Washington Township

Washington Township

Though not organized until 1814, Wellington was one of the first townships settled. Alexandria was one of the first three settlements in the county and among the first along the Ohio. There is only a few months between the settlements at the mouth of the Little Scioto, the French Grant settlement and this one.

A petition for a new township to be formed from parts of Nile and Union came before the Commissioners in August, 1814. The petition was granted and it was ordered that the new township be bounded as follows; "Beginning at the mouth of Turkey Creek; thence up the Ohio river with the meanderings thereof to the mouth ot the Scioto River; thence up the Scioto river to the mouth of Pond Creek; thence a westerly course with Thomas Wil- coxon's line to the dividing line between Pond Creek and Carey's Run and following said ridge to the head of Stony Creek; thence down said creek to Turkey Creek; thence down Turkey Creek to the Ohio river; and it is further ordered that said township be called Washington."

When the Ohio canal was constructed it was found necessary to change the mouth of the Scioto up the river about a mile. This alteration threw a part of Wayne Township on the west side of the Scioto and there being no bridge between the two parts, the land owners so cut off, asked to be included in Washington Township, which was granted by the following order of the County Commissioners:

"It is therefore ordered that the boundaries of Washington Township be so changed that all the portion of territory lying west of the present termination of the Ohio canal and east of the old mouth of the Scioto river, and between the old bed of said Scioto river and the present course of said river, be stricken off from the township of Wayne, and attached to the township of Washington, and that the Auditor of this county issue a copy of this order to the Clerks of each of the townships aforesaid, and make the necessary record thereof in his office." December 6, 1842.

Though the smallest among the townships outside of Wayne, it takes eighth rank in the separate valuation of its real and of its personal property, and holds ninth place in the aggregate of both. The value of the real estate in 1901, was $223,460 ; of personal property, $77,234; total, $300,694. It includes within its territory 14,235 acres, with a population of 1,269, the same as Harrison Township, which has almost twice the .area.

Situated as it is, at the juncture of the Scioto with the Ohio, it contains a large expanse of valuable bottom land. There are no streams of any considerable size in the township, except Carey's Run, which has its source in the northwest corner, and flows in a southeasterly direction down a narrow valley to the Ohio.

The Ohio and Scioto valleys are from a mile to two miles broad and much of the land is inundated each year by the annual floods which leave a heavy deposit of alluvium. The hilly portion of the township is very rough and stony and not suited to cultivation. Some terrace land along the border of the Scioto valley affords good upland farms and a pleasant locality for residences. The whole Scioto valley is planted with corn each year and when the flood does not come at the wrong time the harvest is bounteous. The Ohio valley is not flooded so much as the Scioto and excellent wheat crops are grown as well as corn. For several weeks each winter and spring the "west side," as this is commonly called, is cut off from the east side of the Scioto, by an expanse of water reaching from hill to hill, from two to three miles wide and twenty to thirty feet deep. During these times the inhabitants of the west side, who make many and frequent trips to Portsmouth, are compelled to take to boats.

The first tract of land entered in the township was by Larkin Smith, number 475, August 3, 1787. The survey was made November 21, 1787. The tract lay just above the mouth of Turkey Creek and was afterward owned by Major John Belli.

The tract upon which Alexandria was platted was Survey Number 508, containing six hundred acres, located by Alexander Parker for his brother, Col. Thomas Parker, of Frederick County, Virginia, August 3, 1787. The survey was made by John O'Bannon, Deputy Surveyor, John Williams and Sylvester Murroney, Chainmen; Thomas Parker, Marker. It is said that a part of the land on which Alexandria was laid out had been partly cleared and cultivated in corn by the Indians. The site seems to have been chosen for a town some time before the town was platted and named Alexandria for Alexandria, Va. Benjamin Feurt said that when his father landed there it was called Alexandria. Just when the lots were surveyed and sold is somewhat uncertain. All we find of record on that point is in the following:

"I hereby certify that this plat contains the in and out lots in the town of Alexandria, laid out by me, and laid down by a scale of twenty poles to an inch, done by order of Col. Thomas Parker of Frederick County, Virginia. - B. Langham. Alexandria, June 3, 1799."

We find on the same plat the following: "I do hereby certify that the plan contains the in and out lots in the town of Alexandria, which I sold as such, for Col. Thomas Parker, of Frederick County, Virginia, situated in the County of Adams in the Territory northwest of the Ohio. - A. Parker."

