USA > Ohio > Ross County > Pioneer record and reminiscences of the early settlers and settlement of Ross County, Ohio > Part 11
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13
In the fall of 1815, he was again elected to the legislature. In 1816, he was appointed commissioner to negotiate a treaty with the Indians at Springwell, near Detroit; he acted in the same capacity at the treaty of Fort Meigs, in September, 1817, and also at the treaty at St. Mary's, in the succeeding year. In 1817, upon being elected to the legislature, he was a com- petitor with the late Charles Hammond, Esq., for the speaker's chair, and triumphed by a small majority, The next summer the party strife on the United States' Bank question, which had commenced the previous session, was violent. McArthur de- fended the right of that institution to place branches wherever it chose in the State, and on this issue was again a candidate for the legislature and was defeated.
A considerable majority of members elected this year were opposed to the United States' Bank. Mr. Hammond was again elected a member of the Assembly, and by his talents, and readiness in wielding his pen, together with his strong and confident manner of speaking, was able to dictate law to this Assembly. A law was passed at this session of the legisla- ture, taxing each branch of the United States' Bank, located in the State of Ohio, fifty thousand dollars. When the time ar- rived for collecting this tax, the branch banks refused to pay.
I38
Pioneer Record of Ross County, Ohio.
Mr. Hammond had provided in the law for a case of this kind ; the collector, with an armed force, entered the branch bank in the town of Chillicothe and took what money he thought pro- per.
" The bank brought suit in the United States Circuit Court against all the State officers concerned in this forcible collec- tion. Mr. Hammond, a distinguished lawyer, with other emi- nent counsel, were employed by the State of Ohio to defend this important cause. The District Court decided the law of Ohio, levying the tax, unconstitutional, and, of course, null and void ; and made a decree, directing the State to refund to the bank the money thus forcibly taken. The cause was appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States. Mr. Hammond defended the suit in all its stages. The Supreme Court decided this cause against the State of Ohio. Thus was settled this knotty and vexatious question, which, for a time, threatened the peace of the Union."
In 1819, McArthur was again elected to the legislature. In 1822, he was again chosen to Congress, and became an un - deviating supporter of what was then called the American system. While General McArthur remained a member of Con - gress, he had considerable influence in that body. His perse- vering industry, his energetic mind, his sound judgment, and practical business habits, rendered him a very efficient member. He would sometimes make short, pithy remarks on the busi- ness of the house, but made no attempts at those flourishes of eloquence which tickle the fancy and please the ear. After having served two sessions in Congress, he declined a re-elec- tion, being determined to devote all his efforts to arrange his domestic concerns. He left the field of politics to others, and engaged with unremitting attention to settle his land business.
In 1830, McArthur was elected Governor of Ohio by the anti-Jackson party, and on the expiration of his term of office was a candidate for Congress, and lost his election, which termi- nated his political career. By an unfortunate accident, in
139
Scioto Township.
June, 1830, McArthur was horribly bruised and maimed. From this severe misfortune his bodily and mental powers con- stantly declined, until death, several years after, closed his career.
Duncan McArthur was a strong minded, energetic man, and possessed an iron will. He was an honorable man, close in business, and had many bitter and severe enemies. His life adds another to the many examples of the workings of our free institutions, of one rising from obscurity to the highest offices in the gift of a State.
Thomas Worthington-Chronological Sketch. Nucle of my math
1773. Thomas Worthington, youngest son of Robert Worthington, was born near Charleston, Jefferson (then Berkeley) county, Virginia.
Robert Worthington, a farmer, was a man of great energy and indus- try ; a justice of the peace, and afterward a captain of scouts during the French and Indian war of 1755.
1780. Lost both his parents, and his early education neglected.
1786. Chose for his guardian General William Darke, and then, for the first time is sent regularly to school, and kindly treated.
General Darke was a captain in the Virginia line during the Revolu- tionary war, and a rough old Indian fighter afterward; was present at St. Clair's defeat. He was very kind to his ward, and sent him to the best schools (not very good) that the country then afforded, and endeavored to procure him a midshipman's warrant to gratify his longing for the sea, but did not succeed. One of his sons accompanied Thomas Worthington to Georgetown, where he enlisted as a sailor.
