USA > Ohio > Madison County > The history of Madison County, Ohio > Part 82
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The above constitutes the most of the pioneers and early settlers of Monroe Township. And now, as we turn in retrospect and view the times of those forefathers, see their habits, modes of life, houses, household goods, and the rude tools and implements for farming purposes, as compared with those of the present, we must be impressed with wonder and admiration at the change and improvement wrought by the genius and industry of man. And while we can rejoice over all this progress and advancement, we would ask, how were the social and moral conditions then, as compared with now? Alas! we fear they will not bear the same favorable results. The principal social gatherings of those days were those in which there was an interchange of work or labor; in which several persons would turn out and help their neighbor to accomplish a certain piece or job of work: and then he, in turn, would help others. This
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enabled those in the sparsely settled condition of the country at that time to accomplish a heavy piece of work which could not have done alone, and for which there were no means to hire it done. All were then sociable; they were not divided into classes and grades according to their wealth, or finery in dress, or manner of living. Then a man of industry and good moral habits, polished with a reasonable intelligence and education, whether rich or poor in worldly possessions, was fit for any society or social position. If a man or woman is guilty of no greater crime than that of poverty, he or she should be treated with as much Christian respect and courtesy as though they were millionaires. If any are morally down in our midst, lift them up; if any are suffering, com- fort and aid them. Let all strive to cultivate, and perpetuate the good old so- ciable traits of the pioneers in themselves and in their children, and thus will the future generations be blessed.
SCHOOLS.
The schools and the subject of education have received the general atten- tion of the people of Monroe Township, perhaps up to the full average of the other townships of the county. Like the pioneers everywhere, they began in their little log schoolhouses. One of the first schools of which we gain an ac- count was in a little log house of the primitive kind, puncheon floor, slab seats, etc., located on the place where Thomas Fulk now resides, about 1815. Another early log schoolhouse was built on Spring Fork, on David Bradley's land, about 1820. And so on through the different early settlements, as soon as there was a sufficient number of families to support a school, they endeavored to estab- lish these primitive schools, which served for the time. But those are now all things of the past in Monroe. This township now has established four sub- distriets and one joint subdistrict, with as many good schoolhouses. The enumeration of the districts is as follows: Joint Subdistrict No. 1-males, 30; females, 36; total, 66. No. 2-males, 17; females, 19; total, 36. No. 3-males, 28; females, 25; total, 53. No. 4-males, 10; females, 16; total, 26. No. 5 .- males, 26; females, 30; total, 56. Total -males, 111; females, 126; total, 237. Present Township Board of Education: Joint Subdistrict No. 1, David Fitz- gerald; No. 2. La Fayette Wilson: No. 3, Joseph Williams; No. 4, D. R. Lom- bard (President); No. 5, Calvin Bradley.
CHURCHES.
The people of this township were visited at quite an early day by minis- ters of the Gospel, and appointments made at the private houses for preaching and services long before there were any churches or even schoolhouses to any extent. One among the earliest of these preachers was Rev. Joseph Morris, from Clark County, Ohio, of the Baptist faith, who held services through this neighborhood at a very early day. But this township has been very limited in its number of church organizations, having no town or village within its limits, or any natural eanses to concentrate the people, so as to tend to the organiza- tion of societies or churches. We find but two church organizations in the township, with one church edifice. We will first give a history of the organiza- tion known as
Fair Plain Christian Church .- In 1872, under the auspiees of several per- sons of the Christian faith, a Sunday school was organized at the Finley School- house, and from that time commenced to have occasional preaching at the said schoolhouse, by various volunteer ministers, till, on December 13, 1875, under Rev. William Webb, a church organization was effected, consisting of the fol- lowing thirteen members, viz .: R. Nagley, J. W. Prugh, W. A. Finley, D. W. Finley, John Armentrout, J. M. Bradley, S. M. Prugh, A. Nagley, R. J. Finley, N. Armentrout, C. E. Prugh, R. Finley and S. Bradley, with J. W. Prugh
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.
chosen as Deacon. They had preaching regularly once a month, and during the year 1876 several members were added to the church. Since the organiza- tion of the church, they have had a minister employed who preached for them regularly once a month, with the exception of the year 1880, during which they had no minister employed. At the present time, the membership is small, the church having been considerably reduced in numbers by death and by members moving away. They now have enrolled on the church book twenty-one names. Their present pastor is Rev. S. A. Caris.
