The history of Clinton County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; history of the Northwest territory, Volume 2, Part 43

Author: Durant, Pliny A. ed; Beers (W.H.) & Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : W. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1410

USA > Ohio > Clinton County > The history of Clinton County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; history of the Northwest territory, Volume 2 > Part 43

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SCHOOLS.

The first school-teachers of which we have any account were E. Hamilton, James Trimble, Benjamin Hunter, James Hamilton, Thomas Wilson, Robert Grant, John Mckibben, George E. Honeycutt, Azariah Brown, Henry Lazen- by and Elijah Hays. The above teachers taught, of course, mostly subscrip- tion schools. They labored under serious disadvantages compared with the teachers of the present day. The schoolhouses were poor log cabins, with no furniture or apparatus. The distance to school was necessarily great in many cases, and the wonder is that the generation of that period was as well informed as it was. The above teachers, no doubt, did their whole duty as well as they could under the circumstances, at salaries ranging from $10 to $15 per month. At the present time, there are seven schoolhouses in this township- five brick, two being two-story, one at Cuba, the other at Morrisville, accommo- dating grade schools, employing two teachers each. Teachers' wages range, throughout the winter months, from $45 to $50, and, during the summer time, generally 30 per cent less.

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HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.

CEMETERIES AND GRAVEYARDS.

Of these, none are regularly organized institutions, but such as have from time to time been laid out by the different church organizations, and of these we have what is known as the Lieurance Graveyard, Johns Graveyard, Bethel Cemetery, Baptist Church Cemetery. Of the latter two, the citizens in the vi- cinity might well be proud, situated as they are adjoining the churches of the same name. Many neat marble shafts and some costly monuments mark the numerous graves beneath whose shadows sleep many of the sturdy pioneers of yore. Several other small graveyards, both public and private, are scattered throughout the township.

TOWNS.

The first village laid out in the township, and perhaps the second in the county, was Cuba, then called Paris, laid out in the year 1813, by Jonas Sea- man and James Archoy. The original as well as prosont number of lots was 100. The prosont population is about one hundred and fifty. It is tho vot- ing-place of the township. The first hotel was kept by one Mr. Armstrong, who opened a house of entertainment hero in 1806,* at that time known as the Cross Roads, being the point where the trace or trail from the south crossod the College Township road. This road was located and opened a few years prior by an act of the Legislature of 1802-3, authorizing the laying-out of various State roads, among which was the College Township road, leading from Chillicothe, by way of Morgantown, to the College Township, now in Butler County. This road soon became quite a thoroughfare, and the emi- grant's wagon was constantly in sight; hence the necessity for houses of enter- tainment. Mr Armstrong entertained the traveling public for a few years and retired. He was succeeded by Jonas Seaman, who remained in the hotel until near the close of the war of 1812. Mr. Seaman was succeeded by J. J. Lacy, who occupied the premises for a short time, and he gave way to Matthew Cal. laway, who acted as inn-keeper for many years, and was succeeded by Col. J. Ward Jones. This was about the year 1826. Since then, the inn-keepers of Cuba have been numerous and varied, until within the last twenty years, when, the opening of the various lines of railways causing the travel to give way to the more rapid transit by rail, the travel by usual routes has been so reduced that inn-keeping in the county villages has been abandoned, and this is the condition of Cuba at this time. Cuba has one large general merchandise store, one drug and grocery store, blacksmith and wagon shop, one grist and saw mill. Morrisville, the other and only remaining village in the township, is sit- uated four miles east of Cuba, in one of the finest farming regions in Southern Ohio. The village was named in honor of the Hon. Isaiah Morris, who ownod at one time a large tract. of land adjoining it. It was laid out about the year 1843 or 1844, and consists of but few lots. It has one country store, ono wagon and carriage shop, one smith shop.

MILLS.

The first mill in the present limits of Washington Township was built on Cowan's Creek, by James Wilson., This mill was erected, as nearly as can be ascertained, about the year 1810 or 1811. It stood a few rods above the bridge on the road leading from Wilmington to Cuba. It was what was tormod a " corn-cracker, "and, a few years after its erection, was converted into a still- house, and, by Mr. Wilson, operated for some years. This mill was operatod as mill and distillery until about the year 1826 or 1827. Thomas Thatcher erected a saw-mill on Silver Creek about the year 1818, which was a great ad- vantage and convenience in its day. This mill was operated by him for per-

* Given also 1805.

