USA > Ohio > Madison County > History of Madison County Ohio: Its People, Industries and Institutions > Part 67
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Conventions, medal contests, public meetings and outdoor services have been a part of the work done by this union. The columns of the press have been used to further the cause of temperance, leaflets have been distributed and the efficient Loyal Temperance Legion has been worked seven years. This union carries fifteen departments. It has printed programs and five days of the Chautauqua was devoted to the temperance cause. Many of the best speakers of the country have been brought before the people through the efforts of this union. The meetings are held on the third Friday of each month. Only the fearless wore the white ribbon, the badge of this society, past the saloons twenty years ago; now the white ribbon is very popular and few fear to wear it.
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This union includes one hundred and thirty members at present. The present officers are Gertrude M. Warman, president; Etta Freeman Lane, vice-president at large; Minnie A. Kilbury, corresponding secretary; Christena Wilcox, recording secre- tary ; Laura K. Kilbury, treasurer; Mary C. Gardner, Ella A. Smith and Gwendolyn Finley, vice-presidents.
MT. STERLING UNION.
Mt. Sterling Union was organized about the year 1873 with the following charter members: Mrs. McCafferty, Mrs. Kerr, Mrs. Abbie Clarridge, Mrs. William Heath, Mrs. J. Riddle, Mrs. Southward, Mrs. Britt Willoughby, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Julia Hodges. Mrs. Mary A. McCafferty was chosen president, Mrs. Kerr, secretary, and Mrs. Abbie Clarridge, treasurer.
The Mt. Sterling Union was organized by Mrs. Caroline Southward, with nine charter members. These devoted women held their regular monthly meetings and notwithstanding the sneers and scorn of the public they trusted God for their success. Later the membership was assured. Contests were held and this department of the work proved a great factor in increasing the temperance sentiment. The union has always striven for prohibition.
There are at present thirty-two active members, two honorary members and one sustaining member. The officers for the present yeur are Mrs. H. C. Johnson, presi- dent ; Mrs. Clara B. Stitt, secretary: Mrs. Lizzie Bostnick, treasurer; Mrs. George Waldo, first vice-president; Mrs. O. W. Bostnick, second vice-president; Mrs. Thomas Carpenter, third vice-president.
BIG PLAIN UNION.
Big Plain Union was organized in August, 1903, with Cynthia Freeman, Orpha Fitzgerald, Isabelle Warner, Ella Noland, Louisa Corder and Mary Jones as charter members. Madie Crabbe joined this union at the first regular meeting. The first officers were Cynthia Freeman, president; Orpha Fitzgerald, vice-president; Madie Crabbe. secretary, and Mary Jones, treasurer. The first six years this union made but little progress and gained but few members. But during the last six years it has grown from twelve members to thirty-four and is active in all movements of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union school and civic questions, equal suffrage, charity and all progressive movements are backed by this union. It is strongly active In all movements for the uplift of humanity.
The present officers are Maria Cox, president; Anna Young, vice-president; Geraldine Fitzgerald, secretary; Eva Smith, treasurer. The following is the roll of membership for 1915: Maria Cox, Anna Young, Ella Noland, Cynthia Freeman, Orpha Fitzgerald Etta Hotchkiss, Louisa Corder, Jennie Edwards, Maud Edwards, Sarah Oglesbee, Mary Bricker. Emma Edwards, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Eva Smith, Alice Corder, Mary Edwards. Meta Bricker, Allie Beals Corder, Mary E. Bricker, Mary Lukens, Lizzie Funk, Etta Lukens, Mae Whiteside, Ella Harsh, Belle Fitzgerald, Lulu Thomas, Mary Cassady. Emma Jackson, Ella Gallagher, Allie Mayhugh, Mabel Edwards, Zoe Delong. May Thomas and Faye Crabbe. The following are honorary members: Frank Edwards, Pearl Hotchkiss, William Noland, Samuel Edwards, Alba Whiteside. The following are juvenile members: Edgar Whiteside, Margaret Young, Emily Edwards, Paul Edwards, Weldon Young, Katharine Fitzgerald, Irene Smith and Cyril Hotchkiss.
This union is in a very flourishing condition at present. But four of the original charter members are still active in this union, two of these consecrated women having been taken away by death. A young people's temperance society has but recently been organized and will assist in the prohibition campaigns.
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SOUTH SOLON UNION.
