Unity Township

Unity Township

This township forms the northeastern corner of the county, and is known in the government survey as township 8, in range 1. Its original proportions are yet preserved, Unity being six miles square, and bounded on the north by Springfield, in Mahoning County, on the east by Pennsylvania, on the south by the township of Middleton, and on the west by Fairfield township. The surface of the northern part of Unity is level, but is more broken in the parts near the southern boundary and along the streams in that part of the township where are high hills, marking the limits of small valleys. Nearly the entire surface is sufficiently undulated to afford natural drainage, the area of swampy lands being comparatively small. The greater part of the township has been denuded of the virgin forests which covered it, but enough timber of the common varieties remains for domestic use. The surface is underlaid with coal, which, in the southern part especially, is of an excellent quality. Potter's clay may be procured in the eastern part, and indications of iron-ore abound. The principal streams are Little Beaver Creek, in the northeast ; Lesslie's Run, south of the centre ; and Bull Creek, in the southwest, all having a general southeasterly course. Formerly these streams had greater volume than at present, there being now insufficient water to afford much power.

The soil of the township varies in fertility, being a clayey, sandy, or gravelly loam. It is easily cultivated, and well adapted to the mixed husbandry which prevails.

Pioneer Settlers

The traditions of the early settlements are vaguely remembered ; and, no recorded history of that important period having been preserved to prompt the memory of the few remaining pioneers, the accounts they give are often so obscure as to render them unsatisfactory. It appears that the first to occupy the soil of Unity were a class of people called squatters, who came there in the belief that it was Pennsylvania territory, and that they could hold their lands by right of settlement. Having no means to purchase their lands, they gave way for another class of men, who had enough means to secure the land. It is said that a man named Beard was the first settler in the township, he having located on section 19 some time before 1800, or in that year. What became of him, or when he left, cannot be learned. Others came a little later, to remain identified with the township. Some of these are here briefly noticed :

Richard Dildine came from Essex Co., N. J., in 1801, and entered the whole of section 20. He had at that time but one child, - John, who is yet living on this section, and is the oldest settler in the township. Seven daughters and two sons were born in Unity. One of the latter, Richard, now occupies the original homestead. Mr. Dildine experi-

Adam Rupert, a Revolutionary soldier, located on section 17 in 1802, where he reared four sons, - John, Jacob, Adam, and Benjamin, whose descendants yet live in that locality or in Fairfield.

A few years later, Conrad and Matthias Yarrian came from Westmoreland Co., Pa., and settled on sections 7 and 8. They had large families, and some of the members yet live in that part of the township.

Christopher and David Harrold settled on section 8 in 1804. The former reared sons named John, Michael, Benjamin, and George ; and the sons of David were Daniel, Samuel, Jacob, John, David, and Isaac, some of whom live in the northeastern part of the county.

A man named Pinnock lived on section 19 at an early day, and had a neighbor in Emanuel Dixon ; the latter built a saw-mill on Bull Creek about 1803, which he sold to Frederick Roos soon after.

1802, and made a settlement on section 29. In after-years he had a small shop for making grain hand-sickles. Heinman sold part of his land to Robert Simison, who settled here about the same time. A son of the latter yet lives on section 29. Simison was one of the first associate judges of the county.

1803, by a man named Mason, who parceled it out among his sons-in-law Fronks, Maple, and Rich. David Routson was also an early settler on this section.

Richard Beeson entered section 32 in 1801, and soon after came on to live, remaining until his death. In his day he was one of the most prominent men of the county, holding important trusts. He put up one of the first gristmills, and made other desirable improvements. He reared sons named Henry, Samuel, Richard, John, and Mahlon, some of whom yet live in that neighborhood.

Northwest from Beeson, John Sands settled about 1803, and was soon after joined by Aaron and Isaac Chamberlain, the latter living on the farm now occupied by Wm. C. Baker, who came to this locality in 1816. In this neighborhood lived, before 1805, James Armstrong, John Bennett, Stephen Ogden, and Benjamin Reeves, and a little farther north, in 1808, Joseph Taylor, of Washington Co., Pa., became a settler. He had sons named Joseph, who yet lives near New Waterford, and Jacob, living in Middleton township. The latter is the father of Professor A. Y. Taylor, a well-known educator of the county.

Section 1 was entered by Wm. Harrah about 1802, who divided the land among his sons, and section 2 was taken soon after by Jacob Greenamyer and his sons Jacob, Solomon, and Daniel. They all had large families, the sons of Jacob being William, John, Jacob, Solomon, Benjamin, Josiab, and Peter. The sons of Daniel were Samuel, Jacob, Joseph, and Eli.

Solomon Greenamyer was a justice of the peace more than twenty years, and was widely known. He had fourteen children, twelve attaining mature years. Six of these were sons, named William, Jacob, David, Elihu, Jehu, and Enos.

On section 3, Moses Blackburn settled in 1802, dividing the land among his sons - John, James, Benjamin, and Moses - and his son-in-law, James Earley, who was an excellent blacksmith, making grain-sickles, etc. The latter and Benjamin Blackburn served in the State Legislature. The Blackburns had a carding-mill on the stream running through their land, and at a little later day also fulled cloth.

Henry Forney, of Adams Co., Pa., purchased section 10 in 1802. He had six sons, John, Peter, Andrew, Henry, Adam, and Nicholas, among whom his land was divided. All lived in the township until their death. The middle part of this section is now the property of Benjamin Forney, a son of Adam, and includes the place where Henry Forney built his log cabin, the family, meanwhile, living under a large grape-vine.

