Springfield Township

Springfield Township

THIS was originally' part of ^Madison Township, and now lies directl}' west of and joins it. It was organized in 1816, at which time it was twelve miles long from east to west, and six miles wide, and included what is now Sandusk}' Township, and part of Polk and Jackson Townships in Crawford County. In February, 1818, it was cut in two in the center, leaving it in its present shape - six miles square. Its name was suggested b}' INIrs. Coflrtnl)erry. one of earliest settlers, on account of the numerous the springs within its limits, some of which are very beautiful and valuable. Perhaps the most noted of these is the Palmer Spring, one and a half miles north of the village of Ontario. It produces a large volume of pure water, and supplies the little cit}' of Crestline, being conveyed to that place in pipes. The spring is al)out one hundred and twenty-three feet higher than Crestline. The Sandusky River has its source here. One mile east of the Palmer Spring is the Preston Spring, near which one of the first grist-mills in the township was built. It was known as the Purdy Mill, and was built 1 )y the filther of 31r. James Purdy, of Mansfield. This spring furnished the water for this mill many years. Further east is the Condon Spring, which, in connection with another at Spring Mills, has for more than sixty years furnished water for a mill at that place.

Originally the entire township was covered with a dense growth of timber, and the hardy ])i<)neers who first came to it followed up the Indian traces, located their farms, and literalh' hewed their homes out of the woods. No prominent landmarks exist in the township-

It is generally level, or rolling, with a ridge of sufficient elevation, running northeast and southwest, a little north of the center of the township, to divide its waters ; those south of the ridge finding their way through the Clear Fork, Mohican, Walhonding and ^luskingum to the Ohio, and those north, through the Sandusky River to Sandusky Bay.

Agriculturally considered, the land is generally excellent, the timber presenting the usual variety in Ohio - beach, hard (sugar) and soft maple, many varieties of ash and oak, and nearly all varieties of hard wood. Such timber speaks well for the quality of the land. The black walnut is already rapidly disappearing here, as well as all over the State, under the pressure of continual demand. The land produces the usual variety of cereals produced in the Northern States.

The people of the township are made up largely of New Englanders and Pennsylvanians - perhaps the latter predominate. There are ver}' few foreigners, and no colored person seems to have obtained a permanent residence here until after the war of the rebellion. The first settlers struck the northeast corner of the township, for the reason, most likely, that in those days Indian trails were the only highways, and settlements gi'ew up along these first. One of these trails passed ]Mill Springs on its way from the headwaters of Rocky Fork to those of the Sandusky River. It was much used by the Wyandots, Delawares and Shawanees in their trading and scalping expeditions to the Ohio. This trace was followed b^- Col. William Crawford and his command in 1782, and, so far as is certainly known, these were the first white men tliat set foot on the soil of Springfield Township, though there is little doubt that white hunters or prisoners among the Indians, or white renagades, like Simon Girty, had passed through before this period.

Among those who followed up this Indian trace, and became the first settlers of the township, was George Cofflnberry, who, in ISl-I, settled on the southeast quarter of Section 1 . He was a soldier of the Revolutionar}' war, and came from Virginia. He had five sons - George, Jacob, Wright L., Salathiel and Abram B., all of them men of more than ordinar}- aliility. The next year, 1815, Richard Condon, from New Jersey, built his cabin on the northeast quarter of Section 2. He came to Mansfield in 1814. from Warren County, Ohio. He had six children - Richard, Elizabeth, John, Nancy, ^largaret and Elisha. About this time, the Welches also settled on Section 1. Joseph Welch came from Lancaster County, Penn. He had a family of five children - John, James, Jane, A. C. and Joseph. He built the third cabin in the township on the northwest quarter of Section 1. He also, in 1818, built the first brick house in the township. Jesse Edgerton (Section 17) and Uriah ]Matson came in this year. In 1816, came Alexander Welch, John and Nathan Casel)ar (Section 12), Thomas Williams, Edward Barren and Charles Stewai't. The township was now organized, and an election held the 15th of April, 1816, at which about twenty-five votes were polled. Richard Condon, the first Justice of the Peace, was chosen at this election. For several years, township officers were not in demand ; there was little for them to do. From this time forward settlers came in rapidh'. settling first in the neighborhood of the springs, and along the valley of the Clear Fork. On the 10th of April, 1820, Robert [Finney came from Harrison County, Ohio, and Imilt his cabin on the southeast quarter of Section 11. He was oiiginally from Fayette County, Penn., and his descendants are now numerous and infiuential. He had six children - John, James, William. Martha, Mary and Jane, of which only John and James are now living ; the former on tlie old homestead, and well known to all the country as " Uncle John Finney.'' He is now in his eightieth year, and, having l)een always active and strong mentally and physically, his mind is well stored with interesting reminiscences. A man of strong convictions, he has alwaj^s been, as was his father before him, a strong advocate of the Christian religion, and especiall}- energetic in carrying out his ideas of Christian duty. He early espoused the cause of temperance, and made speeches upon that subject at the public meetings then held in the log houses and barns of his neighbors, and was one of that small band of heroes who earl}' proclaimed their hatred of slavery, and were branded " Abolitionists," a term by no means popular in those days ; but, having lived to see his ideas triumphant, considers himself well paid for his sufferings and persecutions. He considered it a religious duty to assist in the escape of fugitive slaves, and was for many years, with his neighbor Joseph Roe, prominently connected with the " underground railway," his house being always open, and his services freely given to this cause. During the twenty-five 3-ears he was engaged in this, hundreds, perhaps thousands, of fugitive slaves were assisted on their way to Canada. They came from different points of the compass to his house, which seemed to l)e a crossing-place and [rendezvous. iMan}' came from the Gass settlement and McCluer's in Troy Township, others from the Quaker settlement in ^lorrow County, and man}' from Iberia, and were often carried in wagons from one point to another ; at first, generally at night, but later, in daylight, unless danger of recapture was apprehended. When the noted Randolph, of Virginia, freed his slaves, which he did from conscientious motives, he established them in Mercer County, Ohio, and this soon became a famous resort for the fugitives, and from this settlement large numbers were brought to Mr. Finney. It is asserted by Mr. Finney, that thousands of slaves escaped the bloodhounds by rubbing the juice of an onion on the soles of their shoes ; that the hounds would never follow a slave after getting a scent of the onion ; and he relates an instance in which the nem-o

Mr. Finney usually kept the fugitives at his house over night, and often for several days, then taking them in his wagon to Savannah. Ashland County, or to Olierlin, Ohio. He usually left his home early in the morning, passing Mansfield (which did not look with favor upon his business) before daylight, arriving in Oberlin by sundown. Olierlin was then, as it has ever remained, a great friend to the colored man. Having reached this point, they were generally safe, as public opinion was such that the odious fugitive-slave law could not be enforced. He relates the case of a 3Ir. Greene who stopped at his house several days. Greene's father, who lived in Tennessee, made a will releasing all his slaves. After his death, the two boys could not agree in carrying out the terms of the will, one wishing to detain the blacks as slaves. The other, however, determined they should be free. and. although compelled to hide for his life, he remained in the neighborhood until he saw his father's former slaves all safely off to Canada, and then came to Ohio with his wife and six children in destitute circumstances. In Ohio, Greene and his family were hunted and driven from place to place, living sometimes in deserted cabins and swamps, and finally sought safety in Canada, assisted on their way by 3Ir. Finney. As an instance of the honesty of tlie colored people, and the hardships they endured for freedom. ]Mr. Finney relates that two men with their wives once came to him in midwinter, nearly frozen. They had taken their master's horses, crossed the Ohio on the ice, after which they returned the horses to their owner and came on afoot. The}- were kept several days, clothed, fed and taken on their way to a colder region. Mr. Robbins and ^Ir. Joseph Roe, his neighl)ors, living five and seven miles away, were Mr. Finney's right-hand men in this business. Mr. Roe is still living a short distance west of Ontario, an aged and respected citizen. The penalty for assisting in the escape of fugitive slaves was very severe, and these men were, therefore, continually on the "ragged edge," and several times came ver}' near having serious trouble. At one time, Benjamin Gass brought to Mr. Finne}- five colored men with five or six women and children. He lodged the females in the upper part of his dwelling-house and the men in his granary- in the barn. Six men, armed with revolvers, who had been in pursuit, came up with them here. Learning they were secreted about the premises, they made a demand of Mr. Finney for their restitution. He was clearly caught, but determined not to give up the fugitives without a struggle. He demanded their warrant. The^* could not produce this, but sent three of their number to Mansfield to procure the warrant, while the other three remained to watch. Mr. Finne}' had dispatched word to some of his particular friends in Mansfield, and his object now was to gain time ; meanwhile he armed the darkies in the barn with pitchforks. Representing to the three men that the fugitives were locked in his granary (which was true) and would not probabl}' escape, he invited them into his house, gave them Ijreakfast, and consumed as much time as possible in various waj'S. While this was passing, the fugitives found an opening in the liarn and escaped to the woods. When the warrant arrived, no darkies were to be found - the presence of those up-stairs in his house not Ijeing suspected by the pursuers. It is hardly possible, however, that these slaves could have been recaptured without a fight, as Mr. Finney's friends liegan to arrive from Mansfield, all armed and expecting trouble. Among those who first came to his assistance were Dr. Miller, Thomas Thaker and Mathias Day. The pursuers, finding the fugitives had escaped, began a search of the neighborhood, and, as soon as he could with safety, Mr. Finney transferred the females to the house of his friend Joseph Roe. Mr. Roe, being notorious in this cause, and well knowing his house would soon be searched, contrived to get them away to his neighbor, James Wood, which he had no sooner done, than the pursuers appeared to search his premises. Mr. Roe pleaded ignorance, and, fearing they would go on to Mr. Woods house, contrived to throw them oft' the scent b}' oftering to assist in the recapture of the fugitives, and leading them ofl[" in the opposite direction, back to Mr. Finney's, and then to Mansfield ; meanwhile, Mrs. Roe sent word to Mr. Wood, and the fugitives were conveyed to the Smith settlement, in what is now Washington Township, and from there to other points, and escaped. The men were gathered up here and there in the woods, and all got safely' awa}-.

