HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY
CHAPTER XXXIII.
READING TOWNSHIP.
Reading township was probably authorized and named as early as 1804 or 1805, but the first record evidence of its organization into a civil township, is early in the year 1807. It derived its name from Reading, Pennsylvania, and was named by Peter Overmyer, who came to the township in 1802. Reading township was originally a part of Fairfield county, comprised thirty-six sections, and was just six miles square; but when the new county of Perry was organized, two rows of sections were taken from Richland township and attached to Reading, in order to give the new county the necessary number of square miles, and probably to make the western border of the county a little farther from Overmyertown and Somerset, both of which villages aspired to be the seat of justice for the new county. Reading township is now an oblong, six miles from north to south, and eight miles from east to west. It is, in extent of territory, the empire township of the county, and had no rival in population, until within a few years, in which time Pike, Saltlick, Coal and Monroe have become competitors with it in this respect, and two or three of them now surpass it. Reading is, undoubtedly, one of the most desirable townships of land in Ohio, and long years of cultivation and care make the greater part of it show to the best advantage. About nine-tenths of it lies on the Hocking slope, and the remaining one-tenth on the Muskingum slope. That part of it which is on the Hocking side of the divide, is drained by West Rush Creek and tributaries, and by some of the tributaries of East Rush Creek. So much of the township as lies on the Muskingum side of the divide, is drained by Hood's Run, and a few other small tributaries of the north branch of Jonathan's Creek, or Moxahala. The land on both sides of the dividing ridge is naturally of excellent drainage, and only a very small percentage of stagnant water is ever known within the township limits. Most of the land is undulating, and a part of the southeast region of the township is hilly. The land is about all arable, and most of it is very productive. Coal is found in the southeastern part in great abundance and of excellent quality. There are two or three seams in a part of the coal district, all of a good, merchantable quality. Iron ore is also very abundant in many places in the southern part of the township. The ore has been mined and shipped, to a considerable extent, and has been used with success in furnaces at Shawnee, Zanesville, Newark and other points. Some of the first coal mined in the county, was in this coal district, and the first coal miner is said to have been a colored man. The coal of this region found a market in early times at Somerset, Rushville, Lancaster and other points adjacent. Nearly all the cereals are produced in Reading. Stock-raising and261
wool-growing receive much attention. There are also good orchards and vineyards, and the cultivation of many varieties of fruit has been crowned with considerable success. Many of the early settlers of Reading township were Pennsylvania Germans, but large numbers of persons of English descent, from Pennsylvania and others of the older States, came along soon after, and made permanent habitations. The Germans settled principally in the neighborhood of Overmyertown, while the emigrants of English descent located mostly about Somerset, and in the eastern part of the township. There were many exceptions to this, however, and Germans were found near Somerset, and English speaking people in the vicinity of Overmyertown and in the western part of the township. At a little later date, from 1820 to 1830, there was a considerable emigration of people of Irish birth or descent, who settled, for the most part, near Somerset and to the south of it. What now constitutes Reading township, was first permanently settled in 1801, in the western part, and it may be that a few other families settled in other parts of the township in the same year. There are reports of men living in the west part of what is now Reading township, in 1799 or 1800, and it is possible that two or three persons did temporarily live there within those years; but this could scarcely be called a permanent settlement, and nearly all trace of these adventurers is lost. What became of them appears to be unknown. Peter Overmyer and Peter Whitmer, brothers-in-law, came to Overmyertown in 1802, and some other families soon followed, constituting quite a little colony. Robert Colborn settled one mile east of Somerset, in 1802, and a few other families came to the neighborhood of where Somerset now is, during that and the following year. Frederick Heck appears to have come to the neighborhood of Otterbein in 1802, and George Bowman to West Rush Creek in the same year. Daniel Lidey also came to the neighborhood of Otterbein about this time. Thomas Hammond came in 1802 or 1803, and Fink and Miller, the proprietors of Somerset, in 1803 or 1804. But there is still an earlier settlement than any of the foregoing. Aaron Binckley, Esq., of Reading township, in response to an inquiry on the subject, writes: "My grandfather's name was Christian Binckley. He came to Ohio in April, 1801, and settled on the farm where I now reside, in section eleven of this (Reading) township. He built a cabin about one hundred yards from where my house is. The land was bought of George Arnold, who entered it a short time before. Christian Binckley came from Washington county, Maryland, near a place called Fankstown. He died in 1832, at the age of ninety-five years." This settlement by Christian Binckley, in the western part of Reading township, is the earliest permanent one made within what is now Perry county, so far as any authentic information can be obtained. The place where Mr. Binckley settled, was originally in Richland township, Fairfield county, but when Perry was organized, two rows of sections were taken from Richland and attached to Reading, the section where Binckley settled being included. It will be noted that Christian Binckley was born in 1737, and he was a middle-aged man at the breaking262
