Union Township (part 1 of 7)

Union Township

IN a very interesting article on "American Antiquities" Samuel Park, esq., of Marshall, 111" inois, a former resident of Union township in this county, writes regarding mounds in this township: j

"Having been quite familiar, in early life, with the location ( of several fine mounds in the northeast part of Union, as well as - a lew in Granville township, and knowing that some of them afforded a fine prospect of Licking valley, I determined to ascend to the top of one on my old farm (now the Licking County Infirmary farm), and look for something to wiite about.

"When 1 reached the summit of the mound, I was astonished at the change that had taken place since I last visited that elevation, some twenty years ago. Much of the timber had been removed from the surrounding country, especially to the west, which had greatly extended the view from this point. While sitting on this elevated tumulus and contemplating the beauty of the scenery, 1 began to call to mind the several mounds with which I had been familiar in other years, within a radius of two or three miles, and being well acquainted with the topography of the surrounding country, I was astonished to see that they occupied so nearly a common level on the hill-tops, and that, with a little more timber removed, all were in plain view from the position I then occupied; and further, that of some ten or more that I could then call to mind on a territory of some twenty-five or thirty square miles, nearly if not quite all of them could be seen from each and all the others; and further, that while there was an extensive common view to all of them, yet each mound overlooked a valley or plain, more or less of which could not be seen from any other one.

"To make this more clear, let me specify a few cases, to-wit: From the position we now occupied we had a delightful prospect of the country for many miles around us, extending west into Harrison township, north into Granville, and to the east and southeast the whole Licking valley was spread out before us. Looking over the numerous hill-tops of Hog run and Upper Clay lick, the sight was lost in the hill-tops beautifully ddaeated on the horizon, extending in a semi-circle from the hills of the Rocky fork to the coal hills of Perry county, while the fecial view from this mound, and not to be seen from any other, lies to the northwest. Three or four mounds on a ridge along the line between Union and Granville townships command the view, respectively, of deep valleys lying on the north and south sides of this ridge, while one on Stephen Gill's farm, and other* on the farms of Aaron Hillbrant, Mrs. Owens, Mr. Jones and John Haynes, south of Auter creek, and others on the lands of F. Dunlevy, Wesley Belt, Henry Lytle and others north of the railroad, each and all have their special views, not to be see from any other mound, and still are all in plain view from the mound above Union station, on the infirmary farm. The* mounds are all situated on high hills, but we have found since that there are many other mounds on the same territory, geneally situated on slight elevations ai the head of ravines, on the banks of streams, etc.

* ' The discovery of these peculiarities began to open a n« train of thoughts on the mound question, and begat a dear* for further investigation. We next visited some of the hub north of the Raccoon valley, among which was Fort hilL so called. This is one of the highest elevations belonging to range of hills, and ovei looks a considerable district to the northeast, as well as an extensive portion of the Raccoon valley, Oc the top of this hill we found a fort enclosing some fourteen or sixteen acres of land, and in the middle of it another, with i deep moat inside of the wall, less than one hundred feet in 6- ameter. The inside of this is considerably elevated, but appears to have been dug down by some person seeking for treasure or curiosities. We have often been surprized at the tva hopes of some persons that they might find a fortune in some of these mounds. Can any sane person for a moment indn.gr the thought that there ever was a people or nation so igncrast as to erect such conspicuous piles to secrete treasure, with xst hope of its safety? Nor since silver and gold have been usd by man as the representative of wealth, have we any accooat of any nation or tribe that buried with their dead any considefabe amount of the precious metals, or anything else of ksasg value. It is all lost labor to seek in such places for treasure j valuable jewels, for they are not there. These works we* J raised for no such purpose. There may be found a few trickdlj placed there with their dead, a thousand years since the erection of the mounds, by some of the wandering tribes* of our native Indians; but, beyond this, you. might as well seek for the treasures of Babylon in its ruins, or for the gold of Solomon's temple, that so dazzled the eyes and astonished the rich Queen of Sheba, or that excited the covetousness of the Assyrian hosts, bv a search among the rubbish of that ruined pile, as to seek among these monuments for the treasures of these ancient Americans. We must find some other use for these works more in harmony with the human mind, or of its conception of the nature and relation of things, than that of treasure tombs or military works, or acknowledge that we knew nothing about them. We shall assume that they are the monuments of a civil government, with but little of the military or mortuary character about them, and will try our theory by the works themselves, and leave to others to judge of its plausibility.

We next visited "Alligator Hill/' Here we found quite a curiosity. 1 1 is a pretty fair artificial representation of the alligator, or great American crocodile. We did not measure this singular tumulus, but would suppose it to be about two hundred feet long, and the length of its legs from forty-five to fifty feet each. Its tail is curled to one side, and its length from the juncture of the legs is some one hundred feet. It is situated on a high hill* and affords a fine prospect of the surrounding country. This animal-shaped tumulus has probably been eight or ten feet high, and may have been a represention of the tribal ensign or coat of arms. Some have thought that it was an object of worship, but there is nothing in the surroundings that will justify such a theory. There may have been, and probably was, a small temple of worship on Fort Hill, but not here.

"I think several of the mounds in Union might be seen from this position if the timber were removed from the hills south of the Raccoon valley. From this point we selected several other distant elevations, on which, we thought, there ought to be some kind of artificial works to justify the theory we were about to adopt, Some of these we have since visited and found mounds of greater or less magnitude at each point.

"We next visited an elevation about a mile south of Union Station, on the old farm of Henry Hillbrant. Here is a double-walled fort, about seventy-five rods in diameter, with two mounds inside of it. The walls, with the ditch between them, have occupied a base of some fifty-feet. There are some forty rods of the circumvallation that is in the timber and has aot been ploughed, but the balance of it has been in cultivation ibout forty years, and is in many places nearly effaced so that t is at present difficult to determine how many or where the openings were, but from appearances I think there have been fates, or openings, to the north, the east and the southeast, oward three fine springs that are some thirty or forty rods listant, at the base of the hill. From the present appearance me, if not all of these springs, may have at some former period >roken out of the hill-side near to it, if not within the line of he works, but at present they are all at the base of the hill. The prospect from this elevation is very fine, and embraces icarly the same territory as that from the mound on the Infirmry farm, with a fine additional view to the south, and a view of . portion of Cherry valley, that is intercepted by hills from hose mounds north of the railroad. The fine mound near the ite of the old Twining mill, on the Raccoon branch of Licking iver, the mounds in the upper part of Cherry valley, and those 1 the Auter creek valley, near the old English mill, as well as tie works at the fair grounds, and others on the Cherry valley, all would come under the view from this elevation, though from five to seven miles distant. From this point the hills south of Newark appear to be in a valley, while those farther east appear to loom up above them. From this elevation I selected some seven or eight objective points of elevation, lying to the south and southwest, and ranging from one to six miles distant from this point of observation, on which I thought there should be mounds or watch-towers to effect a complete view of the whole face of the country, especially to overlook the great valley of the Pataskala river above Hebron, but on none of which did I know of the existence of any artificial works.

"I was sufficiently well acquainted with the country to know in what particular neighborhood each of these elevations was situated, and to satisfy myself on this point, I obtained a horse and started to examine the several locations. On the first I found a fort (so-called), about two hundred feet in diameter, and a mound in the middle of it. This is on the farm of Aaron Hillbrant, and has been in cultivation for many years, but still is well defined. The second point was a ridge on the old John Ruffner farm, about one and a half miles northeast from Licking church. On the west end of the ridge I found a fine mound some ten to fifteen feet high, and about forty rods east of it is an oblong, oval fort one hundred and fifty by two hundred feet in diameter, and on the east end of the ridge, and about a half mile from the former, is another fine mound, and the remains of an artificial pool near to it. This pool has been about one hundred feet in diameter, and the bank thrown up to form the pool well defined, but has at one point been swept away, so as to nearly drain the pool. The top of the ridge where this is situated is so narrow that the water falls off to the north and south from the banks of the pool. With the broken part restored, this pool would still be some six feet deep. These works are all in the timber, and have not been disturbed by the plow. My fourth point was a high hill, a half mile west of Licking church, on James Black's land. Here, too, is a fine mound that has recently been opened in search of treasure. My fifth point was on Thomas Stone's farm. Here, too, is a mound that can be seen in some directions for several miles. My sixth was a ridge lying between the residence of William Moore and that of Joseph Rhodes. On the east end of this ridge have been two small mounds, that have been nearly blown away by the winds, and near the west end there is another small mound. The seventh was on the lands of Mr. H. Kagy. near to the former residence of the late Colonel W. W. Gault. Here, too, is a mound; but the last three or four mounds have the appearance of never having been finished. My next point was on the high lands, in the vicinity of Nelson Buckland's. This point I did not visit, but was informed by Christopher Winters, esq., that there is one on his farm, which joins that of Mr. Buckland. I put up over night with my old friend and associate of my youth, James Wells, esq., who with his excellent wife were pioneer children, and enter fully into the spirit of these pioneer resurrections. My next point was on the west line of the township, and south of the Central Ohio railroad, in the vicinity of where Asa Brown lives. This is usually called a low, wet, beech country, but is in reality an elevated plain or ridge, that marks itself clearly on the horizon, when viewed from other distant elevations. I started for Mr. Brown's and traveled up the Pataskala or south branch of Licking river, to the town line. Near the banks of the river I found several small mounds, but 1 found my principal observatory, or signal mound, on the farm of Mr. Clark, a half mile south of Mr. Brown's. I again called on Mr. Brown, to whom I was already indebted for the south side of this mound there appears to have been a bud many items in my Pioneer paper, but I did not find Mr. Brown slide that has considerably reduced the grade of the ascent oa crossed the railroad. Here we found mounds on both side of the great curiosity in connection with this mound, and a pecothe township line. From here we traveled west and north till liaritv that I hare not found in any other, is the remains of a

