Source:
A History & Biographical Cyclopaedia
 of
Butler County, Ohio
With Illustrations and Sketches
of its Representative Men and Pioneers
Publ. by Western Biographical Publishing Co.
Cincinnati, O
1882

MORGAN TOWNSHIP
pg. 422

     THIS is a township lying in the south-west corner corner of the county.  It is bounded on the north by Reily, on the east by Ross, on the south by Hamilton County, on the west by Indiana.  Originally it formed a part of Ross Township and was created on the 4th of March, 1811.
     When the first settlements were made along the Dry Fork, Howard's Creek, and Paddy's Run bottoms, ague and fever prevailed to a fearful extent.  The surface in Morgan Township is partly undulating, but a great deal is rough.  Along the route of Dry Fork and Paddy's Run the bottoms extend on either side from one quarter to one mile in width.  The former of these steams is noted for the fertile land which borders it - the bottoms being admirably adapted to the growing of corn and barley.  When the timber was first cleared off, and within a year or two after the soil was thoroughly worked over, immense crops were raised.  In the south-western corner of the township the soil is unproductive, compared with the rich Dry Fork and Paddy's Run Bottoms.  The country around Scipio is favorable to agricultural pursuits.  This section forms the basin from which Dry Fork takes its source.  All the territory in the northeast corner of the township is elevated.  The valley of Paddy's Run is a famous body of land for farmers.  New London is situated in the midst of a fertile and very prosperous farming section.
     Dry Fork, of Whitewater, is the longest as well as the largest creek in Morgan Township.  It takes its rise in  the region of Scipio, Okenna, and St. Charles, and has for its tributaries on the east Buck Run and Kiatta Creek.  The main fork rises in Indiana.  Dry Fork takes its name from the fact that near its mouth there is less water than ten miles above.  During a dry season there are no signs of water in Hamilton County, while in the county of Butler, above Okeanna, there is a sufficient supply for all necessary purposes.  Howard's Creek cuts the south-west corner of the township, and empties into Dry Fork about one mile and a half south of the county line.  It took its name from a family who lived on its banks many years ago.  Paddy's run took its name because an Irishman was drowned in it.  The stream is about half the size of Dry Fork, and empties into the Big Miami, a mile and a half below New Baltimore, in Hamilton County.  There are numerous other streams, all of which, however, form the affluents of either Howard's Creek, Dry Fork, or Paddy's Run.
     The original timber was made up of sycamore, walnut, blue and white ash, sugar tree, and poplar, along the streams; on the uplands, beech, hickory, some scattering walnut, ash to a considerable extent,  large quantities of red and white oak, but principally of the latter, gum, hackberry,  and a good supply of dogwood.  There was also a dense growth of spice bushes, and about the beginning of the present century a luxuriant crop of pea-vines.  These vines covered the face of the country along the rich bottoms, and for a number of years after the first settlements furnished all the food necessary for the cattle and sheep.  A few years, however, of constant pasturage destroyed their vitality.
     When the township received its first quota of settlers there were no roads of any kind to lead to distant settlements.  Blaze roads soon came to be regarded as very necessary.  These were often supplemented by bridlepaths, which led through the underbrush.
     "After the county road was laid out and opened from Cincinnati to the Miami," says Rev. B. W. Chidlaw, to whom we are indebted for many of the following facts, "a new era of transportation dawned upon the country.  For many years the settlers took the produce of their fields, poultry-yards, and dairies to Cincinnati on pack-horses.  At an early day Paddy's run butter commanded a quick sale and a premium in Lower Market, then the business center of the Queen City.  Hospitality and sociability were cardinal virtues among the pioneers.  Their raisings, log-rollings, corn-huskings and harvestings, their chopping frolics, quiltings, and wool-pickings are the memorials of their readiness to help each other."
     One of the first roads in the township was called the State road; it led from Lawrenceburg, Indiana, to Oxford, Ohio.  It struck or entered the township where the Shaker road now does.  This road was also called the "post road," from the fact that it was over this route that the early mails were carried.  The same road is now in use, but is not considered as of much importance.  Another early road, and a very prominent one too, followed down the creek from Scipio, and on to Venice in Ross Township.  The Howard's Creek road was not so prominent.  It followed the stream and united with the Lawrenceburg and Oxford road near the north family of Shakers.  There was a road also which struck off at St. Charles and passed by the way of Layhigh to the Miami at Dick's ford.  This was called the trace road.  The old Scipio road is now the Colerain and Brookville turnpike, but of course the original trace is not always followed.  From Scipio it formerly took down the creek and struck Okeana about where that village now stands.  Here it crossed Dry Fork and took the direction of Venice.  Most of the roads formed a junction at Dick's or Shaw's ford on the Big Miami, about one-half mile above where the bridge now stands, but which at that

Page 423 -
time was an unthought-of affair.  For some of the farmers to reach market who lived in the south-west corner of the township, a crossing was made at New Baltimore in Crosby Township, of the adjacent county.
     It would be difficult at this late day to tell which of these highways was the most prominent, but during the Fall and Winter seasons the trace road was unmistakably used much more by hog-drivers than any other thoroughfare in the township.  There is now a free turnpike leading from Harrison, in Hamilton County, to the Scipio and Millville pike, which for most of the way follows the section line one mile west of the Indiana line.  This road caused much litigation, and was the cause of sending a forger to the penitentiary for ten years.  There is another well used from New London to Millville.  A good pike - a toll road - runs from Scipio to Millville.  Many of the roads are very good.
     For forty years or more there has been an omnibus run daily between New London and Cincinnati.  The Western Stage Company carried on staging thirty-five years ago.  John R. Bevis was an early proprietor; from him it passed into the hands of his brother, Jesse C., who quite recently sold out to Charles Shields, who, in turn, sold to Clements Butterfield.  In former days, before the time of pikes, and old-fashioned leather-spring state was run between Cincinnati and Connersville.  The trip was made in three days.  Frederick George was among the first and most permanent drivers.
     The first land entered in Morgan Township was by Edward Bebb.  It was a half-section in Section 27.  The first blacksmith, as well as the first miller, in the neighborhood of Paddy's Run was James Nicholas.  In 1831 he moved to Allen County, Ohio, and was one of the first settlers in that large and prosperous community of Welsh people.  John Vaughn built the first barn and brick house in the settlement in 1816; they are yet standing.  During 1803 there settled on Dry Fork, and Paddy's Run the families of Jacob Phillis, John and Samuel Harden, Bryson Blackburn, George Drybread, John Howard, and Thomas Milholland.  Blackburn was a blacksmith.  His customers found there own iron and steel, which he hammered into axes, bees, butcher-knives, and so on, with a brawny arm and a skillful hand.  "A clock-case, now owned by Mrs. Mary Vaughn, made for her father, Edward Bebb, by Stephen Hayden, in 1804, shows the ingenuity and taste of his pioneer cabinet-maker.  It is made of cherry slabs, dressed as best he could, overcoming the want of a saw-mill with a whip-saw.  For over seventy years it has been been the cozy home of a brass clock which Mrs. Bebb brought from Wales seventy-nine years ago.  This venerable clock was a great curiosity to the Indians, who frequently visited Mr. Bebb's cabin.  Captain William D. Jones, brought the first stock of goods into the township on a pack horse, and opened a place of business near where the turnpike crosses Paddy's Run.  His business was conducted chiefly on the bartering basis, as specie was very scarce.  The first physicians were Doctors Sloan, of Fairfield; Millikin, of Hamilton; and Crookshank, of Harrison.  They practiced as early as 1806, and were eminent in their profession and useful in the community.  In 1808 Maxwell Parkinson officiated as justice of the peace, probably appointed by the Governor.