Methodist Episcopal Church ( Wilson Chapel) .- In the spring of 1873, a subscription was started and money was raised to erect a church edifice, which was built the same summer on land donated for that purpose by Washington Wilson, located on the Wilson & Winget pike, east of Little Darby about one- half mile, and the house was dedicated to service in the fall of the same year (1873), the dedicatory sermon being delivered by Elder I. F. King. The house was dedicated to service free of all debt and incumbrance. Rev. R. D. Anderson was appointed to administer to this church, and preached every two weeks the first year. In the spring of 1874, a series of meetings were held and several additions made to the church, and a class was organized consisting of the following persons : Mrs. Jennie Taylor, Daniel Anderson and wife. Isabel Woods and Mrs. Margaret Bradley, with Daniel Anderson as class leader. He was succeeded by Martin Huddle, and he by Iliram Anderson, who has con- tinued as leader to the present time. Rev. Anderson was succeeded as minister by Rev. S. S. Sears, and he by Rev. Rudisil ; then came to the charge Rev. Tressenrider, then Rev. Carter, and during the past year Rev. Lewis has been their minister. The church at one time reached in membership as high as sixty ; but by death and moving away and other causes the membership has been reduced till at the present time the membership is about fifteen. The church has a good Sunday school, with an average attendance of sixty, with Hiram Anderson as Superintendent.
CEMETERIES.
There is not much to be written upon this subject in Monroe ; there being no town or village within the township, and but one church edifice, there has been no general public or township interest given to this subject. There are two or three of the early family burying-grounds, the principal of which are one on the John Bradley farm and one on the David M. Bradley farm. This latter was quite early established, being in the neighborhood where the first settlers of the township located, and on the land of the first pioneer family. Here have been interred some of the Bradley family, and many of their carly neighbors. During the sickly years of 1822 and 1823, the plains or level por- tions of this country were especially afflicted with sickness and death ; and these two or three burying-grounds received many accessions to the ranks of the dead. Another fatal and troublesome disease among the carly settlers, especially on the east side of Little Darby, where it prevailed more than on the west side, was the "milk 'sickness," which carried away by death numbers of those early settlers. These were some of the most dangerous and trying or- deals that the pioneers had to meet, and no doubt many a family became sick at heart, if not in body, to see their few and scattered neighbors stricken down with this fell destroyer, and their bodies consigned to the silent graves here in this wilderness. Who could chide them for wishing that they had remained among the rock-bound hills of Virginia ? But as our forefathers of the Revo- lutionary times won for us a great battle, and conquered the bitter enemy of America, so in a later day did our forefathers, the pioneers. win for us and future generations a great battle in conquering these diseases and the miasmas, the mortal enemy of the early settlers, and thus entailed to us one of the
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richest and most beautiful countries the sun ever shone upon. It is well that we may inscribe upon the pages of history a requiem for them, which shall ring through ages to come, long after the simple monuments with their superserip- tions shall have vanished to dust !
PIKES AND ROADS.
The principal roads of this township run north and south through the township, and are good gravel pikes, and extend from the Urbana pike on the south line of the township to the different points of the township northward, and connecting with pikes of other townships to all leading towns and villages of the surrounding country. Also coursing northeast, crossing Little Darby. is the Wilson & Winget pike, which connects with others, and runs to Plain City. The cross roads running east and west are mainly mud roads. There is no railroad in or touching the township.
MILLS.
The mills of Monroe are things of the past, there being nothing of the kind now within its limits unless it be one or two portable mills. But as we deal with the past more especially than with the present, we must carry the reader back to just a few years after the Bradleys settled here, perhaps about 1812-15, and observe on Spring Fork a grist mill erected by Jonah Bradley, and run by water-power, which was one of the first mills of the county. . 1s stated in the history of the Bradley family, this was one of the great improve ments of that day, and a great convenience to the settlement ; as prior to its erection they had to go a great distance, many going to Chillicothe to do their grinding and trading. There were no other mills we think necessary to men- tion.
