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 26
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
The evil results of this separation were seen and felt for many years. In the year 1855, the society built the " Gravel Church." which still stands on the site of the old Brooks' Meeting-House. The Gravel Church was formally dedi . cated by Granville Moody.
In the building of this church, Revs. Wesley Denit and T. Collett took a lively interest. Among the numerous Pastors who have filled this pulpit were Levi White. John G. Black, William Simmons, Andrew Murphy, Joseph New- son. Allen W. Tibbets, J. Verity. J. B. Ellsworth, David Whitmer, Stephen F. Coney, H. Stokes, M. P. Zink. J. L. Gregg and W. Q. Shannon. The charge belongs to Xenia District. Jamestown Circuit. Cincinnati Conference. Since 1864, an interesting Sabbath school has been sustained during the summer months: average attendance, fifty.
Stewards, N. C. Kershner, Albert Negus: Sunday schoo! Superintendent. Albert Negus: Class-Leaders, John Nelson, Albert Negus. The membership at present is about forty.
---
---
767
MADISON TOWNSHIP.
GREEN PLAIN BAND OF HOPE.
An organization with the above name was effected at Selma April 3, 1873. Its oljeet was is cultivate among the young to talk abstinence from the use of intoxicating drinks. tobacco and profanity. The society was divided into two classes -- adult and juvenile. The officers were a Superintendent, Assistant Su- perintendent Secretary and Treasurer; also, an Executive Committee of three.
The constitution provided a pledge, as follows: "I hereby solemnly pledge myself to abstain from the use of all intoxicating drinks, including wine, beer and hard cider, as a beverage, the use of tobacco in every form, and from all profanity."
The officers of the adult organization were at first as follows: Superintend- ent. William Wildman; Assistant Superintendent, Daniel Lawrence; Secretary, Eliza Wildman; Treasurer, Rebecca Parker; Executive Committee, Oliver Smith, E. M. Smith and Hannah Lawrence.
The juvenile department of the band was organized as follows: President. Alford Thorne; Vice Presidents, Eva Roadamer, Nettie Crampton and Lida Smith; Assistant Secretary, Maggie W. Hannabery; Treasurer. Thomas Thorne; Usher, Seth Atkinson. This society met each month. The exercises were held in public, and consisted of Scriptural readings, devotion, essays, declamations, discussions, music, etc., etc.
For the several years following its organization, the band held stated meet- ings, and its teachings and influence were beyond computation, molding and fashioning many a young heart in the better way. In August, 1878. the band held its last meeting, so far as the record shows.
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH (SELMA).
The colored Methodists of Selma organized a society in 1870. by the instru- mentality of John Janitor and J. Underwood. They held occasional preaching at the schoolhouse and other places before building a house of worship.
A frame house costing $1,000 was built by this society in 1875. The prin- cipal contributors to the building fund were Mrs. Perry Larkins, Mrs. Matlock, Nimrod Gibson, William Nickens, Levi Atkinson, John Scanland and E. Hol- lingsworth. At that time, the society numbered thirty members.
The Pastors who have served the church since its organization have been William Johnson. Edward Taylor, James Ross, Benjamin Combash and John Hammond. A vigorous Sabbath school is maintained the year round-John Mc- Carrel, Superintendent-and the society promises well for the future.
THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD.
As early as 1830, the agitation of the subject of human slavery stirred up the people of Selma. Parts of the Quaker and Methodist Churches of the vil- lage were particularly bitter in their opposition to any measure that tended to favor the peculiar institution of the States of the South. This sentiment grew in strength and bitterness as years increased, until both the Methodist Episcopal and the Hicksite Quaker Churches suffered disruption on its account. But the extremists never faltered. They were not outlaws; but they recognized no leman law which made them tools to capture and carry back to bondage the fugitive human chattel of an inhuman master. For many years they labored and suffered for those in bonds, as bound with them. For many years they lowed in Christian love before God, and prayed for an oppressed people. With an unwavering faith and a tireless energy, they worked in fraternal union for the freedom and enfranchisement of their despised colored brethren, and shared to-
768
HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.
gether the odium attached to the name of Abolitionist, and, though many of them died before the dawning of the day of jubilee, they left to their descend- ants a legacy of daring devotion to a cause which redeemed the land from the curse of slavery, though with the atoning blood of many a battle-field.
.