Ezekiel Cunningham, esq., but the largest is on the farm of Zephaniah Alward. The summit of this would command the view of a large scope of country if the timber were removed, and signals could be easily exchanged between this and those on the hills near Hebron, or with those about Union Station, and perhaps with not more than one repeating, to Columbus. I put up with Mr. John Deeds, on York street, and spent one day in this vicinity, and found several mounds. From here I traveled south and crossed the South fork into Titna township, and clown the county line, south of the Bloody Run swamp to the Baltimore road, thence to Hebron, and along the east line of the township, back to Union Station. In this trip I sometimes laid down fences and rode through farms, and sometimes would jeave my horse and walk a mile to examine some objective point, and I have found these mounds everywhere on this territory, both on the hills and plains, in sufficient number to overook the whole surface of the land, and I do not believe that within the bounds of mv research there can be found a single fifty acre lot that can not be viewed from some one or more of these artificial mounds. I have examitied the location of more than one hundred, and have not found a single exception to the rule that each one is so situated as to command a view, more or less of which cannot be seen from any other, except in a few instances where they were double or in pairs. This rule, how. ever, would not hold good where they are found on a level plain in clusters, which is sometimes the case. On this trip I met with Mr. Jesse Thompson, of Hebron, but formerly of Fairfield county, Ohio, who informed me that when he first settled on Walnut creek, in Fairfield county, about the beginning of the present century, there was a graded road, easily traced in the timber; that it was some thiity or forty feet wide between the ditches, and appeared to be as old as the forts and mounds and he always thought it to be a road leading from the works near Newark to those at Circleville, as it was on a line between those points. But I have met with nothing of the kind, nor do I suppose that, in the present improved state of the country it could be found.

' ' There are some of these mounds that appear to be in an unfinished state, and some that must have been intended to answer some other purpose than that usually assigned them, or of signal points. There are several mounds on the lands of Mr. Dunlevy, and some of peculiar character. There is one west of the public road that is, by way of eminence, called 'the mound,' because of its being larger than any other in that vicinity, that I will try to describe. It is situated a half mile north of the creek and nearly a half mile west of the public road, on a gently undulating plain. This mound is about twenty rods in diameter at the base, and, although it has been in cultivation many years, and every effort made to reduce its heighth by plowing around it (for it is too steep in its ascent for a team to pass over it), it is still some thirty feet high. On by one hundred feet, and possibly much more than that fh its falling in, it has left the top of the mound in the form of a crescent or semi-circle, and doubtless has greatly reduced rt< altitude. 1 think that the bottom of the vault has been neady on a level with the surrounding plain. There also appears to have been a narrow subterranean passage through the mound, from the north side of the mound to the vault. This is indicated by a narrow sink in the walls of the mound, that extend from the vault to the northern extremity of the mound. Ths transverse sink in the wall is yet clearly manifest, though the plow has passed over it several times. The length of this subterranean passage to the main cave or vault, must have been nearly two hundred feet. How the roof of this great artihc.i. cavern may have been sustained, whether by an arch of dried brick, or otherwise, is left to conjecture; but if all other mysteries were solved that now' surround some of these works, we could soon find means to sustain the roof of the caverns "Some thirty or thirty-five rods south of the mound is an excavation of considerable extent, from which a portion of the material to erect this pile was doubtless ohtained. The sof. U this mound is very fertile, while a portion of the surroundhc plain is comparatively sterile. There are other tumuli arour this at various distances that are in plain view from Among them are some in an unfinished state, others are complete; but none other possessed the threefold character of watchtower, signal point and magazine for stores. From a half irue to a mile and a quarter to the northeast from this singe.*- mound, is a series of knobs, or tumuli, of not less than fifty ca an area of some three hundred acres of land. Most of these have always been considered by the citizens natural efaatx**- though there are among them several well defined artisaaj mounds, and some things in others that give them the appearance of a series of artificial works, or perhaps rather, narenl elevations with artificial termini . While looking among these hillocks, which range from eight to fifty feet in height and f various forms, 1 noticed that from the side of one of them a tree had fallen, that had turned up a root of some six feet in depth, which would reach to the level of the surrounding pbs. This I examined, and found thfct it had brought up from bottom a stratum of rich black soil, apparently of drift forajtion, while above it was a mixture of clay loam and graveL This mound was not less than a hundred feet above the allu'z.ia or bottoms of Auter creek, aud nearly a mile distant from is channel. This straitification of earth in this tree root sfaetol not only that this was an artificial tumulus, but that it bad bea erected on the original surface soil. Not more than two bi*- dred feet from this is found the largest mound that I have scat] in the county, or that I have ever seen, except Everman's mosaij in Jasper county in the State of Illinois. But there are in tM State some larger mounds. This is nearly round, betwed hree and four hundred feet in diameter at the base, and. ould think, fifty feet high. There are two or more other well :fined artificial mounds on my father's farm, now owned by Lesley Belt, but the greater portion of these elevations are on nds that were owned, when I left this State, by Reuben Lin- -1, Justin Hillyer qnd James Cunningham, all of which I :lieve is now owned by Mr. F. Dunlevy.

"There are among these knobs some ponds of water which think are artificial pools. Though the land there is generally tite porous, and the water passes away quickly, still, from me cause some of these pools are very retentive, and hold ater nearly or quite the year round. As we go west from this igular cluster of elevations, along the line of Union and ranville townships, we find quite a number of mounds, some of hich are clearly in an unfinished state, while others are neatly id scientifically completed.

It will be seen from the above that this township rich in antiquarian relics. This gentleman, in le same article, gives his theory regarding these lounds and their builders, which differs somewhat om the generally received theories, and will be >und in another part of this work. In another rticle he says regarding the subject of antiquities :

"There were, at the first settlement of the township, many rels of antiquity found, such as axes, hatchets, pipes and hamers of stone, broken pottery, etc. If these had been prerved, a respectable cabinet of curiosities might have been ithered in this county alone. But no one then thought of the ilue they might have been to science, and they have been lost destroyed. There was on my old farm, when first improved, very remarkable pile of "flint chips," and broken, and unfinlied, 'arrow points,' amounting to several bushels. These sre at a place where neither flint nor stone were found beside em. Their presence there was a mystery to all who saw em; it was called by the early settlers the 'Indian arrow iop,' and the hunters used to resort thereto get their gun-flints, he nearest place from whence they could be brought must ive been the Flint ridge, some ten or twelve miles distant."

"This is the largest township in Licking county. It emaces about one and a half square miles in town one, range reive, and the whole of town one, range thirteen, United ates military lands. Also sections one to eighteen inclusive, town seventeen, range eighteen, of the Refugee lands on the -uth, embracing an area of more than forty square miles, he south part of the township is watered by the south branch Licking, or the Pataskala river, which also constitutes a part the east line of the township. The middle is watered by the eaver run and its branches, and the north by Auter creek and » tributaries. These all pass through its territory nearly from est to east, making it a uniformly well watered township, he face of the country is generally level, or gently undulating, he soil is a clay loam, rich with vegetable mould, sufficiently tentive to hold stimulating manure without leaching, yet the ibsoil is generally so porous as to need but little draining. It as well, if not better, adapted to a variety agriculture, than ly township in the county.

a small district in the southeast corner, covered by the Licking Summit reservoir, and another small district in the southwest, by the Pigeon-roost or Bloody Run swamp. The latter has been greatly improved, within a few years past, by draining, and may yet be fully redeemed and become fine meadow land, or afford a valuable bed of rich fertilizing matter to enrich other lands with. Nearly the whole of the eighteen sections taken from the Refugee lands, and lying in the south part of the township, is an alluvion, and is rarely equaled as com and meadow land; while the middle and northern portions of the township are more rolling and better adapted to the production of small grain and fruit trees.

"The public improvements are the Ohio canal, tbe Cumberland road, and the Central Ohio railroad. The first was completed through this township and county in the summer of 1828, the second in 1834, and the third in 1853. These, each in their turn, gave a great impetus to local improvements. These all run entirely through the township, and the canal and National road cross nearly at right angles within its territory, and afford ample facilities for getting its products to market. Hebron, its principal town, and situated at the crossing of the canal and National road, was once a fine business point, and, in the days of its glory, the largest and best grain and pork market in the county, if not in the Licking valley. But since the men that made it such have passed away, and railroad facilities have attracted the commerce to other points, Hebron has lost its prestige as a commercial point, and, with it, much of its moral and religious enterprise. The towns of Moscow and Luray have nearly passed away. There is a small business done at Union station, oa the roilroad. These are the only villages in the township, from which it will be seen that Union is emphatically an agricultural township. Although its villages are on the decline, both as to their population and business, its agricultural interests are improving. The lands are generally owned and occupied by an enterprising class of farmers that are rapidly developing the resources of its rich soil.

