Salem Township

Salem Township

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

Ohio

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

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

Jesse Williams came with Denison, and married his daughter, Lucy, and settled on the northwest quarter of section thirteen. Jacob Swigert came soon after, and located on lot forty, of the school land, in Salem. Philip Shroyer located on lot eleven, of thesamelands. Peter Worts on lot eight, and Jacob Gaumer on lot twenty-eight, about 1811.. Lawrence Wisecarver, George Stoner, Peter Livingood, George Shurtz, Samuel Shurtz, John Shurtz and Jacob Sturtz were early settlers. Joseph Stiers came in 1815, and settled on the southwest quarter of section eight. William and Stephen Starkey came from Virginia and settled about the same time, and Thomas Collins located on the southwest quarter of section thirteen, in 1815. The Rev. William Speéncer located on lot thirty-six, of the school lands, in 1816.

Topography

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

The soil is a mixture of sand and clay, and generally quite fertile. The principal streams are Salt Creek, which enters from the east, flows in a westerly direction through the township, and turning southeastward passes into Perry township: and Prairie Run, its principal tributary,

- which rises in the northeastern part of the township, flowing south and west, and unites with Salt Creek, on Dolphin Winn's farm; antl there are two branches of Symmes Creek that pass through the northwest corner of the township.

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

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

Agriculture Horticulture

The first orchard was planted by the first settler, William Denison, on the farm now occupied by his son, William S., where he built the first frame house in the township, in 1812.

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

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

Fine Stock

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

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

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

The first marriage was between Jesse Williams and Lucy Denison, '' high contracting parties," in 1810. The first birth was their son, Gordon, born in April, 1811.

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

Jacob Gaumer lived on lot twenty-eight of the school land, and repaired guns, and occasionally did blacksmithing, in 1811. He may be called the first blacksmith. The descendants of Peter Wertz and Abner Wade, cotemporaries of Gaumer, dispute and claim this honor.

with the following members: Jacob Gaumer and Catharine, his wife; Philip Shroyer and Maria, his wife; Peter Wertz and Susan, his wife ; Henry Bainter, Adam Bainter and wife,~Samuel Shurtz and Mary, his wife; George Shurtz and wife, Christian Shroyer and wife, Catharine ; Ja- 'cob Gaumer, Jr., and Elizabeth, his wife; Daniel Gaumer and Hannah, his wife; Catharine and Margaret Shurtz, John Shurtz, John Ault and Mary, his wife; Jacob Sturtz, Jacob Shroyer, Abraham Shroyer, Anthony Slater and Susan, his wite, and George Stoner and wife.

The Elders, from 1812 to 1818, were Daniel Gaumer and Frederick Munnig (now spelt Minnick). The Elders, from 1818 to 1821, were Samuel Shurtz and Frederick Garijan (mow spelt Yarian).

The first church was built on the northwest corner of lot twenty-eight, the site now occupied by the Lutheran Cemetery. It was a small structure, erected in 1817, and, in 1838, was removed, to give place to a two-story, brick church, which did service until 1870, when a new frame building was erected. 14th, 1870, by N. J. Knisely, and the house was finished the same vear. It is forty-two by seventy, and cost six thousand dollars. The dedication ceremonies were performed May 28th, 1871. by Rev. M. C. Horine and Rev. J. A. Roof.

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

. The Deacons are G. W. Bell, Peter W. Sturtz, Jonas Bainter, and J. W. Vinsel. The Elders are John O. Shrigley and Solomon Gaumer. The Sunday School has an attendance of ninety, with Peter W. Sturtz as Superintendent.

Williams, and Lucy, his wife ; William Cooksey, and Elizabeth, his wife; John Lawrence, Amos Stackhouse, Philip Shoff, Elvira and Sarah Shoff, Mordecai Adams, and Hannah, his wife; Isabella Ackerson, Rebecca Tennis, Ethelinda Denison, Rachel Jordan, Sarah Whittenberry, Lucy Babcock, Lucretia Slack, and Susanna Hickman.

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

Rev. William Sedwick was installed in May, 1839, and resigned in 1857; Rev. W. D. Siegfried became pastor, January 16, 1858,and resigned in April, 1861; when Rev. Simeon Seigfried Jr., was called, and resigned October 7, 1865 ; Rev. H.N. Harford came next, and served from March, 1866, one year; Rev. E. B. Smith came in April, 1867, and remained until March 12, 1870; February 11, 1871, Rev. J. G. Whitaker became pastor, and remained until 1875; Rev. H. H. Dunaway became pastor in May, 1876, and resigned December 13, 1879; since which time the church has been supplied by Rev. Richard Harrison.