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Fairfield county, Ohio, on the first Monday of April 1816, on which day were the following township officers elected: Trustees, John Vanatta, William Spencer, Peter Bugh; Clerk, John Dittoe; Treasurer, Joseph Petty; Constables, John Guisinger, John Medaugh; Appraiser, John Cassell; Lister, David Parkinson; Overseers of Poor, John Trout, Jacob Theirs; Fence Viewers, John Yost, Robert Skinner. April 13th 1816---At a meeting of the Trustees of Reading township, John Vanatta, William Spencer, Peter Bugh Sen., Trustees. Orders were issued for binding out poor children. No. 32, order to Joseph Shafer of $2.00; No. 331 order to John Wagner of $2.00; No. 34., order to Joseph Petty of $1.00; No. 35, order to Roswell Mills of $1.00. Trustees-John Vanatta, Peter Bugh, William Spencer, John Dittoe, Clerk. April 1817.---At an election held in the township of Reading, Fairfield county, Ohio, the following township officers were elected on the first Monday of April 1817: township clerk John Dittoe; Trustees, John Wagner, Jehu B. Jones, Peter Overmyer. Constables, John Middaugh, David S. Waters; Supervisors, Samuel Kratzer, David Pugh, John Trout; Appraiser, Jacob Overmyer; Lister, John Murray; Overseers of the poor, John Mains, Aaron Vanatta; Fence Viewer, Andrew Swinehart. March 4th, 1818---Trustees' office, Reading township. The following orders were issued to township officers. No. 36, Roswell Mills one order for his services for binding one poor child and for clerking, $1.95; No. 37. John Middaugh for collecting poor tax $2.00; No. 38, David Pugh services as Supervisor $2.72; No. 39, John Dittoe services as Clerk $3.50; No. 40, John Wagner services as Trustee $2.00; No. 41, Jehu B. Jones services as Trustee $3.00; No. 42, Peter Overmyer services as Trustee $1.47. Attest: Clerk. August 15, 1818---Trustees' office Reading township. Trustees met; present, John Wagner, Roswell Mills, Jehu B. Jones. It is ordered that a poor tax and township tax be laid on this township, in one tax for the present year, and that the said tax be six cents on each head of neat cattle over three years old; twelve and one-half cents on each head of horses, asses or mules, over three years old; and on town property, one-eighth of one per cent of the appraised value thereof. David S. Waters is duly appointed collector of the above tax, to pay the above tax into the Treasurer's office on or before the first day of January next. No. 43---Ordered, that David S. Waters be entitled to receive an order for $1.94 for serving township summons on various persons; No. 44---Ordered, that Roswell Mills receive an order for his services for the year 1818 of $1.65. March 1st, 1818---Trustees' office of Reading township, Perry county-Present, Roswell Mills, John Wagner, Jehu B. Jones. Ordered, that Smith Goodin receive an order for his services as Supervisor for $5.66; No. 46, ordered that Daniel Lidey receive an order for his services as Supervisor of Roads for the past year, $6.32; No. 47, ordered that John Murray receive an order for his services as township Clerk for the year of 1817 of $2.25; No. 48, ordered that John Wagner receive267
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ground, leaving a large open space between it and the house. The large capacious barn stood on the south side of the road, opposite the house, or a little east of it, if any thing. During these years there was a constant emigration from Pennsylvania, Virginia, and other Eastern States, and as Mr. Fink had gone into the hotel business in earnest, in his fine new mansion, he had about all the customers he could provide for. In addition to the traveling public, teaming was one of the prominent occupations of those days, as the goods purchased in the East had to be hauled out to the small stores and groceries in the Western country by wagon. Most of the teams following the road, always made it a point, if possible, to reach Fink's Tavern by sundown, even though the poor horses had to expend a little extra muscle to reach there. Many a time have I seen that large yard literally covered over with wagons- some going east, others west, laden with products for the east, or goods for the west. There are few residents in Somerset, who are able to form any idea of the business done at that hotel, or the constant activity going on there in those days. This house was the general headquarters of Somerset for many years, and nearly its whole activity was centered there. The monotonous silence which now lurks in that vicinity, except in school hours, is a fair type to represent the death of an individual after an active life." After a rest of a week, "Senex" continues: "I am now, as I promised you last week, proudly walking down Main street. I have all the elasticity and nimbleness of a boy. In short, I am young again. On either side the forests edge up close to the village, and these abound with squirrels and other game, and a mile or two out I hear the crack of a rifle of the huntsman, who is engaged in furnishing the few dozen of villagers with venison. Perhaps the young reader will say, 'what a simpleton that old fellow must be, who is writing such silly stories. Do you suppose such stories ever took place here?' Yes, young reader, it is quite true. Many a saddle of venison was served up at Fink's Tavern, that had been slaughtered just south of St. Joseph's Church, and many a 'saddle' found a cheap market in the very early history of the village that was captured in the very suburbs. How wonderfully times change, and we change with them! The scenes and circumstances we are called to pass through in young life, as well as the place in which we had our birth and raising, seem to be nothing to us at the time. They become so commonplace as often to disgust