"Filed in the Recorder's office, June 4, 1799. - John Belli, Recorder." When and by whom the first settlements were made by permanent inhabitants here is uncertain, hut that it was settled before the above dates is beyond all doubt. There were eighty-eight lots, numbered serially from 1 to 88 and 35 out-lots numbered from 1 to 35. A copy of this plat is recorded in Plat Book 1, page 33, Scioto County Record of Plats. The streets running back from the river ran north 58 degrees west and were named, beginning on the northeast side and going down the river: Scioto, Thomas, Middle and South Streets. Those running at right angles and with the Ohio river were Water, Second. Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth. There was a tier of twenty lots along the river front and another tier of lots numbered from 69 to 88 back of Sixth street. The remaining lots were arranged in a double tier on the northeast side of Thomas street, with an alley between them, and another double tier on the southwest side of Thomas street, with no alley between them. This last group was in the eastern corner of the town and between Second and Fourth streets. All the rest of the town was outlots.

Among the first inhabitants in Alexandria were Judge John Collins, William Russell, John Russell, Joseph Parrish, John Logan, William Lowry, Stephen Smith, James Munn and William Brady. These settled in the town and James Edison, James Hamilton, John Worley, Anthony Worley, John West, Philip Moore, Peter Noel and Martin Funk landed at Alexandria and located within eight miles of the place.

Between 1801 and 1804, David Gharky, John Simpson, Elijah Glover, William Jones and Samuel G. Jones settled in the place. Dr. Thomas Waller, John Simpson, Stephen Carey, William Carey, Patrick Timmonds, and Samuel Gunn, settled in the township between the same dates.

When the town flourished at its height those who owned houses were: David Gharky, who owned a two-story house with a cabinet shop attached, Fletcher had a dwelling house and blacksmith shop; this was burned in 1806; Stephen Smith built and owned a stone house completed in 1815; E. Langham owned a one-story frame house afterwards converted into a warehouse; Judge John Collins kept a place of entertainment and accommodated travellers; Silas Cole owned a two-story double log house; Captain Samuel Gunn owned a two-story frame dwelling. The school house stood hack of Alexandria at the foot of the hill. Barlow Aldrich owned a two-story wooden building; Patrick Timmonds lived in a large two-story house, before which he hung out a sign with a green tree painted on it. Here he kept a hotel. There were a few other buildings but these were the most prominent.

Up to the time Portsmouth was laid out and for some time after, Alexandria held the undisputed claim of being the business center of the county. Here the first court was held. The first county-seat and the first postoffiee were here. The post office was established in 1805 and William Russell was the first postmaster. His first report was dated June 30, 1805. Three years afterward, the post office was abandoned and one was established at Portsmouth. John Collins, one of the first Associate Judges, lived here. The last Indian was killed by John McDonald, or his brother, near John Craig's, a mile below this place. One of the first, if not the first, grist mill built and put in service was built by Stephen Carey on Carey's Run. Vats were afterward sunk and some tanning was done. This was the first tannery in the county.

The first ferry was established across the mouth of the Scioto in 1809 by Stephen Smith. On Christmas Day, 1808, the water was 37 inches deep in the houses, making two floods in that month.

From the first and in the very nature of things the fate of the place was sealed, its destiny was manifest. The floods came up each year and invaded the settlers' houses, compelling the inmates to flee to the hills. After a few repetitions of this ordeal, it was seen to be impossible for a town to grow and prosper under such conditions and one by one, they moved over to Henry Massie's town, now Portsmouth, a mile above the mouth of the Scioto, until by 1810, Portsmouth had gained the ascendancy and Alexandria gradually dwindled away, until not a vestige of it is left at the present day.

The grist mill at Union Mills was built in 1834 by Lemuel Moss; William Waller and Samuel Coles rented it and operated it until 1838 when it was destroyed by fire. They rebuilt it near the old site and continued to manage it until about 1851, when it was sold to L. N. Robinson, who conducted the business until 1860. Then George Davis became proprietor and owned and operated it till his death. Since then it has been destroyed.

The distillery at this place was built in 1857 by David Gibson, L. N. Robinson, Louis Robinson, Joshua Robinson and Joseph Cheesman, who operated it until 1859, when it was purchased by George Davis. He owned and operated it, in connection with the mill and cooper shops, until the organization of the Cattle Feeders' Trust.

