USA > Ohio > Hancock County > History of Hancock county, from its earliest settlement to the present time > Part 25
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28
L. P. Wing-1855, 1858.
Robert Hurd-1859.
David Wardwell-1861.
L. D. Wiseman-1861.
Philip Wilch-1867.
Peter Wilch-1869.
E. Longworth-1870.
J. C. Clingerman-1873.
Jonas Huff-1876, 1879.
T. H. Bushong-1876.
D. Martz-1878.
WILLIAMSTOWN.
This town was laid out in 1834, and named in honor of John W. Williams, the proprietor. It is located on part of the north-west quarter of the north-west quarter of section 31, and the north-east quarter of section 36. In originally contained forty-eight lots, and as remarked by a resident, "it commenced small, and has held its own exceedingly well." At the time the town was laid out, there was no family within three miles of it.
Mr. Williams opened a store and tavern in the place, and travel commenced along the range line, now the Bellefon- taine State road. In about 1837, Christain Welty also opened a store, and a Dr. Smith located here for a short time, being the first in the township. He was succeeded by Dr. A. F. Burson, now of Mt. Blanchard, famous for his success in treating the " Milk Sickness," then prevalent in this part of the county.
402
History of Hancock County.
The village is about fourteen miles directly south of Find- ley, and about three miles from the Hardin County line. The business of the town consists of one steam saw, shingle and lath mill, by William Heacock; a wagon and carriage shop, by Joseph Phillipi; a shoe shop, by William Knight ; a blacksmith shop, by William Vanscoich; two grocery stores, one by J. B. DeHaven, and one by Cramer & Crabill, and one physician. Population 128.
A Post Office was established here in 1835, and Christian Welty was first Post Master. The office was called " Eagle," but in 1866 it was changed to Williamstown. The Post Masters have been Christian Welty, J. W. Williams, B. D. Evans, John DeHaven, and again Dr. B. D. Evans, the present incumbent.
WEST UNION.
This place was laid out by Andrew Sheller, in January, 1835, in the south-east corner of section 36, in lands now owned by A. Woods, and comprised forty-eight lots. It has no other history.
ARLINGTON.
In November. 1854, Robert Hurd, Esq., laid out the town of Arlington, on the south-west part of section 6, and the south-east part of section 1. The town originally contained seventeen lots, but since its first platting, successive addi- tions have been made, until now it is quite a village.
Its business interests are not very extensive. There is one wagon and carriage shop, operated by Julius Dorney. Eli Bowman has a blacksmith shop, and Huff & Cramer are the proprietors of a steam saw and planing mill. There is one shoe shop; one pump factory. Woods & Co., and Jo-
403
Arlington.
seph Huff each have a dry goods and grocery store, and Dr. L. S. Lafferty keeps a drug store in connection with his practice as a physician. There are also two saloons. A tile factory is in successful operation, owned by Brothers & Son.
The population of Arlington in 1880, was one hundred and thirty-six.
Upon the establishment of a Post Office here in 1846, Dr. B. Beach was appointed Post Master, and has been suc- ceeded by L. P. Wing, E. B. Vail, W. K. Drake, Thomas Stark, Philip Wilch, L. S. Lafferty, E. P. Lease, and C. F. King.
An exhibit of the number of acres and bushels of cereals, and the number and value of live stock, as returned by Township Assessor in 1881.
Wheat, 2,814 Acres.
45,188 Bushels.
Oats, 443 66
13,263
Corn, 1,605
70,040 66
Flax, 103
927
Hay, 467
459 Tons.
Horses, 459 number.
$18,140, Value.
Cattle, 1,007
8,580,
Sheep, 2,097 66
4,060, 66
Swine, 1,816
2,420,
404
History of Hancock County.
MARION TOWNSHIP.
Tp. 1, N.
R. 11, E.
AREA 15,360 ACRES. POPULATION 987.
The Commissioners at their session on the 6th day of December, 1830, caused the following record to be made : "It appearing to this Board necessary to divide the town- ships of Findley and Amanda into three townships after the following manner, to-wit: Beginning at the south-west corner of section 31, in township 1 north, in range 12, run- ning thence north to the north-west corner of section 6 in township 2, in range 12, thence west to the north-west corner of section 4, in range eleven, thence south to the south-west corner of section 33, in township one north, in range 11, thence east to the place of beginning, which bound- ary shall be a separate township, and become a body corpo- rate and politic, and shall be known and designated by the name of Marion."
