Pike Township (part 1 of 2)

Chapter Ix

EAGLE is one of the original townships of Brown County, and was formed from territory stricken off from Adams County upon the erection of Brown, in 1817.

From the date of its organization until the year 1823, most of the territory now within the boundaries of Jackson Township belonged to Eagle. The present outline of this township is nearly that of a square, and its geographical location is in the extreme northeast corner of the county.

It is bounded on the north by a portion of the east and west line separating Highland County from Brown, while on the east it is limited by a part of the dividing line between Adams and Brown. On the south, it borders on Jackson Township, and on the west it is limited by Washington.

The surface is level in the west, and undulating in the north and south, the only hill land bordering the course of Brush Creek through the township. The soil is generally productive, being, for the greater portion, limestone land, and well adapted to the production of wheat and corn. The flat land in the western part of the township is mostly a compact vrhite clay soil, rich in all the elomonts of vegetable growth, except organic matter, which is characteristic of the localities known as the black maple swamps. These white clay lands, under their present culture, are not abundantly productive, but will some day, under wiso culture, become the most valuable lands of the township.

The township was formerly covered with a dense growth of timber, which differed in kind and quality in the two districts above mentioned. The forest trees of the flat lands are mostly white maple, beech, several species of the oak, elm and hickory, with a dense undergrowth of hazel-brush and grapevines. This locality is especially noted for a species of wild grapes, called the " Fox grape," from its peculiar odor. The timber of the upland is white oak, black maple, ash, black walnut and some poplar, scattered among which are the smaller growths, dogwood, mulberry and redwood.

The distinct geological formation is the Cincinnati group, the predominant one of the county, the very summit of which series is attained in the northeastern portion of Eagle Township.

The agricultural products of: Eagle are the chief sources of wealth of the people. The principal grains are wheat, corn and oats. Tobacco, within the last five years, has become a favorite crop with quite a number of farmers, and the quality as well as the quantify of the yield is not discouraging to those who properly cultivate and handle the crop. A few individuals are engaged in stock-raising and trading in a general way, but the greater portion of the inhabitants depend upon the products of the soil for a livelihood.

The township is well drained by Brush Creek and its tributaries, with the exception, perhaps, of a part of the western portion; but those lands are now being tiled and drained by artificial means, which is enhancing their value a great deal.

The political complexion of the township is and always has been Democratic. With 1,250 inhabitants, Eagle has a voting population of 300, 128 of whom are Republicans, and the remainder Democrats. Twenty-seven of the Republican voters are colored.

Most of the heads of families are descendants of the first settlers who began to locate here about 1805. They, as a class, are sober and industrious persons, after whom the rising generation may well example. Besides the three church organizations supported in the village of Fincastle, there are some four or five others located at different points of the township. Several large Sabbath schools are sustained at many of the schoolhouses by energetic Christian persons, and which have a vast influence for good among the people.

The educational advantages of the township are such as are furnished by the common school only, yet they compare favorably, we believe, with the schools of like character throughout the county. New houses have been lately built, and generally furnished with modem improvements in school furniture, and the people are awakening to the importance of devoting more time and money to the advancement of the public schools.

Although none of the noble sons of Eagle have enrolled their names alongside of those emblazoned on the immortal pages of history, yet several have attained a degree of eminence far above the mediocre. They are not wanting in patriotic principles, as has more than once been shown when the country demanded , their services. In the war of 1812, the war with Mexico, and in the late rebellion, Eagle had her representatives. In the latter war, more than two-thirds of her voting population enlisted in the cause. Scarcely a family was there that did not send a father or a son to the front, many of whom now sleep beneath Southern skies.

Early Settlers

Livingston, who settled on the farm now resided upon by William Rhoten. Here also lived the Darling family. In 1806, William Lay cock located here and built a cabin near the spring west of the road. This was the only house on the road at that time between New Market and Ripley, excepting the "old Gardner residence," in what is now Jefferson Township. Laycock, shortly after his coming, built a still-house in the woods directly east of Rhoten's present residence, and dug a ditch from the spring at the house to the still, which furnished him with an ample supply of pure water. Here Capt. Abraham Shepherd halted and refreshed his men with Laycock's brandy, while on the march to Sandusky and Detroit in 1812.

Jonas Sams came from Westmoreland County, Penn., to Kentucky, and thence to Ohio in 1803. Two years later, he settled on the head- waters of Brush Creek, in Eagle Township, on lands now owned by Milton Scott. Sams was an old hunter and Indian fighter, an expert woodsman, thoroughly familiar with frontier life. He was with Col. Crawford at his defeat and capture near the Wyandot village in 1782, and experienced the horrors of that fearful retreat, He says, in an account of that disastrous undertaking, that he and his brother, Jonathan Sams, joined Crawford's men at the Mingo Bottoms, and that, after the defeat of Crawford, he and seven others started for the fort at Wheeling, but that, after a perilous journey of ten days, four of which they were closely pursued by Indians, only he and two of his companions arrived at the point of destination, the others having been killed by their pursuers. The same paper gives the date of his birth as November 18, 1756. Of his own family, one son, Nehemiah Sams, now in his ninetieth year, is still living.

In 1807, Robert Breckenridge, who had previously purchased 1,000 acres of land on the waters of the West Fork of Brush Creek, removed from Bourbon County, Ky., and built a house on said land, near the late residence of James Wilson. Breckenridge was of Irish descent, and was born in Virginia. He was one of the few who took an active part in the early history of Eagle

Township, and he was no less active in the affairs of the county. In 1823, he was one of the Board of Commissioners that contracted for the building of the first court house at Georgetown. He was also for several years one of the Associate Judges of this county. His wife's maiden name was Mary Wright, and they had born to them thirteen children - Alexander, Samuel, William, James, Mary (Mrs. Kincaid, still living), Merrill, Rodney, Lucinda, Eliza, Salina, Margaret, Preston and Anna. John C. , a grandson of Robert Breckenridge, resides on a portion of the land formerly owned by him.

The Coulter family settled on the head- waters of the West Fork of Brush Creek about 1809. WilJiam Coulter and wife first came. They were of Scotch descent, and emigrated from Pennsylvania to this county. Coulter was a powder-maker by trade, and was quite a welcome comer to the Brush Creek settlement. He was one among those from Eagle Township that served in the war of 1812. Shortly after the war, his father, James Coulter, came to his son's new home, and built a cabin a short distance from his residence, in which he lived alone and taught school for several years. He had several hundred dollars in silver, which he buried seme where near his home before his death, and which has caused many stones to be turned and holes dug, but as yet " Coulter's piggin of silver" is safe. He had a son, John Coulter, that served in the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1803-04.

The first settler in the Baker neighborhood was Adam Erwin. He located on the farm adjoining the Baker land on the north in 1804. Erwin built a still-house on the branch near his house, which was in operation as late as 1834. In this neighborhood resided the Records family. Spencer Records, a man of moderate education and considerable genius, built the first water-mill in the township. The Records family were Irish by birth, and came to Eagle Township in 1807.

Abraham Edgington. the first Justice of the Peace for Eagle Township after the erection of Jackson from its territory, lived at that time on the farm now owned by John Stanforth. He located there about 1810 or 1812. Benjamin Gutridge settled on land near Edgington's in 1814. He came from Kentucky.

The Alexanders came to Brush Creek in 1811. There were two brothers, John and Andrew, with their families. They came from near Stanton, Augusta Co., Ya. They have numerous descendants now living in and about Fincastle. Andrew Alexander, son of John Alexander, is the oldest man living in Eagle Township. In speaking of early days in Eagle, he said : " My father,

John Alexander, came here in 1811. The following year, we moved on the farm now owned by William Burns. We had for neighbors Breckenridge on the east, Cowans, Hughes and Millers, on the creek below us, but none on the west. That year, McColister was teaching in an old log cabin on the branch running through the farm now owned by J. R. Carey, and he dismissed his school and volunteered in the war. There were a plenty of deer, wild turkeys and other game in this region then, and north of where we lived were favorite hunting-grounds, where my uncle, Andrew, Jonas Sams, the Reynolds boys and Neal Washburne have spent many days." Of the early settlers he said: "Old man Murphy lived then on the Vance farm, afterward on the Widow Cross farm, and he shortly sold to J acob Marquis, who started a tannery there. Jeremiah Fenton lived on the Fenton farm. The others that I now recollect, and who resided near here, were John Cross, Joseph Edgington, Abraham Edgington, Thomas Heatherly, the Ramseys and John McCanlas," and the others who have been previously named.

Isaac Carey built a bouse near where J. R. Carey resides, in 1817. He came with his father's family to near Emeral, Adams County, in 1801. He served with his brothers, John and William, in the war of 1812, and, after his return, worked at the old furnaces in Adams County. In 1818, he married Miss Catharine Eyler, and immediately moved in his new home, before named, where he resided until his death, in April, 1866. Isaac Carey was a man of 3ome note in official circles of the township and county. He was elected Justice of the Peace of Eagle Township in 1834, which position he filled for six years; afterward served as one of the Associate Judges of the county until the new Constitution abolished the office and created a Probate Judge instead. Of his family, one son, Dr. S. E. Carey, rose to considerable distinction as a man of business and learning. He graduated in the Ohio Medical College in 1844, and afterward became one of its Professors. He afterward helped to found a medical college at Indianapolis, Ind., of which he was some time one of the faculty. He always took an active part in home enterprises, and was one of the leading men in getting the C. & E. R. R. through this county.

