USA > Ohio > Delaware County > History of Delaware County and Ohio : containing a brief history of the state of Ohio biographical sketches etc. V. 2 > Part 21
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The land has an abundance of moisture, being well watered by the Scioto and its tributaries. In the extreme northwestern part of the township, there is an outcropping of the Oriskany sandstone, while the great body of the drift land lying to the west- ward of the Scioto is superimposed upon beds of limestone. In some localities this limestone is very soft, and when exposed to the action of the sun's rays and the disintegrating power of the air, turns white, and, crumbling to pieces, gives material aid and strength to the soil. The farm- ing lands throughout the entire township are well cultivated and very rich, but along the "bottoms " it is held in especial favor and demands a high price. The cleared land, as regards the raising of cereals, bears abundantly, and the productions are of a general character.
The first settler that came into what is now Thompson Township was Samuel Weaver, who came from the southeastern part of Virginia in the fall of 1808 to Chillicothe. Hearing glow- ing accounts of the land in the township from one of the surveyors, he concluded to start the fol- lowing spring and locate his grant. Accordingly, in the early part of March, we find him on his way, reaching this locality about the 1st of April. Having disposed of his grant, he located on land belonging to a man by the name of Hill. and situ- ated just south of Clark's survey. His arrival becoming known to the Welsh settlers, near Delhi, they crossed the river and assisted him in raising his cabin. He commenced to clear the land, and continued to work it until his death. One day his wife, upon returning from the field, where she had gone to assist her husband in some labor, was hor- rified to find a huge snake taking milk from the cup that stood at the side of her sleeping babe. To add to her terror, the child, as if feeling the influence of her presence, awoke, and, seeing the fascinating object so near, stretched out its dimpled hands toward the snake. The mother, smothering the cry that came to her lips, quietly stole away and placed a pan of milk on the doorway. The snake, thus attracted, left the side of the laughing child, and, when it was at a safe distance from the babe, the brave woman killed it. Michael Dilsaver came to this locality, soon after Weaver and his family moved in the township, and settled at the ford that bears his name in the southeast corner of the township. It was not until 1816 that James Cochran, a native of the Keystone State, came to this township. He entered Ohio by way of Wheel- ing, and, after stopping a short time at Zanesville.
545
HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
reached Dilsaver's ford in the spring of 1817, and following the trail north for a short distance, settled on land now occupied by J. W. Cone. Immedi- ately upon his arrival, he erected a log cabin near the mouth of Fulton's Creek, but, during a freshet, the water in the river and the creek having risen and endangered his home, he was compelled to move to the high ground a short distance west of the mouth of the creek. About 1827, Cochran built the first grist-mill in the township. It was constructed of logs, and located on Fulton's Creek, not far from its mouth. The dam at first was of brush, but soon after made more substantial by means of heavy logs. That a mill was not erected until this late date arises from the fact that the early settlers found it quite convenient to go to Millville, in Scioto Township, where a mill had been established at an early date. Cochran was energetic and enterprising, doing much toward opening up the then new country. John Swartz came to this locality in 1818, from Highland County, Penn., but was originally from New Jer- sey. He was an old Revolutionary soldier, having served for some time under the immortal Wash- ington. Swartz was accompanied by his four sons, and settled on land near what is now known as Pickrell's Mills. He, with the help of his sons. put up a cabin, and, having cleared a tract of land, sowed it in wheat, but the anticipated crop proved an utter failure, and, after a few trials, which showed the same result, the project was abandoned. It was several years before any of the farmers could again be induced to try the experiment. Swartz died in 1841, and left two sons, Jacob, who still lives on the old farm near the mills, a hale old man of eighty, and Henry. Sebastian, another son, was in the war of 1812, and died in 1822. Henry was also in the same war. The following story concerning him appears in the his- tory of Ohio : " About 1820, a party of Indians came down from the north to hunt on Fulton's Creek, a custom which they frequently indulged in, and were ordered away by Henry Swartz. They replied that they would not leave their time- honored hunting-ground. That, although the land belonged to the white man, the game belonged to the Indian. They also claimed that inasmuch as they were friends they ought not to be molested. A few days after this, two of their number were missing, and they hunted the entire country over without finding them. At last they found evidence of human bones where there had been a fire, and immediately charged Swartz with killing and burn-
