USA > Ohio > Knox County > A history of Knox county, Ohio, from 1779 to 1862 inclusive > Part 19
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25
The Cottons were among the early settlers and as such deserving of notice at our hands, more espe- cially since the name continues in the county and is familiar to our people. Harris W. Cotton, one of the commissioners of Fayette co., Pa., entered a section of land in Bloomfield, and upon his return home, while preparing to move, died. His sons, Emmet W. and Harris, brought out the mother and family. The old lady died in Union county in June, 1851, of cancer. The children were Nancy, wife of James Thompson, in Milford; Mary, wife of Michael Cramer, in Union county ; Pamelia, wife of Elijah Crable, in Liberty; John W. in West Brownsville, Pa .; Harris W. who died in Liberty in 1835, Emmet W. in Mt. Vernon; Louisa, wife of Thomas Merrill, who died about 1852 in Columbus, Ill. ; Charlotte, wife of Robert Butler, who also died in Illinois; and Elizabeth, first wife of M. Cramer, who died in Clinton township about 1833. The main dependence for errands and chores of the family, in early times, was Emmet, who has often carried two bushels of wheat on horseback to Mt. Vernon and exchanged it for one pound of
298
HISTORY OF
coffee. At that time the only improvements on the road to Norton's mill were, first, a little clearing of - Higgins ; the next at the old Norton farm, now owned by Frazier; the next at Chapman's ; next an old cabin, on the Gotshal place, where - -- Wolford lives; and these were all on the now thickly settled road from Bloomfield to Mt. Vernon.
Idon V. Ball, born in Brownsville, Pa., in 1805, married Catharine Woods, of that place ; moved to Bloomfield in Sept., 1841, and settled on the place he has since resided upon, He has had one daughter and eight sons ; six of his boys now sur- vive. For twenty years he has been engaged in farming and entertaining the public. Many a wayfaring man has fared sumptuously at his stand, and many have been the happy parties of pleasure- seckers from Mt. Vernon and other points, who have been hospitably entertained by Mr. Ball and his excellent lady.
William Mckinstry and John Brocaw are among the prominent farmers of Bloomfield, both from Hunterton county, New Jersey, and came to Knox county with the family of Matthias Mckinstry, in 1831.
John Lineweaver came in 1827, and still lives in it, with a considerable family. Harvey Lounsbery is another old settler. Antipas and Chauncey Dexter, good millwrights, are also among the pres- ent inhabitants.
Thomas Osborne and his wife Olive, emigrated from Rhode Island in 1818. He died in 1853, in his 74th year ; she is at the old homestead, in her 74th year. They had nine children. Those now
299
KNOX COUNTY.
living are all in Bloomfield, but Orilla, wife of Jesse Severe, in Liberty. John H. married Nancy Severe ; James M., Sophia Thatcher ; Amanda is the wife of David Coyle; Sarah Ann the wife of John Dustin; Wm. N. married Harriet Dustin, and George R., Purilla Roberts. The old gentle- man had been a sailor and soldier, and did good service in his day and generation.
Samuel Westbrook was a good rough carpenter and joiner ; he moved to Michigan, and is now dead. The Westbrooks were among the old set- tlers of this township ; none of the name now live in Knox county.
An aeronaut, by the name of F. H. Westbrook, met with a terrible end on the 4th of July, 1862. There was a large concourse of people at Sparta, in commemoration of the national anniversary, who were addressed by Rev. Mills Harrod, W. L. Banc, and A. Banning Norton, and at 5 o'clock P. M., as previously announced, a balloon went up with Westbrook to the distance of perhaps five hundred feet, when it burst in pieces and fell to the earth, killing the reckless navigator. It was a miserable rotten old fabric, and was the most foolhardy operation we have ever witnessed. About three thousand people were estimated to have been present, witnessing the sad termination to an otherwise joyful occasion. What a sudden transi- tion from life to death ! Within five minutes of the time he ascended, waving his hat amid the hurrahs and shouts of the people, he fell a corpse, leaving a wife and several children to mourn his exit. For their benefit B. L. Swetland at once
300
HISTORY OF
started a subscription, which was liberally responded to by good citizens.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
June 23d, 1817, the Court of Common Pleas allowed Bloomfield one justice, to be elected at the house of Timothy Smith, and Matthew Marvin was chosen in 1818.
