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 52
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HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
ADAMS TOWNSHIP,
named after John Quincy Adams, lies in the northwest corner of Champaign County. No railroad crosses its borders, yet it is within range of several lines. It has been conceded that, in point of production, individual enterprise and traveling facilities, this is by far the most unpretentious township in the county. This state of affairs is rapidly being remedied. A superior system of drainage has been adopted ; the inhabitants are tearing down the dilapidated cabins that have been an eye-sore to the passers-by for years. erecting in their stead mag- nificent structures, some of which are unequaled by those of any rural township in the county. The township is traversed by a complete net-work of pikes, and last, but not least. a railroad is under construction. Originally, the township was an unbroken forest, and years passed away before the timber was sufficiently removed to admit the profitable tilling of the soil. A portion of the northern sections is more adapted to grazing, and enormous herds of cattle, swine and sheep are fed each year. As an agricultural section, Adams ranks alike with her sister townships, wheat being the principal production, the average yearly yield ranging from twenty to twenty-five bushels to the acre.
At the organization of Champaign County, this township was embraced in what is now known as Johnson Township. In 1826 or 1827, the township was divided, that portion described as Township 3 and Range 13 being called Adams. On the north it is bounded by Logan County, on the east by Harri- son and Concord Townships, on the south by Johnson Township and on the west by Shelby County. It embraces an area of thirty square miles. The southern part of Adams is quite rolling, the land sloping gradually northward. Sections 29 and 36, in the southeast corner, are crossed by Mosquito Creek, whose waters expand in parts of both sections, forming a lake of some dimen- sions, fed in addition by a stream having its source in Section 18. Another stream has its source in the southern part of the township, and flows northward. crossing the township and entering Logan County. A few streams in the west- ern part of minor importance complete the list.
EARLIEST SETTLEMENTS.
The dreary and altogether uninviting aspect of this township was the means of preventing permanent settlements for several years after the other sections of this county had been generally entered. The hunter often entered these pre- cincts deserted by humanity, but his life was one of constant travel, and he re- mained long enough only to secure the game which he had pursued into the al- most impenetrable forests. These forests abounded in game. Bear, deer, tur- keys, squirrels and porcupines had been driven here from the surrounding country. As yet, the ax of the sturdy pioneer had not been uplifted against the trees of the forests ; no sign of human habitation was visible. The year 1811 marked the arrival of the first actual settler in the person of Asahel Wilkinson, a Virginian, who settled on Section 14. We will state in this connection that he was a great hunter, and paid for his land from the proceeds of furs taken from the game he killed. On his land were located sulphur springs, which were noted by the Indians as containing medicinal properties. The denizens of the forest often congregated here to heal their sick. They also indulged in shooting
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HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
matches, generally selecting a spot in the vicinity of this spring. Upon Wil- kinson's arrival, his cash possessions amounted to just $200 in silver. This money he secreted in a stump near the springs. This stump was selected for a. target by the redskins during one of their expeditions. Mr. Wilkinson was ab- sent from home, and Mrs. W. entertained fears that the money would be dis- covered and carried off by the " sharp-shooters," but fortunately her worst fears were not realized.
Six Indian families camped at this place on one occasion, including a " Big Medicine " man, whose wonderful cures attracted the settlers for miles around. On this farm was erected a block-house during the Indian troubles. Wilkin- son was on friendly relations with a number of the savages, but was insecure from those unacquainted with him. The latter arranged to attack the settlers in this neighborhood on a certain night. Wilkinson was apprised of this in- tended massacre by some of his dusky friends, and with his neighbors and their families retreated to the fort. They remained there for several days, but their cabins remained unmolested ; the intended attack had been abandoned by its projectors.
We have carried the reader some five or six years beyond the era of the first settlement. Upon returning to the starting point, we find that Wilkinson was the only permanent resident up to 1812-13. At this time, Henry Ritter settled on Section 6, and proceeded to take preparatory steps requisite for its cultivation. Daniel Neal figures as the next man who settled here, he entering a portion of Section 36 in 1813. William McCrosky settled on Section 5 in 1816. One year later, George and Peter Halterman purchased one hundred and sixty acres on Section 18. Silas Johnson, with his son Walker, settled on part of Section 31 in 1818. James Russel left his home in the Sunny South (Virginia) and began clearing for a new home on Section 6. One Lee, also, deserves recognition as an early settler. The foregoing constitute the arrivals for the ten years following the first settlement. The tide of immigration was slow, owing to the inferior advantages offered. The land was entered at $2 per acre, for which price much better localities could be secured.
