USA > Ohio > Greene County > History of Greene County, together with historic notes on the northwest and the state of Ohio > Part 85
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
serving some time, he became dissatisfied with some of his superior officers, resigned, and came home. In his religion, Mr. Walton is an orthodox Quaker. Politically, he has been a Whig and Free Soiler, and is now a Republican. In his social relations he is re- spected by all with whom he comes in contact. During his life he has been farmer, pork dealer, storekeeper, and stock raiser, and in all has enjoyed a character for unblemished integrity. He is a gen- tleman whom any one may feel proud to call friend.
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NEW JASPER TOWNSHIP.
The general description of this township, together with the date of organization, etc., are given in the county history: a repetition is deemed unnecessary. The township was uninhabited, except by hunters and an occasional tribe of wandering Indians, until the year 1812, at which time a constant stream of humanity was bid- ding adieu to Virginia soil, that they might seek homes in the great northwest, particulary in the state of Ohio, then in its infancy. The natives of Kentucky, particulary those of proslavery proelivi- ties left the state in large numbers, determined to reap a portion of the harvest which awaited those who had the hardihood to meet the requirements of the new state. Not a few of these found homes in this portion of the county of Greene.
William G. Sutton, a Kentuckian, came to this township, in 1812, and was the first white man who settled within its borders. IIe was accompanied by his family, and located on the tract now owned by the heirs of Jacob Sutton, deceased. But a short time after the arrival of Sutton, Elijah Bales, and his sons, John, Jacob, Elijah and Jonathan with their families, left Tennessee and came here, settling on lands just east of the Suttons.
In 1813, John Shook, his family and two brothers, David and Harmonia, Virginians by birth, became residents of this locality. Most of their descendants have removed to western states. Cath- erine intermarried with William Dean, being the oldest citizen now residing in the township.
Daniel Dean came, at or about, the same time as the Shooks, and settled on the farm now occupied by his grandson, William Dean.
Phillip Spahr and his family, were the next prominent settlers. They arrived December, 1814, and located in the immediate vicinity of the farm now owned by William Spahr. The descendants are well and favorably known throughout the county.
The years intervening between 1814 and 1820, witnessed the arrival of Leonard Hagle, of Virginia, Jacob Smith, William Long,
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the Clines, Coffers, and a number of others. Comparatively, but few have arrived since that period, the township being inhabited by the posterity of the early pioneers.
The land was embraced in the military survey, and sold by James Galloway and William Spieler. A Kentuckian, named Coleman sold the tax-rights of land to the unsuspecting settlers, many of which were fraudulent, and the pioneers were compelled to pur- chase their property the second time.
One Pendry, obtained possession of the farm now owned by Wil- liam Long, by purchasing so-called tax-right. After he had oc- cupied the premises several years, they were re-sold by Galloway. Pendry being in reduced circumstances, was unable to buy, and the property fell into the hands of Long. Galloway rewarded Pendry for the services he had rendered in placing a portion of the farm in a state of cultivation, by presenting him with a one hundred acre tract, located in another portion of the county.
The settlers upon arriving at their destination, saw before them a dense forest, which covered a vast domain. Many of the trees were dog and iron wood, and very tough, and the process of clear- ing, was therefore attended with difficulty. The Virginians crossed the Ohio River, and came here by teams by the way of Chillicothe. Owing to the scarcity of roads, and a prevalence of almost impen- etrable forests, travel was slow and tedious, and frequently the trip from Chillicothe here, was of five weeks duration. Land purchas- ed then, at prices ranging from two dollars and fifty cents to ten dollars per acre; is now worth from fifty dollars to one hundred dollars.
There were in early times no facilities within the boundaries of the township for the grinding of grain, in consequence of which the people were compelled to go quite a distance in order to con- vert their wheat into flour. There was at one time a corn-crusher and saw-mill, a small and unpretentious affair, propelled by water- power. This power has gradually decreased, and at present there is but one saw-mill, which is in operation a short time each year.
SCHOOLS.
The educational facilities were equally insufficient. A rude log cabin served as the "college of learning," and the teacher was scarcely able to read and write. They were of a private character,
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and supported by subscription. The first school met in a cabin lo- cated on the land now in the possession of Samuel Cooper. It was taught by - Shields, in 1816. The next school was held in a cabin on the Long farm, and conducted by David Bell. At the adoption of the common school law, a new impetus was given the educational interests, which advanced steadily. The township now boasts of four substantial buildings, where the youth are well and carefully instructed.
