The History of Union County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, towns military record;, Part 153

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 153

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).

ALEXANDER TALLMAN, farmer, P. O. York, was born in June, 1833, in Logan County, Ohio, and is a son of Benjamin and Ruth Tallman, natives of New Jersey, who came to Cham- paign County, Ohio, about 1822. They, however, remained in Champaign County but a short time, when they moved to Logan County, where they remained until their decease. Of a family of ten children, nine are now living, viz .: Thomas W., Francis, William, Ruth A., Mary J., Alexander, Benjamin B., George W. and Sarah. On April 22, 1855, our subject married Lydia Bailey ; she was born June 12, 1834, in Guernsey County, Ohio, and is a daughter of William B. Bailey, a native of Virginia, and Mary Bailey, a native of New Jersey. To them have been born two children-Adelaide and Mary M. In the fall of 1868, he came to Union County, and resided in Washington Township until November, 1881, at which time he settled in the northern portion of York Township, where he now resides. Mr. Tallman is a self-made man, and the owner of fifty acres of land.

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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

JOHN E. TOBEY, farmer, P. O. York. William Tobey, father of the subject of this sketch, was born March 3, 1805, in Saratoga County, N. Y. ; his parents were Heman and Hannah Tobey. Heman having lost his first wife, married Martha Wilkins, with whom and other mem- bers of his family he emigrated to Union County, Ohio, about the year 1832, and settled in York Township, near the waters of Bokes Creek, where he remained until his decease. William Tobey was united in marriage May 10, 1827, to Miss Ada A. Brooks, who was born February 12, 1810, in Ontario County, N. Y. ; she was a daughter of Nathaniel and Margaret Brooks, who came to York Township, Union County, about the year 1833. In the fall of 1832, he came to Union County, his parents having arrived in the spring of the same year. He settled in York Township, near York Center, where he remained until about 1855, when he located for nine years on the farm at present occupied by Daniel M. Russel. In the spring of 1864, he removed to Mount Victory, Hardin County, where he resided until the winter of 1881, at which time he returned to York Township, where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs. Tobey are the parents of nine children, of whom two are now living, viz .: Our subject and Henry A. Mr. Tobey was elected first Treasurer of York Township, and has also served as Trustee, Clerk and Justice of the Peace. Of late years he has been afflicted with paralysis, and at present is in rather feeble health. The subject of this sketch was born May 18, 1837, in Union County, Ohio ; he is one of York Township's successful farmers. On March 31, 1858, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Harris, who was born April 20, 1837; she is a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Harris of whom we have made mention in this work. To them have been born six children-Myron O., Jennie M., Eddie J .. William S., Archibald B. and Ada E., the latter three of whom are deceased. Mr. Tobey is a member of the United Brethren Church, and is the owner of 100 acres of land.

JOHN TRIMBLE, farmer, P. O. York. The subject of this sketch was born February 27 1830, in Jefferson County, Ohio. He is a son of Robert and Sarah Trimble, natives of Vir- ginia, who emigrated to Jefferson County, Ohio, at an early day. They were the parents of seven children, of whom four are now living, viz .: Lucy, John, Rebecca and Sarah J. When a boy, with his parents, our subject moved from Jefferson to Harrison County, where, on March 22, 1851, he married Miss Margaret Sterling, daughter of John and Mary Sterling, of Harrison County. To them have been born five children, viz .: James S., Mary J. (deceased), Robert W., Rebecca E. and Rosilla N. In the autumn of 1853, Mr. Trimble came to Union County, and settled near the central portion of York Township, where he at present resides. In connection with his farming, he is also engaged in the manufacture of tile, for drainage purposes. In the spring of 1879, he was elected Treasurer of York Township, in which capacity he still officiates. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and class leader in the church, and the owner of eighty-five acres of land.

