KNOX COUNTY OHIO - Norton's History of Knox County [Chapter XXXIV]

************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/oh/ohfiles.htm
************************************************
File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by
Dave Ketterer
Ketterer@empireone.net
September 1, 2002
************************************************

A History of Knox County, Ohio, From 1779 to 1862 
Inclusive: Comprising Biographical Sketches, Anecdotes and 
incidents of men connected with the county from its first 
settlement: Together with complete lists of the senators, 
representatives, sherriffs, auditors, commissioners, 
treasurers, judges, justices of the peace, and other 
officers of the county, also of those who have served in a 
military capacity from its first organization to the 
present time, and also a sketch of Kenyon College, and 
other institutions of learning and religion within the 
county. 
By A. Banning Norton.

Columbus: Richard Nevins, Printer. 1862
Entered according to the act of Congress in the year 1862 
by A. Banning Norton, In the Clerk’s office of the Southern 
District of Ohio.
     ____________________________________________

CHAPTER XXXIV.

WAYNE TOWNSHIP.

ONE of the first townships was named for the 
distinguished, brave General Wayne, more Generally known 
by the sobriquet "Mad Anthony" In the general 
reorganization it was reduced to its present limits appearance 
of the general surface of the country is beautiful. It is well 
watered, well timbered, healthy, and possessed of 
uncommon attractions for a home. In 1830, it listed 16,258 
acres of land for taxation, and contained 1,047 inhabitants; in 
1850, 1,864 ; and in 1860.1,789. We have given the 
officers and voters at the first election. In 1811, the Judges 
were Joseph Denman, Daniel Ayres, James Trimble ; 
Clerks, John Trimble and Wm Johnson. In 1812, Henry 
Roberts listed the township. John Kerr, Samuel Wilson and 
Daniel Beers were then Judges ; Willis Speakman and 
Joseph Townsend, Clerks. In the list of Justices and names 
heretofore given will be found most of the early settlers who 
exerted an influence upon the society of this section. It can 
not be expected that we shall enumerate all the good citizens 
of different periods; the limits prescribed for our work 
preclude such an idea. The lands upon the South Fork and 
East Fork of Owl Creek are unsurpassed in fertility, and the 
water

power thereon has been so improved as to give the 
producers every facility for acquiring a competency.
Fredericktown, the principal mart of business for the 
farmers of the north western portion of Knox was laid out in 
1807, by John Kerr, with its Streets "First or Donation," " 
Second st.,' "Third or Sandusky st '' Fourth st .," " Vine 
alley,'' Chambers st .," State road and Main st.," and 
"Strawberry Alley." The original  tract upon which it is 
situated belonged to Mr. Sulivant. of Franklinton, who, with 
commendable liberality, gave John Kerr his choice of 50 out 
of 4,000 acres, including a mill seat, if he would settle upon 
and build a mill there. Accordingly in the fall of 1807, he 
constructed a dam raised a little log house and set one run of 
stone to grinding or "cracking corn." On this 50 acres the 
town was laid out, and Kerr then bought 450 acres around 
it. W. Y. Farquhar was the surveyor, and the name of Fred-
erick in honor of the old home, in Maryland was given to this 
town in the wilderness. W. Y. Farquhar erected and 
occupied the first cabin in Fredericktown ; it was a little 
stake and rider pen 18 feet square.
The next family to pitch their habitation within the plat  was 
that of Mrs. Ayres, and her sons. David and Abner, at once 
became leading men John Milligan and Jeduthan Dodd, from 
Ten Mile, Pa., came shortly after, with their connections, 
John and Jacob Cook and Jacob Haldeman, In 1809, 
Rachel Richardson bought out the little improvement of' John 
Cook, and settled there with her family, consisting of 
William, Isaac N., Polly

and Nancy, who subsequently married Samuel Watson 
and John Wright. Charles McGowan, a droll old Irishman 
took a lease near by, and Thomas Durbin, Samuel Wilson 
and Thomas Townsend, Quakers and John Walker, who 
subsequently married a Shurr, came also. In 1812, within the 
town were nine log cabins and one frame building; Shops, 
hats all told. Willis Speakman, Rachel Richirdson, John 
Garrison, John Vennum, and the Ayres' families, at one time, 
occupied all these.
Mr. Garrison opened the first store in 1812, and then 
dwelt in the only frame; it was situated where the Methodist 
Church now stands. He is the only one of the then settlers 
within the village now Living and has, led a migratory life.. 
He is a native of New Jersy; married near Philadelphia; 
moved to New York; thence to Knox County, where he 
sold goods for several years; thence to Mansfield; from there 
to Detroit; back again to Knox; off again Chicago, Ill., and 
now resides, at Cedar Falls, Iowa He has been 
merchandising at each point and in his 91st year enjoys good 
health. Three of' his children are in Iowa one in Detroit, and 
another, Mrs. Richard Roberts, in this comity. This year lie 
visited this county, and saw his great-grandchild and many 
other descendants in Berlin and Wayne.
Nicholas McCarty was the second merchant. He moved 
from Mount Vernon to this place. In July, 1817, N. McC. & 
Co. closed up their mercantile business and left their notes 
and accounts with

