USA > Ohio > Union County > Jerome > History of Jerome Township, Union County, Ohio > Part 5
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Many pleasant incidents are recalled of those good old days, and as the classes of boys and girls were about equally divided, in the parlance of today it would be known as a Co-ed School.
A beautiful woods of sugar and other forest trees, the property of James A. Curry, adjoined the schoolhouse lot. This was the favorite trysting place of the boys and girls rang- ing from 16 to 18 years of age. At the noon hour many of these pupils could be seen walking under the shade of the grand old forest trees and perhaps late in the fall gathering hickory-nuts, which were usually in abundance. No doubt some of these joyous-hearted girls and boys, as they strolled along the shady paths, or, seated on the trunk of a fallen tree, plighted their friendship - perhaps love - talked not only
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History of Jerome Township
of the present but of the future. Can any of the old pupils, whose hair may now be sprinkled with the gray tints of the autumn of life, recall such a scene? Some of these joyous hopes were destined to be rudely broken by the cruel fate of war. Family ties were to be severed; sad hearts of mothers, sisters and sweethearts were to linger prayerfully in the old farmhouses along "Sugar Run" waiting for the loved ones who would never return.
The fall term of 1860 ended the school days of many of those farmer boys forever, and they were to play an important part in that great drama of Civil War.
Already the bark of the war dogs could be heard sounding nearer and nearer.
The writer, with several other students who had attended this "Select School," had just entered upon a college course at Otterbein University, but in the spring of 1861 our books were packed, and so ended our school days for all time.
NEW CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS OF TODAY.
The school building is a substantial frame erected about three years ago, with five rooms and thoroughly modern, with all conveniences for the comfort of the pupils. To those of us who were pupils here almost three-score years ago, it is a great pleasure to witness the marked progress in educational facilities, although the school here at that early date was con- sidered among the best in the county. The erection of the old frame schoolhouse which still stands on the corner of the square, marked the first advance in higher education in this community. While all the old families of enterprising and Christian citizenship who first inaugurated this movement have passed away, still their descendants have kept up their interest in education matters, and it is pleasing to note that some of them are now members of the School Board and join hand in hand with the newcomers in all matters pertaining to good citizenship.
Professor J. B. Hughes is the present Superintendent, assisted by a corps of competent teachers, all of whom rank
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History of Jerome Township
among the best qualified teachers of the county: Mr. Henry Stewart, Principal; Miss Margaret Strapp and Miss Ada May, Primary Department ; Miss Leo D. Wise, Intermediate; Miss Lelon Neill, Grammar; Miss Nora Mulcahy, Assistant High School Principal. The grand total of pupils in attendance is 196; graduates in 1913, 10; and 39 pupils in the different grades in High School, with three courses : Latin, English, and Commercial, all adapted to the needs of pupils who aspire to a college or university course.
The Board of Education is now planning to erect a high school building of four rooms during the ensuing year. The following named progressive citizens compose the Board of Education at this time: J. W. Mitchell, J. M. Curry, G. W. Carson, John Gugle, John McKittrick, Dr. W. C. Vigor (Clerk), Grant E. Herriott (Treasurer). Under the manage- ment of this board, with Professor Hughes and the competent teachers, this school holds an enviable place among the schools of the county and in all matters connected with the school in its onward progress the citizens of the community take a great pride.
With comfortable covered conveyances in which all the pupils are carried from their homes and returned safely, it is certainly a joy to be permitted to attend such a school, as com- pared with the conditions fifty years ago, when the pupils were compelled to wade through mud or snow up to their knees in the winter season, and but few comforts and conveniences in the schoolhouses.
What a transformation! Only two centralized schools in the township at this time, and before the system was changed at least ten district. Graduation from these high schools pre- pares the farmer boy for business or entry into college.
Of the many school-teachers of Jerome Township of con- tinuous service for a long period, C. L. Curry is no doubt en- titled to the credit and stands at the head of the list. He taught every year from the winter of 1868 to 1884 inclusive, a period of seventeen years, with no interval - a total of nine- teen terms, or seventy months.
7
SERGEANT ROBERT A. LIGGETT 96th O. V. I.
ROBERT MCCRORY 30th O. V. 1.
WILLIAM M. LIGGETT 96th 0. 1. 1.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM MCCRORY "th Ohlo Independent Sharpshooters.
CAPTAIN ANDREW GOWANS 94th 0. 1. I.
SERGEANT JAMES E. GOWANS 46th O. V. 1.
ALEXANDER D. GOWANS 96th 0. 1. 1.
THOMPSON O. COLE 96th 0. V. I.