SCIPIO.

     The village of Scipio was laid out by Joseph Alyea about fifty-five years ago.  The original plat is entirely in the State of Indiana.  When James Bartlow first came to this section there were remnants of Indian wigwams in the little bottom where the Odd Fellows' hall now stands.
     William D. Jones was the first storekeeper in the village.  His place of business was in the little log-house on the Morgan Township side.  After him came Joseph Alyea, the founder of the town, in a log-house one and a half stories high, opposite the store where Frederic Oliver now keeps.  This house was about eighteen by twenty feet, and is now gone.  George Hubell was another storekeeper in a house, part of which was frame, opposite Alyea's.  William White came soon after Hubble, who, who, also, was his son-in-law.  Clark & Pearson, Thompson & Hodson, were firms prominently engaged here in commercial pursuits.  Then came Aaron McGhaney, Samuel and James Fye, Cornelius Bartlow, Charles Fossett, Miller & Jaquish, Smith & DeArmond, William R. Mercer, Fossett & Snyder, Sortman & Hodson, and others.  There is now but one store in the village, which has already been mentioned.
     The original taverns of this part of the township were rude affairs.  Scipio was always a great stopping point for travelers, many of whom came from near Connersville, and the interior counties.  William D. Jones, a Welshman, kept the first tavern in the village in a two-story log-house, exactly where the public scales are now.  His sign was a cross and compass.  Reuben Conaway, in 1836, had a very large public-house which stood on the hill where Mr. John Beard now lives.  The house was a two-story log building; he also sold whisky, cigars, and tobacco; and it is worthy of remark that his accounts were kept behind the counter in full view of his customers, by the use of chalk and a blackboard.  Paul Clover had a "regular tavern" in a frame house on the Indiana side, about 1842.  James Johnson came next in the same house; and then Griffin Abraham, who was the last.  All these men did a good business.  James Beard had a small place of entertainment in 1836, and for three years thereafter, near the scales.
     Michael McCarty was the first blacksmith in this region.  His shop was on the Indiana side, near the foot of the hill.  He was here again some ten or twelve years after he first left.  Joshua Nye had a second shop, opposite Jeremiah Conn's present residence.  Then came

Page 424 -
James Thompson, in a stone shop opposite Oliver's store.  The present shop was built by Elias Gaston, and is now occupied by I. P. Linning.
     A carding-mill was owned by William D. JONES, which stood on the Ohio side, and which was run by horse-power.  As early as 1830 George HUBBELL had a grist-mill on Dry Fork, a quarter of a mile below town.  He soon added a flaxseed oil-mill, which was run for five or six years.  The oil-mill was a frame, while the grist-mill, of course, was a log building.  The oldest mill in this part of the township was built in 1810 by Jeremiah FRENCH, three quarters of a mile below Scipio.  It had an overshot wheel eighteen feet in diameter, and stood on the east side of the creek.  At first the mill stood on posts, which in time rotted; and in order to build a saw-mil, stone were used for the foundation.  John HYDEE succeeded French, who also was followed by Jesse SMITH and HOLLIBUT, both of whom were Yankees.  SMITH was a mill-wright by trade.  The old French mill ceased running more than forty years ago.  Below French's mill a few rods, Levi SPARKS built a stone still-house.  He had his corn ground at the mill above.  Mr. Thomas SHROYER kindly furnishes the following:
     "On Howard's Creek, near the Hamilton County line, there was  a distillery run by Joseph BOGGETT, and about twenty rods north was another by James CHARLTON, Sen.  One mile further up the creek was one by John HOMMER, Sen.  About one mile north of this one, near where the Macedonia Church now stands, John MISNER had a still-house.  From there we go to the headwaters of Dry Fork, near the State Line, just south of Scipio; here was one by SMITH & HOLLIBUT, and a little further down, one carried on by Reuben GEORGE, Sen.  Near where the new bridge on the Biddinger Turnpike crosses the creek was another by James JENKINS, and near the residence of Jacob KEEN was one more by Reuben GEORGE, Jr.  Just west, one mile of this one, on the old HANLY farm, was another, owned by John PHILLIPS.  Below Okeana were two more, belonging to Charles SHIELDS and Alexander DeARMOND.  Two miles further down was another, owned by Jacob BRANDENBURG.  Mr. BRANDENBURG was scalded to death at his distillery more than forty-five years ago.  The old site is now on the farm owned by Jonathan HALL.  One-half mile below was another, on the property of Hugh SMITH.  John ISEMINGER was the originator of this  The whisky was made in large copper stills, six bushels per day being the capacity of each house.  Twelve gallons of the real old-fashioned whisky was a good day's work.  The price was twelve and eighteen cents per gallon.  Besides the above list of still-houses, there was a still on the VANTREES farm, where a superior article of peach brandy was made.  Neighbors took their peaches here for miles around, and had them made up on the shares.  This brand is reported to have been of a superior quality."
     It is well to state that peaches grew here spontaneously early in the present century.  There were large quantities of apples raised also, which were turned into apple brandy.  Wild plums; wild gooseberries, wild currants, haws, and wild crab-apples were scattered over the country in great abundance.
     Jabez HAMILTON, William LUDLOW, and Harvey HANN were early distillers in the immediate vicinity of Scipio.  The old Reuben GEORGE distillery, opposite where James GWALTNEY now lives, closed with James DAVIS.  Below the JENKINS still-house was a fulling-mill by Mr. THOMAS, who made many a wedding garment for a young men of this township in early times.  This mill was converted into a dwelling-house.
     Scipio had for its first school-house a log building.  The school was taught by John CAVENDER, who was an excellent penman, in 1822.  This house was in the upper side of the town.  Rev. Moses HORNADAY, one of the early Baptist preacers in the Miami and Whitewater Valleys, was a school-teacher here after CAVENDER.  James OSBORN, an Irishman, was also one of the first teachers.  Some of his scholars were Joseph P. JONES, Anna JONES, Newton BUTLER, and John BEARD.  The old school-house was used for about fifteen years, then being converted into a wagon-maker's shop.  The DAVIS district, as it is commonly called, was among the first to have a system of popular education.
     Scipio can hardly boast of a resident physician during her eventful history.  Dr. JAMES was for many years a physician living on the Indiana side.  He was an excellent man.  Dr. THOMAS, a resident of New London, was one of the first practitioners in this vicinity.  Dr. BERRY, who now resides near Brookville, is one of the oldest men in this section.  He practiced medicine here many years ago.
     Dr. GOFF, an Englishman, was at one time a resident of the village.  Dr. CLEAVER, of Drewersburg, was a citizen of the village at one time; also Drs. JAMES, CHITWOOD, Van McHENRY, and BOYD.  Mr. CARNAHAN was here in 1838.  There are no resident physicians at present.  Adjacent towns supply this need.
     The Scipio Odd Fellows' Lodge was chartered in September, 1875, with the following members: F. OLIVER, A. B. HODSON, Paul APPLEGATE, Marion SMITH, Marion DAVIS, John WYNN, W. R. JENKINS, W. R. HODSON, and John MECUM.  This lodge is an outgrowth of neighboring lodges.  About $500 of the money which built the hall was given by similar institutions.  A. B. HODSON advanced the funds and acted as contractor, the members paying him for the use of the hall, which is over one of the old stores.  There are now about forty members; officers are as follows:  Paul APPLEGATE, N. G.; F. OLIVER, V. G.; A. B. HODSON, Treas., W. R. JENKINS, Sec.
     William JONES was the first postmaster in Scipio, or more properly Philanthropy.  Scipio in wholly on the Indiana side, while Philanthropy is on the Ohio side. 

