USA > Ohio > Morgan County > History of Morgan County, Ohio, with portraits and biographical sketches of some of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 66
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The Greer families settled on Meigs Creek at the Lehew road crossing in 1826. George Greer was the first teacher in the Talley school district. Schools at this time were very primi- tive, only the simple branches were taught and little of them. They called it keeping "school."
Wilkes Richardson came in 1826, and Benjamin Reed soon after. These men became the largest land owners in the township.
In 1828 a family named Barr from Chester Couty, Pa., settled near the Morgan County line in Muskingum
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County. Three of the sons, in a short time came to Bloom Township, Na- than, Samuel and after a time Eli. The latter was born in Chester County, Pa., in 1800, and settled in Bhie Rock Township, Muskingum County. In 1828 he came with his father's family and assisted in clearing the farm where his father settled. He was the eld- est of a family of eight children, five boys and three girls. The Barrs were industrious and energetic men and a valuable acquisition to the pioneer settlement. They were of Quaker antecedents. Mrs. Barr, the mother of Eli, was a relative of Dr. Hays, the Arctic explorer. He was mar- ried to Miss Adeline Pyle, March 12, 1840, and settled in Bloom Township in the same year.
The Barr families were the pioneers in cultivating sweet potatoes, and for many years they supplied the Zanes- ville market with them.
Smith Haines was accidentally killed in 1838, while assisting in raising a barn on his farm.
There are two churches in Bloom Township; both are Methodist Protest- ant. The Pisgah Church is on the State Road, the other at Eagleport. The first Methodist Protestant Church was built in 1832, near the State Road. It is called Pisgah. Rev. Galbraith was the minister in charge of the circuit when it was built.
The first schoolhouse was built near the State Road on land now owned by Eli Barr. Thomas Thornburg was the first teacher in 1820.
The village of Airington in the east part of the township was commenced by John F. Talley erecting houses for a blacksmith and wagon-maker in 1836. In a year there were two stores, a doc-
tor, blacksmith, wagon-maker, cooper, cabinet-maker, tailor, shoemaker and many men of all work. For years this was one of the prosperous towns in Morgan County. When Mr. Talley quit the mercantile business the town commenced to decay. Large establish- ments spoiled the shoe and tailor busi- ness, and soon a general decay took place, and at this time no business is done at the place. The village is in ruins and only two families remain.
Eagleport is on the west side of the river above the dam. This village was laid out by S. Ramey in 1837. Two streets parallel with the river and cross streets, first, second and third ; seventy- two lots in all. Baughman's addition of twenty-four lots was laid out the same year. There are in Eagleport fif- teen or twenty families, two good dry- goods stores, three warehouses, a church (M. P.), a schoolhouse, one physician and a postoffice.
Rokeby, on the east side of the river, was platted with twenty-four lots, by Buckingham & Sturgus, of Putnam, while the lock and dam was being built under the superintendence of Col. Curtis. It has one store and a post- office. In the first settlement of this heavily-timbered township, a large amount of hard work was required to clear the land for cultivation, and close economy was required to enable the early settlers to procure the necessary articles for their families without thought of the luxuries of life. The early pioneers had much enjoyment at log-rollings, raising log buildings, corn- shuckings and " kickings." The kicking was the fulling-mill to dress their woolen goods. The carding, spinning and weaving were all done at home or at some neighbor's, who had sufficient
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help. The fulling-mill was set in opera- tion during the long evenings in the commencement of winter, and often lasted until late at night, and was per- formed in the following manner: A piece of woolen goods was placed on the floor then a row of chairs was placed around it, a rope ran between the legs of the chairs, forming a circle. The chairs were occupied by the kickers, when hot soap-suds was poured on the goods. The kicking would commence; round and round the goods were kicked until all was in a foam of soap- suds, working harder than a tread- mill. When the first set were tired an other set would take their places, and the goods would be whirled around. Steam and mist would occupy the room until the work was pronounced done. Then came a grand supper, probably a dance, the escorting the girls home. The girls did not do this kind of kicking.
