TOWNS & VILLAGES
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AMITY TOWNSHIP
Pg. 174

     Amity, or West Canaan, is situated on the banks of Big Darby creek, in the north eastern part of Canaan township.  This is the only town within the limits of the township and as the business of mercantile trade began prior to the laying out of the town, the history will really begin with that period.  Dr. Lorenzo Beach opened a store and commenced in the mercantile trade about the year 1826.  Doctor Beach had been a practicing physician, but having decided to give up the practice of his chosen profession, decided that there was need of a store in which should be kept a general assortment of goods to supply the people of that community.  He did a very successful business for several years, and there gained his first financial foothold among the early settlers as a good financier.  At that time, 1826, the woolen-mill of Uri Beach was in full operation creating a concentration point for the people of a large extent of surrounding country.  With the extensive business of the woolen-mill and Doctor Beach's store as a nucleus a little village began to spring up and there soon became quite a demand for more houses.
     In view of this demand Uri and Dr. Lorenzo Beach purchased a tract of land of Dr. James Comstock embracing that upon which the town of Amity now stands, and commenced to lay out a town.  Abijah Cary surveyed and laid out one tier of lots on each side of the road, thirty-three in all.  The plat was made and the same recorded at London on Jan. 3, 1833, under the name of New Canaan.  In November, 1834, an addition to the town was laid out and recorded by Dr. Lorenzo Beach and Luther Lane, the same being surveyed by James Millikin, at which time the name of the town was changed to Amity, by which name it has since been known.  In 1831, the first hotel was kept by William J. White, and the first blacksmith shop by P. Strickland.  The postoffice was established about 1830, prior to the laying out of the town, and was kept by Horatio Adams, on the Finch farm, and was called New Canaan post office.  This office was next kept by A. S. Stone, on the farm which was later owned by Henry Converse; then it was kept on the Nugent farm, and from thence changed to Amity, where it remained until covered by a rural-delivery mail route.  In 1834-35 Luther Lane erected a distillery, which was in operation four or five years.  About 1833, a Mr. Willey erected a comb factory, in which he employed several persons, and did an extensive business for four or five years.
     Probably about 1832, Doctor Beach was succeeded in the mercantile business by Rev. Henderson Crabb, father of Judge O. P. Crabb, of London.  In 1834, Doctor Beach and Luther Lane purchased a stock of goods and opened a store in another part of the town.  At that early period Amity was one of the most flourishing towns in the northern part of Madison county.  There were two good stores in the town, a flourishing woolen factory, a saw-mill, a distillery, a comb factory, besides the black smith and minor mechanical trades. Plain City at that period did a very small business compared to Amity.  But the latter's days of prosperity were numbered.  The factory dam was declared a nuisance and had to be torn down, thus putting a quietus on all the manufacturing interests in Amity.  Subsequently the railroad was

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built through Plain.  City and this gave an impetus to the growth of the latter. town, which soon became, the leading trade and business center of , that... section.  Since that time Amity has remained a quiet country village, doing a small but, steady, rural trade; the postoffice was a convenience to the community, but with the coming of the rural routes this has been adandoned.
     Amity now contains a population of about thirty-five, showing a decline of two thirds in the last thirty years.  There is only one store, in the village, which is owned by Clyde Frazell. Clarence Reece is the village blacksmith.

PLAIN CITY.

     Plain City is the largest village in Darby township, and was laid out by Isaac Bigelow in 1818, according to the following record:  "July 8, 1818 - The plan of Westminster, situated on the south side of Big Darby creek, in Darby township, Madison county, on the road leading from Worthington to Urbana.  The above road, which is Main street from letter B, runs east, and is sixty feet wide; the alleys are thirty links wide, and run from Main street north.  The lots on the north side of Main street east measure, north, twelve poles, and east, four poles and eleven links.  The lots on the south side of Main street, measure each, south, ten poles, and west, five poles and one link.
     "June 11, 1818.                   DAVID CHAPMAN, Surveyor."

     There were no other official acts until 1823, in which year the records disclose that the previous survey was resurveyed, additional territory was incorporated and the original name was changed from Westminster to Pleasant Valley.  It is also revealed that, from 1823 to 1851, the original proprietor made six additions to the village, besides additions subsequently made as follow:  Barlow's Sherwood's First and Second, Amonn's First and Second, Marshal's Hager & Lombard's, Black & Mooney's, and E. I. Bigelow's additions.  The name of the village was again changed from Pleasant Valley to Plain City.
     For a time Plain City was superseded as a trading point by Amity, in Canaan township.  the former town, however, possessed advantages due to location, it being situated on the Post road, an important west-bound thoroughfare, over which much of the emigrant travel passed.  This, in connection with natural advantages, rendered it much more important and desirable as a business location.  From 1818 to 1850, the growth of Plain City and her business developments were characteristic of doubt and uncertainty as to her future prospects among those of her rivals.  But in the latter year, the location of the trunk-line railroad through her borders removed all uncertainty and the impetus thus given to her growth, business and manufacturing developments were truly flattering.
     The first hotel was kept by Clark Provine, in a log building located on the same lot as the old National Hotel.  This primitive inn was surrounded by under brush, hazel and plum thickets; but, as the weary traveler neared the spot, he read with delight the invitation over the door, “Traveler's Inn.”  The first dry-goods and grocery store was that of the proprietor of the town, Isaac Bigelow.  The first blacksmith was James Goldsberry.  The first church was a small brick building belonging to the Methodist denomination.  The first School house was a log hut on lot No. 14, and Susan Fudger taught the first school.

PRESENT INDUSTRIES AND ADVANTAGES.