/The better kinds of timber consisted of black walnut, butternut, wild cherry, several varieties of oak, white, black and blue ash, hickory, mulberry and sugar maple. The less valuable were the beech, elm, basswood or linden, black gum, cottonwood, sycamore, buckeye, etc., with underbrush of dogwood, red-bud, paw-paw, wild plum, spice brush, and, in many places, abundance of wild grapes and black haws. The apparent superabundance of timber induced such a reckless prodigality in its use and destruction, that good timber is becoming very scarce, and many farmers begin to feel much anxiety about a future supply of fencing and fuel.

"The principal productions of the south part of the township, for many years, were com and hay, which were generally fed to hogs, horses and cattle; while in the middle and northern portions more attention was given to the growth of all the cereals, as well as the cultivation of potatoes, turnips, flax, hemp, etc.

Wheat was grown with good success for many years, but after awhile failures became more frequent from rust and the wheat midge, and for the last twenty-five years the farmers have given their attention to the growth of live stock, principally sheep, rather than to the production of grain. While this township gives attention to the growth of all kinds of live stock common to this part of the country, it stands first in the

4 4 In the early settlement of this part of the county, the citizens manufactured a large amount of maple sugar, not only a supply for their home consumption, but considerable quantities for market. But the low price at which the cane-sugar could be had, for some time previous to the late war, caused the destruction of the sugar groves to such an extent that there is now but little sugar made in the township. Many have tried the several varieties of sorghum, with some success, as a substitute for the maple and the southern sugar and molasses, but to those accustomed to the use of the maple sugar and molasses, its use is not very palatable.

-'There has been but little attention given to manufactures of any kind in this part of the county, except sawing lumber. The first settlers, however, manufactured all their own clothing and other textile goods for domestic use. The carding, spinning, and weaving was generally all done in the family. The first mill in Union township was built by Phineas Ford in 1803, on Auter creek, some forty rods below where his first cabin was erected, it was a small temporary log building ; the millright work, as well as the mill-iron, and the mill-stones (which were made from boulders, or nigger-heads, found on the surface of the ground), was all done by Mr. Ford himself. This mill was in a few years swept away by a flood. The mill-stones remain on the farm of Mr. Ford, a relic of antiquity. This mill was succeeded by another on the same stream built by James Mc- Cauley, in 1802 or 1803, but within the bounds of Newark township. The second mill in Union was built by John Good, on South fork, near the mouth of Bloody run, in 1807, this was kept up for some twenty years, but also passed away. Daniel Green erected another on the same stream, near Moscow, about the year 1830. There was another below this, erected some years before by Matthew Black, but it stood on the east side of the river, within the present bounds of Licking township. The last two are still kept running, but are in a state of dilapidation.

44 In the year 1820 Joseph Mantonya erected water works on Auter creek, a little above the site of the old Ford mill, for the purpose of manufacturing sickles and augers, to which he attached a mill for grinding. This establishment was of great value to this purpose. It may have been noticed that this stream is called Auter creek, when it is generally known by the name of Ramp creek. The latter is a misnomer, and originated as follows:- At the first settling of this country, and up to about the rear 1820, the wide and fertile bottoms along this stream were corned in early spring with a wonderful growth of leeks, which the Virginians and Pennsylvanians 'called Ramps; these were eaten freely by the cattle in the spring, before other vegetation came on to supply their wants. This gave a very unpleasant smell to the breath of the cattle, and a disgusting flavor to the milk and butter. This, however, was partially neutralized and rendered endurable by a person eating freely of raw onions or gaiiicl before partaking of the milk and butter, but it did not remote the bitterness of feeling entertained by the citizens against those early plants, and about the year 1807 or 1808, the first settlers along this valley applied the name of these plants to the stream on whose rich bottom lands they grew so abundantly, and it has never l>een so far redeemed from its "rampy reproach,* as to be called b> its proper name. The name Auter creek is French, and signifies another creek. This name may have originated in the very singular circumstance of so many streams of so nearly the same size forming a junction so nearly at the same point, as do the several branches of Licking river. The onh wool carding machines ever run in Union township were, one erected by N. Buckland & Brother in 1829, and another by a gentleman in Hebron, some three or four years later; but thee have both long since ceased to operate.

"There is a tile factory in Hebron, and a carriage factory in the town of Luray, which are all the manufacturing establish, ments of any importance now in the township.

4 4 llie first canal-boat built in the county, or that floated oc the waters of the Ohio canal within its borders, was built by a joint-stock company at Hebron, in 1827-8, and was called the "lacking Summit." It was built under the supervision of Joshua Smith, and made its first trip through the 4 4 Deep cut " 00 the Fourth of July, 1828, but it was built too large to pass the locks, and was so poorly constructed and drew so much water that a was not thought worth reconstructing, consequently, it never left the summit level. It was laid up in he basin at Hebroa, for a while used as a drinking saloon - then as a resort for the lewd, ora kind of house of ill-fame, until it was destroyed as a county at that time. Mr. Mantonya was a good workman, and the demand for his sickles was large, as the small grain in those days was all cut with the sickle. This manufactory was successfully carried on severhl years, until Mr. Mantonya left his shop to become a contractor in building the Ohio canal. It then remained comparatively idle until the spring of 1830, when it was repaired and again put into successful operation by Mr. Mantonya and Samuel Park. In a few years, perhaps in the year 1835, it was sold to Phinehas Ford and his son Benjamin, who converted it into a saw-mill. In the year 1831 John Park erected a saw-mill where Union Station now is, and in 1832 Samuel Vance erected another, a mile below; and in 1833 Messrs. S. H. Joseph and J. Downer erected another a half mile above, all on the same stream, making four saw-mills within a distance of one and a half miles. These were all kept up nearly twenty years, and some of them more. Almost ever)' rod of the channel of Auter creek, from its mouth to the Joseph & Downer mill above the fork, has at some time been occupied for mill purposes, and at the early settling-of the country it was a good mill stream; but since the country has been cleared up it does not afford water enough to be worth occupying for that

.nuisance, or rotted down. This statement is in part confirmee by Captain John Murphy, formerly af this county, and now of Knox county, Ohio, who also furnished the information that be run the first lx>at through from Cleveland to Portland It is also corroborated by Mr. H. H. Denis, of Newark, and Messrs James Sawyer and Dr. James Ewing, and John Edwards, esq of Hebron.

without notice, for their product was used by nearly everybody and was considered an article of necessity in every bocsebohi Even among the clergy there were some that thought the exhilarating effects of the spirit of the 'still' was quite essential uan effective elucidation of the 'Spirit of the Sacred Writes The importance of the stills may be conceived from the promptness with which they sprang into existence, after the oectics. of the cabin in the wilderness, for the protection of the family from the inclemency of the season, and the production of a little surplus grain for them to operate on. The first dist3i*r» in Union township, so far as we can learn, was erected by , Abram Mouser in 1809, a little east of Thomas Stone's bum d to people of this character is America largely debted for civil liberty, and the present character its free institutions. High historical authority ancroft) says: "The first public voice in America r dissolving all connection with Great Britain, me not from the Puritans of New England, the utch of New York, nor the planters of Virginia, it from the Scotch-Irish Presbyterians. "

The Methodists were probably the first to organize church in this township, but its earlier history is volved in obscurity, as will be observed. The casional preaching of Father Emmet, who was the st, or among the first to hold religious services the township, resulted in the organization of a ciety in 1810, under authority of the conference, f Rev. J. B. Finley, also a pioneer preacher, and le of considerable note.

The society was composed of Rev. Caleb Pumlery, John Green and James Smith, local preachs, Jacob Hanger and Abram Kearns, class leaders, id thirty members. In the following year Rev. lisha Bowman was sent from Kentucky to preach >r them, and under his pastoral charge the society ecame divided on what was considered by the nurch authorities a new departure on the doctrine f the Trinity, and schism and discord followed, inhering with the prospects of the infant society.

In 1812, Rev. Mr. Ellis became pastor and at- .*mpted to amicably arrange the differences between he two factions, but found it such a difficult matter iiat he concluded to take a new start He there- )re destroyed the class-books, records and papers, nd called upon all who wished to be Methodists 0 come forward and join the church. Success atsnded his labors. He was succeeded by Revs. >amuel Knox, Jacob Hooper, Samuel Hamilton, oseph Carper, Thomas Carr, Mr. Laen and Ellathan Raymond, in about the order named.

The Presbyterian church, of Utica, was organzed October 5, 1818, and Rev. James Cunning- 1am was its first pastor. The original members vere the following: Mrs. McCreary, James Chambers and wife, John Dixon, Rebecca Dixon, Wiliam and Mary Forsyth, Samuel and Isabella Shields, James Coulter, Cornelius Larue, Mrs. rtunter, Mrs. Cunningham, William Curningham,

Thomas and Joseph Scott and their wives, John and Mrs. Ross; Joseph, John, David, Patrick, and two Mrs. Moores; Jeremiah and Mrs. Belt, Mrs. Woodrow, and John and Mrs. Connar.

Mr. Cunningham continued to supply the church about ten years, in connection with the church at Mary Ann. He was succeeded by Rev. Henry Hervey, D. D., who preached first in Utica on the fourth ^Sabbath of June, 1829. He was a graduate of Jefferson college, and supplied the church at Utica five years, or until 1834, after which time his pastoral labors were confined to Martinsburg. During the time of his ministry in Utica, the church building, a frame structure that had stood several years not plastered, and otherwise unfinished, was furnished with seats and a pulpit. During the same period, a Sabbath-school was organized through the instrumentality of Mr. L. W. Knowlton.

