USA > Ohio > Adams County > Caldwell's illustrated historical atlas of Adams County, Ohio. 1797-1880 > Part 20
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The officers appointed by the charter were Abraham Hol- lingsworth, W. M. ; Samuel Treat, S. W. : John Kincaid, J. W.
In consequence of the Morgan excitement the lodge became dormant in 1836, and remained so, for several years. It was, however, revived again, and its first meeting held June 13. 1846. Since that date, there has beon a slow but steady increase in Its strength and membership, the latter now belug about fifty- five master masons.
This is the parent lodge of the county. With her consent, lodges were chartered at Winchester. Manchester and Locust Grave, whereby the territory of the West Union Lodgewas de- creased about three fourths aud wberghy she sustained a corres- ponding decrease in membership. The wisdom of this sacrifice, however, has been manifest in the prosperity of these lodges, which now surpass the mirent In membership and strength. Lu this the parent lodge has kept the good of the order steadylly in view.
West Union lodge has now in process of coustruction a Ma. sonic Temple, 60x35 ft., facing the east side of the court house.
1857,
Mar. 14,
George Moore,
1861,
July 16, John P. Hood,
1866.
Sept. 27, Mrs. Hannah A. McFerren,
1269,
Oct. 26,
Reason A. Wells
=
1870.
Apr. 4,
Samuel N. Bradford,
When Joseph Darlinton was appointed clerk of the courts, he owned and occupied lot No. 59, now the property of Thomas N. Allen. For his office he built a small hewed log house near his dwelling. This building, which was afterwards weather-hoard- ed, is still in a good state of preservation, and is now used by Mr. Allen's family as a kitchen. In this little house, Mr. Darlin- ton kept the clerk's office more than thirty years. Here the post- office was first kept, and remained, while Mr. Darlintou continued as postmaster.
The postmasters at West Union have generally been business men-mostly merchants-and kept the office at their places of business.
William Russell, who succeeded Mr. Darlinton, kept the of- fee in his store that stood where Young's grocery is located.
William Armstrong, the next postmaster, was also a mer- bant, occupying the Mollen corner, to which he removed the of- fire and kept it, during the two terms he held it.
Wesley Lee, the successor of Armstrong, was a merchant, kept it in his store that stood where Smith Grimes now lives,
Willis Lee, the successor of Wesley Lee, was likewise a mer- chant, doing business where R. H. Ellison now resides, to which point the office next made its way.
William Armstrong again heing appointed, it went hack to the old corner (Mullen's) ..
William McCollom came next, and continued it at the same place.
John McClure continued it at the old Mullen stand.
J. W. Lafferty was a shoemaker and kept his shop on lot 74, coruer of Cherry and Mulherry & reets, where he kept the office while he was postmaster.
W. R. Rape succeeded Lafferty. He was selling : oods In what is now the Bank Hotel, occupying the pres: _ Ler-root of that house. Iu this room the office was kept.
Hosea Moore, the next P. M., was keepit.
·ve he
Crawford House building and took the office [< w! :. e g1"> tained it.
Robert Jackman was running the West Uu' er," and upon receiving his appointment remove. occupied by the printing office, which was the used as the " Scion " office.
Tata" . "0.
. the room
TOOL .. now
W. R. Rape was appointed to fill the vacan, wasicned by the death of Mr. Jackman, who died of cholera, was still a mer-
chant, doing business on the Mullen corner. The office was re- moved to the store room of Mr. R.
George Moore succeeded Mr. Rape. At the time of this change Mr. Rape and Mr. Moore partners In tho mercantile trade, were doing business as such, on the Mullen oorner. Rape was a Republican and Moore a Democrat In polltles, so when the Inoxorable demands of a party, compelled a change of Post Mas- ter, it was made by slinply removing the Republican member of the firm and placing the insignla of the office In the hands of tho Democratle partner. 1
This was a happy stroke of polley, for the office remained un- disturbed in its location, so the people suffered no Inconvenience by the change, nelther was the business relations of the firm dle- turbed hy it, and the Insatiable demands of party were satlefled.