Abraham Roberts, Sr., came from Brooke County, West Va., about 1830 and settled in the eastern part of Bloom Township, where he purchased 320 acres of land. With him came his family of wife and five children. He was an honest, industrious farmer, and died in 1872. His wife died in 1882. Abraham Roberts, Jr., was born in Bloom Township in 1835, and swa reared on his father's farm. At the age of twenty-seven he married Miss Mary, danghter of Jefferson Osborn, one of the early settlers of Bloom. He came from Brooke County in 1826. He was a carpenter by trade and unmar- ried, and with his mother made the trip from Wheeling by boat via the Ohio, Muskingum and Meigs creek to Mann's Fork. He was a mechanical genius and could perform almost any
kind of mechanical labor. After his emigration he followed his trade and in this way earned money sufficient to improve his property. He married Ada J., daughter of Rev. Henry Pringle, of Muskingum Co., and reared a family of seven children. He is recollected as a genial man who was possessed of a fund of mirth and anecdote on all occa- sions. He died in 1875; his wife in 1886. Mr. Roberts moved from Bloom to Bristol in 1864. He is a successful agriculturist and a valuable citizen.
Jonathan Richardson was born in England in 1789. and emigrated to America about 1821. He first settled in Delaware near Wilmington, where he engaged in the dairy business. In June of 1831 he removed to Bloom township and bought the farm now owned by his son, James Richardson. Shortly after his removal to Bloom lie visited Zanesville in company with some neighbors to purchase flour and some household articles. On his return when within a few miles of his home his horses became frightened, ran away and he was almost instantly killed. leaving Mrs. Richardson with four children, the oldest of whom was only eight years of age, to fight the battle of life alone. With true Christian resignation she resolved to stay upon the farm and to make the best of her bereavement. In a small log house. roofed with clap boards, she lived un- til 1833 with her children. One stormy night in March of 1833 the cabin was unroofed and the family exposed to the rigors of a winter storm. The rain came down in torrents, and with her lit- tle family huddled about her she sat waiting for daylight, momentarily ex- pecting the fall of the house. Had she not been a brave woman she would
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have been unable to endure the many privations and hardships that fell to her lot. In 1834 she buried three of her children. Under this last affliction she gave away, and in a short time af- terward returned to her old home. She died in 1879, aged ninety-two. JJames, now one of the prominent farmers of Bloom, was born in 1829 in Delaware. Ile is the only one of the family left. He is one of the prominent members of the M. E. church in which he has been a class-leader for seventeen years.
Wilkes B. Richardson was born at Carroll's Manor, Baltimore County, Md., in 1804. When eighteen years of age he went to Wellsburg, Brooke County, Va., where he lived with an uncle and engaged in farming until twenty- one years of age. Without means, lie shipped at Wheeling on a flat-boat bound for New Orleans. He received for this trip $50 which appeared a for- tune to him, as it was the first money he had ever earned. While at New Or- leans he took the yellow fever. Re- turning he was obliged to stop at Cum-
berland, owing to the freezing of the river. Thence he went to Louisville, Ky., and after the opening of naviga- tion took passage to Wellsburg. Mr. Richardson worked in Wellsburg and vicinity until 1832, when he came to Morgan County and purchased 100 acres of land in Bloom Township, and traded for 60 acres more, making a quarter section. Here he began the dif- ficult task of making a farm, changing the primitive forests to cultivated fields. Ilis characteristic energy and diligence bore fruit, rendering him abundantly successful. And now in the evening of his days he reviews the busy past with satisfaction. He was married in 1832 to Ruth Bozman, who bore seven children-four daughters and three sons. Mrs. Richardson died in 1845. In 1851 Mr. R. married Elizabeth Ann Wallace, a native of Muskingum County, who is still living. They have had eight children-Vinson Edward, Cleason B. and Madison Monroe the sons ; Annie G., Isolina H., Mary J., Wilkie J. and Birdie E., the daughters.
CHAPTER XXIX.
YORK.
ORGANIZATION-THE DEAVERS, LONGSTRETHIS, PLETCHIERS, WELLERS, STONEBURNERS-THE FIRST SETTLERS-ANDREW GOSSMAN AND THE PANTHER-OLD DRAGON-DEAVERTOWN-EARLY REC- OLLECTIONS OF MRS. T. L. GREY-INITIAL EVENTS-LODGES-CHURCHES-DEAVERTOWN IN 1886.
Y ORK Township was organized in 1819. On the 7th of July in that year the court of common pleas passed the following order in reference to it :
" WHEREAS, it appears that the county commissions have set off a new township by the name of York ; . ordered, that said township be entitled to two justices of the peace, and that the qualified electors of said township be authorized to assemble at the house of John Stoneburner on Saturday, the 24th instant."
