USA > Ohio > Adams County > Caldwell's illustrated historical atlas of Adams County, Ohio. 1797-1880 > Part 28
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MORRIS POLLARD-The subject of this sketch is of Dutch ori- gin, but at what period his ancestors came to this country we can not learn. The carlic,t trace we can get of them, is his grand- father, Jobn L. Pollard, who was a native of Maryland. He, while a young man, came to Fleming county, Kentucky, and there married Mahala Strode. In 2825 he came to Adams county, and settle ! on what is since known as the old " Pollard home- stend " in Sprigg township. On this farm he lived and died, and lies buried in the family grave yard near by. lle was a good man, a Methodist minister, and died February 19th, 1846, in the 69th y ar of his age. Mr. Pollard was twice or thrice married, but we know nothing in regard to either of his wives. We learn, how- ever, that he reared a family of 12 children in all, their names be- ing William S., Elisha. Benjamin, Samuel G., Elizabeth, Mahala, Genettie, May. Malinda, Nancy, John L., and one that died in in- fuwy. John L., the eleventh in this family, was born June 6th, Ispt, conl married Drusilla, daughter of Elijah Pence, June 29th, ' : They are the parents of the present Pollard family of - "ouinty. They reared a family of eight children, six sons , daughters, named Nancy, John, Kilby, Harriet, Elijah C., . G., Harvey Simmons, Morris and James Iliram. Nancy .. 11 May 224, 1841. She married W. T. Hook, They live Pak, Brown county, Ohio, where Mr. Hook is engaged in wantile business. They have a family of five children, Sallie D .. John, Irene, Ira, and I-lea May. J. K. Pollard, olile-t of the sons, enlisted in the army in the late rebellion, at := " of eighteen, at Camp Harney, West Union, Ohio, October 5th, 1861, in Co. G., 70th O. V. I., Capt. Watson Foster's compa- n.y. the regiment commanded by Col. J. R. Cockerill. Ile was discharged at Memphis, Tennessee, December 22d, 1864, on account of disability. Ile re-enlisted July 24th, 1864, in Co. 1., 182d O. V. 1., Capt. W. 11. Shriver's company, regintent commanded by Col. Butler. Ile was commissioned Lientenant, October 13th, 1864, and served until the close of the war, and was discharged at Nash- . The. Tennessee, July 7th, 1865. After las return from the army, lw married Miss Annie W. Watson, September 4th, 1867. They are the parents of two children, Lulu E., and William Simmons. In 1875, Mr. Pollard was elected Sheriff of Adams county, and re-elected to the same office in 1877. In 1879, he was chosen to represent the Senatorial District, composed of the counties of Adams, Scioto, Pike and Jackson, in the Ohio Legislature, which position he now hold". Harriet was born May. Ilth, 1845, and married John F. Games, July 25th, 1866. They are the parents of three children, two of them are living-one is dead. They are Harvey B., Elmer-dead, and Omar. Elijah C. was born Janu- ary 21tb, 1847, and married Ella Hill, in February, 1872. They ure the parents of two children, Eva Myrtle and Ora. IIc is a minister in the M. E. church. and lives near Sand Hill. Lewis commy, Kentucky, and is engaged in ministerial duties on the
Concord elrenit. Samuel G. was horn February 26th, 1849, nad married Cora Hamrie, September 4th, 1874. There has been born unto them four children, Gertrude, who died at the age of three years. Mary Ethel, Hettie and Jesse A. The last three are living. Samuel G. Pollard isn minister in the M. E. church. Hle is stationed at Somerset, Kentucky, engaged in the discharge of his duties in the ministry. Morris was born May 6th, 1851, and was married April 6th, 1876, to Ella J., daughter of Rev. J. P. Bloomhuff. They are the parents of a son, named John Earl, born September 13th, 1878. Morris Pollard, remained with his parents until he grew up to manhood. te then carried on the farm for his father, who had for several years become an invalid -receiving a share of the proceeds. He also dealt considerably in stock. and by his untiring industry, perseverance and economy, saved enough to buy a farm of nearly one hundred acres. This farm is pleasantly located, on the Cabin creek road, in Sprigg township, near the old Pollard homestead. Its high, elevated position, with its cool, healthy air, and the beantiful Ohio in full view at a distance of some two miles, makes it a delightful place for a home. Mr. Pollard has put his land in a high state of cul- tivation and adorned it with neat and tasty buildings, as will be seen by reference to the engraving of it, that appears in this book. Mr. Pollard and his wife are both members of the M. E. Church.