Page 425 -
JONES had the post-office in his old tavern.  About 1840 it was removed to the store kept by Reuben GEORGE and John A. APPLEGATE.  The next move was across the street, in Thomas WATSON's tailor-shop.  From there it went to BOYD'S store, and in turn to the store under the Odd Fellows' hall, about 1850.  Since the last move there have been various changes, most of the time remaining on the Indiana side.  There is no other postoffice in the United States by the name of Philanthropy.  A list of the postmasters is found under the had of Reily.  The town lies on the dividing line.
 

     The Scipio church was built in 1860, by four different denominations, the Methodist Episcopals, Presbyterians, Baptists, and United Brethren.  Of these churches the Methodist is the oldest.  Their first place of worship was in Indiana, principally in the houses of the early settlers.  The Rev. Mr. BIGELOW was among the first of their preachers.  Some of the members were Edward BLACKER, Isaac WOODS, James BARTLOW, Matthew SPARKS, James McKAW, and Benjamin Woods.  The Baptist church is second in age.  For their first preachers they had Moses HORNADAY, who lived near Harrison, in Hamilton county; Wm. TYNER, Mr. GARD, and Joseph FLINT.  Among the members were Lot ABRAHAM, James BEARD, and John SMITH, Sen.  Their first place of worship was in Reily Township, at the old Indian Creek Baptist church.  The Presbyterians and United Brethren have little in the shape of history.  Their original members have removed to other localities or died.
     The following are inscriptions from the Scipio Cemetery, which lies near the church, embracing about three-acres of land:
     John FYE, born Feb. 3, 1781; died Nov. 10, 1825.
     Catharine, his wife, died Nov. 18, 1878, aged 88.  These two persons are among the pioneers of this locality.
     Dr. A. B. JAMES, died May 23, 1871; aged 68.  Dr. JAMES was for many years a prominent physician in this neighborhood.
     James L. DAVIS, died Aug. 23, 1856; aged 69.
     Sarah Jane DAVIS, died Mar. 24, 1869; aged 71.
     Patrick BLACKER, died Apr. 26, 1879; aged 77.
     Margaret BLACKER, died Apr. 27, 1875; aged 72.
     Robert BLACKER, died Mar. 1, 1810; aged 63.
     Nancy BLACKER, died Mar. 18, 1850; aged 88.  These two persons were from Ireland, and were the original founders of the BLACKER family in this section.

     The original road from Hamilton to Brookville passed through Scipio.  James BEARD was the first supervisor on the highway.  He "blazed" the road from Auburn to Scipio.  Mr. BEARD is now dead.  He lies in the Bevis Cemetery, in Colerain Township.  His widow is now the wife of Samuel P. WITHROW, of Seven-Mile, both in the full enjoyment of ripe old age.

OKEANA.