us. But let us recede from them half a century, and then for the first time we begin to know their value. Our hearts begin gradually to cling to them. Memory awakens afresh to our innocent childhood days, and what seemed to us so dry and irksome, now begins to form a halo of glory in our very inmost souls, and affords us enjoyment we love to cling to with the tenacity we cling to life itself. But now for that down street march. "The large two-story brick building on the corner of Main and High streets, west of Fink's Tavern, was quite a business house in its early day. The first newspaper Somerset ever had was printed within its ancient walls. It was used for various offices, and was in the heart of the business portion of the early village. It was anciently known as the Ruch House. The brick, if I mistake not, were laid by Henry Sterner, who has long since gone to his reward. Although it has always271
been represented as being only a nine-inch wall, the masonry has preserved remarkably well, showing that it was a good, honest job. It is one of the oldest standing bricks in the town, and was built with the design of showing the people what could be done in the wilderness, in the way of a magnificent building. It may stand for some years yet, and it is worthy of having its picture taken for preservation. "At the time I write of, half the lots between High street and the Square were in commons and unfenced. The log cabins and small one- story frames were scattered along on each side of the street, and a little beaten path on either side marked the sidewalks. Jonathan Babbs owned and lived in a little, long, one-story frame that stood where stands the C. L. Griner house, now John Huston's. Then came a vacant space; then there were two two-story log houses, weatherboarded ---one on the lot where Mrs. Chilcote lives, and the other on the next lot west of it. The latter building was one of Somerset's first hotels, and was afterward used by Ensor Chilcote for a carpenter shop. On the opposite side, between Dan Mohler's blacksmith shop and the east end of the village, there were, in 1824, only some three or four houses, some of them log. A few years later, Dan Mohler carried on blacksmithing in a shop where the present brick stands, and next lot west of it, his brother-in-law, David Church, followed the same business. About the time that Church quit business, C. Poppe was manufacturing spinning wheels, etc., but the business of manufacturing wearing apparel at home, has been done away with, and with it went Poppe's business. The few houses between this point and the Square, were mostly one-story frames, used as residences; but they gave way gradually from year to year for the present buildings. The brick now known as the Russell house, was one of the first permanent structures on this street. At a later day it was purchased by John Humberger, who kept a grocery in the corner room next the alley. He died about the year 1832, and his widow afterward married William D. Harper. The house across the alley, occupied by George Coolman as a residence, and the one west of it, may be termed pioneer buildings; and I seriously suspect that one of them, or perhaps both, are log houses. The corner room of the Coolman house was, in early days, used for a grocery store by George Sanders. Both those buildings played a prominent part in the trade history of Somerset. The old Johnny Lentz property on the opposite side of the street, afterwards occupied by Ned Keenan, outstrips my years in age. At least it has been in existence as far back as my memory can reach, and it was not a new building then. This was, for a number of years, the real headquarters for dram drinking. Many a disciple of Bacchus took his first lessons in "taking on the whisky appetite" in this building; and many were the persons who have stepped out of the door, next to Ream's bank, fancying themselves "monarchs of all they surveyed," provided, always, they were able to survey anything. A small one-story frame building stood on the corner of the alley where now stands a part of the hotel building, which was "used, in my first recollection, by Joel Beckwith as a store-house. It was afterward used by different parties, Beckwith having removed his goods to a new house he built on the corner of the square, where Dr. Skinner has his drug store, and which was burned down a few years ago. One272
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while away many hours in playing what is termed 'alley ball.' Indeed, for years, the place was a daily resort for all classes of middle-aged men, young men, and boys. If the men were not there, the boys were sure to be. Afterwards the ball alley was removed to the Academy building, in the north end of the village. "The ground covered by Dr. Magruder's residence was where George Beckwith had his dwelling, when he occupied the tanyard afterwards run by Law & Moeller, and later by John Law. The old brick Methodist Episcopal church stood on South street, nearly opposite the residence of Colonel Spencer. On the corner of the alley, next west, stands a small brick, where John H. Binckley used to reside in an early day. The Methodists used to be a little noisy occasionally, and Binckley, living so near the church, felt himself annoyed somewhat, and so gave to this thoroughfare the name of 'Happy Alley,' a name by which it is known to this day. Between the church and the corner brick was a two story hewed log house, in which John H. Binckley and Samuel Binckley had a paint shop and chair factory. Samuel Binckley was one of the pioneer young men of Somerset, but left, shortly after his marriage, and located at Xenia, Ohio. He is still at Troy, Ohio, hearty and hale, at the age of seventy-six years." In a subsequent letter, "Senex" discourses further of old-time Somerset and vicinity: "As early as 1805, thirteen years before Perry county was organized, the reader may well imagine there was no Somerset, and no other town, in the county. New