elm

YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

LU C3UJ

o

o > UJ

HISTORY OF
KNOX COUNTY, OHIO,
FROM 1779 TO 1862 INCLUSIVE:

COMFBIBINO

BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES, ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS OF MEN CON
NECTED WITH THE COUNTy FROM ITS FIKST SETTLEMENT:

TOGETHER WITH

COIPIETB LISTS OF THE SENATORB, REPRESENTATIVES, SHERIFFS, AUDITORS,
COMMISSIOKERS, TREASURERS, JUDGES, JUSTICES OF THE PEACE, AKD
OTHER OFFIOEES OF THE COUNTY LSO OF THOSE WHO HAVE
SERVED IN A MILITAET CAPACITY FROM ITS FIRST ORGANIZA
TION TO THE PEESEi. T TIME.

A SKETCH OF KENYON COLLEGE,

AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS OP LEARNING AND RELIGION
WITHIN THE COUNTY.

BY

COLUMBUS:
RICHARD NEVINS, PRINTER.
1862.

Entered according to the act of Congress in the year 1862,
Bt a. banning NORTOJf,
In the Clerk's office of the Southern District of Ohio.

PREFACE.

To write the history of my native county, and to rescue
from oblivion the anecdotes and early incidents of its first
settlers, has been with me a pleasant pastime. While it has
been much labor to gather the material for this work, and to
test it by the crucible of truth, my mind has thereby been
relieved of much care and of anxious thoughts upon more
serious subjects during an exUe in my native land ; and if I
will have been the means of preserving, for the future histo
rian, matters which are within the recollection of but very
few now living, my time and toil have been well spent.
Several years ago, when a resident of this place, I collected
many of the items which I now produce from memory : such
as the captivity of John StiUey, and events of early occur
rence within the knowledge of Dr. Timothy Burr, my father,
Daniel S. Norton, Col. John Greer, Judge Bevans, Gilman
Bryant, Col. Ernor Harris, Judge Jesse B. Thomas, Eev.
James Scott, and others, who have since deceased. Among
my papers in Texas are notes taken by me of conversations
with the above recited parties, as also with Samuel H Smith
and William Smith, old residents of Knox, now residing in
that State.
I would have delayed the publication of the sketch I give
herewith, were it not very uncertain when the present unhappy
war may terminate, or what my future may be. Procrastina
tion might prove fatal to the enterprise ; hence I have con-

IV PREFACE.

eluded to furnish it to the children of the old settlers, and the
public generally in the Ko-kosing country, conscious that it
has imperfections, but without the ability, under existing cir
cumstances, of making it more complete. My object is accom
plished in putting in this form for preservation much crude
material, which I regard as of value to those who may succeed
us: I did not undertake it with expectation or purpose of
gain. I may have overlooked some names in putting the manu
script to press, or improperly placed others; but from the most
reliable data I have drawn my conclusions and made my state"
ments. I would have been pleased to have extended my
genealogical sketches, and to have traced out the various old
families in the townships ; but,- from having met several who
were indisposed to give me information, I found this branch
must necessarily be partial, and desisted from researches in
that way. The reader will take those named as examples of
the manner in which I think a history of the county ought to
be written, and I would like to have so presented it Some,
whose names may not be found in this book, may find fault
with its compilation, as did " Schmidt," the dutch drayman in
the city of Austin, whose name he discovered in the Directoiy
spelled "Smith," and exclaimed, "I would not give one tarn
for the Correctory vot has my name left out of it ; for Smith
is not Schmidt no how."
Of one thing all may be assured, and that is this: I have
set down naught in mahce, nor aught extenuated, but endeav
ored to represent all fairly and correctly. I have no object to
do otherwise. I do not intend ever to live among you, nor in
your State, and am, therefore, truly independent. I 'belong
to no political or religious party, sect or organization of the
present day, nor do I ever expect to. " He is a freeman whom
the truth makes free ! " Having no interests to subserve-

PBEPACB. V
"no friends to reward, or enemies to punish" — I am, with my
best regards to such as have received me kindly and aided me
with information, and to the people of Knox individually and
coUectively, Their friend,
A. BANNING NORTON.
Mount Veknon, 0., July 1, 1862.

HISTOKY OF KNOX COUNTY.

CHAPTEE I.
Sketch op the country and settlement prior to organiz,4tion. —
Traversed before the territory op ohio was named by one of its
SUBSEQUENT SETTLERS.  ^ItS INHABITANT BEFORE THE STATE WAS ORGAN
IZED. — Its CITIZENS when fairfield county was CREATED. — With
INCIDENTS OF FRONTIER LIFE AND ADVENTURE.
The country having for its name Ohio was con
stituted, under General Arthur St. Olair, a territo
rial government in the year 1788, and he continued
as Grovernor until the adoption of the State Consti
tution in 1803.
By his proclamation the county of Tairfield was
created December 9th, 1800, and the district of
which we now treat was included therein until the
month of February, 1808, when it was, by enact
ment of the Legislature, organized into a separate
and distinct county, honored with the name of
General Henry Knox, a distinguished officer of the
revolutionary army, who was subsequently Secre
tary of War in Gen. "Washington's administration.
The first white man known to have viewed this
section of country was John StiUey, who, when a
captive among the Indians, traversed the White
Woman and Owl Creek from its mouth in a north
westerly direction, as early as June, 1779, nine years

8 HISTOKY 01"
before the name of Ohio had been given to this ter
ritory, and when the savages and wild beasts roamed
at will throughout its vast extent.
The first settlers in this district were from Vir
ginia, Maryland, J^ew Jersey and Pennsylvania,
and its inhabitants, at every period of its history,
have been chiefly from the middle States.
Prom our research into early statements, we are
led to believe that Andrew Craig was the first white
man who located within the present county limits.
He was, at a very early day, a sort of ft'ontier
character, fond of rough and tumble life, a stout
and rugged man — bold and dare-devil in dispo
sition — who took delight in hunting, wrestling
and athletic sports, and was "hail fellow well met"
with the Indians then inhabiting the country. He
was from the bleak, broken, mountainous region of
Virginia, and as hardy a pine knot as ever that
country produced. He was in this country when
Ohio was in its territorial condition, and when this
wilderness region was declared to be in the county
of Fairfield, the sole denizen in this entire district,
whose history is now being written, tabernacled
Avith a woman in a rough log hut close by the little
Indian Pield, about one-half mile east of where
Mount Vernon city now exists, and at- the point
where Centre Eun empties into the Ko-ko-sing.
There Andrew Craig lived when Mount Vernon
was laid out in 1805 — there he was upon the organ
ization of Knox county, its oldest inhabitant — and
there he continued until 1809. Such a harum-
scarum fellow could not rest easy when white men
got thick around him, so he left and went to the In-

KNOX COUNTY. 9
dian village — Greentown — and from thence mi
grated further out upon the frontier, preferring red
men for neighbors.
After many years of solitary residence on the
beautiful Ko-ko-sing, the solitude of Craig's retreat
is broken by the entrance of a lone Jerseyman, who,
in the spriag of 1803, penetrates some ten miles
further into the wilderness, so as not, by too close
proximity, to annoy each other, and there raises a
little log cabin and settles down. This follower of
the trade of Vulcan soon gets in readiness to blow
and strike, and sets about supplying the sons of the
forest with the first axes they had ever seen, and by
making for them tomahawks, scalping knives, etc.,
he acquires the sobriquet of the "axe-maker," which
for more than half a century has attached to
Nathaniel Mitchel Young.
A year passes by before any white accession is
made to society on Owl Creek. Then a stalwart
backwoodsman breaks the silence by the crack of
his rifle, and at the spot where James S. Banning
now lives, near Clinton, the pioneer, William Doug
lass, drives his stake.
The skillful navigator plies his oar, and Eobert
Thompson ascends Owl Creek to where Mount Ver
non now stands, and on the rich bottom land, about
one mile west, commences another improvement.
George Dial, of Hampshire coimty, Virginia, in
another pirogue comes up the creek, and, pleased
with the beautiful country about where Gambier
now flourishes, pitches his tent at the place now
occupied by John Troutman. Old Captain James
Walker, from Pennsylvania, settles on the bank of

10 HISTOKY OF
the creek where Mount Vernon now is. John
SimpMns wanders from Virginia, with his son
Seeley for his capital, and squats about a mile above
Douglass, where George Cassel's beautiful farm now
exists. While these plain men from Virginia, IS'ew
Jersey and Pennsylvania are preparing their cabins
for comfortable occupation, and making little clear
ings, a stray Yankee, solitary and alone, with a
speculative eye and money-making disposition, is,
with pocket compass, taking his bearings through the
forest, soliloquizing about the chance of making a
fortune by laying out a town and selling lots to
those who may come after him into this charming
new country. Having, as he thought, found the
exact spot for his future operations, he blazes a
tree, and wends his way to the nearest town —
Pranklinton — west of the Scioto, then a place of
magnificent pretensions, where he gets chain and
compass and paper, and returns and lays out the
town of Clinton, in section number four, township
seven, range four. United States military district,
with its large "public green," its north street and
south street, its main street, first, second, third and
fourth streets, and one hundred and sixtj^ lots, and,
taking his town plat in his pocket, he walks to lyTew
Lancaster, being the first white person ever known
to have made a journey in that direction ft-om this
infant settlement, and before Abraham Wright,
Justice of the Peace, acknowledges that important
instrument, and on the 8th of December, 1804,
places it upon record. Thus Samuel H. Smith,
subsequently the first sm-veyor of Knox county, for
many years a resident, its leading business man, and

KNOX COUNTY. 11
largest land holder, made his entrance into this
district. Shortly afterwards a large accession was made
to the population of the country by the emigration
from Ten MUe, Washington county, Pa., of John
MiEs, Henry Haines, Ebenezer and Abner Brown,
and Peter Baxter, who settled a short distance
south of Owl Creek, where the Beams, Merrits and
Lafevers have since lived. This settlement, by the
increase of the Leonards, was in 1805 and '6 the
largest and best community in the country, and
upon the organization of the county, and for several
years thereafter, it furnished the leading men.
Ben. Butler, Peter Coyle, and Thomas Bell Pat
terson, in the spring of 1805, augment the Walker
settlement, where Mount Vernon was located
shortly thereafter. William Douglass is joined by
James Loveridge, who emigrates from Morris
county, 'New Jersey, and with his wife takes quar
ters on the 6th of July upon the clapboards in the
garret of his little log cabin, and is mighty glad to
get such a shelter as that to spend the year in.
The next year Loveridge starts off, under pretense
of hunting a cow, and goes to the land office and
enters and pays for the tract of land, Avhere shortly
after he erected a dwelling, and has ever since re
sided. Upon this land there is an uncommon good
spring, which caused him to select it, and he tells
with much glee the circumstances under which he
obtained it. The only Yankee then in the country
claimed to have located it, and proposed to sell it
to him at a higher price than the government rate,
which was then |2 per acre. Concealing his iaten-

12 HISTORY OP
tion fi'om aU but his wife, Loveridge slipped off and
examined into and purchased it himseK from the
government, and when he returned with his patent,
BiU Douglass laughed heartUy at the Jersey Blue
overreaching the cunning Yankee. Amoriah Wat
son, of Wyoming county, Pa., also put up with
Douglass, and thus this settlement was made up of
Douglass, Smith, Watson and Loveridge, in 1805.
The old axe-maker, in the meantime, is foUowed up
by some of his relations and friends, who start what
has ever since been known as the Jersey settlement.
Jacob Young, Abraham Lyon and Simeon Lyon
are the first to settle upon the South Pork of Owl
Creek, and are succeeded by EUphalet Lewis, John
Lewis, and James Bryant. The Indians they found
very numerous, and through the kind feeUngs to
wards the old axe-maker, they were very friendly,
and really quite an advantage in ridding the country
of wolves, bears, and other varmints.
In the winter of 1805-6, that settlement entered
into a written agreement to give nine bushels of
corn for each wolf scalp that might be taken, and
three of the men caught forty-one wolves in steel
traps and pens! The description of these pens, and
one of the stories told of their operation, we give in
the words of an old settler : — " Wolf pens were
about sis feet long, four wide, and three high,
formed like a huge square box, of smaU logs, and
floored with puncheons. The lid, also of puncheons,
was very heavy, and moved by an axle at one end,
made of a small, round stick. The trap was set by
a figure 4, with any kind of meat except that of
wolf's, the animals beiag fonder of any other than

KNOX COUNTY. 13
their own. On gnawing the meat, the Ud fell and
caught the unamiable native. To make sport for
the dogs, the legs of the wolf were puUed through
the crevices between the logs, hamstrung, and then
he was let loose, when the dogs soon caught and
finished him. In Delaware county an old man
went into a wolf trap to fix the spring, when it
sprung upon him, knoclring him flat upon his face,
and securely caught him as though he were a wolf.
Unable to lift up the Ud, and several miles from
any house, he lay aU one day and night, and would
have perished but for a hunter, who passing by
heard his groans, and came to his rescue."
Korth, west and east of these embryo settlements
aU was wilderness for many long miles. A place
bearing the name of ]!^ewark had been laid out by
Gen. W- C. Schenck, but it had not any greater
population than these Uttle scattered settlements
aforementioned. The principal towns of note to
the early settlers were Lancaster, ChilUcothe and
ZanesviUe. !N^either of them were much larger
then than our usual M roads villages now are.
The people were exceedingly neighborly, and per
formed aU manner of " kind chores" for each other,
in going to mUls, laying in goods, dividing what
they had with each other, &c. The nearest miU in
1805, was in Fairfield county. Our old friend
James Loveridge informs us of a trip he made to
that miU, which was seven miles up the Hockhock-
ing river, ft-om Lancaster. It belonged to Loveland
& Smith, and was situated in a little crack between
some rocks, and he went down into the miU from
on top of the roof. He made the trip there and

14 HISTORY OP
back, about 125 miles, and brought home with him
in his wagon about 900 pounds of flour, one barrel
of whisky, and one barrel of salt. How the settle
ment must have rejoiced at the arrival of the great
staples of frontier life, salt, whisky and flour !

KNOX COUNTY. 15

CHAPTEE II.
Continuation op the early outline. — More about the first seitljSAS. —
Quakers from Maryland find their way in 1806. — Incidents con
nected with their emigration, and in the movements of other set
tlers. — Who they were and what became op them. — The privations
ENDURED AND DANGERS ENCOUNTERED. — MOEE TOWNS LAID OUT. — ThE
FIRST MILLS. — ThE SCENE OF AN ENCOUNTER WITH INDIANS. — ^INCONVEN
IENCES OF THE COUNTRY. — EFFORTS FOE A NEW COUNTY. — An EARLY ELEC
TION. — Fairfield divided. — Three new counties created by one
BILL. — Strife for the seat of justice of knox.
The spring of 1806 brought with it a new element
into the wilderness region, in the form of the Friends
— the forerunners of large numbers of that society,
who by their quiet yet industrious ways have con
tributed very much to the prosperity and peaceful
ness of our people. The venerable father Henry
Eoberts may be justly regarded as the head of this
emigration from Maryland. In 1805 he left Fred
erick county, in ihat State, with his family, and
directed his course to the far west, but on reaching
Belmont county, found it necessary to winter his
family there, and sent his wagon and team back to
Maryland with a load of ginseng and snake-root,
and on their return with a load of goods, he started
with his family and plunder, and on the 7th of
April, 1806, he landed at Henry Haines', in the
Ten MUe settlement, and after spending a week
looking for a good location, on the 14th of that

16 HISTOKYOP
month settled down his famUy at the Uttle prairie
five miles above Mount Vernon, of late widely
known as the Armstrong section. The famUy con
sisted of his wife, his sons — WUUam, now living at
Pekin, IlUnois; Isaiah, now residing near PUot
Knob, Missouri ; Eichard Eoberts, of BerUn — and
a daughter Massah, who married Dr. Timothy Burr,
and died at Clinton, March 9th, 1814. Mne acres
of that beautiful prairie were at once broken up and
planted in corn. It was very hard work to break
the virgin soil with a first rate four-horse plow
team, but it paid for that labor by one of the finest
crops of corn ever raised in this country. In the
faU Wm. Y. Farquhar, a cousin of Henry Eoberts,
came with Ms family, and after him came Wm. W.
Farquhar with his family. They aU stopped with
Henry Eoberts, and thus composed the first settle
ment of Friends in this district. From this nucleus
came the numerous society of Quakers in Wayne,
Middlebury and Berlin, in after years. Shortly
after this we find another Quaker, Samuel Wilson,
and John Kerr in what subsequently became
Wayne township, and John Cook and Jacob Cook
just above, in what is now Middlebury township,
and Amoriah Watson goes from Douglass' to the
tract of land above, where Fredericktown was the
next year laid out, and which he subsequently sold
to Jacob Ebersole, a place now easy to be identified
by aU. In the spring of 1806, there were within
the after Umits of Knox county but fifteen persons
who turned out to vote, and but nine Uable to per
form military duty out to muster.
The first grist mill erected in this county was of

KNOXCOUNTY. 17
a decidedly primitive character. It was in the
Ha,ins, or Ten Mile settlement, and constructed
without the sound of the hammer upon iron. It
was the joint work of Ebenezer and Abner Brown,
assisted by the mechanical skill of the whole neigh
borhood, and was built on what was caUed by the
early settlers " Big Eun," though in later times it
is spoken of as the Uttle Lake, through which the
road to Granville has since been laid out. The
water has almost disappeared — having been in its
appearance greatly changed by ditching, and in
some parts obliterated by filUng up the hollow.
The miU stood where Isaac Beam's house now is,
and the dam was where the bridge now stands in
the lane. It was all of wood — a sugar-trough made
its meal-trough — a Uttle box the hopper — the stones
were about two feet through, and hooped with elm
bark for want of iron. It cracked corn pretty well
with a good head on, but the stream was generally
dry, and the mill was only able to run when big
showers of rain came. The building was about ten
feet square, of rough logs — not a nail or a bit of
iron could be had when it was made. The stones
of this ancient of days are certainly a curiosity —
they are yet to be seen, being the property of Moses
Farquhar, of Berlin, who since that day has at
tempted experiments Avith them. Eichard Eoberts
at one time took a grist to this original miU and
liad it ground. He was then about seventeen years
old, and not much acquainted with the milUng
business, but he was greatly impressed with its
mechanism, and ready to exclaim, with our old
friend Hadly, " The works of God are wonderful.

18 HISTORY OP
but the works of man are wonderfaUer!" He
thought that it worked first rate, though Henry
Hains at that time had got a little hand mUl which
he claimed was a great improvement on the Uttle
wooden mill.
Mr. Eoberts recoUects of having at one time
packed a bag of corn ft-om Tom Butler's down on
White-woman home, and from thence to a mUl
near l!^ewark, and back home again, less a heavy
toU. While at the iiiUl he saw Hughes, and from
his own Ups had a true account about the killing
of Indian horse thieves, whom Jack EatUff and
himself had pursued into the Owl Creek country
and kiUed as they came upon them in the bottom
just below where Fredericktown now stands. The
story runs thus : — " One night in AprU, 1800, two
Indians stole their horses from a little inclosure
near their cabins, located in some old Indian fields
on the Licking. In the morning, finding their
horses gone, and tracks about, they were satisfied
of their having been stolen, and started off in pur
suit, accompanied by a man named Bland. They
followed their trail aU day, and camped at night in
the woods, and making an early start in the morn
ing, surprised the Indians in their sleep. They
drew up their rifles to shoot, when one of the
Indians, discovering them, clapping his hands on
his breast, as if to ward off the fatal baU, exclaimed
in piteous tones, ' me bad Indian ! — me no do so
more ! ' Alas ! in vain he plead ; the smoke curled
from the glistening barrels, the report rang in the
morning air, and the poor Indians fell dead."
Hughes and EatUff returned home with the horses

KNOX COUNTY. 19
and plunder taken from the Indians, feeUng as weU
over their little exploit as any men ever did over a
great and glorious action. EUis Hughes, who was
known to very many of our old settlers, died near
Utica, in March, 1845, and was buried ivith miUtary
honors. He was believed to be the last survivor of
the hard fought battle of Point Pleasant. He was
a hardy backwoodsman from Western Virginia.
Our old townsman, Wm. Mefford, informs us that
when he improved his farm on Mile Eun, in Wayne
township, he was clearing off ground on which to
build his house, and he then plowed up the two In
dians killed by Hughes, and also a rusty gun bar
rel, brass guard, and other pieces of a gun, which
had not decayed. This was in 1835; and Jacob
Mitchel now has the old relics.
George Conkie gathered up the bones and buried
them, and the house was buUt on the spot — the old
Peck place on MUe Eun bottom, where Mrs. Acre
now Uves. In early days there was a favorite
camping ground for the Indians about three-fourths
of a mile from where these Indians were kiUed.
Three old settlers have informed us that about 1808
they saw at one time more than one hundred and
fifty warriors camped there. They have several
times seen Old Crane, the Wyandot Chief, the Chief
Armstrong, and Captain Pipe, with bands of In
dians, roving through this country, and we have
gathered some very amusing incidents connected
therewith, which the Umit we have prescribed for
this work compels us to omit in this edition.
The great inconvenience the settlers labored un
der for want of building material caused WilUam

20 HISTORY OP
Douglass, as early as the spring of 1805, to conceive
the design of erecting a mill at the seat now known
as Banning's MiU. He then commenced digging
the race and building the dam. After getting a
saw to running, he set to work building a grist miU;
being a man of enterprise, he could not brook the
thought that the people in that neighborhood should
continue to boil and pound their corn when the^
could not take time to go to the distant miUs.
John Kerr, as wiU be elsewhere noted in this book,
erected a little grist mUl on the SulUvant track, and
laid out the town of Frederick in the first quarter,
seventh township, fourteenth range. United States
military district, which on the 11th of Ifovember,
1807, he acknowledged, in presence of George Cham
bers, before Wm. W. Farquhar. A fall account of
the early settlement and progress of this thriving
village wiU be found under the head of Wayne
township. In our investigation of early matters, we find that
the settlers of this district were solicitous upon three
great points for legislative aid, to wit: the division
of Fairfield, the increase of premium upon woK
scalps, and proper encouragement in killing squir
rels. The General Assembly, in 1807, passed a bUl
to encourage killing of squirrels. It went through
tlie popular branch with a rush, but the vote upon
the final passage of the biU in the Senate, on the
21st of December, stood 8 ayes to 7 nays. The price
for scalping grown wolves was increased, after some
time and much petitioning, and the monster Fair
field was dismembered at last. Happy were those

KNOXCOUNTY. 21
old pioneers, at that period of their existence —
"All then was happy — possessing and possessed —
No craving void left aching in the breast!"
In looking over the old petitions and beholding
the cramped signatures of a number of these hardy
yeomen, whose rough specimen marks of cracked
and blistered hands in frontier service, clearly bear
witness to their whole heart being in the prayers
sent up for these measures, we can well imagine
how they must have chuckled with deUght, as a
Christian over his soul's salvation, at the reaUzation
of their wishes. In those primitive times their at
tention was not diverted from the real Uve issues
affecting the welfare of themselves and their fami
Ues to grand humanitarian schemes for the benefit
of any other race or people. The squirrels eat the
kernels when the corn was in silken tassels, taking
it out of their chUdren's mouths ; the wolves prowled
about their tracks, destroying their pigs and poultry,
and rendered night hideous with their howling, and
frightened and endangered the lives of wives and
children, so they could not leave home to attend to
necessary business at the remote county seat. This
was a remarkable epoch in the history of the pioneers
of this country.
In 1807, at the October election, the section of
country known as Fairfield county cast but 213
votes, all told ; and now there is scarcely a township
in all this country that does not contain more voters.
Then the entire vote cast for Governor in the State,
as officiaUy pubUshed, was 5,616; and now, after
the space of fifty-four years, our own county of Knox

22 HISTOKYOP
poUs over 6,000 votes, and the old county as it then
existed polled at the last election 40,000 !
What a change in the country we have Uved to
witness! How striking the contrast in manners,
customs, education, intelligence, and in poUtical,
religious, and social life! In nothing is the altera
tion more clearly marked than in the dissemination
of information in reference to elections and the sys
tem of electioneering. Then every man ran on his
own hook — his own race — making the best speed
he was capable of — fuUy impressed with the beUef
that the devU would take the hindmost. The race
was won then by personal merit and cleverness.
!N^ow party intervenes; caucuses and juntos dic
tate; conventions and wigwams gather together
political carpenters, joiners and jacks of aU trades,
whose special province it is to make platforms out
of vagrant material for weak-kneed and spavined
candidates to stand on. Then there were no daUy
papers, and weekly ones only existed in great cities
like Boston, 'New York and PhUadelphia. In fact
nine-tenths of the then inhabitants had never seen
a newspaper. The official count of the vote of that
year shows more ftiUy than any language could
convey the state of bUssful ignorance prevaUing
throughout all this noAv politically crazy country.
There were then two candidates running for Gover
nor, to wit : Eeturn Jonathan Meigs and Nathaniel
Massie. The former was voted for under nineteen
different names, and the latter under five different
styles. The various tickets read: For Eeturn J.
Meigs, Eeturn J. Meigs, Jun., Jonathan E. Meigs,
Jr., Jonathan Eeturn Meigs, Jonathan Eeturn

KNOX COUNTY. 23
Meigs, Jr., Eeturn Meggs, Eeturn E. Meags, Jr.,
Jonathan Meggs, Jonathan E. Meggs, J. Meigs, Jr.,
Jonathan Meigs, Jonathan J. Meigs, Judge Meigs,
John Meigs, Mr. Meigs, J. Maggs, Eeturn Israel
Meigs, James Meigs, Johan Meigs, l^athaniel
Massie, ]N"athaniel Massie, Esq., James Massie, Mr.
Massie, Daniel Massie. Meigs received 3,299 ; Mas
sie 2,317 ; and Eeturn J. Meigs was declared elected
Governor by 982 maj ority . Thomas Kirker , Speak
er of the Senate, was then acting Governor.
Meigs had been a colonel in the army, and was
appointed judge of the territory of Louisiana in
July, 1805, and had resided in that country some six
months ; his wife and family, however, had remain
ed, during his absence, at Marietta, in this State.
Massie contested his election; and on the 30th of
December, 1807, the General Assembly, in joint
session, by a vote of 24 to 20, decided that Meigs
was not eUgible. The vote of Fairfield was: For
Meigs, 167; Massie, 46. In 1810, Governor Meigs
was elected by the people, and served as Governor
until 1814. He was a gentleman of education and
talent, and Meigs county, upon the Ohio river, will
perpetuate his name as long as Ohio exists. At the
election of 1807, above alluded to, Elnathan Scofield
was elected Senator, and Philemon Beecher and
Wm. W. Irwin Eepresentatives.
The singularity of name borne by Governor Meigs
is thus accounted for, as narrated to us by George
Browning, Esq., a native of Belpre, and resident
in this place since 1829. Jonathan Meigs, the father
of Eeturn J., was quite celebrated for his bravery
in several Indian campaigns, and when out on one

24 HISTORY OP
of these perUous excursions, during his absence, his
wife was in her confinement, and wrought upon by
great anxiety for her husband, kept continuaUy
crying out in pain : "Eeturn, Jonathan, oh! return,
Jonathan, to me." About the time Eeturn Jona
than was born, Jonathan returned, and she was
quieted down, and at once the name "Eeturn
Jonathan" was given to the new comer.
The great extent of territory comprised within
the limits of Fairfield, and the inconveniences re
sulting to the settlers in the more new portion of the
country from their great distance from the county
seat, caused them to agitate the question of a division
of the county as early as 1806.
At the fifth General Assembly of Ohio, held in
ChiUicothe, December 1st, 1806, a strong effort was
made, audit was "within an ace" of being success
ful. Elnathan Scofield, Senator, and PhUemon
Beecher, Eepresentative, of Fairfield county, were
particularly friendly to this measure. How near it
came to being a success, may be judged of by the
foUowing statement upon the Senate Journal, page
115, January 15th, 1807. A message ft-om the
House of Eepresentatives, by Mr. Beecher, repre
sented that "the House had passed 'an act for the
division of Fairfield county,' in which they desire
the concurrence of the Senate." On the 16th, the
biU was received and read a second time. On the
20th, page 128, Mr. Scofield laid before the Senate
a petition, signed by a number of the inhabitants
of Fairfield county, praying for a division thereof,
and recommending Mount Vernon as the tempor
ary seat of justice in said contemplated division, and

KNOX COUNTY. 25
also recommending certain persons as suitable char
acters for associate judges, and the petition was re
ceived and referred to the committee of the whole,
to whom is committed the biU for a division of
Fairfield county. On the 21st, the said biU was
taken up, and considered and amended, and contin
ued tUl Saturday next.
At the sixth General Assembly, in December,
1807, we find on the 31st several petitions were pre
sented from Fairfield county for a division of said
county, which were referred to Messrs. Scofield,
McArthur and Bigger.
On the 7th of January, Senate Journal, page 69,
Mr. Scofield presented a petition from citizens of
Fairfield county living south of the Eefugee Tract,
whose names are thereunto subscribed, for two coun
ties; the one lying north of Eefugee Tract Une to
be caUed Center, and the other to be called  .
January 15th, the biU pending in the Senate, page
83, several amendments were presented to the com
mittee of the whole, one of which is: "Strike out
in the 1st section and 6th line, after the word
'heathen,' 'from thence west along the south bound
ary of said military tract, and insert,'" etc. From
which it may be inferred that there were heathen
about these parts before these later times.
On the 16th of January the bill passed the Senate,
and on the 30th of January, 1808, it passed the
House and became a law. The second section of
the act created the county of Knox. By this bill
three of the best counties in the State of Ohio were
rnarked out by metes aud bounds, to wit : Licking,
Knox and Eichland. By the 4th section the tem-

26 HISTORY OP
porary seat of justice of Licking was to be at the
house of Levi Hays, and of Knox county at Mount
Vernon. The 7th section provides "that Eichland
county shaU be under the jurisdiction of Knox until
the Legislature may think proper to organize the
same." Hence, the reader will observe that in
these pages we have incorporated several items of
the early history of our younger sister — Eichland
— as well as some incidents of more particular in
terest to those dweUing in Licking. For the same
reason, we have carried the history of Bloomfield,
Chester and FrankUn— three of the townships at
present belonging to Morrow county, though until
1848 part and parcel of old Knox. The same com
missioners who located the seat of justice of Knox
county at Mount Vernon, under the joint resolution
of February 9, 1808, fixed the seats of justice of
Licking and Delaware counties at l^ewark and
Delaware. On the 14th of February, in joint baUot, the Gen
eral Assembly chose the first associate judges of
Knox county, Wm. W. Farquhar, John MiUs and
William Gass.
As we have before stated, in the year 1805 some
of the inhabitants became desirous of having a town
on Owl Creek, and Mount ^^ernon was laid out
accordingly. The proprietors Avere Benjamin But
ler, Thomas B. Patterson, and Joseph Walker.
One of the settlers being from the Potomac, and
thinking of the consecrated spot on its shores, sug
gested that, as the stream was so clear and beautiful,
the place should bear the sacred name — Mount
Vernon — and it was so done.

KNOX COUNTY. 27
Clinton — one mile and a half north — located the
year before, was by its proprietor named after Gov
ernor DeWitt Clinton, of I^Tew York, and he also
showed his regard for his old friend by giving the
name to his son — DeWitt CUnton Smith — who
was a member of the sixth Legislature of Texas, and
now resides in the Lone Star State. And in 1807
Fredericktown was laid out. Thus there were three
towns, having a "local habitation and a name,"
before the county of Knox was created. ISTeither
of them had advanced very far in the scale of city-
dom up to 1808 ; of the number, however, Clinton
was the most promising. It had, at that time, more
houses, shops and workmen, than either of the
others. Gilman Bryant opened a grocery store in Mount
Vernon, on the lot where Buckingham Emporium
now stands. It was a little story and a half syca
more cabin, where he kept powder, shot, lead, whis
ky, etc., for sale to the Indians and the few whites
in 1807. Samuel H. Smith had a pretty good stock
of goods and traps at CUnton. Of each of these
towns we shaU speak more fully under their appro
priate heads.
Upon the organization of the county, the inhab
itants were greatly pleased. Those who had been
compeUed to travel to ¥ew Lancaster to transact
county business, were particularly gratified. The
proprietors of toAvn sites and holders of lots therein,
were superlatively elated.
On the 9th day of February, 1808, James Arm
strong, James Dunlap and Isaac Cook were ap
pointed Commissioners to locate the seat of justice.

28 HISTORYOP
In pursuance thereof, they proceeded to discharge
the duties imposed upon them, and on the 28th day
of March, they appeared before John MiUs, Justice
of the Peace, and were severaUy sworn to discharge
the duties assigned them as Commissioners as
aforesaid. CUnton and Mount Vernon were the principal
competitors for the seat of justice. The former
place at that time was the larger. It had more
goods, more mechanics, more enterprises on foot,
more houses, more people, and more hope for the
future. It had more of Is^ew England families,
more of Yankee spirit and shrewdness ; and yet,
with all their cunning and craftiness — aU their
money and management — aU their efforts and in
ducements — Clinton lost the selection. Its generals
were out-generaled — its managers out-manceuvered
— its wits outwitted — its Yankees out-Yankeed by
the less showy and pretending men from the Poto
mac and the Youghiogheny, who had settled at
Mount Vernon. The choice of either one for the
county seat involved the ultimate ruin of the other.
Clinton made a bold effort to keep up against ad
verse winds. It could not sustain an appeal from
the decision of the Commissioners, but stiU it kept
on for several years in its improvements, and until
after the war it was ahead of Mount Vernon in
many respects. It had the first and only newspaper
in the county for two years ; it had the first and
only church in the county for many years ; it had
stores, tanyards, shops of various kinds, and greater
variety of business than Mount Vernon ; but after
the war was over it began to decay, and its rival

KNOX COUNTY, 29
took the lead. The accredited account of the loca
tion of the county seat is as foUows : — The Com
missioners first entered Mount Vernon, and were
received with the best cheer at the log tavern of
Mr. Butler. To impress them with an idea of the
pubUc spirit of the place, the people were very busy
at the moment of their entrance and during their
stay, at work, aU with their coats off, grubbing the
streets. As they left for Clinton, aU quitted their
labor, not " of love ;" and some rowdies, who dwelt
in cabins scattered round about in the woods, away
from the town, left " the crowd," and stealing ahead
of the Commissioners, arrived at Clinton first. On
the arrival of the others at that place, these feUows
pretended to be in a state not comformable to tem
perance principles, ran against the Commissioners,
and by their rude and boisterous conduct so dis
gusted the worthy officials as to the apparent morals
of the inhabitants of Clinton, that they returned
and made known their determination that Mount
Vernon should be the favored spot. That night
there were great rejoicings in town. Bonfires were
kindled, stews made and drank, and Uve trees spUt
with gunpowder.
Such is a plausible account of this matter, which
we have often heard related by our old friend Gil
man Bryant, who took great pride in rehearsing a
fable calculated to give Mount Vernon the manifest
advantage in the estimation of moral and temper
ance men in these later times. But some of those
who lived in the county at that early day give an
entirely different version to the subject, and even
have gone so far as to aver that the Commissioners

30 HISTORY OF
themselves delighted, as did the rest of mankind, in
taking a " wee drap of the cratur," and could not
have been " disgusted by rude and boisterous con
duct" to which they were accustomed.
And again it is suggested that " the crowd" at
that day was not so great in this locality that men
who had sense and observation sufficient to be se
lected for Commissioners, would not have been
able to observe and distinguish " the rowdies," and
class them where they belonged.
Another old settler, whose partiaUty at that day
was for Clinton, avers that the proprietor of CUn
ton, Mr. Smith, had been very illiberal in his deal
ings with those who wished to purchase lots in his
town. He had adopted a plan of withholding from
market the best lots on the plat, and keeping the
corner lots to be enhanced in value by the improve
ments made by settlers upon inside lots. At this
course many of them became dissatisfied, and some
of the number who had bought of him coUogued
with the Mount Vernonites against CUnton. We
have been told by another old citizen, that two of
the men living north of Mount Vernon, and con
sidered as in the Clinton interest, proposed to
Kratzer and Patterson to help secure the location
of the county seat at Mount Vernon, in considera
tion of their receiving two lots apiece in the town,
and that their favor and influence went accord
ingly. And yet another account of this mooted question
as to how the preference came to be Mount Vernon,
comes to us in this wise : —
One of the Commissioners was security for Sam-

KNOX COUNTY. 31
uel Kratzer, and had become involved on that
account. Kratzer had moved to this place from
Lancaster, where he had been acting as land tax
coUector of Fairfield county, in 1805, and reported
himself to have been robbed of the public money
whUe upon the road going to make his return. He
was a fine looking, large, fleshy man, and wore
tight buckskin breeches. They had holes in them
which he alleged to have been shot in the encounter,
though they bore the appearance of having been
cut ; his saddle-bags were also exhibited with horrid
gashes in them, and making profert of these he
petitioned the Legislature for relief, and at the ses
sion of 1806, the bUl for his relief was lost by a
vote of 10 yeas to 17 nays. — H. J., p. 114.
Certain it is, Kratzer lost caste, and broken up
and humiUated, he came to the new town site and
bought out Patterson's interest in the town of
Mount Vernon, and it is represented that one of
the Commissioners was counted on by the settlers
as certain for said place. He got another of the
Board with him, and Mount Vernon came off vic
tor. Subsequently — and as resulting from this
judgment — Kratzer, enabled by the rise of property
to pay off his debt, did the fair and just thing by
the Commissioner.
Mount Vernon at that time was a rough, ragged,
hiUy spot, with a thick growth of hazel and other
bushes, not near so inviting a place as Clinton,
where everything appeared enticing to the stranger.
Gilman Bryant says that : " The ground north of
Butler's Tavern was then almost whoUy in woods.
Some timber had been chopped down in places.

32 HISTORY OP
Main Street was fuU of stumps, log heaps and trees,
and the road up the street was a poor crooked path
winding round amongst the stumps and logs."
Eichard Eoberts says that it was very rough and
broken where Mount Vernon was located, and was
the last spot on God's earth a man would have
picked to make a county seat.
Another gentleman residing north of Mount
Vernon, and very partial to Fredericktown, thinks
that by a Uttle management that place might have
been made the permanent seat of justice, when the
strife was so great between the other towns. They
might have got a strip thrown off of Delaware
county, which might have been attached, and then
Frederick would have been aUke central ; but Kerr
and his comrades had not iheu- eyes open to the
importance of getting that five mUe range Vidth
Knox, and they were left out of doors when the
location was made permanent.
We have thus minutely given all the statements
made to us in regard to the selection of a permanent
seat of justice, for it will be a matter of far greater
interest to future generations than to the present.
Our seventh chapter we devote to Ben. Butler's
version, which will be read with great interest, as
he is the only one of the proprietors of the town
now Uving, and was a prominent actor in that affair.
With that we leave tins elaborately discussed sub
ject.

KNOX COUNTY. 33

CHAPTEE ni,
KNOX COUNTY ORGANIZED.
The first term of common pleas. — ^Report of commissioners on seat oj
justice. — The first criminal trials. — "The enforcement op the
laws" upon hedrick's barb back. — Forty stripes laid on a poor
WHITE man's naked SKIN I  ThE PUBLIC WHIPPING ON THE PUBLIC SQUARE
op mount VERNON. — AcTION OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, A. D. 1808. —
The first officers, and some account of them. — The first grand
JURIES AND FIRST PETIT JURIES.  ThE FIRST ELECTION.  FiRST LICENSED
PREACHERS, MERCHANTS AND TAVERN KEEPERS. — EXTRAORDINARY WOLF
SESSION. — EiGID honesty and economy op OFFICERS.
On the first of May, 1808, the faces of old and
young, great and smaU, of the male and female, upon
Owl Creek's " stormy banks," were anxiously turned
to the south to catch the first gUmpse of that august
personage, "the Court," then expected to make a
first visitation to Mount Vernon. Ben. Butler and
Aunt Leah had their house all "in apple-pie order"
for their grand reception ; Jim Craig, at his house
on the corner of Mulberry and Gambier, had laid in
a fresh supply of whisky and other refreshments ;
GUman Bryant had got a bran new horn for his
customers, and had rubbed his little store up until
the stock looked as bright as a dollar ; and Sheriff
Brown had caused the little wagon maker shop of
Coyle & Sons to be swept out and supplied with

34 HISTORYOP
smooth round logs for the jurymen and others in
attendance to sit on. Every man and boy that had
been fortunate enough to kiU his deer had buckskin
leggins and a new hunting shirt, and every woman
that had a wheel had spun and dyed and made her
self and Uttle ones a good homespun garment.
Some few who could stand the expense had bought
of store caUco three to five yards, at seventy-five
cents a yard, and fitted themselves with a two or
three breadth dress, the thu-d breadth made into
gores, so as to be wider at the bottom, as their abil
ity enabled ; for in those days there were no fash
ionable women to parade the streets with fifteen to
eighteen yards in a dress, and no disposition for
extravagant displays of wearing apparel. The
Court traveled on horse-back — handed the saddle
bags to "Knuck Harris," and, after rest and refresh
ment, bright and early on the morning of the 2d of
May "opened" and proceeded to business. The
whole population — men, women and children —
were out in their best rig, to witness this great event ;
and we give the following faithful transcript of the
entire proceedings :
FIRST COURT OF COMMON PLEAS IN KNOX COUNTY.
" The State of Ohio, to wit :
" Agreeable to an act of the GeneraJ Assembly of the State of
Ohio, passed on the 17th day of February, 1808, for establishing
and organizing the county of Knox :
" Be it, therefore, remembered and known, that we, William
Wilson, President, John Mills and Wm. Gass, Associate Judges
for said county of Knox, did on this day, to wit: Monday, the
second day of May, in the year of our Lord 1808, meet at Mount
Vernon, the temporary seat of justice for the county aforesaid, and

KNOX COUNTY. 35
proceeded to the appointment of a clerk for the said county, where
upon it was declared by the Court that Chas. Loffland was duly
elected 'pro tempore, who came into Court and was duly qualified as
the law directs.
" Samuel H. Smith, Esq., was duly elected surveyor of Knox
Co. " Present : William W. Farquhar, gentleman."
" The State of Ohio vs. Wm. IZetZnoi— Felony.— William Wal
lace, William Bowen and Joseph Cherry Holmes entered into recog
nizance of $100 each to appear at the next Court of Common Pleas
and testify against William Hedrick.
" James Armstrong, James Dunlap and Isaac Cook, gentlemen,
who was appointed by the Legislature on the 9th of February last
for fixing the county seat in the county of Knox, made their report
to the Court of Common Pleas for the county aforesaid that Mount
Vernon should be the seat of justice for said county.
"WILLIAM WILSON."
Such is the beginning of the minutes of the first
Court. The "Eeport" reads as foUows:
" To ihe Hon. William Wilson, Esq., President, and John Mills,
William Gass and Wm. W. Forher, Esqs., Associate Judges of
the Court of Common Pleas in and far the County of Knox, in
the State of Ohio :
" May it please your Honors, In conformity to an act of the Leg
islature of the State of Ohio, passed the 28th of March, 1803, en
titled an act establishing seats of justice, we, the subscribers, were
appointed by a Eesolution of both Houses of the Legislature, passed
on the 9th of February, 1808, commissioners for fixing the Parma-
nent seat of justice in and for s'd county of Knox. We do hereby
make report to your Honors, that, Having Met and attended to the
duties of our s'd appointment in s'd county on the 28th of the
present Inst., and Having paid due Kegard to the centre, Extent of
population, Quality of soil, as well as the General convenience, we
Hereby declare that the Town of Mount Vernon is the most suitable
place for the Courts of s'd county to be held at, and we do hereby
declare the said Town of Mount Vernon the parmanent seat of Jus-

36 HISTORY OP
tice in and for s'd county of Knox. Given under our hands and
seals this 29th day of March, 1808.
"JAMES ARMSTRONG, [seal.]
"JAMES DUNLAP, [seal.]
"ISAAC COOK, [seal.]
" Commissioners.
" The frst Grand Jury Impanneled. — Matthew Merrit, foreman,
John Herrod, Samuel H. Smith, James Walker, Jr., David Miller,
Joseph Walker, Gilman Bryant, James Walker, Sen., William
Douglass, Ziba Leonard, Stephen Chapman, Benj. Butler, Jonathan
Hunt, Ichabod Nye.
" Fighting cases first disposed of. — State of Ohio vs. John Wil
liamson. — For fighting yesterday with William Herrod. The Court
do assess him in a breach of the peace, &c., in the sum of #1.60
and costs. State of Ohio vs. William Herrod. For fighting John
Williamson yesterday. Fine $1.60 and costs.
" Preachers next in order. — William Thrift, a Baptist minister, is
authorized to solemnize marriages.
" Traders Licensed. — Samuel Kratzer and Stephen Chapman are
authorized to retail goods, wares and merchandize in Mount Ver
non, on paying into the treasury $5.
" Tavern-keepers Licensed. — Samuel Kratzer is licensed to keep
a house of entertainment in the town of Mount Vernon for one
year, on paying $6. Daniel Ayres is licensed to keep in Freder
icktown, on paying $5.
" First Will admitted to Prohate. — The last will and testament
of William Leonard was proven.
" The First Trial l^y Jury. — State of Ohio YS. WiUiam Hedrick.
— Indicted for stealing a watch from William Bowen. Plea  ^Not
guilty. " Jury. — James Loveridge, Henry Smith, Aaron Brown, James
Smith, Benjamin Brown, John Beam, William Nash, Daniel
Demick, Michael Brown, Peter Baxter, Archibald Gardner, and
Levi Herrod. Verdict — Guilty.
" Judgment.— Fine $5, pay the owner, William Bowen, $15, and
he whipped on his naked hack ten stripes, imprisoned one month,
pay the cost, and stand committed until the sentence is complied
with. " Second Trial— State of Ohio vs. William Hedrick.— InScLZi-
ment for stealing bay mare, property of William Wallace.

KNOX COUNTY. 37
"Jury. — John Baxter, William Herrod, William Biggs, Daniel
Ayres, Nicholas Kyle, John Shinabery, James Craig, James Smith,
Thomas Merrill, Dorman Lofland, James Pell, and Thompson
Mills. " Judgment. — Prisoner be whipped 20 lashes on his naked back,
and pay a fine of $20, and be imprisoned one month, and pay the
owner $70, the value of the mare, pay the cost, and stand com
mitted, &c.
" Third Trial. — State of Ohio vs. William Hedrick. — Indict
ment for stealing one pair over-alls, the property of Joseph Cherry
Holmes. " Jury. — James Loveridge, Henry Smith, Aaron Brown, James
Smith, Benjamin Brown, John Beam, William Nash, Daniel
Demick, Michael Brown, Peter Baxter, Archibald Gardner, and
Levi Herrod.
" Judgment. — Prisoner be whipped on his naked back five
stripes, pay a fine of $2, be imprisoned one month, pay the owner
85, double the value of the over-alls, pay cost, and stand com
mitted, &c.,
"Fourth Trial. — State of Ohio vs. William Hedrick. — Indict
ment for stealing one bell and collar, property of William Wallace.
" Jury. — Parts of the former.
" Judgment. — Prisoner to be whipped five stripes on his naked
back, pay a fine of $1, pay the owner $1.50, the value of the bell
and collar, pay the costs, and stand committed, &c."
The State pays its first fee. — On motion, a certifi
cate was issued by the Commissioners in favor of
Samuel Kratzer, Esq., for his services, for $6, in
acting on the part of the State against WiUiam
Hedrick, who was found guilty of felony.
The sentence of the Court — wJien, where, hy whom
and hotv executed. — The judgment of castigation
was executed upon the public square of Mount
Vernon, shortly after the adjournment of Court, in
the presence of all the people. Silas Brown was
the Sheriff, and it feU to his lot as such to serve the

38 HISTORY OP
" legal process" upon the body of WilUam Hedrick.
There was a smaU leaning hickory tree upon the
east side of the pubUc square, between the present
I^orton buUding and High street, and a Uttle south
of where the jaU was afterwards buUt, and this tree
bent in such way that a man could walk around
under it. To this delectable spot the culprit was
taken, and his hands were stretched up over his
head and tied to the tree, and the stripes were ap
pUed by said Sheriff to his naked back. He was
struck forty times with a heavy raw-hide whip.
A spectator pleads for mercy. — The first few blows
with the raw-hide were across the kidney. Mr.
Bryant, one of the bystanders, at once caUed out to
the Sheriff to whip him elsewhere — that was no
place to whip a man — he should sti-ike higher up ;
and the rest of the lashes were appUed across the
shoulders. How HedricTc acted. — The criminal sobbed and
cried piteously, and when released went off weep
ing and groaning. In many places the skin was
cut and broken, and the blood oozed out, making
a pitiable spectacle. And yet such was the feeUng
against him that few seemed to sympathize with
the scourged. As he started off he said to the
spectators, " You should not blame me for this, for
it is not my fault." Bob Walker repUed, " Jfo, by
G — d, you wouldn't have stood up and been whipped
that way, if you could have helped it." And at
this prompt retort to Hedrick's explanation or
apology, the crowd laughed loudly and uproariously.
Erom Gilman Bryant, Samuel H. Smith, Ben.
Butler, Jonathan Hunt and Stephen Chapman of

KNOX COUNTY. 39
the Grand Jury, and James Loveridge and the
Herrods of the Petit Jury, and Eichard Eoberts,
all of whom are yet U^dng, and who witnessed this
scene, we have gathered this account of the first
and last judicial punishment by whipping in the
county of Knox. And scarcely any of the present
citizens are aware that such punishment of crimi
nals was ever the law of the land in which they
have the good fortune to live.
THE FIRST ELECTION AT MOUNT VERNON.
On the 4th day of April, 1808, the entire people of
the county voted at Mount Vernon. The otficers of
election were Ebenezer Brown, Jabez Beers and
Samuel Kratzer, Judges ; Wm. Gass and Eobert
Anderson, Clerks. They were here from the most re
mote points, as well as from the vicinity of Mount
Vernon. The election of the first officers in a new
county brings out every body. They elected them
by the following votes : John Lewis, for Commis
sioner, received 56 votes, John Herrod 52, and
Joseph Walker 48. Silas Brown was elected Sheriff.
Jonathan Craig, for Coroner, had 45, and Erancis
Hardesty 1 vote. Then for Trustees — for be it
remembered, the whole county composed the dis
trict — George Downs had 41, Henry Eoberts 36,
and Joseph Coleman 36. The vote for Overseers
of the Poor was, Moses Craig 22, James Walker 2,
Alexander Walker 12. The candidates for Super
visor were Sam. Kratzer, who received 35, and
Peter Baxter 36. Eor Eence Viewers, George Zin,
Michael Click and Jesse Severe were candidates.

40 HISTORY OP
Eor "House praisers," Archibald Gardner and
James Craig each got 12 votes. Eor Constables,
Gabriel WUkins received 30, PhUip Walker 21,
Jonathan Hunt, Jr., 15, Dave MiUer 3. Eor
Treasurer, Ben. Butler had 12 votes, and James
Walker, Jr., 2. Kone of these parties are now Uv
ing but Ben. Butler and Jonathan Hunt, who
many long years ago dropped the junior and be
came a senior, and is now one of the oldest of men.
DIVISION OF THE COUNTY INTO FOUR TOWNSHIPS, AND WHAT
THET WERE.
The following entry we find on a piece of paper
in James Smith's hand :
"Knox County:
" Know ye, that on the 2d day of May, 1808, at a meeting of a
Board of Commissioners for said county, to wit : Joseph Walker,
John Harrod and John Lewis, Commissioners in and for said county,
" Ordered, that the following bounds be laid off into a separate
township, to wit: beginning at the west boundary line of said
county, between the 6th and 7th township line, and running east
to the west of the thirteenth range line, thence north to the center
of the 7th township line, thence on the east to the east line of the
13th range, thence north to the county line, which shall be called
and known by the name of Wayne township.
"Ordered, that the following bounds be laid off into a separate
township : beginmng at the north-east corner of Wayne township,
thence east to the west side of the 11th range, thence south to the
center of the 6th township, thence west to the west line of the 12th
range, thence south to the south line of the Gth township, thence
west on the said line of the side line, which shall be called and
known by the name of Clinton township.
"Beginning at the center of the 11th range line where it inter
sects Licking county line, thence north to the center of the 6th
township line, thence west to the west line of the 12th range,
thence south to the line between the 5th and Gth townships, thence

KNOX COUNTY. 41
west to the west line of the county, thence with the county line to
Licking county to the place of beginning, which shall be known
aud called by the name of Morgan township.
"Ordered, that the following bounds be laid off into a separate
township, laid off as follows : beginning at the north-east corner of
Clinton township, thence eastward to the Muskingum county line,
thence with the line of said county to the Licking county line,
thence west to the middle of the 11th range, thence north to the
center of the Gth township, thence west to the west side of the 12th
range, thence north to the place of beginning, which shall be called
and known by the name of Union township."
Those who are curious to know what these town
ships comprised, wiU find that Wayne at that time
embraced aU of the present townships of FrankUn
and Chester, in Morrow county, Middlebury, and
BerUn, Wayne, and the north half of Morris.
CUnton included Bloomfield, now in Morrow
county. Liberty, north half of Pleasant, Monroe
and Pike, and the south half of Morris.
Union took in Brown, Jefferson, Union, How
ard, Butler, Jackson, three-fourths of Harrison, and
the east half of Clay.
Morgan consisted of the west half of Clay, south
west quarter of Harrison, south half of Pleasant,
and aU of Morgan, MiUer, Milford and HUUar.
THE SECOND, OR FALL TERM KNOX COMMON PLEAS
Was held on Monday, the 5th day of September,
1808. What was then transacted we wUl briefly
state. A Grand Jury was caUed and sworn for the body
of this county, to wit : Jabez Beers, foreman, Ziba
Leonard, John Johnson, James Walker, Jacob

42 HISTORY OP
Young, Benjamin Butler, Wm. IsTash, John Butler,
David MiUer, John Merritt, Wm. Douglass, Jas.
Walker, Jr., James Craig, who after being sworn,
retired out of Court, and after some time returned
with the foUowing presentments, to wit :

" The State of Ohio vs. Samuel H. Smith. — On a presentment
for selling goods without license. A true bill, to which the defend
ant plead guilty. Court on consideration of the offense doth find
the defendant in the sum of $2.50, and costs of the prosecution.
"Ordered, that the Grand Jury be adjourned till to-morrow
morning, nine o'clock, who met according to adjournment.
"The State of Ohio vs. Michael Brown. — On an indictment.
True bill.
" The State of Ohio vs. Aaron Brown. — On an indictment. True
bill. " The State of Ohio vs. James Click. — On an indictment. True
bill. "The State of Ohio vs. Sarah Hartley. — On an indictment.
True bill.
" Samuel Kratzer vs. Robert Walker. — In trespass. Dismissed
at plaintiff's cost.
"Ordered, that Edward Herrick be appointed a prosecuting at
torney for this county.
" James Scott, who is a regular Minister of the Presbyterian
Church, is licensed to solemnize marriages.
"John Armstrong ys. Jolm Kerr. — In trespass. James Bryant
came into Court and undertook for the defendant, that in case he
should be cast in this suit, that he, would pay and satisfy the con
demnation of the Court, or render his body to the prison in lieu
thereof. " John Wood is licensed to keep a tavern, on payment of S4.00.
" ' On the motion of Samuel H. Smith, it is ordered that license
be issued to him to sell and retail goods, wares, and merchandize
of foreign growths and manufactories, at his store in the town of
Clinton, for one year,' on payment of $10.00.
" Samuel H. Smith is licensed to keep tavern at Clinton, on
payment of $5.00.

KNOX COUNTY. 43
"Jacob Young vs. Abraham Lyon. — Plaintiff's attorney ordered
to amend writ by adding the words, ' on the case.'
" On motion, Court adjourned till to-morrow at 9 o'clock.
"Tuesday, September Gth, 1808.
"James Oraig vs. Archibald Gardner. — On an appeal from a
judgment rendered by Samuel Ki-atzer, Esq. This came ye
defendant by his attorney, and pleads non-assumpsit, joinder and
issue. Whereon came a jury, to wit: Daniel Johnson, Ichabod
Nye, Wm. Casper, Stephen D. Menton, John Click, Thomas Bow
en, Moses Craig, Wm. Bowen, Robert Anderson, Jesse Proctor,
Gilman Bryant, Alexander Walker, who upon their oaths say that
they find for the plaintiff, and assess the damages to $25.26^ cents
damages. "Joseph Butler vs. Elizabeth Vandever. — On an appeal from
Abraham Darling. Judgment awarded for the defendant's cost.
"The State of Ohio vs. Michael Brown. — Samuel Kratzer, Sam
uel Baxter and Polly Miller entered into $100 recognizance to
appear and testify on the part of the State.
" State of Ohio vs. Aaron Brovm. — James Walker, Jr., Benjamin
Butler and Wm. McBride entered into recognizance of $100 to ap
pear and give evidence on the part of the State.
"Jacob Young vs. Abraham Lyon. — Samuel H. Smith came into
Court and undertook for the defendant, that in case he should be
cast in this cause, that he would pay and satisfy the condemnation
of the Court, or render his body to prison in lieu thereof.
" Thomas B. Patterson, for the use of Moses Bixby, vs. Samuel
Kratzer. — In debt. The defendant came into Court and acknowl
edged the services of the writ; declaration filed and continued.
" The Court proceed to the appointment of a GXerik. pro pem pro,
when James Smith was elected.
"Ordered, that Edward Herrick be allowed $25 as prosecuting
attorney for this term.
" Court adjourned till the Court in course. " WILLIAM WILSON.
"John Armstrong vs. John Kerr. — The declaration being filed
this the Sth day of Nov., 1808, the defendant is ordered to plead
to the same within twenty days ; otherwise judgment.
"EDWARD HERRICK,
"Att'y for Plaintiff."

44 HISTORY OP

THE FIRST SPECIAL TERM OF COURT.
At the request of Michael Brovm, John CUck
and Aaron Brown, a Court of Common Pleas of
the Associate Judges was opened at Mount Vernon
the 5th of December, 1808. Present, Wm. W.
Earquhar, John MiUs, and Wm. Gass, Esqrs.
" The State of Ohio vs. M. Brown. — On an indictment found by
the Grand Jury, a true bill, thus appeared the prisoner, and pleads
not guilty ; the Court then proceed to the evidence of John Wil
liamson, Samuel Kratzer, Samuel Baxter, Polly Miller and Stephen
Chapman, on the part of the State, and Thompson Mills and
Michael Mills on the part of the prisoner. The Court, upon a full
investigation, do order that he do give bail of two persons, which
shall be bound in two hundred dollars each, for his personal ap
pearance at the next term, then and there to abide the order of
Court; otherwise to be remanded to jail.
" The State of Ohio vs. A. Brown. — On an indictment for a breach
of the peace. The Court order him to enter baU in one surety of
fifty dollars.
"The State of Ohio vs. John Click. — On an indictment for a
breach of the peace. The Court order him to give bail in $50.
" William Fuller became surety for Aaron Brown, and Gilman
Bryant for John Click.
"Ordered, that the Court do adjourn.
"JOHN MILLS."

THE FIRST ELECTION BY TOWNSHIPS— SPECIMEN OF A POLL
BOOK— REFLECTIONS.
At the October election the first regular vote was
taken for State and county officers, the terms of
those elected in AprU having been, in Clerk Lof-
land's phrase, only "pro pempore." The foUowing
poU-book of one of the most populous townships
shows who were voted for :

KNOX COUNTY.

45

' Poll-hook of an Election held in the Township of Wayne, in ihe
County of Knox, and State of Ohio, the 11th day of October,
1808, at the house of Daniel and Abner Ayres, in the tenon of
Frederic. John Kerr, Chairman, Nathaniel M. Young, John
Cook, Henry Roberts, Judges, and Jacob Young and Wm. W.
Farquhar, Clerks of the Election, were duly sworn as the law
directs, previous to their entering on the duties of their respective
offices. Certified by me, Wm. W. FARQUHAR, A. J.

1
2 3

Casper Fitting,
Joseph Talmage,
Amariah Watson,

1314 15

45

Abraham Lyon,
Joshua Vennom,

16 17

G

Samuel Wilson,

18

7

Charles McGowen,

19

89

Joshua Milligan,
Ruben Skinner,

2021

10

Jacob Cook,

22

1112

Henry Roberts,
John Kerr,

23

Henry Markley,
Nathaniel M. Young,
John Walker,
William W. Farquhar,
Jacob Young,
John Cook,
Richard Hall,
Thomas Durbin,
Samuel Durbin,
Jeduthan Dodd,
Thomas Townsend.

" Samuel Huntingdon had at the above election, for Governor, a
majority of 23 votes (all cast;) Jeremiah Morrow, for Congress,
received 21, and Philemon Beecher 2.
" Wm. Trimble and Jacob Burton had a majority of 21 votes
each for the Senate.
" Hezekiah Smith had 2 votes for Senator, and Elnathan Sco
field 2.
" Alexander Holden, for Representative, had 20 votes, and
Jeremiah R. Munson 2.
" For Commissioners — ^Wm. Douglass had 21, Calvin Shepherd 2,
Henry Markley 23, Matthew Merritt 21.
" For Coroner — John Merritt had 21.
" For Sheriff— Silas Brown 13, Ichabod Nye 9.
" John Harrod had 2 votes for commissioner, and Joseph Walk
er 2.
.. Attest : Wm. W. FARQUHAR,
"JACOB YOUNG,
Clerks."

46 HISTORY OP
Eifty-four years have not yet passed by, and yet
earth has closed upon aU the above list of voters
and voted for: and at this day there are but seven
of the above numbered who have any "kith and
kin" within our county limits. Of 126 voters at an
election in the entire county, in 1808, but seven are
now Uving — the mementos of the past — the con
necting link of the living and the dead; soon, alas!
the last one of the pioneers wUl have departed from
among us . Is it not, then, of the utmost importance
to gather from the Ups of the few who stand, as we
write, at the very threshhold of death, their recoUec-
tions, and to treasure up, for ftiture generations, an
account of their perils and sufferings, and the inci
dents connected with the first settlement of this
great and glorious land 1
DOINGS OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS— THEY ARE DEATH ON
WOLVES, AND "DOWN ON" ROADS, BUT DETERMINED TO DO
THE FAIR THING FOR THE TAX-PAYER.
" A Board of Commissioners for the county of Knox was seated
at Mount Vernon, on Monday, the 24th day of October, 1808.
" Present : Gentlemen Henry Markley, Matthew Merritt and
William Douglass, Commissioners, who, at their first meeting, pro
ceeded to the appointment of a Clerk, and James  was duly
elected Clerk, and qualified accordingly; then, according to law,
proceeded to cast lots relative to their ceasing to continue in the
office, and it is by them declared that Henry Markley continue in
said office three years, Matthew Merritt two years, and William
Douglass one year. Ordered, that this Board do adjourn until next
Friday." Thus simply and concisely is given the proceed
ings of the first meeting of the Commissioners of
Knox county of which we have any record. On

KNOX COUNTY. 47
Eriday, the 28th of October, the foUowing business
was fransacted :
" Ordered, that the Clerk issue an order on the County Treasurer
of this county for the sum of one dollar and fifty cents for killing
one wolf, proven before Wm. Y. Farquhar, Esq., in favor of James
Durbin. " Ordered, that an order issue in favor of James Smith for
the sum of two dollars, for carrying returns of the annual election
to the town of Newark.
"P- S. — The above meeting was intended for the purpose of
examining and regulating the papers and books relative to the
Commissioners. " Ordered, that this Board do adjourn until the first Monday in
December next, unless occasion Require a sooner meeting of this
Board." "Occasion" did "Eequire" a "sooner meeting,"
for we find that wolves had been kiUed, and it was
a "case of emergency," justifying an extraordinary
meeting of the Board of Commissioners at Mount
Vernon, on the very next day, and we give the
journal entry in its own words :
" Ordered, that an order do Issue to the County Treasurer of
this county, in favor of Jesse Morgan, for the sum of three dollars,
for killing two Grown Wolves.
" Ordered, that an order do Issue to the Treasurer of this County,
in favor of Jonathan Morgan,* for the sum of three dollars, for
killing two Grown Wolves.
" Ordered, that this Board do adjourn until the next meeting in
course." At the December term, 1808, the Board was in
session two days. On the 5th an order was granted
* QtTEET. — Was not Morgan township named after the distinguished
wolf-killer, to whom we find many orders to have been issued for killing
wolves ? May not a spirit of regard for such puhlic benefactors have caused
the old settlers to perpetuate the name of Morgan ?

48 HISTORYOP
PhUip Walker, constable, of seventy-five cents for
one day's attendance on the Grand Jury at the May
term; to WiUiam W. Earquhar, Esq., ^4.50 for one
day's attendance on a call court, on an indictment
of the Grand Jury, on the case of M. Brovm; to
John MiUs |3 for the same; to WiUiam Gass $3
for the same; and the foUowing wolf orders: To
John Simpkins |1.50 for kiUing one grown wolf,
proven before Samuel Kratzer, J. P. ; to John But
ler $3 for kilUng two grown wolves, proven before
Abraham DarUng, J. P. On the 6th day of
December :
" Ordered, that the Treasurer of this County do pay the following
sums to the following persons : To James Dunlap $22 for fixing
the county seat of this county ; to Isaac Kook $22 for the same ;
to James Armstrong $22 for the same.
" Ordered, that 10 cents be erast off the Collector's Duplicate,
for an error made by the lister, who personally appeared and con
fessed the same, in favor of Samuel Lewis.
" Ordered, that the Treasurer of this County do pay to James
Smith, Clerk, $6.67 for his services in elections until the said term,
likewise 75 cents for Blank Books.
" A petition was handed the Board, praying a view of a Road
from the town of Clinton Running to intersect the County Line, near
the south-west corner of the County; which review they declare
Inexpedient and Rejected.
" A petition was handed the Board, praying a view of a Road
from the town of Clinton through the Settlement of Skenk's Creek
to the Eastern Line of Knox County, and it is declared by the Board
that the said petition is rejected.
" A petition was handed the Board, praying a view of a Eoad
from Mulberry street, in the town of Mount Vernon, to Wm. Doug
lass' mill, and they declared the same Inexpedient.
" Ordered, that the Treasurer of this County do pay Archibald
Gardner the sum of $1 .50 for killing one Grown Wolf, proven before
Samuel Kratzer, Esq.

KNOX COUNTY. 49
" Ordered, that the Treasurer of this County do pay to Henry
Markley the sum of $15 for to defray expenses and charges relative
to procuring a Duplicate from Fairfield county to enable the collec
tor to collect and pay the taxes on Resident Lands in this county.
" Ordered, that the Treasurer do pay to Silas Brown<$ 13.33 for
his services eight months in criminal cases; for do. in elections, $4;
the above allowances for the year 1808 ; 3 hasps and 1 lock, $2.50 ;
summoning 2 Grand Juries, $2 each ; and fifty cents for the diet of
Wm. Hedrick, prisoner.
" Ordered, that this Board do adjourn until the next meeting in
course, unless necessity require an extraordinary meeting."
Such was the action of Markley, Merritt and
Douglass, in the year 1808. How economicaUy our
affairs were managed in the early days of the Owl
Creek Eepublic ! Ofl&cers then were simple-minded ,
and wrote with grey goose-quills ; expending but 75
cents for blank-books; gold pens were then un
known, nor steel-va% either. The item of "station
ery," which has since figured so extensively in
county exhibits, was not then in the ofiicial diction
ary. Blessed days were those, when an "error of
10 cents was ordered erast," and "confession" of the
same made by the coUector upon the county records
in favor of the aggrieved sovereign; when roads,
through "the settlements on Skenk's Creek" andta
"county Unes," as well as from "Mount Vernon to
Mill," were declared by our pioneei' board "Inex
pedient," and "the petitions" of interested citizens,
were "rejected;" when it took only " 50 cents" to
pay "the Diet" of prisoners, a^d the "chief end of
man" was to kill grow^i wolves, a,nd of County
Commissioners and Clerk to i-eoeive certificaites of
proof thereof and issue oyders to pay for theii*
scalps !

50 HISTORYOP

CHAPTEE IV.
The cocntet as seen in 1801. — A teagebt in owl creek in 1800, and
THE PLACE OE ITS OCCUBKENCE. — KeMINISOENCES OF EAKLT SETTLEES AND
TUEIE FAMILIES. — TlIE FIEST TERRIBLE STORM VISITS MOUNT VERNON. —
The FIRST DOCTOR AND HIS EECBPriON.' — ThE BUTLERS, THE WALKERS. —
Oilman brtant, jim oraig, and their exploits. — "Who gave the name
TO MOUNT VERNON.  WhO BUILT THE FIRST CABIN ?  EaRLT PREACHING. —
Fighting and other incidents of the frontier, and amusing events
op the ancient times.
The first of our race known to have been within
the limits of this county, as stated heretofore, was
John StiUey. The second, of whom we have reU-
able information, was the reckless frontiersman,
Andy Craig. And from aU we can learn, we are
(of the opinion that cotemporaneotis with him was
ithe oddest character in aU our history, Johnny
(Chapman, alias Appleseed, who was discovered in
tMs .country when the Walkers, and Butlers, and
Douglass and others landed here, and whose name
is found recorded among those voting at the first
election ever held in this district.
Ben. and John Butler, in September, 1801, made
a trip up Owl Creek as far as to the mouth of Cen
ter Eun, and camped over night about one hundred
yards north of the Owl Creek bank. At that time
Andy Craig was Uving there in a Uttle log hut,
with a great raw-boned Avonian as his wife. She

KNOX COUNTY. 51
had been married to some man about WheeUng,
when Andy took up with her, and they ran off into
the Indian country together. She was a trifling,
coarse piece, and said Ben: " I'd as soon have slept
with a man as her, and why he should have taken
her into the wilderness for a sleeping companion I
can't see." ISot a white person was then Uving in
our route from LewisviUe up to where Mount Ver
non now is, and not a settlement had been made in
Knox, Morrow, Eichland, Ashland, Wayne, or any
part of the country watered by Owl Creek, the
Mohican, and their tributaries. An old Indian
Chief with his Tribe was then camped near by, and
they had a grand pow-wow there. The Indian
Eield, in the bend south of the camps, was covered
with beautiful grass, and looked charming.
The Butlers were greatly pleased with their ex
ploration, and returned by the mouth of Owl Creek
to LewisviUe. In 1803, John settled near the
mouth of the stream. In the spring of 1805, Ben.
takes up his residence in Mount Vernon. During
the intermediate time the Indians held undisputed
possession. Andy Craig, having fallen into their
customs and mode of life, remained with them ;
and, after settlers began to pour in, he puUed up
stakes, and went up to Greentown and continued in
their company. There were three beautifal spots
of ground without timber, and known from that
time as the " Indian Eields." The one we have
named was the "Little Indian Eield," and con
tained about twenty acres, known to settlers of
many years as on the Ann Carter tract, now owned
by Judge Hurd. It is in CUnton township.

52 HISTORYOP
Another " Indian Eield" contained about forty
acres, upon the John Ash tract, now owned by
Amen M. Shipley. It is in Howard township.
The ten-mile settlers selected a beautiful level
prairie for their commencement of operations.
The beautiful little prairie in Morris township,
where Henry Eoberts settled, was also a choice
spot. And the Me-me-kausen prairie down the
creek, now known as the DarUng prairie.
These were aU favorite places of resort for the
Indians as long as they were in this country. Arm
strong with his Tribe once every year visited the
Indian Eields on Owl Creek, and hunted and fished,
and camped by the waters of the stream they loved
untU the war of 1812, when they had reason to
cease their visits in this direction.
This country is described by those who knew it
at that early day as the most beautiful region the
eye ever rested upon. The work of nature was
captivating. Subsequent cultivation by man has
added to its interest, though, in some respects, it
may have marred the beauty of the original scene.
Beyond the recoUection of the oldest inhabitant
now living within our borders, a tragedy was
enacted on the point of bluff between Centre Eun
and Owl Creek, of which much has been said by
old citizens, but very Uttle is known. The exact
time of its occurrence is usually stated at about
1805, but in fact it must have occurred as early as
1800, if not before that. Two slaves had run away
from their master, TumUnson, who Uved in Vir
ginia, and had got into this part of the country
and taken up with squaws. Their pursuers tracked

KNOX COUNTY. 53
them through ZanesviUe and up Owl Creek, and
finaUy came upon them at Andy Craig's. One of
the boys was a mulatto ; and, recognizing his mas
ter's son as he approached with two other men,
sprang to the bank and into the Creek, pursued by
the men, who overtook him in the middle of the
stream, and a deadly struggle took place, in which
he kiUed his young master, but was then overpow
ered, taken to the hut, tied, and shortly after placed
on the horse his young master had rode, and the
company started for Virginia with him. The second
night after leaving Craig's, they built a camp-fire.
and left the mulatto tied by it, when they went out
for game. On their return, he was found to have
been shot, but neither could say that he did it. The
beUef was, that they had become tired of taking
him along, and as he was surly and troublesome,
he was killed to get rid of him, and out of revenge
for the loss of TumUnson.
Ben. Butler informs us that on his trip to Owl
Creek in 1801, Andy Craig told him the particulars
of this fight ; and that in 1805, when he made a
trip out to the Sandusky plains, he saw the negro
who escaped, and was then living with a squaw
among the Indians, and talked with him about this
affair. Dr. J. K. Burr and J. W. Warden, in hunting
over the ground where this scene occurred, came
across the bones of TumUnson, who had been buried
there. Among the early settlers of this part of Ohio,
were the Virginia family of Butlers. They were
John, Thomas, Benjamin, Joseph, Isaac and James,

54 HISTORY OP
and aU made their settlements upon Owl Creek and
Whitewoman at first, and subsequently lived upon
these streams or their tributaries, and in the divi
sion and formation of counties were found in Knox
and Coshocton, in what was about the same neigh
borhood in those times. John settled in 1805, on
land which he bought of Capt. Taylor, at the mouth
of the Mohican, near where CavaUo was located.
He died on Mohican, in his 85th year. Thomas
died in his 84th year. Joseph died about 1837.
Isaac was drowned in Whitewoman, about 35 years
ago. James died on his farm on Mohican, about
1832. They were hardy, sinewy men, good hunt
ers, and well calculated to endure the hardships
and privations of frontier life.
Ben. Butler, in his 84th year, is yet of vigorous
physical frame and of strong mind. Eew men of
forty can be found with more rugged constitution.
The Butlers were always fond of fun and fi-oUc, and
never occupied a back seat when any sport or fight
ing went on in early days. Ben. is about five feet
nine in height, weighs about 150 pounds, is straight
as an arrow, and fleet as an Indian. He is ready
to-day to run a foot race with any man of his age
in the world, and a few years since gave a pubUc
chaUenge through the press to run for a wager a
foot race with any man of his age in the State or
nation. He was born in Monongahela county, Va., AprU
18th, 1779, and when just turned of twenty years
he married, on the 2d of May, 1799, Leah Ilogers,
of Crab Orchard, Va., then in her sixteenth year,
and by her had fourteen children, seven boys and

KN O X C O U N T Y. 55
seven girls. Betsey, their oldest child, was born in
Monongahela county, Va., Eebruary 22d, 1800.
She married John Eouse, who died at Eacine,
Meigs county, leaving five children. Betsey is now
Uving with them at that place. Hiram was born
on the Tuscarawas river, about two miles from
Coshocton, in October, 1801 ; he is dead. Ben.
was born on Whitewoman, July 31, 1804, and is
also dead. Joseph was born in Mount Vernon, the
23d of October, 1806. Matilda in Mount Vernon,
October 8th, 1808 ; she married Charles Critchfield,
and is now dead. Huldah was born on his farm
down the creek where he has ever since Uved, in
1810. Eeasin was born August 12th, 1812, and is
now dead. Laban E., born March 7th, 1814, mar
ried Lucinda Peckham, and lives in Union town
ship. Maria was born October 1st, 1815 ; married
S. W. Sapp, and is now dead. PoUna, born August
31st, 1817, married Eobert Grimes, and Uves in
Iowa county, Iowa. Hetty, born July 5th, 1819,
wife of John Carpenter, with her two boys and two
girls, lives at the old farm with Ben. Squire John,
born in 1821, and George Washington, born in
1823. Squire John married Mary Jane, daughter
of Joseph Workman, and George W. married Miss
Lydick, daughter of another old settler. They live
in Union township. Joseph married PoUy Biggs,
and lives in Newcastle ; Huldah married Joseph
Jones, and lives in Knox county, IU. Three of the
boys and three girls are dead ; the rest Uving, to
gether with seventy-five grandchUdren. "Pretty
weU done, is it not," said Uncle Ben. to us this 8th. of
June, 1862, "for old Virginia and a little Quaker gal !"

