EARLIEST SETTLEMENTS.

     The dreary and altogether uninviting aspect of this township was the means of preventing permanent settlements for several years after the other sections of this county and been generally entered.  The hunter often entered these precincts deserted by humanity but his life was one of constant travel, and he remained long enough only to secure the game which he had pursued into the almost impenetrable forests.  These forests abounded in game.  Bear, deer, turkeys squirrels and porcupines had been driven here from the surrounding country.  As yet, the ax of the sturdy pioneer had not been uplifted against the trees of the forests; no sign of human habitation was visible.  The year 1811 marked the arrival of the first actual settler in the person of Asahel Wilkinson, a Virginian, who settled on Section 14.  We will state in this connection that he was a great hunter, and paid for his land from the proceeds of furs taken from the game he killed.  On his land were located sulphur springs, which were noted by the Indians as containing medicinal properties.  The denizens of the forest often congregated here to heal their sick.  They also indulged in shooting

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matches, generally selecting a spot in the vicinity of this spring.  Upon Wilkinson's arrival, his cash possessions amounted to just $200 in silver.  This money he secreted in a stump near the springs.  This stump was selected for a target by the redskins during one of their expeditions.  Mr. Wilkinson was absent from home, and Mrs. W. entertained fears that the money would be discovered and carried off by the "sharp-shooters," but fortunately her worst fears were not realized.
     Six Indian families camped at this place on one occasion, including a "Big Medicine" man, whose wonderful cures attracted the settlers for miles around.  On this farm was erected a bloc house during the Indian troubles.  Wilkinson was on friendly relations with a number of the savages, but was insecure from those unacquainted with him.  The latter arranged to attack the settlers in this neighborhood on a certain night.  Wilkinson was apprised of this intended massacre by some of his dusky friends, and with his neighbors and their families retreated to the fort.  They remained there for several days, but their cabins remained unmolested; the intended attack had been abandoned by its projectors.
     We have carried the reader some five or six years beyond the era of the first settlement.  Upon returning to the starting point, we find that Wilkinson was the only permanent resident up to 1812-13.  At this time, Henry Ritter settled on Section 6, and proceeded to take preparatory steps requisite for its cultivation.  Daniel Neal figures as the next man who settled on Section 5 in 1816.  One year later, George and Peter Halterman purchased one hundred and sixty acres on Section 18.  Silas Johnson, with his son Walker, settled on part of Section 31, in 1818.  James Russel left his home in the Sunny South (Virginia) and began clearing for a new home on Section 6.  One Lee, also deserves recognition as an early settler.  The foregoing constitute the arrivals for the ten years following the first settlement.  The tide of immigration was slow, owing to the inferior advantages offered.  The land was entered at $2 per acre, for which price much better localities could be secured.

BIOGRAPHIES OF EARLY AND PROMINENT SETTLERS.

Asahel Wilkinson - Pg. 458
Henry Ritter - Pg. 459
Daniel Neal - Pg. 459
William McCroskey - Pg. 460
George Halterman - Pg. 460
Silas Johnson - Pg. 460
Walker Johnson - Pg. 460
Elihu Woolley - Pg. 461
William Calland, Sr. - Pg. 461
Philip Dick - Pg. 461
Samuel Huling - Pg. 461
Isaac Curl - Pg. 461
G. W. Baker - Pg. 462
John Shafer - Pg. 462

ADDITIONAL SETTLEMENTS.

