USA > Ohio > Guernsey County > Portrait and biographical record of Guernsey County, Ohio, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with biographies and portraits of all the presidents of the United States > Part 71
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LORE CITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
Lore City is midway between Washington and Senecaville. With the growing population that gathered at that point, a demand came for the preaching of the Gospel, and for the building of a house of worship. A beautiful little church was erected by the liberality of the people in the neigli- boring congregations, and an organization was effected June 6, 1884, with forty-seven members. These came, for the most part, by dismissals from the churches of Washington and Senecaville. The Elders at the organization were: Hugh Brown, J. B. Laughlin and J. A. Sproat. November 23, 1884, Jolın Frame and Daniel Watson were or- dained and installed as members of the session.
This church has been connected with the pas- toral charge of Washington and Senecaville, and enjoyed the pastoral labors of Revs. Newton Don- aldson, C. R. MeCracken and H. H. McMasters, C. R. MeCracken succeeding H. H. McMasters since April, 1892. Eldersare: John Frame, Daniel Wat- son, C. A. Sproat and C. C. Langhlin.
WASHINGTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The town of Washington was laid out in 1805. The early settlers were of Scotch-Irish descent, and not only a religious people, but of Presbyte- rian stock. At first the village hotel afforded a meeting-place where religious services could be held, and traveling ministers were secured as often as possible to officiate. The first house of worship was erected in 1812, and was a small log house built by the people. It stood outside of the vil- lage, near the old graveyard. To this small and inconvenient house an addition was built ten years afterward to accommodate the growing con- gregation. In 1827 a new house of briek was built
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in the town, which, being almost destroyed by a wind storin in 1834, was re-built and enlarged, and served the congregation until 1860. The present excellent house was finished and dedicated in 1861, and for some years was one of the best church ed- ifices in this or the adjoining counties.
The church was organized in 1811, under the name of Leatherwood, which was changed to Waslı- ington in 1822. The organization was effected through the labors of the Rev. Jolin Boyd, who preached to the people in this place about one year. Supplies were sent by the Presbytery for some time after this, and in 1815 Rev. James Smitlı was called to the joint pastorate of Leatherwood and Senecaville, and was ordained and installed in August of the same year. His ministry contin- ued four years, when his death occurred, April 19, 1819. After his death the churchi was without the stated means of grace for eighteen months. Then Rev. Thomas B. Clark came, and after supplying the church six months was called and installed, in 1821, over the united charges of Leatherwood, Senecaville and Little Buffalo. During his min- istry the name of the church was changed to Washı- ington. Ilis labors ceased here in April, 1831, and he removed to Logan County. After two years of occasional supply Rev. Joseph Reed became the stated supply, and remained four years. The next pastor was Rev. David Polk, who was installed in April, 1837, and remained only one year. Rev. Samuel Hair next became pastor, in 1838, and remained four years. His ministry was greatly blessed, and in one revival eighty persons pro- fessed religion.
Rev. John E. Alexander became pastor of Wash- ington Church in 1842, and after a successful min- istry of eleven years was dismissed, in 1853, on ac- count of bronchial affection. He then took charge of the Miller Academy, a Presbyterian institution established in Washington in 1849, and held the position of Principal ten years, when, on account of the Civil War then raging, the students were scattered and the academy was finally closed. It was during his ministry, in 1850, that a Free Pres- byterian Church was organized, which drew off many valuable members. After slavery was abol- ished, that church was disbanded and its members returned to the Presbyterian Church.
In 1854 Rev. William M. Ferguson became pas- tor of Washington and Senecaville. After serving the united churches about eight years, he gave his entire time to the church of Washington. İlis ministry closed here in June, 1874, that he might accept the position of Chaplain of the Ohio State Prison in Columbus. Ilis was the longest pastor- ate the elsurch ever enjoyed, and during that time its highest state of prosperity was reached. Ile was a bold and earnest preacher of the Gospel, and his ministry was greatly blessed in the salvation of men. During his ministry new churches were built both in Washington and Senecaville.
In December, 1874, Rev. A. G. Eagleson, pastor of the Third Presbyterian Church of Wheeling, came before the church on their invitation and held a communion. During the winter he preached again in a series of meetings, after which he re- ceived and accepted a call to become their pastor. Ilis installation took place June 15, 1875, and the relation was dissolved November 12, 1879. A part of this time he supplied the church of Sen- ecaville. After his resignation the church had only irregular supplies for a considerable length of time.