     Plain City, located on the main line of the Pennsylvania railroad, has a population of about 1,500.  It is well laid out, having broad, well-paved streets, cement side walks and many beautiful residences and splendid business blocks.  It is well lighted

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by electricity and has cluster lights through the main part of the town.  The city has most excellent water and all the advantages of a place many times its size.  It has a splendid school building, several fine churches and other public buildings and has a class of people that for hospitality and sociability cannot be excelled anywhere in the land.
     Located in a splendid farming country, amid prosperous and progressive farmers, Plain City is a good shipping point and tens of thousands of dollars worth of live stock and produce is shipped from that place every year.  It has some manufacturing institutions and a flour-mill and grain elevator. Plain City has two banks, an opera house, a newspaper, picture shows and beautiful chautauqua grounds where a chautauqua is held every year.  Another great yearly event is the corn show which is held in October and is attended by large numbers of visitors from over the country.  The Plain City Matinee Club comprises many noted horsemen and nearly all the prominent business men in the town are interested in it.  J. W. Price a well-known resident of Madison county is one of the leading members of this club and a prominent breeder of road horses.  B. E. Thomas, F. B. McCullough, C. M. Jones and many others are members of this club, which has a fine half-mile track.
     The Ormerod-Jones Company, prescription druggists. has a fine store.  The First State Bank is another solid institution there and is thoroughly modern.  It has a large and steadily increasing patronage.  Among the leading merchants are Horn & Milliken, who have a large general dry-goods store.  J. A. Tedrick is a general dealer in hardware, stoves, agricultural implements, buggies, wagons, harness and general supplies.  Joseph Nunamaker is another leading hardware dealer and has a line store, where he carries a full line of hardware, farming machinery, buggies, etc.  He makes a specialty of heating and plumbing.  Charles Rice, baker, also has an ice cream parlor.  H. L. Smith, proprietor of the Variety Store, carries a full line of dry goods, ready-to-wear garments, a full stock of dishes and glassware and a general line of notions of all kinds.  Another large firm is the Howland Brothers. hardware and furniture store, well and favorably known all over that part of the county.  The Purity Ice Cream Manufacturing Company does a wholesale and retail business and also handles candies, tobacco and fruits.  George Elias conducts a dry goods and notion store and also carries a line of ready-to-wear goods, shoes, etc.  Currier & Cron, grocers, carry a full line of staple and fancy groceries, vegetables, fruits, meats, etc.  The Farmers’ National Bank, one of the strong, reliable institutions of Plain City, has a handsome bank building with modern fixtures and equipment. Harry Bault, practical horseshoer and general blacksmith, has been in business there for a number of years and has built up an enviable reputation as a high class workman.  E. G. Scott, the jeweler, makes a specialty of watch repairing, and carries a line of watches and jewelry.  I. B. Huffman conducts a general garage and handles a full line of accessories and general supplies for automobiles.  The Paris Cleaners and Dyers have a well-equipped establishment.  J. Quin Converse, jeweler and book dealer, is one of the old established business men there.  He carries a full line of watches and also a large line of silverware, magazines, books, stationery, etc.  Mr. Converse is president of the Converse family reunion.  As there are many Converse families located all over the county, these reunions are pretty large affairs. and very enjoyable.  L. C. Alder conducts a harness and general repair shop and also has a line of boots and shoes, etc., and handles bicycles and supplies Andrews & Wilcox conduct a general livery and feed barn.  They also have an automobile service.  A. C. Hiatt, general grocer, has been in business there for years.  C. D. Ferguson, funeral director and embalmer, carries a full line of automobile accessories and conducts a

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well-equipped garage.  F. B. McCullough conducts a large clothing and gents’ furnishing store and carries a full line of boots, shoes, etc.  Mr. McCullough is interested in fine horses and is the owner of several trotters.
     The Hotel Smith is a leading hotel at Plain City and is popular with the traveling public.  Howland Bros. have a large, modern hardware and furniture store.  Moon & Sheehan have a large grain elevator and handle hay, coal, grain and cement.  Martin &. Strickland, dealers in hay, grain and coal, also handle salt, lime, cement, plaster, brick, sewer pipe, building blocks, etc.  The B. E. Thomas Company, wholesale and retail dealers in grain, wool, coal, live stock, clover seed, etc., operate a large elevator and their trade extends all over the county.  B. E. Thomas is one of the promoters and leaders in the corn show that is held there every year, being its vice-president.  J. W. Bowers, a former Madison county commissioner, is the district agent for the Home Insurance Company of New York.  Crayton’s store is a grocery and variety store doing a general business.  In addition Mr. Crayton handles automobiles and accessories.  W. D. Booth conducts the Cottage restaurant.  The Beach-Chandler Company, lumber dealers, also handle cement, roofing, shingles and asphalt.  F. M. Walters is one of the leading druggists.  J. E. Strayer, lawyer, is a “live wire” and takes great interest in the progress of his home town.  Walter F. Mooney, another of Plain City's solid citizens, handles country produce.  Henry Wenzel is the photographer.  H. O. Hutchinson is the proprietor of a self-serve restaurant.  Jones & Douglass conduct a pool room and billiard parlor and handle soft drinks, cigars and tobacco.  George Mellic, barber, is located near the square in the rear of the Farmers National Bank.  Charles H. Ackley has a plumbing shop and does electrical work.  There is also an old gentleman associated with Mr. Ackley who is called by the name of “Daddy” Stevens, who sharpens and adjusts lawn mowers.  Fravel & Grewell are engaged in insurance and real-estate business and in the loaning of money.  Mrs. Jennie Weaver conducts a millinery store in the Black block.  James W. Strapp, merchant tailor, also does dry cleaning and repairing. L. B. Robinson is the general agent for Ohio for Webster’s New International Dictionary.  O. G. McCann is one of the leading grocers.  L. R. Waits is proprietor of the “Bank” barber shop.  Dr. M. J. Jenkins has been in the town for thirty-three years and is identified with many of the city’s activities.  Doctor Jenkins served two terms in the Ohio Legislature, as representative from Madison county.  Robinson & Baker, clothing, shoes and gents’ furnishings, carry a full stock.  Hudson & Jackson, two enterprising young women, who are conducting a millinery store, also carry a line of notions for women's wear and a complete line of wall paper.  The Strickland-Corbin Company, grocers, have a complete line.  Mr. Strickland is one of the active business men of the city and is identified with a number of organizations.  I. B. Frederick does horseshoing and general blacksmithing.
     The town clock which was was placed on the Barto & Keiser building, located on the corner of Main and Chillicothe streets, was donated to the town by Samuel Taylor.  It was installed at a cost of eight hundred dollars and is a great addition to the town.  Saturday, Nov. 15, 1902, after the completion and installation of the clock, an ox roast was given and a general celebration was carried out to commemorate the gift.
     Kile or Kileville postoffice, the only other town, or more properly, village, in Darby township, is located in the extreme northeast corner of the county, on the Toledo & Ohio Central railroad.  It was platted on Oct. 2, 1895, by James Kile, and is only a small “stop” on the above road.  The business interests at present consist of a general store owned by Ralph Smith and an elevator operated by Fred Kile, C. S. Williams is the blacksmith and postmaster.

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LAFAYETTE.

