History of Delaware County and Ohio, Part 93

Author: O. L. Baskin & Co; Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago, O.L. Baskin & Co.
Number of Pages: 818

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543

HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY. 1

CHAPTER XXIV .*

THOMPSON TOWNSHIP - TOPOGRAPHY - EARLY SETTLEMENT- MILLS, BRIDGES AND OTHER IMPROVEMENTS-INCIDENTS-RELIGION AND EDUCATION-POST OFFICES.

" That tells

Of days and years long since gone by."

T THOMPSON TOWNSHIP, named after one of the earliest Governmental surveyors, com- prises within its boundaries a portion of those lands described in this work, under the title of Virginia Military Land. It was erected into a separate township June 5, 1820, by the granting of the following petition descriptive of its bound- aries : Beginning at Delsaver's "Ford," on the Scioto River, thence due west to the Union County line, thence north on said county line to the old Indian boundary line, thence with said boundary line east to the Scioto River, thence down said river to the place of beginning. The boundaries as thus described were not altered in the least, until February 24, 1848, when, by the specific act of the Legislature, the new county of Morrow was formed, and a portion from the north- ern part of Thompson was given to Marion County. The present boundaries are as follows : On the north by Prospect Township in Marion County, on the east by Radnor, on the south by Scioto Township, and on the west by Union County. The Scioto River forms the castern boundary line of the township, and presents in its winding course and geological formation the char- acteristic features found to be possessed by it in the other townships. There are the same bold, rocky cliffs, and solid channel-bed of limestone, and the huge granite bowlders scattered here and there tend to make the appearances identical. The river receives as tributaries from the west, Tau Way Run and Fulton's Creek. Most of its way through the township, the river is narrow, and in some places quite deep. At " Broad Ford " it. suddenly widens, and here we have an illustration of what the river might have been, were it not for the rock-bound cliffs that control its waters. In the spring and fall, the river often becomes very deep from the rains and melting snow, when it goes " booming " along its course ;

but this swollen state lasts but a few days, and its fall is as sudden as its rise. The sudden increase and decrease in the size of the river is accounted for by farmers upon the theory that the land, being now so thoroughly cleared from the brush and logs which acted in former times as a natural dam to the waters, has nothing to govern the action of the creeks and artificial drains, conse- quently the water rushes off in a perfect torrent for a few hours, and then subsides. The river, depending upon the tributaries, must follow the same law of rise and fall.

Tau Way Run rises in Union County, and, after pursuing a southcasterly course across Thomp- son Township, flows into the Scioto River a short distance north of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Tau Way is the name of an Indian tribe who, at an early date, occupied the banks of the river. This tribe belonged to the Wyandot Nation, and were noted for their peaceable disposition and friendly feelings toward the whites. Fulton's Creek also rises in Union County, and, flowing almost parallel with Tau Way Run, empties into the Scioto River about two miles and a half below the run. Fulton's Creek was named from a Mr. Fulton, and the circumstances connected with its designation are of a sad character. Fulton was a person universally liked by all his fellow-pioneers, and accounted one of the most successful hunters of his day. The Indians coming down to the little settlement situated where Pickrell's Mills now stand, to do their trading, would invariably ask after Fulton, the "great hunter." One day, he shouldered his rifle and started for the forest, telling his friends that he was " off for a hunt ;" that he would return soon and bring them a deer. His favorite hunting-ground being on and near this creek, he started in its direction. As he reached the edge of the forest, he stopped for a moment and waved his hand to the Indian trader, who stood watching him from the door of his shanty. He turned and entered the dark woods. This was the last time he was ever seen. The fol- lowing day, some of the settlers inquired if Fulton

* Contributed by H. L. S. Vaile.

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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.

had come in, but none having seen him, it was concluded that he had gotten so far from home, and night coming on, he had camped in the woods. The day passed and the next, and a week went by, but still, from the known disposition of the man, no great anxiety was manifested. It was not until the middle of the second week of his disappear- ance that the neighbors and friends began to feel alarmed. It was concluded to wait until the first of the next week and then, if Fulton remained absent, a party should be organized and go in search of him. This was accordingly done and, striking the trail where he had entered the forest, it was followed to the creek. At this point, all trace of him was lost, and, although parties scoured the country for miles in every direction, he was never found or trace of him discovered. Of course, many conjectures were indulged in. Some thought that he had been killed and his body burned by the Indians, they being so envious of his reputation as a hunter. Others imagined that he had left the settlement of his own volition, while a few advanced the opinion that, while pur- suing game, he might have sunk in a swamp or bed of quicksand in or near the creek. As a lasting tribute of respect, the stream was named after him.

A long narrow ridge follows the west margin of the Scioto River, in many places being deeply cut by ravines which have been washed out and gorged by the many small streams from the back lands in finding an outlet into the waters of the river. West of this ridge the land becomes more level. In the northwestern portion of the township the land is very low, only broken here and there by clay knolls. Drains six or seven feet deep are the only means by which these low, wet lands are ren- dered tillable. In the north western portion of the township, there are found stratified beds of sand and gravel. Between Tau Way Run and Fulton's Creek there seems to be a natural basin in which at an early date were found elm swamps. The land bordering the creek is clayey, while back from them are " bottoms " of loam. The country in some localities is well wooded, but along the river the land has been considerably cleared. This is accounted for from the fact that the ridge was well drained and seemed the best adapted for building sites, consequently the adjoining wood- lands were cleared first. The land bordering on the river still seems to be the favored ground for farming purposes and the interior to this day re- mains thinly settled though now rapidly filling up.

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 sonth 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 ncar 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-mill. 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

HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.

546

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 Fnl- 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 tanght 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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547

HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY.

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, 1870, 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 Maizc 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, John 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:

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History of Delaware County and Ohio, Part 93

Author: O. L. Baskin & Co; Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892? Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago, O.L. Baskin & Co. Number of Pages: 818

Author: O. L. Baskin & Co; Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago, O.L. Baskin & Co.
Number of Pages: 818