The site of the first stone quarry is disputed. From a quarry on the land originally owned by Levi Moore, but now owned by Michael Gazele, was furnished stone for the construction of the canal. Soon afterwards another was opened on Hygean Run, the stone from which was used for the same purpose. Another early quarry on the land owned by W. C. Brouse furnished stone for building a dam in the Licking River. From the same stone quarry, stone was used in the construction of one of the court houses in Cincinnati. It was opened by Joshua and Silas Phillips. At present the Carey's Run Freestone Company supplies building and paving stone for a good portion of Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia. In the years 1898 and 1899 about 50,000 cubic yards of stone were sent from these quarries to be used in the construction of the Cincinnati Water Works. The quarries are situated up Carey's Run and yield as good stone as is found in the County. Their flagging and dimension stone are sawed at the Reitz Mill in Portsmouth, Ohio. The whole township is underlaid with this sandstone.

is more of a name than a town, although there have been two additions made to it. It is located on lower Carey's Run and was first platted by Roswell and Ora Crain January 28; 1834. The plat contained 38.1 acres, sub-divided into eight lots and three outlots. The first addition was platted by Roswell Crain February 25, 1848. This plat contained 3.23 acres sub-divided into eight lots. The third addition was platted by Crane, April 14, 1851, and contained 4.9 acres sub-divided into 12 lots. There are a few houses here but no business is carried on.

was platted May 8, 1895, by A. T. Holcomb, Administrator of George Davis, deceased, by an order of the Probate Court of Scioto County. The plat contained 29 lots. This is a little hamlet of about seventy- five souls, and lies just back of Bertha postoffice. Cornelius H. Barbee is the post-master.

mouth directors were John Craighead, John Glover, Thomas Gibbons, James Lodwick and E. Hamilton. It was organized for trading purposes and a large warehouse was built near the Cotton Woods, which stood until the war. A town was platted containing 7.1 acres sub-divided into S3 lots. The company built a wooden bridge across the Scioto which was later blown down.

Platted June 3, 1890, by George A Slough, consisted of two plats. The first consisting of 911 lots numbered serially from 1 to 911. The second contained 351. The land platted is a part of Survey No. 13,513 and contains 166.9 acres. The name "Scioto Heights" has become proverbial and synonymous with the word "swindle." A veritable Eden for "suckers" and "land sharks," and an inevitable disappointment to the purchaser in good faith. The site is a wilderness and so high that those who should so far lose their mental equilibrium as to ever build there would be compelled to use a balloon and parachute to get to and away from their retreat! Both sides of the town could be farmed, as it stands on edge - the economy of nature! A house built there would have to be anchored to prevent its tumbling down the hill. Many persons from other parts have been induced to buy here by unprincipled land agents.

The Old Town M. E. Church organization dates its existence back to 1837 when the first edifice was erected. The first board of trustees were: George Graves, John D. Smith, Philip Moore, Isaiah Smith, Charles Hunt, Thomas Williamson and Isaac Williams. The building was destroyed by fire in 1853, and a new building was erected that year an dedicated by Bishop Clark. The church was remodeled in 1897. John M. Chandler is the pastor and the board of trustees is as follows: George Williamson, Leroy Smith,

The Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church dates its beginning in 1870, and the first pastor was Rev. William Bateman. A new edifice was constructed in 1897 and dedicated by Rev. H. S. Alkire. The pastor is John M. Chandler. The trustees are John M. Vaughters, W. C. Brouse, John R. Foster, Charles H. Morris, and Frederick Becker.

Morris Chapel is a Mission Station of the First Baptist Church of Portsmouth and was built in 1894. It is situated at Union Mills and cost $1,500. It was remodeled in 1902 and has a seating capacity of 225. It is a model country church building with excellent baptistry and disrobing rooms. Sunday School and church services are held on Sunday afternoons. The membership numbers fifty and the Sunday School averages 75. Rev. W. C. Stevenson, Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Portsmouth has charge of it.

The Washington Township schools are among the best in the county. It employs the best teachers and pays them well. The term of school averages eight months in the year. The township enjoys the distinction of having had a school within its borders so early as 1800. This was taught by one William Jones. Capt. Samuel Green taught a school back of Alexandria, at the foot of the hill, shortly after this. Other early teachers who followed them were Andrew McClaren, Samuel Williamson, Traverse Reed, Joshua Nurse and Abraham Barnes.

Sub-district No. 1 is known as the Dry Run school. The first building erected here was about 1839 on a lot purchased of Joseph Williamson. This lot was exchanged for a new one and a two-roomed building was constructed on it in 1890. There are two teachers with salaries of $45 and $40 per month respectively. Enrollment 75.

Sub-district No. 2 is known as the Hygean School from its location. This is a commodious two-room building erected on land purchased from George Davis in 1869. The teachers have salaries of $45 and $40 per month. Enrollment 75.

Sub-district No. 3 is on Lower Carey's Run. A school lot was was purchased of Roswell Crane in Tempevale, March 7, 1834. The present building

Sub-district No. 4, commonly known as "Sugar Grove" is in the lower end of the township near the river The first house was built in 1854 on land donated by Andrew Brouse. A new and modern structure was built in 1895. Thomas L. Bratten was the first teacher in this building. The teacher has a salary of $45 per month. The enrollment is 35.