Mr. Joseph Roe, before mentioned, gives an excellent historical and political review of matters in Springfield, from which the following notes are taken :

When he came to the township in 1835, it was largely Democratic and controlled b}' prejudice and superstition. It was supposed that a negro had no soul, and no rights a white man was bound to respect. An Abolitionist was considered much beneath a horse-thief and counterfeiter. The Democratic idea was, that Abolitionists carried negroes to Canada, and received a compensation from the Canadian Go^- ernment, and that, should a war arise between the two countries, these negroes would improA^e the occasion to murder the people of Ohio and other States ; and further, if slaver}' should be abolished, our country would be completely ruined and society much demoralized, if not destroyed. Hence the intense feeling against the Aliolitionists. The matter was carried into the pulpit, and many churches divided. Mr. Roe resohed not to support any minister who sanctioned slavery. He was thoroughly Antislaver}', and entered heartily into the underground railway business. In the spring of

1841, three colored persons came to his house on their wa}' to freedom - a woman and her two daughters. His brother-in-law, William Woods, and himself took them to Mansfield, and left them with ]\Ir. Elmminger a few hours, while they attempted to get other friends of the cause to help them along. In this they were not successful, and not willing to leave them where their enemies might discover them, they resorted to the device of buying a load of flour of a Mr. Basore, who lived near Lucas, stipulating that the tlour was to be delivered in Oberlin. They paid Mr. Basore $3 to carry their " chattels " to Oberlin on his load. He would not take them from the Wiler House, being Democratic in his views, but received them at the covered l^ridge outside of town, and delivered both flour and negroes at 01)erlin in due time. The flour was sold at a net profit of $5, and after paying Mr. Basoi'e, the Abolitionists pocketed !|2 clear profit.

As the Antislavery movement continued, men began to read, think and hear lectures on the subject. In 1842, Leicester King was candidate for Governor of Ohio. He received four votes in Springfield Township. These were cast by Andrew Wood, Sr., Mathew Mitchell, Henry Crabbs and Joseph Roe.

In 1844, James (Jr. Burney received several votes in the township for President. In the spring of 1845, a minister came into the neighborhood and preached in a schoolhouse, taking , for his text the remark made by Joseph when ill prison to the butler and baker, requesting them to remember him when they should be restored : '' For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also have I done nothing that the}^ should put me into a dungeon." As was the custom of those da3'S, church members were anxious to put down heresies, and this sermon lieing considered of that character, certain persons were inclined to mob the preacher and his audience. They made - a gi'eat noise about the church, and used their knives freely on the saddles and bridles of the worshipers. A young man b}' the name of Basset - a tinner in Ontario - went to Mansfield and procured a warrant of Squire Wise, for the arrest of one of' the deacons of the Presbyterian Church of J*leasant Hill ; also a member and his son, belonging to the same church. Before the case was called, Mr. Roe visited, and stated the facts to, Squire Wise, and soon after, the deacon also called on the Squire and asked if he was an Abolitionist.

The trial lasted two days ; I. J. Allen ])eing counsel for the State, and Hon. Columbus Delano, of Mount Vernon, for the defense, It was hotly contested. Delano said he hoped God would permit such preachers to preach on until all the North became convinced of the gi-eat evil, and put it out of existence - that it was a low, mean act of his clients, but not a violation of the statute, and they could not be fined.

A minister was present at the trial, and such was the feeling, that whenever an}- slur was cast on the Abolitionists, he cheered with the majorit}'. After two daj's' hard fighting, the three were fined. Mr. Allen charged nothing for his services in this case, but a purse was raised for him. Mr. Delano's course elevated him very much in the estimation of Mr. Roe and others holding the same views.

Many slaves availed themselves of the very low fare on the undergTOund railway. They were furnished transportation free, and clothing also, if needed. Uncle John Finney is a large man ; and when he was thoroughly aroused and left the Whig party, it lost a host in himself His account of the enemy's attempt to storm his battery in Jul}-, 1848, and of the assistance he received from ft-iends of the cause, is trul}- graphic.

especially for one coming from a warm climate. Mr. Roe urged him to remain until warmer weather. He did so, and told his story. He was raised in Kentucky ; had been sold eleven times - several times l)ecause he could read. It was thought, for this reason, he would not make a safe and reliable servant. Mr. Roe became interested in him, and determined to have him make a public statement of his connection with slavery. The meeting was held at the United Presbyterian Church in Ontario, and before a good audience, the darke}- was introduced and told his story. It made a good impression, a purse was raised for him, and he went on toward the north star rejoicing. Thus rapidly were the people being educated to the great work that began in earnest in 1861.

In 1860, three colored boys came to Iberia for the purpose of getting an education. They had been there a year or two, and had progressed very well, but the liloodhounds were upon their track. As the train neared Iberia one evening, the bell-rope was pulled, the train slackened, and a party of slave-hunters with a Deputy jMarshal at their head, sprang off. The boys were at different places, and one or two of them were captured. This caused intense excitement, as a great many more people than formerly were opposed to the execution of the fugitive-slave law. They collected rapidly, caught the Marshal and his slave-hunters, and after a consultation, allowed the darkies to " cut their hair and use l)eech sprouts on them," to such an extent as was deemed necessary. The citizens engaged in this affair expected trouble, and sent two of their number after Mr. Roe to go to Cleveland for an eminent lawyer to engage in their defense. He secured the services of Mr. Parsons, a man who had the year before been elected to Congress. \Yhen told that he would be expected to manage the case for a small compensation, he promised to do all in his power, and, if necessary, would employ an attorne}' in Northern Ohio to assist him. He not only agreed to do the work gi'atuitously. but said if they were fined, he would help pay it. Rev. George Gordon, President of the college at Iberia, was the man the slave-power determined to humble. He was indicted, tried, convicted and sentenced to pa}^ a fine of $300, and to suffer imprisonment for six months. His name will go down as one of the martjTS in the cause of human freedom. Mr. Roe mentions as a coincidence, that while Mr. Gordon was in jail, a man of the same name was hung in Boston, Mass. for being engaged in the slaA'e trade. As to Mr. Roe's politics, he says he threw up his hat, when a boy of fourteen, at the election of Andrew Jackson as President. In 1836, when Van Buren and Harrison ran, he was entitled to vote, but, owing to the former casting a vote to prcs^ent the circulation of antislavery documents, he could not support him. and believing Harrison to be incompetent, he did not vote at all. In 1840, being better posted, as he thought, he concluded to support Tyler, but afterward discovered that he was a slaveholder. Slavery, in his mind, became of more importance than all other matters of legislation ; 200.000 slaveholders in the South ruled the nation, and he, for' one, would not participate in such wickedness. In 1852, he voted for John P. Hale, the candidate of the " Liberty party ;" in 1856, for John C. Fremont ; in 1860 and 1864, for A. Lincoln ; in 1868 and 1872, for IT. S. Grant ; after which he became dissatisfied with the Republican part}', for the reasons, among others, that Jeff Davis and the other arch traitors were not hung, that treason might be " made odious," and as a warning to other evil-doers ; and because the right of suffrage was extended to rebel colonels and other higher officers, by which they have gained control of Congress, and are making laws for the nation they tried to destroy. He, therefore, withdrew from the party, and joined the new Reform party headed by James P. Walker for President in 1876. It is opposed to all secret societies.

Mr. Roe is a farmer and stock-raiser ; has been a member of the United Presbyterian Chnrch ever since its organization in 1858, and before that was a member of the Associate Presbyterian. It will be seen from the foregoing, that he is a man of strong convictions of duty, and is presented as a type of the men who formed the substratum of the popuUition of Springfield Township.