Rev. Newton Donaldson, then a student in the Western Theological Seminary, came as a candi- date before the church in the fall of 1882. A call was soon made for his services, which was accept- ed, and at the close of the seminary year he en- tered regularly upon his labors. 1Ie was ordained and installed June 1, 1883. One year previous to this the church of Lore City was organized at Campbell's Station, on the Baltimore & Ohio Rail- road, composed mainly of members from Waslı- ington and Senecaville. Rev. Mr. Donaldson took charge of the three churches of Washington, Lore City and Senecaville. He was greatly prospered in this field of labor, and spent nearly five years in very earnest work. His dismissal took place November 1, 1887, and he removed to Bellevne Church, in the Presbytery of Alleghany.
In 1888 Rev. C. R. McCracken was called to the service of this church, and faithfully discharged his duties until 1892, when he was succeeded by Rev. H. H. McMasters, whose term of service be- gan in April of that year. Rev. Mr. MeMasters has served the church efficiently and faithfully.
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This church has experienced many great revi- vals of religion, the most notable of which were in 1839, under the ministry of Rev. Samuel Hair; in 1858, and again in 1868, under the ministry of Rev. William M. Ferguson; and in 1885, during the ministry of Rev. Newton Donaldson. At these times large accessions were made to the member- ship, and a great impetus given to the cause of re- ligion.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
William Scott was the first Justice of the Peace, and also the first Township Clerk. Ile afterwards was a State Senator. There has never been a postoffice or town in this township. Some get their mail in Antrim, others at Birmingham or West Chester in this county, and some even go to Freeport, Harrison County. The first settler here was Levi Williams, father of John Williams, who is now the oldest man living born in this county. Robert Carnes was the second and James Anderson the third settler.
In 1815 and 1816 quite a number of families came, and when the township was organized eighteen votes were polled. Thomas Ilanna re- ceived seventeen votes at the first election for Representative to the Legislature.
There are two sawmills and two gristmills here, also a United Brethren and a Protestant Methi- odist Church. The first religious society organ- ized here was under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the house of Moses Hindes in 1816.
Levi Williams, in 1796, located where Washing- ton now stands, and did the first clearing in Wills Township. In 1800 he moved to what is now Washington Township. He was a great hunter, and was First Lieutenant in the Indian War under Wayne, and also under General Harrison, in 1812. His son Jolin was born here, March 8, 1806. It appears that besides Graham and Williams, a Jolin Mahoney is also claimed to have been the first settler in the county. It is probable that these three arrived at or about the same time.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.
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This township is located in the United States Military District of lands directed to be sold at Zanesville; designated as township 3, of range 2- that is township 3 north, numbering from the sonth side of the Military District, and range 2 west, numbering from the seventh range on the east side of the Military District. It is five miles square and divided into quarters. The town- ship is divided into sections, numbering from one to twenty-five, and commencing in the northeast corner, thence west, then east and back and forth, ending in the southwest corner with section twen- ty-five. The township has four school districts, under the control of the Board of Education, and one special district authorized by the Legislature.
'The main streams are the Salt Fork of Wills Creek, meandering across the south side and re- ceiving the Brushy Fork and other branches from the north. The Sugar-tree runs across the north side and receives the Clear Brook, Rocky Fork and other streamlets. There are three grist and saw mills on the Salt Fork, and one on the Sugar- tree.
The first settlers were William Lautz and Mar- tin Stull, who emigrated from Greene County, Pa., in 1805, and located, Stull on lots 14 and15, and Lautz on lots 1 and 2. Stull died soon after- John Tidrick, from the same county, settled on lot 3. William Allen located on lot 28, and owned seven hundred and fifty acres. He came here in 1806, and later married Mr. Stull's widow. He was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1771. The Allens raised a large family. He was a Trustee in 1815, when Madison and Jefferson constituted one township, and after the division was frequent- ly elected to the office of Trustee. He died in 1845.
Rev. John Graham in 1824 organized a Meth- odist Episcopal society, with eight members. They met in Mr. Allen's house for sixteen years. Will- iam Northgrave was Leader. In 1839 they built a church on Mr. Allen's land. It was the first relig- ious organization and the first church built in the township.
Jonathan Stiles, of English descent, came here in 1806, and located on the southeast quarter of
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section 17, third quarter township. His fourteen children grew up here, and three sons and one daughter yet remain. In 1809 his relatives, Hen- ry Stull and George Lautz, came with their famil- ies. Thirty-five years later they moved further west.