The township was named in honor of the dashing South Carolina Ranger, Francis Marion, of Revolutionary notori- ety, and is bounded on the north by Cass township, on the east by Big Lick, on the south by Amanda and Jackson, and on the west by Findley, and comprises sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27. 28, 33, 34, 35 and 36, in township 1 north, and range li east.
Elnathan Cory made the first entry of lands on the 28th
405
Soil-Timber-Water.
day of November, 1522, of the north-east quarter of the north-east quarter of section 21.
On the 24th day of October, 1825, Alexander Robertson entered the south part of the north-east quarter of section 23. Jonas Hartman, of Pickaway County, entered the south-east quarter of section 24, on the 28th of April, 1830, and on the 15th of October, of the same year, Rezin Rick- ets, of Seneca County, entered the west half of the south- east quarter of section 15. December 28th, 1830, Allen Wisely entered the east half of the south-west quarter of :section 14.
Other entries were made by Jacob Iler, of Pickaway County, Joseph Orwig, Daniel Egbert and Major Bright, of Fairfield, Nimrod Bright and John Leeder, of Pennsylvania, Isaac Jones, of Richland, and others.
Walnut, oak, ash, beech, sugar, elm and buckeye are the prevailing kinds of timber.
The soil in the north part of the township is clay and sand. The river bottoms are exceedingly rich and product- ive, being a vegetable soil, and the south portion of the town- ship has a soil of loam, very rich.
The township is well watered by the Blanchard River, and its tributaries, the outlet of the Prairie on the north, and Deer Creek on the south. On the farm of Allen Wisely are sulphur springs or deer licks, at which places the hunt- ers of the early day laid in wait for the unsuspecting game. Good water may also be obtained by sinking wells. The river and creeks form a perfect system of drainage, and heretofore furnished water power for several mills.
. Marion, though one of the smallest, is yet one, of the wealthiest agricultural townships in the county. There are very many valuable farms and farm buildings.
406
History of Hancock County.
The first settlers were Asher Wickham, Joseph Sargeant and Othniel Wells. These parties settled near the western line of the township, Ashar Wickham on the George Burns: farm, Joseph Sargeant on the T. J. Burns place, and Wells. on the Charles Thomas farm. Very shortly after, Allen Wisely, Major Bright, Edward Bright, Joseph Baker, Lewis Thomas, and others commenced improvement in different parts of the township.
Major Bright became the owner of a large tract of valu- able land. He at one time held the office of Associate Judge for this county. Several of his children reside in this and Big Lick townships, and are quite well off. Mr. Bright was long a resident of the township.
Lewis Thomas is still a resident of the township, owning a fine farm on the banks of the Blanchard, with good build- ings and pleasant surroundings. Mr. Thomas, though well up in years, is vivacious, and loves to recount the incidents of his pioneer life. He is an earnest christian, an honest farmer, a good neighbor, and a valuable citizen.
No man in the township perhaps is better known, or more generally respected than is Allen Wisely. He owns a very valuable farm, well improved and delightfully located. Mr. Wisely has lived in the township long enough to see it change from an unbroken wilderness to fruitful fields; the rude log cabin replaced by the elegant frame and brick residences of the prosperous and happy farmers.
The old Baptist Church at William Davis' was the first one erected in the township. It has long since been re- placed by a fine frame structure called the Union Bethel, in which any orthodox denomination have a right to worship. There are three United Brethren and one Methodist Episco- pal Church buildings in the township,
407
First Election.
The first school house was built on William Marvin's farm in 1836, and the first school was taught by Adam Robinson. There are now six good school buildings in the township, with an enumeration of three hundred and twenty-two youth of school age.
The first election was held in April, 1831. Asher Wick- ham, Joseph Sargeant, Allen Wiseley, - DeWitt, Lewis Ward, Joseph Johnston, Joseph Baker, Major Bright, Adam Beard, Justin Smith, - Powell, Edward Bright and O. Wells, thirteen in all, were the voters. The emigrants to. this township came mainly from the eastern portion of Ohio ..
In 1837. Daniel Opp put up a frame building on the farm now owned by Edward Wiseley, and commenced tavern keeping. A Post Office was also established at his place, and called Crow. and Mr. Opp appointed Post Master. Af- ter about two years Mr. Opp died, and the Post Office expired with him, since which time there has not been a Post Office: in the township.
The office of Justice of the Peace has been filled by the following named persons :
Willis Ward-1831.
Major Egbert-1831.
Charles Thomas-1833.
David Egbert-1832, 1853.
