USA > Ohio > Adams County > Caldwell's illustrated historical atlas of Adams County, Ohio. 1797-1880 > Part 6
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CHAPTER VII. SCOTT TOWNSHIP.
ORGANIZATION.
This township was organized by the Commissioners, Decem- ber 2, 1818. It was formed from the north part of Wayne, and comprised nearly the same territory now embraced within the present limits of Scott and Winchester.
The elections were ordered to be held at the house of David Itobe. The township was named in honor of Edwin Scott, an old citizen.
TOPOGRAPHY.
The south-western portion is moderately rolling land and good soil. There are a number of fair looking farms. Some of . these farmers raise fine stock-especially cattle and hogs, but the northern and north-eastern parts are hilly, poor looking lands, with farms that correspond.
The principal stream of water is George's creek, which trav- erxes from north-west to south-east. It is so called from George Scerest, who settled upou it at an early day.
1.
It is belleved that Reben Smith tin. John Oliver, and theorge Secrest. were the first white families. Hamilton set- tled about two miles west af Tranquillity, the others, on George's creek, a mite or twa below where the village now stand 4.
Robert Elliott was, als x, among the first to pitch his tent in this wilderness land. He came here in Isot, made some improve- ment, planted an orchard, reinrued for his family, which ho brought ont tho next year. He first owned 100 acres of land, and afterwards bought 50 more. This farm is now owned by A. C. Med'allough.
This Mr. Elliott was the first Justice of the Peace in this ses- tion of the country, Hi- commission is dated, Chillicothe, Sep- tember 10, 1831, and signed by Edward Tithu, Governor. The oath of office was administered by David Ellie, Associate Judge.
In 1802. there came in one company, four or live families named : Joseph Gaston, David MeCreight. Matthew McCreight, and James McCreight. These people left South Carolina shortly after the revolutionary war, on account of slavery ; they went to Kentucky, where they remained a few years, and from there movel to Adams county, in 1802.
When the MeCreights came, they found living here. William and John Melutyre, who occupied, near where the village now stand4. 300 acres of land. now belonging to the Han. John F. Wilson. James Montgomery aved three-fourths of a mile south. while a Mr. Kendall occupied the farm now owned by James Gasten.
STORES.
The first stare kept here, was started by the Hou. John T. Wilson. May 10, 1832-when the country was new-almost an un- broken wilderness-while the doleful howl of wolves and the more shrill screams of the panther resounded at night through the for- ests on all sides,
When Mr. Wilson commenced business, he rented a room in the stone dwelling house of dohn Smiley, that stands near George's ereck. three-fourths of a mile above the village, where with a capital of $300, he commenced his career in life, which has been prospered. inntil it had been crowned with success. After some years he built his present brick residence, to which he removed his store, in a room fitted up for the purpose. Here he carried on a large mercantile business until May 1. 1856, when he sold his stock of goods to Sileott & Matthews, who carried on the business in the same room a few months, when, on August 25. 1856, they . sold out to W. A. Blair, who conducted the business at the same place. until the summer of ISG1. when he built his present store- room in the village, and late in the fall of that year, removed his goods into it, and has there since carried on his business.
In 1867, William MeVey started a store in a house owned by Matthew Williams, on the south bank of the ereck. After a few years, MeVey sold his store to Williams, who run it a few months and closed it ont.
MIL.I.S.
The first water mill was built by Peter Simmons, on George's creek, two miles east of Tranquillity. This mill still continues to run. The next one was built by Levi Smith, on the west fork of Brush creek, four miles south-east of said village. This mill has gone down.
There are at present, three mills in running condition, in the township, as follows: 1. The Simmons' mill, mentioned above, now owned by James Parks. 2. The mill and saw-mill near the village. 3. A mill on Buck run, on the west side of the town- ship, known as Campbell's mill, now owned by D. H. Harsha.
VILLAGES, ETC.
There are in this township, 2 villages, 3 post offices, 4 churches, 3 mills, and 2 doctors.
TRANQUILLITV.
This is but a small place, and was never regularly laid ont as a village, having grown up by lots being sold from time to time to persons who desired to improve them and engage in business. It contains I store, I blacksmith shop, 1 saddler's shop, 1 millin- ery shop, 2 doctors, I church and 1 mill-perhaps a dozen houses and 50 to 60 inhabitants.
It received its name in this way : The Ilon. John T. Wilson, who started a store here at an early day, went to Cincinnati to buy his stock of goods, and when packing, the dealer inquired how they were to be directed. Mr. Wilson, who had neither vil- lage or post office near him, was at a loss. The merchant said it was better to have them marked to the name of some place ; any name would do. Mr. Wilson, who was a moral upright man, hesitated a moment, when the thought that " Tranquillity " was a word indicative of the peaceful quietude of the neighborhood, suggested that word as an appropriate name for his place of and business, which it has borne ever since.
