PREAMBLE.

     WHEREAS, It has been represented to this General Assembly, that the present seat of justice in the county of Adams is in an improper place, and the inhabitants thereof labor under many and great inconveniences in attending the same, therefore,
     SEC. 1.  Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Ohio, that Isaac Davis, John Evans and James Menary, be and are hereby constituted and appointed Commissioners to view and examine the several parts of the aforesaid county, or so much thereof as will in their opinion, enable them to determine upon the most eligible place for the seat of justice, in doing which they shall take into view the present and probable future population, and all other circumstances relative to the convenience and accommodation of the citizens of said county.  Provided that if any one of the said Commissioners be prevented from serving the other two shall appoint the third.
     SEC. 2.  Said Commissioners shall certify their opinion in duplicate to the Court of Common Pleas and Speaker of the Senate.
     SEC. 3.  They shall all be sworn to the proper discharge of their duties.
     SEC. 4.  The Commissioners shall receive each $2 per day out of the County Treasury on the order of the Associate Judge.
     SEC. 5.  The Court and Commissioners are prohibited from expending any more money on public buildings until the seat of justice is permanently established."
                    MICHAEL BALDWIN,
      Speaker of the House of Representatives.
     NATHANIEL MASSIE.
          President of the Senate.
     April 13th, 1803, 1st O. L., p. 54, C. 16.
     In pursuance of the provisions of the foregoing act these Commissioners proceeded to discharge the duties imposed upon them.  They first bought 100 acres of land from Robert McClanahan for $760. This is the ground on which the town proper stands.  They then bought five acres of George Harper, north of Mulberry Street, for $1.00.  This is known as Harper's addition.  They next bought five acres of Priscilla Anderson for $40.
     Having thus performed these duties, they reported their proceedings to the Legislature, which thereupon passed the following additional act:
     "An act establishing a permanent seat of justice in the county of Adams.
     "WHEREAS, It is represented to this General Assembly by report of the Commissioners, pursuant to an act entitled, An Act providing for the permanent establishment of the seat of justice in the county of Adams, that the land of Robert McClanahan in said county, lying about half a mile south of the road leading from Chillicothe to Limestone, and a small distance west of the central line of said county, drawn north from the Ohio river, is the most eligible place for the purpose aforesaid," therefore,
     SEC. 1.  Provides that the Associate Judges of said county are required to purchase of said McClanahan, his land and any of the adjoining lands not exceeding in all 150 acres, at a cost not more than $8 per acre, to be paid out of the County Treasury on the order of said Judges.
     SEC. 2.  Provides, that the title of said lands shall be vested in a board of trustees for the use of said county.
     SEC. 3.  Appoints Nathaniel Bensley, Wm. Marshall, Salathiel Sparks, Aaron Moore, Benjamin Wood, William Collings and John Briggs, a board of trustees, whose duty it shall be to appoint a Clerk and Surveyor, who shall, under the directions of said trustees, lay off said land in town lots, with convenient streets, "to be named West Union," make and record plats, and keep a record of their proceedings, etc., etc.
     SEC. 4.  Requires a notice in the Scioto "Gazette" for thirty days, and a sale of said lots under the direction of the Associate Judges.
     SEC. 5.  Allows lot-holders, when they reach the number of 30, to meet and elect trustees of their own and the old ones retire.
     SEC. 6.  Requires all the officers to be sworn.
     SEC. 7.  Requires the Commissioners to dispose of the public property in Washington, etc., etc.
     SEC. 8.  Requires the Court of Common Pleas to remove all public property to West Union, when it is ready to receive it.
                         ELIAS LANGHAM.
     Speaker of the House of Representatives
NATHANIEL MASSIE,
     Speaker of the Senate
January 16th, 1804, 2d O. L., p. 77, C. 12.

SURVEY OF THE LOTS.

     On Monday morning, Mar. 19th, 1804, the trustees for the town of West Union, met to plat off, survey and stake out the lots for the town.  After being duly sworn to discharge their duties according to  law, they appointed William Collings, clerk, and Nathaniel Beasley, surveyor; they then proceeded to plat off the town and adjourned.
     Tuesday, March 20th; the trustees met this morning at nine o'clock, and proceeded to survey and stake out in-lots until six o'clock, p.m., then adjourned.
     Wednesday, March 21st; the trustees met at half past nine o'clock, a.m. to-day, continued the survey of in-lots until half past twelve o'clock, then adjourned.
     Friday, March 30th, appeared the trustees, who met at half past ten o'clock, a.m.  Today they chose Robert McClanahan to assist, then continued on the survey of the in-lots, until half past five o'clock, p.m., and adjourned.
     Saturday, March 31st; the trustees met at nine o'clock this morning and staked off in-lots till five o\clock, p.m., then adjourned.
     During the day, Henry Rape came to them and made application for the use of the house that stood on the town plat.  The trustees obligated themselves to keep him in peaceable possession of the premises until the first day of the sale - for which Mr. Rape gave them his note for $8, for the rent of the house until May 1st.
     Monday, April 30th, appeared A. Moore, B. wood, N. Beasly, S. Sparks, J. Briggs and Wm. Collings, who met at one oclock, p.m., and proceeded with the survey of in-lots until six o'clock, p.m., then delivered a plat of the town to Jos. Darlinton, Recorder of the county; adjourned.
     Tuesday, May 1st, B. Wood, J. Briggs, N. Beasley, S. Sparks and Wm. Collings met at half past eight o'clock, a.m., and proceeded to survey and stake off the out-lots, until six o'clock, p.m., then adjourned.
     There were 111 in-lots and 20 out-lots laid off.  The lots were all nine rods from north to south, and six rods from east to west - except lot 14, which is four rods at the south end and five rods at the north end, and nine rods long; lot 15 is six rods at the north and five at the south end; No. 85 is 6x4¼ rods.
     All the streets running through the in and out-lots are 4 rods wide.  The street between the in and out-lots is 3 rods wide.

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     The out-lots are 23x1_ rods wide, except No. 1, which is 15-2/3 rods at the south and 14-1/2 at the north end and 16-1/2 rods at the south end, and 23 rods long; No. 15, is 16-1/2 at the north and 17-2/3 rods at the south end and 26 rods long; No. 25, is 20 rods at the south and 22 rods at the north end, and is 26 rods long; No. 8 is 9-7/8 rods at the north and 8-1/2 rods at the south end, and 23 rods long; No's 16, 17, 18 and 19 are 26 rods long.
     The street on the north side of town is 3 rods wide.  On the east and west of the in-lots the streets are 1-1/2 rods wide, and on the east, west and south of the out-lots, the streets are two rods wide.

RESERVED LOTS

     The following lots were reserved as will be seen by the extract below:
      "In compliance to the act entitled, An Act to establish the permanent seat of justice in the county of Adams, we, the undersigned, do reserve the following in-lots in the town of West Union for the following purposes, to-wit:  Lots Nos. 63, 64, 77 and 78 for Court-house, etc.  No. 67 for a public jail and No. 46, for a public spring and school house.
     Given under our hands this 16th day of May, 1804."
     Hosea Moore,}
     David Edie    }
     Needham Perry} Associate Judges of Adams Co.

OUT-LOTS

     Thursday, May 17th, 1804; this day the trustees met for the purpose of selling, at public sale, the lots of the new town of West Union.  They chose John Lodwick, for auctioneer.
     The following is an exhibit of the names of the purchasers, the lot they bought and the prices they paid:

     Saturday, May 19th, the trustees met for th epurpose of giving to purchaser certificates of their purchases and taking their obligations for the back payments.  Certificates were given to John Brown for the lots bought by Claiburn Fox, and his obligations taken for the deferred payments.  Henry Rape paid eight dollars, amount of rent due on house, which sum was handed over to David Bradford, treasurer.

FIRST COURT IN WEST UNION.

     The first term of court in West Union, commenced its session on the 27th day of March, 1804.  It was held in a log cabin, built by robert McClanahan, before he sold the land on which West Union stands, and as the only house standing on the site of the town, when the lots were surveyed out.  It stood on the corner of lot 46, now occupied by Crawford's store.  This was the place the courts were held until the new Court-house was built on the public square.