John Bradley came to Eagle Township with his father about 1814. Mr. Bradley has seen much of the early history of the township. He resided on his father's farm, known as the Bradley residence, until within a few yearsf when he located in Winchester, Adams County, where he yet resides. He built the first house in Eincastle for John Frierun, and was instrumental in organizing the Methodist Church at that place. He says he cast one of the four votes polled in Eagle Township for John Quincy Adams for President in 1828. His parents came from Lancaster County, Penn., to Ohio in 1808.

Among those that located in the township from 1812 to 1820, inclusive, may be mentioned William Lurgey, Robison Spears, Samuel Masters, Abijah Moore, the Hsttermans, William Denney, John Burris and John Rice.

No very reliable information can be had concerning the early officers of the township. Probably most of the names of the early Justices of the Peace are given below, but as to the exact date of election and the term served, we can get nothing very satisfactory.

At the time of the division of Eagle Township, Stephen Reynold and James Kindle were acting as Justices. After the division, in 1823, Abraham Edgington was the first Justice of the Peace. Robert Breckenridge served in the same capacity about this time. Among some old papers formerly belonging to Francis Alexander, I found a commission from Allen Trimble, then Governor of Ohio, to Alexander, empowering him to act as a Justice of the Peace in and for Eagle Township. The date of this commission is the 8th day of June, 1829.

1849 - Clerk, Peter Wamacks; Trustees, James Cowan, Jesse Cross and Benjamin Gutridge; Treasurer, Adams Morrow; Constables, John Hare and Oliver Edgington; Justice of the Peace, Daniel McLaughlin.

1852 - Clerk, S. N. Records; Treasurer, Adams Morrow; Constable, Joseph Edie; Trustee, Zebadee Ketterman; Justice of the Peace, Chris Holmes.

1855 - Clerk, S. S. Cowan; Assessor, Jesse Cross; Trustees, S. N. Records, Hugh Miller; Constable, C. N. Page; Justices of the Peace, Adams Morrow, Robert Dunn.

1862 - Clerk, Z. B. Winters; Assessor, Jesse Cross; Treasurer, William Alexander; Constable, John Demaris; Justices of the Peace, Lewis Martin and P. E. Hare.

Early Marriages

Be it remembered that in this day, I the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace in and for Brown County, Ohio, joined Henry Edgington and Margaret Beard, both of Eagle Township, and county aforesaid, in the solemn bonds of matrimony.

January 4, 1819 - This day a license is issued to join George Reynolds and Hannah and Middleswart together in the bonds of matrimony according to law.

The early settlers of that portion of Brown (then Adams) County comprised within the present limits of Eagle Township experienced not a little inconvenience from a want of mills suitable for preparing their corn and wheat for food.

The old-time hand-mill, with its oddly constructed buhr-stones, was, indeed, quite an improvement, in a labor-saving point of view, over the clumsy pestle and mortar, yet the laboriousness of that process of preparing meal was necessarily very great. There were some three or four of the above-mentioned hand-mills in as many different settlements within the boundaries of this township when Reynolds' mill was put in operation. It was driven by horse power, and was said to be the second of the kind erected within, the present limits of Brown County, the other having been built a short time previous at Levanna, on he Ohio River. Joseph Reynolds came to Limestone (Maysville), Ky., from New York State in 1799, and, in the spring of 1800, purchased 1,250 acres of land in what is now Jackson (formerly Eagle) Township, and began clearing out a farm the same season. In 1804-05, having a large family himself, and other settlers having arrived in the vicinity, the hand-mill was found to be inadequate for the grinding of the grain of the settlement, and, after some bother in getting suitable buhrs, the horse-mill was put in operation. This supplied the wants of the people on Red Oak and Eagle Creeks, as well as those of his own immediate neighborhood, then known as the " Yankee Settlement." This mill stood on a slight elevation, a few rods east of the residence of Eli Long. Esq. The farm now owned by Long was formerly the old Reynolds homestead. Here Joseph Reynolds settled in 1800.

Previous to the year 1809, there were no mills other than the above mentioned nearer the settlement on Brush Creek in this township, than one on Cherry Fork, in Adams County; Patterson's, near what is now Hillsboro, in Highland County, and Sutton's Mill, near Decatur, within the present limits of Brown County.

About the year 1809, Spencer Records erected a small water-mill on Brush Creek, at a point about two miles below the present village of Fincastle. This was the first mill of the kind in the township. It was of the pattern known as the " tub-wheel," had but one pair of buhr-stones, and, although so very insignificant in its construction, yet, in those days, it was considered an important improvement in the settlement. It is said that Records dressed the buhr-stones from a kind of quartz found in the Sunfish Hills, Adams County, and brought them to the above-named place.

In the year 1812, Robert Brecken ridge, who had lately removed from Kentucky to a large tract of land lying on the waters of Brush Creek, in Eagle Township, built a saw and grist mill on the creek, above the site of Rec ords, and about one mile below the town of Fincastle. This was also driven by water-power, being a decided improvement on Records' little " tub-wheel. " and was for a time the best mill in the vicinity. It was finally torn down, however, on account of the great labor and expense of keeping the dam repaired, the situation not being suitable for a mill of the kind, and the buhrstones and other fiitures were removed to Breckenridge's residence, north of the creek, whore he had a horse-mill constructed from them.

The term " horse-mill " w7as applied to that kind of mills which were driven by horse -power. The were constructed of heavy timbers, posts and cross-ties, so framed together as to support a large upright shaft or cylinder, which rested its lower extremity in a socket, and which -was connected above with a set of cog-wheels, that, in turn, gave motion to the buhr-stones. The frame-work of the mill was large enough to allow the extension of a sweep or lever some ten or twelve feet long from the upright central shaft; to the lever or sweep, one or more horses were hitched, and, while a boy below vigorously applied the lash to keep up power, the " jolly miller " stood on a platform above, and manipulated the hopper and bis pipe with one hand, and the oldfashioned bolting-chest with the other.

Of these horse-mills there wrere several in the township. Among the first built was the Kincaid Mill. It was built in 1815, by Samuel Kincaid, on his farm near Brush Creek. Later, quite a good one was built by Jacob Borris, near his residence, in the northeastern portion of the township. This mill was afterward removed to Fincastle, and the frame of it is still standing on a lot near Dr. Carey's residence.

After the removal of Breckenridge's mill from the creek to his home, John McCormick, an old soldier of the Revolution, who came from Pennsylvania to Adams County, Ohio, about the year 1812, rebuilt and greatly improved the Records Mill. In addition to the water-power, a tread- wheel, or tramp-wheel, as it is usually termed, was attached to the machinery, so that, in times of drouths and low water, the mill would not have to remain idle. There was a saw-mill connected with the grist-mill also. The McCormick Mill was for many years one of the better class of mills throughout that region. It passed under the management of various parties, and assumed almost as many different names, the last of which was the Cameron Mill.

The Shreaves Mill, situated on White Oak Creek, where it cuts the northwest portion of the township, was of some local notoriety from 1845 to 1860. About the last-named date, the " Swamp Fox," a large saw-mill that had been built in 1848, on the Sardinia & Fincastle road, about two miles from the former place, for the purpose of sawing material for the plank road then under construction from Williamsburg, Clermont County, to Fincastle, Brown County, had corn and wheat buhr-stones attached to its machinery, and did considerable grinding for several years. This mill stood near the line between Washington and Eagle Townships, on the Cres3 farm. Greene Rose put the first saw in this mill.

The first steam-mill in the township was built at Fincastle, by Thomas Sclmon and J. T. Brown, in 1843-44. This was replaced with the present one, by D. M. Sayers and S. W. Swain, in 1868. It is a two and one-half story lrame, furnished with modern improvements in machinery, and has the reputation of making an excellent grade of flour. It is under the control of William Peddicord, Esq., and is known as the Eagle Mill.

The educational advantages of this region in the days of our forefathers were very limited indeed. Comparatively few they were who possessed the ability to instruct in even the rudiments of those branches of learning essential to an English education. The schoolhouses were necessarily rude in construe tion and furniture. The duration of the school term was not more than sixteen weeks- - usually but thirteen, as the boys and girls could not be spared from the duties of farm work longer than that time; and, as that was in the winter season, when the few bad roads were at their worst, and taking into consideration, also, that many families lived two and some three miles distant from the schoolhouse, we are surprised at the advance in learning these hardy boys and girls made.

But the master was a character suited to the times and surroundings. He thoroughly believed in all - -whatever their abilities or desires - walking in the pathway of knowledge, and, having physical powers at least on a par with his mental capacity, he usually carried out his theory to the letter, as many a youth could testify with " streaming eyes and striped back."

The first schoolhouse in the township, from what we can learn from the oldest living inhabitants, stood on the farm belonging at present to Joshua Carey. It was situated on the " branch," just below his house, and was of course not a very costly structure. Andrew Alexander, who recollects this house, says it was simply a poor kind of log cabin, as were all the houses in those days, built of round logs, and covered with clapboards held in position by weight-poles. The fire-place occupied one end of the structure, and a huge door the other. Light was admitted through an opening made in the side of the building by cutting out one or more logs and fitting in a frame of crosssticks, covered with greased paper, as glass was not a procurable commodity then. The floor was laid with puncheons hewn on the school-grounds, while the seats were split from saplings and supported by pins driven into them. Along the side of the house occupied by the window was a large slab, or puncheon, supported on pins driven into the wall, and which served as a writingdesk for the entire school. The branches taught were reading, spelling, arithmetic and writing, the master furnishing each pupil with suitable quill pens. The first teacher in this school was Samuel McCol lister. Some of the scholars who attended here were the Alexanders, John Miller, Hugh Miller, David Cowan, James Cowan, Dumfield Rhodes, John Murphy, Abe and Reuben Laycock and Polly Rhoades. John Records also taught this school.

