USA > Ohio > Muskingum County > History of Muskingum County, Ohio ; with illustrations and biographical sketches of prominent men and pioneers, 1794 > Part 103
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A HUNTER'S EXTREMITY.
The pioneers, whether attracted to this region by the abundance of game of all kinds, or the salubrious climate and fertile soil. nevertheless, spent much time in the chase. Henry Dozer, Adam Leffler, and Henry Stainbrook, were so fond of this occupation, that they were generally spoken of as "the hunters."
On one occasion, Henry Dozer found a "bear tree," that is, a hollow stump, of considerable height, within which a pair of the ursus Ameri- canus had made their home, and, at this time, had cubs, which had been left to themselves, while the parents had gone in quest of food.
Mr. Dozer, feeling safe from molestation, cap- tured the cubs, and was making off with them, when Madam Bruin's anxions ear heard their cry and she hastened to their rescue, and so hot- ly did she pursue the invader of her home and the would-be despoiler of her family circle, that Mr. Dozer was compelled to release the bear ba- bies, and to defend himself as best he could with his rifle. Being in very "close quarters," he thrust the muzzle of his gun into her mouth, which she seized in her teeth and almost wrenched it from him, and struck it so violently with her paws that it was with difficulty he could retain his hold of it; but he suceeded in discharging the contents of the gun into her brain, which quieted her excitement and saved Mr. Dozer from her fatal embrace. He then had all the bear meat he wanted, and the cubs, beside. The gun barrel shows the marks of her teeth, and how certainly Madam Bruin could have crushed his bones.
Another of this trio. "canght in his own trap," came near perishing for want of help to get out. Having made a pit and covered it with branches, in the usual way, he thought to try it, and it worked so well that he was precipitated to the bottom, from whence he could not return, and thus found himself imprisoned, thirty miles from the nearest human habitation, and with abundant opportunity to realize "how it was himself"-to be trapped. There he remained, despite every effort to get out, and, having been there nearly three days, he was almost resigned to his fate, when Henry Stainbrook happened to pass near, and heard his feeble cry, and rescued him. The fear of starvation, or being devoured by wild beasts, had greatly exhausted him.
Black bears were so numerous that Ilenry Stainbrook killed two from a beech tree, not more than half a mile from his cabin home. This was on the farm now owned by William S. Swin- gle. He cut his name and the year of this oc- currence-1815-in the bark of the tree, and they remain visible to this day.
CARPENTERS.
The first carpenters were George Swingle, the Second, and Joseph Showers. The first carpen- ter work done in the township, was for George
469
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO.
Swingle, the First. [This designation signified their priority of coming, and fixed their individ- uality. ]
PHYSICIAN.
The first physician was Doctress Addison, who "practiced through all this region," and carried her bag of roots and herbs like "the great medi- cine men" of that day, and was warmly welcomed at every fireside. This was about 1813.
MILLS.
The first sawmill was built by Samuel Stover, who built a dam across Brush creek, and thus found water power to propel his mill, in 1813. He added a gristmill, in 1819. In 1827 and 1829, new mills were built, on the old foundations, on the site afterwards occupied by John E. McCoy's tannery, in Stovertown.
SCHOOLS.
The first school in this township was taught by David Woodruff, Sr., during the winter of 1814, in a log house, erected on Adam Baughman's farm. by George Swingle ; this farm is now the home of J. S. Baughman. Among the scholars taught by Mr. Woodruff, were, of "The Class of 1814." John Swingle. Samuel Swingle, Mary and Margaretta Swingle. Elizabeth Dietrich, Reuben. Lewis, and Ruth Whittaker, David and Lewis Stockdale. Elizabeth and Sarah Stover, James Bridgener, Stephen, Nathan, and Han- nah Woodruff. Joseph Hudson, Thomas David- son. Balsor Stover, and Edwin Erwin.