FIRST COURT HOUSE

     The contract for building the first Court-house in West Union was awarded to Wm. Foster Feb. 25th, 1805, for $709.  It was to be built on the public square, on lot 63, to stand 5 rods from Main street, on the east end of the square adjoining Market street, to be of hewed logs, 30x40, of oak, poplar, walnut or blue ash timber.  It was two stories high, the lower story 12, the upper one 8 feet ceiling, with the corners neatly cut down, to be fully completed by the fourth Tuesday in October 1801, but in consequence of an opinion by the Commissioners, that it was not finished according to contract, the matter was referred to David Bradford and Joseph Darlinton, to decide the difference.  Their decision is not given in the records, nor any allusion made to the subject thereafter.  It is probable the house was not ready for use before February, 1806.  After serving its day and a new house built, this old Court-house was sold to Joseph Curry, who removed it to his farm near town, now owned by Casper Young who built a barn of the logs.  Mr. Curry finally sold it to John Meek, who removed it back to town again and made a stable on it on his premises on lot 55.  Samuel Bradford bought out Meek and sold the old Court-house to John Knox, who removed it to his premises on Lot No. 2, where he built from the old logs a dwelling in which he now - 1880 - resides.  Thus ends the history of the first Court house in West Union.

SECOND COURT HOUSE.

     The contract for building a New Court-house was awarded to Thomas Metcalf, a stone mason of Kentucky, who afterwards became Governor of that State.
     Te Commissioners' journal, or records, have but little information in regard to the building of this house.  We can only glean from them that it was was to be built of stone, 48x40, that Thomas Metcalf was given the contract for the Mason work, and Jesse Eastburn and Hamilton Dunbar were the contractors for the carpenter work.  The contracts were awarded April 25th, 1811.  The records are silent as to the amount paid or when the building was completed.  This Court-house was used until 1876, when the present brick building took its place.
     Since the above was written, we find a memorandum of the bills paid on the second Court-house, as follows:

THIRD COURT HOUSE

     In 1870 and '71, the question of a removal of the county seat from West Union to Manchester, strongly agitated the minds of the county.  A newspaper called the "Adams County Democrat," was started at the latter place to advocate the removal and petitions were sent up to the Legislature of 1871, asking it to authorize a vote to be taken on the question.  The Legislature granted the prayer of the petitioners by passing an act on the 4th day of April, 1871, authorizing the voters of the county to vote for or against such removal, at the regular October election of that year.  The vote against removal carried the decisive majority of 1064.
The Commissioners, either to set at rest any further ag_tion for a removal, or because it was needed - which is probably? true - took measures to build a new Court-house, and on the 2__ of May, 1873, contracted with J. W. Shinn, of West Union, build it for the sum of $17,300.  An injunction was filed against building the house.  Upon the hearing of the case, the injunction was made perpetual on the ground that the law did not authorize the Commissioners to make contracts for an amount exceeding $10,000, without submitting it to a vote of the people for approval or rejection.
     Mr. Shinn had already expended about $2,200 in building the foundation before the injunction was made perpetual and to enable the Commissioners to build the house for 10,000, with a donation by the corporation of West Union of $3,000, raised by corporation tax, and the further donation by the citizens of $4,400. raised by private subscription, Mr. Shinn, in writing and in the form of law, donated the foundation, which had so far been constructed by him, to the county of Adams.  And, on the 15th day of October, 1874, he made another contract with the Commissioners to build the house for $10,000, with these amounts, in all $16, 400.  Mr. Shinn went on and constructed the present, building, at a cost of himself, including the expense of the foundation and excluding pay for his own time and sacrifices to obtain money and expenses of litigation, of $20,000.  It is a respectable brick edifice, 56x80, and was completed by the 4th of July , 1876.

JAIL

     The first jail was built on the east side of lot Nol. .67, now owned by Miss Sarah Boyles.  It stood three rods back from

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Main street with the side facing said street.  It was made of hewed logs, with two walls, one within the other and a a space between them, which was to be filled in with hewn timber set in between walls in an upright position.  These perpendicular logs to fill the space between the walls, were to be hewn each one foot square, the whole structure to be very substantially built, as may be seen by reference to the very minute bill of particulars, as spread out on the Commissioners journal for July 4th, 1804.  It was 24x18.
     The contract was awarded August 24th, 1804, to James Brownfield, for $590, and was to be fully completed by the fourth Tuesday in June, 1805, next.  In 18__ it was removed to near the north-east part of the public square, where it stood until 1858, when the present jail was built on the west side of the Courthouse.  It was removed by Morris McFadden for $378.
     This building is 37x40.  The prison part is constructed of stone, the portion occupied as a residence of of the jailor is brick.  The contractors were W. R. Rape and George Moore, who received $2,400, for their work.

JAILOR'S HOUSE.

     A house for the jailor was ordered by the Commissioners on the 17th day of November, 1807.  It was made of hewed logs and 18 feet square.  The same day the Commissioners ordered the contract for building it to he sold to the lowest bidder on "Saturday next," and that it be completed by the 20th of January next, 1805.  The Commissioners' journal shows nothing further in regard to it.

POST OFFICE.

     The Post Office was established at West Union, July 1, 1805.  The following have been the Postmasters:

     When Joseph Darlinton was appointed clerk of the courts, he owned and occupied Lot No. 59, now the property of Thomas N. Allen.  For his office he built a small hewed log house near his dwelling.  This building, which was afterwards weather-hoarded, is still in a good state of preservation, and is now used by Mr. Allen's family as a kitchen.  In this little house, Mr. Darlington kept the clerk's office more than thirty years.  Here the post-office was first kept, and remained, while Rm. Darlington continued as postmaster.
     The postmasters at West Union have generally been business men - mostly merchants - and kept the office at their places of business.
     William Russell, who succeeded Mr. Darlinton, kept the office in his store that stood where Young's grocer is located.
     William Armstrong, the next postmaster, was also a merchant, occupying the Mollen corner, to which he removed the office and kept it, during the two terms he held it.
     Wesley Lee, the successor of Armstrong, was a merchant, kept it in his store that stood where Smith Grimes now lives.
     Willis Lee, the successor of Wesley Lee, was likewise a merchant, doing business where R. H. Ellison now resides, to which point the office next made its way.
     William Armstrong again being appointed, it went back to the old corner (Mullen's).
     William McCollom came next, and continued it at the same place.
     John McClure continued it at the old Mullen stand.
     J. W. Lafferty was a shoemaker and kept his shop of lot 74, corner of Cherry and Mulberry streets, where he kept the office while he was postmaster.
     W. R. Rape succeeded Lafferty.  He was selling foods in what is now the Bank Hotel, occupy in the present bar-room of that house.  In this room the office was kept.
     Hosea Moore, the next P. M., was keeping tavern in the Crawford House building and took the office there while he retained it.
     Robert Jackson was running the West Union "Intelligencer," and upon receiving his appointment removed it to the room occupied by the printing office, which was the same room now used as the "Scion" office.
     W. R. Rape was appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Mr. Jackman, who died of cholera, and still a merchant, doing business on the Mullen corner.  The office was removed to the store room of Mr. R.
     George Moore succeeded Mr. Rape.  At the time of this change Mr. Rape and Mr. Moore partners in the mercantile trade, were doing business as such, on the Mullen corner.  Rape was a Republican and Moore a Democrat in politics, so when the inexorable demands of a party, compelled a change of Post Master, it was made by simply removing the Republican member of the firm and placing the insignia of the office in the hands of the Democratic partner.
     this was a happy stroke of policy, for the office remained undisturbed in its location, so the people suffered no inconvenience by the change, neither was the business relations of the firm disturbed by it, and the insatiable demands of party were satisfied.
 

     John P. Hood was next in the order of changes.  He, also, was a merchant doing business in the room now occupied by John Taylor as a grocery store, to which place the post office soon made its way.
     Mrs. Hannah A. McFerren succeeded Mr. Hood and soon it was taken to the room now occupied by Sam. N. Bradford's grocery store.
     Reason A. Wells was the next P. M.  He was a merchant on the Mullen corner to where the office was removed.
     Finally Sam'l. N. Bradford, became the P. M. who has since kept the office in his grocery store.