RELIGIOUS.
The religious cause entered with the first settlers, and has long since obtained a strong foothold. About 1820 the Methodists or- ganized a society at the house of one Bone, where meetings were held for some time. They were next held at the residence of Philip Spahr, where was erected the first meeting-house, which was con- structed of logs. This answered the purpose for which it was de- signed for a number of years, and was then supplanted by a small brick structure. In 1852, a brick building, 30x40, was erected at the village of New Jasper, which is still used as a place of worship. Services are held on each alternate Sabbath. Following is a partial list of ministers who have conducted the regular services of the church : - Sayles, John Strange, - - Taylor, Moses Trader, -Clark, - - Collett, Wilson MeDaniel, Jeremiah Ellsberry, . John Black, - - Tibbetts, and - Griffith, present incumbent. The church consists of about fifteen members. A number of per- sons who reside within the township, but are members of other re- ligious denominations, attend worship in various surrounding town- ships.
TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION.
The following is a list of justices of the peace who have held that position from the township's organization to the present: John Bales, who held office sixteen years. John Fudge was his succes- sor; served fifteen years, and was succeeded by John Lucas, who resigned at the expiration of one year. About twenty years ago, Christopher Fudge, the present incumbent, was elected.
The following are the township officials: Trustees, John Fudge, William Bullock, Steele Deane; clerk, J. Creighton Harness; treasurer, Cyrus Brown; assessor, James Brown.
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VILLAGES.
New Jasper, the only village, is located in the center of the township, and contains about fifty houses. It was at one time a thriving business center, but has retrograded greatly on account of being off the railroad.
The town was laid off some fifty years ago, by one Slagle, and was the trading point for the surrounding country. Politically the township is Republican. At the spring election of 1880, about two hundred and fifty votes were polled, only one-third of which were Democratic. Twenty-five of the whole number of votes cast were colored.
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CÆSAR'S CREEK TOWNSHIP.
Cæsar's Creek Township is situated in the southern part of the county, and is bounded on the north by New Jasper and Xenia townships, on the east by Jefferson Township, on the south by Clinton County, and on the west by Spring Valley Township. It lies wholy within the Virginia Military District, containing sur- veys No. 1391, 2383, 4377, 2474, 2526, 2234, 2238, 2312, 2473, 2354, 3908, 2512, 1731, and part of 1044. Cæsar's Creek, from which the township derives its name, forms its northwestern boundary ; Paint- er's Creek crosses its eastern and southern part; Murser's Run has its source in survey Nos. 2474 and 2526, flows southwestwardly, and empties into Painter's Creek. The surface is somewhat rolling, the soil generally productive.
EARLY SETTLERS.
In the younger days of this century, a Quaker named David Painter, left a number of the Friends at Waynesville, Warren County, and traversed an old Indian trace leading from the afore- mentioned village to Chillicothe, and settled on the stream which was subsequently Painter's Creek-named after him-on land now owned by Harvey C. Folkner. There were but three cabins be- tween Waynesville and the site on which he located. He was accompanied by his family, consisting of three sons, Jesse, Jacob, and Thomas, and one daughter, who married - - Anderson. David was a consistent Christian, and was instrumental in organ- izing the Society of Friends in this neighborhood. He died about 1840, and his children have all followed him to the grave. The descendants are scattered, some residing near the old homestead, a thrifty and enterprising people.
Immediately after the preceding settlement, a Virginian named Caleb Lucas, came from Warren County, and located on the farm now owned by 'Squire Phillip Powers. Lived here but a short 56 885
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time, however, and sold the land to Samuel Martin, a so-called In- dian doctor. In 1824 it was purchased by Edward Powers, from whom it descended to his son, the present owner.
John Lucas, a brother of Caleb, came to the township a short time after the arrival of his brother, and settled on the Jamestown road, on the estate at present in the possession of James Lucas, his grandson. The Lucases were very fond of " fisticuffing," and fre- quently got into serious difficulties with their neighbors. John lived to be upwards of four score years of age, and died on the old homestead.
David Murphy and family were perhaps the next settlers of this locality. The wife became heir to a portion of the military survey, adjoining the present lands of 'Squire Powers on the west. Thither they emigrated from their native state, and remained until 1850, when they removed to near Indianapolis, Indiana, where they died.