The first Sabbath school was started in 1820, by Robert Finnev. It was held for several 3'ears in the private dwelling of John Chambers. Some of its first members were John and Susan Chambers. John and James Finney, Mathew Curran and James Larimer. Of these, John and James Finne}' and Susan Chambers are still living. They were Presbyterians and Associates. Their first meetings and public gatherings of all kinds were held at private houses, but, in 1 822, a log church was built, one mile north of Ontario, at what is called the Five Corners, by the Presbyterians. Jesse Edgerton was the active spirit in founding this church. He came from Harrison County, Ohio, and had five sons - John, Jessie, Levi, Thomas and Isaac. The first man who preached in this church was Rev. Mr. Lee, father of an honored citizen of Mansfield, John A. Lee. About the same time, the Methodists built a log church, three-fourths of a mile south of Millsborough, which was called Taylor's Meeting House. »

In 1837, the Bigelow Chapel was built, two and a qiuxrter miles north of Ontario, on the farm of Mr. David Jaques. This gentleman is now living, at the age of seventy-eight. He furnished the land and money for the Bigelow Chapel. It was a frame Iniilding, and was established mainly through the influence of Bigelow, who was a missionary among the W3'andot Indians. It was Methodist. Across the road from the Bigelow Chapel was built, in 1844, a Baptist church. It was established principally through the influence of John Palmer and Elyflet Flint. These earlv churches were used for many years, but they have long since rotted down, or been removed, their congregations dead and scattered, and many of the members now worship at the church in Ontario. Some of the early preachers in these churches were : Revs. Ruark, John Quigley, and Adam Poe, a nephew of the famous Adam Poe of history ; not to mention Johnny Appleseed, who visited the township frequently, scattering his seeds and pfeculiar religious opinions at the same time. Outside of the village of Ontario, but two churches remain, within the limits of the townsliip, having at present an organized existence. Of these, the first was organized in 1848. The church was erected the year before, on the southwest quarter of Section 1. It is used b}^ the Lutheran and German Reformed people.

The Lutherans were first organized by Rev. J. W. Huftman, D. D.: the German Reformed by Rev. J. W. Thompson. The principal original members were John Wise, Joseph Welch, Samuel Starchman, Louis Hill and Joseph Kennel of the Lutheran ; and John Leppo and family, James Leppo and George Shafer and family, of the German Reformed. Before the erection of the church, meetings were held at the private residences of Christopher Flory and John Leppo, Sr. The cost of building the church was small, as the members furnished most of the material and did a large portion of the work. The membership is light at present, not exceeding twelve or fifteen. The Pastors who have occupied the pulpit at difterent times were Revs. S. Fenner. - Brown, Isaac Culler, - Sincebaugh, - Hersheiser. Francis Ruth, - Westervelt and J. H. Williard. The Sunday school is in a flourishing condition at present. It was organized when the church was erected, and called the " Spring Mills Union Sunday School." A. Barr was the first Superintendent ; Joseph Cairns is now Superintendent, witli a membership of sixty -five.

Histoey Of Richland Couxty

1858, at a cost of about $500, on the southeast quarter of Section 26. The organization dates back to 1851-52, and was established througli the influence of Rev. A. E. Brown, in a schoolhouse, a few rods south of the present location of the church. The principal original members were John Scott and wife, Thomas Scott, Sr., William Plancy and famil}-, Kobert Patterson and wife, and J. Bartholomew and wife. Following the Rev. A. K. Brown were N. T. Brown, George Hiskey, "William Simpson and others. A union Sunday school is now in working condition, with a membership of about sixt^-.

The first school in the township was taught by John C. Gilkison, on the southeast quarter of Section 1. His pupils were Jacob CofRnberry, George Cofflnlierry, A. B. Cofflnberry, John Bartlej^, Susan Bartley, Nancy Condon, Joseph CuiTcn, Elizabeth Curren, John, James and Jane C. Welch. For several years, there were no schoolhouses, schools being kept in private houses and barns. It is believed, the first schoolhouse was on the Rallston farm, two miles north of Ontario, It was a primitive aflTair, made of logs, with a puncheon floor, a fireplace of ample proportions, and logs hewn flat on one side for seats. Hundreds of such buildings dotted the country in those days.

The first saw-mill was built in 1817, by Condon & Welch, on the northwest quarter of Section 1, and the first grist-mill by Ex-Governor Mordecai Bartley, on the same section, where Spring Mill now is. This mill has l)eeu burned down, and destroyed or removed, and rebuilt several times. About the same time, the Purdy mill, before mentioned, was built, and also one on the head-waters of Clear Fork. Xear this last was also built a saw-mill and several stills for the manufacture of spirits. These mflls gave to the place the name of Millsl)orougli. It is pictui-esquely situated among the hills, and started with fair promise for a future tovyn. It has the honor attached to age, being the first town in the township. It was laid out on part of the northeast and northwest quarters of Section 28, by John S. Marshall, Deputy County Surveyor, October 29, 1831. The mills wore built in 1818, b}' John Garretson, who came from New York. Before the establishment of these mills, settlers went as far as Mount Vernon, in Knox Count}', to do their milling. Uncle Jesse Edgerton, as he was called, occasionally hitched four horses to his large Penn- S3-lvania wagon - "schooner" - and taking his own and his neighbors' grists, hauled them to Mount Yernon. In addition to his mills, Garretson also built a house in which he kept hotel for some time. This stand was afterward kept by John Martin. The place at one time - about 1830-35 - boasted of two dry-goods stores, kept by John Evans and John Williams. The earl}' settlers in this part of the township were James Woods, John Garretson, Samuel and David Mitchell. Joseph and Lewis Day, John Milligan and Samuel Estel. Estel was a veteran of the war of 1812, and established a tanyard in 1818 on Section 23. John Stewart did most of the surve3'ing in this township. The railroads assisted in the death of Millsborough. It has been dead many 3'ears ; even the sound of the mills has ceased.

The next attempt to build a town in the township was in the woods, on the trail leading from Mansfield to Bucyrus, about eight miles from the former. It was called Newcastle ; however, Ontario and Newcastle were both laid out in the same month, Decemljer. 1834. and on the same section, 21. Newcastle was laid out by Frederick Cassell and Adam Webl)er, the name of the former suggesting the name of the place. It was surveyed by John Stewart. Adam Weliber kept tavern there for some time, but the place never grew up to their expectations. No business is done, and the place has fallen into decay. Its present population is about forty. Even the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad, which ivan its first passenger cars through it in 1864, failed to bring it renewed life. A church was built there in 1838, b}^ the Lutherans. Its founders and first members were Frederick Cassell, John Stough, John Sheffler, Adam Webber and William T. Daniels. This church, partaking of the general character of the place, has fallen into decay. It has not been occupied for many years. The whole village seems to have gone to sleep, its people living quietly, dreaming away their lives, apparentl}' unconscious of the great moving world around them.

Hiram Cook came to this township in 1820, from a place called Ontario, in Orange County, N. Y. He bought a farm a few miles south of the present village of Ontario, where he lived several 3-ears, and having purchased the land on which Ontario now stands, laid out that place in a dense woods. It was on the trail leading from Mansfield to Bucyrus, by way of Gallon. This trail was then only wide enough for the passage of horses and footmen. It is on the southwest quarter of Section 21. He had it surveyed by John Stewart, and induced George Hoover to build the first cabin beside the trail. Hoover started a blacksmith-shop, and also kept a few groceries for sale in his cabin. When the timber was cleared awaj^ a little. Cook built two frame houses - one south of the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad, to be used as a dwelling, the other on the north side of the railroad, on the trail, for a hotel. He kept this hotel some years himself until it burned down, when it was rebuilt and occupied b}- other parties at difierent times, for the same purpose. As the town gTcw, the church organizations in the country began to abandon their deca^-ed churches and build others in town. The first erected was the Methodist Episcopal, in 1839. This organization originated at the Bigelow Chapel, and afterward worshiped at the Taylor meeting-house, both before mentioned in this chapter. The present minister is James H. Johnson, and the membership aliout eighty. The Sunday school is in a flourishing condition.

In 1850, the United Presbyterians erected a frame church, which has cost, with repairs, about $3,000. This organization was originally the Associate, of which the Finneys, and o^ther old residents in the township, were the founders. The}' were too few in numbers to build a church!, and for thirty years worshiped in private houses, liarns, and wherever they could find shelter. The original members of the first organization at Ontario were Samuel G. Craig, wife and daughter, John Finney, Dr. Samuel G. ^liller and wife, James C. Robinson and wife, and Mrs. Joseph Roe. The first minister was J. L. McLain, who occupied the pulpit three or four years, after which came Revs. D. W. Collins, J. M. Hutchison and William Wishart. The present membership is 118.

The Sunda}- school was organized in 1858, with David Barrett as Superintendent. It has been maintained in a healthy condition, and now has a membership of about one hundred and thirt}-. Erskine Chambers is Superintendent.

In the following year, 1851, the Presbyterians erected a church at Ontario. This organization originated at the Five Corners, before mentioned, and afterward removed to Pleasant Hill, removing thence to Ontario. It w'as organized there about 1853 ; some of the earlj' members being Hugh 3IcConnell, William Kerr,- John S. ]Marshall, David Hackedoru, William Wiley and J. W. Horner. The first minister here was Rev. Luke Dorland, who served about two years. Following him were Revs. Marquis, - Atkinson and J. 31. Blane}'. At present, they have no Sunday school and no regular Pastor. The church has been somewhat neglected of late, the members having died and moved away. The present meml)ership is onh" about tweut}'- five.

Atwood kept the first store, in 1838. The two stores tliere at present carry a general stock, and are kept by Christopher Au and Eli Ringer. In 1850, a large brick building was erected for high-school purposes, and was kept up until 1874, receiving students from a distance. It is now occupied by the Masonic Fraternity. A new brick schoolhouse on the east side of the town is now used to educate the future sovereigns. There is an undertaking establishment kept by Cline & Wolf, and a blacksmith and wagon shop. The township does not lack railroad facilities, all those (four) centering in Mansfield passing through it. Like all other parts of Ohio, it has increased greatly in wealth and population. In 1850, the population was 2,100. From some cause it decreased, and, in 18G0, was only 1,756, but between 1860 and 1870, it recovered again, showing at the latter date a population of 2,046, of which eight3'-four were foreign and twenty-six colored. The census of 1880 will ver}- soon determine whether any progress has been made in this direction during the last decade.