The second schoolhouse stood on brush Creek, on the Breckenridge farm; Francis Alexander and John Mahan, teachers. The third house was on the farm owned by Andrew Alexander, and later known as the John McClelahan farm; Josiah Records and Francis Alexander, teachers. The date of these houses is from 1807 to 1818.

Another of the earlier schoolhouses was situated on the farm of Abraham Edgington, now known as the McVay farm. The Bakers, Edgingtons, Breckenridges, Kirkpatricks and Gutridges attended school here. John Helms was the first teacher. And still another one stood on the hill, just east of the present residence of James and Jesse Cross, north of Fincastle. School was held here for several years. The above earlier schools were all supported by subscription. The person desiring to teach would circulate a subscription paper in the neighborhood, taking as pay wheat, corn, flax, or anything in way of barter, when money could not be had, and, if he could get subscriptions sufficient to realize $8 or $10 per month, he would open a school. The tuition was from $1.50 to $2 per scholar for a term of thirteen weeks. No examinations of teachers were held, and any one might teach who could " read, write and cipher." After the formation of school districts and election of local Directors, subscriptions were secured by them. About 1830, some public funds were added to the subscription. Until 1840, even schoolhouse3 were built by subscription. In 1852, township districts were divided into subdistricts, the tuition funds raised by taxation, and schools put on a better and more liberal basis.

About 1820, a schoolhouse was built in the northwestern portion of the township, near the present residence of William Borden, and known as the Ketterman Schoolhouse. In 1834, the first schoolhouse was erected on the present site of Fincastle. Saily McNeely and a Miss Wylie were among the first teachers. The house was built of hewn logs, covered with an oak-shingle roof, and stood on the lot now occupied by the Christian Church. The first frame school building in the township was built in Fincastle in 1847. It stood on the lot lying in the southeast angle, formed at the crossing of School and Cooper streets. This was occupied until 1881, when the present building, in the south end of town, and fronting the Hillsboro & Ripley Turnpike, was erected.

The Sub-School Districts

The sub-school districts in Eagle Township number eight in all. District No. 1 is located i n the northeastern portion of the township, near the residence of John Dunn. The house Is a frame, in good repair and is known as the Mc- Vay Schoolhouse. The district enumorates - white males, 31; females, 18; total, 49; no colored pupils. Wages paid last school year, $30 per month for first quarter; $33.33^ for second quarter.

District No. 2 includes the town of Fincastle and vicinity. The house has been lately erected, and is furuished with patent desks and other improvements. The district enumerates - white males, 28; females, 38; colored, 1; total, 67. Wages paid, $25 per month for first quarter; $30 per month for second quarter. Nine months school, including summer term.

District No. 3 is located in the southeastern portion of the township. The house is on Peter Roselot's farm, and is in good repair. The district enumerates - males, 27; females, 26; colored, 2; total, 55. Wages paid last school year, $33.33^ per month.

District No. 4 is in the southwestern portion of the township. The house has been lately rebuilt and newly furnished. The enumeration of this district is - white males, 27; females. 18; total, 45. No colored pupils. Wages paid last school year, $35 per month.

District No. 5 is in the northwestern part of the township, and is one of the largest. The house is situated at the crossing of the Fincastle & Sardinia and Arnheim & Mowrytown roads, and is widely known a3 the Borden Schoolhouse. The district enumerates - males, 28; females, 27: total, 55. Wages paid last school year, $33,331* per month.

District No. 6 is the colored school of the township. The district includes most of the territory known as " The Settlement," and, although somewhat extensive in scope, is comparatively meager in point of numbers. The enumeration is - males, 24; females, 19; total, 43. Wages, $33.33J per month.

District No. 7 is one of the fractional districts of the township, including a portion of Highland County. It lies in the northwest portion, and is known as " Dixie." The district in this township enumerates - males, 13; females, 12. -Draws from Highland County - males, 17; females, 15. Total number of pupils in the district, 57. Wages paid in 1881-82, $35 per month.

District No. 8 is the largest district in the township, and is located in the southern portion. The house was built in 1879. and is in good repair. It is situated near the residence of H. L. Vance, and is known as the South Fincastle Schoolhous9. The enumeration in 1881 was - males, 35; females, 41; total, 76. Wages paid teacher, $35 per month.

Eagle Township has sent forth many excellent teachers "to rear the tender thoughts " and " teach the young idea how to shoot." Among the present resident teachers maybe mentioned M. L. Abbott, Waldo Hare, Lizzie Elliott, Carrie Laney, A. N. Overstake, C. B. Stratton, Amos Eyler, Elzaphin Sayers, the Misses Fenton and T. M. Hare.

United Brethren Church. - Meetings for worship were held at private houses until about 1820, when the United Brethren Association erected a log house near the present site of the Borden Schoolhouse. The building was used both for church and school purposes, and was generally known as the Ketterman Schoolhouse. The association met regularly at the schoolhouse at this, point until within the last year, when, through the activity and liberality of some of the members, a new and commodious frame church has been erected. It stands near the school building, on a lot given by John Euvard, one of the oldest living members of the church at this place.

The first minister in charge of the church here was Bev. Bessie. Following him, Revs. Toppin, Harrison and Davis ministered to the spiritual welfare of the organization. Rev. George Hempleton is the minister in charge at present.

Some of the more active members of the church, those who have labored zealously for the growth of the society, are John Euvard, William Parish, T. A. Borden, John McFadden, William Scott and William McFadden.

Crum Chapel. - This church was organized by a body of Methodists in 1855. The church lot was donated by John Denny. The house is a frame, and is situated near Denny's residence, in the eastern portion of the township. Dedicated by Elder Crum.

Christian Chapel. - Elsewhere mention is made of the organization of the Christian Church in this township. The first church, as there stated, was built in 1842. This was a frame building, of very poor accommodations. In 1867, the members felt that a more commodious house was absolutely necessary for their accommodation, and accordingly their present neat and comfortable brick chapel was completed. Elder J. P. Daughtery delivered the dedicatory sermon, in the presence of a large audience, in September (we believe) of above given year. There were present on this occasion quite a number of noted, ministers of the church, prominent among whom was Elder Mathew Gardner. The church was first organized at Fincastle, by Alexander McClain, a man of fair talents and of some notoriety forty years ago. Of the early members, Thomas Selmon, John Alexander, Sr., William Marsh and David Selmon may be named.

The Disciples' Church at Fincastle, as has been stated, was built in 1851. The minister in charge at that time was Rev. Daniel Dillon. Isaac Carey and family, Andrew and Spencer Records and their families, were among earliest members.

The Methodist Episcopal Church , built at Fincastle in 1841, and which is still in use, was dedicated by Presiding Elder W. H. Raper. J. W. Clark and Rev. Steward had charge of this organization in its infancy. Robert Shepherd, John McKnight, John Manker, David Denny and Orin Basset, early members.

chased in the western part of Eagle Township, by the agents of Samuel Gist, for homes for his slaves in Virginia, whom he had lately freed. Shortly after their coming here, a Baptist association was formed, and, soon after, a church was built, which is still standing. It is a log building, and stands near the C. & E. B. B., about one mile west of South Fincastle Station. Bev. Charles Smith took a prominent part in helping organize the church, baptizing fifty persons in one day. Most of the persons who settled these lands became members of this organization. Their names, with an account of the settlement, are given elsewhere.

The Methodist Episcopal Church {colored) was built some years after the Baptist Church. The present building is a very comfortable frame, situated on the Fincastle & Sardinia road, a short distance from Five Points Station, on C. & E. By.

" The majestic and courtly roads which monarchs pass over, the way that the men of letters tread, the path the warrior traverses, the short and simple annals of the poor, all lead to the same place, all terminate, however varied in their routes, in that one enormous house which is appointed for all living."

However great the privations and self-denials of our pioneer forefathers, however successful in the conquest of their undertakings, they, like " all that tread the globe," have to meet one common enemy - -Death, who conquers all.

The Aerl Cemetery. - The above "hallowed spot" is the oldest place of burial in the township. It is situated in the northeastern portion of the township, on the farm owned by the widow of James Wilson, lately deceased, and formerly known as the Aerl farm, originally a part of the Breckinridge purchase. It lies just a few rods east of the old Breckinridge home, which -is still standing, and contains something over one acre of ground. It is in a state of neglect at present, although some fresh-madb mounds met our eyes, the walks and many of the graves being overgrown with weeds and briars.

It was made a place of burial as early as the year 1809, Elias Boatman being the first person interred there. Shortly following, two women, named Davis and Miller respectively, were buried near Boatman, and from that time until the present it has been a place of public interment.

In looking through this " city of the dead," with its quaint old headstones, blackened by the storms of many winters, we find recorded thereon the names of many who took an active part in the pioneer history of Eagle Township.

Adam Erwin, died March 30, 1844, aged eighty years eight months and twenty- seven days. Nancy, his wife, died in 1860, aged eighty-three years.

Samuel King Stivers, died August 7, 1864, in his seventy-eighth year. Mary Creed Stivers, wife of above, died January 3, 1868, aged seventy-seven years.

Among those buried here who heroically sacrificed their lives in the struggle to maintain the Union, and whose resting-place should never be forgotten while the stars and stripes protect our homes, are Capt. La Fayette Hare, John Edgington, Jesse Breckenridge, William Breckenridge, Corwin Bell, John Sayers, Bichard Cowan, Lawrence Smith, Amos Bees, Samuel Pursel, William Black, Thomas Wilson, William Tigart, Nelson Becords and John Hare.

The Fincastle Cemetery

As early as the year 1864, from a want of family lots in the old Aerl Cemetery, it was urgently demanded that a new burial-place be selected in a suitable and convenient part of the township. But it was not until the year 1866 that the present beautiful site occupied by the Fincastle Burying-Grounds was determined upon. The grounds occupy the northwestern corner of what was once the Fincastle Fair Grounds, and a more beautiful spot for the final resting-place of the dead could not have been found in the township.