56 HISTORYOP
In 1800, Ben. Butler settled in the neighborhood
of Dresden, and raised a crop on land belonging to
Major Cass. In 1801, he moved to LewisviUe, two
miles above Coshocton, and in 1802, he settled on
Whitewoman above the mouth of Kilbuck, and
from thence to Mount Vernon in April, 1805,
where he resided until 1809, when he moved down
the creek, where he has ever since resided. Before
he moved to Mount Vernon he had bought thirty-
six acres of land of Joe Walker, which he had pur
chased of Matthews and Mgh, and Matthews exe*
cuted the deed to Butler. Patterson, Walker and
himself conceived the plan of laying out a town on
their possessions, and accordingly in July, 1805, it
was surveyed by Bob. Thompson, and taken to
Lancaster, and recorded in Eairfield county records.
Captain Walker's house was the first one within
the town plat ; the next buUdings were two Uttle
log stables, built by Ben. Butler, on the corner now
owned by Adam Pyle — Gambier and Main streets,
north-west corner. In one of these log stables Ben.
Butler lived and kept entertainment until he buUt
his log cabin on the corner, which for many yeai-s
continued the princij)al tavern of Mount Vernon.
He paid for shingles and work on that house |^150.
This was the building wherein the Commissioners
who came to locate the county seat were most hos
pitably entertained. Ben. moved into it in the faU
of 1805, and lived in it until 1809. It continued
as the war office under successive administrations.
Ben. bought two hundred acres on Licking, and
built a log cabin on it, intending to move his family
there in 1809, but having met with a favorable offer

KNOX COUNTY. 57
he sold it to Hanger, who occupied the place until
his death.
The most extraordinary event of those early times
was a terrible tornado in the summer of 1806,
which played havoc with the early settlers. It
came up suddenly, and was very violent. It tore
off the roofs of aU the houses, killed most of the
stock running about, and tore down all the large
white oak trees that were on Ben.'s tliirty-six acre
tract, as also many trees on Walker's land. In its
course it took in Andy Craig's old stand on Center
Eun. Ben. had nine head of horses ; as the storm
came up they attempted to run out of its way ;
two of them were killed ; one of the horses ran all
the way to Craig's, and jumped into his garden
patch; its skin was torn and flesh scratched in
many places by limbs of trees hurled against it by
the storm as it ran to get out of its reach. Walker
had some horses killed ; also Patterson and Krat
zer, and a Uttle feUow from Virginia who lived on
the hill, named Zinn.
A little doctor named Henderson was with us
when we laid out the town. He was from Balti
more, Maryland, and proposed that we should caU
it after Washington's home-place, and we aU sanc
tioned. When it came to giving any name that
pleased Washington, it pleased all proprietors.
Henderson was a clever young feUow ; his father
made a regular doctor of him, and started him out
with a good horse and outfit, but he was too d  d
lazy to practice. The first time Ben. saw him,
Patterson came out into the lot where he was plow
ing, and introduced hira to Ben,, who was mad at

58 HISTORY OP
the infernal beech-roots catching the plow so much,
and when Patterson said he was a doctor, and Hen
derson spoke up and said he had just been inocu
lating a child, and wanted to inoculate Butler's,
Ben said, " G — d d  n you, haven't I moved away
up here to get rid of the d  d smaU-pox, and now
d  d if you shall inoculate my child. I didn't
know exactly what inoculating then meant, but I
was mad, and I threatened to put my knife into
him, and scared him so that he would not attempt
to 'noculate any more in that town. He stayed
about for a time, until he ran away mth a woman,
and no other doctor dared to show his face there
during my stay. We had no lawyers either in
them days."
The first election Ben. recoUects of attending,
the neighbors and himself went down to Dresden
and voted in 1803 or 1804. Another election he
recoUects of was held at Bill Douglass'. David
Johnson wanted to be a constable, and 'lectioneered
hard, and agreed to take on executions and for fees
raccoon skins, if he was elected. But when the
votes were counted, he was beaten by Dimmick.
This was the first time he voted a ticket. In old
Virginia it had been always the custom to vote by
singing out the name of the candidate voted for.
Speaking of raccoon skins : old Amos Leonard
preached Presbyterian doctrine, and would often
say when he commenced, "ISTow, you had better
pay the preacher a coon skin or so." It was with
him " poor preach and poor pay." " Once I passed
along where he was preaching, with corn on my
back, to feed about one hundred hogs that I had

KNOXCOUNTY. 59
about where ^N^orton's miU is, and seeing Walker
Ustening to him, I haUooed to him to come along
with me — that he could learn no good from Amos
—that he knew nothing ; and Walker came along
with me. Another Sunday I was out hunting
calves with my brother Tom, and when we had
found them and were driving them along the road,
preacher Leonard took off his hat and shook it at
them, scaring them off, so I told him if he ever did
so again, preacher as he was, I would whip the
hide off of him ; and I would have done it, too, for
at that day I could whip anybody ; I was Uttle,
but never saw the man I couldn't whip.
" Leonard went on to his meeting, and took satis
faction out of me by preaching at me. Captain
Walker said to me the next day: 'Oh! you ought
to have been at meeting just to hear Leonard abuse
you ; he laid it on to you severely.' I thought that
may be so. Many a man can whip with the tongue
that is afraid to try it with the fist."
One of the greatest fights of that early date was
between -Ben. Butler and Jim Craig, in which Oraig
was badly whipped. Butler's hand had been tied
up from a hurt, but he took off the poultice and
gave him a severe thrashing. The next day Jim
and Ben. met together and took a drink over it; the
quarrel was dropped, as Jim said he deserved the
whipping and would not fight it over again.
When Ben. bought his land of Captain Walker
he had no thoughts of laying out a town, nor had
Walker. He gave |2 an acre for it.
Ben. helped dig the first grave, that of Mrs.
Thomas Bell Patterson, the first person that died

60 HISTORY OP
in Mount Vernon. He says that Col. Patterson
was a very smart man, much smarter than any in
the town now.
The old school house stood near where the market
house stands, and the public well, with a sweep or
pole, was north of it, nearly in the centre of High
street. He helped wall the old weU.
Gilman Bryant said, that he came to the county
in 1807, and landed in Mount Vernon from his
pirogue in March, and at that time there were only
three families Uving within the then limits of the
town, viz; Ben. Butler, who then kept a sort of
tavern ; James Oraig, who kept some sort of refresh
ments and whisky, on the corner, east side of Mul
berry and north of Wood street; and another fam
ily, who lived south of Craig's on the opposite side
of the street. These buildings were all log. On
the west side of Mulberry, opposite to  , was a
Uttle pole shantee, put up by Jo. Walker, a gun
smith, who had a little pair of beUows in one corner,
and tinkered gun-locks for the Indians. Eurther
west, on what is now Gambier street, and beyond
the town plat, stood the building occupied by 
Walker, also a log. There was also at that time a
small log house with a roof, but the gable ends not
yet filled, standing on the west side of Main street,
between the present market house and where the
court house stood in 1849, which would be in High
street. There was at the time living in the neigh
borhood, and recollected by Mr. Bryant ColviUe,
on his farm east of town ; Bob. Thompson, where
StiUey now lives; Andrew Craig, at or near
the old Indian fields (on Centre Eun, above Tur-

KNOX COUNTY. 61
ner's miU); old Mr. Walker, near Banning's miU, on
the left hand side of the road; and old Mr. Hains,
south of town. Mr. Bryant brought eight barrels
of whisky by water to Shrimplin's miU on Owl
Creek, and from thence had it hauled by I^athaniel
Critchfield's team, Joe driving, to Mount Vernon.
Tradition says that the first log shelter occupied by
old man Walker was made of Uttle round poles by
Casper Eitting in 1802, but we can find nothing to
sustain a claim to its erection at so early a period.
Eitting, doubtless, was the builder, we should think
about 1804, though it may have been in 1803;
however, as our own recollection does not extend
quite that far back, we give it as it has been told to
us. Joseph Walker, Sr., of whom Ave have been
speaking, emigrated to this county from Pennsyl
vania about 1804, and settled near where we now
write. Philip, Joe, Alexander, James, Eobert and
John were his sons, and two daughters — SaUy,
who married Stephen Chapman, and Uves three
miles south of this town, and Polly, who married Sol
omon GeUer, a Pennsylvania Dutchman, who was
one of the early settlers of Mount Vernon, and
subsequently moved into what is now Morrow
county. Joseph Walker, Sr., and his wife, both
died many years ago, and their bodies were buried
in the Clinton graveyard, with no stone to mark the
spot where they lie, and this record, it is hoped,
may serve to perpetuate their memory. Erom aU
accounts, they were very worthy pioneers.
James Craig, one of the three men Uving in
Mount Vernon in the spring of 1807, was grit to

62 HISTORYOP
the back bone, and was constantly harrassed by peace
officers . It became almost an every-day occurrence
with him to have a fight ; and, if no new comer ap
peared to give his fighting Ufe variety, he would,
"just to keep his hand in," scrape up a fight with
his neighbors or have a quarrel with his wife — aU
for the love of the thing, for "Jamie was the broth
of a boy." He had as high as four fights in one
day with Joe Walker, who was also a game chicken!
When arraigned before court for assault, etc., he
would always put on his most pleasing smile, and
say to the judge : "Kow, wiU yer honor jist please
be good to the boy, for he can't help it."
We have been told by an early settler of a Uttle
incident, illustrating the sports of the pioneers in
1807, at James Craig's house, after he had moved
out to the log cabin, erected, and yet leaning, not
standing, on D. S. B'orton's farm, south of High
street extension, on the Delaware road. Craig had
tended a few acres in corn, and had the only corn
for sale in that part of the county. Mrs. Eachel
Eichardson sent her son Isaac to buy some for
bread, and, after spending a short time in the village,
he went out to Craig's, got his corn, and stayed all
night. The famUy had just got to sleep, laying
down on the floor, when the wild feUows of the town
came in to the doors and fired a voUey over their
heads. Craig at once sprang out of bed in his shirt-
tail, grappled with one of them, and in a short time
aU present were engaged in a Uvely Uttle fight, just
for the fun of the thing. " Knuck Harris," a " color
ed gemmen," the first one ever in Mount Vernon,

Kl«rOX COUNTY. 63
and Joe Walker, are recoUected as having boon
among the parties.
One of the most noted fights that ever came off
in this county was between James Craig and his
son-in-law, Jack Strain, and two of the Georges of
Chester township. It occurred in this way: Old
Jim was, as he said, in a fighting humor, when, in
company with Jack, coming along the road home
on foot they met the Georges near Clinton riding
sprucely on horse-back, and required that they
should get off their horses and fight them. Parson
George explained that they were in a hurry to go
home, and had neither time nor disposition for a
fight. But Jim swore that they must get off and
fight; and, there being no way of getting past them,
as they held possession of the road, they reluctantly
got off their horses and "pitched in." Jack soon
whipped his man, but it puzzled Jim to make his
fight out, and the conclusion arrived at was, that
they had taken too large a contract when they un
dertook to whip the Georges. Jim, in after years,
would revert to this one fight with regret, as it was
entirely uncaUed for and only provoked by his own
determination for a trial of strength.
After the marriage of Jack Strain into his family,
old Jim counted himself almost invincible. Jack
was a very powerful and active man, unsnrpassed
for thews and sinews, bone and muscle.
The great fight of the county might, with pro
priety, be called that of Strain with Eoof. The
county pretty much en masse witnessed it. It was
a regular set-to — a prize fight not inferior, in the
public estimation, to that of Heenan and Sayers.

64 HISTORY OP
Jack fought with great spirit; he fought, if not for
his life, for his wife ; for old Jim swore that he
(Strain) should never sleep again with his daughter
if he didn't whip him.
When Craig was indicted the last time for fight
ing he told Judge Wilson "not to forget to be easy
with him, as he was one of the best customers the
court had."
In wrestling with Tucker, Jim had his leg broken,
which he often regretted, as he couldn't stand on
his forks right. He was not a big, stout man, but
struck an awful blow, and vf as weU skiUed in parry
ing off blows. He caUed his striking a man giving
him a "blizzard." He was a backwoodsman from
Western Virginia, but of Irish extraction — fond of
grog, fond of company, fond of fighting, fan and
frolic — kind-hearted, except when aroused by pas
sion, and then a very devil. He fought usuaUy as
a pastime, and not from great maUce. His wife
was an excellent, hospitable and clever woman.
We have heard Yery many anecdotes of Craig, but
have space for only one more. One of the last kind
acts of the old settler was his endeavoring to treat
Bishop Chase when he first visited our town. Jim
having heard much said of him as a preacher and
a distinguished man, met him on the street, and,
desiring to do the clever thing by the Bishop, ac
costed him with an invitation to treat. The Bishop
was somewhat nettled at the offer, but declined going
to a grocery with him, whereupon Jim pulled a
flask from his pocket and insisted upon his taking
a drink there. The Bishop indignantly refused,
and Jim apologised, if the Bishop considered it an

au • , pinjj.rej^

KNOX COUNTY. 65
insult. " Bless your soul, Bishop, I think well of
you, and have no other way to show that I am glad
you have come to our county but by inviting you to
drink. Don't think hard of me."
Craig's family consisted of eight girls, and he
often regretted that he had no boys to learn how to
fight. If the girls did not fight, they did run, and
run weU too. One of them, we recoUect, was very
fieet; many a time did she run races in the old lane,
between I^orton's and Bevans', and beat WiUiam
Pettigrew and other of the early boys, notwithstand
ing the scantiness of her dresses, which then were
made of about one-third the stuff it takes for a pat
tern in these fashionable days of 1862.
At one time old Jim was singing to a crowd, when
a smart young man, in sport, winked to those present
and kicked his shins. The wink having been ob
served by him, he instantly drew back his fist and
drove it plum between his eyes, felling him to the
ground, at the same time exclaiming : " There, take
that, d  n you, and don't you ever attempt again
to impose on 'old stiffer!'"
5

66 HISTORY OP

CHAPTEE V.
KeSUME of the county seat QUESTION  ThE GRAPES WERE SOUR, AND MOUNT
TEENON IS DISCOVERED BT THE CLINTONIANS TO BE "INELIGIBLE AND UN
HEALTHY."  The LEGISLATURE OF 1808-9 WEEEIN SOME DOUBT.  ThE ANTI-
VERNONITBS THINK THE COUNTY SHOULD BE ENLARGED. — ThE GEKEHAl
assembly of ohio think not.  agitation continues 1810-11 and 1811-
12. — The dream is over — The inhabitants beg for roads — The great
CLINTON library STRUGGLES FOR LEGISLATIVE EECOGNIIION, AND THE
LIGHT EXPIEESl
The indomitable will of Samuel H. Smith and
his associates from Kew England, among whom we
may mention the I^yes, Ichabod, captain of the
troop of horse, and his brother Samuel, HeniT
Smith, Samuel's nephew. Dr. Timothy Burr, the
BarneySj Alexander Enos and others, kept the coun
try in commotion about the seat of justice. 'No
stone was left unturned, no effort untried, to bring
about its transfer to Clinton. Petitions were drawn
up and runners traversed the country for signers.
Erom the official record we give the foUowing ex
hibit of the disposition made of them :
December 26th, 1808, Mr. Holden presented to the
House sundry petitions from a number of the inhab
itants of Knox county, setting forth that they feel
much aggrieved in consequence of the ineUgible and
very unhealthy situation of the present seat of jus
tice of said county, and for various other reasons

KNOX COUNTY. 67
therein stated, praying that commissioners may be
appointed to fix the seat of justice for the said county
of Knox in some more eUgible and healthy situation ;
which said petitions were read and referred to a
committee of Mr. Holden, Mr. O wings, of Eairfield,
and Mr. Blair, of ErankUn and Delaware, to report
their opinion thereupon by bill or otherwise.
Mr. Merwin, (EUjah B.) of Eairfield, presented,
on the next day, a remonstrance from sundry citi
zens of Knox county against action as prayed for
in above named petitions.
The cunning old fox managing the CUnton claim
devised an additional scheme whereby to bring
about such increase of territory northward as would
throw Mount Vernon farther from the centre than
CUnton, and accordingly we find that —
Mr. Holden presented to ifche House petitions
signed by sundry inhabitants of Knox county, set
ting forth that it wiU be greatly to their advantage,
and to the advantage of the public in general, to
have the county extended so far north as to take in
one tier of townships, as it wiU be perceived, by the
map of the State, that the county lying north of
them, known by the name of Eichland, is much
larger than Knox, and by attachiag one tier of town
ships to said county of Knox it will be giving a
more equal number of square miles to each county
than there is at present; which was received and
read, and referred to the same committee to whom
was committed, on the 26th inst., the petitions, re
monstrances, &c., on the subject of the seat of jus
tice of Knox county. — House Journal, page 93, Dec.
30th, 1808.

68 HISTORY OP
On the 30th of December, on motion of Mr.
Thomas Morris, of Clermont, and seconded. Order
ed, that Mr. George Clark, of Columbiana and Stark,
be added to the committee appointed on the 26th
inst., on the subject of the seat of justice of Knox
county, and the matters from time to time to them
referred. On the 12th of January, 1809, on motion, and
leave being granted, Mr. Holden presented at the
clerk's table two remonstrances, of the same purport,
from sundry inhabitants of Knox county, remon
strating against petitions presented to this House,
praying for a review of the seat of justice of said
county, and a removal of it from Mount Vernon to
some more eligible and healthy situation. The
remonstrants therein set forth that they are folly of
opinion that, unless a fraud or neglect be made to
appear against the first viewers appointed by the
Legislature at the last session for the purpose of
permanently fixing the seat of justice of said county,
that your honorable body wiU not grant a view bare
ly for the purpose of gratifying self-interest ; that,
in consequence of the seat of justice being estab
lished at Mount Vernon, a number of lots have been
purchased and improved, and also that upwards of
$400 have been appropriated for the building of a
jail, and for other reasons, by the aforesaid remon
strants set forth more particularly, praying that the
said petition praying for the removal of the seat of
justice aforesaid may be rejected; and the same
being received and read, were referred to the com
mittee upon that subject appointed on the 26th ult.
On page 145, House Journal, January 14th, 1809,

KNOX COUNTY. 69
the foUowing entry stands: "On motion, and by
leave of the House, Mr. Holden, from the commit
tee appointed on the 26th ult., presented at the
clerk's table a report, as follows : ' The committee
to whom was referred the petition of sundry inhab
itants of the county of Knox, praying that one tier
of townships lying south of Eichland county be
attached to the said county of Knox ; also sundry
petitions from the inhabitants of said county, pray
ing that commissioners be appointed to review and
fix the seat of justice of said county in some more
healthy and eUgible situation than Mount Vernon ;
have, according to order, had under their consider
ation the said petitions, and are of opinion that the
prayer of the said petitions is unreasonable, and
ought not to be granted.' "
Monday, January 16th, said report came up, and
it was Ordered, that it be committed to a committee
of the whole House, and made the order of the day
for Saturday next.
On the 25th of January, House Journal, page
181, Mr. Merwin moved for the order of the day,
whereuj)on the House, according to order, resolved
itself into committee of the whole House, and, after
some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the
chair, and Mr. Jewett reported that the committee,
according to order, had under their consideration a
report of the select committee, made on the 14th
inst., on the petitions from sundry inhabitants of
Knox county, and had agreed to the said report;
and the same being read was agreed to by the
House, viz : that the petitions aforesaid are unreas
onable, and ought not to be granted.

70 HISTORYOP
At the 9th session of the General Assembly, held
at ZanesviUe, December 3d, 1810, the subject of
removal of the county seat from Mount Vernon was
again agitated. By the Senate Journal, page 163,
we find that Mr. Trimble presented a batch of peti
tions, praying a review, which was referred to a
committee. On page 166, we find Mr. Trimble,
from committee, reported that, in their opinion,
commissioners ought to be appointed to examine and
make report to the next Legislature the place they
think proper for the seat of justice of Knox county.
The said report was read. A motion was made
that said report be committed to a committee of the
whole Senate, and made the order of this day; and
on the question thereon it was decided in the nega-
,tive. On motion, Ordered, that the farther consid
eration of said report be postponed tiU the first
Monday in December next.
At the next session it received its final quietus.
Mount Vernon had improved in the intermediate
time very much, and thenceforth its star has been
in the ascendant. Clinton continues but a few
years longer as a business i)lace, and after the depart
ure of its chief worker to other parts, its people
moved to Mount Vernon, Eredericktown, and else
where, and not one of the old inhabitants there re
mains to tell that Clinton has been an important
town in the history of Knox county.
On the 23d of January, 1809, Mr. Holden pre
sented at the clerk's table a petition from sundry
inhabitants of the county of Licking, also a petition
from sundry inhabitants of the counties of Licking,
Knox and Eichland, setting forth their remote situ-

KNOX COUNTY. 71
ation from water carriage, and the necessity of hav
ing good roads ; that they have no road whereby they
can receive letters, or any Mnd of intelligence, or any
property from any part of the United States, or this
State, except by chance or private conveyance, near
er than N^ewark or ZanesviUe, and praying for the
establishment of a road from N^ewark, in Licking
county; thence to Mount Vernon, in Knox county;
thence to Mansfield, in Eichland county ; and thence
to the mouth of the river Huron, Lake Erie, &c. ;
which were read.
On motion, and on leave being granted by the
House, Mr. Merwin presented at the clerk's table a
petition from sundry inhabitants of Eairfield county,
of a similar nature to the before mentioned petitions,
praying for the establishment of a road from Lan
caster, in said county, through Mount Vernon, in
Knox county, to the Portage, in Cuyahoga. — House
Journal, page 177.
Among the questions of great moment at this
time to the people of the State was, whether the
Clinton Library Society should be incorporated or
not. It appears that Samuel H. Smith and other
live Yankees of CUnton had conceived the idea of
founding a vast and comprehensive library at that
point, and at the session of the General Assembly
of J807, Mr. DiUon laid before the Senate a petition
of. Samuel H. Smith and others of the town of Clin
ton and its vicinity, in Eairfield county, for the in
corporation of the " CUnton Library and School or
Academy Society." After its reference to a com
mittee, and about two months travail, it finaUy got
through the Senate on the 6th of Eebruary, 1808.

72 HISTORY OP
In the House it had a perilous trip, was attacked
upon several sides, discussed elaborately, and at
length went down before the storm. — House Jour
nal, page 171.
At the next session our literary friends at CUnton
again pressed their favorite measure ; they petition
ed, implored, entreated, supplicated and prayed,
they had lobbies on the ground to leg for it, and
triumphantly they carried it through the House into
the Senate, with an amendment to it, that was not
very acceptable ; but this time the grave and rever
end Senators were obdurate and flint-hearted, and
page 114 of the Senate Journal of the Seventh
General Assembly shows how they "killed it."
" Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more ! "
With a pluck worthy of a noble cause, the CUn-
tonians beseeched and beset and besieged the next
General Assembly for an act that would enable
them to preserve their fine library from, destruction
by those literary Goths and Vandals — the moths
and vampires ; but aU their efforts were unavaiUng,
and posterity have been thus deprived of an accumu
lation of books that might in time have ecUpsed the
far-famed library of Alexandria. One of the oldest
inhabitants has kindly placed in our hands one of
the books, bearing the CUntonian mark, which he
bought at the winding up of the concern for the just
sum of 18| cents lawful money.
Indignant at the conduct of the iUiterate General
Assembly, the stock-holders withdrew from the en
terprise, and sold at auction the library for $7.50 and
the book-case for $10 ; and thus terminated a great

KNOX COUNTY. 73
measure which agitated three sessions of the General
Assembly of our State, costing the people in time
consumed upon it by their Eepresentatives, Senators,
etc., from eight to ten thousand dollars, and illus
trating fully the character of the greater part of
special and local legislation which, like much of a
general character, may be termed all " cry and no
wool," and show no substance, aU ending in smoke.
At the time, however, the natives of Mount Vernon
regarded it as a seven horned monster that would
drive them out of existence, and they looked with
holy horror at having such an incorporated body at
CUnton, which might accomplish their overthrow
and cause them to lose the county seat. The sons
of some who shook in their breeches with dread,
may now shake in their boots, convulsed by laugh
ter at this reminiscence.

74 HISTORYOP

CHAPTEE VI.
TRANSACTIONS OP THE YBAK 1809.
The COMMISSIONERS IN TROUBLE ABOUT TAXES.  ThB HEAVY DRAIN ON THE
TREASURY FOR WOLF SCALPS.  ThE CLERKS BEAIN BECOMES CONFUSED BY
EEPEATED DEMANDS.  ThE WOLVES INVADE THE TOWN.  DOINGS OF THE
COURT AND COMMISSIONERS.  ThE COUNTY JAIL COMPLETED.  THE FIRST
SETTLEMENT WITH THE TREASURER, AND SKETCH OF THAI OFFICER.
In the beginning of this year the people of the
county were in sore distress at prospects of heavy
taxation, the money in the treasury having been
exhausted in paying the commissioners who had
located the county seat, the heavy demands for kiU
ing wolves, and such like expenses.
On Monday, the 23d of January, 1809, the com
missioners met at Mount Vernon, and were in a
"peck of trouble," if we may judge from the fol
lowing entry:
" The board, taking into consideration the situation of the taxes
on resident and non-resident lands, the board, on an investigation
of the business, do order Every paper and document thereunto
belonging to be forwarded to the Auditor of State.
" Ordered, that the board do adjourn until next Monday."
Among the orders issued this year, we find the
following for kiUing wolves :
" To George Cooper $1.50 for killing one grown wolf, proven
before John Green.

KNOX COUNTY. 75
" To John Cook $4.50 for killing three grown wolves, proven
before Wm. W. Farquhar.
" To James Black $3 for killing two grown wolves, proven be
fore Wm. Y. Farquhar.
" To John Jennings $1.50 for' killing one grown wolf, proven
before John Green.
" To Ephraim McMillen $3 for killing two grown wolves, proven
before Abraham Darlina-.
" To Levi Herrod for killing two grown wolves, proven before
John Green.
" To Francis Hardista $3 for killing two grown wolves, proven
before Matthew Merritt.
" To John Lash $1.50 for killing one grown wolf, proven before
John Green.
" To George Sap $3 for killing two grown wolves, proven before
Abraham Darling.
" To Joseph Harriss $1.50 for killing one grown wolf, proven
before John Green.
" To Francis Hardista $3 for killing two grown wolves, proven
before M. Merritt.
" To George Sap $1.50 for killing one grown wolf, proven before
Abraham Darling.
" To Joseph Bryant $1.50 for killing one grown wolf.
" To Ephraim McMillen $4.50 for killing three grown wolves."
So much in the habit of issuing wolf orders had
James Smith, clerk, gotten by this time, that we
find on the journals an order issued for commission
er's services reading thus :
" Ordered, that the treasurer pay to Henry Markley the sum of
$3.50 for killing two wolves as services as commissioner of this
county." The day's services being confounded in the clerk's
mind with wolf scalps.
^Notwithstanding the abundance of game of this
kind, and the facility with which the old sportsmen
could take the scalps, the howling varmints seemed

76 HISTORY OP
to be on the increase, and, like grey hairs, for every
one plucked two took their place, and hence our
commissioners grew more determined to extirpate
them, and made the foUowing order on the 7th of
June, 1809 :
" Ordered, that all persons who shall kill and procure the scalps
of grown wolves and panthers within our Balawick, and produce a
certificate thereof, according to law, after this date, shall be allowed
$2, and all those who shall kill and procure the same of wolves and
panthers and scalps of six months and under shall be allowed $1."
The first demands made upon the treasury under
this act were by John MitcheU and Erancis Hardis
ta, each of whom had killed a grown wolf. Eor a
time these inhuman devils disputed the mastery
with the white man, and it seemed somewhat doubt
ful which would come off victor in the contest and
retain possession of the lands upon Owl Creek.
They neither had fear of the church ecclesiastic or
the military power ; they frightened the women and
children, and hung about the heels of men, setting
all laws and threats at defiance. One old settler
has told us of his having on a Sabbath day killed a
large wolf near God's barn at Clinton which was
making off with one of Sam. Smith's geese, while
the people were serving the Lord ; another of his
friends having been present with the whole military
of the county parading on general muster day, when
a fierce black wolf attacked one of George Zin's
pigs within a stone's throw north-east of the public
square, when the army gave pursuit, and it was
finally kiUed by Captain Joe Walker; whereupon
a grand spree was taken by the whole miUtary and

KNOX COUNTY. 77
citizens of the town, glorifying over the great en
gagement tiU whisky was drank to more than the
value of the wolf scalp.
Grand events those in the hardy pioneer's Ufe !
And yet, at this day not a spot bears the name of
Wolf, nor does a creek or branch commemorate
such achievements. And posterity, were it not for
these pages, we fear, would be in blissful ignorance
of the fact that there were any other inhabitants of
these classic lands than owls and Indians when the
men of the hunting shirt and rifle first navigated
this famous river in scaUops and pirogues.

THE THIRD TEKM OF DISTRICT COURT, AND WHAT WAS DONE
THEN.
" Court of Common Pleas was opened at Mount Vernon the 2d
day of January, 1809. Present: Jentlemen the Honorable Wil
liam Wilson, President, John Mills and Wm. Gass, Associate
Judges. A Grand Jury was called and qualified for the body of
this county, to wit : Jas. Walker, Sen'r, foreman, Eleazer Biggs,
John Baxter, John Beam, Joseph Walker, Levi Herrod, Nathaniel
Scritchfield, Wm. Herrod, David Johnson, Jas. Strange, Jas.
Walker, Jr., Wm. Cooper and Jonathan Craig, who, after receiving
their charge. Returned out of Court.
" On the 2d day of the Term the Grand Jury returned, but found
no Indictments.
" Ordered, that the Court adjourn until 2 o'clock this evening.
" The Court opened according to adjournment. Present : as
before. " John Armstrong vs. John Kerr. — Ou Trespass. Continued by
consent of parties.
" Jacob Young vs. Abraham Lyon. — On an action of Trespass
on the case. Continued by consent of parties.
" The State of Ohio vs. Aaron Brown. — On an Indictment. The
defendant plead guilty, and is fined $1.00 and the costs of prosecu
tion, and stands convicted until the whole be complied with.

78 HISTORY OP
" License is granted to William Perrine to retail goods for three
months, on payment of $2.50.
"John Green is admitted Administrator of Isaac McOlary.
Bond, $1000. Abner Brown and John Herrod securities.
"License is granted to Benjamin Tupper to sell goods three
months, on payment of $2.50.
" The State of Ohio vs. John Click. — ^NoUe is entered by Her
rick, att'y.
" Thomas Parr vs. John Oraig. — William Walker undertook
for the defendant in case he should be cast he would satisfy the
condemnation of the Court, or render his body a prisoner in lieu
thereof. " Court adjourned till to-morrow mormng, 9 o'clock.
" The Court opened according to adjournment, and present, as
yesterday. " Thomas B. Patterson, for the use of Moses Rigly, vs. Samuel
Kratzer. — Parties agreed to reference to the Court, who adjudged
$2.55 debt and costs for the plaintiff.
"Court adjourned till 2 o'clock. " 2 o'clock P. M.
'' William Wallace is authorized to keep a publick house of enter
tainment for one year, on payment of $5.00
" William Fuller is licensed to keep a publick house of enter
tainment on the road leading from Mount Vernon to Newark, on
payment of $4.00.
" Ordered, that the Court adjourn until the Court in course.
" WILLIAM WILSON."
THE COUNTY JAIL BUILT, AND ITS FIRST OCCUPANT— ACCOUNT
OP ITS SUBSEQUENT CAREER, AND THAT OF ITS SUCCESSOR.
On the 6th of June, 1808, the commissioners of
this county, finding the great want of a jaU in said
town, and by virtue of the powers vested in them by
law,
" Ordered, a jail to be built, 24 feet long, 16 feet wide, 9 feet
high, with square timber of one foot square, including the upper and
lower floor, and a petition of like timber, with a good shingle roof,
and stone or brick chimney, three windows, with iron grates, of 6

KNOX COUNTY. 79
lights each, and 2 sufficient doors, one on the outside and oup in
the petition in the inside, and the walls, petition, and lower floor
lined with 3 inch plank, spiked on with spikes 7 inches. The front
door marked A and petition door B to be of IJ inch stuff; 0 chim
ney. The jail to be built on the public square of said town, on a
corner." On the 31st of January the foUowing entry is
made upon the journal :
" This day the board has proceeded to the Ex'n of the jail, and
finding the same unfinished they do allow the undertakers thereof
until the first day of May next to finish the same, agreeable to the
article of agreement in that case made and provided."
On the 2d of May, 1809,
" Ordered, that the commissioners do receive the jail from the
hands of John Mills, Alexander Walker, and James Walker, Sr.,
provided that the said Mills and others do saw down the corners of
said jail, and then our Clerk shall have authority to issue orders on
the treasury for the sum of 433 dollars and 50 cents, as, shall appear
by a reference to the agreement, and that the Clerk issue orders of
such sizes as the Claimants may desire, with their proper numbers
to the above amount."
The jaU being then declared completed, the com
missioners ordered 50 cents to be expended by
Joseph Walker for two steeples and hasp for the
jaU. The calaboose having been duly prepared, the
officers of the law became exceedingly self-import
ant, consequential and overbearing. Michael CUck,
an old Dutchman, who was fond of grog, was taken
up, "tight as a musket," and locked up in the quar
ters. The constable had gone down street and was
boasting of his exploit in taking up Mike, when the
voice of the old fellow was heard just behind them.

80 HISTORYOP
shouting at the top of his lungs: "By tam, they
can't keep me in their tammed shaU — I am trumps,
by G— d." He had crawled up the chimney till he
got near the top and stuck fast, when, as he said, he
"swelled gnd bursted" it open, and then jumped to
the ground, a free man once again.
The chimney was repaired at the expense of the
county, and Click, several weeks after, when con
fined "broke out," and, meeting Judge WUson on
the street, narrated his several jail exploits in great
glee, vowing that they never could keep old Mike
in that jail any longer than it suited him to stay,
for he had lent a hand when it was built and knew
all its weak points. Eor several years, however,
this Uttle log concern served as a nominal terror to
evil doers. At length so many escapes were made
from it, that its fate was sealed, and it was sold to
Wm. Y. Earquhar, who moved it to the outskirts
of town and constructed out of it a sort of a tobacco
house. The commissioners, on the 4th of December,
1823, determined to erect another jail and jailor's
house, on the square, of brick, which remained an
eye-sore to the people of the town until about 1850,
when John Armstrong, Street Commissioner, and
A. Banning IS^orton, Councilman of the Third
Ward, in grading and excavating the north-east part
of the public square, with "malice aforethought"
undermined it, and caused the removal of that pUe
of rubbish.

KNOX COUNTY. 81
FOURTH TERM COURT OP COMMON PLEAS— 1st DAY OF MAT,
1809.
" Grand Jury. — ^David Demmick, foreman, Moses Oraig, Wm.
Downs, Jas. Craig, David Johnson, Jeremiah Brown, Charles
Cooper, Ziba Leonard, Nathaniel M. Young, John Kerr, John Cook,
James Loveridge, James Walker, Jr., who returned out of Court,
and after some time returned in Court, with the following indict
ments, to wit:
" The State of Ohio vs. Wm. Wallace. — For salt and battery, a
true bill, and pleads guilty, the Court do say, that the defendant do
pay a fine of $1 and costs of this prosecution.
" The State of Ohio vs. Wm. Cooper. — For same offense, the
same fine is assessed.
" The State of Ohio vs. Wm. Cooper. — Same, and same fine.
" The State of Ohio vs. Wm. Scritchfield. — For same offense.
" The State of OhioYs. Peter Baxter. — For same offense.
" Luke Walpole vs. Wm. Wallace. — James Craig becomes se-
.curity. " Thomas Parr vs. James Craig. — Judgment by confession for
$91.8] and costs of suit.
" Wm. A. Enui vs. Samuel Kratzer. — Judgment by confession,
$66.92 and costs.
" John Beesy vs. Samuel Kratzer. — ^Michael Click becomes se
curity. " Wm. Douglass Y&. John Yormg. — Nathaniel M. Young becomes
security. " One o'clock P. M.
" John Armstrong vs. John Kerr. — Tried by Jury, and defendant
not found guilty of Trespass. The plaintiff, by E. Herrick, his
attorney, gives notice of an appeal.
" Wm. Biggs, who sues as well for himself as for the State of
Ohio, vs. William Darling. — Ordered, that the plaintiff appear in
Court to-morrow morning and enter security for costs, or he become
npn plus.
"License issued to Bfinj. Tupper to retail goods 4 months for
$3.33J^. " JameH Smit^\ \8 appointed clerk for seven years.
" Court adjouws till to-morrow moroing at 9 o'clock.
6

82 HISTORY OP
" May 2 — 9 o'clock A. M.
" The Biggs case is disposed of by the following entry : Ordered,
that the plaintiff be non-suit for not entering security for costs.
"Edward Herrick is allowed $25 for each term as prosecuting
attorney. " Ordered, that the clerk have authority to issue license to John
Baxter and Michael Click each to keep a public house of entertain
ment until next term, on their paying the proper sum.
" Adjourned till the next Court in course."
IMPORTANT ACTS OF COMMISSIONERS IN REGARD TO RATES OF
TAXATION AND OTHER MATTERS— PECULIARITY OF THE OLD
CLERK IN SPELLING— HIGH AUTHORITY QUOTED.
On the 5th of March " a petition was forwarded to the board of
Commissioners of this county, praying for a Road Leading from the
town of Mansfield on a South East direction, to intersect with the
State road near the fifty-four mile tree, to run on a straight direction
as the ground will admit, to intersect the State road, and the board
do declare that the same is inexpedient."
" The tax on William Douglass' mill is ordered to be taken off,
as it is a public benefit.
" James Morgan is ordered to be taxed fourfold for refusing to
give in five horses to the lister of Union Township."
On the 7th of June the Commissioners " Ordered, that the rates
of licens* of Taverns hereafter obtained for one year in this county
shall be as follows : In the town of Mount Vernon, on the Public
Square, and on Market Street, shall be rated at six dollars; all
Taverns in the Town of Frederick and in the Town of Clinton, and
on the road leading from the Town of Mount Vernon to Newark,
within the county of Knox, at Five dollars ; all Taverns in any.
other part of the To wn of Mount Vernon, at five dollars ; all taverns
on roads leading through any part of the county, or Richland
county, at foiu- dollars."
The rates of taxation on the county levy were
established as foUows :
* The first clerk was a very good pensman, a gentleman and scholar; liut
like General Jackson, he had his peculiarities of spelling and pronuncia
tion, as, for instance, license without the E final, and gentlemen with a J-

KNOX COUNTY. 83
" On each' stud horse and jack at the rate of what he stands at
the season."
" On each other horse, mare, mule and ass, 30 cents.
"On each head of neat cattle, 10 cents; on houses, and other
property made subject to taxation by law, one-half per cent, on its
appraised value."
At this time horses were valued for taxation at
$30 per head, and cattle at f 10. The trouble about
the tax dupUcate and matters connected therewith
was satisfactorily adjusted, as appears by the foUow
ing entry on the 27th of June :
" This day we have prepared our duplicate for Collection, and
prepared our Returns for the Auditor of the State of Ohio."
Great was the relief of the board at having ar
ranged matters which had troubled them from
January tiU June 27th !
" James Smith is appointed collector of the Taxes for the year
1809, and gave bond.
In September, 1809, we find: "On return of a Road laid out
from Mount Vernon to a point on Mohicking, the viewers return the
same unprofitable, and the same is Rejected."
KNOX COMMON PLEAS— FIFTH TERM— SEPTEMBER 4, 1809.
" Grand Jury. — Jabez Beers, Joe Walker, George Downs, Gil
man Bryant, John Baxter, George Lybarger, Henry Roberts,
Thomas Townsend, Jonathan Hunt, Sen'r, John Green, James
Craig, Samuel Wilson, Benj. Thompson, and Wm. Johnson, returned
into Court and-brought in the following Indictments:
" The State of Ohio vs. Henry Smith. — For retailing liquors
contrary to the statute of this State; a true bill; who appears and
pleads guilty. The attorney for the State of Ohio will no further
prosecute this Indictment. "Ed. H'ekrick, Pro. Att'y .

84 HISTORY OP
" Same vs. Benjamin Butler. — For retailing S. liquors contrary
to the statute of this State ; who comes forward and puts in his
plea — Guilty. The Court, in consideration of his offense, do assess
his fine to $3.
" Same vs. Samuel Martin. — For same. Henry Roberts, John
Harod and James Bryant enter into recognizance of $50 each to
give evidence in this case.
" Same^'&. Wm. McDougal. — Forretailinggoods without license.
Pleads guilty, &c.
" Luke Walpole vs. Wm. Wallace. — Trespass on the case.
Judgment by confession, $91.88, and Interest from 11th Jan'y, and
costs. " The State of Ohio vs. Peter Baxter. — For assault and battery.
" Jury. — James Walker, Jr., Peter Kyle, Sr., James Bryant,
Abraham Sperry, Alexander Walker, John Hown, Daniel Dem
mick, Isaac Bennett, Charles Cooper, James Walker, Sr., John
Click, David Pettigrew, who do say the defendant is guilty.
" The State of Ohio vs. Wm. Scritchfield. — ^Assault and battery.
Defendant pleads guilty, and is fined fifty cents and costs.
" John Barry vs. Samuel Kratzer. — On the case. Judgment
confessed by defendant for $200, with interest from 26th April,
1806. " The State of Ohio vs. Peter Baxter. — John Merritt becomes
his security in $50 for his appearance next Court.
" The State of Ohio vs. John Morryson. — For assault and bat
tery. Jury's verdict — Not guilty.
" John J. Bruce vs. Thomas B. Patterson, Joseph Walker, Oil
man Bryant. — This cause is to be continued until 1st of October
for answer to bill of plaintiff.
" Wm. Douglass vs. John Young. — On the case. The parties
appeared and settled.
" Christian Shoolts vs. James Walker, Jr. — On the case. Settled.
" John Byard vs. Wm. Walker. — On the case. Settled.
" Sylvanius Lawrence, for the use of Benjamin Rush, vs. George
J)a«MO».— Nathaniel Spurgeou and Wm. Scritclifield appeared and
undertook for the defendant's appearance, &c.
" License is granted to Henry Smith to keep public house for
one year.
" The State of Ohio vs. Peter Baxter.— On Indictment. Defend
ant pleads guilty, and is fined 50 cents and cost.

KNOX COUNTY. 85
" Robert Dalrymple vs. Joseph Talmage. — On the case. Con
tinued till next term. " 5th September.
" Michael Click, John Baxter, Samuel, Lewis and Abner Ayres
obtain licenses for houses of public entertainment.
" Wm. McDonald and Benjamin Tupper are each licensed to sell
goods. " Samuel H. Smith is also licensed to retail goods one year, on
payment of $10.00.
"Letters of administration on Michael Shinabery's estate are
issued to Catharine Shinabery. Gilman Bryant and George
Downes, securities; John MiUs, Matthew Mant and James Smith,
appraisers. " Court adjourned till the next Court in course."

THE FIRST SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTY TREASURER.
The first fiscal year of Knox county made the
foUowing showing on settlement of the Treasurer
with the Commissioners, and "from a full investi
gation of aU the accounts and monies paid into his
hands as Treasurer, that the said Treasurer has paid
and accounted with us for above, the same twenty-
three doUars seventy cents and four mills, which is
as foUows :
Dr. Treasurer to am't of monies Due to the county — . $906.60.4
Cr. By monies paid and accounted for from June last until
this day, June 6th, 1809  930.30.8
To order in your favour on settlement  23.70.4
Balance  906.60.4

930.30.8

" Ordered, that Henry Hains be allowed the sum of $23.70.4,
which is a balance due him on settlement as Treasurer of Knox
county, and the Treasurer is ordered to pay the same."

86 HISTORY OP
THE TREASURER OF KNOX COUNTY FOR SEVEN YEARS-HIS
MELANCHOLY EXIT.
Henry Haines, first Treasurer of Knox county,
was one of the best men in the county at its organ
ization. He was a native of  , and settled on
the tract of land, since owned by Beams and
others, next to the Merritts.
He had been a man of education and property,
and was in easy circumstances. He was a very in
genious, handy man, had a turning lathe, made
chairs, farmed, etc. He became deranged on the
subject of reUgion, was an active and leading mem
ber of the Disciple or Christian denomination, at
that time caUed "New Lights." He officiated with
James Smith in the first conference held in the
county, of which David Young, of ZanesviUe, was
Presiding Elder.
Haines became a loud exhorter, and, becoming
deranged, got a tin horn and rode around the town
and county, day and night, notifying the people to
prepare for judgment, as the world was coming to
an end. He proclaimed the same doctrine in his
derangement that Millerites subsequently did.
When he became ungovernable he was taken to
Dr. B. D. Moore, who confined him in a mad sMrt,
or straight jacket, and treated him for several weeks
until he was restored to reason ; but he said if he
ever became insane again he would kill Dr. Moore.
Shortly after this the doctor removed to Eayette
county. Pa., and Haines again became deranged,
and was missing for some time. Search was made
for him, but the first information that his famUy

KNOX COUNTY. 87
received of his whereabouts was in a letter from
Dr. Moore. He had made his way into OonneUs-
vUle for the purpose of kiUing the doctor, and had
stolen the family silver spoons to pay his way in.
Upon arriving there he had become rational again,
and he told what his purpose had been, and stayed
several weeks with the doctor, and was treated very
kindly by him. Not long after this he took a rope
and hung himself to a tree on his own farm.

88 HISTORY OP

CHAPTEE Vn.
THE SEAT OF JUSTICE FOR THE LAST TIME.
Ben. Botler's version of the way mount veenon was made the perma
nent COUNTY seat, showing THAT OLD VIRGINIA WAS UP TO TRICKS.
The only one of the proprietors now Uving re
lated to us the foUowing interesting story : —
"When I moved my family to the thirty-sis
acres of land which I had bought, I had no thought
of ever laying out any portion of it in town lots, or
of any town ever being laid out there, nor at that
time had Walker or Patterson. The idea, when
suggested, was pleasing, and we at once took up
with it. CUnton had been laid out by Sam. Smith,
and had never been paid out, I beUeve. It was
started chiefly on the donation principle. Those
who would put up buildings had their own time to
pay for their lots, if ever they coiUd.
"When we got word that the Commissioners
were coming on to locate the county site, we were
greatly stirred up about how we should manage.
Kratzer and WUUamson and Walker came to see
me about it, and we aU had a general consultation.
I thought we had no chance of getting it, for I told
them that they had, at CUnton, Bill Douglass' mill
and a lot of good houses, and Sam. Smith's big

KNOX COUNTY,

89

brick house, and a plcuty of smart Yankees to
manage, and they had at Erederick Johnny Kerr's
miU and a lot of rich Quakers around it, and both
those places looked better then than our d  d
little scrubby place ; and Sam. Kratzer asked me

V^

-• < '

Id

'(2

wliat I would do about it? And I said to them
that I had studied out a pretty d  d bad trick
that I could manage if they would only go into it,
and if tlicy wouldn't there wasn't a d  d bit of
chance for us ; and they said, let's hear it ; and I
told them I would give f 10 myself, and each of
90 HISTORY OP
them must give $10, to make up a purse and get
liquor for the devils we had, and engage them to
go up to CUnton and Erederick, and get drunk, and
fiddle and fight and play hell generaUy when the
Commissioners came up there to look, and that we
would get two good yoke of oxen to work on the
streets, and the rest of the men must take hold and
spade and shovel and pick and roll logs and dig up
stumps, and be fixing up the streets right, whUe
all the women and girls must get out into their
gardens, hoeing and weeding and working like
good fellows, and I would have the best victuals
cooked and the best cheer the Uttle old tavern could
afford, so as to please the belUes of the Commis
sioners, and we might then come out first for the
county site selection.
" My plan struck their fancy, and Sam. Kratzer,
although he was a great Methodist, didn't say a
d  d word about its being a sin to cheat them
that game, but at it he went, and they aU feU into
the plan. And we had a clever fellow named
Munson, from Granville, and a big fellow named
Bixbee, from over about Big-belly, and they agreed
to go along and each to captain a gang of the row
dies, and see that it was played out right.
" It was Thursday afternoon when the Commis
sioners first came to our town, and they rode up
and asked me if they could get to stay all night,
and I told them that it was hard fare we had, but
if they would put up with it they could, and they
stopped. I guessed who they were at once, and
passed the word around, and everything went on
as we had planned it, and the next morning about

KNOX COUNTY. 91
¦ dayUght the busiest set of bees ever coUected about
a hive were at work, hammering, pounding, dig
ging, hoeing, scraping and working on the streets
and in the lots. Leah had breakfast bright and
early ; I had their horses all cleaned up and weU
fed, and ready after they eat to start. They won
dered at the work they saw going on, and if it was
kept up always as they had seen it in town, and I
told them we were all poor and hard working, and
we never lost any time in our little town. They
said they were going up to Clinton and Erederick
to see those places, and were going to fix the county
seat, and wanted me to go along, but I tried to beg
off — that I was poor and must work, and couldn't
lose the time, as it would take them two or three
days to determine it. They said no, it wouldn't
take them that long, and I knew d  d weU if the
trick was played out weU by the rowdies that they
would soon be back, so I sort of hesitated as though
I would and I wouldn't go, and finally told Krat
zer if he would go too, I would, as I would like to
see them fix the county seat up there, and then Jim
Dunlap, who was a jovial fellow about 35, spoke up
and said to come ahead ; the other two were sort of
gruff, it seemed to me, and didn't say much, but
looked solemn. They asked if we didn't expect to
get the county seat at Mount Yernon, and I told
them no, that we were too poor to try for it ; that
I felt too poor reaUy to go up with them, for some
feUow might come along and stop with me, who
would want me to go with him and look at land,
and every fellow that I showed land to, gave me $2,
which helped right smart. There were three sorts

92 HISTORY OP
of poor — God's poor, the devil's poor, and poor
devils, and that we were all poor devils ; but Sam.
Smith was long headed, and Johnny Kerr had lots
of rich Quakers to back him, so us poor devils were
left out of the question.
" We then rode together up to CUnton, and there
the rowdies were cutting up, and the fiddle going,
and shouting and cursiag being done of the tallest
Mnd, and when we went to go into the tavern there
was a rush to the door way, and two men scuffling
and fighting, and before the Commissioners could
get in they were jammed and scuffed about, and in
the din and confusion, and yeUs of ' puU them off,'
' part them,' ' don't do it,' ' fair play, by G — d,'
' hit him again, d  n him,' ' let 'em fight it out,'
and all such calls, the Commissioners backed out
from the tavern, and proposed to go and look at
Eredericktown. About that time old Sam. Smith
came up, and when he found out they were the
Commissioners, and going, he tried the hardest kind
to get them to stop, but it was no go ; they had
seen enough of that place then, but promised him
to caU again to-morrow. On the way to Erederick
town I talked much with them, and apologized for
the way our people up there had acted, and they
asked me if they cut up like Indians all the time,
and I told them that about CUnton and Erederick
there were a great many rich men's sons, and they
had no trades, and would frolic a little just to put
in their time, but they were a mighty clever set of
people, &c. And I pointed out to them the pretty
scenery, and bragged on the land around, but said
not a word for Mount Yernon. When we got to

KNOX COUNTY. 93
Erederick, they stopped at Ayres' tavern, and found
a good deal such quarreling going on as at CUnton,
and I got afraid then that they might see through
it, and suspect that we had a hand in getting it up,
and so I got down about the miU, and sat on the
logs awhile with Kratzer and Patterson, and left
them up at the tavern to see the fighting in the
yard, and just before going in to dinner I called
one- of the roAvdies to me and told him it was aU
working weU, and gave him more money, and told
him to swear the others not to revulge on them
ever, and we would make it right with 'em. After
dinner the Commissioners sauntered around, and I
proposed going back and leaving them, as they
woiUd want to stay aU night there, and I had some
work to do and chores to attend to at home before
night ; but they would have me wait a while longer
for them, and I did it. While there sitting on a
log, we bet two gaUons of wine with Johnny Kerr,
as to which place would get the county seat. When
they were ready they started, and we rode back to
Mount Yernon, where Mrs. Butler had the best
kind of a supper cooked up, and it put them in
right good humor. She knew how to fix things up
right on such an occasion.
" The men about Mount Yernon were aU quiet,
and kept so, and when Dunlap asked Coyle's two
boys to take a dram with him, they hung back and
hesitated, untU I told them to come up and take a
drink with the gentleman — that there was no harm
in it ; and they poured out the least bit of drams
they ever took in their Uves. The next morning
the Commissioners got ready to start, and I had

94: HISTORY OP
got Knuck Harris, the only nigger in the country
then, to sleek their horses off, and they came out
looking first rate. Dunlap was a funny feUow, and
he thought he could hop, and bantered some of the
boys to hop, but they were afraid they woiUd be
beat by him, and said it warn't no use to try, as
they knew he could beat them. But I told him to
make his hop, and he went out in the road and
gave a sample ; I went over it just a little, and we
hopped several times, until I concluded to show
him what Ben. coiUd do, and I hopped so far over
his furtherest mark that they aU laughed him right
out, and he gave it up, saying I could hop some.
In those days I never found the man that could
beat me. When they were about starting I asked
them if they were not going back to Clinton and give
it another look, but they said no, and the CUnton-
ites never saw them any more. They wanted to
go to Delaware, and asked me to pilot them a part
of the way, which I did, and when I got out with
them back of George Lewis' place, I tried to find
something out of them as to what they had de
termined on, but they evaded my questions, and
gave me little satisfaction. On bidding them good-
by, I hoped they were not put out with our place
on account of the hard fare I had given them — that
I had nothing nice to give them, as I kept only a
little log tavern, and supplied my table by hunting
and butchering. One of them remarked that if
they ever came this way again, they were weU
enough suited to caU on me. I then said that I
was poor, and felt discouraged, and thought that I
would quit off and go some where else and make a

KNOX COUNTY. 95
better Uving for myself and family. Dunlap then
said I was doing well enough, and must not get out
of heart. And so we parted. When we got back
to town aU the men gathered around me to find out
what was our chance. I told them what had passed
between us, and that I was satisfied it would be
found that our side was ahead, and I called them
aU up to take a good drink at my expense on Mount
Yernon being made the permanent county seat.
That little trick of ours, I am sure, made the scales
turn in our favor, and when we knew that it was
estabUshed at Mount Yernon, you can imagine that
we had loud rejoicing over it."
In this time of war, when the pubUc mind is
educated to believe that it is fair in any way to gain
an advantage over an enemy, there will be but few
who wiU not consider this Uttle county seat contest
to have been properly conducted upon the part of
the Yernonites. The rule that "all is fair in poli
tics" having of late years gained general acceptation
and credence, those who have dabbled in govern
mental affairs will say that this was rightly done, and
aU who have won in matters of love, and who has
not, wiU concede that " the end justifies the means,"
and aU who beUeve that " whatever is is right," will
determine that Mount Yernon honorably, justly
and legitimately became the permanent seat of jus
tice of Knox county. JONATHAN HUNT^S RYDER.
Jonathan Hunt informs us that he was one of the
volunteer workers on the streets at the time the
Commissioners came on, and that Gilman Bryant

96 HISTORY OP
sort of bossed the work, and, being a cripple, he
tended on them and gave out the whisky and water,
cheering them up as he came around, saying:
" Work like men in harvest, but keep sober, boys."
Mike CUck, and John Click, his brother, drove the
oxen." Mike was a bully hand with a team, and
made them tear up stumps, haul logs, j)low and
scrape, as necessary. Men never worked better on
a road than that force then did. They chopped
down trees, cut off logs, grubbed, dug down rough
places, fiUed up guUeys, burned log heaps, and made
a wonderful change in the appearance of things.
It was the first work ever done on the streets of
Mount Yernon.

KNOX COUNTY. 97

CHAPTEE YIII.
SIXTH TERM OF COURT— JANUARY 1st, 1810.
The lAW AND THE TESTIMONY. — COURTS, FINANCE, AND ELECTION, 1810.
" Grand Jury. — Isaac Bonnett, foreman, David Miller, Peter
Bricker, Abner Brown, Jr., John Johnson, Casper Pitting, Francis
Hardesty, Josiah Talmage, Willis Speakman, Wm. Darling, Robert
Dalrymple, Joseph Coleman, David Johnson, John Merritt, James
Walker, Jr.
" Indictments were found vs. Henry Smith, Eli Freeman, John
Click, Thomas McBride.
" Robert Dalrymple vs. Joseph Talmage. — This case was tried
by a jury, who do find for the plaintiff and do assess his damage
$1. " Wra. Sapp was appointed guardian for John Melton, and gave
bond in $50.
" John Green, administrator of Isaac McClary, was allowed till
next September Term to settle.
" William Wallace was licensed to keep public house on paying
the proper sum. January 2d.
" Isaac Applegate, by his Agent, Israel Ross, vs. Thomas B. Pat
terson. — On Saassarara. Ordered, that a Declaration be filed vs.
two o'clock.
" The Case of John J. Brice vs. Thomas B. Patterson, Gilman
Bryant, and Joseph Walker. — In Chancery — is disposed of by or
dering defendants to pay $50, in nine months, or make a deed and
to pay costs.
" Robert Dalrymple vs. Joseph Talmage. — By consent of parties
this action is to lie open for a new trial, and continued on the Issue
Docket. 7

98 HISTORYOP
" Plumb and Murray are Licensed to retail goods three months.
" Notice is given of an appeal in the cases of Dalrymple vs.
Talmage, and John J. Brice vs. Patterson, et als.
" Letters of administration are granted to  Simpkins on
the Estate of John Simpkins. Joseph Coleman and Sele Simpkins
securities for $400.
" And the Court adjourned till Court in Course."

SEVENTH TERM— COURT OF COMMON PLEAS— 30th APRIL, 1810.
" James Colville appears as an Associate Judge in place of Wm.
Gass. " Grand Jury. — Joseph Walker, torenwan, Nicholas Riley, Jas.
Walker, Jr., Daniel Demmick, George Davis, Jonathan Oraig, C.
Loffland, Wm. Fuller, Jacob Lybarger, C. Cooper, Peter Majors,
Henry Haines, John Ervin, Nathaniel Critchfield.
" Bills of Indictment were found vs. Ichabod Nye, Samuel Nye,
Alexander Enos, Richard Alspaugh.
" But one case was tried by Jury — that one vs. John Click, for
assault and battery.
" Another State case for assault and battery vs. Thomas Mc
Bride was disposed of by the Court assessing a fine of $1 and costs,
and two cases were dismissed at defendant's cost, and one at the
plaintiff's cost.
" Ordered, that an additional Justice of the Peace be added to
the township of Morgan.
" Benjamin Barrey was Licensed to keep public tavern at Clinton,
on payment of $5.
" This term continued two days, and the above is the business
transacted." THE JAIL BOUNDS DEFINED.
Special Term — 2d day of June, 1810.
" Ordered, that the jail bounds of this county be as follows, to
wit : Front street, thence to include all the balance of the town of
Mt. Vernon lying North said street, which does include the Jail of
eaid county."

KNOX COUNTY. 99
"LOI THE POOR AFRICAN" DEMANDS ATTENTION.
" The Court convenes at 2 o'clock P. M. to determine the negroe's
case. " TJie State of Ohio vs. Ned Jackson, a negro. — For Larceny.
The criminal comes forward and pleads not guilty, and the Court,
from the testimony given, do consider and order that the said
criminal be confined in jail until the Court in course."
HAVING A QUAKER JUDGE CAUSES A QUAKER MEETING— 4th
DAY, 6th month.
" Court met. Present : John Mills, Wm. W. Farquhar, and
James Colville."
The record is sUent as to the cause of their meet-
ing-^only sheweth that the three gentlemen met
and adjourned until the Court in Course.
EIGHTH TERM— COURT OF COMMON PLEAS— 3d SEPTEMBER, 1810.
" Grand Jury. — Robert McMillen, foreman, John Wood, Wm.
Wallace, John Herrod, John Shrimplin, John Merrit, Silas Brown,
John Hown, John Wheeler, David Johnson, Nathaniel Critchfield,
Ziba Leonard, Jas. Wallace, Jr.
"Bills of Indictment were presented against Robert Davidson
aud James Butler, each of whom were on plea of guilty of assault
and battery, fined $2 and costs."
The cases must have been exceedingly aggravated,
or the Court become more severe upon the offenders,
and doubled the fine.
Three causes were tried by jury, to wit : Robert
Dalrymple vs. Joseph Talmage ; Lawrence, for use
of Bush, vs. George Davidson; and Martha Zenick,
by her guardian and father, vs. David Miller and
Mary MiUer. This time Dalrymple was awarded
$5 damages, but neither party, as usual in law, was

100 HISTORY OP
satisfied with the decision ; hence, on the next page
we find, side by side with each other, the foUowmg
entries :
"Robert Dalrymple vs. Joseph Talmage. — Notice is hereby
given by the plaintiff of an appeal.
" Robert Dalrymple vs. Joseph Talmage. — Notice is hereby given
by the defendant of an appeal.
" The Jury in the second case gave judgment for the defendant,
George Davidson, for costs, and the plaintiff gives notice of
appeal." In the Zenick case, the Jury, "upon their oaths,
do find the defendants guilty, and assess the dam
ages of the plaintiff to $30." This was the first
slander suit ever tried in Knox county. The defend
ants moved, in arrest of judgment, "that the words
contained in the third count in the plaintiff's decla
ration are not actionable," but, having been over
ruled in this effort, then gave notice of an appeal.
This was a case of unusual interest, and WilUam
Guardian, for failing to appear as evidence in it,
was fined f 1.
Three cases were dismissed at plaintiff's cost.
Three judgments were entered by default, and one
by confession. The highest amount of any judg
ment was that of Josiah Morriss vs. David Debel,
alias Debolt, for $70 and costs. A case of David
Miller vs. Martha Zenick, on the case, was dismissed
with judgment for costs vs. plaintiffs. Such was
the business of two days of the 7th regular term.
" On the Sth of September George Coffiubery was Licensed to
keep a publick house of entertainment in the town of Mansfield for
one year on his payment of $4.

KNOX COUNTY. 101
" John Green, Esq., was still further allowed 3 years to settle
the Isaac McOlary estate.
" Catharine Shinabery, Ex. of M. Shinabery, dec'd, settled with
the Court.
" Daniel Demmick was Licensed to keep a publick House of en
tertainment for one year, and Michael Click also.
" Henry Markley was" allowed for 12|- days services as Commis
sioner. " Matthew Merritt was allowed for 9 days services as Commis
sioner. " William Douglas was allowed for 10 days services as Commis
sioner. " Edward Herrick was allowed $25 as Prosecuting Attorney for
the Supreme Court for 1810."
COUNTY SETTLEMENT— 5th SEPTEMBER, 1810.
" The Court met with the Commissioners for the purpose of set
tling with the Court in County Charges, &c., which is as follows,
(to wit) :
" County of Knox, Dr., for, including from the June, 1809, to
Sept. 6th, 1810:
Commissioners of Knox County  $137 27
Associate Judges  109 44
Elections  48 7.5
Roads  130 82
"  3 10
Treasurer  40 46
Boarding &. Imprisoning Negro  2 75
"  1 83
Coroner  3 50
Iron — Negro  5 25
Wolf Scalps  G7 50
Collector's fees  102 59.8
Clerk's fees  41 00
Clerk to Commissioners from Jan'y, 1808  87 17
Sheriff's fees  28 6J
Prosecuting Attorney  100 00
Repairs of Jail  9 47
Jury Boxes  •  1 08

102 HISTORY OP
Delinquents in Tax  $24 20
Listing Townships  "i's 00
Petit Jurors  15 15
Postage of Letters  ,  95
Witnesses  4 00
Grand Jurors  GO 00
$1,194 16J
Cr. By County Levy for 1809  $265 98
By Land Tax, 1809  252 52
By Draft on District Collection  118 30
By fines, &c  48 55
By stores and taverns  73 32
$759 67
" Ordered, that the Court do adjourn until the next meeting in
course." VOTE FOR GOVERNOR IN 1810.
The vote of Knox county in 1810 stood: Eor
Eeturn J. Meigs, 97; Thomas Worthington, 90.
All the votes cast in our county at that election
were 187. Our county was then on the winning
side, as Meigs carried the State by 2,193 majority.

KNOX COUNTY 103

CHAPTEE IX.
Sketch op the tiest white man known to have been upon the ko-
K0-3INO. — The Indian captive. in 1779. — The adjutant in 1812— and
commissioner in 1824.
The first of the citizens of Knox county to tread
upon its soil, was John StiUey. Tn the month of
June, A. D. 1779, he was a captive among the In
dians upon the banks of Ko-ko-sing. We have
thoroughly investigated the early history of this
• 'ountry and can learn of no white person who pen
etrated the wilderness prior to that time. His
father was one of the pioneers of Allegheny county,
Pennsylvania, who was killed by the savages when
John was but a smaU child. Immediately after his
father was massacred, John (about the year 1774)
was taken, with one of his little sisters, by his
brother-in-law, Kennedy, to his home in the back
part of Washington county, where he was living
exposed to the privations, toils and sufferings inci
dent to border life. At that time the people of the
new country were in constant dread of the savages,
and sleeping or waking they were alike in danger
of becoming their prey. In the spring of 1779,
when the corn was just sprouting out of the ground,
a band of Indians of the Wyandot tribe one night
attacked the house of Kennedy, took Kennedy, his

104 HISTORY OF
wife and one chUd, John StUley and his Uttle prat-
tUng sister, plundered the house of such things as
they fancied, set fire to the house, and burned it to
the ground. While they were witnessing the de
struction of the house and its contents, they became
alarmed by the approach of some of the whites
living nearest to Kennedy, and hastUy seized his
horses, and took to flight. One of the neighbors,
called Captain Jack, an old Indian hunter, Uving
about two miles from Kennedy's, thought on the
evening of that day that there were Indians about,
and being unable to get to sleep on account of this
presentiment, kept his family awake untU about
midnight, when he swore that he " smelt Indians,"
and seizing his rifle, powder-horn and buUet-pouch
went out to his nearest neighbor, and whUe there
discovered the fire in the direction of Kennedy's,
and with such of the settlement as could be hastily
gathered together came up to the ruins of the
house, hurrying the Indians away with their cap
tives and plunder. They foUowed close in pursuit,
and came so nearly up to them when crossing the
river that Captain Jack shot the Indian having
young StiUey in charge across the right hand, cut
ting off his thumb. They heard the crack of rifies,
and the baUs whistled by them as they crossed the
river. The Indian held young John in his left
hand, and swam his horse over the river and rode
some distance with the reins in his mouth. The
band of Indians — sixteen in number — hastened
rapidly across the country with their prisoners,
crossing the White Woman near its mouth, and
foUowing on up the Ko-ko-sing, as StiUey distinctly

KNOX COUNTY. 105
recoUects, until above where Eredericktown has
since been built, and thence on out to the Sandusky
plains. They camped one night at the Little In
dian Eields, near the present site of Mount Yernon.
This country was then an unbroken wilderness.
They did not see a single white man, or the trace
of one, this side of the Ohio river ; nor could John
StUley recoUect of seeing one of his own race for
five years, except a foAV prisoners who were at times
brought through the country where he was, and
occasionaUy his sisters and brother-ia-law. They
were parceled out by the captors as suited their
fancy, and were sometimes for months without see
ing each other. John was a stout, hearty boy, fond
of rough exercise, and ha^dng not a particle of fear
he soon became a great favorite with the tribe, and
was often taken by the warriors in their hunting
and fighting expeditions. He was several times
brought with a portion of the tribe down to the
Ko-ko-sing and White Woman country, and re
members that this was considered the most beauti
ful part of their hunting grounds. It then looked
to him far handsomer than it ever has since,
and because of its prepossessing appearance he
determined, when he started in the world with
thoughts of settling down permanently in one place,
to make this his home and final resting place.
After the Eevolutionary War was over and peace
estabUshed, Kennedy and his wife and the two
children were delivered up at Detroit. The In
dians had taken a great liking to John, and deter
mined to keep him. He was adopted into the tribe,
had learned their language, and almost lost his own.

106 HISTORY OP
Trained up as their Uttle Indians were, he had faUen
into their ways, and fell in love with their mode of
life, so that he had no desire to return to the white
settlements. He bore no marks of ill treatment,
unless we except that the end of his nose had been
bitten off by one of the Indians in a fight. In all
their sports and games he took part, and was a
worthy " boba-sheeby." Our old settlers, who recol
lect the " whoop" that Uncle John could give when
so disposed, say that he surpassed the real Indian
in that line. He has often spoken to us of the
events of his captivity, and how he was for a time
fascinated with their wild and roving Ufe. He sub
sisted for days upon a Uttle corn parched and
pounded up, and used to afiirm to us that he never
reUshed any thing so well in his life as that simple
food. But he was not doomed to live always a savage
life. His family determined to rescue him from
their wiles and allurements. His brother-in-law,
with several others, undertook this mission, and at
length succeeded in getting him away from them
while they were camped down on Deti-oit, not far
from where Maiden has since been built. He re
mained with Kennedy and his friends at Detroit
some months. There was then a British Eort there,
and the vUlage was the smallest kind of a four-cor
nered place.
It is a satisfaction to know that several of the
gang who captured StUley and Kennedy's family
were afterwards in one of their marauding expe
ditions overtaken by justice. The Poes met and
kUled them near the mouth of YeUow Creek. Stil-

KNOX* COUNTY. 107
ley and his sister became conversant with this fact
shortly after the occurrence from Indians concerned
in that dreadful fight.
John StiUey with other prisoners retaken from
the Indians, to the number of about ninety, em
barked in a vessel at Detroit, and landed in San
dusky Bay, and hired two Indian pilots to guide
them back to the settlements. When they got
pretty near the Oluo river, they began to talk over
their position, where they were from, and with sad
ness parted with each other, scattering in different
directions, never more to meet. Some were from
Kentucky, others from Virginia and Pennsylvania.
But few of them crossed tbe river with StiUey into
the edge of Allegheny county. StiUey says that
he then passed through the Ko-ko-sing and White
Woman country, and not a particle of improve
ment was discernible from the time he was first
taken through it by the Indians.
After remaining in his native country a short
time he became restless, and longed for a newer
condition of things. His desire for adventure took
him to the " dark and bloody ground." He went
alone — a poor boy, but strong of heart, and with
resolution indomitable. Alone, and in a light
canoe of his own make, he navigated the rivers,
and landed at the Limestone, about three miles
from where the city of Maysville now stands. The
only settlements then commenced on the Ohio
river in his way were at WheeUng, GalUpoUs,
Marietta, and at the mouth of the Kanawha.
These were all very smaU. He pushed his way
into the interior of Kentucky, and voyaged along

108 HISTORY OP
the waters of the Elkhorn, and was struck with
the surprising beauty of the country, and the noble
ness and generosity of the people with whom he
fell in company, and there he sojourned for some
time. "There was," he said, "a considerable set
tlement along the waters of the Elkhorn, and above
and between Paris and Lexington more white peo
ple than I had ever seen before. Lexington I
thought a mighty clever town. We could raise
along the old Elk's horn quite a number of men to
take a fight every now and then, and I felt that I
was man enough for any of them in any way they
were a mind to take me. T knew Simon Kenton
personaUy and right intimately, and a mighty true
man he was too. He then lived down, I think,
sort of northwest of Paris. He did not live as high
up as I did. He kept four minute men down there
always ready. We kept watch fifty mUes along
the river for a while, and went back and forth
twenty-five miles ; I was one of them. I also knew
Neal Washburn well, and I tell you he was a real
brotherly feeling man. The Kentucky hunters
were as good men as God ever made. They were
the clear noblemen spit — aU soul — aU bravery —
all generosity. Would to God there were more
such in the world." * * * "I remained
upon Elkhorn enjojdng myself finely, farming a
little, and hunting more, and wrestling and fight
ing, and all that, till the pesky Indians up in the
Maumee country, and in the Miami, got to cutting
up so intolerable bad that we couldn't stand it any
longer — they were depredating and thieving, and
mijxdcring and scalping, and I got my blood up

KNOX COUNTY. 109
and concluded to try my aim on them, so I 'Usted
among the first in the country, and there was no
better shot with a rifle among the crowd."
John StiUey served for four months as one of
the Kentucky volunteers, and upon discharge of
the company, by General Wayne, returned to the
Elkhorn country. But he did not long remain
quiet. Eepeated acts of cruelty and inhumanity
on the part of the savages and their worse than
savage aUies, again rendered it necessary for the
Kentucky boys to shoulder their rifles and march
into the enemy's country to avenge the wrongs
of their countrymen. StiUey then served five
months, and said he would like to have continued
with old Mad Anthony the rest of his days, but the
old hero said he did not require his services any
longer. He returned to Kentucky and remained
farming, hunting, and shooting at a mark, until the
country, where he was, became too thickly settled
for him to enjoy Ufe there, and then he concluded
to look up again the fine country which he had
admired so much, when a boy, on the Ko-ko-sing.
He is found Uving in this county in 1806, making
his location, building his log cabin, and settling
down for the remainder of his term on earth. His
wife, Eebecca, daughter of old Eobert Thompson,
the surveyor and pioneer, rests by his side beneath
the soil of Knox county. The StiUey farm, west
of Mount Yernon one mile, where their sons Mor
gan E. and Gilman B. and daughter Dorcas now
live, was cleared off and first cultivated by Thomp
son and StiUey from 1805. Of John Stilley's twelve
children — Sarah E., wife of Jacob MaxteUer, is in

110 HISTORY OP
this township ; Julia Ann, wife of Col. Benjamin
E. Smith, in Minnesota; Joel E. in this county,
Eebecca Kinibal in Morrow county; liTancy, wife
of Wm. McEarland, deceased, in Oquawka, IU.,
and the others, not above named, are dead.
In our chapter upon the military of Knox county
it will be seen that the bellicose sj)irit of John
StiUey is made manifest. In the war with Great
Britain he served as Adjutant of Col. Kratzer's
Eegiment, Ohio volunteers, until honorably dis
charged. He again entered the ser^dce when Eort
Meigs was attacked by the British and Indians,
and received another honorable discharge. We
became conversant with the events in the life of
this worthy old settler several years ago, when for
warding an application for a land warrant, which
he desired mainly as evidencing an evidence of
appreciation of his services and sufferings by his
government, but the lamentable delays of ofiicials
in the great circumlocution departments at Wash
ington prevented his receiving this just acknowl
edgment of his country's gratitude. On the 10th
of March, 1852, he died of palsy, at his home, in
Clinton township. His widow, after his death,
received the tribute of a land warrant for 160 acres.
John StiUey was a true hearted, a brave man —
ready, whenever occasion offered, to assert his rights
and evidence his courage. He performed four tours
of service, and under the most trying circumstan
ces acquitted himself handsomely. He was a great
admirer of General Wayne and General Harrison,
and never grew tired of praising them. We might
give many anecdotes and incidents connected with

KNOX COUNTY. Ill
the life of this worthy old pioneer — who first walked
upon the banks of Owl Creek, (Koo-koo-san he
said it was pronounced by the tribe who captured
him.) We have thought a chapter in the History
of the county to be justly due to John StiUey — the
old Adjutant — the old Commissioner — the old citi
zen who was proverbial for his honesty and integ
rity — and who possessed, at four score years, as
good a memory, as sound judgment and irreproach
able character as any man ever within the limits
of KJnox county.

112 HISTORY OP

CHAPTEE X.
What was done et coukts and cohmissionebs in the yeaes 1811-12-
13 and 1814 that mat be of interest to citizens of the countt. —
COUNTT ROADS.  CoCNTT BUILDINGS.— COUNTT REVENUE.  WhAT IT COST
TO GUARD A PRISONER AND TO BURY A NEGRO IN 1812-14.  PRICES OF
BARK AND RABBIT SKINS.  ThE GLORIOUS FOURTH COMMEMORATED BT
strong's SETTLEMENT.
NINTH TERM OF COMMON PLEAS — JANUARY 1, 1811.
" Grand Jury — Charles Lofland, foreman, Thomas Beaty, Abra
ham Lyon, James Craig, Geo. Lybarger, Nathl. M. Young, J. Dun
lap, John Morrison, Samuel Wilson, John Herrod, John Cook,
James Herrod and James Cunningham.
" Indictments presented vs. Wm. Wallace, James Smith, Solomon
Geller, John StiUey, John Barney, Francis Spratt, John Fogle-
song, Benj. Barney, Andrew Clark and Samuel Arbuckle.
"This term continued three days. The minutes show but one
Jury Trial : The State of Ohio vs. Henry Smith for passing coun
terfeit money, and the Jury found him not guilty.
"Gilman Bryant was granted Licens to retail goods for 8 months,
and Abner Ayres to keep a public house one year.
" An additional Justice of the Peace was added to the township
of Clinton.
" The Indictments vs. Francis Spratt and Wm. Wallace were
disposed of, each being fined $3 and costs."
TENTH TERM— 29Tn APRIL, 1811.
" Grand Jury — Isaac Bonnet, foreman, Charles Cooper, Robert
Wright, John Hawn, Peter Bricker, Timothy Burr, Isaac Dial,
Bartholomew Bartlet, Evan Holt, John Trimble, John Wheeler,
James Miller, Oliver Strong.

