Biographical and historical memoirs of Muskingum County, Ohio. Embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the county and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy families and individuals, Part 61

Author:
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 642

USA > Ohio > Muskingum County > Biographical and historical memoirs of Muskingum County, Ohio. Embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the county and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy families and individuals > Part 61

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Near Dresden was a large Shawanese town on the opposite shore. Here we had a slight skir- called Wakatomaka. The graveyard was extensive, mish with the Indians, in which one of thein was and when white settlement began the remains of killed and one of our men wounded. It was then cabins were still visible. The following narrative discovered that during all the time spent in nego- of an expedition against Wakatomaka has been re- tiation the Indians were employed in removing served to add interest to this portion of this work: their women and children, old people and effects, " Under command of Col. Angus McDonald, 400 from the upper towns. The towns were burned men were collected from the western part of Vir- and the corn cut up. The party then returned to ginia, by the order of the Earl of Dunmore, the the place from which they set ont, bringing with then governor of Virginia. The place of rendez- them the three remaining chiefs, who were sent to vous was Wheeling, sometime in the month of June, Williamsburg. They were released at the peace 1774. They went down the river in boats and the succeeding fall. The army were out of provis- canoes to the mouth of the Captina, from thence ions before they left the towns, and had to subsist

town, which was about a mile above the first and

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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

on weeds, one ear of corn each day, with a very ited with having opened the first store and estab- scanty supply of game. The corn was obtained at lished the first distillery. John Parker kept the first public house. It stood below Preston on the one of the Indian towns. * "

Seth Adams and Maj. Jonathan Cass came to river and was maintained for years. Meetings for this territory in 1799. Maj. Cass located 4,000 worship were held first by Presbyterians at Still- acres of land, consisting of forty warrants of 100 well. Churches were not known till the erection acres each. He brought his family in 1801 and of one at Preston in 1836. School interests were lived here until his death in 1830, aged seventy- indicated in 1820 by the use of a discarded cabin, seven. Of his three sons, Lewis, George W. and in which the daughter of Reasoner, Miss Cathar- Charles L. Cass, the first became one of the eminent ine, was the introductory school mistress. While men of his time. George lived quietly on the origi- she formed the infant mind by patient repetitions, nal Cass farm and died there in 1873, aged eighty- her father held the reins of office, having been eight. He was often urged to accept important chosen the first justice of the peace, and holding trusts and public offices, but persistently declined. the office for life. Among the first births in Cass His son, Dr. Edward Cass, of Dresden, is well township, occurring in 1805, were those of Har- known in the county and beyond its limits. The mon Reasoner and John Stillwell.

