History of Knox County, Ohio, its past and present, Part 80

Author: Hill, N. N. (Norman Newell), comp; Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-; Graham, A.A. & Co., Mt. Vernon, Ohio
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Mt. Vernon, Ohio : A. A. Graham & Co.
Number of Pages: 1096

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About 1850 the society erected the present sub- stantial frame church, about one-quarter of a mile north of Ankenytown. There are forty or fifty people yet connected with this church, and for some reason they call themselves Baptists.

The Methodist Episcopal church, located near the south line of the township, was organized about 1830; though many years before this the denom- ination had itinerant ministers through the town- ship, who preached in the cabins of the settlers and in the old log school-house, in the open air, or wherever they could get an audience. The origi- nal members of this church, or some of them, were John Durbin and wife, Stephen Cole and wife, A. H. Royce and wife, Isaac Cole and wife, and some others. The Coles were prominent, and donated the land upon which the present church stands. Before the church was erected the society met at the cabin of Mr. Royce, and in the school- house. Their first church edifice was erected about 1834, and was used about twenty years, when the present neat frame was built. It stands a little east of the road leading from Mt. Vernon to Mans- field. Revs. William Herr and Russell Bigelow were among the earliest ministers of this church, as well as of all other Methodist churches in this and the adjoining counties. Rev. D. D. T. Mattison is the present pastor, with a membership of about fifty.

The Sunday-school, yet connected with the

church, was organized even before the church had an existence as an organization here. It is one of the permanent institutions of this neighborhood.

A second Methodist church was organized at Palmyra, about 1840, but has since gone down, though it had an active existence several years. Robert Sites and Joseph Palmer were probably in- fluential in establishing it. They worshipped in the school-house a few years, then purchased a cooper shop and fitted it up for a church building. Most of its members now belong to other churches.

Lately, about 1874, the Disciples erected a church at Palmyra. This organization was effected after many years of gradual growth, during which an occasional minister visited the neighborhood and preached to the people. There are thirty or forty members now connected with this church.

While the Methodists were in a flourishing con- dition they established a Sunday-school, which has been regularly kept up and now meets in the new church.

In 1830 this township had five hundred and twenty inhabitants; eleven thousand six hundred and seventy-four acres of land were entered for tax- ation, and valued at thirty-four thousand seven hundred and twenty-four dollars. In 1840, the population was one thousand one hundred; in 1850, one thousand one hundred and fifty-six; in 1860, one thousand and twelve; in 1870, eight hundred and eighty-seven; and in 1880, nine hun- dred and ten.

Following is a list of the justices of the peace: Amos H. Royce, elected in 1821, and re-elected in 1825, 1827, 1830 and 1833; Richard Roberts, 1823; Elijah McGregor, 1836; George Ankeny, 1836, 1839, 1842; Alexander Menzie, 1838; J. A. Richardson, 1838, 1841; Joel Elliott, 1841; Rich- ard Roberts, 1844; Henry Miller, 1845; Alfred Royce, 1847; George Shaffer, 1848; Gideon Elli- ott, 1849; Joseph Ankeny, 1850, 1855; Michael Hess, 1852; J. C. Auten, 1855; Alfred Royce, 1856; Joseph Ankeny, 1858; James Conings, 1859; J. W. Condon, 1859; George Irwin, 1860; Issa- cher Rowley, 1862; J. W. Condon, 1863; Augustus Rowley, 1865, 1868; J. W. Condon, 1866, 1869; S. J. Moore, 1872, 1875; William Tours, 1872; C. A. Amsbaugh, 1873, 1876, 1879; R. B. Smith, 1878.

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

CHAPTER XLV. BROWN TOWNSHIP.

ORGANIZATION-FIRST ELECTION-LIST OF JUSTICES OF THE PEACE-TOPOGRAPHY-HUNTING GROUNDS-PIGEON- ROOST -- BEAR STORY-FIRST SETTLERS AND SETTLE- MENTS - MILLS -SCHOOLS-CHURCHES-JELLOWAY-IN- SURANCE.