Adam Linn, in 1809, built a house on the Steu- benville Road, on lot 18, quarter-section 4, and kept tavern there. His son Joseph settled on lot 17, but sold to Thomas Brown. In 1813 another son, George, settled on lot 20, and in 1814 built a grist and saw mill on Salt Fork. He owned six hundred acres, and was a Justice of the Peace and a member of the United Presbyterian Church. His sons and daughters now own the land.
In 1809 Peter Wirick settled on lot 33, which the nieces of William Bates now own. In 1809 also came Abraham Mathews, who settled on lot 6, quarter-township 4, which William A. Parker now owns. In the same year John Baird, with eight sons and six daughters, located on the south- east quarter of section 24, on the Salt Fork.
In 1812 John Lake settled on lot 12, fourth quarter, and was a constable in 1815.
In 1815 John McCullough settled on section 5, and built a sawmill. Andrew Clark erected a grist and saw mill near Sugar-tree Fork Postoffice.
Iu 1818 James Wilson settled on lot 34, which he bought from James Waddle. He was a black- smith for many years.
In 1819 Richard Connell located on section 25.
In 1820 Thomas Whitehill and son, Thomas, from Scotland, located on section 6, which B. K. Gillespie now owns.
In 1818 Samuel Pattison, from Ohio County, Va., located on section 16, where Jolin M. Clark now lives.
James Willis, of Ireland, in 1820 located on sec- tion 2, and in 1846 sold it to George Beal, who has since frequently been a Trustee of the town- ship.
In 1821 Isaac Lanning settled on section 3.
In 1818 Thomas F. Baird settled on section 3, and was elected Justice of the Peace in 1830. His second wife now owns the farm. In 1818 came also William Northgrave, who moved on section 2. He was an active leader in the Allen Church.
John Speers and family, from Ireland, located early on part of section 13. His son John, an oc- togenarian, lives there now.
The first regular election held for township of- ficers was that of April 7, 1817, when Nathan Kimball was chosen Chairman, William Allen and George Beal Judges and George Linn Clerk. The election resulted as follows: George Linn, Town- ship Clerk; William Allen, William Lautz, George Beal, Trustees; John Tetrick, Treasurer; Henry Stull, James Strain, Supervisors; James Warnock, Lawrence Tetrick, Overseers of the Poor; John Tetrick, Newman Mathews, Fence Viewers; John Armstrong, Appraiser of Property; Abraham Arm- strong, Lister; Thomas Baird, Jacob Lanning, Con- stables. July 19, 1817, the Trustees levied a tax of $20.90, which was appropriated to the use of the public roads in the township.
At this early day most of the settlers belonged to some branch of the Presbyterian Church, but no church was erected because each settler insisted on worshiping as he had been accustomed; there- fore they worshiped in churches outside of the township, many in the Union Church at Washing- ton, in Wills Township. This was the Associate Reformed Church. Some were members of the Presbyterian organization southeast of Washing- ton. At an early day Rev. Alexander McCoy, who, with Rev. Robert Warwick, founded the Re- formed Dissenting Presbyterian Church, Janu- ary 27, 1801, came here and preached at the house of James Bratton, five miles east of Cambridge, on the Steubenville Road. The Dissenters thien organ- ized the Wills Creek congregation of the Reformed Dissenting Presbytery. They erected a tent in a grove near Thomas Armstrong's, which had seat- ing capacity for a large audience. They also built a large log cabin, with two chimneys for use in winter, and afterwards erected a frame church near Miller's Mill, in Liberty Township. There serv- ices were held until September, 1850, when the presbytery was dissolved. Rev. John Anderson was the first regular pastor, and his successor was Rev. Moses Oldham. The first Ruling Elders were John Armstrong, Joseph Bell, David Douglas and Isaac Oldham. A large number of the congrega- tion were citizens of Jefferson Township. The
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HISTORICAL.
first church organization in the township was the Allen Methodist Episcopal Church, founded in 1816. The second congregation was begun at a meeting held in the house of Andrew Clark, on the Sugar-tree Fork. The Associate Reformers held meetings there for some time, and later erect- ed a church edifice on the site of North Salem. A larger building is now being constructed. Rev. James Duncan was the first pastor, Rev. William Johnson the second, and Rev. William Sommer the third. Rev. John W. Martin is the present pastor. The third church organization was in September, 1867, when the Pleasant IIill United Presbyterian Church was organized. Robert Kirkwood and Ab- raham Armstrong were chosen Ruling Elders. Levi P. Scott was carpenter of the church edifice, which cost $725. Rev. Rufus Johnson was the first pastor, and Rev. J. W. Martin is the present pastor. The Ruling Elders are Robert Kirkwood, Abraham Armstrong, George Allender, II. J. Mar- tin and Andrew Clark; Deacons, MeLean Arm- strong, T. C. Kirkwood, J. W. Armstrong, William Scott and John Marling.
