespie brought with her the first colored woman ever seen in Fayette county. She came from New York state in 181 7, by wagon. She was called Ruth Piatt, and lived to attain a great age, at Washington C. H.

The Funk family had many bad members within its fold. One was perhaps the meanest and most viciously cruel disposed of any man known to have resided here. It is related for a truth that he skinned a wolf, and then allowed the live animal to go forth into the forest unprotected by a covering.

The Village Of Bloomingburg

This is the only considerable A'illage of Paint township. Its location is in the southeastern part of the territory, running to the south line of the township. At one date it was a husky rival of Washington C. H. Its present population is about six hundred, according to the 19 10 census. In many ways there clusters much of historic interest about this little village. From a former record of the county, published in 1881, it appears that much pains was then taken by residents there to give a correct history, as best could be compiled at so late a date, and from this we take the liberty of quoting freely.

The village was laid out in 181 5 by Solomon Bowers. It was believed at that time, as well as many years later, that it would one day become the seat of justice for Fayette county. The square on the corner of Main and Cross streets, where later stood the frame school building, was set apart for public grounds, having in mind the court house, probably. There were alsc^ thirty-seven other lots laid off. The village was known as "New Lexington.'' The county records show this fact. Though named, legally, New Lexington, it was usually called the "New Purchase." This was on account of it being located on lands of the early purchase. Tradition has it that Doctor Gillespie wanted it re-named for his old home town in York state, Bloomingburg. While he was keeping store in the old Central Hotel building, he proposed to "treat" the male inhabitants provided they agreed to the alteration. The proposition was accepted and Colonel Myers, then in the

Legislature, introduced a bill changing its name. The act was passed February 5, 1847, which was thirty-two years after its first platting and original naming.

The first election was held for municipal ol^cers February 24, 1847. The ofticers elected were: Mayor, Joseph Counts, Jr.; recorder, J. M. Edwards; trustees, John Gunning, Samuel Worrell, James M. Willis, William S. Carr and J. N. McLaughlin ; George W. Worrell was appointed marshal.

In February, 1848, the corporate limits were extended eleven rods in each direction, and in May, 1878, by adding one hundred and twenty rods on the north and east, seventy on the west, and extending to the Union township line on the south.

In 1876 it was voted by the citizens of the village to levy five mills tax "for sewers, drains and ditches." Four sewers were constructed. A village prison was also provided in 1876. This was a strong frame structure.

Some Early Events

In the spring of 181 7 James Dunning started a shoe shop; Thomas Cessler a blacksmith shop ; one McCoy a hatter's shop ; Messrs. Seth and Eustace were the first tailors, and William Weeks the pioneer wagon-maker.

The earliest cabinet-maker was H. Bryant ; the first school teacher was Doctor McGraugh, followed by Mr. Stone. Dr. George Allen was the first physician.

Milling Industries

About 1833 William Carr erected a flouring mill on the east bank of Paint creek, a mile south of the county line. The building was a small struc- ture, but attracted wide attention and to its yard came teams and grists from far and near. The waters of Paint creek furnished alxmdant water-power. It was in operation many years, but eventually, as the people demanded a better drainage for their lands, the power of the stream was weakenea so much that finally the mill had to be abandoned. After standing idle many more years, it was afterwards torn down. A smaller structure, however, was erected on its old site and more modern meal-making machinery was installed. It was owned at one time by John Martin. It was a saw-mill and corn grinder, but no wheat burrs were added.

When Carr's mill - the earliest mill - was built it made a little settlement, which increased year after year. It was finally named "Carr's Mills.'' In 1880 it had a population of about one hundred. Its business consisted of two blacksmith shops, one dry goods' store, one exclusive grocery store, one notion house, one boot and shoe store and the mills. In 1880 a frame church was erected by the Baptist denomination, with Walter Yoeman as pastor.

About 1827 a woolen industry sprung up in the township. Philip Dodrids'e later of Circleville, started a carding machine in the town of Bloomingburg, continuing a year. The machinery was driven by horse-power and a tread-wheel. He sold to Eber Patrick, a practical manufacturer, who sold to Mr. Parker, and removed to Washington C. H. Parker soon sold to Mr. Carr, who moved the machinery to Indiana.

