USA > Ohio > Champaign County > The history of Champaign county, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; history of the Northwest territory etc > Part 46
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121
408
HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
settled on Section 13. Upon their arrival, they saw nothing but a dense mass of forest trees. They proceeded at once to erect a place of abode. A large oak was cut down, poles were placed in the ground parallel with the fallen tree, and the two were connected by a roof of boughs and some lumber which they were fortunate enough to obtain. Deer were roaming through the woods in large numbers, but were never molested by Cook, he being no hunter. He was very poor, and exerted himself night and day in endeavoring to retain the land permanently. His wife died in 1823, and, two years after, he was united with Bodaisa Fay. She died in 1830. In 1832, he again took unto himself a wife, Mary Hartwell being the chosen one. In after years, he sold the old home- stead, and, with his son Lewis, took a trip to Illinois. While there, he was taken suddenly ill, and erelong was a corpse. He was buried where he died. His wife also died while on a visit to the same State some years after. Three children survive, viz., Percy (wife of George Enock, now a resident of Kansas), Calvin (who possesses the " home farm ") and Louisa (wife of Nicholas Shafer, residing in this county).
John Lee was born in Maryland. In 1810, he came to New Lancaster, in this State, with his wife, nee Elizabeth Lomond. They lived there two years, and then removed to this county, settling on a tract of land located three miles northeast of Urbana. Mr. Lee died here two years later. In 1818, Mrs. Lee, with four children, settled on the northeast corner of Section 19; the land they purchased from one Glover. Mrs. Lee was married to Philip Stout, in 1827, with whom she lived happily until her death, which occurred in 1848. William Lee, her son, now occupies the homestead ; has accumulated considerable pro- perty, and is a well-known and influential citizen. Of the remaining surviving children, James is a resident of Oregon ; Richard resides in Iowa; Fannie, now Mrs. Thomas, lives in Indiana.
Benjamin Gard was born in Clark County in 1814. In after years, he removed across the line to this township, where he now lives, enjoying the fruits of economy and industry. During a recent conversation with the writer, he remarked that he had traveled over nine States; but had found no locality so attractive as the beautiful Mad River Valley.
David Loudenback, Sr., a native of Virginia, settled here in 1817; lived here five years, then removed to Concord Township, where he died in 1851. His son, David, Jr., returned to Mad River Township in 1829, beginning his , career as a pedagogue. He made a permanent settlement in 1832. In 1842, he was elected Justice of the Peace, and continued in office until the year 1878. During his long term of office, he dispensed justice in accordance with the law, and, with one single exception, never had a case reversed by a higher court. He has now retired to private life, but his time is much given to the settlement of estates and other legal matters. He has still in his possession a chair made by him in 1829.
John Lutz, a Virginian, settled on the southwest corner of Section 18, in 1829. After living there ten years, he removed to - -, his present place of abode. He has accumulated a farm of 140 acres, which is in a state of cultivation.
Peter Baker, accompanied by his wife and nine children, came here from Virginia in 1816. Prior to their entrance to this township, they stopped at Columbus, as they had been informed that cheap homes could be purchased in the vicinity of that city. The land had been reserved for Revolutionary soldiers, however, and Baker was foiled in his attempt to settle there. The farm now
-
Respectfully yours Oliver Taylor
CONCORD TP
411
HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
owned by his son, Simon, was entered December 24, 1816. Peter settled on the land now owned by Joseph Rhodes. When they came to their future home, the land was found to consist of one dense forest of green beech-trees. Simon erected a cabin on his tract, and covered it with a shingle roof-the first in the settlement. Peter died at the age of ninety-four. His son, Simon, is still occupying the old farm. His fellow-citizens have elected him repeatedly to all the township offices, except Justice of the Peace. He erected the brick building which he now occupies, in 1835.
Joseph Rhodes came from Virginia with his uncle, John Craybill, in 1835, performing most of the journey on foot. He located in this township, and pursued his trade of shoemaking. A few years later, he removed to Urbana Township, and there erected a mill, which was afterward destroyed by fire. Growing restless, he again left, and this time settled in the State of Indiana. In 1853, he settled on a portion of Section 26, where he resides at present. His brother, Noah, came here in 1856, and purchased a part of the farm. Mr. Rhodes is seventy-one years of age, and never left the state of single blessed- ness.