Good substantial houses, brick and frame, and well-cleared farms have taken the place of the cabins and the woods ; and the earl}' settlers, like their cabins, are rapidly sinking into mother earth, and will soon have passed awa}^ as their former acquaintances, the wolf, bear, deer and Indian, have long since done.

Source changes here: from History of Richland County Ohio, by A.a. Graham, published 1880; 5,325 words in this source stream.

Springfield Township

about one hundred and twenty-three feet higher than Crestline. The Sandusky River has its source here. One mile east of the Palmer Spring is the Preston Spring, near which one of the first grist-mills in the township was built. It was known as the Purdy Mill, and was built by the father of Mr. James Purdy, of Mansfield. This spring furnished the water for this mill many years. Further east is the Condon Spring, which, in connection with another at Spring Mills, has for more than sixty years furnished water for a mill at that place.

Originally the entire township was covered with a dense growth of timber, and the hardy pioneers who first came to it followed up the Indian traces, located their farms, and literally hewed their homes out of the woods. No prominent landmarks exist in the township:

It is generally level, or rolling. with a ridge of sufficient elevation, running northeast and south- | west, a little north of the center of the town-

- ship, to divide its waters; those south of the ridge finding their way through the Clear Fork, Mohican, Walhonding and Muskingum to the Ohio, and those north, through the Sandusky River to Sandusky Bay.

Agriculturally considered, the land is generally excellent, the timber presenting the usual variety in Ohio - beach, hard (sugar) and soft maple, many varieties of ash and oak, and nearly all varieties of hard wood. Such timber speaks well for the quality of the land. The black walnut is already rapidly disappearing here, as well as all over the State, under the pressure of continual demand. The land produces the usual variety of cereals. produced in the Northern States.

The people of the township are made up largely of New Englanders and Pennsylvanians - perhaps the latter predominate. There are very few foreigners, and no colored person seems to have obtained a permanent residence here until after the war of the rebellion. The first |

- settlers struck the northeast corner of the township, for the reason, most likely, that in those days Indian trails were the only highways, and settlements grew up along these first. One of these trails passed Mill Springs on its way from the headwaters of Rocky Fork to those of the Sandusky River. It was much used by the Wyandots, Delawares and Shawanees in their trading and scalping expeditions to the Ohio. This trace was followed by Col. William Crawford and his command in 1782, and, so far asis certainly known, these were the first white men that set foot on the soil of Springfield Township, though there is little doubt that white hunters, | or prisoners among the Indians, or white renagades, like Simon Girty, had passed through before this period.

Among those who followed up this Indian , trace, and became the first settlers of the township, was George Coffinberry, who, in 1814, settled on the southeast quarter of Section 1. He was a soldier of the Revolutionary war, and came from Virginia. He had five sons - George, Jacob, Wright L., Salathiel and Abram B., all of them men of more than ordinary ability. The next year, 1815, Richard Condon, from New Jersey, built his cabin on the northeast quarter of Section 2. He came to Mansfield in 1814, from Warren County, Ohio. He had six children - Richard, Elizabeth, John, Nancy, Margaret and Elisha, About this time, the Welches also settled on Section 1. Joseph Welch came from Lancaster County, Penn. Hehad a family of five children - John, James, Jane, A. C. and Joseph. -He built the third cabin in the township on the northwest quarter of Section 1. He also, in 1818, built the first brick house in the

Uriah Matson came in this year. In 1816, came Alexander Welch, John and Nathan Casebar (Section 12), Thomas Williams, Edward Barren and Charles Stewart. The township was now organized, and an election held the 15th of April, 1816, at which about twenty-five votes were polled. Richard Condon, the first. Justice of the Peace, was chosen at this election. For several years, township officers were not in demand; there was little for them to do. From this time forward settlers came in rapidly, settling first in the neighborhood of the springs. and along the valley of the Clear Fork. On the 10th of April, 1820, Robert Finney came from Harrison County, Ohio, and built his cabin on the southeast quarter of Section 11. He was originally from Fayette County, Penn., and his descendants are now numerous and influential. He had six children - John, James, William, Martha, Mary and Jane, of which only John and James are now living ; the former on the old homestead, and well known to all the country as "Uncle John Finney." He is now in his eightieth year, and, haying been always. activeand strong mentally and physically, his mind is well stored with interesting reminiscences. A man of strong convictions. he has always been. as was his father before him, a strong advocate of the Christian religion, and especially energetic in carrying out his ideas of Christian duty. He early espoused the cause of temperance. and made speeches upon that subject at the public meetings then held in the log houses and barns of his neighbors. and was one of that small band of heroes who early proclaimed their hatred of slavery. and were branded + Abolitionists." a term by no means popular in those days ; but, having lived to see his ideas triumphant, considers himself well paid for his sufferings and persecutions. He considered it a religious duty to assist in the escape of fugitive slaves, and was for many years. with his neighbor Joseph Roe, prominently connected with the " underground railway." his house being always open, and his -services freely given to this cause. During the twenty-five years he was engaged in this, hundreds, perhaps thousands. of fugitive slaves were assisted on their way to Canada. They came from different points of the compass to his house. which seemed to bea crossing-place and 'rendezvous. Many came from the Gass settlement and McCluer's in Troy Township, others from the Quaker settlement in Morrow County, and many from Iberia, and were often carried in wagons from one point to another ; at first. generally at night, but later. in daylight, unless danger of recapture was apprehended. When the noted Randolph, of Virginia, freed his slaves, which he did from conscientious motives, he established them in Mercer County, Ohio, and this soon became a famous resort for the fugitives, and from this settlement large numbers were brought to Mr. Finney. It is asserted by Mr. Finney. that by rubbing the juice of an onion on the soles of their shoes; that the hounds would never follow a slave after getting a scent of the onion ; and he relates an instance in which the negro

Mr. Finney usually kept the fugitives at his house over night. and often for several days. then taking them in his wagon to Savannah. Ashland County. or to Oberlin. Ohio. He usually left his home early in the morning. passing Mansfield (which did not look with favor upon his business) before daylight. arriving in Oberlin by sundown. Qberlin was then. as it has ever remained. a great friend to the colored man. Having reached this point. they were generally safe. as public opinion was such that the odious fugitive-slave law could not be enforced. He relates the case of a Mr. Greene who stopped at his house several days. Greene's father. who lived in Tennessee. made a will releasing all his slaves. After his death. the two boys could not agree in carrying out the terms of the will. one wishing to detain the blacks as slaves. The other. however. determined they should be free. and. although compelled to hide for his life. he remained in the neighborhood until he saw his father's former slaves all safely off to Canada, and then came to Ohio with his wife and six children in destitute cireumstances. In Ohio. Greene and his family were hunted and driven from place to place, living sometimes in deserted cabins and swamps. and , finally sought safety in Canada, assisted on their way by Mr. Finney. As an instance of the honesty of the colored people. and the hardships they endured for freedom, Mr. Finney relates that two men with their wives once came to him in midwinter. nearly frozen. They had taken their master's horses. crossed the Ohio on the ice. after which they returned the horses to their owner and came on afoot. They were kept several days. clothed. fed and taken on their way to a colder region.

Histor Op Richean Ducounta

short distance west of Ontario. an aged and respected citizen. The penalty for assisting in the escape of fugitive slaves was very severe. and these men were. therefore. continually on the ~ragged edge." and several times came very near having serious trouble. At one time, Benjamin Gass brought to Mr. Finney five colored He lodged the females in the upper part of his dwelling-house and the men in his granary in the barn. had been in pursuit. came up with them here. Learning they were secreted about the premises, they made a demand of Mr. Finney for their restitution.

He was clearly caught. but determined not to give up the fugitives without a struggle. He demanded their warrant. They could not produce this. but sent three of their number to Mansfield to procure the warrant, while the other three remained to watch. Mr. Finney had dispatched word to some of his particular friends in Mansfield, and his object now was to gain time; meanwhile he armed the darkies in the barn with pitchforks. Representing to the three men that the fugitives were locked in his granary (which was true) and would not probably escape, he invited them into his house, gave them breakfast. and consumed as niuch time as possible in various ways. While this was passing. the fugitives found an opening in the barn and escaped to the woods. When the warrant arrived. no darkies were to he found - the presence of' those up-stairs in his house not being suspected by the pursuers. It is hardly possible. however. that these slaves could have been recaptured without a fight. as Mr. Finney's friends began to arrive from Mansfield. all armed and expecting trouble. Among those who first came to his assistance were Dr. Miller. Thomas Thaker and Mathias Day. The pursuers. finding the fugitives had escaped. began a search of the neighborhood. and. as soon as he could with safety. Mr. Finney transferred the females to the house of his friend Joseph Roe. Mr. Roe, being notorious in this cause. and well knowing his house would soon be searched, contrived to get them away to his neighbor, James Wood, which he had no sooner done, than the pursuers appeared to search his premises. Mr. Roe pleaded ignorance, and, fearing they would go on to Mr. Wood's house, contrived to throw them off the scent by offering to assist in the recaptwre of the fugitives, and leading them off in the opposite direction, back to My. Finney's, and then to Mansfield; meanwhile, Mrs. Roe sent word to Mr. Wood, and the fugitives were conveyed to the Smith settlement. in what is now Washington Township, and from there to other points, and escaped. The men were gathered up here and there in the woods, and all got safely away.