EARLY BUSINESS HOUSES.

     The first house in West Union was built by Henry Rape, on lot No. 45.  This was a hewed log building used both as dwelling, hat shop and store.
     Mr. Rape, who was a hatter, had a room in a shed attached to it, in which he carried on the hatting business 0for many years.  This was the first hat shop in West Union, and was started as early as 1804 or '05.  Mr. Rape continued the hatting business through life.  He died in West Union, Dec. 23, 1846.

WILLIAM ARMSTRONG'S STORE

     In the house of Henry Rape, just above mentioned, a small room about 10x10 was fitted up, in which William Armstrong filled in a few goods and commenced his mercantile career.  Mr. Union, when becoming wealthy, he finally removed to Cincinnati to have a wider arena on which to exercise his talents.  He had not been there long before he was killed by a frightened horse running with a portion of the hitching post to which it had been fastened.  This, striking Mr. Armstrong, killed him almost instantly.
     This little store was probably the first one in the place.  Mr. Armstrong in 1806, built the house known as the Mullen corner, which has been continuously used as a store since.

WILLIAM RUSSELL'S STORE.

     This was the second store in West Union.  Mr. Russell had a two story hewed log house that stood on the site now occupied by James D. Young's grocery store.
     In this building he carried on for many years a large and successful business.  He became prominent as a public man, was a member of Congress from 1827 to 1833, serving three terms in the lower house.  His fortunes finally waned.  He went to Scioto county and engaged in the iron business, lost heavily, and finally died on a farm.

JOHN HOOD'S STORE

     It is not known certainly whether Mr. Hood's or Mr. Russell's store was first.  they both started about 1806.
     While Mr. Hood was building his store room on the corner now occupied by Charles W. Satterfield he commenced selling goods in a large hewed log house belonging to Peter Shults, that stood on the northwest corner of the mill lot.  This building has long since disappeared.
     When Mr. Hood had completed his new store room he removed his goods into itwhere he carried on the mercantile business until his decease in 1814.

BRADFORD'S TAVERN.

     This is the same building now owned and occupied by John Crawford and so well known as the "Crawford house."  Tradition says it was built in 1804 and was the second building put up in the village that it was the first hotel started in the place.
     David Bradford built the house and kept tavern in at an early day, but we are inclined to the opinion that there was a little delay in the completion of it and that Mr. Bradford did not get his tavern started before 1806.  The first license we find on record for keeping this tavern, is dated Mar. 2, 1807.  Mr. Bradford continued the business until his death.  It remained in the hands of his descendants many years, his son and grandson having each in turn, carried it on.
     Before the introduction of rail roads, this was on the main thoroughfare from the south-west to the east.  This was the route over which the congressmen and statesmen of those sections passed on their way to Washington city, and this old house has become historic as the stopping place of President Jackson, Henry Clay, Thomas  H. Benton, and other notable men of those days.
     Santa Anna, after his defeat by Gen. Sam. Houston, at San Jacinto, Apr. 21, 1836, made a trip through the United States and on that tour stayed all night at this old house as he passed through here.

BENJAMIN WOOD'S TAVERN

     This was one of the first taverns of the place, probably the second in time, though the first license granted him bears the same day of Mr. Bradford's, Mar. 2, 1807.  It was kept in the house now belonging to Mrs. Elizabeth Bible Johnson, on the corner immediately east of the Bank Hotel.
     This house was built by John Lodwick and used as a private residence for a few years, when Benjamin Wood bought it and started a tavern.  It was subsequently used for that purpose by John Hayslip, James Alen and Andrew Crawford until it was finally bought by Robert Johnson, who used it as a private residence until his deceased.
     It is still occupied by his widow.
     About 1810, Mr. Murry bought 66 feet off the south end of the lot on which he put u a carding machine, which was run several years - in fact this carding mill has been carried on to the present day.  It is now the property of J. W. Lafferty.  It was first run by horse power, but finally by steam.  It has been removed from place to place, till it now stands south of the "Defender" newspaper office.

THE FIRST SADDLER.

     Joseph Curry was the first saddle and harness maker,.  He lived outside the village.  He owned the farm that is now the property of Casper Young, where he kept his shop and carried on his trade.

CABINET MAKER.

     John Wood was the first cabinet maker to start business in the village.  His shop stood opposite the brick residence of Mrs. Baldridge.  He commenced business as early as 1812.  Alexander Woodrow learned the trade with Mr. Wood, whom he subsequently bought out.  Mr. Woodrow moved his shop to the Treber premises and finally occupied the property now owned by D. W. Thomas, Esq.

TANNERIES - PETER SHULTS.

     Peter Shults was the first to engage in the tanning business.  He owned the square on which Plummer's mill now stands and as early as 1805, had a tanyard started near the N. E. corner of the lot.  He afterwards sold to Wesley Lee who, after continuing the business some yeas discontinued it.

DARLINTON'S TANNERY.

     G. D. Darlinton carried on the tanning business for many years in a yard situated where the woolen factory now stands.

TINSHOP.

     Daniel Boyle settled in West Union in 1819, he first located on the property now owned by Jacob Plummer, where he worked a short time, then occupied the premises of Judge Smith, next occupied a building that stood where Grimes' bank is located.  He finally  bought out Mr. Raseman and built a dwelling house and shop where he lived and worked until his decease.  This was the first tin shop in West Union.

LODGES.

WEST UNION LODGE NO. 3, OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS.

        A dispensation was granted this lodge to work January _,  1817, and on the 15th day of January, 1820, a charter was granted it by the Grand Lodge, then in session at Columbus.
     The charter members were Abraham Hollingsworth, Samuel Trent, John Kincaid, James Roff, John Fisher, George Bryan and Aaron Wilson.
     The officers appointed by the charter were Abraham Hollingsworth, W. M.; Samuel Treat, S. W.; John Kincaid, J. W.
     In consequence of the Morgan excitement the lodge became dormant in 1836, and remained so, for several years.  It was, however, revived again, and its first meeting held June 13, 1846.  Since that date, there has been a slow but steady increase in its strength and membership, the latter now being about fifty-five master masons.
     This is the parent lodge of the county.  With her consent, lodges were chartered at Winchester, Manchester and Locust Grove, whereby the territory of the West Union Lodge was decreased about three fourths and whereby she sustained a corresponding decrease in membership.  The wisdom of this sacrifice, however, has been manifest in the prosperity of these lodges, which now surpass the parent in membership and strength.  In this the parent lodge has kept the good of the order steadyily in view.
     West Union lodge has now in process of construction a Masonic Temple, 60x35 ft., facing the east side of the court house.

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WEST UNION LODGE,
NO. 510, I. O. O. F.

     Was instituted on the evening of June 11th, 1874, by J. H. Kinkaid, of Cincinnati, who was deputized by the grand lodge of Ohio, to perform that service.  The charter members, (as recorded on  that instrument) were J. W. Eylar, Wm. Hood, J. W. Bunn, L. P. Stivers, F. J. Miller and E. R. Wells, all of whom were members of Jacksonville lodge, No. 537, except J. W. Bunn, who was a member of Winchester lodge, No. __.  From its institution to the present time, the career of West Union lodge has been one of unexampled prosperity.  It begins the present term out of debt, and owning its own lodge room, in the third story of the Miller & Bunn building on court house square, which it has finely carpeted and furnished.  At this writing its rolls show that it has clothed fifty-six persons in the garb of the order, nearly all of whom remain with it.

DART ENCAMPMENT,
NO. 219, I. O. O. F.

     Meets in the same hall with the above lodge.  It was instituted on the evening of July 16th, 1819, by W. R. Hart, of Mt. Vernon, who was at that time Grand Chief Patriarch, of Ohio.  The charter bears the names of J. W. Eylar, J. W. Bunn, J. G. Bradley, J. W. Ebrite, J. A. Frow, Daniel Ellison and A. H. Ellison.  This encampment is named in honor of "Dart" E. Fee, of New Richmond, Ohio, who was representative of the district, in the Grand Encampment, at the time the charter was granted.  This encampment is in a flourishing condition, and bids fair to be one of the largest in Southern Ohio, outside of Cincinnati.