ing their missing companions. They threatened vengeance on him, and until his death he had to be constantly on his guard to prevent being way- laid. The matter never was legally investigated, but it was supposed by some, that he, with the assistance of a man by the name of Williams, really disposed of them in the manner above stated." The same year that Swartz settled in this locality, Simeon Lindsley and John Hurd came to Thompson, and settled on the old military road, directly south of where Swartz had located his land. They were both from Vermont. Roswell Field, an industrious Canadian, entered the town- ship about the same time, and settled on the banks of the river, a short distance north of Dilsaver's Ford. He was the first carpenter in the township, and erected the first frame house. When the town- ship was formed in 1820, Field was elected Justice of the Peace, and performed the marriage cere- mony for the matrimonially inclined until a minis- ter had settled in the neighborhood. The next settlers in the township were Samuel Broderick and Joseph Russell, who came in the latter part of the year 1819, settling on Clark's survey, about three miles north of the mills. Russell and his family came here from Connecticut, and, buying 318 acres of land heavily timbered, began to clear. These were all the settlers in the township at this date, and it was not until between 1828 and 1838 that others began to make their homes here in any considerable numbers, and the settlements that were made being principally along the river, the interior was neglected until quite recently.
The first grist-mill erected in Thompson Town- ship was on Fulton's Creek, about half a mile from the mouth of the same. and where the present mill is located. It was built by James Cochran about 1827. A few years after, Fields erected a saw- mill at the same site, and the grist-mill having in the.mean time become rather dilapidated. Fields rebuilt it. In 1830, Jacob Swartz built the first saw-mill in the township, which is still in exist- ence, and runs whenever there is sufficient water. It is situated on the west bank of the Scioto River, about two rods below Pickrell's grist-will. It is now the property of Mr. Pickrell. In 1844, J. W. Cone, who had served an apprenticeship in the old Delaware woolen mill, built a similar in- stitution in this township, which for thirty years was the pride of this section. It stood where Pickrell's grist-mill now stands, and the old dam which backs up the water for the use of the latter furnished for many years the motor-power of the
546
HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
factory. It was not until 1868 that steam was introduced for the purpose of running the mill, and from sparks blown from the engine the latter took fire, and was burned down in 1874. In 1877, H. P. Pickrell, who formerly ran the grist- mill at Ostrander, came to this place, and where Cone's woolen-mill stood he erected the large grist- mill which is now in full operation. There is a small saw-mill, the property of Clark Decker, sit- uated in the extreme northeastern portion of the township, on the Scioto River. It was built about 1863. The first bridge over the Scioto River in this township, connecting it with Radnor, was not built until 1869. It is a wooden bridge, covered and spans the river on what is known as the road to Delhi. Prior to the time it was built, the only way the people had for crossing the river was to ford it, and the most favorable spot for this purpose is called the " Broad Ford," on the south- ern boundary line of the township. Jacob Swartz built a large flat-boat and a canoe, by means of which he used to ferry the people across when the river was high. In about 1875, a small covered bridge-a wooden structure-was built across Ful- ton's Creek, on what is known as the Fulton Creek road, about a mile west from the mill on the same road.
The first birth of a white child that took place in Thompson Township was that of Susanna Coch- ran, a daughter of James Cochran. She was born in the year 1817. The first death that took place in the township, was that of Michael Dilsaver. In 1821, Mrs. Margaret Swartz died, and she was taken to the little cemetery on Boke's Creek, in Scioto Township. It does not take a very fertile imagination to picture forth the effect this solemn procession made upon the mind and heart of the early settler, as it wended its way along the river road to the tombed and silent city of the dead. But even the terrors of death are for a short time dispelled by the happy surroundings of those who are about to clasp each other's hands, and thus with rapture beaming in their countenances join destinies for the journey down the thorny path of life. And so it was undoubtedly with the first marriage, when Catherine Swartz was wed to Will- iam Travers, the ceremony of which took place in the year 1822, and was performed in the log-cabin of John Swartz, father of Catherine ; in this case, Squire Fields officiated in uniting those
" Two souls with but a single thought,
Two hearts that beat as one."