KNOX COUNTY. 113
" Indictments were presented vs. David Demmick, Sele Simp
kins. "John Stilley appears and pleads guilty to Indictment for
assault and battery found vs. him at last Term, and is fined $4
and costs." The dignity of fighting is increased, and those who
indulge in that luxury have to pay higher.
" Benjn. Barney, arraigned on charge of assault and battery,
pleads not guilty, and on trial Jury so find.
"Andrew Clark, on indictment for same offence, is fined $4 and
costs. " John Barney stands a jury trial on his indictment, and is found
not guilty.
" So also Samuel Arbuckle is acc[uitted.
" Licens is granted Benjn. Barney to keep publick house one
year at Clinton.
" The case of Joseph Foos vs. Archibald Gardner is tried by a
Jury, who find ' that Gardner was only to pay for the improve
ments done by Foos on the House.'
"Two suits were dismissed, two settled by the parties, and two
judgments entered for small sums.
" John Sawyer is fined $2 and costs for not attending as a wit
ness. This being the second fine of this character in the Common
Pleas Court, the penalty is increased 100 per cent.
" Licenses to retail goods are granted to Wm. H. Selby & Isaac
Vore, and Tavern license to Jno. Baxter & Amoriah Watson.
" George Sapp is appointed admr. of George Sapp, deed. ; Danl.
Sapp & John Greer, Securities."
ELEVENTH TERM— 9th OF SEPT., 1811.
" Grand Jury. — ^William Gass, Jabez Beers, Joseph Coleman,
Casper Fitting, Abraham Darling, Jacob Young, John Green,
Henry Ankeny, James Bryant, Charles Lofland, John Wheeler,
David Johnson, Jonathan Hunt, Jr.
" Indictments fcrund vs. Sele Simpkins, Thos, McBride, Benj.
Rush, Francis Wilkins, John Davis, James Walker, Jr. and James
Smith. Four Jury causes came off, to wit ; Andrew Craig vs. Henry
McCurb & James Cmmingham, Trespass on the case ; Wm. W.

114 HISTORY OP
Farquhar vs. James Craig, for debt ; The State of Ohio vs. Sele
Simpkins, for felony ; and James Smith vs. Samuel H. Smith,
assumpsit. " The Prosecuting Attorney entered ' nolle ' on Indictment vs.
James Smith for not making Election returns to Fairfield C.
" The State vs. Francis Wilkins. Defendant was fined $1 for
assault and battery.
" Eleven other causes were disposed of — mainly dismissed at
costs of Pltff.
"John Green, Esq., of the Methodist Church, is licensed to marry
people so disposed.
" Henry Markley was allowed $5.3.37J for sevices as Commis
sioner. " Matthew Merrit was allowed $1.75 for services as Commis
sioner. " Robert McMillen was allowed $36.75 for sevices as Commis
sioner. " License to keep public house was granted for one year to Michael
Click, John Jones, Jesse Procter, Daniel Ayers, Daniel Demmick.
" Store License was granted to Gilman Bryant, Benjn. Rush,
Saml. H. Smith.
" On the return of John Heckewelder, John McConnel and
Moses Koss, Esquires, who were appointed by a Joint Ballot of
both Houses of the Legislature of the State of Ohio to fix the
seats of Justice in the Counties of Wayne and Eichland in the
State aforesaid, which passed the 2Sth of March, 1803, who did
report for the seat of Justice in Richland county aforesaid to be
affixed at the town of Mansfield. Signed the 20th day of April,
1809." Settlement with the Commissioners of Knox County, to wit : Ex
penditures from Sept. Term, 1810 ;
Paid out to different collectors  $62 17.5
" for wolf scalps  j2 00
" for Grand Juries  52 75
" for Pettit Judges in State prosecutions  20 20
" for Witnesses fees in same  88 15
" Sheriff for his services  65 50
" Coroner " " , ,  4 00

KNOX COUNTY. 115
Paid Jas. Smith, as Clerk to Com. Pleas and Comr  $89 95 J
" Public Buildings  Ill 87.5
" accommodation of Courts  5 50
" Edwd. Herrick, Esq., as Prosecuting Attorney . . . 100 00
" expences of Roads, &c  49 27,5
" Treasurer  20 59
" Associate Judges  60 00
" locating County and Townships  63 50
" out for elections  35 50
" James Smith 25 dollars for books.

1840 97
Amount received by Treasurer to same date :
Received by fines and license  $123 38^
County levy for year 1810, OT'nship 113 32
" " Union " 79 30
" " " " Morgan " 54 30
" " " " Wayne " 62 88J
" " " " Madison" 15 92J
State Tax for Morgan  80 89^
Wayne  90 33^
Union  30 25
" " Clinton  161 44 1 mill.
" " State Treasurer  117 66
" " Walker & Slater's land 4 25
" State Tax for 1809  117 00
$1050 95 1 mill.
TWELFTH TEEM— JANY. 6th, 1812.
" Grand Jury. — Charles Lofland, foreman, Joseph Walker, Alex
ander Enos, Saml. H. Smith, John Stilley, Ziba Leonard, John
Baxter, Moses Craig, John Spratt, Benj. Currin, James Craig,
Andrew Craig, Solomon Geller."
This vacation had proven fruitful of knock-downs, as we may
judge from bills for assault and battery being found vs. Georg&
Lybarger, Henry Ankeny, Samuel W. Culberson, Joseph Dunlap,
John Strain, Benjamin Rush, John Foglesong.

116 HISTORY OP
Culberson was fined 6 cents and costs ; Lybarger, $3 ; Ankeny,
$5 ; John Foglesong, the unprecedented sum of $50 and costs. A
jury in the State vs. John Davis found him guilty to the tune of
SS20 and costs.
Daniel Demmick is fined $1 and costs for retailing spirituous
liquors without license.
The solitary civil jury trial resulted in Henry Smith obtaining
a judgment of $8.12J against Oliver Strong.
There is an increasing demand for marrying officers, and we find
License issued to Elisha Bowman and James Smith of the Metho
dist Church.
George Coffinberry renews his Tavern License for Mansfield,
and James McClure is also Licensed to entertain the publick.
Jos. Talmage is allowed $2.25 for taking the enumeration, &c.
THIRTEENTH TERM— 4th MAY, 1812.
" Grand Jury. — Isaac Bonnet, foreman, Wm. Marquis, Solomon
Geller, Benj. Corwin, Thos. McKee, John Stilley, Matthew Mer
ritt, John Hawn, Ziba Leonard, Chas. Cooper, H. Ankeny, Chas.
Lofland and Joseph Berry.
" Bills were found vs. Joseph Walker and James Craig, William
Walker, Elizabeth Walker.
" Two causes were tried by jury — Hiram Ball vs. Alexander
Enos ; verdict for defendant for costs ; and The State vs. Eliza
beth Walker ; verdict not guilty.
" On Indictment for an affray, Joseph Walker is fined $1 and
costs ; and William Walker is fined for an assault and battery |3
and costs.
The foUowing order appears upon the court min
utes which "old settlers" may understand:
" Ordered, that James Walker, jr., deliver up to Benoni Gard
ner his daughter, Nancy, with her clothing.
"Store license issued to Isaac Vore, and tavern license to
Azariah Davis, John Baxter and N. C. Boles.
." Eight judgments are entered up for sums varying from $2.07i
to $18.66
"Luke Walpole vs. Ichabod Nye, Sheriff.— The Sheriff is

KNOX COUNTY. 117
amerced for $6, received from Wm. Wallace and not paid over.
This is thej^Vs^ amercement case on record in Knox county.
FOURTEENTH TERM— 14th SEPTEMBER, 1812.
" License to retail goods was granted to John Garrison, and tav
ern license to Daniel Ayres.
"Court remained in session but a few hours. The following
entry shows the cause : No venire for Grand or Petit jury returned
in consequence of a National calamity. Ordered that the court do
adjourn until the next court in course. William Wilson."
FIFTEENTH TERM— 11th JANUARY, 1813.
" Grand Jury. — Wm. Mitchel, foreman, Wm. Davis, Jacob
Young, Henry Markley, Wm. Knight, Peter Kinry, Henry Haines,
jTohn Murphy, Cornelius VanosdoUe, John Shrinplin, John Harrod,
James Craig, Oliver Strong.
" Indictments found vs. John Jackson and Michael Click, Jos.
Middleton, Wm. Stansbery, Leonard H. Coales.
" There were three trials by jury — Henry Smith vs. Allison
Strong ; verdict for pltff. $12 and costs ; Eleazer Morely vs. Alex.
Enos, for pltflf. $56.37 and costs ; Platt «fc Harrison vs. Enos, for
pltff. $40.80.
" Store license issued to Enoch Harriss, Richard Fishback, Gil
man Bryant.
" Tavern license issued to John Davidson on payment of $6 for
one year, Richard Fishback, Amos H. Royce, Stephen Stilwell.
ll^^ot a single State case was tried. The presump
tion is that the fighting men had gone to the war!
SIXTEENTH TERM— 5th SEPTEMBER, 1813.
" Grand Jury. — Isaac Bonnet, foreman, James Loveridge, Solo
mon Geller, John Kerr, Philip Melker, Benj. Corwin, Thos. Mc
Kee, Jacob Hauger, John Dunlap, Wm. Marquis, Joseph Walker,
Isaac Bean, W. H. Selby.
" Four bills were found for usual offenses. These and several
other Indictments quashed for want of form. This Court contin
ued in session three days. There were three jury trials, and many
old cases on the docket were disposed of.
" 'Wm. 0. Enos is appointed Master Commissioner in Chancery.

118 HISTORY OP
" Robt. McMillen allowed 8 days, $14, for Commissioner services.
Daniel Cooper " 5 " 8.75,
John Harrod " 5.25,
" Store license was granted to Anthony Banning, Stephen But
ler, S. H. Smith.
" License to marry was granted to John Green and James Smith,
regular ordained ministers in the Religious United Societies or
Christian Church. SEVENTEENTH TERM— 10th JANUARY, 1814.
" Grand Jurors. — Isaac Vore, foreman, John Davis, Abraham
Caimes, John Grear, Nathaniel M. Young, Moses Merrit, Evan
Holt, John Stilley, John Johnson, Jabez Beers, Philip Melker,
James Low, A. H. Royce, John Spratt.
" Five jury causes are tried.
" License to marry is issued to Amos Mix of the Baptist persua
sion. " License to retail goods is issued to Eli Miller, Richard Fish
back, L. S. Silliman.
" C. K. Sherman is appointed Prosecuting Atto. for this co.
" Letters of administration are issued on estates of Isaac Jack
son, Benj. Simpkins, Joseph Sieberson, Joseph King and Anny
Woodruff. Our old townsman, Gilman Bryant, seems to
figure about these times as general appraiser.
" James Smith, Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas and Clerk
of the Supreme Court for the county of Knox, appoints Alexander
Ellioitt Deputy in either Court, Feb. 24, 1814.
EIGHTEENTH TERM— 9th OF MAY, 1814.
" Grand Jury. — Isaac Vore, jr., foreman, John Wilson, Joseph
Walker, John Bean, George Low, Matthew Merrit, Isaac Bonnet,
John Bricker, David Ash, Joseph Higgins, Jesse Severe and An
thony Banning.
" Four trials by jury.
" Samuel Kratzer, Esq., appointed Master Commissioner in
Chancery. " License issued to James Smith, John Green, to retail goods,
and to N. C. Bowles to keep tavern.

KNOX COUNTY. 119
NINETEENTH TERM— 11th AUGUST, 1814.
" Gi'and Jurors. — Azariah Davis, Benj. Brown, Bartholomew
Bartlet, Ebenezer Brown, Wm. Downs, Thomas Ireland, Wm.
Henry, Jacob Rabb, David Johnson, Jonathan Hunt, jr., John
Garrison, Isaac Coen, James Harrod, John Kerr, John Mills, fore
man. "Upon bills of Indictment for assault and battery, James
Adams and Wm. Mefford were fined $3, each, and costs ; James
Martin $10 and costs, Charles Lofland was also fined $5 and costs,
and Samuel Baxter $10 and costs, and Thos. Prather $3 and costs.
" Four trials by jury.
" John Harrod as Commissioner allowed $22.75, Robt. McMil
len $29.75, Daniel Cooper $26.25, Wm. Mitchell $5.25.
" License issued to John Fuller, of Christian Church, to marry.
L. H. Smith, Benj. Barney and Ichabod Marshal, Ex'rs. of Rich
ard Fishback, deceased ; and Gilman Bryant, Daniel Cooper and
Timothy Burr, appraisers.
TWENTIETH TERM— 22nd DECEMBER, 1814.
" Grand Jury. — John Trimble, foreman, Thomas Axtell, Henry
Markley, Jas. McCracken, Samuel Newell, Sam'l Johnson, Cor
nelius Vanosdall, John Adams, John Irvine, Nath. M. Young, Da
vid Johnson, Jacob Cooper, L. H. Smith.
"License to vend goods issued to Anthony Banning, Gilman
Bryant, John Garrison, Eli Miller, L. S. Silliman.
" License to keep tavern issued to Jacob Nixon, Amos H.
Royce, Abner Ayres, Wm. Van Horne.
We have given the Court transactions for twenty
terms as much for the purpose of letting the present
generation know who, in those early days, per
formed service as Jurors and otherwise, as with the
view of giving an account of what was done. By
reading over these pages the names of many set
tlers will be known whom otherwise we could not
find had Uved upon our soU.

120 HISTORY OP
THE FINANCES IN 1812-13-14, AND THE FIRST SALE OF LAND FOR
TAXES— 1812, 3d JUNE.
" At settlement with the Treasurer.
Dr. Treasurer —
Amount of Land Tax 1811  $523 76.7
do —  ---- 20 36.2
Duplicate for Wayne 1811  73 22
do Madison "  35 5
do Union  9150
do Morgan  60 80
do Clinton  204 62.5
Wolf scalps  32 00
Gilman Bryant, license  6 66.5
Am't of license, permits and fines received  81 09.5
1129 8.6
By amount of County orders received. .. $10 7 9.7 J
do do do ... 1079 73
do do do ... 59 42 J
1149 95
1129 8.6
At settlement balance due Treasurer. $20 86.4
" Treasurer pay Henry Haines $45 19.4, for his commission on
revenue Taxes 1811 ; for traveling trip to ZanesviUe $5.
" At settlement with the Treasurer June Sth, 1813.
Treasurer Dr. for —
Tavern license  $91 32
do do  12 49J
Richland duplicate  64 25
Duplicate for Clinton  135 53J
do Morgan  79 80
do Wayne  74 32
do Chester  20 30
do Union  90 60
do Morris  47 36
do on duplicate now due  502 54.6
Daniel Demmich  4
Butler's license  80
1122 82.6

KNOX COUNTY. 121
Cr. by orders produced and delivered  $1076 45
" your com. per centum  44 39
" traveling fees  5

1125 84
Cr. the Treasurer on settlement $3.01.
James Berry, Collector 4th District. Collector's oflfice, Zanes
viUe, 17th Dec., 1813, received $359 23, the full amount of the
Resident Land Tax of Knox county, of John Green, Collector.
9th June, 1814 — At settlement with Treasurer of Knox co.
Treasurer Dr. —
For license taverns and stores  $103 58J
Cash rec'd of collector of non-residents on land for 1813 451 70
County, as paid by collector, for C. Levy for 1813  405 16
960 44J
Cr. by orders paid in  $923 00.7.5
" treasurer's fees  •  38 41
" traveling fees to ZanesviUe  5
906 41.7.5
Balance due to Treasurer on settlements the sum of $5 97.5, as
per order number 1251."
"July 5, 1814. The Board this day examine the duplicates for
County Levy for the Township agreeable to the return of the lis
ters of Townships as follows :
Morgan Township  $83 10 ,
Union do  104 07.5
Morris do  73 40
Chester do  31 50
Wayne do  93 61
Clinton do  140 96

526 64.5
" Collector Green collected all on these lists and $2.58 more in
Clinton township, than listed.
" The first lands sold for Taxes were in January 1 2th, 1815, when
collector John Green sold for Abram Emmett 2-8 of lot 120 north
side taxes and costs — 75 ; and f of lot 34 south side — 75. Isaac
Vore, jr., J of lot 19 south side, and J of 20 north side — ^for 75 each.

122 HISTORY OP
•
"Parts oflots belongingto John Hawn.jr., James Smith, (Skenk's
creek) Nathan Majors, Ichabod Nye, John Marquis and Wm.
Marquis, jr., for which he charged for deeds and acknowledgments
$1.25."
ITEMS SUGGESTIVE FROM COMMISSIONERS' JOURNALS OF 1811-
12-13-14.
Among the bUls audited by the Commissioners
in 1811, we find one to John Butler |4, for extra
services in summoning jurors and witnesses for
May Term ; Mcholas Kyle $3, for use of their
house for third Court, Sept. 1811 ; Ichabod IsTye,
sheriff's fees in criminal cases, 1811, $25 ; Associ
ate Judges James Colville $18, W. W. Farquhar
|21, John MUls $21; Edward Herrick for Prose
cuting Attorney two terms, and at Supreme Court
also, $9.75. A pretty cheap attorney's fee !
Order IS^o. 626 issues to Ichabod Marshal 75 cts.
for gaging a half bushel for the County standard,
and 627 to James Walker for making seal for
standard for Knox county.
Timothy Burr appeared and gave bond as Coro
ner, with Gilman Bryant and Robert Jones as
sureties. Ichabod Nje gave bond as Sheriff, with
John Hawn and Eichard Fishback as sureties.
1812, January. Wm. Roberts, deputy coroner, is paid $4.45
" for viewing a dead body, for drawing the necessary writing in
the same, for traveling, venire," &c. James Bryant for taking
care of the dead body $5.
" Ordered that one acre of land be taken off Morgan township
and added to Clinton, which acre was purchased of Martin Cosner
by Silas Brown, in range 12, township 6."
"The Overseers of the Poor is directed to seize and sell the
property of a negro called Wm. Jackson."

KNOX COUNTY. 123
The Commissioners held their meetings at differ
ent places as the foUowing orders show :
" To John Jones 50 cents for house rent last meeting." " To
 Ash 75 cents for same this meeting."
A ne^D court hotise is being erected, and the Jour
nals state that
" Solomon Geller and George Downs did receive by subscrip
tions $745."
On the 10th of AprU, 1812, the foUowing entry
is made :
" The Commissioners this day did examine the court house built
by George Downs and Geller, and do receive the same."
N^o sooner is the new court house ready for use
than the Commissioners become involved in trouble
about its occupancy, by different sects, as will be
explained by the foUowing entries on the Journal :
"Whereas, a number of the inhabitants of this county has made
application for the use of the court house in Mount Vernon, for the
purpose of occupying the same for preaching and holding public
worship therein ; it is, therefore, ordered that the different denomi
nations of christians are allowed to occupy the same for the afore
said purpose provided that each denomination shall have the use
of the same for one meeting once in four weeks ; provided also,
that the different denominations aforesaid shall meet and mutually
agree upon the time or times they shall hold the same, which shall
be in force for one year unless they do not agree on the times they
shall hold their meetings aforesaid, and each denomination failing
to clean up the house and have the same in as good repair as they
found it within three days, it shall forfeit their privilege aforesaid,
and shall at all times be liable to make good all damages done by
such denomination at their meetings aforesaid ; and James Smith
shall keep the key of the house aforesaid ; it is further provided,
that each denomination aforesaid shall furnish the said house with
at least fifty feet of good strong Benches for the use of the house
aforesaid, which shall be left there for the use of all publick busi-

124 HISTORY OP
ness which shall be necessary previous to such denomination occu
pying the said house for the purpose aforesaid."
Eminently catholic and practical — especiaUy the
Bench part !
The brethren could not occupy together in unity,
and accordingly the Commissioners on the Sth of
June, 1813, pass this resolution :
" Resolved, That the court house, from this date, be closed and
kept lockt from all denominations except courts."
This brought about a cessation of hostilities, and
again petitions poured in for use of the court house
agreeing to agree as to time of using it, &c. There
upon Commissioners Herrod, Cooper and MclVIU-
len, on the 22d of June, meet for the special pur
pose of ordering
" That the court house be opened as formerly by and under the
same rules as formerly."
One great difficulty was that the Methodists
were unwilUng to let the " S'ew Lights," who had
spUt off from them, come in under the order as first
made. These were times fraught with great perU
to the churches, as elsewhere recorded.
The following order appears : " Treasurer pay to George Davis
75 cents for being accommodating with load of wood for the court."
John Lee is paid $2 for riding with returns of
Senatorial election of 1812 to Newark. John
ShrimpUn endeavors to get a road from his miU,
which Wm. Darling, James Rightwire and John
Green report as not of public utility, and the peti
tion is rejected. Stephen Stilwell is taxed fourfold
for refusing to give in four horses to the lister for

KNOX COUNTY. 125
taxation, and Amos Tarnard is also taxed fourfold
npon one horse. Samuel Kratzer is aUowed $1.62 J
for iron for the jail, and Archibald Crofford $4.75
for iron and labor done on the jail. The rate of
taxation on taverns in 1812 is $8 for aU located on
Market st., Mount Yernon, aU others on other
streets of Mount Yernon and on road from Mount
Yernon to Newark and in Eredericktown $7, and
aU others in the county $6.
In 1814, July, Erancis Hardista is taxed fourfold
for refusing to return seven head of cattle to the
Uster. G. Downs and J. Martin are aUowed $80
for shutters for court house. And the court house,
but recently erected, is found to need alteration and
repairs, so Solomon GeUer purchased the job of
making certain repairs for $799.70. The county,
at this time, seems to have had a troublesome pris
oner, as the foUowing payments were made for
standing guard over the prisoner, Beldon :
" Calvin Hill 3 nights, $1.50; Wm. Dehart 10 nights and one
day, $5.50; Henry Burge for 9 nights and one day, $5; James
Irvine 19 nights and one day, $10; John Cramer 13 nights and
one day, $7 ; Thomas Sprague one night, $1 ; Samuel Kratzer for
guarding, $7.50 ; Jacob Woodruff, $14.75 ; Samuel Breese, con
stable, .95 ; Michael Click for trailing after prisoner Beldon, $1 ;
Eli Gregg $1 for aiding in committing A. Beldon to jail, and Wm.
Dehart for trailing after Beldon, $3."
Thus the snug Uttle sum of $58.20 was expended
in guarding, because Mike CUck had convinced the
people that, as he said, the "jaU is not worth one
tam !"

126 HISTORY OP
VARIOUS NOVEL ITEMS AND ADVERTISEMENTS OF THESE TIMES.
" FRIENDLY ADVICE ! !
"The person who made so free as to borrow my Axe without my
liberty, is respectfully solicited to return it immediately — otherwise,
he will find his Axe, like the Indian's Gun, to cost more than it
comes to. He can either leave it himself or by proxy at my wood
pile. T. BURR.
March 1, 1813."
Oak bark for tanning was worth in April 1813,
at Clinton, $2.50 per cord. Samuel H. Smith was
then carrying on a tanyard there.
A concert was held at Mt. Yernon, in the court
house. May 6th, at 10 o'clock, P. M., under direc
tion of M. D. Lewis, of different singing societies
in the county. " AU those who feel wiUing to
participate with us are earnestly soUcited to attend."
May 3d. James Smith's Yindication is now pub
lished, and offered for sale at Clinton and Mount
Yernon — "for resisting the ecclesiastical power and
authority of their Episcopal dignity, IlichaeJ, Ellis
and David Young^''
"TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
" This may certify that I was present when Mr. Isaac Beam ex.
amined a trunk and bundle belonging to Polly McCracken, for
table cloths, but found nothing resembling such in either trunk or
bundle. T. BURR.
May 3, 1814."
George Paul, Col. 27th Infantry, was appointed,
by Maj. General Harrison, to take command of the
recruiting service for the 27th Reg't., and estab
Ushed his office at ZanesviUe, March, 1814.
"Samuel H. Smith having added a large stock of goods to his
former assortment, will trade for butter, sugar, country linen, rye,
corn, hides, deer skins and furs. Doct. T. Burr is duly authorized

KNOX COUNTY. 127
to attend to his business, and will prescribe gratis to purchasers
of drugs and medicines, &c.
December, 1813."
John H. Piatt, of Cincinnati, advertises, April
4th, 1814, for 5,000 barrels flom-, and 200 barrels
whisky deUvered at Eort Meigs, " or at any con
venient place on the Lake shore to save transporta
tion by land."
Samuel H. Smith gave 75 cents per dozen or 96
cents in fine hats, for Rabbit skins.
GRAND CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM'S BIRTH-DAY, 1814.
On the morning of the 4th of July the flag of
the United States was hoisted near Mr. Zebulon
Ashley's dwelling house, on a Uberty pole 68 feet
in length, and the day was celebrated by a respect
able number of the citizens of Strong^s settlement
and its vicinity. After an elegant dinner 18 toasts
were drank, accompanied with the discharge of
musketry. Erom the number we extract the fol
lowing :
" The President of the United States, prefers republican principles
to British tyranny — May the Constitution be his life guard.
" The American Sword, which is drawn in defense of our coun
try — May it never be returned till it has pierced the heart of our
enemy. " Perry and his brave crew on Lake Erie — May they ever be vic
torious while their swords are drawn in defense of America.
" The United States of America — ^May they ever be too indepen
dent to be governed by any other nation.
"Success to the American Eagle, not forgetting Great Britain,
hoping its kingdom may be brought down."
The others alike partake of the warUke spirit
engendered by the war, and breathe hate and defi
ance to the foe.

128 HISTORY OP

CHAPTER XI.
The eccentric chapter in our earlt hi8tort — being all that ta
KNOWN or the history of JOHNNY APPLESEED.
An original character flourished in this part of
the country at an early day, who was always con
spicuous in times of excitement and danger, and
his vigilant care of the early settlers entitles him
to a tribute at our hands. The sobriquet of Johnny
Appleseed attached to him, though his real name
was Chapman, in consequence of his being ever
engaged in gathering and planting appleseed and
cultivating nurseries of apple trees. Many of the
earUest settlers recognized in him an old acquain
tance, who had wandered about for years along the
streams of western Pennsylvania, engaged in the >
same pursuit and preparing the way for those who
might foUow upon his traU to have their own
orchards. He would find suitable spots of ground along the
banks of creeks and rivers, in which to make smaU
clearings, and there he would plant the seed he
had gathered, fence in the ground, and then leave
it to germinate and grow in coming years into fine
nurseries, which he would have in readiness for
the coming settiements. He would make just as
many nurseries as he could get seed to plant, and

KNOX COUNTY. 129
he never lost any time in gathering and preparing
for the future. He did not restrict his operations
to the settled portions of the country, but went
into the wUderness regions and among the Indians
and wild beasts, having his trust in God and fear
ing no harm.
In personal appearance he was prepossessing,
when one could get sight of his eyes and well
formed head; about medium height, quick and
restless and uneasy in his motions, and exceedingly
uncouth in dress. In truth he cared not what he
wore, nor who before him might have worn the
garment upon his back — whether it was too large
or too small for his person. The greater part of
his traffic with the world was in exchanging his
trees, at a nominal price, for old worn out clothes.
He incased his person, at all times, in what might
be called thrown away garments. Eor covering to
the head he was not particular whether he wore an
animal's skin, a cloth, or tin case. He has been
seen with head gear of each kind, and without foot
apparel of any description. Eor a time, after the
war, he wore an old military chapeau, which some
officer had given him, and thus accoutred he came
suddenly upon a dutchman, who had just moved
into the country, and scared him most to death as
he stood in his bare feet with " one tam muscle
sheU cocked on his head." The sides were ripped,
. and as it flopped in the wind — on a head covered
with long black hair, a face with a long beard and
dark black eyes peering out from the vast under
growth, and a body enveloped in a coffee sack with
9

130 HISTORY OP
a hole through which he had run his head, it was
enough to frighten any honest dutchman almost
out of his wits.
He Uved the roughest kind of a Ufe — slept the
greater part of the time in the woods — by the side
of logs — and on the bare ground. He was harm
less and inoffensive — always sti'iving to save the
feeUngs of mankind and of the brute creation.
Yery many anecdotes are remembered character
istic of Johnny Appleseed. The following show
the native goodness of his heart : One night he
built his camp fire at the end of a hoUow log, in
which he intended to pass the night, but as a bear
and her cubs had a pre-emption claim to the hole
in the tree, he moved his fire to another spot and
slept aU night on the snow, exposed to the storm,
rather than disturb the varmints. Another time,
when he had a camp-fire near the creek where the
nausquitoes Avere very bad and flew into the blaze
and were consumed, he took off his tin head gear,
fiUed it with water, and put out the fire, saying,
" God forbid, that I should build a fire for my own
comfort that should be the cause of destroying any
of his other created works." And stiU another is
ihat one morning he was bitten by a rattlesnake,
and some time after he related the circumstances
with tears in his eyes as he said " poor feUow ! he
only just touched me, when in an ungodly passion
I put the heel of my scythe on him and MUed him."
He had the following told at the expense of his
bare feet, which had become hardened beyond
belief by long usage "out of doors" and exposm'e
to the cold. At one time he crossed Lake Erie on

KNOX COUNTY. 131
the ice barefooted, and when night overtook him —
the man traveling in company with him was frozen
to death — but old Johnny, by roUing about on the
ice, kept warm, and in affcertimes was none the
worse for it.
An old citizen of Mansfield vouches for 'the fol
lowing : A traveling preacher was at one time
holding forth on the scriptures in the public square,
to a misceUaneous audience, when he exclaimed,
"where is the barefooted christian traveling to
heaven "?" Johnny Appleseed was among the audi
tors, laying flat on his back on a piece of timber,
and he stuck his bare feet high in the air and cried
out " here he is!"
This artless child of nature was a man of much
inteUigence, and in his day and generation, much
as he was hooted at and derided by the scoffers and
jibers of the country, yet did he in his life time
perform far more of good than they aU did. If it
is true, as claimed, that he who causeth a single
blade of grass to grow, or plants a single shade
tree, is a pubUc benefactor, how much greater is the
meed of praise due to poor old Johnny Appleseed,
who caused thousands of fruit bearing trees to
grow, and hundreds of orchards to blossom and
bear fruit for the people. What lasting obUga
tions are we not under to him here in Knox county
— in aU central Ohio — in western Pennsylvania —
in northern Indiana — and of a verity in all the
" Great West," for our present most exceUent fruits.
God preserve his memory ! To help perpetuate it
we have devoted this Chapter in our History — to
be read by many whose parents and relatives would

132 HISTORY OP
have faUen victims to the relentless hate of the
savage had Johnny Appleseed not have traveled
from settlement to settlement along the Mohican,
Owl preek, the White Woman, the Muskingum,
the Tuscarawas, and other water courses, notifying
the famiUes of the pioneers of the approach of dan
ger. Much, very much, may also be due this man
of peace, this child of nature, for his kind offices
among the chUdren of nature in turning their
hearts from wrath and averting their purposes of
destruction. Reader — think of these things, l^a-
tive Owl Creeker ponder over them and cherish
the memory of good old Johnny Appleseed.
The promises he made he faithfuUy redeemed.
Among other evidences of his keeping his word,
we have the foUowing :
In 1819, Isaiah Roberts, then on his way to Mis
souri, finding no boat at ZanesviUe ready to start
on the trip down the river, footed it to Marietta,
and on the road met with Johnny Appleseed, who
promised to caU at his fathers in Knox county, and
tell him where he parted with him, etc. Shortly
after, Johnny made his appearance one night about
dark, and was cheerfuUy received. He then had
an old tattered coat and slouched hat, with hair
and beard uncut and uncombed, and barefooted.
After eating some supper, he espied a copy of "Bal
lon on Atonement," which he took and read for
some time by candle-Ught, thinking at first it was
good Swedenborg doctrine, and desired to take it
with him; but after he read further, and found the
kind of doctrine it inculcated, he threw it down
indignantly, expressing his disappointment, and in

KNOX COUNTY. 133
a few moments after stretched himself out, and
went to sleep.
Johnny Appleseed sometimes clipped his beard
with scissors, but never used a razor. His nurse
ries, near Mount Yernon, were located at the fol
lowing places : One in the then called Indian
Eields, on the north bank of Owl Creek, directly
west of Center Run, and another on the ground
where James W- Eorrest estabUshed his pottery,
and known more recently as Rich's pottery.
The last time he was in this country, he took
Joseph Mahaffey and pointed out to him two lots
of land, at the lower end of Main street, west side,
about where Morey's soap factory was carried on,
which he said belonged to him, and sometime he
might come back to them. The tail-race of the
CUnton MiU Company passed along there, and
some of the ground has since been washed away
by the water, and upon another portion stands the
Mount Yernon Woolen Eactory building. He has
not been seen about here since 1829 ; but many a
stray apple-tree that has been found upon the bor
ders of our streams, marked the spots where the
barefooted pilgrim had marked his way.
In 1837, the Rev. John MitcheU, when traveling
on the Plymouth Circuit, met him traveling along
the road on foot and in his shirt sleeves, as con
tentedly as a prince. He told him then that he
Uved " out west."
Johnny Appleseed in religious belief was caUed
a Swedenborgian ; in truth, he was of the primi
tive Christian style, taking Uttle thought for the
morrow, satisfied that God would provide for his

134 HISTORY OP
people, living in meekness and humUity, and walk
ing uprightly. He had his pecuUarities — who have
them not 1 He had his fraUties — who is clear of
them ¦? jSTo wonder the Indians Uked him. They
could read his character at a glance. AU was re
vealed by his eye, clear as the sunUght of God. He
was without selfishness ; he sought not to intrigue
with or cheat them — he would do them no wrong.
He put confidence in their honor, and they never
would do him wrong. Many and many a time has
that faithful old hermit traveled through the settle
ments on foot and alone, putting his countrymen
on their guard. Often have we been told of these
trips by those who have passed and now are pass
ing away. Of him it was strictly and UteraUy
true, as sung by the poet :
"Man wants Ibut little here below,
Nor wants that little long."
A few apple-seeds — a few sprouts — a few old
books to read, and life to him was full of happiness.
He had been favored with education, men knew
ft'om his knowledge of books, and his desire to read
and have others read induced him at times to dis
tribute Swedenborg's books, and when he had not
enough to go around the company he would tear
them in pieces, and give a part to each. Nothing
more was known of his early days. It was said
that he was from Connecticut — a stray Yankee —
who wandered off from the fold into these wUds,
but no one knew for certain as to who he was,
where he came from, or what became of him. We
mil give, however, to such as feel an interest in his

KNOX COUNTY. 135
history all that we have been able to gather of his
later years.
Having disposed of many of his nurseries, and
having others destroyed in part, which had began
to grow from fourteen bushels of apple-seed last
planted by him on Owl Creek, the Black Eork of
Mohican, and the Whetstone, he concluded to mi
grate farther west, and managing to get an old
mare or two loaded with seeds, he left this part of
the country for Sandusky prairie ; and from thence
made his way west,* planting nurseries, and Uving
after the manner he did here, tUl finaUy the old fruit
ripened, and was gathered near Eort Wayne, Indi
ana, leaving nothing save the fragrance of good
deeds and charitable acts to teach the future that
such a being as Johnny Appleseed had ever been
and passed like an exhalation — the moisture of the
morning's dew dried up by the heat of the sun at
meridian !

* Note. Silas Mitchell informs us since the above was written that in
the fall of 1843, wien living in Whiteside's county, Illinois, Johnny Ap
pleseed passed through that county on foot, and stopped all night with
Aaron Jackson, son of Ziba, and left in the morning, stating that he was
then from the Iowa prairies on his way to a Swendenborg Convention in
Philadelphia.

136 HISTORY OP

CHAPTER XII.
KnOX COUNTY DDRlNG THE WAR. — POPULATION PRETTY MUCH AT A STAND
STILL. — Events. — Volunteers, &c. — Some incidents of a more stik-
RING cnARACTEK. — A TOUCH OP INDIAN WARFARE. — FoRTS AND BLOCK
HOUSES ERECTED TO SAVE LIVES AND SCALPS.
The settlements in Knox county being upon the
borders, it may be presumed that the news of the
declaration of war in 1812, and the threatening as
pect of affairs kept our citizens wide awake and
active. The Indians at that time were far more
numerous upon Owl Creek, Mohican and in all
parts of this country than the whites, and they re
quired the closest kind of watching to keep them
from depredating, killing and scalping the people.
IsTorth of our present county line, the settlers were
few and far between, and the county of Richland
at that time made its returns to, and for judicial
and other purposes was a part of, Knox. Hence
within our borders, we may say, were enacted some
of the deadliest scenes of slaughter. The kilUng
of the Seymours and Rufner, and the massacre at
Copuses are within the recoUection of many of our
oldest citizens. Erom several of those who were
at the time familiar with these horrid murders we
have obtained full statements, but as from the ter
mination of the war, and the organization of Rich
land to the present, the scenes where the tragedies

KNOX COUNTY. 137
were enacted have belonged to our sister county, we
will not go into detaU in regard to them.
The people clustered together more closely than
formerly, and at once made calculations for succor
and plans for defence from the savage foe. A block
house was constructed at Erederick, and surrounded
with pickets. After the war the building was con
verted into a school house. It was a frame, built
on the square under direction of Captain Ayers,
and moved on wheels to a point near where the
railroad now runs. It was used for church and
educational purposes for many years. Many fam
iUes went to the fort at Erederick for safety. WiU
iam MitcheU prepared his house for a siege — made
heavy batten doors with iron bars, port holes for
guns, etc. One of his boys rode express, another
kept out with scouting parties, and the old man with
two workmen, who staid with him, were constantly
on the look out for attack. The girls practiced
shooting with rifles, so as to be ready for a large
force of Indians at any time, and with his two dogs,
"Gunner" and "Rover," that two story log house
was prepared for one fight at least.
At John Lewis' was erected a blockhouse, where
that neighborhood could defend themselves.
Upon the tax duplicate of Madison township, for
the year 1811, is found the names of "James Copus,
4 cattle, 40 cents ;" "Philip Zeamore, 1 horse, 30
cents," and "Erederick Zeamore, 2 horses and 2
cattle, 80 cents," as returned to the commissioners
of our county.
These men were among the victims of Indian
barbarity in the commencement of this war. The

138 HISTORY OF
Seymour's Uved on the Rocky or crooked fork of
the Mohican, a little stream which headed' above
Mansfield. They were plain, simple minded peo
ple, who had been cultivating a smaU patch of
ground and making slow but sure improvements on
their location . Their nearest neighbor was a dutch-
man named Martin Rufner, who Uved in a Uttle
cabin with only a small dutch boy. The Seymour
family consisted of Erederick and his wife, and
their children Philip and Catharine. One night
four Indians were seen about dark prowling around
the neighborhood of Seymour's house, and Rufner
went to their house and urged PhUip to go over to
Mr. Copus and get help from there to capture them.
IS^o sooner had he started than the Indians entered
the front door, when they were received in a friendly
manner, and Catharine at once prepared supper for
them, but the Indians instead of eating at once set
upon the household and proceeded to kiU and scalp
them. Rufner was a very strong man and fought
like a tiger, but he was soon overpowered, kiUed
by two baUs through his body, and left scalped in
the yard and with several of his fingers cut off by
a tomahawk. The father, mother and daughter
were kiUed and scalped. In a few days after this
an attack was made by a party of Indians upon
the cabins of Mr. Copus, who lived at the Black
fort. Some men belonging to a scouting party
were at the time stopping at his house, and four of
them had gone to a spring a few rods off to wash,
when they were fired upon by the Indians who
were hidden from view. Three of the men were
kiUed and the fourth escaped into the house with a

KNOX COUNTY. 139
buUet in his thigh. Mr. Copus, when in the act of
looking out the door to see what was the affray,
was shot in the breast, and the door was at once
closed, and a vigorous resistance made to the attack
of the savages, who came on with terrific yeUs and
a voUey of baUs. The daughter of Mr. Copus was
shot in the thigh, and herself and mother for safety
stowed away in the cabin loft. One of the men
had his arm broken by a baU, and the house was
completely riddled by bullets. Several of the In
dians were kiUed, and at length, after an hour's hard
fighting, they withdrew from the field.
The particulars of the Seymour massacre, we have
got from a Knox county man who was near the
scene, and saw the place where the hellish deed was
committed the next day. WilUam and Richard
Roberts had been for some time engaged building
a mill for Andrew ]!fewman, within one mile and
a half of Seymour's. The night they were killed
the dog kept up such a disturbance that Kewman
aroused those in the house, teUing them "by shure
Indians about, I know pymy tog" — the Indians
were then always uppermost in the thoughts. The
guns were got in readiness — a man named Shere
helped load them as l!^ewman cried out "by shure
I shaU spiU all my powder, I can't load the gun " —
and the score axes were also laid hold of, expecting
an attack. There was no sleep for that night, and
early in the morning word was got from Mr. Hill's,
a neighbor, that Seymour's family was kUled. Upon
examination about where the forebay had just been
raised, several moccasin tracks were discovered, and
the evidence was clear that the Indians had medi-

140 HISTORY OP
tated an attack there, but feared they were too
strong for them to succeed. During the night
howling as of wolves had been heard about where
the race and dam had been dug. There were but
the four men at Newman's. Within an hour from
the time of hearing O-' the massacre, l^ewman got
up his team and took all of his tricks to Mansfield.
WiUiam Roberts at once rode around to Seymour's
and viewed the scene.
After this a trader in Mansfield, by name of
Jones, was killed and scalped by the Indians on an
out lot north of the houses near where the depot of
the railroad now is. He had a wife and two chU
dren. The Roberts' had at that time a job of work
about one of the blockhouses. The news of this
was carried by Johnny Appleseed, on horseback,
to the Richardson neighborhood, and thence on
to Erederick. The greatest excitement prevailed
throughout the country, and many amusing things
were said and done in this general panic. Among
the most ludicrous was that of Samuel Wilson, who
lived near the Quaker meeting house, and was so
badly scared that he rushed from his house with
his overcoat on and his pantaloons under his arm,
and in that condition ran all the way to Erederick.
Application was made to Gov. Meigs for Ran
gers, and he sent an order for a company of twelve
to be raised by Abner Ayers, whose beat was as
signed them on the frontier, and this, Avith other
bodies out, kept quiet in the settlements.
The friendly Indians of the Delaware tribe in
this portion of country were mainly of the Green
town gang. That place, so much talked about by

KNOX COUNTY. 141
early settlers, was about eight miles northeast from
the Richardson settlement, in Knox county, and
within twelve mUes of the Mansfield blockhouses.
It was situated in the township of Green, laid out
by our commissioners the 7th of January, 1812.
The Indian viUage contained about sixty huts, and
a council house built of posts and clapboards, sixty
feet by twenty-five feet was its size. Erom 300 to
500 Indians congregated about it. During the
summer various acts of hostUity were attributed to
this band, and many of the whites, whose friends
and relatives had been killed by the Indians, were
disposed to make no distinction between tribes, but
to kUl an Indian whenever it could safely be done.
Collisions between parties t»f settlers and Green
town Indians became frequent, and it was at length
determined to drive them from the soil. Two dis
tinct races of people never have or can long live
together in peace — one or the other must remain as
subjects, or seek homes and freedom elsewhere.
This little band of Indians became impressed with
this historical truth and made ready to leave — some
few, however, were loth to depart from the hunt
ing grounds of their youth — the graves of their
fathers — the homes of their race.
This was no time for sympathy with the race,
and no tears were shed or regrets expressed by the
settlers when the order come from the government
for their removal. Under direction of the United
States authorities they were removed via. Mans
field to Urbana, and thence to other western lands.
Erom three of our old citizens, then young soldiers
of Major Kratzer's command, we have gathered

142 HISTORY OP
the particulars of their transfer, and have been told
of a most brutal act committed by some white men,
which shows more fuUy than language can express,
the feelings of the greater part, if not aU of this
christian people. At the Mansfield station, our
good old pastor, then of the Methodist, but subse
quently of the New Light persuasion, James Smith,
was officiating as Chaplain to the Regiment — for
even in those early times soldiers thought such an
officer necessary to their welfare. While there an
Indian and his plighted squaw came up to the Rev
erend Smith to have him marry them in the most
approved manner of whites. WhUe the guard were
looking at the performance of the ceremony, an
old Indian and his daughter made their escape, but
before they got a mUe off they were discovered by
two men from Coshocton, named McCuUoch and
Morrison. Morrison shot the old Indian, who ran
a short distance and feU to the ground. The young
girl fled to the woods. The men having shot the
Indian ran back to the blockhouse greatly excited
and told their exploit, and under Kratzer's orders
Sergeant Gilkison, with a squad of twelve, foUowed
up the Indian to the spot where he lay bleeding
from the wound of a buUet in his chest, and to GU-
kison's inquiry as to who he was, he repUed " a
friend." Morrison and McCuUoch having joined
the band at this answer, the latter exclaimed " d — m
you! I'U make a friend of you!" and struck at his
head with his tomahawk. And then stamped his
foot on the neck of the dying Indian and sunk his
tomahawk in his head. Sergeant GUkison tried to
prevent this fiendish act but could not accompUsh

KNOX COUNTY.

143

it. Many of the old settlers tell of this feat of Mc-
CuUoch's with great gusto, and add that he subse
quently roved about among the western wUds taking
revenge for two of his brothers who had been killed
by Indians, by waylaying and shooting down and
scalping every friendly or hostile Indian he met.
Such are some of the traditions of frontier life.
The early settlers underwent many hardships and
privations ; but their sufferings from the savage foe
were greater than the imagination of their descend
ants who occupy beds of down at night and cush-
oins of quilted ease by day — who dress in silks, sat
ins, and fine velvets with furbelows — who clothe
themselves in purple and fine linen — can realize or
comprehend. MUSTER ROLL OF CAPT. JOSEPH WALKER'S COMPANY, UNDER
THE COMMAND OF COLONEL LEWIS CASS, MUSTERED TO THE
FIRST OF NOVEMBER, 1812.
Joseph Walker, Captain, engaged ?th June for 12 months.

R. M. Brown, Lieutenant.
John Elliott, 1st Sergeant.
John Barney, 2d "
Archd. Crawford, 3d "
Peter Kyle, 4th

Saml. Everett, 1st Corporal.
George Dickinson, 2d "
Josiah Trimbly, 3d "
Lewis Grindstaff, 4th "

Abram Emmett,
Saml. Yoman,
Michael Barton,
Jacob Wolf,
John Smith,
Harley Strong,
Alex. Enos,
John Wefford,
James Wood,
John Sunderland,
David Elwell,

PRIVATES :
Alexr. Walker,
Philip Walker,
Robert Davidson,
Andrew Welker,
Powel Welker,
Paris Sprague,
Isaac Rogers,
Joseph King,
John Ryan,
John McConnell,
Benjn. Simpkins,

Rivenus Newel,
Daniel Swagert,
Emanuel Hawn,
Adam Lynn,
Michael Davis,
Nicholas Kyle,
Wm. Wallace.
Rawley Clark, fifer.
Henry Clemmens,
drummer.

144 HISTORY OP
Among the number of volunteers was John H.
Mefford, a native of Connelsville, Eayette co..
Pa., who at the time of the breaking out of the
war was teaching school in Hawkins' neighbor
hood, about five miles from Shrimplen's mUl. He
served under Capt. Walker and also in Capt. John
Spencer's company, of which last he was a Lieu
tenant and had command after Hull's surrender.
After his return to Mount Vernon he married
Abigail Mitchell, and worked at his trade, as a
saddler, in partnership with his brother. He served
the people as Justice of the Peace and as Associate
Judge, and was a man of much popularity. He
was possessed of some poetical talent, and it is said,
by some, was the author of a noted song about
"HuU's surrender." He was a good singer, which,
in early times, in a country, is considered a great
accomplishment. He died at Eindlay about 1845,
leaving two boys and three girls. His widow sur
vives, and with the famUy now resides at IS^orwalk.
Another was Richard Montgomery Brown, whose
name will be found as Lieutenant in Capt. Walker's
company. He was born in Massachusetts, of revo
lutionary stock. His father, Samuel Brown, was
under Montgomery at Quebec, was taken and im
prisoned 9 months, and was subsequently a pen
sioner of the U.S. His father emigrated to Brooke
county, Virginia, and from thence to the neighbor
hood of St. OlairsviUe, Ohio, in 1805 ; from there,
in Oct., 1811, Richard M. moved to Mount Vernon,
and engaged at his trade as a chairmaker and house
painter. He has been in three new countries where
the Indians yet were inhabitants. When he lived

KNOX COUNTY. 145
in Brooke county, Va., no roads were then cleared
out, nor streets in WeUsvUle or St. Clairsville.
Indians then and there were plenty and savage.
He volunteered at Mount Vernon, June 8th, 1812,
and was mainly instrumental in getting up the
company to which he belonged. One company
was then raised at I^ewark and another at Gran
viUe. Enos was then Col. and Kratzer Major of
the miUtia. Major Munson, the recruiting officer,
came to Mount Vernon when the Regiment was
out on parade, and on call for volunteers the whole
company of Joseph Walker, with Brown as Lieu
tenant, turned out. There were 42 in the com
pany. Emanuel Hawn was to have been Ensign,
but no election was gone into for that office on
account of a quarrel with the CUntonites. They
volunteered for one year, and served until surren
dered by Gen. Hull, in August. This company
mustered in a Regiment, of which Lewis Casswas
Col., and the other officers, my informant beUeves,
were Munson, Major, and ]!^orton. Adjutant.
The company rendezvoused at Urbana with regi
ments of Col. McArthur and Col. Eindlay, of
Hull's brigade, and from thence marched to De
troit. They were piloted on an Indian traU to De
troit, by roads which were cut out from the Scioto
to the Maumee, and from there to Erench Creek
and River Raisin, etc., foUowing trails. A band,
part Indians and part white blood — the Zanes and
McCuUochs, of Zanesfield near Bellefontaine, who
had intermarried with Indians, and they had half
breed children, acted as principal pilots. When
Hull surrendered. Walker's company returned by
10

146 HISTORY OP
Greentown, Black Eork of Mohican and Wooster.
The miUtia of the county was then caUed out en
masse by Major Kratzer, and every man in Mount
Vernon went out to guard the frontier but old
George Lybarger, who was left in charge of the
women and children. When Eort Meigs was be-
seiged Lieut. Brown, now Captain by brevet, says
that two thirds of the men in the county went on
to the Eort, and after the siege was raised he re
turned, having in his company Swigert from Eair
field, a man from Coshocton and some from other
counties. All men who could go — impelled by the
sense of danger went mthout delay — singly and
not waiting for battaUons.
Capt. Brown in 1816 married Mary Hawn, and
settled down to his trade, at which he succeeded in
making a competency, and now in his 73d year,
with his wife and a portion of his children yet lives
in Mount Vernon. Two of his children, James E.
and Mrs. EUzabeth Updegraff, now reside in Wis
consin ; two, Samuel R. and George W. in Colorado
Territory, and one Mrs. Mary Sapp in l!»rebraska.
Colonel Alex. Enos, was one of the number sur
rendered up by General HuU, and on his return he
attempted to take command of the men raised in
Knox county, but Major Kratzer contended, that
as he was a prisoner of war, he had no longer a
right to the command.
Another active man in these times was Captain
John Greer, who raised a company in the eastem
part of the county, of which Daniel Sapp was
Lieutenant, and George Sapp, Ensign.
The regimental adjutant was John Stilley ; sur
geon. Dr. Timothy Burr; chaplain, Rev. Jas. Smith.

KNOX COUNTY, 147

CHAPTER XIII.
NOTABLE EVENTS OF 1815.
NiNETEES INDICTMENTS FOR FIGHTS AND 'fRAYS. — ^NeW ROADS ESTABLISHED.
 The J AIL A COSTLY THING.  LICENSES TO PREACH, TO SELL AND TO ENTER-
IAIN. — The SUPREME court for seven TERMS. — -The old folks sing. —
What pay soldiers received in olden time. — The lawyers get into^
the county.  election of 1815 for state and county officers.
The Grand Jury at the spring term of Common
Pleas Court consisted of Anthony Banning, fore
man, John Merritt, Peter Bricker, John Hawn,
David Hawn, John Green, Wm. Marquis, George
Davis, Moses Craig, James Strange, Azariah Davis,
Jacob Martin, Benjamin Bell and Gilman Bryant.
They returned 19 indictments for "assault and
battery" and "affrays." Quite a number of the
parties plead guUty, and were fined $2 and costs.
Of this Grand Jury but one man is now living.
Adnal Hersey, of the Christian Church, was licens
ed to marry. John Cook, of the Baptist, was also
licensed to do the same. Samuel Mott was appoint
ed Master Commissioner in chancery. Tavern li
censes were granted this year to Jonathan Hunt,
Elisha Cornwall, Abner Ayres, John Baxter and
A. H. Royce ; and store license to Nicholas Mc-
Carty, George Girty, EU MiUer, Anthony Banning,
L. S. Silliman, Gilman Bryant, John WUson and

148 HISTORY OP
James ^N": Ayres. Two important roads are opened
this year, namely: from Mount Vernon towards
Sandusky, under the supervision of John Lewis, as
commissioner, for which he is granted by the county
commissioners orders for $100, and is paid $15 for
his services ; another, a road opened by Benjamin
Rush, as commissioner, to Mansfield, for which ser
vices he is paid $9, and $200 is expended by the
county in work upon the same. Among the bills
paid in ^N^ovember, 1818, by the commissioners, are :
to Anthony Banning, for 182^ lbs. iron, and brick
for jail, $26.55, and Archibald Crofferd, for the fol
lowing work for the county : 1 pr. hand-cuffs, $3 ;
1 hasp, 50 cents ; shackles and hasp, $1.50 ; 2 grates,
$13.80 ; eight spikes, 50 cents— $19.50. The job of
making further improvements to the jaU and jaUor's
house is given to Wm. Douglass at $125. The
commissioners were determined, if possible, to make
the jail burglar proof. That little log thing was a
great institution truly — a first rate concern to sink
money in, without any prospect of ever getting it
back. SUPREME COURT— 1810-16.
The j^rs^ session of the Supreme Court of the State
of Ohio held in Knox county was on the 3d day of
August, 1810, by Honorables WiUiam W. Irwin
and Ethan Allen Brown.
James Smith was appointed clerk for seven years.
The only cases were those of the State vs. Ichabod
Nje and Samuel :N"ye. Upon oath by the defend
ants that they did not beUeve an impartial trial

KNOX COUNTY. 149
could be had, the venue was changed to Licking
county. E. Herrick, Esq., attended as prosecuting attor
ney. The second session was held May 1st, 1811, but
two causes were on the docket. Sylvenias Law
rence, for the use of Benjamin Rush, vs. George
Davidson, and James Peuthres vs. Samuel Kratzer ;
both of which were dismissed, l^o other business
was to be transacted, and the court adjourned until
the next court in course.
The third term was held April 9th, 1812. In
addition to the former cases the docket shows the
foUowing : Joseph Butler vs. Elizabeth Vendrew ;
Wm. W. Earquhar vs. James Craig ; Andrew Craig
vs. Henry McCart and James Cunningham; James
Smith vs. Samuel H. Smith; Henry Smith vs. Ben
jamin Barney; Henry Smith vs. Samuel H. Smith
and Benjamin Barney; and Thomas Slater vs.
Lovina Slater. Attachments were issued vs. Amos
Yarnold and Alexander Enos for refusing to attend
as witnesses.
The case of Slater vs. Slater is the first divorce
question ever presented in Knox county.
The fourth term was held on the 2d of August,
1813, by Thomas Scott and Ethan A. BroAvn.
Wm. C. Enos was qualified as attorney and coun
sellor at laAV as the law requires.
The case of Lawrence for use of Rush is dismiss
ed for want of bond to prosecute the appeal.
In Craig vs. McCart and Cunningham, judgment
of non-suit is entered, because of non-appearance of
plaintiff. Earquhar vs. Craig is continued, and the

150 HISTORY OP
defendant is to pay all costs of this term within six
months, or judgment, &c. John Jones vs. Joseph
Cherry Holmes and George Lybarger — the complain
ant being thrice called did not appear, nor any per
son to prosecute this suit for him, therefore the in
junction is dissolved and bUl dismissed. The in
junction case of Benjamin Barney vs. Henry Smith
is heard by counsel, and the injunction is made
perpetual, plaintiff to pay aU costs. James Smith
vs. Samuel H. Smith is argued by counsel, and the
court decide that the defendant go hence, without
day, and recover of plaintiff costs, &c. David Davis
vs. John Cambridge, removed from Licking county,
is continued. Slater's divorce petition is dismissed
at cost of plaintiff. Lewis Dent and Co. vs. John
Wheeler— judgment for plaintiff for $493.80 and
costs. Another divorce case, Isaac Bonnet vs.
Elizabeth Bonnet, is continued at cost of plaintiff",
to be paid in six months, and upon condition that
he give personal notice to the defendant of the
pending of this suit in six months.
On the evening of the 3d of August, having spent
tvi^o days, court adjourned.
The fifth term was held August 15, 1814 — Judges,
WiUiam W- Irwin and Ethan A. Brown.
John Williamson vs. Samuel Earquhar is con
tinued at defendant's cost.
Isaac Bonnet vs. Mary Bonnet, diA^orce. "After
argument the court continued the cause under ad
visement until the Coshocton Supreme Court, their
decision to be certified from that or some other
Court to this Court." The first jury cause ever tried

KNOX COUNTY. 151
in the Supreme Court for this county is that of
Wm. W. Farquhar vs. James Craig.
Jury — Wm. Harriss, John Harriss, John Sawyer,
Jacob Cooper, John Kerr, Bartholomew Bartlett,
.Iohn Davidson, John Wilson, Thomas White,
Erancis MitcheU, Isaac Bonnet and Benjamin Mar
tin. Verdict for plaintiff, $103.60. A motion is
made by defendant for a new trial, argued by coun
sel, and overruled by Court.
The State of Ohio vs. Martin D. Lewis. On
indictment by Grand Jury of Licking county for
larceny. On motion, and affidavit of defendant,
the Court ordered venue to be changed to this coun
ty, on defendant giving bond for $500 and security
in $200 to appear first day of next term. Henry
Markley becomes his security. After two days'
session. Court adjourned.
The sixth term was held August 7th, 1815.
Judges — Ethan A. BroAvn and John A. Couch,
who produced his commission in room of Hon.
Thomas Scott, resigned, &c.
The only jury trial was that of Samuel Mott vs.
Gilman Bryant. Jury — Isaac Vore*' Sr ., John Ven-
noms, Samuel Durbin, James McGibeny, Joseph
Hunt, John Arbuckle, Thomas Williams, Moses
Merrit, George Dial, Wm. Sapp and John Stilley.
Verdict for plaintiff, $5 and costs. Josiah Hedges
vs. Samuel Kratzer, Andrew Craig and George
Davis. Default against defendants, and cause con
tinued for inquiry. Anthony Banniiig vs. Sam
uel Kratzer and John WiUiamson. On motion
of plaintiff's counsel for dismission of appeal, on
hearing the arguments of the parties by their

152 HISTORY OP
counsel, it is therefore ordered that the motion be
overruled. August 8th, 1815. John WiUiamson vs. Samuel
Earquhar. Continued till next term, on motion
and affidavit of plaintiff, and at his costs. Wm.
W. Alexander vs. John Wilson. Suit dismissed at
costs of defendant, except docket fee in court be
low, which is not to be taxed to either party. An
thony Banning vs. Samuel Kratzer and John Wil
liamson. Decree by court for plaintiff, "as per
decree on file, signed by Chief Judge."
The above is a faithful abstract of aU the busi
ness of this, the sixth, term of the Supreme Court.
The seventh term was held August 15th, 1816,
by Judges Brown and Couch, the latter having
j)roduced his commission for seven years ft'om the
14th of Eebruary, 1816. But one cause was tried
by jury — Moses Robison vs. Isaac Dial. Verdict
for plaintiff, $104.80 and costs. WiUiamson vs.
Earquhar is again continued, with leave to amend,
and at costs of plaintiff. Stephen H. McDougal,
assignee of Wm. Taylor, vs. Enoch Harris. Judg
ment by default, for $88.80 and costs. There are
four other cases upon the docket, in aU of which our
old friend Samuel H. Smith figures as plaintiff or
defendant. The other parties are Robert Eulton,
Erasmus Beaty, Levi Davis, Joseph Walker, admin
istrator of Philip Walker, and John Walker. On
the 16th court adjourned till next court in course.
The entire business of seven terms of the Su
preme Court for Knox County we have given, that
our readers may form an idea of the amount and

KNOX COUNTY. 153
kind of business dispatched, as also of the old
settlers then participating in the luxury of law !
OTHER MATTERS OF SOME DEGREE OF INTEREST.
In Eebruary, 1815, George Girty opened a store
in Mount Vernon, and also one at Eredericktown.
There was but little increase in the number of
business men or in other respects this year.
On the Sth of AprU a "Singing Assembly" of
ladies and gentlemen, comprising different singing
societies in the county, gave a grand concert at the
court-house in Mount Vernon, at 1 o'clock P. M.
All persons feeling willing to unite and participate
in the exercises came. It was one of the olden
land Of gatherings, like the "Old Eolks' Concert"
given in Mount Vernon this spring of 1862, as we
have been assured by one of the vocalists Avho par
ticipated in both "singing assemblies."
In these war times, Avhile some are disposed to
grumble at the Ioav rates soldiers receive, it may
be AveU to remind them of the pay in 1815. In
March the pay of non-commissioned officers and
privates in the army of the United States was re
duced to the following prices: To each sergeant-
major and quartermaster-sergeant, 9 dollars; ser
geants, 8 dollars; corporals, 7 dollars; teachers of
music, 8 dollars; musicians, 6 dollars; artificers,
10 dollars; and privates, 5 dollars.
Samuel Mott had come aU the Avay from Ver
mont to practice law in the AAdlderness, and was
the first laAvyer resident in the county. Enos was
the second, who, one of the old settlers says, had

154 HISTORY OP
just been made at home, and "wasn't laAvyer enough
to hurt."
May 9th, H. Curtis takes this way of informing
his friends and the public that he has changed his
place of residence from Kewark to Mount Vernon,
and, in the vacations of the courts, clients wiU find
him in the town of Mount Vernon. In 1817 he
became a fixture of the county, and here remained
until 1858, as elsewhere told.
At the October election this whole county poUed
345 votes. Alexander Enos was chosen Repre
sentative ; John Shaw, Sheriff; Commissioner, Jon
athan MUler; Coroner, Dr. W. Hastings.
Richland county, at this election, gave for Rep
resentative — Winn Winship, 156; A. Enos, 22;
Robert McMUlen, 10.

KNOX COUNTY 155

CHAPTER XIV.
MASONIC INSTITUTIONS.
Historical sketch of masonry in knox county. — Its origin. — Chrono
logical STATEMENT OF ITS EARLY EVENTS AND PUBLIC TRANSACTIONS 
And ihe present condition op the various orders.
To the members of the craft the early history of
Masonry is of deep and abiding interest. It dates
back in the history of our county, as in that of the
world, to a very remote period ; and its ancient
transactions will in the future be regarded AA'ith
greater concern. The space allotted to this branch
of our work will allow but brief mention of the ori
gin and action of Mount Zion Lodge, as established
at Clinton, and subsequently removed to Mount
Vernon, and a chronological statement of public
occurrences, celebrations, funerals, etc.
The first meeting of delegates from all the Lodges
in the State of Ohio was held at Chillicothe, on the
first Monday of January, A. D. 1808, A. L. 5808,
whereat, on motion of Brother Lewis Cass, it was
resolved "that it is expedient to form a Grand
Lodge in the State of Ohio." General Rufus Put
nam was elected on the 7th of January Rt. W-
Grand Master, and other business pertinent to per
manent organization was transacted. At the Grand

156 HISTORY OP
Communication held at ChilUcothe the 2d day of
January, A. L. 5809, A. D. 1809, a petition was
presented, signed by Brothers Samuel H. Smith,
:N'athaniel W. Littie, Richard Eishback, WiUiam
Littie, Alexander Enos, Jr., Ichabod ¥ye and
Thomas Brown, praying this Grand Lodge to grant
them a charter, to form a Lodge, by the name of
" Mount Zion Lodge, ¥o. — ," which was read, and
on motion seconded,
" Ordered, that until a charter can be made and granted to said
brethren, for the aforesaid purpose, they shall be entitled to receive
a dispensation therefor."
By reference to the proceedings of the Grand
Lodge of Ohio, held in ChilUcothe, A. L. 5810,
A. D. 1810, we find " Samuel H. Smith, represent
ative of Mount Zion Lodge, I^o. — ."
In the same year that Knox county was organ
ized the initiatory steps were taken for the organi
zation of a Masonic Lodge ; the petition drawn up
for this purpose, as aboAC recited, was presented in
the first month of the foUowing year, 1809, and the
original dispensation was numbered "7," though
subsequently changed to " 9."
The first Master of the Lodge AAas Samuel H.
Smith. The first public installation of officers Avas
Samuel H. Smith, W. M.; Alfred Manning, S. W.
Ichabod ^ye, J. W.; Samuel IS^ye, Treasurer
Oliver Strong, Secretary; Wm. E. Roberts, S. D,
James Miller, J. D.; Wm. Bartlett, Peter Wolf,
Stewards ; Ricliard Eishback, Tyler.
Among the members of the Lodge in 1811 and
1812 were : Amoriah Watson, George Downs, Peter

KNOX COUNTY. 157
Kinney, John Barney, Abner Ayres, John Wheeler,
Charles Barney, R. ^. Powers, Charles Lofland,
Jesse Proctor, Winn Winship, Rufus Crosby,
Mcholas C. Boalse, P. M.
Among the Adsiting brethren were : Wm. Erwin,
Wm. Andrews, John Clark, Robert Glass, Lemuel
Chapman, Samuel Choate, P. M., Riverius IN^eweU,
P. M., from Vermont.
The standing committee for 1811 consisted of
Mcholas C. Boalse, Oliver Strong, Alfred Manning.
The Representative to the Grand Lodge in Chil
licothe, January, 1812, was Alfred Manning.
Royal K. Powers succeeded Samuel H. Smith as
W. M., and he was also elected Representative to
the Grand Lodge. Alfred Manning Avas W. M.
after Powers.
Daniel Dimmick was made a W. M. June 20tb,
1812, and Lewis Jones, Richard Crooks, Thomas
Rowland, Garret E. Pendergrass, Major Phineas
Reed, among others, were also raised.
Amoriah and Samuel Watson, at their request,
were permitted to pay their dues as quarterly mem
bers. In October it was voted to remove this Lodge to
the brick house in Clinton belonging to Bro. Samuel
H. Smith.
Samuel Everett and Valentine Giesy were among
the visiting members.
John Greer, John Garrison, John Haldeman and
Thomas McClure were initiated in January, 1813.
Winn Winship and Levi Jones are considered
quarterly members. Their residence, like the Wat-

158 HISTORY OP
son's, was in Richland county, a considerable dis
tance off.
June 24th, 1813, St. John the Baptist's day, was
duly commemorated. An able oration was deUv
ered by Bro. Winn Winship, and in procession the
brethren marched to Bro. Boalse, and partook of a
sumptuous dinner. Among the items of the Stew
ard's bill, appears — " this, with the musician's biU,
$ — ." Our venerable friend and brother. Judge
Ezra GrisAVold, of DelaAvare, this spring gave us an
interesting account of this celebration. He was
present as one of the musicians, belonging to the
first band organized in this part of the State ; he at
an early day Avent far as well as near to celebra
tions, etc.
The Judge formerly lived at Worthington, and
is one of the pioneers of the press in this State.
Among the brethren of the mystic tie present
Avere Gilman Bryant, George Doavus, James Low,
Lothrop Shirtliff, from I^cav York, Wm. Anderson.
In 1814, at the meeting of the Grand Lodge in
Chillicothe, Samuel H. Smith Avas the Representa
tive. The returns at this time shoAV 27 members,
3 fellow-crafts and 3 apprentices, one suspended
and one expelled.
John Shaw, Ichabod Marshal, Robert Buchanan,
Samuel Yeoman, James L. Priest, Edward Wheel
er, George Dickinson, Daniel Ayres, John P. Mc-
Ardle, Cyrus Langworthy and G. B. Maxfield are
among the number initiated and receiving the Mas
ter's Degree this year.
The Rev. Bro. EuUer deliAered a discourse to

KNOX COUNTY. 159
the Masonic Society of Mount Zion Lodge, in Clin
ton, on Wednesday, May 8th, 1814.
Mount Zion Lodge, lyTo. 7, celebrated the festival
of St. John the Baptist at Clinton, on the 24th of
June, at 10 o'clock A.M., by pubUc procession and
a sermon at the meeting-house by Rev. Bro. Jose-
phus S. Hughes.
On the 27th of December, Bros. John Shaw, J.
P. McArdle and Ichabod Marshal, the Standing
Committee, agreed with Bro. Ichabod Nje for
Lodge-room and refreshments the ensuing year.
Among the visiting brethren were Samuel Chap
man, Samuel Choate, P.M., Thomas Munson, Jo
seph Brown, Wm. Bartlett and John Hawn.
The first funeral attended by the fraternity in
this county Avas that of Richard Eishback, mer
chant, of Clinton, Avho died in his .36th year, and
Avas buried with Masonic honors on the 23d of May.
1815. — The anniA'ersary of St. John the Baptist
Avas celebrated in CUnton by procession and the
delivery of addresses by Bros. Vandeman and Cur
tis. Among the brethren present were Martin
M. KeUogg, Wm. Wallace,  HaUerman, 
Eorbes, Benj . Helman and Daniel Dimmick.
The Lodge proposed to contract for the new
Lodge-room, and the committee reported the
amount of money in the coffers for said purpose,
$134.80. In November a resolution passed, re
questing the Grand Lodge to grant authority to
change sessions to Mount Vernon.
The second Masonic funeral was that of Bro.
Eobert Glass, December 3d, 1815.

160 HISTORY OP
In 1816, Winn Winship was Representative to
the Grand Lodge.
Among the visiting brethren of this year AA^ere
Wm. Webster, Robert D. Moore, of Youghiogheny
Lodge, ISTo. 10, Pa., and John Warden, of Pa.
The Standing Committee of this year consisted
of John Shaw, Timothy Burr and Joseph Brown.
There are very many items of deep interest con
nected AAdth the history of the Lodge at CUnton.
The action of the pioneers of Masonry in Knox
wiU in the distant future be regarded with much
curiosity by those whose privUege it is to lift the
vail and tread within its sacred precincts. Eor the
present Ave rest.
MOUNT ZION LODGE, NO. 9, AT MOUNT VERNON.
By virtue of a dispensation of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, predi
cated upon a petition included in a resolution of De Witt Clinton
Lodge, No. 9, introduced May Sth, 1816, and passed by a vote of-
the brethren on the Sth of June thereafter, and taking into con
sideration also the reasonable request of said prayer that said
Lodge may be removed from Clinton in Knox county to Mount
Vernon in said county, and authorized to hold their meetings at
said town of Mount Vernon, by virtue of the present charter,
Henry Brush, Grand Master, and by resolution of Grand Lodge
at their last Grand Annual Communication, did grant full power
and lawful authority to hold their regular and special meetings at
Mount Vernon.
Done at Masons' Hall, Chillicothe, this Vth day of March, in
the year of our redemption 1817, and of Masonry 5817.
By the Grand Master, Henry Brush.
R. 'Kercheval, Grand Secretary.
A meeting was accordingly held by the Eree and
Accepted Masons, inhabitants of Mount Vernon,
on the 5th day of April, 1817, A. L. 5817, at the

KNOX COUNTY. 161
court-house. Bro. Joseph Brown, Chairman, and
Bro. Robert D. Moore, Secretary. The communi
cation from the Grand Lodge was read and accept
ed, and a committee to draft a system of By-LaAvs
for the government of the Lodge was appointed,
consisting of John ShaAv, John P. McArdle and
Joseph Brown.
Ordered, that the next meeting be held at the court-house, on
the 11th inst., for the purpose of organizing a Lodge. On motion
made and seconded, that we must meet at 3 o'clock P. M. of the
11th inst.; decided in the affirmative, and adjourned in harmony.
Mount Vernon, lith April, A.D. 1817, A. L. 5817.
At said communication of Mount Zion Lodge, No. 9, the or
ganization of the Lodge was effected, and the By-Laws reported
and adopted. Bro. Alfred Manning, W. M. ; John P. McArdle,
S.W.p.t.; Robert Buchanan, J. W. p.t. ; Joseph Brown, Se. p.t.;
Jonathan Miller, T. p. t.; Robt. D. Moore, S.D. p.t.; Hosmer Cur
tis, J.D. p.t.; Gilman Bryant, T. p.t.; John Shaw, John Roberts,
John Warden and Orange Granger, Visiting Brethren.
On the 6th day of June the following officers
were regularly elected, viz: Alfred Manning, W.
M.; John P. McArdle, S. W.; John Shaw, J. W,;
Joseph Brown, S.; GUman Bryant, T.; Royal D.
Simons, S. D.; Robert Buchanan, J. D.; John Rob
erts, S.; James Miller, T. On the 24tli day of June
they were installed at 9 o'clock A. M., and the an
niversary of St. John the Baptist Avas duly com
memorated. A procession was formed, under di
rection of Bro. Robert D. Moore, as Marshal, and,
after marching to the court-house, a sermon was
delivered by the Rev. James Smith, and the Lodge
walked in procession to Mr. Zimmerman's tavern
and partook of a sumptuous dinner. Those present
11

162 HISTORY OP
and participating were : Past Masters Royal D.
Simons, Robert D. Moore, Samuel H. Smith, and
Riverius Kewell ; Master Masons, G. B. Maxfield,
William Bartlett, John Warden, Reeve Chapman ;
and visiting brethren, Hosmer Curtis, Wm. Guyan,
 Shipman, Ichabod l^ye, Lemuel Potter, A. P.
Ashley, Samuel Nje ; Eellow Crafts, Andrew 0.
Johnson and Wm. McCartney.
The members of Mount Zion Lodge, Ifo. 9, of
E. and A. Masons, met at Masonic HaU, in Mount
Vernon, at the hour of 9 o'clock A. M., June 24th,
1817, for the purpose of celebrating the anniversary
of Saint John the Baptist. The Rev. James Smith
delivered the address.
Alfred Manning was the Representative to the
Grand Lodge in 1817.
This year Henry Brush, of ChiUicothe, Avas
R.W.G.M., at Grand Lodge July 5th. Philemon
Beecher, of Lancaster, Deputy.
Erom the Minutes of the Grand Lodge at ChU-
licothe we extract the foUowing, relating to one
who, for many years, resided in our county — a pub
lic benefactor, distinguished as well for his masonic
zeal and faithfulness as for his piety and learning :
" August 4th. The Reverend Philander Chase delivered the
address to the Grand Lodge.
" Ordered, that the sum of $50 be paid out of the funds of the
Grand Lodge to the Rev. Bro. Chase, as a testimony of respect for
the discourse delivered by him yesterday." — Minutes, August 5th,
1817. Since we undertook this work, we have met with
an aged brother who often sat by the side of Bro.
Chase in the Lodge room, and gave us several in-

KNOX COUNTY. 163
teresting incidents in the masonic life of the
Bishop. August 1st, 1817, Alexander EUiott and Emanuel
Hawn were duly initiated E. A. ; on the Sth of
September they became E. C. ; and, on the 3d of
October, Master's degree conferred on the former,
and ]^ov. 2d, on the latter.
Andrew C. Johnson was the first Master raised
in this Lodge, September Sth, 1817.
Andrew Clark and Samuel Pyle received the
first degree September Sth, 1817 ; the second, Octo
ber 3d ; the third, IS^ovember 2d.
Samuel Hawn, E.A., Oct. 3d; l^.G., I^ov. 2d;
M. M., Dec. Sth.
1819, January 12th. — Eee of Bro. Joseph Moody
to become E. C, paid in chartered paper $4, and of
Bro. Mcholas McCarty, in Owl Creek paper, $5.
The Eestival of St. John the Baptist AA'as com
memorated, in 1818, by a public procession, ad
dress at the court-house, and dinner at Joseph
Brown's. Rev. Bro. Nathan B. Johnson delivered
the address.
The first masonic funeral by this Lodge, after its
removal to Mount Vernon, was that of Andrew
M. Roberts, who departed this life April 17th, aged
27 years. He was consigned to mother earth April
18th. Bro. Thomas Rigdon preached the funeral
discourse at the court-house from these words —
" Be ye also ready."
Bro. Royal D. Simons, W.M. ; Mcholas McCar
ty, Secretary.
The Lodge had the satisfaction of commemo
rating St. John the Baptist's anniversary in their

164 HISTORY OP
new hall in the second story of the new brick school
house on the hill.
Royal D. Simons was the Representative to the
Grand Lodge in 1819, and also in 1820. Among
the officers of the Grand Lodge elected at the lat
ter communication was M. Rev. Philander Chase,
Grand Chaplain.
December 27th, 1820, a public installation of offi
cers of the Lodge took place in lower room of the
Lodge building, where a sermon was delivered by
the Rev. Joseph Carper. Alexander ElUott, W.M.
AprU 27th, 1821, M.W. John Snow, G.M., vis
ited the Lodge.
The second masonic funeral was that of Bro. K.
C. Boalse, August 10th, 1821.
1822. The Eestival of St. John the Baptist com
memorated. A procession was formed by John
Shaw, Marshal, and marched to the court-house,
AAdiere the oration delivered by Brother Cook, at
Sandusky, in 1819, was read by Bro. Jo. Brown,
after Avhich the brethren partook of an elegant din
ner at Mr. Eli MiUer's tavern, and then returned
to the Lodge room. Among the visiting brethren
in attendance Avere — Samuel Wolf, John W. Har-
ter and James Mumford from Mansfield; Wm.
Allison and John Allison from Lodge S"o. 123,
Wayncsburg, Pa. ; Wm. Coonrod, John E. AdaiiiH,
Alvin Corbin, Abner Ap-es, and others.
The Representative to the Grand Lodge at Co
lumbus, in 1823, was Bro. Royal D. Simons.
In 1824, H. Curtis and Joseph BroAvn were the
RcpresentatiA'es. Tlic anniversary of St. John the Evangelist was

KNOX COUNTY. 165
commemorated by the Lodge, December 27th, 1824.
Bro. Joseph Brown, as Marshal, formed the breth
ren in procession, and after marching to the Pres
byterian Church, and hearing an address by Rev.
James Scott, the officers elect were duly installed
according to ancient usages, and the Lodge and
brethren present then returned in solemn proces
sion to the Lodge room. H. Curtis, W.M.
The funeral of Bro. John Warden was attended
by the Lodge, May 25th, 1825; Thomas Rigdon
acting as Chaplain. The ceremonies were per
formed according to ancient usage.
The Rev. Bro. Badger, Elder of the Christian
Church, deliAcred a masonic address in Mount
Vernon, January 31st, 1826.
1826. The anniA-ersary of St. John the Baptist
was duly commemorated. The Masonic Address
AA'as delivered by Bro. Ahab Jenks, of Granville.
August 26th. Bro. Royal D. Simons was, by the
Lodge, buried according to ancient usages. Bro.
Benj. H. Taylor superintending Marshal; Wm.
BcA'^ans Marshal for the Eraternity. Elder James
Smith deliA'cred the funeral discourse.
1827. Bro. H. Curtis was the Representative to
the Grand Lodge.
1828, June 24th. The brethren in procession,
under direction of Bros. Day and Tracy, marched
to the Presbyterian Church, where an excellent
discourse Avas deUvered by Bro. James McMahon ;
after Avhicli a Aery good dinner was served up at
the house of Bro. W- E. DaAidson.
1828. H. B. Curtis was the Representative to
the Grand Lodge.