In pursuance of this order an election was held at the time and place ap- pointed. William Atkins, James Mc- Adoo and Henry Smith were selected as judges, and Elijah Atkins and Jacob Eckert as clerks of the election. Thirty votes were cast by the following pio- neers, none of whom are now living:
Levi Deaver, James McAdoo, Will- iam Atkins, Elijah Atkins, Bartholo- mew Longstreth, Christian Shirk, Henry Smith, Samuel Rogers, James Dikus, George Smith, Peter Burgoon, Benjamin Parker, Samuel Pletcher, John Shultz, Peter Stoneburner, John Stoneburner, Charles Stoneburner, Henry Weller, Robert Rose, William
Foreaker, Joshua Foreaker, Richard Burgoon, Charles Burgoon. Michael George, Sr., Michael George, Jr., Patrick Ryan, James Longstreth, Cor- nelius Ferrell, Luther Wilson and Jacob Ebert.
Michael George and Peter Burgoon received twenty-eight votes each, and were declared elected. Jacob Ebert received three votes. It appears that thirty-one votes were cast-either one name was unrecorded or the clerk made a mistake in the number of ballots cast.
At an election held April 2, 1822, Christian Shirk was chosen justice of the peace. At this election among the list of voters the following new names appear: Jeremiah Wise, Thomas Cole- man, Henry Pletcher, Barnet Hamp- shire, Jacob Swope, James Burgoon and John Herron.
William Large was chosen a justice of the peace in October, 1824. At this election the following new names ap- pear on the poll book :
Stephen Foreaker, William Foreaker, Jr., Thomas Foreaker, Sr., Thomas Foreaker, Jr., Shadrach Allard, Reuben Allard, Samnel Allard, Nathan Moody, James W. Moody, William Delaney. Solomon Brown, Peter Bond, Thomas
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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
Bond, Charles Bond, John Dodds, John McIntire, George Shaffer, Philip Stout, Nicholas Swingle, William Large. Amos Conaway, Edward Sowers, Jon- athan Walls, Casper Trout, Jacob Thorn and John Smith. In July, 1825, the following names appear: George Haupt, John George, James Coho, John Geiger, Jacob Sowder and Samuel Bagley.
The soil of this township is not of the very best quality, but the people are good farmers, industrious, thrifty and prosperous. Among the early settlers were many Germans, or people of German descent and their descend- ants compose the larger portion of the present inhabitants. With their pro- verbial frugality and thrift they have succeeded in gaining fine properties and making extensive improvements.
To Levi and Reuben Deaver belong the honor of being the first white set- tlers within the present limits of York Township. Levi, the older and more conspicuous of the two brothers, was born in Middletown, Md., about twenty- five miles from Harper's Ferry. In 1809 they started for the Ohio country on horseback on a tour of exploration. It was their intention at the thne to settle in the vicinity of Dayton, and it is said that they made locations and re- turned to their homes with the idea of making permanent settlement in the following spring. Rumors of the hos- tility of the Indians induced them to change their plans, and in the spring of 1810, with their household goods and the family of Levi, which consisted at the time of his wife and one child (Mahala Hunt), they started for what is now Deavertown. Their journey was devoid of any incident worthy of men- tion, and they arrived at their destina-
tion after a tedious journey by wagon through an almost uninhabited country. Levi entered the east half of section thirty-five, and built, for the accommo- dation of himself and family, a double log cabin on his purchase. He also constructed, for the use of those who might follow him into the new country, two cabins for their use until such time as they could build for themselves. Reuben, at the time of his emigration, was a young man of twenty-four. Ile remained but a few years, when he went to Putnam, where he followed his trade, that of millwright, until 1825, when he returned to York, where he resided until his decease, in 1858, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, leaving a family of fourteen children. Three of his sons reside in the township-Rev. G. W., John and James. Reuben II., Jonathan and William reside in Kansas.
In 1815 Levi Deaver laid out the vil- lage which afterward bore his name. For many years it was called New Market, but by common consent it eventually took the name of its founder. In the disposal of the lots he placed the price at five dollars, and to all purchas- ers he would give a lot. He was a millwright by trade, and built several mills. Although he was possessed of only a very limited education, he was a man of more than ordinary intelligence and discernment. Ile was a man of powerful physique, and a generous na- ture. For many years he was the vil- lage magistrate, and a worthy member of the Christian Church. Shortly after his settlement in Deavertown, a brother- in-law, Thomas Allison, came with his family and settled on an adjoining farm. Mrs. Allison was a native of Maryland. Desiring to visit the home of her childhood, she started on horse-
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back, carrying an infant child in her arms. She made the trip safely and returned in the same way. The family staid but a few years. Levi Deaver left a family of eleven children, eight of whom are now living-Mahala, Abra- ham, Melinda, Matilda, Levi T., Nancy, Sally, Bazael, William, Henry H. and James.