Mr. Joseph Roe, before mentioned, gives an excellent historical and political review of matters in Springfield, from which the following notes are taken :

When he came to the township in 1835, it was largely Democratic and controlled by prejudice and superstition. It was supposed that a negro had no soul. and no rights a white man was bound to respect. An Abolitionist was considered much beneath a horse-thief and counterfeiter. The Democrati¢ idea was, that Abolitionists carried negroes to Canada, and received a compensation from the Canadian Goyernment. and that. should a war arise between the two countries. these negroes would improve the occasion to murder the people of Ohio and other States: and further, if slavery should be abolished. our country would be completely ruined and society much demoralized. if not destroyed. Hence the intense feeling against the Abolitionists. The matter was carried into the pulpit. and many churches divided. Mr. Noe resolved not to support any minister who suuctioned slavery. He was thoroughly Antislavery. and entered heartily into the underground railway business.

1841, three colored persons came to his house on their way to freedom - a woman and her two daughters. His brother-in-law, William Woods, and himself took them to Mansfield, and left them with Mr. Emminger a few hours, while they attempted to get other friends of the cause to help them along. In this they'were not successful, and not willing to leave them where their enemies might discover them, they resorted to the device of buying a load of flour of a Mr. Basore, who lived near Lucas, stipulating that the flour was to be delivered in Oberlin. They paid Mr..Basore $3 to carry their "chattels" to Oberlin on his load. He would not take them from the Wiler House, being Democratic in his views, but received them at the covered bridge outside of town, and delivered both flour and negroes at Oberlin in due time. The flour was sold at a net profit of $5, and after paying Mr. Basore, the Abolitionists pocketed $2 clear profit.

As the Antislavery movement continued, men began to read, think and hear lectures on the subject. In 1842, Leicester King was candidate for Governor of Ohio. He received four votes in Springfield Township. These were cast by Andrew Wood, Sr., Mathew Mitchell, Henry Crabbs and Joseph Roe.

In 1844, James G. Burney received several votes in the township for President. In the spring of 1845, a minister came into the neighborhood and preached in a schoolhouse, taking for his text the remark made by Joseph when in prison to the butler and baker, requesting restored: "For indeed I was stolen 'away 'out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into a dungeon." As was the custom of those days, church members were anxious to put down heresies, and this sermon being considered of that character, certain persons were inclined to mob the preacher and his audience. They made a great noise about the church, and used their knives freely on the saddles and bridles of the worshipers. A young man by the name of Basset - a tinner in Ontario - went to Mansfield and procured a warrant of Squire Wise, for the arrest of one of the deacons of the Presbyterian Church of Pleasant Hill; also a' member and his son, belonging to the same church. Before the case was called, Mr. Roe visited, and stated the facts to, Squire Wise, and soon after, the deacon also called on the Squire and asked if he was an Abolitionist.

The trial lasted two days; I. J. Allen being counsel for the State, and Hon. Columbus Delano, of Mount Vernon, for the defense, It 'was "hotly contested. Delano said he hoped God would permit such preachers to preach on until all the North became convinced of the great evil, and put it out of existence - that it was a low, mean act of his clients, but not a violation of the statute, and they could not be fined.

A minister was present at the trial, and such was the feeling, that whenever any slur was cast on the Abolitionists, he cheered with the majority. After two days' hard fighting, the three were fined. Mr. Allen charged nothing for his services in this case, but a purse was raised for him. Mr. Delano's course elevated him very much in the estimation of Mr. Roe and others holding the same views.

Many slaves availed themselves of the very low fare on the underground railway. They were furnished transportation free, and clothing also, if needed. Uncle John Finney is a large man; and when he was thoroughly aroused and left the Whig party, it lost a host in himself. -His account of the enemy's attempt to storm his battery in July, 1848, and of the assistance he received from friends of the cause, is truly graphic.

especially for one coming from a warm climate. , Mr. Roe urged him to remain until warmer weather, He did so, and told his story. He was raised in Kentucky ; had been sold eleven times - several times because he could read. It was thought, for this reason, he would not make a safe and reliable servant. Mr. Roe became interested in him, and determined to have him make a public statement of his connection with The meeting was held at the United Presbyterian Church in Ontario, and before a good audience, the darkey was introduced and told his story. It made a good impression, a purse was raised for him, and he went on toward the north star rejoicing. Thus rapidly were the people being educated to the great work that began in earnest in 1861.

In 1860, three colored boys came to Iberia for the purpose of getting an education. They had been there a year or two, and had progressed very well, but the bloodhounds were upon their track. As the train neared Iberia one evening, the bell-rope was pulled, the train slackened, and a party of slave-hunters with a Deputy Marshal at their head, sprang off. The boys were at different places, and one or two of them were captured. This caused intense excitement, as a great many more people than formerly were opposed to the execution of the fugitive-slave law. They collected rapidly, caught the Marshal and his slave-hunters, and after a consultation, allowed the darkies to " cut

When told that he would be expected to manage the case for a small compensation, he promised to do all in his power, and, if necessary, would employ an attorney in Northern Ohio to assist him. He not only agreed to do the work gratuitously, but said if they were fined, he would help pay it. Rey. George Gordon, President of the college at Iberia, was the man the slave-power determined to humble. He was indicted, tried, convicted and sentenced to pay a fine of $300, and to suffer imprisonment for six months. His name will go down as one of the martyrs in the cause of human freedom. Mr. Roe mentions as a coincidence, that while Mr. Gordon was in jail, a man of the same name was hung in Boston, Mass. for being engaged in the slave trade.

As to Mr. Roe's politics, he says he threw up his hat, when a boy of fourteen, at the election of Andrew Jackson as President. In 1836, when Van Buren and Harrison ran, he was' entitled to vote, but, owing to the former casting a vote to prevent the circulation of antislavery documents, he could not support him, and believing Harrison to be incompetent, he did not vote at all. In 1840, being better posted, as he thought, he concluded to support Tyler, but afterward discovered that he was a slaveholder. Slavery, in his mind, became of more importance than all other matters of legislation ; 200,000 slaveholders in the South ruled the nation, and he, for one, would not participate in such wickedness. In 1852, he voted for John P. Hale, the candidate of the " Liberty party ;" in 1856, for John C. Fremont; in 1860 and 1864, for A. Lincoln; in 1868 and 1872, forU 8. Grant; after which he became dissatisfied with the Republican party, for the reasons, among others, that Jeff Davis and the other arch traitors were not hung, that treason might be:" made odious," and as a warning to other evil-doers ; and because the right of suffrage was extended to rebel colonels and other higher officers, by which they have gained control of Congress, and, are making laws for the nation they tried to destroy. He, therefore, withdrew from the party, and joined the new Reform party headed by James P. Walker for President in 1876. It is opposed to all secret societies.

Mr. Roe is a farmer and stock-raiser ; has been a member of the United Presbyterian Church ever since its organization in 1858, and before that was a member of the Associate Presbyterian. It will be seen from the foregoing, that he is a man of strong convictions of duty, and is presented as a type of the men who formed the substratum of the population of Springfield Township.

The first Sabbath school was started in 1820, by Robert Finney. It was held for several years in the private dwelling of John Chambers. Some of its first members were John and Susan Chambers, John and James Finney, Mathew Curran and James Larimer. Of these, John and James Finney and Susan Chambers are still living. They were Presbyterians and Associates. Their first meetings and public gatherings of all kinds were held at private houses, but, in 1822, a log church was built, one mile north of Ontario, at what is called the Five Corners, by the Presbyterians. Jesse Edgerton was the active spirit in founding this church. He came from Harrison County, Ohio, and had five sons - John, Jessie, Levi, Thomas and Isaac. The first man who preached in this church was Rev. Mr. Lee, father of an honored citizen of Mansfield, John A. Lee. About the same time, the Methodists built a log church, three-fourths of a mile south of Millsborough, which was called Taylor's Meeting House.

In 1837, the Bigelow Chapel was built, two and a quarter miles north of Ontario, on the farm of Mr. David Jaques. This gentleman is now living, at the age of seventy-eight. He furnished the land and money for the Bigelow Chapel. It wasa frame building, and was established mainly through the influence of Bigelow, who was a missionary among the Wyandot Indians. It was Methodist. Across the road from the Bigelow Chapel was built, in 1844, a Baptist church. It was established principally through the influenceof John Palmer and Elyflet Flint. These early churches were used for many years, but they have long since rotted down, or been removed, their congregations dead and scattered, and many of the members now worship atthe church in Ontario. Some of the early preachers in these churches were: Revs. Ruark, John Quigley, and Adam Poe, a nephew of the famous Adam Poe of history ; not to mention Johuny Appleseed, who visited the township frequently, scattering his seeds and peculiar religious opinions at the same time. Outside of the village of Ontario, but two churches remain, within the limits of the township, having at present an organized existence. Of these, by Rey. J. W. Thompson. The principal original members were John Wise, Joseph Welch, Samuel Starchman, Louis Hill and Joseph Kennel of the Lutheran ; and John Leppo and family, James Leppo and George Shafer and family, of the German Reformed. Before the erection of the church, meetings were held at the private residences of Christopher Flory and John Leppo, Sr. The cost of building the of the work. The membership is light at present, not exceeding twelve or fifteen. The Pastors who have occupied the pulpit at different times were Revs. 8. Fenner, - Brown, Isaac Culler, - Sincebaugh, - Hersheiser, Francis Ruth, - Westervelt and J. H. Williard. The Sunday school is in a flourishing condition at present. It was organized when the church was erected, and called the "Spring Mills Union Sunday School." A. Barr was the first Superintendent ; Joseph Cairns is now Superintendent, with a membership of sixty-five.

the influence of Rev. A. R. Brown, in a schoolhouse, a few rods south of the present location of the church. The principal original members were John Scott and wife, Thomas Scott, Sr., William Plancy and family, Robert Patterson and wife, and J. Bartholomew and wife. Following the Rev. A. R. Brown were N. T. Brown, George Hiskey, William Simpson and others. A union Sunday school is now in working condition, with a membership of about sixty.

north of Ontario, It was a primitive affair, made of logs, with a puncheon floor, a fireplace of ample proportions, and logs hewn flat on one side for seats. Hundreds of such buildings dotted the country in those days.