166 HISTORY OP
1829. H. Curtis and J. N". Burr were Represen
tatives. 1830, January 26th. Bro. John Shaw's funeral
attended by the Eraternity.
1833, January 29th. John Roberts was buried
by the brethren of this Lodge. He was in his 73d
year. 1835, March 30th. Bro. Riverius I^eweU was
buried by the craft. In the faU of 1837, Mount
Zion Lodge moved to the present Lodge room, in
Bro. Huntsbery's block.
1839, June 24th. This anniversary was duly
celebrated by the Lodge. The oration by Bro.
Adam Randolph, in the court-house, was listened
to by a very large concourse of Masons and citizens.
A most exceUent dinner, provided by Bro. T. Burr,
was disposed of in proper manner, and every thing
passed off harmoniously.
1840, Eebruary 16th. Bro. Dr. Lyman Wright
was buried, at Eredericktown, by the members of
Mount Zion Lodge.
1841, June 24th. This anniversary was becom
ingly commemorated. Bro. DaAdd Spangler, of
Coshocton, deUvered the address, and Bro. T. Burr
prepared the dinner. Address delivered in the
Methodist Episcopal Church. The Mt. Vernon
Choir and Mt. Vernon Band discoursed appropri
ate music.
At 2 o'clock P.M., June 25th, a procession was
formed, under direction of Bro. Johnston Elliott,
to attend the funeral of Bro. John Sherman, Avho
was buried according to ancient usages.
August 27th. Euneral of Bro. T. G. Plummer.

KNOX COUNTY. 167
September 7th. The funeral of Bro. John E.
DaAddson. 1843, December 13th. The funeral of Bro. HiU
Runyan. 1844, June 24th. A public celebration of this
anniversary occurred. Bro. T. G. Drinker, of Cin
cinnati, delivered the address. Many brethren
from Newark, ZanesviUe, Columbus, West Carlisle,
LoudeuAdlle and Mansfield participated in the cer
emonies of the day. Isaac Davis Avas Marshal, and
John A. Holland, of Wooster, Assistant Marshal.
An exceUent dinner was provided by Bro. Mackey,
and the day passed off harmoniously.
On the 27th of December, the anniversary of St.
John the EvangeUst was commemorated by a social
party in the HaU, whereat the officers elect were
pubUcly instaUed, and an appropriate address de
livered by Bro. C. Delano.
December ISth, 1846, Bro. James Hayes, of Mil
ler township, buried by the Lodge in due form.
1847, Eebruary 8th. An act to incorporate the
Master, Wardens and Brethren of Mt. Zion Lodge
Ko. 9, was passed by the Legislature, and accepted.
1848, August 3d. Masonic funeral of Bro. Cran
dal Rosecrans, near Homer.
1849, Eebruary 8th. Masonic funeral of Bro.
Jonathan MiUer.
June 24th. St. John the Baptist anniversary
duly commemorated. The address deUvered by
Bro. RoUa H. Chubb.
1852, May 7th, Masonic funeral of Bro. T. Winne.
" August 2Sth, Masonic funeral of Bro. Marvin Tracy.
1853, December 11th, Masonic funeral of Bro. Sylvester Pond.

168 HISTORY OP
1854, September 1st, Masonic funeral of Bro. Jacob B. Brown.
1 855, October 1st, Masonic funeral of Bro. John A. Holland, of
Rockford, 111.
185G, December 7th, Masonic funeral of Bro. William Bevans.
1857, March 13th, Masonic funeral of Bro. John Butler, of Rosco
Lodge, No. 190.
1857, December 16th, Masonic funeral of Bro. William Cope-
land.
1858, April 29th, Masonic funeral of Bro. J. Phifer.
1859, May 12th, Masonic funeral of Bro. George White.
1861, September 22d, Masonic funeral of Bro. Lorin Andrews.
1862, January 20th, Masonic funeral of Bro. W. R. Greer.
" April 6th, Masonic funeral of Bro. James Huntsbery.
" " 30th, Masonic funeral of Bro. Robert Lurkins.
The following brothers haA^e been in attendance
on the Grand Lodge :
1830, J. N. Burr, James Huntsbery, Jonas Ward.
1831, Jonas Ward.
1832, P. Sprague, W. Bevans, L. Lake.
1833, J. Ward.
1 836, W. Bevans, Alexander Elliott.
1839, W. Bevans, A. Randolph, at Lancaster.
1840, B. F. Smith.
1841, J. N. Burr, B. F. Smith, James Huntsbery.
1842, B. F. Smith, T. Winne.
1843, " J. N. Burr, Isaac Davis.
1844, " M. Tracy.
1845, " J. N. Burr, J. B. Brown.
1846, " " M.Tracy.
1847, J. B. Brown, S. P. Axtell, M. Tracj'.
1848, "
1849, " G. W. Williams.
1850, " J. N. Burr, W. Dunbar.
1851, " " G.W.True.
1852, 1853, " G. W. True, James Smith, Jr.
1854, G. W. True, G. W. Stahl, B. F. Smith.
1S55, " " F.B.Plimpton.

KNOX COUNTY. 169
1856, Dennis Smith, G. W. Stahl, S. P. Axtell.
1857, G. W. True, J. N. Burr, S. P. Axtell.
1858, J. N. Burr, J. C. Devin,
1S59, John Adams, S. P. Axtell, J. B. Beardslee, Dr. J. N.
Burr, D. G. M.
1860, 0. S. Pyle, S. P. Axtell, J. B. Beardslee.
1861,Present Off cers.— G. S. Pyle, W. M.; W. B. Brown, S. W.; J.
B. Beardslee, J. W.; James Huntsbery, Treasurer; S. P. Warden,
Secretary; H. W. Owen, S. D.; L.B. Curtis, J. D.; J.R.Wallace,
Tyler. Standing Committee, 1862. — J. N. Burr, S. P. Axtell, N. E.
Lewis. Relief Committee. — L. B. Curtis, Thomas Harvey, John Ring-
wait.

Among the members of this Lodge of long stand
ing we may mention the venerable William
Beardslee, who was made a Master Mason at Ste-
phentown, K. Y., in 1804, who in 1817 represented
Center Star Lodge, N"o. 11, in the Grand Lodge of
Ohio, at Chillicothe, and whose three sons — Job H.
G., Wm. B., and John B. — are also of the craft.
Adam Pyle, our much-respected toAvnsman, was
made a Master in 1821 ; and Dr. Jonathan K. Burr
is the oldest Past Master in this part of the country.
In 1825 he was raised in this Lodge, in 1829 be
came its W. M., and since then has served in that
position longer than perhaps any Master in the
State. Eor his zeal and fidelity he was presented
by the brethren of Mt. Zion Lodge AAith a beautiful
Past Master's Jewel in 1852 ; and the Sir Knights
for like cause in 1859 presented him with a Tem
plar's sword. Long may this bright light be per
mitted to illustrate the Adrtues of Masonry.

170 HISTORY OP
Thrall Lodge ISTo. 170, Eredericktown, was char
tered October 18th, 1849.
First Officers.— GVmxQ.j Hill, W.M.; T. V. Parke, S.W.; A.
Keller, J.W. ; J. Wages, Treasurer ; 0. W. Rigby, Sec'y ; D. C.
Beach, S.D. ; D. P. Coffinbury, J.D. ; N. S. Reed, Tyler.
l^umber of members, 32.
Ohio Lodge No. 199, Bladensburg; Chartered
October 28th, 1851.
Eli Farnum, W.M. ; A. C. Scott, S.W. ; G. M. Hill, J.W. ; E.
Bebout, Treasurer; J. H. Miller, Sec'y ; G. Upfold, S.D. ; J.N.
Hurry, J.D.; Johnson Hill, Tyler.
^Number of members, 26.
Antioch Lodge Na. 286, located in DanviUe, was
chartered Oct. 26th, 1856.
First Officers Under Charter.— John White, W. M. ; Wait Whit
ney, S. W.; U. B. Kinsie, J. W.; S. W. Sapp, Secretary; M. Hil
dreth, Treasurer; Z. Hibbetts, S. D.;  , J. D.; A. S.
Church, Tyler.
Chartered Members. — John White, Wait Whitney, U. B. Kinsie,
Samuel Kinsie, Isaiah Hieth, S. W. Conner, Z. Hibbetts, John
Biggs, Daniel Hess, B. S. Church, A. S. Church, Miner Hildreth,
S. W. Sapp, B. Oasteel, C. W. Page.
First Initiation in Lod.ge. — Henry Hibbetts.
Present Officers.— K. Hildreth, W. M.; S. W. Sapp, S. W.; A.
S. Church, J. W.; Calvin Simmons, Secretary; Alonzo Gardner,
Treasurer; John C. Gaines, S. D.; Henry Hibbetts, J. D.; Mark
Greer, Tyler.
Present number of members, 45.
Clinton Royal Arch Chapter Ko. 26, Avas created
the 16th day of May, 1842, under a dispensation
from the Most Excellent Comp. G. D. Hines,
Dept. G. H. P. of the Grand Chapter of the State
of Ohio.

KNOX COUNTY. 171
First Officers.— J. N. Burr, E. H. P.; B. F. Smith, King; James
Huntsbery, Scribe;  .Secretary; C. Delano, P. S.; B.H.
Taylor, C. of H.; S. W. Burr, R. A. C; A. Corbin, A. 0. Rowland,
J. Garrison, Masters of the Vails; Joseph Muenscher, Chaplain.
On the 20th of May, the above officers were duly
instaUed by M. E. G. D. Hines, Dept. G. H. P.
Officers in 1862.— S. P. Axtell, E. H. P.; J. N. Burr, King;
W. M. Mefford, Scribe; Dennis Smith, C. of H.; J. B. Beardslee,
P. S.; W. B. Brown, R. A. C; 0. M. Aruold, G. M. 3d Vail; C.
S. Pyle, G. M. 2d Vail; R. D. Huntsbery, G. M. 1st Vail; James
Huntsbery, Treasurer; S. P. Warden, Secretary; J. R. Vt^allace, G.
Standing Committee, 1862. — J. N. Burr, 0. M. Arnold, J. B.
Beardslee.
CUnton Encampment ]^o. 5, of Knights Tem
plars and Appendant Orders, was instituted at
Mount Vernon on the 12th of October, 1843, by
virtue of authority and a letter of dispensation
granted for that purpose by William James Reese,
General Grand Generalissimo of the General Grand
Encampment of the United States of America.
The grant was to B. E. Smith, Joseph Muenscher,
Isaac Davis, J. M. Smith, and A. D. Bigelow.
First Officers of the Encampment. — Sir Joseph Muenscher, G.
Com.; SirB.F. Smith, Gen.; Sir A. D. Bigelow, Capt. Gen.; Sir
J. N. Burr, Prelate; Sir C. Delano, S. W.; Sir Isaac Davis, J. W.;
Sir James Huntsbery, Treasurer; Sir T. Winne, Recorder; Sir
Adam Randolph, Standard-bearer; Sir Joseph Hildreth, Sword-
bearer; Sir E. W. Cotton, Warden; Sir D. D. Stevison, Sentinel.
Present Officers. — Sir J. N. Burr, G. Com.; Sir Dennis Smith,
Gen.; Sir J. B. Beardslee, Capt. Gen.; Sir Adam Randolph, Pre
late; Sir William Mitchell, S. W.; Sir S. P. Axtell, J. W.; Sir
James Huntsbery, T.; Sir S. P. Warden, R.; Sir Wm. Sanderson,
Jr., Standard-bearer; Sir W. M. Mefford, Sword-bearer; Sir E. W.
Cotton, Warden; Sir J. R. Wallace, Sentintl.
IS'umber of Sir Knights, 31.

172 HISTORY OP

^4

lw>' -^^ir I ''/ 'f-* **-

CHAPTER XV.
THE OAVL CREEK BANK OP MOUNT VERNON.
Its public and private history.' — Let it be relieved from odium!
• The history of Knox county would be incom-
j)lete without a faithful and true account of an
institution with the above euphonious name, lo
cated upon the banks of OavI Creek, and within
the sacred precincts of Mount Vernon. The en
graving above gives a view of one of "the owls"
issued by this bank. They were of CAery denomi
nation from the shinplaster form of 6| cents up
to $10. The paper, engraAdng and finish of the
notes, although not so perfect in every respect as
those issued by banks in the present day, never
theless is of a higher order than those put forth by
the so-called "Confederate States of America," of
Ayhich Cotton is king, and Jeff. Davis vicegerent.
Erom the journals and old files of that day, as far
as accessible, avc haA^e compiled the foUoAving.
There being great complaint of the scarcity of

KNOX COUNTY. 173
money after the war, large numbers of people in
A^arious cities and towns in the United States, and
more particularly in the West and Ohio, conceiA^ed
the idea of multiplying the quantity of paper in
lieu of money by manufacturing what is called a
"currency." Among other points, those of Mount
Vernon determined to engage in the business of
making money. As early as December, 1814, a
meeting Avas held, and articles of association for
the organizing of a bank, to be called the "OaaI
Creek Bank of Mount Vernon," Ayere entered into,
fixing the capital stock at $150,000, divided into
shares of $50 each, payable in instaUments of not
exceeding $5 each, and appointing certain commis
sioners to open stock books, &c. Petitions Avere
then presented to the Legislature, praying for a
charter; and after having petitioned the Legisla
ture for an act authorizing such an association, and
been denied the grant, determined to "go it alone,"
on their own hook.
On the 10th day of April, 1816, the first meeting
of record of those who inaugurated the (Twl Creek
Bank was held at the court-house in Mount Ver
non, and as this is the most important of all events
in the early history of Knox county, we giA'e the
proceedings entire of this the first meeting, and
also of the first meeting of the Board of Managers
on the 17th inst.
"Agreeable to previoiis notice, there was a meeting at the court
house on April 10th. Jonathan Miller was called to the chair, and
Joseph Brown appointed Secretary. The following independent
sentiments were set forth :
"Resolved, That we have by the Constitution of this State guar-

174 HISTORY OP
antied to tho people of this State a full and fair right and privilege
to have charters granted when we shall petition the legislative
body of this State for that purpose. We, the undersigned, having
complied with the requisitions of the Constitution, and will con
tinue so to do, without waiving our rights and privileges.
'• Therefore be it resolved. That we do form ourselves into a com
pany for the purpose of establishing a bank in the town of Mount
Vernon, Knox county (Oliio).
"2. Resolved, That the following named gentlemen be appointed
managers of said bank, and to draft articles of association and by
laws for the future government of the company, viz. : James Smith,
Wm. Mitchell, M. Merritt, Abraham Darling, Hosmer Curtis, John
Warden, Gilman Bryant, Jonathan Miller, L. S. Silliman, Benja
min Martin, Joseph Brown, John Green and Jacob Young.
"From this number a committee was appointed to draft the arti
cles, who met at the house of Joseph Brown on the 17th April, and
adopted the following:
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF THE STOCKHOLDERS OF OAVL CREEK
BANK OF MOUNT VERNON.
"Be it known. That we, the subscribers, having formed a com
pany and limited partnership, do hereby agree and associate with
each other, to conduct banking business in the manner hereinafter
specified, under the name and title of the Owl Creek Bank of
Mount Vernon.
" And we do hereby covenant and mutually agree, that the fol
lowing are and shall be the fundamental articles of this our asso
ciation, by which all persons who are parties hereto, or may in
future transact business with this association, shall be bound and
concluded : —
" Article 1. The capital stock of the company shall be two
hundred and fifty thousand dollars, current money of the United
States, with the privilege of extending it to five hundred thousand
dollars, and of commencing business so soon as twenty-five thousand
dollars is subscribed — to be divided into shares of fifty dollars
each. "Art. 2. The books for the subscription of said stock, shall be
opened on the first Monday in March next, at such places and
under such agents as the commissioners may think proper, at the
hour of ten o'clock in the morning, and continue until three o'clock

KNOX COUNTY. 175
in the evening of the same day, and from day to day during said
hours, until the whole number of shares are subscribed for. The
books thus to be opened, are to be under the direction of the fol
lowing named commissioners, viz : Jonathan Miller, James Smith,
Gilman Bryant, John Warden, Benjamin Martin, H. Curtis, W.
Mitchell, M. Merritt, A. Darling, Jacob Young, John Green, L. S.
Silliman and Joseph Browa At the time of subscribing, there
shall be paid to the commissioners or their agents, on each share
subscribed for, the sum of one dollar ; the further sum of two dol
lars and fifty cents shall be paid on each share, within ninety days
thereafter, at such place as the commissioners shall appoint, of
which due notice shall be given ; the residue in such portions and
at such places as the directors hereafter to be chosen shall appoint ;
they giving at least sixty days notice thereof in the public news
paper of the county : Provided, such installments shall at no time
exceed two dollars and fifty cents ; neither shall any subsequent
installment be called for until a previous one has become payable.
" Art. 3. No person or persons, body politic or corporate, shall
be permitted on the first day to take more than one hundred shares,
and if the shares are not all taken on that day, the foregoing part
of this article is not to operate.
" Art. 4. If it shall so happen, that more than the stipulated
number of shares may be subscribed for, the commissioner.s shall
apportion them by deducting from the highest subscription ; and if
more persons subscribe than there are shares, the commissioners
shall determine by lot to whom such shares belong ; and as soon
as may be thereafter, receipts shall be issued to the stockholders,
and certificates of the amount of stock held by each.
" Art. 5. If any stockholder shall fail to pay his, her, or their
installment, to the amount of three dollars on each share at the time
or times, or in the manner heretofore specified, such stockholder
shall forfeit to the use of the company all monies paid antecedent
to such failure or default; however no forfeiture of stock shall take
place, after three dollars on each share shall have been paid. But
to secure the regular payment of any installment or call, after five
dollars on each share hath been paid, such stockholder shall not be
entitled to a dividend until such installment or call shall be fully
paid ; and the dividend thereafter to be paid to such stockholder
(as well upon the money regularly paid as upon the money paid

176 HISTORY OP
after default) shall be calculated only from the time when said
installment shall be fully paid.
'• Art. 6. The affairs of the company shall be conducted by
thirteen directors, and a president, whose place, if chosen from
among the number of directors, shall be supplied by the choice of
that body, the whole of which is to reside within the county of
Knox; and five directors, together with the president, shall form a
board or quorum for the transacting of all business of the company.
Each director shall be a stockholder at the time of his election,
and shall cease to be a director if he should cease to be a stock
holder; and the number of votes to which each stockholder shall
be entitled, shall be in proportion to the stock he may hold, as
follows, viz : For the first five shares, one vote ; for ten shares,
two votes ; and for each additional ten shares, one vote ; and no
stockholder shall be entitled to vote, who has not held his stock
six calender months next preceding the election, except as to the
first election — all stockholders, residing within five miles of Mount
Vernon, shall vote by ballot in person, and those who reside a
greater distance from Mount Vernon than five miles may vote by
proxy, which at all elections is to be made in such form as may be
directed by the board.
" Art. 7. The first election for directors shall be on the fourth
Monday in May nest, under the superintendence of the commis
sioners, four of whom shall form a qu.orum. The directors so elected
shall take their seats at the board the day following their election,
and they, or a majority of those present, shall proceed immediately
to the choice of a president, all of whom shall continue ifi office for
one year, and until their successors shall be regularly elected and
qualified. All future elections for directors shall be held annually
on the fourth Monday in May, under the superintendence of three
persons, being stockholders, to be appointed by the president and
directors for the time being, of which at least four weeks notice of
the time and place shall be given by advertisement in the public
papers in Knox county. The bank shall be established as near
the court-house, in Mount Vernon, as may be thought most conven
ient by the board of directors,
" Art, 8. As to vacancies.
"Art. 9. The president, directors, and superintendents of elec
tions, before they enter upon the duties of their respective offices,
shall take the following oath or affirmation, as the case may be :

KNOX COUNTY. 177
I . do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will impartially,
faithfully, diligently and honestly execute the duties of a
of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon, conformably to the con
stitution and articles of association of the same, and the trust
reposed in me, to the best of my skill and judgment. And the
cashier, the tellers, book-keepers and other officers, shall also take
a similar oath or affirmation, and shall besides give bond with
security to the satisfaction of the president and directors for a
faithful discharge of the duties in their respective stations.
" Art. 10. The board of directors are hereby fully empowered
to make, revise, alter or annul, such rules, orders, bye-laws and
regulations for the government of the company, and that of their
ofScers and others whom they may think proper to employ, as they
or a majority of them shall, from time to time, think expedient,
not inconsistent with law or these articles of association, and tp
use, employ and dispose of the joint funds or property of said com
pany (subject only to the restrictions hereinafter mentioned) as to
them or a majority of them may seem expedient.
" Art. 11. As to signatures to bills, &c.
"Art. 12. As to books.
" Art. 13. The board of directors shall have power to appoint
a cashier and such other persons as they may think proper to
employ for executing the business of the company, and to establish
the compensation to be paid to the president, cashier, and others
respectively ; all which, together with all other necessary expen
ses, shall be paid out of the joint funds of the company.
"Art. 14. Two-thirds of the directors shall have power to call
a general meeting of the stockholders, for purposes relative to the
concerns of the company, giving at least two months notice in the
public newspapers of the county, and specifying in such notice the
object or objects of such meeting.
" Art. 15. The shares of the capital stock at any time, owned
by any individual stockholder, may be transferred on the books of
the company, according to such rules as (according to law) may be
established in that behalf by the board of directors ; but all sums
for which the stockholder is liable, as drawer, must be satisfied
before such transfer can be made.
" Art. 16. No transfer of stock in this company shall be con
sidered as binding on this company, unless made in a book or
12

178 HISTORY OP
books to be kept for that purpose by this company. And it is
hereby further expressly understood that any stockholder who
shall transfer in manner aforesaid all his stock or shares in this
company, to any person or persons whatever, shall cease to be a
member of this company, and that any person or persons whatever
who shall accept a transfer of any stock or share in this company,
shall become a member of this company according to these articles
of association.
"Art. 17. It is hereby expressly and explicitly declared, to
be the object and intentions of the persons who associate under the
title and firm of the president and directors of the Owl Creek Bank
of Mount Vernon, that the joint stock or property of the said com,
pany (exclusive of the dividends to be made in the manner herein
after mentioned) shall alone be responsible for the debts and
engagements of said company, or to whom they shall or may become
indebted by such engagements, and no person or persons to whom
this company may in any wise become indebted, shall on any pre
tence whatever have recourse against the separate property of any
present or future member of this company, or against their persons
further than may be necessary to secure the faithful application of
the funds thereof to the purposes to which by these presents they
are liable. But all persons accepting any bond, bill, or note, or
other contract of this company, signed by the president and coun
tersigned or attested by the cashier of the company for the time
being, or dealing with it in any other manner whatever, thereby
give credit to the said joint stock or property of said company, and
disavow having recourse, on any pretence whatever, to the person
or separate property of any present or future member of this com
pany, except as above mentioned. And all suits to be brought
against the president for the time being, and in case of his death or
removal from office, pending any such suit against him, measures
shall be taken at the expense of the company for substituting his
successor in office as defendant, so that persons having any demands
upon the company may not be prejudiced or delayed by that event ;
or if the person suing shall proceed against the person first named
as defendant (notwithstanding his death or removal from office)
this company shall not on that account, take advantage of such
proceedings by writ of error or otherwise ; and all recoveries had
in manner aforesaid shall be conclusive upon the company, so far
aa to make the funds or joint stock of this company liable for such

KNOX COUNTY 179
amount, and no further ; and the company shall immediately pay
the amount of such recovery out of the joint stock, but not other
wise ; and in case of any suit in law, the president shall sign his
appearance upon the writ, or file common bail thereto, it beino-
expressly understood and declared that all persons dealing with
said company agree to these terms and are to be bound thereby.
" Art. 18. Dividends of the profits of the company, or so
much of said profits as shall be deemed expedient and proper, shall
be declared half yarly in every year, and shall from time to time
be determined by a majority of the directors present, at a meeting
to be held for that purpose, and shall in no case exceed the amount
of the net profits actually acquired by the company, so that the
capital stock of the company shall never be impaired by dividends •
but the directors shall be at liberty to retain at least one per
centum upon the capital, as a fund for future contingencies.
" Art. 19. If the directors shall, at any time, willfully and
knowingly make or declare any dividend which shall impair the
capital stock, all the directors present at the making or declaring
such dividends, and consenting thereto, shall be liable in their
individual capacities to the company, for the amount or proportion
of said capital stock so divided by said directors ; and each director
who may be present at the making or declaring such dividends,
shall be deemed to have consented thereto, unless he does immedi
ately enter in writing his dissent on the minutes of the proceedings
of the board, and give public notice to the stockholders that such
dividend has been made.
" Art. 20. These articles of association and agreement shall
be published three times in the public newspapers of the county,
at least two months before the books are opened ; and for further
information, to all persons who may transact business with, or ia
any manner give credit to this company, every bond, bill, note, or
other instrument or contract, by the effects or terms of wliich the
company may be charged or held liable for the payment of money,
shall specially declare in such form as the board of directors shall
prescribe; that payment shall be made out of the joint funds of
the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon, according to the present
articles of association, and not otherwise ; and it is hereby ex
pressly declared, that no engagements can be legally made in the
name of said company, unless it contain a limitation or restriction
to the effect above recited.

180 HISTORY OP
"Art. 21. The company shall in no case be owners of any
real property, except a site for banking business, or directly or
indirectly be concerned in trade, or the purchase or sale of any
goods, wares or merchandise whatever (bills of exchange and bullion
excepted), except such lands, goods, wares, or merchandise as may
be truly pledged to them by way of security, or conveyed to them
for debts due, owing or growing due to the said company, or pur
chased by them to secure such debts so due to said company.
"Art. 22. This association shall continue until the fourth
Monday in May, one thousand eight hundred and thirty ; but any
number of stockholders, not less than fifty, who together shall be
proprietors of not less than five hundred shares, may, for any pur
pose relative to the institution, at any time apply to the president
and directors to call a general meeting of the stockholders, and if
by them refused, the same number of stockholders, proprietors of
not less than that number of shares, may and shall have power to
call a general meeting of the stockholders, giving at least two
months' notice in the public papers in Knox county, specifying in
such notice the object or objects of such call.
" Art. 23. Immediately on the dissolution of this association,
effectual measures shall be taken by the directors then existing,
for closing all the concerns of the company, and for dividing the
capital and profits which may remain among the stockholders, in
proportion to their respective shares.
" In witness whereof, we the undersigned have hereunto set our
names or firms, this  day  , one thousand eight hundred
and  ."
Shortly after the opening of subscription lists,
the following notice was pubUshed :
" NOTICE.
" It is requested that all persons holding books for the sale of
shares in the Owl Creek Bank of Mt. Vernon, will be pleased to
receive the installments due thereon, and forward the same by the
20th day of the present month.
B. MARTIN, ) „ ,
JOS. BROWN, i r. ¦¦
JAMES SMITH, ) Commissioners.
"Mount Vernon, July 3d, 1816."

KNOX COUNTY. 181
The preliminaries having been arranged, the bills
are ready to circulate, and the officers publish the
following in the Register, page 175, which explains
the modus operandi:
" Mount Vernon, Sept. — , 181 — .
" Sixty days after date, for value received, we promise to pay
James Smith, at the house of L. S. Silliman, the sum of 
 without defalcation.
" Credit the Draiver.
• A. M.

" A. M. »
"CD. I

Endorsers.

' J. P., Drawer."

[L. s.;

"The State of Ohio,
County, ss.
" Before me (A. B.), a Justice of the Peace for the county of-

aforesaid, came C. D., who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith,
that, whereas, he has thrown a note into the Otvl Creek Bank of
Mount Vernon for discount ; saith, that, if discounted, he will take
no advantage of any statute law of this State ; and farther this
deponents saith not.
"Signed, C. D.
" Sworn and subscribed before me the  day of  , 181 —
" A. B., J. P."

" The above form of a note you will please to insert in your
paper, whicli note must be executed with two good endorsers, with
out a blot or interlineation. The endorsers' names must appear
written on the back of the note as well as at the foot. The form
of an affidavit is given, which must be made by the drawer, and
accompany the note. By order of the Board of Directors.
" JAMES SMITH, President.
" L. S. Silliman, Cashier.
" September 13th, 1816."

182 HISTORY OP
On the 20th N'ovember, 1816, L. S. SiUiman,
Cashier, notifies the stockholders of the Owl CreeTt
Bank of Mount Vernon that an installment of $2
on each share is requested to be paid within sixty
days. March 6th, 1817, a dividend of six per cent., on
account of stock actuaUy in Bank, was declared.
At a meeting of the Directors of the Bank, the
foUowing resolutions were unanimously adopted,
viz :
" Whereas, Unfavorable constructions have been put on the
twentieth section of the Articles of Association; Therefore,
" Be it Resolved, That no Director, or any other person, shall
have a right to draw any money out of said Bank, without giving
their notes with sufficient endorsers.
" Resolved, secondly. That a preference shall at all times be given
to the Stockholders, in the accommodation of loans, to double the
amount of all money by them actually paid in.
" B. MARTIN, Chairman.
" G. Bryant, Secretary.
"June 3d, 1816."
July 9th, 1817. — All persons indebted are noti
fied that they must pay " at the rate of from 10 to
50 per cent., in proportion to the amount of their
loans." As shoAAdng the feeUng existing in regard to such
Banks in the winter of 1816-17, when the Owl
Creek Bank was applying for a Charter, we give
this anecdote : Tavo persons of color, at Colum
bus, quareled ; one, wishing to make his antagonist
as contemptible as possible, called him " a d — d
UNCHARTERED son of a b — h." And it became
very fashionable at the Capital to apply the term
unchartered to all evil doers.

KNOX COUNTY. 183
In these times of evil talk, and while the public
were busy crying down this institution, there were
occasionally to be found parties willing to " give
the devil his due." The foUowing extract from the
ZanesviUe Express of December 16th, is an in
stance in point :
" Notwithstanding so much has been said against the Owl Creek
Bank of Mount Vernon, we are assured that two gentlemen, a few
days since, presented bills at that bank for a large amount, which
were redeemed with chartered paper and specie."
About this time an enemy of the Bank killed a
tremendous big Owl, and brought it into the town
and rudely threw it down upon the counter, ex
claiming, "There, d — n you, I've killed your Pres
ident." The Bank building was located where Adam
Weaver's hardware store now is. It was a rough,
yet substantial piece of workmanship, a mixture of
the Doric and Corinthian styles of architecture,
weather-boarded, with four-penny nails thickly
driven through its batten-door and window-shut
ters, so thieves should not cut in and steal. On
the ground it covered about fourteen feet square,
and was one low story in height, and painted
red! The bills rapidly depreciated under the heavy
blows given. There seemed to be no stopping the
clamor against the Bank.
The principal circulation in Knox county was
Owl Creek, and we find very many advertising for
it. Of the merchants advertising for it were James
Miller, and Burr, Green & Co.

184 HISTORY OP
"William Stanbery offers to sell 'The Craig Farm,' at present
occupied by Major Joseph Brown, to the highest bidder for Owl
Creek Bank paper.
" J. Brown offers to sell 156 acres of land near the town of Mt.
Vernon, in the Hamtramick section, for such paper.
" OwTLS. — All persons indebted to the subscriber, are requested
to make prompt payment, for I am in want of Owl Creek paper.
John Shaw.
" N. B. Those indebted for taxes, for 1817, are also requested to
pay with the same.''
The paper when presented was at first redeemed
by the Bank with chartered paper, and the stock
holders and parties interested endeavored to sustain
its credit by various dcAdces. Among other plans
adopted to keep up the paper was the foUowing,
which we give as shoAving the disposition of stock
holders to pay, and the strenuous efforts resorted
to : " OA\^LS.
" Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon, )
January 1st, 1818. )
" Whereas, several reports have been circulated, some of which
are false, and injurious to the credit of the Bank, with respect to
certain measures adopted by the Directors : Therefore, for the
purpose of suppressing the further propagating of such false rumors,
the Directors have thought proper to exhibit to the public, and to
the stockholders, a fair and accurate statement of the measures
actually determined on by them, and which has been the subject
of such reports. The Directors have observed with regret the de
preciation of the Owl Creek paper of late, and particularly in Knox
county ; they have been fully convinced that the principal cause
of the sudden fall of the Owl Creek paper is owing to the circum
stance of the difficulty, or almost the impossibility of obtaining
such goods as are wanted by the citizens with this kind of paper.
" With a view, therefore, to obviate these difficulties, and at the
same time to draw out of circulation the paper of the Bank, we
have entered into the following contract with Burr, Green & Co.,

KNOX COUNTY. 185
viz. : Said Company, on their part, have undertaken to bring on
a complete assortment of goods, and to retail the same for Owl
Creek paper, at prices as low as they can be purchased for in char
tered paper, and to take assignments on judgments in favor of the
Bank, or wait until the Bank, can with convenience exchange ; and
for all paper thus collected, the only privilege granted to said
Company is a loan of $700 of such money as will pay carriages,
to be made use of for that purpose, and to be paid back in good
chartered paper, in installments, within one year. Given under
our hands.
- James Smith, William Mitchell, Jonathan Miller, Benjamin
Martin, John Warden, John Hawn, Jr., John Shaw, Gilman
Bryant, Hosmer Curtis, Wm. Y. Farquhar."

"PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN,
That a meeting of the stockholders of the Owl Creek Bank of
Mount Vernon, will be held at the Banking House in Mount
Vernon, on the 12th day of March, 1818, for the purpose of taking
into consideration the propriety of closing the business of said
Company, and to transact any other business relative to said Com
pany which may be thought proper when met. Dated at Mount
Vernon, this 6th day of January, 1818.
"Nathaniel Johnson, Jonathan Miller, Godleib Zimmerman,
Benjamin Rush, I. N. Richardson, John Shaw, John Hawn,
Jr., William Douglass, Samuel Mott, John Wilson, J. M.
Banning, James McGibeny, James McGibeny for Joseph S.
Newell, James Miller, Joseph Brown, L. S. Silliman.
" N. B. All the stockholders are particularly solicited to attend
on said day."
The course of true love never did run smooth.
In the career of banks as well as of nations and
individuals, there are " ups and downs," drawbacks
and obstacles to prosperity ; and parallels in history
are ahvays to be met with. Jackson throttled the
United States Bank ; Sam Williams seizes the
gullet of the OavI Creek Bank : Jackson denounces

186 HISTORY OP
Mcholas Biddle; WiUiams attempts to play the
tyrant over James Smith : Jackson remoA^es the
deposits ; and Sam WiUiams refuses to deposit.
The banking question gets into the papers, and
the public mind becomes much distracted thereat.
Several communications appear in August and
September of 1816 in regard to the Owl Creek
Bank. The ofiice of Bank President was no sine
cure in those days, at least of the Owl Creek Bank,
for we find that the chief owl was compeUed at all
times to defend his institution from the stump and
the press. The Lancaster, ZanesviUe, Mt. Vernon
and other papers of those days, contain many arti
cles from the pen of James Smith in reply to
attacks of Dr. Moore B. Bradley, Sam'l WiUiams
and others. Some of the papers show much acerb
ity and bitterness of feeling ; but, from our stand
point of observation, Ave must say that our old
friend James Smith beat them all.
In a communication of August 6th, 1817, reply
ing to an article in the Ohio Spectator, in regard to
a meeting of the farmers, mechanics, merchants,
and innkeepers of the town of Mansfield, county
of Eichland, and State of Ohio, on the 11th of
July, 1817, James Smith pointedly says :
" If, sirs, your sympathy has been awakened for unfortunate
persons who have received the paper, I hope you will shortly he
prepared to discharge your engagements with the Owl Creek Bank .
of Mount Vernon. It would be an insult upon your good sense for
me to tell you, that for you to refuse the paper of this bank, while
you are in debt to the bank, is a full sacrifice cf every spark of
honor. If you, sirs, and such characters as yourselves, would pay
your engagements, or one half thereof, the Owl Creek Bank of
Mount Vernon would be completely prepared to pay and give sat-

KNOX COUNTY. 187
isfactory exchanges for their notes in circulation. Your honors,
sirs, we look after no longer, but your purses and property will
have to be tried. Tavern bills and pills* ought to be paid for in
this paper as well as in the Mansfield.
1. # * # # * J would advise you to be industrious in col
lecting the paper, as you know you soon, or at the next court, will
have judgment against you. The Owl Creek paper will answer
you as well as specie. **#**! censure no person, not
in debt to the bank, for rejecting the paper ; both the principle of
moral justice and honor enjoins on every person indebted, to re
ceive it. The sooner, sirs, you procure this paper, it will be the
better for you. This bank will shortly be prepared to make gen
eral and satisfactory exchanges. Jambs Smith.
" P. S. The editors of the Ohio Register and the Ohio Spectator
will confer a favor on Messrs. Bradley and Williams, as well as
myself, by giving the above a place in their respective papers. "J. S."
Samuel WilUams replies in the Ohio Register of
August 20, in a A'^ery long article addressed to James
Smith, President of the Owl Creek Bank, &c., in
which he evidently lets his temper get the better of
.his judgment by such expressions as these :
" You, sir, are President of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Ver
non, you are Clerk of the Court of Common Pleas, a Justice of the
Peace, and, sometimes, preach the Gospel of Jesus, as I am in
formed — in politics a professed republican ; all of these callings
yon profess to fill with fidelity, nay, in some you have sworn to
discharge their incumbent duties according to the best of your
abilities. # * * You have prostituted the official
duties and obligations as a Justice of the Peace to subserve its
interest by administering unconstitutional oaths. Were you not
sworn to support the constitution of this State and of the U. States
i n the oath of office ? Yet swearing individuals not to take advan
tage of the statute law to prevent the collection of your illegal
demands. # » * You loaned us your bills in order
* Bradley was a doctor — 'Williams a tavern-keeper.

188 HISTORY OP
to destroy those rights you profess to admire, the rights of man
aging our pecuniary concerns. That when we assert our indepen
dence, like freemen, you threaten us with destruction and tell us
we are in your net, and at your mercy, the mercy of your religion,
your integrity, your republicanism — your official virtue, the potent
demand of one great Owl debt."
To this communication of great length — the bank
President replies with vigor — we have space to ex
tract but a paragraph whichmay be called a clincher:
* * * "I think it unnecessary to answer your charges
against me, when you charge my official, political and religious
principles; all you say about it only exposes yourself. Had you
kept silent the public had not known your baseness. Truly,
Samuel, you was one of the persons that took a solemn oath to
take no advantage of any statute law to prevent or stop the pay
ments of your bank engagements. You brag of your full purse;
you are then without excuse if you imagine you took an unconsti
tutional oath. Will you violate that oath to atone for the crime?
You ought to be ashamed to let any person impose pn you so far
as to publish your black crimes with an idea of injuring me. If
your purse is so full and heavy pay up your bank engagements.
Strangers, citizens, and your neighbors too, will have much more
confidence in you. Five hundred dollars of the trash you men
tioned will be received of you in place of gold and silver."
On the 28th Pebruary, 1822, a paper was drawn
up and signed by certain of the subscribers, bind
ing themselves to give their notes, with security,
by the last of March next, to John ShaAV, John
Trimble and Samuel Mott, trustees, whenever the
sum of $15,000 shall be subscribed, for the ]3urpose
of settling up the affairs of the Owl Creek Bank.
As every thing calculated to throw light upon this
mysterious subject may be regarded as worthy of

KNOX COUNTY. 189
preservation, we give the names of the parties sub
scribing, and the amounts and conditions affixed :

Gilman Bryant 
Allen Scott  200
Joseph Talmage, in trade at trade prices  150
Henry Markley, in trade at trade prices  700
Eli Miller, J in Owl Creek paper and J trade  200
Jonathan Miller, in good trade or Owl's Creek paper  300
Wm. Mitchell, in Owl Creek paper or cash  400
Hosmer Curtis, in something as good as the debts  400
Moses Merritt, in Owl Creek paper or trade  150
Jacob Young, in Owl Creek paper or trade  300
Robert Giffin, in good trade at cash price  300
Jas. Shaw, in property  300
John Trimble, iu good trade at cash price  250
Jonathan Hunt, in good trade at cash price  150
Jos. Brown, in good trade — say whisky  100
Samuel Mott, in trade  100
Henry Davis, Owl Creek paper or cash  400
John Hawn, in property  70
John Hawn, jr., $300 in traid and $500 
John Troutman, in good trade or Owls  20O
THE FAMOUS OAVL CREEK BANK CASE.
Bobert Griffin, Joseph Talmage, Jacob Voung,
WiUiam Douglass and others, on the 21st of Au
gust, 1829, by Thomas Ewing, their soUcitor, filed
a BiU in Chancery in the Supreme Court of Ohio
for the county of Knox, against Jacob M. Banning
and others, claiming the defendants whose names
were set up in said BiU as Stockholders in the Owl
Creek Bank, and demanding that they should be
decreed to account, pro rata, for their shares of
stock held to apply in pajonent of a certain suit
prosecuted by one Luke Walpole upon the paper of
said bank, and upon which a judgment thereon

190 HISTORY OP
was recovered by said Walpole at the September
term, 1826, against the parties complainants and
Abraham Darling, John Ewalt and WiUiam Mitch
eU, for $8,445 20, and costs of suit. Upon said
judgment executions having been served out and
IcAded upon the lands of complainants, and they
demanded that those who were with them in equity
alike bound for payment of the same should be
required to liquidate their proportion of the same,
and for such other further and complete reUef as
they were in equity and good conscience entitled
to at the hands of the court.
These parties admitted themselves to have been
stockholders to the amounts following, ta AAdt :
Robert Giffin, 25 shares, contributed $200 — cash deposited in bank.
Joseph Talmage, 10 shares, contributed $250.
William Douglass, 70 shares, contributed $600.
Jacob Young, 10 shares, contributed '•

Of the other judgment debtors to Walpole, Wm.
MitcheU had 25 shares, and paid $500 ; Abraham
DarUng 25 shares, and paid $500 ; and John Ewalt
had 20 shares, and had paid nothing.
The stockholders to the bank were never fuUy
known by reason of the mutilation or alteration of
the books, which took place pending a suit between
Luke Walpole and some of the stockholders. The
bank was entered one night, and the large box that
contained the papers carried off, and subsequently
the box was found in a thicket of hazel, east of
town, broken open, and the books and papers scat
tered about with several of the names of stock
holders obliterated. The testimony in this case,

KNOX COUNTY.

191

the proceedings of the court, and reports of the
Receiver, exceptions to his report and final decree,
make one of the largest volumes of record in the
Clerk's office of Knox county — duly labeled " The
Owl Creek Bank Case." Prom this official, and
authoritative record we copy the names and shares
of stock of parties aUedged to have been partners
in the firm, name and style of the " Owl Creek
Bank."

Hosmer Curtis  50 shareS;
Jonathan Agnew  20
William Scritchfield  5
Insley D. Johnson  5
Joseph Critchfield  10
James Barkhurst  6
Robert Dalrymple  12
James M. Gibeny  15
Allen Scott  10
Joseph Mann  10
Gilman Bryant  50
John Green  10
John Hawn  15
Philip Melker  50
John Stilley  25
John Shaw  10
Wm. Darling, of Richland county  10
James Boltom  20
George Davis  20
John J. Tulloss  10
Jonathan Hunt  21
Abel A. Webster, of Richland  50
Eli Miller  ,  60
Benjamin Rush  10
Henry Markley  25
Nicholas Riley  25
Henry Davis  20
Jacob M. Banning  50

, paid $500

00

30

00

ti 133

00

66

00

380

00

725

00

250
tt

00

900
tt

00

150

00

510

00

200

00

316
ti

00

160

00

50

00

150
tt

00

250

00

266

00

375

00

500

00

625

00

150

00

192 HISTORY OP
Gotlieb Zimmerman  20 shares, paid $345 75
W. Y. Farquhar  20
Nathaniel Scritchfield  10 "
Francis Wilkins  25
Eli Gregg  10
Jacob Lepley  20 "
Samuel Mott  30
Aaron Hill  10
Thomas Irvine  20 "
Jonathan Miller  50 "
John Trimble  15 "
James Smith  50 "
Isaac Richardson  5 "
John Hibbits  10
Jacob Draper  ,  10 "
Henry B. Carter  10
Wm. Robeson  20 "
James Severe  8 "
Rebecca Harris  25 "
Jonathan Rapp  10 "
Wm. Bevans  ,  20 "
Wm. W. Farquhar  15 " 265 00
All of the county of Knox —
James M. Taylor, 10 shares. Joseph Fulton  10 shares.
John Cully  10 " Jonathan Conard .... 10
A. H. Caffee  10 " Wm. Robinson  70
Noble Landon ... 10 « Wm. W. Gault  50
A. Warthen  10 " John Houston  67
Silas Mead  ] 0 " Benj. Warner  10
All of the county of Licking —
Jacob Been  10 shares. John Badger  6 shares.
Hiram Ball  9 " Matthew Kelly  10 "
Benj.Mochaber  8 " Henry Vaught  10 "
Buckingham, Sherwood and Eben P. Sturges, traders, under the
name and style of Sherwood & Sturges, 20 shares, all of whom
are of Richland county, and

125

00

133

00

100

00

58

00

125

00

350

00

316

00

66

00

200

00

200

00

100

00

/f

^AZ-OT^

.'/^.^_^,/^-^>

ll:,l,ll.i,.li Sh..h,.i,lq..y. -Lilli '0-1

KNOX COUNTY. 193
Elijah Newcomb, 17 shares ; Thomas Butler, 50 shares, paid
$350 — both of Coshocton county.
John Beckwith, 8 shares, of Perry county.
Jacob Morris, 5 shares, of Perry county.
Samuel B. Carpenter, 15 shares, of Huron county.
John Leyland, 10 shares, of Huron county.
Enoch Harris, 15 shares, colored man, of Marion county.
John Morris, 20 shares, of Wayne county.
John Shrimplin, 20 shares.
Adam Johnson, of Coshocton county, 50 shares.
Isaac Dillon, of Muskingum county, 50 shares.
George Reeve, of Muskingum county, 50 sharea.
Robert Dalrymple, 50 shares.
James Barcus, 50 shares.
Wm. Critchfield, Sr., 50 shares.
Wm. Darling, 50 shares.
James Rightmire, 50 shares.
Insley D. Johnson, 50 shares.
Jacob Cook, 50 shares.
The above named were claimed, as above repre
sented, by the bill of complainants, to have been
interested in the concern ; and having been duly
subpoenaed and brought into court, their own an
swers and testimony, of much extent, was given as
to who the partners were, &c. While some few
plead the statute of limitations, in addition to other
testimony, the greater number — to their credit be
it said — confessed the soft impeachment, and ex
pressed themselves ready to stand the consequences.
Henry B. Curtis was appointed Master Commis
sioner, and, after a thorough and searching exami
nation, he made, on the 18th of September, 1837,
a very elaborate and able report. Having, upon
his appointment, caused pubUcation to be made by
13

194 HISTORY OP
newspaper to aU interested, either as creditors or
partners, of his appointment to close, and finaUy
settle, as far as practicable, the concerns of said
Bank, and having before him aU the testimony,
he determined the relative position of the parties
defendant, and discharged from Uability, as stock
holders, of that number Jacob M. Banning, Wm.
Bevans, Isaac Dillon, George Beeves, Sturges and
Sherwood, Erancis Wilkins and Matthew WiUiams
for insufficiency of proof.
At the said September term of Supreme Court,
A.D. 1837, Judges Eeuben Wood and Peter Hitch
cock approved said report, by which it appeared
that the sum of $26,796.20 was requu-ed to be
raised to meet and discharge the present unpaid
debts of the Company, in Owl Creek Bank Bills,
commonly called; and the liabiUties of the par
ties defendant being estabUshed equal, it was fur
ther ordered that said sums, as assessed by said
Master Commissioner's report, be paid by said par
ties to him, and the cause was continued for fur
ther report.
Several of the parties defendant, by their Attor
neys, filed exceptions to said report, and, as to their
rights, and for further examination, the papers in
the cause are referred to H. H. Hunter, Esq., of
Lancaster, as Special Master, who, at the Septem
ber Term, 1838, submits a partial report, as to cer
tain parties referred to him, and stUl further re
ports, as by testimony, the foUowing additional
stockholders equaUy liable, viz : Solomon GeUer,
owner of 20 shares ; John Hawn, Sr., 15 shares ;
[N'athaniel Johnson, 60 shares (50 of which being

KNOX COUNTY. 195
transfers from Jonathan and Eli MiUer) ; William
Blackburn, 20 shares ; Matthew Merritt, 4 shares ;
G. B. Maxfield, John Troutman and l!^. M. Young,
10 shares each. At the same time the Special
Master concludes with this statement :
" It is believed that no man can, at this time, possess himself of
the facts necessary to do exact justice in the case. Though it is
believed that much additional evidence, with proper exertions, may
be collected, to render the case more perfect. All which is respect
fully suggested.
"H. H. HUNTER, Spl. M. C.
At the September Term, 1839, Judges Peter
Hitchcock and Erederick Grimke aUowed the com
plainants leave to amend their bill, and make the
newly-discovered stockholders parties, &c. ; and
the Court continued H. H. Hunter Special Master
for further investigation, and with more extensive
powers. At the September Term of 1840, Master Com
missioner Hunter submitted his final report, con
cluding with a statement of accounts and an ag
gregate amount remaining due — $17,457 27; and
the Court, upon further hearing of exceptions by
counsel and arguments for their respective clients,
decreed accordingly, and continued the appoint
ment of Henry B. Curtis as Keceiver, to collect
from the parties the sums assessed against them,
and to pay off the judgment creditors, &c.
At succeeding terms of the Court, various orders
Avere made, as necessary in the progress of the
cause, and upon the reports of the Receiver of his
action had in the premises.
And thus the case " dragged its slow length

196 HISTORY OP
along," until the final report of the Eeceiver was
filed, and the cause finally disposed of upon excep
tions taken by MUler & Dunbar, of attorneys for
certain defendants, which were overruled by the
District Court in chancery, 16th of June, 1859 — and
an entry upon the journals expresses the satisfac
tion of the Court at its termination — by the Ee
ceiver in having disposed of the remaining assets
by sale under order of Court, for an amount suffi
cient to Uquidate all outstanding indebtedness.
" It is now, therefore, ordered and decreed, that said report be
forthwith approved, and sale fully confirmed," * * " and this
Vi^hole case is accordingly discontinued."
" The undersigned, now, therefore, regarding substantially all in
terests adjusted and settled in behalf of party creditors, and the
assets for that pupose exhausted, recommends that the suits pend
ing be finally dismissed from the docket, without prejudice to the
rights of the assignee to collect the balances against party credit
ors, standing unsatisfied, agreeably to former reports and decrees
in this cause. The undersigned reports all costs paid, as far as
known to him, and, as he believes, in full.
" In taking leave of the case which, for more than thirty years,
has occupied a conspicuous position on the docket of this court,
and in closing the trust which, for more than twenty years, has
been confided to the undersigned, he takes leave to congratulate.
the court on the final adjustment of the whole matter, aud to ex
press his profound thanks for the confidence so long continued,
without which, the vexed, complex, and protracted labors of the
case would have been reudered much more onerous, and the results
obtained proved far less satisfactory.
"To the parties (many of the original of whom have departed
this life since the commencement of this suit) and to their heirs
aud representatives, the full record of this case — while it may re
call some reminiscences of an unfortunate enterprise and its calam
itous results, will also remind them of many incidents, and profit
able lessons iu the school of experience, and be, for all time to

ENOX COUNTY. 197
come, the veritable history of 'The Owl Creek Bank of Mt. Ver
non.' "
Such is, in brief, the history — more particularly
the legal history — of the Owl Creek Bank ; an in
stitution which, in part from its outre name, has
acquired more notoriety than any other that has
ever existed in America — if not in the world !
The fame of the "United States Bank" was not
more widely extended. Its failure created no
greater dismay. N^ations ciAdUzed and tribes sav
age have seen and handled its money. In its brief
life, yet protracted existence, it has been cursed
most by those whom it befriended, and AATonged
most by those who professed to be its friends.
The evU day came upon it — even in its early
youth ; before it had become full grown, the keen
frosts nipped it. Its crest fell and its x^etals closed
in, because too much light struck in on it suddenly.
Its head wUted ; it fell ; and great Avas the fall
thereof. Its sunshine friends deserted Avhen the
cloud portended the coming storm — some who had
received its money and upon whom it had shower
ed benefits, and some who had lent their credit and
volunteered then' names to the infant, deserted
its cause, and attempted to plead infancy and lim
itation in bar. As with the human kind, Avhen
life is almost extinct, doctors are often called in
only to attend upon the corpse ; so, in this instance,
laAvyers AA^ere brought in at the eleventh hour to
the Avake. In the last pangs opiates Avere sought
to be administered, and the sleep of forgetfulness
Avas invoked by a few ; but to their credit be it
said, that less than a half dozen of aU the defen-

198 HISTORY OP
dants in Knox county invoked the aid of the act
of January 25th, 1810 — pleading, accordingly, the
statute of limitations ; or that other plea, in bar, of
like character — that the partnership or association
they had formed, to make themselves rich, was
contrary to an act to prohibit the issuing and cir
culation of unauthorized bank paper.
To their honor be it said that the stockholders of
the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon — the hardy
old pioneers — the Darlings and Youngs and Mitch
ells and others, who knew so weU how to feU the
forest ; to hunt the wolves, deer and bear ; to tiU
the soil ; to clear off the wUderness, and so Uttle of
banking as not to be classed as experts by finan
ciers of more modern date, yet came up " to the
scratch," and redeemed "the promises to pay" of
their bank officers.
It is true, that the arbitrament and final settle
ment of its affairs went to laA^; but, under the cir
cumstances, it was a matter of necessity that the
equities should be adjusted by the courts. Almost
every one of the parties were willing to pay their
proportion of the debts at the first ; but each
thought it but right to pay his own proportion and
no more. Hence the ablest of the men learned in
the law at that time accessible, were " caUed" to
take a hand in the OavI Creek Bank case. Among
the number thus employed were Thomas Ewing,
Henry Stanbery, H. H. Hunter and W. W- IrAvin,
of Lancaster; C. B. Goddard, C. C. Converse, 0. W.
Searle, Wyllis Silliman and Geo. James, of Zanes
viUe ; David Spangler, of Coshocton ; Judge Orris
Parish, of Columbus ; W. Stanbery, G. B. Smythe

KNOX COUNTY. 199
and I. Dille, of !N"ewark ; Jacob Parker, of Mans
field ; Benjamin S. Brown, E. C. Hurd, J. C. Hall,
C. Delano, H. Curtis, J. K. Miller, W. Dunbar
and M. H. MitcheU.
Of the entire number of parties defendant named
in these pages, but Ua^c, so far as known, survive,
to wit : our venerable townsmen, Aaron Hill and
EU Miller ; our noted countymen, John Troutman
and Mcholas Eiley ; and H. Curtis, Esq., now re
siding in Keokuk, Iowa. And of the 24 attorneys
engaged in the case, but 13 are now liAdng.
Of the Judges who have heard this great cause
at different stages of its progress, Cahdn Pease,
Joshua CoUett, Peter Hitchcock, Jno. 0. Wright
and IsT. C. Eead, are dead.
Einally, after thirty years in the courts, this case,
noted as that famous one of Jarndyce vs. Jarndyce,
was brought to a close, the last dollar of its issue
presented redeemed, and, forty-three years after
its birth, "all that Avas of earth and earthy" of
the Owl Creek Bank of Mount Vernon, was con
signed to its final resting-place — the Great Book of
Eecords.

200 HISTORY OP

CHAPTEE XVI.
INCIDENTS AND EVENTS OF 1816.
The riKST pajek at mount vbknon. — Gleanings from the ohio regis
ter. — Some acooiikt of the business men op that time. — Op the mar
riages, INCREASE OP population, ETC. — SoME OP THE DEATHS. — AD
DRESSES OF CANDIDATES. — KlNG CAUCUS APPEARS. — ELECTIONS. — PbiCE OP
SALT, ETC.
On Sunday evening, AprU 28th, the people were
thrown into great consternation by " A Phenome
non. — A dark place appeared on the north part of
the Sun ; it appeared graduaUy to move towards the
centre. What wonderful event this is the forerun
ner of is yet unknown, whether it be the faU of
empires, kingdoms, or of more important events."
This appeared on the evening of the Ith day after
the first paper was issued at Mt. Vernon. Won
derful circumstance !
Eattlesnakes were quite common, and their bites
frequent about these times — hence the Ohio Register
pubUshes, May 8th, an efficacious remedy for the
bite. An application of kaU preparation to the
wound, and a lump the size of a hazel nut dissolved
in vinegar to be swaUowed during effervescence
every twenty-five or thirty minutes.
"Cold WEATHER for THE Season." "SDollars Revstard?" —
Taken from the Ohio Hotel, in Mt. Vernon, on or about the 15th
of April last, (either intentionally or through mistake) a dark colo
red Great Coat, with a cape somewhat larger than ordinary, and

KNOX COUNTY. 201
the collar lined with snuif-colored velvet. If said Great Coat was
taken through design, the subsa-iber will exchange small clothes
for it if returned to him by the person who took it away ; or the
above reward will be given to any other person who will deliver
it to J. Brown, in Mt. Vernon, or to
JOHN FRANK.
May 15, 1816.
Samuel H. Smith gives notice, April 23, 1816, that he has for
sale 7,800 acres which he has just " subdivided into lots, from
100 to 300 acres to accommodate actual settlers."
" John Wilson, with the greatest respect, would inform his cus
tomers and the public in general, that he has just received a fresh
supply of new goods, consisting of Morocco slippers, &o., all of
which he will dispose of on the most moderate terms for cash or
approved country produce." On the 24th of July he advertises
himself " west of the court house and next door south of Mr. An
thony Bannings, where he will sell salt by the barrel at $2 per
bushel, or $2.25 by the single bushel," &,c.
" Dr. Robert D. Moore, engaged in the practice of Medicine.
from his medical attainments, hopes to render general satisfaction."
As shoAving the Avild nature of our county seat,
at that time, and the difficulties of raising children
in a new country, we insert the following obituary
notice as we find it in Mc Ardle's style of publish
ing — the first article under the editorial head, May
22d, 1816 :
" Sudden Death. — Departed this life on Eriday afternoon, the
17th inst., Samuel Zimmerman, son of Gotleib and Eve Zimmer
man, of this town, aged eleven years, one month and twenty-nine
days. His death was in consequence of eating a small portion of
the root of a wild parsnip, said to be rank poison. His illness was
short, but pains excruciating, which terminated his end in about
40 minutes — leaving behind him an affectionate father, tender and
loving mother, two brothers and three sisters, who greatly lament
the irreparable loss of a dutiful son and brother.

202 HISTORY OP
In youth's Woom day I'm called away,
My parents are behind;
Of this fine boy who would have been their joy.
Had he been spared to live.
But God in mercy called me home,
His wisdom to fulfill,
He gave me birth and gave me breath,
And blessed be his will.
0 I look on me and you will see
A youth knip'd in the bud,
Here I can't stay, I must away
To appear before my God.
My Pappy and Mamma 1 fear will fret
At loosing of their Son ;
But dry up your tears, appease your fears,
My time was fully come.
An accident it seemed tobe,
Which brought about my end ;
But God does all things for our good,
Aud Christ is our sure friend.
Then why should I fear death's stern looks,
Since Christ for me dii die ;
For all in Mount Vernon, old and young,
The force of death must try."

Bryant and Burr, under date of May 1st, 1816,
give notice that they "have just received a fresh
supply of new goods, consisting in part of fine and
coarse cloths, cassimers, velvets and cords, vesting,
bombarzets, factory muslins, silk for dresses and
bonnets, silk and cotton shawls, silk and Madrass
handkerchiefs, cotton and Avorsted hose, a few fashr-
ionable bonnets, &c., &c., all of which AviU be sold
cheap for wheat, rye, oats, sugar, bacon, homemade
linen, rags, furs and CASH. Eeady for trade aud
barter — seU is the word!"

KNOX COUNTY. 203
HaAdng formed this arrangement, another part
nership is about this time entered into, which con
tinued for life. It is thus published in the Ohio
Register of May 8th :
" HYMENIAL.
"Lovers, you well may envy them,
AVhom such fair joys adorn ;
His hand receives a Diadem,
And she has lost a Thorn.
"Manied. — On Sunday last, (May 5th, 1816,) in this town, by
the Rev. James Smith, Doctor Timothy Burr to Miss Rachel
Thrift, daughter of the Rev. Wm. Thrift of this county."
" Married, June 2d, 1814, by the Rev. Mr. George, Mr. Daniel
Conger, to Miss Elizabeth Roberts. ' And God said unto them.
Be fruitful, and mutiply and replenish the earth.' "
John Grarrison, having laid off the town of Ed-
winburg on an elevated spot of ground, six and a
half miles west of Mansfield, on the State road,
offers lots for sale May 8th, 1816, and advertises
the pubUc that a large spring of water is in the
center of the town. Poor EdAvinburg! alas, death
stole gently upon the innocent, and not a mark of
the place is now Adsible upon any map !
The following specimen from the Ohio Register
of June 12th, 1816, is the first effusion of a love
sick swain on Owl Creek's stormy banks. It is to
be hoped that the "youth" was "relieved:"
" Mr. M'Ardle — ^By inserting the following Acrostic, you will
particularly oblige your friend and well wisher, Alphonso.
"TO MISS M  S  .

"M ay Heaven ou thee her choicest gifts bestow;
I n thy dear breast may every virtue glow :
S edate and modest, wise, kind, and free —
S uch may thy character forever be.

204 HISTORY OF
" M est charming fair, the loveliest of your kind,
A nd most accomplished, both in form and mind,
R eceive this humble tribute to your fame,
Y et far beneath what your just merits claim.
" S uch winning sweetness decks your beauteous face,
N 0 other maid possesses half such grace;
Y our unaffected beauty, free from art,
D elights and captivates each youthful heart;
E ngaging fair, then let thy pitying breast
R elieve a youth whom love has robb'd of rest."
"Miss Mary Eulton respectfully informs the inhabitants of
Mount Vernon and its vicinity, that she has opened a Milliners
Shop at H. Curtis', Esq., second door Sow West of the Com-t House on
High street, where she intends keeping on hands an elegant assort
ment of fashionable bonnets, caps, &c. * * * * Plain sow
ing done in the neatest manner and on the shortest notice. May
22d, 1816."
" A gentleman who arrived at Xenia, 0., about the 15th of April,
from Vincennes, states that seven soldiers belonging to Fort Har
rison, had been killed by the Indians. It was unknown to what
tribe they belonged."
"On the 18th of April last, the Steamboat Maria, Captain
Lovell, arrived at Cincinnati from Marietta, bound to Bostou, Mass.,
with a cargo of pork, flour and lard."
Another store is opened at Mount Vernon by
A. & T. Gormly, from Pittsburgh, in May, 1816.
They advertise ''an assortment of the manufactures
of Pittsburgh, to wit : two stills, iron in the bar,
ke., &c."
At about this time the principal truAcl Avas to
ZanesviUe. J. Eeeve adA'crtises that he keeps
tavern at the sign of the Bear, formerly occupied
by Ool. J. Perry, on Main street, ZanesviUe, and
closes with the foUoAving notice :
"N. B. — Travellers will be supplied with a Way Bill, giving an
account of the Roads and Distances to the principal towns in the
United States."

KNOX COUNTY. 205
At this time John Hamm, Marshal of the Dis
trict of Ohio at ZanesvUle, paid Invalid Pension
ers of the United States at his office in that place.
WilUam Kattle, Uving in Clinton township, near
Charles Cooper's one mile West of Clinton, lost
" one pretty good chunck of a grey horse, and a
cliesnut sorrel with a Eoman nose and a white
strip inclining down one of his nostrils."
In July, John Sawyer and Adney Coleman com
menced butchering in Mount Vernon, and keeping
beef at their slaughter-house every Tuesday and
Eriday morning at reduced price.
Thomas Irvine also advertises as a butcher, and
wants to purchase hides and fat cattle.
Alexander ElUott found, on Saturday morning,
Sept. 21st, on Market street, six dollars in bank
bUls, which he advertised as wanting an owner.
James Moor, acting Sheriff of Eichland county,
Sept. 25th, 1816, proclaims through the Ohio Reg
ister- that the peoj>le of Jefferson township are ex
pected to vote at the house of Mr. Bell, on the Olear
Forlt on the second Tuesday of October next.
Six cents reward is offered, September 16th, by
.1. & S. Selby for George Huntsbery, an apprentice
to the hatting business (through the persuasions of
some intriguing persons) induced to run away ; but
no charges paid for returning said boy.
Andrew Thompson & Co. carry on the Woolen
AND Coverlet Weaving at Henry Oldacre's, near
James Dunlap's, on Licking Creek.
The firm of A. & T. Gormly is dissolved Septem
ber 11th, and Thomas Gormly continues the busi
ness.

206 HISTORY OP
In September, B. Bentley opened for Jos. S.
I^ewell an extensive assortment of goods, which
Avere for sale or exchange for butter, beeswax, linen,
grain, rags, bags, or feathers.
" To substantial citizens a credit will be given
Avithout any enhancement of prices."
" To ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. — You are hereby notified that
a petition will be presented to the next Court of Common Pleas,
for the county of Knox to vacate a certain part of the town of
Mount Vernon, viz : Lots No. 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, the property
of L. S. Silliman, together with the streets and alleys adjoining."
ISTathaniel Herron wants immediately two or
three Journeymen Carpenters; also one or two
apprentices. Alexander Enos has for sale one first rate and
one second rate wagon.
The members of the Mount Vernon Polemic So
ciety met at the court house October 17th, at 6
o'clock, P. M.
On the 23d of ^STovember Wm. T. Earquhar,
Clerk, exposed to sale, at 12 o'clock, " sundry works
and repairs to be done to the court house," by order
of the Commissioners.
Huron and Wayne, Coshocton and Eichland
county advertisements are inserted in the Ohio
Register.
Jonathan &, Eli Miller, IsTov. 27th, advertise that
they are receiving new goods from Philadelphia :
groceries, imported Uquors, morocco leather shoes,
queens ware, &c.
J. & S. Selby, hatters, on the 7th September, at
pubUc vendue, disposed of aU their traps. Among

KNOX COUNTY. 207
the articles enumerated were a two wheeled pleasure
carriage ; also a handsome sleigh, a rifle gun, a num
ber of first quaUty hats, &c. ; and the following
choice tit bit for our early citizens : 51^^ "Epicures,
here is something for you! — A pet cub bear will
also be sold to the highest bidder! You seldom
meet AAdth such a chance as this."
George Dickenson, in N^OA'ember, offered a re
ward of one cent for the return of a runaway
apprentice boy, named Michael Eairchild, between
18 and 19 years of age, short thick set, light com
plexion, cunning and rogueish.
John Greer, Collector for Knox county, on the
7th December, at Major Joseph Brown's tavern,
offered for sale 47 lots for taxes, amounts due rang
ing from 4 cents to $1.50.
Samuel H. Smith, August 7th, advertises as just
finished a lot of leather — sole and upper, Mp and
calf, for sale wholesale or retail, at Clinton.
James MiUer, August 21st, opens a new store in
Mount Vernon, in the room lately occupied by Mr.
John Wilson.
Hugh McMahon carries on a tanyard at Clinton,
and he Avarns people against purchasing leather
of Samuel H. Smith, as he has a claim on it.
Whereupon Samuel comes back upon him in the
foUowing unique style :
" Mr. McArdle — Sir : In your paper I observe a caution to the
public, by Hvgh McMahon, forewarning them from meddling with
his property. I would ask Mr. McMahon how far his claims ex
tend 1 Does he still hold a claim to the store of goods in the town
of Delaware, into which he entered by the window, in the night ,
in the absence of the store kepeer ? Or has he relinquished his

208 HISTORY OP
claim to the goods in hopes of having better success with Leather!
I would advise said McMahon to go to work and endeavor to obtain
a livelihood by honest industry, and shun the counsel of the man
who would advise him to thieving or perjury in order to gratify
his revengeful passion. I am, sir, your obedient servant,
S. H. SMITH."
A meeting of citizens of Eichland county was
held at the house of Samuel WiUiams, Esq., in the
town of Mansfield. John Garrison, Esq., was caUed
to the Chair, and C. E. Pollock appointed Secre
tary ; and they resolved to support Thomas Worth
ington for re-election as Governor, Peter Hitch
cock, Esq., for Eepresentative in Congress, and
Joseph Brown, Esq., for Senator, to represent Knox,
Eichland and Licking counties. The proceedings
were ordered to be pubUshed in the Trump of
Fame, in Trumbull county, aud the Ohio Register.
" Was found, on the Main street, Mt. Vernon, a calico dress
pattern. The owner, by giving an accurate description thereof,
and paying for this advertisement, may have it again. Enquire
of the printer.
Mt. Vernon, July 10, 1816."
Erom a song of these times we extract the foUow
ing hits at members of Congress for voting to in
crease theu- pay, which, since the passage of the
great tax bUl of June, 1862, wiU be read with a
Uvely interest :
Our stills you tax most dev'lish high
You promised that it should die
A¥hen wars were o'er one year gone by
That you'd relieve us ;
But here you told a thumping lie,
A thing most grievous.

KNOX COUNTY. 209
Te tax our whisky day by day.
That you may liot, sport and play —
Perhaps on Sunday ye do pray
To make amends ;
AThether or not, ye are on the way
To have no friends.
AVe're told you sport and drink and game.
If true, dear sirs, do blush with shame —
If true or false ye have the name,
And more's the pity;
Rise quick, and tell us who's to blame.
In some committee.
There are many verses, but the above wiU suffice
as shoAving the spirit in resistance to the tax on
spirits, &c.
About this time, ISTov., 1816, aristocratic notions
entered the heads of some of our citizens, and an
advertisement appears —
"A Barber Wanted. — A Barber will, probably, meet with
good encouragement in this place (Mount Vernon.) It would
make it an object well worth the attention of .any one who could
devote part of his time to any other business."
Population in the county began to increase quite
raj)idly by immigration, and in the natural way.
As shoAAdng something of the stock in those times,
we take from the Register a statement in regard to
David Wilson, Sept., 1816, in his seventy-eighth
year, who " has had four wives and by them forty-
two children. His oldest child is but sixteen years
younger than himself. His second wife had five
children, at two births, in eleven months. Mr.
Wilson is a native of Pennsylvania — drinks grog
freely — converses with ease and affabiUty — and sup-
14

210 HISTORY OP
ports his family by labor. He has worn a hat
twenty-two years, which is still passably decent."
Old Captain Wilson was well known to his neigh
bors as one of the Uveliest old pioneers. Some of
his stock yet survive in old Knox.
That there was unexampled fecundity at this time
among our people, we may still farther note the
fact that, on the 9th of December, a petition from
the west was presented to Congress, by Mr. McCoy,
from an honest couple, who represented that they
had been united in wedlock's happy bonds for 27
years — in which time they have added to our popu
lation 20 children, 19 of whom are living, and
Avhom they have maintained by the product of their
manual labor. On that score they pray Congress
for a donation of public lands to make their decli
ning years more easy. The Journals show its ref
erence to the committee on PubUc Lands.
We still further find by the Ohio Register, Vol.
2, [N'o. 11, that a " Mrs. Contzeu was deUvered of
four chUdren — three boys and one girl, aU Ukely
to do weU."
Erom the pubUcation of Marriages, by McArdle,
we take the following of parties weU knoAvn to the
citizens of the county :
" July 30th, 1816, by Rev. James Scott, Mr. John Frank to the
amiable and accomplished Miss Sarah Hickman.
" July 4th, by Abner Ayres, Esq., Mr. Isaac Williams, of Rich
land county, to Miss Sally Bartlett, of this county.
" October 26th, by Jacob Hanger, Esq., Mr. Nathaniel Davis to
Miss Patsey Doty.
" October 26th, by Benjamin Barney, Esq., Mr. William Wager
to Miss Margaret Bixler.