After the settlement of the Deavers, the next family of prominence to take up their residence in the township were the Longstreths-Bartholamew, Philip, Michael, James, and their families- about fifteen in all. They came from Cambria County, Pa. Philip located about one mile and a quarter north of Deavertown, upon one hundred and sixty acres of wild land. Bartholamew entered one hundred and sixty acres adjoining his brother's on the east. Michael's location was one mile south of Deavertown. James, or 'Squire Longstreth, as he was familiarly known in after years, settled one-half mile west of the village. Bartholamew lived on the farm where he first settled until his decease. One peculiarity of these brothers was that while they were reared amid the same influences, they all held different religious convictions. Bar- tholamew was a Catholic, and soou after he came to York built a Catholic church, which is said to have been the second Catholic church erected in this section of Ohio. He secured the services of a priest, Rev. N. Young, and for many years services were regularly held. The establishment of this church in- duced quite an extensive emigration of German Catholics from Cambria Coun- ty, Pa., who settled in the immediate vicinity. Among the number was a Ger- man by the name of Andrew Gossman. Gossman had just come over, and was
quite inexperienced in woodcraft, and the following humorous incident which came near being a tragedy is related of him. One Sabbath morning, just pre- vious to church time, he sent his children. Fritz and Agatha, into the woods for the cows, accompanied by the dog. Coming to where the cows were, the dog treed a panther; the children know- ing nothing of wild animals thought it to be a calf. Fritz immediately returned to the house and informed his father that the cow had a calf and that it had climbed a tree. Gossman took his gun, an ordinary shotgun, and his axe, and repaired to the spot. Without a mo- ment's hesitation he fired at the panther, and, luckily for him, one of the shot penetrated the brain of the animal, and he leaped to the ground, alighting be- tween two logs. The dog immediately attacked him ; and Gossman, taking his axe and standing astride the panther, buried the axe in his head. The family then repaired to the church, which they reached just as the services were over and the congregation leaving. The priest reprimanded him for being late, and Gossman in apology, told him that he had encountered some terrible mon- ster in the woods, which he thought was the devil. and that he had killed him. The priest replied that while he had reason to doubt his statement, he sincerely hoped that he was correct, as it would relieve him of future contests with that historic individual.
In addition to other initial efforts, Bartholamew built a mill on the head- waters of Jonathan Creek. This mill, though a rude affair, was a great con- venience to the early settlers. After his death, which occurred in 1825, his widow operated the mill, until about 1850. Only two of his children now
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reside in the township, Daniel and Bar- tholamew. Michael died on the place where he settled. Two children, Henry and Catherine, reside on the old home- stead. Philip also died on the farm on which he was the pioneer. James went to Missouri, where he died.
The emigration of the Pletchers was an important and valuable contribution to the population of the township. In 1815 Henry Pletcher, Sr., a thrifty and prosperous farmer, of Loudoun County, Va., came to York and purchased from Government 1,760 acres of land, all within the present boundaries of the township. Returning to Virginia, the winter was spent in making preparation for their removal, and in the spring of 1816 the entire family, with their house- hold goods loaded in wagons, started for their new homes. The names of the children who came with him are: John, Samuel, Henry, Jacob, Solomon, Eliza- beth (Stoneburner), Mary (Spring), Catherine, Susan and Sarah. Henry, Sr., settled on the farm now owned by Joseph Hollingshead, where he lived until his death, in 1841. He was a tem- perate and industrious man and accu- mulated a competency. Catherine mar- ried John Weller and reared two chil- dren, Henry W. and Susan, who died in 1851. Samuel married Mary Smith ; Henry, Jr., Jane Dietrick; Jacob, Mar- garet Stoneburner; Susan, William Swingle. She is the only survivor of the ten children. Sarah became Mrs. John Good, and Solomon married Char- lotte Bagley. Noah and Hiram Plet- cher, two of the prominent and well-to- do farmers of the township, are grand- sons of the progenitor of the family in this county and sons of Henry, Jr. They own part of the original purchase. L. D. Pletcher is a son of Solomon ; he
also resides on a portion of the original purchase of his grandfather. Andrew Spring, a son-in-law of Henry Pletcher, Sr., was one of the little colony of Pletchers who settled in 1816. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, and im- proved the farm now owned by his son, S. J. Spring. For many years he was the only stone mason in the neighbor- hood. He died in 1864, leaving a family of eight children. Mr. Spring brought with him from Virginia a favorite horse by the name of Dragon. Old Dragon was not as well pleased with the new country as his master; he longed for the scenes of his colthood, and some three months after his arrival he concluded that whatever might be the decision of his owner, he would return to the old home in Virginia. His loss was severely felt, and diligent search was made. They traced him to the Muskingum River, where all trace of him was lost. Some time after Mr. Spring received a letter from the gentleman of whom he had purchased him, containing the in- formation that Dragon was again in liis accustomed place, apparently contented and happy. Old Dragon was allowed to remain where he was "bred and born," and died full of years. One thing remarkable, in regard to his esca- pade, is the fact that he took an oppo- site course from that which he came, and his route must have been one en- tirely new to him.