John P. Hood was next In the order of changes. He, also, was a merchant doing business in the room now occupied by John Taylor as a grocery store, to wiilch place the post office soon mnde its way.
Mrs. Hannah A. McFerren succeeded Mr. Hood and soon It was taken to the room now occupied by Sam. N. Bradford's gro- cery store.
Reason A. Wells was the next P. M. He was a merchant on the Mullen corner to where the office was removed.
Finally Sam'l. N. Bradford, hecame the P. M. who has since kept the office in his grocery store.
EARLY BUSINESS HOUSES.
The first house in West Union was huilt by Henry Rape, on lot No. 45. This was a hewed log building used both as dwelling. hat shop and store.
Mr. Rape, who was a hatter. had a room in a shed attached to it, in which he carried on the hatting business for many years. This was the first hat shop in West Union, and was started as early as 1804 or '05. Mr. Rape continued the hatting business through life. Ile died in West Union, December 23, 1846.
1822, Sept. 28,
William Armstrong,
1826,
May 2,
William McCollum,
1830,
Dec. 16, John McClure, jr.,
1834,
Nov. 15, Joseph W. Lafferty,
1841,
Dec. 15,
William R. Rape,
=
1846.
Oct. 9, Hosea Moore.
1849,
Apr. 28, Robert Jackman,
1851.
Aug. 12, William R. Rape,
=
41
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF ADAMS COUNTY, OHIO.
WEST UN' IN LODGE, NO. 510, 1. 0. 0. F,
Was Instituted on the evening of June 11th. 1874, by J. H. Kinknid, of Cincinnati, who was deputized by the grand lodgo of Ohio, to perform hat service. The charter members, (as record- ed on that iusti . ment) were J. W. Eyiar, Win. Hood, J. W. Buun, L. P. Stive's, F. J. Miller and E. R. Wells, all of whom were members of acksonville lodge, No. 537, oxcept J. W. Bunn, who was a member of Winchester lodge, No. -. From its in- stitution to the present time, the career of West Union lodge has been oue of nucxa:npled prosperity. It begins the presont term ont of debt, aud owuing Its own lodge roon, in tho third story of the Miller & Buun building. ~ court bouse square, which it has finely carpeted and furnishedl. At this writing its rolls show that it has clothed fifty-six persons in the garb of the order, near- ly all of whom remain with it.
DART ENCAMPMENT, NO. 219, I. O. O. F,
Meets in the same hall with the above lodge. It was institu- ted on the evening of July 16th, 1819, by W. R. Hart, of Mt. Ver- non, who was at that time Grand Chief Patriarch, of Obio. The charter bears the names of J. W. Eylar, J. W. Bunn, J. G. Brad- ley, J. W. Ebrite, J. A. Frow, Daniel Ellison and A. H. Ellisou. This encampment is named in honor of "Dart" E. Fee, of New Riel.inond, Ohio, who was representative of the district, in the Grand Encampment, at the time the charter was granted. This encampment is in a flourishing condition, and bids fair to be one of the largest in Southern Ohio, outside of Cincinnati.
CRYSTAL LODGE, NO. 114. K. OF P, WEST UNION, OHIO.
A subordinate branch of the order of Knights of Pythias, was instituted at West Union, Ohio, on the 12th day of June, A. D. 1878, by the Grand Chancellor of the State, M. E. Kuhn, assist- ed by the following officers :
Past Chancellor, L. Guinn, Ripley, Ohio; Vice Chancellor, George Wheeler. Aberdeen, Ohio; Prelate, Rudolph Bute, Ciu- cinnati, Ohio; Keeper of Records and Seal, Joseph Cheesman, Aberdeen, Ohio; Master at Arms, Frank Miller, Aberdeen. Ohio; Master of Exchequer, - -- , Cincinnati, Ohio ; Master of Finance. - -, Cincinnati, Ohio; Inner Guard, F. F. Shaw, Ripley, Ohio; Onter Guard, Carl Linn, Ripley, Ohio.