Peter Eyster was an early settler on section 11, and afterwards most of his family settled there. At a somewhat later day Isaac Earley became a resident of section 15, on the place now occupied by B. F. Earley. Other sons, H. Y. M. and R. S., live near New Waterford. At the latter place lived Joseph Taylor, a well-known pioneer, and some of his sons yet reside there. In the same neighborhood, David McClaskey, James Nevin, and the Mercer family were among the old and prominent settlers. The latter homestead is now occupied by Cyrus Mercer.

Charles Long came to Unity in 1802, from Rockbridge Co., Va., and entered section 13. His family at that time consisted of a son, Charles, who yet lives on this section, at the age of eighty years, and a daughter. On the journey hither another son was born, while the family was crossing the Allegheny. From this circumstance he was usually called " Mount." A fourth child was born in 1810. Charles Long attained the rare age of ninety years, dying in the township.

Section 23 was entered by Frederick Sheets, of Cumberland Co., Pa. He moved west in 1802, stopping about a month where Allegheny City now is, but did not like the country. Continuing his westward journey, he selected Unity as his future home, and built his house near where is now the residence of Jacob Strawhacker. lie had sons named Jacob, John, Frederick, Christian, Samuel, and Abraham. The latter became a well-known physician. One of the daughters, Margaret, married William Stacy, who came to the township in 1818; another became the wife of George Augustine, belonging to a family of very

In 1801, John Taggart, of Mercersburg, Pa., entered section 25, and soon after brought on his family, - a wife and daughter. The latter became the wife of Hon. Robert Forbes. Iu 1804, James C. Taggart was born, and later other sons named Robert and John, all of whom lived on section 25 until their death. Other daughters became the wives of Dr. Robert Chamberlain and J. T. Brewster. John Taggart was a major in the war of 1812, and was subsequently a member of the Legislature.

After 1805 the township received a heavy immigration, many soon removing to points still farther west, and others abiding permanently. Among the more prominent may be named the Hatchers, Kees, Cress, Justison, Mendenhall, Boatman, Crum, and Martin families.

In no way can the condition of the township's settlement be better indicated than by a list of freeholders prepared in 1826, by William Irwin, Richard Beeson, and William Hatcher, for school purposes.

In addition to the foregoing, there were many who had not gained a place in the list by holding estate. The township had, also, a few people of African descent, as will be seen from the following curious advertisement in the county paper of 1820 :

" One Cent Reward. - Ran away from the subscriber, living in Unity township, Columbiana Co., Ohio, on Monday, the 23d inst., an indentured Mulatto girl, named Anna Barnhill, about seventeen years, ten months old. Whoever takes up said girl and delivers her to me shall have the above reward, and twenty-five lashes in the bargain ; but neither thanks nor charges paid by Martin Shellenbergher."

Civil List

The records of the township from its organization in 1805 till 1826 having been lost, no official list prior to that date can be given in this connection. The principal officers from that period to the present have been :

The Highways

Many of the roads of the township were located before its organization with their present diagonal courses, which, while they shorten the distance between extreme points somewhat, impair the appearance of many fine farms. Other roads, as much as practicable, have been located on the section or half-section lines. Most of these highways are in a good condition, and some of the streams are crossed on very substantial culverts, or covered wooden bridges.

The completion, in 1852, of the Pittsburgh and Fort Wayne Railroad greatly promoted the interests of the township, and was the means of directing attention to its mineral resources, and their subsequent development. The road enters Unity a little north of the middle of section 25, and has a general westerly direction about five miles, when it passes up the valley of Bull Creek northwest, passing out near the corner of section 18. Two convenient stations have been provided, one at East Palestine, in the eastern part, and another at New Waterford, four miles west.

This is the oldest village in the township, having been platted in 1810 by John Augustine. It has a high and pleasant location, on the northeast part of section 15, and before railroads diverted trade to other points was a place of much greater importance than at present. It contains a store, post-office, the usual mechanic-shops, a Methodist church, and about 180 inhabitants.

Bobert Yeon had a pioneer store, and was followed by those named below as principal merchants : Harrison Powers, John McClymonds, John Harrah, David Augustine, Hoffstead & Young, Joseph Taylor, Eleazer King, Jesse Thoman & Bro., John McKerahan, and by the present Thomas Keener, who has been in trade since 1870.

Henry Forney had the first public-house before 1820, on the southeast corner of the square, in a small brick house with a frame lean-to. Other places were occupied for taverns by Daniel McCarter, Christian Keener, and one or two others for short periods.

It is said that John McClymonds was the first postmaster, keeping the office in his store. He was followed by Thos. Kent, a school-teacher, and he in turn by David Boies. The office has also been held by Thomas Keener, John Mollenkopf, Lovina Earley, John McKerahan, and, since 1870, again by Thomas Keener. The office is supplied with tri-weekly mail from East Palestine.

Dr. Hugh Martin is remembered as the first permanent physician, coming some time before 1828, and remaining until about 1840. A part of this time Dr. Jehu Stough was also in practice. Other physicians located here were Drs. Wm. W. Ileinmau, Isaac Snyder, John Thomas, Samuel Ball, J. L. D. Hindman, and Nathaniel Dustin. The place has been without a physician the past twelve years.

A tannery has been operated many years by Charles Shook & Sons, and near the village brickmaking is carried on by Benjamin Unger. In 1873, Emanuel Welle and Daniel Crum put up a steam saw-mill, and yet operate it.