third served his country in the War of 1812, and

Peter Bainter was a resident of Jefferson town- in recognition of his gallantry at the battle of Fort ship in 1800; he was employed by Cass, and Erie the citizens of Zanesville presented him with brought the first wheat from below at Waterford. a sword. He died in 1842. His daughter, Mary The crop grew finely and the family anticipated a E. Cass, became Mrs. Adams, of Dresden. The treat of bread from wheat flour, but the wheat remains of Maj. Jonathan Cass, the pioneer, were, proved diseased or "sick" and was of no use. in 1875, removed by Dr. Edward Cass to the Dres- Laban Lemert started a distillery in 1822 and a den cemetery and buried at the spot marked by the store in 1826. Otho Miller and Jacob Houser Cass family monument, Beneath his name is this were of the pioneer knights of the forge. Before inscription : "He was a soldier at the battle of 1820 a mill was built for grinding grists on Waka- Bunker Hill ; an officer of the Revolution, and of tomaka creek by George Gerty. The millwright the army which, under Gen. Wayne, gave peace was Stiles Silliman. The next mill was by Henry to the frontier. From New England he emigrated Roop; its destiny fulfilled, it long ago passed to this part of the wilds of the Northwest terri- away. Later mills were built and run by Adams tory. On the military land he purchased he lived Brothers. Wyllis Silliman built at Dresden a card- a peaceful and quiet life thirty years, until death ing machine. Henry Roop started a distillery in claimed him for a victim." Isaac Cordray and his 1832, and other necessities of this character fol- son George came soon after. In 1812 Mordecai lowed after and ran their course. The first salt Ogle located half a mile northeast of Dresden. In well was at Silliman's, bored in 1817. The primal 1804 George Dowell came. Joseph Bryant and schoolhonse at Dresden -natural, round logs - Daniel Stillwell came in 1818. About two years was occupied first by John Ingham. Wyllis Silli- later came the Wilsons-Simeon and Leonard. man, son-in-law of Maj. Jonathan Cass had a Among other early settlers were Peter D. Rea- saw and gristmill in operation on Wakatomaka soner and Daniel, Joseph and James Norris. Will- creek, near the present railroad bridge, some time iam Birch settled on Tomaka creek in 1808. The before 1806. John Cordray opened a tavern in a land being in large tracts and means limited, peo- log house on the site of the Akeroyd house before ple settled in choice spots and some of them were 1818. It was later kept by Abraham Smith, who known as squatters ; among these were James also taught school. Munroe's distillery was in Slaughter, Frank Stafford, Richard Tilton and operation before 1819. Peter D. Green was an- others. These people built a row of log cabins at other early tavern keeper. About three years the present site of Preston and had quite a pio- later Laban Lemert had a distillery. Henry and neer village. As early as 1812 a ferry was estab- Benjamin Roop, of Buffalo, N. Y., were extensive lished across the Muskingum by Daniel Stillwell. distillers here in 1833. Dr. Benjamin Webb was It has been stated by Enos Devore that a mill stood practicing medicine here before 1819 and was suc- on the site of the salt well at Dresden as early as ceeded by his son, Dr. Nathan Webb. Dr. Fran- 1802. George Wilson ran a sawmill at an early cis Fowler, the second pioneer physician, came be- day, and in 1801 a large flourmill was erected at fore 1825. Dr. Brown practiced about that time Dresden by E. and G. W. Adams. The first road at Dresden. About 1816 to 1818 Seth Adams was laid out in 1803 from Zanesville to Coshocton built a log house in Dresden, on the G. Reasoner through Dresden. Peter D. Reasoner was the lot, a portion of which stood to connect the present primitive tanner in 1818. Joseph F. Munroe is cred- with the past. About the same time Laban Lemert also erected a log house there. He opened a store

*Doddridge's Notes.

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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

at the same time. Other early merchants were navigation during all seasons of the year, and the John Jacobson and David Wilson, the last men- fact that this is the most feasible route for ship tioned of whom began business in 1827. Joseph canal from the lakes to the Ohio river, indicates a F. Munroe and Maj. Jonathan Cass were the first most promising future for this place as a residence, to plant fruit orchards prior to 1815. Maj. Cass business and manufacturing city. In addition to built the first brick house. Another early brick its location on the banks of the Muskingum river house was built by Mr. Munroe on the river road. and the C. & M. V. R. R., the Cleveland, Canton Seth Adams had a "corn cracker" mill on Waka- & Southern railroad has recently been completed

tomaka creek about 1804. In 1832 Hugh F. through this place, giving two competing lines to Hogan built a saw and gristmill on the Frazeys- Zanesville, fifteen miles distant. A branch canal burg road, about four miles west of Dresden. Later about one mile in length connects this place with it was the property of John and David Lovett and the Ohio canal, while it is but one mile from the was known as Lovett's mill. They sold it to James junction of the Pan Handle system with the two Pryor and it was known as Pryor's mill until its other railroads mentioned. As a place of residence demolition in 1875. Another early miller was A. Dresden offers beautiful building sites, healthful M. Eisenhouse. Morgan Morgan, from Mary- surroundings and a cultivated, intelligent and pro- land, was an early weaver.