KNOX COUNTY. 211
" December 4th, by James Smith, Esq., Mr. John Strain to Miss
Maria Oraig.
In the issue of August 14th, 1816 :
"HYMENIAL.
'The laws enacted by our God,
Peremptorily bind
Man to unite in silken ties,
AVith lovely womankind.'
" MARRIED — On Sunday eveninglast, by the Rev. James Smith ,
Mr. Daniel S. Norton, of Connelsville, Pa., to Miss Sarah
Banning, daughter of Mr. Anthony Banning, of this town."
" Though Heaven had made him such another world
Of one entire and perfect Chrysolite,
He would not exchange her for it." — Shaktspeare.
"Married — On the 26th of December, by John Young, Esq.,
Mr. James Harris to Miss Mary Logan; also Capt. John Stiltz to
Miss Margaret McCuUoch.
" On the 12th December, by Rev. Henry George, Mr. WiUiam
Bryant to Miss Elizabeth Norton.
"At Frederick, by Abner Ayres, Esq., Mr. George Ayres to Miss
Jane Garrison.
" At Mansfield, Mr. Henry Ayres to Miss Jane Hoy, daughter of
Capt. Wm. Hoy, of Richland county.
Samuel Mott, candidate for Senator, Sept. 11th,
sends out to the electors of Licking, Knox and
Eichland, the first printed address we have been
able to find. He says, among other things, that he
has " been induced to become a candidate from the
encouragement of many substantial and respecta
ble citizens in the district."
In the Register, of Sept. 11th, we find tickets
announced as the choice of Chester, Morris, Morgan
and MiUer toAvnships.
There were many aspirants for poUtical promo
tion. Among the number we find, for Governor —

212 HISTORY OP
Thomas Worthington, Ethan A. Brown, James
Dunlap. Eor Congress — Peter Hitchcock, John G. Young,
DaAdd Clendenan.
Eor Senate — William Stanbery, Esq., William
Gavitt, Esq., Major Joseph Brown, Samuel Mott,
Esq., Benjamin Martin, Esq., WaitstiU Hastings,
Henry Smith, Mordecai Bartley.
Eor House of Eepresentatives — Jonathan Miller,
WiUiam MitcheU, Munson Pond, John Warden,
Alexander Enos, Judge Thomas Coulter for Eich
land county, WiUiam W- Earquhar.
The Ohio Register, of August 28th, having con
tained this notice :
" There is another gentleman who very kindly offers his servi
ces as Representative in the State Legislature; he is extremely
modest, though y&xj popular ; he, therefore, believes that it will
amply sufSce, at this time, to make public the initial letters, only,
of his name. They are " R. B."
¦ Expectation, on tip-toe, was gratified by the fol
lowing explanatory card : "September Sth, 1816.
Mr. McArdle : After my respects to you, as you have been so
good as to insert the two first letters of my name, (I presume it has
been from the solicitations of my friends) I wish you to insert my
name in full, as I am a candidate, and determined to oppose Wm.
Mitchell; and forward your bill to me, and you will much oblige
yours, &c.
ROBERT BUTLER.
J. P. McArdle."
Col. John Greer, about this time, felt the impor
tance of his military commission, and issued an
order to the commandants of companies in the
county of Knox to send two men from each com-

KNOX COUNTY. 213
pany to Mr. Boalse's inn, to nominate suitable per
sons to represent the counties of Knox, Licking and
Eichland. Whereupon there appeared, on the 13th
September, the following persons :
Erom Captain Parcel's company, Truman Strong
and Da/vid Shaio. Erom Captain Cook's company,
Capt. John CooTt and Isaac N- Richardson. Erom
Captain John Venom's company, Josiah B. Day
and John Trimble. Erom Captain A. Emmet's
company, William Bevans and Benjamin Warner.
Erom Captain Cooper's company, Jacob Hanger
and Jonathan Burch. Erom Captain Squire's com
pany, James Miller and John J. Tidlos.
The result of this caucus — or miUtary dictation —
the first of the kind ever known in this county,
was the nomination of WaitstiU Hastings and Jon
athan MiUer.
Nominating caucuses were also held in Eichland
and in Licking counties this year. The contest
waxed very warm ; circulars and handbills were
much circulated, and all manner of electioneering
was resorted to atthis election. The result, however,
was that out of 485 votes for Governor cast in the
whole county, Thomas Worthington received 424
majority. Peter Hitchcock had 463 majority for
Congress ; and the county gave smaU majorities for
Martin for Senator and MiUer for Eepresentative.
Samuel Mott received 1 vote in CUnton, 3 in
Morris, 8 in MiUer, and none in Chester, Wayne,
Jackson, Union and Morgan. Connected with this
election is the foUoAAdng anecdote, which is alto
gether too good to be lost : Gideon Mott, the brother
of Sam, who was a very plain man, yet faU of wit.

214 HISTORY OP
was responsible for it. He said that he dropped in
to see Mrs. Mott on the night of the election, and
whUe there Samuel got home from Eichland coun
ty, where he had been electioneering, and asked
how the election had gone in CUnton, and when
he replied "He got one vote," Mrs. M. exclaimed—
" That's always the way it is — if you had only been
at home, Samuel, and voted, you would have got
two !"
Josiah L. HiU, of Green township, offers himself
as a candidate for Eepresentative of Eichland coun
ty in the foUowing pithy address :
"The usual theme of candidates, in my standing, are many loud
swelling words full of legislative wisdom, or rather of their own
egotism, and to harangue every neighbor in their way with the
prospect of a State road or a turnpike, by measures of which one-
half of our citizens will become wealthy inn-keepers, and the other
half their happy customers, with their pockets flushed with money
drawn from a new country bank to be erected on a newfangled system,
and thus all are to be ritch and happy. But such language as this
hath never fallen from my lips since the days of my youth, when
under the passions of love and addressed to females of my age, and
I shall not again resume this theme until I become a widower;
but while I speak for myself to men of understanding and discern
ment, and not to women, I have only to say that I stand a free will
offering at the alter of your good pleasures. * * *
Should I succeed in my election I shall feel it incumbent on me
to use my feeble endeavors, by lawful incense, to gratify my con
stituents, and this is all the flattery I have to make use of. My
abilities are too small to boast of, which, with my character, are
now for you to enquire into.
So I remain the public's devoted servant,
JOSIAH L. HILL.
Green Township, Sept. 15th, 1816."
Whereupon Thomas Coulter withdraws his name
from the list.

KNOX COUNTY; 215
At the election, this year, 470 votes were cast in
Eichland county — of which Worthington had a
majority of 353, Hitchcock 433; and for Senator
Mordecai Bartley received 339, Wm. Gavitt 77,
Joseph Brown 23, Samuel Mott 10, Benjamin Mar
tin 6, WaitstiU Hastings 6. And Samuel WilUams
was elected -Eepresentative.
Benjamin Martin, for Senator, puts forth the fol
lowing address :
" To tlie electors of the district composed of the counties of Licking,
Knox and Richland :
Gentlemen — As I am offering myself as a candidate to repre
sent the inhabitants of the above district in the State Senate, I
think it my duty to lay before the public a copy of official papers,
which I hope you will read, and thereby satisfy your minds in
regard to my political character. The first of my certificates of the
oath of allegiance.
I do hereby certify that Benjamin Martin, of Bedford county,
hath voluntarily taken and subscribed the oath of Allegiance aud
Fidelity, as directed by an Act of General Assembly of Pennsyl
vania, passed the 13th day of June, 1777. Witness my hand and
seal the 10th day of October, A. D., 1783.
JAMES MARTIN.
Bedford county, State of Pennsylvania, ss.
We, the subscribers. Justices of the Peace, &c., in and for the
county of Bedford, do hereby certify to all who it may concern,
that we have been acquainted with the bearer hereof, Benjamin
Martin, son 'of James Martin, Esq., of the county aforesaid, for
these several years past, and that we have not heard of anything
to operate against his character as an honest young man ; but on
the contrary, that he has behaved himself as a good whig and a
friend to his country. And he being desirous to go from here to
the lower parts of this State to transact some business and see his
relations; therefore, all persons are requested to permit the said

216 HISTORY OP
Benjamin Martin to pass and repass, he behaving himself as a good
and faithful citizen ought to do.
Given under our hands and seal, the 20th of April, in the year
of our Lord 1784.
. , BARNARD DOUGHERTY,
l^'^-i ¦ DAVID ESPY.
Sirs — Having always in view, as my polar star, the principles
contained in the above oath and certificate, I have with a steady
mind, either as a private citizen or as a public servant, pursued
that kind of policy which would best promote the interests of our
country, as the principles of general suffrage; for I always have
aud ever shall be of opinion, that when a man has enrolled him
self in our militia muster-rolls, and has paid State and county tax>
that in consequence thereof, he is, and ought to be entitled to all
the privileges and advantages of the government ; and any policy
or law, which, in its operation, would tend to lessen those privi
leges would be an invasion on the natural and inherent rights of
man. Those, gentlemen, are the principles which I ventured my
life to establish, and the remaining part of my days shall go to
maintain. Written by the public's humble servant and real friend,
BENJAMIN MARTIN."
The difficulty of coUecting debts, in part at this
time, may be judged of by the foUowing unique
notice of sheriff Shaw :
" Public Notice. — My friends and the public are hereby in
formed, that should they have large sums of money to collect, not
to bring suit in the Court of Common Pleas, in expectation of
thereby obtaining their just demands in a reasonable time, I
have been induced to publish this friendly caution that the public
may not censure me for neglect in my official capacity. In order
to show where the fault lies read the following plain statement :
" I have been assiduously endeavoring to collect the amount of an
execution ever since I have been sheriff of this county, and have
as yet received no money. The associate judges grant bills of in
junction successively, after I have had the property ready for sale,
which has procrastinated the collection of the money. There have
been two on the aforesaid execution ; the judgment was rendered

KNOX COUNTY. 217
at December term, 1815, for Erkurius Beatty. Therefore, if the
laws of this State will keep a man out of his money three years
after judgment is rendered, I would seriously advise my friends
not to bring suit for debts due them, but rather remove to some
other State or country where they may obtain justice.
JOHN SHAW, Sheriff of Knox Co.
September 4, 1816."
The fall term of Court of Common Pleas came on December 24,
1816. " Grand Jury. — Isaac Vore, sr., foreman, Abednego Stephens,
Thomas Townsend, Zebulon Ashley, David Jackson, Robert Work,
Wm. Lepley, Wm. Kittle, John L. Lewis, Samuel Durbin, Robert
McMillan, Anthony Banning, Francis Wilkins, Francis Blakeley
and Thomas Fletcher.
" They found six bills of indictments. Tavern license was
granted to Anson Brown and Jonathan Hunt. Store license to
John Williams, James Rigby, James Miller, John Shrimplin,
Bryant &. Burr, Eli ife .lonathan Miller, and Anthony Banning.
Shadrach Ruark, of the Methodist church, was licensed to marry,
and James Craig was fined $15 and costs for assault and battery.
"A Hint — Promises, witiiout performances, are like clouds with
out rain. — The subscriber finds it indispensably necessary (these
hard times) to call upon those of his friends who are indebted, lest
they should forget him. He feels very sorry that a few broken
promises should interdict all social intercourse : therefore, he earn
estly solicits them to come forward and enable him, like an honest
man, to meet those who have reposed confidence in him.
"J. BROWN.
"N.B. I have a quantity of whisky for sale, either by the
barrel or gallon, at my tavern in Mount Veruon. J. B.
" Mount Vernon, June 12, 1816.
" J. Brown's tavern, called the ' Ohio Hotel.' "
" Mr. John Mecabee gives notice that he has commenced tavern
keeping in Clinton, at the well known stand of the " Rising Sun,"
formerly occupied by Mr. E. Ogle. That the house is large and
commodious for the reception of ladies, gentlemen, and travelers.
June 19."
The Mil of July was celebrated in becoming style

218 HISTORY OP
at several jDoints in the County, as wiil be seen ft-om
the following notices :
"At a meeting of a number of the inhabitants of Knox county,
held at the house of William Mitchell, Esq., June 12th, to make
arrangements for the Fourth of July, William Mitchell, Esq., was
appointed Chairman, and Doctor G. B. Maxfield, Secretary. The
following resolutions were unanimously adopted :
" 1st. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to conduct the
business of the day. Accordingly the following gentlemen were
chosen, viz: Wm. Mitchell, G. B. Maxfield, Job Allen, N. M.
Young, John Garrison and John Lewis.
" 2d. That the day be kept as a day of Thanksgiving, and all
ministers of the Gospel living within a reasonable distance be in
vited to attend, and that they meet at the house of Captain Job
Allen, about three-quarterS of a mile south of Fredericktown, at
9 o'clock A.M.
" 3d. That an invitation be given to all that wish to unite with
us. The business of the day to commence at 9 o'clock A. M.
" 4th. That the following named gentlemen be a committee to
superintend the singing, which is to be part of the performance of
the day : Benjamiu Jackson, Sen., Jacob Young, John Mefford and
Benjamin Jackson, Jun. All those who are completely acquainted
with all or either of the parts of vocal music are requested to make
it known sometime previous to forming for the march, as it is in
tended to practice certain tunes. " WM. MITCHELL, Chairman.
" G. B. Maxfield, Secretary."
In the issue of July 10, 1816, we have a notice
of the proceedings celebrating the Eourth, in pur
suance of the arrangements made at the meeting
before noticed:
" Agreeably to previous arrangements to celebrate the 41st anni
versary of American Independence, a respectable company of be
tween three and four hundred persons met at the house of Captain
Job Allen, and having formed a procession, they moved in regular
order to the place appointed for public worship. A very suitable'
and impressive discourse was delivered by the Rev. Henry George,

KNOX COUNTY. 219
from Gallatiansv: 13; and, after a short intermission, the atten
tion of the audience was again called by the Rev. James Smith,
who delivered an excellent and comprehensive discourse from
Luke XX : 25. The singers took their seats by themselves, and
the greatest decorum was observed throughout the day. The de
vout exercises being ended, a highly gratified audience dispersed
in harmony, nothing having occurred to mar the pleasures which a
decent commemoration of the birth day of our National Independ
ence is calculated to produce."
The paper of July 21st contains a communica
tion giAdng an account of a celebration "by a very
respectable number of citizens in Wayne township,
at the dwelUng house of Mr. WilUam Drake. The
day was ushered in by the discharge of musketry
from a volunteer company commanded by Captain
Israel E. Dalrymple. The Declaration of Inde
pendence was read by Mr. Jabez Beers, and a pat
riotic and very animated oration delivered by Mr.
Truman Strong." Some of the toasts are rather
spicy. Witness the foUoAAdng :
" Each Monarch of the Earth — The Island of St. Helena their
dominion, and Bonaparte their landlord."
" The factious Americans, or English devotees — Dartmoor prison
their cradle, and Captain Shortland their nurse."
" George Cabot, President of the Hartford Convention — May the
warm sun of Republicanism melt the tory frost from off his head
and heart; and may he cast off his pernicious principles as the
reptile doth its skin."
" John Bull — Twice has he attempted to destroy the liberties of
America, and twice has he witnessed the futility of his attacks on
the sons of freedom's soil."

220 HISTORY OP

CHAPTEE XVII.
KNOX COUNTY IN 1817.
Illustrations op the spikit op the times. — Theateicals. — Missiona
ries TO BE sent to Connecticut. — Sjiall-pox excitement. — Trials
of interest. — Patriotic outqushings op popular peeling. — Com
bination OP MECHANICS.  BiLL OF PRICES.  FiRST DELEGATE TO THE
STATE INSIIICTION.. — ANOTHER TOWN.  MORB WHISKY AND MORE MAR
RIAGES. This year was introduced by a grand Theatrical
exhibition by the young gentlemen of Mount Ver
non. Of the performances, the foUoAAdng were
a part : 1. An Address to the audience ; 2. The
Conjurer — A Dialogue ; 3. The Dispute between
a Merchant and his Wife ; 4. Clownishness and
Awkwardness, in 2 Acts ; 5. The Lap-Dog — A
Dialogue of two Ladies ; 6. Douglass, or the
JiToble Shepherd — A Tragedy ; 7. The Knight's
Dream ; 8. Cowardice and Knavery ; 9. A Dia
logue between a Schoolmaster and School Commit
tee, &c. Eor several years the young gentlemen
continued their theatrical exhibitions, and often
acquitted themselves handsomely.
The foUowing "furwan" we copy verbatim ft-om
the Register of January 29th, 1817 :
" Take notice — That eye have left my wife Iselbelah irelands
bead and board and eye know furnwan eny person or persons
creeaditing hir on my account as eye shall not be acountable for
eny of her deats or contracts from this date likewse eye furwan

KNOX COUNTY. 221
eny person or persns from purchasing eny property whatever til
her former deats is all paid up John Ireland."
The following entry upon the Court minutes,
shows that the people were minus a term of Com
mon Pleas. The reason, we learn from the oldest
inhabitant, was "high water"— one of the "biggest"
spring floods ever known by the old settlers :
" The Court of Com. Pleas was opened at Mount Vernon the
24th March, 1817. The Sheriff appeared and called the Court,
who failing to appear, the Sheriff adjourned the Court until to
morrow morning, 9 o'clock. The Sheriff appeared and opened
Court agreeable to adjournment, and called the Court, and Judges
Young and Trimble, and no other Judge ; whereupon, by order of
the Judges, ordered the Sheriff adjourn the Court until to-morrow
morning. Jacob Young.
" 9 o'clock, according to adjournment, the Hon. Jacob Young
and John Trimble, Esq., Associate Judges, appeared. There not
being a quorum, the Court being opened, the said Judges ordered
the Court adjourned until Court in course. Jacob Young."
This month a Yankee peddler, named Giddings,
passed through the county bound for Columbus,
who sold to several of the merchants wooden nut
megs, having a few genuine ones for them "to
sample." The old settlers of the county became charitably
inclined, and determined to send Missionaries to
convert " the everlasting heathen of Connecticut."
Accordingly they formed a society for this purpose,
and published on the 9th of April the following
notice : " OHIO MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
" |^° We are authorized to state, that a Society has been formed
in this State for the purpose of propagating the Gospel among the

222 HISTORY OP
everlasting Heathen of Connecticut and the parts adjacent. The
first meeting of the Society will be held in ZanesviUe on the 20th
of May next, for the purpose of electing suitable Missionaries for
the performance of the arduous undertaking. It is hoped that all
who are favorable to the cause, will contribute their mite to effect
so desirable an object.
" i^° Printers favorably disposed towards the Ohio Missionary
Society, are requested to give the foregoing one or two insertions."
At this period ZanesviUe was the great town of
Central Ohio, and at that place and Putnam the
principal shipping and other business was trans
acted by the citizens of Knox county.
In May, 1817, John S. Dugan having opened the
Green Tree Hotel in ZanesAdlle, advertises that he
has a number of German servants (redempti oners),
"who are attentive and honest ; one of which is a
regular bred horse Doctor, and served six years
under Bonaparte as such ; and 'tis said by travelers,
he is one of the best hostlers in the United States.
K^ My whole study is to please, and I hope the
pubUc wiU give me a chance to do so."
The Uttle log school-house on the pubUc square
had served its time, and at private houses schools
had for some time been kept, when the pubUc-spir-
ited men in Mount Vernon started subscriptions to
buUd another.
June 7th. The subscribers to the new school-
house proposed to be erected, met at Eichardson
and Vore's tavern to choose managers, &c.
June 18th. The smaU-pox having made its ap
pearance at Newark, caused a great excitement in
the quiet village of Mount Vernon. The inhabit
ants ran to and fro, not knoAdng what to do. A
public consultation was had, and Dr. E. D. Moore

KNOX COUNTY. 223
wrote and published a Uttle treatise on the subject,
giving the origin of the disease, the views of " the
immortal Jenner" upon "the grease, ^^ "cow-pox,"
"smaU-pox," etc., and concluding as foUows: —
" 3!^ The smaU-pox has been for some months past
traveUng northward, and is uoav within a short dis
tance from this place. The subscriber will attend on
every Saturday, at his house in Mount Yernon,
for the purpose of vaccinating (those Avhose pecun
iary means will not warrant application), gratis.''''
Anderson Searl, of Mount Vernon, on the 18th
of June, publishes that he wiU not pay a certain
note given to WiUiam Shinnibery for a certain
black and white muley cow, to be delivered to him
next harvest ; " the said note being given in part
consideration of a certain horse sold to me by said
Shinnibery for a sound horse, which I have since
found to be unsound."
NOTABLE PROCEEDINGS OF COMMON PLEAS COURT, JUNE 23d.
"At this term, the Indictments vs. John Strain, were read, and
he was fined on the first $20 and costs — and on the second, assault
and battery, $10 and costs.
" The Grand Jurors — Royal D. Simons, foreman — returned seven
bills of Indictment. Albert Sherwood, by verdict of jury, recov
ered $75 off of Wm. Williams for assault and battery ; and in suit
of the State Wm. Williams was fined $15 and costs. Thomas
Wilkins and John Roop are, each, fined $5 and costs for assault
and battery ; and John Strain and John Roop, each, fined $5 and
costs for an affray, and Robert Butler was fined $15 and costs.
"James Trimble renews his tavern license ; also Michael Harter,
John Davidson, Gotleib Zimmerman, and Richardson & Vore.
" On application of Anthony Banning and Samuel Kratzer for
the vacating of a part of the addition of the town of Mount Vernon.
The application is overruled at the cost of the applicants.

224 HISTORY OP
" Samuel H. Smith's application for vacating part of the town
of Clinton was continued; and also continued Oct. term, 1817.
" Ordered that a certificate issue to pay expense of Coroner's
inquest over the body of Wm. Conaway, jr. ; also of N. Butler.
PATRIOTIC OUTBURST ON THE NATIONAL ANNIVERSARY.
The 4th of July Avas celebrated by the Mount
Vernon ArtiUery Company, under Capt. Joseph
Brown, with all the pomp and circumstance of
war. The day was duly ushered in by a national
salute — a grand parade came off — a sumptuous
dinner at Eichardson & Vore^s inn — and toasts,
speeches, and wine made it a merry occasion. The
Declaration of Independence was read by Doctor
Eobert D. Moore. Among the toasts were the fol
lowing :
" The Constitution, the grandest work of human genius — May it
long stand the proudest monument of Republican solidity.
" The memory of our departed American heroes from Warren
down to the brave Pike and Lawrence.
"Faction, the bane of republican governments — May it never be
suffered to impair confidence in our legally constituted authorities-
"May the words Federalist and Democrat be exchanged for the
prouder appellation of — 'I am an American citizen.'
" The Fair Daughters of Columbia — Always lovely, but more
divinely enchanting when attired in homespun, smiling on the pa
triot brave.
" By Capt. John Shaw — May brother Jonathan watch John Bull
with the eye of an Eagle."
A quarterly or sacramental meeting was held on
Friday, the 4th of July, at the Dry Creek school
house. All christians and ministers of the gospel
were earnestly solicited to attend and assist in the
various exercises of the service.

KNOX COUNTY. 225
THE STORE SET UPON CAMPBELL'S POEMS— THREE DOLLARS-OF
ADVERTISING A $1.50 BOOK.
" Hope deferred maketh the heart sick."
"In the month of November, 1815, I advertised a volume of
Campbell's poems, which I had lent some considerable time before
.to an acquaintance of mine. The principal poem in this work is
entitled " The pleasures of Hope," and I had entertained a hopeoi
obtaining it long ere this ; but this hope, like some other of my
expectations, has perished. I now only wish it may be returned
to me.
ROBERT BUCHANAN.
June 18th, 1817."
This notice not having the desired effect, on the 16th of July
the following pointed addition is made to it : " If Mr. J — n W —
k — r, who was entrusted to deliver the above volume to me, by the
person to whom I lent it, does not return it within two weeks from
the date hereof, I will give hia name to the public, together with
some traits of his character, which have not much the appearance
of honesty !
" As I am credibly informed that you have refused five dollars
for those poems, I think you ought not to object paying me $1.50
for them. You may send or bring me this amount, or tbe book,
at your own option. I am determined to have it or its worth from
you — peaceably if I can, forcibly ifl must.
R. B.
" The pleasures of Hope"  again.
" To Mr. John Walker :
Sir — The two weeks in which I allowed you to return the above
poems, have now elapsed unheeded by you. At the expiration of
that time, I promised to give the public your name and an expo
sition of your conduct in retaining this book in your own posses
sion after having politely proffered your services to convey it to
me from the young lady to whom I had lent it ; but being blessed
with a pretty good share of charity, I have omitted the exposition
for the present, and inserted your nam^ only — giving you one
week further to decide whether or not 'honesty is the best policy!'
ROBERT BUCHANAN.
July 3d, 1817."
15

226 HISTORY OP
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS SHOALING THE KIND OP CURRENCY,
BUSINESS VIEAVS AND INCONVENIENCES.
John Prank & Co., July 17th, offer " iron, cast
ings and salt, being both chartered and cash arti
cles in this place, and solicit their friends to whom
they gave a short credit last winter to come for
ward and discharge their respective accounts. *
* * * They are informed that the paper
of the Owl Creek Bank of Mount 'Vernon, and that
of Canton, and the Farmers <& Mechanics' Bank of
SteubenviUe wUl be taken," &c.
Luke Walpole brings to Mount Vernon a quan
tity of salt, leather, and castings to exchange for
beef and pork, deUvered in ZanesvUle the coming
winter. Oct. 16th, Frederick Falley, proprietor of Ven
ice, has 1,000 lots for sa.le, and invites aU classes of
mechanics and business men to locate there . About
this time it was the supposition that Venice would
become the future shipping point for Knox county,
and N^orton & Banning established a storage, com
mission and mercantile house at Venice, on the
Sandusky bay. As evidence that this beUef was
general, we may cite the act of the Legislature of
1817, declaring that the road t© be made by the
Knox, Eichland & Huron Turnpike Company shaU
terminate at the town of Venice, on Sandusky bay.
Eobert D. Moore, as agent for the Mary Ann
Furnace, situate on the Eocky Fork of Licking,
brings to the notice of our citizens a large assort
ment of castings of superior beauty and quaUty,
jand asks them to encourage manufactories.
Daniel S. ]!forton notifies those who were in debt

KNOX COUNTY. ^27
to him on the 16th of August last, to pay up whUe
they can in the paper of the country.
Anthony Banning advertises a large lot of leather,
which he wiU seU for hides or chartered money —
or chartered money wiU be given for hides.
Jesse B. Thomas cautions " all persons (indis
criminately) against cutting, destroying, or remov
ing timber from or otherAvise trespassing upon his
lands on the Hamtramck section, as I have given
my agents (Messrs. John Roberts and John Warden)
positive instructions to prosecute aU."
THE FIRST COMBINATIONS OP MECHANICS, AVHO THEY AVERE,
AND THEIR BILLS OP PRICES.
"Taylors Prices. — We, the subscribers, of Mount Vernon,
have agreed to establish the following prices for Tayloring, viz :
Great coats, $4.50; broad cloth coats, $4.00; common homespun,
$3.50 ; common pantaloons, $1.25 ; vest, $1.25 ; pantaloons toith hut-
tons on the legs, $1.75 ; ditto welted, $1.50 ; cherrivallies laced, $3 ;
plain ditto, $2.25 ; ladies' coats, $3.50. Any extra work on the
above articles shall be priced according to the work.
WM. W. ALEXANDER,
WM. PETTIGREW,
WM. CROUCH.
May 20, 1817."
WilUam Giffin and Peter Zarly got up a meeting
of MiUwrights, at Zimmerman's inn, on the 26th
of August, for estabUshing a biU of prices for their
work. At this meeting John WiUiamson, Samuel
Pyle, Peter Zarly, James King and WUliam Giffin
were present. Among the items we fi^nd — "For a
double geered grist-miU, f 300 ; for a double geered
saw-miU, f 200 ; for a meal spout, $2 ; meal trough,
|3 ; hopper, $4, &c."
Jacob Myers, Patrick Kellans, Eobert Eobert-

228 HISTORY OF
son, Samuel Hoppers, Samuel Vance, John Byan,
John Cottle, John Kinsey and David Poter, agree,
upon honor, to support the said biU of prices.
PETTY THIEVING AND OTHER RASCALITY.
Michael Click offers one cent reward for Michael
Teadrow, an apprentice to the brick-making busi
ness, but no charges paid. September 3d.
James MiUer publishes the foUoAving notice:
" The person who took away a Mattock from my building, with
out leave, is requested to return the same immediately, or his name
will be given to the public (besides prosecuting), as it is well
known who purloined it."
" Take care. — The person who was so kind as to take away
without leave, a pair of stretchers and a broken singletree, on the
29th of August ; they were laying on the green between Messrs.
Bryant Sf Burr's and Mr. J. Frank If Go's stores, are requested to
return the same immediately to the subscriber, and save themselves
trouble, they had better return them before they are troubled with
a call from Mr. Constable.
" Mt. Vernon, Sept. 5, 1817. James Thompsm."
N"oah Eude has a chesnut sorrel horse stolen fi-om
James Bryant's pasture on the night of the 5th of
September, and offers a reward for him.
At the District Court of the United States, held
at Chillicothe on the 9th of September, Samuel
Bunting was indicted on a charge of robbing the
mail between ^N'ewark and ZanesviUe, and was sen
tenced to the Penitentiary for one year.
Horse thieves about this time became so bold
that Joseph Berry had, on the morning of the 19th
of September, a mare, saddle and bridle stolen from
the door of James Thompson in Mount Vernon, just
after he had bitched ber, and gone into the bouse.

KNOX COUNTY. 229
At the October term of Knox Common Pleas,
John McFarland was tried for feloniously stealing
a five and two one dollar notes on the OavI Creek
Bank of Mount Vernon. The jury found him
guilty of stealing the five doUar note ; as to the
other counts in the indictments, not guUty. The
court sentenced him to one year imprisonment in
the penitentiary at hard labor, but no part of said
term to be kept in solitary cells of the prison. The
prisoner was a boy, 14 to 15 years of age, the son
of a poor man, who, from want of restraint and of
care in his tuition, had been led to crime.
PROCEEDINGS OP FALL TERM (OCT. 13th) COMMON PLEAS.
" On the petition of sundry inhabitants of Mount Vernon for
incorporation of said town, the sheriff made proclamation thereof
according to law. Store license was issued to Daniel S. Norton
and P. M. Weddle. Tavern license issued to Wm. Ayres, Seth
Knowles, Richardson & Vore. S. W. Culberson was allowed $10
for defending Jacob Kyser, a criminal now in court."
Patrick Moore had 81 cases at this term upon
the docket vs. John Green. Thus many bank cases
make their appearance, and add greatly to law bu
siness in this county. Among others were the
noted Owl Creek ones ; Patrick Moore vs. James
Smith, John Hawn, jr., Jonathan Miller et al.;
the famous Luke Walpole case shows its head, and
the "GranviUe Alexandrian Society" brings suit
vs. Enos, Farquhar et al. The first money made
by process of law, for military purposes, was in the
noted cases of O. Langworthy for use of George
Downs vs. Alex. Enos and Samuel Kratzer. In
which it was " ordered that in both these cases the

230 HISTORY OF
money be paid to Dr. Timothy Burr, the present
Paymaster of this Eegiment," &c.
The State case vs. Alex. McKee was disposed of
by fining him $5 and costs ; vs. Wm. Henry by
fine of $3 and costs; John Watt $3 and costs;
George Lybarger $10 and costs. Assault and bat
tery was coining to be regarded in a more serious
Ught. ANOTHER TOWN ON PAPER.
A new competitor for pubUc favor springs into
notice in September bearing the name of FiiORiDA.
It is a town laid out by Samuel Hardenbrok, Geo.
Vennemon and Plum SutUff, on the fxj roads from
Mansfield to Columbus, and from Mount Vernon
to Upper Sandusky — on a handsome eminence sur
rounded with springs of elegant water and rich soil,
convenient miU seats on the waters of Owl Creek
and Whetstone. Of this as of another city it may
truthfuUy be said — " lUum fuit.^^
"10 TRIUMPBE"—k NEAV INSTITUTION ESTABLISHED.
Joseph Brown starts a distUlery near Mount
Vernon, and gives sixty-two and a half cents for
every 56 lbs. of good clean rye deUvered at the dis
tUlery, or at Capt. Douglas' mUl ; he also gives one
gaUon of whisky for every five pecks of good clean
rye. Thus in October, 1817, did the second large
manufactory of fire water go into operation.
THE MARRIAGES REGISTERED.
" On January 2d, 1817, by Rev. James Smith, Mr. John Dwyer
to the amiable Miss Sally Martin, both of Mt. Vernon.
" On January 7th, by the same, Mr. Reasin Yates to the accom
plished Miss Nancy Boalse., daughter of Capt. N. C. Boalse, both
of this town.

KNOX COUNTY. 231
" On Tuesday February 4th, by the same, Mr. Obadiah Taiman
to Miss Peggy Severe.
"What joys they both receive and both bestow,
Virgins may guess but wives, experienced, know."
"On same day, by Rev. James Scott, Mr. David Newell, of
Richland county, to Miss Juliet Cooper of Knox.
" There seems no goose so gray, but soon or late
She finds some honest gander for her mate.''
" On Saturday evening, 22d February, by Wm. Douglass, Esq.,
Mr. Elijah Webster to Miss Elizabeth, disconsolate widow of —
Mr. — Ask, alias  alias  ~ Simpkins.
" Married, April 10th, by Wm. Douglass, Esq., Mr. Isaac Hoi- .
lister to Miss Hannah Kattle.
" A matchless pair —
Hers the wild lustre of the rising morn,
And his the radiance of the risen day."
"Married, on May 15th, 1816, by Rev. James Smith, Mr. Alpheus
Chapman to the amiable Miss Amy Ward.
"On May 7th, 1817, by Rev. James Scott, Mr. Edward Mar
ques to Miss ElizabetJi Newell.
" On June 19th, by Rev. James Smith, Mr. Leonard Simwts to
Miss Sally Boyles.
" On July 17th, by the same, Mr. Isaac Vore, jr., to Miss Polly
Martin. " On July 1 0th, by Rev. George Vennemon, Mr. Ensley D.
Johnson to Miss Sarah Petton, near Lexington, Richland co.
" Love, friendship, honor, truth and pure delight.
Harmonious mingle in the nuptial rite."
" On July 17th, by Rev. James Smith, Mr. Alexander McKee to
Miss Tabitha Waddle.
" The following good play is made on occasion of the marriage of
James Strong to Miss Sally Strong :
" It has been said in former times.
Too sacred to be wrong ;
The battle is not always won.
Or given to the steono.
Grant this assertion may be true,
As on the sacred page ;
Who'll gain the battle, I will ask,
Where two that's stboho engacb ?"

232 HISTORY OP

CHAPTEE XVm.
CONDITION OF THE COUNTRY IN 1818.
RdIN nrPENDlNG. — MnCH SCFFEfllNG. — A FEW QUAIKT ADVERTISEMESTS. —
Efforts to start a sabbath-schooi, and to sell tousq i-adibsI —
hoese-thieves and counterfeiters abound.  a jail-bird escapes.
— A CRIPPLE RUNS. — Habeas corpus trials. — A grand circular
HUNT. The palmy periods of Knox county, prior to
1820, were from 1808 untU 1812, and from 1815 un
tU 1818. In the intermediate time there was much
depression and suffering caused by the war of 1812 ;
and from the beginning of the year 1818, there was
another period of deep gloom and distress caused
by the scarcity of money, faUure of banks, &c.
For several years there was but slight influx of
population, but little addition to the wealth of this
section. The productions of the country were al
most valueless in exchange for money, and it was
with difficulty that they could be bartered for goods
at the stores. The unfortunate speculation in
which many of the most substantial citizens en
gaged, under the name of the Owl Creek Bank ;
the depreciation of the paper money making up the
principal circulation, and the general lack of con
fidence throughout the country in aU kinds of
business operations, prevented much improvement
being made in Knox county. Many of the then

ENOX COUNTT. 233
settlers became entirely discouraged and out of
heart, pulled up stakes and returned to their old
homes eastward, or sought better chances elsewhere
in the new country. Almost all whom we have
conversed with, say that the most dull and gloomy
times they have witnessed since the last war with
Great Britain, were between the years 1818 and
1825. During this period we find numberless suits in
stituted, and judgments obtained, by " The Gran
viUe Alexandrian Society," "The German Bank of
Wooster," " The Owl Creek Bank," and other Uke
institutions, against the Vores, and Farquhars, and
Strongs, and Smiths, and Browns, and Martins,
and Hawns, and Winships and others, of the
older class of settlers. The mere mention of this
fact, in connection with matter developed in our
Owl Creek Bank history, will be sutficient upon
this subject to convey an idea of the sad condition
of affairs at that period. To other matters, then,
we wUl revert.
And first, as to the other business disposed of by
the Court in 1818. The Grand Jury, at the April
term, found bills of indictment against fourteen
persons. For affrays, the Court fined Wm. Wright
^1, and costs ; Wm. Herrod and Simon Anderson
$3 each, and costs. At the July term, six bUls
were returned by the Grand Jury ; and for fights,
Sylvester Buxton and Daniel Baxter were each
fined $3, and costs. Except Michael Harter, no
new person makes application to keep tavern, and
none to seU goods — the houses of Burr, Green &
Co., and Moody and McCarty, being simply altera-

234 HISTORY OF
tions in style of firms. And for six years so few
changes were made in these or other branches of
business, that we desist from further detail of Court
proceedings. The legal termination of Clinton's existence is
the only court matter left to be recorded on this
page. The Court, on the 17th of April, heard the
petition of Samuel H. Smith, Ichabod Marshal,^
EUhu S. Webster, Lathrop ShurtUff, John P. Mc
Ardle, Benjamin Barney and Eichard Ayres, for
vacation of a part of the town of CUnton, and
granted the prayer. Shortly after this the Post-
Office at Clinton is discontinued, and it rapidly
goes, into decUne.
Miss Ann Davis is the second mUliner adver
tised in Mount Vernon. " She is to be found at
the house of James Smith, Esq., on Gay street ;
and will alter straw hats of old date to any fashion,
and has straw on hand for a few hats."
As the people are becoming stUl more fashiona
ble, another milliner makes her appearance — and
she has the advantage over the others of being
"Mantua-maker'''' and "Florist.^'' Mary Lindsey
is at the house of Benjamin Martin, corner of Vine
and Market streets. March 18th, 1818, witnesses
the opening out of the first " Man-tor-mentor," as
the natives then pronounced the word in Mount
Vernon. Burr, Green & Co., having bought a stock of
goods of Mr. N^orton, in January, advertise that
they will sell as low as formerly for Owl Creek
paper, or approved country produce, but no credit
given.

KNOX COUNTY. 235
In April, 1818, a two-column address was pub
lished in favor of estabUshing a Sabbath School in
Mount Vernon — arguing that " it would be much
better for young men to instruct the chUdren, in
stead of haunting the taverns from morning tUI
night ;" and saying that " a respectable company
of young ladies in town intend to associate them
selves together for the purpose of forming a Sab
bath school."
James Smith issues an advertisement so charac
teristic of himself, and characteristic of the times,
that we give it in his own words :
" New Goods fob Sale. — James Smith has just received and
offers for sale a general assortment of Merchandise. In the house
of Mr. Gilman Bryant, he will sell low for cash in hand, or country
produce delivered, but no credit given. OWL Creek paper will
be received at par ; Granville, Wooster, New Lisbon, and Canton
will be received at the present. Clerk's Office removed to this
stand, and YOUNG LADIES FOR SALE
at seventy -five cents each."
About the time the Owl Creek B^,ijk was in its
glory, sundry citizens of the northern part of Knox
county and of Eichland and Huron concluded to
grow suddenly rich in like manner. Accordingly
they met at Mansfield in September, 1816, and asso
ciated themselves as the Bank of Eichland and
Huron. Having consulted upon the subject, in
October they put their schemes into articles, and
Daniel Ayres, John Garrison, Winn Winship,
Wm. Webster, Wm. B. James, WUson Elliott,
Matthew Kelly, Alexander McGaffick, Plum Sut
Uff, Samuel WiUiams, Wm. W. Ootgreave, Wm.

236 HISTORY OP
Dean Mann, Geo. Venneman, Jacob Ozenbangh
and Joseph WilUams take stock, and act as Com
missioners. They got fairly to work in Owl Creek style, and
gave through the paper frequent notices reading
thus —
"Wilson Elliott, Cashier, notifies stockholders to pay ten per
centum on the amount of stock subscribed, being the fourth install
ment, within 60 days. Also those who have been accommodated
with loans, will be prepared to pay in 25 per cent, on the renewal
of their notes."
The paper of the " Granville Alexandrian Soci
ety" had, about those times, a large circulation
among our citizens, and as this institution has sub
sequently acquired almost as great notoriety as the
Owl, we give a few lines of our history to its origin.
A number of the OroAivillians having become
desirous of handling money faster than the hard
money allowed, associated themselves together in
1806 to make paper money. Among this number
were Timothy Eose, Timothy Spelman, Elias GU
man, Samuel Thrall, Job Case, Samuel Eose, Sam
uel Bancroft, John Duke, Hiram Eose and Jere
miah E. Munson. On the third day of January,
1807, an act of incorporation was obtained, and the
persons first named were constituted the first Board
of Directors ; and for many years this organization
manufactured what they called money.
The country was filled with other worthless and
irresponsible bank paper, and a great deal of that
counterfeit, too. " Shinplasters," as now termed,
were manufactured wherever type and printing-
ink could be got. We have one of the kind made

KNOX COUNTY. 237
at the Register office in Mount Vernon, by McAr
dle, to fill an order from a stranger named Isaac
Foster. They were printed on common letter paper.
Two quires of eighty-seven and a half cents and
two quires of seventy-five cents were issued.
Mr. A. Liggett, TeUer of the Farmers' and Me
chanics' Bank of Pittsburgh, wrote to L. S. SiUi
man, Cashier of the Owl Creek Bank :
"There is nd doubt but the person getting the checks you men
tion printed is doing so without the knowledge of Mr. Ross, for the
purpose of defrauding the public. If you can, without any trouble,
put a slop to it, be good enough to do so."
McArdle had printed them the 7th of December,
and it was not until January that the Cashier had
been heard from. Excitement ran high " on
change," and witli those who had taken these
change tickets. Those were terrible times on Owl
Creek !
Just before this occurrence, the men of com
merce had been greatly alarmed by counterfeit sil^
ver dollars being put in circulation in the county,
and in preference paper had assumed a prominence
in the public estimation.
A man named Daniel Wolgamott was arrested,
and lodged in the jail of the county, for attempting
to pass twelve base and counterfeit dollars, purport
ing to be silver. And Eobert Walker was arrested
for having attempted to pass one counterfeit doUar.
A warrant was also issued for one William Coffran,
for being concerned in making and passing coun
terfeit dollars, purporting to be silver, founded on
an affidavit of the prisoner, Wolgamott. Coffran
was a shoemaker by trade, and, notwithstanding

238 HISTORt OP
he was quite lame, made his escape. The commu
nity believed him guilty.
Wolgamott, or Vulgamott, as Sheriff Shaw caUed
him, remained in his lodgings (the jail) about a
month, when, between dark and dayUght one night,
he "left his bed and board;" and the Sheriff offered
$45 reward for the capture of a " man six feet high,
dark complexion, dark hair, and has a downcast
look" — but aU in vain ; the place that had known
him shaU know him no more forever !
Horse-thieves abounded more in Knox county
at this time than at any other period of its history.
Scarcely a day passed without an account of some
new depredation. Among the number were two
fine mares stolen from the stable of EUjah Adams,
in Morris township, for which he offered $40 re
ward ; also a reward for the thief, " who no doubt
belongs to the gang of thieves who have so long
labored in their vocation of taking away horses from
their honest owners without leave, and passing coun
terfeit money through this State."
Two shoemakers by trade, who passed by the
names of Eichie and Eyan, aUas Austin and Scott,
were of this gang ; and also one John Crawford,
who was caught with a horse stolen from Fairfield
county, tried, and sentenced to six years imprison
ment in the Penitentiary. A horse-thief was fol
lowed tiU near Hanary's Block-house; but by
leaving the horse, rode down and made good his
escape. Another horse-thief, foUowed beyond
Eadnor, left a horse dead in the road fi-om hard
driving. It was the custom then for men to make
common cause, and hunt for each other's horses as

KNOX COUNTY. 239
soon as they heard of a theft being committed ; for
no one knew then but what it would be his turn to
suffer next. Anti-horse-stealing associations were
got up, and neighbors sympathized with each other,
upon the principle that " a feUow-feeling makes us
wondrous kind." HABEAS CORPUS.
The first writ of habeas corpus was aUowed " by
the Honorable John H. Mefford, Esq.," April 26th,
1819. John Shaw, Sheriff, brought into the Court
house the body of Amos Yarnall, with the mitti
mus, showing the cause of his caption and deten
tion. Saml. Mott, Esq., appeared as his attorney,
and on his motion, after the attorney for the State
had duly considered the matters in law arising, the
Court let him to baU in the sum of $50. James
Smith his security.
The second case, that of Wm. Knight, who, on
the Sth of July, 1819, was brought to the Court
house, and by Judge Mefford admitted to bail in
the sum of $50 ; Alexander ElUott becoming his
bondsman. The third case occurred April 3d, 1820, when
Judge Joseph Brown set at large Abel Fowler,
upon Artemas Estabrook and Alfred Manning be
coming his security for his appearance at the May
term of Knox Common Pleas, in the sum of $50.
In this year an interesting case was presented in
aUowance of a writ, on the 20th of ^November, by
Judge Brown, requiring John Bird and Judah
Bird to bring into Court the body of an Indian
chUd, daughter of Eachel Oonkapote, deceased, by

240 HISTORY OP
her husband, Elisha Oonkapote, both Indians of
the Stockbridge tribe. Judges Young and Chap
man also appeared, and the whole Court lent itself
to an impartial examination of the case, which re
sulted in their leaving the little Indian in the
hands of the Birds, John and Judah. This little
Indian was daughter of the squaw kiUed, as re
lated in chapter xxi.
This was perhaps the most interesting case heard
upon writ of this character, until the great miUtary
oase of Col. Warden, which was tried upon writ
issued in name of the State vs. Wm. E. Davidson.
" By Judge James Elliot, September 21th, 1837.
" W. E. Davidson, Provost Marshal of the 2d Brigade, 3d Divi
sion, Ohio Militia (late 4th Brigade, 7th Division, 0. M.), in pur
suance of an order by Brigadier-General Wm. Bevans (commander
of said Brigade), and upon action of a Court Martial, now in ses
sion in Mt. Vernon, convened by order of said Gen. Wm. Bevans,
on Monday, Sept. 25th, 1837. Col. H. W. Strong, President of
Board. Discharged by said James Elliott, Judge, &c."
Another case, of much interest, at a stiU later
period, was about the two dwarfs — of Porter's wife
— held, it was claimed, illegally by Warner. Upon
hearing, however, the Court did not think so, and
they remained in custody of the showman, at last
accounts. '
The writ of habeas corpus became a favorite re
sort in liquor cases, where parties were, as they
thought, unjustly persecuted and cast into prison,
by fines imposed upon temperance principles. Dur
ing the administration of his Honor Judge Bevans,
more writs of habeas corpus were granted than in

KNOX COUNTY. 241
aU the rest of our history put together. To such
an extent was it carried, that he acquired the sobri
quet of Old Habeas Corpus. The venerable Judge
always leaned towards the side of suffering human
ity. If he erred in judgment, it was because no
work upon the subject had been pubUshed at that
date. Our townsman. Judge Hurd's work on Ha
beas Corpus, did not get into print untU the year
1858. SPORTS AND CIRCULAR HUNTS.
From the earliest period in our history, hunt
ing, horse-racing, and athletic sports, were freely
indulged in by our people. Many, very many of
these festive occasions have been lost sight of or
entirely forgotten by the great majority of those
now Uving, who in these later days have become
whoUy absorbed in money-making pursuits, and
have ceased to think that man was made to rejoice
as well as to mourn. Our Owl Creek settlers, the
old pioneers, bless their memories, believed that
there is a time for all things, and that sports of the
turf, circular hunts, etc., were not interdicted. In
truth, we are constrained to say that very many of
the old set beUeved in such sports all the time.
A grand circular hunt came off in 1818, wherein
the natives of Knox and Coshocton vied with each
other for the mastery. At an early hour of the
day appointed for the froUc, the people commenced
gathering in on the lower part of Owl Creek ; and
when the companies were formed under their cap
tains, more than 1500 people were present. The
drive was from our county towards the town of
16

242 HISTORY pp
Coshocton, and when finally the ring was drawn
in, from 300 to 500 deer and many wolves were
bagged. It was a glorious day that — remembered
with pride by all who participated in it. Our old
friend Joe Hull, of Monroe, was one of the cap
tains, and it can well be imagined that he enjoyed
it hugely.

KNOX COUNTY. 243

CHAPTEE XIX.
HISTORY OF THE PRESS IN KNOX COUNTY.
The Ohio Rboistbr. — The Aurora — Standard — ^Advertiser — Watch
man — Gazette — Day-Book — Banner — True Whig — Times. — The vari
ous DAILY and weekly PAPERS, RELIGIOUS AND POLITICAL PUBLICATIONS,
AND SOME ACCOUNT OF THE EDITORS AND TUEIK ADVENTURES.
In July, 1S13, a press was put up in Clinton,
and the first newspaper ever issued in Knox county
then made its appearance, styled The Ohio Register,
printed and published every Tuesday by Smith and
McArdle. Samuel H. Smith was the proprietor of
the town of Clinton, and he induced John P. Mc
Ardle, who was a good practical printer, to engage
with him in the publication of a newspaper, and in
the printing business generally, at that place. Mc
Ardle emigrated from Ireland, March 17th, 1801,
and came to this county in 1809. He is now living,
in his 78th year, at Fremont, in this State. Smith,
as elsewhere stated, is alive, and surveying in
Texas. The waning fortunes of Clinton, and the rising
greatness of Mount Vernon, caused the office, after
two years of tribulation, to be transferred to the
latter place, and accordingly, on the 24th of April,
1816, the first paper ever issued in Mount Vernon
made its appearance, bearing the name of " The
Ohio Register,''' and having the laudable motto —

244 HISTORY OP
"Aware that what is base no polish can make
sterling." It was the prolongation of The Ohio
Register, pubUshed for two years at CUnton by
Sam'l H. Smith and John P. McArdle.
From the Editor's " Address to his Patrons," we
extract the following :
" On moving the office and establishment of The Ohio Register
to this place, it will be expected the editor (according to custom)
will say something to his patrons.
" The editor, well aware of the difficulties attending the task he
has undertaken, to instruct, enlighten and please the public, must
not only produce that which is excellent in its kind, but he must
continually vary the matter and manner of his lucubrations ; he
must, to a certain degree, be all things to all men. The serious,
the gay, the learned and the unlearned, not only expect that their
tastes will be studied and their inclination gratified, but the same
individual becomes dissatisfied with a long course of the same
species of entertainment ; he hopes to be delighted and surprised;
he must find productions which are meant to be instructive, and
novelty in those which are designed for amusement. How the
editor will execute the duties of his employment, time will dis
cover ; he is not disposed to boast of his education, to make a
parade of his abilities, or to seduce the public with a multiplicity
of specious promises. It is too common for editors of newspapers
to undertake more than they are able to perform.
" The editor is determined not to subject himself to accusations
of the nature above-mentioned ; and although he feels a consider
able degree of diffidence, he would have it fully understood that
he expects and desires to be judged by his work. One thing how
ever he confidently promises, the most assiduous and persevering
industry will be exerted to render his paper worthy of the patron
age which he hopes he will meet with.
" FinaUy, the Ohio Register shall not be a receptacle for party
politics, or personal abuse. On those principles the publication of
the Register is commenced in this town, and the editor hopes that
he will receive that share of patronage which will enable Lim to
continue it.

KNOX COUNTY. 245
" Terms : The Ohio Register will be published every Wednes
day, and will be distributed to subscribers in Mount Vernon and
Clinton, and forwarded to those at a distance by the first opportu
nity, at $2.00 per annum if paid in advance, or $2.50 if paid
within the first six months, or $3.00 if paid within the second six
months. " Those who receive their papers by post, are to pay the post
age. No subscription received for less than one year, and no
paper discontinued until all arrearages are paid. A failure to give
notice of discontinuance of a subscription, at or previous to the end
of the time subscribed for, will always be considered as a new en
gagement." The following good rule in regard to advertise
ments was set forth : " The COST must accompany
all advertisements, otherwise they will be continued
at the expense of the advertiser until paid for."
In those early times there were many who courted
the muses, and among their effusions we find a
lengthy piece which appeared May 1st, 1816, and
we have heard it ascribed to John H. Mefford. We
extract a few verses descriptive of "Mount Ver
non walk" and " Owl Creek's fe:.tile banks," grati
fied, that as Shakspeare has it —
"The poet's eye in a fine frenzy rolling,"
prophetically told in that early day, how
"For lovely nymph and gentle swain.
Its gentle stream shall long remain
A pleasing prospect for the view I"
And though fools wisdom's lovely ways
For want of sense, hate all their days,
May all Mount Vernon walk erect
In all the paths she may direct.
Then shall not war's furious guns
Bereave parents of faithful sons ;
The cries of children we'll not hear
Whose fathers left them arms to bear ;

246 HISTORY OF
Nor shall a true and loving wife
Mourn for losing a husband's life.
Who fell a victim to war's rage
Before he passed the middle age.
A fair damsel shall not complain
For a true sweetheart in war slain;
Nor citizens for faithful friends weep
Who gave life their country to keep ;
But fields shall bear, and we be blest
With crops the choicest and the best;
And gentle cows shall come at will
Our pails with richest milk to fill.
Our barns shall be filled wilh plenty.
And Springs emit water gently.
Which shall in small clear currents flow,
To refresh man, or panting roe.
Abundance shall our tables spread.
And servants never long for bread;
But look up satisfy'd, and say,
" Lawful commands we will obey."
Then long shall Owl Creek's fertile banks
Be a peaceful walk for all ranks,
Where the sycamore tall does grow,
And where the elm its shade doth show.
For lovely nymph and gen'rous swain,
Its gentle stream shall long remain
A pleasing prospect for the view.
Where songs of birds are ever new.
On the 15th of October, 1817, the first six months
of the second volume of the Ohio Register having
been completed, the editor calls upon subscribers
to pay up old scores —
" For without this one thing necessary, it is impossible to ex
pect that we can live ; money would be preferable, but if that is
scarce with you, rags, wheat, rye, corn, and almost all kinds of
market produce will be taken in payment."

KNOX COUNTY. " 247
On the 5th of ISTovember he proposes to "take for
subscription, advertisements, hand-bills or book
binding, wheat, rye, corn, buckwheat, &c., deliv
ered at Davis' miU in this town, in preference to
some unchartered paper." (A sly dig this at the
Owl Creek Bank, Mr. McArdle.) On the 8th of
April, 1818, he says —
" Peaceably if we can, forcibly if we must." Hard Times ! !
So they are, but that is not my fault. — The next number of the
Ohio Register wil complete the 2d volume that has been printed
in Mount Vernon. From many of our subscribers we have received
nothing but promises for services rendered. But these will not
always answer the purpose. Like the notes of some of onr banks,
they soon depreciate when thrown into market, unless it is known
they are bottomed upon a specie capital ; and like them " they
will not pay debts abroad." But to be brief, " we want money
and must have it." Remember the trite old saying, " tlie laborer
is worthy of his hire." As soon as this volume is out we intend
altering the paper into a different form. As we expect on a large
quantity of paper in the course of two or three weeks, (for which
we most pay the cash) we hope those in arrears will call immedi
ately and settle their respective accounts."
On the 15th of AprU, A. D., 1818, Vol. 2, l^o.
52, was issued. Those who were in arrears and so
often and politely requested to call and settle did
not do so ; the large quantity of paper could not be
paid for in cash, and John P. McArdle goes down
under the debt of unrequited kindness — unrecom-
pensed services . And the people of Mount Vernon,
for a time, were without a newspaper because there
were not enough among them having the high
sense of honor to " pay the printer !"
From this period until 1844, there was no paper
published uninterruptedly as long as the Ohio Re-

248* HISTORY OF
gister. Various neW papers were started, and the
editors became dissatisfied, the publishers discour
aged, and, after a little experimenting with jour
nalism, went to some more profitable business,
engaged in some new enterprise, or left the country.
And we regret to say that the people seemed to
have no proper appreciation of their journals, for
there is not in existence a complete file of any of
the old papers, and in fact scarcely a number of
either to be found.
During this time the ablest men who were con
nected with the press, and the most violent in op
position to each other, were Charles Colerick and
William Bevans. They were arrayed against each
other as candidates for office, and each for several
terms held the position of Sheriff of the county.
Both were from Western Pennsylvania — Bevans
from Fayette, and Colerick from Washington coun
ty — and well skiUed in the political wire-working
and manoeuvering for which the poUticians of that
county have ever been famous. In the division of
parties, the former was for Adams and the latter
for Jackson. The great bone of contention, how
ever, was the county printing, and that might with
much truth be said to have been the only princi|)le
at issue between them.
About 1822, Charles Colerick with his brother^
John and Henry, made their appearance in this
county, while Bevans was Sheriff, and they set
about establishing a small printing-office. In 1824
Edson Harkness, a printer, surveyor and school
teacher, emigrated from " Down East" to Mount
Vernon ; and in 1825 he started a very smaU news-

KNOX COUNTY. 249
paper, which he styled The Western Aurora, and,
after pubUshing it two years, he sold out, in 1827,
to James Harvey Patterson, from Fayette county.
Pa., and WiUiam Smith, from Washington county.
Pa., who, under the firm of Patterson & Co., con
tinued its publication until 1829, when they trans
ferred the establishment to WiUiam Bevans, who
carried it on until 1831, when he disposed of it to
Wm. P. Reznor, who had learnt his trade in the
office and lived with Bevans. In 1832, C. P. Bron
son became associated with him, and for a time the
paper was published by Bronson & Eeznor, until,
in October, 1833, Dan Stone buys out the office
and carries the paper on a few months alone ; and
then Dr. Morgan L. Bliss is associated with him,
and it continues, under the style of Stone «fc BUss,
until ]S"ovember 29th, 1834, on account of severe
and protracted illness, the latter withdraws, and
Dr. Lewis Dyer, in a salutatory of two mortal col
umns, enters the list as editor, as a permanent
business ; but in January, 1835, he disappears, and
Dr. John Thomas succeeds him, who, being like
his immediate predecessor, of a philosophical turn
of mind and incUned to treat upon physiology,
hygiene, temperance and the laws of health, found
the age unsuited for moral reform, and, seized by
one of his fits of "azure devUs," suddenly abdicated
the tripod, leaving Dan Stone alone in his glory,
who continued "solitary and alone" until May 16th,
when he too published his valedictory, and the
paper fell into anonymous hands ; and it had
thenceforth a very short and precarious existence,
and has passed from memory forever.

250 HISTORY OF
The first name of the paper published by this
press was the Western Aurora — the last name was
the Mount Vernon Gazette. This office was first
set in operation at a small frame house where Dr.
Thompson's residence noAV stands, on lot No. 113,
Main street ; subsequently it was on the lot where
General Jones now resides, on the west side of the
Public Square, Mount Vernon, and from thence
was moved into the second story of the Market-
House, where Mefford's saddler shop now is.
Among the hands who worked in it were John Bor
land, now of Hocking county, Patterson, Beznor,
and Wm. Crosby. Elliott C. Vore was the carrier-
boy in 1825-6, and Lewis Lindsay in 1827-8.
About these times the rhymester of this office
was Dan Jewett, a brother of Cynthia, wife of Ira
Babcock. He wrote the Carrier's Address of the
year 1828, and, as the first verse is worthy of con
sideration in these times of disunion, we give it for
consideration :
'• Ye lovers of Freedom, I pray you attend,
And listen awhile to the post-boy, your friend ;
Lay aside all disunion, United let's stand,
The fi lends and supporters of our happy land."
One of the political songs of that time will occur
to the mind of our old settlers by the first line :
"Jackson fought Duff Green like  ."
Another will be remembered by suggesting the
chorus :
"0, Johnny Q.. my Jo John, since last I wrote to you,
1 have been disappointed, John, and that I s'pose you know."

KNOX COUNTY. 251
In 1838 a new office was established here, and a
paper caUed the Western Watchman published by
Samuel M. Browning, and for a few months John
Teesdale was connected with this paper as editor,
and had bargained for the establishment; but being
a philanthropic Englishman, happening to insert an
abolition article, he found it advisable to leave and
never compUed Avith his engagement as to paying
for it. In 1839, October, the paper was published
by S. Dewey & Co. but for a very short time. And
a new candidate for public favor called the Family
Cabinet was published for a few weeks, and then
compelled to give up the ghost " under the pressure
of existing circumstances." And thus we have
traced the one side up to 1840, now let us retrace
our steps and bring down the other.
The Colericks, as heretofore stated, had come
from Washington, Pa., where their father had a
printing office at a very early day, and they had
been brought up to the business. I^o copies of
their papers are extant. They were intelligent and
energetic men and labored under great disadvan
tages for many years, as did other newspaper men
in this county.
In 1827 their paper was called TJie Democrat and
Knox Advertiser.
The early carriers for their paper were Ignatius
Colerick, their nephew, and Henry Estabrook.
In March, 1831, Samuel Rohrer purchased the
office and published the paper.
In October, 1832, F. S. & P. B. Ankeny became
proprietors, and enlarged its size and name — Mount
Vernon Democrat and Knox Advertiser.

252 HISTORY OF
The name was changed the next year to Looking
Glass and Whig Reflector, and in the campaign of
1834, between Cols. Peres Sprague and James Mc
Farland, it was very bitter against the former, who
ran on the Independent ticket, as may be judged
from the following chorus, which we extract from
a song of the times as showing the acerbity of the
contest :
"Yankee Doodle, Spragne's the boy,
Yankee Doodle dandy ;
He plays a good hand at cards
And loves a good glass of brandy."
The people did not regard these vices as disquaU-
fying Sprague for office, for he received, for Repre
sentative, 1,518 votes to 1,289 for his opponent !
This printing office was also migratory in its dis
position, having been during its existence on Mul
berry street, on the lot where H. W. Ball now
lives, on the old Jeffres lot where Barnes' marble
factory is, and in the second story of the frame
where Eobert Irvine's shoe store now is, on Main
street. In June, 1835, Charles Colerick estabUshed The
Day Book, which was conducted by him with much
energy and spirit until he volunteered as a soldier
and went to Texas, when the office was bought by
Delano and Browning, and the paper continued by
William Byers until in the winter of 1837-8 it was
transferred to S. M. Browning.
When the campaign of 1840 opened, the Whigs
having become dissatisfied with the abolition arti
cle of John Teesdale and caused him to give up the
pubUcation of that paper, found it necessary to pass

KNOX COUNTY. 253
resolutions in their county convention inviting
Whig editors to view this location, and appointed
a committee, of which Johnston EUiott was chair
man, to advertise in the leading Whig journals in
the State for some one to come on and publish a
paper. Under this call James Emmet Wilson, a
son of Judge James Wilson, of SteubenviUe, came
and started the Knox County Republican, and in
about six months associated with himself as pub
Usher Milo Butler, his brother-in-law. He was a
poor stick ; and this paper which started under the
most favorable auspices in the triumphant cam
paign of 1840, in the fall of 1841 was discontinued
by reason of the inertness and inabUity of the said
Wilson and Butler to give the patrons a "live Whig
paper," and because they were too much of the
TeesdaUan order.  A hiatus ensued — Wilson
and Butler went to preaching. And in 1842 Wm.
H. Cochran, who was teaching school in Newark,
came up and chartered the office and issued The
Times; and from that office has been continued a
paper, under different names and editors and pro
prietors, until the present day — the Mount Vernon
Republican brings up the list.
This paper has been known to its readers as
The Times — The Republican Times — The Ohio State
Times, etc., as conducted by Cochran and Silmon
Clark; G. E. Winters, J. H. Knox, O. B. Chap
man, Witherow, J. W. Shuckers, the RepubUcan
joint stock company, and H. M. Ramsey. At
present it is under the editorial management of
W. C. Cooper, Esq. Other names may have been
omitted who, for short periods, edited the paper.

254 HISTORY OF
After the Day Book office had been bought up
and merged in The Western Watchman, an effort
was made to establish another paper; and The
Democratic Banner was started in April, 1838, by
Chauncey Basset and  Robb. During the
summer it was edited by C. J. McNulty ; but upon
its sale to Edmund J. Ellis, it was continued with
out an editor in 1839, and, until it was sold to John
Kershaw, in 1841, it was issued without an edito
rial, except as some partisan, able to write, would
furnish it an article gratis. Kershaw edited and
published it until, in June, 1844, he sold it back
to E. J. ElUs, and then it was edited by G. W-
Morgan, until, in 1845, it was sold to D. A. Rob
ertson, who after a short time resold it to ElUs,
who continued its publication untU its sale, in No
vember, 1847, to WiUiam Dunbar, who had asso
ciated with him in its pubUcation for some six
months George W. Armstrong; and for the re
mainder of his time edited and published it him
self, until, in December, 1853, he sold it to Leckey
Harper, then of the Pittsburg Post, who has since
edited and pubUshed it. During Mr. Dunbar's
management, a daily Democratic Banner was pub
Ushed in the winter of 1852 for thirty days.
Upon the nomination of General Taylor for Pres
ident, in 1848, the editor of the Times refused to
support the Taylor and FiUmore ticket, because
Zachary Taylor lived South and owned slaves ;
whereupon another printing-office was brought to
Mount Vernon that should advocate Union prin
ciples, and, to distinguish it from the bogus article,
it was styled Tlie Mount Vernon True Whig, and

KNOX COUNTY. 255
was published for seven years — edited during the
campaign of 1848 by Joseph S. Davis, Esq. ; in
1849 by John W. White, and the remainder of its
existence by A. Banning Norton. With the ex
ception of a brief period, when it was pubUshed by
Higgins and White, the foreman of the office was
that excellent printer, George Smith, now in the
Keokuk (Iowa) Daily Gate City.
For three years Norton's Daily True Whig was
pubUshed with the motto of Davy Crocket — " Be
sure you're right, then go ahead;" and having
become satisfied in that time that this place would
not sustain a daily, unless out of the pocket of the
pubUsher, and hence that it was not "right" to
continue it, in March, 1855, its diurnal appearance
ceased. The motto of the True Whig was taken from
Washington's Farewell Address, and would in
these times be somewhat original: — "Frown in
dignantly upon the first dawning of every attempt
to alienate any portion of our country from the
rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link
together its various parts." It was adopted as ex
pressive of the determination to stand by the Con
stitution and the Union, and to oppose aboUtionism
and sectionaUsm of every form and description.
Several short lived newspapers have made their
appearance in the county within the past eight
years, which, by being named, may be kept fresh
in the memories of some of the people. They were
the Rainbow, which was of the nature of the "Nash-
viUe, BowUng Green, Louisville Courier" of these
war times — ^migratory in disposition, and altogether

256 HISTORY OF
fleeting. It was opened out at Mount Vernon by
Rev. A. Laubach, sojourned a while at Frederick-
town where the Reverend editor was sold by a vile
acrostic; then tarried a brief space at BelviUe, and
the last heard of was among the Senecas, at the
city of Tiffin ! The Lilly, which advocated short
frocks and emigrated to the far west with AmeUa
Bloomer — the Universalist Advocate at Centerburg,
which Daniel Wolfe found must proclaim glad
tidings to all people without price, or not at aU,
and The Western Home Visitor, which was too
large for Mount Vernon and could not find a home
at Columbus. After these came The National,
when its publishers, Agnew & Raguet, found it
without a nationality, and after three months search
in the exciting times of 1858 it gave up the ghost !
The Knox County Express was started by Agnew
& TUton, in December, 1860, and is now pubUshed
by C. M. Phelps & Co., and edited by Judge J. S.
Davis. The Banner, Republican and Express are the
papers published in Mount Vernon in July, 1862,
and The Western Episcopalian at Gambier, in this
county. The Episcopalian is devoted to the inter
ests of the Church, and of Kenyon College more
particularly. It was first started as The Gambier
Observer, upon the Acland Press, at Gambier, in
1827, and has been continued from that time to the
present under different editorial and financial man
agers. George W. Meyers was for many years its
publisher, and its present pubUsher is R. M. Ed
monds. It has been ably edited by Dr. Sparrow,
Dr. Wing, Dr. Muenscher, Dr. Colton, the Rev.

KNOX COUNTY. 257
Norman Badger, and George Denison, and has
been favored with many very able articles from the
pens of professors of the college and other friends.
The first book printed in Knox county was "The
American Revolution," written in scriptural, or an
cient historical style — "Honi soi qui mal y' pense."
" CUnton, Ohio. Printed by Smith & McArdle at
the office of The Ohio Register. Year of our Lord,
18 L5." 170 pp. And the second was " The Co-
lumbiad, a poem on the American War, in 13 can-
toes, by Richard Snowden." pp.38. The next was
•' James Smith's Vindication."
There was also pubUshed at The Ohio Register
office " A caveat against the Methodists, by a Gen
tleman of the Church of Rome." I have not sent
these Prophets, yet they ran ; I have not spoken
to them, yet they prophesied. — Jeremiah, chap. 23,
verse 21.
C. & J. Colerick published a directory of Knox
county, compiled from the tax Ust, and showing the
value of every man in the county as listed for taxa
tion. In 1835, the Laws and Ordinances of Mount Ver
non were printed by the Day Book office and bound.
And in 1852 the Charter and Ordinances of Mount
Vernon were printed at the True Whig office and
bound, making a work of 50 pages.
"An Essay on Justification by Faith, with par
ticular reference to the Theory of Forensic Justifi
cation, by Joseph Muenscher, A.M., Rector of St.
Paul's Church, Mount Vernon, 1847." pp. 63.
In 1858, John W. White published George Sey-
17

258 HISTORY OF
mour, or Disappointed Revenge — a drama in 3 acts.
88 pp. And the Book of Chronicles, humorously
iUustrated, being a history of the dissensions among
the harmonious democracy of Knox upon the Kan
sas question, written by Telegraphic Inspiration !
pp. 32.
From the Acland Press a number of pamphlets
and small works have been issued pertaining to
Church and College affairs. Among others, Tissue's
Greek Forms, a very valuable book, by one of the
Professors. The Rev. Dr. Muenscher has now in press " A
Commentary on the book of Proverbs," which wiU
make about 400 pp. duodecimo ; and " A GDreatise
on Biblical Interpretation," 350 pp. duodecimo.
We have seen a portion of the proof sheets of each —
they are neatly executed, and from the acknowl
edged ability and learning of the author will be of
much value.
Our young friend Charles H. Scribner, Esq., has
prepared for the press an excellent Treatise on
Dower — which will be a Law book of much size,
and of very great value to the legal profession and
the public generally.
The pioneers of the press in this county, who, a
half century ago, spread the first information before
the people in the columns of a paper, are both
living, having passed the " three score years and
teii allotted to man" — McArdle being almost a
score over the time, and Smith over a century old.
They are still hale and hearty, while the younger
brothers of the press have not become "fat and
forty;" and those who immediately succeeded them,

KNOX COUNTY. 259
have almost all passed to "that bourne from whence
no traveler returns." Of the editors — Col. Charles
Colerick, after having served a tour in the Texan
revolution, and assisted in achieving, though he
did not live to behold the recognition of her inde
pendence, is dead. Gen. WiUiam Bevans, after
having served his fellow-citizens creditably in many
official positions, has departed. Dan Stone, a quiet,
unassuming man of much goodness of heart, died
in this town, where his widow and two sons sur
vive. Dr. M. L. BUss died shortly after he left the
paper. James Harvey Patterson moved to West
Union, Adams county, and, after the death of his
wife, went South. John Thomas was a very sin
gular genius, well read, particularly in anatomy,
geology, conchology, and herpetology et als. ologies,
but was so much subject to the blues, or what he
called "azure devils," as not to enjoy life; he would
not drink out of a cup or saucer that had a flaw or
crack in it, nor eat with a knife that he did not see
scoured bright — consequently he worried himself
out of the world before his time. W. H. Cochran
and H. M. Ramsey died with the editorial harness
on — the latter this spring — both much lamented
by a large circle of friends, and their widows reside
in Mount Vernon. S. M. Browning died at Burj
lington, Lawrence county, about 1852. Dr. Dyer
resides in Iowa, Reznor in Illinois ; Harkness also
is in Hlinois, where he is noted for his large nur
series of exceUent fruit trees ; Kershaw is an at
torney in PhUadelphia, Pa. ; Morgan is a Brigadier
General, with the army in Tennessee ; Bronson is
in Boston, Mass., making blood-food for curing

260 HISTORY OF
consumptives ; Robertson, after having served as
U. S. Marshal for Minnesota, settled down there
in the practice of the law ; McNulty, the only ed
itor of the county sued for libel, from whom Elder
Power recovered a large verdict, after having vol
unteered as a soldier in the Mexican war, died and
was buried at Helena, Ark., by his brave comrades.
Ellis had better have been dead than to have be
come a traitor to his country, and been driven
beyond the lines. He was publishing the Boone
County Standard, at Columbia, Mo., when he
sinned against light and knowledge. Three of the
old set — Smith of the Clinton Register, Smith of the
Weste^'n Aurora, and Norton of the True Whig — a
few years ago found themselves residing in the
same district in Texas. Two of them yet remain
there, while the third is writing these lines, having,
from love for the Constitution and the Union, found
it necessary to seek once again the shores of Owl
Creek. Such are life's changes.

KNOX COUNTY. 261

CHAPTER XX.
EVENTS FROM 1820 TO 1830.
White male inhabitants and voters at vakious elections within
THIS time. — Some account of the finances and revenue. — The last
OP THE INDIAN.  A WARNING.  ThE OLD COURT-HOUSE FALLS, AND A
NEW ONE IS PROJECTED.  OtHEK OCCURRENCES.
The white male inhabitants of Knox county
above the age of 21 in 1820, were 1290, located as
foUows : HiUier 21, Bloomfield 69, Morgan 152,
MUler 72, Jackson 178, Chester 122, Wayne 168,
Morris 157, Union 144, and CUnton 207.
The county gave its vote for Ethan AUen Brown
for Governor ; John Sloane for Congress ; Wm.
Gass for Senator ; R. D. Simons for Eepresenta
tive ; Wm. Bevans for Sheriff; Abner Ayres for
Commissioner, and E. G. Lee for Coroner.
Anaong the orders issued by the county, June
6th, 1820, were—
No. 3928. Paying Moody &, M'Oarty for articles
furnished Overseers of the Poor for
the squaw that was shot  $2.84 4
" 3929. Hosmer Curtis and Mott for expenses in
curred for the sick squaw  1.00
" 3930. Jacob Martin, making coffin for squaw.. 6.00
This, in the Indian line, is among the last known
in the county. This squaw was of the Stockbridge
tribe, and one of a smaU party who, in traveling

262 HISTORY OF
out of Licking county, was espied and shot by
Hughes, when near Homer, and in Morgan town
ship. Without provocation or just cause, but sim
ply to gratify his private hatred of the Indian race,
she was shot through the hip. Her comrades
brought her on to Mount Vernon, where her suf
ferings became too great to admit of her being
taken further. She was put in the old log gun
smith «hop of John Earnhart, on High street, but
the quarters being uncomfortable on account of
cold November weather, she was moved to an old
log house on the north-west corner of Mulberry and
Vine streets, and there died. True to the Indian
stoicism she never groaned or complained, although
her sufferings were intense. Five or six of her
tribe staid through her sickness, and then buried
her in the north-east corner of the old graveyard.
For several years afterwards her husband would
return at the time of year when she died to view
her gi-ave and see that the body remained undis
turbed. From this same old log house, in October, 1826,
a gun was fired which caused the death of Ben.
Roberts. George Low then lived in the house,
and Jim Low was staying with him, when on
Hallow Eve night, several of the town boys were
out throwing cabbages against the doors, as has
from time immemorial been the custom, and as
they threw against Low's door, Jim took down his
rifle and fired between the logs, the ball lodging in
Ben's leg. He was carried home, and, after laying
for some time, it became necessary to amputate the
leg, which was done one Sunday, and the next

KNOX COUNTY. 263
afternoon at 4 o'clock he died. Low was tried, and
Sam Mott defended him, and he was acquitted.
This shooting affair caused very great excitement,
and ever since* on the annual return of HaUow
Eve, the old settlers rehearse this story to their
children and grandchildren, as a warning against
foUowing this ridiculous custom of throwing cab
bage heads to the annoyance of quiet people.
In 1822, the county gave majorities for Daniel
S. Norton for Congress ; H. Curtis for Representa
tive ; Wm. Bevans for Sheriff; John Kerr for
Commissioner; W. Y. Farquhar for Auditor;
James McGibeny for Coroner.
In 1824, majorities were given for Jeremiah
Morrow for Governor ; Wilson for Congress ; Col
erick for Sheriff ; Stilley for Commissioner ; Rig
don for Representative ; Runyan for Coroner, and
Farquhar for Auditor.
In October, 1825, the jail built by Solomon Gel
ler is found according to contract, except " he is
yet to put in a stove, and the door above going into
the debtors' apartment."
In 1826, the whole number of votes cast was
1828, and the county gave majorities for Trimble
for Governor ; Norton for Congress ; Robeson for
Representative ; Colerick for Sheriff ; Runyan for
Coroner ; Elliott for Auditor ; Leonard for Com
missioner. At the June session, 1826, of the Commissioners,
upon petition of Francis Wilkins and others, a
road was ordered to be opened up Dry Creek, be
ginning on the farm of Daniel S. Norton, to inter
sect the old road on the corner of Frederick Carey's

264 HISTORY OF
orchard. Jonathan MiUer, R. D. Simons and
James McGibeny were appointed viewers, and J.
W- Warden, surveyor.
On the 30th of September, the county jail is re
ceived in fuU satisfaction by the Commissioners.
Wm. Bevans was aUowed |5 for crying sale of the
jaU. VALUATION OF KNOX COUNTT IN 1826.
Land, 301,695 acres, valued at  $716,070
Town property  81,362
Mercantile capital  60,000
Houses  26,340
Horses, 2467  98,680
Cattle, 4483  35,804
Total.  $1,018,376
At this time Mount Vernon is stated as contain
ing 80 dwelling-houses, one printing office, a brick
court-house and jail, a merchant mill, a saw mill,
a cotton factory, and within six miles, 9 grist and
saw mills and three carding machines.
In 1827, Patterson and Smith, of The Western
Aurora, published the DeUnquent List for the or
dinary price, and refunded one-fourth of the whole
amount for county use.
In 1827, March 29, W. Y. Farquhar was " ap
pointed keeper of the Knox county standard and
half bushel measure, and authorized to get a half
bushel of copper !"
Martin Tracy then gave bond as county Auditor,
with John Troutman, Solomon and Paul Welker
as securities.

