20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 24

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co.
Number of Pages: 993

USA > Ohio > Clark County > Springfield > 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens > Part 24

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

The township has not made much prog. ress with respect to increase of popula- tion in the last half century. In 1850 the population was 1,904: in 1870, 1,908: 1880.

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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY

ACRES AND ASSESSED VALUE.

The following shows the number of aeres and assessed valuation of the real and personal property of the township:

Real

Artes Kstate

Personat Property

Total

German Township 18.012 $677.450 $309.290 $ 996,740 German and

Springfield Town-

ships School Dist. 40S 17,000 6.010

23,070

Tremont City

School Dist ..

2.748 165,000

115.350

290,050

21,188 $800.710 $430.650 $1.201,300

OLD SETTLERS.

Archibald MeKinley settled in Section 17. His family was composed of his wife Polly, several daughters and sons- Archibald, Westley, William and James. Mr. Mckinley did not live long, dying a few years after his emigration to the West. His children were associated with the early progress made in the township. In 1798 William Chapman and William Ross, with their families, came, the for- mer from Virginia and Ross from Mason County, Kentucky. Chapman, his wife and two or three children reared their cabin on the farm now owned by E. E. Gard in Section 10, having entered that and several other sections in this vicinity. To this conple, in the year 1800, was born a son, Jesse Chapman, the first white child born in the territory now compris- ing this township. This was another Methodist family, with its head a local preacher, who, however, in later years, joined what was then called the New Light Church.

The members of this church were gen- erally known as New Lights, which title did not suit Mr. Chapman, and some of the brethren, on meeting him for the first

time after the change had taken place, ad- dressed him in substance as follows: "Well, so you are a 'New Light,' are you!" "No," says Mr. Chapman, "I am an old light newly snuffed." This man was one of the active and enterprising men of his day. He was well known over the county and highly esteemed by all, and whatever "Billy" Chapman said was thought to be "law and gospel." He left the township in 1818, going to Missouri, where he died in 1822. His son Jesse re- mained in this neighborhood until about 1840, then going to the Pacific coast. The daughter of the son of the last named Chapman married U. S. Grant, Jr., son of the late President and great soldier. "Billy" Chapman, as he was known far and wide, was one of the carly inn or tav- eru keepers of this part of the county. Living on the direct road between Dayton and Urbana, he had an extensive custom from the wagoners.

William Ross, though not a native of the "Blue Grass" State, emigrated fromn Kentucky in 1797 to Ohio, stopping tem- porarily in Warren County, and remained about one year, thence moving to the vicinity of Tremont, entering a section of land just north of that village. At the age of thirty years, he was united in marriage with Winneford Rector, a sister of Charles Rector, above mentioned, which nion was blessed with eight chil- dren, seven of whom were born in Keu- tueky, namely: William, Elijah, Nancy, Elizabeth, John, Presley and Mary. Charles having been horn after their ar- rival. The father resided on what is now known as the north farm of Geo. W. Berry, where he built, in 1812, the first frame house in this region of the coun-

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try. It was quite a modern house, two marry in the township, being united to stories high, with a shingle roof, with tin Miss Rachel Wallace in the year 1806. spouting, the latter being put up by He lived to the advanced age of four- Daniel Harr, a son-in-law, of Urbana. score and four years. This house was still standing until a few years ago. Elijah farmed this ground with his father until 1825, when he moved ont of the township and Charles took his , place. Later Presley bought out Charles' interest and there died in 1852. He had previously farmed the present J. S. Gard place, and John resided on the Blose land, and William, Jr., at one time on the same property. This pioneer, Father Ross, has a remarkable history. When bnt five years old, while fishing with a white man, he was kidnapped by two In- dians, and was abont to be burned, having