Adam Heisley-1835,
Albert Ramsey-1838, 1841, 1844.
Allen Wiseley-1838, 1859, 1862, 1865, 1868.
Rezin Rickets-1841, 1844, 1847, 1850, 1853, 1856.
William Marvin-1847, 1851.
William Davis-1853, 1856, 1859, 1862.
Daniel Alspach-1863.
B. J. McRill-1866.
408
History of Hancock County.
Isaac Davis-1869, 1872.
Michael Glenner-1871, 18:4. Amasa Buckingham-1875. James Wilson-1877, 1880. Andrew Bish-1878. C. S. Johnston -- 1880.
WILLIAM B. MILLER.
Mr. Miller was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, February 11th, 1825, and is the son of Martin Miller, who was a farmer. Mr. M. has always followed the business of farm- ing. He has a good common school education, and taught school a number of terms. He is perhaps above the aver- age farmer in intelligence, owing to his better educational advantages, and is in every sense of the word a progressive man. He keeps well up with the times, availing himself of the latest and best improvements and information in his business ; keeps himself not only thoroughly posted in all that pertains to agriculture, but is perfectly conversant with the politics of the country, and with what interests the peo- ple in State and National affairs, and is possessed of com- prehensive and at the same time conservative views on the subjects. His neighbors have the most implicit confidence in his intelligence and ability, and he has on more than one occasion been put forth as the exponent of the principles of his political party, and on every such occasion he has re- ceived a generous support.
Mr. Miller was married in 1845 to Jane Martin, and in 1847 he came to this county, and settled in this township, on the farm on which he resides. He is now, and has been for the past seventeen years, a member of the United Brethren Church. His daily life has been such that his ex-
109
Vm. Marvin, sr.
ample has gone very far towards shaping the morals, and consequent prosperity of the community. His honesty is proverbial, and his counsels safe.
WILLIAM MARVIN, SR.
Was the son of Zera Marvin, and was born in Luzerne County, Pa., July, 1798. Mr. Marvin's father had a variety of occupations; dealing in merchandise, farming a little, and preaching occasionally. He was a minister of the Bap- tist Church. Mr. Marvin was a carpenter by trade, and followed that nearly all his life, although he owned quite an extensive lot of land.
In 1818 he married Mabel Roberts, who came to Ohio with him, and to this county, and died August 25th, 1852 Mr. Marvin came to Ohio in 1823, and resided in Wayne County for eleven years. He came to Hancock County in October, 1834, and bought in this township, in the June fol- lowing, on the same lands he occupied up to within a year before his death. The first winter that the family were in the county, the families of William and Mathias Marvin- seventeen persons in all-lived in one cabin, twenty feet square.
Mr. Marvin was the father of sixteen children, fourteen of whom are living, and all married and heads of families. At the time of his death his children, grand-children, great- grand-children, and great-great-grand-children numbered not less than three hundred and fifty persons. He was a man of extraordinary endurance, good constitution, strong will, firm in his convictions, and determined in his actions He was a member of the Baptist Church for more than six- ty years. He came to Findley about a year before he died. His decease took place in May, 1880. Of industrious, fru- 27
410
History of Hancock County.
gal habits, he was enabled to assist his children in their start in life, and they are all now in easy circumstances.
WILLIAM DAVIS
Was born in 1808, in the State of Maryland. His father was a native of Wales. Mr. Davis emigrated to Ohio in 1833. In 1830 he was married to Margaret Lafferty. He was one of the early settlers of the township, and owned a very large tract of land, which was improved by his indus- try and good management, and became very valuable. Mr. Davis was a man of untiring industry, and energy. No obstacle was so great that he did not overcome it. No labor was too severe for his performance. No duty was left un- done. No promise unredeemed. He settled in the wilder- ness, and commenced life with a determination to succeed, if industry, economy and fair dealing would bring success, and he did succeed, as the broad acres of rich lands under a high state of cultivation, with good farm buildings, fully attest.
Mr. Davis had a family of eleven children, seven boys and five girls. All of his children who are now living, reside in the county. Mr. Davis joined the Baptist Church in 1842, and was a member at the time of his death. Although pos- sessing but a limited common school education, Mr. Davis was always the friend and patron of schools and churches. His influence and his means were always in their favor.
