History of Logan County and Ohio, Part 77

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Battle, J. H; O.L. Baskin & Co
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago, O.L. Baskin
Number of Pages: 798

USA > Ohio > Logan County > History of Logan County and Ohio > Part 77

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mer months, on which there is an attendance of twenty nine. Eli Van Horn is the Super- intendent.

Some thirty years since, while the curse of human slavery hung like a pall over th's goodly land of ours, and ere yet the mutter- ings of war were indistinguishable, John M. Warwick, of Amherst County, Virginia, an owner of slaves, conceived the humane idea of giving his colored people their freedom, and establishing them upon lands he should buy for them. Dr. David Patterson was em- ploved to carry this project into effect. Com- ing to Logan County he purchased a large tract of land along the north and west sides of Indian Lake, a great proportion of which is now covered by the waters of the Reservoir. During the years 1851-52 the colony, number- ing nearly three hundred, arrived and began settlement. Log cabins were built and the colony supplied with provisions and whatever was necessary for their support for one year. The selection was either by intent or other- wise an unfortunate one. The poisonous malaria of the swamp produced general sick- ness, from which fully one-sixth of the whole number died. The remainder, as Mingo Banks (one of the number who now lives in Huntsville) expressed it, " Begin to move out purty lively," disposing of their interest as best they might. Many of them still live in Logan County, but one only had the hardi- hood to remain in Stokes Township. This is Richard Thomas, who resides near the Reservoir.

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ITISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXIV .*

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP - TOPOGRAPHY - PIONEER SCHOOLS - PREACHERS - GEOLOGICAL- WEST LIBERTY.

L IBERTY TOWNSHIP was sliced from I'nion in 1831. Mad River enters it near the southeast corner and traverses the southern portion, skirting along the eastern and southern portion of West Liberty, down into Champaign County. MeKee's Creek starts in at the northeast corner, taking a zig- zag course, entering Union on the farm of A. R. Hammer.

In thistownship may be found several mini- ature lakes -- the largest, covering ten acres, on the farm of M. Eddy. The streams, including Mad River, running through this township, are Meko's Creek-named from Col. Mckee. a military man, and a British Indian Agent- and Muddy Run. The timber consists of burr oak, hickory and white oak. Among the first officers of this township were Peter Stipp, Judge W'm. MeBeth. David Williams and Charles Hildebrand. Win. Henry is probably the first man who assessed the township, there being at that period but one assessor for the County. Mr. Henry is now dead. Among the first settlers were Thomas Baird and two sons, the Newall family- Sammel Nowall coming from Kentucky in about INOS, the Shield-, Henry Fulton, James Walds and three sons, the Hayes family, Samuel Blair.' Col. John Walds, Aber Snoddy, William Giray and family. William MeBoth and family, Varhal Baylock, John Dunn, the Grindles. Wilham Burkhardt, Gerton Broughton. a en fer Ias trade, now residing in Bellefou- tain ; William Crevision, Holm Urevision. Inder Sur In, Henry Sterist. Fr. Lynx Wiler. John K. Taylor, the Howells, Nathaniel

Kelley, Thomas Newall's wife and heirs, the Culbertsons, Widow Pickering. H. M. White was probably the firs sheriff of Logan County. In the year 1831 it was almost impossible to get money. People paid in wood and prom- ises. What the farmers of this township could not dispose of in the West Liberty market, was taken by overland route to San- dusky. From east of Sydney to l'pper San- dusky, and all around that country, the Lewis- town Indians and white people depended upon the market of West Liberty for their flour and whisky. In those days the practice of medicine had not attained the scientific per- lection of the present day, and when a man was taken down with lung fever he was almost certain to die. The usual practice was to "bleed." The first saw-mill in the township was built by John Enoch on the property now owned by E. S. Jordan. The first distillery was erected by Thomas Baird on Muddy Run, on the property now owned by Bartley Gordan. Our information shows that the first school- house erected in this township was an old for affair, built on the west side of the township on the corner of the Sumuel Blair, MeBeth and Yoder farms. A man named Mellree was the first teacher. Preaching was done in those days by circuit riders. The people worshiped at West Liberty when opportunity presented itself. These were the days when education was not given that importance that it is now; they had not time for the careful improvement of the mind. The mystery that overhung the mulless woods was con- tionally a temptation to the pioneer to ex- pione the farthest regious concealed beneath