BUSINESS INTERESTS.
As there is no town or village within this township, we will mention the fact that there is one store, and only one. This is located at the fork of the road near the Finley Schoolhouse. The first store opened there was by a Mr. Thompson, about 1877; thence it came into the ownership of D. R. Lombard & Son, who were succeeded by Thomas Hunt, the present proprietor. In the spring of 1882, Elmer Stephens and Elias Lombard erected a tile factory on land a little north of the above-mentioned store, and appear to be doing quite a good business, considering the short time during which they have been en- gaged in business. Also, on the London & Liverpool road is a tile factory, erected by Guy, Williams & Co., in spring of 1882. These were much needed in this township, and will doubtless greatly benefit the farmers.
INCIDENTS.
Near David M. Bradley's, or rather a little east of his place, near the junction of Little Darby and Spring Fork, was an old camping ground of the Indians. On one occasion while they were camping here, and were all peace- able and friendly with the settlers, one Mr. Lappin, a citizen of Jefferson Town- ship, reckless in his habits, and with no sympathy in his heart, in passing near their camp, while all were out on a hunt but one lone Indian, who remained as a guard at the camp, he drew up his rifle, took aim and fired and killed the In- dian in his tracks, and then hurried on to his home. One or two white settlers saw Mr. Lappin shoot the Indian, but were powerless to prevent the deed. The murder was soon reported among the settlers, and great fear and conster. nation prevailed, fearing that the Indians, as soon as they returned, would be so incensed at the rash deed that they would murder all the settlers. They were terribly provoked, but on being informed who had done the deed, to their credit they refrained from doing damage to any of the settlers, but started in
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.
pursuit of the murderer who had already fled to Columbus for safety, and thus escaped their vengeance. But he never dared return to his home for years, till the Indians had taken a final leave.
We will now give the officials of the township as far back as the records which are preserved will show them. We find all previous to the year 1848 are destroyed or lost. Since that date they are as follows:
Trustees .- 1848, John Baker, Elisha Bidwell and David Morris ; 1849, W. M. Wadsworth, John Aylor and Elisha Bidwell ; 1850-51, John Baker, David Morris and W. M. Wadsworth; 1852, John Baker, W. M. Wadsworth, and D. M. Bradley; 1853. John Baker, W. M. Wadsworth and John Bradley; 1854. John Baker, John Bradley and James Guy; 1855-56, John Baker, John Bradley and David Morris ; 1857-58, David Morris, John Baker and Ralston Williams ; 1859-60. John Baker, Ralston Williams and John H. Finley; 1861. J. H. Finley. Ralston Williams and D. M. Bradley; 1862, D. M. Brad- ley, John Kreamer and Ralston Williams ; 1863, D. M. Bradley, John Kreamer and William Sanford ; 1864, James Guy, William Sanford and D. M. Bradley; 1865-66. D. R. Lombard. J. M. Bradley and J. W. Morris ; 1867, J. M. Brad- ley, Washington Marks and Joseph Williams ; 1868, J. M. Bradley, David M. Bradley and James Guy; 1869-72, J. M. Bradley, Henry Burnham and Charles L. Burnham : 1873. Henry Burnham, J. M. Bradley and Calvin Bradley; 1874, J. M. Bradley, Calvin Bradley and La Fayette Wilson ; 1875, J. M. Bradley, Calvin Bradley and W. A. Finley; 1876, J. M. Bradley, W. A. Fin- ley and Joseph Williams ; 1877, J. M. Bradley, Jonah Woods and Joseph Williams ; 1878, J. M. Bradley, Elisha Fisher and James Guy; 1879, D. R. Sanford, II. T. Finley and Elijah Fisher ; 1880, D. R. Lombard, J. M. Bradley and Calvin Bradley; 1881, J. M. Bradley, H. T. Finley and E. Webber ; 1882, H. Burrell, D. R. Lombard and E. Webber.