BIOGRAPHIES OF EARLY AND PROMINENT SETTLERS.
Asahel Wilkinson was born in Harrison County, Va., on September 16, 1776. Nature had destined him for a hunter, as was seen by his constant trips to the woods in search of game. When quite young he was married to Char- ity Ragen. Up to the year 1811, their union had been blessed with four chil- dren-William, Mary, Thomas and Joseph. Making a living in Virginia was at that time a difficult task, and the outlook for the future was dark and gloomy. "Go to Ohio," was the favorite cry of the Virginians, and a number did go. Our friend Wilkinson had discussed the advisability of leaving his native soil for a new home in the Northwest, with his better-half. Visions of a home and luxury in the beautiful Ohio forests flitted before him, while the barren hills of Virginia promised only poverty and desolation for the future. In 1811, he came to a decision, and, accompanied by his family and several neighboring families, started on his journey.
A few days before they commenced their journey, one of their neighbors, who, with his family, intended to accompany them, became deranged with the thought that they would come to want in their new home. His insanity became violent, and, in the dead of the night, he murdered his wife and nine children. This did not deter the others, and, on the appointed day, they started, riding
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HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
on pack-horses. Several of the saddles used on this occasion are still in the possession of Wilkinson's descendants.
When they came to Ohio the families separated, Wilkinson coming to this county. He entered 260 acres of Section 14, in what is now called Adams Township, paying for the land with the proceeds obtained through the sale of furs. Of the four children who came with him, three have gone on that long journey from whence no traveler returns. Joseph, the only surviving one, lives at Mechanicsburg, in this county. Henry H., born April 2, 1813, was the first white child born in the township.
Mrs. Wilkinson died in 1819, and, in 1821, Wilkinson married Nancy James. Of the first marriage, but two children, Joseph and Betsey (now Mrs. Cisco), are living, the latter just north of Careysville. From the second union, Asahel and James remain, both owning extensive farms in the town- ship. During the first years of the township organization, Wilkinson was elected Constable. This position he held for fourteen years. By his death, which occurred February 23, 1861, Adams Township was bereft of her first settler and one of her most influential citizens.
Henry Ritter was a Kentuckian by birth. In the younger days of this century, he left the scenes of his childhood days for the then unsettled wilds of Ohio. Locating at Chillicothe, he remained in its immediate vicinity for sev- eral years. At the outbreak of the Indian war (1812) he took up arms against the enemies of his land, and, at its close, was appointed Captain, and stationed between Dayton and Cincinnati. He settled on the farm now owned by his son William (Section 6), in 1813. Originally he had intended to " Go West," but was struck by the many advantages offered by this country, and made it his permanent home. Shortly after, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Harbor, who came to near Westville, this county, with the Halls-all hailing from Virginia. They occupied a small log cabin until 1835, when they erected the first brick in the township, the present residence. Nine children were born to them ; the following are still living : Harvey, who went to Missouri in 1856, and is now an extensive land-holder in that State; he is also the owner of sev- eral large flouring-mills. Jesse occupies a part of the home farm. William lives on the old homestead. Sarah resides in the State of Indiana.
Mr. Ritter held the position of Township Trustee for many years. His life was devoted to agriculture, and many farm implements were made by his own hand. He died in 1860, carrying with him the sorrow and regret of all who knew him.
In the year 1773, Daniel Neal, perhaps the third settler of this township, was born in Maryland. A desire to better his financial condition and obtain a home, induced him to leave the land of his birth in 1801. We next find him in Virginia. Three years of Virginian experience satisfies the young man that wealth and luxury can never be obtained there. At a nominal cost a home is promised him in the Ohio Territory, to which place he now turns his steps. He squats on the eastern part of this county, where he remains ten years. In the meantime, he has taken unto himself a better half, and, with her and five children, settles on the northeast quarter of Section 36. This land he entered at Cincinnati, paying $2 per acre for it. At the organization of the township he was elected Trustee, and continued in office for a number of years. Though game was plentiful, it passed the door of his cabin unmolested, he being no nunter. This was the third farm cleared by him, but old age overtook him before the work was completed. In youth he had been deprived of the benefits
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HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
of an education, and in after years took great care that his children should receive, at least, a good common-school education. He died in 1840; his wife survived twenty years after his death. They had seven children, most of whom have left this earth to join their parents in that better land. His son Daniel D. is the present owner of the "home farm."