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HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.

their shade. Where we now live in content- ment and happiness, there lay in those days the hunter's paradise, with every excitement necessary to savage life-from contact with wild beasts to warfare with the red man, with nothing to guide them through the dense for- ests except blazed trees and the stars. These men of the woods, seated around their cozy fires in their rude log huts, recited and listen- ed to many exciting stories that went ting- ling to the ears of the listener: stories of their long trails, severe trials, adventures and con- fiets, all bad a tendency to give a heavy tinge of romance to the pioneer life. This life had its advantages, together with its dis- advantages, and the perils thereof had to be braved in order that the former might be en- joyed. A homestead could be easily gotten, but it would have to be obtained at the risks incident to a howling wilderness. Brawny arms and a muscular frame had to contend with trees that had swayed to the winds for centuries, and masterly warfare made they on the forests. The soil might be fertile, but it was covered over with dense forests, intersected with Indian war paths. Lite in the wilderness, evidently, was one of rugged independence, free from wholesome restraints, also established customs and laws. Such a life could furnish no se- eurity to person or property beyond the exer- cise of mere brute force in self-defense. It 1 could not surround itself with those pleasant influences of civilization which call into play the finer qualities of human nature. Here, he was; surrounded by the grand old forms of nature, the pioneer felt isolated-cut off from all human associations. In the midst of savage, barbaric sights and sounds. he was living beneath perpetual shade. ITis situa- tion then, would have weakened the stoutest heart of this day. Trees of mammoth pro- portions interposed their huge trunks between him and the world. They lifted on high their umbrageous tops and shut out the heav-

ens. But the solitud , of the forest may not have been repulsivo; it may have been-and to many undoubtedly was-overpowering. Its terrors were probably softened by many pe- culiar beauties. There must have been some witchery in its swinging shadows. There was the sunshine that filtered down gently through the innumerable leaves and danced to the music of the wind.

Geologically speaking. Liberty Township is made up mostly of lower straty of the Devonian age. There are numerous basins of tertiary formation, such as peat swamps. ancient lakes, overgrown by aquatic vegetation. In some of the latter, have been found fossil remains of extinct animal forms, such as & Ik and other ancient animals. Several ancient forest beds occur in the township; one upon the pr porty of J. M. Glover, deceased; this lies imicd below the surface some six or cight foet; the bed is covered with fallen timber, mostly cedar, and although in all probability lying buried for thousands of years, the timber seems nearly perfect, retaining the smell of cedar oven vet.

The northern portion of the township is covered with drift, and has no special gay- logical interest.

The soil is almost entirely derived from drift, gravel and clays, and is rich and gener- ONS. The chief source of wealth of the township is its agriculture, for which there appears to be a special adaptation in the Med River Valley. Beds of clay exist in the neighborhood of West Liberty, and these are being utilized to good advantage in the manufacture of brick. The farms are hand- some, and the improvements for the most part are commensurate with the progress of the age. The products of the township find a liberal market at West Liberty, and the crops are generally large, whilst the stock and cattle are shipped in large quantities to the eastern markets.

552

HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.

WEST LIBERTY.

As we take up our pen to write the history of West Liberty, we are conscious of the fact that we are situated in a locality where have been enacted some thrilling life-dramas -scenes which, if they could be properly written, might help to enrich our literature and give us a deeper insight into the character of man. These reminiscences-

" That tell

Of days and years long since gone hy."

should not be permitted to relapse into obliv- ion, but should be treasured up as important factors in the history of our country.