From all directions the young people gathered to witness the ceremony, and after it was con- cluded, they assembled on the puncheon floor of the cabin and the fiddlers having been notified, the dancing commenced. Of course the splinters in the floor interfered somewhat with a long chas- sez, and, by sticking into the bare feet of the dan- cers, made a proper rendition of "balance to 'yer ' partner " also a little precarious ; still it was a happy occasion, and the supper composed of ven- ison and wild honey was not at all had.
The first schoolhouse was a small hewn-log cabin, and was situated on Fulton's Creek. In this rude temple of education, James Crawford first taught the pioneer boy and girl the rudiments of that knowledge, which many times they had to undergo such hardships to attain. The first cabin ever erected in this township was put up by Samuel Weaver about 1809, and was, in construction, similar to all the log cabins of the pioneers. The first apple-trees introduced into the township was set out by Jacob Swartz, who bought them from a man on Mill Creek. The first tannery that began operations was built about 1845, by Israel Waters, and stood near where Pickrell's Mills now stands. The building has long since been destroyed. Roswell Fields himself, the first carpenter, erected the first frame house in the township, and Jacob Swartz the second. The first brick house was put up by Hoskins. Joseph Cubberly was the first black- smith, and opened his shop and began operations in the year 1825. The first store in the township was opened in a frame house near where Pick- rell's Mills are now situated, and was owned by Joseph Cox. Prior Cox was clerk in the store. Fletcher Welch, acting as an agent for Anthony Walker, of Delaware, sold goods on Swartz's place before the store was opened, but Indian traders used to come up to the little settlement long in advance of either of the above-mentioned parties. Dr. Mathias Gerehard was the first resident phy- sician in the township. The first tavern was kept by John Detwiler, who also for thirty years carried on the business of selling liquor, when the estab- lishment was sold out and never started again. Thomas Lavender was a brickmaker, the first in the township, and burned the first kiln of brick, and built one of the first brick houses.
In following through the history of the settle- ment of this township, it will be noticed that but comparatively few families found homes here at so early a period as in adjoining townships, and it
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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
547
was not until a late date that a sufficient number had been added to the neighborhood to enable them to support those institutions that are neces- sary adjuncts to the well-being of all civilized communities. It is not surprising then that churches and schools were not instituted here until after they were enjoyed in almost every other locality throughout the country, Radnor and Scioto Townships being contiguous afforded opportunities for those living in Thompson for worship, and it was to churches in these localities that the good people would make their regular Sunday journey. These, of course, were at times attended with some difficulties. The Scioto. River intervened between Radnor and Thompson ; this had to be forded, which in times of high water was not only a dangerous undertaking, but in the flooded stages impossible. Thus were the devout who journeyed in that direction either compelled to forego their accustomed pilgrimage to the temple of God, or avail themselves of similar privileges afforded in Scioto. It was not until about the year 1840, that religious organizations began to take shape here. About this time, the New Lights or Christians formed their society, and in
1843, erected a church on Tau Way Run, the Rev. Isaac Walters officiating as their first min- ister. Here they held their services until 1873, when the church burned down, it is thought through the act of an incendiary. Nothing daunted, and with commendable zeal, they immediately commenced their plans for a new building, and this they completed in 1875, the site being one mile west of the old church. They now have periodical preaching, and the charge is not in a very flourishing condition. The Methodist Epis- copal organization, it is supposed by some, existed prior to that of the Christian, but this is in doubt. The first meetings of the Methodists were held at
the residence of Joseph Russell, and then in a small log church put up by them, in union with the Disciple society. In this they worshiped under ministrations of the Rev. Ebenezer Webster, who was on the Richwood Circuit, this charge
having been placed under that jurisdiction. A few years later, they were changed to the Delhi
Circuit, and the congregation assembled at the
house of Henry C. Flemming to hear the " word expounded," changing occasionally to other con- veniently situated residences, and at times holding
services in the neighborhood schoolhouse. In
1867, they were again changed, at which time the
little charge was placed on the Prospect or Middle-