     Before this village was regularly laid out it went by the name of the Tariff Post-office.  Some of the early settlers, dislikeing the name, had it changed, the petition, to Okeana.  Okeana was the name of the daughter of the Indian chief, Kiatta.  The Rev. Benjamin LLOYD, a native of Wales, and a son of Rev. Rees LLOYD, platted the village on land which he owned at that time, and gave the place its name.  The town, as it now is, stands mostly in School Section No. 16, which was bought by Charles SHIELDS, but who in turn sold a portion of the section to Mr. LLOYD.
     Among the first residents of the village were the sons of Benjamin LLOYD, Samuel, William, and Alexander, the latter of whom was a storekeeper on the corner where J. E. BOZE now resides.  Charles Shields was a storekeeper here in 1845, in the house now occupied by James APPLEGATE.  JENKINS & EVANS were here as commercial men in the BOZE residence before LLOYD.  William WRIGHT was another business man in Okeana, in a one-story house which stood in the forks of the road.  The building was removed, and afterwards was occupied for a dwelling, but is now deserted.  Henry Brandenburg, one of the noted storekeepers of the place, bought the store goods and real estate of Samuel LLOYD, and in 1873 or 1874, erected the present fine building where the PHELLIS Brothers keep.  William MERCER was a storekeeper here at one time; he was followed by Samuel GWALTNEY.  Thomas and Charles JONES were here also for some time, in the old SHIELDS property.  William De ARMOND had a little store in the yard of the SHIELDS estate.  Then came Jeremiah DeARMOND and Joseph SMITH were here engaged in selling dry goods and groceries.  The present storekeepers are J. W. PHELLIS and Perry CLAWSON.
     One of the first places of entertainment in sight of the village was kept by William JENKINS, in a log-house where Charles SHIELDS now lives.  The tavern stand was made up of log barns and stables with clapboard roofs.  JENKINS also had a still-house.  Mr. Joseph CLAWSON of the village, says there was a time when sixteen still-houses were in active operation in Morgan Township.  Four of them were on Dry Fork between Okeana and Scipio.  Most of them had disappeared before 1845.  One of the most remarkable of these mills was built by David GRIFFITH, on Dry Fork; it was used principally for sawing, and was what is known as a tub-mil - at that day a very uncommon affair.
     The blacksmiths in Okeana have been James BOWMAN, who was here in 1845; William PIERCE, Mr. ROLAND, Alex. FROST, Mr. STOUGHTON, Thomas HUGHES, a Welshman  and a fine mechanic; John LOOKER, Mr. DOTY, who now resides near Venice; Stephen MULLEN, who is here at present; and Louis WILHELM, but now in other parts.  There were helpers frequently, who came to remain but a few months during the Summer season.
     Dr. Benjamin MORRIS was, perhaps, the first resident physician within the boundaries of the village.  Dr. MORRIS was here about 1847.  He died in this township six or eight years ago, and is buried at New London.  Eli

Page 426 -
PARKHURST, was another physician.  He moved to Cumminsville, Hamilton County, Ohio, four or five years since, and died in 1881.  Dr. H. L. ARMSTRONG, was here later.  He married Miss Ella FITZPATRICK, of New Baltimore, in 1880,and is now living in Indiana.  Dr. MARTIN, from Kentucky, was also a resident physician, and a good man; he is now in the West.  Dr. NEWTON, formerly of Mt Carmel, Indiana, is the present physician.
     Many of the first township elections were held at Wm. JENKINS's tavern.  In time the voting-place was changed, and the ballots cast at the residence of James DeARMOND.  Several years before the late war the township house was built by a special tax.  Since its erection it has been used by the shows which travel over the country; for village singing-schools and concerts; and, during the winter of 1881 and 1882, for a school-house for the small children of the district.
     The earliest record of Methodism in this field was found in the possession of a. Jackson YOUMANS, a member of the Venice Church.  The record was begun and kept for many years by Peter YOUMANS, who was a prominent lay member of the Church when Methodism was being planted in the Whitewater and Miami Valleys.  The YOUMANS record dates back to 1817, when the territory now included was embraced in the Whitewater circuit.  The Ohio Conference then contained all of Ohio, portions of Virginia, Kentucky, Michigan, and Indiana.  All the country at that time lying north of the Ohio River, and between the great Miami and Whitewater Rivers, was embraced in one circuit.
     In 1817 Moses CRUME was appointed presiding elder and Benjamin LAWRENCE preacher in charge.  In 1818 that part of the circuit which was between the Ohio River on the south, and the Miami River on the east, and the State line on the west was detached and embraced in the Miami circuit.
     The probabilities are that the Okeana Church was organized at the residence of old Peter YOUMANS, who resided at that time on Paddy's Run, above New London, near the Brookville road.  One authority says, preaching was held at Mr. CARMACK's before YOUMANS's was made a regular place of worship.  The Church, at that time, 1817, went by the name of the Ephraim CARMACK Society.  In 1829 the place of worship was changed to the house of Peter YOUMANS, one-mile north-west of New London.  In 1849 the place of worship was removed to Hickory Chapel.  In 1851 a subscription was taken to build a church in Okeana.  The house was built and dedicated in 1853.  M. KAUFFMAN was the pastor in charge.  On the day of dedication, the Rev. Thomas A. GOODWIN, of Brookville, Indiana, delivered the discourse.  The Hickory Chapel Society was then removed to Okeana, and since has been known as the Okeana Society.  In 1857, a powerful revival was conducted under the Rev. M. BITLER and the Rev. D. GRIFFIS.  A great many were admitted into the Church.  This Church, says the record, has always been unfortunate in its situation, surrounded often by a critical public, and sometimes molested from within.
     Among its early members were Ephraim CARMACK and wife, Peter YOUMANS, wife and several of his family; Joseph Blair, who for many years was class-leader; Henry MILLER, wife, and family; Mrs. BRIGHTWELL, who married John VAUGHN, both of whom are now dead, and others.  The present condition of this Church is prosperous, with some forty members.  The Rev. E. A. EASTON is in charge.  Preaching once every two weeks.
     About the year 1840 Gershom RUDE, who was preaching at the Christian Church at Harrison, as well as working at the blacksmith trade, made occasional visits to the neighborhood of Macedonia, and preached to the people of that section in the old school-house district No. 4.  In 1850 a new house was built, John HARPER giving the ground and fifty dollars in cash, the members and friends assisting in various other ways.  John McLAIN walked two miles every night, after doing a day's work, and split the lath.  among the pastors who have had charge of the Church are the following, in their order: Elders RUDE, BALARIDGE, CAMPBELL, PATTERSON (the latter for twenty years), James and Jonathan HENRY.  Elder Knowles SHAW, the distinguished singing evangelist, visited the place several times.  Elizabeth PHILLIPS and her sister, Catherine McLAIN, were the first persons baptized at the place.  Among the old veterans of the Church, only Mr. and Mrs. Allen McLAIN are left.  Both are in their seventy-ninth year, and have been married fifty-five years.  Macedonia, in its greatest prosperity, numbered over two hundred members.  Elder J. M. LAND, of Harrison, is the present minister in charge.  A Sunday-school is kept up most of the time, sustained regardless of denominations.  Near the church is one of the old school-houses of the township.  The Biddinger free turnpike crosses here also..  Following are inscriptions from the cemetery.