Mr. Davis enjoyed the confidence of his neighbors for his intelligence and integrity, and by their votes he held the of- fice of Justice of the Peace for a number of years, and was also a County Commissioner for three years, although the political party to which he belonged was greatly in the minority. He lived to see the county, in which he spent
411
Crop Statistics.
more than thirty years of his life, become prosperous and wealthy; dotted all over with the richest of farms, and with beautiful and substantial farm buildings. He was for many years one of the largest dealers in live stock in the county, and by his liberality in prices, and his prompt payments, he relieved many a poor family from want, if not from actual suffering. Perhaps no man in the county had a more gen- eral acquaintance with all classes of people, or who was more respected. Mr. Davis died in 1863.
Table of statistics, showing crops, and stock, as returned to County Auditor by the Township Assessor in 1881.
Wheat, 2,797 acres.
53,449 bushels.
Oats, 304
9,782
66
Corn, 2,436 66
95,100
66
Flax, 121 66
1,156
66
Hay, 1,018 66
1,135 tons.
Horses, 505 number.
$25,750, value.
Cattle, 1,199
14,710,
Sheep, 1,998
66
3,450,
Hogs, 2,259
66
5,390,
412
History of Hancock County.
ORANGE TOWNSHIP.
TP. 2, S.
R. 9. E.
AREA 23,040 ACRES. POPULATION 1,451.
December 6th, 1836, the Commissioners of Hancock County ordered as follows: "That the original surveyed township number two, south of range nine, in Hancock County, Ohio, be set off into a separate township, politic and corporate, and named Orange. Ordered that the voters be notified thereof, to meet on the third Tuesday in Decem- ber, A. D. 1836, to elect township officers."
This township is in the south-west corner of the county, and retains its original limits of thirty-six sections. It is bounded on the north by Union township, on the east by Van Buren, on the south by Hardin county, and on the west by Allen county.
Henry L. Dally, of Tuscarawas county, made the first entry of lands in this township, being that of the south-east quarter of section nineteen. This entry was made May 1st, 1834.
On the 12th of June, 1834, William Bryan, of Richland county, Ohio, entered the south half of section six-now owned by B. Ewing, R. Greer and A. Kimmel-and David Thompson, of Stark county, entered the north-east quarter of twenty-now owned by Asa Battles-and Sam'l Thomp- son, of Columbiana county, entered the west part of the south-east quarter of section twenty-two.
In September of the same year, George McManima, of Richland county, entered the south half of the south-east
.
413
First Entry of Lands-Soil-Water.
quarter of section seventeen. In August of the same year,. John Stump, of Seneca county, took up the north-west quarter of section eighteen-now owned by Thomas Mur- ray, of Bluffton.
In October, 1834, John Carnahan, of Putnam county,. entered the west half of the south-west quarter of section seven, and Henry Atler, of Penn., entered the south-east quarter of section eighteen, and Joseph Morrison, also of Penn., entered the north-east quarter of section nineteen, and in November, 1834, Simeon Dudgeon, of Knox county, entered the south east quarter of section twenty-one. These entries were followed by others, and in a very few years all the lands in the township were taken up.
The face of the country in this township is generally level, although it has quite sufficient undulation to render drainage easy and abundant.
The soil is varied, but very fertile. In the northern part is what is called the " marsh," a low, wet tract, utterly un- fit for cultivation, or in fact, for any purpose almost, until by the expenditure of vast sums of money, it is being ditched and drained, when it becomes one of the richest tracts in all the county. In other parts of the township the soil is of loam, or clay, or sand, and sometimes of all combined. But in no part of the township is the soil of a poor quality. The crops produced are of the principal cereals and vegeta- ble, and of the best quality, thus showing the varied rich- ness of the soil, which adapts itself to these productions.
The township is watered by Riley Creek and its tributa- ries. This stream crosses the township from east to west, and furnishes a supply of water for stock during the year. Although a considerable stream, it is of little consequence, except for drainage and stock purposes. The smaller creeks
414
History of Hancock County.
and runs which lead into this, are means of drainage to the adjacent lands.
In 1833, as I am informed by an old resident of this township, Henry L. Dalley, David Thompson and William Bryan came here and were the first settlers of the town- ship. At that time, and for several years afterwards, the Wyandotte Indians claimed the county as a part of their hunting grounds, and were quite frequent visitors to the cabins of the pale-faces, but as they were peaceably dis- posed and honest, they were welcome.
The first settlers were soon followed by Stump, Shaw, the Battles, the Mckinleys, the Marshalls, John Hasson, Wm. Agin, E. S. Crawford, J. T. McConnell, James Reed and others, who formed settlements in various portions of the township.