Clerks .- 1848. J. R. Farrington ; 1849-50, Henry Winklebeck ; 1851, Horr- ace Sanford ; 1852-54, John H. Finley; 1855, Israel Heath ; 1856-57, J. W. Morris ; 1858-64, John M. Bradley; 1865-70, J. H. Finley ; 1871, Horace T. Finley; 1872-76, William F. Sanford ; 1877, F. P. Sanford ; 1878, Charles F. Sanford ; 1879, J. A. Smith ; 1880, Henry Baker ; 1881, S. Finley ; 1882, H. T. Finley.
Treasurers .- 1848, David Link ; 1849-52, David Morris ; 1853-59, D. M. Bradley; 1860-62, David Morris ; 1863, Horace Sanford ; 1864, Henry Burn- ham ; 1865-68, David Morris ; 1869-74, James Guy; 1875-81, Henry Burn- ham ; 1882, Ehner Stephens.
Justices of the Peace .- 1836, James McMann and John Baker ; 1839, Mathew Y. Patrick and Andrew Parker ; 1842, Andrew Parker ; 1845, John Baker and Fletcher M. Pratt ; 1848, James Guy and Israel Heath ; 1849, John Baker ; 1851, David Morris ; 1852, John Baker ; 1854, James R. Far- rington ; 1855, John II. Finley and JJohn Baker ; 1858, Joseph M. Kennedy and Benjamin W. Mann ; 1862, David Morris and Hemy Burnham ; 1866, David Morris ; 1870, John Baker and David Morris ; 1875, Henry C. Baker and Joseph Williams; 1876, W. H. Sidebottom ; 1877. J. W. Morris ; 1878, Arthur Smith and Charles F. Sanford ; 1881; Henry C. Baker.
Constables .- 1848, George H. Aylor and W. M. Wadsworth ; 1849, W. M. Wadsworth and Smith Hewett : 1850, John K. Holycross and William Sanford; 1851. W. M. Wadsworth and David Woosley; 1852, R. M. Hawkins and W. M. Wadsworth; 1853, Isaiah Heath and William Wheatley; 1854, R. M. Hawkins and R. Helverson ; 1855, Israel Heath and David A. Potter ; 1856, G. H. How- ser and Peter Baker ; 1857, Benjamin Morris ; and William M. French ; 1858; James J. Beals and Edson Scranton ; 1859, James J. Beals and L. B. Harvey, 1860, William M. French and John Peters ; 1861, D. R. Lombard and Cyrus Guy; 1862, Alexander Bradley and Joseph Williams ; 1863-65 (wanting); 1866,
EPHRAIM BIDWELL. [DECEASED]
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MONROE TOWNSHIP.
H. C. Baker and Quincy Bradley; 1867, Solomon Morris ; 1868, Jonathan Bigelow and Harvey Bradley; 1869, Henderson Baker and Jonathan Bigelow; 1870, Jonathan Bigelow; 1871-74, J. M. Willoughby; 1875, Joel Saeger and E. M. Lombard ; 1876, Robert Nagley and Josiah Morris ; 1877, E. W. Fisher and Josiah Morris ; 1878, F. P. Sanford and F. W. Sanford; 1879, Jonathan Bigelow; 1880, Jonathan Bigelow and E. B. Tilman ; 1881, Willis Foulk and E. B. Tilman ; 1882, J. Bigelow.
Assessors .- 1849, Daniel Kent ; 1850, Israel Heath; 1851-56, John Baker; 1857, James M. Wilson ; 1858-59, John W. Morris ; 1860, John Baker ; 1861- 65, J. W. Morris ; 1866-67, David Morris ; 1868, J. H. Finley; 1869-70, Rals- ton Williams ; 1871-74, James Guy; 1875, Calvin Bradley; 1876, Joseph Williams ; 1877, J.W. Morris; 1878, J. M. Bradley; 1879, A. E. Osborn ; 1880, C. F. Sanford ; 1881, James Guy, and 1832, L. F. Webber.
well
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.
CHAPTER X.
CANAAN TOWNSHIP.