     Elizabeth, wife of Hugh SMITH, died Oct. 5, 1858; aged 70;
     John PHILLIPS, died Oct. 31, 1859; aged 51.
     Elizabeth, wife of John PHILLIPS, born Aug. 27, 1806; died Aug. 22, 1873.
     Rhoda GOBLE, born Jan. 13, 1789; died Dec. 20, 1873.
     In memory of Jane LAUGH, who died Sept. 15, 1865; aged 81.
     Samuel LAUGH, born Jul. 23, 1785; died Feb. 20, 1853
     John HARPER, was born Aug. 10, 1796; died Aug. 22, 1846
     Permelia, wife of John HARPER, died Dec. 7, 1862; aged 62.
     William McLAIN, Jr., born Nov. 15, 1801; died Feb. 16, 1869.
     Absalom McKEAN, died June 17, 1874; aged 61.

     There are many unmarked graves here, perhaps as many as seventy-five.  The gable-end of the church, which is a frame, bears this: "And the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch."
     While the Methodist preachers were actively at work in this township in 1818, a meeting-house was built exactly in the south-east corner of Section 32, known as the

Page 427 -
Mt. Tabor Church.  Previous to 1818 services were held in a school-house where the Marsh district now is.  The land on which the church stood was given by Mr. BARNES, who, with Joseph BOGGETT and wife, old Mr. McKEE and wife, Jonathan VANTREES and wife, Elizabeth COGLE, Isaac FROST, and others, were among the early members.  A grave-yard was connected with the church, containing about one-fourth of a acre.  Some of the persons buried here are:
     Andrew ELLIOTT,
     James and Robert McKANE,
     Jonathan VANTREES and wife,
     and a number of others, who were founders of the Church.

     The Lutheran Fairview Church stands in the southwest corner of Section 32.  Solomon BIDDINGER gave the land - one acre - for church and burying purposes.  Like the Mt. Tabor Church, the first services were held at the Marsh school-house.  As members this Church had Frederic and Solomon Biddinger, with their wives; Martin SHUPP, wife, and daughter; Enoch McHENRY, and others.  This church was organized in 1832, and the house, a frame, was built in 1844.  John SHROYER, who for nearly fifty years made his own coffins and acted as undertaker for the citizens of this and adjoining counties, perhaps burying as many as one thousand persons, was the contractor and builder.  The subscription list amounted to $500.  The Rev. B. W. CHIDLAW, delivered the dedication sermon, assisted in part by the Rev. John SURFACE and neighboring pastors.  There are now no regular services held here; sometimes the United Brethren and Methodist ministers use the house.  Mr. Solomon Biddinger still keeps the church in repairs, and says he intends to do so until his death.
     One of the oldest churches in the township stood on the county line in the middle of Section 34  In 1817 it was an old church, and was fast going to decay.  It was built of round logs.  Connected with it was a burying-ground.  Among those buried here are:
     Nancy WARD,
     Polly, wife of Jeremiah Dunn, one of the pioneers of this county;
     Nancy STORY
     Polly McKANCE, sister of Jeremiah DUNN
     and two children of Elizabeth WHITEHEAD.
     These latter burials were made in 1827.  At that time there were some fifty interments; the last were made in 1827.  It is said that the renowned Indian fighter, Adam POE, who fought with Big Foot, lies here.  If true, this grave-yard is what is claimed for it, the oldest in the south side of the county.  There is nothing left to mark the church site or the burying ground.  The highway from New Haven to Okeana passes over a portion of the old yard  The remainder is under a state of cultivation.

CEMETERIES.

     "The oldest in the township," says Mr. CHIDLAW, " was located on the west side of Camp Run, near its mouth; all traces of this first burial place are obliterated.  John HALSTEAD and Ephraim CARMACK opened grave-yards on their farms, which the neighborhood used for many years.  In 1821 John VAUGHN and Morgan GWILYM donated the lot for meeting-house and grave-yard, and until 1867, when the new cemetery was opened, this was the place where the dead found a sepulcher, and where nearly all the old settlers have been buried."  Below are inscriptions from the old New London burying-ground:

     Dr. William THOMAS, a native of Wales, died October 29, 1831; aged 36 - leaving a wife and infant daughter.
     William GWILYM, a native of South Wales, died November 8, 1848; aged 82
     Ann, wife of William GWILYM, a native of North Wales, died November 17, 1838, in the 74th year of her age.
     The grave of Hannah GWILYM, the wife of the Rev. B. W. CHIDLAW, A. M., born August 14, 1816; died June 16, 1841.
     Two large white marble tombstones, without dates of any kind, bear the following simple but significant notices:  "Edward and Margaret BEBB;"  the other, "Evan R. BEBB."
     In memory of Humphrey EVANS, died July  5, 1849; aged 65.
     Elizabeth HUMPHREYS, of North Wales; born Mar. 12, 1783; died August 26, 1821.
     John VAUGHN, died Sep. 4, 1848, in the 84th year of his age.
     Ruth CROSBY, wife of John VAUGHN, died Aug. 5, 1825; aged 60.
     Hezekiah SHAW, born July 1, 1783; died July 22, 1860.
     Abel APPLETON, departed this life July 19, 1834; aged 62.
     Elizabeth APPLETON, died June 13, 1862; aged 89.
     A large sandstone slab reads: "Here lies the remains of Evan JONES, a native of North Wales, G. B., who departed this life Sept. 1, 1821, in the 45th year of his age.
     Susan, relict of Humphrey EVANs, died July 5, 1849; aged 65.
     Elizabeth HUMPHREYS, of North Wales; born Mar. 12, 1783; died Aug. 26, 1821
     John VAUGHN, died Sept. 4, 1848, in the 84th year of his age. 
     Ruth CROSBY, wife of John VAUGHN, died Aug. 5, 1825; aged 60.
     Hezekiah SHAW, born July 1, 1783; died July 22, 1860.
     Abel APPLETON departed this life July 19 1834; aged 62.
     Elizabeth APPLETON, died June 13, 1862; aged 89.
     A large sandstone slab reads: 'Here lies the remains of Evan JONES, a native of North Wales, G. B., who died Nov. .28, 1840; aged 30."
     Arthur MULLEN, who departed this life July 18, A. D. 1855; aged 78.
     William BEBB, died Oct., 1852, in the 72d year of his age.
     Ann, wife of William BEBB, died Mar. 30, 1849; aged 69.
     This yard is now but seldom used.  Among others buried here are the WILKINSes, BROWNs, EVANSes, and others.
     William EVANS died July, 1821.  He was a native of North Wales.
     Maurice JONES and wife died in 1834.