New Waterford

This village has a pleasant location on both sides of Big Bull Creek, on sections 19, 20, and 29, and was laid out, about 1851, by John and Robert Silliman. Two additions have since been made by Joseph Taylor. When the railroad first located a station here, it was known by the name of the Creek, but the present name was soon after selected.

have been John Baker, Frank Cox, D. M. Bloom, and the present incumbent, Mathew Kane, who has the office in his drug-store, in connection with the express-office.

John Silliman was the first to engage in merchandising, having a store where are now D. D. Chidester & Co. At this stand have also been in trade Samuel and James Spencer and Wm. Chidester.

On the south side of the creek, John Nevin engaged in trade about 1857, at the stand now occupied by James Ci'eese. Other merchants at this place have been George Crawford and Charles B. Fisher. Mollenkopf & Mellinger have a shoe-store. All of these stores transact a large business, and New Waterford has an excellent reputation as a trading centre.

Public-houses have been kept by Fred. Hauptman, who yet continues landlord, and John F. Mitchell. The latter house has been changed to a residence.

The first improvement of the water-power of Bull Creek in this vicinity was a mile above the village. Soon after 1804, John Hatcher erected saw- and grist-mills, which have been kept in almost constant operation since. Among the different owners have been Jesse Allen, C. W. Fisher, and James Scott. The grist-mill was discontinued about four years ago.

Below the village a grist-mill was gotten in operation by Joseph Heinman, which was subsequently owned by James Tritt and I. Thompson ; the latter supplied steam-power. For some time this mill has been idle. Still farther down the stream Richard Beeson put up pioneer mills, about 1803, which, in time, gave place to mills of greater capacity. In after-years they were known as Mendenhall's. The power is at present unemployed.

Near the depot, in New Waterford, Christ & Boos built a water-power grist-mill about 1848, which became the property of the Sillimans several years later, who added steam-power. In August, 1862, it was destroyed by fire, and the place was unoccupied until 1873, when James C. Scott put up the present " Tip-Top Mills," a frame structure 50 by 56 feet, having three runs of stones. The motive power is furnished by water and steam.

A steam saw-mill was put up on the south side of the creek, in 1852, by Thomas Chess, which was burned. Another mill was built by Fisher & Co., which is now operated by Jonah Metz and James Boies. Cider is manufactured here on a large scale in the fall of the year.

In 1877, John M. Ott erected a well-appointed carriagefactory, in which ten men are employed, and a large quantity of fine work manufactured.

The village has had a steady growth, and now contains, besides the interests named, two churches, a good schoolhouse, and about sixty dwellings.

East Palestine

on the east half of section 26. It is a station on the Fort Wayne Railroad, has important coal interests, and a large and increasing trade, drawn from the rich surrounding country. The village contains a magnificent school-building, four churches, and the interests detailed below.

A village was first platted here in 1828 by Thomas Mc- Calla and William Grate, which received the name of Mechanicsburg. This title was changed by the Legislature in 1832, and the present name bestowed upon the place. In 1835, Robert Chamberlain platted an addition north of the original survey, on which the greater part of the village has been built. The first building was put up in 1828 by William Grate, and is yet standing, being the home of L. A. Paxson. It is a log structure, and has never been weather-boarded. In it were sold the first goods in the place, by Edward Allender, some time before 1831. In this locality William Paxson opened the second store in 1832, A. Craig soon after engaged in trade, and in a few years Robert Chamberlain commenced merchandising, continuing many years. The trade thus established has been carried on to this day, the present firm being Chamberlain & Co. Its sales are said to aggregate more than $100,000 per year. Among others who were actively engaged in trade, but have retired, may be named John Crum, J. T. Brewster, and B. Young. Young & Co., an old firm, are still in trade.

A. Higley opened a drug-store in the village about 1860, the first in this branch of trade. The village has at present about twenty places of business, representing the different interests of trade.

George Fought had the first public-house in the place, in the building occupying the corner opposite Paxson's shoe-shop, some time about 1830. The second tavern was kept near by, the landlord being J. C. Taggart. His successor was George Crum. About the same time R. Barr and J. Hall opened inns, making three in the place, and even then the accommodations were insufficient to entertain all who applied. The latter had the corner now occupied by John R. Book. Other landlords were James Hartman, J. Anderson, Obadiah Allison, William Patterson, and Robert Ramsay. The village has at present half a dozen public-houses.

The post-office was established about 1836, with Robert Chamberlain postmaster, who kept it in Paxson's store. The mail was carried on horseback from Unity. The office has also been held by A. Craig, Joseph Young, Hannah Hamilton, Enos Goble, W. C. Chamberlain, and is at present in charge of Henry Sutheriu. Since 1878 it has been a postal money-order office.

The first settlers of the village relied on the services, in case of sickness, of a Dr. Edmundson, living several miles away. Dr. Robert Chamberlain was the first physician to locate in the village. Soon after, Dr. T. C. Miller and Dr. Abraham Sheets became practitioners, the latter continuing many years. Others who have here followed the healing

The power of Lesslie's Run, formerly a much larger stream than at present, was improved, before 1835, to operate sawmills for Thomas McCalla, George Allender, and James R. Hamilton, grist-mills for Hamilton, John Crum, and William Paxson, and distilleries for Crum and Hamilton.

The most important manufacturing interest at the village was organized some time about 1854 by a party from Philadelphia to extract oil from the cannel-coal mined in this vicinity. The furnace was superintended by Loyal Case, and the enterprise was deemed successful until the discovery of petroleum made its longer continuance unprofitable.

