The History of Union County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, towns military record;, Part 112

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 112

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).

PLAIN CITY.

This village, now comprising a population of one thousand or more originally stood wholly in Madison County, but so close to its northern line that the natural growth of the village has caused it to encroach upon Union County soil. The first official evidence of this is the record of the addition of eight lots made to the village April 23, 1859, by Edward W. Barlow. Lots 3, 4, 5 and 6, and fractions of 2, 7 and S of this addition are in Union County. Pleasant Valley was then the name of the town. Of Charles Aman's Addition, made July 26, 1875, lots S, 7 and a fraction of 6 were in Union County, Jerome Township. Within the last few years, Plain City has grown principally northward, and there are now about two hundred of its people within Jerome Township, besides a church, a carriage factory, planing mill, saw mill and grist mill.

About 1868, O. C. and Zachariah McCune set in operation a frame plan- ing mill and continued it until the year 1875, when they erected a large, handsome brick mill and filled it with new machinery at a cost of about $17,- 000. Tts subsequent successive proprietors have been McCune & Wilson, Hensel & Herriott, Hensel & Churchman, E. C. Churchman, Swearinger & Co., and Barlow & Beech. The last-named firm acquired possession in the spring of 1880. Prior to that time, a strictly planing mill busi- ness was conducted, including the manufacture of doors, blinds, sash, etc .; the present proprietors have also engaged in the manufacture of furniture.

Michael Bager

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JEROME TOWNSHIP.

O. C. McCune and Clarence Beard, in 1877, started the saw mill, and are still the owners. Except oue country mill, it is the only one within a radius of five miles, and does an extensive business. Besides custom work, a large number of logs are purchased, converted into lumber and shipped to various points. This mill was destroyed by fire in January, 1883, at a loss of several thousand dollars. It was immediately rebuilt.

Harrison Harper & Co. have been engaged in the manufacture of wagons and buggies here since 1875. From twenty to twenty-five vehicles are annually manufactured and a general repair trade is maintained.

Dr. W. I. Ballinger and Richard Woodruff built the Plain City flour- ing mill in 1873. The building is a large brick structure and is constantly operated to its full capacity. It contains four run of buhrs and is the only grist mill in the village. Several years ago, Mr. Woodruff retired from the firm, which has since been Ballinger & Sons.

Prior to 1876, the Plain City Methodist Episcopal Church was in Mad- ison County, but in that year a lot was purchased in Jerome Township and a new brick edifice erected on it at a cost of $4,500. The church was dedicat- ed by Dr. Payne, President of the Ohio Wesleyan University. Rev. Tressen- rider was pastor in charge during its erection. His successors have been Rev. Rudesill, who remained three years; Rev. Bradrick, who remained in charge two years, and Rev. J. M. Rife, the present minister. The membership ex- ceeds 100. A flourishing Sabbath school is maintained. This society was or- ganized at the cabin of Andrew Noteman in Jerome, about 1812. Most of the members lived in Madison County and in a few years a block church was built across the line.

The preponderance of religious sentiment in southwestern Jerome, when the first settlements were made, was of the Presbyterian line. A congregation was organized, which has since been transplanted to Madison County soil in Plain City and still flourishes there. The church records, unfortunately, have been lost and its earliest members have long since gone to their eternal home, and in consequence the details of its earlier history are meager. The exact date of the organization of "Lower Liberty Presbyterian Church," as it was named, is unknown, but the best conjecture obtainable makes it about 1807. About the same time, a similar organization, denominated "Upper Liberty Presbyterian Church," was formed in Union Township, and the two societies were served by the same pastors for many years. Rev. Samuel Woods was the first pastor. He entered into this relation in 1808 and maintained it faithful- ly until his death, which occurred in 1815. From that date, Revs. William Dickey, Archibald Steele, James Hodge, D. D., Elder Hughes and others supplied the church until 1821, when Rev. James Robinson was installed pas- tor. He served the church seven years. Rev. Darius C. Allen was stated supply from 1829 to 1831. The year following, Rev. Benjamin Dolbear be- came the pastor and continued his labors with this charge until about 1838. In 1837, Lower Liberty was rent in twain by the internal dissensions then ex- isting in this denomination. The two factions were nearly equally divided, but a slight majority favored the Old School branch. Rev. Dolbear continued with this division. His successor, Rev. William H. Galbreath, was installed October 7, 1839, serving until April 18, 1848. Rev. Benjamin Evans was the next and last pastor of this branch. In the New School division, Rev. Henry Shedd was the only settled pastor, but Rev. Kuhn and others supplied it.

Among the earliest prominent members of this church were James Ewing, Joshua Ewing, David Mitchell, Jr., David Chapman and John Taylor. The early services were probably held in private houses; then in the schoolhouse, which stood on the lot where the first meeting-house was erected. This prim-

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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

itive church stood on a lot of four acres, donated to the society by Walter Dun, and situated about a mile northwest of Plain City in the forks of the post pike and the road leading northeast to Big Darby. The building was erected as early as 1820, perhaps sooner. It was a large, unfurnished frame struct- ure, weather-boarded but not plastered, roofed but without a chimney. The seats were only slabs, supported by rough sticks. A broad, center aisle ex- tended lengthwise with the building, crossed near the center by another aisle, at each end of which a door was originally designed, but never inserted. The women occupied one side of this room; the men held undisputed possession of the other. The frail texture of this building may be illustrated by an inci- dent, which, however, is not strictly ecclesiastical in its nature. In those days, it was customary for the entire family, including babies and dogs, to attend divine service. One pleasant Sabbath Day, the church was filled to overflow- ing, it being the day appointed for administering the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. "Dog buttons" were then just coming into use, and some irreverend, unscrupulous wag scattered a quantity of them among the canines outside. They soon felt the baneful influence and, in a wild pack, frothing at the mouth, ran into the church. The cry "mad dogs" was raised and the tranquil worshiping audience was instantly converted into a panic-stricken crowd, that jumped up on the benches and made every effort to escape the rabid animals which ran howling through the house. One good old lady, of matronly em- bonpoint, the wife of a Ruling Elder, seized an infant in each arm and in her frantic endeavors to avoid one of the approaching, now wild animals, rushed madly against the side of the room. The weather-boarding gave way and she found herself the next instant outside of the pandemonium which reigned within.

This old building could not be heated and was used only during the sum- mer. In cold weather, the schoolhouse on the same lot was brought into re- quisition, its more limited space proving sufficient to accomodate the few members who attended in that season. In 1836, a large brick structure, 46- x52, was reared on the same site. It was constructed by Mr. Gifford, of Union Township. The congregation then numbered about seventy-five. Scarcely had it taken possession of this new home when the troubles arose which pro- duced the division. Of the four Ruling Elders then in office, James Ewing, T. M. Ewing and John Taylor adhered to the Old School, and David Chap- man united with the New School branch. While the united congregation was strongly self-supporting, both divisions were too weak to maintain efficient or- ganizations and struggled between life and death for about sixteen years. The Old School division kept possession of the church, but by agreement the other branch had the use of the church each alternate Sabbath. About 1853, both societies disorganized. Four years later, a reconciliation was effected among the members and a new organization entered into, which re-assumed the old name, Lower Liberty. Their church. however. was built and still stands in Plain City, Madison County, and its subsequent history by this change of lo- cation has passed from the domain of Jerome Township.

At New California is the church of the Sugar Run United Presbyterian Congregation. About the year 1835, the MeCampbells, Beards and Liggetts settled within the limits of what now comprises the territory of this society, and became the nucleus of the organization which was effected a few years later. Until this latter event took place, these families were in connection with the Darby congregation. The McCampbells and Beards, with some other individual members, came originally from Ebenezer and Tunber Ridge con- gregations of the Associate Church, in Rockbridge County, Va. In 1841, or near the close of 1840, Rev. James Wallace effected an organization at Sugar

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JEROME TOWNSHIP.