James Reed built the first frame building in the township , and J. T. McConnell built the first brick.
The first election was held by order of the Commission- ers, in the fall of 1836, at which election there were four- teen votes cast.
The first school house was built in 1837. The pioneers of this township early appreciated the blessings of educa- tion, and were not unmindful of the moral and religious training of their children, and as a consequence, churches and school houses followed close in the wake of the settle- ments. Next to shelter for themselves and families, they provided these other necessaries to civilization, good order and prosperity. There are now nine school houses in the township, with an enrollment of four hundred and ninety-one youth.
The first church building in the township was built by the
415
First Mill.
Episcopal Church of North America, in 1837. There are now quite a number of places of worship in the township.
The first marriage was that of George McManima, and a Miss Morrison, both of whom are now dead. David Thomp- son was the first white child born in Orange township, and a Mrs. Ivers, who died in 1838, was the first person who deceased within its limits.
John Stump built the first mill, and there was a general rejoicing amongst the inhabitants at its completion, as pre- viously facilities for obtaining flour had not been the best.
The reading of that day was confined principally to the bible, common school books and occasionally a newspaper. These, however, were quite sufficient to occupy their leisure hours, which were but few, so busy were they building cab- ins, and preparing their clearings for cultivation, and in as- sisting their neighbors.
Teachers in the common schools received one dollar per week, and boarded around, and were expected to sleep with the children, and have control of them from the time they left home in the morning until they returned at night.
JOHN MCKINLEY,
One of the pioneers of Orange township, was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., September, 23, 1801, and at the age of two years crme with his father, Wm. Mckinley, to Trumbull County, Ohio, then on the frontier.
On the 13th of March, 1823, he was married to Mary Marshall, and in August, 1836, he and his family came to Hancock County. "The country was entirely new, or at least destitute of roads, and Mr. McK. had to cut his way through the woods to the place where he now resides. camp- ing at night in the wilderness through which he passed.
416
History of Hancock County.
Not in the least discouraged, he at once went to work, and with the assistance of his boys and encouragement of his good wife, he soon opened up a good farm. He is still liv- ing on this same farm, one of the best in the township, and endeared to him, not only by the recollection of many weary years of toil, but by many of the very pleasantest days and memories of his life.
Mr. McKinley, although four score years mark his age, is a stout, healthy man, and bids fair to live many years yet. He performs but little hard work, but employs much of his. time looking after the affairs of his farm. He has always borne the reputation of being honest in his dealings, fru- gal, but not stingy, and hospitable alike to neighbor or stranger,
Mr. McK. was present at the organization of the town- ship, at which time there were but fifteen voters, and each voter was elected to an office. He held the office of Justice of the Peace twelve years, and the office of County Com- missioner six years.
HENRY L. DALLY
Came to this township from Tuscarawas county in 1833,. and his was the first family which settled in this part of the county. The family consisted of himself, wife, four sons. and four daughters. The country was entirely new, and they had no neighbors within three or four miles.
Mr. Dally was a tall, muscular man, inured to hardships,. industrious and honest in all his dealings, and a good neigh- bor. He and most of his family were members of the Dis- ciples Church. He located on and cleared up the farm now owned by J. W. Shaw.
After remaining here for nearly twenty years, he becam
417
Isaac Thompson.
restive, and finally, in 1850, he emigrated to Iowa, and again he became a frontiersman. His family, or those of them who are yet living, are somewhere in the west.
ISAAC THOMPSON
Was the second of ten children of David Thompson, a farmer. who came here from Stark county. Isaac was born in Marlboro township, in that county, February 25th, 1828, and when about five years of age, was brought to this town- ship by his father's family. This family was the second to locate here.
Young Thompson commenced life in the woods, and all the ups and downs of a frontier residence. He has always followed the independent occupation of a farmer, and now owns a very valuable farm of two hundred and eighty acres, well improved and very productive.
Mr. Thompson has a fair common school education, al- though his entire attendance at school, was only about fif- teen months, and that after he was fifteen years of age. He is a man of good natural ability, good business tact, and safe counsellor, and his advice and assistance in business matters, is sought after by his neighbors, with whom he stands high.
In October, 1850, he married Louisa McKinley, by whom he had six children, all living. Mr. Thompson is a member of the Disciples Church, and has been for about fifteen years. His Christian life has conformed to his profession. He is very punctilious in all his business transactions. Honest, conscientious and faithful in the discharge of all his duties. Firm in his convictions of right, not easily turned aside from what he deems to be right.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.