John Jenkins was born in Shenandoah County, Va., about the year 1789. In 1811, he was united with Polly Burkholder. They left for Ohio in 1832, travel- ing on two horses. Several children were born before their departure. A son named Morgan walked the entire distance; thirty-one days were consumed in making the trip. When one-half the journey had been completed, they found themselves in need of provisions. They stopped at the house of a German and asked permission to wash their clothing, inquiring also of the family if they had butter to sell. The people received them very ungraciously, and, in the German language, ridiculed them. Finally, Mrs. Jenkins addressed them in German, which had the desired effect. They were accorded a cordial recep- tion and all their necessary wants supplied. The little knowledge of the German dialect possessed by Mrs. J. had changed the state of affairs. The Jenkins family settled at Wilmington, Clinton Co., in this State, at which place they remained until the year 1835. Thence they removed to the imme- diate vicinity of St. Paris, in this county. Here they remained for a number of years. The father finally removed to Indianapolis, Ind., where he died. Of eleven children, but two are now residents of this township-David and Morgan L. David has been married four times, and is now living happily with his fourth wife. Morgan has been a resident of Terre Haute for nearly forty years. He follows his trade of shoemaking, and keeps a general store. He is classed as one of the representative citizens of the village.
David Miller is a native of Virginia, and was born in 1813. His father died when he (David) was but seven years of age, and he was adopted by an uncle named Good. At the death of the latter he was taken into the family of his son. At the age of sixteen he left his native land, accompanied by the Goods, George Serkle and the Kesslers-Abe and Jacob. The party traveled in wagons which were drawn by four horses. The party settled on different sec- tions in this township. Two years later, Miller removed to Clark County, where he engaged himself to a wagon-maker as an apprentice. In 1836, he erected a wagon-shop on Storm's Creek, near the present village of . Terre Haute. There was no other establishment of a like nature in the country, except those located at Urbana. Mr. Miller now resides in Terre Haute, leading a life of quietude, free from business cares, and enjoys the fruits of his own personal industry. He is one of the enterprising citizens of the village, and has con-
L
-
412
HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
tributed largely to all legitimate schemes offered for the public good. He is a. stanch supporter of the proposed railroad, having subscribed a large sum to. further its construction. He is an exemplary Christian and a good neighbor, honored and loved by all who know him.
When the earliest pioneers made their entree into the dense forests of this township, a beautiful, but discouraging sight was exposed to view. A picture. more sublime than that produced by nature's artist cannot be imagined. The beautiful river valley, with its streams of living waters flowing through the green and mossy surface, presented an inviting aspect to the seekers of natural scenery. But to the seeker of a home, which was to be secured by the pro- ductions of the country, a picture differing largely from the one just described, was presented. It is true that the beauties of nature filled his soul with admi- ration. But gazing and admiring these beauties promised no remuneration. The normal condition of the lands, the inferior facilities for preparing the soil and the wolf that threatened his door admonished him that years of toil were in store for him. That self-same spirit of determination which had induced him to separate from home and friends, and which had accompanied him on the perilous and tedious journey to the wilds of Ohio, did not forsake him. With the ax, brought from the land of his nativity, he erects a rude cabin for himself and family. The frugal meal of corn bread and venison is eaten with relish. He proceeds at once to fell the trees surrounding his cabin. Day after day, the echo of the never-failing ax resounds in the forest. An occasional arrival of a new family who have determined to seek their fortunes in these wilds, fills his heart with joy. In the spring following, all the pioneers of the neighbor- hood assembled to engage in "log-rolling." When the task is completed at one place, they proceed to another, and so on until all the trees that have fallen victims to the ax are removed. Then the ground is upturned with the aid of the wooden mold-board plow. Slowly but surely is the work executed. In the autumn, he has the satisfaction of seeing his first crop of corn and wheat. The products consisted in addition of potatoes and a few other indispensable necessities. The corn was crushed by the " family corn-cracker," an implement well remembered by the older residents, and which is described in another part of this work. The wheat had to be conveyed to Sandusky City, where it was taken in exchange for salt, coffee, etc. A few years later, we discover that a change has taken place. Much more land is being cultivated, mills are spring- ing up in the vicinity, settlements are being made rapidly, and an era of gen- eral prosperity seems to have reached the community. And yet much was still to be accomplished. Roads were to be cut out, schools established and relig- ious societies organized. The improvements were made slowly. The first brick house built within the township limits was not erected until the year 1823. This house was built by Charles Rector, and is now owned by Benja- min Gard. Mr. Rector lived in a double log house previous to the time in which the brick was erected. The log building was destroyed by fire. In 1832, but one-fourth of the land was cleared, and very few farms boasted of frame or brick dwellings, though some of them were roofed with shingles. The continual tide of immigration effected constant changes and improvements, and though a period of but fourscore years has passed away, scarcely a vestige of the former scenes of pioneer life remains. They have been buried under the waves of oblivion, in their stead have appeared all the improvements of modern times. In the language of Tupper, in his veneration for old haunts, the surviving pioneer exclaims :
413
HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
" Old faces, how I long to see Their kindly looks again. Yet these are gone-while all around Is changable as air. All anchor in the solid ground And root my memories there ! "
INDIANS.