     Scarcely any land was purchased and cleared during the time intervening between 1820 and 1826.  From 1826 to 1830, settlements were made by Isaac Curl, William Calland, Sr., Newcomb, Clark, Hall, Remley, Espy, Levi Valentine, Shanely, McAlexander and William Travel.  During the years 1827 to 1837 came Jasper Scott, Stephenson, Speece, Henry Wilson, Christian Hurst, E. Martz, William Lichliter, J. R. Sanderson, E. Sargent, C. C. Woolley.  From that period to 1850, John Schaefer, F. M. Lemon, John Robinson, Z. P. Zayre, H. B. Persinger, Elisha Yost, John Hoover and George Stable took up their residence.  During the ten years following came John Blose, Peter Weimer, R. H. Pickering and D. Clark.  But few new-comers can be recorded since that time, most of the present inhabitants being old settlers or their descendants.  
     Because of an incomplete system of drainage, the low lands of Adams consisted mainly of swamps and marshes.  Owing to this circumstance, most of our pioneers settled on high lands.  These lands are now the most productive, are sufficiently drained to prevent an overflow, and in the lowest fields are

J. C. PHILLIPS
UNION TWP.

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produced more crops in proportion than in the elevated lands.  Large bowlders are found on every farm; many are removed each year, and used in the construction of fences.  To a certain extent, these obstacles to cultivation existed in pioneer times.  Various annoyances common to a newly settled country appeared on all sides.
     One reason for the apparently slow tide of immigration may be of interest:  Prior to 1830, roads existed only in name.  When William Calland, Sr., came with his family in 1829, his only road from Spring Hills to his section was through a so-called "Blazed" path, out of which had been cut the underbrush, to guide the traveler.  Bridges were comparatively unknown.  These difficult modes of ingress and egress were among the inconveniences suffered by the pioneer.
     Sandusky City, on Lake Erie, distant about one hundred miles, was the nearest trading point.  Accordingly, journeys were made to this point several times in each year.  A wagon, containing wheat and provisions, was pulled by four horses.  At night, they were unhitched and provided with food, while the tired driver retired to rest, covered by the blue sky, and often having a alone for a pillow.  The trips generally occupied ten days.  The return was hailed with joy, for indispensable articles, and frequently letters from distant friends, were brought. Urbana, and Sidney (Logan County) then had no railroads, and were considered poor trading towns.  The soil was new, the yield of wheat, therefore, was trivial, and twelve or fifteen bushels to the acre was considered a good crop.  The sickle was the only "harvesting machine" for a number of years.  When the "cradle" was introduced, it was generally believed that only experienced persons, of a scientific turn, could make practical use of them.
     The sociability existing between the neighbors, in the younger days of this republic, should cause the selfish and aristocratic society of the present day to blush with shame.  Did they hear of a sick friend, how eager were they to hasten to the bedside of the afflicted, doing all they could to relieve his sufferings.  Was he, in spite of all human assistance, folded in the icy embrace of death, how soon did sympathizing friends flock to the home of the bereft relatives, pouring in their ears words of comfort and consolation.  And who, of our older citizens, does not remember the many gatherings, combining pleasure with profit?  The "log-rollings,"  "corn-huskings,"  "spinnings" and other vocations of a like nature are a favorite theme for conversation with the older class even until this day.  The hunter divided his game equally among his friends, and, in turn, was always assured of a hearty welcome, did he wish to rest, during the day or night.  Mr. Gershom Calland well remembers the shooting of a deer by Asahel Wilkinson, near his present residence, and the presentation of a portion of the flesh to Calland's father, although it occurred fifty years ago.
     The year 1829 found the township comparatively unimproved.  Here and there was an occasional spot of ground on which was erected a cabin to enliven the dreary surroundings.  The pioneer came here without money, assistance or "farming machinery," and how could it be otherwise?  From 1835 to 1845, the country became animated.  Forests gave way to the "fields of golden grain;"  log cabins succumbed to frame structures.  Trips to Sandusky City were abandoned, Urbana being at that time the chief trading point.  In 1835, William Ritter erected a brick dwelling-house, the first in the township.  Since that time, the citizens of Adams have been indefatigable workers, with encouraging results.  Numerous brick mansions now grace the farms of the enterprising inhabitants, some of them costing from $4,000 to $5,000.