     Lafayette, the only town in Deer Creek township, is situated in the center of the township, on the Columbus, London & Springfield Electric railway.  The branch line of this road, which runs through London, leaves the main line at this place.  At the time of the organization of Deer Creek township, there was no town or village within its limits, and there were but few roads of which the principal one was the old stage route, from Columbus to Springfield, a horrible mud road, in which stage coaches and wagons often mired hub deep, and had to be pried out with rails, which, often delayed them on their journey, besides severely trying the good nature of the passengers.  This mud road and stage route passed through the center of the township and through the Gwynne farm.  In 1816, Thomas Gwynne commenced laying off lots for a town on the east side of Deer creek, one and one-half miles, northwest of where Lafayette is now situated.  This town was named Lawrenceville, but was always better known as “Limerick.”  In the first two or three years of the town's existence the following families had settled there: Isaac Jones, who came from Tennessee; James Criswell, who was the first blacksmith, a very peculiar and eccentric character, who was succeeded by John Wiseman; Zacariah Jones, a brother of Isaac Jones, and also from Tennessee; Gilman Lincoln; Angus Ross, who, about 1816, erected a frame house and kept the first, and only tavern the town ever had; Jesse Abbey and Henry Clay were also early settlers. In one room of Isaac Jones', house, Gwynne placed a small stock of groceries and such other articles as the simple needs of the people of that day demanded.  But the progress of the country was ever onward, and improvements were rapid.  In 1836-37 the national road or turnpike was completed through Deer Creek township, in consequence of which the stage route and all travel from Columbus to Springfield and the west was transferred from the old mud road to the national pike.  In consequence of this new and substantial road, there was a great increase in travel, and this missed “Limerick,” which was thus thrown off the main thoroughfare.  The town at once began to die, and Lawrenceville, or Limerick, has long since become extinct; the land embracing the town lots was purchased by Eli Gwynne and turned into a pasture field, and now not a vestige remains to indicate that there was ever a town located there.  Such are the constant changes of time.
     In consequence of the construction of the national road, there was a great increase in travel, and on Oct. 1, 1834, William Minter, who owned a large tract of land on which the town of Lafayette, is now situated, commenced to lay off lots for the town, which was named Lafayette, in honor of General Lafayette.  The first house was a small frame house erected by Joseph Bell, and others were soon built.  The great amount of travel made a demand for public entertainment, and Calvin Anderson opened up and conducted the first tavern.  Soon a second tavern was in operation, kept by John McMullen; then a third, built by Stanley Watson and kept by a Mr. Coleman; and, finally, a fourth, kept, by Joseph Bell.  These all did a good business, as stageload after stage load of passengers drove up.  The first store was kept by William Warner, who later resided in London.  The second merchant was Alfred Russell, and the third, Stanley Watson.  These were succeeded by Abraham Simpson and others.  The first blacksmith was Jacob Snider, whose son was the first child born in the town, and in honor of which was named Lafayette by Mrs. William Minter.  Dr. Samuel McClintick was the first physician, and Doctor Anklin the second.  These were succeeded by Doctors Fields, Rogers, Beach, Horaback and others.  The first postmaster was John Minter.  In 1881 the township. erected a large brick township house, two stories high - a hall above and the town house, below.   This building is pleasantly located on the corner of the main square, and speaks well for the public enterprise of the citizens of Deer Creek township.   The interurban line has a stop there, and this has aided the town materially.

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The population of the town at present numbers seventy-five.  There are three good general merchandise stores operated by W. O. Huff, Bethard Brothers and Minter & Lannigan.  George Dildine is the village blacksmith.

LILLY CHAPEL.

     In 1850 a Methodist church was erected on land owned by Wesley Lilly, in Fairfield township, and in consequence of this gift of a site to the church it was given the name of "Lilly Chapel."  This church prospered and drew the early settlers from that part of the county, although the idea of making a settlement there was not then considered.  In 1871 and 1872 the Short-Line railroad, from Springfield to Columbus, appeared in prospect, and in the latter year Thomas Durflinger opened a store at Lilly Chapel in anticipation of the railroad.  He also hoped for a station to be established if the road should actually go through that place.  In 1873 the railroad was completed, and, sure enough, a station was established and called Lilly Chapel.
     The town was platted on Aug. 28, 1871, by Henry Gilroy and Henry Lilly and the town was named Gilroy.  But as the station and locality had previously been designated as Lilly Chapel, in consequence of the church erected there and bearing that name, and as, in 1873, Henry Lilly originated a petition for a postoffice under the name of Lilly Chapel, which was granted by the postoffice department on the establishing of a postal route over the railroad, the town has ever been known and recognized by the name of Lilly Chapel.  The first postmaster, Thomas Horn, was succeeded by C. L. Bales, and he by George Leiter.  Thomas Horn built the first house after the laying out of the town and engaged in the mercantile trade.  He also was the first local agent of the railroad company.  David Wright was the first blacksmith, he having opened a shop in a house erected by Henry Lilly.  The first physician, Doctor Taggart, who located there in 1880, remained only a few months.  In the spring of 1881, Doctor Schofield locate d there and was the neighborhood physician for many years.
     Lilly Chapel began to grow and prosper, and, as its location was in an excellent farming district, it soon took on a very businesslike air.  In 1885 it contained a population of two hundred inhabitants.  There were three general stores, one grocer, two blacksmith shops, employing four workmen, with a wagonand buggy shop combined.  There were two steam sawmills, one of which had two engines and did a large business furnishing the material for the manufacture of wagons and buggies.  The largest business of that day was carried on by two grain elevators, one of which was built by Pringle Brothers in the fall of 1877 and the other by the “Farmers' Association,” the latter of which was managed by J. C. Byers & Company, and both of which did an extensive business. I n 1876, prior to the erection of these elevators, four farmers, Henry Lilly, John Horn, Thomas Horn and Thomas Gorby, erected a corn-sheller and elevator for a neighborhood convenience, for shelling and shipping corn.  This proved so successful and beneficial in its operations that it resulted in the building of the above mentioned elevators.  These elevators received grain from a large scope of country and were a great convenience and source of profit to that section of the county.  In 1878 a large tile factory run by steam power was erected, and immediately began doing a large business, at that time probably being one of the best in Madison county.
     Lilly Chapel is the railroad center for that section of the county, and since it is located in the midst of a rich and productive country, it is an excellent shipping point for all kinds of farm products.  The population of the town at present numbers three hundred and seventy people.  It has an up-to-date bank, the Farmers Bank, a lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, two churches, German Lutheran and Methodist Episcopal, and a second-grade high school.  Bonds to the amount of forty thousand dollars were voted in the spring of 1915 for the erection of a new high school building to be completed for the school year of 1916-17 and to be one of the most modern and

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up-to-date school buildings in the county.  M. C. Fitzgerald is the present postmaster and E. J. Belton, the railroad agent.  The business interests of the town are represented by two general stores, owned, respectively, by Brough Ritchey and F. O. Morris; M. C. Fitzgerald, hardware store; W. H. Horn, confectionery; Farrar & Wood, elevator, which does an extensive business; Samuel Horn, garage. and J. W. Story, blacksmith.