MAY 1111.1 ..
This village is located in the north-east corner of the town-
ship. In Kemy's survey. It stands on high rolling hud, und is surrounded by a poor, billy country.
It was not laid out uta n town, but lots buvo been sold by Samuel Tweedy from his farm, as buyers wanted them. There is in the placo 1 store, 2 blacksmith shops, 1 shoe shop, I wagon maker, and GO inhabitants.
First settlers in the neighborhood of this place, were Stepben Clark and George Campbell, of Flat Run.
SCHOOLS
There are nine sub-districts in the township, with an enum- eration of children of school age in 1879 : Males, 221; females, 211; totat, 434. Number enrolled for same year : Males, 203; females, 150. Average daily attendance : Males, 114; females, 101.
There are nine school houses, all in good repair; common branches only taught.
Total expenditures for school purposes for the year IND, $3,333.
POST OFFICES.
TaxQrimarry .- This office was established June 19, 181 4. with John MeCreight, wha leis continually retained the offer to the present time.
MAY Hu ...- This office was established in 1850, with John A. Williams as Postmaster. The following is a list of the Post- masters since: A. C. Post, Samuel MeClure, J. L. Roberts, Josepdi Wiseenp, Z. T. Guthrie, Istiah Swishelm.
Beck Rex .- This office was established in 18 - with R. K. Campbell as Postmaster. Although Mr. C. has moved, it is be- lieved no sureessor is yet appointed, an assistant or deputy filling the place.
EARLY REMINISCENCES.
Scorr Towssinr .- The first death that occurred among the carly colonists, was a child of M :. Beard, which was buried in the cemetery where the U. P. church stands at Tranquillity. This is believed to bo the first grave of a white person in Scott township.
The first school house was a log cabin, built in 1807 or S, and stood on the grounds of the present cemetery of the U. P. church. The first teacher was James McGill. This house was nseil five or six years, when a new one was built on the farm now owned by James Gaston.
The oldest house now remaining in the township, was built by Joseph Gaston in 1802; in this building, his son, James Gas- ton, who now owns the premises, was born in 1816.
When the early settlers came to this neighborhood, there was a camp of Indians on the west branch of Brush creek, at a place since known as Indian Bottom. It was on what is now the farm of Mrs. Sarah Criswell. A Mr. Montgomery, who lived near them, had a son, some 16 or 17 years oldl. who used to go and play with the Indian boys, and became so attached to them and their manner of living, that when the tribe left the country, he went with them, in despite the entreaties of his parents, who never heard of him afterwards.
CHURCHES.
MOUNT ZION CHURCH-METHODIST EPISCOPAL .- This is situated near the north-west corner of the township. It was organized in [866, with a class of twelve members. In 1868, they bought one acre of land of Jolin Martin, and built a very neat frame house. 32x40, at a cost of $1,100. The dedication sermon was preached by Rev. J. Kenall. assisted by Rev. - McDonald and Rev. . J. IL. de Bruin. Mr. MeDonald preached the first sermon in it, : week previous to its dedication.
It now umbers sixty members, and a Sabbath school kept up through the entire year.
BUCK REN CUPREn-METHODIST EriscoPAL ..- No history this church given.
MOUNT LEIGH-PRESBYTERIAN .- This is one of the car'. churches of this neighborhood, and has a history that wonht doubtlessly be interesting, could it be accurately gathered, but from a lack of interest in the matter, those who ought to be par- tienlarly interested in it, have failed to supply tangible data for the purpose.
Trasormurry 17. P. CHURCH-FIRST PREACHING, FIRST U. P. Curuen .- A tull history of the early planting of this church, at Tranquillity, could it be gathered, would doubtless make an in- teresting article for our work, but unfortunately it appears to be lost. After diligent search the writer was unable to tind a record of it-or even find any of its members or other old citizens who have any clear personal recollections concerning it, though it has had an existence of three-quarters of a century. They have even preserved but tew traditions of it, and these are vague and indetinite.
As nearly as can be gathered, preaching was an early-institu- tion among these pioneers. The first sermons preached, were probably at private houses in the neighborhood. Sometime in the year 1807, a meeting was held al the house of John Milligan, to adopt preliminary measures for forming a church organiza- tion, but we can only gather a few of the names of those who par- tiripated in the meeting and organization, and these only from tradition. They ure sail to be John Milligan, John Melntire,
17
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF ADAMS COUNTY, OHIO.