For many years preceding the outbreak of the rebellion of 1861, Selma was known as a station of the underground railroad. This fact was nearly as well known in Kentucky and Canada as in Ohio. Slaves escaping from their masters in Kentucky were, by a succession of night drives, or by weary nights on foot, brought by parties further south to this point on the route. Here they waited only long enough to change the manner of travel, or to make some neces- sary preparation for the remainder of the journey to Canada, and again were off in the direction of Mechanicsburg, Springfield or Marysville. The agents and employes of the route were well organized; their trips were made on time, their trains seldom collided, and, during many years of active business, no article of freight was ever lost. The road has gone down for lack of business. The de- scendants of Thomas Borton, William Thorne, Isaac Newcomb. Daniel Wilson, Joseph A. Dugdale, Richard Wright and Pressly Thomas have no reason to blush at the mention of the daring deeds of their heroic fathers in connection with the history of the underground railroad.
SOUTH CHARLESTON.
The village of South Charleston was founded by Conrad Critz on the Ist day of November. 1815. The original plat contains eight squares of four lots each. and was surveyed by John T. Stewart.
The following description of the plat is taken from authentic sources:
"Surveyed for Conrad Critz the foregoing platted town in Madison County, Stokes Township, described as follows: Columbus street runs north, sixty-one degrees east, crossing Chillicothe street at right angles. Chillicothe street runs south, twenty-nine degrees east. Given under my hand this Ist day of Novem- ber, A. D. 1815 .-- John T. Stewart."
The affidavit of Conrad Critz in acknowledgment of the above was made before John Kelso, a Justice of the Peace of said Stokes Township, and is dated January 18, 1816.
Charles Paist, Robert Evans, Maddox & Heiskell, Albert Munson and Thomas Norton were early merchants and business men of South Charleston.
Clement- Stickley conducted a tannery on the western suburbs, near the res- idence of Henry Wilkinson, about 1825. The early settler remembers a large pond that extended from the present site of the post office to and beyond the Town Hall. It was a fine place for duck-shooting. An unpretentious school- house was built near the present residence of Dr. Bamwell. It was 12x18 feet in size, and constructed after the plan of that day. Here Christopher Lightfoot dispensed the rudiments of education, and the generation whose footprints have since marked the sands of time conned dull lessons.
Absalom Mattox, Asbury Houston, K. Brown, John Buzzard, Milt Houston and R. B. McColhun have been the Postmasters.
The building of the P. C. & St. L. R. R .. in 1848, gave new and lasting impetus to the business interest of the then little village, and from that day to the present it has enjoyed a fair share of prosperity.
Of the old residents in and about the village, and who were connected with its history and early growth. the names of David Vance, John Briggs, Nathan Low, James Pringle, Sr., Isaac Davisson. Jesse Ellsworth, Jeremiah Bodkin, Samuel Thomas, Seth Saint John and John McCollum appear as most prominent.
Population --- 1850, 413; 1860, 516; 1870, 818; 1880, 933.
---
769
MADISON TOWNSHIP.
In December, 1863, the First National Bank of South Charleston was organ- ized. L. W. Haughey being elected President and Milton Clark Cashier, this in- titution doing a good business until March 24, 1877, at which date it surren- dered it's charter and continued as a private bank, under the name of the Bank of South Charleston, John Rankin becoming President and Mr. Clark still hold- ing the position of Cashier. In 1871, a few of the more enterprising moneyed men of the town erected a large, commodious building for a hotel, which is called the Ackley House, in honor of one of the projectors who was most promi- nent in the movement. The P. C. & St. L. and Springfield Southern Railroads pass through South Charleston, giving good facilities to shippers. The town has also a live newspaper-the South Charleston Republican-published by Rice & Vanmetre, which is a newsy sheet, and wields its influence for good.
SOUTH CHARLESTON OFFICIAL DIRECTORY.
Mayor --- Michael Way.
Corporation Clerk-George R. Armstrong.
Corporation Treasurer-Edwin D. Houston.
Marshal -- John H. Way.
Street Commissioner -- Thomas E. Jones.
Council -- Milton Clark, Russell B. McCollum, Thomas J. Hicks, Isaac Land- aker, Samuel H. Carr,- Schickedantz.
MADISON TOWNSHIP OFFICIAL DIRECTORY.
Trustees -- A. G. Pratt, Simeon Warner, William J. Hudson.
Justice of the Peace-Michael Way.
Constables -- John H. Way, Isaac Hedrick.
Clerk- Michael Way.
Township Treasurer-Edwin D. Houston.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
Clark Lodge, No. 166, I. O. O. F., South Charleston .- Was chartered July 18, 1850. The charter members were John A. Skinner, Pressly Jones, Isaac P. Paist, Daniel Smith, William Paist, Jr., Michael Lidigh, William L. Warner.
On the 21st of October, 1850, the following original officials were duly elected:
Isaac Paist, N. G .; John A. Skinner, V. G .; William Paist, Secretary. ; Michael Lidigh, Treasurer.