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     The mediums of travel, for many years, were insufficient, even after the blazed road gave way to the despised "mud roads," now rapidly disappearing.  The latter proved insufficient, also, and graveled roads or pikes were agitated.  To this a general objection was raised, because of the scarcity of gravel.  Subsequently, it was discovered that the removal of several feet of the surface brought to view an endless mass of gravel.  From this unlimited supply several pikes were constructed at once, and an additional avenue of prosperity opened.  The road improvements at present are complete.  The township is crossed by six substantial pikes, passable at all seasons.  The few remaining dirt roads are rapidly being converted into more convenient thoroughfares.  It is estimated that no house is situated a greater distance than one-fourth mile from any one pike.

RELIGIOUS MATTERS

     Possibly the greatest sacrifice made by our forefathers was their compulsatory desertion of the mother church.  Reared in the arms of religion from infancy, accustomed to meet with others to “Praise God from whom all mercies flow,” how heart-rending was the thought that these pleasures must be denied them.  The good and pious servant of God, who had administered spiritual aid and consolation for “ lo! these many days,” must be separated from them forever; the dear old house of worship, whose doors had ever been open to receive them, was soon to be entered for the last time.  Oh! how gloomy the future seemed to appear.  Alone in a wilderness, as they must be; how their hearts were made sad at the thought.  But behind these dark clouds appears one ray of sunshine. The dear old family Bible, which has so often comforted them, will accompany them on their long and tedious journey.  And so it was, though tired and worn out from the weary labors of the day, it was ever a pleasure to consult the many lessons taught in holy writ, and invoke divine aid for the arduous duties of the future.  The Sabbath Day was considered a day of rest, and, although the family could not repair to an aristocratic church “around the corner,” yet did they have the means of home worship.  Then came a change - the long deserted neighborhood was now showing signs of a new life;
a steady stream of human beings was pouring in on the wilderness.  Here and there strange faces were visible; new cabins were being erected on all sides.  The new-comers brought with them peace and good-will; a ripe friendship soon existed between the settlers.  And now it is proposed that religious meetings be held, alternately, at the different homes; a society is organized, meetings are held regularly, and thus is the Gospel introduced into the wilds of Champaign County.
     Perhaps the first minister who proclaimed glad tidings to the eager listeners was one PICARD, a Methodist, generally termed a missionary - circuit preachers made their appearance some years after. The first church organization was effected in 1829; a Methodist Society was formed a CURL’s Schoolhouse, on Section 15.  The first Presbyterian sermon was preached at this place, in the same year, by a missonary named Joseph STEPHENSON.  After this period, both denominations occupied the schoolhouse.  The first church was erected by the United Brethren in 1832 - a log structure, probably twenty feet square.  These organizations proved to be the foundation for the United Brethren, one Christian, one Methodist and one German Baptist Church now located in the township.  The first Sunday school was organized at CURL’s Schoolhouse, in 1829.  George McPHERSON was appointed Superintendent; Joseph ALEXANDER, Assistant Superintendent.

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     Antioch United Brethren Church was organized, about 1854, by James WILKINSON.  In the same year, a building was erected on the RUSSEL farm, Section 6, and dedicated in the fall of that year by William MILLER.  At its organization the society consisted of fifteen members.  The society is in a prosperous condition.

     The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1860, Rev. GOOD being the first minister.  In 1861, a frame building, 35x46 feet, was erected, which is still occupied by the society.  When the society was formed, its total membership did not exceed twenty-five.  It has since increased to seventy-five.  Present minister, Rev. Philip LEEMASTER.  A Sabbath school has been in existence since 1860.  The total membership at present may be estimated at sixty; G. G. Burdette, Superintendent.

     Union United Brethren Church. - This society was formed in 1832; erecting a log building, they held service in the same until 1850, when the present fame building was constructed.  The present congregation consists of about fifty members; William MILLER, Pastor.  Sabbath school organized in 1865.  Present membership, one hundred; Mrs. Fatima SHANLY, Superintendent.

     The German Baptist Church, located on the farm of Christian HURST, was built in 1874.  The building is a neat frame structure, dimensions 26x36, and was erected at a cost of $600.  Revs. Ephraim CLOPPER and Jonathan YODER and some thirty members conducted the dedicatory exercises.  The membership has increased to forty.  Jonathan YODER, David STUDABAKER, Joseph LANDERS, and John BUECHLER are the present ministers.