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History of Jerome Township
Olive Gill, Emma and Sophia Dodge, Nancy McCampbell and many other teachers of long service might be named.
Mr. Curry has always taken a deep interest in educational matters, not only in the township, but in the county and State, and still keeps up his interest and is always ready to lend a helping hand for advancement along progressive lines in the public schools.
THE VILLAGE OF ARNOLD.
The village of Arnold is located on the Toledo and Ohio Central Railroad at the crossing of the gravel road leading from Plain City to New California.
The railway station was located and the village platted on the land of Mrs. George Arnold, for whom the town is named, in the fall of 1893. The station was first named New California, until application was made for a postoffice, and the name was then changed, as there was a postoffice at New California.
Mr. James Arnold, who established the first grocery in the village, was appointed Postmaster. He discontinued busi- ness and the office was abandoned. Fred Smith was com- missioned Postmaster in 1896, but never performed the duties, as he sold his business just at the time his commission arrived. Mrs. Carrie Fleck was then appointed to the position, and she, with her husband, Perry Fleck, established a general store in the village in the fall of 1896.
Mrs. Fleck continued as Postmistress until the office was discontinued, March 1st, 1910, by reason of establishing free mail delivery, and mail is now received from Plain City, R. R. No. 3. Mr. and Mrs. Fleck have built up a good trade in groceries and drygoods, and deal largely in produce by having a wagon run on a number of routes through the country, and deliver their produce in Columbus every week.
There is one grocery, of which J. W. Cunningham is pro- prietor ; an ax-handle factory, and two warehouses, both owned by J. R. Herriott, at the Station. Quite a large amount of goods-coal and other freight-is received at the Station,
5
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History of Jerome Township
and a great deal of timber and sawed lumber is shipped from this point. There are twenty-four dwelling houses and the village has a population of about one hundred, the children attending the Central School at New California.
JEROME TOWNSHIP CITIZENS WHO HAVE SERVED AS STATE, COUNTY, AND TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.
Four Jerome Township citizens have served as members of the Ohio Legislature.
James Curry represented the counties of Delaware and Madison before Union County was organized, for the years 1812, 1813, 1814, 1815 ; also for the years 1819, 1820, and was a member of the Legislature when the law was enacted for the erection of Union County, so named as territory was taken from the counties of Delaware, Franklin, Logan and Madison.
Otway Curry represented the counties of Crawford, Ma- rion and Union in 1837 and 1838.
Robert L. Woodburn represented Union County in 1904- 1908.
Charles D. Brown was elected in 1912 and is the present Representative.
COUNTY OFFICERS.
ASSOCIATE JUDGE
James Curry 1825-1827
PROBATE JUDGES
James McCampbell
1894-1900
Dudley E. Thornton 1906-1913
PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS
Otway Curry
1848-1853
Robert L. Woodburn 1877-1881
COUNTY TREASURER
William M. Liggett .
1879-1883
COUNTY AUDITORS
Clark Provin
1821-1823
W. L. Curry. 1875-1882
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History of Jerome Township
CLERK OF THE COURT
Robert McCrory 1888-1892
COUNTY RECORDER Edward H. Hatton 1905-1911
SHERIFF
James Ewing 1823-1828
Charles M. Robinson 1862-1864
J. Ed. Robinson 1896-1900
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Jesse Gill 1844
Nelson Cone
1853
John K. Dodge.
1878
TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
Clark Provin 1821
John McCune 1823
Templeton Liggett
1855
James Ewing 1824 I. N. Wells 1855
James Buck 1825
James Ketch
1856
Henry Sager 1827
Samuel B. Woodburn 1858
James Buck 1828
William Long 1832
John McCampbell 1837
Caleb Converse 1838
S. Snodgrass 1839
Thomas Wason 1839
Thomas M. Ewing 1841
Thomas Mason
1842
Joseph Button
1842
Thomas M. Ewing 1847
Perry Buck 1848
Kilbourn Beach 1848
James B. Dort 1850
Thomas M. Ewing 1850
Perry Buck 1851
I. N. Wells. 1852
Leroy F. Hager. 1853
Perry Buck
1854
I. N. Wells 1858
James Ketch
1859
I. N. Wells 1867
S. B. Woodburn 1867
Nelson Cone 1869
S. B. Woodburn
1870
S. W. H. Durboraw
1870
Nelson Cone
1872
S. B. Woodburn 1873
S. W. H. Durboraw
1873
J. P. McDowell
1875
James Ketch
1876
S. W. H. Durboraw
1876
James Robinson
1878
Nelson Cone 1879
Robert McCrory 1879
Perry Buck
1882
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History of Jerome Township
Robert McCrory 1882
J. P. McDowell
1894-97
J. P. McDowell 1882
R. S. Fry
1897-1900
Samuel L. Neil
1897-1900
J. P. McDowell
1897-1900
J. P. McDowell
1900-03
Robert McCrory
1885-88
H. S. Gillespie
1887-90
William Stone
1888-91
H. S. Gillespie. 1890-93
Benjamin W. Evans ... 1891-94
D. J. Landaker
1905-08
William H. Stone
1891-94
J. P. McDowell
1891-94
J. P. McDowell
1908-12
Pearl Hyland
1910-14
J. P. McDowell
1912-16
J. P. McDowell has served many years longer than any other Justice of the Peace- a period of thirty-three years, should he be spared to serve out his present term.