On the 6th of July, 1880, the official roll was:
Charles D. Pettit, N. G .; Charles Paullin, V. G .; George R. Armstrong, Secretary; Michael Way, Permanent Secretary; A. Bradford, Treasurer.
South Charleston Encampment, No. 200, J. O. O. F .- Organized May 31, 1876. The charter members were Robert S. Fulton, George R. Armstrong, Will- iam Watson, S. B. Hoadly, Edward Rott, Darwin Pierce, Abihu Raines, George W. Jones.
The original officers were: R. S. Fulton, C. P .; George R. Armstrong, H. . . P .; William Watson, S. W .; S. B. Hoadly, J. W .; Edward Rott, Scribe; Dar- win Pierce, Treasurer.
The organization for this date is: W. J. Hudson. C. P .; A. Bradford. H. P .; C. G. Herrod, S. W., Michael Way, Scribe; A. Raines, Treasurer; Levi Jones, Jr., J. W .; George R. Armstrong, D. D. G. P.
Fielding Lodge, No. 192, A., F. &. A. M., South Charleston .- Chartered October 13, 1850. The original petitioners were John A. Skinner, E. W. Steele, Alex
770
HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.
Rowand, G. W. Jones, William Paist, Jr., Daniel Bruner, David Morgan and James R. Bailey.
The original organization was: John A. Skinner, W. M .; D. Bruner, S. W .: J. R. Bailey, J. W .; E. W. Steele, S. D .; A. Rowand, Treasurer; David Mor- gan, Secretary.
Official list, ISSO: Melvin Peters, W. M .; T. James Hicks, S. W .; Frank W. Pierce, J. W .; George R. Armstrong, Secretary; Isaac Landaker, Treasurer: Alonzo F. Taft, S. D .; William C. Griffith. J. D .; William J. Ramsey, Tiler.
SOUTH CHARLESTON CEMETERY.
This beautiful resting-place of the dead is situated a short distance from the village, and nearly north. It was purchased by the Town Council in Sep- tember. 1855, and is under the care of a Superintendent. The lot contains eight acres, and was purchased of T. Mattinson and George Murray for $800. The location is a very desirable one, and the whole is inclosed by a neat and sub- stanial fence. The lot is platted into lots of convenient size, and the greater part of the walks and drives is properly graded and graveled, while numerous ornamental trees help to adorn and beautify the place, evincing taste and affec- tion on the part of the living. Numerous shafts of marble and granite mark the resting-places of the departed of all ages, while here and there rests the body of one who gave his life that the country might live. To these, affection has recounted, on marble tablets, how nobly they fought and how heroically they fell; and here, when the joyousness of springtime comes to gladden the earth with flowers, the people meet, and, with twining leaves and flowers, bedeck the graves of those upon whose deeds the nation has built a proud history.
STATISTICS OF THE SPECIAL. SCHOOL DISTRICT OF SOUTH CHARLESTON, IN MADISON TOWN- SHIP, CLARK COUNTY, OHIO, FOR THE YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 1880.
Total receipts for the school year, $5, 719.95; paid teachers within the year, $3.740.35; for fuel and contingent, $537.86; total expense, $4,278.21.
Number of schoolhouses. 2; number of schoolrooms, 8; value of school property, $13,300; number of teachers employed, 8; prices paid teachers-gen- tlemen, $94; ladies, $3S.
Rate of taxation in mills, 3.3; pupils enrolled during the year- boys, 122: girls, 199; total, 281; average monthy enrollment, 255; average daily attend- ance, 240.
Number of pupils in each branch of study-alphabet, 42; reading, 281: spelling, 281; writing, 261; arithmetic, 261; geography, 167; English grani- mar, 87: oral lessons, 150; composition, 87: map-drawing, 50; United States history, 60; physiology, 9; physical geography, 30; natural philosophy, 11: algebra, 85; Latin, 9.
Colored pupils enrolled -- boys, 15; girls. 23; total, 38.
The district comprises a territory of 6,212 acres, valued at $300,342.
SCHOOL STATISTICS OF MADISON TOWNSHIP, FOR THE YEAR ENDING AUGUST 31, 1880.
Total receipts for the school year, $9,634.97; amount paid teachers for school year. $2,979.15; fuel and contingent expenses, $729.29; other expenses. $1,952; total expenditures, $5,690.44; balance on hand September 1, 1880, $3 .- 944.53.