Joseph Stiers.and Sarah, his wife, Michael Ellis and wite, Theodore Bailey and wife, Noah Honnold, Thomas Roe, and Mrs. Armstrong. Andrew Magee was the preacher in charge. The first quarterly meeting was held in Noah Honnold's barn, May 16th, 1841.

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

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

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

Good Hope Lutheran Church. - This church was organized by Rev. Wm. Gilbreath, in 1868, with the following membership: Levi Stotts and Amanda, his wife; Charles Sturtz and Rachel, his wife; John Sturtz and Louisa, his

In 1871, a frame building was purchased in Adamsville, fitted up for the church, and dedicated November 5th, 1871. The congregation have worshiped here since that time.

Beulah Baptist Church. - I\n March, 1872, Rev. E. W. Daniels held a series of meetings in Salem Chapel, and organized a Baptist Church, with the following membership: Isaac Darner and Ann, his wife, Samuel Bowman and Hannah, his wife, Delphini Winn and Catharine, his

Samantha, his wife, J. W. Bratton, Elizabeth A. Bratton, Lizzie Hunter, J. R. Bratton, Mary A. Bowman, Emma Hardy, Emmeline Williams. Mary Huff, Lucy Williams, Jared Williams, and Austin Lehew. Inthe fall of that year,the congregation assembled in Milligan's school house ; 'and in1873, they bought one and a half acres of land of B. A. Morrison, off the northeast quarter of section twenty-two, on which a frame building, 32x42. was erected, and dedicated January 11th, 1874, by Rev. T. Powell.

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

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

The first physician in Salem was Dr. Jacob S. Reasoner. He began the practice of his protession in 1832, and continued in that place until 1853. Dr. Henry Decker came to Salem in 1839, and continues in the service. Dr. Jared Cone began the practice of medicine here in 1845, and remained ten years. Dr. James Crawtord came in 1835, and remained seven years. Dr's. Loy and Blake were herein 1841-2. Dr. John Decker, and practiced from 1843 to 1850. Dr. P. A. Baker came in 1857, and practiced until A.D. 1879. Dr. Sidle practiced during 1860. Dr. Thomas Gaumer came in 1879, and continues to 'thold the fort."

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

Ruff & Leslie began in the Collins building in 1839, and closed out in 1843. Denison Ross and Isaac Stiers commenced business in 1844, and kept the store ashort time. James Darlington put in an appearance, just sufficient to make it necessary to mention him. Jacob Stenger began in1852. H. S._Roff and John Mills embarked on the commercial sea in 1853, and were followed, by various parties, in the same building, until 1863, when A. Jordan and Wm. Sedwick opened store. They dissolved a year later, and Mr. Jordan sold out in 1875. He was succeeded by Zimmer & Hurdle, VanKirk & Baker, and Wesley Stiers. C. A. Geyer began in 1877, on lot nine; A. C. Tomlinson, on lot two, Adams' plat, and A. Jordan, onlot four, Wheeler's addition, in 1878. These three are stillin business.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The First -School-House In Salem

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

The Muskingum Normal School

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

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

Classes were formed in Penmanship, Elocution, Grammar, Geography, Arithmetic, Greek, United States History, and Theory and Practice of Teaching. Ninety-one students were in attendance. Nine lectures, on practical topics, were delivered during the session. The termswere an average of five dollars for tuition.

This township was originally a part of Highland, when that township was ten miles square. In July, 1819, the County Commissioners set otf the township of Salem - five miles square. The name was derived from Salem, Massachusetts, a number of the early settlers being from that region. . The northeast quarter of the township is' '*School Land," and surveyed into one hundred acre lots, numbered from one to forty, beginning at the southeast corner of said quarter of the township, numbering north and south alternately, and ending at the northwest corner. 7 ae house of Jesse Williams, but the records have not been preserved, and we have to depend upon tradition, which informs us that Rev. William Spencer was Justice of the Peace while Salem was included in Highland. In 1819, when Salem was organized, Joseph Stiers was elected Justice for the new township, and served until 1837. .The elections were sometimes held at the house of Thomas Collins, who lived near the center of the township.

The first distillery was built by Phillip Baker, on the northwest quarter of section nineteen, in 1819. George Stoner had a ''still-house"' on section four, in 1822, and his whisky was in such demand that it was consumed as fast as he' could make it. Mr. Sutherland Stiers, an old citizen,

*Stoner's still" so hot that he was obliged to change hands frequently to prevent the handle of the jug from burning him. whisky" then, and did not cease to burn when it was Called cool. .

Postmaster

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

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

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

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

Adamsville Directory

Zimmer. PO One Hundred and Twentysecond O, Vi. War of 1812. - Collins, Thomas. Denison, Gurdon. Dailey. John. Dailey, William. Stiers, Joseph. Vernon, Joseph. Williams, John. Wine, John,