USA > Ohio > Clark County > The history of Clark County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, V. 2 > Part 25
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SOUTH CHARLESTON AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
One of the first fair associations of Ohio. outside of Hamilton County, was organized at South Charleston in the fall of 1837. and the society held its first fair October 19 and 20 of that year. The premiums offered to exhibitors ranged from $1 to $10, and aggregated $124. Rowland Brown was President, and A. Waddle, Secretary. Among the exhibitors appear the names of Cyrus Reed. William Osborn. Silas Henkle, George Chamberlin, E. Hutton, Robert Houston, George Linson. Sammel Arthur, G. W. Sabin, Kendall Truitt. Jacob Landis, David Little1, George Linson, Rowland Brown. James Woosley, James Johnson, Benjamin Moore, Francis Brock. J. W. Pope, Matthew Bonner. David Harrold, W. D. Pierce. A. Waddle, Benjamin Browning, John Watson, Innis Townsley. Jackson Jones, W. L. Warner. Eli Gummere, Milton Brown, Henry Bretuey. James H. Kyan. Isaac C. Dun, Milton Brown, Samuel Mormon, Mary Littler and Hannah E. Pierce.
THE SOLDIERS OF 1861-63.
Madison Township soldiers have a record of which her people may well be proud. From that memorable day in April, 1861, when hostile traitor hands
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struck the old flag, and hostile batteries converged their murderous fires ou Sumter, until the day of proud and lasting victory at Appomattox, the sons of Madison Township, with their lives and all they held dear, were at the service of the country and on the side of the Union. At the beginning of the war, their response was prompt, cheerful, practical. As months and years length ened, the decimated ranks were filled by fresh and willing troops; and when the end came, there was scarcely a family in Madison Township that had not laid on the country's altar some costly sacrifice. From first to last, the township fur- nished 200 men. The greater number of these served in the One Hundred and Tenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Forty-fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, One Hun- dred and Forty-sixth Ohio National Guards, Forty-fifth Ohio Volunteer Infan- try, Thirty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Eighth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, Fourth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, Sixteenth Ohio Artillery, Seventeenth Ohio Artillery. While the men of the township contested the question of secession in the field, there was also an army of noble women at home, who bore no trifling part in the great contest. They never tired in their efforts to supply to the soldiers at the front many tokens of remembrance; the sick were supplied with innumerable delicacies, and the God of battles was continually appealed to that the right might triumph, and that the country might again emerge from the great contest purified by disaster and worthy of its great founder- Washington.
CHURCHES OF MADISON TOWNSHIP.
South Charleston Methodist Episcopal Church .- "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation " is just as true in the origin of religious societies in mod- ern times as it was in the days of Christ, who was interrogated as to when the kingdom of God should come.
The first settlers of the neigborhood were chiefly from Virginia, Kentucky, New York and Pennsylvania, who came to this county during the first fifteen years of the nineteenth century. Many of them had been converted and became Methodists in their former homes, and with them they brought the spirit of wor- ship and the love of the church.