TOWNSHIP OFFICIALS - 1913.
TRUSTEES-George Grewell, J. J. Mayberry, C. L. Koerner.
TOWNSHIP TREASURER-Grant E. Herriott.
TOWNSHIP CLERK-W. C. Vigor.
All of the township officials were very much interested in the Soldiers' Monument, and rendered efficient service in the erection and dedication of the monument.
The number of votes cast in the township at the election in November, 1912, was 445, and the total population, as near as can be ascertained, is 2,200, an increase of 2125 since the organization of the township in the year 1821.
DEDICATION OF SOLDIERS' MONUMENT.
Services were held May 30, 1913, in the old United Presby- terian Church, where the first war meeting was held April 24th, 1861.
Following is the program of exercises for the day : Hon. J. L. Cameron President of the Day
Song-America.
Invocation. Rev. James Curry
Introducing President of the Day.
Thomas J. Dodge
Benjamin W. Evans ... 1884-87
J. P. McDowell 1885-88
R. S. Fry
1900-03
Henry Brobeck
1901-04
J. P. McDowell
1903-06
J. P. McDowell
1906-09
R. S. Fry.
1894-97
S. W. H. Durboraw ... 1894-97
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History of Jerome Township
Song, "The Little White Church in the Wildwood," School Children.
Address Hon. Frank B. Willis
Song, "Battle Hymn of the Republic" School Children Flag Drill Twelve Little Girls
Recitation, "The Loyal Legion" Miss Mary Gill
Marshal of the Day. George C. Edwards
Aid.
Prof. Homer E. Cahall
Aid. Ney Fleck
PARADE. Marysville Drum Corps. Soldiers. School Children. March to the Monument.
Song, "Columbia the Gem of the Ocean". School Children Unveiling of Monument-By Children Ruth Woodburn Sharer, Mabel Kahler, Will Thompson, William Curry Jeannot.
Historical Address. Colonel W. L. Curry Presentation of deed to Township Trustees by Monument Committee.
Response on behalf of Trustees and Citizens of the Town- ship accepting the Monument. Hon. Charles D. Brown
Song, "Star-Spangled Banner". School Children
Doxology.
Benediction Rev. John Gordon
Decorating Graves.
COMMITTEES.
General Committee.
C. L. Curry David Wise Joseph Kahler
G. E. Herriott Arthur Collier Jasper Converse
T. J. Dodge J. C. Collier Delmore Snodgrass
S. H. Carson J. P. McDowell Robert McCrory George C. Edwards. Music.
Prof. J. B. Hughes Mrs. Dell McCampbell
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History of Jerome Township
Mrs. W. C. Vigor Ruth Evans Jesse Mitchell Mrs. William Fry.
Decoration.
Dr. W. C. Vigor Sanford Stewart Andrew Gill
Malcolm McCampbell Mrs. Ed. Hinderer
Harrold Fry Mrs. J. M. Curry Mrs. T. R. Dodge
Flowers.
Mary Hooper Alice Ish Mrs. Walker Carson
Maggie Patch Emma Comstock Helen Fry
Bernice McDowell Hazel Herriott. Flag Drill.
Leo Wise May Williams Cecil Dodge Alma Hopper
On the four sides of the Monument, just above the founda- tion, are the names of battles of Gettysburg, Chickamauga, Vicksburg, and Appomattax. On the four large dies are the names of the soldiers. On the two upper dies are two in- scriptions :
1861 OUR JEROME TOWNSHIP HEROES. 1913
In honor of the men who served in the Army of the Union. Those who fought and lived and those who fought and died. May this shaft ever call to memory the story of the glory of the men who wore the Blue.
Bright upon historic page, Enrolled their names shall ever shine,
With peerless luster, age on age,
Through bright'ning realm of coming time.
Portrait of Lincoln is on one of the dies, and the names of soldiers on the remaining one.
