WILLIAMSPORT
This place, which was at
one time much greater than the little hamlet of today, was platted
on February 27, 1818 and the same recorded, on the ninth of March
subsequent, by Johnson HUNTER, recorder, on the ninth of
March subsequent, by Johnson HUNTER, recorder of Pickaway
county. The early records cannot now be found, but it is
thought the date of its incorporation was in the year 1842.
For some years the annual elections were held and the routine
business transacted, as required by law. Finally, so much
indifference was shown that the elections ceased, by default, and
the act of incorporation became virtually extinct. This
condition of affairs remained the same until the year 1858, when an
election was held the village officers. During the Rebellion
no elections were held. July 2, 1866, a third reorganization
occurred, when the following officers were elected: James
MARSHALL, mayor; J. D. ANDREWS, recorder; D. L.
KNOWLES, treasurer; Dr. George W. HURST, Dr. J. W. HUNSICKER,
Captain William B. DAVIS, A. D. BAUGHMAN, and A. D. RADCLIFF,
trustees. Following are the names of those who have served
as mayor since that period: Jacob BAUGHMAN, J. D. ANDREWS,
Dr. G. W. HURST, and A. D. RADCLIFF. J. D.
ANDREWS is the present incumbent; T. HENSON, treasurer;
G. R. BAUGHMAN, clerk; Dr. T. C. TIPTON, Dr. G. W. HURST,
A. L. HARMOUNT, John Briner, A. J. Walton, and J. R.
Wilkinson, members of council.
THE WILLIAMSPORT CORNET BAND.
was organized February 5, 1876, with the following
members: Captain William B. DAVIS, leader; W. E. L.
MANLY, A. L. HARMOUNT, E. BLACKER, C. C. PHEBUS, S. PICKLE, J. B.
ROSE, J. GOODY, I. B. BARNES, C. O. EYCKE, C. T. HARMOUNT, C. L.
LEE, and R. W. MESSMORE. This band has a fine set
of instruments, costing three hundred and twenty-five dollars.
The following changes have occurred in the membership since
organization: L. RECTOR, vice C. T. HARMOUNT;
D. P. WALSTON, vice C. L. LEE; and F.
HELLAGEN, vice J. B. ROSE.
MINERAL SPRING.
There is a chalybeate
spring at Williamsport, the medicinal properties of which are said
to be similar to the Delaware spring. Its waters are largely
used by the residents within an area of several miles surrounding
Williamsport.
CHURCHES.
Soon after a settlement was
begun at Williamsport, the cause of Christ obtained a foothold that
has continued to grow stronger until the present day.
Contemporaneous with the dawning of the present century, occurred
the wonderful religious excitement, characterized by various bodily
contortions, but generally known as the "jerks." These were,
we believe, first seen in the west, at a camp-meeting held at Cain
Ridge, Kentucky.
In 1803, or, at least, as early as that, we are
informed by Ebenezer S. DAVIS, from whom we obtained the data
for this sketch, Rev. Barton W. STONE came to the infant
settlement, and immediately began preaching the word of God in the
wilderness. Rev. Mr. STONE was one of the leading
spirits in the famous camp-meeting above referred to. The
pioneer meetings were held at the house of George ALKIRE, and
the subsequent year, 1804, a church was formed (denominated the New
Light and Later Christian church), consisting in part of the
following persons: Isaac CADE and his wife; John
TEVERBAUGH and wife; George ALKIRE and wife; Isaac W.
HORNBACK and wife; and Simon HORNBACK and wife; and from
this small beginning has grown a church now having a membership of
two hundred and twenty-five persons.
As early as 1810 a hewed log meeting-house was
constructed, at, or near, the residence of Dr. T. C. TIPTON.
In 1816, this building was disposed of, and a small frame church
built, located upon grown now occupied by this society as a
cemetery. This, a few years later, became too small to
accommodate the rapidly increasing congregation, and a larger one
was constructed near it. This building was occupied untill
1869, when the present commodious brick church edifice was
completed. This building is in size forty by fifty-six feet,
and cost complete, four thousand dollars. In is located upon
land donated for the purpose, by Ebenezer S. DAVIS, esq.