THE VILLAGE OF BIG PLAIN.

     Big Plain is the second town in Fairfield township in point of size, but it is first in point of age.  It is situated in the central part of the township and was laid out in the spring of 1849, by Thomas Chappel, Robert Thomas and William D. Pringle.  This was about the time of the great excitement over the discovery of the rich gold mines in California, and in consequence it was given the name of California.  The town was laid out in the midst of a very rich country, possessed of an excellent soil and the name seemed very appropriate and suggestive.  Near this town were the large prairies known as the “Big Plains,” and upon the establishment of the postoffice in this town, as there was an office elsewhere in the state called California. the department gave the town the name of Big Plain, the name soon being adopted for the town, in order to prevent confusion, and California was dropped.
     Doctor Holmes erected the first house in the town.  He was the first postmaster and also the first physician to locate in the town.  Prior, however, to the laying out of the town, Doctor Davis. a practicing physician, had located about three miles northeast of California, and he was, perhaps, the first resident physician in the township, although it is said that he never had a very extensive practice.  Peter Trout built the second house in the village.  The first store was opened by James Parks and the first black smith shop by William Riley.
     Big Plain grew rapidly for a time, and there was quite an extensive business carried on there.  It is located in the heart of a thriving community, and is surrounded by beautiful farms and a wealthy class of people.  It is a town of two hundred population and does quite an extensive local business, regardless of the fact that there has been a great exodus of people from the smaller to the larger towns.  There is a Methodist Episcopal church in the town; a Knights of Pythias lodge and the township house is located there.   The business interests are taken care of by Charles Funk, Fremont Buffington, F. D. Edwards and Harley Carter.

KIOSVILLE.

     Kiousville, in Fairfield township, is located at the south line of the township bordering on Pleasant township.  This small village was originally known as Warnersville, receiving this name from the fact that the tract of land was owned by Mr. Warner.  About 1867 David Lane, a huckster by occupation, opened it small store there, which in 1872, he sold to R. Watrous, who continued in business at that point until 1881.  In January, 1881, Watrous sold out to J. S. Bowers.  He carried on the business one year and then sold to William Watrous & Brother.
     In the fall of 1874 a postoffice was established there and it was also called Warnersville, with R. Watrous as postmaster.  This office existed until 1879, when it was discontinued, as it was not self-supporting.  But. in the spring of 1881 it was reestablished under the name of Kiousville, with J. S. Bowers as postmaster.  In January, 1882, William Watrous became postmaster.  This postoffice later was abandoned and the territory thus served is now covered by a rural route, but the name of the town remains Kiousville.  Jesse Bowers built the first house in the village and was also the first blacksmith.  He was later succeeded by Henry Bowers.  This little village grew very slowly, and at present consists of a few houses, with a general store, managed by F. P. Daniels, and a blacksmith shop, owned by E. B. Mitchell.

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GILLIVAN.

     Gillivan is the only other town in Jefferson township beside the city of Jefferson (a history of the latter being presented elsewhere in this volume), although Glade Run is marked on the county map, but the latter is only a siding on the Pennsylvania railroad. This town was never platted and at present is nothing more than a cross roads village. The business interests of the town are taken care of by J. Beers, gen eral merchandise; McCoy Brothers, hardware, and Gladstone Holloway, blacksmith. There are only six dwellings in the village, but as the town lies in the northern part of Jefferson township, with the nearest town five miles distant, the trade of the hamlet is rather good.

RESACA.

     There are two small villages within the limits of Monroe township, Resaca and Plumwood.  The former of these is located in the northeastern corner of the township and the latter in the south central part, about a mile from the Deer Creek township line.
     Resaca was never platted and at present contains a population of some thirty persons.  The business interests consist of two general stores, owned, respectively, by Roy Byerly and Pern Findley.  Dr. J. M. Morse is the practicing physician of the village.  Howard Lumbard runs a blacksmith shop and William Fenner, a poolroom.  This little village is at the corner of four townships, namely, Canaan, Darby, Pike and Monroe, and the business interests of the town have a good country trade.

PLUMWOOD.

     Plumwood was platted on Dec. 23, 1895, by Charles F. Sanford.  It first bore the name of Sanford in honor of the owner, but this was later changed to Plumwood.  The business carried on by this town exceeds any in the northwestern part of the county.  It has an estimated population of two hundred people.  There are three general stores, owned, respectively, by S. A. Hillman, Dan Peterman and C. W. Peters, and all do a very nice business.  Elsworth Grewell is the village blacksmith.  Plumwood is a great center for threshing outfits, and the following have their headquarters there: James Stockwell, three steam outfits; Ed Stockwell, one, and Fred Glass, two steam outfits and a gasoline tractor.  There are also three hay balers working out of Plumwood.  Carl Reed operates a gasoline baler and James Dooley and Frank Reed each has a horse-power outfit.

THE HAMLET OF CHRISMAN.

     Oak Run township has only one village within its limits.  This hamlet is known as Chrisman.  It was never platted and at present consists of only a few houses.  A Methodist Episcopal church is located at that point and is attended by the people of the surrounding country.  There are no business interests at present.

WALNUT RUN.

     Paint township contains but two small towns within its limits.  In 1849 the land where Walnut Run now stands was owned by Ephraim Freshour, and in that year he laid off some lots for a town and donated one lot for school purposes.  Although the platting was done at a much earlier date, it was recorded on June 17, 1837.  The town was first called Newport, and the postoffice always bore the name of Walnut Run.  James Coberly erected the first house, in which he lived until his death.  The second was built by Elias Forbes as a dwelling for himself.  The first blacksmith was James Jewell, who was succeeded by Henry Roland.  About 1851-52, John Coberly built a steam saw-mill in the town, with the old-style of upright saw, which, after several years' operation, was supplanted by a circular saw.  Elias Forbes was the first wagon-

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maker.  The first store was opened by Napoleon Moore, who erected a building and put in a general stock of goods in 1854.  The postoffice was established in 1856-57. with James Gossard as postmaster.  The village at present contains about one hundred inhabitants.
     Florence, the other town in Paint township, is situated on the Pennsylvania railroad and is the only station on that road west of London in Madison county.  It was never platted and at present consists of only a few houses, an elevator, a general store and the Pennsylvania railroad station and freight depot.

ROSEDALE.