William McCrosky, a native of Kentucky, at an early day proclaimed his opposition to slavery. This resulted only in the persecution of Mr. McCrosky. Finally, becoming disgusted with the inhuman treatment to which the negroes were subjected, he concluded to establish a new home. In 1816, he directed his steps Ohio-ward, and settled on Section 5, in this township, with his wife and several children, entering the land at the Cincinnati Land Office, and pay- ing $2 per acre for it. He endured all the privations common in the early days of a new country, and was gathered to the home of his fathers in 1856. He was one of the first Trustees elected in the township. His son Samuel yet lives on the home farm. He is enjoying good health, and takes an active interest in the political affairs of his country, being a stanch and uncompro- mising Democrat. One brother and several sisters are scattered in various parts of the West.
George Halterman came to this township September, 1817, from Virginia, with his brother Peter, and entered eighty acres on Section 18, and his brother also entered the same number of acres. He rode the long distance on horse- back. Until 1821, he engaged in clearing his land. He married Elizabeth Rexroth, of Virginia, in 1818. She did not follow her husband immediately, contenting herself with his occasional visits. In 1821, Halterman carried his wife and one child (Ella) to their new home. His wife died in 1838, and he married again. He never desired office, but confined himself solely to the interests of his farm. His death occurred in 1867. Of the children born to him, Samuel resides at Careysville; Isaac on the old homestead; Lewis in Indiana. Several daughters are living in the West. He as well as his chil- dren were considered Christian men and women, enjoying the confidence and esteem of all who knew them. Those yet living have never committed an act of which they are ashamed, or which would blot the record of the family.
Silas Johnson was born in the latter half of the eighteenth century, and participated in the Revolutionary war as a spy. In January, 1803, he and his family bade farewell to Kentucky, their native State, and settled near what is now known as Millerstown, in this county. Two years later, when the land was surveyed, it was discovered that this land belonged to a section originally laid off for school purposes. Johnson was, therefore, compelled to change his loca- tion, and removed to the present Brubaker farm in Johnson Township. Both of these lands were entered by him. The latter township was named after him, retaining his name to this day. In the fall of 1818, he removed to Section 31, in this township, where he passed the remainder of his days in peace and quiet. His marriage was blessed with seven children, four sons and three daughters. Silas died in this county, Charles in Shelby County, and James near Indian- apolis, Ind. He died in 1819 at nearly sixty years of age.
Walker Johnson was born in Fayette County, Ky., August 23, 1787, and came to this township with his father, at whose death he retained the home lands. He was married to Sarah McCrosky April 15, 1824. Of the eight offsprings of this union, five are yet living-James, who inherited a part of the farm; Eliza, who married Howell Newcomb, and resides in this township; Mary married Truma French, and possesses a part of the lands entered by her
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HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
grandfather; Lydia, now Mrs. Joseph Stephenson, inherited a part of the farm ; Sarah is unmarried. His wife is yet living. He was a devout Chris- tian, and a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church at Spring Hill. In the declining years of his life he became a member of the United Brethren Church, which was more accessible on account of the short distance from his house. Of this church he was a member until his death, which occurred January 23, 1870. Father and son are buried in a mound just opposite the residence of James Johnson. " Auntie " Rebecca Johnson is yet living at the advanced age of eighty-three years ; is unmarried.
Elihu Woolley was born in New Jersey, in 1789. Left in 1814, and set- tled in Butler County, this State. He left the latter place in 1836, settling in this township. He took unto himself, " for better or worse," Miss Ellen Con- over in 1810 or 1811. He died in 1855 ; his wife in 1871. Of eight chil- dren, but one resides in the township, at present, Charles C. This gentleman has been Township Trustee for twenty years, is an active member of the United Brethren Church, and his hospitality is unbounded. He resides on part of Section 36, in the western part of the township.