The East Palestine grist-mill was built, in 1864, by Failor Bros. & Co., 40 by 40, three stories high, with a room attached containing a twenty-eight horse-power engine. It has three runs of stones. Lewis Failor is the present proprietor.

The Mineral Valley Mills were erected, in 1873, by Goble, Hum & Co. The building is a frame, 36 by 80 feet, two and a half stories high, and is supplied with modern machinery, operated by an engine of sixty-horse power. The present owners are Goble, Throne & Co. In the western part of the village is a steam saw-mill operated by Benjamin Seusenbacher.

The carriage-shops of Jacob Unger, embracing three large buildings, were established in 1874, and give employment to seven men. Hiram Wherry's carriage-works were established about the same time. They consist of several large and well-appointed buildings.

The publication of the Valley Echo, a weekly four-column quarto, was begun at East Palestine, April 12, 1878, by E. J. Roberts & Co., by whom it is continued. May 8, 1879, the paper was enlarged to a seven-column folio.

Municipal Government. - The propriety of securing the incorporation of the village was agitated early in 1875, but no action was taken until the fall of that year. Sept. 21, 1875, a petition, signed by seventy-eight persons and accompanied by a plat of the proposed corporation, was submitted to the commissioners of the county, who ordered it granted in December. The bounds embrace the greater part of section 26 and a little more than half of section 25, the limits being about a mile and a half from east to west, and one mile from north to south. The western boundary is irregular, and is determined by the course of the old highway.

The first election of village officers was held April 3, 1876, at which nearly one hundred votes were polled and the following elected: Mayor, Enos Goble; Clerk, Daniel Correll; Treasurer, John J. Busliong ; Marshal, Henry Berrick ; Council, Charles Beyer, James Mortin, Joseph Young, T. H. Elser, John Sutherin, B. F. Sheets.

In 1877, S. C. Palmer was elected to fill the vacancy in the mayor's office. David Morris, Richard Lake, and John T. Chamberlain were chosen couucilmen.

In 1878, Wm. M. Saint was elected Mayor ; J. W. Smith, Clerk; John J. Bushong, Treasurer; and James Martin, Arthur Smith, Hugh Laughlin, Couucilmen.

In 1809 those elected to office were : Councilmen, Charles Beyer, J. T. Chamberlain, Joseph Ward; Street Commissioner, Thos. Sherry ; Marshal, Jas. McMillan.

Since the village has been incorporated, its appearance has been considerably beautified, and the general welfare of the place greatly advanced.

The East Palestine Union School. - On the 30th of March, 1865, the Legislature of the State constituted all of sections 25, 36, and all that part of sections 26 and 35 lying east of Lesslie's Run, a special district, with the powers and privileges usually attaching to such districts, and authorizing the selection of three persons as a board of education. This board was organized the following spring, with J. T. Chamberlain, President; Hugh Laughlin, Secretary ; and William M. Saint, Treasurer. These gentlemen yet constitute the board, although performing different functions of office.

In September, 1875, a school-building was begun on an elevated lot in the southern part of the village, and completed the succeeding season. It is a handsome brick structure, 68 by 84 feet, two stories high, and is surmounted by an attractive tower containing a finely-toned bell. It contains six spacious recitation-rooms, and a lecture-hall whose dimensions are 33 by 80 feet. The building is handsomely furnished throughout, at a cost of $14,000.

It was opened for school purposes in the fall of 1876, under the principalship of A. Y. Taylor, w7ho yet remains in charge, assisted by four teachers.

The school has primary, intermediate, grammar, and highschool departments, thoroughly graded, and is attended by 250 pupils. The cost of maintaining the school is $2000 per year.

In most of the other districts of the township good schools are maintained, but we have been unable to gather any reliable statistics concerning their present status. In 1823 there were three districts, and in 1826 six.

Religious Societies

It is stated, on the authority of some of the old citizens of the township, that religious meetings were held as early as the latter part of 1802 at the house of Adam Rupert ; that Rev. John Stough was the preacher ; and that, acting on the suggestion of Mr. Stough, the people of the northern part of the township united to build what has since been known as to be used by the Lutheran and Reformed congregations then existing or about to be formed. Accordingly, in 1803 or 1804, a log meeting-house was built on the southwest corner of what was known as the Forney section, No. 10. This house was about 30 feet square, and was very plainly furnished. It was displaced in 1823 by a twostory brick church, built after the fashion of that day, with a high pulpit, gallery, etc., and had a very large capacity. In 1861 it was taken down, and a part of the material used in building the present house, which has accommodations for three hundred persons, and is under the joint control of the societies below named.

The Salem Lutheran Congregation had, besides the Rupert family, already named, among its original members, persons belonging to the Forney, Myers, Mollenkopf, and Metz families. It enjoyed the labors of Rev. -J. Stough, probably, part of the time as pastor, until after the first brick church was built, when a Rev. Shaefer became pastor. Since that time the principal clergy have been the Revs. Hoffman, Haelsche, Ellinger, Schlutterman, Siegler, Nouffer, Kramer, Schillinger, and Humberger. This congregation is one of four served by Mr. Humberger, who became the pastor in 1876. Owing to the formation of other churches, the membership is not very large at present. Its Consistory is composed of George Mollenkopf, Benjamin Lentz, Jonathan Rukenbrod, and Levi Meckley. Other members of the Consistory have been John Sheets, John G. Miller, Adam Rupert, Jacob Rupert, John May, Conrad Yarrian, George Kale, Louis Wernwag, John Kale, Gottlieb Kucebler, George Yarrian, G. Wilhelm, Moses Sitler, and Jacob Beight.