Sub-District No. 5, known as Upper Carey's Run erected a building on land purchased of James And rev/s in 1839. A new stone house was constructed in 1893 on land bought of Chris Grumme. This is the only stone school house in the county. The salary of the teacher is $45 per month.

This locality being the most ancient in the county naturally contains some of the most ancient burial grounds. There are three township cemeteries, all of which have some of the early notables interred in them, as a glance over the following will show.

The Carey's Run Cemetery was given to the township by Alexander Parker April 8, 1816, and it is situated on a point near the Infirmary. The following are some of the inscriptions: William Pyles, born Sept. 27, 1802,

Vaughters' Cemetery. The Vaughters Cemetery was bought of William Vaughters August 15, 1878. It is located near the residence of J. M. Vaughters. The following are some of the inscriptions: James Edison, died January 21, 1828, aged 87 years; Aaron Hall, died Oct. 16, 1845, aged 53 years, 7 months; Isaac Worley, born April 16, 1792, died March 29, 1839; John Worley, died January 16, 1840; aged 72 years, 4 months; Joshua Nourse, died August 10, 1823. aged 79 years; Samuel R. Nourse, died July 29, 1845, aged 75 years; John A. Brouse, died May 10, 1858; aged 68 years, 3 months, 1 day; William H. Vaughters, born August 9, 1817, died July 26, 1880.

Turner's Cemetery near Union Mills was a private burial ground until 1884, when it was bought of William Turner for $110. The following are some of the inscriptions: Hugh B. Calvert, born June 22, 1808; died August 1, 1879;

Caleb Wilcoxon, died July 9, 1849, aged 59 years, 3 months, 13 days; Philip Moore, died September 4, 1823, aged 62 years. On this grave stands a twenty inch locust tree; Jemima Moore, died December 26, 1826, aged 62 years.

Source changes here: from History of Scioto County, Ohio, Together with a Pioneer Record of Southern Ohio, by Nelson W. Evans A.m, published 1903; 4,294 words in this source stream.

Washington Township

Though not organized until 1814, Washington was one of the first townships settled. Alexandria was one of the first three settlements in the county and among the first along the Ohio. There is only a few months between the settlements at the mouth of the Little Scioto, the French Grant settlement and this one. . =

A petition for a new township to be formed from parts of Nile and Union came before the Commissioners in August, 1814. The petition was granted and it was ordered that the new township be bounded as follows: "Beginning at the mouth of Turkey Creek; thence up the Ohio river with the meanderings thereof to the mouth of the Scioto River; thence up the Scioto river to the mouth of Pond Creek; thence a westerly course with Thomas Wil- coxon's line to the dividing line between Pond Creek and Carey's Run and following said ridge to the head of Stony Creek; thence down said creek to Turkey Creek; thence down Turkey Creek to the Ohio river; and it is further ordered that said township be called Washington."

When the Ohio canal was constructed it was found necessary to change the mouth of the Scioto up the river about a mile. This alteration threw a part of Wayne Township on the west side of the Scioto and there being no bridge between the two parts, the land owners so cut off, asked to be included in Washington Township, which was granted by the following order of the County Commissioners:

"It is therefore ordered that the boundaries of Washington Township be so changed that all the portion of territory lying west of the present termination of the Ohio canal and east of the old mouth of the Scioto river, and between the old bed of said Scioto river and the present course of said river. be stricken off from the township of Wayne, and attached to the township of Washington, and that the Auditor of this county issue a copy of this order to the Clerks of each of the townships aforesaid, and make the necessary record thereof in his office.'' December 6, 1842.

Though the smallest among the townships outside of Wayne, it takes eighth rank in the separate valuation of its real and of its personal property, and holds ninth place in the aggregate of both. The value of the real estate in 1901, was $223,460; of personal property, $77,234; total, $300,694. It includes within its territory 14,235 acres, with a population of 1;269, the same as Harrison Township, which has almost twice the area.

Situated as it is, at the juncture of the Scioto with the Ohio, it contains a large expanse of valuable bottom land. There are no streams of any considerable size in the township, except Carey's Run, which has its source in the northwest corner, and flows in a southeasterly direction down a narrow valley to the Ohio.

The Ohio and Scioto valleys are from a mile to two miles broad and much of the land-is inundated each year by the annual floods which leave a heavy deposit of alluvium. The hilly portion of the township is very rough and stony and not suited to cultivation. Some terrace land along the border of the Scioto valley affords good upland farms and a pleasant locality for residences. The whole Scioto valley is planted with corn each year and wher the flood does not come at the wrong time the harvest is bounteous. The Ohio valley is not flooded so much as the Scioto and excellent wheat crops are grown as well as corn. For several weeks each winter and spring the "west side," as this is commonly called, is cut off from the east side of the Scioto, by an expanse of water reaching from hill to hill, from two to three miles wide and twenty to thirty feet deep. During these times the inhabitants of the west _ side, who make many and frequent trips to Portsmouth, are compelled to take to boats. i

The first tract of land entered in the township was by Larkin Smith, number 475, August 3, 1787. The survey was made November 21, 1787. The tract lay just above the mouth of Turkey Creek and was afterward owned by Major John Belli.