The settlement wus increased in 1801 by the coming of Jacob Kiblinger, a na- tive of Virginia, who purchased eighty acres of land and returned to his native state, and, between the years of 1801 and 1805. made four trips to this vicinity, moving severul families of the Kiblingers and Pences. Among the latter was a John Pence. These all became permanent settlers in German Township. Jacob Kiblinger, Sr., father of the one above mentioned. erected the first saw and hemp mill, located on Mad River, near where the "Eagle Mills" now stand, in been sent to gather the fagots by which this section of the country. Another from the burning was to be accomplished, the "Blue Grass" region came in 1802, in the person of Elijah Weaver, a native of Virginia. In 1807 he married Mary MeKinley, and settled in the northeastern part of the township. They had a son, Newton, horn to them in 1810, who was the father of Johnson P. Weaver, still living. Elijah died three years later. Virginia again responded to the call for emigrants, and, in 1804, sent forth David Jones and family, consisting of his wife, Margaret, and the following children: Mary, Margaret, James M., Lydia and Kiziah. Mr. Jones purchased land on Chapman's Creek, about one and a half miles west of the village of Tremont. Mr. Jones died in his ninety-fifth year; his wife died in 1850, in her seventy-third year. His mother lived to be one hun- dred and nine years old. At one hundred and three she walked a distance to attend church and at that age could knit nicely. when there happened along a French trader and interceded in the boy's be- half, giving them each a blanket and thereby saving his life. Ross was taken by the trader to Detroit, where he was made a page to the trader's daughters. In those days it was fashionable for the French ladies to wear very long trails, which were carried by pages. He had been gone for years and given up his parents as dead, when during the French and Indian war, his brother John was among the soldiers at Detroit, and there seeing the boy, recognized him and took him home. Mr. Ross was a great Methodist, and his house was the preach- ing place for that denomination for years, He was a valuable man in the community. His sons settling around him and being industrious soon made a visible mark in the forest. His son John served in the War of 1812: was among the first to James M .. a child, died at Tremont

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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY

Angust 16, 1880, and several are in this try life and were valuable Christian men. township. S. H., a son of Jimes M., is Weaver was also a man of fine stature, an upright and Christian man." still living in Tremont.

The following year emigrated from Vir- ginia Daniel Gentis, entering 160 acres of land in Section 23. He had a large family of children, the boys settling in the neighborhood, and did much to de- velop the country. Job Gard came about the year 1803, or perhaps a little later. He was a native of New Jersey, but had emigrated to Kentneky and from that State to the township of German, settling in Section 17. This family on their ar- rival was composed of eight persons, in- cluding the wife, Elizabeth, and six chil- dren-Gersham, Daniel, Simon, Rachel, Sarah and Phoebe. Quite a number of the descendants of this family are now living in the township, und are among the substantial men of the community. The the same State, came the year previous, father ererted several mills along Mad River in an early day : was in the War of 1812: a very useful citizen, an active pioneer and business man. The settle- mient was augmented in 1805 by the fant- ilies of Philip Kizer, George Glass, Daniel Gentis and Abraham Zerkle. Kizer set- tled east of Tremont, having come from Virginia : served in the War of 1812 as a captain. Zerkle was from Virginia, and entered land in Section 9. The Weavers, William and Christopher, were very early Virginia continued to send forth her sons, Samuel Meranda emigrating in 1814, purchasing a tract of land where Jefferson Meranda now lives, and, in 1816, came Matthias Rust and Frederick Michael. Jacob Maggart. his brother David, and Philip Goodman are also numbered with the pioneers of the town- ship. At a very early day, Jeremiah Simms and family came to this section of settlers in this locality, coming about the beginning of this century. Williamn Haller, from personal knowledge of sev- eral of these pioneers, speaks of them as follows: "Williant Ross was of medium stature and had wonderful strength and endurance. Charles Rector was larger, was strong and very hardy. These men and families were fitted for a new coun-

The pioneers of 1806 were Daniel Kib- linger and Thomas Nanman, Jr., the for- mer hailing from that State in after years designated as the "Mother of Presi- dents," whence so many of our pioneers came. Nauman, too, was a native of Virginia, and came to this vicinity on horseback and made his home with Matthias Friermood, who was a settler at a still earlier date. In 1809 Thomas Nauman, Sr .. and family settled in the township. He was one of the patriotic men who, just prior to the War of 1776. assisted in throwing overboard the cargo of tea in Boston Harbor. In 1810 Felty Snyder, of Virginia, efforted a settlement in this locality. Benjamin Morris, from and, in 1810, entered 160 acres in the southern part of the township. He served in the War of 1812. He died at an advanced age. Samnel Baker and John Keller were added to the colony in the year 1811; and the next year Rudolph Baker and Benjamin Frantz, the former being fram Virginia and the latter from Pennsylvanin. Frantz was another who served his country in the war then waged by the mother country.

