The History of Union County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, towns military record;, Part 105

Author: Durant, Pliny A. [from old catalog]; Beers, W. H., & co., Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1254

USA > Ohio > Union County > The History of Union County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, towns military record; > Part 105

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).

The Lutherans have two large cemeteries in the northern part of the township.

NORTH LIBERTY.

The first town platted in the territory now comprised within Union Coun- ty, and one of the first in the State, was located in the southeastern part of Dar- by Township, on the southern bank of the stream. It was laid out by Lucas Sullivant in 1797, and called North Liberty. Sullivant was a young Kentuckian surveyor, who was engaged in surveying lands and locating warrants in the Virginia Military District, and while thus engaged he traveled over much of Southwestern Ohio. Deeming this location in Darby Township a favorable location for a future city, he made and recorded in Ross County the plat of an extensive town, with several hundred lots and spacious streets. Big Darby he prenounced navigable as far as his village, North Liberty. The town came to naught, however, for Mr. Sullivant seems to have abandoned it soon after he gave it an existence on paper. He laid out Franklinton, opposite Columbus, the same year, and apparently gave his energies to the development of that town. Different citizens differ as to size that North Liberty attained, but the highest estimates place the number of cabins it contained at the mod- est number of three. The Ewings are the only settlers who are now known to have occupied the site of this ephemeral village.

UNIONVILLE.

Unionville, a village of 200 people, is located in the southcentral part of Darby Township, on the south bank of Big Darby. It was laid out Febru- ary 8, 1847, by William B. Irwin, County Surveyor, for Jobn, Frederick and David Sager. The original plat contained only fifteen lots and two streets- Main and Cross. The public square, twelve poles and twelve feet square, was situated in the northeast corner of the plat. An addition was made to the vil- lage February 10, 1852, by Christian, Frederick, John and David Sager. It consisted of thirty-three lots, 16 to 48 inclusive, lying mostly south of the original plat. First, Second, Third and Railroad streets were the new thoroughfares established by this addition. Another addition of sixteen lots was subsequently made which does not appear to be on record.

A petition was filed with the County Commissioners March 3, 1879, pray- ing for the organization of a village of the territory, comprising the village of Unionville and certain contiguous territory, signed by M. P. Rice and forty other residents of the proposed village. The petition states the supposed num- ber of inhabitants to be 229, prays that the name may be Unionville Center and name M. P. Rice and Joseph E. Fouke their representatives in the prem. ises. The petition was granted and the village duly incorporated after the necessary preliminary steps were taken.

The first election for borough officers was held in October, 1879. It re- sulted as follows: Mayor, F. N. Mattoon; Councilmen, C. A. Ferguson, M. P. Rice, John Knock, A. J. Harper, S. W. Dunfee and N. P. Gilliland. Sub- sequent officers have been as follows:

1880-Mayor, W. J. Dunfee; Marshal, J. C. Larue; Clerk, J. A. Miller; Treasurer, J. P . Kritline; Councilmen, N. P. Gilliland, Philip Maddex, H. H. Marshall, S. W. Dunfee, A. M. Holycross and M. P. Rice.

1881-Councilmen, C. M. Knock, Edison Perry and L. A. Dockum, two years each, and Charles McCune one year; Clerk, C. A. Ferguson.

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DARBY TOWNSHIP.

1882-Mayor, C. A. Ferguson; Clerk, M. P. Wetzel; Treasurer, J. P. Kritline; Councilmen, Philip Maddex, Charles McCune and S. M. Dockum; C. M. Knock, Marshal, by appointment.

The first house on the site of Unionville was built several years before the platting of the village by Benjamin Cutler. He was a shoe maker and fol - lowed his trade here. He also kept a scanty stock of pioneer commodities, which he dispensed among his neighbors for cash, and hence might be regard- ed as the first merchant of the place, unless, perhaps, his stock in trade was too small to warrant this title. The extent of his wares may be inferred by the following: Just after lie opened his store, a sturdy settler, who had at- tained to the dignity of a "biled shirt," wanted a little indigo and called for a small quantity. Mr. Cutler desired him to curtail his order one-half, and on inquiring it was learned that he had just enough to fill the order and did not wish to be without the article in the store.