West Liberty is the second town in com- mercial importance in Logan County. It is located in the charming Mad River Valley on the C., S. & C. Railroad-the first in Ohio, eight miles south of the county seat, Belle- fontaine. It is accessible from all points of the compass, by unrivalled free turnpikes, and its trade embraces a large scope of territory all around it. It was laid out in the year 1814, on section ?1, Town. 5, Range 13, the płat and survey being made by Aaron L. Hunt, surveyor of Champaign County. It was incorporated by an Act of Legislature, dated February 21, 1831.

The following is a copy of said article:

" An act to incorporate the town of West Liberty in the County of Logan."

"Ske. 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, That so much of the township of Union, in the county of ho- gan, as is comprised and embraced within the bounds of the town plat of the town of West Liberty in said county, as is now on record in the proper office in said county, is hereby erected into a town corporate, to be known by the name of the town of West Lib- ortv.

"Spo. 2. That the white male persons about the age of 21 years, who have been resi-

dents in said town, at least one year preced- ing the day of election, and who in other re- spects possess the qualifications of electors for members of the General Assembly, shall meet at some suitable place in said town on the first Saturday of April next, and on the first Saturday of April annually thereafter, at such place as the President, Recorder and Trustees, or a majority of them, may direct, between the hours of 1 and 5 o'clock P. M., and then and there elect, by ballot a Presi- dent, Recorder and five Trustees, who shall be either freeholders or householders, having the qualifications of electors, who shall be a body corporate and politic, with perpetual succession, to be known by the name of the President, Recorder and Trustees of the town of West Liberty; and who shall hold their offices until the next annual election, and until their successors are duly elected and quali- find.

" SEc. 3. That at all the elections under the provisions of this Act. after the President and Trustees, or any two of them, shall be judges, and the Recorder, Clerk, or such per- son as the judges may appoint, when from any cause the Recorder is unable to serve as (Jork; at the close of the polls, the ballot shall be counted by the judges, and the re- sult publicly declared, and a fair record made thereof by the Clerk, who shall notify the persons elected thereof within five days after the election; and the person so notified, shall take the proper oath or affirmation of office, and to support the Constitution of the United States and the State of thhio.

" Src. 4. If any persons elected under the provisions of this act neglect or refuse to take oath as presented, those who have been qualified shall appoint to fill the vacancy, who will serve until the next annual elec- tion.

"SEC. 5. That the President, Recorder and Trustees shall be capable to acquire real

HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.

553

estate or personal property; that they may sue or be sued.

SEc. F. Relates to corporation seal.

"SEc. 8. Gives the President, Recorder and Trustees power to appoint a Marshal, Collector, Treasurer, Assessor of Property. Surveyor of Streets and Alleys, and all such other subordinate offices as they may deem necessary, to hold office one year.

"SEC. 9. Gives the President, Recorder and Trustees power to fill vacancies in their own namber.

"SEc. 10. Says that 'Any four of the Council shall be a quorum to pass laws, &e. They may require owners of lots to pave or gravel the sidewalks in frout thereof.'

"SEC. 11. Relates to the keeping of the record of ordinances, and publishing the same.

"SEC. 12. Empowers Council to require every male person above twenty-one and under sixty, who have resided three months in the village, to work on the streets one day in each year.

"SEC. 13. Relates to return by Assessor of taxable property.

" SEC. 14. The President shall be a con- servator of the peace; have power of Justice of the Peace.

"SEc. 15. Relates to the powers of the Marshal.

"SEc. 16. Relates to fines to be prose- cuted at the suit of the Treasurer before the President, and recovered by action of debt.

"SEc. 12. Provides for the collection of taxes.

" SEC. 18. Relates to sale of real estate for taxes. "SEC. 19. Provides that the amount of ro- ceipts and expenditures shall be publish- ed.