     The present fine New London Cemetery was bought in 1867 of Richard MANUEL, at a cost of $128.25 per acre, containing very nearly ten acres.  It is nicely fenced, and has a very strong stone vault, which was erected two or three years ago by some gentlemen from Venice, costing about one thousand dollars.
     Among the inscriptions are:
     Peter YOUMANS, who died Mar. 5, 1837; aged 60.  The part Mr. YOUMANS played in this vicinity will be found in the Church history of Okeana. 
     Sarah YOUMANS, died Mar. 23, 1873; aged 94.
     Derran YOUMANS, died July 5, 1835; aged 20.
     Andrew YOUMANS, died Mar. 15, 1873; aged 53.
     Robert PATTERSON, born Mar. 8, 1792; died May 14, 1876.
     Jane, wife of James D. Salisbury, died Aug. 8, 1873; aged 75.
     John Henderson SCOTT, died July 13, 1872; aged 52.
     Henry OTTO, died Dec. 31, 1878; aged 68.
     Joseph FOSTER, born Mar. 1, 1841; died June 10, 1871.
     Charles ENT, died June 20, 1847; aged 80.
     Mary, wife of Major Charles ENT, died Apr. 15, 1859; aged 90.
     The Rev. A. F. JONES, died Aug. 12, 1864; aged 31.
     John  B. DAVIES, died Apr. 2, 1877; in the 53d year of his age.
     G. W. SHAW, M. D., died Aug. 25, 1863; aged 46.
     Sarah, wife of John EVANS, died Apr. 8,1870; aged 64.
     John DAVIES, died Aug. 17, 1866; aged 59. 
     Also, Jane, his wife, who died Aug. 18, 1866; aged 58; both natives of South Wales.
     Hannah, wife of Samuel ROBINSON, died Oct. 12, 1869; aged 76.

Page 428 -
     This cemetery is one of the finest in the county, outside of Hamilton, Oxford, and Middletown.

     On the hill, north-west of Okeana one mile, is the Old George burying-ground, on the south side of the original Scipio road, on Section 17.  This yard was organized as a private ground.  Quite recently an addition of three acres has been made to it.  The inscriptions will tell the rest.
     Christopher ARMSTRONG, died Aug. 5, 1835; aged 38.
     John McLAIN, Sen., born in 1768; died June 18, 1842
     In memory of Rachel DAVIS, who died Feb. 13, 1839; aged 39.
     In memory of Meshach DAVIS, born Sept. 4, 1764; died Oct. 11, 1845.
     In memory of Elizabeth, consort of Madison CONGLE, who departed this life Aug. 20, 1839; aged 23
     Joshua George, died Feb. 25, 1836; aged 35.  A cedar tree ten inches in diameter has grown over this grave. 
     In memory of Isabelle, wife of Evan JENKINS, who died Nov. 14, 1832; aged 37.
     Jemima, wife of Thoams JOLLIFFE, born Nov. 17, 1790; departed this life Mar. 31, 1847.
     Archey HANDLEY, departed this life Aug. 7, 1842; aged 53.
     :In memory of Rebecca, wife of Archey HANDLEY, who departed this life Nov 14, 1839; aged 50.
     Catherine, wife of Joshua GEORGE, died Oct. 29, 1862; aged 61.
     Samuel PATTERSON, died Dec. 5, 1853; aged 84.
     John BROWN, died Aug. 6, 1865; aged 50.

     The Hickory Chapel Church, which enters so largely into the religious history of the township, was a place or worship in 1820.  The Rev. Rees LLOYD, who was pastor of the Congregational Church, now of New London, wanting the house built on a particular site, bought the land, erected a peeled hickory log-house, and began his work.  It was from these significant logs that the Church took its name.  The inscriptions in the grave-yard are:

     To the memory of the Rev. Rees LLOYD, who departed this life May 21, 1838, in the 80th year of his age.
     Sacred to the memory of Rachel, wife of Rees LLOYD, who departed this life Apr. 25, 1847, in the 91st year of her age. 
     Fanny GRIFFIS, daughter of Rees and Rachel LLOYD, departed this life July 8, 1837, in the 54th year of her age.
     Sacred to the memory of David, son of Rees and Rachel LLOYD, who departed this life Nov. 1, 1849, in the 61st year of his age.
     In the memory of George DRYBREAD, who died Nov. 5, A. D. 1832, aged 79.
     Susanna, wife of George DRYBREAD, departed this life Oct. 7, 1839; aged 79. 
     In memory of Robert Mahaffey, who departed this life Aug. 26, 1833; aged 67.
     Nancy, wife of James MaHAFFEY, born Jan. 1, 1800, died Sept. 1, 1855.

     There are as many as twenty-five graves here unmarked.  Briers, locust trees, and brushes have overgrown the yard.
     Among other burial places in the township is the Marsh on the California free turnpike; about fifty interments were made here, mostly relations.  On the farm of Warner WYNN is a private burying-ground, which has buried in it Nellie WATKINS, a woman who figured as a witch in this region in early times.  This witch was but three and a half feet in height.  Martin SIMMONS, an old settler, lies here also,  In the same yard is Chester AGNEW, a little boy.  All these interments were made over sixty years ago.  The DAVIS grave-yard, midway between Okeana and Scipio, has been thrown into the field by taking up the remains.

MORGANTOWN.

     According to one local historian, this was a village situated on Dry Fork, in Section 34, on a strip of waste land now owned by the Shakers, at the north-east corner of the John SHROYER farm, one half mile from the county line.  Morgantown began with either Hugh SMITH's gristmill or else the John ISEMINGER still-house.  There were at this settlement, at various times, a flax-seed oil mill, by SMITH & ROBINSON, a saw-mill, and a brewery; also a blacksmith's shop and an extensive cooper's shop.  These establishments were in active operation from 1810 to 1830.  In its most prosperous days the village was about the present size of Okeana.  At this time there are no traces of the place left except an old log-house.  In 1810 George ISEMINGER had a store here; also SMITH & ROBINSON.  ISEMINGER was at one time a miller and sawyer in the village.  His brother-in-law, Rephart, was the brewer.  William EASTERBROOKS, one of the eccentric characters of the township, lives in sight of the old village.