Jumos Montgomery, John Mccullough, Alexander McCullongh Robert Elliott, David MeCreight, Sr., David McCreight, Jr., Jus, Wright. Robert Glasgow, Joseph Glasgow. These persons joined in a petition to the A. R. Presbytery, of kentucky, asking for the organization of a eburch, and that it be called " Hopewell," which name had already been given to the preaching station. This mime it bore until 1835, when it was changed to "West Fork," und in the year 1860, it was again changed to "Tranquillity," which it yet bears. The next step in its history was to build a tent as a temporary place of worship. This must have been about 1807 or 1808.
These tents are structures six or eight feet square, made of logs or boards, with three sides 'enclosed, and one side open, covered with boards or slabs, and a floor elevated a few feet above the ground. They are usually built in forests or groves. In the front or open side, with a slab or board for his desk, stood the preacher, who addressed the congregations, who were seated in front of him, on logs or on benches made from the halves of saplings split in two parts for seats, beneath the protecting shade afforded by the thick foliage of the branches of the frees above them, well calculated to remind us of Bryant's " Forest Hymn :"
"The groves were God's first temple. Ere man learned To hew the shaft and lay the architrave, And spread the roof above them-ere he framed The lofty vault, to gather and roll back The sound of anthems ; in the darkling wood, Amidst the cool and silence, he knelt down, And offered to the mightiest thanks And supplication."
Such was the starting of this church, but its subsequent his- tory is obscure, its congregation having seemingly forgotten the injunction, "the man dies but his memory should live."
This tent, after serving its purposes a year or two, was proba- bly succeeded by a log house, in which the congregation could assemble and worship, protected from inclement weather. This house was built sometime in the year 1810. It was 30x35, and used for a long time without chimney or floor. It was after- wards enlarged by making an addition to tho two sides. This addition was in the form of a pen of three sides, joined to the main building by placing the frout or open side next to it. cutting out the logs of the house opposite, in the same manner that the outside frame work was made for the old cabin fire-places. One of these rooms was used as a pulpit, while the door entered the opposite one. This house was afterwards ceiled and weather- boarded, and used until 1853, when it was succeeded by the pres- ent one, a frame building 50x70; nicely finished inside and ont- side, costing $2,200. The congregation owns about 316 acres of land, deeded at different times, by James Melntire, Nancy Me- Creight and IIon. John T. Wilson. Abont 1)6 acres of this is used for the cemetery.
The new organization, together with Eagle Creek and Cherry Fork, were supplied by the following named ministers of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, to-wit : Revs. John Steele, James Brown, Abraham Craig, James Magill, David Risk and R. H. Bishop, a part of their time.
The first regular pastor of the congregation was the Rev. William Baldridge, who continued in charge from 1809 to 1818, giving one-fourth his time between these dates, and one-half his time from 1818 to decease, October 6, 1830. The next pastor was I .v. Robert Stewart, from 1832 until 1838, one-half his time, when he was released to give his full time to Cherry Fork con- gregation. The next pastor was the Rev. John Graham, who took charge in 1841, and continued until his death, July 15. 1849, of cholera. He was pastor of the West Fork and West Union churches, united in one charge. The next pastor was Rev. Mar- ion Morrison, who took charge for his whole time, in 1850, and remained until 1856, when he resigned, to accept the chair of mathematics in Monmouth College, Illinois. The next was Rev. John Gilmore, who took charge in April, 1857, and continued un- til February, 1871, when he resigned. The next pastor was Rev. Jonathan Stewart, who took charge September, 1871, and con- tinued until his death, March 2, 1878. The next was the present pastor, Rev. Washington Wallace, who took charge June 1, 1879. The congregation has had zeven regular pastors, who have had charge of it during a period of 51 years ; the other 11 years liave been made up by supplies, making the whole age of its existence 73 years. :
The following named persons have been ordained elders in .tho congregation sinco Its organization, to-wit : John: Milligan, John McCullongh, Robert Elliott and Jamos Wright, who consti- tuted the first board. In 1814, John Glasgow and Matthew Mc- Creight were ordained to the same office. . In 1832, R. B. Glasgow, "James MeCreight, Isaac Sinith and John Mccullough, Jr., wero ordained to tho same offiec. , Again there were ordalned in.18;1, J. M. Glasgow and Joseph MeCreight; In 1856, J. M. McCreight and John Bayless; in 1800, W. P. Brockenridge and Matthew McCreight, Jr .; In 1868, William O. McCreight, Sampson WII- Haus, Isaac N. Smith, R. P. Finley and John Eakin, were or- dalned eiders, making in all, 21 ehlers who have at different
times been chosen by the congregation. The present board con- sists of William O. MeCreight, John Bayless, J. M. MeCreight, W. P. Breckinridge, Simpson Williams, R. P. Finley and John Platter ; the last mumed person was received from a neighboring church by a certificate.