There being no places of public worship in the immediate vicinity, these people united to worship with a small society who mnet at the house of old Father Troxell, over the line in Madison County, five miles southeast of where South Charleston now is. Among these early settlers was Isaac Davisson, who, with his young wife and two children, settled in his new home, one mile east of South Charleston, in the spring of 1811. Their house was a log cabin of one room, and 'one story high. with puncheon floor and a door made of clapboards. The chimney was made of split sticks laid up in a mortar made of clay. The jambs and hearth were made of dried mortar; the house was lighted by a small opening through the wall, covered with oiled paper. This was the place where Methodism was to be cradled, and from which were to go forth influences to es- tablish the church on a firm and lasting foundation. About the year 1814, two local preachers -- William Irwin and Jonathan Minchell-were invited to preach here, and, accepting. they preached once in four weeks. The women would sit on the side of the bed, while the men found position on a flat rail supported by a chair at each end. The work grew. Prayer meetings were occasionally held at the houses of Jesse Ellsworth, J. Botkin and James Woosley, and thus for several years the seed was being sown. which, under God, was to produce a grand result. About 1817 or 1818, Mr. Davisson built a house of howed logs, of more ample dimensions than the first, and this house for several years following was the home of the church. In 1821 or 1822, South Charleston was placed on the plan of Paint Creek Circuit, and became a regular preaching place for the
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itinerant ministry. Rev. Moses Trader is said to have been the first preacher in the place, and to have organized the first class in South Charleston. The follow- ing-named persons were members of the class:
Isaac Davisson (Leader). Sarah Davisson. Nancy Rowan, J. Ellsworth, wife and family, J. Botkin and wife, Eli Adams. the Creamer family, Mrs. Woosley, J. Mitton and family, P. Hedrick and wife, John and Elizabeth MeCollum, Seth Saint John and wife, Nancy Pool and others. Preaching was continued at Mr. Davisson's house for ten years; the quarterly meetings were held here, the sac- raments administered and enjoyed, and, besides this, more than one revival of religion occurred here, and results of lasting good followed.
In 182S, a frame church was erected near the site of the present one. It was 30x40 feet in size. In 1832, an addition of twenty feet was made, making the house 30x60; the pulpit was on the north side and the door on the south side, a stove in each end and a large drum in the middle, before the pulpit. Wonderful work was done in this uncouth temple in the saving of souls and the outpouring of the spirit. In 1834, a class called the "town class " was formed. It comprised the following-named members: Griffith Sweet (Leader) and wife, J. Asbury Houston (Leader) and wife, J. D. Truitt, Mary Truitt. Father Lott. wife and daughter, Elizabeth Bennett, Dr. R. Houston and wife. Mrs. Jane Houston, Joseph Houston, Mary Houston. Miss Jane Houston, Rev. Ed Williams and wife, Laughlin Kinney and wife, Elizabeth Janey and Ruth Janey. The first Sabbath school was organized in 1830, by Rev W. T. Snow; it met twice each Sabbath. and the preacher avowed that it should continue " as long as the sun, moon and stars should continue to shine."
In the years 1847 and 1848, the society erected the building now standing. It is of brick, large and commodious, with a lecture room and class room below, and a large audience room above. This building ought to be and is a mont- ment to the faithful men and women of South Charleston who have been called from labor toreward. Of the numerous preachers who. in this expanse of years, have preached and labored with this people, let mention be made of Finley. Roberts, Gatch. John Collins, Russell Bigelow, W. H. Raper, Dr. Taylor, Frank Wilson, Dr. McCann and Jonathan E. Chaplin.
Many young men of the church have gone forth from here bearing the glad tidings to the world. Of these, let mention be made of James D. Webb. Will- iam I. Ellsworth. J. B. Ellsworth, Jesse Botkin, Charles B. Warrington and Jacob Pierce. Of the local ministers, Eli Adams, Abram Buckles. John Miskey and Richard Creamer had their training here and gave much fruitful labors to the chureb.
The society has had steady and permanent growth in years past. and now numbers nearly two hundred members, It maintains a vigorous Sabbath school. Rev. S. B. Smith, of the Cincinnati Conference, is its Pastor.
Wesley Chapel (Methodist Episcopal) .- This extinct church was located nearly five miles east of Springfield, and was erected on a lot 120 feet square, do. nated by Absalom Foley, and deeded June 1, 1847. The building and nearly all who were wont to worship there have passed away. The house was built of brick. Of those who contributed liberally to its erection, the names of William H. Harris. Absalom Foley. Henry Shugh. David Hayward, Griffin Moler and H. P. Harris are mentioned. The charge belonged to the Urbana District. Vienna Circuit. The house cost $1.490, and was dedicated by Rev. Grover. William H. Harris served the society long and acceptably as Leader. Of the ministers who preached at Wesley Chapel, mention is made of William I. Ellsworth, Bail, Swayne. Fields. Vance, Fleming, Mosgrove, Jackson, Dryden, Conrey, Keck, Stoker, Moher and others.