The Salem Reformed Congregation was formed at a somewhat later period than the foregoing, but the exact date cannot be determined. Rev. Peter Mahnnesmith was the first pastor, serving the congregation in connection with other appointments in the surrounding townships. His successors in the pastoral office have been Revs. Henry Sonnendecker, J. F. Englebach, F. Wahl, James Reinhard, and John Neille. A few others served as supplies. Since 1870, Rev. John Meckley has been the pastor, filling that position for the congregation of Springfield also.

The present members of the Consistory are Daniel Metz, John Mollenkopf, William Metz, and Omer Rouch. Among former members of the Consistory may be named Solomon Rouch, Daniel Heek, Jacob Buheeker, Jacob Unger, Andrew Forney, Daniel Rouch, Benjamin Unger, John Heek, Jose Wetzell, David Peters, Samuel Rupert, and Peter Miller.

During the pastorate of the Rev. Jacob Haelsche a disaffection occurred in the Salem congregation, which caused the withdrawal of about sixty persons, and the formation, in 1 839, of the above church. It was determined to build a church on section 2, on a lot purchased from George Kale, and among those for'emost in promoting this object were Jacob Hoffman, Martin Koch, Gottlieb Baumgardner, Frederick Wagner, Christian Faas, Israel Schiller, John Wagner, Christian Eli, John Greiner, and Jacob Sensenbaugh. It is an attractive frame, and was placed in good repair in 1873.

Rev. Haelsche became the pastor of the church, and continued with it about four years. He was followed by Rev. Henry Miller, for about the same length of time. The next pastor was the Rev. Wm. Sigelin, during whose connection the interests of the Lutheran churches were united, and St. Paul's became a part of the old parish. This arrangement is yet continued, and from that period this church and the Salem congregation have had the same pastors, viz. : Revs. Schlotterman, Nouffer, Kramer, Schillinger, and Humberger. Formerly the services were wholly in German, but since Rev. Kramer's connection they have been in English about half the time.

The congregation has about 180 communicants, and the following Consistory: William Wernwag, William Greiner, Eli Harman, Tobias Beight, John Heiule, and Benjamin Hoffmaister. Other prominent members of the Council have been David Mollenkopf, Martin Fetter, John Hoff-

The Methodist Episcopal Church Op Unity

Some time about 1830 a Rev. Prosser began holding Methodist meetings at the house of Joseph Taylor, and soon afterwards, a class of members having been formed, regular preaching was maintained in the school-house. This embraced among others Joseph Taylor* Jehu Stough, Melchor Mellinger, Elias Eyster, and William Lewis. A small meeting-house was built soon after at the village of Unity for the use of the society, which flourished for a time, then became so much weakened by removals and other causes that the Conference suspended the appointment.

A few members remained in the place, and, about 1860, the Rev. D. Hess, who preached to them at that time, was induced to hold a series of meetings, which resulted in so many conversions and accessions that the place again became a regular appointment. So encouraging was the future that a meeting-house was built nearly opposite the site occupied by the old house. This church passed under the control of a society, which received corporate powers from the State, Nov. 12, 1862, and had the following trustees: Charles Shook, Levi Forney, Samuel Earley, Perry Zeigler, and Benjamin Forney.

The church at present numbers about fifty members, who are under the pastoral direction of the Rev. 0. W. Holmes, also in charge of the East Palestine church. Among others who preached here are remembered the Revs. Wharton, Roller, Bray, Blackburn, Moore, Hess, Houston, Kinnear, Borbidge, Ingram, Castle, Ruyter, Hamilton, and Cunningham.

The Presbyterian Church Op Pleasant Valley, At New Waterpord

About 1816 a Sunday-school was organized in the schoolhouse where New Waterford now is by Richard Dildine and John Roos, who were requested, one Sabbath, by several strangers passing by, to announce a religious meeting to be held at a certain date, when they would return and preach to them. So anxious were the people to hear the word proclaimed that, at the appointed time, many were assembled to listen to the strangers, who proved to be missionaries, named Kohr and Rudibaugh, laboring in the interests of the Presbyterian Church. Other meetings followed, and, not long after, Rev. Thomas Hughes, of Mt. Pleasant, Pa., was engaged to preach to the settlers of this part of the township, the meetings being still held in the school-house. As it now appeared possible to form a society, a small brick meeting-house was begun in 1823, but was used in an unfinished condition several years. In the spring of 1824, Rev. Robert Dilworth began preaching in this house, using the carpenter's work-bench for a pulpit. The trustees at this time were Richard Dildine, John Roos, and John Heinman, but the formal organization of the church does not appear to have followed until a few years later.

Since that period the elders have been Robert Leonard, Samson Dilworth, Abraham Scott, Nicholas Eckes, Jehu Dildine, Robert Jenkinson, John C. Dilworth, Samuel Silliman, Joseph Martin, Peter Smith, and Oliver Phillips.

The labors of Mr. Dilworth were enjoyed by the church until 1850, when he was succeeded by the Rev. John B. Miller, who was the minister until 1867. Then the pulpit was supplied several years by the Rev. James S. Park, who was followed, in 1871, by the Rev. Win. C. Smith as pastor for two years. His successor was the Rev. R. S. Morton, who served eighteen months.

In 1873 the present neat church-edifice was erected by a building committee composed of Richard Dildine, Homer Earley, Oliver Taylor, Isaac Heck, and Robert Kieffer. It is a brick house, and will seat 225 persons. The present trustees are John Rupert, Oliver Rupert, Richard Dildine, and Enoch Rupert.