We scarce need mention the fact that, four score years ago, the denizens of the forests predominated in this country. When the first boat of European adventurers landed on American shores, they found that the newly discov- ered continent was inhabited by a race of uncivilized people whom they called Indians. Year after year the latter were driven back to the dense forests to. make way for the increasing white population. Centuries passed away, and the red man had learned to look upon the pale-face with a deadly hatred, and after a desperate resistance only could he be induced to migrate still further westward to the deep recesses of an endless forest. Prior to the beginning of the nineteenth century, the section of the country now known as Champaign County was inhabited almost exclusively by Indians. One by one came the Virginians and Kentuckians, and took up their abode with the red men. For a number of years they were left unmolested; the male portion of the tribe. devoted themselves to hunting and fishing, while the women cultivated a small patch of ground and begged whisky of the whites. In the year 1806, the Indians manifested a hostile disposition, which continued for a number of years. No encounters took place in this township, but rumors of Indian depredations in the surrounding country became rife, and the pioneers made preparations for- self-protection. To provide for a place of safety in case of an attack, it was determined to build
A FORTIFICATION.
Of this fort, M. Arrowsmith, in his contribution to the "History of Cham- paign and Logan Counties," says :
"To the best of my recollection it was in 1807 that the settlers in the valley on the north side of the township, from their exposed condition to the savages, erected a fort by inclosing about one-fourth of an acre with buildings and pickets. It was erected at the residence of Thomas Kenton, on the southwest. quarter of Section 12, Township 4, Range 11. It was quadrangular in form. His two cabins stood about ten feet apart. The space between was to be used as an inlet for any needed purpose, and protected with a swinging gate of split timber. These pickets were made of split logs planted in the ground and reaching ten or twelve feet high. These flat sides (for they were doubled) were placed together, thus shutting the joints completely, and formed the north side. The east and west sides were made with log buildings, the roofs slanting inwards and high enough on the inside for a doorway into them. On the out- side, about the height of the inner eave, was a projection sufficient to prevent. the enemy from climbing up, and a space of a few inches was left between the lower wall and jut that could be used for port-holes in case the Indians were to come to set fire to the buildings or any like purpose. There was one building about the center of the south side, and the other spaces were closed with pickets. There was a well of water within the inclosure. Fortunately, they never had need to use it for the purpose for which it was erected."
414
HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
The following incidents are obtained from the above source : In those early days, an Indian came to Thomas Kenton to buy a horse. His horses were out running at large, as was the custom at that time. They went together to hunt them, and when they found them my father's horses were with them, and one -a fine young horse for that day-took the Indian's eye. He would not even notice any of the others. After inquiring whom he belonged to, he came to my father to see if he would sell him, and what was his price. Father asked $80. He offered $70. After parleying awhile, the Indian held up both hands seven times and one hand once, and on that proposition they traded. He had but $74 to pay down, but promised to be back at a certain time to pay the other, which he did at the time promised. This is written to show that there was honor and honesty with the Indians.