Reading antedates Somerset by a few years, and was called, by the Pennsylvania Germans, 'Overmyerstettle,' and by those who preferred to speak it in English. ' Overmyertown.' I recollect hearing an old lady, who but recently departed this life, often relating an incident of her getting lost on the ground near the heart of the town, in 1807. She lived with her father in a new cabin, a mile or so north of the town, and was sent after the cows toward the close of the day. When she arrived at about the place where the Public Square is located, she became entangled in the underbrush, which was grown over so densely with wild pea vines that she could not see a rod before her. When she had extricated herself, she found that she had lost her bearing, and it was only by a fortunate circumstance that she was enabled to reach her home that evening. "The old men who are in the county, and are able to recollect back forty-five to sixty years ago, cannot help to bring to mind one of the singular changes that has taken place in the streams. At that time they were all running full of water, at least nine months in the year. Now they are nearly all dry most of the year, and not enough water running in them at any time, except in times of flood, to water a drove of cattle. Many will remember that, half a mile north of Somerset, was situated Grandfather Parkinson's' saw-mill, afterwards run by Billy Larue. The water that was gathered from the ravine starting on the summit in the town, with that gathered by a race from the west branch, run this sawmill, fifty years ago, nine months in the year. It cut a great deal of timber, and, being so near the then growing village, it furnished much of the lumber that was called for. The dam in which the water was collected was the 'swimming hole' for the boys of the276
village, and for many years it was a favorite resort. Below this, about half a mile. Judge Hood had a gristmill---'corn-cracker,' it was called in that day---at which he accommodated his neighbors with corn meal, and also furnished a fair article of flour. This mill was a two story log building, situated on the south bank of the creek, near where the road now crosses above the railroad trestle. The Judge also run a stillhouse in connection with the mill. The water for turning the mill was collected by races. The race for conducting the water, on the south branch, started in some four or five hundred yards below the steam mill, following the west bank of the hill; and the one on the west branch started just below Parkinson's saw-mill, and run along the south bank of the creek. The faint outlines of these races may be seen in places yet, but they have been mostly defaced. At the confluence of the Somerset branch and the Berkey run, there was, at one time, a sawmill, the water likewise being conducted by races. About half a mile below this there was a grist-mill, and farther down, Darsham's grist and saw-mill. So that, from 1814 to 1830, there were no less than five mills on that little stream, between Somerset and Jonathan's Creek, all running by water nearly through the entire year. The stream used to run a large volume of bright, clear water, and it used to abound in fish of pretty good size. It was a great resort for the 'town boys,' even so late as 1840. Many a time did the boys of that day---Dan and John Parkinson, P. H. Binckley, Walter C. Wood, and others-pull out 'chubs' and 'suckers' that weighed a pound. "If I were to undertake to trace out all the 'old landmarks;' or, in other words, to give the early settlers of lands around Somerset, I should never get through with these letters. But I will mark out, say, a mile square, on either side of Somerset, and give the occupiers of land from about the year 1820 to 1830. "On the north side, Judge Hood was, at that time, a permanent fixture on the farm he so long occupied. The next farm north, now owned by Andy Leach, was entered by a man named Miller. The next farm north of that was the 'Stoker farm,' and the farm still north of that was the Funderburg farm. We will go back, now, and take another tier. The farm west of Judge Hood, afterwards constituting part of the Gongloff farm, was occupied by John Deal, on the north side of which stood a stillhouse, run, from 1812 to about 1820, by a man named Shunk. Next east, the farm of Conrad Snider, was owned by his father, one of the first settlers. Next east, the farm long owned and occupied by David Church, was owned by David Boyce. On the south side of town, about the year 1825, the farm of John Moore was tilled by Joshua Green, afterwards purchased by John F. Moeller. The Thomas Scallan farm was owned by John Trout. The farm farther south---afterwards the Caywood farm---was owned by James McDonald, and a little before that time by Leonard Ream. The farm west of this was the farm of Michael McKinney. The tract of land east of the Scallan farm, on which Mrs. Scallan now resides, was owned by John Beckwith. There were still earlier proprietors of most all of these lands, but my recollection cannot reach them." The foregoing extracts from the highly interesting articles of "Senex" give a good description of Somerset and surroundings, from 1820277