KNOX COUNTY. 265
At the June Term it was ordered that the Aud
itor cause two blank books for county orders to be
procured, and that C. & J. Colerick print the same,
and that the Auditor furnish six quires of paper
for that purpose.
At the December Term, H. B. Curtis' account
for office rent and wood is aUowed— office rent, 7
months, |84 ; and wood 3 winters for Recorder's
office, |15.
"OLD THINGS SHALL BE DONE AWAY WITH AND ALL BECOME
NEW."
October 18th, 1828, James McGibeny contracted
with the commissioners to build a stone wall to
support the Court-house bank, standing ten feet
north and south of the Court-house.
But all efforts to save it were unavailing : it had
been written, " Carthago detenda est ;" and on the
2d of December an order issued to B. S. Brown
for $40, in consequence of the loss of his office by
the faU of the Court-house.
The Court-house was no sooner down than the
commissioners ordered proposals to be published in
the Standard and Advertiser, for the purpose of
making donations for the building of a new Court
house, and for a plan of building, &c. On the
20th of January, 1829, they agreed with Thomas
Irvine for his brick house for a court-house, at $25
per term, in orders on the county treasury. In
April, James Smith is notified by Marvin Tracy
that the commissioners have obtained Tliomas Ir
vine's bar-room for an office. The levy for taxes
in Knox county, June, 1829, was IJ mills on the

266 HISTORY OF
dollar, on the whole valuation of property in said
county, for State purposes, and 1^ for canal pur
poses, making 3 mills ui)on the doUar for State and
canal purposes ; and the commissioners, by and
with the consent of the Judges of the Court of
Common Pleas, levied a tax of 3 mills on the dol
lar for county purposes, 1 mill for road purposes,
and f of a mill for school purposes ; one of the
three mills shall be assessed and collected and ap-
j)ropriated for the building of the Court-house, and
for no other purpose whatever.
At the June session, the following entry is made :
" The account of James Smith, presented to the
Board of Commissioners, for one year, from June
1st, 1828, to June 1st, 1829, including the rent un
paid at last settlement, books and stationery for
clerk's office, all of which was rejected by the
Board. The charges for one year's fire- wood, whicli
was $12. From which decision the said Smith
prays an appeal to the Court of Common Pleas as
to the fire-wood." That record is clear, is it nof?
The resolutions of the commissioners, published
in the Standard and Advertiser, in reference to the
building of a Court-house, represent that "they
wiU meet on the 15th of July, for the purpose of
receiving donations, &c. ; giving the public square
$1,000 ; preference for location, &c. ; otherwise at
any point in the town plat where $1,000 is sub
scribed," &c. On the 15th of July, the commission
ers met, and adjourned till the 21th of August, to
receive donations, &c., for new Court-house.
On the 11th of September public notice is given
iu the Western Aurora and in the Advertiser and

KNOX COUNTY. 267
Standard, of sale of contract to build a Court
house, to the lowest bidder, on the 5th of October
next, &c. Peris Sprague is authorized to get E. G.
CarUn, or some other person, to make and draft a
plat for the same. This plan, as agreed upon, ap
pears on the journal, specifying that the buUding
is to be erected on the west side of Main street and
north side of High street, and that $1,000 is to be
paid to the contractor on the 10th of January,
1830, and $1,000 annually thereafter, and all orders
to be expressly understood to be paid when due and
presented. Edward G. Carlin is paid county order
for $10, for making plat of new Court-house, and
describing timbers, dimensions, &c. Richard
House, for assisting Carlin in describing the plan,
is paid $1 50.
October 5tli. The building of the Court-house
is sold to John Shaw for $5,485, who enters into
bond with Byram Leonard, Philo Norton, Charles
Sager, Solomon Geller, Thomas Irvine and H. B.
Carter, in the sum of $10,970. Such is the record
of the second Court-house built in Mount Vernon,
which stood on the public square until 1853. It
was built of brick, two stories high, with a cupola,
and a very imposing building in its time. It an
swered weU its part for many years — may we not
say for that generation, as almost all then upon the
stage of action have passed " hence without day."
The Supreme Court, District and Associate Judges,
the Commissioners, Sheriff, Auditor, Assessor,
Treasurer, Surveyor, and Coroner, the Contractor
and his sureties — are all, all dead. Melancholy

268 HISTORY OF
is the reflection that few of the men, who flourished
here only thirty-two years ago, now survive.
In 1828, majorities were given for Campbell for
Governor ; Stanbery for Congress ; Shaw for Sher
iff ; Colerick for Representative ; Tracy for Audi
tor ; Sprague and Beers for Commissioners, and
Neal for Coroner.
In 1829 the population of the county is stated at
8,326. There were then eight post-offices, viz. :
DanviUe, DarUng's, Martinsburg, Mount Vernon,
Miles M Roads and Sandusky M Roads in Chester
township, Fredericktown and Houck's.
The state of the County Treasury may be judged
of from the following entry, June 7th, 1830 : "Or
dered that the Auditor issue an order on the Treas
urer in favor of Daniel Converse & Co., for the
amount of principal and interest due on a certain
county order, payable to Solomon GeUer, for the
sum of $275, dated February 10, 1824, endorsed
not paid for want of funds by the Treasurer when
the said order shaU be presented ;" thus paying
an old order by issuing a new one. The original
debt for building the first court house not having
been paid until after the building itself had crum
bled and faUen, and the county was compelled to
erect a new one.
Artemas Estabrook is, at the same time, aUowed
an order for boarding, bringing up on Habeas Cor
pus and attending the Judges — EU Losh — amount
ing to $11.60.
C. G. Allen makes his escape from the county
jaU after his board bill had amounted to $8.05.
In 1830, the county went for McArthur for Gov-

KNOX COUNTY. 269
ernor; Stanbery, Congress ; Greer, Representative ;
Neal, Sheriff; Tracy, Auditor; McFarland, Asses
sor ; Low, Coroner ; Wilkins for Commissioner.
The total vote cast was 2,086.
During this decade the foundation was laid and
the commencement made of that institution of learn
ing which has contributed so much to the advance
ment and prosperity of this county — Kenyon Col
lege. Under its appropriate head we have devoted
a chapter to this subject, and hence will say no more
here than has reference to the action of the County
Commissioners on matters connected with it. On
December 7th, 1829, the petition of Philander Chase
and others was presented to the Board for the view
of four roads. 1. From the junction of Wiggin and
Gaskin streets towards James Smith's niUl. 2. To
Coshocton. 3. To Giffin's mill. 4. Around the
foot of CoUege hill south west to Frederick Roh-
rer's tavern stand. The Commissioners ordered
Thomas Griffith Plummer to survey ; and Jonathan
Miller, Wm. Marquis and Joseph Critchfield to
view. AU of these parties are now dead.

270 HISTORY OF

CHAPTER XXI.
LITERARY AND OTHER SOCIETIES.
The mount vernon polemic society. — The thespian. — The libeart so
ciety. — The LYCEUM. — The franklin. — Mechanics. — Historical, and
ITS library.
The first society of a Uterary character, estab
Ushed at Mount Vernon, was the " Polemic So
ciety," in 1815, wMch was kept up until 1817, and
included among its members the more talkative
and social citizens. It was converted into a Thes
pian Society and weU sustained for many years.
Theatrical performances were generaUy gotten up
every winter, until about 1840, and were very credi
table to those concerned. The object was to spend
the long evenings agreeably — not to make money.
Lawyers, doctors, merchants and students lent a
hand as occasion required. Among the active and
valuable upon the boards were Dr. R. D. Moore,
Philo L. Norton, Jacob B. Brown, Charles Sager,
J. W- Warden, Wm. Bevans, Chas. Colerick, B. S.
Brown, T. G. Plummer, Jacob Davis, S. W. Hil
dreth, Wm. Smith, S.W. Farquhar, Eli Miller, N. N.
HiU, T. W. Rogers, Henry B. Curtis, Isaac Hadley,
John Colerick, J. S. Banning, and Calvin HiU.
The exhibitions were usually at the court house,
or at the "Golden Swan Inn." The clothino-,
equipments and scenery, were of very rich mate
rial. One of the old actors says — "it was most

KNOX COUNTY. 271
splendidly illustrated with gorgeous parahemalia
in most profuse variety and transcends representa
tion." " The Mount VernonLibrary Society" wasformed
in the year 1816. Among the members of this
association were Joseph Brown, Hosmer Curtis,
R. D. Moore, Gilman Bryant, Timothy Burr, Dan
iel S. Norton, John Warden, Samuel Mott. H.
Curtis was its last Librarian. It had a very good
coUection of standard works, which, in the end,
were divided among its stockholders.
" The Mount Vernon Literary Society" organized
in the winter of 1821-2, by a number of young
bachelors of the town, to wit : Dr. Norman Mur
ray, David Wadsworth, Henry B. Curtis, John W.
Warden and James Beebee. Members subsequent
ly admitted — Benjamin S. Brown, S. Farquhar, N.
N. Hill and Samuel R. Curtis. Tlie organization
existed for several years. The society feU through
by reason of the young men becoming absorbed in
the more active duties of life.
" The Mount Vernon Lyceum," in 1830, was
formed and well sustained for many years. At
the session of the Legislature, 1833-4, it was incor
porated, and high hopes were entertained of its
being a permanent organization. We have before
us the inaugural address of Henry B. Curtis, Esq.,
delivered January 1st, 1834, in which he says : —
" We have now assumed a different and more im
posing attitude. Having adopted a public charter,
we from this time become a part of the history of
the State. And let us at least hope that the account
which its faithful pages may hereafter give of us

272 HISTORY OF
and of our transactions shall be such as would not
make us blush, could we be permitted to see them."
May the hope of President Curtis be gratified;
for, although the Lyceum has long since been con
signed to the "tomb of the Capulets," and the greater
portion of his associates have departed hence with
out day, he yet lives to " be permitted to see" " the
account which the faithful pages of history" — our
history of Knox county doubtless predicted — " gives
of its transactions."
It was the best literary association and the
longest Uved ever in Mt. Vernon. It continued in
successful operation until 1842, and numbered
among its active members many of the best citizens
of Knox. Its regular meetings were held at the
court-house, and the public generally and ladies
particularly attended its sessions. Literary essays,
orations and discussions were the chief entertain
ment. Among the number of those who have died we
may name Benjamin S. Brown, David Dunn, John
A. HoUand, S. W. HUdreth, M. A. Sayre, Daniel
S. Norton, T. W. Rogers, W- A. Hoey, T. G.
Plummer, and Dr. M. L. BUss.
Among those Uving in other parts, Wm. Byers,
J. F. Kinney, J. C. HaU, G. Hathaway, J. W.
Chapman, H. Curtis, J. B. Foster, E. Sparrow, D.
C. Dunlap.
Among the survivors in this county are C.
Delano, M. H. MitcheU, J. W. Miller, Henry B.
Curtis, Rollin C. Hurd, J. S. Davis, J. N. Burr.
The Lyceum established a very good library of
several hundred volumes.

KNOX COUNTY. 273
In 1834, a "Mechanics' Society" was formed,
which continued tUl 1840, and enlisted J. B. Brown,
G. C. Ly brand, E. AlUng, D. McFarland, Abel
Hart, and pretty much aU the workmen in this
vicinity. In 1839, a society called the "FrankUn" was
organized for mental improvement, by John Lamb,
Robert Thompson, Ben. McCracken, W. H. Old
ham, Isaac J. AUen, W. P. Griffith, W. T. Curtis,
R. S. Thomas, and others, which was well sustained
for three or four years, and then went down.
In 1850, Zoar BlaU-, Noah HiU, Robert Thomp
son, Dan. Clark and Sam. Davis started the Me
chanics' Mutual Protection, which after two years,
was merged in the Brotherhood of the Union, and
continued till 1854.
In December, 1849, several gentlemen of Mount
Vernon set about getting up a Historical Society
for Knox county, and in January, 1850, a consti
tution was drawn up and signed by Hosmer Cur
tis, Gilman Bryant, Joseph Muenscher, M. E.
Strieby, Jesse B. Thomas, James Scott, Daniel S.
Norton, M. H. MitcheU, Henry B. Curtis, R. C.
Hurd, R. R. Sloan, A. Banning Norton, C. P.
Buckingham, G. W. Morgan, C. Delano, M. W.
Stamp, Walter Smith, N. N. HiU, G. Browning,
Matthew Thompson, J. C. Ramsey, J. N. Burr,
S. Israel, J. W. Vance, W. H. Smith, J. C. Stock
ton, D. Potwin, J. W. White, J. H. Peacock, W.
Beam, Samuel Mower and John W. RusseU. H.
Curtis was elected President ; G. Bryant, V. P. ;
R C. Hurd, Treas'r ; Cor. Sec'y, Rev. J. Muen-
18

274 HISTORY OF
scher, D.D. ; Recording Sec'y, Rev. M. E. Strieby ;
Cabinet-keeper, R. R. Sloan. Among other stand
ing committees were the following: on Agricul
ture, M. H. Mitchell; on Manufactures, Daniel S.
Norton; on Mechanic Arts, C. P. Buckingham;
on Fine Arts, H. B. Curtis; on Education, R. R.
Sloan; on History, R. C. Hurd; on the Medical
Profession, J. N. Burr, M.D. ; on the Clerical Pro
fession, Jos. Muenscher, D.D.; on Diseases, J. W.
Russell, M.D. ; on Population, S. Israel; on Gen
eral Biography, A. Banning Norton ; on Geology
and Mineralogy, Prof. H. L. ThraU, M.D.; on
Meteorology, Rev. Prof. Geo. Dennison; on Liter
ature, W- H. Smith. Twelve years have passed
by, the society long since was numbered among
the things that were — and this comes the nearest
to being a report of anything that yet has emana
ted from any of its members. FoUowing in its
wake, however, is an institution which it is to be
hoped will long continue in existence — "The Mount
Vernon Library Society," which has coUected,
through the instrumentaUty, principaUy,* of the
Rev. Dr. Muenscher, its learned Librarian, several
hundred volumes of valuable standard works, and
may serve as a nucleus for a future large collection.
It was started in 1856, and its rooms are in Hunts
bery's building, Main st.. Mount Vernon,

KNOX COUNTY.

275

CHAPTER XXII.
HON. ANTHONY BANNING.

276 HISTORY OF
Among the old settlers whose names have figured
conspicuously in the history of Knox county, was
Anthony Banning. Connected with the business,
the growth and prosperity of the county at every
period of its history after the first, and concerned
as he was in various industrial pursuits, in com
mercial operations, in temperance movements, in
church affairs, in political actions ; and as his name
has been widely known in legal history, his mem
ory is worthy of more than a passing notice.
" Judge" Banning as he was caUed more frequently
than "Parson," notwithstanding his monument
states that he was a Methodist preacher sixty years,
was born in Talbot county, Maryland, and was the
only son of James Banning, a proprietor of much
consideration and influence, who had but two chil
dren, the son, James Mansfield Anthony Banning,
and a daughter who married Benjamin Chew, of
Philadelphia, Chief Justice of the State of Penn
sylvania, a lawyer of much distinction and a man
of great wealth, who was a bosom friend of Wash
ington and whose family were his most intimate
associates. His parents died when he was very young, and
he was consigned to the care of an uncle, Henry
Banning, a bachelor, who was a sea-captain and
took Anthony with him several voyages. The
family were members of the Episcopal church, but
in his eleventh year Anthony joined the Metho
dists. When about sixteen he went to preaching
as a circuit rider in Greenbrier, Virginia, and the
wUderness mountain region. In consequence of
the great length of his name, and its inconvenience

KNOX COUNTY. 277
in writing, he dropped a portion of it in early youth.
He married Sarah Murphy, daughter of one of the
first settlers on Redstone, near Uniontown, Pa.,
who was also a native of the Eastern Shore of
Maryland, and had been raised near EUicott's miUs.
The chUdren, by this marriage, were Sarah, wife of
Daniel S. Norton; Jacob M; who died in 1835, and
whose widow and children reside in Hardin county ;
Rachel, wife of Rev. Elnathan Raymond ; James
S.; Mrs. Mary Caswell ; Elizabeth, Mrs. Bronson;
PrisciUa, Mrs. Gray, and Anthony.
After his marriage he settled in Fayette county.
Pa., and resided for several years near Mt. Brad-
dock and in ConnelsviUe, where he preached the
gospel, carried on a tanyard, kept a store, officiated
as a justice of the peace, (from 1790 until 1799)
traded in stock of every description, and navigated
the western waters.
During his residence in the Keystone State slave
ry existed there, and this good man thought it no
sin to better the condition of negroes by holding
them in bondage. Twenty-eight family slaves of
the Maryland stock were thus held at his marriage,
and he subsequently bought Hannah, Peter, Jim,
Cass and George, in Virginia; and in moving west
sold them to Daniel Rogers and Abraham Bald
win, two of the most respectable and worthy men
in that country.
In one of his trading expeditions on the western
rivers he sold a load of goods to Ebenezer Buck
ingham, of Putnam, for the fine farm now occu
pied by Nicholas Spindler, Esq., in Howard town
ship. He made several trips up the Muskingum

278 HISTORY OF
with goods and wares from 1808 tiU he moved out
in 1812. After he had bought lands in the county
he traded a lot of iron, leather, saddlery, &c., to
Samuel Kratzer, Esq., for the principal part of his
interest in the town of Mount Vernon, and then
took up his residence here. During his long abode
he was engaged, as elsewhere, in a diversity of pur
suits ; and by reason of his remarkable energy, in
dustry, prudence and business tact, prospered in
all and enjoyed, to a very great extent, the confi
dence of the people. He was for the greater part
of his Ufe concerned in merchandizing at Mount
Vernon, Tymochtee, DanvUle, &c. — carrying on
his miUs at Clinton and his tanyard, farming exten
sively and preaching.
His name is found as President of the first Clay
meeting ever held in this county ; he was aU his
life an ardent admirer and friend of that great
statesman and patriot. In principle, politicaUy,
he was a Whig — reUgiously, a Methodist — strictly
moral and temperate — in all the relations of Ufe
a good example.
He was honest and conscientious — liberal and
kind hearted — determined and resolute — never dis
guised his sentiments or harbored unkind thoughts ;
was mot a fanatic in temperance, morals, poUtics or
reUgion ; but by his well balanced mind and daily
walk exerted a great influence for good.
Among other public positions held by him was
that of Commissioner to select the permanent seat
of justice of Clermont county, under act of the
General Assembly, January 25th, 1823, associated
with John C. Wright, then of Jefferson, and James

KNOX COUNTY. 279
Clark, of Stark. He served as one of the Associ
ate Judges of this county from 1827 to 1834.
In every pubUc enterprise and work calculated
to benefit the town, county and people he was ac
tive, Uberal and useful. Among the many inci-
flents of his life the following most clearly shows
the UberaUty of his mind : In 1836 he set about
erecting a church near his residence, and upon his
own land. The neat brick edifice had been in
closed and about completed, when the Rt. Rev.
Bishop Purcel visited Mt. Vernon for the first time,
and there being no CathoUc church the foUowers
of that denomination, of whom there were but two
or three famiUes then in the place, to wit — David
Morton's, Wm. Brophy's and Tim. Colopy's, re
quested the use of one of the ohurhes for tbe Bishop
to hold service in on the forenoon of a certain
Sunday. The favor was denied. An effort was
then made to procure the use of the court house,
and that too was refused.
The writer, then a smaU boy, having heard the
circumstances on his way home, stopped in at Judge
Banning's and stated what had occurred, when he
at once buttoned up his vest and coat, took his
cane, went up to David Morton's, where the Bish
op was staying, and tendered the use of the Ban
ning Chapel for CathoUc service. The offer was
most gratefuUy and graciously accepted, and the
first Catholic discourse ever delivered in this town
was pronounced at the Banning Chapel. This, in
the eyes of many bigoted and intolerant minds,
was a very great sin; but the reUgion of Grand
father Banning was of that cathoUc spirit which

280 HISTORY OF
enabled him to do acts of kindness and pour out
heart offerings as becometh a true christian. And
here we will record that this "bread cast upon the
waters returned again after many days" in Uke
spu'it. In February, 1844, Judge Banning was drowned
in the dam of the Clinton Mill Company, when
attempting to cross upon the ice to his farm, after
some infernal fiend had burned up the Norton
street bridge. His body was soon recovered and
great efforts were made to resuscitate life, but in
vain. He was in his 76th year, and remarkably
vigorous and robust for one of his age.
The CathoUc sect having increased to a consider
able number, and having, by UberaUty of our citi
zens, erected a neat brick church. Bishop Purcel
again visited Mt. Vernon to consecrate it — and
most happUy referred to the circumstances attend
ing his first visit and the charitable and brotherly
kindness of Father Banning, and devoutly offered
up his supplications to the throne of mercy in his
behalf. The incident was a most affecting one,
and the eyes of many were suffused with tears as
their suppUcations were offered up.

KNOX COUNTY. 281

CHAPTER XXIII.
Richland county during her tutelage.— Divided into two townships.—
The earliest settlers.— Voters.— Officers and matters worth re
membering. In pursuance of our pm-pose, as expressed on
page 26, we devote a few pages of our history to
the earliest matters of record on our journals in
regard to Richland county. The Commissioners
of Knox, on the Sth of June, 1809, declared the
entire county of Richland a separate township,
which shall be caUed and known by the name of
Madisoii. At the present time a township of this
name exists, and Mansfield, the flourishing county
seat of Richland, stands therein. At the election
of 1809, that whole region poUed but 17 votes, and
in the year following there were but 19 votes. The
vote in October, 1811, for Representative, stood,
Jeremiah R. Munson 14, Wm. Gass 3; Sheriff,
Ichabod Nye, 17; Commissioner, John Kerr, 17;
Coroner, Dr. Timothy Burr, 17. The Judges of
election in 1810 were James Copus, Wm. Gardner,
John Foglesong; Clerks, John C. Gilkison, James
Cunningham. In 1811, Winn Winship and John
0. Gilkison, clerks, certify as to the full vote of
Richland. Among the names of these early settlers
wiU be found several with whom our readers were
acquainted in the olden time ; we give them —
Moses Adzet, George Ackley, the Baughmans,

282 • HISTORY OF
Jacob and John Coon, Andrew Craig, Thomas
Coulter, James Black, Hugh and James Cunning
ham, John Crossen, the Gilkisons, the Gardners,
the HuUs, Moses Fountain, the Lewisses, the Mc-
Clures, the Murphys, the Newmans, Pearces, OU-
vers, Wm. Lockard, Jacob Shaffer, Joshua Rush,
Sam. Martin, the Slaters, Zimmermans, John Wal
lace, Joseph Middleton, James Hedges and RoUin
Weldon. The first Justices of the Peace were Archibald
Gardner, elected in May, 1809 ; Henry McCart, in
1810 ; George Coffiubery and Peter Kinney, in
1812 ; James McClure and Andrew Coffiubery, in
1814. The whole return on the tax duplicate, in
1811, was 73 horses, 124 cattle and one stalUon,
valued at $150, and taxed at $35.
A rib is taken out of the side of Richland on the
7th of January, 1812, as the following entry on the
Journal of the Commissioners explains : " Order
ed, that Madison township be divided as foUows, to
wit : The division line of the township should be
one mile east of the center of the 17th range, in
the lower township, and shall be known and desig
nated by the name of Greene." Brief entry that —
is it not, for the formation of a township within the
lines of which we now find the better part of Ash
land county and some of the best lands in Rich
land. Whether it was named after the Rev. John
Green, who had just been licensed to marry, " this
deponent saith not," as the books show not, but
we presume, as our people were eminently patriotic,
that it was named after General Nathaniel Greene,
one of the heroes of our revolutionary war. The

KNOX COUNTY. 283
Mohican river passes through this township on its
way to the Gulf of Mexico via the Walhonding, Mus
kingum, Ohio and Mississippi rivers. In the olden
time men did navigate this route, if we are to put
impUcit confidence in traditions of the dead past.
We have a work published several score years ago
which asserts that "it is navigable (except being
obstructed by dams) most seasons of the year."
Beaver dams, it is presumed, or some other dams,
usuaUy obstruct. The Judges at the first election
were Melzar TanneyhiU, Isaac Pierce, Samuel
Lewis, and the clerks Peter Kenny and Thomas
Coulter. Melzar TanneyhUl received a $6 county
order for Usting this township. At the election
AprU 6, 1812, at the house of Abraham Baugh-
man, jr., PhUip Seymour, Hem-y Seymour and
Martin Rufner, whose adventures with Indians
have since been so widely known, were among the
voters. John Murphy, Henry Naugh, John Pool,
Wm. Slater, John Totten and Ebenezar Rice were
other voters. Among the settlers, in 1814, were
Josiah L. HiU, Trew Petee, Wm. Brown, John
Shehan, Ahira HiU, Asa Brown, Jeremiah Conine,
Lewis Crossen, Stephen Vanscoyos, Noah Custard,
David HiU, Moses Jones, Silvester Fisher, John
Crossen, H. W. Cotton, Lewis Pierce and Adam
Crossen. The poU-book for the township of Greene,
in the county of Knox, October 13, 1812, " shows
41 voters, but the names of Seymour and Rufner
are lacking. The 14th of March, 1812, Knox Com
mon Pleas Court allowed Greene township three
Justices. Perryville was the principal business
point, and the Browns W. & A. were the first mer-

284 HISTORY OF
chants, and for many years the leading business
men. On the 10th of April, 1812, a petition of citizens
of Richland was presented to the Commissioners
of Knox for " a road beginning at the house of
James McClure in said county, and run the nearest
way to a mill seat belonging to Amoriah Watson ;
the same be granted, and Jacob Newman, George
Coffiubery and Wm. Gass were appointed Viewers,
and W- Y. Farquhar Surveyor of the same."
In February, 1813, Thomas Coulter, Wm. Gass
and Peter Kinney were elected Associate Judges
by the Legislature. Winn Winship, the first Clerk
of the Court of Richland county, wrote an excel
lent hand, and was a quick business man. Several
of his certificates are on file in our Clerk's office,
containing election returns, &c., with a hole cut
through a piece of paper showing a wafer, the
county having no seal. The entire vote of Rich
land, October 12, 1813, for Representative was :
Wm. Gass, 31 ; Sam. Kratzer, 14.
Mansfield was determined upon as the seat of
justice of the county, April 2d, 1809, by Jno. Hecke
welder, John M. ConneU and Moses Ross, Com
missioners. Winn Winship was the first Post
master at the town ; and among the early tavern
keepers known to our citizens was Capt. Sam. Wil
liams. Jabez Beers was appointed Uster of this
county in 1812. Until after the war of 1812,
there was not much improvement in the county.
A very large proportion of the early settlers were
from Knox, and throughout our history the people

KNOX COUNTY.

285

have been quite intimate, and Uved together upon
the most ft'iendly terms.
We have much material that we would Uke to
present ; but as the history of our sister county and
its affairs do not, from the period to which we have
carried this sketch, properly belong to our enter
prise, we close by giving a view of the Mansfield
Female Seminary, whereof Rev. C. S. DooUttle,
A.M., and J. Lindly, A.M., are Principals ; and
inasmuch as the former is a native of Knox, and a
son of one of our old teachers, it will not be
thought out of place to say that here young ladies
can acquire an accomplished education upon very
reasonable terms.

286 HISTORY OF

CHAPTER XXIV.
Some account of the townships severed frok old knox. — Chestee,
bloomfield and franklin. — Their history until morrow was cre
ated. The territory of Knox remained entire, notwith
standing extraordinary efforts had been made time
and again to erect new counties, taking a part of
her territory, until, at the session of the Legislature
in 1848, Morrow was created — taking from Knox
Chester, Franklin and Bloomfield townships.
Chester Township, the oldest of the three, was
laid off by order of the Commissioners at their
session April 10th, 1812. The first election was
held at the house of Wm. Johnson, on the 25th of
that month. The Judges of election this year were
Joseph Duncan, Henry George, Evan Holt ; Clerks,
Wm. Johnson and Samuel Johnson. Rufus Dodd,
first Uster of taxable property, received a $3 county
order for his services this year. In addition to the
above-named, we find other early settlers to have
been Ensley Johnson, John Walker, David ]\IUler,
John Parcels, Enos Miles, Robert Dalrymple, Isaac
Norton, James and George Irwin, Joseph Howard,
Bartlet Norton, and Daniel Kimbel. Moses Mor
ris, Henry George and a few other Welch famiUes,
were among the number of the best citizens of this
township, and many of their countrymen located

KNOX COUNTY. 287
around them. The greater part of the original
families were from New Jersey.
In 1813, at the October election, there were
fifteen voters ; among them were Joseph, WilUam
and Uriah Denman, Sam'l Shaw and Chism May.
The vote stood, for Representative, Gass 15 ; Com
missioner, Peter WoK 9 ; Sheriff, John Hawn, Jr.
13, Wm. Mitchel 2.
The forks of Owl Creek passing through this
township afford several good miU-seats a durable
power, and furnish the people with facUities for
getting breadstuffs at theu- own doors. Their lands
are generaUy roUing and very productive. The
citizens have ever been distinguished for industry
and thrifty management. In 1830, the population
was 778 ; in 1840, it was 1,297 ; and in 1850, 1,620.
Chesterville, the post-office and business point,
was laid out by Enos MUes, deputy surveyor,  .
For many years the post-office went by the name of
Miles's X Roads, and the good tavernkeeper's name
seemed for a long time Ukely to absorb the other.
It was on the main thoroughfare from Mt. Vernon
to Mt. Gilead, and on the old State road from
Johnstown to Paris and New Haven; distant from
Mt. Vernon 14 miles, from Fredericktown 8, from
Mt. GUead 10, from Johnstown 23, and 30 from
Paris. In 1830, it contained 250 inhabitants, 40
dwelUngs, 5 stores, 1 tavern, 1 flour-miU, 1 saw-
mUl, 1 tannery, 1 church, and several mechanic
shops. This village has ever been distinguished
for the attention paid to schools, churches, etc., and
the general morality of its citizens ; of whom we
may name the Shurs, the Bartletts, and Hance,

288 HISTORY OF
who have been heavily engaged in merchandise
and trade, Abram King, Dr. Richard E. Lord, Dan.
Miles and Judge Kinsel.
Evan Holt, as a revolutionary soldier, served six
years ; was a native of Chester, Pa., emigrated to
this county in 1808, and lived for 39 years on land
received for his services. He also was a pensioner
until his death, in his 84th year, leaving a large
famUy married and settled around him. Evan,
Jr. was a great fighter — possessed of bone, muscle
and pluck ; he fought in Morris township, about
35 years ago, a fist fight with John Magoogin,
where he displayed uncommon skiU. They had a
difficulty at a camp-meeting over the creek, on
James Smith's farm, and then made up this fight,
to come off at the first big muster at the Cross
Roads, by Wm. MitcheU's. A great crowd wit
nessed it. Magoogin was a stout and brisk man
of much courage ; he died a soldier in the Mexican
war. The fight was conducted fairly, and Magoo
gin carried the palm.
The Dalrymple famUy is one of the most re
spected, of whom Charles has long been a good jus
tice of the township.
The poll-book of Chester in April, 1824, con
cludes as foUows : — " We certify that John StiUey
had 26 votes for Justice, Wm. W. Evans 26. De
cided by draught in favor of John StUley. John
De Witt, John Beebee, Jas. McCracken, Judges ;
Enos MUes, Jas. F. Clapp, Clerks. We therefore
do certify that John StiUey ft-om Arrangements
was duly elected a justice of the peace for Chester
township, this 1st Monday, April, A. D. 1824."

KNOX COUNTY. 289

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

1812.

Wm. Johnson.

1833. Enos Miles.

1817.

Rufus Dodd.

1836. "

Joseph Denman.

1839. "

1819.

W.VanBuskirk.

1836. Byram Beers.

1822.

<> ti

1839. " "

1820.

Enos Miles.

1842. "

Daniel Beers.

1845. " "

1823.

(( ti

1835. Henry De Witt.

1824.

John Stillej.

1838. " "

1826.

John Beebee.

1842. P. B. Ayres.

1829.

it tt

1845. "

1832.

a it

1843. Thomas Peterson.

1827.

Moses Powell.

1846. Davis Miles.

1830.

il tt

1844, Charles Dalrymple,

1833.

it it

1847.

Franklin, the most extreme township in the
north-west corner of " old Knox," before she was
shorn of her fair proportions by the erection of
Morrow, was first known December 3d, 1823, by
being created and named after the philosopher,
statesman and printer, Benjamin Franklin. The
first election came off on the first Monday of April,
1823, at the house of Thomas Axtell. The princi
pal place of business is Pulaskiville.
Jamestown was many years ago a famous busi
ness place, projected by Allen Kelly, Esq., who
emigrated from Northumberland county. Pa., at a
very early day, and has ever been a prominent
stock raiser and farmer. David Peoples, David
Shaw, Wm. T. Campbell, Washington Strong, the
Petersons, Hickmans, Blairs and Van Buskirks
were among the early settlers. Of these Abraham
Blair, of Perth Amboy, N. J., settled in 1811 upon
the farm on which he died, in his 90th year, on the
19

290 HISTORY OF
2d of October, 1846. He served as a minute man
during the Revolutionary War, and participated
in the battles of Trenton and Monmouth. He
was a good citizen, and much respected.
David Shaw served his fellow-citizens over
twenty-one years as a Justice of the Peace, and
was also Commissioner of the County nine years.
He was a very clever, quaint old gentleman, whose
name is ever associated with Franklin township
affairs. Colonel Strong was noted as a military charac
ter, and a democrat. His jsatriotic party ardor sus
tained him in walking all the way from home to
the State Conventions at Columbus, and back
again. And speaking of democracy reminds us of
the zeal of Joshua Bickford, who, for many years,
was one of the shining lights of Franklin. One
little incident is worthy of note. He was selected
once upon a time as Chairman of a County Con
vention, and among other business was the appoint
ment of delegates to a district convention to be held
at Johnstown to nominate a candidate for Conaress.
One of the legal gentlemen of the party arose, and
moved the appointment of a committee to select
delegates to the Congressional Convention, &c.
President Bickford put the question — " Gentlemen,
all you in favor of the motion just made about del
egates to the QoTigregational Convention will say
aye." The gentleman who made the motion sprang
to his feet somewhat excited, exclaiming, "The
Congressional Convention," I said. "Exactly,"
said the President; "You've heard the motion,
Gentlemen : . the Congregational Convention I said,

KNOX COUNTY. 291
and I say it again, and I know what Mr. M 
said, and what we aU want — we want democrats to
congregate at Johnstown, and it is a, Congregational
Convention." Joshua was in earnest in whatever
he undertook, and seconded by the efforts of Lieut.
Bernard Fields usuaUy carried his points. He was
noted as tavern-keeper, merchant and horse-trader,
and was always " bobbing around."
In addition to the prominent citizens enumerated
as having held official positions, we may mention
the Swingleys, from Hagerstown, Md., Sam. Liv
ingston, Henry Weatherby, Anson Prouty, Wm.
Faris, Wm. Gordon, Benjamin Corwin, Alex. WU
son, Jonathan OUn, Wm. Lavering, Caleb Barton,
H. P. Eldrige, C. Sapp, Wm. Linn, B. O. Pitman,
David Ewers, Ebenezer Hartwell, B. and E. Lyon,
Ben. Hathaway and Thomas Morrison.
In 1830, FrankUn had over 16,000 acres of land
upon the tax list, and the census then showed only
800 inhabitants. In 1840, the inhabitants num
bered 1,343, and in 1850, 1,456.
Upon the organization of this township, Wm.
Van Buskirk, a Justice of the Peace within the
territory, who had been re-elected in 1822, contin
ued the functions until again elected in 1824. In
1824; John Truax was elected. In 1827, David
Shaw was elected, and subsequently re-elected over
and over again ; and when the townslup was car
ried into Morrow county, it took the old Justice
along to keep it straight. H. W. Strong was elected
in 1834, and re-elected in 1837. Wm. Van Bus
kirk was elected in 1840, re-elected in 1843, and

292 HISTORY OF
again in 1846 ; and during his term of service the
connection with Knox was severed.
Bloomfield Township was created June 23d, 1817,
and received its name in this wise : Several of the
settlers were at the house of Sheldon Clark early
in the Spring, talking about the new township,
when John Blinn caUed attention to the coming
of flowers upon the beautiful mound that they
stood upon, and suggested that, as the field was in
bloom, it should be caUed Bloomfield, which was
accordingly done.
Benjamin H. Taylor was the first Uster of prop
erty for taxation and made his return June, 1818,
receiving an order for $5 for his services.
The family of Artemas Swetland emigrated to
this State in 1808, and in 1812 located in this part
of the county, where their name has ever since
existed. The next earliest settlers were the Clarks, Walker
Lyon, Preston Hubbell, Seth Nash, John Helt,
Wm. Ayres, John BUnn, Dr. BUss, Samuel Whit
ney, Lucius French, Stephen Marvin, Samuel Mead,
Lemuel Potter — aU industrious and substantial men.
The Clarks — RosweU, Sheldon and Marshal, were
sons of Daniel Clark, of New Haven co., Ct.
Lyon, Hubbell, Nash, Whitney, French, Marvin
and Mead, were also from that county. Helt and
Ayres were from Washington co., Pa.
The first post office established was called Clark's
M Roads, at the intersection of the road from
Johnstown to New Haven with the road from Mt.
Vernon to Delaware— a central point — being 13
mUes from Berkshire, Mt, Vernon, ChestervUle

KNOX COUNTY. 293
and Johnstown, The post office was subsequently
styled Bloomfield.
The next was Sparta, upon the old State road
from Mansfield via Frederick to Sunbury and Co
lumbus, It is considerable of a trading point.
From 1840 to 1850 much mechanical and manu
facturing was carried on. Benjamin Chase erected
quite a large woolen manufactory and ran it for
several years ; upon his death the works stopped.
Charles Osborne was the last at the business ; he
moved to Mt. Gilead and has since gone west, some
where. Elisha Cook now operates a steam saw
and grist miU in the old factory buildings.
In 1817 there were only 16 voters. In 1840, the
population had increased to 1,252; and in 1850,
1,395. Of the first settlers Sheldon and Roswell Clark,
Walker Lyon, Stephen Marvin, Samuel Mead, A.
W. and Giles and F. M. Swetland are yet Uving.
RosweU Clark came to the country in 1816, with
his wife. They have had three children — Daniel,
now in Xenia ; Eliza married John Barr, in Bloom
field ; Rev. Wesley died at West Liberty, two years
ago, aged 46 years. He was a preacher of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and a man of much
worth ; his widow and children live in Bloomfield.
Sheldon Clark was married when he emigrated, in
1819, and has two daughters— Victorine P., mar
ried Floyd Sears ; and Rebecca Jane, C. B. Jack
son. Preston Hubbell is dead, and his three chil
dren are in the west. Lucius French is dead ; his
son, Andrew, and daughter, Emeline,Uve in Bloom
field.

294 HISTORY OF
John Helt survives with two children — Casper,
a son, in Bloomfield ; and Lafayette, a soldier in
the army. Wm. Ayres is dead, and left no chil
dren. Walker Lyon, in his 73d year, is in Bloom
field with his son. Smith. He has two daughters
Uving — Harriet, wife of Rowland Rogers ; and
Sally Jane, wife of James Howe, of Fredericktown.
Samuel Whitney died leaving two children —
Wheeler, in Bloomfield ; and Samuel, near Berk
shire. Seth Nash is dead, and his children, three
in number, are in the west. Artemas Swetland is
dead ; his three boys — Augustus W., FuUer M.,
and Seth, and his daughter, Mrs. Wm. Shurr, are
Uving. Lemuel Potter moved into Bloomfield in
1819 from southern Ohio ; he is dead, and left eight
children — Cassandra lives in Bloomfield, Lemuel,
jr., in Urbana, and two of the boys are doctors in
Wayne. Among the early items of this township was the
separation of a man and wife, by public notice
given, as follows: "By mutual consent James C.
and Rebecca Wilson, of Bloomfield township, Knox
county, have this day (Oct. 21st) agreed to dissolve
as being man and wife."
Stephen Marvin is living. He had three chil
dren ; two survive — Charlotte, widow of Wesley
Clark ; and Eliza, wife of Dr. Page.
The first brick house in this township was built
in 1823, by RosweU Clark, a two story building in
which he has so long resided. The first frame
house was the two story frame in which Sheldon
Clark resides, built in 1828. Prior to these houses
they, like other settlers, lived in log cabins. The

KNOX COUNTY. 295
Clarks burnt the first Ume in this township on log-
heaps. The price then was fifty cents per bushel
unslacked— just double the present rate. Since
that they have burnt many kUns, and made their
support and fortunes. For many years they fur
nished the greater part of the lime used at Mount
Vernon for building and other purposes.
Among the objects of sympathy, at an early day,
was Samuel CoUinfare, a poor little hunchback and
ricketed spinner, who traveled from house to house
and spun for the citizens. He was a native of the
Isle of Man, and made his first appearance about
1819. The dwarf never would work for wages, but
for clothes and food — was good society — well in
formed, and ever cheerfully greeted where he called.
A few years since E. W. Cotton, obeying the
prompting of a generous heart, erected a monument
in the burying ground to mark the spot where his
mortal remains were laid.
The first church in this township was the Metho
dist Epi.scopal, at Bloomfield, on Clark street, as it
is called ; it was erected in 1839. The next Metho
dist Episcopal Church was built at Sparta in 1846.
In 1816 the Christian Church was put up in
Sparta. These churches are frame buildings. The
first preacher in the township was Thomas Kerr,
Methodist. A good man — long since departed.
About 1817 Rev.  Cooper, Methodist, officiated
in the township ; he is also dead. They were both
local preachers.
The Rev.  Britton, about 1817, preached the
Christian or Campbelite doctrine. Rev. James
Smith, about the same time, was a voice crying

296 HISTORY OF
aloud in this wilderness the same gospel truths.
They also have passed hence.
In 1850 the Wesleyan Methodists erected a small
church about one and a half miles west of Sparta,
at which the noted Edward Smith preached until
he died at Harmony in 1859 ; his body Avas inter
red in the Bloomfield burying ground. The present
preachers are John T. KeUum and Wm. Conant,
Methodist Episcopal ; Rev.  Bainam, Wes
leyan Methodist. The last Christian minister was
the Rev. J. W. Marvin.
The Rev.  Cleaver, a Cumberland Presby
terian minister of BeUviUe, occasionaUy holds forth
in this township.
The first white person to die in Bloomfield town
ship was Marshal Clark, brother of Sheldon and
Roswell, who died in 1816.
Bloomfield deserves more than a passing notice
for the respect shown to the dead. The cemetery
is a sacred spot — neat and tastily kept. It is one
mile north of Clark street, and contains many neat
and costly monuments.
The trustees of the township have, from its first
selection, had its keeping in charge, and they de
serve credit for its management.
The first store in this township was kept by 
Carpenter. The second by Dr. A. W. Swetland,
who is yet in business at Sparta.
The other parties selUng goods at Sparta are
Chase & Co., the brothers Wm., John & E. Byron,
L. Swetland, and Antipas Dexter ; and a stock of
goods is kept at Bloomfield by Mann Lyon.

KNOX COUNTY, 297
Among the residents of Bloomfield are the Con-
ways, Widow Charlotte Conway, who died in
1859, moved from Fauquier co., Va., with her sons
Joseph, Wm. and John, Joseph married a daugh
ter of Wm, Sanford in 1842 ; Wm. Uves near Mt.
Liberty, and John in Knox co., Missouri. The
ManviUes, the Barrs, the Sanfords, Lovelands, Shel-
dons, Burkholders, Searses, Ashleys, Craigs, Throck-
mortons and Higginses, are also among the weU
known names.
The Cottons were among the early settlers and
as such deserving of notice at our hands, more espe
ciaUy since the name continues in the county and
is familiar to our people. Harris W. Cotton, one
of the commissioners of Fayette co., Pa., entered a
section of land in Bloomfield, and upon his return
home, while preparing to move, died. His sons,
Emmet W. and Harris, brought out the mother
and family. The old lady died in Union county
in June, 1851, of cancer. The children were Nancy,
wife of James Thompson, in MiUbrd; Mary, wife
of Michael Cramer, in Union county ; Pamelia,
wife of Elijah Crable, in Liberty; .John W. in
West BrownsviUe, Pa. ; Harris W. vviio died in
Liberty in 1835, Emmet W. in Mt. Vernon ; Louisa,
wife of Thomas Merrill, who died about 1852 in
Columbus, 111. ; Charlotte, wife of Robert Butler,
who also died in Hlinois ; and Elizabeth, first wife
of M. Cramer, who died in Clinton township about
1833. The main dependence for errands and chores
of the family, in early times, was Emmet, who has
often carried two bushels of wheat on horseback to
Mt, Vernon and exchanged it for one pound of

298 HISTORY OF
coffee. At that time the only improvements on the
road to Norton's mill were, first, a Uttle clearing of
 Higgins ; the next at the old Norton farm,
now owned by Frazier ; the next at Chapman's ;
next an old cabin, on the Gotshal place, where 
Wolford lives ; and these were all on the now
thickly settled road from Bloomfield to Mt. Vernon.
Idon V. Ball, born in Brownsville, Pa., in 15^05,
married Catharine Woods, of that place ; moved
to Bloomfield in Sept., 1841, and settled on the
place he has since resided upon. He has had one
daughter and eight sons ; six of his boys now sur
vive. For twenty years he has been engaged in
farming and entertaining the pubUc. Many a
waj^aring man has fared sumptuously at his stand,
and many have been the happy parties of pleasure-
seekers from Mt. Vernon and other points, who
have been liosj)itably entertained by Mr. Ball and
his excellent lady.
William McKinstry and John Brocaw are among
the prominent farmers of Bloomfield, both from
Hunterton county. New Jersey, and came to Knox
county with the family of Matthias McKinstry, in
1831. John Lincweaver came in 1827, and still lives in
it, with a considerable family. Harvey Lounsbery
is another old settler. Antipas and Chauncey
Dexter, good millwrights, are also among the pres
ent inhabitants.
Thomas Osborne and his wife Olive, emigrated
from Rhode Island in 1818. He died in 1853, in
his 74th year ; she is at the old homestead, in her
74th year. They had nine children. Those now

KNOX COUNTY. 299
living are all in Bloomfield, but OriUa, wife of
.Jesse Severe, in Liberty. John H. married Nancy
Severe ; James M., Sophia Thatcher ; Amanda is
the wife of David Coyle ; Sarah Ann the wife of
John Dustin; Wm. N. married Harriet Dustin,
and George R., Purilla Roberts. The old gentle
man had been a sailor and soldier, and did good
service in his day and generation.
Samuel Westbrook was a good rough carpenter
and joiner; he moved to Michigan, and is now
dead. The Westbrooks were among the old set
tlers of this township ; none of the name now live
in Knox county.
An aeronaut, by the name of F. H. Westbrook,
met with a terrible end on the 4th of July, 1862;
There was a large concourse of peojtle at Sparta, in
commemoration of the national anniversary, who
were addressed by Rev. MiUs Harrod, W. L. Bane,
and A. Banning Norton, and at 5 o'clock p. M., as
previously announced, a balloon went up with
Westbrook to the distance of perhaps five hundred
feet, when it burst in pieces and fell to the earth,
kiUing the reckless navigator. It was a miserable
rotten old fabric, and was the most foolhardy
operation we have ever witnessed. About three
thousand people were, estimated to have been
present, witnessing the sad termination to an
otherwise joyful occasion. What a sudden transi
tion from life to death ! Within five minutes of
the time he ascended, waving his hat amid the
hurrahs and shouts of the people, he fell a corpse,
leaving a wife and several children to mourn his
exit. For their benefit B. L. Swetland at once

300

HISTORY OF

started a subscription, which was liberaUy responded
to by good citizens.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

June 23d, 1817, the Court of Common Pleas
aUowed Bloomfield one justice, to be elected at tie
house of Timothy Smith, and Matthew Marvin
was chosen in 1818.

1819.

Walker Lyon.

1824.

James Thompson.

1822.

it tl

1827.

R. Clark.

1820.

John Manville.

1833.

James Thompson.

1823.

Stephen Dodd.

1837.

John Beehee.

1824.

David Bliss.

1840.

.( it

1827.

John Manville.

1836.

James Shumate.

1830.

(( it

1844.

Jacoh J. Thompson,

1834.

David Bliss.

1846.

Wheeler Ashley.

1837.

tl It

1848.

Charles M. Eaton.

1840.

tt tt

1843.

Jared Irvine.

1846.
it tt
KNOX COUNTY. 301

CHAPTER XXV,
StCHAMORE — AND THE TWO LAST SYCHAMORES.
^" September Ith, 1815, on petition, Morgan town
ship is divided and the east part of it is placed into
a township caUed Sychamore." Such is the brief
entry upon the journal showing a name now un
known. On the 15th of September, 1815, an election was
held at the school house, in the township of Sycha
more, for the purpose of electing three Trustees and
a Township Clerk. Jacob Simons, WilUam Clay-
pool and Jonathan Hunt, sr., were the Judges, and
.John H. Simons and Alpheus Chapman, Clerks.
WilUam Bair, Jonathan Hunt, jr., and Lemuel
Chapman were elected Trustees and John Mott, jr..
Clerk. At the election on the 10th of October 17 votes
were cast, and among the number we find Riverius
NeweU, Otis Warren, Samuel Rowley, Gideon
Mott, Riverius Newell, jr., Aaron Hill, Abner HiU,
Alpheus Chapman and James Miller.
Of these parties but two now live, viz : Aaron
HiU and Jonathan Hunt; both over fourscore
years on earth.
The name of Sychamore, as a Township, is known
to scarcely a man in the county at this time. When,
or how it came to be lost the records give no infor
mation, except in the little extract at the head of

302 HISTORY OF
this page ; there is no mention of it on official
records. Of Jas. Miller's family — J. W.,the old merchant
in Mt. Vernon, who married Mary Bryant ; Madi
son, of Miller, who married Mary Harris ; Henry
H., John F., Dr. Volney and Dana, were the boys.
Mrs. Rosannah Sanford, Mrs. Harriet Knox, Mrs.
Sally Sanderson and Mrs. Lucinda EUis are Uving,
and Mary is dead. The Chapmans, Motts, War
ren, Bair, Simons, Claypool and Newell, have not
one of their blood within the county limits. In
1812 Riverius Newell and Aaron Hill were black
smiths in Mt. Vernon.
Jonathan Hunt, born in Somerset co., N. J., Oct.
23d, 1780, moved from Western Virginia to this
county in 1806, and settled where he now lives.
He learned the trade of wagon making of his
father, and also worked as a gun-smith, and at this
day works at the latter branch. After he located
he did much work for the Indians, until the war
broke out. In August, 1812, he started with the
troops, under Maj. Kratzer, for the frontier, and
upon reaching Mansfield was set to repairing guns
with Andy Blair, from Belmont co., at $1 each per
day and regular soldier's pay. They put up a little
shop at Beum's mill, on the Rocky Fork of Mo
hican, and he recollects that Rufner called to see
him the morning of the day that he was killed by
the Indians. He was working there when Copus'
family was attacked and Copus killed. A fter three
weeks work he rejoined the company, and contin
ued with them until discharged. When he first
settled in this county he went to Bowling Green,

KNOX COUNTY. 303
below Newark, and bought grain and got it chop
ped there ; and he afterwards went to Kerr's mill
with his grist. When he moved here he had but
one child, and his wife has had 11 children — four
of whom are living in Pleasant township, and one
in Illinois. In 1822-3 Jonathan lived in Mount
Vernon and worked at wagon and plow making,
&c. His wife, Honor Wells, born in Washington
CO., Pa., and of the old Wells and Dodridge fam
iUes so widely known, is yet living in her 79th year.
Aaron Hill was born near Boston, Mass., emi
grated to this county in 1811, and shared in the pri
vations and toils of life in a new country. During
his long residence he has worked as a carpenter
and joiner, a blacksmith, and a farmer, and has,
with true Yankee instinct, lent a hand at whatever
work the wants of the country required. At the
advanced age of 84 years he resides in Mt. Vernon,
spending the evening of a well spent life in the so
ciety of friends. Of his family of five, Norman N.
is the sole survivor. These twain — the last of the
Sychamores — may their days be many in the land
they sought out more than a half century ago.

304 HISTORY OF

CHAPTER XXVI.
MIDDLE BUEY TOWNSHIP.
On the 8d of December, 1823, this township was
established, and the first election was held at the
house of Luther Bateman, in April, 1824. It is
now the north-west corner of Knox, and on the
score of improvement, the beauty of the country,
and the intelligence of its inhabitants, ranks first.
Its principal settlers at every period have been
Friends, from Maryland and Virginia ; and the
influence of the Quaker element has been highly
salutary. The increase of population and wealth
has been steady. In 1830 the inhabitants num
bered 705, and the amount of land returned for
taxation was 13,000 acres ; in 1840 there were 1,002
inhabitants ; in 1850, 1,092 ; and in 1860, 1,040.
The villages of Batemantown and Waterford are
points for trading operations ; the latter is quite a
thriving little town, having the advantage of mills
in its neighborhood. Here Josiah Fawcett and
John Lavering for many years were rivals in busi
ness, competitors for the post-office, and the promi
nent men of their respective parties. When the
Whigs were in power, Josiah held the post-office ;
and when the Democrats ruled, he was out and
John in. The post-office and its name were mooted

W"" TiiK-ilev Arcl.*.

Middleton, Sti-ohridge &C9 lilho! Cin.O.

ASCENSION HALL

KNOX COUNTY. 305
points in Middlebury. The Laverings were old
settlers of this section. Of the old stock, Daniel
and Mary were here in 1813 ; she died October 24,
1846, aged 85. Several of the name are in the
county at this date ; John is yet selling goods at
Waterford. Samuel Wilson and Thomas Townsend emigra
ted from Frederick, Md., in 1808. The former is
dead, and his son Joseph resides in Indiana ; the
latter died March 18, 1859, aged 78, on the farm
where he had resided over fifty years. Amos and
Wm. Farquhar were early Maryland emigrants,
and David and Robert Ewers from Virginia. The
Wrights and Lewises, David Eaves, Jacob Zulman,
Samuel Willett, the Comforts, Jesse Vore, Jesse
Stevens, the Batemans, the Cravens, the Wagoners,
the Grahams, the Fiddlers, the McPhersons, the
Van Buskirks, the Walterses, have been long resi
dents of this township. Josiah Fawcett, the old
merchant, is in partnership with his son, in a store
in Fredericktown.
Among the citizens of this part of the county in
1819, were William Watkins, from Stoney Creek,
Somerset county. Pa. ; Warren Owen, from Ver
mont, who emigrated about 1817 ; Philo Doolittle
and Zebulon Ashley, also from New England.
Asahel Ashley, only son of Zebulon, is Uving in
Missouri; and his son-in-law, Frisbee Owen, also
Uves there.
Charles Strong emigrated from Frederick county,
Md.; he died in 1850. Mrs. Strong is Uving. Of
their eight chUdren, the foUowing survive : G. W.
20

306 HISTORY OF
and Lewis, at Fredericktown ; John W., sheriff of
Richland county ; Peter, station agent, BeUvUle ;
and Mrs. Mary Parke, of Mt. Vernon.
The Denman family is one of the oldest and best
in Middlebury and Chester. James Johnson, the
old Justice, died a few years ago, leaving a consid
erable family in this township ; his son Orlin is a
prominent citizen. Lawrence Van Buskirk is an
other noted citizen, having served as State Senator.
.lames Martin and his family have long occupied
a front position among the good citizens ; he has
lived in the county since 1811.
Jacob Ebersole was an eccentric old settler, of
miserly disposition, who lived close and mean to
accumulate money to look at. After his death,
over $2000 in coin was found hidden away by him
— some under an old anvil block in a smith shop,
and another lot in an old chest, under some rub
bish. SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
The first Justice in 1824 was James Johnson,
who was regularly re-elected and served until 1848.
The second was James Graham, elected in 1831,
and served three terms. In 1842 Stephen McPher
son was elected, and re-elected in 1845. Ezra
Marvin and John W. Loofborow were elected in
1848, and re-elected in 1851 ; G. Wash. Ewers and
Thomas Craven in 1852 ; Daniel Ayres in 1855 ;
and at the same time J. D. Burke, who was re
elected in 1858, and again in 1861 ; Isaac Lynde
in 1858, and re-elected in 1861.

KNOX COUNTY. 307

CHAPTER XXVII.
BERLIN TOWNSHIP.
This township received its name from some of
its earliest settlers having emigrated from Berlin,
Connecticut. It was created March 9th, 1825.
Stephen Cole proposed the name. Among the first
voters were A. H. Royce, Ed. Richardson, the
Markleys, George Wolford, James Traer, John
Brown, Sr., Jno. C. Brown, John and Peter Kere-
gher, Fred. Ogg, Jeremiah Brown, Richard and
Asael Roberts, John Long, Jacob Leady, Joseph
Lane, Daniel Hedrick, the Joslins, and John
Moltzbaugh. Palmyra, during the days of our vassalage to
stage and wagon transportation, was its sole town,
and for many years a noted place of refreshment
for man and beast, voyaging by mud or snow from
Mt. Vernon to Mansfield. Since the construction
of the raUroad, it has dUapidated.
The township in 1830 had 520 inhabitants, and
11,674 acres of land were entered on the tax list,
at a value of |34,724. In 1840, the population
numbered 1,100 ; in 1850, 1,156 ; and in 1860,
1,012. Ankenytown, or " Squeal," as it is more com
monly called for the sake of euphony, is noted from
the fact that when the steam-horse first made his

308 HISTORY OF
appearance there, his " squeal " so terribly alarmed
the natives that they came out armed capapie with
gun and blunderbuss to capture him, and some
worthy German denizens attempted to stop his
travel on the iron track by tearing up the rails ;
the history of which fully and at large appears in
the records of Knox Common Pleas.
ShalerviUe, so caUed from Shaler's MiUs, is quite
a trading point, where Henry W. Greggor officiates
as Postmaster and Merchant.
Among the earliest settlers in this tovmship were
the Robertses, Richardsons, Wrights and Far
quhars — aU Friends, and from Maryland ; the
Browns, Pinkleys, Leedys, Hedricks, Coles, Wm.
Van Horne, Peter Wolf, David McDaniel and
Henry Markley, an intelligent Pennsylvania Ger
man, and his brother-in-law, Michael Harter.
Markley had been a merchant, and was a quick
and sprightly business man, and hence was selected
for one of the first Commissioners. He was gen
erous, and well Uked by the people.
John Lewis and his family, Quakers, were here
in 1808. November 14th, 1857, John, Jr., died.
Casper Fitting, in 1808, Uved with his famUy on
the place, since known as the Harter stand. He is
dead, and his sons, Frederick and Solomon, are liv
ing ; the former a successful merchant at Bellville.
The Harters are worthy of special notice. Their
tavern, at an early day, was the best in northern
Ohio. The old people were kind and hospitable,
and the society of the amiable Miss Christina made
it uncommonly interesting for sleighing and other
parties. The fame of Aunt Christina's cookery.

KNOX COUNTY.

309

pronounced by connoiseurs the best, caused travel
ers to ride long mUes after night to get there. The
Barters moved to Canton, where some of their de
scendants reside.
In 1849, a Postoffice was established at the resi
dence of Richard Roberts, Esq., caUed " Maple
Grove," and he was appointed Postmaster, and con
tinued as such tiU 1860, when it was discontinued
by his request.
Among the present settlers, we find Joseph
Baker and vdfe, who emigrated from Virginia in
1819, the ElUotts, Joel and Amos, the Gibsons, the
Foots, the Dennises, and the Loves. Amos H.
Royce, the first Justice, is yet living in the enjoy
ment of health and plenty. We can not but com
mend the character of Henry MiUer, Esq., the up
right man ; Alexander Menzie, the energetic old
Scotchman ; and others we might name, had we
the space. SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

1821.

Amos H. Royce was
'30, '33.

elected, an

d re-elected in ISS

1823.

Richard Roberts.

1848.

George Shaffer.

1836.

Elijah McGregor.

1849.

Gideon Elliott.

1836.

George Ankeny.

1850.

Joseph Ankeny.

1839.

"

1853.

tl

1842.

"

1852.

Michael Hess.

1838.

Alex. Menzie.

1855.

J. C. Auten.

1838.

J. N. Richardson.

1856.

Alfred Royce.

1841.

<(

1858.

Joseph Ankeny.

1841.

Joel Elliott.

1859.

James Comings.

1844.

Richard Roberts.

1859.

J. W. Condon.

1S4S.

Henry Miller.

1860.

George Irwin.

1847.

Alfred Royce.

1862.

Issacher Rowby.

310 HISTORY OP

CHAPTER xxvrn.
BROWN TOWNSHIP.
This township was laid out March 9, 1825, and
" attached to Jefferson until it shall be ascertained
that there is inhabitants enough in Brown to have
it organized." March 6, 1826, " ordered by the
Commissioners that Brown be hereafter considered
a separate and distinct township, and the election
be held at the house of Josias Ewing, for township
officers, on the first Monday of April, and Jefferson
be henceforth attached to Union." The name was
given to perpetuate the memory of Major-General
Jacob Brown, the hero of Chippewa and Fort Erie,
who had but recently become commander-in-chief
of the U. S. Army.
The first post-office, caUed Phifer's x Roads, was
where Brownsville now is, and of late has borne the
name of Jelloway, after the stream of this locality.
The present merchants are, Wm. Patton, Sam'l
Beeman, Pinckley & Watz ; doctors, E. Booth, L.
D. Whitford; wagonmakers, Thomas Thompson,
Emanuel Storer ; blacksmiths. Smith & Hagerman,
D. Thompson ; tailor, F. Schuch ; shoemakers, E.
Waddle, W. Stull and Knee ; tavern, Mrs. Phifer;
tanner, Henry Frazier ; gunsmith, Henry Raisin ;
grocer, J. H. Burriss. The Methodists have a
meeting-house, wherein Rev. Mr. Ball preaches.
In 1840 the inhabitants of Brown numbered
1,204 ; in 1850, 1,535 ; and in 1860, 1,440.

KNOX COUNTY. 311
The most numerous families in this township are
the McKees, Waddles, Halls and Blairs, descend
ants of early settlers, who cleared the way for the
present. Charles McKee emigrated from Ireland, with
fourteen chUdren, about 1808. Alexander McKee
settled in this county in 1809 ; he resides on his
old place on Big Jelloway, Avhere was once an In
dian camp ; and when he first settled there, sixty-
five Indians called at his hut, drank methegliu with
him, and they had a jovial time all round.
The HaUs, Sovernses, Pinkertons, Waddles, and
Stewards have also been plenty in Brown. John
Carghuan (pronounced Carnahan) was a wild
Irishman of much note about 1826 ; he was a
warm-hearted, impulsive creature; and "faith, an'
he was a knowledgeable mon." Many anecdotes
are quoted of him, which we have not room to
produce. .Jacob Phifer from Strasburg, Germany, located
iu this township in 1818, when all was wild and
new. He died Oct. 9, 1846, aged 89. He had
served ten years a soldier in Europe, three years in
the Revolutionary War, and three months in the
war of 1812. The old soldier was the father of
Freeman. .John, .James and Michael.
James Blair, our old friend, "God bless you,"
was one of the early stock. In 1816 he tended the
old ShrimpUn miU ; moved to Brown in 1820, and
has boon ono of its most prominent men, having
served as justice long enough to entitle him to
vote, and his decisions have been generaUy approved
of by his feUow citizens. He has been engaged m

312 HISTORY OF
milling, farming, raising children, writing "poetry"
and making himself generally useful. His mem
ory will endure in Brown forever.
Zephaniah Wade, who commanded a company
of Riflemen from Loudon co., Va., in 1777, moved
to this county in October, 1816, with his son,
Thomas. Zephaniah and his wife, Irene Longley,
are both dead. J. J. SkiUings has been one of the
most active business men.
There have been a few small mUls on Big JeUo-
way from its early settlement, but the want of
water, during the year, has caused some of them to
suspend. Ernor Barret's grist miU was built about
1833, and is yet in operation. It is run by an
overshot wheel 16 feet high. Thomas Wade has a
saw mill 2J miles above it run by an overshot
wheel 30 feet high. A set of carding machines
have also been run at this stand. The mills of
James Blair, Ab. Whitney, and Joseph HaU have
gone into dilapidation and decay.
.Jacob Roof and his wife Polly, Jacob Darrow
and Wm. Prior, Jacob Baugh, Daniel Worley and
Richard Deakins, were old settlers.
SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
Samuel Barkhurst was the first, and Josias Ewing succeeded
him in 1826.
1830. James McMillen ; re-elected in 1833.
1831. James Blair; re-elected in 1834, '37, '40, '43, '46, '49.
1837. Thomas Wade; re-elected in 1840 and 1844.
184'i. John W. Gurberson.
1846. Wm. Soverns: re-elected in 1850.
1850. Joseph Pinkley; re-elected in 1853 and 1857.
1852. Solomon C. Workman.
1854. John Hicks.
1856. J. W. Leonard ; re-elected in 1859 and 1862.

KNOX COUNTY. 313

CHAPTER XXIX.
JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP.
The township bearing the honored name of Presi
dent Jefferson, after having served a tutelage of
several years composing a portion of the bailiwick
of Brown, is, in 1829, at the March term of the
Commissioners, declared a "distinct Township,"
and an election is ordered for township officers the
1st Monday of April, 1829, at the house of Andrew
Lockard. Its metes and bounds had been pre
scribed on the 9th of March, 1825, but from lack
of population an organization was not then effected.
The Mohican river passes through this township,
furnishing several mill seats. In 1830, it contained
311 inhabUants ; in 1840, 994 ; in 1850, 1,484 ; and
in 1860, 1,458. In this as other eastern town
ships, the names of a few families predominate.
The Greers, the Critchfields, the Sapps, the Hib-
bitses, the Frosts, the Schultzes, the Bakers, are
to be met Avith on almost every hiU. The
Critchfields and Sapps we have elsewhere spoken
of. The Greers are mainly descendants of that
noble old patriarch John Greer, who was a native
of the Emerald Isle, and was what is called an Irish
patriot. Possessed of a powerful constitution and
vigorous intellect, he took a prominent position

314 HISTORY OF
among the pioneers. He was particularly efficient
in the military line, and raised a company for ser
vice in the war of 1812. He did much to promote
the formation of companies in the eastern town
ships. He was from 1812 to 1817 CoUector of
Taxes, in 1830 Representative, and for many years
Justice of the Peace, and during his life a very
useful citizen. For thirty years some of the Greer
name have officiated as Justices in this township.
Among its most valued citizens have been Alexan
der, late County Treasurer, and father of the pres
ent Treasurer, Robert, Richard, Silas, Mark, James,
"big Jim" and "little Jimmy." Capt. Jack Mel
ton, Aaron Mathene, Andrew Mckee, Ephraim
McMillen, Jacob Shiner and George Greer, were
also old settlers.
Jacob Colopy has resided in this township since
1825. He is a son of Timothy, a native of Ireland,
who emigrated from Virginia in 1813. Jacob mar
ried a daughter of George Sapp, in 1825. They
have eight children — five now living in the eastern
part of Knox. John Hibbets, Joseph Critclifield,
-Josiah Trimbly, Matthew Davidson, Charles MU
ler were also much respected.
In this township there are two post offices —
Greersville and Nonpareil. Greersville Avas estab
lished about 1848, and the post masters have been
Robert Greer and Alexander Greer. Nonpareil is
at Mt. Holly, and was established in 1819. Its
post masters have been Robert Long, A. Gardner,
John Critchfield and A. Gardner.

KNOX COUNTY. 315
In early times there were many insects and rep
tiles of great annoyance to the early settlers.
Among other evidences of the fact is the following
comical affair related by a citizen of this town
ship : Old John Daily and Alex. DarUng got up a
bet of a quart of Avhisky about the ability of a man
to stand black ants, ticks and aU else, save gallinip-
pers, Avithout flinching. Daily, accordi ngly , to show
it could be done, stripped off his clothes and laid
down on his face in the sand, where the ants were
thick, and Darling Avas to keep the gallinippers off.
After laying there several minutes Darling let
three or four gallinippers on his bare back, but
DaUy did not flinch for them — then determined to
win his bet he whispered to one of the spectators
to bring him a coal of fire, which was got and put
on him, but Daily let the live coal roast his flesh
for fifteen minutes without ever flinching, and
with his muscles firm bore it together with the ants
and gallinippers until the half hour was up, and
won the quart of whisky.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1825. Jas. Henderson. 1855. Robert Greer.
1829. " " 1838. Josiah Frost. •
1829. John Greer. 1854. "
1832. " " 1857. "
1835. James Greer. 1837. James Witherow.
1838. Joseph Sapp. 1840.
1840. James Greer. 1843.
1842. AlfX. Greer. 1846. "
]g45 << " 1857. James Greer.
2843 tt " 1858. Charles Miller.
jggl^ it " 1860. James Greer.
1849. Robert Greer. 1861. Charles Miller.
1852. "

316 HISTORY OF

CHAPTER XXX.
MONROE TOWNSHIP.
This township was created March 9th, 1825, and
favored with the name of President Monroe. The
surface of the country is -broken ; it is well watered
and thickly timbered ; and its citizens have gen
erally been noted for their unflinching democracy
and their strict attention to home affairs. The
population in 1830 was 437, and the acres Usted
for taxation 13,455. In 1840, it contained 1,258
inhabitants ; in 1850, 1,824 ; and in 1860, 1,084.
The principal place of business is Monroe Mills,
where Davis and the Boyntons for many years sold
goods, bought produce, and had a post-office estab
lished in 1849. Schenck's Creek, passing through
the east part, has on it several saw and grist miUs.
At a very early period James Smith ran a miU
upon it; and Jacob Davis, another very useful citi
zen, erected and operated until his death a good
miU, which is yet carried on. This stream took its
name from Gen. W. C. Schenck, who OAvned the
lands subsequently improved by Captain Coleman,
David Johnson, the Irelands, and others. In 1817,
he sold a large part of his tract to various settlers,
who made substantial improvements.
The Colemans were early settlers. Joseph emi
grated from Fayette county. Pa., in March, 1806,

KNOX COUNTY. 317
and lived that year south of Mount Vernon, across
the creek, and the next year moved to the place
Avhere he died, in 1830, aged 56, Of his children,
Ichabod is the only one now in this county ; Joe
is Uving in Nebraska, William in Indiana, and
Jess, is dead.
The Rev. WiUiam Thrift and his family were
also among the earliest and best settlers,
Charles Lauderbaugh, of Pennsylvania, in 1828,
emigrated to this township, and resided there until
his death, in 1854. He- had 12 children ; now
living, John, Henry, Andy and Jesse, NeUy, Mrs.
J. Myers, Louisa, Mrs. C, Wolverton, Rachel, Mrs,
Wm. King, and Rebecca.
In the Ust of justices, will be found the names
of other respected famiUes ; the Dixons, Scotts,
Clementses, Becks, Adamses, Irvines, Boyntons,
Hutchisons, and Craigs will long be held in re
membrance, if not perpetuated by resident descen
dants in future years. And the calculation would
not be complete Avithout enumerating the family
of our old friend Bill Dowds, whose standing salu
tation is, " What's the calculation 1 " There were
also Sam. and Elijah, and their families ; the Mar-
shaUs and Gilcrests.
Peter Skeen emigrated from Montgomery coun
ty, Pa., in 1827 ; he died in 1855, aged 71. He
was an inteUigent and industrious citizen.
The Youngs were among the early settlers of this
township. Isaac Young was born in Fairfield
county, Connecticut, in 1760, and served in the
Revolutionary war ; in 1790 moved to Uniontown,
Pa,, where he lived for many years, and from thence

318 HISTORY OF
to Ohio in 1830, and to Monroe in 1836, where he
resided until his death, in 1842, at the age of 82
years and 19 days.
Col. H. H. Young, of Fayette county. Pa., was
born in 1794 ; married Rachel Shipley, and moved
to Washington county, Pa., and from thence, in
1835, to where he now resides. He is the father
of five boys and five girls. Colonel Young, for his
ardor in Democracy and Methodism, his hickory
pole raisings and marshalship of Democratic pro
cessions, Avill never be forgotten by those who wit
nessed his zeal in the campaigns of 1836, '40, '44.
Col. John Armstrong, a very estimable gentle
man from Jamaica, who died in 1855 ; Lemuel
Holmes, another good man, now living in Iowa :
David Hunt, the Berrys, the Barkers and the Mil
lers, for many years resided in this township. The
name of Hull is also of long standing.
SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1821. Thos. Dixon. 1S56. Joseph Hutchison.
1824. " " 1859.
1826. W. Beck. " James Hutchinson.
1831. Thos. Dixon. 1836. M. N. Scott.
1834. " " 1839.
1838. " " 1843.
1843. " " 1846. " "
1840. Joseph Adams. 1849. " "
1841. Jos. Coleman. 1852. M. N. Scott.
1814. " •' 1846. R. S.Clements.
1847. " " 1849.
1850. " " 1852.
1851. Isaac Irvine. 1855. " "
1854. John Craig. 1858. " "
1855. Henry Boynton. 1861. " "

KNOX COUNTY. 319

CHAPTER XXXI.
PIKE TOWNSHIP.
This township, established June 7th, 1819, was
named after General Pike. The first election was
held the 26th of June, at the house of Michael
Harter. The entire voters in 1822 numbered nineteen.
Their names we give : John Arnold, Robert Ken
nedy, Jacob S wails, Thomas Elwell, Wm. Wright,
Aaron Wilson, John Scoles, Wm. Smith, Philip
Armentrout, Benj. Austin, John Butler, Wm.
Spry, Francis Popham, David Holloway, Thomas
Scoles, John Gordon, Andrew Scoles, Cyrus Mc
Donald, and George Scoles. In 1820, John Ar
nold listed the taxable property, and receiA ed f 5
therefor. Amity was laid out in 1832, and con
tains about 150 inhabitants, among them wagon
makers, Adam Cole, John Scarborough ; tanners,
John Nyrick, Geoyge McClurg ; shoemakers, John
Cain, George Nyrick ; tavern keeper, Newel Dowds.
There are two stores. The post-office is called
" Democracy." There are three churches : Bap
tist, Rev. Arnold, Pastor ; Methodist, Rev. Ball ;
and Deciple. The physicians are E. Mast and W.
E. Edwards.
In 1840, Pike contained 1,216 inhabitants ; in
1850, 1,720 ; and in 1860, 1,454.

320 HISTORY OF
The brothers Bartholomew and John Bartlett,'
natives of Connecticut, emigrated from Pennsylva
nia to linox county in 1808, and were the heads of
numerous families of Bartlett in Knox and Mor
row. The sons of Bartliolomew were WUUam,
David, Hugh, and Leonard ; and the daughters
were Martha, wife of J. C. Irvine, of Mt. Vernon ;
Polly, wife of Samuel Nye ; Betsy, wife of Winn
Winship, and Mrs. Jacob Cooper, deceased. Ed-
Avin, son of William, lives on the old home place
in Morris township ; William Bartlett, carpenter
in Mt. Vernon, is one of the sons of David ; his
other son, Simeon, Uves in the west. Hugh's chil
dren were William F., George, Lafayette, Taylor,
and Mary, Mrs. Shurr of ChestervUle. Leonard's
children were John, George, who married Ellen
Cooper, Helen, Preston, EUzabeth, Josephine.
John, sr.'s, children were Abner, and Mary, Mrs.
.John Richards, who is dead. Abner's chUdren are
T. M. Bartiett, of Mt. Vernon, Sarah, Avife of Rob
ert MaxAveU in Morrow county, John D., of Wayne,
Abner, Joel, Abel, Maria, Avife of John Barber,
Mary, Mrs. Fredericks, Loruma, wife of AlAdn
Casson, all of Morrow county. Of Mrs. Mary
Richards' children, but one child — David, at Sparta
— lives in this State ; the others are in Vermont.
When the old settlers came to Knox they settled
in Clinton and Morris. The Cains — Elias and
James— Avcre early settlers. James now lives in
Holmes county ; Elias and his brother Robert yet
in this toAvnship. The Armstrongs, Johnsons and
Kirkpatricks are citizens of many years. Conrad

KNOX COUNTY.