CRYSTAL LODGE, NO. 114, K. OF P, WEST UNION, OHIO.

     A subordinate branch of the order of Knights of Pythias, was instituted at West Union Ohio, on the 12th of June, A. D. 1878, by the Grand Chancellor of the State, M. E. Kuhn, assisted by the following officers:
     Past Chancellor, L. Guinn, Ripley, Ohio; Vice Chancellor, George Wheeler, Aberdeen, Ohio; Prelate, Rudolph Bute, Cincinnati, Ohio; Keeper of Records and Seal, Joseph Cheesman, Aberdeen, Ohio; Master at Arms, Frank Miller, Aberdeen, Ohio; Master of Exchequer, _____ _____, Cincinnati, Ohio; Master of Finance, _____ _____, Cincinnati, Ohio; Inner Guard, F. F. Shaw, Ripley, Ohio; Outer Guard, Carl Linn, Ripley, Ohio.
     The following are the names of the charter members of the order, they having each received the degree of "Knighthood" on the night of the institution of the lodge, namely:

     This lodge was the 114th, established in the State of Ohio, and was christened "Crystal" by the members of the organization, on the night of its institution.
     Also, the same time the following officers were elected and installed:
     P. C., F. D. Bayless; C. C., John W. Hool; V. C., G. F. Thomas; Prelate, John A. Eylar; M. of F., W. F. Lloyd; M. of E., J. H. Conner;  K. of R. & S., Frank Hayslip;  M. at A., C. E. Irwin; I. G., Oliver Smeltzer;  O. G., Willis Ellison.
     F. D. Bayless was afterwards elected the first representative to the Grand Lodge of Ohio, to serve for two years.
     Crystal Lodge is now in a flourishing condition, having grown in less than two years from fifteen, to more than forty members, all of whom are in good standing, and the lodge bids fair in the near future to be a power equal in its influence for good to any similar organization in the county, disseminating its blessed charity and unfeigned love for the brotherhood, and all other worthy people, wherever existing throughout the surrounding country.
     The object of this order is similar to that of all secret fraternal orders throughout the world, and needs no repetition here.  It was first established in the city of Washington, D. C., February 14th, 1864.  The original founders were Justus H. Rathbone, Robert A., Champion, D. L. Burdett, E. S. Kiraball, W. H. Burdett, Charles H. Roberts and E. B. Driver.  Mr. Rathbone was the originator of the in tuition, and what it is to-day in all its workings, secret and otherwise, came down unimpaired by a simple innovation from him.  He matured his plans while teaching school in the Lake Superior country, and revealed it to the above named gentlemen, who became the nucleus of a secret organization, which in the short space of sixteen years, has spread out until at this writing there are lodges in every part of the   civilized world, a lodge having recently been established on one of he islands of the far Pacific ocean.  May it live to the end of time.  Its influence will live forever.      E. F.

THE HANGING OF DAVID BECKETT.

     This is perhaps the most noted murder case that ever occurred in Adams county, resulting in the hanging of the offender, the only case of capital punishment ever inflicted in the county.
     David Beckett and John Lightfoot, during the summer and fall of 1807, had been together, trading or trafficing, in a pirogue, up and down the Ohio river.  On the day of October 5th, they wore going up the river, and when night came one, it found them a little above the mouth of Brush Creek, just below “Aleck’s Run” adjoining the farm now owned by A. G. Lockhart.  Here they concluded to fasten up for the night.  While sleeping on their little craft, Beckett conceived the idea of killing his companion, and possessing himself of their boat and trumpery.  Accordingly about midnight, while Lightfoot was sleeping, Beckett dealt him a blow on the left side of the head with an axe, that killed him instantly.  He then threw the murdered man into the river, and the next morning made his way down a little below Brush Creek, and stopped with William Faulkner, and sold him the boat and cargo, taking a horse in way of pay.  With this horse he crossed over into Kentucky, where he stayed some time.  In the meantime the body of the murdered man was found, and Faulkner being found in possession of the boat, he was arrested as the murderer.  The circumstances being pretty strongly against Falkner, he was in great danger, but Beckett, for some unaccountable reason, returned near the Kentucky side, when his horse strayed back to its old home.  Coming over to get it, he was arrested, put in jail and indicted for murder in the first degree.  He was tried by the Supreme Court at its October term, 1808, found guilty, and sentenced to be hung December 10th, 1808.  He was confined in the old log jail that stood on lot 67, now owned by Sarah Boyles.  Here he remained until the appointed time came round.  It was a bright, pleasant December day, except the sky was almost darkened at times by the immense flocks of wild pigeons that were continually flying over.  About 12 o’clock the fatal wagon or cart was driven up to the jail, Beckett put iuto it, and driven thence to a gallows that had been erected at the north side of the public square, where somewhat lengthy religious exercises were held.  The Rev. William Williamson preached a discourse from the text: “Oh Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself, but in me is thy help.”  The celebrated Lorenzo Dow was present and delivered an address from the words: “Rejoice, Oh young man in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth.”  Abbott Goddard then gave an exhortation and Rev. Mr. Dobbins addressed the people.  The rope was then tied about his neck and the cart driven from beneath him, and poor Beckett beheld the ast of earth, in the presence of the assembled multitudes who came to witness the pitiable spectacle.
     After hanging a sufficient length of time the body was taken down and decently buried in the Lovejoy graveyard about a mile east of West Union, but his remains, "after life's fitful dreams were over" were not permitted to sleep in quiet till the resurrection morn, for they were soon taken up and dissected, not by a medical college, but by the neighborhood physicians.
     The jury that tried Beckett were, David Bradford, Job Denning, Andrew Boyd, Daniel Collier, George Harper, John Wikoff, David Mears, E. U. Reeves, John Campbell, Daid Robe, David Thomas, Samuel Milligan.
     The following bills were paid in the course of his imprisonment, trial and execution, as will be seen by reference to the county records:

HISTORY OF THE WEST UNION PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
By J. C. COMPTON.