The trustees for building the church were: C. HORNBaCK,
John J. ALKIRE, C. W. CRABILL, B. RADCLIFFE, and L. WALSON.
The present church management is: Ebenezer S. DAVIS
and C. HORNBACK, deacons; E. S. DAVIS, treasurer; and
T. W. CRABILL, clerk; Dr. George W. HURST is
superintendent of the Sabbath-school, which has an attendance of one
hundred schollars. The following ministers have presided over
this church: Revs. Messrs. STONE, Joseph BADGER, George
ZIMMERMAN, William KINCADE, James HAYS, Matthew GARDNER,
James MAROM, George ALKIRE, James BURBRIDGE, Isaac N. WALTER, S.
BRADFORD, Joseph THOMAS, Daniel LONG, John L. GREEN, Isaac CADE,
Benjamin SEEVERS, John L. PERKINS, Enoch HARVEY, Thomas HAND, N.
DAWSON, C. A. MORSE, T. A. BRANDON, Peter McCULLOUGH, William
OVERTERF, B. H. CHRISMAN, Joel OSGOOD, A. C. HANGER, and E.
W. HUMPHRIES.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The following sketch of
this church is prepared by Dr. T. C. TIPTON: According to the
best information at hand the first class of this society was formed
in 1826. Samuel PARROTT, having purchased the
farm now owned by S. G. HUNSICKER, one-half mile east of
Williamsport village, soon collected a few people of the Methodist
faith together, and at his house held meetings, and soon after ward
formed a class, consisting of Samuel PARROT and wife,
Mary; Samuel MANLEY and wife, Ann; George FRAME and E.
HUNSICKER. In 1831, Rev. Adam POE, preacher in
charge of what was then called "Deer Creek circuit," held meetings
at the house of Mr. PARROTT, who was now appointed
class-leader, and John TIFFIN, Joseph HAYS, and Jesse HAYS,
local preachers, were added to the class, with others whose names
are now forgotten. An effort was not now made to build a
meeting-house. The frame was erected, but never finished,
owning to the death of Mr. PARROTT. Preaching was now
held at the house of Peter HUNSICKER, and James McFARLAND
alternately. In 1839 another effort was made to build a
church, Wesley ROE taking the subscriptions. Joseph
HURST, Lewis MANLEY, and William SUMMERS were appointed
trustees, and in due time a framed church edifice, some thirty-five
by fifty feet in size, was completed. Its cost was perhaps
three thousand dollars, and it was formally dedicated to the service
of God, by Rev. Francis WILSON, in 1841. Additional
ground was purchased in 1864, and upon this the present substantial
brick church edifice was erected, the same season. Its cost
was four thousand dollars. Rev. Joseph M. TRIMBLE
preached the dedicatory sermon in the winter of 1865-66. In
this work Dr. G. W. HURST was the contractor for the
building, and Joseph HURST, James MARSHALL, John COX,
Elijah PARROTT and Dr. G. W. HURST, trustees. In
1871 a neat parsonage was constructed, at a cost of three thousand
dollars. Scioto circuit (from which Williamsport was detached)
was formed in 1799; Deer Creek circuit was formed from a part
of Scioto circuit in 1808; New Holland circuit was formed in
1799; Deer Creek circuit was formed from Deer Creek circuit in
1854, and Williamsport was separated from New Holland circuit in
1866. The following pastors have been in charge of the circuit