Run by ordaining and installing as Ruling Elders William Bigger and David Beard, and enrolling about thirty members. For the first two years, Rev. Robert Forester, of Reynoldsburg, ministered statedly to the people, though not installed pastor. Rev. I. N. Laughead was the first pastor. He was born in Greene County, Ohio; graduated at Franklin College, New Athens, Ohio; studied theology at the Associate Seminary at Cannonsburg, Penn .; was licensed to preach in 1838 and ordained in 1839. He became pastor of this and Darby (Unionville) congregations in April, 1843, and continued in this rela- tion till April, 1864. Of his labors here, he himself says: "In these two con- gregations, I spent the prime of my life; and although I had my discourage- ments and trials, yet I suppose I had as much enjoyment and pleasure in the Lord's work here as usually falls to the lot of Christ's ministers. My two main discouragements were the scattered field I occupied, extending from the Scioto River to Little Darby Creek, and the scant support I received. I was necessitated to resort to some other means of support, and could not give my whole time to the ministry. I settled there with the promise of $300 an- nually, and that was not very promptly paid. It never reached over $400. I taught district and select schools. 'I labored working with my own hands.' I cannot say that I did any great things in those congregations, but this I can say, I did what I could. The Master's glory and the spiritual good of that people were by me sincerely and earnestly sought." One year after the sever- ance of his connection with the congregation, or in April, 1865, Rev. James W. Taylor accepted a call to take charge of this and Darby congregations. He continued with them until November 19, 1867. For several years the church was then without a regular minister. The third pastor was Rev. John Gilmore, installed September 12, 1871, and remaining in charge till April 15, 1874. He was succeeded by Rev. D. M. Gordon, who commenced his labors on the first Sabbath in January, 1875, was regularly installed in October fol- lowing, and continued till April, 1878, when Rev. Ebenezer E. Cleland, the present pastor, was called.

William Bigger continued to act as Ruling Elder until his removal to Springfield, Ohio, in 1863; David Beard, until his removal to Iowa. The fol- lowing members have been added to the session from time to time: William Liggett, in 1845; Thomas Robinson and David Mitchell, July 17, 1853; Walter Gowans and William McCrory, February 26, 1857; James Scott and Joseph McCampbell, in 1865; Samuel Carson and Thomas B. Arnold, in 1871-72. The following have served as Deacons: John Liggett, James I. Beard, Thomas Robinson, David Mitchell, Andrew Beard, Andrew McCampbell, J. M. Robinson and James Woodburn.

Early services were held at the house of William McCampbell, Sr., but soon after a hewed-log house of worship, about 25x30 feet, was erected. It was succeeded in 1852 by the present frame church edifice, erected near the site of the old building. It is about 40x50 in size, well finished and furnished. The Sabbath school was organized about 1865, with a membership of perhaps forty. It has been continued ever since, and is at present in a prosper- ons and flourishing condition, with an attendance of sixty

Jerome Presbyterian Church was organized at Frankfort December 16, 1853, by Rev. William H. Brinkerhoff, with the following membership: Mr. and Mrs. John Fleck, Mrs. Mary Patterson, Mrs. Maria Brinkerhoff, Temple- ton Liggett, Mrs. Rebecca Liggett, Mrs. Hannah McReary, Mrs. Scofield, Samuel Clark and Mrs. Nancy Clark. Templeton Liggett and John Fleck, the first Ruling Elders, were not installed until December 26, 1857. The first pastor, Rev. W. H. Brinkerhoff, served this charge until 1862. He was born in Adams County, Penn., February 3, 1803; educated at Gettysburg Academy, and at twenty-

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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

four began the study for the ministry. He was married October 27, 1835, to Maria Rowan; emigrated to Seneca County, Ohio, and settled on a farm for one year. In 1836, he began his ministerial labors by organizing a church at McCutchinsville and soon after others in neighboring schoolhouses. In 1848, he took charge of the German Reform Church at McCutchinsville, and two years later one of the same denomination at Lancaster. In 1851, he became pastor of the Worthington Presbyterian Church, where he remained till he organized the Jerome Church. He died at Waymouth, Medina County, De- cember 11, 1871. During his ministry, he organized many congregations and assisted in the erection of church buildings with his own manual labor.

At a meeting of the Jerome congregation, held November 2, 1862, it was unanimously agreed to change the ecclesiastical relation of the congregation by becoming a Congregational Church. Soon after this action was taken, Rev. Brinkerhoff severed his connection with the church. A vacancy occurred in

the pulpit for some time; then the services of Rev. Hawn, an Old School Pres- byterian minister, were secured. In 1866, Rev. C. N. Coulter became pastor

of this and Worthington congregations. The former at this time was weak and disorganized, and in order to reconcile denominational differences among the members and make the church acceptable to several Presbyterian families who wished to unite with it, the covenant of the New School Presbyterian Church was adopted, though the connection with the Congregational Church was maintained. Rev. Coulter continned with the congregation until Octo- ber 27, 1867. Rev. A. N. Hamlin was installed pastor November 24, 1867,

and remained five years. Revs. Stevenson and L. T. Mason then supplied the church for several months each. and in 1873 Rev. Hamlin was recalled, serving two years. He was succeeded by Rev. Thoma- Hill, who stayed six months. Rev. N. K. Crow was the next pastor, serving several years. A va- cancy for some time followed, which was terminated by the installation of the present pastor, Isaac N. Thomas, now serving his second year. The first church building, still in use, a frame building about 24x30 in size, was erected about 1856. October 7, 1877, the congregation asked to be admitted to the Presbyterian Church, and has since been connected with that denomination. Its membership is now very low, not reaching twenty. The present Elders are John Arnold and W. P. Neil. J. B. Doudna, John Arnold and Abraliam Brobeck are the trustees. The first Sabbath school was organized by Rev. Coulter. It is still maintained during the summer season.

The Methodist Church at Frankfort was organized about 1835. For a few years, meetings were held at the residence of Henry Beach and other dwell- ings. 3 Among the early members may be mentioned James and William Stone, John W. Halleck, Henry Beach, Joseph Wells and Jacob Frederick. A log meeting house was erected about 1842, which served the society as a place of worship until 1860, when the present frame edifice was erected. It was completed in April and dedicated April 15, 1860, by Rev. Dr. Warner. The membership at present numbers about seventy-five. This class is included in Jerome Circuit, recently formed, which, besides this charge, comprises Hyatts- ville and Kent's Schoolhouse in Delaware County, Watkinsville and Ketch's Schoolhouse. Rev. Chase conducted a very fruitful revival in the old log church, and among the most successful series of meetings in the present church have been those conducted by Revs. Hathaway, John E. Moore and Edward Rudesill. Rev. Thurston is the present minister. A Sabbath school has been in operation for a period of about forty years.

In the southeastern part of the township is a Methodist class which was organized more than twenty years ago. Henry Brobeck, Rosetta Mooney and Landen Bishop were early members. The class has never been very strong

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numerically, and its places of holding services have frequently changed. About ten years ago it was changed by Rev. Samuel Donahue from Mooney Schoolhouse to the Pike Schoolhouse No. 1, and when a new schoolhouse was erected in this district two years ago, the directors withheld permission to use it for church purposes. The society then took measures to provide itself with a suitable home. On a lot donated by S. S. Davis, a handsome brick edifice has been erected at a cost of about $2,000. It will be finished and dedicated as soon as the weather permits. The class now numbers about thirty mem- bers.

GOWAN'S GUARDS.

On the evening of the 24th day of April, 1861, in response to the call for the first 75,000 volunteers, a war meeting was held in the old Seceder Church at New California. Patriotic speeches were made by many of the old citi- zens, and among others the Rev. B. D. Evans and Llewellyn Curry. Volun- teers were called for, and the first young man to enroll his name and offer his services was David O. Taylor, who soon after joined the Thirteenth Ohio Reg- iment, and, after serving his country three years with honor, was killed on the battle-field of Dallas on the 27th of May, 1864. About forty of the young men of the neighborhood volunteered that evening and in a few days an elec- tion was held for officers of the company, and James Cutler was elected Cap- tain; W. L. Curry, First Lieutenant, and D. R. Cone, Second Lieutenant.

Among the first to volunteer was Walter Gowans, a patriotic old Scotch- man upward of sixty years of age, and in honor to him the company was named the "Gowans' Guards." The company began drilling immediately at New Cali- fornia. The busy hands of mothers and sisters in a few days furnished uni- forms, consisting of red jackets and black caps. The young ladies of the neighborhood made a large silk flag, which was presented to the company.

The company soon numbered about sixty volunteers, but before it was re- cruited to the required number to enter the service, the cali was made for three years troops, and many of the boys becoming impatient to be off for the seat of war, began to enlist in companies that were being recruited more rap- idly in the larger towns. The organization never entered the service, as their ranks were rapidly decimated by these enlistments in other organizations. All but two or three of this company soon enlisted and seventeen of them died in the service.

A complete roll of the company cannot be found, but by consulting mem- bers of the company the majority of the names have been obtained. Those with a star attached died in service.

James Cutler, Captain; W. L. Curry, First Lieutenant; D. R. Cone, Second Lieutenant; J. D. Bain, David Bain, William Beaver, W. J. Conk- lin, Otway Curry, W. W. Curry, David Curry, James A. Curry,* James Curry, J. C. Cone, S. B. Cone, O. B. Cone,* William Channell,* W. H. H. Fleck, T. S. Fleck, Walter Gowans, Sr., Andrew Gowans, Alexander Gowans, William Gowans, James Gowans,* S. W. Gowans, Lewis Hoffner, James Hill,* L. J. Ketch, Lewis Ketch,* John Liggett, R. A. Liggett, B. F. Lucas, * William B. Langhead,* John Marford, James R. Mitchell, George Mitchell,* David McIntire, J. L. McCampbell, Jeff Mahaffey,* Jacob Nonemaker, * D. G. Robinson, Delmore Robinson,* C. L. Robinson, J. B. Robinson, George Reuhlen,* David Shinneman, * James Smith, George Stokes, Atlas Perkins, * Charles Thompson, * David O. Taylor*, Daniel ; Taylor, David Wise, William Wise*, Samuel Wise. The young men of Jerome Township rallied to every call made during the war, and her quota was always filled. No draft was ever made in the township. Soldiers' families were well cared for by the old citizens at home, and about $10,000 were paid during the last years of

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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

the war as local bounty to recruits. The first call on Jerome Township for volunteers was for fourteen men, and the first money paid was by Thomas Jones, who paid $70. giving each of the boys $5. They went without bounty. Squire S. B. Woodburn was particularly active in raising money to pay bounties and save the township from the draft, and it was to him that the cit- izens looked for aid when calls were made for troops. He repeatedly advanced the means to pay bounties. When the last call for troops was made, it be- came necessary for Jerome to furnish about $6,000 to fill her quota of men. Attempts were made to raise the amount, but they failed, and as a last resort Squire Woodburn was appointed to assess the amount. At that meeting he assessed ten men $200 each and advanced $1,000.

No township in the county has a better record than Jerome. More than 340 of her citizens entered the service, and sixty-nine of them were killed or died in the army.

The county official record of oaths administered to Justices of the Peace contains the following list for Jerome Township, with the dates of commissions : Clark Provin, 1821; John McCune, 1823; James Ewing, 1824; James Buck, 1825; Henry Sager, 1827: James Buck, 1828; William Long, 1832; John McCampbell, 1837; Caleb Converse, 1838; S. Snodgrass, 1839; Thomas Wa- son, 1839; Thomas M. Ewing, 1841; Thomas Mason, 1842; Joseph Button. 1842; Thomas M. Ewing, 1844; Perry Buck, 1845; Kilbourn Beach, 1545; Thomas M. Ewing, 1847: Perry Buck, 1848; Kilbourn Beach, 1848, resigned in 1849; James B. Dort, 1850; Thomas M. Ewing, 1850: Perry Buck, 1851; I. N. Wells, 1852; Leroy F. Hager, 1853; Perry Buck, 1854; Templeton Lig- gett, 1855; I. N. Wells, 1855; James Ketch, 1856; Samuel B. Woodburn. IS58; I. N. Wells, 1858; James Ketch, 1859; Samuel B. Woodburn, 1861; I. N. Wells, 1861; James Ketch, 1862; S. B. Woodburn, 1864; I. N. Wells, 1864; John Knock, 1865; James Ketch, 1866; I. N. Wells, 1867; S. B. Wood- burn. 1867; Nelson Cone, 1869: S. B. Woodburn. 1870; S. W. H. Durboraw, 1870; Nelson Cone, 1872; S. B. Woodburn, 1873; S. W. H. Durboraw, 1873; J. P. McDowel. 1875; James Ketch. 1876; S. W. H. Durboraw, 1876; James Robinson. 1878; Nelson Cone, 1879; Robert MeCrory, 1879; Perry Buck, 1882; Robert McCrory, ISS2; J. P. McDowell, 1882.

The complete vote of Jerome for Governors of the State, has been as fol- lows:

1822-Jeremiah Morrow, 6; Allen Trimble, 24; total, 30.

1824-Jeremiah Morrow, 11; Allen Trimble, 23; total, 34.

1826-John Bigger, 22: Allen Trimble, 7; total, 29.

1828-Jolm W. Campbell, 23; Allen Trimble, 7; total, 30.

1830-Robert Lucas, 32.

1832-Darias Lyman, Whig, 12; Robert Lucas, Democrat, 36: total, 45. 1834-James Finley. Whig. 13: Robert Lucas, Democrat, 33; total, 46. 1836-Joseph Vance, Whig. 50; Eli Baldwin, Democrat, 15; total, 65.

1838-Joseph Vance, Whig. 60; Nelson Shannon, Democrat, 27; total, 87.

1840-Thomas Corwin, Whig, 86; Nelson Shannon, Democrat, 58; total, 144

1842-Thomas Corwin, Whig, 75: Nelson Shannon, Democrat. 43; Lei- cester King, Abolitionist, 7; total, 162.

1844-Mordecai Bartley, Whig, 105; David Tod. Democrat, 48; Leices- ter King. Abolitionist, 9; total. 162.

1846-William Bebb, Whig, 63: David Tod, Democrat, 25; Samuel Lewis, Abolitionist, 9: total, 100.

1848 -- Seabury Ford, Whig, 104; John B. Weller. Democrat, 57; total, 161.

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JEROME TOWNSHIP.

1850-William Johnson, Whig, 101; Reuben Wood, Democrat, 69; Ed- ward Smith, Abolitionist, 16; total, 186.

1851 - Samuel F. Vinton, Whig, 71; Reuben Wood, Democrat, 42; Sam- uel Lewis, Abolitionist, 24; total, 137.

1853-Nelson Barrere, Whig, 74; William Medill, Democrat, 62; Sam- uel Lewis, Abolitionist, 34: total, 170.

1855-Salmon P. Chase, Fusion, 97; William Medill, Democrat, 21; Allen Trimble, Know-Nothing, 32; total, 150.

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The History of Union County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, towns military record;, Part 112

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