Pleasant Hill Cemetery is on a beautiful knoll in section 16, and adjoins the United Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Jane Moor, wife of William Moor, was the first person buried here. James Bratton, a young man, was the second, and William Moor third. Florence Armstrong, mother of the Arm- strong brothers, was buried there August 22, 1822.
MADISON TOWNSHIP.
Edward Bratton was the first settler in Madison Township, and removed from there to Jefferson Township. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and in 1799 removed with his father to the new ter- ritory northwest of the Ohio River, then opening for settlement. Crossing the river at Wheeling, the Brattons made their way westward to the forks of McMahon Creek, three miles below where the town of Belmont now stands, and at that time five miles west of any other settlement. From that place they removed in 1802 up the Zane Trace, near what is known as the Milner property. In
the spring of 1803 or 1804 Joseph Wright emi- grated from Ireland, and located near. the same place. In 1805 young Bratton married, and, tak- ing the trail of General Broadhead's expedition in 1780, when that officer marched from Wheeling on the Coshocton campaign against the Indians, he followed it as far as where Antrim now stands. The trail entered the present site of that town near where the old Madison College building stood, and kept along the ridge until it passed the head of the ravine on the north side, when it struck off west along what is known as the old New Comers- town Road. Here Mr. Bratton left it and followed the Government road, out of which the brush had been cut, from Steubenville to Zane's Crossing un- til he reached the present site of Winchester, where he pitched his tent, having no neighbors nearer than the Carpenters, near where Londonderry now stands, or Beattys, at the present site of Cam- bridge. There were, however, five Indian families residing in the neighborhood.
Two brothers, named Jim and Bill Lyons, had their luts up the bottom near where William Ted- rick's house now stands. Joseph Sky lived at the mouth of Brushy Fork, near where Linn's Mill now stands. One, Doubty, had a hut between Mrs. Culbertson's and Newman Lake's, and had two squaws; and one named Hunter also had a hut, but no squaw.
After Mr. Bratton had been living there some time, he learned that he had a new neighbor, who had moved in a few miles above, on the big creek. This was Martin Stull, a Pennsylvanian, who en- tered the land owned by Mrs. Culbertson, where he made an improvement, but died the next spring, when Mr. Bratton leased his entry and moved on- to it.
For many years, and until a mill run by horse- power was built at Morristown, Mr. Bratton had his grinding done four miles northeast of St. Clairs- ville, a distance of thirty-four miles. There was no such thing as a store nearer than Wheeling, and he remembered when old Tommy Sarchet brought a handkerchief full of goods to Cambridge and opened the first store there. The first grist- mill in the county was built by George Linn, and now stands on Salt Fork. It was then in Madison,
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HISTORICAL.
but is now in Jefferson Township. The first Jus- tice of the Peace was Brindle Wickham. The first store was kept by George Wines at Winchester.
The first church was built at Winchester by the Methodists. The first tavern was built in Win- chester by John Keepers. Antrim was laid out by Alexander Alexander in 1819. The first black- smith of Antrim was William Rusk, who settled there in 1820. The first store was kept by Alex- ander, the second by Stockdale.
There are four religions societies in the town- ship, as follows: the Baptist, two Methodist Epis- copals, and the United Presbyterian. Rev. Mr. Rid- dle was the first preacher. He was an Associate Presbyterian minister, and came to this neighbor- hood in 1820.
The first church built was erected by the Se- ceders, and the second by the Associated Presby- terians. The first school was held in a log house moved from Londonderry Township to Antrim. The Tedricks and Bonnells laid out the town of Winchester.
When Madison Township was organized, there were four sections of land set apart by the state for public-school purposes, Nos. 1, 2, 9 and 10, situated in the northeast part of the township. These lands were first leased and later sold, and the proceeds of the sale went into the general school fund. This rule held good in other town- ships of the county.