     Prior to the year 1856, the territory which the West Union special school district now includes, existed in two divisions, separated by Market street.  The school building of the western division has been changed into a commodious residence, and is now occupied by John K. Billings.  The other building stood just south of the Presbyterian church.  On that some square have been erected, since the town was laid out, three school houses.  The first was built of round logs.  The windows were made by cutting out parts of logs and pasting greased paper over the holds.  We presume there are but few facts connected with the history of the schools at that time which would now be interesting to any readers.  They were ungraded, and none but the common branches were taught.  Teachers came and went, made hideous blunders, and were censured for trifles, as they are to-day.  The special district with the boundaries similar to those of the present, was organized in the year 1856.  On the 3d of may of that year, the directors of West Union assembled according to previous notice, to vote for or against the adoption, for said sub-district, of "An Act for the better regulation of the public schools in cities, towns, &c."  This bill was known as the "Akron Act," and was passed Feb. 21, 1849.  The result of the election gave a majority of twenty-seven in favor of the adoption.  On the 16th day of May was elected the first Board of School directors, consisting of J. M. Smith, J. R. Cockerill, J. W. Lafferty, Henry Ousler, E. P. Evans and J. P. Hood.  In the summer of the same years a committee consisting of J. R. Cockerill and E. P. Evans, was appointed to select a site for a school building.  Accordingly, the lot on which the present house now stands was purchased from J. P. Hood, for $150.  The plans and specifications of the house, the only one that has ever been erected, were drafted by J. R. Cockerill, Henry Ousler and E. P. Evans.
     The contract was taken by W. R. Rape and George Moore, at a cost of $2,450.  The building was completed and delivered by the contractors to the Board, Dec. 17th, 1857.  In the year 18__, Mrs. Elizabeth Burgess bequeathed to the West Union S. S. District, $330, which was loaned to Hon. J. R. Cockerill, who kept it until June, 1858, at which time the principal, with the interest, was collected and appropriated to the payment of of Rape and Moore.
     The first school taught in the new building was under the supervision of J. L. Coryell, with Mrs. Wells and Miss Jane Brawner, now the wife of J. N. Hook, as assistants.  The school began (in this house) Jan. 18th, 1858.  Mrs. Coryell had taught in the ungraded schools of the village for several years, and he now held the position of Principal for three years, managing the different departments with the same care and success which have been his characteristics in every branch of labor.  At that time, and until the year 1878, all teachers of the special district were examined by a special board.  The first members of the board were J. W. McFerrin, J. R. Billings and A. Hollingsworth.
     Mr. Coryell was succeeded as Principal of the schools, by W. W. Williams, a Presbyterian minister, who had come from Hillsborough, Ohio, to West Union, about two years before.  He was an estimable man and popular teacher.  Under his administration the study of the Latin language was first introduced into the unsystemized course of study.  Among his list of students we find the names of the following persons who are now, those of them who are living prominent citizens and business men: Lewis Holmes, of Alledo, Ill.; Capt. W. W. Evans, Portsmouth, Ohio; E. P. Bayless, Hon. J. W. Eylar and Henry Scott, West Union, Ohio; J. B. Young, J. P. Killpatrick and S. B. Gromes, citizens of Adams county; Dr. T. P. Hooper, of Pike county; John Ellis, ex-Auditor of Adams county; Armstead Cockerill and John Cockerill, the well known American journalists; also, the daughters of James Hood, J. R. Cockerill, and the eldest daughter of John M. Smith.  The assistants of Mr. Williams were A. C. Smith, Margaret Ellison and Sarah McColm.  He was Superintendent of the schools two years only.  His successor was Rev. Samuel Wallace.  He held the position but three months, and was followed by R. A. Wells.  The teachers in the lower grads during that year were S. B. Grooms, A. J. Man_on and Angeli_ Hood.
     Within the years 1862 and '68 Rev. George W. Taylor, Rev. Wm. Coleman, Miss Elizabeth F. Thompson and A. G. Wils served consecutively as Principals.  Mr. Taylor is now a resident of Blais, Neb.; Rev. Coleman, a Presbyterian Minister, i_ nephew of Dr. Daniel Coleman, of West Union, Ohio.  He was educated at Oxford, Ohio, and Alleghany Seminary, Penn. present place of residence is Columbus, Kansas.  Miss Thompson was born in Washington county, Penn., was educated at Al__ Institute, in that State, and labored in the capacity of teacher twenty-five years.  While at West Union, some of her best pupils were Prof. W. A. Clark and sisters, Dr. Wm. Coleman, Henry Foster, and Misses Mary and Jennie Smith.  She was the only lady that ever had charge of the schools, and her management gave excellent satisfaction.  She was married in the year 1870, to Jacob M. Wells, still a prominent attorney of West Union.  As assistants under the last named teacher, were A. J. Mannon, Ann Carl, Mrs. McFerrin, now the wife of James L. Coryell; Nannie Williams, S. Sample, Charles Gose, Hannah Mahan, Ella Whittacre, Wm. Greenly, and Miss Frank Jackman.
     During the next four years, beginning with the fall of '68, the schools were under the Superintendency of W. H. Vane, a graduate of the National Normal, at Lebanon, Ohio.  Especially during the first year of his administration, were the schools well conducted.  He was vigorous and energetic, and his ambition aused an enviable good..  But unhappily his body lost its vigor, and his educational career has been forever abandoned.  The other teachers under his supervision were James McColm, Lottie Johnson, Frank Chapman, Oliver Hawk, Mrs. Oliver Hawk, J. L. Stewart, Mary C. Smith, Belle Naylor, Albert W. Flora, Bridget Houghland and Ida Patton.

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     The superintendents from 1872 and if the present, have been in the order in which they taught.  Frank Fagan, J. H. Compton, L. J. Fenton, W. A. Clark, W. H. Vane, and J. C. Compton.  The discipline of the first of these, Mr. Fegan, was characterized by opposite nature.  His demands were positive, and his will firm. These gentlemen have both left the profession of teaching.  The former is a merchant in the state of Kentucky, and the latter an attorney in Marion Indiana.  W. A. Clark and L. J. Fenton, were then, and are yet, gentlemen of good principle, and practical teachers of the county.  The former is located at Winchester, and the latter at Manchester.  The success of Mr. Fenton at that place has given him more than a local distinction.
     Within the last eight years, J. W. Mason, Ellen Hood, Bridget Houghland, A. C. Smith, Mary Smith, Maggie Gregory, the wife of Wm. Anderson, the present Prosecuting Attorney of Adams county, Jennie Smith, the wife of Luther Thompson, John Eylar, a lawyer of Waverly, Ohio; Anna Hood, who has since been married to Dr. W. Bunn, Jennie Lawler, Jennie Allen, John W. McKeown, Sallie Billings, and Josie Cluxton, have served as assistant teachers.  The last three persons are yet teachers in the schools, with J. C. Comptom as Superintendent.

     The schools have four departments and the enrollment of pupils is one hundred and twenty-one males, one hundred and forty-one females, three colored - a very small increase in the last twenty years.
     The course of study has ever been irregular and indefinite.  Whatever a sufficient number of pupils demanded was taught, providing the tutor himself was versed in the subject.  Algebra, Geometry, Latin, Physiology, and Philosophy, are the only higher branches usually studied.  The text books used have been Ray's series of Arithmetics, McGuffey's readers, Kirkum's Grammars, until 1869, since that time Harvey's grammars, Mitchel's and the Electic Geographies.
     During several years after the Special District was organized, the length of the school term was ten months, but it is now never longer than eight, and in some years it is reduced to six months- a fact that is no indication of the progress of the schools.
     Some of the most active members of the School Board have been J. K. Billings, James L. Coryell and N. D. Branson.  Mr. Coryell has held a position in that body for almost twenty years, and Mr. Branson during the past ten years.  They have ever had the best interests of the school in view, and have rendered most valuable aid to the district.  At one time the district was in possession of an excellent public library, furnished by the State, but like most other libraries thus owned, it was so public that it was soon the private property of every citizen.

CHURCHES.

PRESBYTERIAN.

     This church was first organized on Eagle Creek, about three miles from West Union in the spring of 1800 under the pastoral care of Rev. John Dunlevy, who had previously preached, occasionally, by invitation.  He preached at this church until October, 1808, at which time he was suspended from the ministry by the Synod of Kentucky, for having departed from the principles of the church, and apostatized from the faith of the Gospel.  Refusing summission to the judgment of the Synod, he still continued to preach to those who would attend his meetings, until the summer of 18805, at which time he joined the Shakers.
     Mr. Dunlevy, by his preaching assisted by Richard McNemar__ and others whom the Synod had cut off with him, withdrew.   Those who remained true to their old faith, were left without a pastor until May 1805, when the Rev. William Williamson, having removed from Fair Forest, South Carolina, and temporarily settled in the neighborhood of Cabin Creek congregation, divided his time with the Eagle Creek church, giving it half his time, for one year.  In the course of this year the congregation awas again organized and James Baird, Joseph Darlington and William Marshall, were set apart as ruling elders.  In the meantime the Rev. William Williamson having removed within bounds of the church, resolved to give Manchester one-third of his ministerial labors.  This church deemed it best to abandon the old Eagle Creek meeting house, and resolved to hold their meetings in the future in West Union.  From this time it took the name of West Union church.  The congregation at this time was exceedingly weak, being few in numbers and much scattered.  Notwithstanding which Mr. Williamson, at an low salary, continued to labor and without a meeting house, until one was built.
     In 1809 measures were adopted to built a stone house for their place of worship.  The following subscription paper was drawn up and sbscriptions taken, as given below.
     We the subscribers promise to pay or cause to be paid unto  Thomas Kirker, Joseph Nelson and Joseph Darlinton the several sums annexed to our respective names, for the purpose of building a meeting house for the Presbyterian congregation at West Union, on lot No. 27, or at such place as the said Kirker Nelson and Darlinton shall choose in the vicinity of said town, to be paid one-half in sixty days after the building of the house shall have been contracted for, and the balance to be paid when the contract shall have been fulfilled.  Given under our hands in the month of June, 1809."

SIGNED AS FOLLOWS.