The cemetery is surrounded by a substantial stone fence, and from the arrangement of the walks and shrubbery, presents a very neat appearance to the passer-by.

The first interment in this cemetery was the remains of Dr. Samuel Laney. His grave is just to the left of the gate fronting the Bipley & Hillsboro Turnpike. And strange to say, his was the only grave in the cemetery for more than one year after his interment. In thinking of this, we are reminded of the words of Prentice:

The roads of this, like those of other portions of the West, at the time of first settlement, were mere paths traced by the deer, elk, buffalo and other wild animals, with an occasional well-beaten trail found by the Indians. One of these latter trails was formerly well defined in its course across Eagle Township, and was widely known as

It crossed near the Stivers settlement, south through the James Wilson farm, thence near the old salt wells, on Eagle Creek, in Jackson Township, through to Logan's Gap, on the Ohio Biver. Tradition tells us that an old hunter and trapper named York, " blazed " the trees along this once Indian

The Hillsboro & Ripley Turnpike

This was surveyed about 1836 by Williams Bros., of Cincinnati, and Samuel K. Stivers. The general direction of this road is along the course of the old road that connected the above-named places, and which was the first public highway through this section. Although the necessary funds were raised by the people of Eagle Township to complete this turnpike through it, yet, by some " crookedness, " or misapplication of the money, the people in this and Jackson Township, also those in White Oak and Concord Townships, in Highland County, were " left in the mud."

As proof of the wrong done the citizens of Eagle Township in the construction of the above-named turnpike, we give the following list of names of residents of the township, with amount subscribed and paid by each:

The Plank Road

The plank road that was to connect Williamsburg, Clermont County, and Fincastle, of Brown County, was the next road scheme following the Hillsboro & Ripley pike, by which the people were again induced to subscribe liberally, and, as usual, were " left in the mire."

About the year 1850, some very prominent men of the county took up the plausible theory of building plank roads throughout the county, instead of turnpikes, as the former could be built much cheaper than the latter and were quite durable. And as that seemed a novel way of utilizing the extensive forests of this region, of course the people readily fell in with the plans of the agitators.

The proposed plan was to extend the plank road then under construction from Batavia to Williamsburg, Clermont County, from the latter point via Mt. Oreb and Sardinia, to Fincastle, of this township and county. This was an idea. Fincastle would be the terminus of the road, and having already the funds paid for the proposed turnpike aforementioned, the town would rapidly increase in wealth and population. Dr. Carey, believing in the wisdom of the scheme, urged the appointment of meetings for the dis6ussion of the sub ject. Meetings were held. The people became enthusiastic over plank roads. They subscribed liberally to further its progress; the road-bed was graded; timber felled and sawed into planks, a few of which were laid between Sardinia and Fincastle; they (the planks, of course) curled and warped up in the sun, the trees ceased falling, the mills stopped for want of logs and - the plank road disappeared in the mud.

The Hillsboro & Ripley Pike

The Hillsboro & Ripley pike deserved attention again. Plank roads were not profitable investments. Besides, the wrong done the fathers in the matter of the turnpike deserved righting by the sons. The gap in the pike through this township should be completed. This subject was agitated frequently from 1850 to 1878. Then the proper plan for constructing the road was advocated, namely, the people interested in the road to raise 20 per cent of its estimated cost, the remainder to be raised on taxable property of the

Through the energy of the members of the State Legislature from this county, a special act to authorize the Commissioners of Brown County, Ohio, to construct a free turnpike road from the terminus of the Ripley & Hillsboro Turnpike to Highland County line, was passed April 17, 1878. Immediately after the passage of this act, the following paper was circulated among the people by several of the leading citizens:

We, the undersigned, agree to pay the amount set opposite our respective names, at the time and in the manner prescribed by the Commissioners of Brown County, Ohio, to aid in constructing a free turnpike road, beginning at the Highland County line on the farm of Peter Overstake, and running on or near the line of the Ripley & Hillsboro State road; provided, and it is hereby understood and agreed, that all subscriptions made hereto in work, shall be paid at the time and rate fixed by said County Commissioners.

The subscriptions in work amounted to $500, and in cash to $1,700. The subscriptions being presented to the Board of County Commissioners, and the act of the Legislature relating to the turnpike, the board, on the 15th day of June, 1878, resolved to improve the road. Dr. S. E. Carey, James F. Crossand S. Y. Hamilton gave bond to the sum of $5,000 to secure the payment of the subscriptions, and in due time the road was completed.

The Cincinnati & Eastern Railway

The Cincinnati & Eastern Railway was put in operation in 1877, the first train passing over the road through Eagle Township August 7 of that year.

The road is intended to connect the coal fields of Jackson County, Ohio,, with the city of Cincinnati. It was first to extend only to Winchester, Adams County, but is at present building rapidly east of that point toward its destination. The people of Eagle Township labored energetically and subscribed liberally to the funds fur grading the above road.

South Fincastle Station was created upon the completing of the road through the township, and William Peddicord was appointed first station agent.

The colored settlement in Eagle Township was made in 1818, by a number of the former slaves of Samuel Gist, a wealthy banker, resident of London, England, and an extensive land-owner and slaveholder in the United States.

It is not known that Gist ever visited his plantation here, or that he ever saw a single slave that cultivated his lands, but all was left to the management of resident agents appointed by him. These lands lay in the counties of Hanover, Amherst, Goslin and Henrico, Ya. , and included some of the finest plantations in the " Old Dominion. "

In 1808, desiring to make ample provision for the future happiness of those who had so abundantly filled his coffers by their servitude, Gist made a will, the intent of which was certainly benevolent, but which has been most wretchedly executed. This document, of fifty-eight closely written pages, is a study within itself. It begins: "This is the last will and testament of me, Samuel Gist, of Gower street, in the parish of St. Giles, in the city of London, of the county of Middlesex, England."

After bequeathing various valuable estates and large sums of money to his only daughter, he designates what property and sums of money shall fall to the numerous persons who have been in his employ, and most explicitly does he provide for his slaves in Virginia, who numbered nearly one thousand souls!

Relative to them, the will provides that at his death, his " slaves in Virginia shall be set free." That his lands there shall be sold, and comfortable homes in a free State be purchased for them with the proceeds. That the revenue from his plantations the last year of his life be applied in building schoolhouses and churches for their accommodation. That all money coming to him in Virginia be set aside for the employment of ministers and teachers to instruct them. That " care be taken to make them as comfortable and happy as possible."

In 1815, Samuel Gist died, and Wickham, of Richmond, Va. (in conjunction with his father-in-law, Page), who had been appointed Gist's agent, proceeded to execute his will. Accordingly, through parties in Hillsboro, Ohio, 1,122 acres of land near Georgetown, and 1,200 acres west of Fincastle, in Eagle Township, were purchased for homes for these slaves. These lands were covered with thickets of undergrowth and sloughs of stagnant water, and were almost valueless at that time for any purpose other than pasturage. Here in June, 1818, came nearly 900 persons, a part of whom located on the Georgetown lands, the remainder on the Fincastle purchase. Their " comfortable homes" lay in the wild region about them; the education they received was in the stern school of adversity. As a matter of course, they did not prosper. Some who were able returned to Virginia. Others built rude huts and began clearing away the forest. What little money they had was soon spent. Scheming white men planned to get their personal property. They became involved in numerous law suits among themselves, and so from various causes they were reduced almost to pauperism. In later years, their lands have been sold, so that at present but few families remain as relics of this once large settlement. Among the first families that settled in this township were the following persons, most of whom had families:

Sam Hudson," as he was familiarly known, was an odd character, and many anecdotes are yet related of him. At one time, he was sent to the State Prison at Columbus for making unlawful use of another man's horse, and it so happened that a white man named Demitt accompanied him for a like offense. Upon being interrogated as to his occupation, Sam answered, " Preacher ob de Gospel!" Turning to Demitt, the officer asked, "What's your occupation?" " I clerk for Sam," was the shrewd reply.

Richard Cumberland (" Blind Dick "), Meredith Cumberland, Taylor Davis, Moses Cumberland, Ephraim Johnson and Winston Cumberland were also born in Virginia. -

Fincastle is the oldest town in Eagle Township, having been laid out by John Alexander, Sr., in the year 1835. The town was platted by Col. S. K. Stivers, and named by him after Fincastle, Va.

The first house in the town was built for John Frierson, on Lot No. 6, by John Bradley in 1835. Frierson shortly afterward opened a dry goods and notion store in the building. It is still standing, and was for many years the office of Dr. S. E. Carey. Dr. Samuel McElhaney was the first resident physician, he having located in the village in the spring of 1838.

A hotel was opened by William Parish in tha fall of 1837, and about the same date Jesse Edgington and G. W. McClellan commenced smithing and horse-shoeing in the town. The M. E. Church was erected in 1841 and the New Light, or Christian, in 1842. The steam saw and grist mill was built by Selmon & Brown in 1844, and thus it was the town of Fincastle began that existence which it has maintained without any serious changes until the present day.

The only industrial scheme of any note ever in operation in the village was the carriage and wagon shop opened by John Alexander, in 1858, and continued until a few years ago.

Thomas Selmon operated a tress-hoop factory for several years. He began operations here in 1837, and for eight or ten years employed forty or fifty workmen.

The village at present contains about 125 inhabitants. There is one hotel, the Cottage House, opened by the present proprietress, Mrs. J. E. Winters, in the year 1840.

Two of the three churches have been mentioned above. The other one is the Disciples, or what is better known, " Campbellite " Church, organized in 1851.

