The History of Union County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, towns military record;, Part 148

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 148

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).

Joseph Cahill, from the eastern part of the State, settled in the southern part of Survey 3,238, but did not remain long here. He was an ardent Whig. John Cork, in 1834 or 1835, settled on the Thomas Hamilton place, in the southwestern part of Survey 3, 469. He came from Ross County, and died

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YORK TOWNSHIP.

here. Religiously, he was a Methodist, politically a Whig. He was very in- genious and skillful with tools, and was successful in whatever mechanical un- dertaking he assumed.

William Ennis hailed from New York. He settled on what is now the E. Haun place, in the northern part of Survey 3,237. He raised a family here, and removed to Logan County, where he died.

Jacob Echard, a Pennsylvania German, occupied for a short time a little place in the southern part of Survey 3,470. When he sold, he removed to Darby Plains, and in a short time farther West.

David Fulton, about 1837, came from Maryland, and settled in the north- west corner of Survey 3,470, where his son, William T. Fulton, now resides. He maintained a residence there up to the date of his death. He was straight- forward in all his transactions, and well liked. In early life, he had been a Democrat, but after the Republican party was organized he became a member of it. In religious life, he was known as a Seceder.

Daniel Gould became an early resident in the Miller settlement, on the farm now occupied by Andrew McNeil. He was from New York, and after a resi- dence of a few years in York Township moved to Bellefontaine. John Keener, a German, Ross County farmer, settled, when an old man, in the southern part of Survey 3,470. He did not survive his emigration thither many years.

James McCrea, about 1834 or 1835, came from New York, and located in the Miller settlement. He was well advanced in life when he came. He was a man of considerable intelligence, and was known as Judge McCrea. The title was deserved, for in New York he had won the ermine. His politics were Whig, and religiously he inclined toward Presbyterianism, though not a member of that denomination. He died in York Township. Nathan Ray- mond was another early settler in the Miller settlement.

David Master, a young farmer from Tuscarawas County, settled north of Summersville. He was of Quaker parentage, and in a few years removed to the northern part of Ohio.

Hartwell Monger became the owner and resident of a little place in the Coons settlement. He afterward removed to Illinois.

William Sigler, a Marylander, came to the township a single man, soon after 1830. He first settled near Summersville, but afterward removed west of York Center, and there spent the rest of his days. He married Mary Cook, and left a family. His politics were Republican; his religion, Methodist.

Adam Winters came from Maryland in 1832, and settled one mile west from Summersville. He married Eliza Sigler, sister to William Sigler. He was honest and industrious, and well respected by his neighbors. He was a noted hunter, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His death occurred in 1856.

B. P. Wilkins and Abel Wait were early residents in the Miller, settle- ment. Mr. Wilkins immigrated here with his family from near Fawley, N. Y. He was a farmer, and died in the township October 27, 1858, aged sixty- six years. Mr. Wait, who entered the township about 1835, was a Yankee, and after a residence of some length in York, removed to Champaign County.

James Whitaker settled near York Center. He came from New York, and from York Township emigrated to Michigan, where he died.

Ephraim Yarington, from Carroll County, settled in the southern part of Survey 3,470. He reared a large family, and subsequently removed to Illi- nois, where he died.

Emmet Southworth and his brothers were among the earliest to locate in

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the extreme western part of the township. Emmet is now living in Logan County.

Andrew McNeil came to the township from Pennsylvania in the year 1839, and has since been a continuous resident of the township, except four years, when he resided in Marysville, during his two terms of office as Auditor of Union County. Mr. McNeil was also Commissioner of the county for six years. He is one of the prominent men of Union County, and holds the esteem of his wide circle of acquaintances. Since the organization of the York Presbyterian Church, in 1839, he has been a Ruling Elder.

Robert McIlroy came from Harrison County, in 1833, and has lived here most of the time since. For more than forty years he has been class leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church.

William Henson, too, came in 1833, and resided about forty years in the township. He then went West, and died soon after. His children numbered twenty-one, most of whom are dead, or have gone from the township. Mr. Henson was an industrious and well respected citizen.

James Seran came to York Township from Carroll County in 1836, pur- chasing fifty acres of land, where he now lives, at $2 per acre. Mr. Seran is honest, hard-working and upright, and has amassed considerable property. He has been a leading member of the United Brethren Church for years.