TN the settlement of this portion of Ohio, the tide of emigration seemed to fol- low up the streams and creeks. and those of the Darby and Deer Creek, it appears from their position, together with the richness of their lands and abundance of deer, turkeys and other wild game, held out superior attractions to those seeking a favorable location to settle and make a home for themselves and their posterity. And not only this, but it appears to have been a favorite location with the Indians prior to the white man entering this rich domain, for here the white settlers find them encamped enjoying the rich hunt- ing-grounds of the two Darby's and Deer Creek. But to be brief. and to enter at once upon the work of giving the important matters connected with Canaan Township, we may say its history begins in 1796, when Jonathan Alder was cliscovered residing with his Indian wife on the west bank of the Darby, by Benjamin Springer. These were the first white settlers known to have settled on the Darby, or within the limits of Madison County. Of Alder and Benja- min Springer, we shall here say nothing, but refer the reader to the general history of the county.
Luther Cary, a native of New Jersey, married Rhoda Leonard. and at a very early day emigrated to the Redstone country. Pennsylvania, thence came down the Ohio River. and settled at or near Marietta, Ohio; thenee, in 1800, with his family. he moved to Madison County, and located on the Big Darby, on land now owned by John Stallbird, just north of Amity. in Canaan Township. where he resided till his death, October 8, 1834. aged seventy-four years. His wife died May 15, 1846. aged ninety-one years. Their children were as fol- lows: Benjamin, who married and settled near Wooster. Ohio. where he died: Luther, moved away and settled in Miami County; Calvin, married and settled at Cary. Ohio. from whom that town received its name; Stephen, married Cath- arine Johnson, and settled in this township, where he remained till his death; Ephraim. married Matilda Gandy, and settled in this township, and resided several years, thence he removed into Union County. where he died; Jemima, married Jacob Johnson, and settled in Jefferson Township, where she died. and subsequently Phebe, who had married John Davis, and was left a widow by his death, married Mr. Johnson; Lydia, married John Johnson, and settled just below Amity. where they resided till about 1855, when they removed West; Rachel. married Alexander McCullough. and settled near Amity, but finally re- moved to Putnam County, Ohio, where she died; Abijah, married Catharine Johnson, and soon after settled where Jacob Millikin now lives, and here resided till his death. February 21. 1854. aged seventy-three years; his wife died Feb- ruary 4, 1851, in the sixty-fifth year of her age. They had the following chil- dren: Mary. Solomon. Absolom, Sarah. Rhoda. Abram, Rachel. Eliza and Lucinda; all grew to maturity, married and raised families, and all prosperous and good citizens of Madison County, most of whom became members of the Presbyterian Church, and honored and respected citizens of the cummunity. Mr. Abijah Cary was born March 6, 1781, and when nineteen years of age became a resident of this township, where he spent a long and useful life, hav- ing, at his death, been a resident here over half a century. He was a man of
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remarkable industry, and passed through all the ardnous and dangerous trials of the pioneer days. The farm upon which he settled he purchased from the Government, by the original title of a patent. He was a man of firm character and principles. of undoubted integrity. and held the confidence of the people of his township, under whom he held most of its offices. He was fervent in the Presbyterian faith, although not a member of the church. His life was devoted to the general welfare of his family and community, and gave freely of his means and influence for every progress and improvement which tended to the general public good, and died esteemed and respected by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
About 1805, two brothers, Jonathan and Joel Harris, natives of New Jersey, emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Canaan Township, the former on the place where Luther Lane now resides, and resided there till Ins death. He married Miss Casto, by whom he had the following children : George. Amos, William, Joel, Rebecca and Pattie. Joel, married and soon after settled in Franklin County. Nahum King. a native of Vermont, married Sarrepta Norton, and settled on the land where Mr. Moore subsequently located ; thence he moved and settled below Amity. About 1837-38. he removed to Missouri, and in 1841 to Oregon, where he died. He was one of the prominent men of this township during his residence here ; very intelligent and well informed. and filled, to the great satisfation of the people, many of the offices of his township. Of his children, John (married a Miss Barlow). Isaac. Stephen, Nahm, Lucretia, and one daughter who married Moses Moore. and several younger children whose names are not now remembered.