John Sager was the principal proprietor of the village. He built a two-story frame building, the first erected after the village was laid out, and kept a store here for several years. He was the first Postmaster. A tannery was started at Unionville and operated successfully for many years by John and Jeremiah Jolly, its builders, and afterward by James Walker and Alexan- der Snodgrass. John and Frederick Sager built a saw mill on Big Darby about 1835, and a few years later added a corn cracker. Both mills have been maintained most of the time since. Michael Sager was the next owner. He operated the mills four or five years, when David Holycross became the owner. William B. Dunfee afterward purchased them, and while in his possession they were partially destroyed by fire, but he at once repaired them. The Wetzel brothers now operate them. In 1881, they erected a steam flour mill, contain- ing two run of buhrs and both steam and water power are now employed in operating them. Another saw mill and tile factory is owned by John Dunfee and John Brown.

Dr. John Beach was the first practicing physician, coming soon after the village was founded. He was fresh from medical school and remained only a few years. He is now practicing in Jefferson, Madison County. His brother, W. Morrow Beach, succeeded him at Unionville and practiced for a short time. He is now a prominent physician and politician at London, Ohio. Physi- cians have not remained long at Unionville in the past. Quite a number have opened offices here, but all of them took down their "shingles" and removed to other parts in a few years. Among the practitioners was Dr. I. N. Hamilton, now of Marysville. Dr. Charles McCune, the only physician now practicing in Unionville, located here in 1880.

The business houses consist of a dry goods store, owned by William B. Dunfee, and three groceries conducted by L. A. Dockum, Wetzel & Ferguson, and Joseph E. Fouke, respectively. The latter is the present Postmaster. There is also here an extensive wagon and carriage manufactory, which was started many years ago by Jackson Harper, and is now operated by Harper & Son and two blacksmith shops. The schoolhouse is a two story frame, in which there are two departments. It is believed that a new building will be erected in 1883.

The cemetery at Unionville comprises an acre in extent, and is what was formerly known as the Sager burying ground. It is under the supervision of the Township Trustees, who have recently built a substantial stone and brick vault.

Just north of the village, on the farm of Maria Robinson, is a magnetic spring. The water is said to possess strong, curative qualities, and is much used and highly prized by many residing in the vicinity. Its powers have

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been known for several years, but no attempt has been made to develop it un- til quite recently. George Wilcox has' purchased four acres, including the spring site, and erected a large windmill pump at the spring. The village is now hoping for the erection of a large hotel, which it is believed will make the place a popular resort.

The only mill in the township, besides those already mentioned in Union- ville, of which there is any knowledge, was a horse flouring mill operated in early times for a few years by a Mr. Hill. It was not a financial success, hence its permanent suspension.

The Methodist Church at Unionville was built, as nearly as has been ascer- tained, about 1856 or 1858. It is a frame building, about 30x40 in size, and cost about $600. The church was dedicated by Rev. Uriah Heath, Rev. Lloyd being pastor in charge at the time. The class that worships here was organized as early as 1820, at the house of Charles McCloud, in the southern part of the township. Rev. George Maley was an early minister. The McCloud family, the Finkhams, Amos McNier and wife, C. H. Converse and wife Lovisa, Betsy Cutler, Frederick Sager and wife Michel, John Jolly and wife Margaret, David Sager and wife Elizabeth, and others were early members. Services were afterward held at the cabin of James Marquis, just south of the site of Unionville, at Christian Sagers, and elsewhere. The frame schoolhouse which stood just east of the site of Unionville was next used as a place of worship, and after the village was started the services were conducted in the hall on the second floor of John Sager's building. This hall was occupied by the so- ciety until the church was built. Bishop S. M. Merrill was one of the pastors in charge when the meetings were held in the Sager room. Other early min- isters were Revs. Sharp, James Finley and James Gilruth. This society is included in Milford Circuit, which occupies four charges-Unionville, Irvin's Station, Lewis Chapel and Milford. The present pastor is Rev. C. A. Naylor. The membership is about fifty. The Sunday school connected with this church dates its origin in the time when the services were held in the school- house. Until within a few years the school was maintained only in summer, but now it is conducted during the entire year. Benjamin Robinson is the present Superintendent, and the attendance is excellent.