NEW LONDON.

     New London, or "Bagdad,"  as the boys at BEBB's High School used to call the place, was laid out about September, 1859.  Although the village had long existed there, the old plat was mislaid.  The village is entirely within Section 25, near the center.  The village is entirely within Section 25, near the center.  From 1806 to 1812 the following families came into the settlement, begun several years earlier by persons already given:  William EVANS, and family from North Wales, settled on the hill west of Dry Fork.  William JENKINS and family, from Virginia, settled on Dry Fork.  Two brothers, King and Alexander DeARMOND, natives of Pennsylvania, settled,  the one of Paddy's Run, the other on Dry Fork.  Many of their descendants are now living in this township.  The Rev. Michael BOTTENBURG, from Maryland, a minister of the United Brethren Church, and John MERRING, his son in law, came at the same time.  Robert Mahaffey, from Pennsylvania, with a large family, settled on the hill between Paddy's Run and Dry Fork.  The Rev. Hezekiah SHAW, a son-in-law of John Halstead, resided in the neighborhood and devoted his time to the service of the Methodist Episcopal Church, traveling extensive circuits.  William D. JONES settled near Shields, and opened the first mercantile house in the township.  Peter YOUMANS and family, from New Jersey, settled on the farm where he lived for many years.  Ephraim CARMACK, from Maryland, brought with him a team of eight horses and a genuine Conestoga wagon.  He settled where Robert REESE now lives.  He was a natural born teamster.  He was also a great hunter, and but seldom returned form his excursions without bringing many trophies of his

Page 429 -
skill in the chase.  Finally he removed to Mercer County, Ohio, and was among the pioneers in that section.  In 1817 the Rev. Rees LLOYD, and family came from Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, and bought land on the hill west of the town.
     In 1818 the following families, chiefly from Montgomeryshire, North Wales, made this valley their home; John C. JONES and Jane, his wife; Evan and Jane Morris, John and Jane BREESE, Richard JONES and wife, William DAVIS and wife, the parents of the distinguished physicians, now of Cincinnati; George and Catharine WILLIAMS, Evan and Mary HUMPHREYS, Griffith BREESE and wife, and Humphrey EVANS and wife.  Connected with these families were a number of adult unmarried persons, - among them Francis JONES, who married Elizabeth FRANCIS; John EVANS who married Sarah NICHOLAS; Deacon David JONES, who married Mrs. Mary HUMPHREYS; John SWANCOTT, who married Miss Mary JONES; David DAVIES, who married Miss Rachel GWILYM.  The families of Evan OWENS, Evan DAVIES, and Tubel JONES, from Cardiganshire, South Wales, were added to the families of this valley at this time.
     From 1820 to 1830 many families from Wales found their way to Paddy's Run, adding to the general wealth of the community.  Among them were Deacon Hugh WILLIAMS, from Anglesea, North Wales, who married Mrs. Eliza GWILYM FRANCIS; Joseph GRIFFITHS and Jane, his wife, with a large family of sons and daughters, from Carne, North Wales, who in 1837 removed to Allen County, Ohio; Henry DAVIS, from Ebensburg, Pennsylvania, who married Miss Mary EVANS; Thomas WATKINS, who married Miss Jane EVANS; David ROBERTS, who married Miss Annie NICHOLAS; Rowland JONES and wife, and John JONES, who married Miss Jane GWILYM.  In 1832 these families became the pioneer settlers of the large and prosperous Welsh community now found in Allen County, Ohio.
     The first minister who preached in the settlement was the Rev. John W. Browne, of Cincinnati, a Congregationalist from England.  He preached at the house of Edward Bebb, on Dry Fork; at Andrew Scott's, at the month of Paddy's Run; at John Vaughn's on Paddy's Run, and David Lee's, on Lee's Creek.  All the  settlers through the country attended these meetings.
     In July, 1803, at the house of David Lee, a committee, consisting of Mr. Browne, Asa Kitchel, Andrew Scott, Joab Comstock, and David Cunningham, was appointed to draft a constitution and articles of faith for the proposed religious society, and present it before the people.  On Sept. 3, 1803, at the house of John Templeton, on Dry Fork, near New Haven, the report of the committee was adopted.  The society was called the Whitewater Congregational Church.  The first members were Benjamin McCarty, Asa Kitchel, Joab Comstock, Andrew Scott, Margaret Bebb, Ezekiel Hughes, William and Ann Gwilym, David and Mary Francis.

MORE TO COME ON  SECOND COLUMN ON PAGE 429

Page 432 -

Page 431 -

ALERT

     Alert is a post-office connected with an old-fashioned country-store, on Howard's Crek, in Section 28, near the west line, equally distant from the north and south side.  Sometime between 1817 and 1820 a school-house stood opposite John Iseminger's store, in which David Lloyd, an old bachelor, acted as one of the teachers.  The post-office was established in 1850, but not at this point.  The only postmaster has been John Iseminger, who came here in March, 1842, residing here ever since, during which time he has been selling goods, with the exception of two years, in 1853 and 1854, when King De Armond filled the position.  Mr. Iseminger began as an auctioneer in 1836, and has followed the business ever since.  From 1856 to 1880 he has cried four hundred and fifty-one sales.  Previous to this date no records were kept.  Mr. Iseminger was born at Iseminger's mill, Feb. 26, 1808.  He attended Governor Bebb's school when he taught at Hickory Chapel; he lived all his life on Howard's Creek, and is one of the well-known men in the country.  When the mails first began to arrive at Alert they were weekly; then, semi-weekly; then, tri-weekly; and now, daily.
     Section No. 27, is a tract of land entered by Edward Bebb, father of the Governor, split into halves by Dry Fork.  The red brick house in which Charles Sater, now lives was built in 1830 or 1831 by William Bebb.  The