B ROWN belongs to the northern tier of town- ships, with Pike on the west, Jefferson on the east, and Howard on the south. It was named in honor of Major General Brown, a distinguished officer in the last war with Great Britain. It was originally included in Union. On the ninth of March, 1825, it was "attached to Jefferson, until it shall be ascertained that there are inhabitants enough in Brown to have it organized." At that date there were but a small number of inhabitants in the township. Several families in the mean- time having moved into the township it was further ordered by the commissioners March 6, 1826, "that Brown be hereafter considered a separate and distinct township, and the election be held at the house of Jonas Ewing for township officers on the first Monday in April." The following have been the justices of the peace for Brown township since 1825: 1825, Samuel Parkhurst; 1826, Jonas Ewing; 1830, James McMillen; 1831 James Blair ; 1833, James McMillen; 1834-7, James Blair and Thomas Wade; 1840, James Blair and Thomas Wade; 1843, James Blair; 1844, Thomas Wade; 1845, John W. Guberson; 1846, William Soverns and James Blair; 1849, James Blair; 1850, Wil- liam Severns and Joseph Pinkley; 1852, Solomon C. Workman; 1853, Joseph Pinkley; 1854, John Hicks; 1856, John W. Leonard; 1857, Joseph Pinkley; 1859-62, John W. Leonard; 1863, John P. Cumingham; 1866, Miles Darkins and Jacob Frederick; 1872, Miles Darkins and John W. Leonard; 1875, Edward E. Whitney; 1878, Marion Pinkley and E. E. Whitney; 1879, D. C. Whitney.

The general surface of Brown township is broken, and in many places hilly, but the land is generally fertile, and yields ample returns to the husband- man for his labors. It is well timbered with oak, sugar, beech, chestnut, elm and sycamore.

The Big Jelloway creek is the main stream of water, and traverses the township from northwest to southeast, entering near the northwest corner

from Richland county and continuing in a south- easterly direction, passes out of the northeast corner of the township into Howard. It was named after Tom. Jelloway, a noted Indian chief, whose tribe was frequently camped along this stream. The Little Jelloway creek crosses the southwest corner. Sapp's run rises near the centre of the township, and flows in a southwesterly course, emptying into the Big Jelloway. These streams, with their tributaries, afford abundant water power and privileges for all practical pur- poses.

This township at its first settlement, and for many years subsequent, was one of the best hunt- ing grounds in Ohio. The numerous high hills here and in the adjoining townships of Ashland and Richland counties, afforded a retreat for deer, bear, wolves, foxes, and other wild animals, and they were to be found in this section several years later than in the other townships of Knox county. As late as 1840 deer were still hunted.

There was a noted pigeon-roost in the southern part of Brown township, where on each returning spring, for many years after its first settlement, im- mense numbers of pigeons would roost. The roost covered about six hundred acres, and was visited by hundreds of persons within a radius of fifty miles. Bears still lurked in the forest, and on one occasion Alexander McKee, a pioneer of Brown, while hunting pigeons, came very near losing his life at this roost. He became separated from the party of hunters who accompanied him to the roost, and while engaged in killing and bagging the birds, he suddenly aroused a large and ferocious she-bear with three or four cubs. He as- cended the nearest sapling he could find, pursued by the bear, who caught him by the leg, just as he reached the first limb of the tree. He held on with a firm grip, and shouted lustily for help, but the noise and confusion caused by the hunters and flying pigeons prevented his companions from hear- ing him for some time. In the meantime the bear was tearing the flesh from his limb with all possible dispatch, and before assistance came he was so badly lacerated as to be a cripple for life, and it was by much care and attention that his life was saved at all.

The first settlers came to Brown about 1809.