Anti-Slavery Days In Bloomingburg

It should ever be remembered that Bloomingburg was a station on the "underground railroad" (a system by which slaves were secreted and at the time unlawfully spirited to the North), and along with that fact there were many interesting incidents, which if they could be published would make a volume at once interesting and valuable. Here the runaway slaves were fed and clothed and sent on their way toward the north star and freedom in Canada. It took much courage and defiance of the United States laws, at that time, to help a slave out of his bondage. These exertions were prompted by an intelligent conviction that human slavery was not right. The Presbyterians were ardent supporters of the anti-slavery cause, and in 1834 held a series of meetings at which the question was discussed. One of the settlers, James Claypole, in his blind opposition to the movement, refused to attend the meetings. Finally, one evening, urged by his clerk, he attended a meeting and occupied a back seat. He was soon interested and was convinced that he was wrong, and the following day himself drafted a constitution for

Slave hunters had bnt little use for Bloomingburg after this society's organization. Here the cabin, the garret, stable, hay rack and barns, as well as the kitchen and parirn;;?:. were open to the weary wanderers in search of freedom. Hundreds of thg'y'n, in need of food, clothing and money, found the true Samaritan here with open hands. When ''conductors" came around there was no question asked. There were many hair-breadth escapes, many strange incidents in individual experience. The labor of getting a warm meal for the shivering fugitive, the long and cold drive in the darkness of the night, with hearts burdened by anxious thoughts, with no possible motive of a selfish character, are sufficient testimonials to the strength of the sentiment upon which such heroic activity was based. The colored folks appreciated these things and after the Civil War had forever set them free, many came here and located permanently.

The Temperance Question Then And Now

It would be an error for one to think, upon visiting Bloomingburg today, that it had always been noted for temperance and sobriety. Far from it! The pioneer came to the county, bringing along with him excellent receipts for making rum, and it was made whenever it was found necessary to replenish the household supply of that "necessity," for such it was then looked upon. Liquor was found in every house, indeed many in the churches regarded the traffic in ardent spirits as consistent with Christian character. It was thought needful, as an expression of genuine hospitality. The economy of the times justified its manufacture and sale and the farmer in its use, because it gave employment and opened up a market. Merchants believed it necessary to entice customers to trade through its influence.

At an early day in this locality there were numerous peach orchards, and five distilleries, in and near Bloomingburg. were required for the manufacture of the fruit into peach brandy. On Saturdays a number of persons were in the weekly habit of assembling at the various dram-shops, imbibing freely of the liquor, and then retire to the rear of the old Baptist church "to fight it out." This state of affairs went on for manv years until the better element in the community started a reformation. Foremost in this work of exterminating the cnrse from town was Judge Gillespie, who gathered, at his own expense, a vast array of statistics showing the amount of money and time spent for the purpose of getting whisky. His figures were not believed.

and the opposition took a new census, as it were, of the situation, and were then convinced that the Judge was correct. It was, however, a long, hard struggle, but gradually the evil disappeared. Some held out persistently. A member of the Presbyterian church continued to sell and to justify the moderate use of ardent spirits, and at a discussion the question was asked if Jesus would keep a rum-shop? Its bold and direct aim reached the heart of the religious whisky dealer, and that night he resolved to quite the questionable traffic. The entire community then signed an article, in which they agreed to exclude King Alcohol from the community. It was a great innovation in Bloomingburg, and made it a different village for all time. The rule has been for decades that liquor has not been used in the community, save by the low and leaser class.

For a history of the schools and churches and lodges of this village and the township in which it is situated, the reader will be referred to general chapters giving the history of all of these.