The one blacksmith shop is owned at present by E. W. Sanders. William Bell still continues the old cooper shop. The steam grist and flour mill has been noticed under the proper head. Dr. Jesse Baird is the resident physician. John Phist carries on a boot and shoe shop.

The merchants who have been located here since 1837 are Moore Edgington, who built the second house in town; Brice Edgington, John Thompson, Adams Morrow, Manker & Son, John and Joseph Eyler, Milton Robins, John Erwin, Leroy Marshall, R. H. Hilling, D. M. Sayers, Peddicord Bros., Richard Ewan, Gilbert & Williamson, J. F. Searight, John Alexander and the present ones, given above.

Inn-keepers - Adams Morrow, in the spring of 1838; Louis Yan Winkle, Milton Robins, Milton Scott, James Thompson and D. M. Sayers, from 1840 to 1867.

The Fincastle Fairs

In September, 1855, a meeting of the leading citizens of Fincastle and vicinity was held and arrangements perfected to hold an exhibition of the better grades of live stock of the locality. Fincastle was selected as the place for holding it, and the display was made in the streets of the village. The result of this was so gratifying to the projectors of the scheme, that it was determined to repeat the exhibition the following year. This was done. The Christian Church was used for the display of the floral department, and the stock was' exhibited in the meadow north of Mrs. Hare's residence. The following year, the stock ring was formed in the field north of where the old Associate Reformed Church stood.

These fairs, which were held but one day each, proved a source of both pleasure and profit; so much so, indeed, that a joint-stock company was formed among the citizens, and measures taken to secure suitable grounds for holding the next annual exhibition. A beautiful woodland north of Fincastle was leased, and the grounds put in proper condition for the coming season.

P. E. Hare was elected President of the association; D. M. Sayers, Yice President; Dr. S. E. Carey, Treasurer, and John Dufley, Secretary. The first fair was held on these grounds in 1858. This and those of the years 1859 and 1860 were largely attended, and continued five days each. Extensive preparations were making for the season of 1861, but the breaking-out of the rebellion frustrated the undertaking, and so ended the Fincastle A. & M. Association. The grounds were sold in 1866, and the Fincastle Cemetery now occupies the northwest portion of them.

The little village of Yanceburg, or South Fincastle* Station and Post Office, was laid out by H. L. P. Yance, County Surveyor, on the farm of H. L. Yance, June 15, 187$.

The village is situated on the Cincinnati & Easiern Railway, at the crossing of the Hillsboro & Ripley Turnpike, two miles south of Fincastle.

Jonathan Burris purchased the first lot, on the corner of Broadway and Pike, on which he erected storeroom and dwelling. J. H. Brown purchased Lot No. 2, and erected storeroom and dwelling in 1880. W. M. Brown purchased Lot No. 12 about the same date, and erected wareroom and dwelling.

Thus began the village of Yanceburg, which, in the course of three years, has gained in a business point of view what Fincastle has been nearly fifty in acquiring. So much for a railroad.

The town at present contains two dry goods stores, owned by F. M. Plank and J. H. Brown, respectively; one blacksmith shop, Fred Hienche, proprietor; one drug store, Lee Erwin, proprietor, and one saloon; also telegraph office, railway depot, express office and post office. William Peddicord was first Postmaster and station agent. John Haines was the first blacksmith, and W. M. Brown one of the first merchants.

Bernard

This is a railroad station and post office on the Cincinnati & Eastern Railway, about two miles west of Yanceburg. The place is better known as Five Points, so named from the intersection of that number of roads at this place. The village contains two dry goods stores, one blacksmith shop and a few dwellings. The African M. E. Church is near this point.

On the 7th of July, 1863, the successful rebel raider, John Morgan, with about 2,500 men, crossed the Ohio River at Brandenburg, over into Indiana, and after sacking Corydon and Salem, turned his line of pillage up the river. This threw the river towns into consternation. Ripley, in this county, from the strong "Union sentiment that prevailed there, had long feared an attack, and now waited with " fear and trembling" for Morgan's coming. The militia of the interior towns and surrounding country were given notice to be ready at a moment's warning to go to her rescue. On the 14th of the month, the alarm was given that Morgan was approaching, and to hasten with all speed to Ripley. They went, but no Morgan came to Ripley. No; while the brave militiamen of old Eagle were waiting with clenched fists and drawn clubs for Morgan at Ripley, he and his raiders were spreading terror and consternation in their own dear homes. Such great excitement never prevailed here as at that time. The word came that Morgan was at Sardinia, destroying everything before him. Women would frantically seize bed-clothes or some piece of house furniture and run pell-mell for the woods, corn-fields, and one very well remembered old lady actually buried her parlor mirror. What men were at home were engaged in secreting their horses, and some were so thoughtful as to secrete themselves. One very prominent Unionist cheered the raiders with " Hurrah for Yallandigham! " So passed the ever memorable 24th of July, 1863.

road leading from Sardinia to Winchester. They took a few horses, but further than that did no serious damages. The next day, Hobson's men came along in hot pursuit of Morgan, but nevertheless took time to scour the surrounding county to take the better horses that had been brought in from " the brush."

On the 21st of May, 1860, occurred one of the most frightful storms that ever swept over this region within the recollection of the oldest inhabitants. The storm came from the southwest, and struck Fincastle about 4 o'clock and continued to rage without ceasing for one hour. There had been no indications of a storm that day further than an unusual calmness of the atmosphere, and people were taken by surprise at their work, many quite a distance, from shelter. No lives were lost in this vicinity, but houses and barns were blown down and many persons escaped death as by a miracle. Many orchards were totally destroyed, and great damage was done the forests, particularly the maple groves.

Ancient Remains

In the mounds and ancient fortifications which are scattered over that vast scope of country stretching from the Appalachian system to the base of the Rocky Mountains, the territory occupied within the limits of Ohio is the most prolific. It is stated by good authority that no fewer than 10,000 mounds and 1,500 inclosures or circumvallations of earth and stone are within its borders.

The origin of these ancient remains has been a problem of no small moment to the archaeologist, but all agree that they are the work of a race of people pre-historic to even the ancestors of the Indians.

The purpose for which these mounds and other works were erected is also problematic It is inferred from the outline and general structure of some of the inclosures that they were works of defense. A noted one of this character is " Fort Ancient," in Warren County, yet we are not to suppose that all the inclosures of the various forms, structure and sizes were used for that purpose.

The mounds seem to have been erected as the funeral piles of the dead. In proof of this, it is found upon making excavations from the sides to the center of a tumulus that human skeletons still in a degree of preservation exist therein, while unmistakable traces of human remains are found within a few feet of the surface. These facts have led to the supposition that many of the tumuli were generations in forming. The theory is that a mound was formed by a succession of burials, commencing with a layer first upon the ground, with a small tumulus of a few feet over the first body; then the next at its side raised to an equal height, and so on till the base was of proper dimensions. Then, by a succession of burials on this base, a second layer would be formed, and in like manner layer after layer may have been added, until after the lapse of a few generations the mound would be completed.

Some of the tumuli are supposed to have been altars used in the religious rites of those who erected them. Others again, from their situation, are thought by some to have been used as watch-towers. But for whatever purpose they may have been erected, they stand to-day durable records of a race of people, all other races of whom have long since perished.

A tumulus about which there has been considerable speculation at different times, stands on the James Wilson farm, in the northeastern portion of Eagle Township and something over one mile east of Fincastle. From its situation on the most elevated portion of the table-lands north of Brush Creek, quite an extensive view of the surrounding country can be had from its summit. It is conical shaped, and measures in circumference about its base 103 yards; its vertical height is about twenty- five feet. Its summit is covered with locust and coffee-nut trees, some of which are over two feofc in diameter. Several borings have been made from the summit down in a vertical line, but as yet nothing worth mentioning has been discovered within it. On the north of this mound, and but a few rods from it, are several bowl-shaped excavations, while to the west a few hundred yards is another tumulus, but much smaller than the above described one.

In the field southeast of the large mound is a ring about twelve feet wide and two hundred and twenty-five yards in circumference. This was formerly two or three feet in height, but from being plowed over many years, is now nearly on a level with the surrounding surface, yet it is clearly discernible from the color of the clay of which it is formed. In the woods south of this is another figure of an elliptical form, and quite well defined.

Mr. Levi Williams found on his farm, in the extreme northwest corner of the township, in 1871, a relic that attracted the attention of a great many persons, although some of the more incredulous supposed it to be the production of Mr. Williams, he being a very clever artisan in stone.

The relic referred to was nothing more or less than an effigy pipe, having the form of a human being in a crouching position, with the elbows clasped against the sides of the chest,, hands and forearms resting on the knees. The image has considerable obscure ornamentation on its different parts, and is considered modern, the work of the red man. It is formed from free stone , is about fifteen inches in longest diameter and four or five inches in the shortest. It is now in the collection of H. H. Hill, of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Chapter

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP is situated in the eastern part of the county, the second township from the eastern boundary and third from the northern boundary of the county. It is bounded on the east by Byrd Township, on south by Union Township, on the west by Pleasant Township, and on the north by Franklin and Jackson Townships. From the organization of the county until June, 1853, what is now Jefferson Township was a part of Byrd Township, when a survey was made and the present limits established. We have appended the official action of the township authorities in the matter of the organization, as taken from the township records:

"A large number of the citizens of Byrd Township, Brown Co. , Ohio, believing that it would be not only for the convenience of a large majority of the citizens of said township, but that, justice and mercy demanding that our citizens should be released from the hard task of wading in mud through rain, and standing on beech roots, on election days, it was absolutely necessary that a new township should be formed, had meetings called, consulted together in regard to the matter, and finally concluded to take the necessary steps for the accomplishment of the aforesaid object. Accordingly, notices were posted in three public places within the limits of the proposed new township, of which the following is a copy:

Notice

There will be presented to the Commissioners of Brown County, Ohio, at their next June meeting, a petition praying for a new township to be composed of the surplus territory over the constitutional limits of Byrd, Jackson, Franklin and Pleasant Townships, to be called Jefferson, beginning on the limits of Byrd and Jackson Townships where Eagle Creek crosses the line of Jackson and Byrd above Cosslett's Mill, thence to the Union Township line at such poiht as will leave the statutory limits in Byrd; thence with said Union line to the line of Pleasant on Straight Creek, including that part of Pleasant lying on the east side of Straight Creek; thence with the Pleasant line or up said creek to the Franklin Township line; thence northeast to the Franklin and Jackson Township line, so far as by running a southeast line to the beginning, to include territory for the proposed Township of Jefferson.

In pursuance of the above notice, a petition was presented to the Commissioners of Brown County, at their June meeting, praying for the establishment of a new township, as described in the notice. Whereupon, a survey was granted by the Commissioners, and, when Byrd Township was surveyed, it was found to contain territory sufficient for the constitutional limits of two townships, so that no territory was required from any of the three townships of Jackson, Franklin or Pleasant. So the Commissioners granted the new township, which consisted merely of a portion of Byrd Township, and gave it the name of Jefferson Township.

For the purpose of organizing the new township, the Commissioners caused the following notice to be posted in different parts of said township:

You are hereby notified to meet at the tavern of John C. Davis, at the cross-roads in said township, on the 16th day of August, A. D. 1853, between the hours of 6 o'clock and ten o'clock A. M. of said day, and then and there proceed to elect one Township Clerk, three Trustees, and one Treasurer for said Township of Jefferson.

At the election as above ordered W. B. Logan, Michael Benner and James Glaze were elected Trustees; John Glaze, Treasurer; and J. N. Salisbury, Clerk.

Running through the township from north to south by a zigzag course is a ridge, or water-shed, dividing the township about equally. Water flowing east of this is carried into Eagle Creek, and that flowing west of it joins the waters of Straight Creek. Near this ridge, some of the land is somewhat marshy and flat, but not too much so for agricultural purposes. On these lands considerable timothy grass is grown. After passing the grass lands, the country is diversified by hills and narrow valleys along small streams, which have their origin in the low lands adjacent to the water-shed.

The area of timber is considerably reduced. The demand might be said to exceed the supply, many farmers having to go into adjoining townships for rails with which to inclose their farms. The principal kinds of timber in the low lands are beech, with a sprinkling of oak on the hills, and along the streams the timber is walnut, ash, oak, linn and sugar.

Thus far, manufacturing has received but little attention, excepting of a local character. The principal streams are Eagle Creek on the eastern, and Straight Creek on the western boundaries of the township. Eagle Creek rises in the adjoining county of Adams, and flows a short distance through Jackson Township, thence into Jefferson, sometimes forming the boundary line, and then flowing inside of the boundary, and finally out again, before finally reaching the southern boundary line. Straight Creek, on the west, flows a short distance along the western line, and then passes off into Pleasant Township.

The original roads were laid out regardless of section lines or the cardinal points of the compass, but, since the opening-up of the county, the roads as first laid out, have been almost extinguished. The present roads are comparatively straight.

The first turnpike road built in the township, and the first in the county, was commenced in 1839, under a charter granted by the State, the State paying one-half the cost of construction. The remaining half was paid by citizens along the line taking stock. It is a double-track road, well and substantially built, constructed by Brooks & Crayton, the latter having been appointed by the State to superintend the building of the road. In the charter it was called the Ripley & Hillsboro Turopike Road. It began at Ripley, and, running in a northern direction through Union Township, continued through Jefferson, dividing the latter almost equally, and about three-fourths of a mile into Jackson Township, where it stopped. Nothing more was done to it until 1870, when it was finished through Jackson Township, under a State law tax ing the county for the construction of turnpikes. The original road was kept up by tolls taken at gates on the road until the year 1870, when it passed from the hands of the company into the control of the County Commissioners. Since then, it has been a free road, and kept in a traveling condition by taxation.

The Russellville & Georgetown Turnpike was built in 1872, under an act of the Legislature authorizing County Commissioners to levy a tax on all lands and property lying and being within two miles of the proposed road. This road is a single track, well made, mostly of knapped rock and gravel, and is in charge of the County Commissioners, who appoint a Superintendent of Turnpikes to see that the roads are kept in good condition, all expense being paid out of the county treasury.

The Russellville & Winchester Turnpike was built in 1871, under an act of the Legislature authorizing the Commissioners of the county to pay half of the cost of constructing the road, and the remaining half by the citizens on the proposed line of road. This road, like almost all other roads in the county, is a single track, well and compactly built of rock and gravel.

Saw-Mills

The first saw-mill in the township was built in 1807, by Abraham Shepherd, on Eagle Creek, and was run by water. He operated this mill until he removed from the county. The first steam saw-mill was built in 1834, in the south part of the township, by Southerland, Mann & Spencer who operated it for a few years. A difference then arose among the proprietors, which could be adjusted only by selling the mill. It was purchased by three brothers named Dunn, who removed it to a point one mile south of Russellville, where it was run for several years. Business gradually failed, and it was finally abandoned. In 1842, a steam saw-mill was built in Russellville by the Miller brothers. It is now operated and owned by Robert Conn.

1853 - Trustees, Michael Benner, W. B. Logan and James Glaze; Treasurer, John Glaze; Clerk, J. N. Salisbury; Justices, John McMahon and George Brown.

1854 - Trustees, M. Benner, W. B. Logan and L. J. Kendal; Clerk, J. N. Salisbury; Treasurer, John Glaze; Constable, W. A. Maffett; Assessor, P. O' Harr a.

1855 - Trustees, M. Benner, J. Williamson and A. "Edwards; Clerk, Alex Wilson; Treasurer, R. Shaw; Constable, J. H. Smith; Assessor, Thomas Mitchell.

1857 - Trustees, M. Benner, W. B. Logan and L. Ramey; Clerk, A. Wilson; Treasurer, John Glaze; Constable, John B. Clifton; Assessor, E. Work.

1865 - Trustees, John Williamson, S. F. Mefford and L. J. Kendal; Clerk, W. S. Work; Treasurer, John C. Brown; Constable, W. S. Baird; Assessor, James P. Mooney; Justice of the Peace, A. Wilson.

1873 - Trustees, Samuel Williamson, James A. Porter and A. McCormick; Treasurer, W. P. Williams; Clerk, L. H. Williams; Assessor, A. Kendal; Constable, J. C. Drake; Superintendent of Free Turnpikes, W. J Williamson.

1875 - Trustees, J. P. Richey, F. M. Woods and John Brown; Clerk, L. H. Williams; Treasurer, A. M. Williamson; Assessor, S. A. Myers; Constable, W. Ball.

1876 - Trustees, W. W. Francis, John Brown and Robert Mannon; Clerk, L. H. Williams; Treasurer, A. M. Williamson; Assessor, John Shotwell; Constable, W. Ball.

1877 - Trustees, S. A. Smith, George H. Blair and W. B. Woods; Clerk, Albert Conn; Treasurer, A. M. Williamson; Assessor, John Shotwell; Constable, W. Ball.

1878 - Trustees, George H. Blair, S. A. Smith and W. B. Jacobs; Clerk, Albert Conn; Treasurer, A. M. Williamson; Assessor, John Shotwell; Constable, A. B. Woods.

1879 - Trustees, George H. Blair, W. B. Jacobs and S. A. Myers; Clerk, H. L. Hedrick; Treasurer, R. T. Baird; Assessor, John M. Blair; Constable, A. B. Woods.

1880 - Trustees, James A. Porter, John Shotwell and S. A. Myers; Clerk, George E. Sidwell; Treasurer, J. N. Salisbury; Assessor, A. D. Sidwell; Constable, W. H. Howard.

1881 - Trustees, John Shotwell, S. W. Kinkead and James A. Porter; Clerk, George E. Sidwell; Treasurer, J. N. Salisbury; Assessor, A. D. Sidwell; Constable, Wilson Ball.

1882 - Trustees, J. P. Richey, J. M. Blair and A. A. McCormick; Clerk, George E. Fennin; Treasurer, J. N. Salisbury; Assessor, R. O. Evans; Constable, R. J. Young.

John Stevenson was born in Pennsylvania in 1787; was married to Miss Sarah Porter in 1808; came to Ohio in 1816; lived in Byrd Township, on what is called Rattlesnake Creek, until 1821, when he purchased a farm of 176 acres on the waters of Eagle Creek, in Jefferson Township, near the north- east line of the township. There he lived until 1863, when he moved to Russellville. Three children were born to them - Robert, Eliza and James. Rob ert, in his day, was a physician of considerable note; Eliza was married to Mr. Evans, who died a number of years ago; Mrs. Evans survives him, and has removed with her family to Illinois. James is the sole owner of the farm, and is living in Russellville, in quiet and bachelor-like seclusion. Sarah Stevenson died in 1833, aged forty-nine years. John died in 1866, aged seventy-nine years. Robert is also now dead.

James Edwards, Sr., was born in Aberdeen, Ohio, January, 1800. He lived there the first six years of his life, then moved with his father to Byrd Township, and settled on a farm on Eagle Creek, now owned by Harrison Edwards, a descendant of the Edwards family. In August, 1821, he was 'married to Nancy Jacobs, and they moved to an adjoining farm. There were born to them thirteen children, all of whom lived to marry. Mr. Edwards was Justice of the Peace for a number of years. His wife died February 26, 1848. In the spring of 1850, he sold his farm and moved to Russellville, where he engaged in tanning for about fifteen years. His health becoming impaired, he then withdrew from business. December 1, 1859, he was married to Miss Rachel Linton, and both are still living.