The following are the names of the charter members of the order, they having each received the degree of " Knighthood " on the night of the institution of the lodge, namely :
C. E. Irwin, aged 31, S. N. Bradford. aged 31,
F. D. Bayless, =
39 M. R. Brittingham, = 38,
John A. Eylar, 23, W. F. Lloyd, " 41,
J. H. Couner, 34 A. E. McCormick, 6. 36.
Willis Ellison, 26, C. Frederick Meir, 40,
W. F. Kilpatrick, “ 29, Oliver Smeltzer, 41,
G. F. Thomas, 21, Frank Hayslip, 21.
Jolin W. Hook, " 24,
This lodge was the 114th, established in the State of Ohio, and was christened "Crystal" by the inembers of the organiza- tion, on the night of its institution.
Also, the same time the following officers were elected and iustalled :
P. C., F. D. Bayless ; C. C., John W. Hook; V. C., G. F. Thomas ; Prelate, Jobn A. Eylar; M. of F., W. F., Lloyd ; M. of E., J. H. Conner ; K. of R. & S., Frank Hayslip; M. at A., C. E. Irwin ; I. G .. Oliver Smeltzer ; O. G., Willis Ellison.
F. D. Bayless was afterwards elected the first representative to the Grand Lodge of Obio, to serve for two years.
Crystal Lodge is now in a flourishing condition, having grown in less than two years from fifteen, to more than forty members, all of whom are in good standing, and the lodge bids fair in the near future to be a power equal in its influence for good to auy similar organization in the county, disseminating its blessed charity and unfeigned love for the brotherhood, and all other worthy people, wherever existing throughout the surround- ing country.
The object of this order is similar to that of all secret frater- nal orders throughout the world, and needs no repetition here. It was first established in the city of Washington, D. C., Februa- ry 14th, 1864. The original founders were Justus H. Rathbone, Robert A. Champion, D. L. Burdett, E. S. Kimball, W. H. Bur- dett, Charles H. Roberts and E. B. Driver. Mr. Ratbbone was the originator of the in "tutlon, and what it is to-day in all its workings, secret and otl r.vice, came down unimpaired by a sini- ple innovation from hin He matured bis plans while teaching school in the Lake Supe. . . r country, and revesied it to the above named gentlemen, who became the nr pe o: a Becrot, organiza- tion, which in the short space of sixter til at this writing there are lodgos in ry : / f be el ilized world. a lodge having recently been .bl: of one of the Selande of the far Pacific ocean. Mas . w end of time. Its influence will live forever. E. F.
THE HANGING OF DAVIL
ETT.
This is perhaps the most noted m" case that ever occur- red in Adams county, resulting in tis hanging of the offender, the only case of capital punishment ever inflicted in the county.
David Beckett and John Lightfoot, during the summer and fall of 1807, had been together, trading or trafficlng, In a pirogue, up and down the Ohio river. On the day of October 5th, they were going up the river, and when night came one, It found them a little above the mouth of Brush Creek, just below " Aleck's Ruu " adjoining the farm now owned by A. G. Lock- hart. Here they concluded to fasten up for the night. While sleeping on thelr little craft, Beckett conceivod the idea of killing his companion, and possessing himself of thelr boat and trumpe- ry. Accordingly about midnight, whilo Lightfoot was sleeping, Beckett dealt him a blow on the left side of the head with an axe, that killed him instantly. He then threw tbe murdered man into the river, and the next morning made his way down a little be- low Brush Creek, and stopped with William Faulkner, and sold him the boat and eargo, taking a horse in way of pay. With this horse he crossed over into Kentucky, where he stayed some time. In the meantime the body of the murdered man was found, and Faulkner being found in possession of the boat, ho was arrested as the murderer. The circumstances being pretty strongly against Falkner, he was in groat danger, but Beckett, for some nnaccountable reason, returned near the Kentucky side, when his horse strayed back to its old home. Coming over to get it, he was arrested, put in jail and indicted for murder in the first degree. He was tried by the Supreme Court at its October term, 1808, found guilty, and sentenced to be hung December 10tb, 1808. He was confined in the old log jail that stood on lot 67, now own- ed by Sarah Boyles. Here he remained until the appointed time came round. It was a bright, pleasant December day, except the sky was almost darkened at times by the immense flocks of wild pigeons that were continually flying over. About 12 o'clock the fatal wagon or cart was driven up to the jail, Beckett put iuto it, and driven thence to a gallows that had beeu erected at the north side of the public square, where somewhat lengthy religious ex- ercises were held. The Rev. William Williamson preached a dis- course from the text: "Oh Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself, but in me is thy help. " The celebrated Lorenzo Dow was pres- ent and delivered an address from the words: "Rejoice, Oh young man in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth. " Abbott Goddard then gave an exhortation. and Rev. Mr. Dobbins addressed the people. The rope was then tied about his neck aud the cart driveu from beneath him, and poor Beckett beheld thet ast of earth, in the presence of the assembled multitudes who came to witness the pitiable spectacle.