The Postoffice History

The various postmasters at Bloomingburg who have served since the establishment of that office in 1819 are as follows: Archibald Stewart, appointed March 22, 1819; P. B. Doddridge, June 4, 1825; James Stewart, March 22, 1833; J. F. Claypool, October 20, 1834; Smiley Hughes, December 8, 1835; George S. Fullerton, xApril 3, 1839; H. C. Stewart, February i, 1841 ; William R. Southward, April 23, 1842; A. C. Putnam, June 7, 1845; William R. Southward, October 23, 1846; James Gunning, July 14, 1849; William R. Southward, May i, 1850; T. B. Sheets, December 29, 1854; George W. Gordon, May 10, 1859; Orville Gunning, July 23, i860; James Gunning, December 7, 1861 ; William D. Gibson, May 6, 1865; M. W. Stewart, November 17, 1869; William J. McCoy, June 23, 1874; J. Y. Stitt, April 2, 1883; Lucius O'Brien, December 2, 1885; George W. Gordon, June 13, 1889; Isaac N. Hanna, September 5, 1893; Lucius O'Brien, October 5, 1895; James F. Sheets, June 18, 1897; F. E. Wliiteside, January 16, 1911. This is a fourth class postoffice and the last fiscal year it transacted a business amounting to nine hundred fifteen dollars and seventy-one cents. It has two rural delivery routes and is a well conducted postoffice.

Municipal Affairs

Bloomingburg, first known as New Lexington, was incorporated in 1847 ^^^^ the Legislature changed its name to Bloomingburg. Its earlier records are not at hand, hence we give the list of mayors from 1880 or for a period of thirty-four years, which runs thus: 1880, James Judy, who served to 1890; 1890-98, C. T. Lynch; 1898-1908, J. W. Yore; 1908-1910, L. D. Minnix; 1910-11, J. W. Yore; 1911-12, Theodore Allen; 191 1 to present date, O. W. Creath. F. M. McCoy has been town clerk for the last fourteen years.

The 1914 officers are: O. W. Creath, mayor; F, M. McCoy, clerk; J. M. Jones. L. D. Minnix, L. Willinger, L. D. Exline, Mr. Dickey and Mr. Yeoman, councilmen. The only protection against fire is a bucket brigade of volunteers who use water from near-by wells and cisterns. The streets are well cared for.

The lodges and churches at present are : The Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian and colored Baptist churches and the "Holy Rollers," as termed, and the Ivlasonic, Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America lodges. There is also a strong Grange lodge.

There is a building and loan company in the tov^n that is over a quarter of a century old and has paid as high as fourteen per cent, annual dividend. H. A. Pinkerton is the secretarv.

Source changes here: from History of Fayette County Ohio, by Frank M. Allen, published 1914; 2,886 words in this source stream.

Paint Township

Paint is the central sub-division of the county, on the northern border, with Madison county at its north, Madison and Marion townships at the east, Union and Jefferson townships at the south and Jefferson township at its west. Its population in 1910 was, including the village of Bloomingburg, two thousand and seventy-nine. Its chief pike is the Bloomingburg and Midway road. It was named from the creek that forms one of its boundaries. It was one of the original townships of Fayette county at its organization. Nature has made this.a fertile domain. The wash from Paint creek gives a natural fertilizer for its otherwise naturally rich soil.

Early Settlement

To George Coil must be given the distinction of having been the first white man to enter this township with the intention of becoming a resident. It was in the very early days of the last century - about 1802- - when this man of push and genuine enterprise came in and erected his cabin and at once set about clearing up land which he might utilize as a farming spot. But little is known of him, where he came from or how many years he remained in the county. But records point to the fact that he must have been the first setler.

In 1803 William Hays emigrated from Kentucky, settling on Big Walnut, where he remained until 1805, then moved to this township, settling on a portion of survey No. 1063, on the banks of Paint creek, with his father James and the family, consisting of David, John, James, Jr., Rankin, Benjamin, Jane, Mary, Hannah, Elizabeth and Sarah. William and John served as privates in captain McElwain's military company, which was ordered out to Fort Sandusky, where they assembled and built the fort. At the close of the war they returned home and farmed.

It was also in 1805 when Solomon Salmon, of Delaware, came to Paint creek country, settling on the low lands later owned by his son Perry. In 1880 Perry Salmon had in his possession the military patent for four hun- dred acres granted to Solomon Salmon, assignee of John McClain, assignee of Benjamin Parker, assignee of William Johnston, assignee of Samuel Kercheval, assignee of Thomas Jenkins, only living representatives of Joshua Jenkins, a sergeant in the Revolutionary War. The date of survey of said tract was many years prior to the signing of the instrument by James Monroe, March 26, 1819, several years after possession had heen taken by Solomon Salmon. Perry, a relative of his, accompanied him and settled on land owned later years by Gideon Vezay. In the eighties the old cabin erected by him was still standing where built.