     Thomas Kirker, thirty dollars in cash and $20 in property; Joseph Darlinton, $80 in cash; Rev. William Williamson, one-half my stipend at West Union; Hosea Moore, $20 in cash and $10 in trade; Joseph Nelson, $20 in cash and $10 in property; William McGarrah, $20 in cash; James Baird $30 in cattle; Joseph Horn, $15 in cash; Richard Davis, $4 in cash; Job Denning, $4 in quarrying stone; Thomas Mason, $5 in labor; john M. Wallace, $4 in linen; John Wood, $4 in making doors and window shutters; John W. Campbell, $4 in csh; Joshua Porter, $5 in cash; N. Truitt, $4 in linen; William Armstrong, $5 in cash; Henry Rape, a six dollar hat; David Robe, $4 in flour; John Stephens, $3 in property; A. Shepherd, $4 in cash; John Ellison, Sen., $4 in cash; James Clark, $1 in cash; _____ Markland, $2 in cash and $2 in trade; N. Beasley, $6 in stone; Ralph McClure, $5 in cash; Nath. Collins, $2 in cash; A. Horst, $2 in trade; David McDermit, $3 in flour; David Decamps, $1 in trade; William Morrison, $2 in linen; John Kincaid, $20 in blacksmithing; James Paul, $5 in cattle; David Dryden, $6 in cash; Thomas Hayslip, $8 in cash; Samuel Dryden, $5 in nails and hinges.  Nathaniel Reid, $10 in window frames and sash; Thomas Maxwell, 20, half of it cash, half of it cattle; Thomas Young, $5 in smith work; Christopher Parker, $3 in linn, and three yards more; Moses McFadden, $5 in cash; Extra $2; Robert McClanahan, $5 in linen; Robert Anderson, $8 in timber; Andrew McIntire, $15 in cash and $5 in trade; Richarde Rounsavell, $4 in mason work; William McClanahan, $1.50 in linen; John Morrison, $8 in cash, and three yards of linen; David Bradford, $10 in cash; Joseph Curry, $15 - new saddle, John Leedom, $2 in cash; Hamilton Dunbar, $5 in carpenter work; John Bribbs, $5 in lath; John Killin, $5 in cash; Samuel Dryden, $5 in pork; John McClure, $5 in pork; Robert Hastings, $4 in wheat; Stephen Kane, $3 in wheat.
     It seems they were still short of the necessary amount to complete the building, so the following subscription was circulated, to obtain additional means:
     "We the subscribers promise to pay to the trustees for building the meeting house in West Union, the several sums annexed to our respective names, given under our hands this 26th day of September, 1810."
     William Williamson, $10, half cash, the rest out of my stipend; William McGarrah, four bushels of Wheat; Andrew McIntire, $10 in cattle; Robert Anderson, 100 weight of flour; Nathaniel Reid, ten bushels of wheat; Thomas Maxwell, $10 in trade; John Kincaid, $5 in trade; Hosea Moore, $5 in trade; Henry Pile, two bushels of wheat; David Jones $2 in cash.
     The contract for the mason work was given to Thomas Metcalf, of Kentucky.  He was afterwards Governor of that State.  The stone and material was all to be furnished him on the ground ready to use, and he was to receive $250 for the job, one half to be paid in cash the other half in such trade as was subscribed.  The contract for payment between the trustees and Governor Metcalf, was signed and acknowledged the 26th day of May, 1810.
     In a letter answering some inquiries made in regard to the trade payments, the Governor says: " do not want whisky, but should it answer the purpose of Mr. Harper, or whoever he may employ, you will please let them have it, and as to the price, whatever may be customary I shall expect to give, or whatever may be agreed on by you and them."
     Hamilton Dunbar had the contract for the carpenter work and Job Denning the contract for hauling the stone from the quarry to the ground where they were to be used, but we do not know the amount they received.
     The church built by Governor Metcalf in 1810, is the present stone church, with the exception of an end or side taken out to enlarge it.  Repairs made within the past year, when fully completed will make it one of the most commodious and comfortable churches in the county.
     The congregation encouraged by the accession of new members from year to year, prepared a call for one-third of the labors of Mr. Williamson, he having heretofore only filled the place of a stated supply.   The call was made the 28th of March, 1812, and accepted the following week.
     When Mr. Dunlevy left the church, he took the book of records, which he never returned.  Mr. William Marshall, the regular clerk, died, and the books and papers in his possession were all lost.
     On the 19th day of August, 1808, the congregation met and elected James Scott, David Dryden and Joseph Nelson, additional elders.
     On the 19th day of August, 1808, the congregation met and elected James Scott, David Dryden and Joseph Nelson, additional elders.
     October 31, 1808, the name of James Scott was dropped as elder, and the name of Thomas Kirker added in its stead.  In January 1818, David Murry was added to the list of elders.
     Mr. Williamson served as pastor until 1819 or 1820.  Then the Rev. Dyer Burgess took charge of the congregation and was its pastor for several years.
     September 4th, 1826, the congregation met and elected William Kirker, Peter Eckly and James Ellison additional elders.  In June, 1830, Doctor William M. Voris was elected an elder.
     Rev. Dyer Burgess continued as pastor until 1829, when he married Isabella Ellison, and moved to Cincinnati, where published a paper called "Infidelity Unmasked,"  In opposition to slavery and secret societies.  He again removed to West Union, where he remained until the decease of his wife a few years afterwards.  He then went to Lawrence county, Ohio, where he married the widow of Doctor Voris.  This lady was the daughter of John Means.  He then went to Constitution, about six miles from Marietta, where he died a few years since.
     Rev. John P. Vandyke took the pastorate of the church after Mr. Burgess.  He remained in charge from 1829 until 1862, a period of 23 years.  The church building was enlarged during  the time and made 50x60.
     A church was organized in Eckmansville, about seven miles distant, which took a number of members from West Union church, that very materially weakened it.
     From 1853 to 1854, James Huston was pastor.  The following pastors then succeeded - Nathaniel M. Urmston from 1854 to 1857.
     From 1853 to 1854, James Huston was pastor.  The following pastors then succeeded  - Nathaniel M. Urmston from 1854 to 1857.  From 1858 to September 1861. Rev. W. W. Williams.  From 1862 to 1863 Rev. Robert B. Herron.  From 1863 to 1865, Rev. William Coleman.
     From 1865 to 1871, the church was supplied at intervals by the Revs. Mr. Guthrie, Anderson, John Stewart and others.
     In the latter part of 1871, Rev. John E. Carson became pastor, and continued until the spring of 1873.  In the time of his pastoral charge the congregation seem to have abandoned their old meeting house and occupied other churches, as they could get the privilege of using them.
     From 1873 to the present time, the congregation has been supplied at different periods by the Revs. S. P. Dillon, John McClung, A. Taylor, R. G. Lewis and others.
     The church is at present without a minister.  They are now repairing and enlarging the old building and will soon have one of the largest and most comfortable houses in the country.
     In addition to the elders already mentioned there have been the following, who served at different times, to-wit:  John Potter, Daniel John, John McClanahan, James McClung, Alexander Woodrow, Henry Bierly, R. L. Kepperling.  The present elders are Doctor David Coleman, Peter McKee, and S. G. Jackson.
     The following is a list of the members from its organization down to 1816:
     Thomas Kirker, Sarah Kirker, Mary Marshall, Joseph Herron, James Baird, Mary Baird, Joseph Darlington, Sarah Darlington, Hosea Moore, John Kincaid, Sallie Kincaid, Andrew McIntire, Katherine McIntire, William McGarrah, Mrs. McGarrah, David Dryden, Esther Dryden, Samuel Dryden, Elizabeth Dryden, John McClure, Joseph Neilson, Nancy Neilson, Mary Briggs, Mrs. McFadden, Thomas Maxwell, Mrs. Maxwell, John Morrison, Mrs. Morrison, Mrs. Jack, Elizabeth Denning, Mrs. Bayless, Daniel Bayless, David Murry, Elizabeth Murray, Mrs. Baldwin, Mr. Rogers, Elizabeth Murry, Sen., James Gilleland, Mrs. Gilleland, Nancy Murfin, Mrs. Latta, Mrs. Williams, William Kirker, Anna McClure, Nathaniel Reed, Sarah Reed, Thomas Young, Rachael Young, Thomas Hayslip, Isabella Hayslip, Mary Lee, Mary Denning, Mrs. Mannon, Stephen Kane, Mary Kane, Michael Freeman, Richard Davis, Mrs. Davis, Thomas Gibson, Mrs. Gibson, Esther Gibson, Sallie Gibson, John McClanahan, Jane N. McClanahan, tilla Baldridge, Deborah McGarrah, Mary Gibson, Nancy Cole, Joseph Finley, Esther Kirker, George Freeman, Mrs. Latta, Mary Ellison, Jane Baird, Eleanor Ewing, Mrs. Loughridge, James Finley, Mrs. Watson, James Ellison, James Moore, David Moore, Robinson Baird and Elizabeth Baird.