The first saw-mill was built in 1817, by Condon & Welch, on the northwest quarter of Section 1, and the first grist-mill by Ex-Governor Mordecai Bartley, on the same section, where This mill has been burned down, and destroyed or removed, and rebuilt

Near this last was also built a saw-mill and several stills for the manufacture of spirits. These mills gave to the place the name of Millsborough.

town in the township. It was laid out on part of the northeast.and_ northwest quarters of Section 28, by John §. Marshall, Deputy County Surveyor, October 29, 1831. The mills were built in 1818, by John Garretson, who came from New York. Before the establishment of non, in Knox County, to do their milling. Uncle Jesse Edgerton, as he was called, occasionally hitched four horses to his large Pennsylvania wagon - "schooner" - and taking his own and his neighbors' grists, hauled them to Mount Vernon. In addition to his mills, Garretson also built a house in which he kept hotel for some time. This stand was afterward kept by John Martin. about ,1830-35 - hboasted of two dry-goods stores, kept by John Evans and John Williams, The early settlers in this part of the township were James Woods, John Garretson, Samuel

John Milligan and Samuel Hstel. Hstel was a veteran of the war of 1812, and established a tanyard in 1818 on Section 23. John Stewart did most of the surveying in this township. The railroads assisted in the death of Millsborough. It has been dead many years ; even the sound of the mills has ceased.

The next attempt to build a town in the township was in the woods, on the trail leading from Mansfield to Bucyrus, about eight miles from the former. It was called Newcastle ; however, Ontario and Newcastle were both laid out in the same month, December, 1834, and on the same section, 21. Newcastle was laid out by Frederick Cassell and Adam Webber, the name of the former suggesting the name of the place. It was surveyed by John Stewart. Adam Webber kept tavern there for some time, but the place never grew up to their expectations. No business is done, and the place has fallen into decay. Its present population is about forty. Even the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad, which ran its first passenger cars through it in 1864, failed to bring it renewed life. A church was. built there in 1838, by the Lutherans. Its founders and first members were Frederick Cassell, John Stough, John Sheffler, Adam Webber and William T. Daniels. This church, partaking of the general character of the place, has fallen into decay. It has not been occupied for many years. The whole village seems to have gone to sleep, its people living quietly, dreaming away their lives, apparently unconscious of the -great moving world around them.

Hiram Cook came to this township in 1820, from a place called Ontario, in Orange County, N.Y. He bought a farm a few miles south of the present village of Ontario, where he lived several years, and having purchased the land on which Ontario now stands, laid out that place in adense woods. It was. on the trail leading from Mansfield to Bucyrus, by way of Galion. This trail was then only, wide enough for the passage of horses and footmen. It is on the southwest quarter of Section 21. He had it surveyed by John Stewart, and induced George Hoover to build the first cabin beside the trail. Hoover started a blacksmith-shop, and also kept a few groceries for sale in his cabin. When the timber was cleared away a little, Cook built two frame houses - one south of the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad, to be used

_as a dwelling, the other on the north side of the railroad, on the trail, for a hotel. He kept this hotel some years himself, until it burned down, when it was rebuilt and occupied by other parties at different times, for the same purpose. As the town grew, the church organizations in the country began to abandon their decayed churches and build others in town. The first erected was the Methodist Episcopal, in 1839. This organization originated at the - bigelow Chapel, and afterward worshiped at tlie Taylor meeting-house, both before mentioned in this chapter. The present minister is James H. Johnson, and the membership about eighty. The Sunday school is in a flourishing condition,

In 1850, the United Presbyterians erected a frame church, which has cost, with repairs, about $3,000. This organization was originally the Associate, of which the Finneys, and other old residents in the township, were the founders. They were too few in numbers to build a chureh, and for thirty years worshiped in private houses, barns, and wherever they could find shelter. The original members of the first organization at Ontario were Samuel G. Craig, wife and daughter, John Finney, Dr. Samuel G. Miller and wife, James C. Robinson and wife, and Mrs. Joseph Roe. The first minister was J. L. McLain, who occupied the pulpit three or four years, after which came Revs. D. W. Collins, J. M. Hutchison and William Wishart. The present membership is 118.

The Sunday school was organized in 1858, with David Barrett as Superintendent. It has been maintained in a healthy condition, and now has a membership of about one hundred and thirty. Erskine Chambers is Superintendent.

In the following year, 1851, the Presbyterians erected a church.at Ontario. This organization originated at the Five Corners, before mentioned, and afterward removed to Pleasant Hill, removing thence to Ontario. It was organized there about 1853; some of the early members being Hugh McConnell, William Kerr, John S. Marshall, David Hackedorn, William Wiley and J. W. Horner. The first minister here was Rey. Luke Dorland, who served about two years. Following him were Revs. Marquis, - Atkinson and J. M. Blaney. At present, they have no Sunday school and no regular Pastor. The church has been somewhat neglected of late, the members having died and moved away. The present membership is only about tw entyfive.

Atwood kept the first store, in 1838. The two stores there at present carry a general stock, and are kept by Christopher Au and Eli Ringer. In 1859, large brick building was erected for high-school] purposes, and was kept up until 1874, receiving students from a distance. It is now occupied by the Masonic Fraternity. east side of the town is now used to educate the future sovereigns. There is an undertaking establishment kept by Cline & Wolf, and a blacksmith and wagon shop. The township does not lack railroad facilities, all those (four) centering in Mansfield passing through it. Like all other parts of Ohio, it has increased greatly in wealth and population. In 1850, the popuoe and, in 1860, was only 1,756, but between 1860 and 1870, it recovered again, showing at the latter date a population of 2,046, of which eighty-four were foreign and twenty-six colored. The census of 1880 will very soon determine whether any progress has been made in this direction during the last decade.

Good substantial houses; brick and frame, and well-cleared farms have taken the place of the cabins and the woods; and the early settlers, like their cabins, are rapidly sinking into mother earth, and will soon have passed away, as their former acquaintances, the wolf, bear, deer and Indian, have long since done.

Source changes here: from History of Richland County Ohio, by A.j. Baughman, published 1908; 4,336 words in this source stream.

Springfield Township

Springfield township is bounded on the north by Sharon and Jackson; on the south by Troy; on the east by Madison, and on the west by Sandusky. At its organization as a township in 1815 Springfield was twelve miles in length from east to west, and in width was six miles from north to south. In 1818 its territory was delimitated to its present size of six miles square. The name "Springfield" was taken at the suggestion of Mrs. Coffinbury, on account of the springs of water that abound in the township, notably those known as Palmer's, Preston's and Spring Mills. The Palmer spring, on section 8, is the fountain-head of the Sandusky river, and water is piped from it to Crestline for the waterworks of that town. The spring is 123 feet higher than the town. In fact, it is one of the means by which Crestline is able to maintain its position as a division terminal of the Pennsylvania railroad. Formerly the water supply of the town was insufficient and of poor quality; was not conducive to the generation of steam; was corrosive to metal, rendering it unfit for engine use. Fearful of the removal of railroad shops and divisions terminal, Crestline put in an admirable system of waterworks, piping the water from the Palmer spring. Although litigations ensued, costing thousands of dollars, the benefits Crestline derived from the works far exceeded the cost of the plant, with the litigations added.

At the Preston spring, a mile northeast of Palmer's, the Purdy m'lls were built in the pioneer times, and were operated for many years. Earthworks on the dam and race can yet be seen.

The sprin,; at Spring Mills has furnished water-power to operate mills there for eighty years, is still flowing and "tarries not the grindings." A fuller history of this mill, with sketches of the Barr, the Welch, the Wentz and other prominent families of the locality. will be given hereafter in a chapter entitled "Spring Mills."

Springfield has a nunrber of small streams, which, seeking outlets in different directions, supply a considerable portion of its area with water for stock and agricultural purposes. The sources of both the Sandusky and the Mohican rivers are in this township, and the Blackfork and the Clearfork branches of the latter have their origin from the same spring or lake, at Five Corners.