Robert Folkner, a brother-in-law of Painter, settled on a parcel of land adjoining that of the latter, being a portion of a thousand acre tract owned by his brother, Jesse. The Folkner posterity still reside in the vicinity, a portion of the homestead being occupied by Asaph, a son of Jesse Folkner.
Frederick Price, a Virginian of German descent, settled on the present D. M. St. John farm, where he remained till 1830, then disposed of his farm to Stephen Bones, and removed to Indiana, where he died.
Jonathan Bales, in an early day located in the northern part of the township, where his son still resides. He held the position of township trustee for a long time. A portion of the family settled within the present limits of Jasper Township, then embraced in Cæsar's Creek, where their children yet live.
The foregoing is a list of the most important settlements made prior to 1820. During the succeeding ten years, the arrivals were more general, and it is impossible to trace them individually. They were chiefly Virginians of German descent, therefore a majority of the present inhabitants are composed of these descendants. For a continuation of the personal history the reader is referred to the biographies of the citizens of this township.
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SCHOOLS.
In the log cabin, with its puncheon floors, huge fire-place, and greased paper windows, did the children of the pioneers receive the rudiments of their education. The first school now remembered was taught in 1825, by John Maguire, in the old New Hope meet- ing house. About three months each year was all the time devoted to the education of the young. About 1835 the common school system was introduced, and several additional buildings were erected. There are, at this writing, five districts and two fractional districts, on which are erected good substantial buildings, one at Paintersville containing two rooms.
CHURCHES.
The New Hope Quaker Church was organized by the first set- tlers, hence, it may very properly be called the pioneer church of Cæsar's Creek Township. Meetings were held in the various houses until about 1830, when they erected an old-fashioned one- story building, on a site one mile west of Paintersville, which still stands and is used by the congregation regularly. Among the early preachers were Jesse Falkner, Thomas Arnett, and Joel Thornburg, who were Quakers in every sense of the word, and true adherents to the doctrine established by William Penn. For- merly the organization boasted a strong membership, which has been greatly reduced ; the discipline has also been made less rigid. The present minister is Eber Hains, who lives near the church.
The Olive Grove Methodist Episcopal Church was next organ- ized, and shortly thereafter a log house was erected on the Powers farm, which was afterwards removed to the present location of the Olive Grove Cemetery, where the society disbanded, and the house was torn down.
Murser's Run Baptist Church was organized in about 1830, several buildings having been erected and occupied. The present church was built in about the year 1860. The membership is strong, and meets once a month, the present minister being Rev. Bavis, of Cincinnati.
The German Reformed Church was organized in 1837 or 1838, and a brick house was built soon after. David and Thomas Win-
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
ters were the first regular ministers. The present building, a handsome brick edifice, was erected in 1878. Rev. Smith, of Xenia, is the present minister.
Mount Zoar Church is the only Methodist Episcopal Church now in the township, and was built in an early day. IIere the singing societies of ye olden time were wont to meet. No regular organi- zation exists at present, and the building is seldom used.
The Methodist Protestant denomination built a frame structure near the township center, east of the Mount Zoar Church, about twenty years ago. Shortly after this, members of the same denom- ination erected a house at Paintersville. Both churches are in a flourishing condition.
MILLS, ETC.
It is not now remembered where the first water-mill was erected, though it is generally known that, many years ago, there were three saw-mills on Painter's Creek, and one on Price's Run-all propelled by water power. These primitive structures have long since been abandoned. There is now a steam saw-mill at Painters- ville. On Anderson's Fork, in the southwest corner of the town- ship, there is a saw and grist-mill, the property of Levi B. Engle. Unfortunately, his dam was washed away by the recent flood, and his water power destroyed. Harlan Powers has a saw-mill in suc- cessful operation on the Waynesville and Jamestown road.
A tile factory, owned by Robert Dymond, near Paintersville, furnishes tile for draining the neighborhood.