South Solon Union was organized at the Methodist Episcopal church of South Solon in August, 1907, with the following charter members: Cora C. Baughn, Geneva Simmerman, Kate Hornbeck, Jennie Rowland, Mrs. Delaplane, Sarah C. Brown, Angie Banion, Lucy Lukens, Elizabeth Skiles, Dora Kennedy, Sarah Banion and Josephine Lower. The first officers of this, the presnet union, were Cora C. Baughn, president ; Kate Hornbeck, vice-president; Josephine Lower, secretary; Catharine Delaplane, treasurer.
In 1873 the "crusaders" was organized and the following ladies were active workers in that movement : Mrs. M. O. Crawford, Mrs. Ellen Harrod, Mrs. Margaret McDowell, Mrs. John S. Moon, Mrs. Anna Snodgrass, Mrs. E. R. Clemans and the following who are now deceased Mrs. John Paullin, Mrs. G. W. Atkinson, Mrs. Perry Larkin, Mrs. Mary Bostick, Mrs. Joseph Stroup, Mrs. Joseph Shough, Mrs. John Hornbeck, Mrs. O. M. Porter, Mrs. J. C. Smith, Mrs. Andrew Gordin. Perry Larkin and John Hornbeck, both deceased, were honorary members.
TRIALS OF THE "CRUSADERS."
An incident will not be out of place here in showing the trials of the crusaders. One evening Mrs. M. O. Crawford and Mrs. Nancy Stroup were stationed at Michael Brennan's saloon to keep tab on the men going in to get their drinks. While sitting there, one on either side of the door, Mrs. Brennan began sweeping the saloon. When Mrs. Brennan reached the door with the sweepings from the saloon she threw it both ways and literally covered the women on guard. The women held their ground and had to take the dust, which went in their hair, faces and over their clothes. This was only one of the many hardships encountered by the "crusaders."
Following the "crusaders" the first Woman's Christian Temperance Union was formed, and was composed of the following women : Mrs. M. O. Crawford, Mrs. Nancy Stroup, Mrs. John Pancake (now Mrs. Austin Hutson). Mrs. Sarah Moon, Mrs. Rebecca Losey, Mrs. O. M. Porter Mrs. E. R. Clemans. Mrs. Sarah E. Stroup, Mrs. Sophronia Shough, Mrs. Eunice Shoenberger, Mrs. Artinesa Smith, Mrs. Salathiel Johnson, Mrs. Ellen Harrod, Mrs. R. V. Snodgrass, Mrs. David Vent, Mrs. Dr. John Sidener, Mrs Jane Corbit, Mrs. J. C. Smith, Mrs. Catharine Morris, and Mrs. Nancy Snodgrass. This union finally died out and the town was without a temperance organization until the present union was formed. The present officers are E. R. Clemans, president; Cora C. Baughn. first vice-president; Angie Banion, second vice-president ; E. R. Clemans, corre- sponding secretary ; Mrs. B. B. Spohn, recording secretary; Anna Lucas, treasurer.
The present membership numbers twenty-five. The work of this union consists of the regular duties in carrying out the pledge and constitution and also in the work for woman suffrage. Wherever sickness occurs the members of this union devote their energies to aiding the patients and making their quarters more cheerful with flowers. The anti-cigarette crusade is the latest work of the union.
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CHAPTER XXXII. SIDELIGHTS ON MADISON COUNTY HISTORY.
MADISON COUNTY BELGIUM RELIEF FUND.