The tract upon which Alexandria was platted was Survey Number 508, containing six hundred .acres, located by Alexander Parker for his brother, _ Col. Thomas Parker, of Frederick County, Virginia, August-3, 1787. The survey was made by John O'Bannon, Deputy Surveyor, John Williams and Sylvester Murroney, Chainmen; Thomas Parker, Marker. It is said that a part of the'land on which Alexandria was laid, out had been partly cleared and cultivated in corn by the Indians. The site seems to have been chosen for a town some time before the town was platted and named Alexandria for Alexandria, Va. Benjamin Feurt said that when his father landed there it was called Alexandria. Just when the lots were surveyed and sold is somewhat uncertain. All we find of record on that point is in the following:

"T hereby certify that this plat contains the in and-oeut lots in the town of Alexandria, laid out by me, and laid down by a-scale of twenty poles to an inch, done by order of Col. Thomas Parker of Frederick County, Virginia. - H. Langham. Alexandria, June 3, 1799."

We find on the same plat the following: "I do hereby certify that the plan contains the in and out lots in the town of Alexandria, which I sold as such, for Col. Thomas Parker, of Frederick County, Virginia, situated in the County of Adams in the Territory northwest of the Ohio. - A. Parker."

When and by whom the first settlements were made by permanent inhabitants here is uncertain, but that it was settled before the above dates is beyond all doubt. There were eighty-eight lots, numbered serially from'1 to 88 and 35 out-lots numbered from 1 to 35. A copy of this plat is recorded in Plat Book 1, page 33, Scioto County Record of Plats. The streets running back from the river rannorth58 degrees westand were named, beginning on the northeast side and going down the river: Scioto, Thomas, Middle and South Streets. Those running at right angles and with the Ohio river were Water, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth. There was a tier of twenty lots along the river front and another tier of lots numbered from 69 to 88 back of Sixth street. The remaining lots were arranged in a double tier on the northeast side of Thomas street, with an alley between them, and another double tier on the southwest side of Thomas street, with no alley between them. This last group was in the eastern corner of the town and between Second and Fourth streets. All the rest of the town was outlots.

Among the first inhabitants in Alexandria were Judge John Collins, William Russell, John Russell, Joseph Parrish, John Logan, William Lowry, Stephen Smith, James Munn and William Brady. These settled in the town and James Edison, James Hamilton, John Worley, Anthony Worley, Jobn West, Philip Moore, Peter Noel and Martin Funk landed at Alexandria and located within eight miles of the place.

Between 1801 and 1804, David Gharky, John Simpson, Elijah Glover, William Jones and Samuel G. Jones settled in the place. Dr. Thomas Waller, John Simpson, Stephen Carey, William Carey, Patrick Timmmonds, and Samuel Gunn, settled in the township between the same dates.

When the town flourished at its height those who owned houses were: David Gharky, who owned a two-story house with a cabinet shop attached; Fletcher had a dwelling house and blacksmith shop; this was burned in 1806; Stephen Smith built and owned a stone house completed in 1815; H. Langham owned a one-story frame house afterwards converted. into a warehouse; Judge John Collins kept a place of entertainment and accommodated travellers; Silas Cole owned a two-story double log house; Captain Samuel Gunn owned a two-story frame dwelling. The school house 'stood back of Alexandria at the foot of the hill. Barlow Aldrich owned a two-story wooden building; Patrick Timmonds lived in a large two-story house, before which he hung out a sign with a green tree painted on it. Here he kept a hotel. There were a few other buildings but these were the most prominent.

Up to the time Portsmouth was laid out and for some time after, Alexandria held the undisputed claim of being the business center of the county. Here the first court was held. The first county-seat and the first postoffice were here. The post office was established in 1805 and William Russell was the first postmaster. His first report was dated June 30, 1805. Three years afterward, the post office was abandoned and one was established at Portsmouth. John Collins, one of the first Associate Judges, lived here. The last Indian was killed by John McDonald, or his brother, near John Craig's, a mile below this place. One of the first, if not the first, grist mill built and put in service was built by Stephen Carey on Carey's Run. Vats were afterward sunk and some tanning was done. This was the first tannery in the county.

The first ferry was established across the mouth of the Scioto in 1809 by Stephen Smith. On Christmas Day, 1808, the water was 37 inches deep in the houses, making two floods in that month.