PAINTERSVILLE,
The only village in the township, is in its eastern part, and contains about one hundred and fifty inhabitants. About 1840 Jesse Pain- ter, son of David, laid out his farm, containing one hundred and fifty acres, into town lots, and sold them at from twenty to twenty-five dollars per acre, according to location. Jesse Painter and Jonathan Oglesbee owned stores on the site before it was laid out, and imme- diately thereafter, Joseph Oglesbee erected a frame on the lot where John Mason now lives. Next was erected the brick building now owned by Lewis Thomas, by Cornelius King. Several log cabins were then erected, which have in turn given way to frame and
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brick structures. The village is on the line of the proposed Colum- bus and Cincinnati Narrow Gauge Railroad. A number of new buildings are in process of erection, and should the road be com- pleted, an era of prosperity will dawn on the inhabitants of the town and vicinity.
Following is a showing of the business interests: Saw-mill, James and Thomas Babb; carriage manufactory, Allen and Eli Powers; blacksmithing, William King; postoffice and groceries, John B. Mason; harness, Lewis Thomas; physician, William Rowse.
Township officials: Trustees, John Mallow, Daniel H. Oglesbee, Samuel Mckay ; clerk, Marion Williams; treasurer, Allen Powers; justices of the peace, Alfred Powers, Joseph Cummings.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Thomas B. Cummings, farmer, is a native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where he was reared and educated. Came to this county in November, 1836, where he has since resided. Was twice married; first to Mary Moots, of this county, who died October 1, 1861. Eight children were the result of this marriage : Mary, Ada, Joseph, James, Sarah, Thomas, Martha, and John; Mary and Ada deceased. John is at home, and the others are married. Joseph, James, and Thomas served in the war of the rebellion. Septem- ber 11, 1862, Mr. Cummings married Martha McNair, but has no children by this union. They are both members of the Reformed Church. His first wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He served a term of years as justice of the peace. Has a farm of two hundred and fifty acres, well improved, on which he lives, and it is one of the most desirable localities in the township. He farms to grain and stock.
Allen Faulkner, farmer, was born in this county, July 29, 1824, where he was reared and educated. He was married in July, 1847, to Elizabeth A. Hartsook, also of this county, and eight children were the result of their marriage: Jonathan R., Franklin K., Lydia C., Cordelia J., Louisa E., Thomas II., James F., and Cora A., four of whom are living: Cordelia, Louisa, Thomas, and James. Mr. Faulkner has a farm of two hundred and sixty acres, well improved, and farms to grain and stock. IIc and his wife are members of the Methodist Church, having united with the same about the year
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1844. Cordelia is also a member of this church. Mr. Faulkner's parents were natives of Virginia and Kentucky, and were married about the year 1804. They came to this county about the year 1801, and were parents of eight children, of whom four are living.
Eber Haines, farmer, is a native of this county, and was born January 20, 1825. March 9, 1848, he was married to Mary Men- denhall, of Miami County. Ten children were the result of this union, three of whom are deceased : Lydia A., William, and an in- fant. Those living are Margaret E., Zimri D., Thaddeus A., Pris- cilla A., Webster, Mary M., and Watts. Mr. Haines has a farm of one hundred and one acres, well improved, and farms to grain and stock. IIe and his family are members of the Friends' Church. The church relationship of the entire family has been a source of much comfort and pleasure. He takes an active part in the public services, and serves his Master daily. The family is of good repute, and calculated to elevate their associates into a nobler and better life, the love of God being shed abroad in the hearts of the family. Mr. Haines has been preaching several years for the cause in which his soul is engaged.
James F. Hartsook, farmer, is a native of this county, and was born February 3, 1831. May 28, 1868, he was married to Mary J. IIale, of this county. Four children were the result of this union : Luther II., Allen S., Harper K., and Silas B., all of whom are liv- ing but Allen, who died at the carly age of six months. Mr. Hart- sook has a farm containing one hundred and twenty-five acres, well improved, on which he lives, farming chiefly to grain. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Church. Hle united with the church in 1865, and she some years previous. He served in the late war, as a member of Company D, One Hundred and Tenth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry; was in the battles of Winches- ter, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Pittsburgh, and others. IIe served two years and ten months in defense of his be- loved and perishing country, and received a flesh wound only.
Samuel F. McKay, farmer, is a native of Clinton County, Ohio; was born May 8, 1825, reared and educated there. Was married, March 17, 1850, to Angeline A. Moore of this county, a native of: Virginia; five children is the result of this union : George A., M. Louisa, Oscar F., Sarah J., and Irving F., all of whom are living, and three married. Irving and Sarah are yet at home with their parents. Mr. Mckay has a farm of three hundred and forty acres
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left, after giving his children one hundred and eighty acres. He inherited ninety acres of land on which there were no buildings, except a log house 14x18 feet, and a log pen without a roof; to which he has added four hundred and thirty acres, and his farm well improved. Has a good, large house, and a barn. Most of his money was made by raising wheat and hogs. At one time, he sold sixty-two hogs for twenty-four hundred and fifteen dollars. Mr. MeKay's parents (George and Mary) were members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Mckay died June 11, 1850, and Mrs. McKay Sep- tember 25, 1878. She met death submissively.