Abner Ayres, Esq., for settlement, and also a quantity of 
lake fish. The mother of Mr. McCarty died at 
Fredericktown; he moved to Indiana, and for many years 
drove a prosperous trade at the State capital. In 1853, lie 
returned to Frederick on a mission of filial affection, and 
erected a monument at his mother's grave. In 1855, he paid 
the debt of nature, leaving a large family in prosperous 
circumstances. During, his life lie was a zealous Whig, and 
represented the capital district in the Senate of Indiana, and 
was also the candidate of his party for Governor of the 
State. He had the respect and confidence of all, and well 
deserved the title he bore,- "Honest Nic. McCarty."
James Rigby, who so long and faithfully followed 
merchandising here, is yet living in the enjoyment of good 
health, surrounded by his children and friends, one of the 
oldest inhabitants. George Girty was another merchant, who 
left this section about 1815 for other parts. Joshua Vennum, 
the first house-joiner, built the first frame house in the village. 
None of his name, survive in this county.
 Mrs. Wolf kept the first board ing-ho use. She is dead 
long since. Her oldest son, Peter, lived on a farm near the 
Burkholder flat, which be sold to Henry B. Carter, who was 
a brother to Jacob Cook's wife, and moved to Knox 
County in 1810. Samuel Wolf was a sterling, man-lived in 
Richland, and served as Sheriff. When the county went wild 
for Jackson be was an Adams man, and consequently "done 
for politically." Her daughters have done well. Artemissa 
married lawyer May. of Mansfield Eliza, as elsewhere 
related, Mr.

Drennan, and Mary married and lived in the neighborhood 
of Lancaster. The first tavern was opened by Abner Ayres, 
and with a slight intermission during the war, when, for good 
and sufficient reasons. his, brother Daniel took it; the same 
hotel was, kept up for more than forty years.  "Uncle 
Abner" was not any "great shakes" in the way of dancing 
attendance on guests, but "Aunt Amy" did know how to 
have the culinary department carried on; and, we do affirm, 
that for making good brandy mince pies, and brandy 
peaches, she was unsurpassed by any of womankind since 
Eve eat the forbidden fruit. She knew just when, where, and 
how to apply the spirit to make it most palatable, as all of 
the generation, who feasted there well know. They have 
both departed to a better land, leaving the record of a life 
spent in contributing to the Happiness of their 
fellow-creatures. Abner served as Captain in the war of 
1812, as a Justice of the Peace fifeen years, and Associate 
Judge seven years, a Comity Commissioner three, years, 
and Postmaster near forty years. He was as quiet, 
unassuming and well disposed man as ever were 
shoe-leather. The first preaching was in the little 
schoolhouse, heretofore spoken of as a Fort, etc. In it 
ministers of various denominations held forth at stated 
times,. About 1820 the Presbyterians undertook to build a 
church, but, having started out on too large a scale, they 
were compelled to succumb, and the building, in its 
unfinished state, a mere shell, was sold to Absalom Thrift, 
who converted it into a ware-house, and it is to this day 
used as a livery

stable. Some time after, the Universalists, , who have 
ever been quite numerous in this locality, erected a 
spacious frame church, which they have since occupied, 
until for a few years past the supply from some cause has 
ceased. The Presbyterian, made another effort, and built 
the present excellent edifice; and the Methodist-, and 
Baptists have also fine churches. The population is of' a 
decided  "go to meeting" character; they have also been 
noted for their zealous efforts in behalf of Temperance 
have kept up various organizations of' a reform class for 
many years.
The first blacksmith was Thomas Ayers, who went to 
work in 1808, and continued for many years. The first 
school was kept by Wm. Y. Farquhar, the first shoe-shop 
by Osgood Dustin. The first hatter was Celestial Le Blond, 
a little frisky Frenchman, whose vote, 111 1811, is entered 
as "Celestial Light" oil the poll-books. He was the son of a 
wealthy French gentleman, and had to flee from his native 
land in consequence of having killed all antagonist in a duel 
He frequently received from his father remittances of $500 
or so, but made very foolish bargains. With money once 
sent he bought a mill-seat, set about erecting a mill where 
Shalers now is, and "broke flat" by the time lie got a 
saw-mill up. The premises were then sold to Christopher 
Brollier, and by him to David Shaler, all energetic 
millwright. Shortly after this Celestial received another 
remittance and moved to Bellville. In 1838 lie went to 
France obtained a considerable sum of money, and re-
turned with a large stock of goods. He died at