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in an hour or so, it laid in ashes eleven buildings, and caused a greater loss of property than was ever before felt in Somerset. "At the points named a desperate effort was made to master the fire, and, though it proved successful in the end, there were times during the progress of the struggle,when it seemed that all efforts would prove unavailing. "The women came to the rescue, when assistance was greatly needed, and rendered noble service in the matter of carrying water, etc. Their determined labors had also the effect to cheer the men who were standing up manfully to the work, and shaming, just a little, the few who were 'too feeble' to do more than stand by and gaze upon the frightful scene and the determined workers it had called forth. "The houses destroyed were the planing mill, the dry house, the old exchange, the Russell House, Mrs. Filler's and Mrs. Cody's residences ---both the latter on the south side of the street-Mr. John Mautz's residence, Mr. Shower's residence and Mrs. Chilcote's residence, and Bowman & Johnson's blacksmith shop, and Mr. Shower's stable. The occupants of most of the dwellings saved only a portion of their household effects, and some lost about all they possessed of that kind of property." Nearly all the space made vacant by these fires has been built upon, and most of the buildings destroyed have been replaced by better ones. With these two exceptions, Somerset, during its entire existence, has been very fortunate regarding fires. Somerset is very pleasantly situated on the high grounds that separate the waters of Muskingum from those of the Hocking. The rain that falls on the north and east end of the town flows into the Muskingum, while that which falls on the south and west parts finds its way into the Hocking. The site of the town is elevated, broad and commanding, and much of it affords a good view of the surrounding country. Somerset, at present, has a postoffice, one telegraph office, one railroad depot, one newspaper, one union school house, one female academy, four churches, one convent, one hotel, one music hall, four dry goods stores, two hardware stores, two jewelry stores, two drug stores, two furniture stores, two shoe stores, one photograph gallery, one carriage and buggy shop, one planing mill, one tannery, two harness and saddle shops, two tailor shops, one clothing store, one coverlet weaver, seven groceries, four physicians, five lawyers, one job printing office, three millinery stores, two meat shops and two tin shops. The Hippodrome war, the trial and execution of David Work, the Centennial Celebration, and many other notable events connected with the history of Somerset, will be found in other appropriate chapters of this volume. In view of the immense strides which the iron business is making in Perry county, and its probable future, it is worth while to contemplate the initial workers and the small beginnings of the industry. Somerset had the first foundry in the county. It was established by Joseph Simpson, who, in his lifetime, was well known to many of the people of Perry county. The reader of this volume would naturally like to know280
PICTURE IS IDENTICAL IN SIZE TO THE ORIGINAL281
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site of Lancaster, in 1804, Asa Shinn organized the Hocking Circuit out of this territory, occupying the usual four weeks. The next year James Quinn and John Meek were sent to this circuit, and in 1807 we find 'Ohio District, Fairfield Circuit, William Pattison,' in the list of appointments of the 'Western Conference,' that contained nearly all the territory west of the Alleganies. In 1808 it is Ralph Lotspeick, and John Bowman, Miami district; in 1809 it is Ralph Lotspeick, Muskingum district; in 1810 Francis Tarvis, with James Quinn, as presiding elder. "During this year the Ohio Conference was organized at Portsmouth, and on Christmas day the first Methodist sermon was preached in Somerset, at the house of John Mains, by the Reverend Robert Cloud, who, with Jesse Stoneman, continued to occupy this as a preaching place for several years. In 1811, James Quinn and James B. Finley traveled Fairfield Circuit, and the latter organized the first class in Somerset, with John Mains leader. The remaining four of this immortal five were Anna Mains, wife of the leader, John Anderson and wife, and William Babbs. The opposition was bitter and unreasonable, but the old log school house, afterward used as a chair shop by Jesse Huff, near the present site of Dittoe's and Hull's grocery, was the class sanctuary of those tried ones, for years, and it resounded with the songs and shoutings of their triumphant faith. In 1812, William Lambden had charge of the Circuit; and Archibald McElroy in 1813. "David Young was presiding elder, in 1813-14; Charles Waddle in 1814; Charles Waddle and Michael Ellis, 1815; James Quinn and John McMahon 1816; Michael Ellis and John McMahon in 1817. During the early part of this Conference year John McMahon retired from the work, and John Stewart was called from the Kanawha Circuit in Virginia, taking his place here as Junior Preacher, January 1st, 1818. "The Somerset society had now grown to embrace the following members: William Babbs, sen., John and Ruth Murray, John and Anna Mains; Toby Taylor and wife; Frederick Mains, sen., and wife; George Richards and wife; Jesse G.McGowen, and perhaps Frederick Mains, jun., and wife. In June, 1819, Joseph F. Brawn was added to the society, and Jacob Knowles and wife in place of Taylor removed. That summer the society made an effort to raise a house of worship, on what was afterwards called in consequence, Happy Alley. "The lot is now occupied in part by William Russell, though the site of the first church is yet vacant. John Murray undertook the building, and got the walls up to the square, when a large dead chestnut tree was blown down by the equinoctial storm, crushing the walls to the ground. Things remained in this condition until the next spring; the brethren being much discouraged. Albert Gough and Henry Matthews were preachers on the immense circuit embracing Lancaster, (perhaps Circleville) Logan, New Lexington, Rehoboth, and other points to the number of twenty-five or thirty preaching places. "But seeing the desolation of the Lord's house, writes Joseph T. Brown, ' I was stirred up in my heart and said to some of the brethren: Let us arise and rebuild the house.' They said to me, if I thought anything could be done they would help me what they could. So I went forward, hired hands, gathered up and cleaned off the bricks, procured284