321

Doub, a native of Frankfort on the Rhine, came to
this county in 1832. He is a good farmer ; has
seven boys Uving, two of whom are in Co, H, 23d
RT3gt. — Conrad and Lewis. John Mahaffey has
since 1833 been a citizen of this township. He
came from Washington county, Pa., learnt the
blacksmith trade Avith his brother Joe, in Mt. Ver
non, and has for many years carried on business in
this township. SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

1819.

Andrew Scoles.

1819.

Robert Silcost.

1820.

Wm. Smith.

1825.

Wm. McNear.

1822.

Bernard Reece.

1823.

Aaron Bixby.

1823.

Wm. Smith.

1827.

Andrew Scoles.

1825.

Bernard Reece.

1830.

Hugh Kirkpatrick.

1825.

Wm. Johnson.

1831.

F. Popham.

1829.

Wm. Smith.

1831.

John Cochran, jr.

1833.

tt tt

1834.

F. Popham.

1834.

John Gordon.

1837.

John Gordon.

1836.

John Cochran.

1837.

J. Y. Barnhard.

1839.

it it

1840.

John Gordon.

1843.

John Gordon.

1842.

Emanuel Wagoner.

1843.

Wm. Arnold.

1846.

Amos Dehaven.

1844.

John Ramsey

1846.

W. W. Minteer.

1847.

>i It

1849.

(( it

1849.

Eli Dickerson.

1852.

a it

1850.

C. P. Frederick.

1853.

R. C. Sweeney.

1852.

Eli Dickerson.

1856.

((( <(

1855.

H. P. Roberts.

1856.

David Braddock.

1855.

J. D. Eammil.

1858.

Sam. Kirkpatrick.

1858.

J. D. Hammil.

1860.

R. C. Sweeney.

1859.

John Wise.

1861.

J. D. Hammil.

21

322 HISTORY OF

CHAPTER XXXII.
HOWARD TOWNSHIP.
In the general reorganization of March 9th, 1825,
this township was formed. The land is generaUy
rolling and well watered by Owl Creek and the
Jelloways, which afford considerable water power.
The Kinderhook MiUs, in the days of EUiott, War
den & Co., did a fine business, and the AdUage of
Kinderhook was quite a noted place.
Howard had 590 population in 1830, and 14,586
acres of taxable land. In 1840, the inhabitants
numbered 990 ; in 1850, 1,002 ; and in 1860, 870.
The Porters emigrated from Maryland in 1816 ;
Thomas J. died in his 83d year. Of his nine chil
dren, the living are Henry T., who married Eliza
Ann Hedington, Samuel, Michael, Harriet, Avife of
Hiram Critchfield. Old 'Squire Porter was an
honest and inteUigent man, who was highly es
teemed by all who knew him. For nine years he
served his neighbors as a justice, and died univer
sally lamented. Dr. Lewis R. is residing in Clin
ton township, much respected for his inteUigence
and worth.
The name of Critchfield has been common in
this and the adjoining townships, and will continue
so. Nathaniel, WiUiam, Joseph, John and Isaac,
five brothers, emigrated from the neighborhood of
Cumberland, Md., to Owl Creek in 1806. Isaac
died shortly after. The others had been soldiers in
the Revolutionary War, and drew pensions until

KNOX COUNTY. 323
their death. Nathaniel married Christina Welker ;
he died about 1837, and she in July, 1840. They
had thirteen children, of whom the foUowing have
been generally knoAATO, Adz : William, Susannah,
wife of Jacob Lepley, Joseph, Catharine, vrife of
Peris Sprague, Jesse, SaUy, wife of Jacob Lybar
ger, Benjamin, Mary, wife of Meshac Casteel, and
Isaac, who died. Wm. Critchfield, Sr., died in
1848. His second wife, who was the Widow Bar
cus, survives. Their children were — Reuben,
Samuel, Betsy Thatcher, DrusUla Thomas, Keziah
Magers, SaUy Critchfield, and James and Benjamin
Barcus. Joseph Critchfield married Peggy Sapp ;
he died in 1843. Of their nine children, we have
the following memoranda : Mary was the second
wife of Col. John Greer ; Elizabeth married Rob
ert Waddle; Catharine, George Lybarger ; Phoebe,
Wm. BeckAvith ; Alvin and WilUam are in Indi
ana ; Isaac in Hardin county ; John in Mt. Holly;
Joseph died in Indiana.
WilUam, son of Nathaniel, married EUzabeth
Troutman, of Somerset co.. Pa., and begat 13 chU
dren. Charles, Reuben, Sam., Hiram, Enoch, who
married Maria Dixon ; Jesse, Mary Horton; Dr. S.
T., Mary Porter, of AUegheny co., Md. ; WUUam
Jackson is dead ; Lucinda married Lewis Lybarger ;
MatUda married John Cassel; DeUlah married
Dr. Mast, and Catharine is at home. Hiram and
Jesse are dead.
From the loins of these old soldiers have sprung
a numerous tribe of athletic and hardy people.
The old set were good marksmen, industrious hus
bandmen, thorough going yeomen, who endured

324 HISTORY OF
great hardships and perils in the " times that tried
men's souls," and left to their hundreds of descen
dants the light of good example, and a just pride
in their well spent Uves.
Uriah Tracy, Marvin Tracy, James Logue, Jas.
Wade, Paul Welker, Ben. Ellis, PhiUp, George, jr.,
and Isaac Dial were of the first settlers. George
Lybarger, sr., George, jr., and Andrew, were among
the first voters in this township, Ludwick Lybar
ger and his sons—Sam., George, Lewis, Joseph and
Jacob, have long been residents. "Old uncle
George" moved west many years ago, and is now
dead ; he was a kind-hearted man of the pioneer
stamp. The Dawsons and McFarlands, ft-om Washing
ton CO., Pa., have resided in this toAvnship since
1835, and have been exceUent citizens. Henry
Eckenrode, a native of Adams co,, Pa., settled in
this township in 1833, and has helped people it.
John Hull has been here since 1820. Here, too,
have lived a numerous family of Durbins, the Trol-
ingers. Horns, Whites, Nicholses, Mario ws, Millers,
Magerses, Berrys, and other most exceUent people,
SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1822. Joseph McMahon. 1841. H. H. McArtor.
1822. Martin Engle. 1844. "
1825. " " 1847. "
1820. Amos Workman. 1850. "
1829. " " 1853.
1831, Ben. Hedington. 1846. Ben. Ellis.
1832. Thos. J. Porter. 1849. E. Marshal.
1835. " " 1852. J. T. Beum.
1838. " " 1855. " "
1832. William Williams. 1858. Sam. Cake.
1835. " " 1859, A.J.Ellis.
1838. " " 1858. Paul Welker.
1840. Ben. Ellis. 1801. "

KNOX COUNTY. 325

CHAPTER XXXIII.
MORRIS TOWNSHIP.
On the 2d of March, 1812, upon petition of sev
eral citizens this township was laid off, and an or
der issued for an election to be held at the house
of Benjamin Rush for township officers. A ma
jority of the early settlers being natives of Morris
county. New Jersey, caused the name of Morris to
be selected. The officers of the election, this year,
were Wm. Douglass, Daniel Cooper, Wm. Thrift,
judges ; James Trimble and John Wheeler, clerks.
The township was listed by N. C. Boalse, who was
paid a $6 county order for his services. At a spe
cial meeting of the Associate Judges, March 14,
1812, three justices were aUoAt-ed to this township
at the election ordered by the Commissioners.
There were fifty voters. James Trimble was cho
sen Township Clerk ; Scott Durbin and James
MiUer, Constables ; and James Loveridge, Treasu
rer. At this period, this may be said to have been
the foremost township in the county. Clinton was
then in its prime, the country around was settled
by the very best kind of people ; the upper branches
of Owl Creek, uniting within its limits, gave them
some of its richest bottom lands for cultivation, and
the flow of emigration brought much substantial
population. At the election of 1816 there were 83

326 HISTORY OF
voters. In 1819, Smith Hadley Usted the township,
and received an |8 order for the same. The fore
going names, together with those in the list of jus
tices, represent many of the most prominent fami
lies in this township from its organization. The
names of Smith, Cooper, Loveridge, Douglass, Bo-
nar, Coleman, Trimble, Thrift, Wheeler, Durbin,
Nye, Ball, Banning and Rush, frequently occur in
these pages in connection Avith events in our past
history. Several of the families have not a single
representative now in the county. The heads of
families have died, and the descendants gone to
other parts. The most active of the CUntonians
long since left the field. Samuel H. Smith, the
head of that settlement, drew around him many
mechanics and laborers ; he was an energetic, in
telligent business man, and has no one of his blood
within the county at this time.
S. H,. Smith, of Erie co., who we observed a few
days since contributed $100 to the war fund of his
township, is the only one of his children in Ohio.
He is a farmer, and the largest tax-payer in that
county, as we have been informed. Ichabod Nye,
brother-in-law of Smith, is dead, as also his wife.
Henry Smith, the Barneys, Glasses, Enoses, Yeo-
mans, Marshals, Harrison and Dickinson, are also
gone. Alexander Enos moved to Richland co.,
and Wm. C. has gone to parts unknown. Ralph
Granger, who sold goods in Clinton in 1815, died
long since.
The Coopers, Carey, Daniel and Elias, were
brothers. In 1809 Daniel moved from Butler co..
Pa., with his family, and was followed shortly after

KNOX COUNTY. 327
by Carey and Elias. The latter was unmarried.
Carey's sons were Charles, EUas, Hugh, John and
Lewis, of whom Charles and John alone survive.
His two daughters are also dead, Daniel had
seven chUdren — Thompson, Wm,, George, Henri
etta, and Julia, Mrs. John Ray, in this county, Jo
siah living in ChiUicothe, Mo., and Mrs. Sarah
Bushfield. Elias Cooper, the old gentleman, is
yet Uving ; another Cooper of the early times was
"cousin Charley;" they were all natives of New
.Jersey. Thompson recoUects how prosperous Clin
ton Avas in 1813, Avith its four taverns Avith their
inviting signs swinging in the breeze — kej^t by Ich
abod Nye, Alfred Manning, John Barney and Sam
uel Yeoman. In the war times whisky flowed
freely doAvn the throats and business was very brisk;
"God's barn" was then the great place of gathering
for devotional purposes. The old settlers have a
lively recollection of the pious labors of father
Scott therein ; when, in the summer time, the hogs
of the whole village collected together under the
floor, which was about two and a half feet ft-om
the ground, and Avould frequently set up such a
grunting and squealing as to render inaudible the
voice of the good minister. It was a great harbor
for fleas, and Capt. Douglass was conspicuous in
the meeting Avith his large feet, bare, endeavoring
to catch the marauders who violated the sanctity
of the place. He moved to the Wabash country
and is dead, as also his son, Aaron ; his daughters-
Sally, Avife of James Rogers ; and Phcebe, wife of
Richard EAvalt, are Uving.
Wm. McCartney and Aaron dug the mUl race

328 HISTORY OF
for Douglass, A sister of Mo, married Enoch
Ogle, who kept tavern in BellviUe, John John
son, father of Tom, the old jailor, is dead. Abed
nego Stevens rests with Shadrach and Meshac, and
Amzie Stevens, of Amazonian frame, whose foot
was sixteen inches and a quarter, died long, long
ago. His skeleton he wished to be preserved as a
model, and hence struck a bargain vrith a doctor
by which he was to have the bones for his museum.
About 1832, Mr. Bicking and another merchant
from Philadelphia, in passing through the country,
discovered his foot-prints in the snow, and got out
and took the measure of the track, having never
seen the like before. Verily he was a monster,
and shook the earth with his majestic tread. Grim
would have been but a small boy beside him. The
children of a future age may exclaim : "There
were giants in those days !" WiUiam MitcheU was
here in 1807. His children were Jacob, Nathaniel,
Abigail, Mrs. John H. Mefford ; Mary, Mrs. John
Young ; Hannah, Mrs. Wm. Mefford, Naomi, wife
of Lewis Young, deceased, now ]\Irs. Thos. Evans ;
Sarah, Mrs. Cyrus Cooper ; John, SUas and Wm.
All no AV live but Nathaniel and Sarah. Nathaniel
was one of the scouting party at the time of Copus'
slaughter, and died in 1813 from disease contracted
by exposure in the Indian campaign. William, sr.,
joined the Baptist Church in 1815, and continued
a member until his death, August 12, 1848, in his
83d year. He was very sociable and much es
teemed. An old heir-loom of this family is in the
possession of Hannah Mefford, being a cup and
saucer of peculiar construction, which belonged to

KNOX COUNTY. 329
her grand-mother, one of the New Jersey matrons
of the revolution. The old China set of the last
century was used by General Washington when
at the old homestead, near Morristown, during the
revolutionary war.
James Loveridge and wife, both Uving, came
from Morris co., N. J., in 1805, and Richard in
1812. The latter was an inventive genius ; he died
several years since. There are many of this name
now in Morris. Philip resides on the old farm of
Richard. Loveridgeisms are peculiarities of ex-
pi-ession in rhyme pertaining to this family. Rich
ard got a patent for a plow in 1828 ; and an exclu
sive right to rhyme in conversation has been
inherited by this family. Long may the old stock
be spared to indulge their proi)ensity for sport in
verse. They have been industrious citizens.
Another Jersey accession includes tlie Ball broth
ers — Hiram, Uzal, Cyrus aud Timothy. Their
father divided equally 1,000 acres of the best OavI
Creek bottom land among them, and for a half
century it has been held and cultivated by the
BaUs. The Ebersole family is another one of the
old stock. Some of the descendants, John, Jacob,
and others, have made valuable citizens. An inci
dent of this township worthy of record occurred in
the time when it was customary to Avarn out of
townships any ncAV comer who was likely to be
come a township charge. One of these settlers, by
the name of Pope, having located within the Umits,
Silas Ball was ordered to warn him out. He re
monstrated against doing so, saying, " God made
man, and he has a right to a place on earth, and if

330 HISTORY OF
Pope is warned out of Morris he may be warned
out of any other township he goes into, and it is
contrary to God's wUl that he should have no
abiding place." The warrant was fixed out and
handed to him to serve, Avhich he took as required,
went to Pope's house, and taking it in his hand
was about to read it, when his feelings overcame
him, and he exclaimed, " Pope, I warn you off the
face of God's earth !" and turned around and went
back with the Avrit. He was asked if he served it
by reading, or by copy ; he replied, " neither," and
gave the words he employed. The result was that
Pope remained, and BaU's better nature triumphed.
He was a staunch Universalist, and a kind-hearted
citizen. Among the names of long standing is that of
Bonar. In 1812, Barnet and Matthew, brothers,
emigrated from Washington county, Pa. ; about
the same time came a cousin of theirs, named
Matthew, and a brother-in-law, Dr. John Byers.
The latter-named Matthew moved some years ago
to Illinois, Avhere he was living at last accounts.
The brother of Barnet Avas a bachelor, and died
about 1815. Barnet died in May, 1844, aged 84,
and his Avife in 1858, aged 89. They had the fol
lowing children : David, Avho died about 1816 ;
Matthew, living in Richland county; John, who
died in 1859 ; WiUiam, at the old homestead on
Granny's Creek ; Ann, Avife of Gavin MitcheU, of
Richland county, died in 1835, leaving a consider
able family; Martha, Avife of Adam Rinehart, liv
ing in this toAvnship; Sarah, Avife of E. P. Young,
died about 1840 ; Isabel, who died about 1828 ;

KNOX COUNTY. 331
Margaret, married A, Greenlee, and died about
1850, John was a hard-working, intelligent farm
er, Avho Avas highly esteemed, and died in his 54th
year, from a cancer. His Avife was Lucinda, daugh
ter of Charles Cooper. She had one son — Josiah,
who married a daughter of Charles Swan — and
two daughters; Bell married Thomas Swan, also
in Morris, and Catharine is the Avife of H. Leon
ard, of Wayne. WiUiam Bonar married A. L.
Case, and has four children liying : David ; EUza
beth, Avife of Rev. J. W. White, of Marion, White-
sides county, Illinois; Sarah Jane, and CaroUne.
Isabel died in 1860. WiUiam Bonar's name will
be found among the Senators ft-om this district.
He is the only son of the old pioneer now within
our county Umits.
Among the early incidents of this section is the
foUowing curious hunting exploit. Deer were very
abundant then on Granny's Creek, and one day
Barnet shot a large doe, and as it fell, and Ufe's
current was ebbing away, he discovered that she
Avas in the pains of parturition, when he ripped
her open with his knife, and took from her two
fawns, one of which he gave to Alex. Johnson, and
the other he kept. They both lived for some time.
His OAvn,. having lost its eyes by exposure to fire,
first died; but the other grew up a large and healthy
tame deer, and was an object of pecuUar interest to
the neighborhood, on account of its singular birth.
Samuel H. Smith was always spry and active.
During the time of his mercantUe operations he
received a good deal of money, and on one occasion
he threw a shot-bag fuU of specie on the counter.

332 HISTORY OF
and said that any one who could run away from
him Avith that bag, might have it. Taking him at
his word, Henry Smith, who was a sprightly young
man, grabbed it and ran, pursued by Sam., and,
after coursing down the road some distance, finding
the old gentleman gaining on him, he broke for the
fence, and climbed over it into the field; but Sam.
caught him, and he gave up the bag amid the
shouts and cheers of Capt. Nye's horse company,
who were spectators of the ludicrous scene.
The Duhamels, Amos and Henry, in 1824, emi
grated from Frederick, Md. Henry now lives near
Maumee City ; Amos in Franklin, 111., with his
third wife. By his former wives he had eleven
children ; number by the present not known. Of
these we have the following account : Peter C. re
sides in Morris township ; Emily, Avife of Geo. W.
Litt, in Pike township ; Frances Jane, wife of
James Logsden, is in Iowa ; Louisa Ann, wife of
David Spickler, in AUen county. Peter C. learn
ed the carpenter trade with Robert Spears, Bel
viUe, and works at it. The Oosners were very in
dustrious citizens. Old "Uncle Philip" was noted
as being one of the most successful tobacco-grow
ers. Peter Rush is another of the old stock of
farmers. The Winterbothams were a highly intel
ligent family, none of whom are now in Knox.
Of the number of children is Mrs. Ann S. Ste
phens, the accomplished authoress, residing in New
York ; John H., an energetic business man, in Fort
Madison, Iowa ; Robert, in Columbus ; Samuel, in
Iowa ; and William, in Wisconsin. Adam Rine
hart, another valued citizen, Avith his family, re-

KNOX COUNTY. 333
sides here ; also the Cassels, Swans, Pearres, John
Lamb, and Henry Johnson. Benjamin Rush, of
Morris county, N. J., with his wife, Margaret Lo
gan, also of said county, emigrated with their chil
dren, Job, Andrew M., Mary, Johannah and Mar
garet, to this township, from Morris township,
Washington county. Pa. The two latter are dead ;
other children, born in this township, were Eunice,
Sarah Ann and Lucinda. Benjamin died in March,
1849, in his 80th year, and the old lady in October,
1858, in her 85th year. They were among the best
citizens. Richard Ayres, John Erwin, and Mrs.
Galloway, were also early settlers. Of these, the
only remaining trace in this county, is Erwin's
daughter, Mrs. Mary McFarland. John Wheeler,
a carpenter, married a daughter of Mrs. GaUoway,
and moved to Sandusky, taking with him Mrs.
GaUoAvay and her son. John Sawyer, first black
smith at CUnton, and a good horse-shoer, emigrated
to Indiana, and died. His only descendant in this
county is Mrs. W. O. Johnson. In 1830, the pop
ulation of Morris was 812, and 13,066 acres of land
were listed for taxation. In 1840, there were 1,079
inhabUants ; in 1850, 1,028 ; and in 1860, 1,013.
Of the fifty men who voted at the first election
in Morris, James Loveridge is the only one Uving
in this county.
The CUnton post-office was the first in the
county. Its various postmasters were Samuel H.
Smith, Richard Fishback, Ichabod Marshal and
S. H. Smith. The last known of it, Andrew Clark
was acting as deputy postmaster, in 1819.

334

HISTORY OF

Smith's house was the first one erected in the
viUage. Samuel Ayres and Amoriah Watson got
out the timber, Loveridge and Douglass helped to
raise it. They all boarded with Loveridge during
the work. Douglass had Wm. McLoud put up the
first stone house in the county. John MUler, the
first dresser of buck-skin for breeches, hunting
shirts, etc., married Patsey Zerrick ; she is Uving
on the old farm with her sister Edna, the only rep
resentatives of the old Virginian Daniel, who died
in 1851, aged 86.

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

1812. John Trimble, Benjamin 1837.
Barney, Joseph Coleman.
1816. Wm. Doulass ; re-elected 1840,
in 1819. 1844.
1816. Jos. Coleman; re-elected
in 1819. 1847.
1819. James Dickson. 1848.
1820. Alfred Manning. 1848.
1822. Carey Cooper. 1850.
1823. Uzal Ball ; re-elected in 1851.
1826. 1852.
1823. John Trimble ; re-elected 1853.
in 1826.
1830. James Adams; re-elected 1854.
in 1833 and in 1836. 1855.
1831. B.H. Taylor. 1856.
1832. Uzal Ball. 1857.
1835. B. H. Taylor ; re-elected 1859.
in 1838 and 1841. 1861.
1836. Thompson Cooper; re- 1862.
elected in 1839, '42, '45.

George Irwin ; re-elected
in 1840.
John Durbin.
Alex. M'Grew ; re-elected
in 1847.
B. H. Taylor.
John H. Winterbotham ;
Wm. Bonar.
Benj. B. Brown.
Thompson Cooper.
John Dwyer.
Uzal Ball ; re-elected in
1856.
John McIntyre.
B. F. Smith.
Allen Scott.
John McIntyre.
J. L. Jackson.
John McIntyre.
J. L. Jackson.

KNOX COUNTY. 335

CHAPTER XXXIV.
AVAYNE TOWNSHIP.
One of the first townships was named for the
distinguished, brave General Wayne, more gener
aUy known by the sobriquet " Mad Anthony." In
the general reorganization it was reduced to its
present limits. The general appearance of the
surface of the country is beautiful. It is well wa
tered, weU timbered, healthy, and possessed of un
common attractions for a home. In 1830, it listed
16,258 acres of land for taxation, and contained
1,047 inhabitants; in 1850, 1,864; and in 1860,
1,789. We have given the officers and voters at the
first election. In 1811, the Judges were Joseph
Denman, Daniel Ayres, James Trimble ; Clerks,
John Trimble and Wm. Johnson. In 1812, Henry
Roberts listed the township. John Kerr, Samuel
Wilson and Daniel Beers were then Judges ; Wil
lis Speakman and Joseph Townsend, Clerks. In
the Ust of Justices and names heretofore given will
be found most of the early settlers who exerted au
influence upon the society of this section. It can
not be expected that we shall enumerate all the
good citizens of different periods ; the limits pre
scribed for our work preclude such an idea. The
lands upon the South Fork and East Fork of Owl
Creek are unsurpassed in fertiUty, and the water

336 HISTORY OF
power thereon has been so improved as to give the
producers every facility for acquiring a competency.
Feedeeioktoavn, the principal mart of business
for the farmers of the north western portion of
Knox, Avas laid out in 1807, by John Kerr, with its
streets— "First or Donation," "Second st.," "Third
or Sandusky st.," "Fourth st.," "Vine alley,"
" Chambers st.," " State road and Main st.," and
" Strawberry alley." The original tract upon which
it is situated belonged to Mr. SulUvant, of Frank-
linton, who, with commendable UberaUty, gave
John Kerr his choice of 50 out of 4,000 acres, in
cluding a mill seat, if he would settle upon and
build a miU there. Accordingly, in the fall of
1807, he constructed a dam, raised a Uttle log house
and set one run of stone to grinding, or " cracking
corn." On this 50 acres the town was laid out, and
Kerr then bought 450 acres around it. W. Y.
Farquhar was the surveyor, and the name of Fred
erick in honor of the old home, in Maryland, was
given to this town in the wilderness. W. Y. Far
quhar erected and occupied the first cabin in Fred
ericktown ; it was a little stake and rider pen 18
feet square.
The next family to pitch their habitation within
the plat, was that of Mrs. Ayres, and her sons,
David and Abner, at once became leading men.
John Milligan and Jeduthan Dodd, from Ten
Mile, Pa., came shortly after, with their connec
tions, John and Jacob Cook and Jacob Haldeman.
In 1809, Rachel Richardson bought out the little
improvement of John Cook, and settled there with
her family, consisting of WiUiam, Isaac N., Polly

KNOX COUNTY. 337
and Nancy, who subsequently married Samuel
Watson and John Wright. Charles McGowan, a
droll old Irishman, took a lease near by, and Tho
mas Durbin, Samuel Wilson and Thomas Towns-
end, Quakers, and John Walker, who subsequently
married a Shurr, came also. In 1812, Avithin the
town were nine log cabins and one frame building ;
dwellings, shops, huts all told. WiUis Speakman,
Rachel Richardson, John Garrison, John Vennum,
and the Ayres' families, at one time occupied all
these. Mr. Garrison opened the first store in 1812, and
then dAvelt in the only frame ; it was situated where
the Methodist Church now stands. He is the only
one of the then settlers within the village now liv
ing, and has led a migratory life. He is a native
of New Jersey ; married near Philadelphia ; moA'^ed
to NcAV York; thence to Knox county, where he
sold goods for several years ; thence to Mansfield ;
from there to Detroit; back again to Knox; off
ao-ain to Chicago, 111. ; and now resides at Cedar
Falls, Iowa. He has been merchandising at each
point, and in his 91st year enjoys good health.
Three of his children are in Iowa, one in Detroit,
and another, Mrs. Richard Roberts, in this county.
This year he visited this county, and saAV his great-
great-grandchild and many other descendants in
Berlin and Wayne.
Nicholas McCarty was the second merchant. He
moved from Mount Vernon to this place. In July,
1817, N. McO, & Co, closed up their mercantile
business and left their notes and accounts Avith
22

338 HISTORY OF
Abner Ayres, Esq., for settlement, and also a
quantity of lake fish. The mother of Mr. McCarty
died at Fredericktown ; he moved to Indiana, and
for many years drove a prosperous trade at the
State capital. In 1853, he returned to Frederick
on a mission of filial affection, and erected a monu
ment at his mother's grave. In 1855, he paid the
debt of nature, leaAing a large famUy in prosper
ous circumstances. During his life he was a zeal
ous Whig, and represented the capital distiict in
the Senate of Indiana, and was also the candidate
of his party for Governor of the State. He had
the respect and confidence of aU, and weU deserved
the title he bore, — "Honest Nic. McCarty."
James Rigby, who so long and faithfully follow
ed merchandising here, is yet living in the enjoy
ment of good health, surrounded by his children
and friends, one of the oldest inhabitants. George
Girty was another merchant, who left this section
about 1815 for other parts. Joshua Vennum, the
first house-joiner, built the first frame house in the
village. None of his name survive in this county.
Mrs. Wolf kept the first boarding-house. She is
dead long since. Her oldest son, Peter, lived on a
farm near the Burkholder flat, which he sold to
Henry B. Carter, who was a brother to Jacob
Cook's wife, and moved to Knox County in 1810.
Samuel Wolf was a sterling man — lived in Rich
land, and served as Sheriff. When the county went
wild for Jackson he was an Adams man, and con
sequently "done for politicaUy." Her daughters
have done well. Artemissa married lawyer May,
of Mansfield; EUza, as elsewhere related, Mr.

KNOX COUNTY. 339
Drennan, and Mary married and Uved in the neigh
borhood of Lancaster. The first tavern was opened
by Abner Ayres, and with a slight intermission
during the war, when, for good and sufficient rea
sons, his brother Daniel took it; the same hotel
was kept up for more than forty years. "Uncle
Abner" was not any "great shakes" in the way of
dancing attendance on guests, but "Axmt Amy"
did know how to have the culinary department car
ried on ; and, we do affirm, that for making good
brandy mince pies, and brandy peaches, she was
unsurpassed by any of womankiud since Eve eat
the forbidden fruit. She knew just when, where,
and how to apply the spirit to make it most palat
able, as all of the generation, who feasted there
during sleighing excursions, weU know. They have
both departed to a better land, leaving the record
of a Ufe spent in contributing to the happiness of
their fellow-creatures. Abner served as Captain
in the war of 1812, as a Justice of the Peace fif
teen years, and Associate Judge seven years, a
County Commissioner three years, and Postmaster
near forty years. He was as quiet, unassuming
and weU disposed man as ever wore shoe-leather.
The first preaching was in the Uttle school-house,
heretofore spoken of as a Fort, etc. In it ministers
of various denominations held forth at stated times.
About 1820 the Presbyterians undertook to build
a church, but, having started out on too large a
scale, they were compelled to succumb, and the
building, in its unfinished state, a mere shell, was
sold to Absalom Thrift, who converted it into a
ware-house, and it is to this day used as a Uvery

340 HISTORY OF
stable. Some time after, the Universalists, who
have ever been quite numerous in this locality, erect
ed a spacious frame church, which they have since
occupied, until for a few years past the su^^ply from
some cause has ceased. The Presbyterians made
another effort, and built the present excellent edi
fice ; and the Methodists and Baptists have also
fine churches. The population is of a decidedly
" go to meeting" character ; they have also been
noted for their zealous efforts in behalf of Temper
ance, and have kept up various organizations of a
reform class for many years.
The first blacksmith was Thomas Ayres, who
went to work in 1808, and continued for many
years. The first school was kept by Wm. Y. Far
quhar ; the first shoe-shoj) by Osgood Dustin.
The first hatter was Celestial Le Blond, a little
frisky Frenchman, aaIiosc A^ote, in 1811, is entered
as "Celestial Light" on the poll-books. He was
the son of a wealthy French gentleman, and had
to flee from his native land in consequence of hav
ing killed an antagonist in a duel. He frequently
received from his father remittances of $500, or
so, but made very foolish bargains. With money
once sent he bought a mill-seat, set about erecting
a mill where Shalers now is, and "broke flat" by
the time he got a saw-mill up. The premises were
then sold to Christopher BrolUcr, and by him to
David Shaler, an. energetic millwright. Shortly
after this Celestial received another remittance and
moved to Bellville. In 1838 he Avent to France,
obtained a considerable sum of money, and re
turned with a large stock of goods. He died at

KNOX COUNTY. 341
BeUviUe leaving a very respectable family. An
old man named McCoy, a sort of cobbler, tried his
hand at making cloth shoes for the women at an
early day. The men then generally wore mocca
sins. A singular ft-eak of another creature, in 1809,
has been related to us. His name was Ebenezar
Taylor, and he undertook to do work in the shoe
Une, but before he got fairly started an itinerant
preacher came along, and Ebnezar was so taken
Avith his discourse that he foUowed him off, leaving
his kit of tools, and an estray animal, which he
had taken up and advertised, and has never been
heard of since. Speaking of shoemakers reminds
us of a somewhat noted man in these parts, Jede
diah Peck, who attempted to get up a patent Avay
of making boots, having last and tree all together,
but found that it was easier to make them on than
to get the boot off the tree, which, after vain at
tempts, he concluded to fasten to the house and
hitch a mule to pull it off. His house was built
around a walnut tree, and it was considerable of a
curiosity to travelers to see a tree growing out of
the top of a house. Jedediah and his wife died
without issue, and his two pretty nieces, who
dwelt with him, are gone also.
In 1815, Capt. John WilUams, of Frederick, Md.,
bought out John Kerrs' mill property, and at the
same time started a store in the village. He
brought out $40,000 in money, and dissipated
through the country. He was a man of talent,
clever and sociable, and is spoken Avell of by aU
old settlers. He came to this county in 1814 Avith
his family. His children are much scattered.

342 HISTORY OF
WiUiam lives in Peoria, Illinois ; Thomas in Henry
county, in that State, as also Rachel, wife of Col.
Prather, in the same county. Eliza, wife of MU
ton Bevans, in Fulton county, lUinois. Pendy
died in IlUnois, Abraham in this county, and Gist
W. in Missouri, in 1852. His son States, now
lives in Morris. But two of Capt. John WiUiam's
family are to-day living in this county, EmaUne,
wife of Frank Wilkins, of Liberty, and Dan., who
is living AAith States, his nephew, in Morris. Dan.
was born in Frederick, Md., October 6th, 1792.
His four sons are doing well. Clark and Charles
reside in West Newton, Allen county, John and
Milton B. in Berlin. Clark married EUen Lane,
and Charles her sister Jane. Milton married
Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Roberts. The
post office kept from its establishment by Abner
Ayres, until in 1850, B. J. Lewis succeeded him ;
in May, 1852, Thomas A. Reed vice Lewis, resign
ed; L. S. McCoy foUowed, and his successor was
Geo. BaU.
In 1840, Fredericktown contained 500 inhabi
tants ; in 1850, 712 ; and in 1860, 790, of whom 16
were negroes. The place, some twelve years since,
put on city airs, and with Geo. W- Woodcock as
mayor, and T. A. Reed, Recorder, carried on a
right sharp crusade against the "doggeries." The
warfare was subsequently taken up by the Com
mon Pleas Courts, and for a time better " order
reigned iu Warsaw. Of late years, howcA'Cr, we
have been informed that there has been "some
thing rotten in Denmark," and the spirits have
assumed at times a very bold and threatening ap-

KNOX COUNTY. 343
pearance. Taken altogether, however, Frederick
may be said, during its existence, to have been a
model town in the Une of "law and order." In
1816, the entire township cast but 81 votes.
The 1th of July, 1817, was duly commemorated
at Anson Broicn's, in Fredericktown. Daniel Beers
was chosen Moderator, and Anson Brown, Clerk.
The Committee of Arrangements consisted of Chris
tian Holderman, Job Allen, Munson Pond, Joseph
Talmage, Jacob Young and Henry Markley. Mun
son Pond Avas Officer of the Day. Job Allen com
manded the volunteer company ; Jabez Beers was
Reader; Truman Strong, Orator. Benjamin Jack
son, Anson Brown and Benjamin Jackson, jr., con
ducted the Singing. The Rev. John Cook and
.lames Scott were present — and last, but not least,
Alvin Bateman Avas Toast Master. A good dinner
Avas eaten, and all felt glorious. The McCutchens,
Strubles, Cochrans, Cravens, Sagerses, Beerses,
Leonards, Thrifts, Harters, Strongs and Corbins,
Avere among the early settlers. Of the Cochrans,
William and Samuel were young men of good mind.
The former is dead, and the latter, a preacher of
celebrity, in N. Y. ; Josiah M. is quartermaster in
43d Reg't., O- V. Jabez Beers was one of the old
settlers, and his son, Joseph, lived in Frederick at
an early day.
Dr. .John Byers located here in 1812. He moved
west about 1835, and is noAV Uving in Hardin co.
His three sons emigrated to Arkansas; Thomas
and John are both dead — William yet lives at Bates
ville, Ark. The boys acquired considerable dis
tinction as Attorneys. The old gentleman was one

344 HISTORY OF
of the earliest practitioners of medicine in this
township. Dr. David Wadsworth, another physi
cian, died many years ago; His son, T. B., died a
soldier in the Mexican war ; and his daughter,
Eliza Ellen, Mrs. Struble, is the sole survivor of
the family. The Bryants have been quite numer
ous in Wayne, and among them James has been
prominent ; he Avas a very strict man, of the steady
and straight " Sunday go to meeting" kind, and as
his neighbors to the west did not walk in his ways,
he called their settlement " Sodom," a name it has
ever since borne notwithstanding that it has had in
it many first rate citizens. Nicknames, once given
and received, are hard to be obliterated.
An old settler upon Granny's Creek is Truman
Ransom, who Avith his family located, in 1824,
where he has ever since resided. Mr. Ransom
was a natiA^e of Connecticut, and, AAith his father's
family, moved to this State in 1812, and settled on
the Muskingum, near its mouth. He there mar
ried Miss Temperance, daughter of Thomas Lord,
whose grandmother was a daughter of Col. Oliver,
one of the officers in command at the time the
Marietta settlement Avas attacked by the Indians.
Her father Avas Judge of the Court of Washington
county, and a prominent member of the " Ohio
Companj ." Of Mr. R.'s seven children, one is
dead ; Edwin and Albert are living in Missouri ;
Thomas in Liberty ; Bryan, William Wallace and
Robert Bruce in Wayne. Mr. R. has been a hard
working man, and has met Avith various streaks of
iU luck ; his losses have been heavy, by fire and
water, and his escape from the jaws of death has

KNOX COUNTY. 315
been almost miraculous. His dwelUng-house, with
much furniture, was burnt up in the spring of 1852
—to his damage some $2000. In attempting to
cross Owl Creek Avith a wagon and four-horse
team he lost all, amounting probably to $800, and
did weU to get off with his " own skin whole."
Having a small miU site on Granny's Creek, he
erected, in 1828, a saw-mill, that is yet in oper
ation. In the Granny's Creek school-house a Temper
ance Society was gotten up many years ago, and
also a Sabbath-School, Avhich has been well attend
ed. Regular preaching has been had also since
1830, by the Methodist, Episcopal, Presbyterian
and other denominations.
But tAVO men are now living in the neighborhood
of Frederick who were young men groAvn in 1812
— Richard Roberts, of Berlin, and .Jacob Mitchell.
The first of these helped cut the first road out from
Mt. Vernon to Frederick, under the supervisorship
of Joe Walker ; and the second rode express for
General Harrison in the Avar of 1812. Then they
were both boys fuU of mettle and spirit, and their
fathers were among the old men of the settlement ;
and noAV their fathers are dead, and they in turn
are old men — heads of families — grandfathers —
yes, great grandparents — and a ucav generation is
upon the stage of action. What changes they have
witnessed in their lifetime, little as we may be dis
posed to think things change before our vision in
this fast age !

346

HISTORY OF

SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

1808.

Wm. Y. Farquhar.

1809.

Daniel Ayres.

1812.

Abner Ayres.

1816.

Abner Ayres.

1815.

W. W. Farquhar.

1819.

it tt

1818.

tl it

1822.

cc tl

1817.

Daniel Beers.

1825.

tl tl

1821.

Anson Brown.

1831.

George H. Bull.

1826.

David Wadsworth.

1834.

It It

1826.

Byram Leonard.

1837.

tl tl

1829.

ll tl

1840.

tl it

1830.

Michael Sockman.

1837.

Byram Leonard.

1830.

John Allen.

1840.

John Lewis.

1836.

Samuel Bryant.

1843.

A. Greenlee.

1839.

it tl

1846.

G. W. Woodcock.

1842.

it tl

1849.

(( ((

1845.

It i(

1852.

tl tt

1848.

(( cc

1855.

ti it

1846.

Peter Ink.

1855.

W. G. Strong.

1849.

J. B. Roberts.

1856.

T. V. Parke.

1851.

Mitchel Lewis.

1858.

Henry Phillips.

1852.

Geo. T. Potter.

1859.

D. S. Beers.

1855.

(( (C

1860.

W. D. Bonner.

1857.

A. Greenlee.

1802.

D. S. Beers.

1860.

it a

1862.

Wm. Wyker.

KNOX COUNTY. 347

CHAPTER XXXV.
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP.
This township, as at present bounded, was cre
ated March 9, 1825, and, in a spirit of freedom,
styled Liberty. In 1830, it contained 553 inhab
itants; in 1840, 1,205; in 1850, 1,320; and in 1860,
1,251. Mt. Liberty contains about 150 inhabitants.
It occupies an elevated position, and being situated
upon the State road to the capital, and in the heart
of a productive country on Dry Creek, it has been
a place of considerable business. It was surveyed
by T. G. Plumer, and laid out by Samuel Thatcher
and George Beardsheare, Oct. 8, 1835. It has two
stores, kept by E. D. Bryant and Judsou Hildreth;
a grocery, by Daniel Veatch ; a tavern, by John
Thompson ; two cabinet shops, by S. Wilson, and
by J. W. Jackson and C. K. Lineweaver; two man-
tuamakers, Miss Samantha Severe and Miss Mary
Veatch; the carpenters are John Inscho, Arthur
Pratt, Joseph Crosby; shoemakers, Jas. Cleghorn,
Wm. Cleghorn, Philip Crable ; wagonmakers, J.
A. Mostetler, David and George Mosteller, and
Daniel Burkholder; two mills are run by Young-
blood and Weller, and Peter Shafer. There are
two churches, Methodist and Disciple. The Hig
ginses, Coyles, Humphreys, Severes, Careys, Hol-
listers, Magoons and Gearharts are among the ear
liest in this section, and their descendants are quite

348 HISTORY OF
numerous. The most extensive famiUes are the
Brickers, Lewises, Ewalts and Rineharts. Of the
old stock we shall give a brief account; as to the
new, their name is "legion," and it would be too
prolix for the general reader did we attempt to
sketch them.
Lewis Bricker, Sr., of Greene county. Pa., had a
very large family, and determined to distribute
them in the western country, where lands were
cheap and he could provide them with farms.
Accordingly he bought 1,600 acres of land in this
new country, and started the elder members of his
family to it in the spring of 1810. Of the number
were Peter Bricker, and George Lewis, his brother-
in-law. They came out to this wilderness region,
camped one night, and the next morning hitched
in their teams, and by noon were on their way
back. They reported the country wild, aud they
did not believe it ever Avould be settled. They saw
many Indians, and heard the owls too-Avhooiug and
the wolves howling all night; and, unaccustomed
to these things, they agreed with their wIa^cs to let
the land go to the deAil before they would risk
their lives and their children iu the Owl Creek
regions, which they believed to be the next thing
to, if not quite, the infernal regions. Their father,
accustomed to frontier life, and knowing also the
value of lands in this country, determined in the
fall to make another effort at a settlement. Ac
cordingly he sent another delegation of his tribe,
and continued the work until he got into this toAvn-
ship the following children : Peter, George, .John, .
Jacob, David, Solomon, LcAvis, Catharine, Rachel

KNOX COUNTY. 349
and Mrs. George Lewis, who have in their own
time peopled the AvUderness region, felled the forest
trees and cultivated the ground, multiplying the
original by "the double rule of three." Peter
Bricker had a dozen chUdren, and George Lewis
sixteen; George Bricker, eight; John Bricker, who
came about a year later, six; Jacob, who came
about 1813, five; David came about 1817, and had
six; Solomon came out the same year, and added
eleven children; Lewis came in 1819, he had six;
Catharine married John Conkie about 1827, and
had six children; Rachel married John Pruner,
and had scA-en. All of the original Brickers re
married in Liberty, except David, who is in Mor
gan township.
George Lewis is dead. Of his sixteen children,
eleven are living, viz. : Jacob, John, George, Isaac,
Ben, Peter, Solomon, Sarah, Avife of Alex. Craig,
Phebe, Susannah Gardner, and Rachel Burkholder.
The children of old George recollect when their
father Avent to Shrimplin's mill with a grist of corn,
and left his wife and family alone, Avith nothing to
eat, and the Indians prowled about the premises,
and they feared they would not be found alive on
his return.
Joseph Shaw, Zach. and Bazil White, John
Hobbs, Avith their families, emigrated from West
ern Pennsylvania about 1834, and the Tarrs,
Coleses, Crafts, and other good families have fol
lowed theip, and the greater portion of those in the
" Wolf Settlement," so styled for Christopher Wolf,
Esq., are from the same locaUties.

350 HISTORY OF
Between two of the old settlers there grew up a
quarrel in 1815, and a lawsuit ensued before James
Smith, J. P. The Reverend James, by practice as
well as profession, a peace-maker, proposed that
the parties should have a friendly talk, and settle
the difficulty without recourse to law. Accordingly
they sat down on a log and Solomon Shaffer began
in his broken pronunciation — "Now Mr. Lyingbar-
ger"  "sthop," cries George Lybarger, in an an
gry tone, " my name is not Lyingbarger, but Ly
barger, by G  , do you wish to insult me, Shaf-
ferl" "My name is not Shaffer, but Shaf/er,
don't call me Shaffer, or tammed if I don't knock
you down," — and the parties sprung at each other.
when James commanded the peace in the name of
the State, and the difficulty between the belligerent
old dutchmen had to be settled by the law at last.
SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1822. Frederick Carey. 1844. Christopher Wolf.
1825. " " 1850. " "
1828. Francis Wilkins. 1853. " "
1831. " " 1856. A. Dalrymple.
1831. Christopher Wolf. 1846. John Inscho.
1833. " " 1849.
1837. Luther Hill. 1852. James Severe.
1837. Joseph Shaw. 1855.
1839. W. E. Davidson. 1858.
1842. " " isr>8. J. H. Tarr.
1842. Wm. Oram. 1861. " "
1842. Joseph Shaw. 1861. Arthur Pratt.
1847. Christopher Wolf.

KNOX COUNTY. 351

CHAPTER XXXVL

HILLIAR TOWNSHIP

Was laid off from Miller, upon petition of its
citizens, August 28, 1818. It is the southwestern
township of the county. The first settlement was
caUed " Houck's," and was principally made up of
the famiUes of James and Jacob Houck and Joseph
Jennings, who erected the first cabins, and graced
the principal building, through Mr. Lamson, with
the first brick chimney put up in this township.
This settlement was about one mile southwest of
the present viUage of Centerburg. When the town
ship was formed the settlers agreed to the name of
HilUar, in compliment to Dr. Richard Hilliar, who
was then the largest landholder residing in the
limits ; he dwelt in a cabin in the southwest corner.
It had 16,000 acres of land upon the tax list in
1830 . In 1832, there were but 40 voters . In 1840,
the population was 1,012 ; in 1850, 1,141 ; and in
1860, 1,088. Centerburg, its principal mart of bu
siness, is on the old stage route from all the "north
countrie" to the State Capital. It is 13 miles from
Mt. Vernon. We have heard it said that it re
ceived its name from the fact that Harvey Jones
presumed it to be the exact geographical center of
Ohio ; and many long years ago, when poUticians
and legislators threatened to move the Capital,

352 HISTORY OF
some of the oldest inhabitants there believed it
might become the Capital of the Buckeye State.
If such a thing was hinted at by members who oc
casionally had the good luck in cold weather and
muddy roads to call on Harvey Jones, enjoy his
feast of fat things, and rest in his soft and downy
beds, it is no wonder that by contrast with the then
Columbus fare they " smiled" at the idea, and took
another encouraging horn upon the strength of it
Avith " mine host." As early as 1820 travel from
Northern Ohio to the Capital through or by this
route dates. Business may be said to have started
Avith Mr. Jones, Avho was the most enterprising
man at Centerburg from 1834 until 1848. He was
a corpulent, jovial, kind-hearted man, who held out
by unmistakable sign that he had good fare, and
enjoyed the good things of this world.
In the early days the people were disposed to
" pull together" at elections. It was their custom
to meet when the day of voting came round, and
canvass in a friendly manner the merits of candi
dates, and to make tlieir voice felt b}'^ voting
"plumpers." The electors would set down upon
logs before any ballots were cast, and read over the
names upon the tickets, and settle all conflicting
opinions by Acting unanimously for the same men.
In this Avay they made, as an old one of their num
ber said, the candidates avIio were defeated "to
howl," and caused aspirants to look with fear and
trembling for the returns from Hilliar. In 1818,
the entire vote was 17, unanimous for Ethan A.
Brown for Governor; Benj. Martin, Congress;
John Spencer, State Senator; W- W. Farquhar,

KNOX COUNTY. 353
Representative. In October, 1824, there was one
stubborn man who would vote for Allen Trimble
for Governor; the other 14 votes were cast for
Morrow. The first place of public entertainment
kept in this part of Knox county was by Joseph
Jennings. Great difficulty was experienced by the early
settlers in getting to and from mill. We find as
early as April 26, 1810, Jacob and James Houck,
Joseph Jennings, John and Josias Simpson, Henry
Matthews, John Karr, John Hinton and others,
met at doctor Hilliar's farm and united in petition
ing for a road to Douglass' mill. The prayer was
granted, and Wm. Gass, Charles Cooper and Isaac
Bonnet were appointed viewers. They met at
Clinton at the time named, but refused to proceed
to view what, in their opinion, was an unnecessary
road. Nothing daunted, the few petitioners added
two or three more names to their request and sent
up another petition on the 17th of September, and
Jabez Beers, Henry Roberts and WilUam Mitch
ell, were appointed viewers, and Ichabod Marshal,
surveyor. The viewers met and the surveyor de
clining to act, S. H. Smith accompanied them as
surveyor, and returned a report and plat of the
road, 16 miles in length— the surveyor reporting "it
can be a tolerable good road, is very good ground,
but the viewers say that at this time it Avould be
too burthensome to the county to open said road."
" Ordered, therefore, that the same cannot be grant
ed." The citizens then began petitioning for a new
23

354 HISTORY OF
township, which they succeeded in getting in Au
gust, 1818, and the first election was held at the
house of Thomas Merril. The Judges of that
election were Joe Jennings, Jas. Houck, Jas. Pell ;
Clerks, John Borden, Wm. Reynolds. In 1819,
Jacob Houck listed Hilliar, and was paid a $4
county order therefor. The same duty he per
formed, for Uke pay, in 1820. The Judges of elec
tion, October, 1820, were Joseph Jennings, James
Severe, Wm. Reynolds ; Clerks, John Borden,
John Davis. Henry Matthews, Benj. F. Hilliar,
John Severe, James PeU and John PeU were other
early voters. The Messmores, Mahannahs, HoUis-
ters and Bottomfields were other settlers of a later
period. John Thomas projected a town in 1834,
but it never made headway. Rich Hill is a new
business point that is thriAdng considerably.
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
May 10, 1819, the Court of Common Pleas allov/ed Hilliar one
Justice, and in July, Jacob Houck was elected.
1822. Wm. Reynolds. 1827. John Borden.
1824. Jacob Houck. 1830. "
1835. Harvey Jones. 1833.
1838. " " 1836. Daniel Nofsinger.
1839. Ferdinand McLene. 1841. Gideon Sutton.
1842. " " 1844.
1845. Daniel Wolf. 1847. N. Borden.
1848. " " 1850. " "
1851. David F. Halsey. 1851. E. Nichols.
1854. D. S. Lyon. 1854. "
1857. T. M. Owen. 1857. " "
1860. Simon Shaflfer. 1860. " "

KNOX COUNTY. 355

CHAPTER XXXVII.
MILFORD TOWNSHIP.
This township was created in 1823, March 3d,
out of territory taken from Miller. The land is
generaUy level and soil fertile. The first election
was held the first Monday of April, 1823, at the
school-house near the center.
It received its name in the following manner :
The settlers met together and various names were
presented ; among the number Judson Lamson
proposed that it should be called Milford, taking
the idea from his native town New Milford, Con
necticut. Some objection was offered to every
other name but this, and in consideration of the
fact that Mr. Lamson was one of the oldest settlers,
and also its being a New England name — those
present being all from "Down East" — it was
adopted. The settlers at that time were Uzziel Stephens,
from Vermont ; Gardner Bishop, Stephen Hawkins,
John Jeffries, Jesse Smith, Harris Hawkins, from
Rhode Island ; Wm. Beardslee and John Beards
lee from New Haven, Ct. ; Judson Lamson from
New Milford, Ct. ; Aaron HiU from Massachusetts,
The original stock now Uving are upon the lands
selected by them at first, and the children and

356 HISTORY OF
families of the departed, as a general thing, reside
upon the old home tracts.
They were industrious, temperate and orderly
citizens, and their families have foUowed in their
footsteps closely, as is customary in the land of
steady habits. There was no store or trading estab
lishment in this township ; the citizens transacted
their entire business at the county seat. James
Smith preached the first sermon, and the ministe
rial duties since have been principaUy discharged
by the Christian Church.
Wolves were very plenty and impudent in this
township at an early day. One of the incidents of
those times was as follows : When Platt G. Beards-
ley was a boy, and out cow hunting, he lost his
way and came upon a considerable sized swamp
which at first he took to be a clearing ; as soon as
he came by its side a gang of wolves set up their
infernal howling, he took to his heels badly scared,
and ran along Sycamore creek, the wolves follow
ing close at his heels ; as he neared home the dogs
rushed out and attacked the wolves, when one of
the dogs was torn in pieces by the wolves, and Platt
made his escape into the house.
By the census of 1830, 498 inhabitants were then
reported within its limits, and 13,472 acres of land
returned for taxation. In 1840, the population was
1,157 ; in 1850, 1,349 ; in 1860, 1,084.
The two prominent points are styled the " Five
Corners" and "Lock"— the latter is a post-office, at
the county line, where there is some business trans
acted by the citizens of Knox and Licking.
Judson Lamson was born July 14, 1779, In

KNOX COUNTY. 357
1817 he settied where he now resides. By trade a
brickmason, after preparing quarters for his family,
he went to Mt. Vernon to purchase some supplies,
and, on entering a store kept by " Uncle Jimmy
Smith" to buy a few articles, he heard him regret
ting that he had no mason at hand to lay up a
piece of his stone wall that had fallen down ; when
Mr. Lamson told him that he could do it for him,
and the bargain was struck, and he went right at
the job and completed it to Mr. Smith's satisfaction.
Daniel S. Norton shortly after met him on the
street and informed him that he held his note,
given to Dr. Lee for medical service in attendance
on his daughter, who had been sick from his enter
ing the country. The note was for $10 ; and Mr.
L. told him that he had no money to pay him, and
did not know when he would have so much, as
money was a scarce article in those times. Mr.
Norton at once replied, I do not want your money,
but your work, if the note is right — accordingly
took his second job of work in underpinning the
house where N. then resided, on the lot where
Judge Hurd now lives, on Main street. While
working there old John Warden, who lived opposite,
came across and said, " you beat all men to work
I have ever known, you do two days work in one."
And the remark was literally true. He subse
quently worked on the brick building, where
Daniel S. Norton formerly resided, on High street,
near the railroad depot, now the "Buckeye house,"
and did almost aU his other work at the miUs,
quarrying stone, etc. Mr. L., and his son Levi J.,
have contributed greatly to the improvement of

358 HISTORY OF
Mt, Vernon and the surrounding country. Among
the buildings erected, under his superintendence,
we may mention the Pyle block. Browning & MU-
ler's block, Norton block, on Main street, the resi
dence of C. Delano, Esq., and many other of the
best structures in town and county. Mr. L. also
worked at his trade in various parts of this county
and Licking county. He has also been a success
ful farmer, and now, at a good old age, enjoys a
competency and the respect of his feUow-men.
His son, Levi. J., and his daughter, Mrs. W. A.
Disney, reside near him, and other descendants in
the west.
The McKowns were among the settlers at the
time of organization, and worthy of notice at our
hands. The old patriarch, James McKown, was a
soldier of the Revolutionary war, and wounded at
the battle of Brandywine. In 1820, with a portion
of his family, he moved to this county from Vir
ginia, and died in 1850 at the good old age of 98.
His wife survived until 1852, when she died, aged
103 years. We recollect well the zeal of the old
soldier in behalf of General Harrison for the Pres
idency. He was master of ceremonies at the great
Barbecue of 1840, when the big ox was roasted
whole. Of his children we make this record : —
Gilbert McKoavu moved from Milford to Virginia;
James moved to Illinois, where he has since died ;
Phoebe, wife of Joseph Tegarden, lives in Linn
county. Mo. ; Samuel came to this county in 1820,
and settled where he died, in his 70th year, in 1861.
Nine chUdren are living, to wit : Rev. Samuel S.,
of the Christian Church, now in Northern Ohio ;

KNOX COUNTY. 359
Isaac, John, Hosmer, and Gilbert E.; Minerva,
Mrs. Ira Gearhart, Cynthia, Mrs. David Gotshall,
EmaUne L., Mrs. John GotshaU, and Miss Marga
ret, all of this county. Gilbert E. is a resident
dentist, Mt. Vernon. John Jeffries had six chil
dren ; of this number those who survive are, Mary
Ann, Avife of Smith Bishop; Laura, widow of
David HiU ; Almira, Avife of Johnston King, and
Olney Jeffries, of Mt. Vernon. Preserve Smith
and Dr. Hayes have been residents for many years.
The brothers Beardslee, WiUiam and John, na
tives of Stratford, and the Hawkinses, Harris and
Stephen, natiA'CS of Rhode Island, may be classed
among the early settlers who contributed to the
advancement of Milford. The Beardslees are de
scendants of the Rev. John Beardslee, of Stratford,
on Avon, Shakespear's home. William Beardslee
married Eunice Gardner, of Hancock, Berkshire
CO., Mass., and emigrated west. They moved to
Ohio, and we find William a resident of GranvUle
in 1814 : subsequently of Homer, and from thence,
in 1818, lie cut the road Avith his own hands for
three miles to get to his land, where he afterwards
resided. The road to this day is known as the
Beardslee road. Their sons now Uving are Col.
Platt G., of Milford, Job H. G., of Union county,
Dr. Wm. B., and John Binns, of Mount Vernon,
The daughters living are Catharine, widow of Eras
tus Rouse, deceased, Betsy, wife of George L.
Benedict, Adaline, Avife of Lieut. Nathan Bostwick,
all of this county. Mary, who married Arnold
Hildreth, is dead. WilUam Beardslee, sr., at the
advanced age of 79, and his wife, aged 76 years.

360 HISTORY OF
are living in this county, surrounded by children
and grand chUdren to the number of 70. John
Beardslee married Mary Fitch, of New Haven, Ct.,
and emigrated to Knox. Their chUdren are Geo.
F., of MUford, Dr. Charles, editor of the Herald^
Oskaloosa, Iowa, Henry, Galesburg, IU., Elizabeth,
wife of Nathaniel McDaniel, Mary and MeUssa.
The original Hawkinses were Harris and Stephen.
The former had the following children : Ephraim,
Harris and Daniel, all living at and about the old
homestead, and Charles in IlUnois. Margaret,
twin sister of Harris, married Almon Mitchel.
Martha married Mr. Rice, and Clarissa died. Ste
phen Hawkins is dead. His first wife, who was a
Belknap, is also dead, and of their children the
foUoAving have died : Col. Emor B., Joseph, Ste
phen and Laura. Their son WUliam married Miss
Reach. They are now living in Milford, and Sally
Ann and Mary, two girls, the latter by second mar
riage, survive. SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1823. Nath'l Stoughton. 1826. Nath'l Stoughton.
1823. John Stephens. 1829.
1826. John Jeffries. 1830. Sylvanus Mitchell.
1829. " " 1833.
1832. " " 1838. David L. Hill.
1835. Smith Bishop. 1841.
1836. Platt G. Beardsley. 1842. Joseph Montagna.
1839. " " 1845. Emor B. Hawkins.
1848. James Conden. 1849. Smith Bishop.
1848. Wm. Orme. 1852. John Litzenburg.
1851. " " 1855. Silas .laggers.
1854. John Stephens. 1858. David Pattison.
1857. " " 1861. "
1860. Geo. F. Beardslee.

KNOX COUNTY. 361

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
MILLER TOWNSHIP
The first time this name occurs on the Journals
reads thus: — "Miller Township special election,
1816, June Ith, judges Jonathan Hunt, jr., Wm.
Bare, Lemuel Chapman; clerks, James MUler,
John Mott." Thus MiUer appears to have sprung
suddenly into existence as a township, Avithout any
of the preliminary symptoms, or pains and pangs
of parturition. One thing we do knoAv, and that
is this, the township was named after one of its
earUest settlers, James Miller, Esq., a very Avorthy
gentleman, who possessed to an extraordinary de
gree the respect and confidence of his compeers.
He was a small man, with a strong mind and ex
cellent sense ; a native of Vermont, and in compa
ny with Turner, a deist, who was a quick, clever
old man, and Avrote poetry, and Avent about repeat
ing it, made the first settlement. John Olney,
and Emor Harris, Cyrus Gates and .lames Sealts
were also early settlers. They were mostly from
Vermont and Rhode Island. In early times this
was called the "Beech Settlement."
Its population in 1830, was 548; in 1840, 977;
in 1850, 1,064 ; in 1860, 996.
One of the first houses was a smaU log cabin, in
the south-east corner, put up by Vance, whose sons

362 HISTORY OF
John and Jacob, vrith their families, are living in
the township. Cornelius Thompson of Hardy co.,
Va., settled in this township in 1810. His son
now lives near the old home, in his 52d year ; his
daughter, Mrs. Scott is at Pataskala, Licking co.
The Hildreth name has long been associated with
this township. The old stock came from Marlboro,
Ct. Wm. Hildreth emigrated to ZanesviUe, in
1812, and here in 1828 ; he died, and his children
living are John M., in Mt. Vernon ; Wm. at Scott's
Corners, Union co.; Arnold and Epaphro in MU
ler township.
In 1816, at the October election, 33 votes were
polled : for Worthington, 32 ; Ethan A. Brown, 1.
The judges of election and clerks in 1816 and 1817
were Rufus Ward, Wm. Campbell, Jonathan Hunt,
Jr., Timothy Colopy and John H. Simonds. In
1818, the same officers, except Campbell, whose
place was supplied by Titus Hill ; and these consti
tuted the board of election of 1819. In 1820, Ru
fus Ward, James Miller and Wm. Beardslee were
judges, and Timothy Colopy and Enoch F. Kinney
clerks. In 1821, the same, except Miller, whose
place was supplied by Phineas Squire.
The old veteran, Rufus Ward, is worthy of special
notice as a faithful soldier, who participated in the
battle of White Plains, the capture of Burgoyne,
and various other battles of the Revolution. He
was born at Boston, Mass., in 1758, married Eliza
beth Barnes, of Southington, Conn., and emigrated
from Vermont in February, 1814, to the place where
he died September 8, 1834, in his 76th year. His
widow died June 19, 1849, aged 85, and was a U.S.

KNOX COUNTY. 363
pensioner for many year^. Seven children survive,
viz. : ]\Irs. Mary Hinds, in Indiana; Mrs. EUzabeth
Rowley, widow of Samuel; Mrs. AbigaU Gabriel,
wife of John Gabriel, of Columbus ; Jonas, col
lector, at Piqua ; Rufus, farmer, of Miller ; Dr. Tru
man, druggist, at Mt. Vernon ; and Levi, merchant,
at BellviUe. Emma, Avife of Alpheus Chapman, is
dead, as also her husband.
Col. Royal D. Simons emigrated from Connecti
cut m 1816. He was a man of education and
talent, possessed of a very social disposition, and
served the people as Assessor and Representative
for several terms. His children living are Louisa,
wife of J. W. Lybrand, and Caroline, Avife of C. P.
Young, both residing at Richland Center, Wiscon
sin. Mrs. Lybrand's only child Uving (George D.)
is at the same place.
Timothy Colopy, a warm-hearted Irishman, had
lived in Maryland and Virginia' until 1813, when
he settled in this township. He died in Mt. Ver
non in his 68th year, and his widow died about
1852, aged 72 years. His surviAing children are
Jacob, Mary, Mrs. Levi Sapp, Sarah, Mrs. F. J.
Zimmerman, and Matilda, wife of H. Conley, in
Iowa. Timothy was a devout Catholic and a zeal
ous Democrat, liberal and generous, public-spirited
and benevolent. He Avas an excellent Justice of
the Peace, and a much-esteemed citizen.
Col. Emor Harris emigrated from Rhode Island
in 1817; died in 1850, aged 58. His wife, Sarah
Sweet, whom he married in Rhode Island, is living
in her 65th year. They had eight children; five
surviv^e, viz.: Caroline, wife of R. C, Walker, in

364 HISTORY OF
Delaware county; Mrs, Mary MiUer; Emor Brown,
also a native of this township; and Henry and
Sarah, upon the old home place,
PhiUp Dennis, of Maryland, for many years re
sided in this township with his accomplished wife,
Ann Dennis, who deceased in 1854, They were
among the most intelligent and best citizens,
"The Four Corners" was the name by which the
principal settlement went, A post-office was estab
lished at this point, February 15, 1839, called " Hil
dreth's," and Miner Hildreth was appointed post
master. After Hildreth resigned, the name was
changed to "Brandon," and H. C. Lockwood was
appointed. In the spring of 1851, H. removed to
Danville, where he is engaged in the mercantUe
business. Brandon is six miles from Mt. Vernon,
and four from Homer. It has two churches, two
stores, two blacksmith and wagon shops, one steam
sawmill, one tavern. The denominational preach
ing is Methodist Episcopal, Baptist and Christian,
Revs. John Mitchell and Moffett, Methodist, Rev.
M. Herod, Christian, Rev. J. G. Tunison, Baptist,
are the regular ministers.
CONSECUTIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1816. John Mott, jr., and re-elected in 1819, 1822 and 1825.
1816. John J. Tulloss, "
1820. James Miller, and again elected 1825.
1825. Royal D. Simons. 1828. John Morey.
1831. Tim. Colopy. 1832. Nathaniel Losh.
1831. Emor Harris, re-elected 1834, 1837, 1840, 1843, 1846 and
1849.
1836. E. S. S. Rouse, re-elected 1839 aud 1842.
1845. James Ozborn, re-elected 1848.
1850. Erastus Rouse, re-elected 1853 and 1856.
1851. W.B. Beardslee.
1850. Rufus Ward, re-elected 1853, 1856, 1859 and 1862.
1858. Jesse Babbs, re-elected 1861.

KNOX COUNTY. 365

CHAPTER XXXIX.
MORGAN TOWNSHIP.
In the first division of the county one of the four
toAvnships was called Morgan, in honor of the
brave native of New Jersey, Daniel Morgan, the
distinguished General in our Revolutionary war,
who was a member of Congress from 1795 to 1799,
and died July 6, 1802 ; and in the general reorgani
zation of townships in March, 1825, it was reduced
to its present Umits. Under the old dispensation
Ave find the total number of voters at the October
election, 1809, to have been 13. In October, 1813
Moses Merrit, Jacob Hanger, Abraham Carnes
Avere Judges; John Dunlap and John Boyle,
Clerks. The number of voters had increased to 27,
and among them were Jonathan Agnew, Ben.
Leonard, Wm. Beam, Wm. Knight, Geo. Cooper,
PhiUp Melker, Jacob Smith, and Smith Hadley.
Other early settlers, besides the above named, were
John Losh, PhUip Smith, Thompson and Michael
Mills, Abner and David Brown, Joseph and John
Harris, John and Adam Fox, John Vance, sr., and
John, jr., Jacob Rabb, Azariah Davis, Titus Rigby,
Cornelius CalUghan, and the Harrods. The only
ones of this old set now known to be Uving are
Smith Hadley, Levi, Wm. and Sam. Harrod, and
Philip Smith. Hadley is in Centerburg, Levi and

366 HISTORY OF
Sain. Harrod in Clay, and Wm. Harrod in Indi
ana, where he moved some fourteen years ago.
Philip Smith lives on Big Run, where he first lo
cated. His sons James and Wm. are in Clay, his
daughter, Mrs. Henry McLain, is in this township,
and Rebecca, wife of George Swank, lives in Union
county. John J. Tulloss, a Captain in the war of
1812, emigrated from Fauquier co., Va., in 1807.
He was a brick maker, school teacher, and farmer,
first in Licking and afterwards in Knox ; his Avidow
IS living, aged 76, with her children.
In 1816, at the October election, there Avere 35
voters. Among these was Caleb Pumphry, who
died in 1817. There is not one of this family now
Uving in the county. They were very kind and
hospitable, zealous Methodists, and as their house
was a sort of head-quarters for itinerants, the fame
of Pumphry's tavern, as it Avas caUed, was quite ex
tensive. Bernard Reece was another old settler ;
and another was Wm. Green, of Maryland, who
moved into Morgan from Licking co., in 1816 ; he
died in 1856. Of his 10 children the only ones
Uving are Daniel of Harrison, Hugh of ChestervUle,
Mrs. B. McClurg and Mrs. J. Kegg in Indiana.
Another father of 10 was Bennet Thompson, of
Va., whose only child now in Knox is James, who
was born in this township in 1827, married Maha
la, daughter of Jesse Larue, in 1850, and has six
children, of whom George Washington and Thomas
Jefferson, now five years old, are twins.
John F. McLain emigrated from Seneca co.. Pa.,
in 1828, and was for many years a prominent citi
zen. He was a large operator in stock and farm-

KNOX COUNTY. 367
ing, and about 1836-8, was interested in a store in
Mt. Vernon ; he died in 1858, in his 61st year.
His sons, Charles S. and Abijah, are in Morgan,
and Wm. in Wyandot co. His daughters, Mrs.
Sarah Welsh and Mrs. Amelia Hufty are in Craw
ford CO.; Mary, wife of Morgan Booze and Cassan
dra, Levi Sellers are in this township, C, S. mar
ried Miss Berryhill ; Henry Miss Smith, and Abi
jah, Miss Hook.
Simon Litzenburg emigrated from Washington
county. Pa., to this township in 1829, bought part
of the celebrated prairie farm, and has lived upon
it ever since. He is now in his 79th year. Henry
Barnes married one of his daughters, and Dr. M.
H. Litzenburg, of Cheviot, is one of his sons.
The West brothers and the E warts are deserving
of notice. The former were natives of Brooke
county, Va. Samuel, in 1830, emigrated from
Washington county. Pa;, and is now in his 77th
year. His wife, Mary Clear, was also a native of
Virginia, and is yet living. Of their eight children,
four are living — Alexander Clear at the old home
stead ; WiUiam H., of Logan county ; Thomas in
Morrow county.; and Samuel, a Baptist preacher,
in South EngUsh, Iowa, Amos West, Sr. is Uving,
in his 72d year; has had 11 children, of whom those
Uving are : Enos, in Tazewell county, IUs. ; WU--
Uam in Morgan; Joe in Pleasant; John in Le
Roy, IUs. ; Amos in Buchanan county, Iowa ;
Margaret in Morgan ; Ann EUza, Avife of John
Penick ; and Elizabeth Woodruff. These are de
scendants of Jonathan West, one of the first born
in Brooke county, Va.

368

HISTORY OF

The Ewarts are from Greene county. Pa., and
natives of Ireland — Robert and John, and their
sisters, Mrs. Haver and Mrs. Ewart. John died
in 1858. Haver emigrated from Greene county.
Pa. They are intelligent and industrious people.
.Jesse Mattocks, a native of Erie co.. Pa., who
married Elizabeth Johnson, and has had six chil
dren, is worthy of note for two reasons, first, he
has serA'ed 13 years as constable, and second, he
furnished the country round with their baskets for
gathering corn, for many years, and therein has
been a benefactor.
In 1830, the inhabitants numbered 653, and
16,582 acres were upon the tax list; in 1840, there
Avere 912 inhabitants; in 1850, 823; in 1860, 688
CONSECUTIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

1810.

John Harrod.

1839.

Jacob Sperry.

1815.

John Green.

1833.

James H. Smith,

1817.

Peter Veatch.

1836.

Johu'Clutter.

1818.

Jacob Hanger.

1839.

il H

1819.

John Wheeler.

1842.

ll n

1820.

Thomas Smith.

1845.

ll t(

1821.

Peter Veatch.

1842.

Jacob Bell.

1822.

John Wheeler.

1845.-

(( ((

1825.

cc tl

1848.

Cc.S. McLain.

1830.

Ziba Leonard.

1851.

cc cc

1821.

Jacob Hanger.

1854.

cf cc

1824.

cc il

1855.

John Miller.

1827.

ll it

1857.

Henry Barnes.

1831.

tl cc

1858.

A. H. ThornhiU.

1830.1833. 1836.

Jacob Sperry.
.. It
41 CC

1860.
1860.

Carey Bell.
James Campbell,

KNOX COUNTY. 369

CHAPTER XL.
PLEASANT TOWNSHIP
March 9, 1825, this township was created, and
named on account of its deliglitful views. Its set
tlement waj much retarded by large landholders.
In 1830, it had 918 inhabitants ; in 1840, 1,888 ;
in 1859, 903 ; and in 1860, 828. Among its eariiest
and best settlers were the Melkers, Grahams,
Veatclic-!, Laymans, Herrods, Hunts, Patricks,
Beclitels, Buckinghams, Walkers, Stinemetses,
Sehuebleys, Beatys, Lettses, Crawfords, Crouses,
Colvilles, Morrisons, Swans, Rohrers, Dunns, and
their connections. The settlers have been princi
paUy from Western Pennsylvania, Virginia, and
Maryland. Several good mill seats within this
township have been improved and occupied by
John Kerr, Elisha Gibbs, the Morrisons, Noilons,
Hadley and Miller; and several distUleries haA^e in
the past been propeUed successfully. The princi
pal business has been farming and stock raising, at
which many have grown rich.
SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1825. David Ash. 1845. Robert Graham.
1825. FredL-rick Rohrer. 1848.
1828. " " 1S51.
]83l'. " " 1854.
1832. James Parks. 18l'l. Henry McLain.
1832. bilas Brown. 1839. Jas. D. Porter.
1835. " " 1842. "
1837. Alvin Foote. 1845. Richard Hunt
1858. H, nry McLain. 1S48. "^ ''^
1S27. Hicrvcy Brown. 1851. " "
1835. Robert Graham. 1854. Johi^ Colville.
¦j33()_ « " 1857. J. V. Parks.

1842. 24

1860.

370 HISTORY OF

CHAPTER XLI.
CLAY TOWNSHIP.
On the 9th of March, 1825, this township was
created, and honored with the name of the great
American commoner, Henry Clay. The surface
of the country is uneven, the soil is generally very
feitile, and the tillers of it have ever been among
our foremost for industry and intelUgence. In
1830, the population was 1,300, and upwards of
15,000 acres were returned for taxation. In 1840,
the inhabitants counted 1,304 ; in 1850, 1,240 ; in
1860, there were 1,098 white and 10 colored per
sons. There were six industrial establishments,
producing to the value of $10,830. Among the
old settlers were Ziba Leonard, I. D. Johnson, the
EUiotts, the Greens, the Barneses, Vances, Pol
lock, Paul, Harrods, Larrisons. Insley D. Johnson,
from about 1823 until 1837, was in business, and
during the latter part of his mercantile existence
was one of the heaviest operators in produce in
Central Ohio. David Lawman, of Rockingham
CO., Va., came here in 1833 ; he is engaged in
farming and miUing. The Boggs family have
been among the good citizens of this township for
many years. The oldest was William, a native of
Virginia. His son WiUiam, the first white child
born in Belmont, died in Richland co., about 1835.
WUliam, sr., died about 1854, aged 98 years, and

KNOX COUNTY. 371
EUzabeth his wife died in 1861, aged 93 years.
Their children, John and Ezekiel, born in BeUnont,
have been long knovm to our citizens. Ezekiel
served as Representative, and died in 1853. His
wife is Uving in Clay. John Boggs married a
daughter of one of the old settlers, Catharine Ste
phenson. Mary married Wallace Mc WilUams, and
Uves in Kansas.
Martinsburg has ever possessed a very patriotic
population. At the celebration of July 4, 1861,
addresses were made by Henry Hervey and A. J.
Lyon, and a good dinner eaten. An accident oc
curred to mar the pleasures. John Clark had two
of his fingers shot off by discharge of a smaU can
non. Martinsburg contains 300 inhabitants. It
was part styled Hanover, and the other part Wil-
Uamsburg, and the present name is a compromise.
The foUowing are the artisans and business men :
Philo Higgins, blacksmith; E. Hardiman, tailor;
wagon maker, Wm. Henderson ; saddlers, M. L.
Dayton, J. M. Bowland ; shoemakers, S. Kidwell,
S. HoUabaugh, S. D. Rouse, M. Chandler, A. Lyon;
Wm. Penick carries on a tanyard ; A. & R. Barnes
and Thomas Rodgers are the merchants ; M. L.
Dayton seUs groceries ; D. Booze keeps the tavern.
The physicians are D. H. Ralston, Peter Pickard,
and S. B. Dodd. There are five churches : Pres
byterian, Rev. H. Hervey ; Methodist, Rev. A. J.
Lyon ; Free Presbyterian, Rev. J. Whitam ; Bap
tist, Rev. G. Tunison ; Associate Reformed, Rev.
G. Torrance. Its schools are good, and the Rev.
Henry Hervey deserves special commendation for
his long and faithful service in the cause of christi-

372

HISTORY OF

anity and education. For over 35 years he has
devoted himself zealously to the work in this place.
J. M. Coulter is Principal of the Academy ; A. S.
Kerr and Miss Susan Jennings are also teachers.
The only men now living in the village who were
here in 1822 are W. McCreary, C. Barkalow, and
W- Mc Williams. The post-office was established
by the name of Hanover in 1820, and changed
afterwards to Martinsburg. The postmasters have
been I. D. Johnson (S. P. Warden, deputy), Jacob
Pearson, Wesley Spratt, J. H. Pierson, W. Mc
Creary, Johnson, W. Mc Williams, and W. Mc
Creary. Since the foregoing was written, the patriotism
of Clay and Morgan has been v^erified, by the spon
taneous uprising of the hardy sons to defend the
soil of Ohio from invasion, Avhen, under Captain
Norton, and Lieutenants Bell and Mercer, they re
sponded to Governor Tod's call ; and, assisted by
Capt. Baugh and Lieutenants Mefford and Church,
and Captain Israel's companies, they saved Cincin
nati from the devouring Secessionists.
SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

1827.