     Two United Brethren Churches are located, respectively, in the eastern and northern parts of the township.

SCHOOLS.

     Prior to 1820, the youth of this township enjoyed no educational facilities, but grew up in comparative ignorance.  Settling in a new country required diligent and unceasing labor ; therefore, years passed by without any advancements, intellectually.  At last the pioneers realized that, to keep pace with the surrounding country, and to prevent their children from growing up in ignorance and vice, they must take the proper steps to accord them the essential instruction.  In 1820 or 1821, the first log schoolhouse, with all the "ancient conveniences,” such as puncheon floors, papered windows, etc., was erected on the RITTER tract, in Section 6.  Samuel BATES, who combined the duties of the pedagogue with those of the farmer, was the first teacher, receiving $2 per scholar.  It is said, that his attainments were rather limited; and yet they proved ample for the demands of that day.  Some three or four years after the inauguration of the first schoolmaster, another schoolhouse was built in the northwestern part of the township.  In 1829, there were four school districts - two had buildings. Now there are seven districts, all of which boast of a good substantial frame building.  The Careysville District has been graded and two buildings erected.  Under careful management, the course of education is making rapid progress - another evidence of universal prosperity.

EARLY MANUFACTORIES.

     For years, the absence of mills for the grinding of grist and sawing of timber proved a source of much inconvenience.  Raising the wheat and corn required days of toil and care, but, after harvesting the crop, it was also necessary that it be ground for family use.  At first, the grain was hauled to the "Governor Vance mill at Urbana, or to the mill owned by F. B. Miller, on Mad River.  In 1831, Joseph Eiker supplied a want long felt by building a "corn-cracker" on Mosquito Creek, Section 29.  The next mill was put up by John Merrill, on Section 3, and the third on Lee's Creek, by ____ Lee.  These were all moved by water-power.  The water has since been utilized for agricultural purposes.  There is at this writing no flouring-mill in the township.
     For the convenience of the pioneers, one Converston conducted a tannery on Section 29, in 1829.  This institution has gone to decay with the other early manufactories.  They proved of indispensable service to the welfare of the pioneer, and are held in sacred memory by the survivors, but now they are obsolete.
     Mechanically, Adams is making but little effort for advancement.  This we attribute to the lack of water-power, and to the undeniable fact that her agricultural interests are a source of more profit.

TOWNSHIP ORGANIZATION.

     As has been stated, this township originally was embraced in Johnson Township.  In 1826 or 1827, a division was made and an election for officers was held.  The early records are extinct, and we can mention but few of the first officers, obtained through tradition only.  Samuel McCrosky still living) was one of the first Trustees.  One Newcomb obtained notoriety as a splendid penman, he being the choice of the people for Clerk.  Jacob Covestone was the first person to enjoy the envied title of Squire.  Below will be found a list of the principal officers from 1851 to 1880:

CAREYSVILLE.

     Every section of country, inhabited by the human race, must have its trading point.  In this progressive age, a co-operation must exist between the representatives of the business and agriculture of the community.  The good citizens of Adams realized that the founding of a village was essential, did they wish to enjoy prosperity in the future.  Heretofore, it had been necessary to travel to Sidney or Urbana in order to purchase the most trivial article of wear, or even the necessaries of daily life.  An entire day was consumed in traveling to and from the towns just mentioned, and much valuable time was lost.  To Calvin Carey belongs the honor of overcoming this difficulty.  In 1833, he laid out the northeast corner of Section 29 into town lots, and placed them on sale.  Soon after, William Valentine purchased the lot now owned by C. W. Martz, and erected a house thereon.  This house, built of logs, contained two stories, and was "raised" by the united efforts of the entire neighborhood.  John Beatty erected the next building, on the lot now in the possession of Sarah D. Seely.  The first brick was built by Robert R. Green; it has since been converted into a tavern.  Lewis Ward is the present owner.  From this time on, the growth in population was steadily on the increase, and it is impossible to trace the individual settlers as they came in and filled up the remaining lots.
     A tannery was opened for business in 1837, and was the first manufacturing establishment within the town limits.  This tannery was owned and managed by a colored individual named Benjamin Wilson, who was considered an honest man in all that the word implies.  He continued in business for a number of years, until his institution succumbed to the inevitable fate in store for the many establishments of auld lang syne.  Wilson has also departed from the scenes of this life, but is represented by his posterity, who are yet living in the village.  No village is able to dispense with the services of the blacksmith, and this was the case also in the settlement of this village.  Accordingly, a knight of the anvil and bellows, named Holden, built a small shop, on the site where John O'Leary's never suffered for the want of patronage, and, by industry and fair dealing, won the patronage and confidence of the community.