Page 432 -
old homestead, rather south-west of Mr. Sater's, is occupied by August De Armond.
     The Bebb school, which is referred to frequently, stood south of the brick one hundred yards, in the field now under a state of cultivation.  Among the scholars who attended here, many of whom boarded with their teacher, was Judge Carter, now of Cincinnati, who says the "red brick house was a palace in its day," and that the "foundation-stone were brought from Dayton on the canal to Hamilton, and from there hauled to their destination;" also, that "the governor was noted for keeping poor fires, which sometimes made it difficult to keep warm."  A part of the old school-buildings is now occupied by William Easterbrooks.  Other scholars were William Dennison, who became governor of Ohio in 1861; Hon. g. M. Shaw, of Indiana; Hon. Daniel Shaw, a member of the first Legislature of Louisiana after the late war; and Hon.l Peter Melindy, of Iowa.  This school was patronized by many of the wealthy citizens of Cincinnati and the Southern States.
     In 1813 a company of volunteers was raised in Morgan Township, under the command of Captain W. D.  Jones.  The house of John Vaughn was the place of rendezvous.  They marced with other troops to the relief of General Hall, then threatened by the British.  On their way through the forest they suffered for food.  Near Fort Wayne, Indiana, they captured three bushels of parched corn, in bark boxes, secreted by the Indians, and on this they subsisted until they reached the fort.  Hull having surrendered, they returned.  One of their number, Samuel Harding, died of disease contracted in the service.  In 1861 thirty-eight volunteers enlisted in the Fifth Ohio Volunteer cavalry, and during the war a large number entered the army.
     In 1834 the Asiatic cholera visited the township especially the eastern side, in a malignant type.  About sixty died within three weeks.  There was scarcely a family which was not visited.  In 1852 flux prevailed as a disease, and twenty died within two weeks.  On the 16th of November, 1854, six lives were lost by the falling of the church-steeple - Nathaniel and Robet Jones instantly killed; on the 177th of John C. Jones died from injuries; in a month, Joseph Phellis, the contractor, died; and after lingering several weeks, Thomas Jones and Elias Williamson died.  In 1856 Robert Griffiths and his family were drowned in Ohio River, near Madison, while on their way to Missouri.  Their bodies were recovered and buried in the old grave-yard.  In all there were seven who lost their lives.
     The men who laid the foundations of society in this valley were intelligent, and the firm friends of knowledge.  In 1821 a bill was passed in the Ohio Legislature incorporating the Union Library Association of Morgan and Crosby Townships.  Sixty-five shares were taken, costing three dollars each.  The books purchased were Plutareh's Lives, Rollin's Ancient History, Josephus, Mungo Park's Travels, Lewis & Clark's Expedition, Campbell on Miracles, Paley's Evidences of Christianity, Butler's Analogy, and others.  The library was kept at Smith's mill on Dry Fork, and the shareholders assiduously improved their opportunities to read.
     The year 1811 was memorable for the appearance of a wonderful comet.  During the Summer a fearful pestilence visited the township, and all who were smitten by the disease died.  People called it the "cold plague."  After the pestilence came a terrible hail storm, the ground in some places being covered with pieces of ice of irregular shape, six inches in circumference.  In 1812 an earthquake convulsed the country and filled the people with terror.  Dishes were shaken from their places, and the limbs of the trees swayed back and forth in a very remarkable manner.
     The first death in the township is said to have been a daughter of Benjamin James, a squatter on Dry Fork.  A coffin was made by splitting a black walnut log and dressing it with a bread-ax and drawing-knife.  The slabs were fastened with wooden pins, and the body laid in the first grave dug in the township in the neighborhood at what is now known as Race Lane.  Mrs. Blackburn, mother of William Blackburn, was the first who died on Paddy's Run.  Her remains were buried on the hill west of where Mrs. Margaret Sefton now resides, John Merring, a distinguished Sunday-school worker, was kicked to death by a horse at the Fairview Church, many years ago.  The Indian chief Kiarta is buried on the steam which bears his name, a few rods above where it empties into Dry Fork.  Nothing marks the grave.
     In June, 1880, a terrible hurricane passed over the township, entering it two miles east of Scipio, and going in the south-easterly direction.  Entire forests were destroyed, barns and houses were unroofed, fences swept away, and an immense amount of damage done in various other ways.
     The first three hewed log-houses erected in Morgan Township are yet standing in a good state of preservation.  One is located on the California Pike near Biddinger's saw-mill, and is owned by Samuel De Armond.  It was built by Reuben George.  The other is in Okeana on North McLain Street, occupied by Nancy De Armond.  Another is on the old Atherton farm, north-west of New London, owned by J. P. Jones.  It was built by Patterson Blackburn of blue ash logs that would face from fifteen to twenty inches.  It has been weatherboarded, and is now used for a barn.

     The postmasters of this township from the beginning have been:
     Okeana. - Samuel D. Loyd, May 27, 1858; Henry Brandenburg, May 3, 1866; Perry Clawson, Jan. 13, 1876.  Before being known as Okeana it was called Tariff, and under this cognomen had the following post-

Page 433 -
masters:  William Jenkins, Jan. 14, 1828; Joseph P. Jones, May 17, 1833; Evan Jenkins, Mar. 17, 1834; John Iseminger June 3, 1835; John Cregmile, Apr. 14, 1836; John D. Evans, Dec. 15, 1837; William Jenkins, Mar. 24, 1838; Charles Shields, Sept. 28, 1842; Alexander H. De Armond, May 14, 1847; Alexander R. Lloyd, Nov. 19, 1849; William Wright, Feb. 16, 1855; Samuel D. Lloyd, May 21, 1857.

     Alert. - John Iseminger, July 16, 1850.
     Paddy's Run. - William Vaughn, June 10, 1831; Henry H. Robinson, Jan. 20, 1848; John L. Evans, Mar. 15, 1852; Henry H. Robinson, Aug. 8, 1853; John L. Evans, July 25, 1861; Alexander H. Guthrie, Dec. 4, 1871; W. C. Vaughn, Oct. 16, 1879; Ann T. Price, Nov. 3, 1870.
     The following were the justices of the peace:  William Jenkins, King De Armond, Brant Ignene, William D. Jones, Hugh Smith, Ephraim Carmack, William Bebb, James Jenkins, Stephen Talkington, John C. Jones, Edmund Simmons, Daniel W. Shaw, Griffin Halstead, James D. Davis, Andrw McCain, G. W. Shaw, James L. Davis, John Thompson, Archie H. Foster, R. J. Bell, James W. Shields, Samuel Patterson, King De Armond, Joseph A. Smith, Samuel De Armond, William Mercer, Joseph Davis, Absalom McKean, Samuel Shields, James Brundage, Benjamin Lyle, Orrin S. Walling, Amos Jacob Jones, Stephen M. Everson.

< BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES >