Richland Township

Richland Township

Mr. Thompson was born September 24, 1808, in Fayette County, Pa., and came to the vicinity of Senecaville with his parents' family in the spring of 1811, and be has lived within a short distance of the place of first settlement ever since. At the date last mentioned there were only two or three log cabins on the present site of Senecaville. David Satterthwaite and William Thompson, Robert's uncle, were perhaps the first settlers. Satterthwaite owned a. great many acres of land in this region.

The first building used as a schoolhouse stood on what is now the street between Brown's store and the new store of Campbell & Co. It was built of logs and was about twenty feet square. The first building erected for school purposes stood on what is now the cemetery at the north end of the town.

"Senecaville was laid out in 1814 or 1815, and in 1816, when his father moved to town, its streets were lined with stumps and brush. He said there was a salt spring on the edge of the creek near the Greenwood bridge, from the water of which his brother William made salt at a furnace containing about thirty-six kettles, which he leased from the owners. It does not seem that at that time there was any other salt furnace on this side of the Ohio River. People came from distant points and conveyed it away. It sold at from *2.50 to $3 per bushel. These works consumed a considerable quantity of wood, and furnished employment to many choppers, salt-boilers and others, and were

Historical

"Many rough characters were in the community then, and election day was a favorite time to settle gi-udges and animosities. The couple bent on punishing one another would get toned up by drinking whiskey, choose seconds, throw oflf their outer clothing, and go into the conflict. The battle was ended when one of the men cried "enough," or, if ho was not able to do so, when his second did; then the foes, having had satisfaction, took a drink together, and got down to chat.

"When a farmer sold stock he had to deliver it, the nearest points being Barnesville and Washington, and to those places one had to go for farm implements and some articles of household use. I once took a horse and went to Barnesville, and slid a plow home, the point being covered with a wooden shield.

"Coflfee then was fifty cents a pound, but it was only used when the preaciier called and on other notable occasions. A pound might last six months. Pork was wortii $1.25 to iL.'jO a hundred, and calico was twenty-five to thirty-seven and one-half cents per yard.

"As there was no communication by rail, the produce collected was taken to Baltimore in huge covered wagons drawn by six horses. The journey took about three weeks eacli way." Mr. Thompson's father, Robert, came to Ohio in 1811, and settled in the vicinity of this town.

Seneca Vii.Lk

Owes its name to causes that were working long before this part of the Union was settled. Ages before petroleum became known to the white race by that name, it was in use among the Seneca Indians who occupied a portion of the present state of New York, and of the famous oil belt of Pennsylvania. This oil rose to the surface of springs and creeks, and was used by the red men as a cure for rheumatism, burns, s[)rains and many other ailments. Througli tlie Indians it became known to the white settlers, and by tliem was called from the name of the Indians Seneca Oil, and it became as popular among the people of civilization as it was among the children of the forest, and large quantities of it were sold in small bottles at prices that now would buy barrels. Explorers and earl3' settlers found this oil in a spring and the waters of the creek into which it discharged and, recognizing the substance, promptly named this branch of Wills Creek Seneca Creek, on account of its oleaginous feature. Later, when a town was built on this creek and in the immediate vicinity of the famous spring, it took the name of Senecaville.

Senecavillewas laid out in September, 1814. In the fall of 1815 William Thompson went to Philadelphia on horseback, and purciiased some dry goods and groceries, paying III per hundred for carriage. This was the first store in the township. While there he employed Isaac Woodard, a lame man, to teach school for twelve months. William Thompson and Robert Thompson agreed to pay the teacher in full for his services. The salt works were now running, and as the fuel used was wood it required a number of men to chop wood and boil the salt water, the works running day and night. The children of tliese men and those of tlie few neighbors around the village made quite a respectable little school. Tiie men were told to send all their cliildren and it would not cost them a cent. Joseph Dilley and Abraham Dilley iiaving large families, had small means to send their children to school, but said they were unwilling th.at two men should pay the teacher, and in time they would (and did) pay a; small sum. This may be called the first free school of which we have any knowledge.

Following is a copy of a document now in the possession of Mrs. John R. Finley that brings forcibly to mind the state of affairs sixty-five years ago, and the great changes since that lime. The paper, now stained by age and time-worn, is an unruled leaf from a record book, and is written in a clerkly hand. It was found among the papers of William Thompson after his death. The first page reads as follows:

"Tiie meeting was organized and chose Rev. William C. Kiel President for the time being, and the Rev. Daniel Pettay Secretary pro tern, and Dr. David Frame Treasurer pro tern.

"The object of the meeting being stated by the President, William Thom.pson, Esq., arose and presented a constitution for the society, which was adopted with amendments:

''Resolved, That there be a committee of three members appointed to draft rules for the government of the society and to make report at the next meeting of said society." (William Tiioinpson, Esq., David Satterthwaite, Esq., and Dr. David Frame were duly appointed.)

Out of the Colonization Society grew the organization known as the "Undergound Railroad," by whicli tlie Abolitionists helped many of the slaves to liberty. The home of Dr. Baldridge was a depot on this line, and many a slave found lodgment and comfort there while on his wa^' to Canada and liberty. Among the most prominent Abolitionists of this place .during the thirty years following were Rev. William C. Keil, who left Virginia, his native state, on account of his hatred of slaver}-; Dr. John Baldridge, Dr. David Frame, Dr. Noah Hill and Judge William Thompson.

In 1810, this church was organized by Rev. John Boyd, whose labors were divided between Leatherwood and Seneca, continuing one year. After a vacancy of four years a call was accepted by Rev. James Smith in 1815, who gave all his services to the same field. Ilis death occurred in 1819. Rev. Thomas B. Clark was the next pastor, beginning his labors in 1821, and remaining nine years. The church remained vacant a number of years, during which time a great revival took place. But without a pastor the people became scattered, and a Cumberland Presbyterian Cliurch was organized which almost absorbed the former church, and laid claim to the property and held it two years. In 1835 Rev. David Polk came to this field, and during the two and one-half years of his labors the scattered congregation was brought together, the church property recovered and much good done. Rev. John Arthur supplied the pulpit eighteen months, and after a short vacancy the Rev. John E. Alexander became pastor in 1842, and continued until 1853. During this time there were steady growth and increase of strength in the congregation.

Rev. William Ferguson accepted a call to this church in 1854, and gave to them one-fourth of his time until 1862, after which he devoted all of his time to the church of Washington. During his ministry a new house of worship was erected,, and precious revivals were experienced. At the expiration of the pastorate of Mr. Ferguson the relationship between Senecaville and Washington which had existed from' the first was dissolved and a new one formed with the church of Beulah, at Claysville. Rev. W. R. Miller took charge of this field, dividing his time equally between them until he resigned in 1867. Rev. C. W. Courtwright became pastor in 1868, and resigned in the year 1870. In May, 1874, Rev. R. B. Porter was installed, and continued the pastor of this church and Beulah until 1876. After the resignation of Mr. Porter the old relationship with Washington was re-established, and Rev. A. G. Eagleson, pastor of the church of Washington, supplied this church two years. In 1879 Rev. J. P. Stafford, D. D., began his labors as stated supply, and continued one and a-half years. Rev. Dr. Miller also supplied for a brief time. In 1883 Rev. Newton Donaldson, pastor of the church at Washington, became pastor at Senecaville, and continued in this relation nearly five years. Shortly after his coming, a new church was organized at Lore City, composed of members from both Senecaville and Washington. These three churches constituted the charge of Mr, Donaldson, aud his ministry there was very successful. Rev. Charles McCracken succeeded Mr. Donaldson and continued the work tliree years. Following this was a year in which the church had no pastor. Then Rev. Mr. McMaster became pastor here, and has served in that capacity for three years.

The Lutheran Cliurch of Senecaville was founded in 1827 by Rev. William G. Keil, born at Strasburg, Va., August 7, 1799, and died January 18, 1892, at Senecaville, Ohio. He was a preacher for many years, and his labors were spread over a large territor3' in southeastern Ohio. Among the well known old settlers who were constituent or early members of the organization were Judge David Tullis, James Gordon, Joseph Riggs, Conrad Shafer, John Wiley, James Thompson, Madison Thompson, William Lowry and Charles Steward. Mr. Keil preached nearly forty years here, but during the last twenty-two years of his life age and affliction (rheumatism) rendered it impossible for him to carry on active work. The church is not strong, and since Mr. Keii's active labors ceased it has not flourished.

The greatest religious revival in tliis place was conducted by Rev. Luke Dc Witt and occurred in the winter of 1833-34, many prominent citizens becoming converts.