sine its formation:
1866 |
Rev. David SMITH |
1867 |
Dr. W. F. HUGHEY, who served
three years, during which period an extensive revival occurred,
and two hundred and eighty-two names were added to the
membership |
1870 |
Rev. B. F. Thomas, now of
Groveport, Ohio |
1872 |
Rev. F. S. Davis, now in the
Cincinnati conference |
1874 |
Rev. David Mann, now at
Lewis Center, Ohio |
1875 |
Dr. T. G. ROSS, now in
Kansas |
1876 |
Rev. H. L. WHITEHEAD, now of
Stanton, Ohio |
1878 |
the present pastor, Rev. George
W. LOTT, was assigned to this circuit. |
1878-79 |
During the winter of 1878-79 an
extensive revival occurred, Mrs. L. O. ROBINSON, an
evangelist, from Greencastle, Indiana, assisting the pastor. |
Two hundred names were added to the church
membership, as a result of this meeting. The present trustees
are: Dr. T. C. TIPTON, S. W. DUNLAP, James BENNETT, George
BETTS, H. L. RECTOR, Samuel G. HUNSICKER. George C. HAYS
is the present efficient superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal
Sabbath-school. The number of scholars enroller is one hundred
and seventy-six. Since the organization of the Methodist
church in this section, in 1799, the following pastors have served
in the work here:
1808 |
Benjamin LAKIN, John CRAIN |
1809 |
John COLLINS, Wood LLOYD |
1810 |
Francis TRAVIS |
1811 |
Ralph LOTSPEICH, J. HARRIS |
1812 |
R. CLOUD, Charles WADDLE |
1813 |
Samuel PARKS, Alexander CUMMINS |
1814 |
H. B. BASCOM |
1815 |
Isaac QUINN, Ledosa BAKER |
1816 |
Walter GRIFFITH, Isaac PAVLY |
1817 |
Samuel GLAZE |
1818 |
Shaderick RUARK, R. W. FINLEY |
1819 |
William SWAYZE |
1820 |
John BROWN |
1821 |
William STEPHENS, A. KINNEAR |
1822 |
Andrew MCCLAIN, I. C. HUNTER |
1823 |
William SIMMONS |
1824 |
Zach CONNELL, J. F. WELLS |
1825 |
James COLLARD, Nathan WALKER |
1826 |
Jacob DELAY, G. W. YOUNG |
1827 |
John STEWART, John FERRELL |
1828 |
A. SELLERS |
1829 |
Francis WILSON, J. T. DONAHOW |
1832 |
John H. POWER, J. GURLEY |
1833 |
Davis LEWIS, Joseph A. READER |
1834 |
C. C. LYBRAND |
1835 |
Edward ESTEL |
1836 |
James ARMSTRONG, Henry WHARTON |
1837 |
W. L. MORROW, F. H. JENNINGS |
1838 |
Wesley ROE |
1839 |
Robert CHANEY, Wesley ROE |
1840 |
ELijah H. FIELD, W. M. D. RYON |
1841 |
B. A. CASSETT |
1842 |
David REED, Philip NATION |
1843 |
ZAck WHARTON, J. D. WEBB |
1844 |
Alexander Mehany |
1845 |
B. L. JEFFERSON |
1846 |
J. W. LOCK |
1847 |
J. G. DIMMITT |
1848 |
William SUTTON |
1849 |
Alexander NELSON, J. LAWS |
1850 |
D. H. SARGENT |
1851 |
Samuel MIDDLETON |
1852 |
David SMITH, H. F. GREEN, W. A. PRETTYMAN |
1853 |
J. F. WILLIAMS, L. F. DRAKE |
1855 |
T. H. PHILLIP |
1857 |
H. T. MAGILL |
1858 |
W. C. HOLLEDAY |
1859 |
William MORRIS |
1860 |
J. Q. LAKIN |
1861 |
J. W. CLARK, T. G. ROSS |
1862 |
Nath WESTERMAN |
1863 |
I. B. Brodesick |
1864 |
E. H. DIXON |
The remainder, to the present, are given in the
sketch of Williamsport church.
MOUNT PLEASANT METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH,
from data furnished by Newton RECTOR. The
first class of this society was formed by Jacob TERWILLIGER,
in the year 1826, under the administration of Rev. Jacob DELAY.