MRS. ELLA J. POLLARD, as already stated, was the daughter of the Rev. J. P. Bloomhintf. She was born March 1, 1854. Iler ancestors were of German origin. ler grand-father was born in Germany, emigrated to America at an early day, and came to Mason county, Ky., where he married a lady, who was a native of Virginia. Hle afterwards moved to Fort Wayne, Ind., where be died at the age of 97 years. Ile was blind the last twenty years of bis life. Ilis wife died there also, aged 65 years. They reared a family of nine children, five sons and four daughters, Abraham, William, Polly, Carlena, John P., Sally, Sydney, Nan- cy Jane, Samuel Il. These children all grew to years of maturi- ty and married, though three of them are now deceased. John P., the fourth in this family of children, was born Oct. 16, 1805. He has been three times married. Ilis first wife was Rachel Hutson, who only live.l a few years. Hle next married Maria Warner, who also died. His third wife was Louisa Simpson, who still survives. By his first marriage, Mr. Bloomhuff had born unto him two children, Martha Ann and Marion F. Mar- tha married Ilenry L. Phillips, who served throughout the war of the rebellion. Ile was Colonel of the 70th Regt., O. V. I. llc died July 25th, 1866. Mrs. Phillips is Postmistress at Manches- ter, where she now resides. She lins three children named Cora, Dudley and Fannie. Francis Marion married Tamar Cochran. and lives on a farm one mile from Ripley, Brown county, O. They have eight children, William, Samnel IL., Frank S., John P., Lida J., Mattic, Dudley and Ada. By his second marriage he had five children, Isora I., who is dead ; Samantha Viola, who married Charles Galbraith. They live in Manchester and have two children. Ella J. (Mrs. Pollard) before stated. Minnie Irene married William Cropper. They live in Sprigg township, and have one child, a daughter, named Lola. John F. married Irene Stewart, and lives on the old homestead. By the third marriage were born three children, Essie Ruth, Dora P. and Edgar C., all at home with their parents. In his early days, Mr. Bloomhuff united with the M. E. church, of which he has remained a con- sistent member through life. He has for the last forty years been a minister in that denomination. Ile was in his day a prominent citizen of Adams county ; represented it in the Ohio Legislature in 1846, and has held other minor offices of public trust. IIe is now enfeebled by age, and almost blind, but is solaced in his de- clining years by the good wishes of kind friends and loving children, and after a long and useful life, awaits the summons that will soon call him henec. But to return to the Pollard fanii- ly ; Ilarvey S., the next after Morris, was born March 18, 1853, and died Sept. 30, 1850, in his fourteenth year. James Hiram was born May 15, 1855, and married Susan Hutchinson, Oct. 7, 1879. Ile Bes buried in the Pollard lot in the Odd Fellow's Com- ctery at Manchester. The widowed mother still remains on the old homestead, in the enjoyment of good health, surrounded by plenty of this world's goods, to make the remainder of her days comfortable and happy. They were truly good nud pions par- cuts, who brought up their children in the nurture and admon- ition of the Lord. They were from early years members of the Methodist church. and set a good Christian example by always being prompt at church when able. Mr. Pollard held the office of steward and trustee of his church for many years. His chil- dren loved to obey his wishes. Whatever father said, was, with them, always right. Ile lived to see them all embrace the faith he loved so well.