Springfield is situated on the watershed between Lake Erie and the Ohio river, the "divide" passing through the township from east to west, at varying altitudes, the highest being 832 feet above Lake Erie. This point is on section 16. Geologists call such elevations '"knobs.'' These "knobs," which are found along the summit of the "divide," present a difficult problem in surface geology. In some respects they resemble the Kames of the British Isles, and it has been suggested that they may have been formed of shore-waves, when the lake-basin was filled to the brim and they were islands or shoals. They occupy the summit of the water-shed, and in their stratification and the rounding of their pebbles show water action. A half-mile north of this knob there is a gap in the ridge of the "divide" through which the Blackfork flows to the north. The depression is called Shafer's Hollow, and, since the completion of the Mansfield-Crestline-Galion electric line, which crosses the Hollow, the place has come to public notice as picnic grounds.

Agriculturally considered, the land of Springfield compares favorably with the general average of other townships. The soil over the greater part of Richland county rests upon the unmodified drift clays, and takes its general character from them. It contains a large quantity of lime, derived mainly from the corniferous limestone, fragments of which are mingled with the drift. The clay in the soil is also modified and tempered by the debris of the local rocks, and is mostly silicious. This character, combined with a high elevation and surface drainage, furnishes a soil which renders the name of the county - Richland - appropriate. and secures a great variety of agricultural products. While all parts of the county are well adapted to grazing, the land is especially fitted for the growth of wheat and cereals. and to the production of fruits.

Newton Y. Gilkinson has for years been planting and cultivating a forestry park at Millsborough, in which he aims to have every kind and variety of trees native to Ohio. This is a commendable work, and Mr. Gilkinson's effort should be appreciated, for forestry has been too much neglected. The late Dr. James W. Craig. father of Dr. J. Harvey Craig, once offered $200 towards buying ten acres of land at Hemlock Falls for an historical and forestry park. But as no one seemed to join him in the matter no action was taken. The trend of civilization has been to destroy the forests, as was necessary to a certain extent, but the time has now come to cultivate instead of to destroy. Colonel William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill) recently made an earnest appeal to President Roosevelt in behalf of .\merican forests. An interesting branch of the science of forestry teaches the relations of forests to the earth's surface, and the important part forests have in retaining and in distributing the rain and snow which moisten and refresh the earth. Since such vast areas of forests have been destroyed the volumes of water in springs and streams have diminished and the climate has become less equable.

Among the olden-time families of Springfield township the following are prominent: The Seward, the Douglas, the Dille, the Trimble, the Ricksicker, the Sewell, the Fraunfelter, the McCopnel, the Patterson, the Wentz, the Crooks, the Leppo, the Davidson, the Nazor, the Kirkland, the Webber, the Rank, the Ralston, the Dougal, the Cooks, the Ashbaugh, the Sheppard, the Roe, the Shafer, the Stewart, the Ringer, the Reinhart, the Miliken, the May, the Woods, the Walker, the Wark, the Craig, the Marshall, the Marlow, Hout, Freed, Ferguson, Day, Brandt, Au, Andrews, Neal, Chambers, Carter, Williams; Crim, Bell, Hackedorn, Hartupee, Moorhouse, Purdy, Sanders, Larimore, Stentz, Roasberry, Myers, Wise, O'Rourke, Musselman Sanderson, Mitchell and others. Others equally notable will be given in succeeding chapters.

The first settlers located in the northeast part of the township, coming on Colonel Crawford's route, which was the only road through that part of the county at that time. Among the first settlers was George Coffinberry, who came in 1814, and settled on the southeast quarter of section 1. Coffinberry had served in the War of the Revolution. Richard Condon settled on the northeast quarter of section 2 in 1815. About the same time the Welch family settled on section 1. Jesse Edgerton and Uriah Matson came in 1818. At the organization of the township, April 15, 1816, twenty-five votes were polled. Richard Condon was the first justice of the peace. The Finneys came in 1820.

The Presbyterians bad church and Sabbath school organizations in Springfield as early as 1822, and built a church at Five Corners, a mile north of Ontario. About the same time the Methodists built a church about a mile south of Millsborough, which was called Taylor's meeting house. Bigelow chapel, in the Jaques settlement, two miles north of Ontario, was built in 1837. It belonged to the Methodists. In 1844, a Baptist church was built in the same neighborhood. The Reformed and Lutheran denominations built a church on the Mansfield road, south of Spring Mills, and the Methodists built another near Carter's Corners, but nearly all of these have passed away, and handsome church edifices have been built instead at Ontario.

An account of the 'underground railroads" for which the township was so noted in slavery days was so recently given in a rural route article that it seems useless to repeat it here. 'Uncle' John Finney, one of the most prominent actors in assisting runaway slaves to Canada and freedom, was the stepfather of Dr. S. N. Alban, of Mansfield.

Springfield outranks her sister townships in leading roads - thoroughfares - over which travel passes from east to west and from north to south. And it is also traversed by both steam and trolley lines, and of the latter more. are to be built. ;

The Hon. William Patterson, one of the most prominent men of the county in the "30s, resided for a number of years in Springfield township, on the Mansfield-Galion road. Judge Patterson had been a soldier in the war of 1812, and was a member of congress from this district from 1833 to 1837 - the Twenty-third and Twenty-fourth congresses. He is buried in the Mansficld cemetery in an unmarked grave.

Captured By Indians

In the pioneer days, when Springfield township was first settled, there were no near neighbors. For miles around there was nothing but paths through the forests - woods infested by savages, wild beasts and venomous reptiles. Stock ran at large and had to be hunted up if they did not come home when evening approached. They had bells attached to the necks of the cows, and the tone or clatter of each was readily recognized by the owner.

A Springfield township settler, who had a wife and three children, went in search of his cows one evening, and, following the sound of the bell, was allured into an ambuscade and taken prisoner by the Indians. He was taken to another part of the country, where he was held a prisoner for five years. His one aim was to escape - to return to his family - but the Indians kept such a close espionage upon his movements, year after year, that no opportunity to escape was open to him. He feigned contentment to throw them off their guard, and whenever separated from them in the hunt or chase would express delight upon rejoining them. Upon an occasion of this kind he succeeded in eluding their vigilance and in making his escape. He traveled by night and concealed himself during the day. He was pursued, but was not retaken. One day, while in the top of a tree and concealed by the thick foliage of its branches, his pursuers passed by, but did not discover him. Finaily, foot-sore and almost famished, he reached his home. Being in Indian drezs, his wife did not recognize him. He solicited something to eat, and after partaking of refreshments made his identity known.

But here an unexpected condition confronted him. His wife, after waiting for his return for three long years, concluded he had been killed by the Indians, and, thinking herself a widow, had again married. The woman explained the situation, and husband No. 2 was called in and a conference was held. A novelist might here graphically portray the emotions, thoughts and passions which surged in the breasts of the dramatis persone in this pioneer drama in real life, but the purpose of this sketch is to give a true narrative of a local historical event, without having the story annotated by flights of fancy.

Finally, husband No. 1 suggested, to relieve the woman of embarrassment, that the matter should be left to the children for them to decide which man should remain, and that the other must leave instanter and never return. The children said they wanted their '"'real papa," if he did look like an Indian. Thereupon No. 2 retired and left the country. He had been good to the family and had well provided for them.

A friend remarked to the returned husband that but few men would have treated the affair so philosophically, and inquired if the case had been decided against him if he would have as quietly acquiesced in the decision. The answer was "No; while I did not blame them, for they thought I was dead, yet had it been decided that I was to go and for him to remain I would have killed him on the spot."

When the Indians were being removed from Greentown to Piqua they were held in camp in this city a short time under guard. Two Indians - a warrior and his daughter - escaped through the lines, were pursued and the warrior was shot while in the act of crossing the little stream now called Toby's Run. The Indian - Toby - was killed, but the young squaw escaped and nine days later arrived at Upper Sandusky, having subsisted during that time on berries. The fact that the Indian maiden was with her father when he was shot throws around the scene a veneering of sympathy. But there is no sympathy in war, and the soldiers simply obeyed the military order to shoot whoever attempted to escape, and it seems unnecessary at this late day to apologize for the war of civilization against barbarism - a war that prepared the way for the church, the school and other institutions which enlightenment brought in its train.

In the stage days ''Riblet's" was a well-known locality. There was Riblet's postofice and there was Riblet's tavern, and Daniel Riblet was a state senator in 1854-6. What changes time brings! The postoffice. the tavern and the Ribiets are now gone. The history of the past, like an echo from other days, comes back to our memory over the tide of years, as -

Worthington township was erected June 6, 1815. out of the west half of Green. As originated, it was twelve miles long from north to south, and six iniles wide. February 11, 1817, Monroe township was created out of the north half of Worthington, making each six miles square. Worthington is in the southeast corner of Richland county. It was named for Thomas Worthington. who was governor of Ohio at the time it was organized.

The surface of the township is broken, and in the southern part is hilly. It is well watered by the Clearfork and its tributaries, and numerous springs abound. Slater's run enters the township at its northwest corner and empties into the Clearfork at Newville. Andrew's run comes in from the western part, passes through Butler and then enters the Clearfork. The Shields' run, or Gold run, has its source in the southern part, courses north and enters the Clearfork a short distance below Butler. On the latter stream the Shields and Wilson sawmills were operated in former vears.

Hemlock Falls. the old time picnic resort, is situated a mile and a half south of Newville, and about the locality are woven legendarv tales and romantic incidents which could be spun out and elaborated upon to make a book of sufficient size to sell either by measurement or by weight - as bulk and heft are the desideratu of some people in the purchase of books. The falls is about a half-mile from the Clearfork at Watts' bend, and the water of the falls is a run from a spring on the highland back of the ridge. The water pours over a slanting rock for fifty feet, then makes a leap over the edge to a basin thirty feet below.