During January and February, 1915, the people of Madison county solicited food and clothing for the impoverished population of war-stricken Belgium and finally col- lected a carload of supplies for those unfortunate people. The car was shipped from London on Tuesday, February 23, 1915, with approximately four hundred dollars' worth of food and clothing. When those in charge of the collecting checked up the con- tributions they issued a public statement exhibiting the complete list of donors and the amounts given. This list is appended : P. G. Overturf, 50 pounds of flour and 5 pounds of beans, value, $2.20; Foster-Green Company, 11 knit shawls and 7 hoods, value $10; P. A. Lanigan, 6 cans corn, value, 50c .; Miss Behem, Knightstown,. Indiana, 2 suits underwear, value, $1; Mrs. George Le Boutillier, Richmond, Indiana, rice and beans, value, $1; J. H. Chrisman, flour and corn meal, value $2; Mrs. Xerxes Farrar, 12 cans Karo syrup, value, $2.50; B. F. Wildman, 6 caps, 3 shirts, 3 suspenders, 7 pairs baby shoes, 2 bags, etc., value, $3.50; Prof. W. H. Rice, case of canned corn, value, $1.50; London Lodge of Fagles, 2 1-2 bushels of beans, value $10; Mrs. George Shoaf, 2 suits of underwear, value $1.50; Mrs. Clark Sifrit, apron, value, 10c; Mrs. O'Brien, 2 child's dresses, value, 50c .; Mrs. John Ballenger, 3 aprons and 2 suits of underwear, value $2; Mrs. Charles LeBeau, 1 gown and 1 pair of stockings, value 50c .; Mrs. John Harper, 4 petticoats, value $1; Mrs. Ed McCormack, underwear, value $1; Mrs. P. F. Suver, 2 panties, 2 skirts and 1 apron, value, 75c .; Miss F. Riggin, 1 pair of stockings, value. 10c .; Mrs. Sam Creamer and Laura Wheeler, stockings, value, 50c .; Mrs. Fred Becker, 2 sacks of corn meal, value, 50c .; Mrs. Sarah K. Robison, 4 sacks of rice and 25 pounds of granulated sugar, value $2.45; Miss Mollie Donahue, corn meal, value, 25c .; Thomas Shen, corn meal, value, 25c .; Mrs. H. W. Gerrard, baby dress, value 50c .; Mrs. W. A. Strain, baby dress, value, 50c .; Mrs. Earl Caldwell, baby dress, value, 50c .; M. S. Murray, case canned corn, value, $2; Lou Coberley, case of canned corn, value, $2; Mrs. Scott Chenoweth, 1 pair of blankets and 1 waist, value, $2.50; Mrs. Reed Chrisman, 1 apron, valne, 40c .; Harry Iliff, red hand box, value, $2; Ladies' Aid Society Methodist Episcopal church, 40 pairs of stockings and 20 pairs of bloomers, value, $11; Leroy Cornwell, 9 pairs of stockings and 2 dresses, value, $2.35; Mrs. Leon Lenhart and Mrs. J. C. Hunt, 2 cans of fruit, value, 50c .; Mrs. John Mantle, 4 pairs of stockings and. 2 pairs of socks. value, $1.25; The Impromptu Club, Mrs. Harry Barker, chairman, case of hominy, case of beans and case of milk. value, $5; Mrs. Berthier Lohr, 2 aprons, value, 60c .; Miss Grace Vance, stockings, value, $1; W. D. Chenoweth, 20 pounds cured meat, value, $3; Bess Hunter, 1 can corn ; Mrs. Mary James and Mrs. Minnie Christy, 2 pairs of stockings, value, 50c. ; Mrs. A. M. Workman, 2 pairs of pants, value, 50c .; Mrs. J. A. Long, Mrs. C. T. Jones, Mrs. Walter Bryan and Mrs. J. P. Skinner, 1 pair of blankets and 1 pair of stockings, value, $1.75; John Peard, 1 case of canned corn, value, $2; Mrs. H. M. Chaney and Mrs. C. E. Thomas, 12 baby dresses, value, $3; Mrs. John Mantle, 3 cans fruit, value, 45c .; Dr. E. B. Koontz. malted milk, value, $1.50; Ed. Gillespie. breakfast food, value. 25c .; Mrs. Amos Faught, 1 apron, value, 25c .; the Misses Dooris, 13 cans of hominy and 7 cans of milk, value. $1.65: Frank Jones, beans, 30c .; Ed. Armstrong, clothing. $3; Mrs. George Van Wagener and Miss Jeannette Van Wagener, 19 baby aprons and 6 baby
.