materials and workmen, enlarged the building several feet, and got it up and under roof, with one coat of plaster, in time to hold a meeting on Christmas. This meeting resulted in the addition of about fifty members, most prominent among whom were, John Beckwith and John Ritchey.' " [Letter of May 23d, 1876, to the writer]. "Brother John Mains, who is now passing the golden autumn of a ripe age, in Greenfield, Ohio, informs me, that he and Jesse McGowen were associated with brother Brown in this building, and that Judge C. C. Hood, coming into the neighborhood about that time, seated the new church at his own expense. Notwithstanding this, brother Brown's obligations and expenditures, footed up about five hundred dollars, part of which was paid, but the greater part remains in the treasury of the Lord, safe until the present time. "Previous to the building of the brick church, the services of the society were held in the court room, over the old jail on South Columbus street. Here, as early as 1817, we are assured of the existence of a Sabbath school, of which Frederick Mains, now living in Somerset, was probably the first Superintendent, with Tobias Taylor as an assistant. Brother John Mains says, the first Sabbath school was previously organized in the brick house now the residence of Nathan Dennison, but the recollection of Frederick Mains as its first Superintendent, renders it unsafe to place its active operations much prior to 1817. "Abner Gough and Charles Thorn traveled Fairfield circuit in 1820; William Stephens and Zara Coston, 1821; William Stephens, in 1822; James Gilruth and Isaac C. Hunter, in 1823; Charles Waddle and Homer Clark, in 1824; Leroy Swornsted and James Quinn, in 1825; James Quinn and James Laws, in 1826; James Laws and Gilbert Blue, in 1827; Jacob Young and Cornelius Springer, in 1828. Discussion, leading to the radical separation in 1828, culminated this year in a general debate, at the Bethel Church, and Cornelius Springer, a leader in the movement in the west, withdrew to the Protestant Methodist Church. "In 1829, Zachary Connel and Henry S. Fernandes, were preachers; and in 1830. Samuel Hamilton and Henry S. Fernandes. Then Rushville circuit appears on the records with Samuel Hamilton and Jacob Hooper, preachers in 1831; J. Carper and Jacob Young, in 1832; and J. Carper, J. Armstrong and S. H. Holland, in 1833; for this year, it appears, the church we now occupy in Somerset, was built, and in the next year, 1834, the log church at Chalfants was dedicated. Thus, in three successive years, each of the societies constituting the present Somerset circuit, built a new church. The impulse given under brother Carper's administration and the building of the new church in Somerset, appears at once in the minutes for 1834; we have the name changed to Somerset circuit, James McMahon and B. F. Meyers as preachers. Brother McMahon not only dedicated the Chalfant church, but also took subscriptions for the church at New Zion. In 1825, J. McDowell, B. F. Meyers and J. Hooper (supply), were appointed to Somerset circuit; in 1836, Henry S. Fernandes and John Blampied; in 1837, Henry S. Fernandes and Moses A. Milligan; in 1838, Moses A. Milligan and Isaac Cartlich; in 1839, Andrew Murphy and William T. Hand;285
in 1840, William P. Strickland and Sheldon Parker; in 1841, William P. Strickland, Edward Roe and Samuel Harvey, supply. "In 1842, we find Somerset assuming her place as a station, with the eloquent Joseph A. Waterman in charge; in 1844, Andrew Carroll was pastor, and this ended the effort to maintain the station. Hopewell and Zion had been joined to Rehoboth circuit, and in 1844, Somerset also became part of Rehoboth circuit, and so remained till the organization as at present, in 1854. The appointments for Rehoboth circuit, during these years, were as follows: "1842-James Gurley and supply. "1843-Joseph Carper and Philip A. Muchner. "1844-T. A. G. Philips and John Fitch. "1845-John Fitch and T. A. G. Philips. "1846-47-Joseph Neuson and Samuel Hamilton. "1848-A. M. Alexander and I. F. Longman. "1849-E. V. Bing, J. H. Creighton and G. W. Brush. "During this year, over one thousand probationers were received on Rehoboth circuit. "1850-E. V. Bing, John Dillon and James Mitchell. "1851-John Dillon, Charles Warren and supply. "1852-Charles Warren, Edward P. Hull and supply. "1853-Charles C. Lybrand and R. J. Black. "James M. Jameson was Presiding Elder of the Zanesville District, and lived at Somerset during 1846-7-8; Jacob Young from 1848 to 1852, and J. M. Trimble from 1852 to 1856. Rehoboth circuit, in 1854, reports seven hundred and fifty-seven members, twenty-five probationers, and five local preachers. "In 1854, Somerset Circuit was organized as at present, at the Conference at Portsmouth, and James C. Taylor was appointed for 1854-5; E. V. Bing for 1856-7; John White, Presiding Elder. "S. C. Riker was preacher in 1858, with extensive revivals all over the charge. "James Mitchell was in charge of the Circuit for 1859-60, when the present Hopewell Church was built, "P. V. Ferree was pastor in 1861-62; John Frazer, Presiding Elder for 1860-63; D. D. Mather, P. E. for 1864-65; T. H. Philips, P. E. for 1866-67; William Porter. P. E. for 1868-70; W. T. Harvey, P. E., Lancaster District, for 1871-72; T. H. Hall, P. E., Lancaster District, for 1873-74-75. "Brother Ferree remained in Somerset, engaged mainly in teaching till his death in 1868, and his ashes lie in the M. E. Cemetery in this place. "S. C. Frampton succeeded him as pastor in 1863-64; R. W. Manley, in 1865-66-67; A. H. Windsor, in 1868-69; J- M. Weir, in 1870-71; B. F. Thomas, in 1872-73-74; and J. VanLaw, in 1875-76- Gracious revivals attended the labors of many, if not all of these pastors; those in Somerset and Zion, under charge of brother Manley, and in Hopewell under brother Thomas, are worthy of special mention. Much fruit of these remain. "About the year 1866 or 1867, an extension was made to the286
287