Rev. John Pitkin supplied the church about one year and a half after Dr. Hervey discontinued his regular ministrations here. He was succeeded for one year by Rev. Joseph Wiley. Rev. William Woods was the next supply. His term of ministerial service was brief, as he died after residing in the community about eight months. From 1839 to 1850, Rev. Isaac N. Shepherd was the pastor. Under his ministry the church increased considerably in numbers. A new church building was erected in 1847-8 - the one now occupied. Rev. J. M. Dinsmore was pastor from 1851 to 1854; Rev. Lemuel P. Bates from 1855 to 1858; Rev. N. Armstrong for six months from October, 1858; he was followed in 1861 by Rev. C. B. Downs and others.

Thomas Scott, John Ross, Allen Robinson, James Moore, David Gates, Robert Henderson, L. B. Stevens, Jacob Knisely, L. W. Knowlton, Dr. Joseph Rogers and J. C. Hemler. A Sabbath-school has been in existence nearly fifty years.

Robert Kirkpatrick and his two sons, Nathaniel and Peter; Joseph Fulton, John McNaughton, Lemuel Kirkland, Joseph Campbell, John Campbell, Samuel Duffield, and Joseph Jamison, the last seven with their families, settled here and formed themselves into a society for social worship. Rev. John Kell occasionally preached, and perhaps one or two others. In 1813 the church was regularly organized by the election and ordination of James Dunlap and Nathaniel Kirkpatrick ruling elders, who held the first meeting at the house of Robert Kirkpatrick, April 5, 1814.

Rev. Robert Wallace, a licentiate, was called, ordained and settled over the congregation, numbering thirty-five or forty menbers, in the fall of 1814. Mr. Wallace remained seven years and nine months, receiving considerable accessions to the church. In 1822 William Mitchell, afterwards representative in the legislature, was elected and ordained an elder. From 1822 to 1837 the church was without a regular pastor, relying upon supplies. As yet they had no house of worship, and held their meetings in a tent on a hill east of town, near the residence of J. M. Kirkpatrick. In 1830 a church edifice was erected, the house and lot costing seven hundred and fifty dollars. During the period of fifteen years, when the society was without a regular pastor, forty were added to the church, and Messrs. John McDaniel and Peter Kirkpatrick were added to the eldership.

In 1837 Rev. A. McFarland became pastor and remained until 1853. During this period one hundred were added to the church, and John Day, Hugh Harvey, William Adams, and James Harvey were among the elders. For three years the church was without a pastor, Rev. J. C. Boyd being installed in 1856. On the third Sabbath in October, 1864, the congregation worshipped for the first time in their new church, which cost three thousand six hundred dollars.

A Baptist church stands on Lost run in this township, near the line of Newton. It was first organized in Newton township, at an early period, and a church edifice was erected in St Louisville. This, in 1849, was sold to the Christian church. Rev. John Fry was one of its early-time preachers. The church is built of logs, and the society was never large.

The Christian Church, although not strictly a pioneer organization, dates its incipient beginning* back to the days of the schism in the Methodist church.

In 1835 an Episcopal organization was effected in Utica, by Rev. M. T. C. Wing, one of the pro fessors of Kenyon college. Its history is a short one and soon told. It did not live more than three or four years. During this period it enjoyed the ministrations, with more or less prosperity, of Rev's. M. T. C. Wing, S. A. Bronson (now of Mansfield), H. Dyer, N. Badger, James Bonnar, and M. K. Cushman; all of whom resided in Gambier, a distance of twelve miles, being connected with the college there. During the year 1837, when the parish was at its greatest prosperity, with a communion of twenty-one members, a commodious and conu nient frame church was erected and finished. Under a combination of depressing circumstances, however, it was not long used as a place of worship. Influential members of the small parish moving away, and the remainder being discouraged from further effort, and unable to lift the heavy moitgage on the building, it was sold, and is now used as a store or dwelling. The parish was never resuscitated.

Arnold, William L., farmer, post office, Perryton. He was born in the State of Virginia, June 25, 1828, was brought by his parents to Perry county when about four years old, where he remained until he became a man ; he then came to Licking county, making a purchase of land in Perry township. December 28, 1854, he married Frances A. Jones, daughter of William and Sarah Jones; she was born January 23, 1834. After his marriage he moved on the place spoken of, where they set up housekeeping and remained about six years; he then sold this farm and purchased a farm in Fallsbury township, where he moved, and now resides. It is a very desirable and pleasant home. While living in Perry township he was elected constable for the term of two years. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold are the parents of six children: Louisa L., born March 31, 1856 (died April 1, 1859); Mary A., born April, 1858; Louisa R., July, 3, i860; Amanda A., August 30, 1862 (died December, of the same year). Mr. Arnold and wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of Pleasant Valley.

Abbott, Judge Elizur, a prominent pioneer of Granville, died October 4, 1878, at the ripe age of seventy eight years. During most of his life he took an active part in political, social and religious matters, and was a highly esteemed citizen. He served as associate judge from 1850 to 1852.

Ashley, John, farmer, post office, Granville, Licking county, Ohio. Mr. Ashley was born in the county of Montgomeryshire, parish of Beat House, in North Wales, on the fourteenth day of June, 1814. His education was that obtained in the common schools of his native country. He was reared a farmer and has made farming his voca- :ion through life. In 1840 he migrated to Am-

Note - All matter contained in these sketches has been obained directly from families or individuals cognizant of the acts contained in them. Being thus written, those furnishing he information are alone responsible for the facts and dates written.

erica, and located near Newark, Licking county, Ohio. On the thirtieth day of September, 1842, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Elizabeth Blaney, nee Phillips. Miss Phillips was born in Montgomeryshire county, Fregunnan parish, North Wales, on the twenty-fourth day of August, 1811, and migrated to America in 1840, located in York State, remained one year, then, in 1841, came to Ohio, and located in Granville township, this county. The marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. Duncan, a Presbyterian minister of Newark. Mr. and Mrs. Ashley settled in Granville township, on a farm. They lived on rented farms for three years. In 1845 purchased thirty-five acres of land, a part of the farm which he now owns, in Granville township, three miles from Granville, on the Newark road, on which they moved and have since resided. At present he owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of good land in Granville township, joining his first purchase. They reared a family of five children, viz: Mary, Edward, George, Martha, and William.

Avery, Alfred, deceased, was born near New London, Connecticut, on the ninth of March, 1797. He was descended from an ancient and honorable family that settled early with the Massachusetts colony. From the early settlement of New London and Groton, his ancestors, the Averys, and the Allyns on the mother's side, have held a prominent place in society until the present time. The first thirteen names on the Groton monument of those murdered at Fort Griswold, were those of his immediate relatives. His father was one of the few picked men whom Anthony Wayne led that dark night to take Stony Point. In 1805 his father, with his family, formed a part of a colony which migrated from Granville and Granby, in Massachusetts, to central Ohio, carrying with them into the depths of a primeval forest the civilization and refinement of New England homes. In building up their institutions Mr. Avery toak a prominent part, his sound judgment and liberal hand always being in requisition. When he was but nine years of age his father died, and he was thrown upon his own resources, and when only twelve engaged to chop and clear a piece of land. He was but a mere lad when he supported his mother and two sisters. A youth of fifteen, he served in the War of 1812. After the war he engaged in the mercantile business, driving the cattle and hogs which he took for pay over the mountains to Baltimore, and carrying provisions to New Orleans on flat-boats. Before the advent of railroads he had crossed the Alleghany mountains eighty times, and when there were twenty-six States in the Union he had visited all of them on his own business. He helped build the Ohio and Maumee canals; established one of the first iron foundries in the State; was president of the first bank in Granville, and was foremost in nearly all the leading enterprises of the county. He removed to New York in 1846, and engaged in the Wholesale dry goods business, in which he continued till 1854, when, having established his two oldest sons in the same business, he ceased to be an active partner. These two sons died within a few years, and he gradually severed his business connections in New York, and twelve years ago removed to Wisconsin, following his remaining children to thJhr western home. Mr. Avery was a man of decided character, and the basis of that character was a strong will and strict probity. Everywhere he was known to possess a high sense of honor in all his business relations. This led him to be prompt and honorable, even in matters of comparatively small importance. His knowledge of trade and commerce was varied and extensive, and the soundness of his judgment and the prudence of his counsel were well known to his friends. His love of his country and his hatred of wrong were both intense, and led him to take a decided stand upon every question affecting the welfare of his native land. He had a profound respect for the Bible, and the civilization built upon it. Mr. Avery married Jane Mower in 1823, by whom he had four sons and two daughters. In 1836 he became a widower, and in 1843 he married Lavina Dexter, by whom he had one daughter. To his family he was always kind and thoughtful, watching for their good even to the close of his life with tender solicitude. His widow and children, and grandchildren, will lovingly cherish his memory. He died at Baraboo, Wisconsin, April n, 1880, in the eighty-fourth year of his age.