From 1805 on the tide of immigration swept in extensively. Among these men was Solomon Sowers, who erected the first mil] on Paint creek; Samuel Robins, the pioneer school teacher and justice of the peace; Jacob Pursley, the first blacksmith; John Oliver, the first carpenter; Joseph Parris, a soldier in the War of 1812, and also of the Revolution; Leonard Parris, of the War of 1812, a farmer and hunter, and stock raiser ; Jeremiah Smith, another soldier, and scores of others whose names have long ago been forgotten.

Nathaniel Tway, of New Jersey ancestry, but born in Ohio, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and saw three years and a half service. At the battle of Brandywine a ball from the enemy's ranks was lodged in his heel, but otherwise he was uninjured. He came to this county in 1810, working for various farmers by the day. In 1812 his father, John Tway, and the family came out here and located in Paint township, near the Madison county line. Nathaniel later bought land of the Funks, the title of which not being clear he was unable to hold the lands.

William Squire, born in New Jersey in 1756, enlisted during the Revolution, when eighteen years old, as a private in his uncle's company, serving with much credit. The family, then consisting of himself, wife and four children, settled first in Ross county, Ohio, but later removed to this township. He paid two dollars and a half per acre for the land he purchased.

There were several settlements on the road leading through Bloomingburg. One Lambert lived on the site of the village grave-yard, and Isaac Boner also lived near him.

Col. James Stewart, mentioned elsewhere, settled here early and the commissioners of the new county of Fayette held their first meeting at his cabin in the spring of 1810, which was before the matter of a county seat had fully been fixed upon. In 1812 he was elected colonel of the Fayette county regiment in the Third Brigade of Ohio militia. He was a Presbyterian and aided in the organization of the church at Washington C. H. and at South Salem. He helped survey the county into townships and located many settlers on their lands. He died in May, 1862, honored by everyone in the county. They had a large family of sons and daughters to do honor to the family name in this county.

Minor Incidents

The wife of Judge Joseph Gillespie brought with her the first colored woman ever seen in Fayette county. She came from New York state in 1817, by wagon. She was called Ruth Platt, and lived to attain a great age, at Washington C. H.

The Funk family had many bad members within its fold. One was perhaps the meanest and most viciously cruel disposed of any man known to have resided here. It is related for a truth that he skinned a wolf, and then allowed the live animal to go forth into the forest unprotected by a covering.

The Village Of Bloomingburg

This is the only considerable village of Paint township. Its location is in the southeastern part of the territory, running to the south line of the township. At one date it was a husky rival of Washington C. H. Its present population is about six hundred, according to the 1910 census. In many ways there clusters much of historic interest about this little village. From a former record of the county, published in 1881, it appears that much pains was then taken by residents there to give a correct history, as best could be compiled at so late a date, and from this we take the liberty of quoting freely.

The village was laid out in 1815 by Solomon Bowers. It was believed at that time, as well as many years later, that it would one day become the seat of justice for Fayette county. The square on the corner of Main and Cross streets, where later stood the frame school building, was set apart for public grounds, having in mind the court house, probably. There were alsa thirty-seven other lots laid off. The village was known as "New Lexington." The county records show this fact. Though named, legally, New Lexington, it was usually called the "New Purchase." This was on account of it being located on lands of the early purchase. Tradition has it that Doctor Gillespie wanted it re-named for his old home town in York state, Bloomingburg. While he was keeping store in the old Central Hotel building, he proposed to "treat" the male inhabitants provided they agreed to the alteration. The proposition was accepted and Colonel Myers, then in the

Legislature, introduced a bill changing its name. The act was passed February 5, 1847, which was thirty-two years after its first platting and original naming.

The first election was held for municipal officers February 24, 1847. The officers elected were: Mayor, Joseph Counts, Jr.; recorder, J. M. Edwards; trustees, John Gunning, Samuel Worrell, James M. Willis, William S. Carr and J. N. McLaughlin; George W. Worrell was appointed marshal.