"SEC. 20. This Act shall take effect and be in force from and after the 1st day of April, next.

" SEC. 21. Speaks of future legislation.

[Signed] "Jons H. KEITH,

" Speaker House Representatives. " DAVID T. DISNEY, " Speaker of the Senate."

February 20, 1834.

John M. Smith was the first Mayor of West Liberty after the organization of a municipal government.

On the 19th of March, 1835, an Amenda- tory Act was passed, which says: " Said cor- poration (West Liberty) shall have use of County Jail; persons so imprisoned shall be under the charge of the jailor of the county." / John Enoch, now deevased, father of the venerable John Enoch, Sr., who resides near here, was the original proprietor of West Liberty.

In the year 1815 Mr. Enoch erected the first dwelling in this place. During the same year he built a grist-mill near the Mad River, and it still stands, a substantial monument of pioneer industry. This mill is in operation to this day, and is owned and operated by Sam- uel Armstrong, a thorough gentleman and an accomplished miller. In the pioneer time, the people of Logan and Champaign Counties were compelled to travel through dense thick- ets of hazel, plum and thorn to this mill to get their grinding done. Ilere it was that the John Enoch, Sr., now alive, who is prom- inently identified with the pioneer history of Logan and Champaign Counties, was taught the modus operandi of trading with the Indians to gain their confidence. Mr. Enoch was always instructed by his father, that when weighing a sack of meal for the Indians he must never take from the meal, but al- ways keep dropping in until the scales went down-then the red man could not say, " White man cheat poor Indian." Mr. Enoch, Sr., received his instruction in the premises, from Col. MePherson.

The first store in West Liberty was kept

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HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.

by Hiram M. White, long since " gathered to his fathers." White also kept the postoffice and tavern, the latter having been patronized several times by Senator Blaine. The first postoffice was kept by Samuel Newall. The prosent competent incumbent is Mr. C. E. Darlinton.

The first regularly organized church in West Liberty was th. Methodist. In the year 1830 this society built a church, which is still standing, being occupied as a residence I. E. Meyers.

We learn that the following gentlemen sub- scribed the amounts placed opposite their respective names, to aid in the creation of this temple of worship:

Riddle & Rutan, $20, in lathing ; Dr. John Ordway, $15; John Williams, 85, in smithing : John Strange, $10 ; Amos Jack- son, 85, in lime and sand ; Stephen Jackson, xi, in work ; John Poisdell, 8%, in lum- ber : J. B. Conkhn. $10, in plastering ; R. E. Roberts, 85, in tailoring : John Strange, s., in hauling : Isaac Hatcher, se, in plaster- ing ; John C. Garwood, $1, in line ; Tru- man Wolfe, se, in shoes : total, 800. In these days the little congregation worshiped in their church with as much carnest Chris- tian fervor as characterizes the larger body now. Then, with the same deep spirit of Christian interest as now, the zealous man of God fed the starving souls with the bread that comes from Heaven, directing and warn- ing the unwary, lest they, by falling into the bottomless pit, plunge them el s into the direst and most irretrievable run ; soothing the troubled conscience ; guarding against the ins diens approach of doubts and fears. "streeting the souls of site and enellos mis- ver and swing the seeds of virtue and hap- perss. The regions of immortality alone vil 's her the full amount of success which has crossed the efforts of these pioneer prout is for in their him Is they hell the in-

fallible dictates of eternal trath-the unerring guide imparted by Heaven -- within whose sacred folds are emtained those exalted and inspiring truths through which, alone, we can be made wise unto salvation, wherein are ex- hibited, in all their rich simplicity and over- whelming grandeur, those illustrious doc- trines which revelation can alone dis over.