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

As far as can be ascertained, Charles McKee was the first white man to permanently settle within the present limits of this township. He came here from Ireland about 1809. Alexander McKee was probably the second settler, coming to Brown about 1810, and locating in the eastern part of the township, near Big Jelloway creek. At that date Indians were numerous, and they had camps in different places, especially along the Jelloway. They were frequent visitors at the cabin of Mr. McKee. He was a jovial, hospitable Irishman, and generally kept a good supply of liquor on hands, both for his own use and for the entertain- ment of his friends; and one occasion a party of sixty-five Indians called at his house, and remained some hours, drinking whiskey with him, and hav- ing a jolly time generally. He was a noted hunter, and was engaged much of the time hunting the wild animals which abounded in Brown at that time.

Jacob Phifer was another of the early settlers and enterprising citizens. He was a native of Germany, and served ten years in the German army prior to his coming to America. He was also a soldier in the war of 1812, serving in the American army. He came to Brown in 1818, settling in the northern part of the township, and was engaged in farming some years. He also kept a hotel on the present site of Jelloway, several years before the village was located. His hotel was on the line of the old stage route leading from Cleveland to Columbus, and was a favorite stop- ping place of the wearied traveller in the days of the old fashioned stage-coach. He died in 1846, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years.

Zephaniah Wade came from Virginia to this township in 1816. During the Revolutionary war he became an ardent patriot and commanded a company of rifleman from Loudoun county, Vir- ginia. He was an efficient officer and his com- pany was in several battles in that memorable struggle for independence.

James Blair, one of Browns most prominent and useful citizens, came to Knox county early in this century. He first settled in Union township, but removed here in 1820. Being well educated and having the esteem and confidence of his neigh- bors, he was frequently chosen justice of the peace,

and served more terms in that capacity than any one that has ever resided in the township. After his removal to Knox county he worked several years in Shrimplin's mill, on Owl creek. He also followed farming while living here. He was a poet of considerable local celebrity, and his poetical effusions were occasionally published in the papers of that period. No citizen of Brown has ever been honored by its citizens more than James Blair, and his memory will long be cherished here.

James Serverns, John Carghnau, Richard Dakin, Samuel Parkhurst, A. Whitney, Joseph Hall, Jacob Bauge, Daniel Worley, William Prior, Solomon Workman, Adam Sapp, Jacob Robinson, Jacob Shimer, Josiah Frost, and Joseph Robinson, were of the first settlers of this towhship. The early settlers of Brown were mostly from Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, with a small number from Ireland and Germany. They were a hardy, in- dustrious, and frugal people, most of them inured to hardships and dangers before they came here, some of them having served in the Revolutionary war, and also in the Indian wars of the latter part of the last century, and of the still later War of 1812.

They were men of strong convictions, sterling integrity and worth, and were well qualified to lay the foundation upon which the prosperity of Brown now rests. Immor Barrett, who came from Bed- ford county, Pennsylvania about 1832, built the first grist-mill, and the first saw-mill in 1833. These mills were located on the Little Jelloway run, in the southern part of this township. Bar- rett while residing in Pennsylvania, had been princi- pally engaged in school teaching, and was thorough- ly educated, and an estimable citizen.

James Blair built the second grist and saw-mill combined about 1836. John A. Pheister built the third flouring mill in Brown about 1840. There was a saw-mill attached to this grist-mill. Prior to the erection of these mills, the settlers did their milling at Shrimplin's and Giffin's mills on Owl creek, and at Loudonville.

The first school-house as far as known was built near the present village of Jelloway, about 1830, and Joseph Dunlap was the first school teacher. This district embraced a large part of the township, the children coming for several miles through the

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

forests to school. This, as well as all the first school-houses, was frequently used for religious meetings, lectures, singing schools, etc. Joseph Pinkley was another of the first teachers.