Darby Seceder Church, now the Unionville United Presbyterian, was or- ganized as early as 1824. The earliest records not being within the county, it is impossible to tix the date with absolute certainty. At this time, the county was very sparsely settled, and the improvements very few. The origi- nal membership did not number more than twelve or fifteen. Among the ear- liest members were Robert Nelson, Samuel Robinson, Thomas Robinson. James Boles, John Porter and Samuel Mitchell, Jr. The earliest meetings were held during pleasant weather in the sugar grove on Judge Mitchell's farm, east of and near his cabin and close to the banks of Big Darby. It was here that the first communion service was held. Another early administration of the sacrament occurred in a large, new barn, belonging to Samuel Robinson. The congregation was organized by a minister of the Xenia Presbytery, and Rev. James Wallace became the first settled pastor. He was called in 1830 to take charge of three congregations, this one, one at Reynoldsburg, Franklin County, and one at Cherokee, Logan County. His salary from the three churches amounted to about $300. In 1839, or near that time, he was called to take charge of the Cherokee Church alone, and for three years Darby Church was supplied by Rev. Robert Forester, of Franklin County, and others. Rev. I. N. Lawhead then became pastor and continued in this relation twenty.two years, until 1864. He preached to Darby and New California Churches, and these two congregations have ever since been associated in one pastorate. Serv-

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DARBY TOWNSHIP.

ices are now held every Sunday at 3 o'clock P. M .; formerly each alternate Sunday. After a short vacancy, Rev. J. W. Taylor was installed pastor in the spring of 1865, and remained with the church three years. Until 1871, the church was variously supplied, when Rev. John Gilmore entered upon a minis- try which continued three years. A vacancy of one year intervened before Rev. D. M. D. Gordon became the settled pastor. He was succeeded in 1878 by Rev. E. E. Cleland, now in charge. The first meeting house was a frame building, probably 30x40 feet in size, erected not later than 1835 on a lot, do- nated to the purpose, from the farm of Judge David Mitchell. northwest from Unionville. This church was used until the present frame edifice was built in Unionville in 1856-57. It cost about $1, 400, is about 30x45 in size, and was dedicated in August, 1857, by Rev. Lawhead. In June, 1858, the general un- ion of the Associate or Seceder, and the Associate Reform Churches took place, and the name United Presbyterian Church adopted, by which it has since been known. The membership of the New California congregation was drawn largely from this church, which in consequence is now much smaller than formerly. The membership is about thirty. A Sunday school was organized about 18.40, and conducted regularly since during summers. The old Seceder Church was exceedingly strict in enforcing its closely drawn creed. As an illustration of this, the church records contain the proceedings of the trial of a member charged with singing a Methodist hymn. Another member was tried before the church authorities for kneeling in the meeting house of a sister society. It is not so, now, however. The spirit of liberality has pervaded this as well as all other religious denominations.

The first Elders were Robert Nelson and Samuel Robinson, the former holding the office until his death in 1848 or 1849; the latter until February, 1849. Subsequent Elders, with terms of service, have been Alexander Pollock, from 1830 to 1852; William McCampbell, from 1836 to 1839; James Martin from 1836 to 1859; Joseph H. Robinson from 1848 to 1867; George Pollock, from 1848 to 1854; Samuel Mccullough, from 1859 to his death in 1870; S. D. Robinson and H. P. Woods are the present Elders. The former was elect- ed in 1867, the latter in 1873.