Alward, Samuel, deceased, was born in Morris county, New Jersey, July 7, 1767. He was a shoemaker by trade, which he followed as his vocation for a number of years, when he turned his attention to farming, which he made his vocation during the remainder of his days. October 16, 1794, he married Miss Martha Parkhurst, of New Jersey, born April 30, 1775. They remained in their native State until in 1818, when he, with wife and family, migrated to Ohio and located in what is now Harrison township, this county, on land now owned by his son, John C. Alward, where they passed the remainder of their days. He died December 3, 1842. His wile survived him until March 15, 1861. He was one among the largest land owners in the county, owning about two thousand acres of land at one time. He was the father of eight children: Benjamin P., born January 3, 1779, came to this county with his parents in 181$. He was, by profession, a teacher and surveyor, and was well known among the early teachers and surveyors in the county. He died March 15, 1823. Samuel D., born March 22, 1799, married Miss Maria Buckland, and is now living in Lima township, this county. Zephaniah H., bom December 10, 1801, married Catharine Wells, and is living in Harrison township, this county. Ezra H. was b <rn December 6, 1803. He has been twice married; first to Rose S. Williams. He married for his second wife Nancy Eastman, and is now living in Michigan. Stephen H., born March 2, 1806, married Miss Elizabeth Wells. He died May 5, 184a James L., bom December 18, 1808, married first to Mary Nichols. His second marriage was to Catharine Doty. He is now living in Harrison township, this county. Martha M., born November 25, 1814, died September 18, 1830. John C Alward, born December 21, 18 11, came to this county with his parents in 1818. October 19, 1837, he married Miss Margaret Youmans. Miss Youmans was bom in New Jersey, February 19, 1817, and came to this county with her parents, Thomas and Caturah Youmans, about 1825. Mr. and Mrs. Alward settled on his father's home form, where they now reside. They have six children - four sons and two daughters. In 1850 he was nominated for State senator, by the Democracy of Licking county, and was elected by a majority of about four hundred, and served a term of one year. In 1851 he was re-elected to the senate under the present constitution and served a term of two years. He served as captain of a militia company one year, lieutenant colonel two years, and was then promoted to colonel of the regiment, which he commanded about two years, in alL making about five years service in the militia of the State. He has made farming and stock raising his principal vocation, making thoroughbred sheep a specially.

Alward, S. D., farmer, post office, Columbia Center. He was bom in Sussex count)', New York, j May 22, 1799, and is a son of Samuel and Marthal Alward, who came from Holland. The subject d J bis sketch came with his parents, when quite mall, to Morris county, New Jersey, and in the ill of 1819 they emigrated to this county, and ettled in Harrison township, on a tract of land ontaining four hundred acres, which they had ntered some time before; and he has done a reat amount of hard work in clearing up the ountry. He helped to carry the chains to mark ut the grounds for the big wolf hunt of Licking ounty, in an early day. Mr. Alward is a breeder f fine-wool sheep, short-horn cattle, and Poland- ,'hina hogs. He remained at home until he was lurried, in the winter of 1825, to Maria Buckmd, who was born in Rutland county, Vermont, Jctober 10, 1804, and who removed with her parnts to this county in the fall of 1817. After Mr. Uward's marriage he settled on his present farm 1 Lima township. They have raised seven chilrcn. He has held some of the minor offices in be township.

David, Alander, a farmer, was born Novemfcr 15, 1798, in Pennsylvania; he was left an orphan in 1800; was brought to thjs county in 1 802 by lathan Preston, who reared him from childhood, ie was married December 29, 1823, to Elizabeth loyd of this county, who was born April 17, 1802, he came to this county toith her parents in 1812. "hey had four children: Hiram, born April 8, 824; John B., born March 1, 1827; died in 855, aged twenty-eight years; Mary Ann, born anuary 2, 1831; was married April 21, 1859, to Edward Simson of this county. Results of this narriage, two children: the first, an infant child rich no name; William A., born June, 1861, is ingle and lives with his mother.

member of the Christian church at Chatham. Elizabeth, his wife, died May 3, 1872, aged seveny-two years; she was a member of the same hurch.

Simpson, Edward, enlisted in company C, Sevnty-sixth regiment Ohio volunteer infantry in 186 r. le was heard from for about fifteen months after oing into service, but from that time he has not een heard from, and it is supposed he was killed. 4rs. Simson was married again September 12, 874, to Calvin Dush of this county. They have dopted Al ee R. Roland.

Ashbrook, Rev. Eli. - "Elder" Ashbrook, as he fas fim liarly called, was one of the oldest resients of the countv. He was born in Hampshire ounty, Virginia, September 23, 1781; became a citizen of Licking county in 1823, settling in Johnstown, where Mrs. Ashbrook died January 1, 1871, at the age of eighty-seven years, after a married life of sixty-nine years. Elder Ashbrook was a minister of the gospel, as understood by the Old School Baptist church, sixtv-two years. They raised a family of twelve children, and lived to see them all heads of families.

Ashbrook, William, farmer, post office, Johnstown, was born in Monroe township February 19, 1824, on the farm on which he now resides; was married February 29, 1852, to Lucy H. Pratt, of Monroe township; has six children: Milan P., born March 12, 1853; Abbie E, April 5, 1855; Byron B., February 16, 1857; Aura, September

15, 1859; Burton G., January 11, 1862; William A., July 1, 1867. Mr. Ashbrook has been a township trustee for a number of terms, and has held other local offices. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church.

Ashbrook, Hiram M., farmer and stock dealer, Johnstown, was born in Licking cdlmty May 18, 1850. He married Anna W. Bishop October 5, 1871. She was born September 20, 1849. To them have been given five children as follows: Perry W., Charles A., Hector D., Mary A., and Abbie E.

Hiram Ashbrook, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Fairfield county, March 16, 1820, and has been a resident of Licking county since 1822 until his death. He married Sarah A^ Jew'ett December 21, 1843. She was born July

16, 1821. As a result of their union they had seven children: Helen L., Albert P., Hiram M., Omer D., Emma A., David G., and Minnie. Only four of the above are now living: Helen L., Hiram M. (the subject of this sketch), Omer D., and Minnie. Their father died September 17, 1879. Their mother survives him. The subject of this sketch is one of these active, determined men who never say fail, and always meet with success.

Atherton, Warren, son of Augustine and Syntha Atherton, was born January 18, 1856, in Newark township, two miles north of Newark. He is a farmer, being engaged upon his fathers farm. He was married to Cecillia Webb, June 22, 1878. She is the daughter of Henry and Eliza Webb, and was bom in 1859, in Illinois. They have one child, born April 23, 1879.

Avery, Thomas, was bom in Newark, and is the son of Henry Avery who died when the subject of this sketch was quite young. This left to him the care of his mother and family of nine children. His mother, Nancy Avery, is now living in Newark. The Subject of this sketch was married to Elizabeth Krouse, daughter of Levi and Catharine Krouse, of Baltimore, Fairfield county. She was born August 13, 1845. Her mother died when she was quite small; her father is yet living at Baltimore. In early life Mr. Avery worked in Newark. For the past four years he has been farming.

City Of Newark

Adams, John W., laundryman, South Fifth street, was born in Newark October 14, 1845. He was married to Louisa Bitting, who was born in Newark in July, 1846, and is the daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Bitting. Mrs. Bitting now makes her home with Mr. Adams; she is now seventy-three years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Adams haye five children: Charles, born March 29, 1865; Louisa, June 2, 1867; Sadie E., April 10, 1869; Grace T., December 4, 1875; John W., jr., April 15, 1879. In his early years he learned photographing with Z. P. McMillen, of Newark. He worked at this trade six years, and on account of chemicals and the exceeding appetite for strong drink, he was compelled to give up this business. He then learned tanning with Davis & O'Donnel, and worked at this for some time. Then he went to manufacturing soap with Mr. Simpson, of Newark. For the past three years he has been running the Newark city laundry. In April, 1876, upon his own resolution, he quit the use of intoxicating drink, and in March, 1877, he joined the Murphy union, of which society he was elected vice-president in April, 1877; at the next election he was chosen president, in which capacity he has served ever since. Mr. Adams deserves great credit for his manly determination and valuable aid in this noble work.

Agnew, Isaac, manufacturer of boots and shoes, was born in Newark, November 5, 1825. At the age of twenty-one years he learned the boot and shoe trade, which has always been his occupation, with the exception of eighteen months service in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting March 15, 1864, in company A, Seventy-sixth Ohio volunteer infantry. He was married to Carinda Glover, May 2, 1852, who was born in Licking county, October 4, 1831. They are the parents of eight children. William Wallace died August 9, 1872, aged nineteen years and two months; infant died November 18, 1855 ; Jennie, born May 26, 1856 ; Alfred, bom May 19, 1859; Henry was bom May 23, 1861; Frank was bom April 12, 1862; Katie P. was born January 30, 1867; Ellie O. was born April 30, 1873. Mrs* Agnew was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Glover. Mr. Glover died

January 2, 1874, aged seventy-two years and three months. Mrs. Glover died September 16, 1864, seventy-six years of age. Mr. Agnew's father. Abraham, died in 1856, aged seventy-six yean He came to Newark in the year 1811. Mrs. Abraham Agnew died March 15, 1864, sixty-five years of age.

Allen, Charles, son of Homer and Louisa Allen, was born August 22, 1849, *n Niagara count)', New York, and lived there four years. Then with his parents he removed to Canada, remaining with them until he was fifteen years of age, when he left home and traveled through thirteen different States, and finally settled in Newark in December, 1877. He was married to Nancy Cunningham April 10, 1876. She is the daughter of John and Rosanna Cunningham, and was born February 5, 1850, in Independence, Richland county. Mr. Alien is a painter by trade, and is employed in the Baltimore & Ohio railroad shops at Newark.