The Methodist Episcopal Church Of New Waterford

was organized May 16, 185S, in Joseph Taylor's barn, by the Rev. G. D. Kinnear. Twenty persons associated themselves as members, and W. B. Campbell was chosen classleader. The church has at present about 50 members, under the leadership of John Kane and John M. Rudibaugh.

In March, 1859, a plain frame meeting-house was dedicated as a place of worship for the society by the presiding elder of the district, Rev. D. P. Mitchell, and placed in charge of the following trustees : Joseph Taylor, John Baker, John King, W. B. Campbell, and T. S. McCalla.

Rev. Kinnear was followed in the pastoral office by the Revs. D. Hess, L. Keagle, John McCarty, A. J. Rich, James Borbidge, John J. Jackson, J. J. Hayes, J. Z. Moore, W. Darby, Thomas Hodgson, A. E. Ward, and C. H. Edwards. Rev. W. B. Campbell is a local preacher.

A Sunday-school was organized soon after the formation of the church, and had James P. Silliman for superintendent. This school at present has more than 100 members, under the superintendence of J. M. Rudibaugh.

The Methodist Episcopal Church Of East Palestine

Methodism was introduced into this locality by the members of the old Burt church, in Middieton township, and in 1865 occasional meetings were held in the United Presbyterian church at East Palestine. In a few years the interests of the Burt church were transferred to the village, and the present society formed. A board of trustees was chosen, having as members Isaac Eaton, Mark Burt, Michael Shaefer, John Curry, William M. Saint, John Sutherin, and William Meek, and a commodious frame meetinghouse built at East Palestine, which is yet the home of the society.

The United Brethren In Christ Of East Palestine

A class of this faith was formed in the southeast part of the township, about 1855, by the Rev. George Fast, which had among its members persons belonging to the Paxson, Low, Piper, Hartsough, Leonard, and other families. In 1857 a small frame church was built west of the village, on a lot given for this purpose by Thomas McCalla. This was used until the summer of 1879, when a new house, erected in the village, on the lot of L. A. Paxson, was occupied. It is a plain frame, 30 by 40 feet, and was built by a committee composed of L. A. Paxson, Charles Hall, Samuel Eaton, William Alcorn, Jacob Todd, George Renshaw, and Robert Patton.

The church has 50 members, and is connected with other appointments in Middleton and Fairfield in forming a circuit. The church is at present in charge of F. P. Sanders.

Among the clergy who were on this circuit since the church was formed were Revs. Fast, Crayton, Waldorf, Turner, Bonewell, Traver, Dilley, Booth, Bowers, Perkins, Slusser, Deihl, Randall, Lower, Faulk, Law, Begley, and Singer. Joseph Paxson is a local preacher, and L. A. Paxson is superintendent of the Sunday-school.

The Old School Presbyterian Church Of East

In September, 1841, a number of persons residing in this locality petitioned the Presbytery of New Lisbon, at its session with the Clarkson congregation, to organize a church in their village. The Presbytery appointed the Rev. William Stratton for this purpose, and on the 5th of March, 1842, members of the Hamilton, Curry, Martin, McKean, Hassan, and other families, to the number of 20, were associated in church fellowship, and Joseph Curry, Ralph Martin, Robert J. Robinson, and Thomas Hamilton ordained as ruling elders.

For many years the Presbytery supplied the congregation with preaching, the ministers being Revs. James Robertson, Thomas McDermott, and A. S. Billingsley.

The congregation numbers 102 members, and has as ruling elders James Smart, B. D. Sheets,. C. W. Hamilton, and Seth Meek. The Sabbath-school has Hugh Frasier for superintendent.

In 18G7 the church became a corporate body and organized a board of trustees, having J. R. Hamilton, President; Joseph Young, Secretary; James Boies, Treasurer; and Adam Palmer, J. W. Fronk, and I'. S. Hamilton associate members.

The East Palestine United Presbyterian Church

In August, 1842, the Rev. Thomas L. Spear organized an Associate Reformed Presbyterian congregation at this place, under the auspices of the Monongahela Presbytery of Pennsylvania, which had as members John Taggart, David Luke, Robert McFilamy, the Johnson family, Maria Yance, Benjamin and Elizabeth Blackburn, - nine in all.

Benjamin Blackburn and John Taggart were the first ruling elders. This office has also been held by John Wallace, James Nevin, Sr., James Smiley, Clement Y. Souder, Samuel Wilson, Thomas H. Davidson, Abraham S. Nevin, Robert Taggart, Joseph Britton, David W. Hartshorn, W. C. Chamberlain, and James Nevin. The four last named are the present elders.

The meetings were held in the old Presbyterian church until 1853, when the present edifice was erected. It has since been improved and beautified to render it very attractive and comfortable. Since 1858 the congregation has been known by its present title, in consequence of the union of the different Presbyterian interests; it has about 70 members.

In May, 1849, the Rev. Samuel Patterson became the pastor for one-third of his time, and continued until 1858; in 1862 the Rev. Hugh Sturgeon became pastor, and gave half his time to this congregation. He resigned in 1866. The next pastorate was begun March 1, 1867, by Rev. A. Y. Houston, who gave two-thirds of his time, and served until April, 1872. After a few years of vacancy, the Rev. W. W. Curry became pastor, and gave the congregation all his time from Jan. 1, 1875, and remained until April, 1879. The pulpit is at present vacant.