St. Johns (German) Evangelical Lutheran Church, located in the north- ern part of Darby Township, on the Marysville pike, is the largest and handsom- est religious edifice in the township and one of the best in the county. The congregation was organized soon after the German settlement began, near the line of Paris and Darby Townships. In 1843, an organization was effected and ministers from Delaware, Columbus and other points supplied the church until 1846, when Rev. Adam Ernst became the regular pastor. The first mem- bers were Jacob Vandereau, Blasins, Bentel, Barnhard Bischoff, George Boehm, John Bunsold, Michael Eirich, Adam Ell, Melchior Goess, Gunderman, George Hegendorfer, George Rausch, Philip Ruppreight, Gottlieb Ruppreight, George Stephen, Martin and Casper Scheiderer and George Zwerner. In 1846, a small log church was built about a mile northwest of the present church in and close to the southern line of Paris Township. Two years later, a division arose in the church and it separated into two district congregations, each of which retained the original name-St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. The question of dispute was whether or not a crucifix should be placed within the sanctuary. One faction retained possession of the old house; the other during the same year, built a small brick church one half mile south in Darby Township, and occupied it until 1859, when the present brick building was erected. It was

dedicated July 22. 1860, by Rev. Lindeman, of Cleveland. A service in En- glish was delivered in the afternoon of the same day by Rev. P. Eirich, of Lith- opolis. The building was pronounced at this time the finest and costliest in the

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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

county. A bell, weighing 609 pounds and costing $209 was hung upon it. Rev. Adam Ernst remained with this division of the church until 1850. He was succeeded by Rev Jacob Seidel, who remained until 1858. Rev. Fred- erick Metzel then assumed charge and was pastor until 1868. In that year, Rev. Louis Knief was called. He was succeeded in 1879 by the present pas- tor, Rev. Henry Werfelman.

The northern division were ministered to by Revs. John Bunderthal, George Krane, R. Herbst, William Lembke, and perhaps others. This congrega- tion built a brick meeting house adjoining the site of the original church, and worshiped there until the two congregations united in 1878. The origi- nal cause of dissention had long before disappeared, but a general division in the German Lutheran Church had arisen, and to each of the divisions a branch of the St. John's Church had united. The southern, or Darby branch, belonged to the Missouri Synod; the northern, or Paris branch, to the Ohio Synod. These two synods had united shortly before the reconciliation, in St. John's Church, and it was through . the intervention of the Presi- dents of the two synods, Prof. William Lehmann, of Columbus, and Rev. H. C. Schwan, of Cleveland, and of Rev. W. Stubnatzy, of Ft. Wayne, Ind., that St. John's Church became a unit. Since then the synods have again separated on the question of predestination, but the entire congregation now clings to the Missouri Synod. The membership is 120.

Two cemeteries are the property of this church. One is in Paris Town- ship and one near the present church in Darby. None but members of the congregation are allowed to be buried here.

A congregational school has been maintained for twenty or more years. It is held about nine months a year, from March to November or December. It was customary for the early ministers to teach the youth of the church dur- ing the week, but as the congregation increased in number, teachers were em- ployed for this purpose. Mr. Rolf was the first, Mr. Fechtman the second and Conrad Steege the third and present instructor. He has had charge of the schools for eleven years. and now has an assistant teacher. In 1880, a goodly sized two-story brick schoolhouse was built, adjoining the church. Formerly a small brick schoolhouse was used. About 110 pupils are now in attendance. The common branches are taught in English and the religion of the church in German.

Mt. Olive Church, of the Christian or "New Light" denomination, stands in the eastern part of the township on the Marysville and Plain City road, in Survey 5,139. The society that worships here was organized in the old Harris schoolhouse. According to arrangements made at a preliminary meeting two weeks previous, a meeting was held here December 11, 1869, and an organiza- tion effected. The congregation began its existence with a large membership, in which were included the names of J. Q. Adams, Warren Harris, Jacob Brown, Amos Brown. Isaiah Brown, Silas and Solomon Brown, Joel C. Conk- lin, George W. Debolt, Eli McNier, David Reece. their families and . many young people. The meetings were held in the schoolhouse until the church building, a neat and commodious frame structure, costing $1,100, was erected. It was dedicated December 25, 1870, by Elder A. Hanger. The first officers elected were: Deacons, J. Q. Adams and Warren Harris; Charles H. Adams, Clerk: J. Q. Adams, Treasurer; Warren Harris, J. Q. Adams and Jacob Brown, 2d, Trustees. Rev. William Webb organized the church. He was pastor in charge for four years. . His successors have been Elder William Fuller, two years; Elder Samuel Horn, two years; Elder C. L. Winget, fractions of two years; Elder B. H. Crisman, part of one year, and Elder William Fuller, again the present pastor. Intervals have occurred when the church was without a