In February, 1848, the corporate limits were extended eleven rods in each direction, and in May, 1878, by adding one hundred and twenty rods on the north and east, seventy on the west, and extending to the Union township line on the south.

In 1876 it was voted by the citizens of the village to levy five mills tax "for sewers, drains and ditches." Four sewers were constructed. A village prison was also provided in 1876. This was a strong frame structure.

Some Early Events

In the spring of 1817 James Dunning started a shoe shop; Thomas Cessler a blacksmith shop; one McCoy a hatter's shop; Messrs. Seth and Eustace were the first tailors, and William Weeks the pioneer wagon-inaker.

The earliest cabinet-maker was H. Bryant; the first school teacher was Doctor McGraugh, followed by Mr. Stone. Dr. George Allen was the first physician.

Milling Industries

About 1833 William Carr erected a flouring mill on the east bank of Paint creek, a mile south of the county line. The building was a small struc- ture, but attracted wide attention and to its yard came teams and grists from far and near. The waters of Paint creek furnished abundant water-power. It was in operation many years, but eventually, as the people demanded a better drainage for their lands, the power of the stream was weakenea so much that finally the mill had to be abandoned. After standing idle many more years, it was afterwards torn down. A smaller structure, however, was erected on its old site and more modern meal-making machinery was installed. It was owned at one time by John Martin. It was a saw-mill and corn grinder, but no wheat burrs were added.

When Carr's mill - the earliest mill - was built it made a little settlement, which increased year after year. It was finally named "Carr's Mills." In 1880 it had a population of about one hundred. Its business consisted of two blacksmith shops, one dry goods store, one exclusive grocery store, one notion house, one boot and shoe store and the mills. In 1880 a frame church was erected by the Baptist denomination, with Walter Yoeman as pastor.

About 1827 a woolen industry sprung up in the township. Philip Dodridge, later of Circleville, started a carding machine in the town of Bloomingburg, continuing a year. The machinery was driven by horse-power and a tread-wheel. He sold to Eber Patrick, a practical manufacturer, who sold to Mr. Parker, and removed to Washington C. H. Parker soon sold to Mr. Carr, who moved the machinery to Indiana.

Anti-Slavery Days In Bloomingburg

It should ever be remembered that Bloomingburg was a station on the "underground railroad" (a system by which slaves were secreted and at the time unlawfully spirited to the North), and along with that fact there were many interesting incidents, which if they could be published would make a volume at once interesting and valuable. Here the runaway slaves were fed and clothed and sent on their way toward the north star and freedom in Canada. It took much courage and defiance of the United States laws, at that time, to help a slave out of his bondage. These exertions were prompted by an intelligent conviction that human slavery was not right. The Presbyterians were ardent supporters of the anti-slavery cause, and in 1834 held a series of meetings at which the question was discussed. One of the settlers, James Claypole, in his blind opposition to the movement, refused to attend the meetings. Finally, one evening, urged by his clerk, he attended a meeting and occupied a back seat. He was soon interested and was convinced that he was wrong, and the following day himself drafted a constitution for

Slave hunters had but little use for Bloomingburg after this society's organization. Here the cabin, the garret, stable, hay rack and barns, as well as the kitchen and parlors, were open to the weary wanderers in search of freedom. Hundreds of teva, in need of food, clothing and money, found the true Samaritan here with open hands. When "conductors" came around there was no question asked. There were many hair-breadth escapes, many strange incidents in individual experience. The labor of getting a warm meal for the shivering fugitive, the long and cold drive in the darkness of the night, with hearts burdened by anxious thoughts, with no possible motive of a selfish character, are sufficient testimonials to the strength of the sentiment upon which such heroic activity was based. The colored folks appreciated these things and after the Civil War had forever set them free, many came here and located permanently.

The Temperance Question Then And Now

It would be an error for one to think, upon visiting Bloomingburg today, that it had always been noted for temperance and sobriety. Far from it! The pioneer came to the county, bringing along with him excellent receipts for making rum, and it was made whenever it was found necessary to replenish the household supply of that "necessity," for such it was then looked upon. Liquor was found in every house, indeed many in the churches regarded the traffic in ardent spirits as consistent with Christian character. It was thought needful, as an expression of genuine hospitality. The economy of the times justified its manufacture and sale and the farmer in its use, because it gave employment and opened up a market.. Merchants believed it necessary to entice customers to trade through its influence.