Anderson, W. A., locomotive engineer. He is at the present time in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. Mr. Anderson has served in this capacity since May, 1873. Previous to his engagement with the Baltimore & Ohio company he was in the employ of the Panhandle railroad company as engineer from 1861. He was bom in Putnam, Muskingum county, March 2, 1842. Mr. Anderson was married April 19, 1872, to Rachel Armstrong, of Licking county. They have three children - Joseph, Russell and Jessie. Joseph died when a babe.

Ankele, Jacob, born March 30, 1842, in Worttemberg, Germany. He emigrated to America May 8, 1864, and settled in the city of Newark, where he has resided ever since. He is a machinist by trade, and, after his arrival here, he worked at his trade until 1878, when he engaged in the grocery and provision business. He was married to Mary Smith, of Newark, April 2, 1866. They have three children - Katy, bom December 31. 1870; Fred, born October 31, 1873; Emma, bom April 4, 1878. They now reside on the corner of Vallandigham and Second streets.

Armstrong, John, carriage maker and general workman. He was born in Zanesville, Muskingum county, Ohio, November 2, 1832. In 1S40 he commenced working at the carriage making trade, which he has made his vocation through life. In 1853, he married Miss Sarah E. Taylor, of Zanesville. They settled in Zanesville, remained until 1850, when they returned to Newark, where they are now residing. Their union resulted in three children, George L. Harry R, au4 Clifton W. February 6, 1864, he enlisted in coa^

Atherton, Gibson, attorney, son of John Atherton, was born in Newark township, this county, January 19, 1831. After passing his boyhood days on a farm, he attended the Denison university, at Granville, from 1849 to 1851. He then went to Oxford Ohio, where he graduated in the Miami university in 1853. He then commenced the study' of law. In September, 1853, he went to Osceola, Missouri, and took charge of an academy, which he conducted one year. In 1854 he returned to Newark, completed his course in law with the Hon. Lucius Case, and was admitted to the bar in the supreme court of Ohio, in 1855. He at once began the practice of law in the courts of Licking county, and has since been engaged in the profession. He was married November 18, 1856, to Miss Margaret A. E. Kumler, of Butler county, Ohio. They have four children, one son and three daughters. In 1857 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Licking county, re-elected in 1859-61, and filled the office three terms. He filled the office of mayor of Newark two terms - elected in i860 and re-elected in 1862. He was the nominee for State senator, in 1863, by the Democracy of the Sixteenth senatorial district, comprising the counties of Licking and Delaware, and was defeated by the Hon. James R. Stanbery. In 1866 he was nominated by the Democracy of Licking, Knox, and Delaware counties for common pleas judge, and was again defeated. He was a member of the city council of Newark two years, and president of the council ope year. He was a member of the Newark school board about thirteen years. From the time he ceased to be prosecuting attorney of the county until 1879, he was entrusted with the defence of nearly all of the important criminal cases in Licking county, and was known as a very successful criminal lawyer. In 1878 he was nominated for Congress by the Democracy of the Fourteenth congressional district of Ohio, comprised of the counties of Licking, Muskingum, Perry, and Guernsey, and was elected over the Hon. I. Morton by a majority of two thousand two hundred and eighty-seven. In 1880 he was re-nominated for Congress by the Democracy of the Thirteeth congressional district of Ohio, comprising the counties of Licking, Muskingum, Coshocton, and Tuscarawas, and was elected by a majority of two thousand four hundred and seventy five over the Hon. A. B. Clark. During the period that Mr. Atherton has already served in Congress, he has served on the committee of public buildings and grounds, and as a member of the committee on war claims. He has been earnest and conscientious in his efforts to protect the public treasury against the payment of fraudulent and improper claims. As a member of the committee on war claims, he has been very active and industrious in examining and reporting upon the numerous claims referred to that committee. His adverse reports would already fill quite a volume, while the favorable reports submitted by him from that committee, amount to very few. He is very attentive to the interests of his constituents and visits the departments almost daily in behalf of some of them. While he has not attempted to be a noisy member, he has been faithful in his attendance upon the sessions of Congress, and has taken diligent pains in every thing that relates to the interest of the people of his district.

Avery, Joseph, railroad conductor. He was born in Newark August 24, 1842. When the war broke out, he enlisted June 21, 1861, in company H, Third Ohio volunteer infantry, and served in the army three years. He was married October 15, 1865, to Anna Shafer, who was born in Hamburg, Germany. She came to Newark with her mother; her father came to Newark some two years previous. Her mother died shortly after arriving; her father is yet living in New' York city. Mr. and Mrs. Avery are the parents of seven children: James Albert, Joseph, George W., Anna

May, Robert L., Lulu Grace, and Eleanor C. Since the wrar Mr. Avery has been in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad company, and for the last seven years has been conductor.

Ayers, William H., Newark, Ohio; carpenter. He was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, June 4, 1820. In youth he moved with his father's family to New' Jersey, and in 1837 to Newark, Ohio. He w'as married to Eliza A. Search in March, 1840, who was born in New Jersey January 23, 1820. By this marriage they have eleven children : James J., William Riley, Sarah A., Charles, George, Frank, Edwin (who died an infant in 1855), Martin, Adelbert E. (infant - died in 1858), and Elsworth. Mr. Ayers learned the carpenter trade early in life, which occupation he yet follows. When the war broke out, he enlisted in company E, Sixth United States cavalry, and after serving one year was discharged on account of disability. Shortly after his return home, he enlisted again and served until the close of the war. William Riley was also a member of the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh regiment Ohio volunteer infantry, and served one year. Sarah A. is the wife of W. Hath way, of Newark.

Anabella, in the year 1630, and located in Gloucester, Massachusetts. He was ancestor to all the Avery family in America. He died March, 1679. George Avery was born in Norwich, Connecticut, and married Mary Allyn, of Groton, Connecticut. In 1801 he removed to Westfield, Massachusetts, and came to Granville with the colony in 1805. He died in August, 1806, and was interred in the old cemetery at Granville. His children were, George, Christopher, Simeon, Mary, Alfred, and Cynthia. Of these two are deceased Christopher was killed by falling into a well, and Alfred, who died April n, 1880, in the eighty-fourth year of his age. George Avery, jr., married Eliza Paige. He was killed by falling Irom a tree in McKean township in 1832. They had a family of four children - Christo pher, Harriet, George and William. Christopher was born December 10, 1818, and was married in December, 1829, to Susan Lane. She died in 1832. They had one son, W. H. Avery, who served as a captain in the late war. He married his second wife, Achsah Hayes, in May, 1835. »She died in 1870. They had a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters, Hellen, Hattie, Allen, Sylvester, Rosa, Thomas, Cora and Frank. His third wife was Cyntha Gilbert, to whom he was married in 1875.

Alsdorf, William, shipping merchant, Utica. - Lawrence Alsdorf came from Holland at an early day, and settled on North river, between New York city and Albany, where Sylvester Alsdorf, the father of William Alsdorf, was born. He married Lydia Brown. They spent their lives in Schenectady and Saratoga counties, and it was in the former that William Alsdorf was born, in 1814. In 1836 he married Sarah Reed, a native of Ireland. Her father, James Reed, lived in Donegal county, Ireland, in which place he died. His wife and children came to New York in 1834. His wife's maiden name was Susanna Buchannon. Their daughter, Sarah Reed, now Mrs. William Alsdorf, was born in 1815. Three years after the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Alsdorf they came to this county and settled on a farm of one hundred and fifty acres, two miles south of Utica. For five years their home was a log cabin, after which time they erected a neat and substantial building, which is still standing. Mr. Alsdorf soon built a saw-mill, which he ran for about eight years. Mr. John Reed was a partner for some time, but sold out to Mr. Alsdorf, who remained there until the spring of 1859, when he came to Utica, and in the spring of 1861 he took charge of the ware-house, as a lease, one year after which he bought the house of his brother's heirs. He did a general shipping business in grain, live stock, etc. Mr. Alsdorf still owns and runs a farm in addition to the railroad business, in which he is assisted by his youngist son. He has had charge of the railroad business at Utica for the last twenty years. The shipping business is continued by the three eldest sons of William Alsdorf. The firm is known as the Alsdort Brothers. Mr. and Mrs. William Alsdorf have six children living, and two dead. Five are living in Utica, while one daughter lives in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Benton, Thomas K., farmer and fine sheepraiser, Bennington township. Bom in Quincy, Illinois, in 1847 ; came to this county in 1875; married Miss Helena Postlewait, daughter of George Postkwait, in March, 1875.

Mrs. Benton was born in 1846, in this county. Her father, George Postlewait, was bom In Monongehala county, Virginia, in 1804; came to this county in 1845. He married Miss Betsey Ken of this county. She was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, in 1808. She died in 1859. They were the parents of four children. Mr. Benton is the owner and breeder of fine sheep. He has twelve registered, and some as fine grades as can be seen in the county.

Bowman John, farmer, Bennington township. Born in this county in 1835. His lather was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in 1808. His mother was born in the same county in 1807. After coming to this county they were married. They were the parents of three children: Angdine married Mr. Simpson of Illinois, and died there in 1878; Isabella married Charles Hildreth of this county, and died in 1867, and John, the subject of this sketch, was married in 1854 to Miss M J. Lees, daughter of William Lees, of Madison township. Mrs. Bowman was born in 1836, in this county. They have ten children. One, Henry C., of Appleton, is married. Mr. John Bowman deals in very fine sheep, and takes pride in bis business.