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DARBY TOWNSHIP.

pastor. Within a year after the organization, the membership was seventy- five; it increased to more than one hundred, but owing to many removals from this vicinity and to deaths, it is now only about fifty. Formerly a flourish- ing Sunday school was in operation, but for a year or two there has been none.

Lewis Chapel is the title bestowed upon a Methodist Church located on Little Darby in the extreme southwestern corner of the township. It received its name in honor of Rev. F. F. Lewis, who organized the society, and by his own manual labor assisted in rearing this modest temple of worship. The build- ing is a substantial frame, nicely furnished, and was erected soon after the class was organized, probably twenty-five years ago. The membership was quite small originally, including Elihu Bigelow and wife Miriam, and Mrs. Hiram Kent. James McCloud and Joel Fairbanks have been prominent mem- bers more recently. The society is still small numerically. It is connected with the Milford Circuit.

ELECTIONS.

The gubernatorial vote of Darby Township from the organization of Union County is as follows:

1820-Ethan Allen Brown, 44; Jeremiah Morrow, 5; total, 49.

1822-Jeremiah Morrow, 37; Allen Trimble. 4; total, 41.

1824-Jeremiah Morrow, 13; Allen Trimble, 21; total, 34.

1826 -- John Bigger, 13; Allen Trimble, 24: total, 37.

1828-John W. Campbell, 23; Allen Trimble, 21; total. 44.

1830-Duncan McArthur, 11; Robert Lucas, 33; total, 44.

1832-Darius Lyman, Whig, 22; Robert Lucas, Democrat, 38; total, 60.

1834-James Finley, Whig, 29; Robert Lucas, Democrat, 30; total, 59.

1836-Joseph Vance, Whig, 45; Eli Baldwin, Democrat, 44; total, 89.

1838-Joseph Vance, Whig, 57; Nelson Shannon, Democrat, 50; total, 107.

1840-Thomas Corwin, Whig, 81; Wilson Shannon, Democrat, 56: total, 137.

1842-Thomas Corwin, Whig, 50; Wilson Shannon, Democrat, 50; Lei- cester King, Abolitionist, 6; total, 106.

1844-Mordecai Bartley, Whig, 72; David Tod, Democrat, 68; Leicester King, Abolitionist, 8; total, 148.

1846-William Bebb, Whig, 60; David Tod, Democrat, 56; Samuel Lewis, Abolitionist, 12; total, 128

1848-Seabury Ford, Whig, 76; John B. Weller, Democrat, 79; total, 155.

1850-William Johnson, Whig, 86; Reuben Wood, Democrat. 69: Ed- ward Smith, Abolitionist, 3; total, 158.

1851-Samuel F. Vinton, Whig, 79; Reuben Wood, Democrat, 74; Sam- uel Lewis, Abolitionist, 3; total, 156.

1853-Nelson Barrere, Whig, 63; William Medill, Democrat, 79; Samuel Lewis, Abolitionist, 21; total, 163.

1855-Salmon P. Chase, Fusionist, 51; William Medill, Democrat, 106; Allen Trimble, Know-Nothing, 18; total, 175.

1857-Salmon P. Chase, Republican, 93; H. P. Payne, Democrat. 109; P. Van Trump, Know-Nothing, 1; total, 203.

1859-William Dennison, Republican, 92; R. P. Ranney, Democrat. 106; total, 198.

1861-David Tod, Republican, 109; H. J. Jewitt, Democrat, 101; total, 210.