town Circuit, and there they gathered together in their little circles, constant in their adherence to faith and duty. During this unsatisfactory state of affairs, in 1868, they began agitating the question of building a temple of their own. Accordingly one-fourth of an acre, situated on the State road, a short distance north of the covered bridge, was bought for a site, including space for a burying-ground. A subscription having been raised, work was immediately com- menced for the construction of a frame build- ing that would amply satisfy the wants of the people. At this time, the society embraced in its membership but two male members, Henry C. Fleming and James Maize. To them belong a great share of the credit for the present prosper- ous condition of the organization. However, the ladies, constituting as they did a large major- ity of its strength, must have wielded an influ- ence in shaping the course of affairs that cannot be ignored, and to them, undoubtedly, is due great praise for their active cooperation in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the society. The new church was finished the latter part of December, 1869,and dedicated the 1st day of January, 1370, by Rev. Benjamin Powell, at that time on the Delhi Circuit, Rev. Caleb Hill being the Pastor in charge at the time. The first class was composed of the following-named persons : James Maize and wife, Henry C. Fleming, Ann Evans and James Flem- ing. The church has now a membership of forty-four, and is in a prosperous condition. Since the new building has been in use the following 'clergymen have filled the pastoral charge : Caleb Hill, A. D. Mathers, William Lance, Frank B. Olds, Henry Pilcher, Jobn Hills and Benjamin Powell. Fulton's Creek Methodist Church is situated in the western part of the township, near the creek from which it takes its name. Their present meeting-house was built in 1868, and cost $1,100. It is a frame structure, conveniently located for the accommoda- tion of the people, and well adapted for its pur- pose. The original trustees were Thomas Arm- strong, John Kennedy, Thomas Love, John G. Curry. Lewis Wolfley and Henry Perry. It was dedicated. by the Rev. Mr. Henderson, the present Pastor being Benjamin Powell. The organization existed some years before the present church building was erected, the information in relation to time and its early condition not being accessible. The New Disciple or Campbellite denomination have a comfortable frame church, situated in the
548
HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
north central part of the township, which was built in 1853, and dedicated the same year. The organization existed as such previous to that date.
The first school building erected in the township was of hewn logs. The fireplace was constructed of mortar made from mud and straw ; a greased paper pasted over an aperture which had been made by cutting out a section of the logs, served as a window for lighting the interior. The door was swung on wooden hinges, and, as the boards which entered into the construction had not been well seasoned, the door sagged, leaving a huge crack at the top. Here, in this rude excuse for a building, James Crawford exercised the functions of a teacher half a century ago. In winter, the wild wind blew the snow through the cracks and crevices, and drove the smoke into the room as it swept down the great, wide chimney. The amount of fuel consumed was enormous, and, as the scholars huddled around the fire, the smoke fill- ing the room, hiding for a moment the face of the teacher, that same old sharp thorn from the wild apple would come into play, and the cry of agony from the unsuspecting victim could be heard above the roar of the storm without. But to-day how changed. Instead of the little cabin schoolhouse on Fulton's Creek, the only one in the township, we now see eight comfortable buildings devoted to school purposes, with modern equipments, in which a competent corps of teachers impart a good and thorough knowledge of the common branches. The following are the school statistics of the township:
Moneys on hand September 1, 1878. S 705 92
State tax. 410 00
Irreducible fund. 26 84
Local tax for school and schoolhouse purposes, 1,033 36
Total .$2,177 12
Total of expenditure. .$1,858 02
Number of districts or subdistricts. 8
Number of schoolhouses. 8
Total value of school property. $2,200 00
Number of male teachers employed within the year. 6
Number of female teachers employed within the year. 8
Average wages of male teachers 30 00
Average wages of female teachers 21 00
Number of teachers that taught through the entire year (ladies). 2
Average number of weeks the schools were in session. 25
Number of male pupils enrolled within the year. 83
Number of female pupils enrolled within the
year
97
Average monthly enrollment (boys). 91
Average monthly enrollment (girls). . 77
Number of male pupils enrolled between the ages of 16 and 21 21 Number of female pupils enrolled between the ages of 16 and 21. 9
The schools of the township are in good condi- tion, and, as the country is becoming more thickly settled, they are rapidly filling up, and erelong another demand will be made for a new school- house, to meet the wants of the increasing attend- ance.