gressive class of citizens. Its business interests

Among the most skillful and influential physi- are largely represented in special articles, while its cians and surgeons of the county is Dr. Edward advantages for manufacturing enterprises are pos- Cass, a native of this township, born in 1830. sibly unsurpassed in the state. The fine shipping After completing his academic education he de- facilities it now enjoys, and proximity to cheap voted his attention to his chosen profession, and fuel, and the fact that it has water power, with studied medicine under his brother, Dr. A. L. coal, limestone, sandstone, iron ore and every Cass, of this place. He subsequently took a regu- variety of potter's clay and molding sand within lar course in the Jefferson Medical college, Phila- easy access, commends this place for the profitable delphia, from which institution he graduated in manufacture of glassware, tile, fire brick, etc. 1854. Chiefly, since that time, he has been in the Dresden was incorporated March 8, 1839, and enjoyment of a successful practice in this place its corporate limits now embrace the whole of Jef- and has taken an active interest in progressive ferson township. The first mayor was W. W. science and public affairs. Brice.

Dr. D. A. Austin is a native of Clinton county, This organization of the Dresden Board of this state, where he was born in 1823. After com- Trade was effected on June 22, 1888, for the pur- pleting his education he studied medicine under pose of securing the growth of manufacturing and Dr. John W. Scroggs, of Harveysburg, Warren business interests of this place, in which it has county, and graduated from the Eclectic Medical been largely successful. Its meetings are held in college, of Cincinnati, in 1849. He first com- the council chamber on the first and third Thurs- menced practice in Iowa, in May, 1850, but in 1854 day evenings of each month, and all communica- came to this place, where he has secured liberal tions relating to business enterprises addressed to public consideration and practice. the secretary will receive prompt attention. The

In the early days of canal and steamboat su- Dresden Building and Loan association is one of premacy in shipping facilities Dresden sprung into the most important and promising organizations of existence, and for many years was one of the lead- this place, and is intended to provide means of sav- ing trade centers of this section of the state. ing for all, while it contributes to securing homes Upon the opening of railroads, and for some years to the industrious and laboring classes. It was or- afterward, its prestige was to a large degree inter- gauized April 9, 1890, and has been duly chartered, fered with and its trade became considerably re-

with an approved capital stock of $100,000. The stricted. The building of the Cincinnati & Mus- officers are F. Tingler, president; John Hornung, kingum Valley railway through this place had a vice-president, and the following board of directors: reviving tendency, and for the past few years Frank Tingler, John Hornung, John A. Bell, J. S. especially have the advantages of this beautiful Prettyman, H. J. Shore. C. E. Cross and A. E. location and picturesque surroundings attracted re- Rambo. The public school building was erected a newed attention. To day it holds a leading place few years ago and is one of the most perfectly con- as the most flourishing town in the county outside structed edifices of its class in the county. It is a the county seat, and is attracting citizens to it from fine two-story brick structure, with all modern con- the metropolis of the county.

veniences, sitnated in the center of large grounds, Dresden is situated at thehead of navigation on while the building contains eight rooms, with broad the Muskingum river, and, with the contemplated and well-lighted corridors, while the enrollment is improvements in that beautiful stream, for securing nearly 400 pupils. The ability with which the

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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

schools have been and are still conducted has been skirts and skirtings, the beauty and excellence of noted by educators of renown.

which are unsurpassed by those of any establish-

Dresden also has a good steam fire engine, with ment in the Union. They give employment to a James Anderson as engineer, and a well organized force of forty operatives and assistants in the dif- volunteer fire department; also two new first-class ferent departments of the, business, and their prod- hose reels. This corporation is about to erect a ucts are handled by leading jobbing houses of east- new town hall at a cost of not less than $16,000, ern and western trade centers. The individual while other important improvements are in contem- members of the firm are J. S. Prettyman and W. plation.

H. Bush, gentlemen who bring into requisition the

Dresden Lodge No. 103, F. & A. M., meets each fullest financial and executive ability, and who, in Monday evening on or before full moon. J. C. establishment of the mills at this place, have given Dorsey, W. M. ; L. F. Estenhausen, S. W .; Charles an impetus to its industrial interests and a broader M. Smith, J. W .; J. W. Lanning, secretary; Frank fame to this promising trade center. Tingler, treasurer. Muskingum Chapter No. 145,

The Dresden Woolen mills have, for a period R. A. M. - L. F. Estenhausen, M. E. H. P. ; J. W. of a quarter of a century, held a prominent place Lanning, secretary; meets on Monday evenings in the productive enterprises of this section of the after full moon. Wakatomaka Lodge No. 186, I. county. The mills are situated about a half mile O. O. F .- Officers: James P. Bryant, N. G. ; J. S. east of the town, on the banks of the Muskingum Austin, V. G .; W. M. Miller, R. S .; W. G. Smith, river, and are fitted up with the best mechanical secretary ; Jacob Walters, treasurer. S. O. K. H .- appliances, propelled by an overshot water wheel giv- This organization consists chiefly of young men, ing over fifty-horse power. The mills are devoted to and was organized in February, 1889. Engene the manufacture of cassimeres, satinet, flannels, Welsh, president; John Egbert, vice president; skirts, blankets, yarns, etc., which bear a standard John Alloway, secretary; Howard Lemert, treas- and uniform excellence unsurpassed by any con- urer.

temporaneous establishment in the state. The high-

The Dresden postoffice was established prior est price is paid for wool, in cash or exchange. The to 1800, and Laban Lemert was, if not the first individual members of the firm are L. Rambo, Will- postmaster, the earliest one of whom any one has iam Senior and J. Shore, and the many years they any knowledge. For several years mails were re- have been associated with the business interests of ceived on horseback once each week. Next, a semi- this place justifies the continued consideration this weekly mail line was established, and in 1832 a company enjoys and the popular favor in which its tri-weekly line of fine Concord coaches was put products are held at home and in distant mar-

upon the route. Since about 1843, mail has been kets. received and dispatched daily, and since the acqui-

Up to a comparatively recent date no impor- sition of railroads several daily mails are the rule. tant change had been made in milling machinery, The present postmaster is G. W. Lemert. A pri- invented and brought into use about the time of vate telegraph line was constructed from Zanesville the adoption of the Federal constitution, by Oliver to Wooster, through Dresden, in 1848, and was dis- Evans, of Pennsylvania. But in this, as in other continued some years before the Western Union departments of industry, American inventive office was established here, which was in 1868.

genius saw opportunities for improvement, and as Among the most important industrial enter- a result the roller system, or, as it is known, the prises of this county is the Caldwell Woolen mills, gradual reduction process, was introduced. This which takes its name from the town of Caldwell, has produced so great a change that at the present where the mills were originally established in 1884. day this system is adopted by all leading and in- January 12, 1888, the mills at Caldwell were fluential mills in the country. Among those mill- destroyed by fire, and in about ninety days the pro- ing companies which have secured a popularity on prietors had secured the present plant, in- account of the uniform excellence of their products troduced entirely new machinery, and the con- is the Dresden Milling company, which dates its cern was in active operation, with capacity and organization to December 27, 1887. The building facilities for meeting the demand for their products. was originally erected in 1884, and equipped with The company selected this place for the base of newest improved machinery, operated by one their more extensive operations. Suitable build- seventy-eight-horse-power turbine wheel. Busi- ings were secured and additional ones erected to ness was commenced November 1, 1884, under a meet the demands of their increased force and me- slightly different organization, and continued until chanical appliances. Newest improved machinery the present company assumed control at the date was introduced, propelled by a fifty-horse-power before given. The building is four stories and engine and boiler. The Caldwell Woolen mills basement in hight, and 48x60 feet in dimensions, make a specialty of the manufacture of fine woolen exclusive of office, and has a capacity of 125 bar-

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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

rels of choicest bakers' and family flour per day. are: John Hornung, president; John A. Bell, vice- The special brands for which this mill is known, president, and F. W. Gasche, cashier. are the " White Mountain " and "Silver Cloud," The Dresden "Transcript," W. M. Miller, editor which hold the highest standard of value in all and proprietor, is the legitimate successor to the markets in which they have been introduced, and "Doings," and for half a century has been instru- enjoy a marked popularity with the trade and with mental in promoting the enlightenment and best consumers. The members of the present company interests of this section of the county. Especially are J. C. Dorsey, J. Walters and F. H. F. Eg- since coming into the control of its present able bert, gentlemen who combine the fullest financial, editor and proprietor, in 1884, the paper has practical and business ability. Merchant grind- grown in popular favor and influence. The ing, custom work and exchange are engaged in, "Transcript" is an eight-column folio, and enjoys and as manufacturers of flour, meal and feed, and a liberal advertising patronage and circulation. dealers in grain, they contribute. in a marked de- In the quarters now occupied, the editorial and gree to the importance of this place and to its mechanical departments are on the ground floor, business interests.

conveniently arranged, and the latter supplied

Among the industrial institutions of this town- with power presses and newest styles of type for ship which give conspicuity to this place as a manu- the prompt and efficient execution of every descrip- facturing and business center is the Dresden tion of commercial and general job printing.

Hosiery company, which dates its establishment

The only postoffice in Cass township is at Pres- here to February, 1890. The members of this ton, on the P. C. & St. L. R. R., and is known as firm have heretofore been associated with the busi- Adams' Mills. Most of the people of Cass get ness interests of Zanesville, and bring into requi- their mail either at Dresden or Frazeysburg. The sition the amplest financial and executive ability line mentioned, generally known as the " Pan . for the most advantageous prosecution of this im- handle," was completed through this township portant industry. They secured an excellent plant about forty years ago. The branch from Dresden with ample buildings, and introduced the newest to Zanesville was completed about 1870. The improved machinery, propelled by one fifteen- railway stations of Cass are Dresden junction and horse-power engine and boiler, and furnish em- Preston. The main line of the " Panhandle " en- ployment to an average force of forty to fifty hands ters the township near its northeast corner and in the various departments of the business. These runs in nearly a straight line southeast, through works are devoted to the manufacture of the best Preston and Dresden junction, and passes the grades of men's woolen half hose, and women's, western border of the township about the center. misses' and children's hose made from the best of The Zanesville branch intersects the main line at yarns, and which, in reliability of construction and Dresden junction, also called Trinway. Dresden stability of colors, will bear favorable comparison junction was surveyed by Joseph Fisher in 1873- with those of any contemporaneous establishment 74, on land owned by George W. Adams. in the Union.

Following is the brief historical mention of L. J. Lemert engaged in banking in Dresden the churches of Dresden: The Presbyterian in 1852 and he and his sons have been identified church, located on Chestnut street, was built in closely with the general financial interests ever 1880, at a cost of $5,500, and a remarkable fact in since. The banking house of G. Eaton was estab- this connection is that it was dedicated on the fifth lished in 1866. The Dresden Banking company Sunday in February. The first house of worship is an organization that began business here about was erected in 1836-38. The organization of this three years since, conducting a general banking society was effected in 1819 in a log schoolhouse business in loans, deposits and exchange, and is about a mile south of Adams' Mills, by Revs. Cul- entitled to the fullest public confidence. Its office bertson, Root and Smith. Methodist Episcopal is in the opera block, thoroughly furnished for the church, located on Main street, was built in 1835 transaction of business, including a fine burglar- and rebuilt in 1852. It is a substantial brick proof, time-lock safe for the safety of deposits. structure, and has a seating capacity of 500. The The firm is composed of F. W. Gasche, Esq., Dresden Baptist church was organized in 1840. formerly of Millersburg, Ohio, as cashier, a prac- Rev. Mr. Eldridge was the first pastor. The tical banker and book-keeper of many years' experi- church, built in 1845-46, has a seating capacity of ence under State Bank Examiner J. J. Sullivan. 350. German Lutheran church of Dresden was or- Other members are Messrs. John A. Bell and John ganized in 1848. Its brick structure, located on Hornung, gentlemen of well-known honesty and High street, was erected in 1853. The Disciple integrity, whose many years' association with the church is a brick structure ou High street, built business interests of this place contribute to its in 1862-63. The society was formed in 1861. stability and success. The officers of the company Elder William Taylor was the first pastor. Zion

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HISTORY OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY.