The first church organized in this part of the country, and for some years after, was the Christian Church, organized in the year [S]], by Rev. Richard Clark, at Bethel, or as it was generally known, the Muddy Run Church, which was located about one-half mile west of West Liberty, adjoining the farm now owned by Dr. John Ordway. This was a larg . log meeting-house, which stool on part of what is now known as the Mudily Run graveyard. At that early day large camp meetings were held in the grove near by, it- tended by all the people, old and young. traveling on foot or horseback. As there was no other means of conveyance, it was quite common for the husband to place his wife and children on a trusty horse while he walked by their side, often for twenty mit . , to attend these meetings, which are spoken of by the old settlers (a few of whom are still living) as seasons of great social and relig- ious profit, and many were converted under the faithful and zealous preaching of the gospel, and were generally directed to muito with any branch of the Church they desire 1, the object being not so much to build up a separate organization as to have men and women converted.

The following statement is found in the old church book : " We, the members of the Christian Church, at Boty 1. have here- unio saber bel our name, taking the word of God for our de trine, dispone and got- emment. promising subjection to each other in the Lord, according there unto, in the year the thousand eight hundred and fourteen.

IIISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.

555

Names -Richard Clark, James Mellvain, Thomas Baird, John Wall, Robert Crockett, William Newell, Betsey Newell, Alexander Black, Patty Crockett, Moses Mellvain, Flora Menvain, Nellie Baird, Nancy Clark, Netty Wall, Peggy Mellvain, Sr., Peggy Mellvain, Ir., Jane Clark, Polly Wail, Jane Black, Polly Cartmill, Jane MeNay, Nancy MeNay, John Williams, Jane Williams, Jane Leeper, Ma- linda Wall, Patsey Crockett, Samuel Coving- ton, Mary Covington, James Wall, Rhoda Shieldls, Thomas Clark, Robert Clark, James Steel, Moses Mellvain, Jr., John G. Mellvain, William Hopkins, Elizabeth Hopkins, Betsey Baird, Abner Snoddy, Sally Suoddy, William Boyd, Ann Boyd, Peter Stipp, Elizabeth Stipp, Polly Leeper, Priscilla King, Hannah Snoddy, Aaron Rhodos, Elizabeth Rhodes, Poily Rhodes, Sarah Robertson, George F. Dunn, William Miles, Jeremiah F'uson, Jane Fuson, Catharine Snoddy, Betsey Vickers. Betsey Rhodes, Samuel Collins, Pattic Baird, Celia Baird, Robert Mellvain, Benjamin Wall, Mary Kelley, Sarah Kelley, Jane Petty, Isaac Davis, Susanna Moore, Ann Mellvain, Mar- garet Henning, Georg, Petty, Eleonora Baird, Garland Crockett, John L. Mellvain, Jacob Snoddy, Josiah Hopkins, James Stack- house, Polly Stackhouse, Cartmill Crockett, Ilouston Crockett, Asenith Crockett, Lonisa ('rockett, and many others. The large ina- jority of these came from near Cane Ridge, Kentucky, and some from North Carolina. Among the first preachers were Richard Clark, Caleb Worley, James Hayes, Matthew Marvin, David Purviance, Levi Purviance, D. F. Ladley, Mahlon Baker, Hallett Barber, Richard Simonton, Hiram Simonton, Isaac N. Walters, Samuel Fuson, James Fuson, Jer- emiah Fuson and Joseph Thomas, generally known as the " White Pilgrim," on account of his peculiarity in wearing none but white clothing summer and winter. Elder Thomas, although eccentric and peculiar in this re-

spect, was a great preacher, a man of deep convictions and large piety, and devotion to the work of the ministry. Hle traveled on foot and horseback through Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, preaching every- where, and thousands were converteI under his preaching, always refusing pay for his services. In 1835, he took a long journey on horseback through the Eastern States, continuing everywhere to proclain the gos- pel. On his return homeward, he was taken sick at Johnsonburg, New Jersey, and died in the prime of life and usefulness, aged forty- four years, and was buried in the cemetery at that place. Rev. John Ellis, a Christian preacher, afterwards visited the cemetery and there composed the following beautiful lines :

I came to the spot where the White Pilgrim lay. And pensively stood by his tomb. When in a low whisper I heard something say, How sweetly I sleep here alone. Oh sweetly! Oh sweetly I sleep:

I rest from my toils in this sweet lonely vale, While the angels their vigil koop.