There is a strong and earnest religious sentiment developed in Brown, the inhabitants most uni- versally, being believers in the Christian religion, and many of them members of some Evangelical denomination. Religious meetings were, at first held in the houses of the pioneers, and in the school-houses. Camp meetings were occasionally held in the woods, "God's first temples," and were always attended by large numbers from Knox and adjoining counties; and although much good was accomplished in the grove meetings, yet they were often the scenes of much rowdyism and confusion, and after the erection of the first church edifices, were discarded by the moral class of the com- munity. Revs. James Marvin and James Hughes of the Christian or New Light church were the pioneer preachers of Brown. They were earnest, devoted ministers and zealously labored for the salvation of the people. The Methodists and Lutherans were early in the field, and the ministers of these denominations held meetings frequently at various places in the township.

The German Evangelical Lutheran church was organized in 1850. The same year a log church was built one and a half miles southwest of Jello- way. This organization has been, from its com- mencement, a live, active and numerous one, the membership including many names from Knox, Richland, and Ashland counties. Its first mem- bers were Jacob Young, George Arnholt, George and Peter Ricard, Thiebolt Lauffer, Adam Arnholt, Peter Maerschal, George Laemer, John Kiever, Frederick Coleman, Gottleib Moltz, Philip and Godfrey Kick, Nicholas Wolyung, Valentine Dohn, John Young, Peter Klein, Fred Schuh, Jacob Young, jr., John Keifer, jr., John Aultz, John Toby and George Rinehart. Its first officers were, Elders Thiebolt Lauffer, Peter Ricard; Deacons, Casper Boehm, Jacob Ricard; trustees, George Ricard, sr., and G. Holtz. Rev. H. Belzer was the first pastor, succeeded by Revs. C. F. Diehl, I. H. Herzberger, I. J. Buckstein, Louis Danman, H. Eisfellen, G. Keif, C. Gabauer, and E. A. Born, the present one. The present membership, including the baptized

children, who are considered members, is one hun- dred and forty. The society continued to worship in the log building until 1857, when a more con- modious and neater frame edifice was erected at a cost of one thousand six hundred dollars. In 1880 a parsonage was built in Jelloway village, which cost nearly one thousand dollars. There is a ceme- tery attached to the church in which many of the first members and their families rest.

The Dunkards or German Baptists organized a society at an early day, which is known as the Dan- ville German Baptist church. The same officers that are chosen for the government of the Dunkard church near Danville, rule and govern in the church in Brown township .. In 1871 a frame building was erected on section fifteen, Revs. Joseph, John L. and John J. Workman have been the pastors of this church.

At one of the camp meetings held in this town- ship about 1840, a tragedy occurred, which resulted in the death of a man named Bartlett. He had a stand at the camp grounds where he sold refresh- ments. During the progress of the meeting, he had incurred the displeasure of a party of roughs, who were in attendance at the meeting. In order to be revenged they cut a portion of the harness of his team, unknown to him. He started his horses homeward, when the loud yelling and other demonstrations of the party, frightened them so that they ran away at a violent speed. Bartlett was thrown out of the wagon and instantly killed.

Jelloway, originally named Brownsville, is the only town in Brown township. It is situated near the Big Jelloway creek, in the northeastern part of the township and has a population of about one hundred and fifty inhabitants. It was laid out in 1840, by Freeman Pipher. James Pearce built the first house, which he used for a storeroom, and he kept the first store in the town. Steven Brown built the first dwelling house, and Silas Brown the second one. Freeman Pipher was the second merchant. Silas Brown was the first blacksmith. Dr. Maynard was the first physician. Jacob Pipher kept the first hotel, which was built several years before the town was laid out, and was on the line of the old Cleveland and Columbus stage route. The first post office in the township was kept at this hotel, and Jacob Pipher was probably the first

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

postmaster. At that time the post office was known as Pipher's Cross Roads. Joseph Pinkley taught the first school in the town. Jefferson Sapp, Morrison, and - Whitford were also of the first school teachers. The village is divided into two school districts, the school-houses in both districts being located ontside of the village.

There are two religious organizations, but only one church building in the village at present.