1863-John Brough, Republican, 141; C. L. Vallandigham, Democrat, 119; total, 260.

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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

1865-J. D. Cox, Republican, 121; George W. Morgan, Democrat, 120; total, 241.

1867 -- R. B. Hayes, Republican, 127; A. G. Thurman, Democrat, 138; total, 265. 1869-R. B. Hayes, Republican, 113; G. H. Pendleton, Democrat, 143; total, 256.

1871-E. F. Noyes, Republican, 109; George W. McCook, Democrat, 118; total, 227.

1873-E. F. Noyes, Republican, 102; William Allen, Democrat, 112; Isaac Collins, Liberal Republican, 3; Gideon T. Stewart, Prohibition, 2; total, 219.

1875-R. B. Hayes, Republican, 117; William Allen, Democrat, 138; total, 255.

1877-William H. West, Republican, 120; R. M. Bishop, Democrat, 149; total, 269.

1879-Charles Foster, Republican, 142; Thomas Ewing, Democrat, 152; total, 294.

1881-Charles Foster, Republican, 125; J. W. Bookwalter, Democrat, 123; total. 248.

The Justices who have served in Darby Township, as shown by the coun- ty register of oaths administered, together with respective dates of their com- missions, are as follows: Samuel Robinson, April, 1821; James Baol, April, 1821; Samuel Robinson, 1824; James Boal, 1824; Judah Dodge, 1827; Elihu Knapp, 1828; David Mitchell, 1827: David Mitchell, 1830; John S. Irwin, 1836; Amasa Chapman, 1836; William M. Robinson, 1837; John S. Irwin. 1839; David Chapman, 1839; John Jolly, 1839; John W. Robinson, 1841; Philip Snider, 1842; William Robinson, 1842; John W. Robinson, 1844; Garret Harris, 1845; Philip Snider, 1845; B. A. Fay, 1846; John W. Robin- son, 1847; Garret Harris, 1848; William Tinkum, 1849, resigned 1850; John W. Robinson. 1850; E. D. Smith, 1850; Garret Harris, 1851; A. D. Doo- little, 1853; E. D. Smith, 1853; Garret Harris, 1854; A. D. Doolittle, 1856; E. D. Smith, 1856; Garret Harris, 1858; Adam Brown, 1859; resigned 1859; A. D. Doolittle, 1859; E. D. Smith, 1859, resigned 1860; Adam Brown, 1860, resigned 1861; Garret Harris, 1861; Jacob Wolfo. d, 1862, resigned 1865; Garret Harris, 1864; A. D. Doolittle, 1864; E. D. Smith, 1865; Garret Harris, 1867; A. D. Doolittle, 1867; John F. Kilberry, 1868; H. J. King, 1869; Adam Brown, 1869, resigned 1869; William Harris, 1869; Garret Harris. 1870; O. P. Converse, 1872; E. D. Smith, 1872; Garret Harris, 1873, died February 16, 1875; George Harris, 1875; Joseph E. Foulk, 1875; E. D. Smith, 1875; George Harris, 1878; Joseph E. Foulk. 1878; E. D. Smith, 1878; George Harris, 1881; Joseph E. Foulk, 1881; E. D. Smith, 1881.

SURVEYS.

Darby Township contains a greater number of surveys than most townships in the county. Many of them are for small quantities of land. Only a few'are for 1,000 acres or more, and a large proportion are for 100 acres or less. Those located north of Big Darby are generally larger and were mostly sur- veyed earlier than those south. Darby Plains, which included most of the township south of the creek, was not deemed desirable land and consequently not entered as long as better was still not located. The following is a list of the original proprietors of the surveys, their numbers, areas, surveyors and dates of survey :

Lucas Sullivant, No. 2,879, 1,000 acres, Lucas Sullivant, November 3, 1797.

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The History of Union County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, towns military record;, Part 105

Author: Durant, Pliny A. [from old catalog]; Beers, W. H., & co., Chicago, pub. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 1254

Author: Durant, Pliny A. [from old catalog]; Beers, W. H., & co., Chicago, pub. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago, W. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 1254