     There is but one town, or, more properly, village, in Pike township.  Darius Burnham surveyed and laid off the first lots for the town.  He had the town duly platted, which was recorded at the recorder’s office in London on May 18, 1836, under the name of Liverpool.  But the business interests of the town began at an earlier period, 1831-32, when one Captain Andrews, of Chillicothe, located on the Worthington road, just west of John Weaver's place, where he purchased about one thousand three hundred acres of land.  Weaver was quite wealthy, and soon after locating there he erected a building, purchased a stock of goods, and opened up a store, which was the first ever conducted in the township.  His place he named “Rosedale Farm," taking the name presumably, from the postoffice, be having obtained the establishment of an office at his place about 1832, under the name or Rosedale postoffice, he being the first postmaster of the newly-created office.  Upon the death of Captain Andrews, he was succeeded by A. Simpkins, who was succeeded by Fox & Snodgrass, with Mr. Fox as postmaster.
     There were two small log houses on the ground when the town was laid out, after which Mr. Burnham erected the first frame house, a part of which was used for a dwelling and the other part finished up for a storeroom.  John and David Snyder put in the first stock of goods in this newly-erected building and continued business a few years. after which they moved away.  The next store opened there was by Foster Griffin, who commenced trade by putting in a small stock of goods and running a moderate trade; his leading business, to which he gave most of his attention, was dealing in cheese.  Finally, Henry Burnham entered into a partnership with Griffin, but this connection existed only a short time, Burnham withdrawing, and L. D. Mann entered into partnership with Griffin, but in a short time Mann withdrew, after which Griffin continued in business alone for several years.  About 1837-38 Griffin became postmaster, the office being moved from the country, where it was first established, to Liverpool, but it retained its original name of Rosedale, and remained permanently located in the town until it was abandoned and covered by a rural route.  The name of the town has since remained Rosedale.  The first blacksmith to locate in the town was a Mr. Creamer.  The first physician was Doctor Curl; the next, Dr. Jeremiah Converse; then another.  Doctor Converse. Later, Dr. William Adams began the practice of medicine there, and he was followed by Dr. J. C. Kalb and Doctor Carter.  The first shoemaker was Edsel Carr.  The first saddle and harness shop was a branch of the plant of McGruder & Reed, of Mechanicsburg. Ohio.
     Rosedale is situated in the northwestern part of the county, about the center of Pike township.  Although it has been handicapped by the lack of a railroad, still it is a very thriving little business center for the country people of that vicinity.  At present the business interests of the town consist of the general store of E. M. McCullough & Sons and the blacksmith shop of John and Joseph Roseberry.  It has a population of sixty people.  The centralized township high school for Pike township is also located there, a first-grade high school, with seven teachers.  The present school building was

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erected in 1905 at a cost of twelve thousand dollars, and is modern and up-to-date in every respect.  Seven wagons are used to carry the children to and from the school, and the present enrollment is one hundred and seventy.

MT. STERLING.

     Pleasant township contains but one town and two villages within its limits.  Mt. Sterling is situated in the southeastern part of the township and also of Madison county.  John J. Smith came to this county from near Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, and purchased quite a large tract of land in Pleasant township, embracing the ground upon which Mt. Sterling now stands.  After over twenty years of pioneer work, there was no town or village in the township, and Smith, about 1828, surveyed and laid off some lots for a town.  The same was platted sand duly recorded at London on June 26, 1829, under the name of Mt. Sterling, after Smith's favorite town, Mt. Sterling, in his native state.  The first house erected was a small frame house built by Jacob Alkire, and just opposite to it, on Columbus street, Alkire erected the second house.  The first tavern was built and conducted by Andrew J. Mure, who was succeeded by Benjamin Leach, and he by Robert Abernathy.  Soon after, a second hotel was built and conducted by John Peterson, located where Levi Southward’s livery barn later stood.  Mr. Mure also opened the first store. Wilson & Graham were the first to keep a general stock of merchandise.  William D. Wood and Wesley Howard were two early merchants.  The first carpenter was James Baker, who was quite an early settler and became some what prominent in the early progress of the place.  Stephen S. Beale, the first shoe maker of the town, was a native of Virginia, and settled there about 1834; he followed the shoemaking trade for fifteen years, after which he entered upon farming and became wealthy, owning as much as one thousand acres of land.  William Atkins land Otho Williams were the first blacksmiths.  The first physician was Dr. J. Gregory; the next, Doctor Leeds, after whom came Dr. D. E. McMillan, who located there in 1837.  The postoffice was established about 1840, with Rowland Wilson as the first postmaster.
     The town was incorporated on Mar. 12, 1845, and the first election held on Aug. 15, 1845, the following being elected to the first offices in the town:  Lewis Timmons, mayor; Smiley Hughes, clerk; N. R. Stanford, marshal; John Merrill.  Dr. Samuel McClintock, C. W. Cozens, R. W. Evans and Dr. William McClintick, councilmen.  The present officers are:  J. N. Waldo, mayor; George W. Tanner, clerk; O. J. Ray treasurer; Dr. E. W. Elder, Laban Fulton, Glenn Johnson, J. N. Waldo and Homer C. Wilson, councilmen.

THE TOWN'S BUSINESS INTERESTS.

     Mt. Sterling a population of about one thousand two hundred.  The country for many miles around is fertile and produces immense crops, and the farmers are prosperous and up to date. The Baltimore &.Ohio railroad from Columbus to Cincinnati runs through the town and makes it a good shipping point.  A great amount of live stock and grain is shipped from the place every year and the two great grain elevators do a big business.  Mt. Sterling has a fine high school, and also a splendid grade school, with a large enrollment.  The churches are well attended.  The town is lighted by electricity and has waterworks, an opera house, a fine public library, halls and other public buildings.  One of the oldest corn festivals or corn shows held in the state is given there annually in January.  Another event of great interest is the chautauqua, which is held annually.  Mt. Sterling has a baseball team that it is proud of, the team being composed of a splendid set of ball players.
     Mt. Sterling has a live set of merchants and business and professional men, who take a great interest in the progress and welfare of their town.  The firm of Clock & Boyd handles a full line of dry goods, carpets, curtains, boots, shoes, clothing, hats,