Thomas Mefford was born in Mason County, Ky., in 1803. He came to Ohio in 1825, and, in July of the same year, married Ellen Hodkins, and settled on a farm in Union Township. Three years later, they came to Russellville, purchasing a forty-acre farm and Town Lot No. 12, on which was a small log house, the second one built in Russellville. They lived in it until 1840, when they erected a two-story brick. Mr. Mefford engaged sometimes in blacksmithing, and occasionally manufactured a rifle, for which there was always a ready sale. He filled various township offices, and was Postmaster for sixteen years. His salary as such was at first $15 per annum. He was in early life interested in horses, and introduced the Morgan stock in this community. Of late years he has been an invalid, but has written a work on the horse and its diseases.

Aaron Wilson was born in Brooke County, Ya., in 1791. He was married to Esther Baird, a native of the same county, and, in April, 1815, moved to Byrd Township, and, the following November, to the northeast part of Jefferson, and purchased a farm of 160 acres on the West Fork of Eagle Creek, about one mile east of Russellville. Nine children were born to them - Alexander, Sarah, Nancy, John K., Eliza Jane, William, Milton, Margaret and Alfred - all of whom are yet living except Eliza Jane, William and Sarah. Mr. Wilson sold his farm to his son, Alexander, and went to Peoria County. 111., where he died in April, 1853. Mrs. Wilson died in August, 1854.

William Baird was born in Yirginia; was married to Miss Sarah Moore; came to Ohio in 1814, and settled on the farm now owned by Wilson Pickerill. His children were Margaret, John M., Wilson, Amanda and Caroline.

Benjamin Culter was born in Brooke County, Ya. ; was married to Miss Parkinson, and came to Ohio about the year 1817, and settled on a farm of 150 acres lying on the road leading from Russellville to Eagle Creek, about midway between them. He raised a large family of children, and lived on this farm until 1833, when he sold it to his brother John, and removed with his family to Illinois, where he died.

John Barrett was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio at an early day with his father, who settled on a farm near New Market, in Highland County, in 1820. John came to Jefferson Township and settled on a farm of 150 acres that his father had purchased and given to him. It now is known at the Schwallie farm. He lived here a short time, and returned to his native neigh- borhood, there married Miss Morrow, and came with her to his farm in this township. Here he lived until the spring of 1849, when he sold his farm to John Williamson and moved to Iowa. After a few years, he went to Oregon, since which time there is no further trace of him.

George Berry was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio about the year 1817. He lived at Ripley a short time, then moved to Jackson Township, and, in 1822, came to Jefferson Township, and settled on a farm on the West Fork of Eagle Creek. His children were Mary, Margaret, Catherine and Samuel. He died in 1830, his wife surviving him a few years.

Jeremiah Allen was born in Kentucky, and came to Jefferson Township about 1817, purchasing a farm on the West Fork, located partly in Jefferson and partly in Jackson Townships. In 1834, he sold it to Samuel Pickerill and removed to Peoria County, 111., where he soon after died.

John Sanderson was born in Highland County, Ohio, and married Rebecca Barrett. In 1820, he settled on a farm of 100 acres adjoining Russellville on the east. His children were Thomas, Alexander, James, Mary and Sarah Jane. Mr. Sanderson died in 1834. His widow, in 1839, married David Henderson, who died in 1852, and, soon after, she moved to Illinois.

John C. Henry was born in Kentucky in 1796, and was married, in 1818, to Margaret Baird, who was born in Virginia in 1802. They moved to Union Township, and, in 1828, came to Jefferson, settling on a farm of 1 10 acres near the southeast corner of the township. The early part of Mr. Henry's life was devoted principally to the cultivation and clearing up of his farm. He obtained a knowledge of law by reading, and his services as an attorney were often in demand in the local trials of this and adjoining townships. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Henry were William B., Nancy Jane, Mary and Elizabeth (twins), and Jonn W. Henry. Mr. Henry died in 1864, aged sixty-eight years. Mrs. Henry still survives, and is the sole owner of the farm.

James Morrow as born and married in Ireland; came to Ohio about the year 1800, and settled on a farm of 100 acres in the southwestern part of the township, now owned by John P. Cropper. They lived on the farm for thirty - tive years, when Mrs. Morrow died, and James sold the farm and journeyed into one of the Western Territories. Their children were eight in number - Robert, James, John, Nathan, May, Elizabeth, Nancy and Hannah.

Robert Bowers was born in Pennsylvania; married Miss Sarah Smith; came to < hio in 1816, and settled on a farm of 150 acres one mile east of Russellville, where he lived until 1830. He then sold his farm and moved to a farm in the northeast corner of the township, where he built a fine brick dwelling house. He soon after moved near Russellville, and again went to a small farm west of the village. Mr. Bowers was twice married. His children were William. James. Martha, Allen, Albert, Rebecca, Margaret and Hannah. His first wife died in 1856. He was married, in 1859, to Elizabeth Menaugh. Mr. Bowers died in 1862, and Elizabeth in 1868.

Samuel Miller was born in Pennsylvania in 1784; was married to Miss Elizabeth Baird, and came to Ohio in the year 1823. He lived for a few years on Straight Creek, Pleasant Township, and, while there, built what was known as the Huggins Mill. Shortly after, he came to Jefferson Township, and settled on a farm of 100 acres, now owned by Joseph Francis. Before leaving his native State, Mr. Miller had learned the art of millwrighting, at which he worked whenever the weather would permit. This made it necessary for Mrs. Miller to assume the duties of landlady, which she did to the satisfaction of every one concerned. Their children were nine - John, James, George, Wylie, Oliphant, Washington. Johnson, Wilson and Allen. Mr. Wilson died in 1854. His wife survived him only seven days.

'^Levi Laycock was born in Virginia in 1793, and, in 1800, came with his father to Union Township. He was one of the soldiers in 1812 whom Gen. Hull surrendered to the British. In 1816, he married Mary Washburn, and has since resided in this township. He was twice married. His children were Joseph, Ann, Jeremiah, Nicholas, John, Elizabeth, Moses and Zeruah.

Stephen Pangburnwas born in Pennsylvania in 1780; came to Ohio about 1800. In a short time, he settled on a farm of fifty acres, now owned by J. B. Clifton. He married Nancy Knox, by whom he had six children - Levi, Jemima, Elizabeth, William, James and Eli. After Mrs. Pangburn's death, he married May Morrow, whose death occurred soon after. For his third consort he chose Sarah Feeby, by who he had two children - Abby and Samuel. Mr. Pangburn lived here about forty years, then removed to the West.

Joseph Washburn was born in Pennsylvania, and came to this township about 1800, settling near the western border, on the farm now owned by William Williamson. His wife was Elizabeth Mann, who bore him four children - Cornelius, Mary, William and Elizabeth. After a period of about thirtyfive years, Mr. Washburn removed to Indiana.

James Alexander was born in Pennsylvania; came to Ohio about 1814, and settled on the farm now owned by Alexander Bishiorth, one mile south of KuBsellville. His wife was May Frazee. Their children were seven in number - Ellen, Margaret, James, John, Sarah, Elizabeth and Pathena. In 1835, they sold the farm and moved to Indiana.

Isaac Washburn was born in Pennsylvania, and came to this township about 1800. He purchased about five hundred acres of land, now owned by Wilson Pickerill, Samuel Mefford, and the heirs of Knight McGregor and Mary Wills. He married Miss Bachel Laycock. Their children were Nicholas, George, Phoebe, Moses and William. Mr. Washburn died about 1825.

John Snedaker was born in Virginia in 1770, and was there married to Miss Charity Harris. Emigrating to Ohio, they settled in the east part of the township, near Eagle Creek, on a farm of 200 acres. Mrs. Snedaker died in 1844. Mr. Snedaker, in 1834. Their children were Garrett, Warren, Levina, Anna, Christian, Samuel, John, William, Nancy, Jesse and Noah.

Silas Bartholomew was born in Vermont, and was married in that State to Miss Chloe Fancher. He came to Ohio about 1802, and purchased a farm of 100 acres, situated in the south part of the township, adjoining Union, and now owned by Newton Liggett. Their children were Fancher, Samuel, Chester, Sylvanus, Silas, Chloe Ann and Martha. Mr. Bartholomew was a true type of the Vermont Yankee, somewhat eccentric in his manner of living and doing business, but withal an excellent man. Mrs. Bartholomew also partook somewhat of the eccentricities of her husband. Both lived on the farm until called away by death, the exact date of which we have been unable to obtain.

Valentine Kennett was born in Pennsylvania about 1798, and settled on a farm of 100 acres, which is now owned by the heirs of Moses Moore. The wife of Mr. Kennett was Susan McConnell. Their children were twelve in number - Samuel, James, John, Thomas, Arthur, George, Levi, Valentine, May, Margaret, Elizabeth and Susan. Mr. and Mrs. Kennett both died on this farm, well advanced in life.

Abraham Shepherd was a native of Virginia. He emigrated to Ohio in 1802, and purchased a tract of land on Eagle Creek, near the eastern boundary of the township, which is now occupied by Bowers Woods. He was a man of great energy and perseverance. He had received a liberal education before leaving his native State, and speedily became a man of influence in his neighborhood. Under his guidance, his farm was rapidly improved. In 1815, he built a grist-mill on Eagle Creek, and on his farm. It was the first mill of any importance in the township. Soon after, he sold the mill and moved to Ripley. He was a member of the State Senate when Brown County was organized. In April, 1818, he received the appointment of Clerk of Brown County, from Joshua Collett, Presiding Judge, and was the first to hold this position. He retained it seven years, and, during his term of office, played a conspicuous part in the political affairs of the county. His love of adventure and pioneer life was great, and he disposed of his possessions here and emigrated to the distant West, where he spent the remainder of his life.