The first church was organized in 1850 by the Episcopal Methodists, and a frame edifice erected the same year. Samuel Boyles, Nelson Burrows, John W. Moffitt, Elias Stillwell, Joseph B. Rol- land, Joseph Burns, and Francis DeWitt, were the building committee. Among the first members were William Hall, Michael Phifer, Mrs. Lybarger, and Rebecca Phifer. Reverends Bear, Lydy, Neal, Plumber, and Sheldon have been pastors of this organization. Rev. William Wright is the present pastor. The present officers are: George Blakely, John Nuhart, and William Patton, trustees; Marion Pinkley and Michael Oswoltz, stewards. membership at present numbers about twenty-five.

The

There is a flourishing Union Sunday school held in this church, with E. L. Waltz as superintendent. There is a cemetery attached to the church, and the only one within the village limits. A new and commodious church edifice will be erected this year, 1881.

The Jelloway English Lutheran church was organized February 20, 1881. The members com- posing this organization are: S. Hildebrand, Miss Sadie M. Witt, John L. Hildebrand, George Thoma, Mrs. E. A. Hildebrand, F. L. Waltz, C. Fish, Mrs. Alice Waltz, W. M. Bauer, Mrs. Alice Hildebrand, Miss Lucinda Waltz, and Mrs. Mary E. Myers. The officers are: George Thoma, elder; E. L. Waltz, John L. Hildebrand, deacons; S. Hildebrand, treasurer; W. M. Bauer, secretary ; Rev. J. W. Kapp, present pastor. A frame church building will be erected this present year.

The Farmers' Home Fire Insurance company of Jelloway was incorporated April 9, 1872. The first board of trustees were: J. S. Tilton, presi- dent; J. W. Smith, vice-president; James Barron, treasurer; S. Hildebrand, secretary; T. O. Boyd, William Barron, J. M. Nyhart, I. R. Bailey, D. M. Tilton. It was organized with a capital of two

hundred thousand dollars. In 1879 the capital was reduced to one hundred thousand dollars. There is a real estate security of three hundred and eight thousand five hundred and seventy- four dollars for the payment of the capital. The distinctive features of this company are: I. It is a stock company, therefore there can be no assess- ments on its policy holders. 2. Its capital and assets are secured by real estate first leans on im- proved farms, worth over three hundred thousand dollars, exclusive of improvements or other perish- able property. 3. Its rates are low, and no efforts are spared to protect the interests of its patrons. 5. It pays the full amount in case of damage by fire or lightning; 6. Because it is purely a farmers' company, insuring only farm property and detached dwellings, private barns and their contents, and detached churches. Since its organization nearly fifty thousand dollars in losses have been paid. The present board of trustees are: Amos Clark, president; S. Hildebrand, vice-president ; E. L. Waltz, secretary; William Garrett, treasurer; Tobias Castor, adjuster ; C. Pinkley, I. R. Bailey, George Wohlfard. J. A. Colopy, T. O. Boyd, Amos Clark, James Barron, C. Banbury, William Colwell, W. H. Frasher, J. M. Holmes, William Barron, George McClurg, G. W. Blakeley, William Long, C. W. Critchfield, and R. Banbury.

The Jelloway Mutual Aid Life Insurance asso- ciation was organized March 5, 1878. The charter members were: Byron Castor, W. M. Crowner, A. J. Hyatt, S. M. Vincent, R. M. Critchfield, M. B. Thoma, T. O. Boyd, J. L. Hildebrand. The present officers are Tobias Castor, president; W. M. Crowner, vice-president; T. O. Boyd, treas- urer; S. Hildebrand, actuary; S. M. Vincent, legal director; A. J. Hyatt, medical examiner; R. M. Critchfield, E. O. Lybarger, trustees and general agents. The association pays to the insured there- in the amount specified in the certificate of insur- ance at the expiration of a term, ranging from eight to twenty years, according to the age of insured at time of insurance, or if he dies before the stipulated period arrives, to his or her representatives. The membership of the association is limited to five thousand. The beneficiary fund is supported from the surplus of membership fees and assessment of its members. A membership fee of ten dollars,

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

from any person of sound mind, between the ages of eighteen and sixty, entitles him to a certificate in the association. All claims arising against the company for death of a member or expiration of a certificate is paid within ninety days after maturity or satisfactory evidence received at the office. Both of these companies are well officered, and are a credit to the enterprise of Jelloway. They are both transacting a very satisfactory business at present.