Number of subdistricts. 6; houses built during the year, 1; cost, $1,442; number of schoolrooms, S; total value of school property. $5, 000; average wages paid teachers-gentlemen, $45; ladies, $45; rate of school tax (mills), 2.7;
------
-
771
MADISON TOWNSHIP.
number of pupils enrolled within the year -- boys, 181: girls, 162: total, 343; average monthly enrollment-boys, 126; girls, 129: total, 255; average daily attendance -- boys, 100; girls, 102; total, 202: number of pupils enrolled ba- tween the ages of sixteen and twenty-one years-boys, 30; girls, 17; total, 17; number of pupils in each branch taught-alphabet, 23; reading, 333; spelling, 326; writing, 307; arithmetic, 287; geography, 189; English grammar, 137; oral lessons, 28; composition, 34.
EDUCATIONAL REMINISCENCES FURNISHED.
Nothing can be much more difficult than to get a correct account of the various schools in a community for a period of nearly seventy years, yet we have en- deavored to obtain as many items as possible worthy of note, and which we hope will be of much interest to the citizens now living, whose memories go back many years, as well as to their descendants, even of the third and fourth generation; vca, even to those who live more than a hundred years to come.
In the absence of any records left of the early schools (for there are none), our plan has been to get actual statements from those who either attended the schools of the earlier days. or who were well acquainted with the teachers and circumstances connected with them. For many of these statements we are under obligations to Thomas Woosley. Dr. E. T. Collins and wife, Mr. and Mrs. D. O. Heiskell, Dr. Curtice, Mr. G. Sweet and others. These are all contributed items with reference to the first schools taught in the vicinity. and information with reference to the schools of the last twenty-five years has been obtained of those who attended or who were conversant with the affairs of these later-day schools.
The first schoolhouse ever built in this vicinity was south of the village of South Charleston, near the Little Miami, on what is now Kendall Truitt's farm. A man by the name of Fairchild taught. In this school there were but few scholars. This was about the year 1816. The next was not far from where Mr. George Gilroy now lives, northeast from town, in what is now John Thomas' field. A Mr. Landfield taught, and several of the older ctizens now living at- tended. Among those are Thomas Woosley. J. Bodkin, the Ellsworths and Davissons. The merest rudiments were taught. The next was west of town, not far from where James Pringle now lives. The building was a double log house, and Moses Pierce taught in one part, while his father's family lived in the other. There were still but few pupils. and among them were Thomas Woosley, James and David Pringle, and the Hedrick boys. This same man afterward taught in a log schoolhouse near where William Holmes' stable now stands. The village was then quite small. without any pavements. and as a consequence the streets got quite muddy in the winter season, so that this little school was sufficient to meet the educational demands of the place. Mr. Pierce taught about two or three years, and was succeeded by Christopher Lightfoot. This gentleman is spoken of as being cross. and consequently not very successful. A Mr. Vincent succeeded him-a very nice man and a good teacher. He taught two years. He was followed by a teacher whose name was Peleg Whitteridge. a good scholar and quite a successful teacher. He had more pupils than had previously attended. At this time, the following branches were taught: spell- ing, reading (the English Reader being the text-book in reading). English gram- mar and arithmetic. The larger boys could not generally attend more than three or four months in the winter season. as their services were needed on the farmis. Dr. Curtice, now living here, and who has been a physician here for many years, began his education under this Jast-named teacher.
Mr. Whitteridge taught in 1824 and in 1825. At about this time in the history of those schools, several ladies were from time to time employed to teach ..
c
772
HISTORY OF CLARK COUNTY.
but mostly in the summer season, and, while we find it difficult to bring them in in exact order, yet some of them appear te deserve special mention.
In about the year 1830, a Miss Lucy P. Monsow was teaching in this dis- triet. She was afterward married to Mr. Jesse Griffith, father of Cyrus Griffith. one of the carpenters here at this time. This lady was very kind as a teacher. and was regarded very highly by her pupils. On Friday afternoons. she gave her female pupils lessons in sewing. This was highly appreciated by them. and they studied hard during the other days, that they might have this privilege on Fridays. Mrs. D. O. Heiskell was one of her pupils, and speaks of her with: great respect. Miss Ruth Householder was another lady who taught success- fully; is recollected as intelligent and worthy of special mention in this con- nection; afterward married a Mr. Henry. She was the mother of Mrs. John Holmes. Miss Rice and a Miss Ransom are two other ladies who taught at about this time, and who are still kindly remembered by some of the older citizens, though they did not remain long in the place.