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the county, but the country was so new of Clark County; niso Matthias Staley, of Maryland, who was a carpenter by trade, came in 1820, and each of these last men- tioned pioneer families have descendants now residents of German Township. and thinly settled that they returned to Virginia and again came ont in about 1806, and entered a quarter-section of Innd in the southern part of the town- ship (Sintz neighborhood). He wns a Among others who we may well call pioneers were Adam Rockel, a soldier of the War of 1812, and Philip Kern, natives of Pennsylvania, who settled on Section 9 in 1822. Mr. Rockel married Polly Baker, daughter of Philip Baker, who had five children born to her, viz: Peter, Henry, William, Harriet and Mary. Mr. Rockel died at the advanced age of ninety in 1884, and his wife in 1886. Mr. Kern married the sister of Mr. Rockel, and their son, Adam, resided until his death, about 1888, upon the old place. John Beamer came from Virginia in 1816, settling on Section 13. His wife was Elizabeth Mulholland, and they had three children, viz : Thomas, Valentine and Eliza, the latter the wife of Dr. Mehanghlin, of Tremont, died in 1892. Mr. Beamer and wife died on the old homestead. An- other family well worthy of mention is that of William Ballentine, a native of Ireland, who came to Ohio in 1831, and in 1832 settled in German Township, where he died in 1851. His wife, Nancy Nail, was also n native of Ireland, where they were married. Of their union were born twelve children, one of whom is living, James V., aged eighty-four. valable man, being a blacksmith by trade, n mechinnic then greatly needed in the settlement. One of his sous, Jere- miah, Jr., was a local preacher, and preached the first sermon in Rector Church, which was delivered over the re- moins of Cathurine Peck in the year 1822. George Welchans and William Enoch, the former of Pennsylvania and the latter from Virginia, settled here in 1808. John Kemp, of Virginia, and Thomas Hays, a native of Kentucky, enme in 1809, the former settling on See- tion 14, and the latter on Section 25. In 1812 Oden Hays, a son of the one men- tionrd, was lost in a snowstorm and was afterward found dend in a hollow log on Section 32. Joseph Perrin came from Virginia in 1810. Jacob, Henry and Mar- tin Baker were all carly settlers of Ger- man Township, and natives of Virginia. Jacob settled on Sertion 14 in 1813. died in 1821, and is buried in the Lawrenceville Cemetery. His sons, Philip. Henry, Jacob, Martin, Jolm and Samnel, as well as three daughters, resided in this town- ship. Andrew and Emannel Cirele set- tled in the southeastern part of German, on Mad River, at an early day. They David Kizer was born in Shenandoah County. Virginia, December 20. 1779; married to Eva Nawman, June 23, 1806; died December 31, 1847, and was buried in Green Mount Cemetery. His wife was 8. 1869. were natives of Virginia, and have de- scendants yet living in the township. Benjamin Renm, of Pennsylvania, settled with his family on Section 32 after the War of 1812, in which he served; and, in born July 11, 1757, and died September 1816, John Lorton and his wife. Rachel, natives of Kentucky, settled in this part

Mr. Kizer came to Clark County in the

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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY

year 1809, and settled on Section 7, being no shipping facilities. So along Town 4, Range 10, M. R. S., in what is Mad River and Chapman's Creek there now German Township (it was then sprang up a large number of grist mills and distilleries, also carding mills, and as the land of the township was well cor- ered with timber, saw-mills were found quite frequently on these streams. called Boston), and took an active part in the public affairs of that day. He was chosen justice of the peace in 1811; was "out" in the War of 1812, and upon the establishment of this county in 1818 was appointed its first recorder, to which office he was several times re-elected.

Mr. Kizer brought a small library of books with him, and, being inclined to scholarly habits, his house became the headquarters of the literary element of the neighborhood.

The children of this pioneer were Phoebe, born May 20, 1807; Rebecca, born May 29, 1809; Lydia, born April 15, 1811; Thomas, born December 18, 1812, who was county surveyor for more than twenty years; Susannah, born August 17, 1815, and Eli, born January 25. 1823. All are now dereased.

FIRST EVENTS.

Jesse Chapman, born in 1800, was the first white child born in this township and perhaps in the county. The first marriage recorded was that of Thomas Pence to Mary Ross in 1801. The first schoolhonse was erected about a mile west of Tremont in 1803. The first mill was built near the entrance of Storm's Creek into Mad River prior to 1810. (See mills.)

Most of the early settlements of this township were made along Mad River and Chapman's Creek these streams af- fording the mill power, which was con- sidered of great importance to the early settlers to grind their wheat into flour and convert their corn into whiskey, there

In addition to the settlers mentioned above, whose names are mostly included in Beer's History, others might be men- tioned with more or less particularity. Dr. Andrew MeLaughlin was a citizen of Tremont for many years. Born in Con- cord Township, Champaign County, Ohio, of Scotch descent, he commenced the practice of his profession in Tremont in 1836 and continned there until his death in the early eighties. Everybody in that vicinity knew Dr. "Mac," as he was familiarly called. He was a large, portly man, weighing 340 pounds. He was an expert in fever cases, his ability in this elass of cases no doubt resulting from his large practice in that line in a newly in- habited country. One of his peculiar characteristics was his habit of whistling. While he whistled no particular tune, it was of such strong tone as to be heard for miles. He left no offspring. He died in the fall of 1882.