WEST UNION M. E. CHURCH.

     This is among the earliest churches of the county.  The first Methodist Episcopal church in this county, or west of the Allegheny Mountains, was organized on Scioto Brush creek, where they built a log meeting house in 1800, which went by the name Moore's Chapel.  The first circuit of which we have any account that embraced Adams county within its limits, was composed of Adams, Brown, Clermont, Ross, and perhaps Highland, Pike and Jackson counties.  The first quarterly meeting of this circuit, so far as we can learn, was held Sept. 7, 1804, at the house of White Brown, on Doer creek, in ____ county, by the Rev. Joseph Ogleby, Rev. John Meek and Rev. Wm. Bush, Presiding Elder.
     At that time this county was almost a wilderness, the people lived in log cabins, with clapboard roofs and puncheon floors.  The preachers traveled from cabin to cabin, to preach the gospel, while they lived on wild meat and corn-broad.  They sometimes carried tea with them in their saddle bags, that they might have a cup made, should they fell like they needed it at any of their meals.  There were no fine churches in those days with carpeted floors, pews with softly cushioned seats and pulpits with lofty vaulted ceilings above "to gather and roll back the sound of anthems." but their temples of worship were built of logs with seats  made of split timber with wooden legs.
     In the fall of 1807, Rev. John Collins was appointed preacher in charge of the Scioto circuit.  Early in that conference year he organized a small at the house of Peter Shults, in West Union, which was the starting point of this church.  William Russell, who settled in West Union, June 19, 1807, and was a devoted friend of Methodism, was appointed the leader of this little class.  Wm. Armstrong, who had moved from Maysville, Ky., May 21,

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1806, was another firm friend of the cause of Methodism.  Rev. John Sale was Presiding Elder at the time the class was formed.
     The members of this first class were William Russell and wife, Wm. Armstrong and wife, Peter Shults and wife, Mary Rape, Mary Woodward, Mrs. Nancy Cole and Mrs. Hannah Wood.
     Aug. 15, 1819, when Leroy S. Swormsted was Presiding Elder of Brush creek circuit, measures were taken to procure a lot of land and build a meeting house, and the following trustees appointed: Wm. Russell, Peter Shults, John Meek, G. R. Jones and A. Hollingsworth.  A beautiful site was procured of Wm. Armstrong, on lot No. 89, for $50, and a deed executed by him for the same, Sept. 30, 1819.  The next year, 1820, a good comfortable brick house, 35x44, was built.
     This building lasted until 1868, when it was taken away and the present church was erected upon its site.  This new house is a substantial brick building, 38x65, with 18 feet ceiling and vestibule and two class rooms in front, cupola, spire and fine toned bell.
     The corner stone was laid with ceremonies by the Rev. M. P. Gaddis.  There were enclosed in this stone, a tin box, containing a copy each of the Bible, M. E. Discipline, "Western Christian Advocate," "Ladies Repository," West Union "Scion," "Adams county Defender," subscription to the building fund, with the names and amount subscribed by each, names of the board of trustees, Presiding Elder, preacher in charge, and the workmen who built it.  The cost of the house was $5,000.
     The pastors who have had charge since the new house was built in 1868 to the present time, 1880, are T. E. Fidler, M. T. McMullen, W. M. Boyer, W. J. Quary, T. DeWitt Peak, C. J. Wells, E. P. James.
     The following is a list of the Presiding Elders and Preachers in the M. E. church since its organization in the Scioto, now West Union circuit:

     1804.  William Burk, presiding elder; James Oglesby, John Shields, preachers..
     1805.  John Sales, presiding elder; Anthony Houston, Milton Ladd, Alex Cummings, Robert Dobbins, preachers.
     1810.  Solomon Langston, presiding elder; Daniel Faley, Stephen Lemmon, Robert Finley, Wm. Kearns, Isaac Pavey, preachers.
     1812.  James Quinn, presiding elder; Henry B. Bascom, Walter Griffith, Sadasa Bacon, William P. Finley, William Crawford, Wm. Cunningham, preachers.
     1816.  D. Young, presiding elder; Elijah Truitt, Jacob Delay, Charles Waddle, preachers.
     1818.  John Collings, presiding elder; J. Stamp, A. McLain, Wm. M. Quinn, preachers.  Name of circuit changed to Brush creek.  Leroy Swormsted, William Page, preachers.
    j 1820.  Samuel West, presiding elder; B. Westlake, Moses Henkle, John Meek, preachers.
     1821.  G. R. Jones, presiding elder; W. L. Thompson, J. C. Donahue, B. Goldsberry, H. B. Bascom, James Havens, R. O. Spencer, James Quinn, A. M. Lorain, Wm. Simmons, preachers.
     1826.  Russell Bigelow, presiding elder; John Hill, Abraham Fox, W. Browning, Wm. Runnells, preachers.
     1828.  John Collins, presiding elder; John Meek, James Lanes, J. H. Powers, James Smith, J. A. Reeder, preachers.
     1831.  Augustus Eddy, presiding elder; Geo. Walker, H. E. Pilcher, A. D. Beasley, H. Turner, G. C. Crum, preachers.
     At the annual Ohio Conference held at Chillicothe in 1832, the name of the Brush creek circuit was changed to West Union, which name it has since retained.
     1833.  John Ferrel, presiding elder; James Gurley, Jacob Dixon, preachers.
     1834.  L. Swormsted, presiding elder; John Cunningham, Bernard A. Cassett, preachers.
     1836.  William B. Christie, presiding elder; A. Miller, J. G. Bruce, M. P. Gaddis, preachers.
     1838.  Zachariah Connell, presiding elder; J. W. Weakly, Wm. Parish, Ancil Broos, G. R. Jones, preachers.
     1839.  M. Marley, presiding elder; J. W. Clark, R. S. Foster, F. A. Simmons, Azra Brown, B. L. Jefferson, S. W. Chase, preachers.
     1843.  J. M. Trimble, presiding elder; Henry Wharton, Nathan L. Ayers, John Meek, J. W. Lock, preachers.
     1845.  John F. Wright, presiding elder; M. G. Purkiser, W. H. Sutherland, J. M. Holmes, Phillip Nation, Barton Lowe, Aneil Brooks, W. I. Fee, John Wel__, J. W. Ross, preachers.
     1851.  William Simmons, presiding elder; D. Whitmer, A. U. Beal, W. J. Quarry, John F. Spence, J., __a_, preachers.
     1855.  William Young, presiding elder; A. _ Dunlap, J. Shinn, James Head, Henry Middleton, John __reg__, W. Blackburn, D. Calahan, C. W. Fee. preachers.
     1859.  M. Kaufman, presiding elder; ______ E. Hill, D. C. Benjamin, F. Hynes, M. G. Baker, H. ____, preachers.
     1863.  M. Dustin, presiding elder; H. ____ey, J. P. Porter, Wm. McNeilan, sr., J. M. Shults, preacher.
     1867.  James Kendall, presiding elder; t____ dler, J. Workman, M. T. McMullen, preachers.
     1869.  S. Bennet, presiding elder; S. Thoroman, S. D. Clayton, W. M. Boyer, D. A. McColm, preachers.
     1871,  S. D. Clayton, presiding elder.  W. M. Bover, D. A. McColm, preachers.
     1873.  G. Moody, presiding elder; J. C. Acomb, D. A. McColm, W. J. Quarry, A. E. Higgins, T. DeWitt Peak, preachers.
     1878.  W. I. Fee, presiding elder; C. J. Wells, James McNeilan, E. P. James, preacher.