TRENTON.

     was the name of the first applied to the village.  When application was made to the Government for the establishment of a post office, it was discovered that another town of the same name was located in this State.  The village was then re-christened Careysville, undoubtedly with the object of keeping green the memory of its original owner, Calvin Carey.

INCIDENTS.

     In 1840, the political excitement was at its highest degree.  The Whig element prevailed in Harrison Township; this and Johnson Township were overwhelmingly Democratic.  Representatives of both parties held a meeting at Careysville on the same day.  The Harrison Township Whigs placed on a wagon a "buckeye cabin," and entered the town with great eclat. Much ill-felling existed between the representatives of the two parties.  Speeches were made by one Hays on behalf of the Whigs, while Democratic principles were expounded by one Hamilton.  During the time occupied by the latter the excitement became intense.  The crowed whopped and yelled, completely drowning the remarks made by the speaker.  The buckeye cabin was thrown from the wagon and completely demolished.  A hand to hand conflict was the result.  During the melee clubs and stones were used freely.  Several persons were wounded; some seriously, none mortally.  The Whigs finally retreated, and the battle was ended.
     During the political campaign of 1863, a Republican meeting was held at Careysville.  The speaker, one Shafer, not only denounced some of the citizens, but ridiculed them personally in the presence of an immense concourse of people.  The assaulted portion of the community became indignant; threatening demonstrations were made, and the peace of the village was endangered.  The excitement continued for several days; numerous encounters took place.  One man was shot, but not fatally.  The Republicans commanded all loyalists to hang out a flag, threatening to destroy by fire all houses that were not designated as loyal by the stars and stripes.  A company of "home guards" was ordered to the scene.  After making several arrests, the rioters were subdued, and, in time, the affair was forgotten.
     The lack of a requisite number of inhabitants to incorporate a town has prevented the citizens from establishing a municipal government.  For many years, this has been a serious obstacle to the advancement of the village.  There is not a dram-shop within its borders, and yet Careysville is often the scene of drunken carousals.  The town is frequently visited by the neighboring roughs, who obtain liquor from the surrounding towns, and annoy the law-abiding and temperate citizens of the community.  There is no one to prevent their boisterous conduct, and, until placed on an equal footing with towns enjoying the benefits of a local government, this village must submit to any and all intrusion.  The population at present may be estimated  at 150.   The enterprising citizens have made repeated efforts to obtain railroad connection with the outside world.  The grading for a narrow-gauge railroad from Urbana (Columbus & Northwestern Railroad) has been commenced.  A present the enterprise is partly abandoned; but the good people of Carysville are not in despair, and hope for the ultimate construction of the road.  Should this be accomplished, the most sanguine expectations of the people will certainly be realized.

CHURCHES.

     United Brethren Church - Rev. William Miller organized the society in 1848.  Following are the names of the charter members: John and Eva Rusk, Mary Halterman, Allen Halter, Mercy Halterman, John G. and Susan Wilkinson.  shortly after organization the society erected a frame structure, 40x46, with a seating capacity of 500.  The church has increased in numbers, and is in a prosperous condition.  A cupola is being added to the roof and the interior repainted and remodeled.  Services are held every three weeks.  Officers: Pastor, William Miller; Class-leaders, Lewis Shafter, Charles Steward, William Ward; Trustees, William Ward, John Heaton, John Rusk; Circuit Clerk, Mr. Valentine.
     A Sunday school was organized in 1848.  John Rusk was elected Superintendent, which office he has held most of the time since.  The membership has increased from thirty-five to one hundred and fifteen.  The school meets every Sunday during the summer months.  Officers: John Rusk, Superintendent; Mrs. Eliza N. Moak, Assistant Superintendent; Samuel Huling, Secretary; Dr. Hunt, Treasurer.

     Christian Church - Rev. Justus T. Hunt, while on a visit to Carysville in 1852, was requested to conduct religious services at a private house in the village on the following Sabbath.  The reverend gentleman, fearing that the effort would not be crowned with success, did not acquiesce very readily.  His objections were overcome, however, and the announcement that there would be preaching at the residence of Samuel Bowersock was circulated among the people.  At the stated time, Mr. Hunt made his appearance at the house of Mr. Bowersock, now owned by L. Ward, and was greeted by an audience of twenty-four.  Another meeting was appointed to be held at the same place on a certain Sunday in August of the same year.  On this occasion the audience was found to be too large to admit the holding of services at the house of Mr. Bowersock, and an adjournment was made to the woods.  During the following winter months, Rev. Hunt conducted protracted meetings, with encouraging results.  In the summer of 1853, an organization was effected by Rev. Hunt and Joseph Warrington, and the following persons yet living: Benjamin H. Martz, Samantha Martz, David Conner and wife, Samuel Halterman, Elizabeth Halterman, Elizabeth Cisco, Maria Woodward, Elizabeth Halterman.  The society proceeded at once to make arrangements for the erection of a suitable house of worship; and, at the end of the year, the house, a frame structure, 44x36, was ready for occupancy.  Rev. Hunt was duly called to occupy the pulpit.  Excepting an interval of seven years, Rev. Hunt has been the minister.  Recently he was compelled, because of poor health, to tender his resignation, which was reluctantly accepted by the congregation.  He has been an indefatigable worker in the church, and to his personal efforts is due the credit for the present excellent condition of the affairs of the church.  Benjamin Martz has been Deacon since the church was organized.  Present membership, 120.  E. M. Rapp, of Miami Co., Pastor.

BUSINESS INTERESTS.

     Deprived until now of all railroad communication, it is a self-evident fact that Careysville must be of necessity be a poor business center.  A saw-mill, erected by James Juling, in 1867, is the only manufacturing institution of any prominence.  We append the representatives of the various business interests:
     Dry goods, provisions, etc., John L. Body; groceries, E. F. Terrel; wagon-making, John Miller; blacksmithing, John O'Leary; furniture and undertaking, Hensler & Bodey; saddlery and harness, S. M. Seely; boots and shoes, E. B. Sturm; physician, H. B. Hunt; stock, etc., Lewis Ward; saw-mill, James Huling; contractors and builders, S. Halterman, John Van Horn and William Scott.

TAWANA LODGE, NO. 253, I. O. O. F.

     Organized at Palestine.  Headquarters were established in this village, and the society removed here in 1874 and erected a suitable building, the upper story of which is used for lodge purposes.
     There are now about fifty-four members of this standing.  W. F. Bailor, N. G.; H. B. Hunt, V. G.; William M. Seely, Sec.; John O'Leary, Treas.;  J. H. Hunt, Chaplin.

TOWNSHIP CEMETERY.

     The Township Trustees, in 1878, purchased then acres of the land just south of Careysville, an surveyed it into burying lots.  Much objection was raised against the appropriation of the public funds, for this purpose, but the majority ruled, and, in accordance with their wishes, the ground were improved and opened for the reception of the dead, into which all are received on equal terms.

END OF CHAPTER OF ADAMS TOWNSHIP          NEXT TO CONCORD TWP.