About the year 1874, the charge having become weak by deaths, removals
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and other causes, the society was disbanded, the house was disposed of, and Fletcher Chapel was and is a church of the past.
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, South Charleston .-- The first Catholic settlement in this portion of Clark County was made in the fall of 1849, by the following-named persons, who came from Connecticut for the purpose of work- ing on the Little Miami Railroad: Luke Hope, Bryan Conlan, William Dewit, Christopher Tuitte, James Quigley, Thomas Dolan, Jerry Murphy and Michael Lannon.
In the years 1850 and 1851, this colony received an addition as follows: Owen Riley, Daniel Hanifan, James Donahoe. Thomas Singleton. Thomas Cusack, Philip Smith, Michael Molan, Michael Carr, Daniel Sheehan, Patrick Rooher. Patrick Quinn, Peter Mallon. Andrew Campion. Frank Tuitte, John Cusack Martin Farrell. Owen Conroy. Martin Sweeney, Thomas Kinsella and Patrick Conway-nearly all of whom have since died or moved away, only eight of them, as far as can be ascertained. being still among the living.
In the next five years, the influx of Catholics was considerable, and it would now be almost impossible to give the names of all who came in those years. Suffice it to say that they came to stay, and many. if not most of them, are living. and those that are dead have descendants living in this vicinity.
in lood. Father Howard celebrated mass in the hotel which occupied the site of the present public school, this being the first service of the Catholic Church held in South Charleston.
Father Howard also said mass in Selma, and at the house of Christopher Tuitte, several times in 1850.
In 1851, Father Thomas Blake, of Xenia, took charge of South Charleston Mission, saving his first mass at the house of Owen Riley; and from this time, services were held in different private houses, wherever most convenient.
About this period, the section house of the Little Miami Railroad was utilized for church purposes, and this was used until 1854, when Paullin's Hall served a similar purpose until early in 1866.
In he meantime, about 1858. Father Blake made arrangements to get the old Presbyterian Church. and held services there for about nine months, when the agreement was broken off and Paullin's Hall again became the Catholic place of worship.
In 1865, the lot upon which the present church stands was purchased from Dr. Houston for $500, and ground was immediately broken for a new church.
In the fall of 1865, the corner-stone was laid by the Rt. Rev. S. H. Rose- crans, then Coadjutor to the Archbishop, assisted by the clergy of Dayton, Springfield, Xenia and London. The building was finished early in 1866, and was dedicated by his Grace. J. B. Purcell, Archbishop of Cincinnati.
From 1866 up to the end of 1867, the Rev. John Conway. of London, at- tended to South Charleston, but early in 1868 the Rev. J. A. Maroney, of Spring- field, took charge of this mission, and in 1872 became resident Pastor.
He was a native of Ireland; commenced and completed his studies at Mt. St. Mary's, Cincinnati, and was ordained in September. 1867.
During his stay as Pastor, he completed the church, furnishing it with an altar, organ. pews and gallery; also bought house and lot, but, both being in his own name, were sold after he left South Charleston, which was in 1873. going to the Columbus Diocese, where he died in 1877, of consumption.
He was succeeded by the Rev. John J. Kennedy, who resided in London. and he was Pastor until November, 1873, when he was appointed to the Church of the Presentation, Walnut Hills, where he is yet.
South Charleston was then attended from Springfield for ten months, until
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October, 1874, when the Rev. William Grennan assumed the charge. He was a native of Ireland: spent many years in Buenos Ayres. South America, and in May, 1877, he left this mission: remained a short time in Cincinnati, finally, in ISil, returning to South Charleston by way of Ireland, whither he went on a visit.
During Father Grennan's pastorate, a large lot and house for the priest's residence was bought. costing $1.800.