The first settlers arrived at the township only a few years before the In- dians departed from this neighborhood forever; but while here they hunted in common with the whites. The Indians would whenever a favorable opportunity presented, steal coons and other game from the traps of the pioneers, and in return the latter paid little regard to the rights of the savage acquaintances. One of the foremost settlers discovered an Indian robbing his traps and almost at the same instant the Indian espied him and sprang behind a tree. To the demand of the hunter to come forth, the red man made no response for awhile, but afterward pled the lateness of the hour of the day and the necessity of reaching his camp immediately. He sped away fleetly, leaving the trapper indignant, but in possession of his game. The next morning, with his brother, he started through the woods in search of the camp of the Indians. It was discovered in the lower part of Washington Township, but the Indians were not there. After searching in the vicinity for them, they returned to the camp, placed the combustible matter it contained in a heap in the center, and applied a torch. They lingered about till the camp was reduced to ashes, then returned home. The Indians were never seen or heard of afterward. Another pioneer, missing game from his traps, cut on the bark of a beech tree the figure of an Indian, bound and lashed by a white man. Soon after an Indian drew the figure of a white man on a tree with a bullet hole through the arm. On the same tree the original artist sketched a dusky savage pierced through the heart with a rifle ball. This was the last of the series and the Indians avoided that vicin- ity thereafter, it is said.

Deer was abundant before much of the land was cleared and many of the settlers became very successful in hunting this and other game. Aaron Shirk, in his youth, was quite a huntsman. He was keen-sighted, cool, muscular and active. He once picked up his rifle and went out to shoot a deer. His young- er brother had been squirrel hunting the day before and left a light load in the gun. Mr. Shirk was unaware of this, and supposed the gun was heavily charged. He saw a large buck lying behind a log and fired, shooting it through the neck. The buck fell over, and, supposing he had killed it, Mr. Shirk rushed up to it, without reloading, and was making ready to cut its throat with a butcher knife he had with him when the infuriated animal, that

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had only been stunned rushed at him. £ The only thing to do was to seize the buck by the horns, and a struggle was commenced which continued an hour and extended over two acres of ground. Once the young man, despairing of wearing out the strength of his foe released his hold and sprang behind a large oak. His dog, however, that had rendered him great service in the con- test sprang at the throat of the buck, which partially stumbled, and Aaron again entered the lists. In the contest he had lost his knife, but when the strug- gles of the animal became feebler through exhaustion, Mr. Shirk succeeded in opening his pocket knife with his teeth, and severing an artery in the neck of the buck. It was two weeks later when he had fully recovered from the effects of the battle.

VILLAGES.

Summersville is a little village located on Bokes Creek, in the eastern part of the township and in the southern part of Survey 3,468. This survey was pur- chased by James R. Smith, John Johnson and William Summers, and they were the proprietors of the town. The first two had become residents on the survey; Mr. Summers was a Methodist minister at Leesburg, Carroll Co., Ohio, and never lived in York Township. The plat was surveyed by Levi Phelps and recorded August 11, 1835. It comprised forty-eight lots facing on two streets, Main and Cross streets. When surveyed, the land was yet uncleared, and John Johnson felled the first timber on the site. The first cabin was erected by Thomas Price. It was a log cabin of the usual pattern, but soon after Mr. Price built a two-story hewed-log house and occupied it as propri- etor of the village tavern for several years. John Johnson had had an ashery at this place or near it before the plat was made. He was the first merchant

in the village. His goods le purchased at Columbus and at first offered them for sale at his cabin. The stock consisted mainly of groceries with a few dry goods. John Price, the son of Thomas Price, moved to the village soon after it was surveyed and pursued the avocation of carpentering. William Kirk, a local Methodist minister, was another early arrival. He came from Carroll County and started the first tailor shop. After engaging in this trade for a number of years, he removed to a farm near Summersville with his wife Nancy and family, and died there in 1874, at a good old age. He was well respected by all who knew him.

The proprietors were active in their endeavors to build up the town, as the following advertisement will certify. It was published January 28, 1842, in the Union Gazette of Marysville:

Sale of Land and Town Lots .- The subscriber will offer at public sale on Friday, the 25th of February next, lots in the town of Summersville and adjoining thereto. These will be laid off in tracts of various sizes, say from three to ten acres each, fronting on State roads, so as to suit mechanics and tradesmen, several of whom would meet with good employment in this new and growing community. A blacksmith, gunsmith, carpen- ter and joiner, cabinet-maker, wheelwright, cooper, saddler, etc., etc., are much needed. There are at present in the village one tannery, one boot and shoe maker, two chair and bedstead factories and one wagon-maker's shop; also a good saw mill within a half mile. Terms: One-third in hand or to be paid on the 1st of April, and the balance in two equal annual payments. JOHN JOHNSON, Agent.