The committee has secured from Fort Monroe, Va., a siege gun 10 feet 5 inches long, weighing 16,000 pounds, and eighty 8-inch shells. These are to be placed on the monu- ment lot and around the lot will be erected an iron fence. The lot and Monument have been deeded to the Trustees of Jerome Township, and will be carefully preserved as a sacred trust for all time.
An interesting account of the services of unveiling and the
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History of Jerome Township
dedication of the Monument was published in the Marysville Tribune, from which the following extracts are taken :
"Jerome Township's enduring tribute to its soldier dead, a monument of White Bronze, costing $1,500, was dedicated Memorial Day, with exercises of a particularly fitting nature.
"Practically all of the citizens of the township, and many from the adjoining neighborhoods, were gathered at New California to witness the unveiling of the beautiful shaft, and participate in the program of dedicating the memorial to fu- ture generations.
"Distinguished sons of the township who have spent their later years in other localities were present in large numbers to join in this memorial and loving devotion to the comrades and associates of their boyhood days, also to decorate the graves of comrades who lie buried in the peaceful and quiet little cemetery-
"Under the sod and the dew, Waiting the judgment day,
and to renew on this hallowed soil of their youth the many friendships that have been left uncultivated, but not forgotten, through years of separation and absence from the old-time scenes.
"The Monument at New California is a magnificent shaft of white bronze, 21 feet 4 inches high, with an heroic figure of an infantryman at the summit. In addition to bearing the names of 400 Jerome Township soldiers, cast on the monu- . ment, inside the base of the shaft are the following historical papers : Roster of all soldiers who enlisted from Jerome Township; names of committee which had charge of its erec- tion; photographs of sixty Civil War veterans; names of school children of the township; names of subscribers to the Monument Fund; copies of songs sung by the school children at the dedication, with program of the ceremonies."
Extract from a letter published in the Tribune, signed "L. A. D." from New California, is quite interesting and ap- propriate :
"The patriotic people of Jerome Township crowded the
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History of Jerome Township
high-pressure mark on Decoration Day. The occasion was the unveiling of a monument at New California in memory and recognition of the sacrifices and heroism of her brave soldier boys from the Revolution down to and including the Spanish-American War.
"Decoration Day dawned bright and warm, and long be- fore the hour for the unveiling exercises the streets of the little village were filled with people from all quarters, includ- ing Marysville, Plain City, and some far-distant points.
"New California had never had so large a gathering on its hands and was completely taken by surprise."
HISTORICAL ADDRESS DELIVERED AT THE UN- VEILING OF JEROME SOLDIERS' MONU- MENT BY COLONEL W. L. CURRY.
"The citizens of this township may well take a just pride in the history of its citizenship, both civil, military, and re- ligious, from the first settlement one hundred and fifteen years ago. To this township belongs the credit of having the first white settlers within the territory now composing Unioncounty. The first cabin was erected by Joshua and James Ewing on the west bank of Darby Creek, one mile from Plain City, in the year 1798.
"You have assembled today on historic ground. This land, known as the Virginia Military District, was ceded by the State of Virginia to the United States, with the stipulation that it was to be given to her soldiers for services rendered during the War of the Revolution.
"The patent for the land on which you stand today was signed by President Andrew Jackson in favor of a soldier of the Revolution.
"When the War of 1812 was declared, almost every man then a citizen of the township between the ages of 21 and 50 served in some capacity during the war, and names of eleven
Note .- A page or two of this address was copied from the town- ship history appearing in this volume, therefore published in dupli- cate, as it could not be abbreviated without marring the historical connection.
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History of Jerome Township
of these soldiers are engraved on this monument. A company was organized at Plain City, largely recruited from Jerome Township. The Captain of the company was Jonathan Alder, who had been a captive among the Indians for many years. This company marched by order of the Governor to a point about three miles north of Marysville, where they erected a blockhouse on the west bank of Mill Creek, which they gar- risoned for a short time. This was done for the protection of the settlers along Darby Creek and Sugar Run.
"Captain Alder, who had lived among the Indians for many years and knew their mode of warfare, claimed that they would not attack the blockhouse but would murder the women and children in the settlements. Therefore, on his advice the company returned to their homes. This is the only fort erected within the territory of Union County. No attack was made on the settlers during that war, but there were many alarms and the women and children who were left without protection were kept in constant fear of an outbreak, as visits were made to the settlements frequently by roving bands of Indians who claimed to be friendly.