In June. 1877, the Rev. J. H. Rowekamp took charge of South Charleston Church, remaining until September, 1877, but, during his short stay, he built a new fence in front of pastoral residence.
He was born in Cincinnati, educated at MIt. St. Mary's of that city, and ordained in May, 1573. His first appointment was Sidney, Ohio; his second, London; his third. Bradford Junction: his fourth, South Charleston; and his fifth, Six Mile, where he died in September, 1878.
The present Pastor. the Rev. C. M. Berding, was appointed to South Charles- ton in October, 1877; he was born in Reading, Hamilton Co .. Ohio, February 5, 1853: began his studies for the priesthood in the spring of 1866, at Mt. St. Mary's Seminary, near Cincinnati, and was ordained December 18, 1875; was appointed Assistant Pastor of St. Raphael's, Springfield, where he remained twenty months, or until he became Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo's.
The church is 35x60, with a seating capacity of about three hundred and fifty, but the congregation numbers about five hundred and fifty souls, and is rapidly increasing; so the day is not far distant when a new church will be a necessity ..
Since Father Berding came to South Charleston, he has paid off all debts which had accrued previous to his arrival; he has repaired the interior of the church, and remodeled the pastoral residence at a considerable outlay, and to- day the congregation is entirely free from debt.
No more need be said: the above facts tell the story of his faithful steward- ship, and the future has in store for him a fitting reward ..
South Charleston Presbyterian Church .- In the year 1822. this society had its original organization, Rev. William Dickey presiding. James Pringle, Sr .. and David Wilson were elected Ruling Elders. At the same date, the follow- ing-named persons were received into the communion of the church, viz .: David Wilson, and Polly, his wife: James Rankin, and Margaret. his wife: Joseph Laird and his wife; Isaac Wilson and his wife; Jane Vance, Sarah Vance, James Pringle, and Sarah, his wife.
Not long after the organization. Rev. William Dickey administered baptism to the following-named children: Thomas, Daniel V. and James, sons of James and Sarah Pringle. In 1824, William Dickey being Moderator, the session met and received, on examination. Martha Pratt, William Edgar and his wife: and soon after, Joseph Vance became a member. Previous to 1831, the ordinance of baptism was administered to John Edgar, Elizabeth, Sarah Ann, Mary Jane, Susanna, Joseph Colvin, Thurea and Elisha, sons and daughters of Joseph Vance; also Sarah P. and Mary E., daughters of David Wilson. In the year 1833, Nancy Waddle was received on certificate.
In the year 1833. a frame church was erected, and in which the society worshiped. This building is now used as a residence.
January 25, 1835, Rev. John S. Galloway as Moderator, and James Pringle Ruling Elder, the session received the application of John Heiskell. and Eliza- both. his wife. During this year. James Pringle. Jr., was chosen Clerk, in which position he served acceptably until the year 1858.
The Rev. John S. Galloway was a supply from 1835 to 1844: the Rev. J. Pelan from 1844 to 1849; Rev. W. Edwards from 1849 to 1851. Rev. J. Mc-
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Clain preached to the society for a number of years. Mr. E. Edwards was Clerk for a time previous to 1861. On the 9th of March of that year, Milton Clark was elected to that office, and has filled it with ability ever since. Mr. Clark has held the position of Ruling Elder since 1862. James Pringle held the office of Ruling Elder from the organization of the society till his death, in 1867. He was a man of exemplary character, beloved and honored among men. . James. Pringle. Jr., was made a Ruling Elder in the year 1858, serving in that capacity until 1880, when, on account of continued ill-health, he was relieved.
Dr. Haight was called in the year 1859, and was the first resident Pastor of this church. Under his labors, the congregation took a new departure, and built their present house of worship. It is of brick, and was built at a cost of $5,000.