Bellville leaving a very respectable family. An old man 
named McCoy, a sort of cobbler, tried his hand at cloth 
shoes for the women at an early day. The men then 
generally wore moccasins A singular freak of another 
creature, in 1809, has been related to us. His name was 
Ebenezar Taylor, and he undertook to do work in the shoe 
line, but before he got fairly started an itinerant preacher 
came along and Ebnezar was so taken with his discourse 
that he followed him off, leaving his kit of tools, and in 
estray animal, which he had taken up,and advertised, and 
has never been heard of since. Speaking of shoemakers 
reminds us of a somewhat noted man in these parts, Jede-
diah Peck , who attempted to get up a patent way of 
making boots, having last and tree all together, but found 
that it was easier to make them on than to get the boot off 
the tree, which after vain attempts, he concluded to fasten 
to the house and hitch a mule to pull it off. His house was 
built around a walnut tree, and it was considerable of a 
curiosity to travelers to see a tree growing out of' the top of 
a house. Jedediah and his wife died without issue and his 
two pretty nieces, who dwelt with him are, also gone.
 In 1815, Capt. John Williams, of Frederick,, Md. 
bought out John Kerrs' mill property and at the same time 
started a store in the village. He brought out $40,000 in 
money, and dissipated the country. He was a man of talent, 
clever and sociable, and is spoken well of by all Old 
settlers. If e came to this county in 1814 with his family. His 
children are much scattered.

William lives in Peoria, Illinois; Thomas in Henry county, 
in that State, as also Rachel, wife of Col. Prather, in the 
same county, Eliza, wife of' Milton Bevans, in Fulton 
county, Illinois. Pendy died in Illinois, Abraham in this 
county, and Gist W. in Missouri, in 1852. His son States, 
now lives in Morris. But two of Capt. John William's family 
are today living in this county, Emaline, wife of Frank 
Wilkins, of Liberty, and Dan., who is living with States, his 
nephew, in Morris. Dan. was born in Frederick, Md., 
October 6th, 1792. His four sons are doing well. Clark and 
Charles reside in West-Newton, Allen county, John and 
Milton B. in Berlin. Clark married Ellen Lane, and Charles 
her sister Jane. Milton married Elizabeth, daughter of 
Richard Roberts. The post office kept from its 
establishment by Abner Ayres, until in 1850, B. J. Lewis 
succeeded him; in May, 1852, Thomas A. Reed vice 
Lewis, resigned; L. S. McCoy followed and his successor 
was Geo. Ball.
  In 1810, Fredericktown contained 500 inhabitants in 
1850, 712; and in 1860, 790, of whom 16 were negroes. 
The place, some twelve years since, put on city airs, and 
with Geo. W. Woodcock as mayor, and T. A. Reed, 
Recorder, carried on a right sharp crusade against the 
"doggeries." The warfare was subsequently taken up by the 
Common Pleas Courts, and for a time better "order reigned 
in Warsaw. Of late years, however, we have been informed 
that there has been "something rotten in Denmark," and the 
spirits have assumed at times a very bold and threatening ap 

pearance. Taken altogether, however, Frederick may be 
said, daring its existence, to have been a model town in the 
line of "law and order." In 1816, the entire township cast 
but 81 votes. The 4th of, July, 1817, was duly 
commemorated at Anson Brown's, , in Fredericktown. 
Daniel Beers was chosen Moderator, and Anson Brown, 
Clerk. the Committee of arrangements consisted of 
Christian Holderman, Job Allen, Munson Pond, Joseph 
Munson Pond was Officer of the Day. Job Allen 
commanded the volunteer company; Jabez Beers was 
Reader ; Truman Strong, Orator. Benjamin Jackson, Anson 
Brown and Benjamin Jackson, jr., conducted the Singing. 
The Rev. John Cook and James Scott were present and 
last, but not least, Alvin Bateman was Toast Master A good 
dinner was eaten, and all felt glorious The McCutchens, 
Strubles, Cochrans, Craven's, Sagerses, Beerses, 
Leonards, Thrifts, Harters, Strongs and Corbins, were 
among the early  settlers. Of the Cochrans, William and 
Samuel were young men of good mind. The former is dead 
and the latter, a preacher of celebrity, in N. Y.; Josiah M. is 
quartermaster in43 Reg't., O.V. Jabez Beers was one of 
the old settlers, and his son, Joseph, lived in Frederick at an 
early day.
He moved west about 1835, and is now living in Hardin 
co. His three sons emigrated to Arkansas; Thomas and 
John are both dead, William yet lives at Batesville, Ark. The 
boys acquired considerable distinction as Attorneys. The 
old gentleman was one