It was composed of the following persons: Thomas
and Abigail EEMERY, Jacob and Elizabeth
TERWILLIGER, Henry and Elizabeth RECTOR, James, Jonathan
and Lucy Rose, Philip, Sarah Ann and Mary WIGGINS, John
and Sarah TIFFIN, Mariah VanWAGONER and Amy KIDNEY.
Thomas EMERY was the first class leader. There was
preaching each alternate week, at the house of Henry RECTOR,
who lived on land now owned by Newton RECTOR, and class
meetings were held on the Sabbath at the house of Jacob
TERWILLIGER, who lived on the farm owned by Cyrus Courtright.
In 1838 a small frame meeting--house was built. This occupied
the spot where now stands the commodious brick church edifice of the
society. This first building was, in size, twenty-eight by
thirty-two feet. It was built by subscription, and cost
something over six hundred dollars. The trustees, or building
committee, were James Rose, Jeremiah BROWN, Henry RECTOR, Philip
WIGGINS, John RECTOR, Peter ROSE, Jonathan ROSE, John W. WIGGINS
and John W. DALLAS. The building was completed, and in
June, 1839, it was dedicated by Rev. A. M. LORAIN.
During the winter of 1848-9, a great revival occurred, under the
preaching of Rev. Alexander NELSON and James LAWS, and
many were added to the church membership. The present church
edifice was completed in 1859, and dedicated by Rev. T. H.
PHILLIPS. The cost of the structure was five thousand
dollars. Following are the names of the building committee:
John R. RECTOR, Levi ALLEN and John WIGGINS.
This society has been supplied by the ministers of the circuit,
whose names are given in the sketch of Williamsport church. A
Sabbath school was formed in the early days of this church, which
has proved a valuable auxiliary to the Christian work.
Pleasant Grove chapel was dedicated in August, 1849.
There was at this time a Protestant Methodist organization.
After a time the society ceased to be, and at present there is no
regular service held here.
SCHOOLS.
The first school of Deer
Creek township of which we have any definite knowledge, commenced in
a little log house standing on or near the site of E. S. DAVIS'
present residence in the village of Williamsport, in the summer of
1818. The teacher's name was WHITE, and his
scholars were quite numerous, being some twenty-five in number.
Among these were Charles WILSON and a sister, and Margaret
DAVIS and her brother, Ebenezer S., to whom the writer
would express his thanks for valuable aid in the collection of
general data for the history of this township.
Williamsport village school district was formed April
27, 1874, at an election held two days previous. Dr. T. C.
TIPTON, A. D. RADCLIFF, W. B. DAVIS, S. G. HUNSICKER, Dr. George W.
HURST, and A. D. RECTOR were elected directors. The
present school building was constructed during the ensuing summer,
being completed in October. The costs of this structure,
including real estate and furniture, was four thousand dollars.
The school comprises two departments, primary and grammar. The
total enrollment of pupils in the district is one hundred and
thirty-three. Following are the names of the teachers in each
department since its formation: Grammar, Anna M. LEIBY, F.
S. RAREY, P. R. EYCKE, D. W. KELLEY, W. J. REYNOLDS and G. W.
LOTT; primary, Mento HARMOUNT, Flora S. RAREY, Mrs. P. R.
EYCKE, Anna NORRIS, Emma G. STOKER, and Anna M. LEIBY.
The officers of this district for 1879 are: A. D. Radcliff,
president; W. B. Davis, clerk; M. WELTON, treasurer; Dr. George W.
HURST, Dr. T. F. WHITE, and A. J. WALSTON, directors.
SOCIETIES.
Williamsport village has
been noted for its incessant war upon the liquor traffic, and, of
course, the Sons of Temperance and Good Templars have, at different
periods, had extensive and effective organizations in the township.
They have now ceased their labors. The oldest of the societies
now in existence is Alpha Grange, N. 59, Patrons of Husbandry, whose
charter bears date June 3, 1873. The following are the charter
members: E. J. STRONG, Lewis TERWILLIGER, E. L. HALL, A.