CHAPTER XXVII.
WINCHESTER Towssnr.
This township lies in the north-west corner of the county. It was organized January 2, 1833, by taking a territory from the
west side of Scott, four by alx mnllos, and from the north end of Wayne, four by two miles, making an area of thirty-two sommin mlles, It was called Winchester, from the village of that name embraced within its limits.
SURFACE.
Its surface is moderately rolling, but somewhat hilly along the water courses. The soil is a clay of medium fertility, that in early years, produced fair erops of cern and wheat, which were the farmer's principal reliance for money. This continued erop- ping of grain after awhile began to exhaust the soil, and other methods of farming became necessary., For the last few years more attention has been paid to stock raising, and with good rr- sults. Commercial fertilizers hive, also, been successfully up- plied to the lands. With more attention to stock raising, and proper methods of farming, this would be a good agricultural township.
CREEKS.
The principal stream is the west branch of Brush creek, which passes nearly centrally through it from west to cast. It received its name from the original forests that lined its banks.
LIMESTONE,
Which underlies the whole area of the township, crops out in endless quantities all along the banks of Brush creek, is of casy access, and when burned in kilns, makes a superior quality of lime for plastering and other mechanical purposes.
EARLY SETTLERS.
li is'generally more or less difficult to ascertain with certain- ty, who were the first settlers in a community, or just when, or . where they located. As near as can be gathered; it is probable the first in this township came about 1805. It is supposed that MeIntire was the first man who settled within its present limits. Ile came in 1805, and located about a mile and a half south of where the village of Winchester now stands. Israel Rhodes and Andrew Cleminer came in the same year, and located in the same neighborhood.
FIRST CHURCHES.
The first church built in the township was the M. E. church, erected in 1830.
The second one was the Baptist, built in 1831. This was a brick edifice, and is now used as a wagon shop. The society, however, retains an organization, and has another house of wor- ship. The third church was built by the Presbyterians in 1839.
THE FIRST SCHOOL HOUSE.
The first school house was a small log cabin, that stood where the village cemetery is uow located.
FIRST TEACHER,
The first teacher was Richard Cross. He taught in the above mentioned log school house.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
The following is a list of the Justices of the Peace, who have served since the organization of the township : William MeNeal, Samuel Holmes, Rezin T. Fowler, Richard Ramsey, (Mr. Ram- sey, who is now acting, has served in 'that capacity 27 years), William Long, Turner Osborne. A Mr. Thomas was elected, and served a few months in 1861, and resigued.
FIRST MILLS.
The first mill was built in 1809 or '10, by Richard Cross, near the north-east corner of South Winchester. It was propelled by horse power.
The second one was a tramp mill, located on Main street, erceted by Ezra Sparks in 1820.
The first water mill was started on Brush creek in 1820, by Joseph Marlatt, and the second one by Stephen Tolle, in 1835, on Eik Run. -
The first saw-mill was built by Joel Bailey, in 1825, on Elk Run. a mile and a hall' east of the village.
There are at present but two grist mills in the towushin : Thomas M. Young's steam' mill in the village, and James M. Rees', situated on Brush creek, 2'5 miles cast of Winchester. It runs by water and steam.
FIRST PHYSICIANS.
The first physician to locate in the village was Dr. Muhan, who came in 1832.
The second one was Dr. A. C. Lewis, who came in 1835.
SCHOOLS.
The township, exclusive of the village, is divided into seven sub-districts, with a school ennmeration in 1878, of 261 children of school age, as follows : White males, 150; white females, 100; colored males, 2.
55
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF ADAMS COUNTY, OHIO.
INDEPENDENT AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL ASSOCIATION OF ADAMS, BROWN AND HIGHLAND COUNTIES, O1110.
This is a joint stock company, incorporated under the laws of In State, in 1859.