Sally and Frank Miner, Thomas and Amy Kendall, Nelly and Nancy Cane, and George Guysinger. "This class formed, in part, the basis of Hopewell and Zion classes, which were formed about 1830. The Hopewell class grew rapidly, and in 1834 a log-built church was dedicated, by James McMahon, preaching from John xv:5, 'I am the vine, ye are the branches.' It was called Chalfant's Church' The class-book for 1840-41, now in the hands of Sister Cochran, gives the class as follows: Robert O. Spencer, P. E.; William P. Strickland, J. Parker, preachers; Robert Chalfant, leader; Thomas and Amy Kendall, Jared and Sarah Dennison, John, Margaret, Thomas, Nancy and Elizabeth Randolph; Mary Edwards, Mary Wilson, Drusilla Ferguson, Rachel Foreman, Margaret Chalfant, Jane Hinebaugh, Maxwell Edwards, Elizabeth Kelley, Elizabeth Bear. Thomas N. Edwards, Martha Thompson, David Yarnell, George Cowen and Mary Ann Cowen, Amos Dennison, Mary Yarnell, Lydia Ann Edwards, Catharine Cox, Mary and Elizabeth Sturgeon, Mahala Dennison, Emeline Ferguson, Margaret and Olive Hinebaugh, Eliza and Sarah Bateson, Ebenezer Snellen, Robert and Elizabeth Emery, Louis Edwards, Robert, Mary Ann, Sarah and Comfort Chalfant; William Van Horn, Rebecca Cox (now Wilson), Catharine and Margaret Cox, Elisha and Mary Wilson. Rev. James Kendall was converted here, and was called to the ministry, entering the Ohio Conference in 1851. "The present neat and commodious Hopewell Church was built in 1860, when Rev. James Mitchell was in charge, though the project was started the year before by Brother S. C. Riker. It was dedicated by Brother Riker, assisted by Dr. Frazier, P. E., no money being asked for, as all the expenses had been provided for beforehand. "The first Hopewell Sabbath School was said to have been organized in Bozerman's school-house, in 1831 or 1832. "In the winter of 1872-73, a gracious revival, under the pastorate of Rev. B. F. Thomas, resulted in the accession of about forty persons, on probation, a very large proportion of whom now remain steadfast as members in the church. "New Zion.---Rev. James McMahon was appointed to the Somerset Circuit in 1834, and soon after his arrival he was taken by Martin Berkey, then a young man, to the residence of David Ream, Sr., where he preached, and organized a class, with young Berkey as leader. A Class-book, now in his possession, gives the following members, under date, May 27, 1835: Martin Berkey, leader; Rebecca Berkey, George Boor, Elizabeth Boor, Elizabeth Ritchey, Wilson Ritchey, James Ritchey, George Ritchey, Jane Spencer, Eleanor Cain, Rachel Patton, Rebecca Boor, James Cain, Hannah Cain, Priscilla I. Cain, Rachel Berkey, Martin Boyers, Gideon Ritchey, Elizabeth Boor, Phebe Cain, Rebecca Drury, Rachel Herron, Rachel Carr, Margaret Spencer, Edward Hamilton, Rachel Hamilton, Mary Hare, Mary Hull, Hester Stiles, George Coleman, Jacob Stateser, James Hutches, William Patten, Elsie Benjamin, Rebecca Fleehart, Elizabeth Emrine, Matilda Sharen, and Hester Chilcote-total, 38. Another roll gives the names of William and Rachel Paden, Mahlon S.Gregg, Emily Gregg, Charles Hamisfar, Catharine Hamisfar, and Dorcas Davis. Ensor Chilcote is288
also mentioned as leader or assistant, though not a member of the class. "James McMahon and B. F. Meyers were preachers in 1834-35, and during this conference year the present brick church was built, the ground-on which it stands being donated by James Ritchey, Esq. This church is hallowed by the presence of its many dead, and by the memories of more than forty years; but it is now ready to be taken down to give place to something better. "A camp meeting was held in 1819, on the Benjamin Farm, now owned by John Bumcrat, where the preachers were probably Charles Waddle, P. E.. Sodosa Bacon, and Peter Stephens. In 1834 another camp meeting was held near Zion, at which William Ream was converted, who afterwards became a strong pillar in Zion. It is hoped the present church building will give place to a better one during next summer. "The number of full members for the past eight years is as follows: 1869, 200; 1870, 195; 1871, 197; 1872, 213; 1873, 248: 1874, 260; 1875, 242; 1876, 254." St. Joseph's Church (Catholic), situated in the southern part of Reading township, two and a half miles south of Somerset, on the common road leading from that place to New Lexington, is the oldest Catholic Church in Ohio, excepting none whatever. The circumstances attending the organization of the church, the building of the first edifice, the consecration of the same, and the preaching of the first sermon therein, are of interest to all general readers, and especially to those of the Catholic faith. The ensuing sketch relative to the founding of St. Joseph's Church, and other matters of early Catholic history in Perry county, is from the pen of the late Rev. N. D. Young, only a year or two before his death, and were presented to the compiler of the Perry County History, to be published for the consideration and instruction of present and future generations: "Amongst the first settlers of this county were a few Catholic families, emigrants from Pennsylvania. They were the children of patriotic ancestors, many of whom were soldiers under Washington, in the days that tried men's souls, braving the hardships of the Revolutionary War, for liberty and freedom of conscience in this country. "The Rev. Edward Dom. Fenwick, and the Rev. Nicholas Dom. Young, of the Order of St. Dominic, were the first established priests of the Catholic Church in Perry county, and first priests settled in Ohio as citizens of the State. They were both natives of Maryland. The Fenwick family emigrated with the colony of Lord Baltimore to this country, and landed in St. Mary's county, Maryland, with the same colony. Father Young's paternal ancestors were Protestants, and emigrated from England. His ancestor. Judge Benjamin Young, was sent here a commissioned Judge of the British Government, long before our Independence. He settled, with his family, on the Potomac river, where the city of Washington now stands. He purchased, on its bounds, a large tract of land, and erected on the immediate banks of the Potomac a splendid mansion, importing from England the materials of which it was built. Whilst Judge, he was converted to the Catholic religion. But the intolerant laws of England disfranchised Catholics289