The congregation supports a well- organized Sunday-school having 120 members, of which W. C. Chamberlain is superintendent. There is also a Ladies' Missionary Society, whose efforts have been a great blessing to various charitable objects, which receive from its treasury about $100 per year. The trustees of the church are R. C. Taggart, W. C. Chamberlain, and Robert Young.

East Palestine Coal Interests

Before 1840 small quantities of coal were taken out from the side-hills in the neighborhood of East Palestine, by farmers and others for home use. In succeeding years mining was carried on to a greater extent, but no organized effort was made to develop the mineral wealth of this locality until about 1860, when a New York company secured an interest in the coal-lands of section 35, known as Carbon Hill. A vein was opened and a railway built from the main line of the Fort Wayne road, when they disposed of their interests to Tucker, Brown & Co., who made further developments and commenced shipping coal. In 1865 the property passed into the hands of the " Carbon Hill Coal Company," of Chicago, who placed their interests in charge of James Mullins. Hugh Laughlin was employed as superintendent, and under his direction work was actively carried on, from 70 to 90 miners being employed. In 1871 the company abandoned this mine, the supply being too small to render it longer profitable. Soon after was formed

The. Prospect Hill Coal Company

THE. PROSPECT HILL COAL COMPANY, having among its members Enoch Lawton, James Sutheriu, and Andrew Burnett, to develop the mineral on the west part of section 36. A railroad track, one mile in length, was laid to join the main line at the village, to which loaded cars are conveyed by gravitation. The main entry to the mine was driven from the north, and follows the upper vein a distance of seven hundred yards. At present four side drifts, each several hundred yards in length, are employed. The vein is from two and one-half to three feet in thickness, and the coal is highly esteemed for its qualities as fuel. Vein No. 4 has also been opened, but has not been much worked. About 60 tons per day are mined and shipped to Cleveland. Forty persons are employed in the mines and shops of the company, and only one fatality has been connected with the operations here. On the 18th of April, 1879, Enoch Lawton, one of the proprietors, was overcome by the impure atmosphere in a little-used part of the mine, and before he was found death had ensued. The mine is at present operated by James Sutherin as lessee, the other proprietors having no active interest in the work.

The State Line Coal Company

In January, 1874, a company with this name, composed of C. B. Herron, J. W. Chalfin, and Janies Mullins, was organized to operate the coal-land on the eastern part of sections 25 and 36. Hugh Laughlin was appointed superintendent, and yet fills that position. He at once secured a large force of workmen, and before the end of the year had built 3000 feet of railway-track from the main road, near the State line, leading to the principal entry of the mine, which had been extended about eight hundred yards.

The coal was found to be superior for generating steam, and was soon in active demand, and has since been largely used by the railroads of this part of the State. It is found in veins nearly four feet in thickness, and is mined with ease and safety. No accidents fatal to life hav'e thus far occurred, and but one or two persons have been injured. The operations of the company have been chiefly confined to the coal found in Vein No. 4. The business has been gradually extended, until at present about 400 men are employed, requiring a monthly payment of $10,000.

An average of 50 cars per day are loaded and shipped to the various railroad centres. The main entry has been extended a mile, and 17 cross-entries are in use, some of them being nearly a mile in length. The coal is drawn to the surface by means of steam-power, operating an endless steel-wire rope a mile long, by means of which 32 loaded cars can be moved at the same time, and, in turn, be transferred to the outside track without stopping the machine. This ingenious arrangement was devised and constructed by Messrs. Mullins & Laughlin, and has attracted great attention from its simplicity and perfect operation. The company has also patented a machine for washing the slack of the mines, thereby effecting a great saving of coal and labor. The superintendent has a very neat and well-appointed office at the village, distant fi-om the mines one mile.

At East Palestine excellent potter's clay has been found, and a company is about being formed to establish a pottery to manufacture Rockingham-ware.

Civic And Military Orders East Palestine Lodge, No. 417, P. And A. M.

EAST PALESTINE LODGE, NO. 417, P. AND A. M., was chartered Oct. 21, 1868, with the following members: George Lamb, Joseph Young, B. F. Sheets, John F. Stacy, S. N. Eaton, Martin Koch, Hugh Laughlin, B. D. Sheets, Seth Meek, James J. Sheets, Ferdinand Oberlander, Isaac Cress, James Fitzsimmons, Charles Shook, Stephen Palmer, Hugh Garrett, John Tritt, and Ed. P. Young. The three fii'st named held the principal offices, and had filled the same positions under a warrant granting a dispensation to form a Lodge.

The East Palestine Grays

This military body was organized as an independent company, Aug. 23, 1875. It received its name from the style of uniform adopted, which was at first a handsome gray, but the company being a part of the State militia the prescribed uniform of army-blue is worn. In 1876 the Grays were mustered as Company E, 10th Regt. Ohio National Guards, and were regarded by that title by the State authorities until about January, 1879, when the regiment was relettered, and the Palestine company became Company D, although it is yet locally known by its original name.

The State has provided arms for the company and a limited number of uniforms. An armory and drill-hall has been furnished at East Palestine by the village and township of Unity, each bearing a proportion of the expense according to the relative number enlisted from the village or the township. The company is subject to the orders of the military department of the State, but may at any time be called to serve as a special police force by the mayor of the village without the intervention of outside authority.

The officers at the organization of the company were Hugh Laughlin, Captain, promoted Lieutenant-Colonel of regiment ; J. A. Sampsell, First Lieutenant, promoted Major of regiment ; John Flowers, Second Lieutenant, promoted Captain of company.