Thompson Township is at the present time strongly Democratic, and it appears that but twice in the history of the township has it been carried by an opposite party. In 1854, the Know-Noth- ing party organized secretly and succeeded in carrying the township. The origin and secret workings of this party are well known to most of the old politicians, and it is sufficient to say that at that time, by a combination of issues, this party succeeded in carrying the election. In 1855, the Democrats made a square fight against them, but again they succeeded in gaining all the offices ex- cepting that of Assessor. In 1857, on account of the decline of the dominant party, the Democrats carried the township, and this was the death-blow of the Know-Nothing organization here, which, after that date, presented no opposition. The fol- lowing statistics show the relative strength of the two parties at the last election : Governor- Charles Foster, Republican, 79; Thomas Ewing. Democrat, 146; Gideon F. Stewart, Prohibition- ist, 2. Lieutenant Governor-A. Hickenlooper, Republican, 79; M. V. Rice, Democrat, 145 ; J. W. Sharp, Prohibitionist, 3. State Senator- Thomas Joy, Republican, 81; F. M. Marriott. Democrat, 142. State Representative-John Jones, Republican, 92; D. H. Elliott, Democrat. 128.
What is now known as Pickrell's Mills Post Office, at one time went by the name of Eagle- town, Cone's Mills, etc. It consists of a few houses clustering around the mill and store now owned by Pickrell. It is situated on the old mil- itary road about a mile above Delsaver's Ford. This point is one of the oldest settled in the town- ship, and at one time bid fair to become quite a village, but the few industries located at the place dying out for want of proper encouragement, to- gether with the burning of Cone's woolen factory. scaled the fate of the little place. At present, the saw and grist mille are the only industries. A
Israel Potter
BROWN TP.
549-550
HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.
551
small store on the east side of the road, at which the post office is situated, enjoys a precarious ex- istence. H. P. Pickrell is the present Postmaster. Patterson Post Office was the dignified title held by an old frame house situated on the military
road a short distance north of the mouth of Ful- ton Creek. At this point McCausland distributed the mail for the township and hence the name. Since the establishment of the post office at Pickrell's Mills, the other has been discontinued.
CHAPTER XXV .*
BROWN TOWNSHIP-HISTORICAL AND DESCRIPTIVE-EARLY SETTLEMENT-WAR AND POLITICS -COUNTY INFIRMARY-CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS-VILLAGES.
" Long winters have flown over the scenes of the past, And many have turned gray in the winter's cold blast, While others only dream of the time that is gone ; They are bent by the years that are fast rolling on." -McDonald.
THE history attaching to this subdivision of Delaware County really begins about 1804 or 1805, with the discovery of salt in the vicinity, although the first permanent settlement within the present boundaries of the township extends back no farther than 1817. The lapse of sixty-three years (1817 to 1880), imperceptible in the esti- mate of an eternity, is a long hiatus in human life. It removes two generations into darkness and dust, and places another in their seats who have nearly run their course.
We ask the reader to accompany us in imagina- tion back over the years that are gone, and behold the country clothed in primeval forests, and peo- pled with the " noble red man." He knew the labyrinthian avenues of these dark and gloomy forests, as we know the roadways of the present day. Wild game abounded in endless profusion for the sustenance of this portion of the human race. Looking still further, we see the pioneers hewing out a home for their loved ones. Slowly the wilderness changes into productive farms, and the hunting-grounds of the wild sons of the forest are transferred to the distant West. Where erst stood his wigwam, now rise, as if by enchantment, the palatial homes of his pale-face successor, and those concomitants of civilization-the church and the schoolhouse. Where the ground was cleared off for the war-dance, are now smiling fields and orchards of the finest fruits. Coming down to a later period, we find ignorance and superstition displaced by education, truth, refinement and religion ; the long rides on horseback or in
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