1819. Walker Lyon.
1824. James Thompson.
1822.
1827. R. Clark.
1820. John Manville.
1833. James Thompson.
1823. Stephen Dodd.
1837. John Beebee.
1824. David Bliss.
1840.
66
1827. John Manville.
1830.
1834. David Bliss.
1837. 66
1840.
1843. Jared Irvine.
1846.
66
1836. James Shumate.
1844. Jacob J. Thompson.
1846. Wheeler Ashley.
1848. Charles M. Eaton.
301
KNOX COUNTY.
CHAPTER XXV.
SYCHAMORE-AND THE TWO LAST SYCHAMORES.
"SEPTEMBER 4th, 1815, on petition, Morgan town- ship is divided and the east part of it is placed into a township called Sychamore." Such is the brief entry upon the journal showing a name now un- known.
On the 15th of September, 1815, an election was held at the school house, in the township of Sycha- more, for the purpose of electing three Trustees and a Township Clerk. Jacob Simons, William Clay- pool and Jonathan Hunt, sr., were the Judges, and John H. Simons and Alpheus Chapman, Clerks. William Bair, Jonathan Hunt, jr., and Lemuel Chapman were elected Trustees and John Mott, jr., Clerk.
At the election on the 10th of October 17 votes were cast, and among the number we find Riverius Newell, Otis Warren, Samuel Rowley, Gideon Mott, Riverius Newell, jr., Aaron Hill, Abner Hill, Alpheus Chapman and James Miller.
Of these parties but two now live, viz: Aaron Hill and Jonathan Hunt; both over fourscore years on earth.
The name of Sychamore, as a Township, is known to scarcely a man in the county at this time. When, or how it came to be lost the records give no infor- mation, except in the little extract at the head of
302
HISTORY OF
this page; there is no mention of it on official records.
Of Jas. Miller's family-J. W., the old merchant in Mt. Vernon, who married Mary Bryant; Madi- son, of Miller, who married Mary Harris ; Henry H., John F., Dr. Volney and Dana, were the boys. Mrs. Rosannah Sanford, Mrs. Harriet Knox, Mrs. Sally Sanderson and Mrs. Lucinda Ellis are living, and Mary is dead. The Chapmans, Motts, War- ren, Bair, Simons, Claypool and Newell, have not one of their blood within the county limits. In 1812 Riverius Newell and Aaron Hill were black- smiths in Mt. Vernon.
Jonathan Hunt, born in Somerset co., N. J., Oct. 23d, 1780, moved from Western Virginia to this county in 1806, and settled where he now lives. He learned the trade of wagon making of his father, and also worked as a gun-smith, and at this day works at the latter branch. After he located he did much work for the Indians, until the war broke out. In August, 1812, he started with the troops, under Maj. Kratzer, for the frontier, and upon reaching Mansfield was set to repairing guns with Andy Blair, from Belmont co., at $1 cach per day and regular soldier's pay. They put up a little shop at Beum's mill, on the Rocky Fork of Mo- hican, and he recollects that Rufner called to see him the morning of the day that he was killed by the Indians. He was working there when Copus' family was attacked and Copus killed. After three weeks work he rejoined the company, and contin- ued with them until discharged. When he first settled in this county he went to Bowling Green,
303
KNOX COUNTY.
below Newark, and bought grain and got it chop- ped there; and he afterwards went to Kerr's mill with his grist. When he moved here he had but one child, and his wife has had 11 children-four of whom are living in Pleasant township, and one in Illinois. In 1822-3 Jonathan lived in Mount Vernon and worked at wagon and plow making, &c. His wife, Honor Wells, born in Washington co., Pa., and of the old Wells and Dodridge fam- ilies so widely known, is yet living in her 79th year.