The congregation has had the following clerks : From its or- ganization down to 1835, were Isaac Smith and William McCor- mick ; from 1835 to 1844, Thomas Kirkpatrick. The next was William M. Hays, 1844-47; John McCreight, 1848-55; David Gaston, 1855-65; James Smiley, 1866-67; Robert S. Williams, 1867-68; S. A. Mccullough, 1869-80.
The congregation at present numbers 190 members.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
WILLIAM B. GREGG, was born in Loudon county. Virginia, November 19, 1825. In 1832, his parents removed to Frederick- town, Knox county, Ohio, where they settled and resided until 1838, in which year they removed to Adams county. . Here they have since lived. ITis father died August 18, 1878, aged 78 years. Ilis mother still survives, at the advanced age of 82 years. William B. Gregg owns a farm of 140 acres of land, which he keeps in serupulously neat condition. 1Ie raises short horn Dur- ham cattle and Poland China hogs, of pure blood and extra quality. Mr. Gregg married Miss Sarah Rea, May 6, 1879.
ISAAC MARTIN came with his grandfather to Adams county, in 1801, where he has resided most of the time since. In 1833, he married Miss Amanda Davidson. They are the parents of eleven childreu, named, John, Amaziah, Sarah, William, James, Mary, Jesse and Isaac, who are still living. Robinson, Jane and an in- fant are with the dead. Mr. Martin, though well up in years, is full of energy, and can be seen at work on his farm, with all the ambition and vigor of much younger men. Ilis farm is one of the best in Scott township, and is excelled by few in. the county.
CHAPTER VIII.
BRATTON TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION.
This township was organized September 4th, 1877, from ter- ritory taken off the west side of Franklin. It was named Bratton, in honor of John Bratton, an old and respected citizen. The first. election for officers was hell September 22d, of that year.
TOPOGRAPHY.
The surface is a high rolling land with a clay soil. Along the streams, however, are narrow valleys of rich bottom land that is very productive. The limestone rock is the principal geo- logical formation.
STREAMS.
The principal stream of water is the east branch of Brush creek, which passes through it from north to south, with its nu- merous smaller tributaries.
FARM PRODUCTIONS.
The main grain erops of the farmers are wheat and corn ; their stock, cattle and hogs. These are their principal sources of revenue.
EARLY SETTLERS.
Abraham Shepherd, of Kentucky, located a tract of two thousand acres in this township, known as Shepherd's survey. which he sold out in parcels to suit purchasers. IIe eame in 1803, and settled on a part of this tract, now owned by Peter Andrews .. IIe was probably the first settler within the present limits of Bratton township, and perhaps only came here, that he might the more easily disposo of his land, as wo find that as soon as he sold it out, he moved to Ripley, Brown county, and settled there.
When Mr. Shepherd came, he cut a road through the forest from Maysville here. This is yet known as "Shepherd's trace" and a small stream that passes Louisville, along which he passed, is called Shepherd's run.
In the spring of 1803, threo brothers, Benjamin, Joseph and John West, came from Pittsylvania county, Virginia. In 1804, John West bought 200 acres In the north part of this survey, and hi 1805 he. bought .200 aeres more of it, and built his enbin on the first purchase. The original 200 acres is now owned by. Edwin Butler, R. McClure and L. West,
Jolin West was a Quaker, an Industrious, hard working man. thorough in all he did, and done much to develop the resources of tho county.'
William Armstrong cume about 1833 or '4, and settled two miles above Loudon, on the farm now owned by his son, John Armstrong.
Adamı Keller settled on Brush creek in 1804, and Michael and Mathias Beavers, who came from Kentucky, settled In 1807.
George Mackey, one of the carly settlers, bought 200 neres of
land of a Mr. Trimble, of Kentucky, paul for it by building a house for Mr. Trimble over in Kentucky, then built hisown house without using a nail in it.
Mt1.t.s.
The first mill in Bratton was bullt by Samnel Shoemaker, on Brush creek.
There are at prevent two mills in this township, vix. : Wil- liams & Kelley's will ou West creek, in the N. W. corner, aud James R. Hooper's mill at Marble Furnace,
The first meeting house was built at Loudon in 1842, by the M. E. church. The first sermon in the township was preached by Rev. Benjamin Van Pelt, a methodist tainister, at the house of Morgan Williams.