SUMMERSVILLE, January 28, 1842.

The tannery alluded to was started by John Thomas. In a few years' he sold it to Nicholas Beal. L. G. Monroe and Thomas Hyde were subse- quent owners. The tannery has been operated until within recent years. John Price had a small bedstead factory, the only one now remembered. Adam Hatfield probably had the first wagon shop, and Charles Bennett is believed to have been the first shoe-maker.

Dr. Charles Morrow, of Summersville, was the first physician in the town- ship. He came from the eastern part of Ohio about 1837. He used as reme-

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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

dies herbs to a great extent, a system quite popular for a time in early days. Dr. Morrow subsequently removed to Delaware for the purpose of giving his children the advantages of a collegiate education. He returned, but his school of medicine had lost favor with the people to a considerable extent, and the Doctor gave his attention more to farming. He died at Mount Victory. Dr. Amon S. Davis was a long and successful practitioner at Summersville. Dr. A. J. Richardson is the only resident physician of the village at present. He has been in continuous practice ever since 1866. Drs. G. W. Ramage, J. W. Reading and others have in the past practiced in this vicinity.

The Summersville of to-day is of scarcely more importance than the same village was forty years ago. When mud roads prevailed, it was quite ajtrad- ing point for the farmers in this part of the township, but since the construc- tion of good pikes the people seek larger, though more distant, towns. For- merly there were two flourishing stores and a hotel. Now all the mercantile business is transacted with A. M. Crawford. There are two blacksmith shops and a shoe shop, two churches and a good school in the village, and perhaps one hundred and fifty people. James M. Darling is the present Postmaster.

York Lodge, No. 672, I. O. O. F., was instituted August 16, 1877. The charter members were L. H. Southard, Lemuel Cahill, L. W. Smith, John Ogan, John Sterling, William Haines and Peter Ware. The membership is now large and the lodge flourishing. It has a good hall. The present officers are E. R. Wilkins, N. G .; G. W. Westlake, V. G .; S. S. McIlroy, Rec. Sec. ; F. L. Kezertee, Per. Sec .; Dr. A. J. Richardson, Treasurer.

York Center, comprising about fifteen dwelling houses, two stores and a wagon shop and a blacksmith shop, is situated near the geographical center of the township. Prior to 1860, the site of the village was void of any build ings, save one or two farm residences, but in that year Charles Corey built a cabin here and brought to it a general stock of goods which he arranged in a room of his cabin and offered for sale. Ed Cranston in a few years built a store-room and purchased the Corey stock of goods. One after another family moved in until the village attained its present size. The two merchants now in business here are Dexter White and George Hornbeck.

A post office was established early in the history of the township at Jon- athan Miller's. The office was then kept by B. Wilkins, north of Bokes Creek, for many years, commencing about 1838. At his death, Henry Tobey, Hugh T. Knox and others dispensed the mail here. When the first store was opened at York Center, the office was brought here and kept by-a succession of mer- chants to the present time. George Hornbeck is the present Postmaster.

A village was platted at York Center, June 24, 1841, but it came to naught.

MILLS.

The first grist mill in the township was built by Thomas R. Price on Bokes Creek, just north of York Center. In order to have the convenience of a mill in the neighborhood, Aaron Shirk and Harrison Storms volunteered their assistance in erecting it. The building was a hewed-log structure. Be- fore it was completed, Mr. Price sold it to Joseph Cahill. It was finished by him about 1840, and after a few years he transferred it to H. T. Knox, who added steam power and a saw mill, using water power whenever available. This mill was conducted until within a few years.

Thomas Price constructed a small "corn-cracker" on Bokes Creek, south of Summersville, near the cemetery, where he endeavored to accommodate his neighbors with corn grists as often as desired. In a few years, a turbulent freshet swept it away and the quondam owner did not replace it with another. Adam Winters was the possessor of a saw mill, operated by water-power, west

Thomas Skidmore

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YORK TOWNSHIP.

of Summersville, and attached a small pair of buhrs, which, for some time, were patronized to some extent by the early settlers.

An extensive tile factory, about midway between York Center and Sum- mersville, has been in operation about three years. It is owned by John Trem- ble

SCHOOLS.

In York township there are now eleven school districts and eleven sub- stantial, well-constructed school buildings. The early schools followed closely the settlements as they were made in different parts of the township. Al- though there were no district schools in the first years of the township sup- ported by public taxation, yet the townships were divided into districts for the purpose of apportioning among the different settlements, in proportion to the enumeration of youths, a small school fund which probably arose from the sale of school lands. In 1834, two districts reported to the County Clerk; one contained fifty-four children, the other seventy-one. In 1835, a third dis- trict was formed; and in 1836, a fourth, with a total enumeration in the four districts of 133.