After hanging a sufficient length of time the body was taken down and decently buried in the Lovejoy graveyard about a mile east of West Union, but his remains, "after life's fitfnl dreams were over" were not permitted to sleep in quiet till the resurrec- tion morn, for they were soon taken up and dissected, not by a medical college, but by the neighborhood physicians.
The jury that tried Beckett were, David Bradford, Job Den- ning, Andrew Boyd, Daniel Collier, George Harper, John Wikoff, David Mears, E. U. Reeves, John Campbell, David Robe, David Thomas, Samuel Milligan.
The following bills were paid in the course of his imprison- ment, trial and execution, as will be seen by reference to the county records :
John and Wm. Russell, assisting to commit Beckett. $ 1 28
Charles O'Connell, attending jury on
25
Guards for jail
130 00
Witnesses in Beckett case
142 00
Jury in the same
48 00
Iron to make a bolt for Beckett
3414
Padlock for jail door. 75
Two buckets 1 00
Horse lock
75
Cash for bolts made by McComas
25
Samuel Smith and David Kendall, guarding Beckett to jail, 2 00 Wm. Russell two days at trial .. 2 00
John M. Wallace smithwork ou jail and making irons for Beckett ... 6 08
David Bradford for boarding from Oct. 7th. to Dec. 9th,
1808, both days inclusive, 101 days. 25c per day .. ... 101 25 Washing and removing irons to change clothes, etc .. .. 10 00
John M. Wallace, making bolts for Beckett's hands on 9th Digging grave, rope and cap. 1 6216 50
Coffin for Beckett. 5 00
Executing. 8 00
Total
461 0434
HISTORY OF THE WEST UNION PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
BY J. O. COMPTON.
Prior to the year 1856. the territory which the West Union special school district now includes, existed in two divisions, sep- arated by Markot street. The school building of tho western division lias been changed into a commodious residence, and is now occupied by John K. Billings. The other building stood just south of the Presbyterian church. On that somno square havo been erectod, since the town was laid ont, three school houses. The first was built of round logs. The windows were made by cutting ont parts of logs and pasting greased paper over tho holes. We presuine there are but few facts connected with the history of
the schools at that time which would now be interesting to any readers. They wero ungraded, and none but tho connnon branches wore taught. Teachers came and wont, mado hideous blundors, and were censured for trifles, as they are to-day. Tho special district with the boundaries similar to those of tho pres- ent, was organized in the year 1856. On the 3d of May of that year, the directors o/ West Union assembled according to previ- ous notice, to vote for or against the adoption, for said sub- district, of " An Act for the better regulation of the public schools in cities, towns, &c. " This bill was known as the " Ak- ron Act, " and was passed February 21, 1849. The result of the election gavo a majority of twenty-seven in favor of the adoption. On the 16tb day of May was elected the first Board of School Di- rectors, contisting of J. M. Smith, J. R. Cockerill, J. W. Lafferty, Henry Ousler, E. P. Evans and J. P. Hood. In the summer of the same year a committee consisting of J. R. Cockerill and E. P. Evans, was appointed to select a site for a school bullding. Ac cordingly, the lot ou whieb the present house now stands was purchased from J. P. Hood, for $150. The plans and specifica- tions of the house, the only one that has ever been erected, were drafted by J. R. Cockerill, Henry Ousler and E. P. Evans.