From the first and in the very nature of things the fate of the place was sealed, its destiny was manifest. The floods came up each year and invaded the settlers' houses, compelling the inmates to flee to the hills. After a few repetitions of this ordeal, it was seen to be impossible for a town to grow and prosper under such conditions and one by one, they moved over to Henry Massie's town, now Portsmouth, a mile above the mouth of the Scioto, until by 1810, Portsmouth had gained the ascendancy and Alexandria gradually dwindled away, until not a vestige of it is left at the present day.

The grist mill at Union Mills was built in 1834 by Lemuel Moss; William Waller and. Samuel Coles rented it and operated it until 1838 when it was destroyed by fire. They rebuilt it near the old site and continued to manage it until about 1851, when it was sold to L. N. Robinson, who conducted the business until 1860. Then George Davis became proprietor and owned and operated it till his death. Since then it has been destroyed.

The distillery at this place was built in 1857 by David Gibson, L. N. Robinson, Louis Robinson, Joshua Robinson and Joseph Cheesman, who operated it until 1859, when it was purchased by George Davis. He owned and operated it, in connection with the mill and cooper shops, until the organization of the Cattle Feeders' Trust.

The site of the first stone quarry is disputed. From a quarry on the Jand originally owned by Levi Moore, but now owned by Michael Gazele, was furnished stone for the construction of the canal. Soon afterwards another was opened on Hygean' Run, the stone from which was used for the same purpose. Another early quarry on the land owned by W. C. Brouse furnished stone for building a dam in the Licking River. From the same stone quarry, stone was used in the construction of one of the court houses in Cincinnati. It was opened by Joshua and Silas Phillips. At present the Carey's Run Freestone Company supplies building and paving stone for a good portion of Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia. In the years 1898 and 1899 about 50,000 cubic yards of.stone were sent from these quarries to be used in 'the construction of the Cincinnati Water Works. The quarries are' situated up Carey's Run and yield as good stone as is found in the County. Their flagging and dimension stone are sawed at the Reitz Mill in Portsmouth, Ohio. The whole township is underlaid with this sandstone.

is more of a name than a town, although there have been two additions made to it. It is located on lower Carey's Run and was first platted by Roswell and Ora Crain January 28, 1834. The plat contained 38.1 acres, sub-divided into eight lots and three outlots. The first addition was platted by Roswell Crain February 25, 1848. This plat contained 3.23 acres sub-divided into eight lots. The third addition was platted by Crane, April 14, 1851, and contained 4.9 acres sub-divided into 12 lots. There are a few houses here but no business is carried on.

was platted, May 8, 1895, by A. T. Holeomb, Administrator of George Davis, deceased, by an order of the Probate Court of Scioto County. The plat contained 29 lots. This is a little hamlet of about seventy-five souls, and lies just back of Bertha postoffice. Cornelius H. Barbee is the post-master.

mouth directors were John Craighead, John Glover, Thomas. Gibbons, James Lodwick and E. Hamilton. It was organized for trading purposes and a large warehouse was built near the Cotton" Woods, Which stood until the war. A town was platted containing 7.1 acres sub-divided into §3 lots. The company built a wooden bridge across the Scioto which was later blown down.

Platted June 3, 1890, by George A Slough, consisted of two plats. The first consisting of $11 lots numbered serially from 1 to 911. The second contained 351. The land platted is a part of Survey No. 13,513 and contains 166.9 acres. The name "Scioto Heights" has become proverbial and synonymous and an inevitable disappointment to the purchaser in good faith. The site is a wilderness and so high that those who should so far lose their mental equilibrium as to ever build there would be compelled to use a balloon and parachute to get to and away from their retreat! Both sides of the town could be farmed, as it stands on edge - the economy of nature! A house built there would have to be anchored to prevent its tumbling down the hill. Many persons from other parts have been induced to buy here by unprincipled land agents.

The Old Town M. E. Church organization dates its existence back to 1837 when the first edifice» was erected. The first board of trustees were: George Graves. John D. Smith, Philip Moore, Isaiah Smith, Charles Hunt, Thomas Williamson and Isaac Williams. The building was destroyed by fire in 1853, and a new building was erected that year an dedicated. by Bishop Clark. The church was remodeled in 1897. John M. Chandler is the pastor and the board of trustees is as follows: George Williamson, Leroy Smith, George Salladay, Dr. G. W. Osborne and- David Lewis.

The Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church dates'its beginning in 1870, and the first pastor was Rev. William Bateman. A new edifice was constructed in 1897 and dedicated by Rev. H. S. Alkire' The pastor is John M. Chandler. The trustees are John M. Vaughters, W. C. Brouse, John R. Foster, Charles H. Morris, and Frederick Becker.

mouth and was built in 1894. It is situated at Union Mills and cost $1,500. It was remodeled in 1902 and has a seating capacity of 225. It is a model country church building with excellent baptistry and disrobing rooms. Sunday School and church services are held on Sunday afternoons. The membership numbers fifty and the Sunday School averages 75. Rev. W. C. Stevenson, Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Portsmouth has charge of it.