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kimonas, $6.25; Lewis, Lewis, Green & Davis, case dried peaches, $7.50; Mrs. J. M. Warner and Mrs. R. G. Hornbeck, 5 dresses and 4 skirts, $2.25; Mrs. C. M. Fellows, 1 apron, 35c .; Martin Moon, underwear, $1; Ladies' Aid Society Methodist Episcopal church, 20 aprons, $5; Mende Allen, beans, 25c .; Bide-a-Wee Club, 12 pairs of bloomers, $3; East High Street Club, Mrs. C. E. Gain, president, 11 petticoats, 12 dresses and 7 sewing bags, $12.50; James A. Morrissey, 16 pounds of tobacco, $7.20; Mrs. Fillmore Jackson, 1 dress, 50c .; Rea Chenoweth, 10 bushels rye, $10; Mrs. H. S. Mitchell, chairman, North Oak Street residents, 21 pairs of bloomers, $10; R. K. Shaw, tomatoes and corn, 30c .; Miss Margaret Farrar, chairman, 11 dresses, $7; R. V. D. Coons, case of corn, $2; Mrs. M. B. Armstrong, 13 pairs of panties, 2 suits of underwear, 5 waists, 2 shirts and 2 dresses, $5.35; Mrs. Fannie F. Clark, 3 aprons, $1; Mrs. R. F. Traphagan, 2 dresses, $1; Mrs. Mary Taylor, 2 dresses, $1; Married Ladies' Thimble Club, 40 pairs of stockings, $10; Mrs. Joseph W. Chance, child's gown, 50c .; M. M. Creath, case of tomatoes, $2.50; Twentieth Century Club, Mrs. Robert Moore, president, case of corn and beans, $2.70; Mrs. H. H. Snyder, baby dress, 50c .; G. T. Clark, Sr., cash, $1: Young Ladies' Benevolent Society Presbyterian church, 25 children's dresses, $7.50; E. R. Ebner & Sons, 25 pairs of shoes, $40; Mrs. E. W. Richmond, 50 pounds of meal, $1; G. T. Clark, Jr., cash, $1; J. Peetrey ('lark, cash, $1; Sodality of St. Patrick's church, London, 4 pairs of drawers, 13 suits of underwear, 59 pair of hose, 2 sweaters and 1 night gown, $18.20; Mrs. William Chenoweth, 2 aprons, 75c .; Mrs. Charles Pringle and Miss Nettie Snyder, 3 aprons, $1; Mrs. J. J. Yerian and Mrs. F. M. Dunn, 2 aprons, 75c .; Miss Belle Coberly, chairman, Ladies' Aid Society, Newport, 50 pounds of rolled oats, $5; Joe A. Gardner, pretzel meal, $3.90; Mrs. Clinton Morse, oat meal and corn meal, $2; H. F. Fauver, 50 pounds of flour, $2.10; London Mill Company, 4 flour barrels, $1.80; Dr. H. J. Sharp, 50 pounds flour, $2.10.
From Lilly Chapel, collected by Frank Stickley-Roy McNeal, beans, 20c .; G. Frazier, coffee. 20c .; C. Goings, corn meal. 5c .; H. Wright, beans, 20c .; R. Gilliland, beans, 20c .; 4 pounds corn meal, 8 pounds salt, 2 cans milk, 1 pound coffee, no name. 80c.
From Plumwood. Arthur Ronemus, chairman-10 pounds beans, 2 bags salt, 4 boxes rice. 1 can rice, 1 can milk, 1 can tomatoes, 1 can corn, 2 cans salmon, 1 can prunes; Ray MeCarty, beans; Guy Long, corn meal, value, $2.55; bacon and pickeled pork. 75c .; Frank Nelson. 3 smoked shoulders. $4.50: C. D. Looker, cash, $1; cash, no names, $3.
From West Jefferson-E. W. Johnson. Charles G. High, Farmers' Bank. D. H. Elliott and Sam Webb. $12.50: Myron Silver, Joseph Plimell, Dr. L. E. Evans, C. A. Silver, $15. By John Murray : P. R. Taylor & Son, $5; L. A. Reason, 50c .; Commercial Bank, $5; J. H. Bidwell, $1; James McDonald. $1; Peter McDonald, $1-totals, $13.50. John Houk. $1: John H. Brake. 50c .; Leonard Morgan, 50c .; George Hann, 50c .; William Roberts, $1: George W. Shade. 50c .; F. B. Biggert, $1; Joseph Stanton, 50c .; W. H. Smith and A. F. Rice, 75c .; Jim Bradley and M. Hedrick. 50c .; Maybelle Keyser and Frank Wise. 75c .; W. A. Beedle, 50c .; Homer Evans, 50c .; F. L. Wright, O. A. Moulton, J. A. Baer, Alpheus Burrell, Michael Burke, W. W. Byerly. George Baber, E. J. Buckley. H. F. Jackson, S. G. Feder. G. G. Remer, John Goldenberger, Jr., J. D. Baber, Dr. A. F. Green, D. S. Busick, F. S. Busick, $9.75; F. A. Moorhead, Myron Johnson, Jesse Byerly, Alfred PAill, Webster Olney, M. E. Hummell, C. E. Rhodes, William Engelsperger, A. F. Burrell, W. H. Headley, Henry Alder. Rufus E. Tanner, Spott Coe. Harry Hart, J. W. Ayle and George S. Ayle, $6.10; Dallas Deardoff. J. R. Shepherd, Swain Gregg, S. N. Gunneth, J. H. Johnston, H. W. Goodson, Dr. J. L. Olney. E. J. Fitzgerald, John Holland, James Quinn. M. T. Lacey, Isaiah Shipley. C. S. Smith, William Pennypacker, John T. Silver and J. W. Rector, $13.25; John Murray, 1 barrel flour, $8.40; James McCarty, one-fourth barrel flour. $2; H. W. Brown. one-fourth barrel of flour, $2: Baber Brothers, one-half bushel beans. $2; Mrs. W. E. Haislett, box of groceries, $3; total, $394.20.