William Calland, Sr., was born March 8, 1784, in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. It was his misfortune to be born of a race that was poor and needy, with no prospect of future elevation. But, "where there's a will, there's a way." With wife and three children, he set sail for America in 1817, determined to leave forever the scenes of oppression and tyranny. The trip over the great deep was of three month's duration. They landed at Philadelphia, and came to Columbia, on the Susquehanna, in the autumn of the same year. Here they wintered, Mr. Calland working for a boot and shoe firm (he was a shoemaker), and Mrs. Calland binding shoes for the same firm. In the spring of 1818, he purchased a horse and wagon to remove their goods, consisting of one chest, weighing 900 pounds, and one of less weight, containing provisions. They crossed the mountains, Mrs. C. carrying her infant child in her arms during the entire journey, and settled in Noble County, this State, where they resided eleven years. They came to this township in 1829, and settled on Section 14. Nine children were born to them, of whom six survive. Mr. Calland accumu- lated considerable property, a portion of which is still owned by his posterity. Three of his sons-Samuel, Joseph and Gershom-are extensive landholders in this township, and enjoy the reputation of being honest and Christian-like in their demeanor. William resides in Harrison Township. The father left for " that better land " January 8, 1864; his wife followed March 15, 1869. Recently, his posterity had reached 110-32 dead-a very good showing. Politically, he was a firm Abolitionist, having cast his ballot for the first candidate of that complexion ever presented to the voters of this township.
Philip Dick with his wife Nancy, left Virginia in 1822, and settled in Pick- away County. Leaving there in 1831, they removed to Section 13, where he died in 1872, at eighty-two years of age; his wife is still living. His sons, Elisha and A. W. Dick, own large farms with handsome dwellings in the town- ship.
Samuel Huling came from Rockingham County, Va., in 1839 or 1840, with his wife Catherine, and several children. Purchased 158 acres of Section 30, of which twenty-five acres only were in a state of cultivation. He died in 1849; his wife in 1856. They had three children-James, living on the old homestead; Henry, living east of Careysville ; Samuel, who resides on Stone Creek, Logan County, Ohio.
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HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
Isaac Curl first saw the light of day at the beginning of the nineteenth century. At eighteen years of age, he left his native land (Virginia) and took up his residence in Clark County, Ohio. After residing there a few years, he removed to this township on the farm now owned by his son Lewis. He was elected Trustee for a number of years, dying after a residence in the township of thirty years. His sons, Lewis and Isaac, own some of the most desirable lands, and are considered good citizens.
G. W. Baker, one of the wealthiest and most influential Germans in the township, is a native of Lothringen, Germany. He was a soldier in the Ger- man National Guard for seven years. Out of his salary, he saved enough to permit him to cross the deep Atlantic for America. Accordingly, he started in 1849, landing at New Orleans the same year. One year later, he came to this county, and about 1854, purchased from one Corry, a quarter of Section 26, about fifty acres of which were in a state of cultivation. At first, himself and wife-Miss Sophia Shanely, to whom he was married in 1850-lived in a miserable log hut, whose many crevices exposed them to the cruel blasts of winter storms. As soon as he felt sufficiently able, a rude frame was erected. His present commodious residence was built in 1865. By his economical mode of living and persevering industry, he has accumulated several farms, aggregat- ing 380 acres in all. He is no office-seeker. They have had two children, both married ; John resides with his father; Mary is now Mrs. Pickering.
John Shafer was born in Egtertingen, Wurtemberg, in the year 1815. In 1846 he was married to Catherine Howalt. ¿ With wife and three children- Ludwig, Barbara and Christiana-he left for America in 1852. After a sojourn on the great deep of forty-two days, they landed in New York. At Buffalo, death carried off their daughter Christiana, inflicting a deep wound in the hearts of the weary travelers. Coming directly to this county, they purchased a part of Section 15, in Adams Township. Several children were added to the household, most of whom reside in this immediate vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Shafer have been members of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church from early childhood. They are now connected with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sidney, and although the distance is ten miles, they attend regularly. Their farm and household verifies the old adage, " cleanliness is next to godli- ness.'
ADDITIONAL SETTLEMENTS.