A small log structure with a huge wooden fire-place and clay chimney at one end, was erected at Summersville soon after the village was platted. It was used also as a meeting house for some time. John Johnson taught the first school here, receiving $8 per month.

In 1834, Elias Johnson taught a school in the little cabin which Samuel Hyde built during the summer of 1832. A schoolhouse was soon after erect- ed on the farm of Elias Johnson by the pioneers in the vicinity of Summers- ville. Elias and John Johnson taught here for a few years, until the school- house burned. One was then built west of Bokes Creek and one at Summers- ville.

A. E. Knox was an old and faithful instructor. He taught many years in different districts of York. Dr. Joshua Skidmore, when a young man, taught here also. Miss Barber, Miss Roxy Munger and Miss Elizabeth Whittaker were also. early teachers. Miss Penny, from Darby Plains, taught the first school near York Center in a log schoolhouse which stood a short distance north of the Center, on the south bank of Bokes Creek. John Sterling soon after had a school about two miles north of York Center, on Levin Wright's farm. Miss Fenner and Mrs. Mary Johnson were among the earliest of precep- tresses of the York Township youth. The latter received for her services $1 per scholar for the term, payable in corn, potatoes and coon skins, the latter being rated at 25 cents each.

The following is related of the first school in the Miller settlement: "In 1838, the children in the Miller settlement had so increased as to raise the question-how shall these children be educated ? A young man in their midst was willing to teach for moderate pay, but there was no schoolhouse. This difficulty was soon solved. Mr. Joseph Miller generously offered the use of his residence during the usual school hours of the day. This offer was ac- cepted. The seminary was opened, and morning after morning during the term Mr. Miller and his aged companion rose early, did up their morning work, ate their breakfast, arranged the seats for school, and then left the house and hied their way to their eldest son's residence, and returned again in the evening after school was dismissed. Thus, day after day was the labori- ous, self-denying, monotonous drudgery performed by this aged pair for the benefit of others."

CHURCHES.

In York Township there are three congregations and three church edi- fices of the Methodist Episcopal denomination, known as the Summersville,

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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

McKendree and Bethel Churches. The Summersville class was the first relig- ious society in the township. It was organized in the winter of 1835, at Sum- mersville, by Rev. E. T. Webster, with about twenty-five members. Among the prominent early members were John Johnson, William Kirk, James R. Smith and Robert McElroy. John Johnson was the first class leader. The services for several years were held in the dwelling houses of some of the members, but in a short time a log meeting house was erected on the lot where the present church stands. The lot was donated to the church by William Summers. This rude church structure continued to serve as a place of wor- ship until 1856, when a frame church was erected at the same place. It in turn gave place a few years ago to a new, neat and comfortable frame edifice, surmounted by belfry and bell, erected at a cost of about $2,200, under the pastorate of Rev. Solomon Lindsley. The present membership of this society is about sixty. Rev. J. W. Donnon is the minister in charge. The circuit' of which this congregation is a part includes three other charges-McKendree, Byhalia and Bethel. An interesting and instructive Sabbath school is regu- larly maintained.

The McKendree society was organized about 1838. at the residence of Gregory Storms. Besides Gregory, David Davis and Henry Tobey were the principal original members. Other early members were Harrison Storms, William Tobey, Abel Waites, John Sterling, David Sterling, Elizabeth Hyde and Margaret Brooks. Revs. Kimber and Phillips were among the earliest ministers in charge. Like most early churches, meetings for a few years were held at the cabins of the members. About 1841, a log church was reared on the site of the present church, which was built about 1858. It stands

near the center of the township between York Center and Bokes Creek. A steeple and bell have been added since. The society is in a prosperous con- dition and contains a membership of more than one hundred and twenty-five, divided into six classes. Since the first church was built, a Sabbath school has been held each summer, and for the last few years without any intermis- sion.

Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church is located in the extreme western part of the township, three miles west from York Center, and the society that worships here is of more recent date than the other two of the same denomi- nation in this township. A society formerly existed, which worshiped in a brick church some distance south of the present edifice, and when the building became old and dilapidated, it was pronounced unsafe, and the society divided, a fraction affiliating with the Methodist Church at West Mansfield, the re- mainder forming a new society. Rev. Joseph Avery Wright was the first min- ister. This was about 1870. A commodious frame structure was erected and dedicated by Rev. Alexander Harmount, then Presiding Elder of the district. The membership was small at first, but has increased to about thirty-five. A union Sabbath school has been held since the erection of the church. Spain

Skidmore is the present Superintendent.