Aaron Hill was born near Boston, Mass., emi- grated to this county in 1811, and shared in the pri- vations and toils of life in a new country. During his long residence he has worked as a carpenter and joiner, a blacksmith, and a farmer, and has, with true Yankee instinct, lent a hand at whatever work the wants of the country required. At the advanced age of 84 years he resides in Mt. Vernon, spending the evening of a well spent life in the so- ciety of friends. Of his family of five, Norman N. is the sole survivor. These twain-the last of the Sychamores-may their days be many in the land they sought out more than a half century ago.
304
HISTORY OF
.
CHAPTER XXVI.
MIDDLEBURY TOWNSHIP.
ON the 3d of December, 1823, this township was established, and the first election was held at the house of Luther Bateman, in April, 1821. It is now the north-west corner of Knox, and on the score of improvement, the beauty of the country, and the intelligence of its inhabitants, ranks first. Its principal settlers at every period have been Friends, from Maryland and Virginia; and the influence of the Quaker element has been highly salutary. The increase of population and wealth has been steady. In 1830 the inhabitants num- bered 705, and the amount of land returned for taxation was 13,000 acres; in 1840 there were 1,002 inhabitants; in 1850, 1,092; and in 1860, 1,040. The villages of Batemantown and Waterford are points for trading operations ; the latter is quite a thriving little town, having the advantage of mills in its neighborhood. Here Josiah Fawcett and John Lavering for many years were rivals in busi- ness, competitors for the post-office, and the promi- nent men of their respective parties. When the Whigs were in power, Josiah held the post-office ; and when the Democrats ruled, he was out and John in. The post-office and its name were mooted
+
WE Tinsley Areh!
Middleton, Strobridge & Co Lithos Cin.O.
ASCENSION HALL KENYON COLLEGE, GAMBIER OHIO.
305
KNOX COUNTY.
points in Middlebury. The Laverings were old settlers of this section. Of the old stock, Daniel and Mary were here in 1813 ; she died October 24, 1846, aged 85. Several of the name are in the county at this date; John is yet selling goods at Waterford.
Samuel Wilson and Thomas Townsend emigra- ted from Frederick, Md., in 1808. The former is dead, and his son Joseph resides in Indiana; the latter died March 18, 1859, aged 78, on the farm where he had resided over fifty years. Amos and Wm. Farquhar were carly Maryland emigrants, and David and Robert Ewers from Virginia. The Wrights and Lewises, David Eaves, Jacob Zulman, Samuel Willett, the Comforts, Jesse Vore, Jesse Stevens, the Batemans, the Cravens, the Wagoners, the Grahams, the Fiddlers, the McPhersons, the Van Buskirks, the Walterses, have been long resi- dents of this township. Josiah Fawcett, the old merchant, is in partnership with his son, in a store in Fredericktown.
Among the citizens of this part of the county in 1819, were William Watkins, from Stoney Creek, Somerset county, Pa .; Warren Owen, from Ver- mont, who emigrated about 1817; Philo Doolittle and Zebulon Ashley, also from New England. Asahel Ashley, only son of Zebulon, is living in Missouri ; and his son-in-law, Frisbee Owen, also lives there.
Charles Strong emigrated from Frederick county, Md .; he died in 1850. Mrs. Strong is living. Of their eight children, the following survive : G. W.
20
306
HISTORY OF
and Lewis, at Fredericktown ; John W., sheriff of Richland county ; Peter, station agent, Bellville ; and Mrs. Mary Parke, of Mt. Vernon.
The Denman family is one of the oldest and best in Middlebury and Chester. James Johnson, the old Justice, died a few years ago, leaving a consid- erable family in this township ; his son Orlin is a prominent citizen. Lawrence Van Buskirk is an- other noted citizen, having served as State Senator. James Martin and his family have long occupied a front position among the good citizens ; he has lived in the county since 1811.
Jacob Ebersole was an eccentric old settler, of miserly disposition, who lived close and mean to accumulate money to look at. After his death, over $2000 in coin was found hidden away by him -some under an old anvil block in a smith shop, and another lot in an old chest, under some rub- bish.
SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
The first Justice in 1824 was James Johnson, who was regularly re-elected and served until 1848. The second was James Graham, elected in 1831, and served three terms. In 1812 Stephen McPher- son was elected, and re-elected in 1845. Ezra Marvin and John W. Loofborow were elected in 1848, and re-elected in 1851; G. Wash. Ewers and Thomas Craven in 1852; Daniel Ayres in 1855 ; and at the same time J. D. Burke, who was re- elected in 1858, and again in 1861; Isaac Lynde in 1858, and re-elected in 1861.
307
KNOX COUNTY.
CHAPTER XXVII.
BERLIN TOWNSHIP.
THIS township received its name from some of its earliest settlers having emigrated from Berlin, Connecticut. It was created March 9th, 1825. Stephen Cole proposed the name. Among the first voters were A. H. Royce, Ed. Richardson, the Markleys, George Wolford, James Traer, John Brown, Sr., Jno. C. Brown, John and Peter Kere- gher, Fred. Ogg, Jeremiah Brown, Richard and Asael Roberts, John Long, Jacob Leady, Joseph Lane, Daniel Hedrick, the Joslins, and John Moltzbaugh.
Palmyra, during the days of our vassalage to stage and wagon transportation, was its sole town, and for many years a noted place of refreshment for man and beast, voyaging by mud or snow from Mt. Vernon to Mansfield. Since the construction of the railroad, it has dilapidated.
The township in 1830 had 520 inhabitants, and 11,674 acres of land were entered on the tax list, at a value of $34,724. In 1840, the population numbered 1,100; in 1850, 1,156; and in 1860, 1,012.
Ankenytown, or "Squeal," as it is more com- monly called for the sake of euphony, is noted from the fact that when the steam-horse first made his
308
HISTORY OF
appearance there, his " squeal " so terribly alarmed the natives that they came out armed capapie with gun and blunderbuss to capture him, and some worthy German denizens attempted to stop his travel on the iron track by tearing up the rails ; the history of which fully and at large appears in the records of Knox Common Pleas.
Shalerville, so called from Shaler's Mills, is quite a trading point, where Henry W. Greggor officiates as Postmaster and Merchant.
Among the earliest settlers in this township were the Robertses, Richardsons, Wrights and Far- quhars-all Friends, and from Maryland; the Browns, Pinkleys, Leedys, Hedricks, Coles, Wm. Van Horne, Peter Wolf, David McDaniel and Henry Markley, an intelligent Pennsylvania Ger- man, and his brother-in-law, Michael Harter. Markley had been a merchant, and was a quick and sprightly business man, and hence was selected for one of the first Commissioners. He was gen- erous, and well liked by the people.
John Lewis and his family, Quakers, were here in 1808. November 14th, 1857, John, Jr., died. Casper Fitting, in 1808, lived with his family on the place, since known as the Harter stand. He is dead, and his sons, Frederick and Solomon, are liv- ing ; the former a successful merchant at Bellville.
The Harters are worthy of special notice. Their tavern, at an early day, was the best in northern Ohio. The old people were kind and hospitable, and the society of the amiable Miss Christina made it uncommonly interesting for sleighing and other parties. The fame of Aunt Christina's cookery,
309
KNOX COUNTY.
pronounced by connoiscurs the best, caused travel- ers to ride long miles after night to get there. The Harters moved to Canton, where some of their de- scendants reside.
In 1849, a Postoffice was established at the resi- dence of Richard Roberts, Esq., called " Maple Grove," and he was appointed Postmaster, and con- tinued as such till 1860, when it was discontinued by his request.
Among the present settlers, we find Joseph Baker and wife, who emigrated from Virginia in 1819, the Elliotts, Joel and Amos, the Gibsons, the Foots, the Dennises, and the Loves. Amos H. Royce, the first Justice, is yet living in the enjoy- ment of health and plenty. We can not but com- mend the character of Henry Miller, Esq., the up- right man ;. Alexander Menzie, the energetic old Scotchman ; and others we might name, had we the space.
SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1821. Amos H. Royce was elected, and re-elected in 1824, '27, '30, '33.
1823.
Richard Roberts. 1848. George Shaffer.
1836.
Elijah McGregor.
1849. Gideon Elliott.
1836. George Ankeny.
1850. Joseph Ankeny.
1839.
1853.
1842.
1852.