The first white child born in Richland Township is said to have been Edward Ward. The first Class-leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church was probably Benjamin Rogers, a blacksmith.

Source changes here: from History of Guernsey County, Ohio, by Sarchet, Cyrus P. B. (Cyrus Parkinson Beatty), published 1911; 1,546 words in this source stream.

Richland Township

Richland is on the south line of the county and the second from the eastern border line on the east. It is irregular in shape, containing about twentyseven sections of land. The main line of the great Baltimore & Ohio railway system passes through the extreme northern portion of this sub-division of the county, with its Cumberland branch traversing the township from north to south, passing into Valley township on section 3. Richland township was organized July 18, 1810, the first election being held on that date, at the house of Samuel Leath, when township officers were duly elected.

Early Settlers

Perhaps no better insight into who were among the vanguard of pioneers in this part of Guernsey county can be obtained than to publish the names of those over seventy-six years of age residing in the township in 1876, the same having been compiled for a centennial history of the township: Mrs. Payne, Mary Halley, George Gooderl, Robert Dilley, Ann Thomas, Mary Morrison, Mrs. George Gooderl, John Dollison, Mrs. Hull, Mrs. Stiers. Mary A. Foreacre, Mrs. John Squib, Mrs. Samuel Lent, Jacob Shafer, Susan Shroyer, Elizabeth Alexander. John Frame, Henry Ledman, Mrs. A. Laughlin, Mrs. Bennett, Eleanor Medley, James Buchanan, John Potts, Almira Mc- Clary, James Hartup, Benjamin Winnett, John Winnett, Laban La Rue, William G. Keil, Samuel Gibson, James Miller, Mary Baldridge, John Mosier, John Squib, Samuel Lent, Thomas Hunt, James Stranathan, Nancy Arndt, Mrs. F. Goodern, Elizabeth Oliver, William Potts, Lydia Clark, Lucinda Dollison, Margaret Lowry, Catherine Ledman, Henry Popham, John Laughlin, James R. Boyd, Tamer Gooden, Tressa Jones, Lydia Lowry, Scott Emerson, Mary Jackman, Raphiel Stiers, Lucretia Buchanan. Ebenezer Harper. Jeremiah Sargent and Margaret La Rue.

John Laughlin, father of Alexander Laughlin, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1777. He married in his native state and in 1808 started for the West, locating in Richland township, Guernsey county, Ohio. In 1 8 18, he removed to Centre township, where he died in 1851.

Samuel M. Dilley, son of Robert Dilley. was horn in New Jersey in 1794 and in [816 lie. with a brother, came to Ohio, settling in Senecaville. Guernsey county - at least near where the town now stands.

James Gibson, a native of Ireland, born in 1806, came with his parents to the point that is now known as Gibson station in Richland township. He lived on the old homestead until his death, in i860. He was both a farmer and merchant and his landed estate consisted of between five and six hundred acres.

George Gooderl, a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania, coming to Ohio in 181 7, resided seven years in Belmont county and then located in Richland township, this county. He died here in 1880.

Richland township was settled up by the above named persons and families and what was once a howling wilderness has come to be one of the richest sections in Guernsey county. The present people of the township are happy, contented and generally very prosperous.

Towns And Villages

Lore City was platted June 8, 1903, in both Centre and Richland townships, on Leatherwood creek. Hence it has made but little history. A postofHce by this name has been in existence since a very early date. It is now a fourth-class office, the postmaster furnishing his own building, light and fuel. At one time the office was held in the depot. For the past thirty years the postmasters have been as follows and in the order here enumerated: Jacob Younger, Joseph Arnold, Albert Morris, Aaron Luzater, Will Cale. Aaron Luzater. Will Cale, William Arndt and Harry Ferguson.

There are three rural mail routes running out from this postoffice, the first of which was established March 1, 1905. During the past year this office has been broken into three times, but no loss of money in any one of the cases. The annual report of the office, June 30, 1909, showed yearly receipts of one thousand five hundred dollars. There are now eight mails daily.

Lore City was incorporated in 1906 and the town officers have been but few, the present mayor, Roland Potts, having served two consecutive terms. The present officers are: Roland Potts, mayor: Cale Cross, clerk: \Y. H. Ferren, treasurer: C. F. Milligan, marshal. The council is composed of:

The town is without water-works or fire protection. The churches, a history of which appears in the church chapter, are the Methodist and Presbyterian denominations. There is a prosperous lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, mentioned in the history of civic societies.