At about this time (1530), a tax was allowed by law for the support of pub- lie schools. when the subscription schools gradually gave place to the free school. except, perhaps, during the summer season, when occasionally a school of this kind was taught. In 1S31, a Mr. Furgison was teaching the public school, and it was decided by the male pupils on Christmas to make him " treat." according to a custom which appeared to be in vogue pretty generally. The large scholars had assembled at the schoolhouse carly in the morning, and the boys had talked over their plan of procedure, which was, in brief, that, when the teacher came and called them to " books," they would refuse to obey, but make their demands upon him, and if he refused. they were to tie him, take him to the creek and " duck " him, and it was decided that one of their number who was larger than the rest, whom we will designate as J. P., was to take the lead in executing this little plan. It may not be improper to say that J. P. was large, and was sup- posed to be stronger than the teacher, and he did not hesitate to tell the other boys that he would handle the teacher should he refuse to comply with his de- mands. The teacher finally came, and, it appeared, had anticipated some trouble, and, that he might be prepared, brought in his hand a nice large switch. Not waiting to give any one a chance to say anything, he walked directly to his desk, put up his tat and called " books." No one moved; again he gave his or- ders, " Get to your books." Still the scholars did not move, but each of the others looked at J. P. to begin the programme, but it appeared that the pres- ence of the " master " had a peculiar influence over him, and when, a moment later, the " master " approached the head of the line of boys and began a vigor- ous attack with his switch, applying it forcibly on every one he came to, J. P., evidently considered discretion the better part of valor, and took his seat and began studying with the rest of the scholars, without ever saying a word.
It is needless to say that he lost his character for bravery ever after with the boys of that school.
Mr. Furgison was not a large man, and, had the proposed plan of the boys been attempted, they could have no doubt carried it out, as had sometimes been done in other schools. It is a satisfaction to know that these old-time semi-bar- barous customs have given way to the refining influences of a more enlightened age. Mr. Furgison was succeeded by Oswald Warrington, who taught a good school and was highly respected by his pupils. Col. Hathaway was the next teacher. He was a man of fine education, good address, and a very successful teacher. His government was mild, and he was loved by pupils. Ho located near Plattsburg, where he died.
In 1836, Thomas Harris took charge of the school. He was also a fine scholar, having graduated at the Ohio University at Athens. He taught about
.
--
2
Respectfully I N Kitchen GREEN TP.
773-774
775
MADISON TOWNSHIP.
three years; was quite popular as a teacher; went from here to West Virginia, und. during the war, was a Brigadier General in the Union army.
The next teacher was a Mr. McMillan, who taught two years; rather eccen- tric, and did not wear as well as some others. Following him came a Mr. Gold- rich. who taught two years. He afterward went to California and became wealthy. The next was Mortimor Holt. He taught one year, went East. mar- ried and came back, and again taught one or two years. He was quite success- ful. The people were very sorry to have him leave.
Several of the last-named teachers taught in a brick building a few rods directly east from where the Methodist Episcopal Church now stands. This was a two-story building. with four rooms-two above and two below. A gen- tleman by the name of Eastman taught one or two years; an excellent teacher. He died here, lamented by many friends. John Miskey is very warmly remem- bored as one of the old-time teachers here. He was a man of great individual- ity, and was calculated to leave the imprint of his own character on that of his pupils. His forte in teaching was penmanship, maps, blackboard exercises, etc. He taught about two years. Dr. Curtice, of whom mention has already been made in this sketch, began teaching here in 1843, and taught three years. He : i bu mbered as a very excellent, thorough teacher. In addition to the com- mon branches, he introduced and taught many of the higher branches, as nat- ural philosophy, physiology, algebra, geometry, surveying, elements of Latin. The wages then received was about $25 per month.
The following are the names of several others who taught successfully, and of whom many good things might be said if our space would permit, viz. :
Job Haynes, Mr. Doan, McCracken and Whitelaw Reid. The last-uamed gentleman has since attained to eminence as a journalist. he being the editor-in- chief of the New York Tribune. He taught here during the years 1956 and 1557. He is said to be the first who organized the graded schools in this place. He was assisted by a man whose name was Lawrence, and one or two lady teachers, whose names have not been received by the writer of this sketch. After Mr. Reid came Mr. Robert Story, who is remembered especially on account of a law-suit he had with the School Board, who required him to give up his school Infore his time expired. He brought suit and collected his salary for the unex- pired term of his school.
Names of other teachers are Alfred Jones, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Maley, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Ed Goul, Mr. Ford, Mr. Aikman. The last gentleman taught in grammar department; also Mr. McMurray. Mr. Campbell was one of the Arst who taught in the new brick building, the one now used. He taught two years, and was regarded as a very excellent teacher. He resigned his position here to accept the superintendency of the public schools of Delaware, Ohio, which position he has held up to the present time, a period of perhaps seven- ten years.
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.