The tempest may howl and the lond thunder roll, And gathering storms may arise;

Yet calin are iny feelings, at rest is my soul, The tears are all wiped from my eyes.

The ease of my Master compell'd me to roam, I bade my companion farewell ;

I left my sweet children, who for me now mourn, In far distant regious to dwell.

I wandered an exile and stranger below, To publish salvation abrond;

The trinnp of the gospel endeavored to blow, Inviting poor sinners to God.

Go tell my companion and children most dear To weep not for Joseph though gone;

The same hand that led me through scenes dark and drear, Has kindly assisted ine home.

I called at the house of the mourner below ; I entered the mansion of grief:

The tears of deep sorrow most freely did flow, I tried, but could give no relief.

There sat the lone widow, dejected and sad, By affliction and sorrow oppressed.

And there were her children in mourning array'd, And sighs were escaping their breast.

As I spoke to this monrner concerning her grief, I asked her the cause of her woe. Or why there was nothing could give her relief, Or soothe her deep sorrow Iclow ?

She looked on her children, then looked upon me- That look I shall never forget:

More eloquent far than the seraph's can be; It speaks of the trials she met.

The hand of affliction falls heavily now, lam left with my children to mourn;

The friend of my youth is silent and low In yonder cold grave-yard alone.

HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.

But why shoukl I mourn or feel to complain, Or think chat my portion is hard? If met with affliction, 'tis surely his gain ; He has entered the joys of his Lord.

The poem was put to music by J. W. Cheney. In the year 1844 the church divided, part of the members organizing a church, and build- ing a house of worship where the Glady Creek Church now stands, in Champagne Co., (the old house having burned down). The balance of the members organized a church in West Liberty, and built a house of worship the same year. The following are the names uniting with the West Liberty Christian Church: Archibald Prater, Sally Prater, Alexander Black, Jane Black, John Johnson, Caroline Johnson, Sarah Mellvain, Susan Clark, Ben- jamin Ginn, Jane Ginn, Mary Ann Crockett, Iloury J. Robertson, Jeremiah Fuson, Jane Fuson, Ellen Martin, Daniel V. Martin, Eliza- beth Baird, S. Cope, Mary Martin, Hannah Martin, Sarah Jane Martin, Archibald Hop- kins, Robert Hopkins, Angeline Miller, Sarah Hopkins, Elizabeth Johnson, R. Wade, J. Stevenson, Joseph Craft, Louisa Crockett, Lydia Stillwell. The following are the names of the Pastors of the church: Jeremiah Fuson, Iliram Simonton, Prof. William H. Doherty, Henry Z. Rush, C. T. Emmons, J. W. Weeks, Daniel triflin, S. W. Hutchinson, J. T. Lynn. W. A. Warner, William J. Lawrence; B. F. Chrisman being the present Pastor. The Church at Glady Creek, three miles west, and the West Liberty Church, form one pastorate. Rev. B. F. Chrisman being Pastor of both churche-, preaching at each place every al- ternate Sabbath, the total number having belonged and still belonging to said church being about 100. Nearly all who went into the organization at Bethel or Muddy Run Church have died. All of the ministers who then preached to the church have died, Hiram Simonton being the last, who died in July, ISSO.

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History of Logan County and Ohio, Part 77

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Battle, J. H; O.L. Baskin & Co Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago, O.L. Baskin Number of Pages: 798

Author: Perrin, William Henry, d. 1892?; Battle, J. H; O.L. Baskin & Co
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago, O.L. Baskin
Number of Pages: 798