Bozman, James, born in Perry county, Ohio. November 29, 1844; the son of Wili am and Eliza Bozman. When about a year old, his father and family came to this county, residing first in Brownsville, then Jacksontown. His father went to Cali fornia in 1850, where he soon after died. Hts mother subsequently married James Fairley, and Mr. Bozman lived with them on the Brubaker farm, about three miles south of Newark, till 1859, the® moved with them to Marion county; remaining with them till the fall of 1862. He returned to this county, but shortly alter he went again to Marion county for the purpose of attending school- sbruary 26, 1864, he enlisted in the Fourth Ohio fantry, company H. When the Fourth and ighth regiments were consolidated in June, 1864, 5 became a member of company C. As a soler he was engaged in some of the severest bat- 2s which witnessed the closing period of the war; irticipating in the seven days fighting in the Wildness, where he was wounded on the last day, ie battles of Hatchers Run, Petersburgh, etc.; as mustered out at Jefferson, Indiana, July 13, 865; returned to this county in 1866; in 1867 ved in Hardin county; 1868-1873 m Licking >unty; then four years in Effingham, Illinois, nee when he has lived in Amsterdam. Married 1 1870 to Lucinda Tracy, of Linnville, and has ad four children; George Francis, Mattie, Anna I ary, and James. Of these, only one, Anna Mary, nrvives. *

Burge, John. - Mr. Burge was born in this townhip June it, 1816; the son of John and Margaret lurge, early pioneers of this county. His father ras from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and lied when John was eight or nine years old. Mr. iurge took charge of the farm for his mother and nanaged it till he attained his majority. He was he sixth of nine children, and bought the hometead from the heirs. At this ' early time it was >nly partially cleared, with rude buildings upon it. 5y his ceaseless industry he has brought it to the lighest state of improvement, and by the purchase >f an adjoining farm he now has one of the largest and finest places in the township. He has betowed considerable attention to stock-feeding, in connection with general farming, and in this his mccess has been marked. He was married Febnary 26, 1837, to Lydia Richards, whose parents vere early settlers in this township from Maryland, ren children blessed the marriage, seven of whom »urvive at this writing: Matilda Mooney, Drocilla -lark, Arrylla Courson, Louisa Orr, Anderson, Lucinda Gutridge, and Parker. His oldest son, rheodore, died March 7, 1879, at St. Louis, Missouri, where he had been practicing law. His two sons, Anderson and Parker are farmers, the former in Licking township, the latter at home with his father.

Bixler, George W., was born in Belmont county, Ohio, August 5, 1830. In 1836 he moved with his parents, John and Eliza, to Brownsville. There he learned the shoemaker trade with his father, and worked at the trade until 1861, when he enlisted in company C, Twenty-seventh Ohio volunteer infantry, serving two years. Since his return he has farmed in this township. He was married in 1863 t0 Anna M., daughter of Emanuel Coopsrider, born May 5, 1831. His children are John,

Burner, D. E., cabinet-maker, and justice of the peace, was born in 1847 in this county. His lather, J. H. Burner, was born in Virginia in 1818; came to this county in 1833. In 1845 was married to Miss Elizabeth Condon, of this county, who was bom in Baltimore in 1823. They are the parents of seven children. The subject of this sketch is the oldest; he was married in 1869 to Miss Hannah M. Conard, who was born in 1847 in this county. They are the parents of three children: Nathan L., Everett (deceased), and

Bradfield, Joseph, farmer, stock dealer and shipper; post office, Perryton. He was born in Green county, Pennsylvania, November 20, 1812 ; he emigrated to Ohio in 1832 in company with his mother, and settled on eighty acres of land in Pike township, about two miles west of West Carlisle, having thirty dollars, a horse, saddle and bridle. He then proceeded to farm and deal in stock, being quite successful In a few years he purchased other tracts of land adjoining, to the amount of nearly three hundred acres; also bought four hundred acres in Knox county. In 1863 he purchased his present home in Fallsbury township. Mr. Bradfield has always dealt very heavily in stock, having in 1864 nine thousand head of sheep purchased at one time before shipping. July 10, 1834, he married Nancy Horner, who was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, September 18, 1811. She died September 6, 1873, aged sixty-two years. By this union they had seven children, three sons and four daughters: Elizabeth, born April 18,

1835; Harriet, November 2, 1836; Francis M., September 21, 1839; Rebecca E., May 7, 1844, died June 10, 1872; James E., January 30, 1842; Sarah A., May 21, 1846; William E., April 13, 1850. October 6, 1874, he married Mrs. Julia L. Evans, widow of Captain J. P. Evans, of the Seventy-sixth Ohio volunteer infantry. She is a daughter of B. Lemert, and was born October 27, 1838. Her children by her first husband are: Fred Evans, born June 5, 1866; Herbert, March 12, 1868; Leroy, May 18, 1869, all of whom are living. Captain J. P. Evans died February 21, 1870. Mr. Bradfield and his companion are consistent members of the Fallsbury Christian church.

Brownfield, Jacob, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, August 29, 1819, and a brother to Benjamin Brownfield. He came to Licking county in 1844. He was married to Susan Brown, of

Fayette county, October 17, 1841. By this marriage he had the following children : Calvin, a resident of Newark; Elmer, who lives in Fleatown; Elizabeth, wife of John Eskew, of Newark, and Benjamin, at present, living in Jacksontown. His wife having died, he married Rebecca Adair, daughter of George and Isabel Adair, of Guernsey county, April 27, 1854. His three children by this marriage are: Josephine, wife of Charles Moore; Liewreston W., and Francis J. Mr. Brownfield is a farmer by occupation.

Brownfield, Benjamin, was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, April 18, 1826, and is the son of Benjamin and Ruth Brownfield. His marriage to Mary J. Lawhead, the daughter of Benjamin and Mary Lawhead, of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, occurred January 22, 1852. Leaving Pennsylvania in the spring of 1855, he made the place of his present residence his home, building his house in the midst of a thick growth of forest trees. In 1862 he served as colonel of the home militia. He has been justice of the peace in Franklin township seventeen years. Mr. Brownfield is the present State representative from Licking county. His children are: Tunie, William J., Mary A., Anna W., Joe E., and Margaret H. His occupation is farming and stock raising. His father died lately, at the age of one hundred and three years, at his home in Fayette county, Pennsylvania.

Baker, Captain, father of Colonel D. M. Baker, was born in Enfield, Connecticut, October 8, 1763. He was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and was captain of a military company in his native State. April 2, 1778, he married Jerusha Parsons, of Enfield, bom April 7, 1767, by whom he had four children, Jerusha, born August 7, 1789; Fanny, born May 1, 1792, died March 1, 17 - ; Sophia, born December 13, 1793, died December 14, 1862; Daniel M., born February 23, 1805. Mr. Baker joined the colony which came from Massachusetts in 1805, but came himself in 1806, on horseback, swimming the streams. He purchased four hundred acres of land in Licking county, and, in 1810, brought on his family, as already noticed. He was the original owt>jr of the University hill, and cleared off the land now occupied by the Upper seminary buildings. For several years Captain Baker was justice of the peace, also, for a time, postmaster, likewise township trustee. About the year 1820 Captain Baker built, one and a half miles southwest of Granville village, the frame house now occupied by his son, Colonel Baker. The captain possessed an excellent judgment, was very correct in nis dealings and very uniform in his disposition. He attended closely to his business, and was an influential and highly respected citizen. He died December 19, 1836, and his wife, March 1, 1848; and both were members of the Baptist church. The oldest child, Jerusha, taught the first school in St. Albans township, and was for many years a teacher. She died March 1, 1848.

Baker, Colonel D. M., farmer, was bom in Mas^ sachusetts, February 23, 1805. In the fall of 1810 his father's family came to Ohio and located in Granville, unloading their goods on the spot now occupied by the Presbyterian church. There were at that time but two frame buidings in the village. November 29, 1826, he married Lydia, daughter of Theodore and Dorotha B. Gaylord. Miss Gaylord was bom in Vermont, December 26, r8o6. By this union he reared eight children, viz.: Almena, Lorenzo, Dorotha, Anna, Parsons Lydia, Martha, and Theodore. Lorenzo died August 24, 1851. Mr. Baker has given his children excellent facilities for education Almena attended school at Granville Female college, and for quite a number of years engaged in teaching. Dorotha graduated at Granville Female college, under Professor W. D. Moore, and for some twenty years was engaged as teacher in six different States. Anna was also educated at the above-mentioned school, and, like her sisters, became a teacher, in which capacity she was employed for quite a num ber of years, five of which were spent among the Indians in Dakota. She was subsequently em ployed as teacher in Alabama, among the freedmen. The second son, Parsons Baker, attended school at Granville college, was a teacher for a few winters, and, in October, 1859, he married Harriet Ashton. He died November 19, 1864, leaving a wife and one daughter. Lydia was educated a: Granville Female college, and taught school for a number of years. Martha received her education at the Granville Female college, and for several years was employed by the Government as a teacher among the Indians in Dakota. Theodore < married Lucy Page, and now resides in this countv. The death of Mrs. Colonel Baker occurred December 23, 1853. She was a woman much attached to her home, took a deep interest in the education of her children, and was very agreeable in society She was a faithful wife and an affectionate mother His second wife was Mrs. Charlotte R. Morrison - nee Vamum - to whom he was married November 24, 1855. By this marriage he has one daughter, Mary J. Baker. She was educated at the Female college in Granville. Mr. Baker's wife deceased January 21, 1878. His third wife was Mrs. Maigaret Rose - nee Stewart - to whom he was married june 9, 1880. When fourteen years old, Colonel Baker was a drummer in a miltary company; at sixteen j he entered the ranks as private, and soon became commander of the company, and went through the various grades of promotion until, at eighteen, he was placed upon the staff of General Jonathan Taylor, where he remained some three years. At the time of the Wolverine difficulty, Mr. Baker was made colonel of the Second regiment, Fourth brigade, Ohio Volunteer militia. The colonel has resided in this county for nearly three-quarters of a century, and both he and his wife are highlyesteemed citizens of the community. They are members of the Granville Presbyterian church. Mr. Baker is now president of Granville Farmers1 club.