Among those who can claim York township as the place of their nativity, is Henry W. Weller, one of its promi- nent farmers and valued citizens. He was born in 1818 and is the son of John Weller, one of the pioneers who came from Frederick County, Va., in in 1810 and settled in Muskingum County. The elder Weller married
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YORK.
Catherine Pletcher. Henry W. mar- ried Anna Longstreth and reared three children, only one of whom, Joseph A., is now living. He is president of the Western College at Toledo, Iowa. John W. was killed in the charge on Ft. Wagner. Mr. Weller is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. In ante-bellum days his house was a prom- inent station on the U. G. R. R. He is rapidly approaching the sunset of life and is passing the remainder of a well- spent life in peace and contentment.
James McAdoo was one of the pioneers. He came to Muskingum County from Pennsylvania in 1813. In 1817 he came to York and settled on one hundred and sixty acres of land adjoining the present village of Deav- ertown. He was prominent among the early settlers. He officiated as a judge at the first election held in the town- ship after it became one of the sub-di- visions of Morgan County. He had a family of nine children, Elizabeth, Mathias, Cornelius, Reason, Carrie, Maria, John, Henry and William. John married Miss Susan, daughter of Samuel Gamble and reared six children, James, Agnes, Elizabeth, W. R., Henry and Helen. James is the present effi- cient superintendent of the county in- firmary.
Jeremiah Wise, with his wife and three children, came from Maine about 1816 and settled on the farm now owned by his son, James L. Ile resided in the township until his decease in 1853. IIe was one of the prominent early Baptists of this section, honest, industri- ous and moderately successful. He was Inghly esteemed. His children were Naney, Margary and George W.
John Morgan was born in Frederick County, Va., in 1809. From thence he
went to Loudoun County, and from there to Morgan County in 1831. He has been one of the successful farmers of the township.
Thomas L. Grey came from Alex- andria, Va., in 1833. He was reared to the trade of a saddler, and was born in Prince William County, Va., January 16, 1815. ITis father, John G., was a merchant and did business at Maddox Cross Roads. Owing to reverses in business he removed to Alexandria in 1822. In 1834 Thomas L, came to Put- nam where he followed his trade until his removal to Deavertown in August of 1835, where he has done business for over a half century. In 1836 he mar- ried Miss Fidelia Bagley. A family of four children were the result of this union, Samuel C., Edgar W., Emily E. (Minton) and Mary E. (Havener). In ante-bellum days Mr. Grey was one of the active anti-slavery men. He took a prominent part in the operation of the Underground Railroad and many an um- fortunate slave was piloted to freedom and happiness through his efforts. In his religious and political affiliations he is a Methodist and an earnest repub- lican. Samuel Bagley, father-in-law of Mr. Grey, was a native of Rhode Is- land, and came from Vermont to Athens County in 1819, and from thence to Deavertown in 1825. He was by trade a tanner and currier and died in Deaverton in 1863. He reared a family of fifteen children, eleven of whom are living. James B. the histor- ical oracle of Deavertown and Mrs. Grey are the only two living in the town- ship.
Samuel C. Grey was born in 1838. Hle learned the trade of a saddler, which vocation he has since followed. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Co. HI, 17th
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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY, OHIO.
Regiment, O. V. I., and served until the expiration of his term of service. In August of that year he again en- tered the service as sergeant of Co. D. 97th Regiment, O. V. I., a three years organization. January 4th he was dis- charged for physical disability, and he returned to his home. Before he had recovered his health he again went into the army as a member of Co. K, 161st Regiment. Ilis younger brother, Edgar W., was also a member of the same company, and the two brothers served the term of enlistment, and returned to their homes. But few men stand higher in the esteem of his fellow- townsmen than Mr. Grey. For three terms he has served them as treasurer and for many years was postmaster. He married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of John McAdoo, one of the early settlers of the township.
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