"How appropriate it is that this beautiful and substantial monument should be erected on this spot of sacred memory --- erected on land given to a soldier of the Revolution for his services in fighting for liberty during that war and to perpetu- ate the memory of the heroic deeds of our ancestors. Also in memory of their sons in the War of 1812, who protected the land so dearly bought, as well as the soldiers of the war with Mexico, the soldiers of the Civil War, who saved the government established by their forefathers, and the soldiers of the war with Spain, who fought to free an oppressed people. All worthy sons of worthy sires. Your ancestors of the Revo- lution, the War of 1812, the Civil War, and of all our wars, have left you a noble heritage of a Republic founded and per- petuated by their valor.
"The story of the inception, the progress and the comple- tion of this monument which you dedicate today, is one of patriotic service by the citizens not only residing in this com-
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History of Jerome Township
munity, but of many friends and relatives of these soldiers residing in other States who have given substantial assistance.
"To Robert L. Woodburn, whose generous bequest made it possible to erect this memorial, is due the credit in a larger degree than to any other person. He was born and his boy- hood days were passed within sight of this spot. His early school days in the old log schoolhouse in the woods, and next in the Little Brown Schoolhouse still standing yonder, a silent witness of this scene. Graduating at Wesleyan College, Dela- ware, as is well known, he became a successful lawyer and business man, and represented the county in the State Legis- lature with credit. His many generous deeds are well remem- bered, but it was not that charity paraded before the world, but the true charity when 'the left hand knoweth not what the right hand doeth.'
"During all of his busy life he never tired of talking of the old home, old associates, and school days. A few years ago, in conversation with Robert McCrory and myself, he sug- gested that he would be pleased if I would write a brief history of the services of the soldiers who enlisted from the township, while some of the old landmarks and buildings were still standing. It was then agreed that they would have photo- graphs of the old church and the old schoolhouse taken, and I was assigned to the historical part of the work. The erection of a monument was taken up for consideration after the his- torical work had been commenced.
"In due time the photographs were produced and from that day, some four years ago, I have been endeavoring to fulfill my part of the contract. Before starting on his European tour Mr. Woodburn visited me and stated that he had left a bequest in his will for this memorial. I never saw him in life again, but he was true to his promise, and with the enthusiastic support of the citizens and zealous work of your committee, you see before you the result of their laudable efforts.
"To secure subscriptions and to look after all the details leading up to the completion and erection of this memorial has been no easy task. The committee has worked untiringly and
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History of Jerome Township
the patriotic citizens have responded cheerfully and generously to every call financially and by helpful assistance in arranging for this patriotic service.
"In the sealed receptacle inside of the monument is de- posited the name and service of every soldier who enlisted from the township, the name of every subscriber to the Monu- ment Fund, the names of the school children of the township, photographs of upward of sixty soldiers of the Civil War, a copy of the program of the day, with songs, and the names of the committees who have had charge of all matters pertaining to the erection of the monument.
"You all have an interest in this memorial, and some day in the far future, perhaps one hundred years hence, this re- ceptacle will be unsealed and your names will be read by your decendants.
"Fifty-two years ago-April 24, 1861-the first war meet- ing was held in this church, and the older citizens, Presbyteri- ans and Methodists, were prominent in this meeting. Rev. B. D. Evans, a Presbyterian minister, made an enthusiastic patri- otic speech, and although three-score years of age, he after- ward enlisted as one of the minute men and went to Cincinnati to assist in repelling the invasion of the Confederate army into Ohio.
"The Bible and the munitions of war were side by side on the old pulpit. Much enthusiasm was manifested, and David O. Taylor, the first to enlist, was killed on the battlefield at Dallas, Ga., on the 27th of May, 1864.
"Dr. James Cutler, a young physician of this village who had served in the Regular Army during the Mexican war, was elected Captain of the company. The company commenced at once to drill in the fields and meadows surrounding this village, and the shrill fife and the rattling drum were heard two or three times each week.
"The busy hands of mothers and sisters in a few days fur- nished the first uniforms, consisting of red jackets and black caps. Young ladies of the neighborhood purchased silk in Columbus and made a large silk flag which was presented to
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History of Jerome Township
the company down on the square July 4, 1861. Before the company was recruited to the required number a call was made for three years' service and this company did not enter the field as an organization, yet every one of them enlisted in the three years' service in many different regiments.
"These boys marched gayly away to the wild music of war- drums, the blare of trumpets, with bright banners and uni- forms, fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers cheering them on ; but they did not all return. Three-score and ten of your boys sleep on the battlefields of the South. Those who did return, came with banners blackened with the smoke of battle, faded uniforms, and sun-bronzed heroes of many battles. They served in forty-two different regiments, batteries, and other organizations.
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