HIBBONS, M. RECTOR, M. F. RECTOR, N. RECTOR, L. J. RECTOR, S. R.
RECTOR, M. L. RECTOR, W. BOLIN, G. B. RECTOR, Belle F. RECTOR, A. D.
RECTOR, Martha RECTOR, D. TERWILLIGER, E. TERWILLIGER, S. M. YATES,
W. S. RECTOR, M. RECTOR, Benjamin LITTLE, Mary LITTLE, J. R. HULSE,
J. R. RECTOR, J. A. RECTOR, W. A. FLOWERS, J. PUGH, H. C. PALACHER,
and Cyrus COURTRIGHT. On May 22, 1875, it was
consolidated with Deer Creek Grange, No. 449, which was organized,
January 27, 1874, with the following charter members: C. O.
EYCKE, Phillip EYCKE, J. J. MYERS, Mary A. MYERS, Wesley WORK,
Catharine WORK, J. W. RECTOR, William GIRTON, Susan GIRTON, R. W.
Eycke, S. W. DUNLAP, B. W. Harris, T. W. CRABILL, John SILVER, Mary
M. CRABILL, J. B. WATSON, Thomas FURGUSON, Mary E. DUNLAP, B. F.
NORNBECK, Mary HARRIS, Cyrus HORBECK, William I. WOOD, Lizzie ALLEN,
Joseph BORTS, David J. COX, D. C. PHEBUS, S. H. PHEBUS, I. C.
HORNBECK, sr., W. H. HAYS, Wesley HAYs. First officers:
J. J. Myers, master; B. W. HARRIS, overseer; C.
HORNBECK, lecturer; P. EYCKE, steward; B. F. HORNBECK,
assistant steward; T. W. CRABILL, chaplain; S. W. DUNLAP,
treasurer; C. O. EYCKE, secretary; William I. WOOD,
gates keeper; Catharine WORK, ceres; Mary A. MYERS,
pomona; Mary E. DUNLAY, flora; M. CRABILL, assistant
stewardess. Meetings are held on the forth Saturday in each
month. The total membership is now sixty-eight. Officers
for 1879: J. J. MYERS, master; J. W. ATER,
overseer; Lizzie ALLEN, lecturer; William E. ROSE,
steward; S. R. RECTOR, assistant steward; E. L. HALL,
chaplain; Z. ATER, treasurer; D. MATER, secretary;
R. B. YATES, gate keeper; Mary ROSE, ceres; Annie ATER,
pomona; Ella WOLFE, flora; Mary A. MYERS,
assistant stewardess.
HEBER LODGE, NO. 501, F. AND A. MASONS.
The charter of this lodge
is dated Oct. 21, 1875, and bears upon its face the following names:
William B. DAVIS, Henry CLARKE,,, John A. ALKIRE, Palmer LOWE,
Benjamin LINVILLE, John J. MYERS, James D. FINNELL and
Clinton L. LEE. Its first officers were W. B. DAVIS,
W. M.; H. CLARK, S. W.; J. J. ALKIRE, J. W.; J. D.
FINNELL, secretary; J. J. MYERS, treasurer; P. LOWE,
S.D.; B. LINVILLE, J. D.; C. L. LEE, tyler. The
lodge organized and met in a small room over Dr. George W.
HURST's drug store. In May, 1876, the lodge, had completed
and first occupied its present spacious hall. This is in the
second story of the Masonic building, at Williamsport, erected at a
cost of fifteen hundred dollars. The present membership is
thirty-five. Stated communications on Tuesday evenings,
on or before the full moon. Officers for 1879: Dr. T. F.
WHITE, W. M.; R. WOLFE, S. W.; J. W. ATER, J. W. ;
C. C. PHEBUS, secretary; J. J.MYERS, treasurer; R.
E. HARMOUNT, S. D.; M. COMPTON, S. H. PHEBUS and
W. B. DAVIS, stewards; W. R. DAVIS, tyler.
PHYSICIANS.