The schools of this period are under the man- agement of our common school system, and supplied with comfortable houses, distributed over the township, where they meet the wants of the population most advantageously. they are nine in number : total atendance, 464.
TANNERY.
The first tanner was Archibald Buchanan, who located on the bank of Turkey run, about 1815. on land now owned by John Aston, and operated by John E. McCoy and Upton Lybar- ger, in Stovertown.
THE FORMATION OF THE TOWNSHIP.
"A petition was presented by a number of the inhabitants of Harrison township, praying that a new township be incorporated, viz. : Beginning at the southeast corner of section thirty-one, in township number ten, in range number thirteen ; thence north. with the range between the thir- teenth and fourteenth ranges, to the northwest corner of section number six, in township num- ber eleven, in the thirteenth range, east, to the Muskingum river ; thence, down said river, until it intersects the range-line between the twelfth and thirteenth ranges ; thence south, to the coun- ty line ; thence west, to the place of beginning. called Brush Creek township .- February roth. 1817."-[See Commissioners' Journal. |
TOPOGRAPHY.
Topographically this township is one of the most hilly and broken in the county. One of the old settlers facetiously remarks that "we have more surface to the square mile, and can come nearer being able to farm both sides of our land, than any other township in the lot." In ye olden time, there was a denser growth of large trees, of all kinds known to Southeastern Ohio, than in almost any other part of the State. There is a large area of good timber land now.
The valley lands are the most fertile, and, be- ing numerous, this is accounted one of the best farming regions. The soil is very productive, even on the uplands, and is composed of clay, lime, and sand-notably well adapted for cere- als. The lowlands are chiefly of a sandy loam. Sandstone is more abundant than limestone, yet both are found in sufficient quantities for building purposes.
There are several varieties of clay, valuable for pottery, and in quantities that make this a very desirable region for the potter's art.
Cannel coal has been found, in large quanti- ties, and of superior quality.
Iron ore has been traced, and is supposed to abound in this township. Some specimens have been pronounced very good, but, as yet, none has been mined for use.
Salt is easily made from the water found at short distances below the surface.
The first Justice of the Peace was Samuel Whitaker, who probably began to perform the duties of his office soon after the formation of the township, which was in 1817. He was succeeded by James Brown, and the following succeeded each other in the order given : William Thomp- son, " Zach " Baumgardner, David Butt, John Baughman, John Thompson, Robert Cummings, George Dozer, Thomas B. McConnell, Solomon Dozer, Balsor Dietrich, Thomas Showers, Abram Morrison, John Plantz, William McCon- nell, John Baughman, Hiram Dozer, Washington Louers, George Weaver, John Baughman and John G. McConnell.
The first salt well was bored by Thomas Moorehead in the year 1818, on the farm now owned by Martha and Joshua McConnell. This proved a success, and the business of salt making has been a prominent industry in the township for many years.
CHURCHES.
Lutheran Church .- The Rev. William Foster, an Evangelical Lutheran clergyman, visited from house to house in Brush Creek township, from 1812 to 1818, holding religious services. These visitations and services were conducted during 1818 by Rev. Andrew Hinkle and his brother, Charles. In 1819, Rev. Andrew Hinkle, assisted by Rev. Lewis Shite, organized a circuit, con- sisting of four or more congregations ; one near Deavertown, in Morgan county, known as the Jerusalem Church ; one in Brush Creek township, denominated St. John's Evangelical Church ; one in Roseville, and one in Fultonham, the latter
.470
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO.
three being in Muskingum county. In 1819, the Church of St. John erected a church, two miles south of the village of Stovertown. The spot where this primitive log church stood is now marked by a graveyard, where many of the pio- neers have been laid. The first person buried there was Miss Phebe J. Swingle. daughter of George Swingle, who died early in the year 1812. She was identified with the church while yet in Chambersburg. Pennsylvania, and died triumphant in the faith. There was no Lutheran minister in this region at that time, and Rev. John Goshen. of Putnam. Muskingum county, a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, conducted the funeral services. The next pastor was Rev. Samuel Kammerer, who began his min- isterial work in 1820. and continued to serve them for sixteen years.