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Bought with cash donated : Five and one-third bushels of beans, 100 pounds of hominy, two and two-thirds bushels of peas and 6 dozen cans of milk, from Creath's, $32.17; 3 sacks corn meal. Creath's, 75c .; 50 pounds flour, J. A. Long, $2.10; sugar barrel to pack salt, 10c .; 59 pairs of shoes and boots, $20; 350 pounds of table salt, H. Barker & Sons, $2.50; 4 dozen cans Karo syrup, 4 dozen cans tomatoes and 6 dozen cans of milk, E. L. Brennan, $13; 1 sack beans, 153 pounds, J. A. Morrissey, $10; George Killen, dray- age to car, $1.
WILD ANIMALS AND REPTILES.
Throughout the pioneer days of Madison county, the whole region of country embraced in the Scioto valley, was one vast hunting ground. Here nature's herds lived and flourished, but soon after the coming of the white man, they began to avoid his deadly aim and seek a retreat in the deeper fastnesses of the forest. Year after year passed away, until finally the larger animals became extinct in this portion of Ohio, and nothing was left for the huntsman but the smaller and more insignificant game and even that is now a scarce article. Through the assistance of Dr. Jeremiah Converse, the historian has been enabled to gather a brief description of the larger wild animals and reptiles that inhabited Madison county ere the progress of civilization destroyed or drove them from its soil.
The elk had become extinct prior to the occupancy of this country by the whites; but that the prairies of Madison county had shortly before been their grazing ground is evident from the large number of antlers that were found almost everywhere on top of the ground partly and wholly buried beneath the soil and turned up in broken fragments by the plow. The elk horn in a perfect state of preservation, especially the larger sizes, is a curiosity to persons who have never seen one. The diameter of the horn to the first prong was usually two or more inches, but where it was attached to the head it often measured from three to four inches. If the pair was perfect with the head of the animal attached, and set upon their points, they would measure from three to four feet in height. Each antler had from five to seven prongs, which were so arranged that when the head and neck were in line with the body, as in the act of running, the largest elk could readily pass through the thickest underbrush with the greatest ease and without any impediment therefrom.
Bears were not very numerous but enough were left to remind the settler that when bruin made a raid upon the pig sty, his assured rights were to be respected. Their favorite abode was in the timber along the streams. They were not considered a dangerous animal, except when suffering from hunger, their anger aroused, or their cubs in danger; in which case it required great courage and good generalship to effect a safe retreat and thereby avoid a deadly battle. In the fall and winter, the bears were hunted for their meat and skins. Their flesh was rich and savory, while their skins were tanned and used for robes and bed coverings.
PIONEERS' DREADED ENEMIES.
The wolves were the pioneers' dreaded enemies and were of two kinds, black and gray. The former was seldom seen, but the latter infested the country in immense packs. The wolf is long legged, with heavy foreshoulders, light hindquarters, very lean and gaunt through the loins, keen eyed, with pointed nose, ears erect and a long bushy tail, usually curled between his hind legs, giving him the appearance of a thievish, sneaking cur.
The first settlers suffered more from the depredations of these animals than from the depredations of all others combined. The wolves made onslaughts upon the sheep, pigs, calves and colts; and often great numbers would congregate under cover of night and attack individuals who happened to be belated, or even whole families whose
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cabins were isolated from the more thickly settled country. The wolf had a peculiar and distinctive howl, which would be quickly taken up by others and in an incredible short space of time the cries of the pack would be heard in every direction, rapidly con- centrating toward one point. The wolf's manner of fighting was quite different from that of the common dog. Instead of grappling with its antagonist, its fighting was done by springing forward, snapping or cutting with the front teeth, which were very sharp, and then retreating for another opportunity. This method of advance and retreat was rapidly repeated so long as its adversary was within reach; but when their numbers were overpowering, they exhibited a greater boldness and dash, thereby demonstrating their cowardly natures. As the settlements increased, these pests grew beautifully less in number, their destruction having been encouraged through a premium for wolf scalps, offered by the county commissioners during the first seven years of the county's history. In 1835 an immense wolf hunt was organized in the eastern portion of the county, which proved but a slight success, and was the cause of the Rev. Isaac Jones receiving an accidental shot through one of his wrists, which crippled him for life. He had purposed ascending a tree so as to obtain a better view of the animals that were to be gradually hemmed in toward that point and shot by him as they came in sight. As a Mr. Pitcher was handing him his rifle ere he got too far up the tree, the weapon was discharged, with the foregoing result. Soon after this event, the wolf disappeared from this region, although old ones occasionally were later seen and dispatched.