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caps and household goods.  T. R. Dille has a large hardware store and carries a general line of everything in the hardware line.  Gilbert S. Carpenter, gents' furnishing goods, has a fine store and carries a full line of goods.  a. J. Tannehill, druggist, has a modern store and does a flourishing business.  H. Clay Johnson & Company, dealers in all kinds of footwear, carry a full line.  W. O. Mendenhall, grocer, enjoys a big trade.  George A. Boice sells dry goods, notions and groceries.  G. D. O'Day handles cameras and supplies, fishing tackle, baseball goods, bicycles and sundries, and a general line of sporting goods.  F. H. Hott is the proprietor of the bakery.  W. E. Waldo deals in buggies, harness and harness supplies.  Miss Olive E. Silverthorne conducts a millinery establishment.  The Citizens National Bank, with a capital of about a quarter of a million, has considerably over a half million dollars in resources.  H. J. Taylor is the cashier.  Bowman & Reynolds, furniture dealers, also conduct an undertaking establishment.  The Hotel Richard serves the needs of the traveling public.  Ed. Neff, the proprietor of a garage, also has a machine shop.  Jones & Jones, grain merchants, have a large elevator and also sell flour, lime, coal, cement, fencing, etc.  Dr. G. M. McDonald, a well-known dentist, is the manager of the Rockley Airedale kennels, breeders and importers of these high-class terriers.  J. C. Parkinson meat market, does his own butchering.  The Mt. Sterling Lumber Company does an extensive business.  The Carer Fence Company ships goods all over the country.  The First National Bank is among the "Roll of Honor" banks.  Mrs. D. N. Erskine carries a full line of millinery.  W. L. Hastings, watchmaker and jeweler, also handles men's shoes.  W. E. Erskine conducts a general garage and is the agent for cars.  Schryver & Neff conduct an insurance, bonding, real-estate and loan business.  J. O'Brien, merchant tailor, also has a cleaning and pressing establishment.  The Gerlach harness store handles all kinds of horse goods.  Ed. R. Johnson conducts a plumbing shop and does general work in that line.  E. T. Snyder, who conducts a furniture store, is also an embalmer and undertaker.  The Park restaurant is conducted by Mrs. Mattie Runyan, who conducts a confectionery and ice cream parlor in connection.   The Sterling Grain Company are dealers in grain, coal, cement, hay, straw, feed, salt, posts, wire fence, sewer pipe, drain tile, implements, high-grade fertilizers, buggies, wagons, etc.  Blessing's Smoke House is a barber shop, cigar store and poolroom combines.  G. W. Thomas is the proprietor of the B. and O. livery barn.  The Security Building and Loan Company is steadily increasing its business.  Wilby Cowan, proprietor of a dry-cleaning and pressing establishment, has a shoe-shining parlor and laundry agency.  S. E. McDilda does all kinds of upholstering.  The Sterling Monument Company has a fine display room.  W. C. Dyer, a dealer in agricultural implements of all kinds, is a specialist on such subjects as fertilizer requirements, balanced rations for stock, soil requirements and other farm questions.
     Antioch and McKendree are two small villages in Pleasant township. These hamlets have no business or professional interests, and only a few houses to mark their location

SEDALIA.

     As Range township became thickly settled and the people advanced in the various improvements, from which spring, as an outgrowth, all towns and villages, so there have sprung into existence three villages.  Sedalia is the largest of these villages, with Range, or Danville, and Chenoweth following in order.
     "Midway," long since known as Sedalia, was the first to come into existence as a town.  At quite an early date a road was opened through from east to west, passing through Range township and subsequently becoming a general thoroughfare, over which droves of cattle passed from the west to the eastern markets.  Travel and traffic kept increasing, and hotels and stores for their accommodation were soon in demand to meet

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these increasing wants.  On this great thoroughfare from east to west, in Range township, was a central point, which was half way between Chicago and Philadelphia.  It is also a middle point between several of the towns of closer proximity.  Hence, from these circumstances of its position, geographically considered, it was given the name of "Midway."
     The land upon which the town is located was owned by William Morris, Frank Thompson and Lockhart Biggs.  The exact date of the laying off of the first lots can not be definitely stated, but the records at London reveal that it was surveyed and laid off in lots, and that the town was platted and laid off by Holt, Morris and Blue, under record of June 13, 1833.  Also, Jan. 18, 1838, was recorded Ward's addition; again, on Oct. 30, 1868, an addition by J. Q. Minshall; on Jan. 6, 1869, an addition by Cyrus Timmons; on May 8, 1876, an extension by the council, and on Feb. 15, 1879, an addition by Levi Counts.  It appears that there were two small cabins built there before the town was laid out - one on the corner where later the hotel stood, built by William Oliver.  After the laying out of the town, the first house was built by Isaac Newman, and was occupied by John Blue as a hotel.  He was succeeded by Joseph Wilmuth, and he by W. T. Garrard.  This house then ceased to be used longer for hotel purposes, but two others were erected, probably at nearly the same date, one by Richard Smith, who was succeeded by James Williamson, and he by Mr. Jackson; then Thomas Green, Elihu Watkins, and last by David Small, after which the property went into ownership as a private residence.  The other hotel was erected by L. D. Rowe, and was kept by John McElhaney, who was succeeded by the following persons, in the order, respectively, as their names appear: Mrs. Elizabeth Watkins, James Blizzard, A. J. Thacker, Isaac Byers, A. Miller, Caroline Morris, Charles Bailey, A. Miller, Carty Ellers, W. C. Wheaton, John Timmons, Benson Hedley, E. C. Duff and Isaac N. Fisher.  Thus this enterprise has been carried on by different parties, and in an early day, when this great thoroughfare was doing its greatest business with stock dealers, and its varied travel and traffic, the hotel trade was a very profitable business.  There was the meeting place of the Eastern stock buyers and the Western stock sellers, and there they left hundreds of dollars with the landlords of the hotels for their accommodations.  But when the railroads passed through the county, and stock ceased to be driven in the old slow and tedious way, and was transported by steam from the West to the East, then this road, with its numerous hotels, lost its prestige and the attention of the people was turned to other channels of business.

SPLENDID NATURAL ADVANTAGES.

     The first postmaster in Midway was James Williamson.  The first store was opened by William Holt, who kept a general stock of merchandise, tinware, etc.  The first blacksmith was a Mr. Boss.  Doctor Clark was the first practicing physician of the town, and he was followed by Doctors Lemon, Garrard, Darling, Atkinson, Fields, Seaton and others.   When the Dayton, Toledo & Ironton railroad was built the town took on a new life and has since continued to hold its place among the towns of Madison county.  The name of the town was later changed to Sedalia and it has since continued to be known by that name.  It is located in a splendid farming community and has many advantages.  It has a large grain elevator and warehouse, owned by Vent & Riddle.  Sedalia is well supplied with good schools and churches, has a high school, a group of the Madison county Young Men's Christian Association and a good, live class of merchants and business men.
     The department store owned by C. C. Hewitt carries pretty much everything that is needed in that community.  The Sedalia Auto Company handles automobiles and accessories, and does painting and general blacksmithing.  M. C. Price & Son, dealers in

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groceries, also carry a full line of candles and cigars.  The Farmers Bank of Sedalia has a good surplus and is a solid institution.  George Dorn is the cashier. J. R. Jones is proprietor of a cement-block factory located in the old Dick Williams shop.  Alfred Moore conducts an ice-cream parlor and confectionery store.  H. L. Steele is proprietor of a general store and operates a barber shop.  The Sedalia House is conducted by Sherman West, who also has a livery and feed barn in connection.  Sedalia has a population of three hundred and fifty people, and the present (1915) mayor is J. N. Ford.