1790. Goes to sea, contrary to the wishes of his guardian, as a common sailor, in the Brittania. a British merchant vessel, of Port Greenock, Scotland.
1790-91. Visits (as a sailor) the northern parts of the British Islands, and many of the ports of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Russia. Remains absent two years.
1792. Narrowly escapes being impressed as a sailor by a
140
Pioneer Record of Ross County, Ohio.
British press-gang. Grows tired of the life of a sailor, and returns home.
A press-gang came aboard the vessel at Port Greenock. All hands were paraded on deck, and, probably in compliment to his good looks, our young American was selected to serve the king. He was claimed as a Brit- ish subject, and a deserter from a British man of war. These facts were proved by competent false witnesses to the entire satisfaction of the red- nosed lieutenant who commanded the press-gang, and he was about to take possession of his hopeful recruit-stout, well made, and just six feet high- quite a prize. At this juncture James Taylor, captain of the vessel, and a true friend of young Worthington, took the leader of the press-gang aside, and told him that the relatives and guardian of Worthington were persons of wealth and influence in Virginia, who would not fail to institute inquiries about him, which would be very damaging to any one who should violate his rights as an American citizen. These statements, and a small fee, turned the scales, and Worthington escaped the direful slavery of a Brit- ish man of war, to which so many of our countrymen were then, and for years afterward, subjected. He was always grateful to the generous Englishman who saved him from this cruel bondage, and a friendly cor- respondence was kept up between them for many years.
1796. Married to Eleanor Swearingen, and visits the then Northwest Territory, examines it, and (1797) purchases land near Chillicothe.
Eleanor, wife of Thomas Worthington, was a woman of fine mind and culture and remarkable business capacity. Delicately brought up, she faced the dangers and hardships of the new settlement in the Northwest Territory with a brave spirit. Her husband being mostly in public life, she managed his property in his absence with great skill and success. She was left a widow in 1827, with ten children, and a large estate deeply incum- bered with debt. She contributed greatly, by her economy, frugality, and self-denial, to the 'education of the younger children, and, by her wise coun- sels, secured to them all a large part of their inheritance. She died in 1849, at a good old age, with the blessings of the many afflicted whom her active charities had relieved, and beloved and respected by all.
1798. April. Removes, with his wife and an infant daughter, to Chillicothe, having liberated with her consent and brought with them to the free Northwest Territory, her slaves and his own, forty-six in number, of all ages and of both sexes. Builds mill, plants orchards, and clears land.
I4I
Scioto Township.
1799-1801. Member of the Territorial Legislature.
1802. Member of the Constitutional Convention.
While the first Constitutional Convention of Ohio was in session, Mr. Worthington learned from a hunter whom he confided in, that the "South- ern bend " of Lake Michigan was "a day's journey" further south than represented on the maps of the day. He therefore introduced the clause which eventually secured to Ohio the mouth of the Maumee river and the sites of Toledo and Maumee, with a strip of valuable territory. He also introduced a clause prohibiting negro apprenticeships, and thus prevented in Ohio a form of negro slavery which prevailed for many years in Indiana and Illinois. ;
1803-07 and 1810-14. Member of the Senate of the United States.
While in the United States Senate, he procured the passage of a law dividing the public domain into quarter sections instead of squares of two miles ; also, Worthington's law for quieting land titles in the Virginia Military District, well known and much approved by the settlers of the day.
1815-19. Governor of Ohio; founded the Ohio State Li- brary.
Soon after his election as Governor, while on a visit to Columbus, he saw that the public square on which the Capitol now stands was in a rude and filthy condition, and incumbered with logs and brush piles. The town authorities would do nothing, so he went to the warden of the Peni- tentiary and induced him to give him the control of about thirty of the convicts, with the necessary guards. After a brief speech to this squad, he marched them to the public square, and, for two days, kept them busily at work, sharing their labors, until the square was entirely cleared. No man attempted to escape, and all worked cheerfully and efficiently. This anec- dote I had from the late Dr. Lincoln Goodale, who was present and wit- nessed the joint labor, for the public good, of the Governor and convicts.
1820-25. In the Ohio Legislature ; took a prominent part in the new systems of finance and of common schools, the Ohio canal, the penitentiary system, etc.
To his adopted State the labors of Thomas Worthington during these latter years of his life were the most valuable of all. Then was laid the foundations of the prosperity and progress for which Ohio has since been so remarkable. And in this great work there was no man who labored more faithfully and efficiently than he did, in shaping the new systems of finance, public instruction, and public improvements then commenced.
I42
Pioneer Record of Ross County, Ohio.
1826. Canal Commissioner.
1827-June 20. Died at the city of New York.
¥ Hon. William Allen. Lee 3d Page of Cost.
William Allen, the subject of this brief record, is truly a self-made man. He emigrated from Virginia to Chillicothe at an early day, on foot and alone-a boy. He was sent by a rela- tive to the Chillicothe Academy, where he soon developed, as a member of the debating society, talents of the first order, and early attracted the attention of the leading men of Chillicothe. Finishing his studies, he was induced by friends to study law with General Edward King, an eminent attorney. He gradu- ated with high distinction, and became celebrated as an orator. Colonel Allen represented the Chillicothe district in Congress for one term, and as a Senator of Ohio for two terms. He was the acknowledged leader of his party. He married the daugh- ter of the late Governor McArthur, and is the owner of the cel- ebrated Fruit Hill farm. Dr. Scott, his son-in-law, lives with him.
Early Settlers.
Rev. Hector Sanford emigrated to the Scioto Valley in 1799, and was one of the first ministers in Chillicothe. His father, Angus Sanford, came from England in 1772, and served as an officer in the Revolutionary war; was also with Dunmore in 1774. llector's sons are Joseph, John, and Lemuel. Major John Willet was in the war of 1812 ; was an early pioneer and a brave man. General M&Neary was in the war of 1812; his old homestead still stands on MeNaary's run.
The following names of early settlers were contributed by John Robinson : William Rogers, Andrew and George Pontious, Peter Porter, James, Robert, Joseph, Jacob, and William Mc- Dill, Michael Thomas, Robert Adams, James McCrae, Joseph Grani Clark, William Robinson, Enos and John Pursell, Jacob Grun- dy, Richard and John Acton, Thomas, Robert, and William Brown, William Pool, James Danans, John and George Ricups, from - caster Co. Ja. aut mamis to fame menar- daughter of Sen Sas. Manary and Sister of Col. Menary of Union Loop - Dud 1820. leaving three Children Robreca, Jan
Chio
Scioto Township. 143
Graw father
Daniel Dixon, Robert Worthington, Thomas Shields, James Prior, Hugh and James Cochran, Samuel Smith, Daniel Augus- tus, James Carr, James Armstrong, Thomas Earl, Thomas Junk, John Haynes ; Thomas Arthur, still living, and ninety years of age. All the above were early pioneers of West Scioto town- ship.
Nicholas Haynes, father of Henry and John Haynes-who are still living on the old homestead-emigrated to West Scioto in 1808. He was in the Revolutionary war. The Haynes fam- ily record shows thirty names between 1769 and 1815.
James Shane, one of the pioneers, was a Dunkard preacher, and a noted hunter in early times, and had two sons-Daniel and Abraham. He occupied part of the farm known as the Wood's tract. Hugh and Alonzo Carson and the Sullivan fam- ily were the first men in the valley. The Dunn family were also among the earliest pioneers. E. Fullerton was a squatter on the old Zane tract, and an active defender of the settlement against Indian attacks. The old Zane trace passed through this section on the east side of the river. Isaac, Jacob, An- drew, and Adam Creamer settled near the river. Adam was in the Revolution under General Greene, and all of his boys were in the war of 1812 under General Harrison. They were all strong, hearty, large men, well calculated to endure the hard- ships and privations of pioneer life. Many of their descend- ants now live in Fayette county.
Colored Pioneers.
Thomas Watson came in 1796; Henry Evens, 1798; Robert Pleasant, 1799; Nelson Piles; 1800; Samuel Nichol, 1808; Abram Nichol, 1809; Peter James, 1812; Henry Hill, 1813; John Fid- ler, Sen., 1814; John Fidler, Jr., 1814. The above settled in Scioto township.
Indian Occupation of Ross County in 1750.
The Shawanese, Piquas, and Chillicothe tribes
at Itillabon Did 1890-
. (1884)&
Edward Jan. 2201806 Drid dell25th,
Highland Co Oli Joseph Co. born Fe6 8 1804. Nous (1884) Living Died 1893 ~ aged 90-nça
de ror Set2.
: The Died 1805.
1798, and settled
.
C
Robert.
(Pied 1894)
Foi, 8th 1815, Now (1580) living in Petersburg Menos
1517, 2
ii to this from wear con andstore y in Vision twh Rop. La. on the fox The Pod a favority of 12 children viz. El P- Shields W.C. 2R.1808, Died at Fatou Roque La. Ock 12th /822- Lied Seft 26. 1852. John R. W. Bru Feb 14th 1797, Lied 189 Koo. DE.
# 27th 1813. A June 220 185
18H
un Fayette C
Feb. 11!1811. 0 Dusan. born
144
Pioneer Record of Ross County, Ohio.
CHILLICOTHE BUSINESS MEN.
Main Street.
B. Gorham, merchant tailor ; William Hays, baker; John Ewing, grocer; Jeremiah McCollister, wholesale liquor mer- chant ; Adam Greisheimer, huckster and grocer; John Kellhofer, stove and tin store; Thomas Murphy, grocer; William Conner, grocer; S. H. Mosher, grocer; H. W. Woodrow, sewing ma- chines ; John Gunther, grocer; William Vincent, grocer ; B. F. Duncan, Singer machine agent ; E. K. Mick, auctioneer ; E. F. Lewis, saddler; A. W. West, gunsmith ; John Dunn, marble works; Jacob Buchen, dry goods.
Paint Street.
R. B. Smart, T. Woodrow, Clough & Bennett, Carson & Budd, S. C. Swift, F. Hellman, Joseph Stewart, Peter Hoffman, Carlisle & Co., A. H. Warner, dry goods merchants; Dr. R. H. Lansing, John A. Nipgen, Allston & Davis, druggists; J. G. Snyder, M. Lewis & Co., wholesale hardware stores; A. C. Ire- land, wholesale stove and tin store; C. C. Limle, stove and copper shop; C. Erdman, D. Kline, S. Epstine, H. Heicht, J. Jurenmon, clothing stores; P. M. Miner, Miller Patterson & Cutter, hat stores ; C. F. Dufeu, Anton Pfaff, S. Shreckengaust, jewelers ; W. E. Buser, furniture store; Emmett House, Warner House, Union House ; John Kaiser, F. Marluff, confectioners; Platter, Clay- pool & Ingall, wholesale grocers; William Jacob, I. Cory, Smart & Kilvert, grocers ; M. Cahill, M. N. Hurst, J. G. Weid- man, shoe stores; Schaeffer & Kramer, E. H. Kauffman, tobaccon - ists; G. W. White, F. A. Simonds, photographers ; G. W. Harper, bazar; St. Burkley, music store ; A. Pearson, A. Mottz, saddlers ; W. B. Mills, painter and glazier; Mrs. E. Mead, milliner; E. P. Safford, G. P. Schaeffer, insurance agents; J. H. Putnam, Ad- vertiser ; Bond & Son, Gazette; Armstrong, Register; James Rowe, United States land office receiver; W. B. Franklin, United States register ; Hugh McCorry, provisions, groceries, etc .; Maule & Elsass, dry goods; T. & M.Schilder, J. Sully, grocers.
145
Scioto Township.
Water Street.