Perhaps no village in
Pickaway county, with a population equal to that of Williamsport,
has been blessed, or cursed, as the case may be, with the great a
number of doctors. Early in its history, Dr. M. BROWN
located here. He accquired an extensive practice here and in
the surrounding country, and his ability was above the average of
practitioners of that day. After a term of years, he removed
to Circleville, and is now president of the First National bank, of
that city. Following him were Drs. PERKINS, THRALL, RUSH,
HERRIMAN, CASSETT, TIMMONS, ECORD, MARTIN, LEWIS, BLACK
and SMITH, of the "old school," and Drs. ZIMMERMAN, GOULD,
HALSTEAD, RADCLIFF, JUDY, and HUNSICKER, of the eclectic
school. Many of whom died here, while others removed to fields
of, perhaps, greater usefulness.
There are, at present, three practicing physicians in
the township, viz.: T. C. TIPTON, M. D., who graduated
at the Starling medical college, Columbus, Ohio, in the class of
1852 and '53. He married Miss Miranda LOOMIS, of
Central College, Ohio, and located in Williamsport, in January,
1855. Dr. TIPTON was in the army during the years
1862-5, as assistant surgeon of the One Hundred and Thirteenth
regiment Ohio volunteer infantry. He returned home, at the
close of the war, and has since enjoyed a large and lucrative
practice. George W. HURST, M.D., graduated at the
Eclectic college of medicine, at Cincinnati, in 1856, and located
here soon after. He married Catherine TERWILLIGER, and,
aside from his practice, conductes a drug store and an apiary.
T. F. WHITE, M. D., is also a graduate of
Starling medical college, at Columbus, Ohio, receiving his diploma
at the session of 1863-4. He entered the army as assistant
surgeon of the Sixty-eighth regiment of Ohio volunteer infantry, in
the fall of 1863, and served till the close of the war. His
wife was Miss Anna NICHOLS. He located in Williamsport
in 1867.
Of dentists who have practiced in Williamsport, there
are: Dr. SCOTT, now of Lancaster; Dr. PEASELY,
now of Fayette county, Ohio, and Dr. James R. McCOLLISTER,
who has long sine retired from practice, but who still resides here.
INDUSTRIAL PURSUITS.
Great inconvenience was
experienced by the pioneer settlers everywhere for the want of means
by which to convert their grain in to a condition suitable for
breadmaking. Foremost in the appliances for that purpose, we
find the "stump mortar," a description of which is given elsewhere.
Following this, was a hand-mill. This was a slow and tedious
means of preparing one's "daily bread;" still it was an improvement
on its predecessor. Next came the grist-mill, rude and
imperfect, 'tis true, as compared to the mills of today; yet its
advent was a long stride in advance of anything preceding it.
The pioneer grist-mill in Deer Creek township was built by
Pennell H. BAKER, in 1812. Its location was on the north
side of the present "pike," and its cumbrous machinery was propelled
by the waters of Deer creek. About the same time a saw mill
was constructed near the grist-mill. The mills were destroyed
by fire some ten years later. The saw-mill was rebuilt the
John Reynolds, and the grist-mill by John McFARLAND, but both
eventually went to decay. David Yates built a grist-mill, the
second in the township, in 1814. This occupied the site of the
mill now owned by A. T. FOSTER. The present mill was
built by Daniel and Benjamin HAYNES, but a few years
since.
The present grist-mmill, at Williamsport, was erected
for a distillery, in about 1836, by a man named LARAMORE.
It was in operation some three years as a distillery, and then
converted into a grist-mill. It is now owned by George WOOD
and Moses WELTON.
David YATES put in
operation the first distillery in the township. The date was
early, perhaps 1815; the location, on Deer creek, near the site of
Foster's grist-mill. The manufacture of whiskey was at
this time a very lucrative vocation, and it was continued many
years, while the owner waxed rich from the avails. David
HANSON built a distillery on the opposite side of the stream
from YATES' on the farm now owned by James BENNETT.
This was in the early years of the settlement.
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