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haps twenty years, when it went to decay. About this time (1840), James Carman erected a saw-mill on Cowan's Creek, in Survey No. 2,029. This mill was operated some years, and had a corn-cracker attached. Mr. Carman finally sold the farm and mill to Abel Briggs, and the mill became damaged by fresh- ets. Mr. Briggs rebuilt this mill about the year 1853, and operated the same for six or seven years, when the whole was so damaged by high water that it was abandoned, since which time the whole has gone to decay. About the year . 1852, William B. Biggs built the first steam saw-mill in Cuba, which had a corn-cracker attachment, and which was operated for some years, and was burned down about the year 1860. In 1853 or 1854, William R. Moon and John Mann built a saw and grist mill about one-half mile from Cuba, on the Martinsville road, which mill was operated . successfully for many years, and was finally removed by Mr. Moon and sons to the present sito in Cuba, where the same is now operatod, and is a first-class mill in all respects, manufactur- ing as fine flour as is made in the county. This mill is owned and operated by Samuel McCray.

PHYSICIANS.

Among the first regular physicians of the township may be mentioned Dr. Levacy, Dr. Smith, Dr. Miller, Dr. Bennett, Dr. Prewett, Dr. Moon and Dr. Briggs.

GENERAL.

This township does not support a single saloon, and industry and sobriety are the rule, while idleness and intemperance are the exception. The part that Washington Township has taken in our wars has always been patriotic. Dur- ing the war of 1812, and the Mexican war, and also through the trying period of the great civil struggle, Washington Township was never called on in vain. During the civil war, it is the pride of all parties that the quota of Washing- ton Township was always filled by volunteers, many of whom laid down their lives for the Union. The township polls, on a full vote, about three hundred and twenty-five votes. It is Democratic by a small majority., Generally, the best of feeling prevails in the township between the contending parties, and the contests are nearly always good-humored. We consider this an indication of a liberal spirit of toleration not always seen in township contests. The strength of the contending parties has been the same, or about so. relatively, for many years. The township records were destroyed by fire about the year 1857, consequently much valuable information has been lost.

The free pikes of the township embrace about thirty-five miles of road, thus furnishing connection with other excellent routes of travel to neighboring cities and towns.

The value of real and personal property of the township is about $1,000, - 000.

It may be regretted that, unfortunately, many facts connected with the history of our early pioneers have been lost, hence much which, if possessed, would be of real interest, was unavoidably omitted. Nevertheless, it is confi- dently hoped that the preceding sketch, however imperfect in detail, embraces all the knowledge of the subject at present available. It may be thought by some that too little has been said of some, and too much prominence given to others, and still others who merit notice have not been mentioned. If such is the case, which I doubt not, I can only say that the short time devoted to this, together with the limited space allotted, and the multiplicity of business that demanded my attention, is the only apology I have to make. Finally, to the pioneers by whose courage, industry and perseverance the early settlements were formed, to the few still living to tell the story of those early struggles by which our present prosperity was made possible, to these this very short and unpretending history is respectfully dedicated.

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HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.

WAYNE TOWNSHIP. BY JAMES H. TERRELL.

T HIS township is situated in the southeastern part of Clinton County, and is a part of one of the most fertile districts of Ohio. It is bounded on the north by Richland Township. east by Fayette County, south by Highland County and west by Greene Township. It is for the most part quite level, al- though the topography is marked and very little understood, being elevated about 1, 200 feet above the level of the sea. It is very well watered and drained by several small streams and minor tributaries, and, although extensively known formerly as "the flats," it has, by judicious drainage, become one of the most healthful and desirable parts of the county. Naturally of drift and alluvial formation, and for centuries covered by dense forests, the soil cannot be otherwise than most fertile and productive, affording large cereal crops and abundant pasturage. It is pre-eminently an agricultural district favoring this first, last and noblest of all the avocations of man, by its peculiarly prairie- like complexion, its absence of rivers, but accessibility to water, its uniformly fertile farms and its honest, industrious yeomen with their herds and flocks. Being peculiarly adapted to agriculture, the settlers did not congregate at cen- ters and form villages and build up manufactures, but very early took advan- tage of the cheap lands and secured large tracts which have since been sub- divided into smaller farms, which have been largely improved and increased in value.

The public highways of Wayne Township, which were originally of the rudest and most impassable kind, have been transformed into pikes and im- proved ways of the most approved invention. Two prosperous railways are easily accessible on the north and south.