Michael Hess.
1838.
Alex. Menzie.
1855.
J. C. Anten.
1838. J. N. Richardson.
1856.
Alfred Royce.
1841.
1858.
Joseph Ankeny.
1841. Joel Elliott.
1859. James Comings.
1844. Richard Roberts.
1859.
J. W. Condon.
1845. Henry Miller.
1860. George Irwin.
1847. Alfred Royce.
1862.
Issacher Rowby.
310
HISTORY OF
CHAPTER XXVIII.
BROWN TOWNSHIP.
THIS township was laid out March 9, 1825, and " attached to Jefferson until it shall be ascertained that there is inhabitants enough in Brown to have it organized." March 6, 1826, " ordered by the Commissioners that Brown be hereafter considered a separate and distinct township, and the election be held at the house of Josias Ewing, for township officers, on the first Monday of April, and Jefferson be henceforth attached to Union." The name was given to perpetuate the memory of Major-General Jacob Brown, the hero of Chippewa and Fort Erie, who had but recently become commander-in-chief of the U. S. Army.
The first post-office, called Phifer's x Roads, was where Brownsville now is, and of late has borne the name of Jelloway, after the stream of this locality.
The present merchants are, Wm. Patton, Sam'l Beeman, Pinckley & Watz; doctors, E. Booth, L. D. Whitford ; wagonmakers, Thomas Thompson, Emanuel Storer; blacksmiths, Smith & Hagerman, D. Thompson ; tailor, F. Schuch ; shoemakers, E. Waddle, W. Stull and Knee ; tavern, Mrs. Phifer; tanner, Henry Frazier ; gunsmith, Henry Raisin ; grocer, J. H. Burriss. The Methodists have a meeting-house, wherein Rev. Mr. Ball preaches.
In 1840 the inhabitants of Brown numbered 1,204 ; in 1850, 1,535 ; and in 1860, 1,440.
311
KNOX COUNTY.
The most numerous families in this township are the MeKees, Waddles, Halls and Blairs, descend- ants of early settlers, who cleared the way for the present.
Charles MeKee emigrated from Ireland, with fourteen children, about 1808. Alexander McKee settled in this county in 1809; he resides on his old place on Big Jelloway, where was once an In- dian camp ; and when he first settled there, sixty- five Indians called at his hut, drank metheglin with him, and they had a jovial time all round.
The Halls, Sovernses, Pinkertons, Waddles, and Stewards have also been plenty in Brown. John Carghnan (pronounced Carnahan) was a wild Irishman of much note about 1826; he was a warm-hearted, impulsive creature; and " faith, an' he was a knowledgeable mon." Many anecdotes are quoted of him, which we have not room to produce.
Jacob Phifer from Strasburg, Germany, located in this township in 1818, when all was wild and new. He died Oct. 9, 1816, aged 89. He had served ten years a soldier in Europe, three years in the Revolutionary War, and three months in the war of 1812. The old soldier was the father of Freeman, John, James and Michael.
James Blair, our old friend, "God bless you," was one of the carly stock. In 1816 he tended the old Shrimplin mill; moved to Brown in 1820, and has been one of its most prominent men, having served as justice long enough to entitle him to vote, and his decisions have been generally approved of by his fellow citizens. He has been engaged in
312
HISTORY OF
milling, farming, raising children, writing "poetry" and making himself generally useful. His mem- ory will endure in Brown forever.
Zephaniah Wade, who commanded a company of Riflemen from Loudon co., Va., in 1777, moved to this county in October, 1816, with his son. Thomas. Zephaniah and his wife, Irene Longley. are both dead. J. J. Skillings has been one of the most active business men.
There have been a few small mills on Big Jello- way from its early settlement, but the want of water, during the year, has caused some of them to suspend. Emor Barret's grist mill was built about 1833, and is yet in operation. It is run by an overshot wheel 16 feet high. Thomas Wade has a saw mill 23 miles above it run by an overshot wheel 30 feet high. A set of carding machines have also been run at this stand. The mills of James Blair, Ab. Whitney, and Joseph Hall have gone into dilapidation and decay.