The Washington Township schools are among the best in the county. It employs the best teachers and pays them well. The term of school averages eight months in the year. The township enjoys the distinction of having had a school- within its borders so early as 1800. This was taught by one William Jones. Capt. Samuel Green taught a school back of Alexandria, at the foot of the hill, shortly after this. Other early teachers who followed them were Andrew McClaren, Samuel Williamson, Traverse Reed, Joshua Nurse and Abraham Barnes.

Sub-district No. 1 is known as the Dry Run school. The first building erected here was about 1839 on a lot purchased of Joseph Williamson, This lot was exchanged for a new one and a two-roomed building was constructed on it in-1890. There are two teachers with salaries of $45 and $40 per month respectively. Enrollment 75.

Sub-district No. 2 is known as the Hygean School from its location. This is a commodious two-room building erected on land purchased from George Davis in 1869. The teachers have salaries of $45 and $40 per month. Enrollment 75.

Sub-district No. 3 is on Lower Carey's Run. A school lot was was purchased of Roswell Crane in Tempevale, March 7, 1834. The present building

Sub-district No. 4, commonly known as "Sugar Grove' is in the lower end of the township near the river The first house was built in 1854 on land donated by Andrew Brouse. A new and modern structure was built in 1895. Thomas L. Bratten was the first teacher in this building. The teacher has a salary of $45 per month. The enrollment is 35.

Sub-District No. 5, known as Upper Carey's Run erected a building on land purchased of James Andrews in 1839. A new stone house was constructed in 1893 on land. bought of Chris Grumme. This is the only stone school house in the county: The salary of the teacher is $45 per month.

This locality being the most ancient in the county naturally contains some of the most ancient burial grounds. There are three township cemeteries. all of which have some of the early notables interred in them, as a glance over the following will show.

Vaughters' Cemetery. The Vaughters Cemetery was bought of William Vaughters August 15, 1878. It is located near the residence of J. M. Vaughters. The following are some of the inscriptions: James Edison, died January 21, 1828, aged 87 years; Aaron Hall, died Oct. 16, 1845, aged 53 years, 7 months; Isaac Worley, born April 16, 1792, died March 29, 1839; John Worley, died January 16, 1840; aged 72 years, 4 months; Joshua Nourse, died August 10, 1823. aged 79 years; Samuel R. Nourse, died July 29, 1845, aged 75 years; John A. Brouse, died May 10, 1858; aged 68 years, 3 months, 1 day; William H. Vaughters, born August 9, 1817, died July 26, 1880.

Turner's Cemetery near Union Mills was a private burial ground until 1884, when it was bought of William Turner for $110. The following are some of the inscriptions: Hugh B. Calvert, born June 22, 1808, died August 1, 1879; Caleb Wilcoxon, died July 9, 1849, aged 59 years, 3 months, 13 days; Philip Moore, died September 4, 1823, aged 62 years. On this grave stands a twenty inch locust tree; Jemima Moore, died December 26, 1826, aged 62 years.

In addition to these there are a number of soldiers of the Civil War buried here. - Besides the above named township cemeteries there are a number of private burial grounds. One of these is on the Infirmary farm; another is on the farm of George Williamson, and has been used since 1849. Another is on the east bank of the canal near Dry Run. Among those buried here are: Ruth Wilcoxon, wife of John Wilcoxon, born January 21, 1770, died August 21, 1828; Rebecca M. Smith, died February 19, 1849, aged 69 years, 2 months, 25 days; William P. Oard, died October 9, 1845, aged 39 years, 8 months; Thomas H. Wilcoxon, died June 17, 1824, at New Orleans, was interred there and afterward re-interred here April 22, A. D. 1828, aged 34 years, 8 months, 2 days; Sarah, wife of Thomas H. Wilcoxon, died December 27, 1828, aged 29 years, 8 months, 21 days; Joseph Oard, died March 29, 1838, aged 57 years, 1 month, 12 days; Joel W. Smith, died February 4, 1826, aged 49 years; Joseph peettasson, died September 16, 1812, aged 47 years.

George Beedle Mershon was born May 1, 1825, in Adams County near Locust Grove. His father's name was Henry Mershon, born in Flemingsburg, Kentucky. His grandfatner was Timothy Mershon. His mother's maiden name was sie Ann Hibbs.

that office. Dr. Offnere was a very useful man, - more reliable than the bank of England, and was in great demand for an office like Treasurer.