THE USEFUL DEER.
The beautiful animal known as the red deer was a Godsend to the pioneers. From these harmless inhabitants of the forest, accessible at all times, the early settlers pro- cured most of their meat. Deer were very numerous and more than fifty in one herd have been seen grazing upon the prairie or "stamping flies" beneath the shady groves; but they were usually found in pairs, or half a dozen at most, except when chased by the wolf or dog, at which times large numbers would be aroused from their slumbers and join in the stampede. Not only was the deer valuable as an article of food, but its skin, when tanned, served many useful. purposes. The stalwart backwoodsman generally wore a vest and a pair of "buckskin breeches" made from the prepared hides of these animals. In an untanned condition, or rawhide state, it was cut into strips, twisted, then dried in the sun, after which it served the purpose of tugs or chains for the settlers' harness; also lines, bridles, mittens, moccasins and other articles used in pioneer life.
Wild hogs were frequently met with, and were more dreaded, perhaps, than any other of the wild beasts. The genuine wild boar, exasperated by the hunters, was the most terrible game of the forest. and the hunt was exciting and dangerous. His attack was too sudden and headlong to be easily turned aside or avoided, and the snap of his tusks, as he sharpened them in his fury, was not pleasant music to the timid or amateur hunter. His tusks are known to have measured over a foot in length, and many desperate fights and hairbreadth escapes are recounted in connection with this animal. The wild hog was not valued for its flesh, but was regarded simply as a dangerous pest, and hunted mainly to rid the country of his presence.
There were other animals that once inhabited these parts, such as the panther. lynx, native wildcat, porcupine, and the like, but these, like the elk, the bear, the wolf and the more valuable deer, have long since become extinct. Even the fox, raccoon, wood- chuck. opossum and squirrel, together with many other small animals are growing scarcer year by year under the 'ruthless hunter's vengeance; and the day is not far distant when Madison county will be entirely devoid of the animal as well as the
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feathery tribes that once infested its forests and prairies. This is not as it should be. The few specimens that are left ought to be spared, and stringent laws should be passed to protect those innocent dwellers of the forest and prevent their utter extinction.
PASSING OF THE SNAKE.
Among the venomous reptiles that once endangered life and limb were the racers, copperheads and prairie rattlesnakes. The latter were very numerous, as well as formidable and dangerous. The antidote for their bite, however, grew upon the prairie lands, and was a kind of herb called by the Indians "rattlesnake weed." The person bitten, by immediately chewing a considerable quantity of the stalk, swallowing the juice and binding the pulpy chewings upon the bitten part, prevented all ill effects that would otherwise result from the bite. It is well that these reptiles no longer exist in this land, and that all such venomous things disappear before the onward march of civilization.
THE BLALOCK TRAGEDY.
Intense excitement was caused in Madison county by a deed of blood which occurred in what is now Canaan township, on the 29th of September, 1822. There lived in the township at that time a school teacher named Levi Phelps, a man of 80 much influence that, upon its erection in 1819, it was, in honor of him, called Phelps township. Near where Mathias Slyh's farm later was located resided George Blalock and family. and with them lived a Miss Sallie Whitney and Levi Francis. It became the current report that Blalock and this woman were living together as man and wife, although not married. At that time, the settlements were quite scattered, and the settlers became quickly excited at any offense against the morals of the com- munity, deeming immediate justice the best and cheapest punishment under the cir- cumstances. So it appears that this case so shocked the early residents of that por- tion of the county that many thought it expedient to put a stop to such licentious con- duct. A meeting was held and it was determined to notify Blalock that if he con- tinued any longer such an immoral example to the settlement, he would be treated to a coat of tar and feathers and driven from the community. Blalock was either innocent or defiant, as he paid no attention to the threat.
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