James Elliott.

1831.

W. McCreary,

1830.

cc li

1834.

*( ((

1833.

W. Spratt.

1837.

" tt

1839.

James Paul.

1840.

H it

1842.

II cc

1843.

ii it

1845.

Wallace Mc Williams.

18-10.

it ti

1846.

John Boggs.

1855.

Mercer McFadden,

1848.

Wallace McWilliams.

1857.

W. McWilliams.

1849.

John Boggs.

1858.

Isaac Bell.

1851.

W. McWilliams.

1860.

W. McWilliams.

1852.

John Boggs.

1860.

James Elliott.

1854.

W. McWilliams.

KNOX COUNTY. 373

CHAPTER XLn.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
In honor of General Andrew Jackson, the Com
missioners, on the Ith of September, 1815, erected
this township. John Mills, Jacob Lepley, and
Joseph Kerr were the first judges of election, and
James Thomas and David Melick the clerks.
In 1816, there Avere 35 voters. Jacob Lepley
was the first lister, and Abraham Carpenter first
appraiser. This, the south-eastern township of the
county, is watered by the Wakatomika ; the ground
is generally rolling, but quite productive. , In 1830
the inhabitants numbered 626; in 1810, 994; in
1850, 1,080 ; in 1860, 960. The only town and
post-office is Bladensburg ; it contains 200 inhab
itants. Washington Houck kept the first tavern, in
1833, and continued it, with short intermission,
tiU the present date. Thomas Axtell kept the sec
ond house of entertainment, about 1838 ; he was a
good citizen, and emigrated to Indiana. James
Loveridge for a short time kept tavern ; and John
Hannah now keeps the hotel.
The first goods sold in this town were by John
Wheeler, Avho Avas for many years engaged in mer
chandising at Bladensburg. He took great delight
in the militia trainings, being a captain; in the
Christian church, being an elder; in the Whig

374 HISTORY OF
party, being a committee-man. In all respects,
long was John Wheeler a good citizen ; he now
lives, at an advanced age, in Iowa. The second
store was carried on by W. Houck, who for twelve
years sold goods. T. Axtell, Peter Berry, James
Loveridge, Alphonso Byam, T. & C. L. Marquand,
have also sold goods there. The present merchants
are, Mark Hammond and Samuel Richard.
The first Disciple Church in the State Avas gotten
up by John Wheeler, W- Houck, Elijah Harris,
and their wives, about 1833. They have a neat
Church edifice, of which the Rev. Van Voris is
minister. The Presbyterians have also a church
building, in which Rev.  Brough officiates.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church was the
first house of Avorship built in the township. Thos.
AxteU was the most active iu getting up the church.
James Elliott was mainly instrumental in building
the O. S. Presbyterian meeting-house. The Meth
odists worship in the Presbyterian Church.
The present mechanics are, John Upfold, tailor;
Thomas Hilman, wagon-maker ; Lew. Husser and
Wilson Hartupee, blacksmiths ; the Baltzells, An
drew, John and Joseph, and James Ross, shoema
kers ; Lemuel Hall, carpenter ; Richard Mavis,
cabinet-maker. A good school is kept up in the
Adllage, of wliich Mr. CampbeU is teacher.
A grist-miU is in the town, formerly carried on
by Houck, now by James Gaub. Within a half
mile, another miU is carried on by Mr. Schooler.
About 1852, James Harris started a pottery,
which is now owned by James Green. The clay
is exceUent, and some very good ware has been

KNOX COUNTY. 375
turned out at this manufactory, which is sold in
adjoining towns.
Among the old citizens Avhose names should
appear in this sketch, are Adam Early wine, Jacob
Strieker, George and James Melick, WilUam and
Robert Wilson, Daniel Blue, John Hammel, Wm.
Braddock, the HiUs, the Horns, the McCammets,
the Halls, the Dennys and Stephensons.
Washington Houck, of Huntington county. Pa.,
moved to Knox county. Clay toAvnship, in 1805,
where he resided untU 1833, Avhen he moved to
.Fackson. Joseph Scott, Wm. RaAvdon, DaAdd and Daniel
Strieker, Daniel Mossholder, Peter Miller, PhUip
Dennis, George Holt and Christian Baughman,
have been citizens of long standing.
Col. .James ElUott, long a resident of Clay, who
has officiated as Justice and Representative, now
resides in Bladensburg.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
April 15, 1815, two .lustices were allowed this township, to be
chosen at the house of Joseph Kerr.
January 13, 1816, Jacob Lepley and David Melick were elected,
and Li^pley v/as re-elected in 1819 and in 1822.
1820. Thomas Hall, 1838. W. K. Corbin.
1823. " " 1836. S. C. Porterfield.
1824. David Melick. 1847. James Myers.
1827. " " " A. 0. Scott.
1829. John Stephenson. 1850. W. H. Blue.
" 11. C. Davis. " James Myers.
1832. " " 1863. Daniel Gault.
1<33/-^ cc cc cc sj^ x_ Corbin.
1838. " " 1856. J. S. McCammen.
1831.' A. Darling. 1859. "
1832. W. K. C jrbin. 1857. James Blunt.
1835 " " 1860. Wm. Darling.

376 HISTORY OF

CHAPTER XLIII.
BUTLER TOWNSHIP.
This township was created in March, 1825, and
named after Richard Butler, Major-General of the
U. S. A., kiUed by the Indians in the great battle
betAveen them and Gen. St. Clair, Nov. 4, 1791.
He was one of the bravest of the brave, and as he
lay upon the ground helpless and bleeding from
wounds received in the battle, the savages scalped
and tomahawked him.
We have been at considerable pains to find out
the origin of the name, and were led for some time
to believe that it Avas given in compliment to the
sturdy old settlers, the Butlers, but have become
satisfied from our investigation that the object was
to perpetuate with the names of Gens. Knox, Har
rison, Jackson, Pike, the fame of the ill-fated brave
Richard Butler. The laud is generally rough and
broken, and the population has usually been smaller
than in any other township. The wild and pictur
esque scenery, giAing an air of romance to much of
the country, we must believe contributes to the
health of the j)eo]3le, if we take Joe Stotts, Ben.
Butler, Nich. Riley, Geo. Sturgeon, Abe Darling.
and others of the oldest settlers now living, as evi
dence. The Lepleys, Jacob, George and Joseph.
the Shrimplins, Abraham and WiUiam, the Camp-

KNOX COUNTY. 377
beUs, the Morningstars, the Horns, the HammiUs,
the Carpentcr.s, the Burkholders, the Cogginses, the
McLarnens, the Darlings, the Wolfs, tiie Melicks,
the Gambles, haA^e been long residents of tiiis town
ship. John Busenburg, Philip Ely, Benj. Hugh,
John Jones, Sam. Cermerer, Jesse Ashcroft, W-
Beaty, Job Lewis, Elijah Farquhar, Wm. Seamen
and Ephraim Thornberg also lived in it many
years ago. Orange HoUister for many years was
one of the mo.st actiA'c and useful citizens, spending
many thousand dollars among the peoide erecting
mills and machinery for their benefit ; he is now
Uving in loAva, and Ben. Butler is operating the
mills. Robert Giffin was another useful man in
the milling Une, and his death Avas much of a loss.
John R. Gamble was much noted for his business
qualifications. Nicholas Eil(;y emigrated from
Washington co., Pa., in 1805, to Coshocton co., and
in 1807 to Knox ; he is in his 82d year. We have
the foUoAving account of his off.spring : William
lives iu Illinois ; Harriet, wife of Abraham Dar
ling, is in Wayne ; Eliza, wife of Isaac Wood, Ra
chel, wife of John Welker, jr., Susan, wife of Geo.
Spurgeon, and Almira, Avife of Amos Wolf, all live
in Illinois ; Abraham is dead ; George, Nicholas
and Hannah live in Butler ; and Mary, Mrs. Wm.
Parks, lives in Hancock county.
In 1830, the population Avas 419 ; in 1840, 647 ;
in 1850, 763 ; and in 1860, 727. About 1817, a
post-office called Owl Creek was kept by Abraham
Darling ns postmaster, but the Judge, some fifteen
years ago, became tired of and gave it up. Many
years since there was a store kept in this toAvnship,

378 HISTORY OP
and a post-office was established thereat called
" HoUister's," but it has been discontinued.
Uncle Bob and Aunt Hetty Giffin were noted
characters. They selected the most romantic spot
on Owl Creek for their residence, and amid the
rough, rugged and wild scenery known in olden
time as " the rocks" — of later days as " the caves"
— they dwelt and raised a large and respectable
family. As early as 1820, they put up Giffin's
mills : Ave say they, for everything thereabouts was
their joint work, and could not have been created
without the two were united in the undertaking.
He was quiet, peaceable, Avith a weU-developed
mind and an uncommon good judgment. She was
violent, resolute and deterinined, with a strong
heart and great physical power. Whatever j)lans
were matured and work determined upon, she put
into execution with a warrior sj)irit.
CONSECUTIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
In 1820, Joseph Dunlap was a Justice in this "neck of woods,"
and was again elected in 1824; in 1825, Jacob Lepley; in 1826,
Daniel Campbell.
1829. David Campbell. 1831. Charles Nyhart.
1831. Horatio G. Cooley. 1837. Eli Cummings.
1834. " " 1840. " "
1837. Wm. Coggins. 1840. James McLaurin.
1841. David Barnhard. 1843. Wm. Coggins.
1844. " " 1843. C. Musser.
1848. James Frisby. 1846. "
1849. 0. Musser. 1851. C. C. Gamble.
1852. " " 1852. C. Tym.
1858. 0. 0. Gamble. 1855. Doty Farmer.
1860. Wra. Killer. 1857. Jas. McCamment.
1861. Joseph Hammill.

KNOX COUNTY. 379

CHAPTER XLIV.
HARRISON TOWNSHIP.
On the 9th of March, 1825, another toAvnship
was laid out, and named after General Wm. Henry
Harrison. In 1830, there Avere 726 inhabitants ; in 1840,
833 ; in 1850, 751 ; and in 1860, 778.
The earliest settlers were Wendel Melker, Adam
Lybarger, the Gorsuches, Peter Wolf, Joseph Horn,
Benjandn Horn, Andrew Casto, the Dudgeons, the
Biggses, the Schoolers, PhUip Melker, Isaac Cohen,
Arthur Fawcett, the Welkers. The Dudgeons,
among these, deserve more than a passing notice.
Three brothers and a sister, at an early day, settled
in this wilderness region. In company with their
father, they had crossed the Atlantic in 1801.
Simon, Moses and Hugh Dudgeon, brothers, were
natives of Ireland, who came to this country poor
and penniless, and by honest industry acquired a
competency. SUnon had served six months as a
British soldier in the Revolutionary war. He Avas
in his 26th year, of great physical strength, reso
lute and determined. He landed in the city of
New York with only an English shiUing in his
pocket, which he paid out to a washerwoman for
washing his clothes. He AVorked, as he could get
employment, in Vermont, Connecticut and New

380 HISTORY OF
York, and lived with his father and brothers,
Thomas and Hugh, for eight years, until he accu
mulated $1000 ; and witii that, in 1810, he started
from Delaware county, N. Y., west to hunt a better
location, visited Knox county, and bought the tract
of land upon Avhich he erected his house aud lived
until death. He went to Washington county. Pa.,
marrietl, and returned to his land in ISll. The
issue of this marriage was ten children. Nino are
noAV living, to Avit : Charles, Moses, David, Simon,
May, John, and Andrew in Harrison towusliip ;
William, Jane, Mrs. Horn, in Auglaize county.
Simon, Sr. first bought tliree quarter s'?ei"ions of
land, and added to it by purchase till, at his death,
he had 712 acres. He was very industrious and
domestic in his habits.
Paul Welker, ono of the oldest S3ttlev,s in that
part of tlie county, teUs, Avith much hiini^r, the
way in v.hich he first became aAvare of Dudgeon
being in the county. He was out hunting one day,
and having chased a deer into some underbrush in
some frog-ponds, Avas startled by the strand of an
axe cutting wood ; he stealthily approached the
spot from wlience the noise proceeded, expecting to
find an Indian, Avhen, greatly to his surprise, he
discovered our pioneer chopping trees to make a
cabin. He had not heard of this no^v comer, and
could but express his astonishment tliat he should
have cIio.nch a spot back of the big frog-ponds for
a house. Forbidding as the jilace then ^^ ;is, Simon,
by dint of labor, there made his liviir^, and left to
his children, as its result, an estate of over $25,000,
beside:^ some $10,000 advanced to them during his

KNOX COUNTY. 381
life time. They now own oA^er 1,500 acres of land
in that vicinity. Simon died of apoplexy in the
street, Mt. Vernon, in his sixty-ninth year. Two
of his brothers died of this same disease : Thomas,
in Delaware county, N. Y., and Hugh, in Knox
county, February 16th, 1861. Moses, another
brother, died in this county about thirty years ago.
Their sister, Mrs. Young Love, is uoav living near
Fredericktown. The Lybarger family became quite numerous also.
Adam died in April, tiiis year. He had risen from
dinner, after eating very hearty, and walked into
the yard to get a stick of wood for the fire, Avhen
he dropped dead.
Wendel Melker, Avith his brother Philip, moved
into this country from Virginia in 1808. All that
survive of the Melker name in Harrison are four
children — all mutes.
Silas Ralston, Joseph and Martin Horn, "blath
ering .John" Wolf and John Troutman Avere other
notable settlers of long standing.
Arthur Fawcett was, like the Dudgeons, from
the Emerald Isle, and felt the effects of poverty, in
early youth. After a time he too makes his way
to the "great West," and is found in this county, in
1810, clearing land, upon which he has since re
sided. He is now in his 77th year, and his wife,
Susannah, in her 67th year. They have had ten
chUdren -eight now Uve, viz : Samuel, who mar
ried Elizabeth Eiggs, daughter of James Hayes.
He Avas born in Harrison township, in 1816, and
now lives in Butler. PhUip, who married Mary
EUen Vance, Uves in IlUnois ; EUzabeth, wife of

382 HISTORY OF
Geo. W. Schooler, in Allen county ; Lucinda, Avife
of Hamilton Marshal, in Allen county ; and the
foUowing in Harrison township: Anna, wife of
Isaac Hays ; Mary, Mrs. Ralph Faucett ; John,
who married Hannah Washburn ; Icetas, who mar
ried Rebecca Barnett ; and Catharine, wife of Jo
seph Horn.
Andrew Casto moved into Marion county, and
died sixteen years ago. None of his blood now
live in this county. Isaac Coen, another of the
earUest settlers, died, with none here to represent
him. Joseph and Benjamin Horn died about the
same time, eight years ago. The Biggs brothers —
WUliam, Noah and Jeremiah — came to this town
ship about 1811. The Schoolers settled in the
neighborhood, where that name is now found, in
1818. John Schooler died in 1853 ; he was from
Beaver county, Pa. : had twelve children — nine
now living. Isaac is at Carthage, Jasper county.
Mo. George and Rachel, Mrs. Ashbourne, Uve in
Auglaize county, James in Coshocton ; WiUiam,
Joseph, Moses and Samuel are in Harrison. Both
the justices of the peace in the township are sons
of John Schooler. The people of Knox county
twice honored him with a seat in the Legislature ;
he died some eight years ago, much lamented by a
large circle of relatives and friends.
Marvin Tracy held many pubUc positions, and
was universally respected for his honesty and in
tegrity. Paul Welker and John Troutman have
been hard-Avorking farmers, of good reputation.
Nathaniel Ross emigrated from Greene county,
Pa., in 1811, and is yet living, in his sixty-ninth

KNOX COUNTY. 383
year. His brother, Samuel, came out in 1817, and
is now sixty-three years of age. These men have
been useful citizens. The first brick house in this
township Avas that of Nathaniel Ross.
The first road laid out was from Mt. Vernon to
Coshocton. The proprietors of the town were aU
from the East, and they then believed light must
be sought from that quarter. They did not know
there was a Lake Erie, or if they did, they did not
seem conscious that the great commerce and trade
of this section must be drawn north and south ;
hence, supposing that travel would be most from
east to west, they laid out the toAvn with this view
— making its principal street, " High," the widest,
and " Market," the present Main Street, much the
narrowest. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
Within this territory have been the following Justices : 1819,
Marvin Tracy, reelected in 1822 and 1825.
1825. John Schooler. 1836. Asa Freeman.
1829. Israel Dillon. 1839. "
1831. Ben. Ellis. 1842. "
1834. " " 1845. "
1835. Nathaniel Ross. 1847. M. W. Schooler.
1837. Hugh Miller. 1848. Wm. Marlow.
1840. " " 1849. Marvin Tracy.
1843. " " 1852. Jonathan McArtor.
18.'i0. Moses Dudgeon. 1855. " '¦
lgg3_ cc " 1856. M. W. Schooler.
1855. Sam. F. Schooler 1858. Jonathan McArtor.
IQQ2. " " 1859. M. W. Schooler.
1862. Jacob Hays.

384 HISTORY OF

CHAPTER XLV.
UNION TOWNSHIP.
At the session of the Commissioners, March 9,
1825, this old township, notwithstanding its name,
was dismembered, and reduced to its present pro
portions. Among its earliest settlers are many
names hj this time familiar to the reader : there
were the Critchfields, the Lepleys, tho Butlers, the
Darlings, Wm. and Abraham; the Shrimplins,
Abraham, John and Samuel ; the Durbins, Ben.
and Will. ; tho Elwells, the Spurgeons, tlie Sapps,
the Eigiitinircs, the Logues, McMillen, Williams,
Titus, Hibbetts, Greer, Stotts, George Davidson,
Charles Ryan, Wni. ShaAV, John Arnold, and the
Welkers. Shortly after came John iKonkle, Gas
per Ricji creek, Jacob Black, David Melick, John
Early wire, Valentine Dial, and George Fresh-
Avater. The judges of election, Oct. 10, 1809, were
James Rightmire, John Wood, and Thos. ElweU.
These Avcre at that time the principal families of
the powerful Creek nation ; representatives of al
most all these are to be met with in this county.
In 1811, tho officers of election Avere Wm. Sapp,
Thomas Beaty, George Sapp ; Daniel Sapp and
Jacob Draper.
At the October election, 1810, there were but 23
voters. In 1816 the number had increased to 45.

KNOX COUNTY. 385
Having traced out the Critchfields, DarUngs, and
other famiUes who have contributed abundantly to
ward the peopUng of this county, we cannot pass
by the Sapps. Four brothers— Daniel, George,
Joseph and WiUiam— emigrated from Allegheny
county, Md., in 1806, and the Sapps of the present
day are descendants of them, and of their uncle
George, who came out in 1810 ; of another Sapp,
Adam, who came about 1820 ; and of yet another,
a cousin, known in the neighborhood as "Kentucky
George," to distinguish him from the other Georges,
who had preceded him. Daniel had a dozen chU
dren, of whom Hon. Wm. R., S.W., Dr. Enoch and
Dr. SUas have been widely known. Mrs. J. Wauls,
of Brown, and Mrs. J. Stover, of Mt. Gilead are
only daughters UAing. George married Catharine
Arnold ; and of their nine children six are living iu
the county. Levi is upon the old homestead. He
has had eleven children ; and of this number is
Wm. C, merchant, Mt. Vernon. Joseph's numer
ous family went to Hlinois. WilUam's dozen chil
dren are scattered — only two of them are in Knox
now. Of Kentucky George's fourteen children
we have not space to give an account. James, as
sociated with Wm. J. Morton, in the shoe store in
Mt. Vernon, is his grandson. The original roots
above named have produced over 200 shoots.
The Righ tmires, James and Harrison ; the Shrim-
pUns, William, Samuel and Absalom; Solomon
Robinson and Gilman Hawn, with their families,
weU represent the hardy old stock. John Welker,
Sr. Uves upon the farm he cleared in 1809. His
25

386 HISTORY OF
brother-in-law, Jacob Baughman, and his old
neighbor, Wm. Robison, yet exchange greetings
with him ; his brother-in-law, Wm. Lydick, died
recently. Many trips these old settlers made, with
horse and pack-saddle, to ZanesviUe for salt and
other necessaries. In the war of 1812, John Wel
ker served as a high private, and has received a
land-warrant for his services ; and that is the
highest position he ever sought. He erected the
first brick house in this part of the county. A
man of sterling worth, he has commanded the re
spect of his neighbors, while he has reared up a
family of fourteen children — only one of whom,
Daniel, now resides in this county. The Rev.
John, jr., in IlUnois, and Judge Martin have ac
quired considerable reputation for abiUty.
The towns of Danville, MiUwood and CavaUo
are in this township. The first is one of the oldest
in the county. For the past twenty years it has
not improved much. It is the oldest post-office in
the eastern part of Knox : its post-masters have
been W. R. Sapp, Enoch Sapp. G. H. Davidson,
and S. W. Sapp. CavaUo was a great place on
paper in the days of the Canal fever. WhUe Isaac
Means, S. W- Farquhar, W- V. Richardson, D, S.
Fairchild, C. Keller, H. Thomas and others lived
there it had much trade. From 1843 to 1848 were
its best days ; then, almost aU the exports and im
ports of Knox were through this port, four large
warehouses were erected, and goods were sold by
wholesale ; now, the only man Uving within its
limits is Nelson Thatcher, and his neighbor on the
old Butler farm is Solomon Gearner. The future

KNOX COUNTY. 387
wiU only know of this fast place from this page of
our history.
Mtlwood received its name in consequence of
the first mUl in this locality having been buUt in
the woods. Elisha Gibbs was the venturesome in
dividual who first carried it on ; John Hawn suc
ceeded him, and it has been known since as Wel-
ker's miU. The first settlers around the early miU
were principaUy of the Welker famUy . The viUage
contains about 150 inhabitants, and was laid out
by John Hawn. James Britton built the first
house in the town plat — a Uttle hewed log cabin,
which has been weatherboarded to give it a more
modern look. Two of his sons, LoAvis and Reuben,
are here ; James and the rest of his family reside
in Iowa. Col. Israel DiUon for many years was a
leading business man ; he also moved to Iowa.
Jacob Garret put in the first tanyard about 1829,
and is yet carrying on the business. The Spragues
and Carpers of other years are generally in the west,
Sam, Welker, the pioneer in keeping " entertain
ment for man and beast," had the foUowing poetical
notice painted over his bar :
"As many a man has trusted to his sorry,
Pay to-day; and I will trust to-morryl"
He kept tavern in the old style ; always had plenty
to eat and drink of the substantial kind, his table
literally groaning under its load ; his welcome to
guests was a good deal of the order of the old
Dutch landlord, who said, " Shust make yourselves
perfectly at home : I Avish to God you were aU at
home ;" and aU felt that they were at liberty to

388 HISTORY OF
wait upon themselves. Nevertheless, Sam. was a
jovial fellow, and his house was a favorite with
wayfaring men and those disposed to be joyful.
The students of Kenyon occasionally navigated the
waters of Owl Creek to Welker's port. Among
other trips made there was one in 1833, in a canoe,
by R. C. Hurd and Herman Canfield, late Lt. Col.
of the 72d Regiment, killed in the battle of Pitts
burg ; to the memory of our departed friend we
will say, that a more honorable and noble youth
never lived.
There are three neat church edifices : the Disci
ple, built in 1858. The building committee con
sisted of LcAvis Critchfield, Albert EUis, and Wm.
Moody; Pastor— Rev. Wm. Moody. The Method
ist, built about 1856, through the exertions of Jacob
Hammond, who has resided here over thirty years.
The Presbyterian, buUt in 1853. The present El
ders are Jesse Wintriuger, John P. Smith ; Rev.
J. Newell, Pastor. This church was mainly estab
Ushed by Rev. John Burns, A.M., a graduate of
Kenyon CoUege, was its minister, from 1854 until
his death, in April, 1859. The merchants are
Christian and Peterman, R. McCloud and LcAvis
Britton. The postmasters, since 1831, are John
Welker, jr., Michael Miller, L. Britton and J.
Hammond. S. Israel, Esq., has put in a substantial dam, im
proved the old mill, and added carding-machines to
the stand, Frank Israel superintends the estabUsh-
ment. Wm. MoCloud, a native of Scotland, now
in his 66th year, who, in 1816, settled at Clinton,
and worked as a stone-cutter until 1840, is here.

KNOX COUNTY. 389
with his son. Another stone-mason, John Megin-
nes, resides here ; tAvo blacksmiths, D. Saltsman
and Josiah Horn ; two carpenters, Joseph Butts
and Harris Johnson.
The laud of this toAvnship is generally roUing
and hilly, especially in the eastern part where the
Mohican courses its way, and upon Owl Creek,
which passes through the southern part, affording
much valuable water power. In 1830, the popula
tion was 851, and 10,867 acres of land were on the
tax list. In 1840, the inhabitants counted 1,098 ;
in 1850, 1,192 ; and in 1860, 1,104.
SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
1809. George Sapp and Jacob Lepley were elected, and the
former re-elected in 1812.
1812. Nicholas Riley. 1817. Robert McMillen.
1819. Daniel Sapp ; re-elected in 1822 and 1825.
1819. Jacob Draper. 1826. Ben. Butler.
1829. Charles Waddle. 1 832. James Cain.
1832. Daniel Sapp ; re-elected in 1835.
1832. Joseph Sapp,
1832. Jacob Black, "
1831. John Welker, Jr., " 1834 and 1837.
1836. Josias Ewing. 1857. John Shaw.
1837. Andrew Black. 1841. Jos. L. Workman.
1840. John Welker, Jr.; re-elected in 1843 and 1846.
1842. George H. Davidson, " 1845, 1848 and 1851.
1849. Michael Miller, " 1852.
1847. Elias Day. 1849. Wm. McLoud.
1844. Sam. McKee. 1855. Jacob Ross.
1854 Wm. Walker; re-elected in 1857 and 1860.
1855'. Jacob Hauger. 1857. Washington Hyatt.
1358. .\ndrew Beach. I860. Freeman Snow.
18G0 J. W. Bradiield. 1862. Nathan Parsons. '

390 HISTORY OF

CHAPTER XLVI,
COLLEGE TOWNSHIP.
College was organized December 21, 1838, and
so named in consequence of its being the seat of
Kenyon College, and aU the land belonging to that
institution. The first election was held at the pubUc house in
Gambier kept by M. W- Vore, The officers then
elected were : Trustees, O; Lane, J, McMahon, M.
W. Vore; Clerk, D. L. Fobes ; Constables, O.
Welchymer, and N. Head ; Overseers of the Poor,
J. Kendrick and W- Claytor ; Treasurer, M. T. C.
Wing ; Fence Viewers, T. G. Odiorne, G. C. John
son, N. Weaver ; Supervisors, W, M, Lane and A. K.
Fobes. The voters in the early elections numbered
from 20 to 30, and almost all of these were con
nected with the institution as professors, agents,
keexDers of boarding-houses, or other estabUshments
dependant upon the CoUege for a sustenance.
At the spring election, 1839, J. McMahon, T. G.
Odiorne and M. W. Vore were elected Trustees ;
A. G. Scott, Clerk ; and M. T. C. Wing, Treasurer.
Mr. Odiorne, the only Trustee liAing, is now Presi
dent of an Insurance Company in Cincinnati, and
is au efficient business man. M. T. C. Wing was
re-elected again and again, until he declined serv
ing in 1842, when G. W. Meyers was chosen
Treasurer, Mr, Meyers was one of the earUest

KNOX COUNTY,

391

settlers of this township ; a good practical printer
and bookbinder, the first in these two trades on
"the hiU;" he has contributed much to the pre
servation of works in the Ubraries of the Institiition.

For many years he " ran the machine" of the Ac-
land Press, and now resides at Mt. Vernon. The
printing office was the gift of liberal-minded Eng
lish Protestants to Bishop Chase in 1825, and

392 HISTORY OF
received its name in honor of Lady Acland, the
fair donor who started the subscription. Upon
this has been published various literary and re
ligious articles calculated to advance the cause of
learning and religion. The students of the CoUege
have at several periods projected publications of a
literary character; the last, the "Kenyon Col
legian," a very creditable magazine, was continued
for several years. The first store was called the
Bishop's store, from having been commenced by
Bishop Chase for the purpose of furnishing work
hands with necessary articles, and to supply the
boys, so that no excuse could exist for going " to
town." This was carried on until in the fall of
1833 an arrangement was made with Mr. White,
of New York, by which that business was to be
entirely under his control, and M. and G. B.
White thereupon located at Gambier. The former
remains there, and the latter at this writing is one
of the most valued citizens of Mt. Vernon. The
Whites are natives of Derby, Ct. The " Bishop's
store" was managed for many years by Robert
Burnside, until a short time before its discon
tinuance N. W- Putnam had it in charge. The
Whites continued in partnership until 1838, when
D. Topping and N. W. Putnam opened a store,
and Daniel S. Norton and A. G. Scott estabUshed
another. Topping & Co., with A. J. Douglass,
kept for a few years, when it Avas closed, and Mr.
T. moved to Illinois ; Mr. P. is yet liAing on the
hill ; Mr. Scott has uninterruptedly resided there,
and by his close attention to business, in which for
many years has been alone, has acquired a compe-

KNOX COUNTY.

393

tency. A. B. Norton for scA^eral years was engaged
in the merchandizing and milling business at
Gambier. At this time there are the two stores of
A. G. Scott & Co., M. White & Co., and a drug

o >

and book estabhshment of Mr. French. Other
branches of business have been carried on here ;
E Pearce, Witt & Mulford, and G. J. W. Pearce

394 HISTORY OF
in the boot and shoe Une ; Russel Clark, Mr. Clem
ents, A. K. Fobes and J. Waugh have carried on
the taUoring. Mr. Sharp in early times was the
brewer and baker, in a large stone house in the
rear of the main CoUege building, now obUterated
by time's effacing finger. J. S. Sawer since 1837
has supplied the students and liberal disposed with
ice cream and varieties, and many of the boys fed
under the Dotheby regime gratefuUy remember
the good cookery and pies of Mrs, Sawer. The
hotel and boarding-houses have been kept by
Douglass, Vore, Johnson, Bell, Witt, Sims, RUey,
and Wright, the latter now holding forth in fine
style. The old CoUege miU erected by Bp. Chase
many years ago went into decay, and at that seat
Daniel S. Norton put up one of the finest miUs on
the river. The " Kenyon Mills" flour acquired a
good reputation. The post-office, upon Bp. Chase's
application, established in 1826, has been the greater
part of its existence managed by that excellent
public officer, M. T. C. Wing. About 1846, parti
san violence, through the machinery of a county
convention and central committee, brought about
the appointment of Benoni Elliott, a student from
the District of Columbia. In 1849, M. T. C. Wing
was again appointed ; in 1853, James Young ; in
1857, E. G. Riley; and in 1861, Joseph Leonard.
The principal church is Rosse Chapel, bearing the
name of its founder. Lady Rosse, eminent for piety
and good Avorks. It is a very neat and chaste stone
edifice, situated in Harcourt Parish, named for like
cause, and in the rear of the church is the beauti
ful cemetery where rest the dead of Gambier. The

KNOX COUNTY.

395

parish officers elected Easter Monday, 1862, on the
Union ticket, are A. G. Scott, H. L. Smith,
Wardens ; B. L. Lang, A. Buttles, M. White, J.
Leonard, J. S. Sawer, S. T. Bourne, N. W. Putnam,

o
H

^r

'^

JjJ. S. Balcom. Delegates to the Convention, B.
L. Lang, A. G, Scott, S, T. Bourne. The M. E.
church is a neat frame, erected in 1854 by subscrip
tion of Uberal citizens. The present minister is

396 HISTORY OF
Chilton Craven. The Trustees are D. L. Fobes, J.
T. L. Jacobs, F. Clippinger, F. Penhorwood, G. J.
W. Pearce. The Cumberland Presbyterians have
preaching regularly at their church, one-half mile
north of the Public Well. The Rev. Larrimore is
the present minister ; J. Bennet and T. Minard,
trustees. The various College buildings and mat
ters of interest connected with them will appear
under the appropriate head. Gambier is a beauti
ful little village, where those who desire to with
draw from the noise and bustle, the cares and
vexations of the active Avorld, can have a safe
retreat. A more quiet and secluded spot cannot
be found on this continent ; of the old residents on
the hill, it may with truth be said :
" Along the cool, sequestered hill of life,
They kept the noiseless tenor of their way,"
scarcely realizing that the great busy world is all
around them. To them we commend Lord Ken-
yon's motto : " Magnanimiter crucem sustine."
SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
In 1839 John Powell and C. S. Johnson were
elected, but the latter, being a student, upon pro
test of the Bishop against his acting, resigned, and
A. G. Scott was chosen in May, 1840 ; re-elected
in 1843 and in 1845 ; in 1846, resigned. 1845—
G. C. Johnson; re-elected 1848. 1812— A. K.
Fobes. 1844— E. M. GavIu; re-elected 1847.
1847— B. EUiott. 1850— N. W- Putnam; re
elected in 1853 and 1856. 1853— D. L. Fobes.
1855— J. H. C. Bonte. 1856— Norman Badger.
1857— John Cunningham ; re-elected 1860. 1859
— George J. W. Pearce.

KNOX COUNTY.

397

CHAPTER XLVII.
CLINTON TOWNSHIP.

'i^l^^-TTJL-d xJCO')

So often, during the progress of this work, have
we had occasion to speak of events occurring with-

398 HISTORY OF
in this township, and of its prominent citizens, that
we shaU not occupy much space in addition to that
necessary for its list of justices. It is one of the
four townships created at the organization of the
county, and, containing the county-seat, has been
the central field of operations heretofore quite
minutely described. The land is aU good ; the cit
izens, generally, moral and industrious. It is weU
watered by the Ko-ko-sing, Dry Creek and Center
Run, and possessed of every article necessary for
convenience and health of the inhabitants. The
greater part of its wealth and population is within
Mt. Vernon, and at this place the business is gen
erally carried on. The township is divided into
convenient school and road districts, and the whole
is embraced in one election district, which poUs
usuaUy 1,000 votes. This township, outside the
city Umits, contained in 1860, 884 whites. The
aggregate value of land, as equaUzed by the State
Board, was $543,473.
Mount Vernon steadily increased in population
and wealth until the present war Avithdrew a large
portion of "the citizens from industrial pursuits and
caused a general depression, from which the recov
ery will come with peace. In 1860, there were 61
industrial establishments within the city limits,
and the value of products was $704,050. The ag
gregate population of the five wards was 4,147, of
whom 46 were colored persons. The aggregate
value of lots and buildings, as equalized by the
State Board, was $723,239. We have coUected
much information, in regard to this place, from its
foundation to the present time, which we may here-

KNOX COUNTY. 399
after give to the pubUc in a volume. The limits
prescribed to this work preclude us now. The
citizens have certainly cause to congratulate them
selves upon the growth, prosperity and health of
the place — upon their many and great advantages,
moral, social, educational, religious. The unsur
passed water-power — the superiority of the locality
for manufacturing — must cause its continued pros
perity. Norton's Mills, the Mount Vernon Iron
Works, the Kokosing Foundry, the Woolen Fac
tory, and other manufacturing estabUshments, and
the superiority of Mount Vernon mechanics, have
contributed much to the advancement of the city
and county. In the not far distant future, this
city wiU be one of the foremost in the interior of
Ohio. The Knox Mutual Insurance Co., incorporated
in 1838, went into operation with C. P. Bucking
ham, H. B. Curtis, G. Browning, J. E. Davidson,
0. Delano, E. MUler, I. Hadley, D. S. Norton and
Abel Hart, as Directors. Gen. Buckingham was
for many years President, and Richard Thomas,
Secretary. Present officers: G. W. Hauk, J.
Sperry, J. Blake, J. M. Byers, C. Cooper, R. C.
Hurd, C. P. Buckingham, W- McClelland, Direc
tors. G. W- Hauk, President, and Wm. Turner,
Secretary and Treasurer. The first loss sustained
was by the burning of Rev. M. T. C. Wing's dwell
ing ; amount paid, $900,
The Knox Co, Bank, organized in 1847, with
Henry B, Curtis, J, W- Russell, C. Delano, J. B.
Thomas and Sewall Gray, Directors. Capital
stock, $100,000. Henry B. Curtis has been its

400

HISTORY OF

President from that time. Its Cashiers — J. C.
Ramsey, L. S. Lewis, J. F. Andrews and. Hugh
Ogilvie. The Bank of Mt. Vernon was organized April,
1862. Directors : J. W. Russell, Prest. ; C. Del
ano, M. Thompson, W. H. Smith, F. D. Sturges.
Mr. Sturges is Cashier, D. W. Lambert, Teller.

CONSECUTIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

1806. John Mills. 1837.
1808. T. B. Patterson. 1839.
1809. Matthew Merritt. 1839.
181 1. Samuel Kratzer. 1840.
1811. Silas Brown. 1842.
1811. Allen Scott. 1842.
1815. James Smith. 1842.
1815. Benjamin Barney. 1843.
1817. Benjamin Martin. 1845.
1817. Stephen Chapman. 1845.
1818. John Roberts. 1846.
1820. Wm. y. Farquhar. 1846.
1820. Benj. Martin. 1846.
1821. John Roberts. 1848.
1822. John H. Mefford. 1849.
1823. Wm. Y. Farquhar. 1850.
1824. John Roberts. 1851.
1825. Joseph Brown. 1852.
1825. James McGibeny. 1853.
1826. John Roberts. 1854.
1830. Gideon Mott. 1855.
1830. Wm. Bevans. 1855.
1831. S. W. Hildreth. 1858.
1833. Wm. Bevans. 1858.
1833. Thomas Irvine. 1858.
1834. S. W. Hildreth. 1860.
1836. Johnston Elliott. 1860.
1836. Thomas Irvine. 1861.

Timothy Colopy.
B. F. Smith.
Robert F. Hickman.
Wm. Welsh.
B. F. Smith.
R. F. Hickman.
E. W. Cotton.
Wm. H. Cochran.
Benjamin McCracken.
E. W. Cotton.
Nath. McGiffin.
W. H. Cochran.
Truman Ward.
E. W. Cotton.
W. H. Cochran.
Joseph S. Davis.
Emmet W. Cotton.
W. H. Cochran.
Joseph S. Davis.
Thompson Cooper.
Samuel 0. Beach.
W. H. Cochran.
Thompson Cooper.
Thos. V. Parke.
W. H. Cochran.
0. C. Baugh.
Thompson Cooper.
Henry Warner.

KNOX COUNTY. 401

CHAPTER XLVIII.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS.
Mt. Vei-non Lodge No. 20, was duly instituted on
the 21st day of June, 1843, by a dispensation from
the R. W. Grand Lodge of Ohio, by D, D. G.
Master J. T. Blain, acting under a dispensation
from G. M. Thomas Sherlock.
Charter Members. — R. Blake, L. Waite, L. D. Nash, W. Sitllivan,
and R, Wright. The following officers were duly installed : R.
Blake, N.G.; Liberty Waite, V. G.; L.D.Nash, Secretary; W.
Sullivan, Treasurer. Initiated at the first meeting: J.K.Miller,
D. A. Robertson, and J. R. Wallace.
Celebrations. — The first public celebration was June 22, 1844,
D. T. Disney, of Cincinnati, Orator; the second, June 21, 1848,
Rev. Mr. Doolittle, of Columbus, Orator; the third, June 19, 1851,
Rev. A. T. Mather, Orator.
Officers January 1, 1862. — H.D.Brown, N. G.; Edwin Rogers,
V. G.; J. D. Haymes, Secretary; J. W. White, Financial Secretary;
R. N. Kindrick, Treasurer. Trustees. — Joshua Hyde, W. M. Bunn,
H. Phillips.
Representatives to the Grand Lodge of Ohio. — W. M. Bunn, R.
0. Kirk, A. 0. Elliott, and J. W. White.
EUicott Lodge No. 267, was instituted at Freder
icktown, AprU 11, 1855, by M. W. G. Master T.
J. McLain, assisted by Past Grands W. M. Bunn,
J. W- White, J. F. Andrews, R. 0. Kirk, J. W. Ly
brand, A. C. EUiott, and G. W. Shurr.
Charter Members.— K. Love, T. Mosure, G. Cole, B. F. Mosure,
R. Cole, N. B. Rowley, G. W. Condon, J. Z. Griffith, A. Snow, Jr.,
26

402 HISTORY OF
J. B. Roberts, and J. W. Condon. The first officers installed were :
G. W.Condon, N.G.; J. Z. Griffith, V. G.; A. Love, Secretary; R.
Cole, Treasurer. Initiated at the first meeting: D. S. Headley,
C. G. Mount, and R. Ewers. The only public celebration was July
4, 1857, P. G. John Lamb, Orator.
Representatives. — P. G. J. Z. Griffith in 1857, and P. G. Issacher
Rowley in 1860.
D. D. Grand Masters.— V. G. J. Z. Griffith, 1857; P. G. G. W.
Condon, 1860.
Off cers, 1862.— J. C. Ebersole, N. G.; D. T. Montague, V. G.;
E. J. Breese, Secretary; N. F. Strong, Financial Secretary; W. D.
Morrison, Treasurer. Trustees — I. Rowley, J. W. Porch, A.
Stephens. Quindaro Lodge No. 316, was duly instituted
.lune 9, 1857, by a dispensation from the R. W. G.
Lodge of Ohio, by D. G. Master P. G. A. E.
Glenn, acting under a dispensation from G. M. W.
0. Chidsey.
Charier Members. — G. B. Arnold, J. M. Byers, A. C. Elliott, J.
F. Andrews, J. Lamb, T. P. Frederick, and J. Jennings. Officers
installed: J. M. Byers, N. G.; T. P. Frederick, V. G,; G. B. Ar
nold, Secretary ; A. C.Elliott, Financial Secretary; J.F.Andrews,
Treasurer. Admitted on card : M. McFarland, A. J. Beach, W. C.
Cooper, J. Jennings. Initiated : I. Underwood and L. Monk.
The dedication of the new hall. No. 109 Main street, was June 9,
1858. A supper was given to the members of the Order. P. G.
Rev. Glancy delivered an address.
Representatives. — P. G. J. F. Andrews, P. G. J. M. Byers.
Officers, 1862.— J. M. Byers, N. G.; E. B. Shinabery, V. G.; H.
Graff, Secretary; W. McGaughey, Financial Secretary; .1. F.
Andrews, Treasurer. Trustees. — P. G.'s J. F. Andrews, G. B.
Arnold, J. R. Wallace.
Kokosing Encampment No. 38, was instituted at
Mt. Vernon, March 29, 1849, by Grand Chief Patri
arch Williams, assisted by J. H. Wheeler as Grand

KNOX COUNTY. 403
High Priest, H. B. Horton as Grand S. W., J. S.
Clark as Grand Scribe.
Charter Members. — J. M. Campbell, S. W. Gribbon, L. G. Pren
tiss, R. C. Kirk, H. Phillips, A. Ehle, A. P. Mather, U. Stephens.
Officers.— 5. M. Campbell, C. P.; A. P. Mather, H. P.; R. C. Kirk,
S. W.; A. Ehle, Scribe ; L. G. Prentiss, Treasurer. Initiated at
the first meeting : W. M. Bunn, J. A. Shannon, T. T. Tress, J.
Cooper, J. Eichelberger, R. B. Wright.
Officers January 1, 1862.— J. W. Porch, C.P.; A. Harnwell, H.
P.; E. Shinabery, S. W.; R. N. Kindrick, J. W.; J. W. White,
Scribe ; J. Hyde, Treasurer. Trustees. — J. Hyde, W. M. Bunn,
Henry Phillips.
Representatives to the Grand Encampment of Ohio. — Since the
adoption of the new constitution, in 1 855, the following Patriarchs,
viz : W. M. Bunn, J. W. White, J. F. Andrews.

404 HISTORY OF

CHAPTER XLIX.
VARIOUS PUBLIC OFFICERS.
SENATORS IN STATE LEGISLATURE.
From the Senatorial District of which this land
formed a part before the organization of the county,
and after its first settlement, we find in the fourth
General Assembly, at Chillicothe, Jacob Burton;
in the fifth session, Elnathan Scofield. In the sixth
session, Jacob Burton appeared and was quaUfied
as Senator from Fairfield, Licking aud Knox. In
1809, the Senators from these counties were Elna
than Scofield and Jacob Burton. In 1810, Wm.
Trimble and Robert F. Slaughter were the Sena
tors, and they continued as such while the sessions
were at ZanesviUe. In 1812, at ChilUcothe, the
Senator was Wm. Gavit, and we were in the same
district with Richland and Licking for many years.
WiUiam Gass, Mordecai Bartley, John Spencer,
John Shaw and Daniel S. Norton were Senators
until the course of political aUiance changed, and
new connections were formed. The north and
south union was severed, and we were associated
with the counties to the east until the adoption of
the new Constitution in 1851; sometimes, iu dis
tricting, Knox was put with Holmes, at other times
with Coshocton, and then again with both counties.
Since that period our associations have been Avith

KNOX COUNTY.

405

the west, embracing Morrow, until, in 1861, the
district was made to include Wayne, Ashland and
Richland. Beside the Senators aforenamed, we
have had the foUovring, elected at the periods
named, the term of the office being two years, viz. :
In 1829, Thomas Rigdon; in 1831, Wm. Gass; in
1832, Byram Leonard; in 1834, Wm. Ravenscroft;
in 1836, Peres Sprague ; in 1838, James Matthews ;
in 1810, Byram Leonard ; in 1842, John Johnson ;
in 1844, Jacob Koch ; in 1846, Nicholas Spindler ;
in 1848, Asa G. Diniock; in 1850, L. Van Buskirk.
Under the new Constitution we have had — in 1851,
L. Van Buskirk; in 1853, John T. Creigh; in 1855,
Robert C. Kirk ; in 1857, Davis MUes ; in 1859,
Wm. Bonar; and in 1861, Davis Miles.

REPRESENTATIVES.

1807. Philemon Beecher.
" W. W. Irwin.
1808. E. B. Merwin.
" Patrick Owings.
1809. Alexander Holden.
ISIO. Jeremiah Munson.
1811. William Gass.
1812. Samuel Kratzer.
1813. William Gass.
1814. Samuel Kratzer.
1815. Alexander Enos.
1816. Jonathan Miller.
1817. Waitstil Hastings.
1818. W.W. Farquhar.
1819. R. D. Simons.
1820. "
1821.
1822. H. Curtis.
1823. R. D. Simons.
1824. Thomas Rigdon.
1825. John Shaw.
1826. Wm. Robison.
1827. Thomas Rigdon.
1828. Charles Colerick.

1829. Byram Leonard.
1830. John Greer.
1831. Charles Colerick.
1832. John Schooler.
1833. "
1834. Peres Sprague.
1835. "
1836. Martin Tracy.
" S. W. Hildreth.
1837. Marvin Tracy.
1838. James Elliott.
1839. Byram Leonard.
1840. D. L. McGugin.
1841. C. J. McNulty.
1842. 0. J. McNulty.
1843. George Ankeny.
1844. James McFarland.
" George Ankeny.
1845. W. H. Smith.
1846. E. W. Cotton.
" James McFarland.
1847. E. W. Cotton.
1848. L. Van Buskirk.
" Jacob Voorhies.

406 HISTORY OF
1849. Ezekiel Boggs. 1855. B. F. Smith.
1850. Eli Glasgo. 1857. Wm. McCreary.
" S. F. Gilcrest. " W. B. Cox.
1851. James Witherow. 1859.
1853. Jacob Merrin. 1861. Wait Whitney.
1855. George W. True.
COMMON PLEAS JUDGES
Who have presided in the districts in which this
county has been situated, are WUUam Wilson, of
Newark ; Alexander Harper, of ZanesvUle ; Ezra
Dean, of Wooster ; Jacob Parker, of Mansfield ;
LoAd Cox, of Wooster ; James Stewart, of Mans
field ; RoUin C. Hurd, of Mt. Vernon ; Sherman
Finch and Thomas C. Jones, of Delaware. Of this
number, Judges Hurd, Finch and Jones have been
elected by the people ; the others were chosen by
the Legislature. CLERKS OF COMMON PLEAS.
Charles Lofland, James Smith, Isaac Hadley,
S. W, Farquhar, and A. C. EUiott have served as
Clerks. Prior to 1851, they were appointed by
the Judges ; and since that time, the two last
named have been elected by the people. Among
the Deputies who have performed longest service,
were Henry B. Curtis, E. C. Vore, Horatio S.
MUler, F. P. Griffith, A. C. EUiott.
The Clerks of the Supreme Court have been Jas.
Smith, Alexander EUiott and A. C. EUiott.
ASSOCIATE JUDGES.
1808. John Mills, Wm. W. Farquhar, Wm. Gass.
1810. James Colville, April 30th, in place of Gass, who goes
into Richland county.
1813. Jacob Young in place of Farquhar, resigned, Dec. 12th.
1814. Samuel Kratzer, May 9th, in place of Mills.

KNOX COUNTY. 407
1815. John Trimble and Abraham Darling
]l]l- i°^''\ H- ^f'^ffo^d in place of Darlin|.
1 819. Stephen Chapman.
1820. Joseph Brown, James McGibeny.
1827. Anthony Banning
1834. Eli Miller. 1841. William Bevans.
Abner Ayres. <. Isaac N. Richardson.
1S38 ^T ^ l'""- ^^^^- Wn^' McCreary.
???¦ 1^ t"""^ n T"'- ^^*S- ^''^'^ B- Brown.
1839. Richard 0. Davis. '< B. H. Taylor.
By the adoption of the new Constitution, the
office was abolished. COUNTY AUDITORS.
1820. W. T. Farquhar, the first officer of this
description, was appointed at this date, to value
the lands for taxation ; and when the law creating
a distinct bureau passed, having been Clerk of the
Board of Commissioners and conversant with its
business, he was reappointed annually untU 1824,
from which time the people have elected for a term
of two years.
1824. Alexander Elliott. 1844. K. Winne.
1826. 1S46. M. M. Beam.
1828. Marvin Tracy. 1848. " "
1830. " " 1850. B. F. Smith.
1832. " " 1852.
1834. S. B. Kenton. 1854. John Lamb.
1836. " " 1856. "
1838. " " 1858. S. W. Farquhar.
1840. " " 1860.
1842. K. Winne. 1862. John D. Thompson.
PROBATE JUDGES.
The New Constitution created this office, and at
the first election, in October, 1851, for Probate
Judge, to serve three years, commencing February,
1852, Sam'l F. Gilcrest was elected, entered upon
the duties of his office February, 1852, and at the

408 HISTORY OF
expiration of his term was a candidate for re-elec
tion, and beaten, 1854, by Joseph S. Davis.
1857. Joseph S. Davis was re-elected.
1860. Thomas V. Parke.
MEMBERS OF CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.
The Convention that framed the present Con
stitution of Ohio, was held in 1851. Knox and
Holmes formed a district, and the Delegates elected
were Matthew H. MitcheU and John Sellers, Dem
ocrats, over Rollin C. Hurd and John H. Wheeler,
Whigs. MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EQUALIZATION.
Daniel S. Norton, James McFarland,
Byram Leonard, S. T. Cunard.
Henry B. Curtis, TREASURERS.
Until 1825 this office was filled by appointment
of Commissioners each year, and from that time
the people elected for a term of two years. The
period at which each Treasurer was chosen, Ave
append :
1808. Henry Haines. 1841. James Blake.
1815. George Downs. 1847, Jacob W. Lybrand.
1816. James McGibeny. 1851. J. H. McFarland.
1817. Gilman Bryant. 1855. John Beaty.
1819. James McGibeny. 1859. Alex. Greer.
182.5. AV. Y. Farquhar. 1861. H. H Greer
1838. S. W. Farquhar. COUNTY COLLECTORS.
The Commissioners appointed annually the col
lector of personal tax, and that upon lands of
residents. In 1820, the duties of this officer were
somewhat changed, and, in 1817, the office Avas

KNOX COUNTY. 409
abolished by law, and its business transferred to
the County Treasurer.
1808. Silas Brown; amount 1821. Benj. Jackson, Jr.
1 900 T ^°a'^ ^(^58.87. 1822. R. D. Simons.
1809. James Smith. 1823. Joseph Brown.
}1]Z- '1°}'' ^,^"eer- 1824. John Shaw.
i«in il '^.M^"""^- 1825. Silas Brown.
iSS: ^WlSevans. ^^^^^ ^-^ M. Banning.
In 1822, a system of cutting under was com
menced by competitors for this office, as we find
that the State tax was coUected this year for 2f
per cent., and (bounty tax gratis ; the next year
Brown underbid i per cent. ; and Shaw, in 1824,
capped the climax by proposing to collect both
State and County tax gratis !
ASSESSORS.
Assessors have been in our history of tAvo kinds
— ToAvnship and County. The county Avere ap
pointed by the Commissioners until, in 1827, the
people by law were required to elect such officer ;
and after 1841 the office for the county Avas abol
ished, and the old system of ToAvnship Assessors
was re-established.
Prior to 1827, the Commissioners appointed, as
Assessors, R. D. Simons for 1824 and '5, Marvin
Tracy in 1826, and Hill Runyan in 1827, who
served from March until the October election, when
he was elected for two years. In 1829, ,Iohn Greer
was elected, and, having resigned in October, 1830,
Daniel McFarland was elected and continued until,
in 1834, Henry B. Carter was chosen, and served
two terms. In 1838, Uzal BaU was elected ; in
1840, Wait Whitney

410

HISTORY OF

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
1808. Joseph Walker, John Harrod, John Lewis.
1808. Henry Markley, Matthew Merrit, and Wm. Douglass were
elected Oct. 11th ; and, by lot, it was declared that Mark-
ley continue three years, Merrit two, and Douglass one
William Douglass. """" ^

1809. 1810. 1811. 1812, 1813

1814. 1815. 1816.

Robert McMillen.
John Harrod.
Daniel Cooper.
William Mitchell, ap-
¦ pointed by Court May
9th, 1814, t!2cc Harrod,
deceased.
William Mitchell.
Jonathan Miller.
Moses Merrit.
1817. William Mitchell.
" John Warden ?;i6'c Miller.
1818. Allen Scott.
1819. Gilman Bryant.
1820. Abner Ayres.
1821. John Wheeler.
1822. John Kerr.
1823. Abner Ayres.
1824. John Stilley.
1825. Daniel Sapp.
1826. Byram Leonard.
1827. Levi Harrod.
Gilman Bryant appo'ted.
Peres Sprague, Jabez
Beers.
Francis Wilkins; Wil
liam McCreary for 3
years, Francis Wilkins
¦ for 1 year.
1830. David Shaw vice Wil
kins, deceased.
1831. John J'effers for 3 years,
David Shaw 2 years.
1832. William McCreary.

1828.

1829.

1833. David Shaw.
1834. Silas Brown.
1835. William McCreary.
1836. David Shaw.
1837. Thomas Wade.
1838. Christopher Wolf.
1839. Thomas Axtell.
Thomas Wade.
Christopher Wolf.
Thomas Axtell, Henry
Prather.
Henry Prather.
James Witherow.
1845. Robert Graham.
1846. William Babcock.
James Witherow.
Robert Graham.
Wm. Babcock.
Wait AVhitney.
George McWilliams.
Abraham Darling, M.H.
Mitchell vice Whitney,
resigned.
George W. Jackson.
1854. Sewal Gray.
1855. John McElroy.
1856. Jacob Bell, full term.
" W. McClelland, vice
Gray, resigned.
1857. W. McOlcllaud.
1858. John McElroy.
18.f.9. Jacob Bell.
1860. Wm. McClelland.
1861. J. W. Br.idfield.
1862. John S. McCamment.

1840.1841. 1842.
1843. 1844.

1847. 1848. 1849.
1850. 1851. 1852.

1853.

SHERIFFS.

1808. Silas Brown, appointed by Thos. Kirker, Acting Governor
of the State, June 6, till October election, and reappointed
by Governor Samuel Huntington, October 11, 1808.
1811. Ichabod Nye. 1815. John Shaw.
1813. John Hav/n. 1817. "

KNOX COUNTY.

411

1819. Alexander Elliott.
1820. William Bevans.
1822.
1824. Charles Colerick.
1826.1828. John Shaw.
1830. Hugh Neal.
1832. " "
1834. Isaac Hadley.
1836. 1838. Wm. Beam.
1840. "

1842. Absalom Thrift.
1844. " "
1846. David C. Montgomery.
1848.1850. Thomas Wade.
1852. " "
1854. Lewis Strong.
1856. Israel Underwood.
1858. "
1860. James S. Shaw.
1862. Allen Beach.

The foUowing persons have acted as Deputy
Sheriffs at different periods : John Cramer, Isaac
Hadley, Resin Yates, Ben. Jackson, Henry Prather,
D. C. Zimmerman, Johnson EUiott, Jesse B. Ro
gers, W. Beam, S. B. Kenton, E. W- Cotton, W-
D. Headley, StUes W. Thrift, D. C. Montgomery,
John Beaty, T. P. Morton, James Myers, J. Under
wood, T. V. Parke, Josiah Cochran, George W-
Steele. CORONERS.

1808.

1809.1811. 1813.
1815.1817. 1818.
1819. 1820.
1822.
1824.
1828.1830.

Jonathan Craig, elected
April 4.
John Merritt, appointed
Oct. 11.
John Butler, appointed.
Dr. Timothy Burr.

Dr. Robert D. Moore.
Dr. AVaitstil Hastings
Dr. E. G. Lee.
James McGibeny.
Hill Runyan.

George Low.

1832. 1834.1836. 1838.
1840.1842. 1844.
1846. 1848.1850.
1852. 1854. 1856.
1858.1860.
1862.

W. E. Davidson.
Andrew Vance.

Richard Hunt.
Asa Freeman.
It tl
Michael Miller.
It ll
Alexander Love.
It II
William Bonar.
Albert Ellis.
It it
John W. Leonard.
M. M. Shaw.

PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS.
The first officer answering to this description was
Samuel Kratzer, Esq., who sort o' officiated in be-

412 HISTORY OF
half of the State when no better qualified person
was present. He was not an attorney, but appears
to have been allowed fees for his services. Edward
Herrick was the main reUance in this branch in
the early courts, until 1812, when Samuel Mott was
appointed on the 14th of March. In January, 1814,
Charles R. Sherman was appointed, and at different
terms S. W. Culberson, WyUis SiUiman, Hosmer
Curtis, John W. Warden, and other attorneys, were
appointed by the court, as business required, until
in 1833 the Legislature provided for the Prosecu
ting Attorney's election bienniaUy by the voters of
the county, who have made the foUowing selections :
1833. Benjamin S. Brown. 1848. Lafayette Emmett.
1835. Columbus Delano. 1860. Clark Irvine.
1837. " " 1862. William Windom.
1839. M. H. Mitchell. 1864. W. F. Sapp.
1840. M. A. Sayre. 1856.
1842. J. K. Miller. 1858. W. 0. Cooper.
1844. " " 1860.
1846. Lafayette Emmett. 1862. Frank H. Hurd.
SURVEYORS.
The Court of Common Pleas, until 1831, ap
pointed the Surveyor of the county, and the office
was filled by the following persons :
1808. Samuel H. Smith appointed.
1810. John Dunlap appointed June, in place of Smith, resigned.
1815. Wm. Y. Farquhar appointed April 15, and resigned 1827.
1827. Edson Harkness appointed.
The act of the Legislature of March 3d, 1831,
having provided for the election of this officer for
a term of three years, the first elected by the
people was, in
1831. Edson Harkness. 1840. T. G. Plummer.
1834. Thomas G. Plummer. 1843. T. 0. Hickman.
1837. T. C. Hickman. 1846. David Gorsuch.

KNOX COUNTY. 413
1849. David Gorsuch. 1858. David 0. Lewis.
1862. T. 0. Hickman. 1861.
1855. David C. Lewis. COUNTY RECORDER.
The Judges of the Com-t of Common Pleas ap
pointed this officer until 1829, at the October elec
tion, the people chose a Recorder. Under the
former system, the term of service was seven years ;
under the present, three years.
1808. Gilman Bryant, May 2d, until 1815.
1815. Alexander Elliott, May 2d, until 1822.
1822. Henry B. Curtis.
The Legislature of 1828-9 having provided for
appointment of Recorders by County Commission
ers, where office becomes A^acant prior to October,
the Commissioners appointed —
1829. John A. Colerick, May 29th, in place of H. B. Curtis,
whose term had expired.
1829. Hill Runyan was elected in Oct., and served until 1838.
1838. David Montgomery " " " 1847.
1847. Elijah Harrod " " " 1857.
1856. Calton C. Baugh " " " 1859.
1859. Elijah Harrod " " and re-elected 1862.
INFIRMARY DIRECTORS.
1842. John Hobbs, J. F. 1851. Timothy Colopy.
McLain. 1852. John McCamment.
" Wm. Borden. 1853. G. W. Jackson.
1843. W. Borden. 1854. J. B. McGrew..
1844. Abraham Darling. 1855. Thomas Rogers.
1845 0. A. Drake. 1856. Thomas Larrimore.
1846! Abraham Darling. 1857. E. J. Whitney.
" Absalom Buckingham. 1858. Thomas Rogers.
1847. G. W. Jackson. 1859. Thomas Larrimore.
1848. Abraham Darling. I860. E. J. Whitney.
1849. Christian Musser. 1861. Asahel Allen.
1850. G. W. Jackson. 1862. James Scott.

414 HISTORY OF

CHAPTER L.

^^^

It wiU be expected that a history of this county
AviU devote more than a passing notice to the mem
ory of that citizen of whom, in July, 1849, the
editor of the Times said, " We are of opinion that
none of the earliest pioneers of our town have ever
done so much to promote its groAvth and prosperity
as Mr. Norton. If Mt. Vernon is speciaUy in
debted to the enterprise and UberaUty of any one
man, that man is Daniel S. Norton."
The Democratic Banner of Nov. 1, 1859, says :
" One of our most eminent and highly valued citi
zens died suddenly, of congestion of the lungs, on
Tuesday morning, October 25th, aged 72 years."
The following extract from that notice of his death
evidences the regard and opinion entertained for
his services, and its republication wiU not be inap
propriate :
"He first visited Mt. Vernon in the spring of 1816, and, in the summer
of that year, introduced the first complete Carding Machine in this part of
the State, and set it up at the mill of ATilliam Douglas, now occupied by
J. S. Banning. In the summer of 1817, he moved to Mt. Vernon, and in
the fall of that year, having secured the admirable mill seat and water
power which his sagacious eye had discoTered the summer previous, he
built the mills, which, improved and enlarged from time to time, as the
wants of the county required, he continued to occupy and operate until
hia death.

KNOX COUNTY. 415
" He engaged also in the mercantile business, and carried it on pros
perously for many years. He erected a woolen and ii cotton factory and
an oil mill, and engaged extensively iu agriculture and the raising of
cattle and horses, and contributed much to the improvement of the stock
of both in the county.
" He was elected to the Senate from Knox and Richland counties, and
¦while in that body took lively interest aud an active part in inaugurating
and establishing the wise canal policy of the State. He was a membor of
the committee appointed to welcome De AYitt Clinton. At the canal cele
bration in July, 1825, he first met Bishop Chase, who served as chaplain
on that occasion, and during the interview he suggested to the Bishop the
eligibility of the grounds which were afterwards chosen for the location
of Kenyon College. He contributed liberally to the establishment of that
institution, and was always its steadfast friend.
He was always among the foremost in all public enterprises calculated
to increase the growth of the town, or improve and develope the resour
ces of the country.
As a man of business, he had no superior. Prompt, energetic and de
liberate, he apeared to see the end from the beginning, and his plans,
wisely laid, were worked out with a precision which commanded the ad
miration of all.
A man of social qualities, he was the pride of the society in which he
lived. Remarkable for his address and conversational power, his exten
sive reading, his acute observation and his wonderful memory, he attracted
notice wherever he appeared, at home or abroad, and entered no circle
which was not entertained and instructed by his presence.
H3 had a keen perception of merit in the young, and not a few owe the
beginning of their prosperous career in business, to his kind and wise
patronage. He was ever ready to aid the industrious, and had a lively
sympathy for the unfortunate. It was a touching sight to see the poor
gather around his bier, and not the least of a good man's reward, to hear
them call him blessed."
A brief statement of some of the events of his
Ufe, evincing his indomitable spirit, extraordinary
business qualifications, great liberaUty and genuine
patriotism, may foUow the tribute from another
pen. The first American settlers in the Attakapas
of Orleans were the Nortons, who for several years
endured contentedly the perUs and privations in
that, then foreign, cUme, untU sickness and death
reduced their number and deprived them of their

416 HISTORY OF
head ; and the management of the affairs of Mrs.
Ann Norton, and nine children, devolved entirely
upon the young Daniel S., who, possessed of a pe
culiar business mind and an adventurous spirit,
carried on A^arious trading operations in the terri
tory and the Mexican provinces. His papers, care
fully preserved, show many ventures that few
would have the nerve to undertake ; and yet suc
cess invariably crowned his efforts. Some of his
practical operations are worthy of notice. He in
troduced the first, sugar-cane in the Attakapas, and
established that it could be cultivated successfuUy.
His active and well informed mind, and inventive
genius, Avas always striAdng to make improve
ments, and he first directed attention to the navi
gation of the Bayous and rivers, and was interested
in the first boat that engaged in their trade. He
traveled on the first tAvo boats that made trips on
the Mississippi, aud subsequently on the first boat
built by a company at Brownsville, Pa., and run
1)}^ Cax^t. Gregg on the lower Mississippi and Red
River. His suggestions in construction and naAi-
gation, his knowledge of the rivers and the country,
contributed much to those enterprises.
It Avas with the view of carrying on a ti-ade vrith
the southern country that he located at Connels
ville, aud engaged in erecting machinery for manu
facturing ; and hence his deep soUcitude for suc
cessful navigation of the rivers, to promote which
he carried on correspondence, published articles,
made investments, and labored industriously. The
first Cotton Eactory on the Youghiogheny he erect
ed, and operated successfully, bringing the raw

KNOX COUNTY. 417
cotton from his old home in Louisiana. His lands
in that country were of great value, and his busi
ness there for about a haK century was faithfuUy
attended to by Oov. Johnson, as his agent, who has
informed us of his unsurpassed reputation as a
business man. He never reUnquished the idea,
which he had entertained though life, of returning
there to live, and which was oiUy broken in upon
by his coming to this county to marry, and being
stiU further irresistibly attracted by the fine water
power, fertUe lands and beautiful prospects of Owl
Creek. The building of machinery and improving of
miUs and manufacturing establishments may be
said to have been the ruUng passion of his Ufe.
We find a petition presented to the General Assem
bly of Ohio, when it met in ChilUcothe, by Daniel
S. Norton, John H. Piatt and Herman Long, of
Cincinnati, Asa Norton, of Kentucky, and Abra
ham Baldwin, of Pennsylvania, who had associ
ated in manufacturing business, asking for encour
agement of woolen manufactories, etc. The first
complete carding machines, west of the AUegheny
mountains, were put up by Daniel S. Norton, and
our venerable townsman, Wm. Reeves, says that
he first saw him, in 1805, at Tom Smith's mUl, on
Whitewater, setting up machines.
I have often heard father laugh about how his
father caused him to tirade a valuable lot in Cincin
nati for a little sorrel pony, saddle and bridle, and
leave there for his home in the Attakapas. Another
trade that amused him very much was that of a set
of machines, to a man named Lowrie, for a scholar-
27

418 HISTORY OF
ship in Transylvania University, which his father,
who had given him what he deemed sufficient
education at Middlebury College, did not relish;
nevertheless, he procured his books, and took out
the value in Latin, Greek, and mathematics, &c.
There he formed the acquaintance of many young
men who have since become eminent in the coun
try, and that friendship and regard for Henry Clay
which caused him to cling to his fortunes through
good and through evil report.
His career in this county — his efforts to j)romote
education, home manufactures and internal im
provements; his contributions to objects calculated
to benefit the public ; his assistance to old settlers
in purchasing their farms and stock, making im
provements, aud providing for their families ; his
kindness to friends, and generosity to relatives —
will long be remembered. His love of country
was unbounded, and the blood of the Revolution
never coursed through veins more determined to
perpetuate "Liberty and Union." His liberaUty
and patriotism in the War of 1812, the Texan Rev
olution and the Mexican War is on record; and
were he living to-day, he would be faithful to the
Union and true to the principles of the Consti
tution.

Note. — The cultivation of the cotton plant attracted his attention, and
among his papers of 1810 are calculations as to its culture aud manufac
ture. He planted the first black seed in the Southiwist (it had been
brought from the Bahamas), and he was the first experimenter with the
hirsutum and the herbaceous in that locality.

KNOX COUNTY. 419

CHAPTER L.
KENYON COLLEGE AKD THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.
This valued institution of learning and religion
was founded in this county by the Rt. Rev. PhUan-
der Chase, first Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal
Church of Ohio, upon Section one, ToAvnship six,
and Range twelve, U. S. MiUtary Lands. The pre
liminary steps to its establishment were taken at
Worthington, by commencing a school, in 1825,
under an act of incorporation for a "Theological
Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
the Diocese of Ohio." In pursuance of this pur
pose, Bp. C. Aisited England, and obtained A-ery
liberal donations for the cause ; and the surpassing
beauty of the present site secured its selection. In
his annual address, 1826, he thus speaks: "July
22d. This day, for the first time, in company with
a number of gentlemen, I explored the lands now
rendered so interesting to us on account of their
many advantages for the location of the seminary
and college." Two of the gentlemen alluded to
Avere Henry B. Curtis, Esq., and Daniel S. Norton,
whose statements in regard to that "interesting"
occasion we have ; and that of the former, as pub
lished in the Kenymi Collegian, we had designed
giving entire, but our Umits will not permit. In
fact, we can only aUude to the estabUshment of

420 HISTORY OF
the coUege, with the promise of giving at an early
day a complete history of the institution, its founder
and benefactors, for which we have now a large
amount of interesting material in manuscript. The
coUege lands, 4,000 acres, on both sides of the Ko
kosing, five miles below Mt. Vernon, were pur
chased of Wm. Hogg, Esq., of BroAvnsville, Pa.,
who made a generous donation in consideration of
the object ; and by a unanimous vote of the Con
vention of 1826 the site of Kenyon College was
settled forever.
Views of Kenyon College, Ascension HaU, Bex-
ley Hall, Milnor Hall and Rosse Chapel, the prin
cipal buildings of the Institution, appear in this
Avork. They teU of the pious and devout labors of
Bishop Chase, whose Uthograph is also given, and
of his very worthy successor, Bishoj) McHvaine.
They also speak, more than tongue can teU, the
liberality and nobleness of the Christian people of
Great Britain and of the United States, who have
been graciously moved to give of their abundance
to this noble object. To Henry Clay, Avhose influ
ential letters gave Bishop Chase access to the
British heart, we are also deeply indebted.
Kenyon College to-day stands erect, having
passed through many periods of tribulation and
gloom. With an able corps of instructors, trustees
and friends, zealously devoted to her interests, a
bright future is before it. In our forthcoming
Avork, we will prove, by showing what it has done
for the counti-y, that the expectations of its friends
have, in great part, been realized.
In 1827, the foundations of the work were laid

KNOX COUNTY. 421
on College HiU, commanding the most beautiful
view in the whole country. The place is noted for
health, as the Institution has been for the thorough
ness of its course of instruction. Among the very
able officers at the present time are^ — Rt. Rev. G.
T. BedeU, Rev. T. M. Smith, Rev. M. T. C. Wing,
Rev. J. J. McElhinney, of the Theological Pacul-
ty, and Professors John Trimble, H. L. Smith, B.
L. Lang, Erancis Wharton, H. D. Lathrop and G.
T. Chapman, of the College.
The Kenyon Grammar Schools in charge of Rca-.
A. Blake, at Gambier, and Rev. Peter S. Ruth, at
Worthington, are valuable adjuncts, and well sus
tained. The Libraries of the College and the Philoma-
thesian and Nu Pi Kappa Societies, containing over
15,000 volumes, and an abundant supply of literary
food, are ever accessible to the student.
The present Trustees of the Institution are —
Rt. Rev. C. P. McIlvaine, D.D.D.C.L., President;
Rt. Rev. G. T. BedeU, Vice President ; Rev. S. A.
Bronson, D.D., Rev. E. Burr, D.D., Rev. James
McElroy, D.D., Rev. H. B. Walbridge, Rev. Lewis
Burton, Rev. J. E. Grammer, Hon. J. W- An
drews, Hon. R. C. Hurd, Hon. C. Delano, Gen'l
Kent Jarvis, Wm. Procter, Esq., Dr. J. N. Burr.

422* HISTORY OP

CHAPTER LI.
THE FAMOUS RACE OF SBELEY'S BULL vs. TOM'S HORSE.
One of the " phunny" characters in our county's
history is our old friend Seeley Simj)kins, Avho is
now in his 70th year, and was born in West Jer
sey, the precise spot he doesn't know — nor is it
material to the thread of this discourse. In 1804,
when five years old, he Avas brought by his father
from Morgantown, Va., and his recoUection of Mt.
Vernon runs from the time Capt. Walker lived in
a little log hut close by the old sulphur spring.
Seeley says that its water had a great medicine
rej)utation with the Indians. He was a great
favorite with the squaws and pappooses, by reason
of his uncommon musical talent. He could mimic
any sound of varmint or human, surpassed the
lute of Orpheus, aud out-Avhistled all creation. He
furnished tJie music for early musters, and Avhen it
took four counties to make a regiment he gave a
challenge to out-Avhistle any man within them.
He recoUects Avith much pride the encomiums of
Adjutant Stilley, Avho, he says, was " the best judge
of swill music then in the country." He fre
quented race tracks, and drew crowds and supplied
hoe-downs on demand. Eor a long time he labored
under the disadvantage of making his pilgrimages
on foot, but having the good luck to hear at
preaching that " Balaam took his ass and saddled

KNOX COUNTY. 423

him," he concluded to take the next thing to it 
his buU — and saddle and ride him. He was a nice
little muscular brute, raised by him, and being
gentle, Avas trained so that he ti-aveled right smart
on Seeley's circuit. Often have we seen Seeley in
all his glory ride to the miU Avith his grist, and
Avhile it was being ground he would take an airing
around the town, whistling as he Avent. The races
Avere usuaUy on the flat front of Norton's mills,
and there Seeley acquired " immortality and fame."
On the occasion of a grand race, Avhen the Critch
fields, Sam. Arbuckle, and the Creek nation were
in town in their strength, a race was gotten up by
Hugh Neal, John Gregg, aud John Kellifer, be
tween Seeley's bull aud Tom Irvine's horse. The
stakes were up ; judges took their stand ; and ex
pectation on tiptoe Avas soon gi-atified by the
entrance of the steeds. At starting, the little
bull's tail received a sudden and severe twist,
causing him to bellow lustily as Seeley Avith
" vaulting ambition pricked the sides of his intent ;"
and goaded to desperation, bull pawed the earth
and sped on with all hi^ might, while the air Avas
rent with the shouts and yells of the spectators,
frightening him almost out of his skin. The horse,
altogether unused to such " noise and confusion,"
inclined to balk, shied to one side, and trembling
from fear, could not be brought to the " outcome"
in time, and the judges honestly pronounced in
favor of Seeley's bull. Amid the applause of the
large concourse, Seeley proudly mounted his
charger, and as he stroked his neck, complacently

424 HISTORY OP KNOX COUNTY.
took the wager, and rode home a happier man than
ever in his life before or since. The poet says :
"Honor and fame from no condition rise;
Act well your part — there all the honor lies."
Seeley has done this, and his name is inscribed on
the page of his country's history, to be remembered
long after those who have laughed at his career
shall have been forgotten.

To THE Reader. — We rest — not insensible to the fact that vre
may, in your estimation, " have done those things which -we ought
not to have done, and left undone those things which we ought to
have done;" but there is no help for it now. Our field was
entirely new, and but very few papers are accessible at this early
day in our history — the future writer will have still less, and this
work may prove advantageous to those who succeed us. We
have not sought to embellish, but simply to give plain statements
lit old matters. Several thousand families have been named, and
omissions of any of the old settlers have been unintentional. The
multitude crowding upon us has caused us to give less notice to
several of our best citizens than we designed. Errors, typographical
aud otherwise, may exist ; attribute them to the peculiar circum
stances that surround us in these daj-s of war and excitemeut, and
join us in prayer for a return of the good old times of peace,
prosperity and happiness.

m

¦.¦'ij''V-V
- • - f\'**M
'\ ¦•'
Hf
* ' 'V*' All"! • ' .' J