Although the town of Jelloway has no railroad advantages, it is a place of considerable business ac- tivity. There are at present in the village two dry goods stores, owned by Kinder & Myers and Patton & Derry, one drug store by A. J. Hyatt, one grocery by John Butler, one hotel by Mrs. Clara R. Cummings, one blacksmith shop by W. B. Mix, one harness shop by Fred Sheriff, one millinery establishment by Mrs. Belle Derry, one physician, Dr. A. J. Hyatt; one attorney, S. M. Vincent, etc. Mrs. C. R. Cummings has charge of the post-office, and the village has the benefit of a daily mail from Mt. Vernon, Mr. Solomon R. Workman being the mail carrier. In 1878 a town hall thirty-six by fifty feet was erected at a cost of eight hundred dollars.

CHAPTER XLVI. BUTLER TOWNSHIP.

ORGANIZATION-TOPOGRAPHY-INDIANS-FIRST SETTLERS -- MILLS-SCHOOLS-CHURCHES.

UTLER township was organized March 9, 1825. The surface is very broken and hilly, especially along Owl creek, where the scenery is picturesque and grand. The soil is generally fertile, and large crops of wheat, corn, and other cereals are grown. It abounds in numerous springs of clear, cold water, and is otherwise well watered by streams supplied from these springs. Owl creek, or Vernon river, crosses the northern portion of the township. Emptying into this stream are Brush run and one or two smaller creeks. The Wakatomika crosses the southwest corner of the township. Originally

most of the township was heavily timbered with red and white oak in the central and southern parts, and sugar, oak, walnut, and buckeye in the north. Although much clearing has been done there are extensive tracts of timber in the northern and western portions of the township, and at this date hundreds of acres of forests are being de- nuded.

In the early settlement of Butler the hills lying along Owl creek and Brush run were almost en- tirely destitute of trees, caused by the Indians and hunters burning the woods in order that they might have an unobstructed view of the deer and other game. These hills are now covered with a heavy growth of red and white oak.

When Butler township was first settled it was one of the best hunting grounds in this county. Bears, deer, wild turkeys, wolves, and all kinds of wild game abounded. The early settlers could procure their supplies of meat with but little trouble, and the meat thus procured contributed materially to the support of their families. Had it not been for these supplies, much suffering would have been caused by lack of food, as but little could be raised the first year or two. Wild game, such as wild turkeys, foxes, coons, opossums, etc., are still quite numerous.

Coal has been found in a few places in the town- ship, but not in sufficient quantity to pay for min- ing. Sandstone for building and other uses exists in almost inexhaustible quantities. Some years ago, an oil well was sunk on the farm of G. W. Butler, and petroleum in small streams issued forth from the well; but it ceased to flow in a short time, and the enterprise was abandoned. Another well, sunk on George W. Riley's place, near the Coshoc- ton county line, about the same time that the one on Butler's place was sunk, sent forth quite a large stream of oil for some time, when it suddenly ceased to flow, and this enterprise was also aban- doned. By the sinking of these two wells it was ascertained that petroleum exists along the Owl creek bottoms.

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History of Knox County, Ohio, its past and present, Part 80

Author: Hill, N. N. (Norman Newell), comp; Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-; Graham, A.A. & Co., Mt. Vernon, Ohio Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Mt. Vernon, Ohio : A. A. Graham & Co. Number of Pages: 1096

Author: Hill, N. N. (Norman Newell), comp; Graham, A. A. (Albert Adams), 1848-; Graham, A.A. & Co., Mt. Vernon, Ohio
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Mt. Vernon, Ohio : A. A. Graham & Co.
Number of Pages: 1096