The York Township Free-Will Baptist Church was organized at the house of George Coons, June 29, 1839. The discourse was delivered by Elder David Dudley, and thirteen persons presented themselves, and entered into a church covenant. They were George Coons, Aaron Shirk, Thomas S. Coons, Jacob Bollenbaugh, Levin Wright, Keziah Coons, Rosanna Shirk, Rebecca Coons, Sarah Bollenbaugh, Letitia Wright, Elizabeth Sowthers, Sophrona Scudder and Nancy Thornton. The early meetings were held at the house of George Coons. Thomas S. Coons was appointed clerk. Elder David Dudley was the first pastor. He preached once a month and received $30 per year for his serv- ices. He closed his labors with the church in January, 1850, after a

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pastorate of nearly eleven years. In October, 1849, the congregation, in order to meet the salary of their pastor and pay the expenses of the church, unanimously agreed that each able-bodied brother should pay $1 per year and each sister 50 cents, and in addition each member should pay one-eighth per cent of the value of all his property, above bis liabilities. In April, 1850, Kindall Higgins was elected pastor at $25 salary per annum. He removed to the West in the spring of 1856, having remained in charge of the congregation up to that time. Under his charge, the first meeting house was built. It stood in the northern part of the township in Survey 5,289, and on a lot donated to the church by James G. Paxton and others, residents of Virginia, under deed dated May 27. 1851. A building committee had been appointed March 29, 1851. The dedication sermon was delivered on the sec- ond Saturday of February, 1853, by Elder O. E. Baker, from Kings lviii, 8. In July, 1856, Elder Collier was elected pastor at a salary of $50. December 12, 1857, G. W. Baker was elected to the pastorate. Two years later, El- der William Cook became the minister and remained in charge three years. He was succeeded in 1862 by Elder J. L. Collier. About 1865, Elder B. F. Zell entered into a pastoral relation with the church that continued for al- most fourteen years.

In 1873, the congregation erected a new house of worship at an expense of $1,053. It stands some distance east of the old church on a lot donated to the church by Levin Wright. It is a neat and comfortable frame structure. J. H. Baldwin succeeded Elder Zell in 1879, and remained with the church one year. Elder Leander Johnson then served the congregation a year and was followed by Elder J. B. Lash, who preached for eighteen months. Elder Kindall Higgins, in October, 1882, was elected pastor and now supplies the church. The membership is forty. David L. Tusing is the present clerk. A Sabbath school was organized many years ago and is held throughout the en- tire year.

The first Presbyterian Church of York Township is located near the north- eastern corner of the township in the Joseph Miller Survey. The first preaching in the vicinity was by Rev. William D. Smith, then of Marysville, Ohio, in the Marion Presbytery. The congregation was organized at the house of Beriah P. Wilkins, November 9, 1839, by Revs. William D. Smith and William M. Gal- breath, the latter of Milford Center. The following were then and there re- ceived on certificate: Andrew McNeil, Mary McNeil, Dennis Mears, Lucy Ann Mears, Mrs. Amanda Wilkins, Adelaine Gould, Miriam Lister, Martha Ray- mond, Ambrose C. and Mary Jane Raymond, Hannah Cahill, Jane Graham, and John and Catherine Keanor, Jemima Miller was received on examination. The same day, Andrew McNeil and Dennis Mears were elected Ruling Elders. Rev. W. D. Smith became the stated supply and preached about every seventh Sabbath and about as often on week days until the spring of 1841. For a year the congregation was then without a regular supply, though there was occasional preaching. Rev. Cephas D. Cook supplied the church for two years from April, 1842-44. During the summer of 1845, Rev. James Robin- son, then in his seventy-seventh year, spent alterate Sabbaths with the church. In 1846, he resumed charge, preaching every fourth Sabbath for six months. In November, in that year, Rev. James Campbell visited the church, and on invitation preached for the congregation one year. In the spring of 1848, Rev. James A. Sterrett was appointed supply and served till the autumn of 1849. Rev. James Smith, of Marysville, then devoted a portion of his time to the church till the spring of 1855. Rev. Henry Hess preached alternate Sabbaths for a year, beginning April, 1856. The church was then occasion - ally served by Rev. John W. Drake and others for a year, and in May, 1858,

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The History of Union County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, towns military record;, Part 148

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