HISTORY OF THE WEST UNION REGULAR BAPTIST CHURCH.
By REV. L. H. DENMAN, PASTOR.

     Christianity has a history.  And it is a history of which God's people are justly proud; for it is so closely allied, or rather blended with the history of the human race in its progress in civilization and learning, as well as in its moral growth, that the history of the latter would be altogether imperfect and incomplete without that of the former.  This fact exists because God intended religion for man, and adapted it to his spiritual and intellectual wants in all ages of the world, in all conditions of life, and for time and eternity.  At it ever affords the Christian heart the greatest pleasure to trace the hand of God, not only in his general providence with mankind, but to observe the Divine interposition in behalf of his people, his protection of them and their interests amidst earth's desolations, and hence to entertain the inspiring hope of the final triumph of Christianity and the glorious victory of a personal faith in Jesus Christ.
     While it is true that Christianity, taken as a grand whole, ahs a noble birth and a glorious history of churches, and even of individuals, that we behold the real strength and beauty of religion.  With a desire to add what we can to this department of the county's history we present the following sketch of the West Union Baptist church:
     In 1833 a Baptist church was organized at the house of the late Deacon William Mahaffey, some four and a half miles northwest of the town, composed of twenty members, of which Elder J. Layman was chosen pastor, serving them once a month.  This church was the result of the earnest labors of Elders J. Layman, H. Johnson, D. Spohn, H. Burnett and M. Elrod, who had, either on their own responsibility or appointed by the State Convention, labored to build up the Master's cause in that vicinity.  This church kept up its regular meetings until 1838, when in consequence of a large number of its members removing to different sections of the country, it was broken up, and the remaining members, few in number, united with the Soldier Run and Winchester churches.  During the winter of 1839, a meeting of days was held at William Mahaffey's in which Elder Eli Frey, who was laboring as domestic missionary, D. Spohn and K. Griswold were engaged.  The Lord graciously blessed their labors and several were baptized.  A meeting was also held in West Union during the same winter and just prior to the organization of a church in which Elders Brownson, Burnett and Wedge too part with the minssters referred to above, and some eight or ten persons were received for baptism.
     On the 21st of april, 1840, an ecclesiastical council met in West Union for the purpos_ of recognizing the West Union Regular Baptist church.  Elder H. Burnett was chosen Moderator and J. K. Brownson, Clerk.  Other ministers present were, Elders Frey, Griswold, Spohn and Wedge.  Thirty-seven members principally from the churches of Soldier Run, Winchester and Lick Fork, presented their letters and were constituted and recognized a Regular Baptist church.  Elder Wedge gave the charge to the church; Elder Frey the right hand of fellowship; Elder Griswold presented the Bible, and Elder Spohn offered the closing prayer.  Miss Nancy Irvin was then received for baptism.  Ellison Mahaffey was chosen Clerk, and Saturday before the 4th Lord's day in May was appointed as the first monthly meeting of the church.  At the following meeting of the Strait Creek Association, held with the church at Winchester, August 23, she united with that body, reporting thirty-nine members.
     The church remained a member of that Association until 1872, when, owing to the unpleasant circumstances then prevailing, she made application to and became a member of the Portsmouth Association.
     In the following November the church called Elder Lyman Whitney to the pastorate, who remained with them until April, 1843.  The Lord graciously blessed his labors with the church, its membership having been more than doubled while he was pastor.
     The church being destitute of a house of worship, used for that purpose sometimes, the court house, sometimes the old brick school house where John K. Billings, Esq., now resides, and at other times the Presbyterian church.  In May, 1845, the church appointed a building committee to superintend the erection of a church house, which resulted in the completion of said building, which was dedicated by Elder William Allgood, the second pastor of the church, on Saturday before the second Lord's day, in November, 1846.  The church called to the pastorate next, Elder James Gabriel, and following him, Elder J. W. Dinkleman, who closed his labors with the church in March, 1860.  On the 21st of May following, occurred the terrible and disastrous tornado which spread desolation over the whole country, and left the church their meeting house a pile of ruins.  This was, indeed, a dark hour to the church.  With limited pecuniary resources, without a pastor and their house destroyed, the outlook was truly discouraging.  But with an unwavering faith in God, and a determination made doubly strong by the successes of the past, they resolving to rebuild, and in January, 1861, the church entered their second new house of worship.  During the period of her existence the church has had in all, nine pastors, whose time of labor and success in the pastorate may be seen in the following tabular statement:

     The whole number of members received from time of organization to present date, Mar. 20, 1880, is 338.  Total membership at present time, 110.  The following named brethren have been Deacons of the church in the order named:  Richard Edgington and William Mahaffey, appointed april 1842.  James S. Ellison and John Holmes, appointed December, 1857; Samuel Mosier, chosen April, 1769; John Mosier and James P. Wilson chosen August, 1873.  The last three named are the Deacons at the present time.  The following brethren have been Clerks of the church in the order named:  Ellison Mahaffey, John Davis, Adam McCormick, John Holmes and Daniel Biely, the present incumbent.  The first Trustees of the church were Adam McCormick, Amos Duncan and William Mahaffey.  Afterward Jason McDermed and J. R. Mahaffey were appointed and are the only remaining Trustees at the present time.  Wm. Mahaffey was the first regularly appointed Treasurer of the church, and resigned April, 1861, at which time J. R. Mahaffey, the present incumbent, was appointed to the office.
     Thus has the church sown the "good seed" and labored on for nearly forty years.  Sometimes she has been, as it were, upon Mt. Nebo with a fair view of the "Promised land" in the distance; at other times, low down in the valley of trial and humiliation.  But though sometimes cast down, yet never without hope, never without faith in God's promises and the final success of our mission.  May we, together with our sister churches of west Union and county, ever be faithful to the trusts committed to our charge, so that when Time's great wheel shall cease to move and earth's history shall have been completed, we may each find that our name stands recorded in heaven's greatest book of life."

CHRISTIAN UNION CHURCH -
WEST UNION.
By T. J. Mullen

     The Christian Union church is located on the northeast corner of the public square, West Union.  It is a beautiful, neat little frame building, fifty by thirty-one feet, sixteen feet story.  The inside is well finished with clear, pine lumber, varnished very nicely.  They have an excellent Esty organ for the use of the church and Sabbath school.  they also have a fine bell upon the church.  The erection of said church building was contracted for on the 3rd day of August, 1808, by John K. Billings, J. R. Cockville, John Laughridge and F. J. Miller, building committee, a Arthur L. Loyd, builders.  The church was completed in February, 1809, and dedicated on the first day of March, 1809 by I. A. S. Biddison, a minister of said church, and then the editor publisher of the "Christian Witness," the church paper of Christian Union, published at Columbus, Ohio.  The Rev. I _dison on his return home to his editorial duties, gave a __ statement in his paper, of his visit, etc., a portion of which hereto append.
     "It is astonishing to see the zeal and determination upon part of the membership in the erection of a house for worship.  The church at this place, only numbers time or ten of a membership, none of them wealthy but blessed with a competence for comfort, and have completed a beautiful chapel which would be considered low at $2,000.  We have not seen a better finished building for a long time.  Its architecture is elegant, and the work performed in the best of order.  The contractor not only understood his business as a mechanic, but gave full proof of honestly by doing the work in good order and finishing in a  style better than a contract.  The sisters have evinced elegant taste in dressing the pulpit and altar.  Such zeal is commendable, and we trust will be liberally rewarded."

A SINGULAR INCIDENT.

     One of the workmen in ascending a ladder, leading from the floor to the hatchway, between the doors, accidentally touched his foot against the pinster, leaving a mark and slightly defacing the wall.  The contractor observing the blemish drew his brush across it, thinking only to remove the defect, when behold, in place of the blemish appeared a dove, most beautifully traced.  The brush having been in turpentine it leaves a stain of a complete dove like figure, which is observably from any part of the house.  The time has been when such an event would have been

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thought omenous.  It is certainly very remarkable that it should appear in such perfection, without by intention of the kind and could not have been made by the same hand if it had been designed.  We hope the innocence of the dove may over characterize those who worship before the alter in this pleasant chapel."