Barmann & Burgess, dry goods store; Clark & Boggs, wholesale grocers; Wm. Poland, wholesale liquor and grocer ; Boulger & Co., wholesale liquor merchants; Bartlett & Son, wholesale packers, etc .; E. Lewis, druggist; J. T. Bonner, flour and feed store ; Marfield & Bro., Clinton Mills; Bennett & Co., J. Hirn, grocers ; J. R. Bailey, baker and grocer ; P. Fink, meat shop; T. J. Guin, steam stone mill ; A. J. Barlow, livery and feed stable; Frank Reppel, furniture store; M. Brendle, shoe store; Schrader & Betz, carriage manufactory ; Miss Briggs, milliner; Clinton House; G. A. Benner, Mrs. Hanley, J. Hirn, clothiers, etc .; Baber House; J. F. Woodsides, Ætna sewing factory; H. M. Pinto, insurance agent; A. Helmuth, grocer ; F. Aid, shoe shop; Chillicothe House, A. Hirn; D. Oberer, saddler.
Walnut Street.
J. Brown, wagon shop; J. W. Brown, cigar factory; C. E. Rosenfeld, furniture and picture frame factory ; W. B. Haynes, gunsmith; G. Gesler, baker; Assor Blackburn, blacksmith ; Lewis Shenkle, furniture store.
Second Street.
G. J. Herman, dry goods; Schrader & Betz, carriage manu- factory; G. W. Fitzsimmons, R. G. Duff, W. A. Ziebold, J. R. Deiter, Hugh Savage, grocers; H. Maul, merchant tailor; Yeo & Son, G. Perkins, books and stationery ; Philip Kline, leather store ; L. Molenkophf, book bindery; Welsh & Son, foundery ; Phoenix House; J. Snyder, wood and coal yard ; D. Thompson, livery ; James Ewing, livery and feed stable; Hollenhopher, shoe store ; post-office, C. Brown, P. M .; Dr. H. W. How, oper- ative and mechanical dentist, Kaiser's block, second story ; Jackson Bouser, wagon and carriage shop; Baker & Son, meat shop; A. Fiddler, livery establishment ; Mills & Huffman, fur- niture and chairs; D. Montgomery, notions; John Howard, un- dertaker; J. F. Cook, architect.
146
Pioneer Record of Ross County, Ohio.
Professional Business Men.
C. E. Brown, Vanmeter & Neal, Thomas Kelly, W. A. Gage, attorneys at law, Second street ; Mayo & Du Hadway, Milton L. Clark, C. Wm. Gilmore, J. C. Entrikin, Thomas Worthington, Beach & Lawrence, J. H. Keith, attorneys, Paint street; Drs. Waddle, Scearce and Miesse, C. H. French, Second street ; Dr. J. M. Wiltshire, Fifth street; Dr. J. Miller, Main street; Drs. Hubble, G. S. Franklin, Paint street ; Judge Safford, office court house; U. S. Claypool, attorney, Londary ; Dr. D. A. Miller, Roxabell; Samuel L.Wallace, attorney, Second street; McClintick & Smith, attorneys, Second street; Minshall & Throckmorton, attorneys, Main and Paint streets; Dr. D. V. Grace, veterinary surgeon, Union House, Paint street.
Officers of Ross County.
Sheriff, John S. Mace; Auditor, Saml. Kendrick; Treasurer, Wm. A. Wayland; Recorder, Wm. Briggs; Clerk, P. G. Griffin; Probate Judge, Thos. Walke; Prosecuting Attorney, L. T. Neal; Commissioners, Saml. Cline, Saml. Nichol, Wesley Claypool.
147
Paint Township.
Paint Township.
By Colonel J. Mc Donald.
The surface of this township is undulating and very pro- ductive. The low, narrow valleys are limestone, and the hills generally freestone. The forests abound in oak, hickory, pop- lar, elm, ash, and cherry. It is a wild forest township, having no towns or villages. The inhabitants are hardy and industri- ous. There was at one time a town named Amsterdam laid out at the falls of Paint creek, but it has long since been aban - doned.
The branches or runs within the township, emptying into Paint creek, are : Cliff run, which winds its way through steep, high cliffs of limestone rock, covered with the spruce pine, pawpaw, wahoo, and other wild trees and shrubs-a wild ro- mantic place, which has recently become noted on account of the Blackburn tragedy. In early times it was noted among hunters, both white and Indian, as a perfect den of wild game- panthers, bear, wolves, etc. Buckskin creek winds its way through a limestone channel, near the center of the township. Cove run empties into Paint creek, from the north, below the falls. Whetstone creek empties into Buckskin creek. The Upper Twin creek has its source in this township, and empties into Paint creek. Latta run heads in this township also, and empties into Little Paint creek in Concord township.