Dr. Finley, an ambitious character, who had the cause of education at heart, made arrangements to start a school at Antrim soon after his location. Accordingly, in May, 1835 or 1836, he succeeded in enrolling the names of eight boys and young men in the vicinity as students. He used his cabin as a recitation-room, and thus commenced Madison College. The people enlisted in the cause, and the number of students increased rapidly, and it was resolved at a meeting of the citizens of the village that a united effort should be made for the erec- tion of a suitable building. Subscriptions were made in money, etc., and a site was chosen for the building at the east end of the village, on the most elevated ground roundabout. The building was completed, and the title conferred upon it was Madison College. It was organized under the
laws of Ohio, and the Trustees appointed Dr. Fin- ley President and Milton Greene Secretary. It prospered for many years, or until the breaking out of the war, when it became a financial wreck.
THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.
Several members of the United Presbyterian Church residing between the United Presbyterian Church at North Salem and the United Presby- terian Church at Washington, being of the opinion that it would be for the advancement of the Lord's cause to have a congregation within their immedi- ate bounds, petitioned the United Presbytery of Muskingum to grant an organization of a congre- gation under the name of Pleasant Hill. Accord- ingly, a grant for the organization of a congrega- tion in said bounds was given by the Muskingum Presbytery of the United Presbyterian Church of North America, at the session held at Londonderry, June 11, 1867.
Rev. W. H. McFarland was appointed to preach and organize a congregation in said bounds. The congregation was organized September 29, 1867, by the clection of Robert Kirkwood, Abraham Armstrong and George Allender as Ruling Eld- ers; McLean Armstrong, Thomas C. Kirkwood and William Scott as Deacons. September 29, 1867, Robert Kirkwood, who was formerly an ordained Elder in the United Presbyterian Church of Wash- ington, was installed as Ruling Elder. McLean Armstrong, an ordained Deacon in the congre- gation of North Salem, was also installed. William Scottand Thomas C. Kirkwood were ordained and installed as Deacons. Occasional supplies were re- ceived until January 1, 1869. Among the number sent were Revs. Joseph Walker, Samuel C. Marshall, W. H. McFarland, James Duncan, George W. Gowdy, A. H. Caldwell and Rufus Johnson.
The Lord's Supper was dispensed on the last Sabbatlı of June, 1868, by Rev. David Paul, of New Concord, Ohio, this being the first communion. It was held in MeLean Armstrong's barn, about one mile west of the present site of the church. The officiating Elders on that occasion were those named above. Preaching was held at various places,.principally at McLean Armstrong's barn,
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HISTORICAL.
previous to January 1, 1869. In the fall of 1867 steps were taken to erect a house of worship. Among those who took an active part in this good work were Messrs. Abraham Armstrong, Robert Kirkwood, McLean Armstrong, William Scott, John Cornell, John Watson, William McEllianey. George Allender, David Pattison and others.
Abraham Armstrong, John Watson and David Pattison were appointed a building committee, and contracted with L. P. Scott for the building of the house. The effort was a complete suc- cess, and the church was completed late in tlie autumn of 1868, at a cost of $1,453.70. Rev. Will- iam Johnson, formerly pastor of Washington and Salem congregations, now of Monroe, Iowa, preached the first sermon in the new church (while the house was yet unfinished), from the Song of Solomon, v: 2-7. On Sabbath, March 21, 1869, the first communion was held by Rev. James Duncan.
Rev. Rufus Johnson cared for the congregation from January 1, 1869, until April 8, 1873, he being ordained June 15, 1869. June 22, 1870, George Allender and Henry J. Martin were elected Ruling Elders. J. W. Armstrong and John A. Marling were elected Deacons. They were ordained July 13, 1870. Rev. Rufus Jolinson was released from the pastorate April 8, 1873. From this time until August 2, 1874, supplies were sent to the congre- gation as follows: Revs. James Sankey, Joseph Boyd, James Duncan, Hugli Forsythe, J. C. Murch, David Thompson, John Patterson, James McCrea, J. D. Palmer, J. W. Martin and Hugh McVey. July 13, 1874, a call was moderated at Pleasant Hill by Rev. J. T. Campbell for Rev. J. W. Martin. The call was presented and accepted, and August 2, 1874, pastoral labors began, and the installation exercises took place November 17, 1874. The congregation was under his care for nearly eight years. From July 2, 1882, until January 1, 1883, supplies were sent to the congregation as follows: Revs. F. M. Spencer, James Duncan, J. W. Martin, R. S. McClenahan, J. H. Nash and J. L. Thompson. December 29, 1882, a call was moderated by Rev. J. W. Martin, which was made for Rev. J. H. Nash and J. L. Thompson. The call was accepted, and January 1, 1883, pastoral labors began. The in- stallation exercises took place at East Union, Au-
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