April 6, 1862, the congregation called Rev. N. S. Smith as Pastor. Bro. Smith accepted, but at the end of three months entered the Union army. He was succeeded in the pulpit by Rev. S. Jewett, temporarily. In August, 1863, Bro. Smith returned and resumed his pastorsl labors. He was a man of re- markable activity in all labors of love -- zealous, patient, pious. Under his labors the church prospered, and many were added to its membership. His wife was an excellent Christian lady, well fitted to be the helpmeet of her husband. In the year 1307. B.o. Smith accepted a call of a church in Ft. Wayne, Ind., greatly to the regret of his congregation here. On the 17th of August, 1867, the congregation called Rev. S. M. Schofield. His labors were full of good fruits; besides many being added to the church, the parsonage was built during his stay. He was succeeded by Rev. ---- Thomas, who preached two years. In 1873, Rev. S. Kelsey was called. He remained four years, and, through his well- directed efforts, aided by those of his excellent wife, the church was relieved of a burden of debt which for years had oppressed it. Aspirit of harmony was nur- tured, the rich fruits of which were seen and felt on all hands.
In the fall of 1876, Rev. James S. Kemper was called. and is the present efficient Pastor.
Early in the history of the society, a Sabbath school was established. It has been continued from year to year with good results. James Pringle, Jr., was Superintendent for several years. Rev. N. S. Smith served in this capacity long and well. George Shepherd was the successor of Bro. Smith, and, in his peculiar style of usefulness, planted many seeds which have brought forth last- ing good. He removed to Winchester, Va., in 1869, followed by many good wishes by the community. J. M. Jones was chosen as successor of Mr. Shep- herd, and, during the past eleven years, has been earnest, efficient and faithful in his duties as Superintendent. During the same time, he has had the super- intendency of a Sabbath school at Carthage, at which place he held Bible meet- ings a hundred nights in succession, resulting in the conversion of many. Miss Jennie Pringle served the church and Sabbath school as Organist and Chorister for more than twenty years, deserving to be named among those who labor for an imperishable reward. The membership numbers 125.
The Sabbath school of the society is organized as follows: J. M. Jones, Superintendent; William Ramsey, Assistant Superintendent; Secretary. James Hauk; Treasurer, A. Comrie; Organist, Mrs. Jennie Jones.
SELMA.
The village of Selma is situated on the P. C. & St. L. R. R., and in the ex- treme southwestern part of Madison Township. The State road, from Spring- field to Hillsboro, crosses the Xenia & Columbus Pike at this place, Dr. Jesse Wilson, one of the early settlers, laid out the town in the year 1842; the lots
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are sixty feet front and 160 feet back. Dr .. Wilson was the first Postmaster of the village; the office was transferred from Cortsville to Schma in 1845.
Landis & White were probably the first merchants. W. G. Thorpe, in 1844, put up a storehouse and sold goods on the site now occupied by John Scanland. A. S. Ballard was connected with Thorpe in this enterprise.
Willow Branch. a tributary of Massie's Creek, flows through the village.
Selma contains a good school building and three churches - Friends, Methodist Episcopal and African Methodist Episcopal.
GREEN PLAIN MONTHLY MEETING (FRIENDS).
The original society by this name was organized in 1822, and worshiped near the residence of Samuel C. Howell. three-fourths of a mile northeast of the village of Selma. Patience Sleeper was one of the first preachers. The records fail to give any very definite account of the early doings of the meeting, or of its membership. for the first four years. In 1826, the society, here and else- where, ou account of a question of doctrine. separated into two bodies; the one took upon itself the name "Orthodox. " the other was afterward known as " Hicksites " -- that is, followers of the doctrines as proclaimed by Elias Hicks.
ORTHODOX.