HIRAM WATTS, farmer, P. O. York, was born December 28, 1822, in Franklin County, Ohio. His parents were John and Sarah Watts, natives of New York State, who settled in Franklin County, Ohio, at an early day. They had eight children, of whom five are now living, viz .: Hiram, William, John, Maria and Nicholas. On December 22, 1843, in Franklin County, Hiram was united in marriage to Sarah J. Goldsmith, who was born January 15, 1823, in Franklin County. She is a daughter of Thomas Goldsmith a native of Virginia, and Elizabeth Goldsmith, a native of Pennsylvania. The fruits of this union are six children-Horace W .. John J., Charles D., William J., Carrie A. and Emma R (deceased). Mr. Watts resided in Franklin County until 1865, in which year, with his family, he came to this county, and settled in York Township, near York Center, where he now resides. He has served as Trustee in York Township, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the owner of 135 acres of land.

CHARLES E. WILKINS, farmer, P. O. Richwood. Beriah P. Wilkins, father of the sub- ject of this sketch, was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., May 26, 1792. He was a son of James Wilkins, a valiant soldier of the Revolutionary war, and Elsie Wilkins. Having reached the years of manhood, he married, on December 24, 1814, in New York State, Miss Amanda Rhodes. She was born October 19, 1797, and was a daughter of Capt. James Rhodes. By this union there was an issue of three children-Charles E., Joseph R. and Alfred F. (deceased). In 1836, he came to Union County, Ohio, and bought 210 acres of land in York Township, our subject's farm being part of the original purchase. In 1837, with his family, he settled in his new home in what was then comparatively a forest. He endured the usual hardships and privations connected with pioneer life, and remained where he settled until his decease, in October, 1858. He had served as Trustee of York Township, and was respected by all who knew him. His wife departed this life in August, 1877. Our subject was born March 6, 1822, in New York State, and when fifteen years of age, with his parents, came to Union County, Ohio. On May 18, 1847, he married Miss Martha M. Raymond, who was born July 26, 1826, in Saratoga County, N. Y. Her father, Nathan Raymond, was born in 1779, in Connecticut; his father, Nathan, was a Revo- lutionary soldier. When a boy, with his parents, he removed to Saratoga County, N. Y., where he married Martha Chard, by whom he had seven children, two of whom are now living, viz .: Martha M. and Ambrose. In 1839, he came to Union County, Ohio, where he remained until his decease, November 7, 1847; bis wife died September 4, of the same year. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins are the parents of seven children-Edwin R., Amanda C., John F., Mary E., Hattie M.,

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CLAIBOURNE TOWNSHIP.

Allie K. and Minerva J. (deceased). Mr. Wilkins has served as Trustee and Clerk of York Township. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and the owner of seventy-seven acres of land.

LEVEN WRIGHT (deceased). The subject of this sketch was born April 22, 1809, in Maryland, and when nine years of age, with his parents, James and Hannah Wright, he came to Fairfield County, Ohio, where his parents remained until their decease. About the year 1834, with his sister Rebecca, he came to Union County, and settled in the northern portion of York Township, where he remained until his decease. In 1837, he married Letitia Coons, daughter of George and Keziah Coons. By this union there was an issue of three children, two of whom are now liviug, viz .: Rebecca and James. She died in March, 1844, and in August, 1844, he married Miss Sarah Thornton, who was born March 22, 1821 She was a daughter of Jesse and Nancy Thornton, of Union County, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Vir- ginia. This union has been blessed with seven children, three of whom are now living-Oscar, Mahlon and Mary. After spending a life of usefulness, he died November 27,1873. Ile was a kind and loving father and an indulgent husband, respected by the large circle of friends that knew him. For many years he served as Trustee of York Township; was a member of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and left to his widow, who still resides on the homestead, 156 acres of land.

CHAPTER XII.

CLAIBOURNE TOWNSHIP. 1.13 Brainaf. T HE territory of Claibourne has sucessively formed a part of many town- ships. In 1825, shortly after the first settlement was made here, it be- came a portion of the new township of Leesburg. In 1829, at the formation of Jackson, most of its territory was embraced in it, and so remained until the or- ganization of Claibourne, in 1834.

The journal of the County Commissioners under date of March 4, 1833, contains this entry :

" This day Cyprian Lee presented a petition for dividing the township of Jackson into two townships, the sonthern part to be called Claibourne, and the northern part to retain the name of Jackson; whereupon the Commission- ers order that said township of Claibourne be laid off from said township of Jackson, beginning at the fourth mile tree southwardly from the northeasterly corner of said Jackson Township; thence parallel with the north line thereof."

March 5, 1833 .- " This day it was ordered by the Commissioners that Levi Phelps proceed to lay off the township of Claibourne, beginning at the fourth mile tree southwardly from the northeast corner of the township of Jackson; thence running westwardly, parallel with the north line of Jack- son Township to the division line between the township of Liberty; to be done as soon as convenient."

For some unknown reason the township was not then surveyed and or- ganized as the following entry will make appear:

" March 5, 1834 .- This is the day it was ordered by the Commissioners- on the application of various individuals-that a new township to be called Claibourne, to commence on the east boundary of the county of Union at the first mile tree south of the Indian Boundary Line; thence west, parallel with the northern boundary of said county to the east boundary of York, to be laid off; to be run by Levi Phelps, prior to the next June session."

The first election for State and county officers was held October 14, 1834. Absalom Carney, Nathaniel Wilson and George Clark were elected Judges; William Price and John P. Brookins, Clerks. Nineteen votes were cast-those of Nathan Richardson, Absalom Carney, John T. Evans, John Carney, William Price, Nathaniel Wilson, J. P. Brookins, Philip Plummer, William Phillips, George Clark, John Calloway, John Dakin, William Sirpless, Adam Burge, Lar-

558

HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

kin Touguet, John Dilfavor, Eleazor Rose, Hiram Andrews and William Jack- son. For Governor, Robert Lucas received 14 votes, James Finley, 5; for Congressman, Sampson Mason, 18, Samuel Newell, 1; for Representative, Nicholas Hathaway,13, Otway Curry, 6; for Senator, Samuel Newell, 18; for Commissioner, Thomas Parr, 19; for Sheriff, Calvin Winget, 19; for Coroner, John Adamson, 19.

Politically, the township was for several years Democratic; it then be- came Whig, and that party maintained the ascendency until its extinction. Since then it has been strongly Republican.

VOTE FOR GOVERNOR.

The complete vote of the township, from the date of its organization to the present, for Governor of the State, is herewith presented:

1834-Robert Lucas, 14; James Finley, 5; total, 19.

1836-Joseph Vance, 28; Eli Baldwin, 14; total, 42

1838-Joseph Vance, 27; Wilson Shannon, 35; total, 62.

1840-Thomas Corwin, 52; Wilson Shannon, 38; total, 88.

1842-Thomas Corwin, 52; Wilson Shannon, 36; Leicester King, 2; to- tal, 90.

1844-Mordecai Bartley, 62; David Tod. 43; total, 105.

1846-William Bebb, 52; David Tod, 26; total, 78.

1848-Seabury Ford, 91; John B. Weller, 42; scattering, 1; total, 134.

1850-William Johnson, 84; Reuben Wood, 59; Ed. Smith, 1; total, 144.

1851-Samuel F. Vinton, 103; Reuben Wood, 59; Samuel Lewis, 6; total, 168.

1853-Nelson Barrere, 58; William Medill, 90; Samuel Lewis, 47; total, 195.

1855-Salmon P. Chase, 125; William Medill, 55; total, 180. 1857-Salmon P. Chase, 128; H. B. Payne, 81; total, 209.

1859-William Dennison, 146; R. P. Ranney, 50; total, 196.

1861-David Tod, 192; H. J. Jewett, 53; total, 245.

1863-John Brough, 237; C. L. Vallandigham, 79; total, 316. 1865-J. D. Cox, 210; George W. Morgan, 78; total, 288.

1867-R. B. Hayes, 245; A. G. Thurman, 118; total, 363.

1869-R. B. Hayes, 229; G. H. Pendleton, 112; total, 341.

1871-E. F. Noyes, 258; George W. McCook, 100; total, 358.

1873 -- E. F. Noyes, 295; William Allen, 190; J. C. Collins, 28; G. T. Stewart, 22; total, 485.

1875-R. B. Hayes, 378; William Allen, 230; Jay Odell, 11; total, 619.

1877-William H. West, 385; R. M. Bishop, 222; H. H. Thompson, 5; total, 612.

1879-Charles Foster, 381; Thomas Ewing, 235; G. T. Stewart, 54; A. Sanders Piatt, 5; total, 675.

1881-Charles Foster, 371; John W. Bookwalter, 171; A. R. Ludlow, 72; total, 614.

JUSTICES.

In 1829, Henry Swartz was commissioned Justice of the Peace for Lees- burg Township. He resided in the portion that is now Claibourne. Philip Plummer was the Justice of Jackson Township, who resided in what is now Claibourne at the time of its organiztion. His commisssion expired in 1836. Since that time the justices have been as follows: J. P. Brookins, 1836; Philip Plummer, 1837; John P. Brookins, 1837; William Jackson, 1840, resigned 1841;

B.P.GLASCOE.

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CLAIBOURNE TOWNSHIP.

J. P. Brookins, 1840; Cornelius Stiers, 1841; James B. W. Haynes, 1841; John P. Graham, 1842: James B. W. Haynes, 1844; William Hamilton, 1845; James B. W. Haynes, 1847; William Hamilton, 1848; W. H. Ferguson, 1851, resigned the same year; John M. C. Mulvain, 1851; J. B. W. Haynes, 1851; Jacob C. Sidle, 1854; J. B. W. Haynes, 1854; Jacob C. Sidle, 1857; C. W. Rosette, 1857; Jacob C. Sidle, 1860: Charles W. Rosette, 1860; Jacob C. Sidle, 1863; Charles W. Rosette, 1863; Jacob C. Sidle, 1866; Charles W. Rosette, 1866; L. A. Hedges, 1869; William H. Conkright, 1869; L. A. Hedges, 1872; William H. Conkright, 1872; William J. Wood, 1874; G. B. Hamilton, 1875; J. C. Sidle, 1876; M. W. Hill, 1878; J. S. Gill, 1878; W. J. Woods, 1879; Seth S. Gardner, 1880; H. M. Wright, 1880: M. W. Hill, 1881.

SURVEYS.

The original surveys which compose the present limits of Claibourne Township, together with their original proprietorships, areas, surveyors, and dates of survey, are as follows:

Richard Claibourne, No. 220, 1,250 acres, surveyed September 7, 1811, by Joseph Kerr; Richard Claibourne, No. 220, 416 acres, same surveyor and date; John Nicholas, No. 5,809, 2,000 acres, surveyed June 1, 1809, by James Galloway, Levin Joynes, No. 6,107, 633} acres, surveyed by Joseph Kerr, September 10, 1810; John Crouse, No. 6,161,823 acres, surveyed by Joseph Kerr, February 15, 1809; John Evans and Edward Owings, No. 6,228, 500 acres, surveyed by James Denny, April 18, 1811; heirs of Buller Claibourne, No. 6,293, 4,267 acres, surveyed by James Galloway, Jr., July 21, 1809; William Pelham, No. 6,307, 1,200 acres, surveyed by James Galloway, Jr., November 16, 1809; William Pelham, No. 6,307, 1,200 acres, same date and surveyor; William Pelham, No. 6,307, 380 acres, surveyed by James Galloway, Jr., November 14, 1809; William and Isaac Corruthers, assignees, No. 7,008, 2,400 acres, surveyed October 28, 1808, by James Galloway, Jr .; Andrew Moore, No. 7,008, 800 acres, surveyed October 29, 1808, by James Galloway, Jr .; William Murdock, No. 12,654, 500 acres, surveyed July 10, 1829, by Allen Latham; Cadwallader Wallace Nos 13,440, 13,449 and 13,526, 614 acres, surveyed by proprietor, May 9, 1834; William Pelham, No. 6,308, 280 acres, partly in Delaware County, surveyed November 14, 1809, by James Galloway; John Gibson, No. 7,869, 800 acres, surveyed August 25, 1813, by John Kerr; representatives of Thomas Ruffin, No. 6,301, 400 acres, surveyed July 20, 1809, by James Galloway, Jr. There are also in the township small frac- tions of Nos. 6,129 and 6,162, which are mostly in Delaware County.

Claibourne Township is located in the northeastern part of Union Coun- ty. It is bounded on the north by Jackson Township, on the east by Marion and Delaware Counties, on the south by Leesburg and Taylor Townships, and on the west by York. It is one of the largest townships in the county and the second in population Its name is derived from the Buller-Claibourne Survey, which is the largest in the county, and which at the organization of the township contained nearly all the settlers, then within its limits of the lat. ter. Fulton Creek is the principal stream. It enters at the northwest corner of the township from York and flows out near the southeast corner. It is said that the stream received its name from the fact that Mr. Fulton, an attache of a surveying party, which was surveying land in this vicinity, while attempt- ing to cross the creek over a log one cold winter day, slipped and fell into the water. The stream was high and it was with difficulty that he was rescued by his comrades. The soil is argillacious; the surface, generally level and in places slightly rolling. A heavy growth of timber covered the township when

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HISTORY OF UNION COUNTY.

first settled, interspersed with a thick growth of underbrush and vines, as the following incident will testify: Daniel Swartz, residing just north of Rich- wood, on going to mill once to Millville, thirteen miles distant, directed Mrs. Swartz to watch the cattle and not permit them to stray far from home. After a while, not seeing them, she climbed an old log that had fallen partly to the ground, not far from the cabin door, and on looking around discovered the cows only a few yards away, almost at her feet, in the thick brush, that had obscured her view from below.

INDIANS.

The Indian occupancy of the soil now embraced within the limits of Claibourne Township, as a hunting ground was for a long time undisturbed by the presence of white men after the settlement of pioneers in other parts of the State. It lies adjoining the Greenville treaty line, the territory north of which had been reserved by treaty for the exclusive use of the red men. Within the township were some favorite hunting grounds. The site of Rich- wood, elevated slightly above the surrounding country, was rich not only with an abundant growth of plants and forest trees, but in game as well, and that the Indians often tented on these grounds is handed down by tradition, and is established by the many relics that have been found in the vicinity. Knives, fragments of Indian saddles, brooches, tomahawks and all the accou- trements of camp life have been brought to light, in the preparation of the soil for agriculture. In the gravel pit owned by Mrs. Susanna Swartz, sit- uated just north of Richwood, numerous skeletons have been exposed.

After the earliest pioneers had taken possession of the country, the for- ests were ranged by hunters, from both races for many years. The Indians would not tolerate the presence of white men north of the Greenville line, but frequently hunted south of the line. The best state of feeling did not exist between the Indians and settlers, though amicable relations were usually maintained. Whether the red or white men were the first aggressors is not known, but if either committed a wrong, however slight, retaliation would surely

ensue. The Indians, either in a spirit of retaliation or from an innate prone- ness to evil, would occasionally shoot the settlers' hogs as they were feeding in the woods, and commit other depredations. In bee-hunting, it was a cus- tom sacred among the pioneers engaged in this pursuit that when a bee tree was found by one of them and marked with the finder's initials it at once be- came his property, to be relieved of its honey at the hunter's leisure; and for another to abstract the honey was regarded as detestable a crime as to steal a horse. The Indians, however, were not affected by any such scruples, and when one of them discovered the home of a swarm of bees, he rifled it of its treasure, whether or not a prior badge of ownership had been stamped upon the tree. Such proceedings naturally incensed the settlers. The principal game was deer, but the practice of the Indians while hunting on the white man's hunting ground, were such as to drive the game from the vicinity. They would crouch low in the tall grass, and, imitating the bleating of a fawn, at- tract the doe to the spot where they were concealed. They would then kill and skin it, leaving the young to perish. The stench arising from the decaying carcasses would drive the deer to other grounds. An old hunter claims to have counted in one Indian camp, between Fulton and Bokes Creek, the hides of sixty deer that had been killed in this way. Yet a friendly relation was maintained. The Indians would call at the cabins of the settlers and eat with them. They would engage with them in foot races and various kinds of games, and often hunt in their company

The tradition prevails that Henry Swartz and Ned Williams, two of the first settlers of Claibourne, killed two Indians on Peacock Run, in the south-

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CLAIBOURNE TOWNSHIP.

ern part of the township. The fact was never established, but the missing Indians were never heard of again, and circumstances pointed strongly to their removal from this world by these two primitive backwoodsmen. Mr. Swartz possessed an irascible temper, which would often vent itself on the heads of the savages. On one occasion he beat one of them with the ram-rod of his gun. He would steal into their camps while they were off hunting and there

play annoying tricks. The Indians sought Swartz and wanted a reconcilia- tion. He gave them no satisfaction. They then set up sticks with bullets on the ends around their camp to indicate war. Soon after, two Indians who had gone hunting did not return. Their comrades searched diligently for them, but with- out any results. Suspecting foul play, they carefully examined brush heaps and thickets and wandered excitedly along the banks of the creeks peering intently into their depths, but no trace of the lost men was found. They had traced them to Peacock Run, but there found no further indications of their presence. Capt. Henry Swartz and Ned Williams had been clearing land and burning brush in this vicinity, and the Indians suspected them. They visited Swartz's cabin; he was apparently unconcerned, but watchful. They wished to be

friendly, they said; wanted to shoot at a mark with him and to borrow his gun. but he refused every request. One day an old Indian hunter came to him and proposed a hunt, to which Capt. Swartz at length agreed. The Indian desired Swartz to lead, but the latter declined. They hunted for a long time, watching each other more closely than for game. Finally the Indian brave proposed that they divide. "You take that side and I this," he said. " No, replied Swartz, "you take this side and I that," choosing the side toward home. They separated, and when Swartz supposed he had Jeft the Indian out of sight, he turned and hastened rapidly home. The Indian soon followed and in a great rage exclaimed, "You lie, you no hunt, you lie. " But as a discharge still remained in the rifle of Capt. Swartz, the Indian made no further demonstration and departed speedily. Mr. Swartz was always after- ward very cautious and vigilant when he believed the Indians were near him. They soon afterward withdrew permanently from the region.

Capt. Swartz, when afterward asked about this affair, would never com- mit himself, one way nor the other. He neither denied nor admitted that he killed or knew of the death of the Indians. But "Neddy " Williams, when he was made somewhat indifferent to consequences by a few drinks of liquor, loved to boast that he knew where there were two good rifles in a hollow syca- more tree, and said they were put in by climbing a slender tree by the side of a sycamore and dropping them through an opening in the tree made by the breaking off of the upper part of the trunk. There was a well-beaten path along the bank of Peacock Run by the side of which stood an old sycamore, from which had fallen a large limb, sinking deep into the ground. This was near the place where Swartz and Williams had been clearing, and around the limb a large fire had been made. After a fall of snow, Mr. Zach Stephens, a brother-in-law of Henry Swartz, while hunting for some lost cattle, stepped into the hole made by the limb. He fell, and on withdrawing his foot found the lower jaw bone of a human being clinging to the heel of his boot. Sus- pecting the manner in which it had been placed there, he took it with him to Swartz's cabin, and holding it before the proprietor of the domicile, said: " Henry, do you know anything about this?" Swartz grew pale, but made no response. It was currently believed that he and Williams had killed the In- dians and buried the remains.

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The History of Union County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, towns military record;, Part 153

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