Scarcely any land was purchased and cleared during the time intervening between 1820 and 1826. From 1826 to 1830, settlements were made by Isaac Curl, William Calland, Sr., Newcomb, Clark, Hall, Remley, Espy, Levi Val- entine, Shanely, McAlexander and William Terrel. During the years 1827 to 1837 came Jasper Scott, Stephenson, Speece, Henry Wilson, Christian Hurst, E. Martz, William Lichliter, J. R. Sanderson, E. Sargent, C. C. Woolley. From that period to 1850, John Schaefer, F. M. Lemon, John Rob- inson, Z. P. Zayre, H. B. Persinger, Elisha Yost, John Hoover and George Stable took up their residence. During the ten years following came John Blose, Peter Weimer, R. H. Pickering and D. Clark. But few new-comers can be recorded since that time, most of the present inhabitants being old settlers or their descendants.
Because of an incomplete system of drainage, the low lands of Adams con- sisted mainly of swamps and marshes. Owing to this circumstance, most of our pioneers settled on high lands. These lands are now the most productive, are sufficiently drained to prevent an overflow, and in the lowest fields are
R. C. Phillips 1
UNION TP.
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HISTORY OF CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
produced more crops in proportion than in the elevated lands. Large bowlders are found on every farm ; many are removed each year, and used in the con- struction of fences. To a certain extent, these obstacles to cultivation existed in pioneer times. Various annoyances common to a newly settled country appeared on all sides.
One reason for the apparently slow tide of immigration may be of interest : Prior to 1830, roads existed only in name. When William Calland, Sr., came with his family, in 1829, his only road from Spring Hills to his section was through a so-called " blazed " path, out of which had been cut the underbrush, to guide the traveler. Bridges were comparatively unknown. These difficult modes of ingress and egress were among the inconveniences suffered by the pioneer.
Sandusky City, on Lake Erie, distant about one hundred miles, was the nearest trading-point. Accordingly, journeys were made to this point several times in each year. A wagon, containing wheat and provisions, was pulled by four horses. At night, they were unhitched and provided with food, while the tired driver retired to rest, covered by the blue sky, and often having a alone for a pillow. The trips generally occupied ten days. The return was hailed with joy, for indispensable articles, and frequently letters from distant friends, were brought. Urbana, and Sidney (Logan County) then had no railroads, and were considered poor trading towns. The soil was new, the yield of wheat, therefore, was trivial, and twelve or fifteen bushels to the acre was considered a good crop. The sickle was the only "harvesting machine" for a number of years. When the "cradle" was introduced, it was generally believed that only experienced persons, of a scientific turn, could make practical use of them.
The sociability existing between the neighbors, in the younger days of this republic, should cause the selfish and aristocratic society of the present day to blush with shame. Did they hear of a sick friend, how eager were they to hasten to the bedside of the afflicted, doing all they could to relieve his suffer- ings. Was he, in spite of all human assistance, folded in the icy embrace of death, how soon did sympathizing friends flock to the home of the bereft rela- tives, pouring in their ears words of comfort and consolation. And who, of our older citizens, does not remember the many gatherings, combining pleasure with profit ? The "log-rollings," "corn-huskings," "spinnings " and other vocations of a like nature are a favorite theme for conversation with the older class even unto this day. The hunter divided his game equally among his friends, and, in turn, was always assured of a hearty welcome, did he wish to rest, during the day or night. Mr. Gershom Calland well remembers the shooting of a deer by Asahel Wilkinson, near his present residence, and the presentation of a portion of the flesh to Calland's father, although it occurred fifty years ago.
The year 1829 found the township comparatively unimproved. Here and there was an occasional spot of ground on which was erected a cabin to enliven the dreary surroundings. The pioneer came here without money, assistance or "farming machinery," and how could it be otherwise ? From 1835 to 1845, the country became animated. Forests gave way to the " fields of golden grain ; " log cabins succumbed to frame structures. Trips to Sandusky City were abandoned, Urbana being at that time the chief trading-point. In 1835, William Ritter erected a brick dwelling-house, the first in the township. Since that time, the citizens of Adams have been indefatigable workers, with encour- aging results. Numerous brick mansions now grace the farms of the enter- prising inhabitants, some of them costing from $4,000 to $5,000.
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