Episcopal church was organized in 1839. The acre of ground for a church site and graveyard. first rector was Rev. Mr. Cushman. The church A house of worship was built more than fifty years was built in 1848. St. Ann Catholic church has a ago. The land around the church lot was sold to good congregation. Rev. Father A. A. Cush of- Peter Marshall, who, discovering a flaw in the title ficiates. Cathechetical services Sunday r. M. to the church property, sold the building to Mi- Seating capacity about 150. The German Meth- chael Schuman and it later did duty as a stable upon odist Episcopal church was organized in 1852. other ground to which it was removed. Liberty Its house of worship was erected about 1858. The Bell Christian church was also erected about 1840, first pastors were Revs. William Florika and R. and about 1863 it was sold to Thomas Fisher and M. Brownmiller.

by him removed and converted into a stable. The

Hopper's Grove Methodist Episcopal church site of the building was donated by James Ogle. has left no records. The church was so called The church was undenominational, and its first because Benjamin Hopper gave the society an pastor was Rev. William Bagley.

Chapter XXXVI.

MADISON TOWNSHIP.

T "HIS township was taken from Jefferson town- were the first couple married in the township, in ship by an order of the county commissioners 1810. The first births were in the Bainter, Stoner dated July 2, 1819. It was originally bounded on and Shirer families. The first death was that of the north by the county line, on the east by Mon- Godfrey Bainter in 1805, aged sixty years. He was roe and Salem townships, on the south by Wash- buried there in the woods on the farm of his son, ington township and on the west by the Muskingum John Bainter, afterward known as the W. B. Car- river. The boundaries are thus described in the ter place. The first schoolhouse is thought to commissioners' journal under the above date : have been that built on the land of Alexander " Beginning on the county line, on the line divid- Struthers, near the forks of Symmes creek. The ing the sixth range, then west with the county line primitive school was taught in the German lan- to the northeast corner of Jefferson township, then guage. A Mr. Decker, in 1811, was the first to down the Muskingum river and with meanders teach in English. About 1813 Alexander Struthers thereof to the line dividing the southwest and built a gristmill on the south branch and near the northwest quarter of the second township in the forks of Symmes creek. About five years later he seventh range, thence east to the line dividing the added a sawmill. His successors were J. N. In- sixth and seventh ranges, thence north with the galls, William Mapes, Frederick Minner and Peter said line to the southwest corner of the third town- Varner. The latter was operating the gristmill, ship in the sixth range, thence east to the line which had been enlarged and improved, as late as dividing the sixth range, thence northwest with 1866. Valentine and David Shirer built a saw- the said line to the place of beginning." Adams mill near the center of section 20 on the north township was created in December, 1826, and Mad- fork of the stream about 1832 or 1833. A pair of ison township was thus reduced to its present buhrs was later put in by John Bench, thus adding limits. The township was named in honor of a gristmill. Subsequent managers were William President James Madison. Its first election was Gaumer and Thomas Pharis. At the state dam, held at the house of Martin Wheelen July 31, in 1837, Thomas Pierce built a gristmill, the first 1819. Elections were held at the schoolhouse on on the Muskingum thereabouts. Later owners the land of William Minner, mostly, until 1848, were Jared Cone, Charles Love, Elias Ellis and when the townhouse was built. The first road in Napoleon Reinaman. Under Reinaman's proprie- the township crossed the Muskingum at Bainter's torship it was burned and rebuilt, and later was ford, and ran along Symmes creek toward Adams owned successively by George Adams and William township. George Stoner and Elizabeth Shirer Bice. From Bice it passed to A. G. Plummer, and

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Biographical and historical memoirs of Muskingum County, Ohio. Embracing an authentic and comprehensive account of the chief events in the history of the county and a record of the lives of many of the most worthy families and individuals, Part 61

Author: Publication date: 1892 Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 642

Author:
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Goodspeed Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 642