'There are at present four churches, one M. E. church at I.on .- don, one M. E. church, at Louisville, one German Baptist (Dutti - ard) at Marble Furnace, one German Baptist (Dunkard) at Mav Hill.
SCHOOLS.
The first school was probably tanght by Mr. Vinsonhaler, in 1815, in a house of Gov. Trimble, on land now owned by Alfred Fulton.
VILLAGES.
There are in Bratton three villages, Loudon, Marble Furnace and Louisville, all very small places.
LOUDON.
This was never regularly laid out as a town. In 1839, E. L. G. Lovett started a country store at his residence, and sold from time to time small lots of land, which were improved and a few mechanies and tradesmen settled on them, and in 1844 a Postoffice was established. There are now one store, one blacksmith shop, a Post office, and some three houses.
In 1841 Mr. Lovett sold his store to William George, who in 1842 or '43, sold to David Fulton, who was in 1844, or '45, succeed- ed by S. E. Gore and Dorsey Fulton. They in turn sold to Charles Fulton, who sold to Addison Turner. John M. Gore next snc- ceeded, but soon died. The store was then sold by the Adminis- trator to J. S. Williamson and David Lovett. Wiliamson pres- ently sold his interest to his partner, Lovett, who aftewards sold to the present proprietor, II. S. MeClure.
POST OFFICE.
The Post office at this place was tirst called Loudon because a large proportion of the neighbors came from London county, Vir- ginia, but there being a post office in the State called Lodon, the mails were frequently missent to that office. The name of Lou- dou was changed to Lovett, in honor of the proprietor. The office was established about 1844, with Mr. Lovett as postmaster. Ile was sneceeded by David Fulton, and he by Addison Turner, then John M. Gore ; next, I. S. Williamson, then D. D. Lovett, who was succeeded by A. Spencer MeClure, the present incumbent,
MARILE FURNACE.
This is a small village that grew up around the furnace of that name, which was established here at an early day. This fur- nace was built by the late Gov. MeArthur and Thomas James, in 1811-12. In getting 'ont the stone for the furnace they quarried a kind of limestone that bore some resemblance to marble, and hence its name, "Marble Farnace." It has not been ran since 1832 or '33. It is generally supposed it ceased from exhaustion ot the supply of ore, but this has since been doubted. The building- are now in ruins. A few houses now compose the village. A mill, a country jobbing foundry, a shoe shop and post office, con- stitute the business of the place. There is a Dun's rd, or German Baptist church.
LOUISVILLE.
This place eau now hardly be called a village, though it was regularly laid out as such. It lies on the southern side of the township.
It was laid ont by Dr. John Gustin, December 3, 1838. It was on a plat of eleven acres of land, divided into forty lots.
There was a store started in the new village by Lacey .Peyton, which, after passing through many hands was funlly, in 1867. while owned by a Mr. Shelby, burut, and none has since token its place. A post offico was also established, with Jaines MeAdow as Postmaster, who resigned, and W. C. Gustin was appointed to succeed bim, who ulso, in 1832, resigued. Jonatimn McMillen was appointed to fill tho vacancy, October 27, 1852. He died and was suceceded by his son, T. II. MeMillen, January 27, 1864, but resigned in October, 1865. No appointment was over made to.fill the vacuney and no post office Imus since existed. The office was callod Gustin, in honor of Dr. John' Gustin, an esteemed citizen.
There is au M. E. church, that stands ou lot 2. This church was organized and a house built in 1848. This building was used until 1866, when a good frume editise was erected. There Is now n membership of 90. This church building and a small log house nre all that renmins to mark the place of the village.
18
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF ADAMS COUNTY, OHIO.
MIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES-THE MURPHY FAMILY.
Among the curly settlers of Bratton township was Robert Murjde, who came from Kentucky ant 1803, and settled on Tivorge's creek, a short distance below Tranquility, built his eib- in, commenced clearing his land nad lived there until 1818, when he purchased the property now owned by Robert and Benjamin Murphy, on the road from Nowport to May Hill, one and a half miles from the-latter place. He married Miss Elizabeth Clifford, of Flemingsburg, Ky., in 1798. They reared a family of eleven children, seven sous and four danghters. . Mr. Murphy died in 1852.
Robert Murphy, Jr., now owns the property on which his father lived thirty-two years. Benjamin Murphy, brother 'ot Robert Jr., is now living at the advanced age of eighty years, on a jart of the original homestead He married Miss Cynthia Washburn, of Highland county, Ohio, in 1822. They have reared a firnily of eleven children, eight sons and three daughters.
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