Jacob Roof and his wife Polly, Jacob Darrow and Win. Prior, Jacob Baugh, Daniel Worley and Richard Deakins, were old settlers.
SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF TIIE PEACE.
Samnel Barkhurst was the first, and Josias Ewing succeeded him in 1826.
1830. James McMillen ; re-elected in 1833.
1831. James Blair; re-elected in 1834, '37, '40, '43, '46, '49.
1837. Thomas Wade; re-elected in 1840 and 1844.
1845. John W. Gurberson.
1846. Wm. Soverns : re-elected in 1850.
1850. Joseph Pinkley; re-elected in 1853 and 1857.
1852. Solomon C. Workman.
1854. John Hicks.
1856. J. W. Leonard ; re-elected in 1859 and 1862.
2
1
313
KNOX COUNTY.
CHAPTER XXIX.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.
THE township bearing the honored name of Presi- dent Jefferson, after having served a tutelage of several years composing a portion of the bailiwick of Brown, is, in 1829, at the March term of the Commissioners, declared a "distinct Township," and an election is ordered for township officers the 1st Monday of April, 1829, at the house of Andrew Lockard. Its metes and bounds had been pre- scribed on the 9th of March, 1825, but from lack of population an organization was not then effected. The Mohican river passes through this township. furnishing several mill seats. In 1830, it contained 311 inhabitants ; in 1840, 994 ; in 1850, 1,484; and in 1860, 1,458. In this as other eastern town- ships, the names of a few families predominate. The Greers, the Critchfields, the Sapps, the Hib- bitses, the Frosts, the Schultzes, the Bakers, arc to be met with on almost every hill. The Critchfields and Sapps we have elsewhere spoken of. The Greers are mainly descendants of that noble old patriarch John Greer, who was a native of the Emerald Isle, and was what is called an Irish patriot. Possessed of a powerful constitution and vigorous intellect, he took a prominent position
314
HISTORY OF
among the pioneers. He was particularly efficient in the military line, and raised a company for ser- vice in the war of 1812. He did much to promote the formation of companies in the eastern town- ships. He was from 1812 to 1817 Collector of Taxes, in 1830 Representative, and for many years Justice of the Peace, and during his life a very useful citizen. For thirty years some of the Greer name have officiated as Justices in this township. Among its most valued citizens have been Alexan- der, late County Treasurer, and father of the pres- ent Treasurer, Robert, Richard, Silas, Mark, James, "big Jim" and "little Jimmy." Capt. Jack Mel- ton, Aaron Mathene, Andrew Mckee, Ephraim McMillen, Jacob Shiner and George Greer, were also old settlers.
Jacob Colopy has resided in this township since 1825. He is a son of Timothy, a native of Ireland, who emigrated from Virginia in 1813. Jacob mar- ried a daughter of George Sapp, in 1825. They have eight children-five now living in the eastern part of Knox. John Hibbets, Joseph Critchfield, Josiah Trimbly, Matthew Davidson, Charles Mil- ler were also much respected.
In this township there are two post offices- Greersville and Nonpareil. Greersville was estab- lished about 1818, and the post masters have been Robert Greer and Alexander Greer. Nonpareil is at Mt. Holly, and was established in 1849. Its post masters have been Robert Long, A. Gardner, John Critchfield and A. Gardner.
315
KNOX COUNTY.
In early times there were many insects and rep- tiles of great annoyance to the early settlers. Among other evidences of the fact is the following comical affair related by a citizen of this town- ship : Old John Daily and Alex. Darling got up a bet of a quart of whisky about the ability of a man to stánd black ants, ticks and all else, save gallinip- pers, without flinching. Daily, accordingly, to show it could be done, stripped off his clothes and laid down on his face in the sand, where the ants were thick, and Darling was to keep the gallinippers off. After laying there several minutes Darling let three or four gallinippers on his bare back, but Daily did not flinch for them-then determined to win his bet he whispered to one of the spectators to bring him a coal of fire, which was got and put on him, but Daily let the live coal roast his flesh for fifteen minutes without ever flinching, and with his muscles firm bore it together with the ants and gallinippers until the half hour was up, and won the quart of whisky.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.