Baily, Rev. Silas, D. D. - Mr Baily was, for many years, president of Denison university, Granville. He died in Paris, France, June 11, 1874, having attained to the age of three score and ten years. He was scholarly, dignified and successful in the management of the college. He had a massive intellect, and his sermons were highly appreciated by the more intelligent portion of his hearers. After leaving Granville he was connected with one or more institutions of learning in the west. He was in Europe in search of health when death overtook him.

Bancroft, Judge Samuel. - He was born in Granville, Massachusetts, September 16, 1778; was well educated, and spent the earlier years of his manhood in teaching. In the spring of 1806, he came to Licking county, where he resided until his death, which occurred at Granville, January 27, 1870. On May 28, 1807, he married Clarissa Rose, oldest daughter of Judge Rose, this marriage being the first among the Granville colonists after their arrival in their western home. They lived happily together fifty years, and he survived her thirteen years.

During the great revival of 1808, he became a member of the church, and was ever after faithful in Christian duty, prompt and liberal in his contributions to benevolence.

In the War of 1812, he was a private soldier, and was surrendered by General Hull. He was a justice of the peace eighteen years, associate judge twenty-one years, and town clerk many years, and always faithful to public trusts.

Bancroft, Levi E., eldest son of Ethan and Lucy Bancroft, was born in Granville, Licking county, Ohio, May 22, 1807. His parents migrated from Granville, Massachusetts, to Granville, Licking county, Ohio, in 1805, and settled on land, near Granville village, where he deceased April 18, 1815, leaving his wife with four small children to provide for in their forest home, viz.: our subject, I^evi E., Lyman, Malissa and Lucy. Levi E. is the only one now living. He is a carpenter and joiner by trade; served his apprenticeship with Gerrard Bancroft, beginning at the age of fifteen years, he followed the business of carpenter and joiner in Granville and vicinity from 1822 to 1866, then he turned his attention to farming; continued farming as his vocation until in 1871, he sold his farm and moved to Granville, where he is now living a retired life. He married for his first wife Hannah M. Copeland, by whom he reared five children. Elizabeth, born April 10, 1832; Lucy W., born November 9, 1836; Mary M., born September 24, 1838; Martha S., born January 3, 1842; Julia A., born March 8, 1844. All are married, have large families, and are living in Granville and vicinity. His wife deceased May 13, 1859. He married, for his second wife, Susan H. Bushnell, in i860, daughter of Thomas and Charlotte Bushnell, with whom he is now living.

Bean, Abner, farmer, was born in York county, Maine, May 5, 1796. He was bi ought up on a farm, and has made farming and stock-growing his vocation. In 1815 he migrated from York county, Maine, to Rochester, New York State, traveling the whole distance, five hundred and fifty miles, on foot, making the journey in fourteen days. He purchased and made improvements in a piece of land in Monroe county, New York, eight miles from Rochester, which he selected for his future home. In 1820 he married Cynthia Collier, of Monroe county, New York. He had erected a cabin on his land, in which they moved, this serving them for a dwelling house, until in 1849 or 1850, he built a frame residence, in which they lived until in 1855; he, with wife and seven children, James C., Eliza C., Margaret C., Mary E., David, Edwin, and Amelia S., migrated to Licking county, Ohio, and settled on the farm where he is now living in Granville township, two and a half miles west of Granville. He owns a large and productive farm. The children are all living at this writing. His wife deceased June 3, 1868. He is still living and enjoying good health for a man of his years.

Bragg, H. W., was born in Stafford, Connecticut, May 22, 1798. He received his education in the village where he was born. He was a hatter by trade. He migrated to Granville, Licking county, Ohio, in 1817; worked at his trade about three years, then engaged in the marble or tombstone business, which he continued in until about 1865, when he quit the business and lived a retired life. He married Amelia E. Gavitt, December 14, 1820, born December 30, 1798, daughter of the Hon. William Gavitt, who migrated from Granville, Massachusetts, and settled in Granville, Licking county, Ohio, in 1805. They settled in Granville, where they remained until deceased. He died June 8, 1875. His wife died August 22, 1879. Their union resulted in one son and one daughter - George H. and Mary A.

Bfaig, George H., was born in Granville, Licking county, Ohio, April 8, 1825. He was educated in the Granville schools. He worked for a number of years with hi§ father at the marble or tombstone business, then changed his vocation to that of a grocer, which he continued in until

1873, when he retired from the business. On April 1, 1866, he married Lucretia, daughter of Lloyd and Margaret Bishop, born in Zanesville, Ohio, October 24, 1843, and migrated to Granville, Licking county, with her parents in 1855. They settled in Granville, where they are now living.

Baird, Aaron, post office, Toboso, son of Joseph and Margaret Baird, was born February 15, 1836, near Dresden, Ohio. He is by occupation a farmer, and lives in the southeast part of Hanover township. He was married to Martha Stump, the daughter of Isaac Thomas and Mary Stump, March 24, 1863. She was born September 14, 1845, in Muskingum county. By this marriage they had five children. Thomas J., born April 19, 1864; Emma R., born January 4, 1866; Mary O., born June 22, 1869; Etta V., born June 20, 1871; Edgar H., born January 23, 1876.

Bounds, Amy, post office, Toboso, daughter of David and Sarah Palmer, was born in 1815. She was married in 1833 to Allen Bounds, of this county. Shortly after their marriage they settled in Hanover township, on the farm now occupied by Mrs. Bounds. By this marriage they have three children, Absalom A. and Leroy L. - twins - born September 15, 1840; Millard F., born January 21, 1852. Millard was married December 4,

1874, to Jennie E. Siler. She is the daughter of Ste phen and Clara C. Siler, and was born July 25, 1855, in Madison township. By this marriage they have two children, Virgil C., and Oren C. Virgil was bom February 4, 1876; Oren was born December 4, 1877. Absalom Bounds married Mary Johnston, of Clay Lick, August 3, 1873. Leroy married Patience Davidson in 1865.

Bukey, James, M. D., post office, Hanover, was the son of Joseph and Terrissa Bukey, was born in 1847. After receiving a college education he entered the university of medicine at Ann Arbor, Michigan. Here he remained five years, wffien he finished his course and received his diploma. He commenced the practice of medicine in Mary Ann township, near Dudgeon's corners. Here he remained two years, when he settled at Hanover, in 1871. Here he has since been located. He was married to Martha Camp, October 30, 1873. By this union they have two children, Terrissa, bom May 9, 1875; Netta Vetura, bom January 10, 1878. Mrs. Bukey is the daughter of Isaac and Acinda Camp. She was born June 16, 1849. Her father was bom in Coshocton county, and her mother in Virginia. They came to this county in 1845, and settled in Hanover township. Here they feared a family of seven, consisting of two sons and five daughters. Mr. Camp died in 1862. Mrs. Camp is living in Hanover.

Blue, James, laborer, was bom in Hampshire county, Virginia, in 1837; came to this county in 1852 with his parents. In i860 he married Miss Franklebury, who was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1840, and came to this county in 1854 with her parents. Mr. Blue has resided in this county for twenty years, and is a worthy and respected citizen.

Brooks, Joseph P., farmer, New Way, was bom September 10, 1807, in Castine, Hancock county, Maine. In October, 1828, his father, John Brooks, with his family of thirteen children, emigrated to Ohio, locating in Columbus. Joseph married Miss Sarah D. Brooks September 5, 1830, who was born in Lincolnville, now Waldo county, Maine, November 30, 1807. They have had six children, four of whom are living: Joseph P., born May 29, 1831; Sarah A., born December 15, 1833; Edward H., born February 8, 1838. Phebe J., born January 21, 1842; Solomon H., bom July 20, 1843; Rufus P., born March 29, 1846. Mother died February 28, 1880; Sarah A. died July 28, 1834; Edward H. died October 18, 1843. Directly after the marriage of the subject of this sketch, he settled in Liberty township, in the wilderness. He says that there were wild deer and wolves, but the red man of the forest had gone. He was engaged in the mercantile trade for about eight or ten years, as clerk and doing business for himself. He has traveled through portions of England, Ireland, France, East Indies, and the West India islands, as a sailor, in which capacity he engaged when a mere boy and continued for about six years. Mr. Brooks stands second to none in natural intellect in Liberty, and has always taken a great interest in the general affairs of the country.

Brown Robert, farmer, Johnstown; was bora December 3, 1853, near Taylorsville, Muskingum county. When he was three years of age, his father died and he was taken by his uncle, Robert I