About 1818, it was a common thing for the Lewistown Indians, with their families, to come to this neighborhood in the summer. They would make camps covered with bark, in some pleasant shady grove, where the squaws with their papooses would stay. The men would hunt deer or lie about their camp. Their squaws were generally busy making or peddling their baskets among the people around about for something to eat. Amongst them, on one of their visits, was an old acquaintance of my father's named Coldwater. He came to our house to buy some bacon on credit, and promised to pay at some time in specie, for he said he had specie at home. At that time the banks, or many of them, had failed; so it was necessary in dealing to know what kind of money was to be used in the trade. He got the bacon, but, unlike the other Indian, never paid for it. These two Indians exemplified an old man's expression when speaking of the different religious denominations, 'I hope that there are bad and good amongst all of them.'"
During the time of Indian hostilities, a drove of hogs were attacked by bears while feeding on the land at the head of Chapman's Creek. The noise and commotion was observed by the settlers, who imagined the hogs were being killed by Indians. It was supposed that the latter, after enjoying a supper of fresh pork, would attack the settlement. The people acting on the strength of this supposition and without making any investigation, repaired to the Kiser Fort, near Tremont. The excitement was great, and the entire neighborhood flocked to the fort for protection. Careful investigation disclosed the fact that no cause for alarm existed. On this occasion, a number of pioneers obtained shelter in the McBeth Fort. On the morning of the following day, Mr. Kiser, the Commander-in-chief of Fort Kiser, stationed the men on the immediate front of the fort and commanded them to fire by platoons. The report of the guns was heard by the occupants of Fort McBeth, who were now in a state of great fear, as they supposed that the Indians were engaged in open battle with the whites. They fastened the entrance of the fort securely, using the utmost pre- caution. When they finally discovered their mistake, there was much rejoic- ing. The precaution against intrusion had been so well planned and executed that fully six hours passed away before the last obstruction could be re- moved.
When this township was yet in its infancy, no system of.drainage had been adopted, and, as a natural consequence, much of the Mad River Valley consisted of large bodies of water which were fed by the innumerable springs. Around these lakes the Indians were wont to gather. The land now owned by John Kiser, was a favorite resort for the savages. In 1812, a battle took place be- tween the Indians and a party of Kentuckians on the land just mentioned-
415
HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
Section 7. The savages obtained a position on a mound from whence they could command a view of the surroundings, and arrange their position accord- ingly. After a short and decisive battle, the whites beat a retreat. They re- turned to Kentucky, obtained re-enforcements and again attacked the savages. This time the former occupied the prominent positions. The savages fought desperately but the fates were against them. They were shot down from every side and massacred almost to a man. But few escaped to tell the story.
Some twenty years ago, Mr. Kiser found on his farm an ancient ornament, which was probably attached to a flag-staff. Mr. K. took it to Springfield and it was at first conjectured that the ornament was made from pure gold, but careful investigation disclosed that this supposition was unfounded. Historians contend that the flag-staff was brought to this country by the British, and that it afterward fell into the hands of the Indians, and was lost by them during one of the encounters just described.
With the death of Tecumseh came peace and prosperity. Disheartened and driven back the poor savage was compelled to seek a home in the forests of the West, leaving behind him forever the scenes of his former greatness.
CHURCHES.
An inducement to settlers worthy of note, was the outgrowth of privilege to worship according to conscientious views granted with readiness. At first it was found expedient to unite irrespective of predilections, and worship har- moniously together. The little bands would worship in their respective dwell- ings, until each acquired sufficient strength, when societies were formed. Soon rude log meeting-houses were constructed, from which songs of praise rever- berated in the forests.
The first class was organized at Ezekiel Arrowsmith's, Rev. Robert McFar- land serving as Class-leader. About thirty members constituted the organization. Of these, Rev. William Haller is the only one yet living. Verily, time has wrought its changes. It is related that one Van Meter married a lady named Reynolds, who was a member of this class. Van Meter attended the meetings, but not through choice, as he was strenuously opposed to worshiping in the small, heated room in Arrowsmith's dwelling. Becoming disgusted, he, one Sabbath, crawled through the aperture in the wall while the brethren were engaged in prayer. The surprise and horror of the latter when they dis- covered that the bird had flown, can be more easily imagined than described.