DANVILLE.

     The land where Danville now stands was formerly owned by Daniel and Joseph Counts, the latter owning the northeast corner between the cross-roads, and the former owning the northwest corner, and all south of the federal road.  About 1827-28, a stock dealer, Daniel Brown, who had been buying stock and driving to the Eastern markets, proposed to open a store at the cross-roads.  Daniel Counts gave him a piece of land to erect a house upon, and assisted in putting up the building, a hewed-log house.  When the building was completed, Brown put in a small stock of goods and continued in trade there about three years.  He was succeeded by Joseph Counts, a brother of Peter Counts, who continued in trade two or three years, at the end of which time he removed to Ross county.  Finally, Daniel Counts gave several lots to individuals for the purpose of erecting houses, and the result was the beginning of a town.  From the fact that both the proprietors of the town, Brown and Counts, were named Daniel, the new town named Daniel, the new town received the cognomen of Danville.  About 1836-37 a building was erected by the McClimans Brothers for a hotel, which was kept by Andrew Willoughby, who was succeeded by John Justis.  Danville enjoyed a similar trade and prosperity to that of Midway from the stock dealers, and the trade and traffic of those early days.  The first blacksmith in the town of James Counts, a brother of Peter Counts.  The first shoemaker was William Mitchell, a one-legged man, a Frenchman by birth, who served during the War of 1812 with Perry on the lakes, was taken prisoner and subsequently was released and settled in Danville.  The town was duly laid out and the plat recorded at London on Oct. 18, 1848, by Daniel Counts.  This town has had no natural advantage to further its growth and has not been accommodated with a railroad, hence its growth has not been rapid.  The present business interests of the town consist of a general store, owned by J. M. Pampsey, and a blacksmith shop, operated by David Weaver.
     Chenoweth is the third town in Range township.  It was never platted and consists of only a cluster of houses.  The business interests of the town are a grocery store owned by Truitt & Truitt and a blacksmith shop owned by Frank Fast.

SOUTH SOLON.

     South Solon, the only town within the limits of Stokes township, is located on the Dayton, Toledo & Ironton railroad and is in the west central part of the township.  It was laid out and platted on Dec. 23, 1831, by J. K. Hudson and Andrew Douglas.  The latter built the first house and was the first blacksmith in the village.  John Noland opened the first store, and was. the pioneer in the mercantile trade.  Doctor Simmerman, a root and herb doctor, and possessed of some Indian blood in his veins, was the first practicing physician, and was quite skillful in treating diseases under his system.  The town grew slowly for many years, as it had no railroad or other stimulus to promote its growth or to create business.  The entire township was without a rail road for many years after its organization, and all grain, stock and farm products were hauled to some distant market or for shipment.  As a, result of this, when the farmers were at these foreign markets they made their purchases of dry goods and groceries for home consumption; hence there was little inducement for men of means

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or business ability to locate or invest at South Solon.  Things were at a standstill until 1878, in which year the Springfield Southern railroad, since known as the Dayton, Toledo & Ironton railroad, was built and passed through the village, connecting it with Springfield and the coal fields of southeastern Ohio.  This opened a way for shipping the products of the country and made, as it were, a home market for all classes of goods.  John Hudson erected a warehouse and grain elevator, after which the farmers hauled their grain there and shipped their stock from the home market.  This created quite a business.  Men were in demand, and this created a demand for houses.  Merchants found an opening for the profitable investment of their capital.  From this time the town has experienced a steady growth.  The railroad, which at first was a narrow-gauge line, was, in 1880, transformed to a standard-gauge road and is doing quite a live and thriving business.  South Solon at present has a population of about five hundred.  One of the finest centralized school buildings in the state, recently completed there at a cost of over twenty thousand dollars, has eight departments and along with domestic science and manual training it has first-year work in high school.  South Solon is a pretty place, having wide streets, cement sidewalks, some beautiful residences and a number of good churches.  The Titus Elevator Company located there handles an immense amount of grain every year.  R. C. Brant, who has a general merchandise store, has been there for many years.  The Farmers & Traders Banking Company does a large business and is one of the best-equipped banks in the county.  L. C. Titus is an auctioneer and a general dealer in grain, wool and all sorts of farm implements, real estate, etc.  The South Solon Hardware Company, of which H. C. Whitaker and F. W. Knowles are the proprietors, handles general hardware supplies.  Smith Jenks & Son are butchers and conduct a meat market.  The Park Hotel provides for the needs of the weary traveler.  John W. Black conducts an ice cream parlor, lunch counter and confectionery store.  Charles Lower, who conducts a barber shop, has been in business for twenty years.  J. R. Stroup, mayor and justice of the peace, is the editor of the South Solon News.  Mayor Stroup is an old newspaper man.  W. P. Bainter has a general repair shop.  Clemens' restaurant is one of the popular eating places.  There are also a number of other business enterprises, including two good livery barns and one or two garages.

EARLY HISTORY OF SOUTH SOLON.

     The following history of South Solon, written by Thomas Scott Cooper, was clipped from a recent issue of the London Enterprise:
     “In about 1833 there lived within a mile or so of the crossing of the federal and Washington roads John K. Hutson, Jacob Smith, Samuel Harrod, David Harold, Griffith Thomas, Andrew Douglas, John Kelso, Noble Ladd and a Mr. Burley.  The site of the original village plot was a thicket of hazel brush, oak saplings, haw and plum; in fact, most of the territory now occupied by the village of South Solon was then a howling wilderness.
     “It was certainly a momentous Occasion when those old settlers decided that it would be a good thing to start a town at the cross-roads.  We may imagine some of the arguments put forward in favor of the project - some were in the need of a general store, a hotel, a blacksmith, a shoemaker and a doctor, and there were other advantages they expected to enjoy.  After many conferences over the matter it was finally settled and a surveyor was employed to make the survey.  We may be allowed to imagine a beautiful day in the spring, or early summer, rather, of the year 1833.  All nature seemed, to be in repose, yet was never more alive. While the sun's rays glinted through the tree tops dispersing the dewdrops that hung pendant from the tips of the leaves, the air was redolent with the perfume of the many wild flowers that grew in

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profusion alongside the road or in the wood bordering the same - the daisy, the butter cup and the ivy, and then the wild plum and the haw, clothed in white, were seen intermingled with the hazel and briar thickets.  Down in the low lands the dogwood bloomed.  The hum of the wild bee, as it flitted from fiower to flower, the cooing of the turtle dove, the chatter of the linnet and blue jay, the chirping of the young squirrel as it frisked about from limb to limb in the joy of living, and the lowing of distant kine were some of the sounds that broke the drowsy stillness.