The contract was taken by W. R. Rape and George Moore, at a cost of $2,450. The building was completed and delivered by the contractors to the Board, Dec. 17th, 1857. In the year 18-, Mrs. Elizabeth Burgess bequeathed to the West Union S. S. Dis- trict, $330, which was loaned to Hon. J. R. Cockerill, who kept it until June, 1858, at which time the principal, with the interest, was collected and appropriated to the payment of of Rape and Moore.
The first school taught in the new building was under the supervision of J. L. Coryell, with Mrs. Wells and Miss Jane Brawner, now the wife of J. N. Ilook, as assistants. The school began (in this house) January 18th, 1858. Mr. Coryell had taught in the ungraded schools of the village for several years, and he now held the position of Principal for three years, managing the different departments with the same care and success which have been his characteristics in every branch of labor. At that time, and until the year 1878, all teachers of the special district were examined by a special board. The first members of the board were J. W. McFerrin, J. R. Billings and A. Hollingsworth.
Mr. Coryell was succceded as Principal of the schools, by W. W. Williams, a Presbyteriau minister, who had come from Hills- borough, Ohio, to West Union, about two years before. He was au estimable man and popular teacher. Under his administra- tion the study of the Latin language was first introduced into the unsystemized course of study. Among his list of students we find the names of the following persons who are now, those of them who are living, prominent citizens and business mnen : Lewis Holmes, of Alledo, Ill. ; Capt. W. W. Evans, Portsmouth, Ohio; F. P. Bayless, Hon. J. W. Eylar and Henry Scott, West Union, Ohio ; J. B. Young, J. P. Kilpatrick and S. B. Grootis. citizens of Adams county ; Dr. T. P. Hooper, of Pike county ; John Ellis, ex-Auditor of Adains county ; Armstead Cockerill and John Cockerill, the well known American journalists ; also, the dangh- ters of James Hood, J. R. Cockerill, and the eldest daughter of Jolin M. Smith. The assistants of Mr. Williams were A. C. Smith, Margaret Ellison and Sarah McColm. He was Superin- tendent of the schools two years only. His successor was Rev. Samuel Wallace. He held the position but three months, and was followed by R. A. Wells. The teachers in the lower grade- during that year were S. B. Grooms, A. J. Man on and Angelin Hood.
Within the years 1862 and '68 Rev. George W. Taylor, B. Wm. Coleman, Miss Elizabeth F. Thompson, and A. G. Wil- served consecutively as Principals. Mr. Taylor is now a resid of Blais, Neb. ; Rev. Coleman, a Presbyterian Minister, i nephew of Dr. Daniel Coleman, of West Union, Ohio. He v educated at Oxford, Ohio, and Alleghany Seminary, Penn. present place of residence is Columbus, Kansas. Miss Thomp- was born in Washington county, Penn., was educated at Alo Institute, in that State, and labored in the capacity of teael twenty-five years. While at West Union, some of her best pup were, Prof. W. A. Clark and sisters, Dr. Wu. Coleman, Heurs Foster, and Misses Mary and Jennie Smith. Sho was the only lady that ever had chargo of the schools, and her management gave excellent satisfaction. She was married in the year 1870. to Jacob M. Wells, still a prominent attorney of West Union. . 1< assistarts under the last named teacher. were A. J. Mannon, Ann Carl, Mrs. McFerrin, now tho wife of Jamos L. Coryell; Nannie Williams, S. Sample, Charles Gose, Hannah Mahan, Ella Whit- tacre, Wm. Greenly, and Miss Frank Jackman.
During the next four years, beginning with the fall of G8, the schools were under the Superiutendency of W. H. Vane, a gradi. . ato of the National Normal, at Lebanon, Ohlo. Especially dn; ing the first year of his administration, were the schools Well cotahuet- ed. He was vigorous and energetic, and his ambition caused nu enviablo good. But unhappily his body lost its vigor, and his - edneational career has been forover abandoned. The other teach- ers under his supervision woro Jamos McColin, Lottie Johnson. Frank Chapman. Oliver Hawk, Mrs. Oliver Hawk. J. L. Stewart Mary C. Smith, Bello Naylor, Albert W. Flora, Bridget Ilough - land and Ida Pattou.
spread out ti -.
42
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF ADAMS COUNTY, OHIO.