Rapid Forge Valley was originally owned John Woodbridge, father of Senator John Woodbridge, the present proprietor. Jelahiel Woodbridge was one of the original members of the Ohio company which met at Boston, March 1, 1786. He came out with General Rufus Putnam on his first trip to the lands of the company in Ohio. Dudley Woodbridge was the first Land Register in the Northwestern Territory, 1788. The descend-
148
Pioneer Record of Ross County, Ohio.
ants of Jelahiel Woodbridge, who was a colonel in the Revolu- tionary army, were the earliest settlers of this region, and all men of wealth and note.
On Senator Woodbridge's farm are several caves, which are places of great resort: Warble cave; Wet cave, having two fine springs of water flowing from its inmost limits, and disappear- ing near its mouth in fissures of the rock; Dry cave, with a finely-arched entrance and dome.
Early Settlers.
Joseph Rockhold, a farmer; a captain in the war of 1812, and served as justice of the peace for upward of thirty years, till advanced age compelled him to decline re-election. Nathan Hays, also a farmer, was in the war of 1812, and served two terms as justice of the peace. Thomas Edmonson, a noted hunter in carly days, served in the Indian wars and the war of 1812. Christian Benner, a farmer, erected a forge at the falls of Paint creek. Joseph Ogle, still living at an advanced age. Captain Zachary Taylor served in the war of 1812; a nephew of General Zachary Taylor. Jacob Hare, a noted hunter, farmer, and a useful citizen. M. Benner was the first shoemaker in the township. Dennis Ogle, member of the Legislature in 1869; a man of worth and character. Jesse Cox, George Brown, Adam Kerr, Timothy and Daniel Hixon, farmers. John Grey was the first school teacher in the township. Solomon Davis, Jef- ferson Taylor, Thomas Hays, James Grey, J. C. Peircer, Peter and Philip Newman, farmers and stock raisers; all men of in- fluence. Captain John Edmonds, Mr. Coiler, Henry Benner, Alexander and William Brown, Peter Snyder, John and Aaron Kerr, Mr. Dryer, William Middleton, Joel Hays, and Joseph Nein are well-known citizens; most of them stock dealers and farmers.
Cincinnati, 1871.
ROBERT CLARKE & CO.'S
Ohio Valley Historical Series.
In April, 1868, we announced our intention of publishing, under this general title, a Series of works relating to the Early History of the Valley watered by the Ohio river, and its tributaries, including Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. It has been our aim, not to give a consecutive history, but merely to collect and preserve by publication hitherto unpublished manuscripts of value, relating to the aboriginal history of this region ; the French and English intrigues and wars for its possession ; the travels and journals of early explorers and missionaries; its early settlement by the whites, their contests with the Indians, etc. : and also to reprint some of the early works on Western History which are out of print, and rare.
In carrying out this design, we have issued the following works :
No. I. Bouquet's Expedition Against the Ohio Indians in 1764, with a preface by Francis Parkman, author of " Conspiracy of Pon- tiac," etc. Maps and plates reproduced by the Photo-Lith- ographic process. 8vo. cloth, uncut or gilt top, $3.00. Large paper, Imp. 8vo., $6.00.
No. 2. Walker's History of Athens County, Ohio, the Ohio Land Company, and the First Settlement of the State, at Marietta. Five portraits and an historical map, 8vo. cloth, uncut or gilt top, $6.00. Large paper, 2 vols. Imp. 8vo., $12.00.
No. 3. Colonel George Rogers Clark's Sketch of his Campaign in the Illinois in 1778-79, with Introduction by Hon. Henry Pirtle, of Louisville, and Major Bowman's Journal of the taking of Post St. Vincent. 8vo. cloth, uncut or gilt top, $2.00. Large paper, Imp. 8vo. $4.00.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.