ALL NATURE SEEMED TO SMILE.

     "The wild rose was beginning to open her petals to the sun, filling the air with the sweet aroma; the blue violet nodded ’neath the thorn trees’ shade, and far off was heard the bay of the faithful watch dog, and the woodman's ax and blue wreaths of smoke ascending designated where some settler was busy clearing his land.
     "All elements of nature seemed to smile upon the undertaking at hand, as marking an epoch in the history of the world.  And while we are meditating upon the glories of nature and teh goodness of God in placing our lives in so goodly a land, two men came down the road from the west and halted at the crossing of the federal and Washington roads.  They looked to be men of about thirty-five years of age.  We recognize them as John K. Hutson and Andrew Douglas.  They were soon after joind by Samuel Harrod and Thomas Ellis.  Wile they were engaged in animated conversation, gesticulating and pointing first one way and then another, three or four men, coming from the north, carrying a chain and compass, joined them.  The one with the compass, I believe, was Patrick McLene, of London, and county surveyor.
     "Without following them any further through the labors of that day we will refer the reader to the original plat, as surveyed and laid off that day - commencing at a point north of the federal road at lot No. 1, east to Washington road - eight lots with an eight-foot alley between each block of four lots.  East of Washington road were laid out six lots with eight-foot alley between each block of three lots.  On the south laid out six lots with eight-foot alley between each block of three lots.  On the south side of federal road, corresponding with above, were laid out fourteen lots, each lot being made fifty by one hundred and seventy-five feet.  The main street was to be sixty feet wide.  The plat does not show any provision for a rear alley nor space for side walks, so I presume the sidewalks encroach on the road.
     "The original town plat of Solon consisted of twenty-eight lots.  The land upon federal road, and on the north side to Samuel Harrod.  My father lived near where the Pancake chapel now stands, but by 1850 I had become pretty well acquainted with the lay of the town: On lot No. 1, as described in the plot, stood a one-story log house; lots 2 and 3 were vacant; on No. 4 stood a one-story log house; on lot 5 was a two-story hewed log house; on No. 6 a one-story frame; lots Nos. 7 and 8 were owned by John Nolan and William Snyder; on lot 7 was a frame storeroom.  On No. 8 two log cabins; on 9, where the Brant store is, was a two-story frame, part of it being used as a storeroom, but don't remember now who occupied it; the last house on that side was a small frame on lot 11.
     "On the south side of the federal road, on lot 15, opposite lot 1, stood a one-story log owned and occupied by Hugh Orr; the next house standing on lot 19 was a double house, part log and part frame, built by one of the old pioneers by the name of Bay; on lot 20 a one-story frame; on lot 21 a one-story frame and a blacksmith shop; on lot 22 stood the old hotel, in which many a high jinks was played; they were supposed to issue out the best of liquors, and I presume it was of a better grade than is dealt in today, if there is any better to it; on lot 23 was a one-story log; 24, a real nice hewed log house; 25 and 26 were vacant lots; on 27 a one-story hewed log; on 28 two log cabins occupied by William Linville, an old sailor.  North of lots 7 and 8 was quite a   

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large frame building, at first used as a distillery and later as a grist-mill, owned and operated by Jacob Smith.  I indistinctly remember the old log school house, which stood near where the Methodist Episcopal church now stands.

RAILROAD GIVES TOWN IMPETUS.

     “When I first came into the immediate vicinity of Solon, in 1854, I do not believe it contained a population exceeding fifty persons, old and young, and its growth was very slow until after the railroad was put through in 1878.  Since that time its progress has been quite noticeable in more ways than one.  Many of the serious drawbacks to its physical and moral progress have been eliminated, and today we have as orderly and quiet a little town as there is in central Ohio.  We have four church organizations, a township high school second to none in the state, a fine new school building with all the modern conveniences up to date, and a very efficient corps of teachers.
     “From what I know by observations of the early days of South Solon, from about 1850, I believe I am safe in saying that the period from 1850 to about 1865 should be reckoned as the time of its lowest moral standard.  After the close of the Civil War the citizens began gradually to get the upper hand in the fight for law and order, until today it is not healthy for the class that used to infest the place to be around.  With the sentiment of our citizens in favor of law and order, and our efficient officers to enforce the same, we feel safe in guaranteeing the future prosperity and respectability of our Village.
     “After the town was laid out, the question arose as to what it should be named.  The people could not agree on a name, and it was decided to consult Judge Harrold, he being a man of wide experience and eminent learning, and John K. Hutson was delegated to consult him.  Mr. Harrold suggested the name of Solon, in honor of the great Grecian lawgiver of that name.  The suggestion was accepted, and for the reason that there was already a Solon in the northern part of the state it was called South Solon.
     “The first storekeeper was John Nolan; first blacksmith, Andrew Douglas; first physician, John Zimmerman, a quadroon. Pottawatomie Indian.  He was a Christian preacher, moved from here to Summerford and organized the first Christian church.  I remember seeing him only a few times.
     “This town has grown since I first knew it from a population of about fifty to near five hundred today.  Property values are increasing, and the demand for new building lots is becoming urgent.  I could go on and write of many scenes and incidents that I know of and witnessed during my acquaintance with the community, some pathetic and others reprehensible, but deem it inexpedient, as perhaps it would not interest the general public.  If in these feeble efforts I have been so happy as to entertain The Enterprise readers ever so little, I am content.”

MYERS AND RUPERT.

     There are only two villages in Union Township, outside of the town of London.  These are Meyers and Rupert.  The former is on the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago  & St. Louis railroad, about four miles west of London, between the former town and Lilly Chapel.  There are a few houses and the business interests of the town are taken care of by E. E. Summers, who has a general store and blacksmith shop.

Page 190 - CHAPTER XIX. - TOWN OF LONDON