Moses J. Paterson, Edward E. Wilkins, George 11. Dixon and I. U. de Bruin were the incorporators. It has a paid up cap- ital of $3,985. The original subscribed stock was $6,000, in shares ot $5. It owns twenty acres of land, one-half mile south of the village of Winchester, arranged with all the necessary conven- iences, where its annual fairs are held.
It held its first fair, Oct. 2d, 3d, 4th and 5th, 1860. 1ts usual attendance is from 8.000 to 15,000 people. The first dividend to stock holders was made in 1865, since which, there has been aunnal dividends, amounting in all to $1.241 on the paid up stock. It is in a Fourishing condition, well managed, and profitable to the association.
CHURCHES.
There are in the township seven churches, four in the village, and three in the country.
Those in the village are; One Methodist Episcopal, one Dis- ciple, one Presbyterian, one Baptist.
In the country are: One Methodist Episcopal, called "Cen- tennial;" one Methodist Protestant, called "Calvary ;" one Chris- tian church, called "Oakland."
WINCHESTER VILLAGE.
This is the only village in the townsh.ip. It was laid out by Joseph Darlinton, November 8, 1815, on a plat of 70 lots. Mr. Darlinton came from Winchester, Virginia, hence the name of his new town.
The first sale of lots was at quetion, Nov. 28, 1815.
On the 10th and 12th days of August, 1833, Joel Bailey sur- veyed and laid off' an addition of 82 lots, with a public square, containing 80 square rods. This addition is known as South Winchester. Richard Cross was the surveyor.
The village was incorporated in 1865, and is now governed by corporation laws, with officers to excente them.
.. FIRST HOUSE.
The first honse in the limits of the village, was built by Mr. Melntire in 1807, before the town was laid out. It was of hewed logs ; was weather-boarded by llamilton Dunbar in 1832; is still in a good state of preservation, and at this date-1880-is owned and occupied by David Young as a dwelling.
FIRST STORES.
The first store was opened by James and Joseph Bailey, in 1818 or '19. It was on lot 44, opposite the Post-office. The prop- erty is now owned by Mrs. M. J. Snedeker.
The second one was started by - Cunningham, on the east side of Main street. The building in which it was carried on, has long since been removed.
OIL MILL AND CARDING MILL.
In 1831, Levi Sparks built an oil mill and carding mill where he made flax seed oil and carded wool. They were opcr- crated by Milton Cutter until 1840, when the manufacture of oil became unprofitable and it was discontinued. The carding was, " continued, and the mill passed through several hands until 72, when M. J. Patterson becatoe proprietor, who built in con- sertion with it a flouring mill, which he carried on until in the fall of 1863, when the mill, errding machinery and tannery ad- . joining, were all consumed by fire.
Mr. Patterson was a member of the Legislature in 1860-61. Ile entered, the army early in the war. He died on Cheat Moun- tain in 1862.
HOTELS.
Joseph Eylar started the first hotel in the village abont 1810. It stood on the north-west corner of South street. The property is now owned by John Erthal.
The second tavern was owned by Lindsey Gossett, ahout 1830. It stood on the opposite side of the street from the first OLIC.
. The third one was started by Mr. Goldsbury in 1834, in a brick building now owned by A. L. Robbins.
There are at the present time four hotels, kept by the follow- ing proprietor's : 'D. F. Wilson, John Bradley, William Long, Mrs. Stevenson.
TANNERIES.
The first tannery was started in 1812 by Joseph Eylar, by whom it was carried on nutil near the time of his death in 1851. It was soon after discontinued.
The next one was started by Andrew Davidson, about 1835. I. Il. de Bruin has owned this establishment for several years, and worked it until within a few months past. It is still in con- piete order, though at present idle.
POST OFFICES.
There are two post offices in tho township, Winchester and Emerald.
WINCHESTER
Was established about 1820, and called Scott, frem the name of the township in which it was then situated, Winchester not then being a part of Scott. The office retained this name nutil April 1, 1880, when it was changed to Winchester.