This township contains 19,834 acres of land, and, as its lands are proverb- ially fertile, they are well adapted to the production of wheat, corn, oats, grass and all kinds of vegetables; and as improved arts, crops and circumstances de- mand improved cultivation, the people have kept pace with the requirements. Stock-raising is extensively pursued in this township, and. many fine droves of cattle, sheep and hogs are annually shipped to various markets. Formerly, the live stock of this locality was of the original American woods varieties and proclivities. The cattle were small, poorly shaped and of objectionable colors. The swine were of the species known as "elm-peelers," "wind splitters," etc., and could rival a dog or even a horseman in a race, and all the other varieties of stock were of comparatively poor quality. But these have rapidly given place to the more profitable and improved specimens. At quite an early day, many of the more enterprising farmers secured thoroughbred stock, which left a marked and desirable improvement wherever introduced. The prepotent blood of the thoroughbred Short-Horn breed has increased the value of the cattle vastly more than the casual observer will at first admit. The Poland- China and Berkshire swine are the general favorites among the pork manufact urers, and, by the way, this interest has assumed enormous proportions in this section of Clinton County. Among the breeds of sheep, the American Merino and Southdown prove the most remunerative and satisfactory.

To whom is due the honor of being the first settler of this township is not definitely known. The dreary and altogether uninviting aspect of the country at that early day was the means of preventing permanent settlement for several years after the other sections of the county had been considerably

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occupied. It appears evident that . as early as 1800, the white settler had pushed his aggressive enterprise even into these wilds. At that period, the Shawnee Indians held unquestionable possession of this township, and, in fact, owned a large part of Southwestern Ohio. The exceeding desirableness of these lands and their occupancy was very apparent to the enterprising pio- neers, and they were not long in locating their claims. But the bloodthirsty savages, incited by ambitious and rival claimants for this territory, made it very hazardous, and in most cases altogether impracticable for the first settlers to retain their possessions. In 1794, Gon. Anthony Wayno, after many delays and the erection of many forts, routed a largo force of Indians and Canadians, after destroying the various villages and positions of the enemy, brought them to consent to a treaty of peace. Gen. Wayne in his march had to cut a trail through the primitive forests, very noar and almost parallel to this township line, about fifteen years before Clinton County was established. For several years this trail was the only road for travel, and factored in the early settle- ment and prosperity of this section. The hunter often entered these parts de- sertod by humanity, but his life was one of constant travel, and he remained long enough only to secure the game which he had pursued or sought in these almost impenetrable forests and swamps. Game abounded here. Bears, deer, turkoys, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, rabbits, etc., flourished or had been driven here from the surrounding country. As yet, the ax of the sturdy pio- neer had not been uplifted against the trees of the forests. The necessity of timbor protection was not thought of then. The appeal, " Woodman, spare that tree," would have been idle words to these veteran forerunners of civiliza- tion.

Many of the first settlers of this township were great hunters, and these Nimrods of the "Northwest Territory " often paid in large part for their lands from the proceeds of the furs, skins and venison taken from the game they killed. This trait was implanted and fostered in the descendants of many of the veterans of the Revolution by the circumstances which wars naturally on- tail upon any people, in the loss of property and fortunes and the familiarity with the weapons of the chase.

It was not until 1837 that Wayne Township was established, being for several years previous a part of Groene and Richland Townships. Prior to this time, most of the available building sites had been occupied by the rude log cabin and a small truck-patch of the most uninviting description, among stumps and roots, affording a precarious subsistence scarcely to be preferred to the roving and hand-to-mouth life of the aboriginal inhabitants of this great Western territory. Many of the farms of these early settlers were small, num- bering often less than twenty-five acres, but, as wild pasture was abundant and good, the stock was permitted to run at largo the year round. Distinguishing marks for their animals were invented and used, and a record was kept by some influential party. Necessity schooled those pioneers in economy, and bound them together by the strongest social ties. They had no written law and no court of justice except public opinion. Honesty was a universal char- acteristic of these settlers, and a thief or a man detected of any dishonest prac- tice, would not be tolerated in any community. The members of each neigh- borhood were mutually dependent, and every one was expected to do his duty faithfully. Where invitations were sent out for assistance at a house-raising or a log-rolling every man invited was expected to be present. Isolated from refined society and compelled to live in a style extremely simple, the people were rude in manners, but very hospitable, and divided their scanty stores and rough fare freely with the neighbor or stranger; and to offer pay for a favor of this kind was an offense. They lived, worked, suffered, fasted and feasted to-