This branch of the Green Plain Monthly Meeting of Friends left the Hick- sites in possession of the meeting-house, and of whatever church property owned by the original society at the time of separation (1826), and, for lack of a meet- ing house. the residence of John Wildman was used for that purpose. Friend Wildman's house was one mile east of Selina. This branch, at the time of the separation. numbered 236 members. Following is a list of the fathers of the society, who, with their wives and children. were the principal members: Sam- uel Sleeper. Seth Williams. John Wildman. Cephas Atkinson. Thomas Atkinson, William Vickers. Thomas Embree, Levi Hutton, Jeremiah Warder, Thomas Lewis, Seth Smith, Jackson Allen.
On the 28th day of July. 1832. the meeting numbered 220 members. At this date. they determined to build a meeting-house, and thereupon they pur- chased for that purpose. of John Bocock and Joshua Engle, one and a half acres of land near the village of Selma. and built thereon a frame church, 22x40 feet, one story high. and with the customary partition. They worshiped here till the year 1571. when they built the house they now occupy. It is a brick structure, 40x52 feet. with vestibule front, and is of modern architecture. The cost of this house was $4,300. The present membership is 150. Jacob Baker is the pres- ent Pastor.
GREEN PLAIN MONTHLY MEETING (HICKSITES).
This branch of the Friends' Society had its origin with the original Green Plain Monthly Meeting. as elsewhere stated. in 1822. When the separation took place in 1826. this branch held the church property, the meeting-house being near the residence of Samuel Howell. three-fourths of a mile northeast of Selma. There is no record showing the strength of this branch when the so- ciety separated, but it is probable it was smaller than the branch known as the Orthodox.
They continmed worshiping here till the year 1843. when on account of the agitation of the question of slavery, a division took place. A part of the society held extreme anti-slavery views, and a part were conservative; hence the sep- mation. The extremists held the church building for several years, and then became extinct. partly by their members joining with one or the other branches
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of the original society, and partly by their joining other Christian denomina- tions. The building, with the ground on which it stood, was abandoned. The conservative portion built a house of worship on the lands of Abel Walker, a mile northeast of the former one. completing it in March, 1844; their number at this time was 100. The church is of brick, 22x42 feet, and cost a cash out- lay of $415.66. The Building Committee was Thomas Merritt. Joshua Harrison, Isaac Warner and Thomas Branson. The Title Trustees were John G. Oldham, Isaac Warner and Thomas Branson. Hannah P. Wilson and Ann Packer have preached to the society from time to time, The society now numbers nearly one hundred.
SELMA METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Previous to the year 1828, the itinerant preachers of the Methodist Episco- pal Church held occasional meetings at the houses of inembers of that church. who had settled in the country from other localities. Of these householders, mention is made of William Brooks, Isaiah Holloway and George Fox.
Out of this itinerant work grew an organized class, after the plan of John Wesley, and soon a society followed. The demand for a place to hold their meetings resulted in the building of " Brooks' Meeting-House " in 1530. It was a hewed-log house, with a pulpit on the north side. The members at this time were not numerous, but they were full of zeal and good works. William Brooks and wife, J. Holloway and wife. David King and wife, Abram Hyers and wife, Nancy Fox, Cornelius Hill, Catherine Marshall, Mary Murphy, and others, were of the original membership. Nearly all these were faithful men and women. and were instrumental in giving life, stability and character to the church of their choice. Brooks' Meeting-House continued to be a regular preaching-place for a quarter of a century. Here. in 1837, a remarkable revival of religion. under the Rev. Reed, occurred, lasting the greater part of the winter and result- ing in the conversion of many souls. Of this number was John M. White, who, in after years, became a noted preacher of the church. The society was favored in these years by the preaching of Samuel Clark, Joshua Boucher, E. B. Chase. . and many other worthy men of this denomination. About the year 1842, the church became divided on the question of slavery, many of the inembers holding extreme anti-slavery sentiments, and nearly an equal number holding conservative views. The extremists withdrew and formed themselves into a so. ciety at Cortsville. in the adjoining township, calling themselves Wesleyan Methodists. Those who remained were Catherine Marshall. Thomas Berry, David Fox, Elenor Baldwin, Cornelius Hill and Mary Murphy.
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