The superintendents fram 18 uns " the present, have been in Hlo. order in which they taught. Frank Fegan, J. H. Compton, 1 .. . Fenton. W. A. Clark. W. H. Vane, and d. C. Compton: The discipline of the first of th ese, Mr. Fegan, was characterized by lavity, while that of his su. essor, W. IL. Compton, was of the opposite nature. His dema: Is were positive, and his will firm. These gentlemen have both ft the profession of teaching. The former is a merchant in the . ate of Kentucky, and the latter an attorney in Marion Indiana W. A. Clark and L. J. Fenton, were then, and are yet, goutiemen of good principle, and practi- cal teachers of the county. The former is located at Winchester, and the latter at Manchester, The sne s of Mr. Fenton at that place has given him more than a local d' inction.
Within the last eight years, J. W. Mason, Ellen Hood, Bridget Houghland. A. C. Smith, Mary Smith, Maggie Gregory, tlw wite of Wm. Anderson. the present Prosecuting Attorney of Adant- conuty. Jennie Smith, the wife of Luther Thompson, John Kylar. a lawyer of Waverly, Ohio; Anna Hood, who has since been married to Dr. W. Bunn, Jennie Lawler, Jennie Allen, toli W. M.Krown. Sallie Billings, and Josie Cluxton, have served as assistant teachers. The last three persons are yet teach- er's in the schools, with J. C. Comptom as Superintendent.
The schools have four departments and the enrollment of pupils is one hundred and twenty-one males, one hundred and forty-one females, three colored-a very small increase in the last twenty years.
The course of study has ever been irregular and indefinite. Whatever a sufficient number of pupils demanded was taught, providing the tutor himself was versed in the subject. Alge- bra, Geometry, Latin, Physiology, and Philosophy, are the only higher branches usually studied. The text books used have been Ray's series of Arithmetics, McGuffey's Readers, Kirkum's Grammars, until 1869, since that time Harvey's Grammars, Mitchel's and the Electie Geographies.
During several years after the Special District was organ- ized, the length of the school term was ten months, but it is How never longer than eight, and in some years it is reduced to six months-a fact that is no indication of the progress of the schools.
Some of the most active members of the School Board have. been J. K. Billings, James L. Coryell and N. D. Bran- son. Mr. Coryell has held a position in that body for almost twenty years, and Mr. 'Branson during the past ten years. They have ever had the best interests of the school in view, and have rendered most valuable aid to the district. At one time the district was in possession of an excellent public library, furnished by the State, but like most other libraries thus owned, it was so public that it was soon the private property of every citizen.
CHURCHES.
PRESBYTERIAN.
This church was first organized on Eagle Creek, about three miles from West Union in the spring of 1800, under the pastoral cur'e of Rev. John Dnulevy, who had previously preached, occa- sionally, by invitation. Ile preached at this church until October IsOS, at which time he was suspended from the ministry by the Synod of Kentucky, for having departed from the principles of the church, and apostatized trom the faith of the Gospel. Refus- ing -mumission to the judgment of the Synod, he still continued to preach to those who would attend his meetings, until the sum- 1 .. er of 1805, at which time he joined the Shakers.
Mr. Dunlevy, by his preaching, assisted by Richard MeNemar others whom the Synod had cut off with him, withdrew. ... who remained true to their old faith, were left without a
for until May 1805, when the Rev. William Williamson, hav- ; removed from Fair Forest, South Carolina, and temporarily settled in the neighborhood of Cabin Creek congregation, divided hi, time with the Eagle Creek church, giving it half his time, for one year. In the course of this year the congregation was again organized and James Baird, Joseph Darlington and William Marshall, were set apart as ruling elders. In the meantime the Rev. William Williamson having removed within bounds of the church, resolved to give Manchester one-third of his ministerial labor». This church deemed it best to abandon the old Eagle Creek mnecting house, and resolved to hold their meetings in the future in West Union. From this ti a it took the naine ot' West t'nion church. The congregation & his time was exceedingly weak, being few in numbers and mu. scattered. Notwithstand- ing which Mr. Williamson, at a low salary, continued t. labor und without a meeting house, until one was built.
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