In 1824, James Lodwick was elected a Trustee. This was his first appearance in his long career before the public in Portsmouth. He was a good Democrat and always ready to hold any public office.

He was not a native born Virginian but came very near being. His sister next older than he, was born in Virginia, but he inherited the Virginia taste for office from his father, Col. John Lodwick.

In 1826, 129 persons voted at the Township election. Cornelius McCoy appeared on the scene, for the first time, and was elected Overseer of the Poor. John Peebles was elected House Appraiser and John H. Thornton, Lister. A township duplicate was made each year. In this year the township taxes were $288.92%. William Lodwick was the largest land owner in the Township, and Henry Massie next.

In 1826, 113 votes were cast at the Township election. The receipts of the township for the previous year were $161.40%. John M. McDowell appears, officially, this year as an Overseer of the Poor, as was John Peebles. William Peebles and John R. Turner were elected Fence Viewers. This shows that =A that time they were regarded as the principal citizens of the Township.

On May 20, 1826, our friend, John Brown, Senior, tried for the office of Justice of the Peace. He had 48 votes, but Ezra Osborn who was always ready for an office, received 71 votes and was elected.

On June 26, 1826, John Peebles and Samuel M. Tracy were appointed Township Trustees in place of Asa A. Andrews and Gabriel Feurt who had been set off into Clay Township. Samuel G. Jones was made Supervisor in place of Samuel C. Briggs, set off into the new township of Clay.

In 1827, there were three school districts with householders as follows: first, 38; second, 43; third, 13. In this year, Giles S. B. Hempstead was made Supervisor. Silas W. Cole and Levi C. Barker were Overseers of the Poor.

In 1828, there were 87 electors at the Township election. Samuel M. Tracy, John Peebles and Havillah Gunn were elected Trustees. On December 28, 1828, Edward Hamilton was elected a Justice of the Peace. There were 110 votes cast, Hamilton had 59 and John Noel, 51. '

On April 6, 1829, 69 votes were cast at the election. Wm. Hall and Enos Gunn were elected Fence Viewers. This was simply to remind them . that they were mortal. This office, except in the case of Martin Funk, was always conferred on some one who did not want it and would not have it. In 1830, John H. Thornton and Ezra Osborn had it; in 1831, M. B. Ross and Samuel Huston; in 1834, Henry Buchanan had it; in 1837, John Waller, and B. F. Conway; in 1838, Joseph Riggs and Elias Barber.

In 1831, 89 votes were cast. Simon DeLong was elected Constable this year and a number of times before and after. He liked the office and was fitted for it. He was a butcher by trade and never failed to make an arrest.

In 1837, John C. Ashley, who has a picture and sketch herein, was elected a Trustee. William Jones, the first school teacher, was elected Clerk.

In 1838, our old Irish friend, Lorenzo C. Goff, was elected Justice of the Peace. It was a specimen of his mode of administering justice which induced Hon. W. A. Hutchins to locate in Portsmouth.

In 1840, George H. Gharky and Thomas Burt were elected Constables. They refused to serve and were fined $2.00 each. J. V. Robinson was one of the trustees elected at this election.

In 1842, Robert Montgomery, Wilson-Gates and L. C. Goff were elected Trustees. Joseph W. Glidden was elected Supervisor and John Armstrong, As- sessor. John P. Terry and Cornelius McCoy were elected Fence Viewers. The latter were elected simply to remind them they should honor the lowest office in the land.

In 1843, Cornelius McCoy was elected Justice of the Peace for the first time. This was the beginning of his long career in that office. He was enamoured of the office and was.a candidate for it at all times.

In 1845, the budget was $901.61. In this year William Kendall was elected Justice of the Peace for the Township and John L. Ward and Thomas Kendall, two of the trustees.

; In 1846, Cornelius McCoy was re-elected a Justice of the Peace. In this year there were three Assessors elected in Portsmouth for 'three wards, James Lodwick, Washington Kinney and Isaac Kirby.

In 1850, the budget was 573.96. John L. Ward, S. S. Fuller and R. B. Alford were elected Trustees. Conrad Overturf was Assessor and Wash White and Giles Gilbert, Jr., were elected Constables.

In 1855, Moses Thompson was elected Justice of the Peace. On July 18, 1855, Cornelius McCoy -was elected a Justice of the Peace at a special election.

As Portsmouth had become a City in 1851 and had about absorbed Wayne Township, the latter's affairs became uninteresting. Fernando C. Searl was elected a Justice of the Peace October 19, 1859. He resigned February 4, 1861, to accept the Probate Judge's office. On April 6, 1868, all of Wayne Township was annexed to the City of Portsmouth by a vote of 1,370 for, to 20 against. ,