At an early day in this locality there were numerous peach orchards, and five distilleries, in and near Bloomingburg, were required for the manufacture of the fruit into peach brandy. On Saturdays a number of persons were in the weekly habit of assembling at the various dram-shops, imbibing freely of the liquor, and then retire to the rear of the old Baptist church "to fight it out." This state of affairs went on for many years until the better element in the community started a reformation. Foremost in this work of exterminating the curse from town was Judge Gillespie, who gathered, at his own expense, a vast array of statistics showing the amount of money and time spent for the purpose of getting whisky. His figures were not believed, and the opposition took a new census, as it were, of the situation, and were then convinced that the Judge was correct. It was, however, a long, hard struggle, but gradually the evil disappeared. Some held out persistently. A member of the Presbyterian church continued to sell and to justify the moderate use of ardent spirits, and at a discussion the question was asked if Jesus would keep a rum-shop? Its bold and direct aim reached the heart of the religious whisky dealer, and that night he resolved to quite the questionable traffic. The entire community then signed an article, in which they agreed to exclude King Alcohol from the community. It was a great innovation in Bloomingburg, and made it a different village for all time. The rule has. been for decades that liquor has not been used in the community, save by the low and baser class.

For a history of the schools and churches and lodges of this village and the township in which it is situated, the reader will be referred to general chapters giving the history of all of these.

The Postoffice History

The various postmasters at Bloomingburg who have served since the establishment of that office in 1819 are as follows: Archibald Stewart, appointed March 22, 1819; P. B. Doddridge, June 4, 1825; James Stewart, March 22, 1833; J. F. Claypool, October 20, 1834; Smiley Hughes, December 8, 1835; George S. Fullerton, April 3, 1839; H. C. Stewart, February 1, 1841; William R. Southward, April 23, 1842; A. C. Putnam, June 7, 1845; William R. Southward, October 23, 1846; James Gunning, July 14, 1849; William R. Southward, May 1, 1850; T- B. Sheets, December 29, 1854; George W. Gordon, May 10, 1859; Orville Gunning, July 23, 1860; James Gunning, December 7, 1861; William D. Gibson, May 6, 1865; M. W. Stewart, November 17, 1869; William J. McCoy, June 23, 1874; J. Y. Stitt, April 2, 1883; Lucius O'Brien, December 2, 1885; George W. Gordon, June 13, 1889; Isaac N. Hanna, September 5, 1893; Lucius O'Brien, October 5, 1895; James F. Sheets, June 18, 1897; F. E: Whiteside, January 16, t911. This is a fourth class postoffice and the last fiscal year it transacted a business amounting to nine hundred fifteen dollars and seventy-one cents. It has two rural delivery routes and is a well conducted postoffice. |

Masonic Temple, Bloomingburg Municipal Affairs

Bloomingburg, first known. as New Lexington, was incorporated in 1847 and the Legislature changed its name to Bloomingburg. Its. earlier records are not at hand, hence we give the list of mayors from 1880 or for a period of thirty-four years, which runs thus: 1880, James Judy, who served to 1890; 1890-98, C. T. Lynch; 1898-1908, J. W. Yore; 1908-1910, L. D. Minnix; 1910-11, J. W. Yore; Ig11-12, Theodore Allen; 1911 to present date, O. W. Creath. F. M. McCoy has been town clerk for the last fourteen years. ;

The. 1914 officers are: O. W. Creath, mayor; F. M. McCoy, clerk; J. M.. Jones; L.7D... Minnix, L. Willinger, L. D. Exline, Mr. Dickey and Mr. Yeoman, councilmen. The only protection against fire is a bucket brigade of volunteers who use water from near-by wells and cisterns. The streets are well cared for.

The lodges and churches at present are: The Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian and colored Baptist churches and the "Holy Rollers," as termed, and the Masonic, Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America lodges. There is also a strong Grange lodge.