The 1910 business interests of Lore City are conducted by the followingfirms : Agricultural implements, John Bond ; general dealers, Lou Longstreth, Andy Chegogg; furniture, Lou Chegogg; groceries (exclusive), William Ferren; millinery, Mrs. Oldham; livery barn, John Bond; drug store, Doctor Arndt. The physicians of the place are Drs. F. E. Bird and H. W. Arndt.

Senecaville is the largest place within Richland township. It is situated on sections 21 and 22, in the southern part of the township. This town was platted on the banks of Seneca creek, by David Satterthwaite, July 18, 1815 - hence has a. history running back almost a century. It is situated on the line of the Cumberland branch of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad and is within the rich coal mining belt of Guernsey county. The name has been a familiar and household word for three generations, including the pioneer band. The postoffice has been kept in its present location since 1893. It appears that not many have held the postoffice at this point, as will be observed by the following list of postmasters and the Presidents under whom they have been commissioned : J. M. Rainey, under President James Buchanan ; D. M. Bryan - the "War Postmaster" - under Lincoln; Wilson Scott; J. C. Rose; H. F. Gordon, under Grover Cleveland; N. Le Page, under Benjamin Harrison; H. F. Gordon, under Cleveland the second time; N. Le Page, under William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt; G. S. Kaho, under Roosevelt and he is the present postmaster.

One rural route extends out over a distance of twenty-four miles from Senecaville and was established July 1, 1903. The annual receipts from this office at last report was one thousand and twenty-one dollars and seventyfour cents. There are three mails at this office daily, one in and two out. The first mail that reached Senecaville was carried on horseback from Wheeling. H. F. Gordon is the present assistant postmaster.

Incorporation

Senecaville is incorporated and its present officers are: Mayor, J. S. Moorehead; clerk, H. M. Beenier; treasurer, G. F. Pollock; councilmen. S. H. Moorehead. J. L. Dilley. John Stevens, J. T. Day. J. R. Davidson; city marshal, Frank Morrison.

Business Interests In Iqio

Today the business interests of Senecaville are in the hands of the following persons: Physicians. Dr. C. Bates and Dr. R. H. Geary : dentist, H. M. Shafer; grist mill; one hank, the First National; the general stores are conducted by John Keller and the Morris Coal Company; furniture, Thomas Morrison; grocery, J. M. Rainey ; hardware. Brown and Lepage; hotel, Mrs. Brown; millinery, Mrs. E. D. Fell and Clara Dilley; milling, Campbell Brothers; livery bams, John Connor. F. H. Campbell; planing mill, with lumber yard, Charles Spaid ; meat market, Thomas Morrison. The only drug store in the place was owned by I. K. Hill, who died in October, 1910, but it will soon be reopened. Natural gas is piped in from West Virginia, by the Ohio Light and Fuel Company.

Robert Thompson, in 1895. §ave tne following account of this township: He was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1808 and moved with his parents to Senecaville in 181 1, when there were but three log cabins. David Satterthwaite and 'William Thompson were the earliest settlers in that section. Ephraim Dilty also came about that date. James Richardson was proprietor of the first tavern. The first church in Senecaville was the Presbyterian. The first store stood on ground later occupied by the Methodist Episcopal church.

The same writer in 1886 wrote for the local press: Senecaville was laid out in 1814 or 1815. There were salt springs on the edge of the creek near the Greenwood bridge, from which brother William boiled salt at a furnace containing about thirty-six kettles. It is doubted whether there were any other salt works this side of the Ohio river. People came a long ways to procure it and paid three dollars a bushel for the same.

Coffee was then fifty cents a pound and it was only used when the preacher came. A pound might last six months. Pork was worth one dollar and a quarter a hundredweight and calico from twenty-five to thirty-seven and a half cents a yard.

As there was no communication by rail, the produce collected was taken to Baltimore in huge covered wagons drawn by six horses. The journey took about three weeks each way.

Senecaville was named from Seneca creek and that was named from the springs of coal oil which oozed forth on the waters. Seneca oil was so named from the Seneca Indian tribe in New York and Pennsylvania, who many ages ago used this oil for its medicinal qualities. Later, it developed to be what we now so well know as petroleum.