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gether in the most cordial harmony. Paths through the forest leading from one farmhouse to another were their only highways. Everybody rode on horse- back, and the men generally carried the women behind them upon the same horse. But in these apparently unsocial and uncivilized times, there was much of pleasantry and gratification. As necessity compelled concerted action among the old, so it encouraged concerted pleasures and sociability among the young folks. The curse of caste and arrogant aristocracy was unknown to these primitive inhabitants, who always met upon a lovol. The autumn and winter seasons were looked forward to with bright anticipations by the young people. If there happened to be an orchard in the vicinity, when the apples were gathered, it was given out far and near that there would be an " applo- buttor boiling" at a certain farmhouse, and all the neighbors were cordially invited to attond. In the afternoon came the older women, who parod the apples and made ready for the night. Large vessels full of pared, quartered and cored applos stood about the kitchen, and a great black kettle was hung in the yard. As night approached, the youth -- boys and girls-some on herso- back and some on foot, came from miles around, and then the fire under the kettle was lighted. The kettle was filled about two-thirds full of cider, and a bushel of the quartered apples was thrown in as soon as the cider came to a boil. It had to be stirred unceasingly, with a long-handled stirrer, lest it burn. With a maiden to assist, a young man took charge of the kettle, and, standing face to face, with their hands on the stirrer, they moved the apples about in the kettle and chatted of love, adventures with the Indians or the gossip of the neighborhood. What man that has ever stirred with his sweatheart has for- gotten it? And who of these cannot now remember with a thrill of delight the paring-bees and the fun of counting the apple-seeds to know if the girl next you really loved you ? And who but recalls the sweet blushes as the tell- tale seeds revealed the hidden secret, and the sudden flight of the maiden to escape the shocking public announcement of the discovery just made?

The frolics of apple-butter boiling were scarcely over, when the corn- huskings animated the cool autumn days and gave to labor wings of pleasure. Here again the young man and maiden were found side by side, she working assiduously, he less earnestly, though more watchfully, for fear some red ear not noticed might lose him the privileged kiss. These were happy days, bo- fore the modern march of machinery invaded our harvest-fields to shorten our labor and to steal away all the sweet privileges that the custom of decades had interwoven with it. Although this township was considerably settled before its establishment, even yet the dense forests and extensive swamps deterred many an adventurous spirit from securing a home in this section. It is true, the soil was the most fertile and the forests luxuriant and valuable, in which oak, walnut ash, hickory, sugar maple, etc., abounded. But he realized the stubborn fact that to obtain prosperity he would have to undergo the greatest hardship and labor. And as a result, none but the most sturdy and stout- hearted could summon sufficient courage to attempt the herculean task of clear- ing away the primitive forests, draining the interminable swamps and laying the foundation of future prosperity and happy homes. The self-same spirit of determination which had induced them to separate from home and friends, and which had accompanied them on their perilous and tedious journey to Ohio, did not forsake them in their arduous toil. To overcome such obstacles and face such dangers required more than ordinary courage. With no other tool except the ax, brought from the home of their nativity, they erected rudo log cabins for themselves and families. Although of the most primitivo architect- ure and meagerly furnished, the degree of happiness and independence enjoyed by these pioneer settlers of the new world has scarcely been equaled by the

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WAYNE TOWNSHIP.

denizens of luxury and ease, who, having succeeded them, now enjoy the reward of their labors.

The equipment of a home was reckoned incomplete without a loom and spinning wheel, as well as a hominy-block and pestle, and either a hand-mill or a neighborhood horse-mill for the manufacture of corn meal. Their econo- my and diligence are worthy the consideration of the present generation. Their contentment, love of home and genuine integrity command the approba- tion and respect of this enlightened age. Their exceedingly frugal meal of corn-bread and venison was more gratefully relished than the most sumptuous feast wealth can provide. Wheat bread and coffee or tea were esteemed only Sunday luxuries.

In the new settlements, each man began the task of clearing away the forest over against his own door. Day after day the echo of the untiring ax resounded throughout the woods. Each spring following, the neighbors as. sembled to engage in "log-rolling." When the task was completed in one place, they proceeded to another until all the trees that had fallen victims to the ax had been removed. Then the ground was upturned by the aid of the laborious wooden mold-board plow. The ground was sometimes scratched and mellowed by dragging a brush over it. Then it was marked out and the corn was dropped by the boys and girls and covered with hoes by men or women. The virgin soil, replete with fertility and free from weeds, produced abundant yields. A few other products, such as potatoes, beans, etc., were valued as in- dispensable luxuries.