The Lutherans and Presbyterians united in building a church. and vacated the old log church. This union, for the purpose of erecting a church. was in 1831; and the two societies worshiped without disturbance, one from the other.
The Rev. Amos Bartholomew served as pastor from 1836 to 1838. and in 1839, Rev. James Manning became the pastor. He continued to serve in the field until 1856.
In 1851, an additional lot, adjoining the one on which the church stood. was purchased. Upon this lot, the Lutherans erected a neat frame church, 36x40. and it was dedicated according to the usages of the Lutheran Church.
The Rev. John Bugan succeeded Mr. Man- ning in the pastorate, and remained twelve years, when the Rev. James Manning was called the second time to the pastorate. In 1872, owing to some dissensions among the members, the pastor resigned. and the pulpit was supplied from Zanes- ville.
In 1873, the congregation changed its synod- ical connection by uniting with the English Dis- trict Synod of Ohio. and. at the same time, with the Zanesville Evangelical Lutheran Church, thus forming one charge.
The Zanesville congregation being in want of a pastor. the two united in calling Rev. William Ruthruff, of Akron, Ohio. This gentleman had the happiness of seeing peace restored amid the troubled spirits. Mr. Ruthruff continued to serve these churches until May, 1876, when he was suddenly called from the church militant to the church triumphant. He left many friends to mourn his death, but who long to meet him " on that other shore."
Their next pastor, Rev. Frank Richard's, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. is still ministering to them, and acceptably.
In the spring of 1878, the Brush Creek con- gregation purchased ground adjoining the lots above mentioned, and erected a frame church of Gothic architecture. 66x40, with a steeple one hundred feet high, at an aggregate cost of $5,000. The building was dedicated the same year, and is regarded as one of the finest country churches in the State. The congregation is free from debt
and in a more flourishing condition than at any previous time of its history.
The Presbyterian Church .- The first organi- zation of the Presbyterian Church in Brush Creek township, was in 1825, by Rev. James Culbertson. Services were held at the residence of Mrs. Turner, a widow lady residing on the farm since owned by James Leasure, and con- tinued to be held there for some years.
The Presbyterians and Lutherans, Anno Domini, 1831, united for the purpose of erecting a house of worship, and at this time the Rev. Hunt was installed pastor of the Presbyte- rian congregation. The membership at this time consisted of Mrs. Turner, Lemuel Whitaker, David Woodruff and wife, Thomas B. McConnell and wife, Hugh Hankinson and wife, William Thompson and wife, John McCandless and wife, James French and wife, Daniel Spangler, Mary Stover and Hannah Woodruff. These good people continued in the faith and were the means of disseminating the truths of the gospel to many.
Antioch United Brethren Church .- The in- ception of this organization was when Royal Hastings, the first preacher, gathered the people together and preached to them, in the house of George Swingle, (the third,) about the year 1830. In this humble cabin he blew the Gospel trumpet with such unerring sound that they were constrained to unite the little band into an organi- zation, and determined to hold regular meetings, and they met in that house until 1844, when a cabin was erected, on the farm of Samuel Dozer, where they worshiped until 1869, when they took possession of the commodious and neat frame church that they have continued to use to this day. The membership, at the time of organiza- tion. consisted of Henry Dozer and wife, John Barringer and wife, George Dozer and wife, Samuel Dozer and wife, Peter Stainbrook and wife, and Kate Davis.
The present membership numbers thirty-four, and the pastor is Rev .- Everhart.