The first public meeting in the interest of the collection and preservation of the early history of Richland county was held at Hemlock Falls on the first Saturday of September. 1856. William B. Carpenter, now a resident of Mansfield. was the chairman of the meeting, and General R. Brinkerhoff and the late Rev. James F. McGraw were the speakers. A number of meetings upon historical lines followed at irregular intervals, resulting finally in the Richland County Historical society of today, which is auxiliary to the Ohio .\rchaelogical and Historical society of Columbus.

Between Winchester and Watts' Bend a narrow road winds between the river and the environing hills, whose huge rocks seem to frown ominously upon the passersby.

The first grist mill in the township, which was the third erected in the county. was built at Newville in 1815 by John Frederick Herring, and was operated about thirty-five vears. The second grist mill was built by Jacob Myers in 1820. and was known for many years as the Kanaga mills. It is situated on the Clearfork between Butler and Bellville, and is now ealled Plank': mills. In 1840 David Herring, whose widow resides at 15 North Walnut street. Mansfield. built a large three-story grist mill on the Clearfork. between Butler and Newville. It was changed to a woolen factory. and now stands idle. The Watts' millx. on Slater's run near Newville. was operated for many vears. The Rummel mills. on the Clearfork below Butler, was built by D. J. Rummel in about 1855. Jacob .\rmentrout built a sawmill upon this ~ite in the "40s. He -old to Ma. Rummel in about 1850.

On Slater's run. at the south end of Newville, a woolen faccory was operated for many years, and farther up the run were sawmills owned severally by Tarras, Losh and Clever.

Commendable interest has always been manifested in religious matters, and a number of denominations have organizations and church buildings here. The Rigdons preached at Newville in the early "30s. The Disciples, the Methodists. the United Presbyterians, the United Brethren. the Lutherans, the Albrights. the Church of God, the Presbyterians and the German Reformed are represented.

William Grosvenor, of Park avenue East. Mansfield, witnessed a flood incident on the Clearfork when he was a boy that is worth relating. The upper part of the long head-race of the David Herring mills widens into a reservoir, between which and the creek there is an island of about five acres. Upon this island stood a dwelling house occupied by a family. The Clear- fork had overflown its banks and the waters of Simmons' run, which emptied into the reservoir, overflowed its banks also, and the outlet at the "spill" formed a current but little less swift than the river itself. The dwelling house was inundated and stood unsteady upon its foundation. The peril of the situation was apparent and men gathered upon the shore and discussed ways and means to rescue the family. A canoe was obtained and a man volunteered to make the several trips necessary to bring the inmates to the shore. A hero always rises equal to every occasion, and this brave pioneer paddled the canoe forth and back until each member of the family was landed in safety upon . the bluff. The last person taken over was a Miss Duncan, who was stopping with the family. She declined to take a seat in the canoe but stood with a foot upon either side of the boat and from a bottle drank to the health of the rescuer amid the cheers of the crowd.

Samuel Lewis was the first permanent white settler in Worthington township. He located on the northwest quarter of section 1 in 1809. In 1812 he erected a blockhouse on his farm for the protection of the settlers.

Henry Nail, William Slater, Peter Zimmerman and James Wilson came in 1811. Simmons, Herring. Broad, Darling, Pearce, Davis and some others came a few years later.

Captain James Cunningham was one of the early settlers of the county, but did not Jocate in Worthington until about 1820. He harvested the first crop of wheat in the county. Captain Cunningham was of Irish parentage, and was reared and educated in Baltimore. He came West - to this "new purchase'* - to teach school, but later became a farmer. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, as his father had been in the revolutionary war. He died in 1870, aged nearly ninety years.

Martin Spohn was born in Pennsylvania in 1804. Came to Ohio in 1832 and located in Tuscarawas county, and later came to Worthington township. this county. The Spohns were the founders of the town of Butler. They were Dunkards and industrious, exemplary people. Mrs. Sarah Bevington. of West Fourth street. Mansfield, is the daughter of Martin Spohn. She has two sons - one is the manager of the Aultman-Tavlor office at Chicago. and the other is an officer in the United States navy.

David Taylor was born in Pennsylvania in 1818. Came to Ohio with his parents in 1821, and located in Worthington. He was county commissioner SIX years.

Thomas Simmons came from Marvland to Ohio in 1813 and settled in Worthington. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and two of his sons served in the Mexican war.

Edward Sheehy came from County Cork in Ireland in 1809. He resided for many years in Monroe township, but later moved to Worthington, where he died. One of his sons, John Sheehy. resides on South Adams street, Mansfield.

Lewis Rummel was born in Maryland in 1804. He came to Ohio in the twenties. Was a miller by trade. He united with the Disciple Church in 1840, and was one of the leading members of that denomination until his death. He was the father of Silas Rummel, of Lucas.

David Secrist was born in Pennsylvania in 1815. He was a shoemaker, and by industry accumulated considerable wealth and owned some valuable . farms.

Danie] Mowry was born in Pennsylvania in 1823 and came with his parents to Richland county, Ohio, in 1828. He lived near Newville and is now deceased. He was the father of Mrs. John W. Baughman, of Jefferson township.

The McClelands came from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1824. They were prominent people in the township. and one of the descendants, C. L. MecCleland. is county clerk-elect.

The late Dr. J. P. Henderson was one of the pioneer doctors of Richland county, and was a member of the constitutional convention which framed the present constitution of Ohio.

Thomas B. Andrews was a justice of the peace of Worthington for many years, and served two terms as county commissioner. His widow, whose maiden name was Marilla Pollard, is still living.

Abner Davis was a farmer who lived about two miles southeast of Newville. He was once robbed of eleven hundred dollars in gold. The money was recovered in a peculiar way. The robbers, three in number, were from Mt. Vernon. The night was severely cold, the mercury standing below zero. 'Two of the number froze to death within a few miles of Mr. Davis' house. The third was so badly frozen that he was easily captured, and upon his trial was sentenced to the penitentiary.

George Hammon came from Virginia and located in Worthington. His son. Thomas.:now deceased. became one of the largest land owners in the township.

The Carpenter family located in Newville. and Danie] Carpenter was one of the first merchants and imanufacturers there. Daniel Carpenter was the father of William B. Carpenter. of this city. and of the late George F. Carpenter.

Dr. Hubbs. an Olivesbure boy. learned the printer': trade and followed typesetting for several vears, and in company with his father-in-law. the Jate Joshua Ruth, published the Loudonville Advocate. Later Dr. Hubbs read medicine. and has been a successful practitioner at Butler for about twenty vears. The doctor always has a cordial greeting for iis fmend- and deserves to have good things said of hint. :

John W. Wilson went to Califormia in 1852. driving all the distance from Butler to the Pacific coast. except between Cincinnati and St. Louis. which was made by boat. He served his country as a soldier in the War of the Rebellion. Mr. Wilson. ke Henry (Greer. was quite a dude in Ins vounger days, and today has the appearance of a well-to-do business man. He has a fine home adjoining the town.

L. W. Severns was a Butler boy. whose father was a Jeading merchant there for many xears. Curt was in the cavalry service all through the Civil War.

The Mix family was long identified with the history of Worthineton township, and several of their number have becn engaged in mereantile pursuits.

Of the McKibben. the White, the Snvder. the Crowner. the Traxler. the Wilson, the Flaharty. the Frehafer. the Piper. the Bemiller, Pritchard. Tooman, Berry. Shields. Grubaugh. Mishey. Kunkle. Cunning, Keller, Switzer. Dutton. Kramer. Halferty and other famnihes. sketches will be given later.

There was a generous friendship among the pioneers. There were no aristocratic lines drawn between the "upper and lower" classes. Their amusement - cabin raisings and log-rollings - were generally accompanied with a sewing or a quilting, and these brought together a whole neighborhood, both men and women, old and young, and after the labors of the day were ended the evenings were spent in amusements. A wedding frequently called together all the young people for miles around. The party assembled at the home of the bride, and after the nuptials came the wedding dinner, of which there is none such now. The second day was called the groom's day, and the party would go to the home of his parents to enjoy the "infair." Then came the racing for the bottle, and fleet horses were in demand. The successful racer would take the bottle and meet the company, treat the bride and groom and then the guests.

While Worthington township had no taverns outside of the village, a number of private houses entertained transient guests. Among these were Shields. Davis and Hammons. At the latter place drovers often put up for the night. .\t these pioneer homes many a weary traveler through the tall and lonely forests has been sheltered and refreshed beneath their humble roofs. und the savory odor of ham and eggs would have tempted more fastidious appetites.

Many manly lad= and beautiful lasses have been reared within the walls of these cabin forest homes. Many courtships have been carried on during the long winter evenings beside the dying embers in the old-fashioned fireplace - happv in present love and anticipating future bliss and prosperity in a more commodious home.

Here and there vet can be -een some relic of pioneer life and the good old-fashioned customs. The present generation should be remindful of the vrivations and hardships of the men who cleared the forests and first tilled our soil, and compare their humble beginning with our present state of improvements and utilities. It is to those who marked the way in the early settlement that we are so deeply indebted for our present prosperity.