The agricultural products-wheat, corn and oats-had to be hauled to Chillicothe or Cincinnati, where they were exchanged for salt, sugar, coffee and other family necessities. Although transported so far by wagons and horses over bad roads, the prices realized were barely nominal, often but 10 cents for corn or oats and 25 cents for wheat. The fat cattle, hogs and sheep were driven to the same markets, and frequently across the mountains to New York, Philadelphia or Baltimore, and disposed of at proportionately low prices. The mail facilities of the present day were undreamed of then, and would have been as mockery if foretold by some village wiseacre. A postage stamp cost the value of a bushel of wheat, and for a long time the settlers of this lo- cality were compelled to walk or ride long distances to get whatever commu- nication they were likely to receive; the nearest post office being New Mar- ket, in Highland County, twenty miles distant, and the road consisted of a simple bridle-path through the dense woods, known as the trail of Gen. Wayne. Verily, the adventurous pioneers of this township did not enjoy lives of com- fort or ease by any means. Their journeys were attended with many priva- tions and unforeseen perils. They were compelled frequently to camp out, how- ever inclement the weather might be, or however numerous and ferocious the wolves might prove.

From a small beginning the population of this township has increased to 1,448 souls in the year 1880. The present generation know very little con- cerning the early settlers and their manner of living. From the most reliable sources attainable, few had located previous to the present century. Among the first were William Moore, who was born in Bourbon County, Ky., and came to Wayne Township about the year 1806; he raised a large family, many of whom settled in this township. Previous to the year 1810, several others, among whom John Jackson, from Tonnessce; Edward Curtis, from Virginia; Joseph Rooks, Thomas Stell, John Oxley, Moses Paris, Stephen Martin, Thomas Draper, John Allen and Jesse Boxley settled in the township. Moses Paris lived on land now owned by A. C. Steele; Stephen Martin and Thomas Draper occupied that possessed by Thomas Geffs; John Allen what now belongs to D.

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HISTORY OF CLINTON COUNTY.

A. Terrell, and several parties of the name of Cox had small farms where I. A. Terrell's farm lies.

From the year 1810 up to 1820, quite a number of settlers came in from Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee, but no record having been kept, dates are very inaccurate or lost altogether. Under the present circumstances and the meager source from which to obtain facts for this history, the best has been done that at this late day could be. Suffice it to say that, in the devel- opment of the material resources of Wayne, there has been no check and that all have done their duty well. The early settlors were not slow in taking measures to give their children the advantages of education. The schools were in keeping with the times and circumstances, and teachers were not expected to have any other qualifications than to be able to "read, write and cipher." They were thorough and very positive in what they pretended to know and teach, and as determinedly inclined to impress the instruction on the minds of the pupils. A very laudable disposition of the youth, also, of that early day, was an invincible determination to learn. Then no beautiful Gothic edifices erected by the combined wealth of the citizens and skill of the architect were opened for the reception of the pupils, nor college professor offered his serv- ices as pedagogue. But the log cabin with its huge fire-place and greased paper windows, so well remembered by our oldest citizens, is also remembered as the "college of learning " in Wayne Township. It was constructed of un- hewn logs, covered with clapboards held in place by the weight of poles. The cracks, or interstices between the logs were daubed with clay mortar. The loft was covered with slabs or rails, or very frequently left open to the roof. The floor was made of puncheons split from large logs and hewn into shape. These were sometimes fastened to log sleepers by pegs or nails, or more generally held in place by their own weight. A large fire-place with an outside stick and mud chimney was at one end of the room, similar to most of the log houses then., The seats were also made from split logs or slabs, without the luxury of a restful back. The writing-dosk ranged along one side and was held in a standing position by wooden pogs driven into the wall. As recently as twenty-five years ago, the writer of this received the rudiments of penmanship on a genuine primitive writing-desk of this description. The door was of the most original kind, and swung on creaking wooden hinges. The Bible, Webster's Speller and such text-books as could be obtained, were used and highly appreciated. But by diligent study and firmness of purpose many of the pupils of that day rose to a high degree of distinction.

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The history of Clinton County, Ohio, containing a history of the county; its townships, cities, towns, etc.; general and local statistics; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; history of the Northwest territory, Volume 2, Part 43

Author: Durant, Pliny A. ed; Beers (W.H.) & Co., Chicago, pub Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago : W. H. Beers Number of Pages: 1410

Author: Durant, Pliny A. ed; Beers (W.H.) & Co., Chicago, pub
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : W. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1410