Stacy Mason is the son of John and Mary (Beven) Mason; the former was born January 15, 1795. They were married in the same county in which they were born, in the year 1816, and lived in the same two years, then moved to Belmont County, Ohio, and located in a small town called Flushing, where he carried on wagon- making for about sixteen years. Also held the office of justice of the peace for nine years, at the same time trading in horses, hogs and cattle, and butchering. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Mason, five boys and three girls: Owen, Stacy, David, Ly- dia Ann, Catherine, Gideon, John, and Susanna, all born in Bel- mont County, except Owen, who was born in Virginia. In 1834, the family removed to this county, locating ten miles south of Xenia, and carried on farming until the old gentleman's death, in 1879, his wife having previously died, in 1877. Stacy, the subject of this sketch, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, December 25, 1818. After his father moved to this county, he hired to work in a grist-mill on Todd's Fork, in Clinton County, owned by Mr. H. Lewis. After remaining about a year, he drove a team for Mr. K. Sweney, on Cæsar's Creek, for about two years, at two hundred dollars per year; then ran a huckster wagon three years ; after which he purchased a general dry goods and grocery store in Painters- ville, Greene County, which he operated about ten years ; when he traded this to Mahlon Fawcett for a farm in Caesar's Creek Town- ship, one mile south of Paintersville; rented the farm out, and bought a dry goods store of G. R. Dawson, at Bloomington, Clin- ton County, Ohio; remained there two years, sold the store to John Beason and Son, and moved on the farm which he operated nine years, trading meanwhile in all kinds of stock; then moved to Paint- ersville where he now resides. Mr. Mason has, during his life, bought and sold three farms, and now owns six acres near Paint-
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ersville. He was married November 7, 1841, to Elizabeth Bruce, who bore him three children, all girls: Mary K., Catherine J., and Ann E. Mary and Ann married two brothers, S. P., and S. U. Elis, and Catherine married Joseph Wilson; all farmers.
Christopher Middleton, farmer, is a native of this county ; born August 4, 1834, and was reared and educated here. Was married to Margaret Devoe, of the same county, a native of Virginia, De- cember, 1868; eight children were the result of this union : Emma J., John H., Susan, Mary F., Ella B., Lorratta, Thomas L., and Lizzie, all of whom are living save Susan, who died at the early age of ten months. Mr. Middleton has a farm of one hundred and twenty- acres, well improved, on which he lives. IIis farm is a very desir- able one, and worth about one hundred dollars per acre. IIe is what we might properly call a "self-made man," as he inherited but little of his wealth, the remainder being the result of his industry and good management. Mr. and Mrs. Middleton are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Middleton's parents, John and Susan (Mussetter) Middleton, were natives of Virginia. Mr. Middleton, sr., was one of the pioneers of this county, coming here in 1826, and died September 7, 1864. Mrs. Middleton died August 5, 1852. They were parents of ten children.
Abel Peterson, farmer, is a son of Jacob and Hannah (Stookey) Peterson, and was born October 18, 1811, in Hardy County, Vir- ginia, the native place of his parents. They died in Ohio; Mr. Peterson, January 3, 1867, aged about eighty-two years, and Mrs. Peterson, December 13, 1857, aged seventy-one years. They were parents of ten children, eight of whom are living. Abel, our sub- ject, is the second child, and was married, September 26, 1844, to Alivia E. Weaver, of this county. Four children is the result of this union : Mary E., Martha J., Hannah C., and Clarissa A., three of whom are married. Hannah C. and her husband, Charles E. Harrison, are living in the house with her parents. Mary and Martha reside in Hill County, Nebraska. Clarissa is yet single, and at home. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are members of the Reformed Church, he uniting about the year 1833, and his wife about 1854. He has a farm of one hundred and thirty-five acres, and farms chiefly to grain. He came to Ohio in the fall of 1817, and has. been a resident of the state ever since.
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