The first Postmaster was Joseph Eylar, who served until 1841, when he was succeeded by James Sparks; the third was Isaac Prutzman ; the fourth, John Frow, 1847-6] ; the fifth, Jos. Eylar, 1862-64; the sixth and present incumbent is Aaron Shriver.
EMERALD.
This office, situated about three miles north-east of Winches- ter, was established about 1868, with Sanford Bnrba as first Post- master, who has since been succeeded by W. L. Albert, present inenmbent.
WINCHESTER LODGE I. O. O. F., NO. 508,
Was organized June 1, 1875, under the auspices of Bro. 11. Sly, M. W. Grand Master. The charter members were :
Dr. R. Bryant, C. W. Clowe, J. C. Boltin, Alex. Gilfillen J. L. Massie, S. G. Massie, S. E. Parker, John Sereight.
This lodge has passed through varied changes, and suffered by removals, expulsions, sickness and deaths, but has weathered the storms, and retains an efficient organization with 27 members at this time, July, 1880. The present officers are :
. J. A. Frow, N. G .; C. S. Carboy, V. G .; James Rea, Treas- urer; Rev. J. C. Boltin, Chaplain ; A. F. Shriver, R. S.
WINCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
BY PROF. W. A. CLARK.
The history of the Winchester public schools extends over a period of seventy-two years, during the first fifty-seven of which it existed as a sub-district, first of Scott, then of Winchester township. A correct chronology of the events of this period would be difficult to obtain. No certain record can be found, and we are forced to rely solely upon the personal recollections of in- dividuals.
For thirty years prior to the organization of Winchester town. ship in 1838, the school was a sub-district of Scott township. From 1838 to 1865, it was known as "District No. 4," of Winches . ter township. In 1865 it was organized into a special district. Under this new organization, which was that of schools in cor- porate villages, it had six directors and a board of examiners. This special board of examiners was discontinued several years ago.
The first school house within the present limits of the village was a log house built in 1808, upon a little eminence cast of town. This knoll is now the cemetery grounds ; and the graves of Judge Eylar and wife mark the site of the building. This house was used for school and church purposes for eighteen years. 1n 1826 another building for school purposes was erected on the "public square." This was also a log structure, and is still standing in the rear of the residence of J. A. Lemons. It was occupied until 1848. In 1839 the Legislature by a special aet authorized the sale of the building, together with the ground upon which it stood, Col. Wm. Robbins, II. I. de Bruin, Esq., and Dr. N. D. Thomp- son were appointed commissioners for that purpose. They ef- fected a sale, and applied the proceeds to the erection of a new building. A lot of land was bought of J. M. Darlinton, on the west side of town ; and on it was erected a ono-story brick build- ing of one room, the third school house built for the district. This building was used for school purposes until 1855. when it was found to be insufficient for the accommodation of the dis- trict, and was sold. It is now occupied by David Fisher as a private residence. Thos. Ramsey was the contractor for the new building, and received "eight hundred dollars and the old house" for building the new one. This house is a frame with two rooms, and a hall, and was built upon a lot "13 rods square," purchased of James Dunlap for $30.50. It was occupied until 1871, when the present building was ereeted.
The present house is the fifth school house built for the dis- triet. It is a two-story brick, 32x68, containing [four commo- dious rooms and hallways, and cost $4,000. The frame house after being sold and passing through several parties hands, was finally purchased by the school board, and is now used for tho colored school.
. The first teacher who taught in the district-in the log cabin on the cemetery grounds-was Richard Cross. This school was taught in 1808. For forty years following that time ono teacher seems to have been sufficient, but he undoubtedly had at times "a full school." In the records of 1847, is found the following :
"Report of Quarter of Schools, commencing Ang. 2d. and ending Oct. 22d, 1847 :
No. in attendance .. Males. 50
95
Females. 45
Average daily attendance GO 1-6
Oct. 23, 1847. A. C. DinoLD, Teacher."