John Kilgore, a native of Westmoreland County Penn .. with his wife Jane and his family, emigrated to Ohio, and settled in Ross County in 1797 : thence. about 1809, they removed to Madison County and settled on Three-Mile Run, about one and a half' miles west of Big Darby. where he died soon after. His wife subsequently moved to Union County, where she remained till her death at an advanced age. Their children were as follows : Thomas, who was eighteen years of age when they settled in Madison County, and here in 1812 he married Jane Patterson, who was born in Botetourt County. Va .. October 8. 1792, they settled on the place where his son Harvey now resides, and here remained till his death. February 11. 1872. aged eighty-one years. His wife died June 3. 1862. They had eleven children, six now survive. Those deceased were Will- iam, Eliza, Rebecca, Sarah and Lucinda : and those living are John, who mar- ried Maloney Beach ; William, married Mary Boyd ; Harvey. married Judith Sherwood ; Simeon, married Elizabeth Cary, and resides in Union County. Ohio; Elizabeth, married Chauncey Beach, and resides in Franklin County ; and Rebecca, married Jacob Taylor. Mr. Thomas Kilgore lived a long and useful life in Canaan Township, having at the time of his death. been a resident here over threescore years and on the same farm where he first settled. He was one of the true pioneers, and performed his full share in developing the country and bringing it from its primeval state to its present beautiful condition. He was a man of great moral worth and integrity of character. and had a great influence in molding the general character of the community. both politically and relig- iously, as during his life he hekl most of the offices of importance and trust in his township. and religiously had been a devoted member of the Methodist Church from his young manhood, or a period of sixty years. His example before his family and the community, was one worthy of admiration and imita- tion. And of his consort we may add, she possessed all the many virtues of kind- ness and religious devotion which rendered her a true helpmeet ; and their lives were a true blessing to their family and community. and have left behind them recollections of esteem and respect not soon to be forgotten. Of the other children of John Kilgore. James, married and moved to Missouri, where he
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY.
died ; Jane, married Thomas Patterson, and settled in Illinois, where they died; John. removed West, where he died unmarried ; and Betsey, married Judge Dodge, who died and she is now a widow residing at Marysville, Union County. Ohio.
James Moore, it is believed, was a native of Pennsylvania, but became a settler on Mainmouth Run, south of Jacob Millikin, as early probably as 1808- 10 ; he married Betsey Patterson, by whom he had the following children : Stephen. who married Caroline Beebe, and settled near the home place of his father ; subsequently he moved to Illinois, where he died ; Moses married Serret- ta King and also settled near the home place, but subsequently moved to Illi- nois, where he died ; one daughter married William Frakes, and settled in the West. Mr. Moore was quite a leading and influential man in this community, and held many of the offices of the township; but he died in the prime of life and in the midst of his usefulness, being cut off by death in the sickly season of 1822 and 1823; he was buried on the farm where he first settled. Ira Finch was a native of Vermont, but emigrated to Ohio and settled in Canaan township about one and a half miles west of Amity on Mammouth Run about 1808-10 ; he married Nancy Bull, and remained residents here till their death, Mr. Finch was one of this township's best citizens ; quiet and reserved, yet possessing the entire confidence of the people, who continually placed him in the best offices of trust of the township, during the greater portion of his life. He died about 1856. Their children were Armenus, who died young; Pattie married Thomas Kilbury ; Sarah married Thomas Harris ; Madison married Nancy Clark and settled here, where he resided till his death (he was a local preacher in the Methodist Church); Minerva married Sanford Frazell, who died with the cholera in 1849, and she has since remained a widow, and resides in Amity ; Commodore married Emily Robey, and subsequently removed to Mis- souri, where he died ; John married Emily Kilbury, and settled and remained a resident of this township till his death ; Joshna married Catharine Crego, and now resides in Amity ; Thompson married Nancy Taylor, and was a resi- dent here till the death of his wife, after which he moved to the West, and is now a resident of Iowa ; and Ruhama married Silas Scribner, and moved to Missouri, where he died, and she is now a widow.
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