Zoar Baptist Church .- This church was com- posed of Samuel Bagley, Joshua Breeze, Win. Foster, Henry Hamrick, Wm. Marlow, and Sarah McCurdy, who were formerly members of churches of this denomination, and having cer- tificates of such membership, met in school house No. 3. on Irish Ridge, Brush Creek town- ship, June 4th, 1831, and organized this church. Joshua Breeze was chosen pastor, and they con- tinued to worship in this school house until the spring of 1833, when . the congregation found it convenient to provide a building of their own, the rough log house of the period being con- sidered sufficiently good for this purpose, as well as for residence. They worshiped there until 1859, when it was deemed expedient to have a larger house, and a frame structure, more com- modious and ornamental, was erected, instead of the old church. This church is still in use. Their growth has been slow and steady. The membership enrolled is thirty. Those who have
471
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO.
served this church as pastor, succeeding Mr. Breeze, are given as follows: Joseph Sperry, Samuel Moody, Matthew Brown, Peter Ogen, John Pritchard, J. J. Van Horn, Ephraim Barker, David Baker, Wm. Fisher, and John Croy.
AMITY SUNDAY SCHOOL.
This school was formed with a "Constitution and Regulations." The first article of the Con- stitution provided that "This Society shall be known by the name of Amity Sabbath School Association, auxiliary to the Muskingum County Union. Second. That any person contribut- ing to the funds of this society shall be a mem- ber. Third. The affairs of this association shall be conducted by a Board, consisting of a Presi- dent, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and the Superintendent and Secretary of the school, three of whom shall be a quorum. *
* * * Fifth. The Board shall have power to call special meetings of the society, fill all vacan- cies which occur in their own Board, make their own By-Laws, and adopt such other measures as may, in their opinion, promote the objects of this association. Sixth. Any two members of the Board may call a special meeting, of which due notice shall be given. Seventh. The Con- stitution may be altered at any regular meeting of the association, with the concurrence of two- thirds of the members present. Eighth. The Superintendent of the school shall be the dele- gate of the association to represent it at the annual meeting of the Muskingum County Union."
Regulations .- First. This school shall be called the Amity Sunday School Union. Sec- ond. It shall open at at 9 o'clock in the morning and close at 12 (noon) and open again at - o'clock p. M .. and close at -o'clock. Third. It shall be conducted by a Superintendent, Sec- retary, and as many teachers as shall offer to conduct its several classes. Fourth. The Super- intendent and Secretary shall be elected yearly. Fifth. The duty of the Superintendent shall be to direct the general concerns of the school, take care of the books, and see all the regulations car- ried into effect. The duty of the Secretary shall be to record all the proceedings of the school in the minute book and register. and shall yearly render a report of the progress and success of the school to the society. Sixth. Each teacher shall be regular and punctual in attendance, and shall not retire from the school room without permis- sion, and if obliged to be absent, should signify it to the Superintendent, and, if possible, pro- cure a substitute to instruct his class. Seventh. Teachers shall maintain, order in their several classes by the most temperate measures. They shall deliver all disorderly scholars to the Super- intendent, whose duty it shall be to reprove them, and to take such measures as may insure their good order and obedience. Eighth. The Superintendent and teachers shall occasionally visit the scholars and parents ; such intercourse will greatly aid them in enforcing the rules of
the school, and promote its interests in many other respects. The absentees shall be visited by the Superintendent or teacher, every week, if possible. Ninth. The selected Scripture lessons shall be used so that every class shall receive in- struction on the same subject at the same time, and the lesson for the next Sabbath shall be an- nounced at the close of the school. It shall be the dnty of the teachers to prepare themselves for this lesson by a careful attention to it during the week. An examination on these lessons shall take place quarterly, by the Superintend- ent. Tenth. No scholar shall be permitted to retire from the school room without the consent of the Superintendent. Eleventh. Meetings of business shall be held monthly, or quarterly. Twelfth. It shall be the duty of the teachers to attend the concert of prayer for Sabbath schools, which is held on the second Monday of each month, to which meeting the people shall be in- vited, and the parents particularly. Thirteenth. The scholars and their parents shall be convened yearly at the church, or school room, by invita- tion, and a sermon or address given by the min- ister, a brief report made. and such exercises. at the discretion of the Superintendent shall be had, as shall be calculated to excite an interest in the school. Fourteenth. The scholars are neither to talk nor laugh during the hours of tuition."
Another meeting was held on the 23d of Sep- tember, 1831, when the constitution and regula- lations were adopted, and the following officers chosen :
President-Lemuel Whitaker.
Vice President-William Swingle.
Treasurer-Adam Baughman.
Secretary-John Baughman.
The number in regular attendance was fifty- five. The society adjourned from November to April, 1843 : the same officers continued. The average attendance was forty-seven. The verses committed by scholars was two thousand nine hundred and seventy-five ; closed October first. 1844-daily attendance, forty : average number of verses committed, sixty-one ; closed October 15th. 1845-opened in May, and closed in Oc- tober : attendance fifty. 1846-the Superintend- ent was Lemuel Whitaker : teachers-William Swingle. Adam Baughman. Joseph Baughman. David Woodruff. Catharine Baughman, Susan Stover. Sarah Duval ; daily attendance, forty- five. 1847-re-election of officers. 1852-daily attendance, fifty-five: number of verses com- mitted, five thousand nine hundred and eighteen ; highest number by one scholar, one thousand three hundred and forty-nine. 1853-number of verses committed, five thousand one hundred and nineteen. 1854-The Superintendent was George Swingle ; number enrolled. seventy-two ; average attendance, fifty : number of verses committed, two thousand one hundred and fifty . 1855-the attendance was forty-eight ; verses committed, four thousand one hundred and fifty- two. 1856-the number of teachers was six ; the attendance, forty-one. 1859-11. Prescool was Superintendent : the attendance, forty-two.
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TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO.
1862-attendance, thirty-eight. 1866-B. F. Swingle was Superintendent ; the attendance, forty. The attendance in 1867, was sixty-one ; in 1868, forty ; in 1869, forty-two; in 1870, it was sixty-two ; in 1871, it was seventy. In 1872, the classes numbered six ; the scholars seventy ; the attendance, thirty-seven. In 1873, the classes, five ; enrolled, sixty-one. 1874-the classes, five ; enrolled, seventy-four. In 1875. the classes numbered six ; enrolled, seventy. In 1876, classes, six ; enrolled, seventy-eight. 1876- enrolled, one hundred and two. / 1877- enrolled, ninety-six. 1879-enrolled. one hun- dred and eight.
The foregoing, is a correct abstract of the records obtained to date. This school has ex- cited a wide and salutary influence ; surpassing the fondest expectations of its friends.
CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION.
May 24th, 1877, Thomas McCann and James Cullins, members of Zanesville Christian Tem- perance Union, visited Brush Creek township, for the purpose of organizing a branch society, auxiliary to the Union. A meeting of the citi- zens, was held in the church of the United Brethren, at which James Cullins was President and Thomas McCann, Secretary, and an organ- ization, with the following officers, was effected :
President-John Cooper.
Vice President-J. M. Riley.
Secretary-Alice McConnell.
Treasurer-Henry Blake.
The name chosen by the society was the " Brush Creek Temperance Union. " and the following were charter members: John 11. Cooper, Ella Shepard, Henry Blake. Marshall Cooper, Alice McConnell, Emma Fouts. How- ard Andrews, William Stone, Jesse Stone. Wil- liam F. Price, Caleb Blake, Alonzo Riley, " Zach" Morrison, John T. Stuart, James Riley.
The association did a good work; not less than ninety persons signed the total abstinence pledge during the first three weeks.
Tradition has it that "there has not been any intoxicating liquors sold in the township, during the past twenty years," and yet, it must be remembered, that the inhabitants generally "do their trading in Zanesville," where "the ardent" is easily had. With this outlook, it must be considered a signal victory. to have gained such strength.
STOVERTOWN.