A log meeting-house was built on the land of William Ross, by the Method- ists. The Baptists erected a house of worship on Nettle Creek, which was also of logs. In 1820, a log church was built by the Methodists on the land of Christian Stephens. These buildings were uncomfortable, and, as soon as cir- cumstances would permit, more commodious houses were erected. In connection with this brief sketch of pioneer religious organizations, we cannot forbear to mention the names of those who brought the glad tidings of peace and good-will to the disconsolate. They deserve a place in history, and should be held in ever- lasting remembrance. Following we append the names of some of the Baptist miniscers : John Thomas, John Gutridge, William Harper, Moses Frazee, Willis Hance, Daniel Bryant, Thomas Price, John Norman, Samuel Williams, William Fuson. Of the brethren of the Methodist Church, we mention : Henry B. Bascum, Moses Trader, Adjet McGuire, Robert, James and John Findly, John Strange, Russell Biglow, John Collins, W. H. Raper, Augustus Eddy,
416
HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
George Marley, George Walker, Michael Marley, Leroy Swormstead and Daniel D. Davidson. All of these have long since departed this life and gone to their reward.
Rev. William Haller, in an interesting communication to the " History of Logan and Champaign Counties," furnishes a brief description of the personal appearance of the most remarkable of these men, together with their peculiarities. We extract the description verbatim :
" I take the Baptist brethren first. John Thomas was a small, light man. +dark hair and complexion, deliberate, cautious, not venturesome, and possessed of great strength and endurance for one of his size. * Gutridge was just the opposite-fluent, bold, assuming; would dash ahead if he did run against a stump, which he sometimes did. He cared for his stomach. In a travel once, he stopped with a sister for dinner on wash-day. When seated at table, the lady said they had a plain dinner. 'Yes,' said Gutridge, 'it is plain fare, but wholesome diet.' The lady replied : ' If you are a good man, it is good enough ; if not, a thousand times too good.' Frazee was prized by his brethren for his adherence to his doctrines, and had considerable ability to defend them. Willis Hance was acceptable amongst his brethren. Daniel Bryant is still living. [He has died since the above was written .- THE AUTHOR. ] I have heard him when young and since he has become aged, and feel it just to say that I consider him among the talented in any branch of the Christian church. For originality. he is not surpassed by any of his brethren that I have heard. Thomas Price has been esteemed by his brethren for his piety. I would say a zeal, but not according to knowledge. James Dunlap was an old-time preacher ; was popular in his day. I have spoken of my Baptist brethren that I had known in early youth and manhood. I may now speak of my Methodist brethren, of whom I know more and can say more. Bascum was among the first ; some- what foppish in appearance, and of medium stature. He had great command of language. At the time, his audiences were spell-bound, but soon the enchant-
1 ment would evaporate, and you had only to fall back on the occasion. Trader was able, but contentious, and seemed to say, 'I am watching you.' McGuire was able, benignant, and wished you to see the purity and appropriateness of the Gospel system. Old Robert Findly had great ability, even when aged ; was strict, rigid in law and order, and drilled his flock. John Findly was mild, persuasive and logical. James Findly was a large, muscular man, bold, defiant, ready for combat, and was a Boanarges, and would awe into reverence. You would think he intended to try and shake creation, and yet sometimes he would touch the sympathies of his hearers. Rupel Biglow was quite small, and homely almost to deformity. When he preached, he would lay his premises as carefully as a skillful general would arrange his forces for battle. He would com- prehend the obstacles to be overcome, see that his forces were sufficient, every offi- cer in his place, men and munitions properly. arranged, and then the word would be given. Shell and shot, large and small arms, grape and canister, as though the heavens and earth were coming together, and in the consternation he would charge bayonets and complete the destruction. Such seemed to be his power over men. John Collins was spare, light and sprightly. His method was conversational. With rich, mellow voice, a heart throbbing with tender emotions, he would commence talking to you, his kindness would win on you till you would be in his power ; then he would deal out some circumstances so pathetically given, that the whole audience would weep in perfect response to the preacher's wish. After you were seated, and had listened awhile, you could
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.