Another doctor of that vicinity about the same time was Dr. Hiram Senseman. whose widow recently (1907) died. Dr. Senseman was a graduate of Jefferson I'niversity, Pennsylvania, and settled in Tremont in 1853 and continued there an- til he died in 1883. He was a learned man and successful in his profession.

John Kiblinger, frequently called "('urly" Kiblinger, by reason of his curly hair, was long a well known resident of this township, serving upon the Agricul-

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

tural Board and in other positions of that ested in the welfare of the township gen- character. He was born in 1816 on the erally. farm where he died, near Eagle City, in the earlier part of the nineties. He was of very lively disposition and for some- time was owner of the Eagle City Mills.

Long time residents of this township were Adam and Christian Neff, brothers, who came to this township from Virginia in 1832, settling south of Tremout City, and resided in this vicinity until their deaths. Adam was prominent in church and agricultural matters. Ilis first wife was a danghter of an early settler, Isaac Turman. They were both honored cit- izens in their time, and died in recent years. Adam died in 1855 and Christian in 1894.

A very noted character at this time was the Rev. "Johnnie" Pence, an ordained minister of the German Reform Church. He commenced preaching at abont 1827 and continued in that avocation until his death in the eighties, although more than eighty years of age.

Jacob Mitzel was a Pennsylvanian, who emigrated to this township in 1852, and in 1860 was married to Elnora, daughter of Adam Neff. He is still living a short dis- tanee west of Tremont City and is one of the best farmers in the township.

The Gard family is rather a noted one of this township, the father, Gershamn Gard, having come to this township as early as 1805. He had a large family, all of whom now are deceased except Eli, who still resides in Tremont. Silas H., deceased some years ago, lived sonth of this village, and Dr. John S. north. POLITICS. Emerson E., the owner of the Tremont City elevator, is a son of Silas H. They German Township being Democratie in were an active, progressive family, inter- polities did not furnish many county

John E. Lorton was township treasurer for some years and lived near Lawrence- ville, having been born there in 1827; he died a few years ago.

C. F. Rohrer, an active member in local affairs in this township for a number of years, who lived a few miles north of Tremont City, died recently.

Emanuel Hanse was for many years a blacksmith and still lives in Lawrence- ville. He came from Pennsylvania in 1848. He lived for a time in Lawrenee- ville and afterwards moved onto a farm and again baek to the village.

Jesse Mead, a farmer, active in fine stock, lived east of Tremont City along Mad River until his death in 1880.

The Adam Baker family came from Pennsylvania in 1836 and settled near Eagle City Mills. This family was prom- inent in Clark County. Two of their sons. William and Cornelius, and one grandson. A. J., having been sheriffs of the county.

Some of the old pioneers of the town- ship now living are James V. Ballentine, 84; Silas Baker, 84: George Ramsey, 80; David Enoch, past 82, and llenry Deam, over 80.

Adam Rockel, the ancestor of the Rockel family of this county, came with his father, Peter Rockel. to this township in 1822 and settled one mile sonth of Tremont City, where he lived until his death in 1884. Ilis son Henry, now past seventy years of age, resides in Tremont.

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HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY

officials; however, the elder Adam Baker was a county commissioner in 1849. In 1871 John H. Blose was elected a member of the constitutional convention, and in 1874 he was elected as a Democrat for one term as county commissioner. Mr. Blose is still living, and perhaps we might say is one of the most, if not the most, distinguished residents of this township.

Mr. Blose was born in Champaign County in 1838 and was married in 1857 to Caroline, daughter of David Stein- barger.

In 1903 Joseph H. Collins was elected county commissioner as a Republican. He was re-nominated for a second termi in 1905, and died before he had filled the full length of his first term. Mr. Collins was a Virginian by birth and came to this township in 1860, and in 1864 mar- ried Mary E. Rockel, daughter of Adam Rockel.

The following persons have served in the past as justice of the peace: John Goble, Hugh H. Frazier, John McCauley, Philip Kizer, William Enoch, Peter Min- nich, George Michael, Joseph Underwood, Elias Darnell, Samuel Bechtle, J. S. Gard, Thomas Elliott, Michael Bowman, JJacob Argobright, Peter MeLaughlin, William W. Lee, Eli Kizer, Alexander Michael, L. Bechtle and James V. Ballentine.