This is the only village in the township, and was laid out and named in consideration of Samuel Stover, in 1832. He was found mur- dered, near the upper bridge, in Zanesville, and after his death, a stock of goods, shipped from New York to Samuel Stover, arrived at their destination-were brought here, and the store formed the nucleus of the town, which contains
a store, shoe shop, hotel, postoffice, Justice of the Peace, and a physician, and is the nucleus for a thriving inland town. The highest num- ber of votes polled in the township, was two hundred and seventy-four.
FIRST STORE.
The pioneer store was opened in 1830, by Gottlieb Slyder, on the farm now owned by B. F. Swingle, near Stovertown. It is said that he had a choice selection of dry goods, groceries, and hardware. which were afterwards moved to Stovertown.
FIRST DISTILLERY.
The first distiller was Adam Leffler, who came to this region prior to 1820. His distillery was located on land afterwards owned by Daniel Longstreth.
BRICK.
The first brick made in the township, were burned by William Swingle, and were used in building the house now occupied by B. F. Swingle : this is said to have taken place at an early day.
The first post route was from Putnam to Stover- town. Washington Baughman carried the mail. This was about 1850.
GEOLOGY.
On the land of Mr. Sloan, near Stovertown, section thirty-six, in Brush Creek township, a geological section was made, revealing the Alex- ander seam of coal.
Feet. Inches.
1. Shale. 8 0
2. Coal 1
4
3. Clay 0
4. Coal .. 6 3
5. Under-clay
On the land of J. Elmore, section thirteen, the following geological section was taken :
Feet. Noches. 8
1. Sandstone
0
2. Coal, reported thickness. 1
3. Mostly laminated samlstone. 70
0
4. Alexander seam, reported. 0
6
5. Laminated sandstone. 45
0
6. Sandy limestone. 1
0
7 .. Laminated sandstone 39
8. Blossom of Straitsville or Nelsonville
coal
The two upper coal seams in this section, have formerly been opened. but the openings have fallen in, and no measurements could be made. It is possible that the seams are less thick than reported .- [Geological Report, 1873, volume r. P. 329 : E. B. Andrews. Assistant Geologist.]. ..
473
TOWNSHIP HISTORIES OF MUSKINGUM COUNTY, OHIO.
CLAY TOWNSHIP.
1812-ROSEVILLE-THE FIRST CABIN-NEW MIL- FORD-NAME OF THE VILLAGE CHANGED-THE POST OFFICE-FIRST POSTMASTER, AND SUC- CESSORS-THE FIRST TAVERN-FIRST STORE- KEEPER-FIRST BLACKSMITII-FIRST SON OF CRISPIN-SCHOOLS-SATAN IN THEIR MIDST- ANOTHER SENSATION-THE VILLAGE INCORPOR- ATED-FORMATION OF CLAY TOWNSHIP-ELEC- TION -CHURCHES IN UNIONTOWN-SONS OF TEMPERANCE-JONATHAN LODGE, NO. 356, I. O. O. F .- GEOLOGY-THE POTTER'S PARADISE- COAL.
ROSEVILLE.
This is the only village in Clay township. It joins Morgan county on the south, and Perry county on the west. It was laid out by Ezekiel Rose, in 1812, under the name of New Milford. Two years later, Mr. Rose built the first cabin ; and near the same time, Jeremiah Spurgeon built his cabin. The name of the village was changed in June, 1830, when a postoffice was ap- pointed there-there being another Roseville in Ohio, this change was deemed imperative by the Postmaster General. John Allen was the first Postmaster. It is claimed, by some, that the postoffice is of older date, but no record can be found concerning this. John Allen's brother, Robert, had charge of the postoffice until Jack- son was elected President of the United States, the second time, in 1832. His successors have been, Edward Rose, John Forgraves, Orange W. Pace, R. B. Allen. C. L. Williams and L. S. Kildow. For many years following the inauguration of the postoffice, the mail was weekly, and carried to and fro on horseback. In those days, the rate of postage, was twenty- five cents for each letter, payable in silver, by the person receiving the letter.
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