James Work was born in Ireland. About 1797, he settled in Pleasant Township, and, five years later, came to Jefferson, purchasing a farm of 165 acres in the southwest part of the township, now owned by his son George. He married Mary Evans. Their children were Elizabeth, Jemima, Sarah, Rachel, Lucinda, Mary Ann, Joseph, Elijah, William, George and John. Mr. and Mrs. Work lived to a good old age, and died on the farm.

Edward Evans was born in Pennsylvania in 1760, and was married to Miss Jemima Applegate, who was also born in Pennsylvania. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary army, and was with Gen. Washington at Germantown in 1777, and within hearing distance of the battle of Monmouth in 1778, but, being sick, was not permitted to engage in it. Mr. Evans came to Ohio about 1800, and settled on a farm of 109 acres in the southern part of the township, now occupied by Hugh Evans, a descendant of Edward. Their children were thirteen in number - Elijah, William, Joseph, Robert, John, Hugh, James, Mary, Sarah, Isabel, Elizabeth, Rachel and Margaret. Mr. Evans died in 1839, and Mrs. Evans in 1840.

Samuel Harlow was born in Virginia in 1765; was married to Elizabeth Washburn; came to Ohio about 1800, and settled in the south part of the township, on a farm now occupied by Nelson Fuller. Their children were John, Cornelius, Jeremiah, Lewis, Mary and Rebecca. In 1836, he sold his farm and moved to one of the Territories, since which there is no trace of him.

At an early date, a Mr. Boulle settled on a farm on Straight Creek, in the southwest part of the township, where he lived a few years, and died. The farm was then sold, and was purchased by John Mann, and is now occupied by his son Scott.

John W. Campbell was born in Virginia; came to Ohio at a very early day, and settled in the southern part of the county; lived there until 1825, when he came to Jefferson Township, and bought a farm of 250 acres in the southwest part of the township, being the farm now owned by J ohn Chapman. The wife of Mr. Campbell was Miss Ellen Jane Lilley. Mr. Campbell received, before leaving his native State, a liberal education, and, during the first few years of his life in Ohio, he was engaged in the practice of law in Ripley. He was chosen to represent his district in Congress during the administration of Andrew Jackson, and was appointed by him to a Judgeship, and, to discharge the duties of his office, he sold his farm and moved to Columbus.

William Moore, a Virginian, settled early in the southeast part of the township, on the farm W. T. Purden now occupies. He afterward moved West.

Levi Howland was born in Massachusetts in 1782. He emigrated with his father to Kentucky, and, after a residence there of four years, came to Byrd Township. In 1811, Levi was married to Margaret Beem, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1791. They immediately settled in the eastern part of Jefferson, on a little place of twenty-eight acres. Soon after, Mr. Howland was called out in the war of 1812. He was a member of Capt. Abraham Shepherd's company of riflemen, and served forty days. He was very industrious, often working all night, it is said. His children were Sarah, Ulysses, John, Jane, Nancy, Rochester, Margaret, Willis, Levi and George. Mr. Howland died in 1864. His wife still survives, and is now ninety one years of age.

William Thompson came from Pennsylvania, very early, to the southern part of the township, on the farm now owned by the John Donaldson heirs. He married Hannah Evans and had four children - Jefferson, Susan, Elizabeth and Hervey. While serving in the war of 1812, he was killed by the Indians. Mrs. Thompson reared her family in this township, but afterward moved away to parts unknown.

Stephen Porter was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1800, and came to Ohio in 1818. He was married to Rachel Dunlavy in 1821; came to Jefferson Township and bought a farm of 165 acres on the west side of the township, his son James being the owner of the farm at this time. To them ten children were born - Margaret A., Keziah J., Eliza B., Mary G., Harriet A., Martha W., James A., Stephen D., Rachel A. and John B. Stephen D., his son, was Lieutenant in the Fourth Ohio Independent Cavalry, under Capt. John S. Foster; was honorably discharged, and went to Nebraska, where he held the position of Judge of the Court for a term of years. John also served a time in the army, and was honorably discharged. Mr. Porter died in 1862, and Mrs. Porter in 1880.

John McCoy came to Ohio from Kentucky in 1811, and bought a farm of 150 acres one mile southeast of Russellville. He was of Scotch descent, and was married to Isabel Baird. Their children were Alexander, Jane, Eliza, John, James, Sarah and Everetts. John, Sr., also had a brother named George, who came to the farm with him. In 1843, they sold the farm and went to one of the Western States.

Gordon Hopkins was born in Union Township, and came to Jefferson Township as early, perhaps, as 1820, and settled on a farm in the southern part of the township, where he lived for many years, and then moved West.

Benjamin Shreves was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio in 1820; was married to Miss Minerva Heaton, and settled on the farm now owned by W. W. Francis. John and Jonah were two of his children; the names of the other children we have been unable to obtain, Benjamin leaving this farm when they were quite young, and going to the State of Indiana.

Samuel Shreves was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Ohio about 1820. He married Rachel Fowler, and settled near to and west of Russellville, on the farm on which Johnson Miller now lives. Their children were George, Ruth, Nancy, Frank, Andrew and Samuel. Mr. Shreves lived on this farm a number of years, then emigrated to Iowa.

John Mann settled, about 1820, on the farm now owned by John Brown, and, after a number of years, moved to Indiana. His wife was Nellie Glaze.

Charles Pearson came to the township, as nearly as can be ascertained, about 1800, leasing the farm now owned by Samuel Kinkaid. At the expira tion of the lease, he removed from the township.

Thomas McAlister emigrated from I eland in 1798, and settled in the southern part of the township. In a few years, he departed from this neighborhood, and of his subsequent residence nothing is known.

History Of Brown Counts

Elihu Parker, a Pennsylvanian, settled at a very early period in the southwest part of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Parker both died here. They had no children.

Robert Shaw was born in Jackson Township in 1797; married Miss Mc- Guffey, and came to Jefferson in 1819, settling on a farm in the extreme northeast corner of the township, in the year 1820. He built a large fiouring-mill on the waters of Eagle Creek, which crossed his farm, and operated the mill for a number of years, then sold it to two of his neighbors, Matthew Potts and John Coslett. About this time, his wife died, leaving him with a family of ten children. He afterward married Miss Lucinda Stewart, then moved to one of the" Western States. His children by his last marriage were twelve in number, which made him, at the time of his death, the father of twenty-two children.

James Black came to Ohio at a very early period, and settled on Eagle Creek, in the east side of the township, on a farm of 100 acres, where he lived to raise a family, and died.

John Jolliff came to Ohio from Virgina at an early period, and settled on the farm in the northwestern part of the township now owned by John D. Mefford.

Justice Brockway was born in New York in 1777, and was married to Miss Thankful, Boss, who was born in 1779. They came to Ohio in 1816, and settled on a farm of 200 acres of land just south of and adjoining Russellville. When Mr. Brockway moved to this State, he traveled by land to Pittsburgh, where he shipped his goods and family on a keel-boat, and he journeyed on by land with his team to Jefferson Township, where he arrived in the autumn of 1816. On arriving at his new home, he found his farm of 200 acres an unbroken forest, but the sound of his ax was soon heard, and, in a short time, a small piece of ground was made ready for the pioneer cabin. He opened up a fine farm, and raised a large family of children, twelve in number, and named Serepta, Almariah, Sarah, Lucy, Washington, Mary, Lavina, Justice, Orry, Jesse and Julietta. -Mr. Brockway died in 1830, and Mrs. Brockway a number of years later.

Peter Shaw was a native of the State of New York, born in 1779. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Reynolds, and emigrated to the Northwest Territory, settling in what is now Jackson Township, where he lived a short time, and then purchased a tract of 300 acres of land in what is now Jefferson Township, lying south of and adjoining Russellville. Here he lived fora number of years, and removed to Ripley, and there resided until his death.

Russel Shaw was born in Rensselaer County, N. Y. , in 1781. He married Johanna Reynolds, and emigrated to the Northwest Territory in 1802, and settled in what afterward became Jackson Township, Brown Co., Ohio. Here he effected a settlement among a little colony that had preceded him a short time, which was known as the Yankee Colony, and lived there fifteen years, and then settled in Jefferson Township, buying 200 acres of land near what is now the northern boundary. The children of this couple were Sylvester, Susan, Anthony, Calvin, Experience, Alfred, Philena, Barnbridge, Cecil, Elizabeth, Greenleaf, Merritt and Eli. The parents died in 1864,

The first church in the township was built onJJohn Snedaker's farm, near Eagle Creek, in the east part of the township. It was a small buildings 18x- 21, very unpretentious and rudely finished The house was built through the united efforts of the different denominations. The Presbyterian denomination, being strongest in the neighborhood, was the principal occupant. The first preaching was by the Bev. Beuben White, of the Presbyterian persuasion. This church served for a place of worship until the neighboring villages were supplied with better.

The Baptist Church. - The doctrines of the Baptist Church were promulgated and preached in this township as early as 1810 by the Bev. Mr. Smith,, who lived in Jackson Township. He preached at farmhouses, principally at that of Elihu Parker, who lived in the southern part of the township. The believers in this faith gradually increased until the year 1828, when they resolved themselves into an organized body to build a house in which to worship, at a meeting held at the house of Elihu Parker. The following were the first mem - bersof the organization: Elihu Parker and wife, Enoch Drake and wife, Stout