The present (1879) organization of the company is as follows : Captain, W. T. Hamilton ; First Lieutenant, Bartlett Early ; Second Lieutenant, J. M. Frankhouser ; First Sergeant, A. A. Bushong ; Second Sergeant, Martin Sutherin ; Third Sergeant, George H. Miller; Fourth Sergeant, Morris Alaback ; Fifth Sergeant, Edward E. Kelley ; First Corporal, Caleb Garrett ; Second Corporal, Adam Elge ; Third Corporal, Samuel Meek ; Fourth Corporal, Heman Reed ; Fifth Corporal, A. B. Correll ; Sixth Corporal, W. W. Young ; Seventh Corporal, Henry W. Horne ; Eighth Corporal, Samuel M. Hoon ; Fife-Major, Wilson Ritchie ;

Hon. James Martin

The gentleman whose name heads this brief notice, and who is essentially a self-made man, was born Nov. 24, 1808, in Unity township, Columbiana Co., Ohio. His father, Andrew Martin, emigrated to this county from Pennsylvania, about the year 1801. His mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Ammon, came to Columbiana with her parents from Virginia, about the same date. Andrew Martin was married in 1804, had a family of nine children, and followed agricultural pursuits.

James Martin was educated in the rude school-house of pioneer times, and spent his minority chiefly upon his father's farm. At the age of twenty-one years he commenced teaching school, which he continued for some time successfully, meanwhile reading both law and medicine, besides giving attention to farming and sheep husbandry.

May 1, 1848, he married Miss Harriet McCalla, of East Palestine, Ohio, who died in less than a year after her marriage. For his second wife he married, Nov. 9, 1858,

Politically, Mr. Martin is a Republican, and has long been identified with that party in this county ; as its representative he has been honored with several positions of honor and trust. In 1854 he was elected probate judge of Columbiana County, and re-elected in 1857, serving six years, during which time he never had a case reversed. He was subsequently (1866) elected to the State Legislature from his native county. He is now (1879) living in retirement upon his farm, within the corporate limits of East Palestine, in this county.

Charles Long

Charles Long, Sr., settled in what is now Unity township in 1803, emigrating from Rockbridge Co., Va. Therefore the history of the Long family may be said to have com- menced with that of Columbiana County, for it was the year the county was organized and christened. This occurred when the subject of our sketch, Charles Long, Jr., was but five years of age. His father settled here, and took up a section of land, upon a portion of which Charles, Jr., still resides.

Charles, the senior, was a man of strong physical powers, as is evinced by the remarkable age to which he lived, for most of his life enduring the hardships incident to that of early settlers, and dying at the age of ninety-three.

Mr. Long, Jr., has raised a family of seven children, and, what is remarkable in a family of that number, all are still living. He has been very successful in his chosen pursuit, - agriculture, - accumulating considerable property, which he now (though eighty-one years of age, and hale and hearty) lives to enjoy. Politically, Mr. Long has always been and remains a Democrat, though office and political honors have been shunned rather than sought by him.

Busliong, John I., son of John and Mary (Boyl) Bushong, b. 1846, s. Palestine, 1874, Dealer in Stoves and Tinware, p. o. add. East Palestine.

Bloom, Daniel M., son of John and Harriet (Wheeland) Bloom, b. 1853, s. New Waterford, 1875, Physician and Surgeon, p. o. add. New Waterford.

Boies, James, son of Bichard and Margaret (Early) Boies, b. 1855, s. New Waterford, 1859, Proprietor Saw-mill and Vineyard, p. o. add. New Waterford.

Book, John R., son of Jacob and Anna (Hazen) Book, b. 1849, s. East Palestine, 1874, Proprietor Hotel and Livery, p. o. add. East Palestine.

Billworth, John C., son of Sampson and Mary (Leonard) Dillworth, b. 1813, s. New Waterford, 1828, Farmer and Dairyman, p. o. add. New Waterford.

Elser, Tobias, son of Jacob and Margaret (Grceuamyer) Elser, b. 1835, s. East Palestine, 1870, Supt. State-Line Coal Co., p. o. add. East Palestine.

Hamilton, Wm., won of .lam os R. ami Kcsia (McOloskoy) Hamilton, b. Hast l'alestino, 1851, Farmer anrl Justice of the Peace, p. o. add. East Palestine.

Hauptmann, Frederick, son of Frederick and Henrietta (Watsock) Hauptmann, k 1816, h. New Waterford, 1857, Proprietor Hotel and Grocery, p. o. mid. New Waterford.

Lawton, Enoch, son of John and Mary (Horton) Lawton, b. 1845, s. East Palestine, 1872, Proprietor Prospect Hill Coal Co., p. o. add. East Palestine.

Morris, David, son of Thomas and Margaret (Long) Morris, l>. 1836, s. East Palestine, 1872, Station Agent P. F. W. and C. R. R., p. o. add. Ernst Palestine.

McMillan, Joseph II., son of Jos. and Mary (Bardue) McMillan, b. 1840, s. New Waterford, 1872, Farmer and Minister, p. o. add. New Waterford.

McCalla, David C., son of Thomas S. and Hannah A. (Hartsough) McCalla, b. New Waterford, 1853, Farmer and Fruit Grower, p. o. add. New W'aterford.

Smith, David S., son of William and Rachel (McNutt) Smith, b. 1843, s. East Palestine, 1868, Hardware and Drugs Dealer, p. o. add. East Palestine.

Sutherine, James, son of James and Elizabeth (Gilholm) Sutherine, b. 1836, s. East Palestine, 1875, Proprietor Prospect Hill Coal Co., p. o. add. East Palestine.