One man taught this school for less than $25 per month! J'rom 1848 to 1855, the date of the building of the fourth school house, two teachers were employed for tho schools, with one or two exceptions. Since the year 1855, the number employed in the white schools, has in one or two instances reached four. The following persons have held the position of principal teacher since the organization of the special district, in 1865:
John B. Campbell 1865-66
Jolin Rea. . 1866-67
C. L. Bennett
.. 1867-68
L. J. Fenton 1868-69
G. F. Mead 1869-70
Joli A. White 1870-71
L. J. Fenton. 1871-75
J. F. Fenton . 1875-76
B. W. Fenton. 1876-77
William Stevenson 1877-79
W. A. Clark
1879-
The present organization of the school board (June, 1880), is as tollows :
Wm. Adams, Term expires, 1881.
Wm. Smith, Treas., 1881.
J. 1I. Bradford, 1882.
N. R. Thompson, Clerk, " 1882.
J. W. Rothrock, .
1883.
A. L. Robins, Pres.,
1883.
The enumeration for the year 1879, shows a scboel popula- tion of 181, of which 14 are colored. The schools are in session about eight months iu the year.
HISTORY OF THE WINCHESTER BAPTIST CHURCH.
BY THE PASTOR.
The history of this church cannot be given as fully as is de- sirable, owing to the fact that there are several breaks in the rec- ords of its carlier transactions; we give, bowever, its bistory, with as much regularity and consecutiveness as the records will permit.
The first church meeting, of which the records give account, was held at the house of Spencer Records, south of Fin castle, Brown county, O., Sept. 18th, 1813. At this meeting Elder Chas. B. Smith was called to the pastorate ot the church, and Brother Records was chosen Deacon, and Brother Laycock, Clerk of the church. On the 28th of August, 1814, the church held a meeting at the house of Brother Records, at which, the church chese to be known as the "Regular Baptist church at Brush creek, in Adams county, State of Ohio ;" and adopted the Articles of Faith. The constituent members signing the Articles of Faith at that meet- ing were as follows :
Jolin Murphy, Mary Murphy, Solomon Sparks, Catherine Sparks, Spencer Records, Elizabeth Records, John Pile, Rebecca Pile, William Laycock, Mary Barngrover, Abraham Thomas and Rachel Bailey.
Brother Thomas was the first person baptized by the church, his baptism occurring in June, 1814. From this date to 1818, the church met very irregularly and with but little success, Elder Chas. B. Smith continning with them as Pastor. On the 23d of May, 1818, the church dissolved, and ou Jan. 28th, 1820. a meet- ing was held at the house of Bro. Spencer Records, at which timo a reorganization of the church was consummated on their former Articles of Faith. There were present at this reorganization of the church, Spencer Records, Deacon ; Wmm. Laycock, Clerk ; Sol- omon Sparks, Abraham Thomas, Ilenry Pile, Elizabeth Records and Catherine Sparks. At this meeting the church dismissed by letter Brother and Sister Records, and Brother Wiu. Laycock. From 1826 to April 20th, 1828, the church failed, "through var- ious canses," to have meetings. Elder HI. Johnson began to preach for the church about this time, whether as pastor or not, the records do not state. During the time that Elder Johnson preached for the church, there were received by baptism 18, and 15 by letter and experience. The Strait ercek Association held its first session with this church, August, 1829. In 1830, the church began to build a meeting house, and appointed John Wallace, Solomon Sparks and Nathaniel Cloud, Trustecs, to attend to the building of tho new church house, to be erected on a lot in Win- chester, purchased of Samuel Bawldrige. Brother Rhoads was also afterward appointed as Trustee of the church. Tho church had no pastor, so far as the records show, until 1832, but during the interval Elders Johnson, Smith, Spolin and others, preached occasionally for them. Elder lliram Bennett was called to the pastorato in June, 1832, and continued his labors with the church about nine years. During his pastorate about 150 were received by baptism, 60 dismissed by letter, and 15 excluded.
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