Justices of the peace since 1871:

Alexander Michael . 1971-1974

John H. Rimse 1872, resignedl 167-1820

Jneab Arzobright, .1.72-1825

John 8. Gard 1-73-1-7

Lafayette Hechtle .147-1870

James V. Ballentine

John B. Hartman

Jacob Hartman

1). R. Shuman

Perry E. Cirdlp

A. I. Inst .. 1421-1905

F. P. Rhp. 30004-1904

. R. MIngich

1904-1908

C. E. Zerkle (elvet ).

For a number of years past Dr. J. H. Reynolds, of Lawrenceville has been township elerk, D. Benton Jenkins was township clerk, 1894-1898, and Americus James, treasurer, 1895-1897, and the foi- lowing have served as township trustees:

John F. Lorton 1861. 1543. 144

J. 1º. Weaver

1852

John Wilson

Peter Ansder

1543-1802

Michael Nhawyer

Henry Titer 144-14033

Samuel Arthur

Darid Enoch

llenry Fisher

14:41-120

( *. IL. Bailey

1408-1001. 144

Harvey Bowers

11. (". Fisher. .

( Hesigned and C. II. Bailey appointed.

Emanuel Mittel 144-

N. H. Wagoner

Michael Rtader .

.1205-

Oucar J. Blockel (elect).

CHURCHES.

Formerly churches were organized in various parts of the country districts, but in later years the tendency has been to abandon these country churches and centralize religions worship in villages and cities. Thus we find that at this time the principal churches of the town- ship are in the villages of Tremont and Lawrenceville.

The congregations now controlling the Methodist Episcopal Church in Tremont is the sneeessor of that congregation that in 1820 built a log church just over the county line north. This church was after- wards succeeded by a frame building. which is still standing, not far from the Valley Pike, north of Tremont City. The congregation. however, moved itself to Tremont City in 1838 and there built a brick structure, which was taken down in 1880 and replaced by the present strue- ture. It has recently been remodeled and is now in good condition, the Rev. Wiant being the present pastor.

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

Sometime before the log church above surrounding the location of this old referred to was built, the Methodists in church. the southern part of the township had an organization and in 1852 they built a log SCHOOLS. meetinghouse. This structure was after- wards torn down and the present church, which is known as Simms Chapel, was erected in 1854. There is a cemetery ad- joining this church.

The Lutheran and German Reformn people built a union church at Lawrence- ville about the year 1821 and continued to use it jointly until 1844, at about which time the Lutherans built a church on the Valley Pike, opposite from the Eagle City Mills. This Lutheran church was afterwards destroyed by fire. There is a cemetery surrounding its former location. The German Reform Church at Lawrence- ville is in flourishing condition at this time, having recently been remodeled and reconstructed. The Rev. J. C. Paul is the present pastor.

In 1863 the German Reform Church or- ganized a congregation in Tremont City, the Rev. Jesse Richards being the organ- izer. This church is still in flourishing condition, a cemetery surrounding its location, and the Rev. Woerner is pastor.

About 1827 or '28 the Rev. John Pence. heretofore referred to, commeneed preach- ing in the neighborhood a few miles this side of Dialton, and this resulted in the formation there of a church of the reform denomination. It was called Jerusalem. The first structure was a huge log one; this was afterwards torn down and a brick one built and this was likewise de- stroyed by fire, and a few years ago the congregation built a new church in the village of Dialton. There is a cemetery

The schools of German Township have been recognized for some time as being equal to any in the county. This town- ship was among the first, if not the first, to have a township high school, such a school having been established in 1874 at Lawrenceville. It still affords advanced educational privileges for the pupils of the township. The first schoolhouse was built in this township a short distance north of Tremont City upon the lands of Mr. Sager. This was in 1803, and it is said that Peter Oliver, of Kentucky, was the first schoolmaster. In recent years the snb-district formerly comprising the locality in which Tremont City is situated has been laid off to itself as a special school district. The lower part of the township forms a joint sub-district with the schools of Springfield township. The following constitute the present school board of the township: Charles Smith, president; O. J. Rockel, clerk; S. S. Snyder, E. Z. Zerkle and W. H. Shawver.

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20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens, Part 24

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed Publication date: 1908 Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co. Number of Pages: 993

Author: Rockel, William M. (William Mahlon), 1855-1930, ed
Publication date: 1908
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical publishing co.
Number of Pages: 993