of the earliest practitioners of medicine in this township. Dr. 
David Wadsworth, another physician died many years ago. 
His son, T. B., died a soldier in the Mexican war ; and his 
daughter, Eliza Ellen, Mrs. Struble, is the sole survivor of 
the family. The Bryant's have been quite numerous in 
Wayne, and among them James has been prominent; he 
was a very strict man, of the steady   and straight "Sunday 
go to meeting" kind, and an his neighbors to the west did 
not walk in his ways. He called their settlement "Sodom," a 
name it has since borne not withstanding  that it has had in it 
many first rate citizens. Nicknames, once given and 
received, are hard to be obliterated.
An old settler upon Granny's Creek is Truman Ransom, 
who with his family located in 1824, where he has ever 
since resided. Mr. Ransom was a native of Connecticut, 
and, with his father's family, moved to this State in 1812 
and settled on. The Muskingum, near its mouth. He there 
married Miss Temperance, daughter of' Thomas Lord, 
whose grandmother was a daughter of' Col. Oliver, one of 
the officers in command at the time the Marietta settlement 
was attacked by the Indians Her father was Judge of the 
Court of  Washington county, and a prominent member of' 
the " Ohio Company." Of' Mr. R.'s seven children, one is 
dead ; Edwin and Albert are living, in Missouri;  Thomas in 
liberty ; Bryan, William Wallace and Robert Bruce in 
Wayne. Mr. It. has been a hard Working man and has met 
with various streaks of' ill luck; his losses have been heavy, 
by fire and water and his escape from the jaws of' death 
has

been almost miraculous. His dwelling house with much 
furniture, was burnt up in the spring f 1852—to his damage 
some $2000. In attempting to cross Owl Creek with a 
wagon and four-horse team he lost all, amounting to $800, 
and did well to get off with his "own skin whole." Having a 
small mill site on Granny's Creek, he erected, in 1828, a 
saw-mill. that is yet in operation.
In th e Granny's Creek school-house a Temperance 
Society was gotten up many years ago, and also a Sabbath-
School, which has been well attended. Regular preaching has 
been had also since 1830, by the Methodist, Episcopal, 
Presbyterian and other denominations.
But two men are now living in the neighborhood of 
Frederick who were young men grown n in 1812-Richard 
Roberts, of Berlin and Jacob Mitchell. The first of these 
helped cut the first road out from Mt. Vernon to Frederick, 
under the supervisorship of Joe Walker; and the second 
rode express for General Harris on in the war of 1812. Then  
they were both boys full of mettle  and spirit. and  their 
fathers were among the old men of the settlement and now 
their fathers are dead, and they in turn are old men--heads of 
families--grandfathers-yes, great grandparents--and a new 
generation is upon the stage of action. What changes they 
have witnessed in their lifetime, little as we may he disposed 
to think things change before our vision in this fast age!

	SUCCESSIVE JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

1808. Wm. Y. Farquhar.     1809. Daniel Ayers.
1812. Abner Ayers.         1816. Abner Ayers.
1815. W.W. Farquhar.       1819. Abner Ayers.
1818. W.W. Farquhar.       1822. Abner Ayers.
1817. Daniel Beers.        1825. Abner Ayers.
1821. Anson Brown.         1831. George H. Bull.
1826. David Wadsworth.     1831. George H. Bull.
1829. Byram Leonard.       1834. George H. Bull.
1830. Byram Leonard.       1837. George H. Bull.
1830. Michael Sockman.     1837. Byram Leonard.
1830. John Allen.          1840. John Lewis.
1836. Samuel Bryant.       1843. A. Greenlee.
1839. Samuel Bryant.       1846. G.W. Woodcock.
1842. Samuel Bryant.       1849. G.W. Woodcock.
1845. Samuel Bryant.       1852. G.W. Woodcock.
1848. Samuel Bryant.       1855. G.W. Woodcock.
1846. Peter Ink.           1855. W.G. Strong.
1849. J.B. Roberts.        1856. T.V. Parke.
1851. Mitchel Lewis.       1858. Henry Philips.
1852. Geo. T. Potter.      1859. D.S. Beers.
1855. Geo. T. Potter.      1860. W.D. Bonner.
1857. A. Greenlee.         1862. D.S. Beers.
1860. A. Greenlee.         1862. Wm. Wyker.