from holding any office of the Government, political or religious, in consequence of which Judge Young resigned his office. "Dr. Fenwick and Father Young were sent to Perry county by their superior, from the Convent of St. Rose, in Kentucky, to take possession of a small log church and farm, containing three hundred and twenty-nine acres, donated to Father Fenwick by Mr. Jacob Dittoe, who, with the assistance of his two brothers, Messrs. Joseph and Anthony Dittoe, and his brother-in-law, Mr. John Fink, of Somerset, had purchased by entrance in the land office held in Chillicothe, this half section for the express establishment of a Church and Convent of the Dominican Order then established in Kentucky. The above two Fathers, in obedience to the will of their superior, the learned Dr. Thomas Wilson, and in compliance with the wish of the saintly Bishop Flaget, of Bardstown, in 1818, reached the place of their destination about the first of December, and, on the sixth of the same month, the humble church, in the presence of their little flock, was dedicated under the patronage of St. Joseph, by the Rev. Father Fenwick, assisted by his nephew, Rev. N. D. Young. "The occasion was a very interesting one, being the first Catholic Church opened and blessed in Ohio. It attracted a great concourse of dissenting brethren, many of whom, for the first time in their lives, had a view of a Catholic Priest, of whom they had heard so many strange things. "At that period, not more than six families composed their flock, within reach of St. Joseph's. Like the grain of mustard seed, this little congregation increased so rapidly that, in the course of two years, it was found necessary to make an addition to the little church. This was accomplished by adding to it a neat stone building, which was finished and made ready for divine worship in the course of a year. It was constructed so as to allow any future addition that might be deemed necessary. It was soon found that St. Joseph's and Trinity Church, then erected in Somerset, about two miles distant, were insufficient to contain the members of the two congregations, and that something must be done to assist at Mass and hear the word of God, to fulfil the obligations of Religion. "The eyes of all were again turned to St. Joseph's. The Right Reverend Dr. Fenwick had left St. Joseph's, and was consecrated the first Bishop of Cincinnati, in 1822, at St. Rose's Church, by Bishop Flaget. He was anxious that another addition, according to the original plan, should be made to St. Joseph's, to accommodate a flock, dear to his heart, with all the spiritual comforts of the Catholic Church. He urged his wish that the work should be commenced. The pastor, Father Young, called a meeting, to decide the question. At that meeting, it was agreed that the old log church should be removed, and, in its place, a brick addition should be added to the stone part of the edifice. A subscription was immediately opened, and the means, in part, obtained. This subscription was headed by the bishop's name and two hundred and fifty dollars. Trusting to the liberality of the friends of religion, and depending particularly on the hope that it might be in the power of the zealous bishop to extend to this church, the cradle of the other churches in Ohio, and so long the field of his labors, further290
assistance, the work was commenced on Whitsuntide Monday, the twenty-
sixth of May, 1825, when the corner-stone was solemnly blessed and
laid by the Rev. Father Young, authorized by the Bishop; and on Sunday,
January 11th, 1829, the same Reverend Father, assisted by his
confrere,the Rev. Daniel O'Leary, O. P., blessed the entire edifice,
brick and stone. The whole was now eighty-two feet in length, and
forty feet in breadth, surmounted by a beautiful little steeple and handsome
cross, rearing its head above the surrounding forest, and the first
erected in Perry county, to recall to the minds of all, the great
redemption our Lord purchased on the cross for us all.
"The Right Reverend Bishop, on account of his occupation at Cincinnati,
and the unseasonableness of the time, was not able to attend
the dedication, as he had arranged with the pastor of St. Joseph's. After
the solemn high mass sung by the choir of Trinity Church, Rev.
Father Young delivered an appropriate discourse, to a crowded audience.
Some few of his hearers are yet living in Perry county, and remember
his sermon, especially that part in which he dwelt with peculiar
delight on the great change that had been effected. He told them that
the woods with which they were surrounded, not many years ago, resounded
with the Indian yell, and howlings of wolves, but would hereafter
echo canticles of joy and praises of God.
"He passed a merited encomium on the departed patriarchs of religions,
Messrs. Jacob Dittoe, Joseph and Anthony, his brothers, and
the old patriarch of the Somerset congregation, Mr. John Fink, Sr.,
who was a liberal benefactor in the erection of Trinity Church, besides
donating to Father Fenwick the beautiful site on which that splendid
gothic church now stands, in connection with the cemetery. In his
discourse he observed that St. Joseph's was the Mother Church of all
other Catholic churches dedicated in Ohio, or which in future would be
dedicated in the Diocese of Cincinnati. On the very spot on which
he stood, was the place from whence so many churches, as branches,
spread out. Eleven in existence had been erected by his brethren of
St. Joseph's, in various sections of the State. Now we have, in Perry
county alone, eight organized congregations, all having churches,
where the word of God and divine service, on all Sundays of the year,
is celebrated, and the holy sacraments administered by resident pastors.
Some of these churches are splendid Gothic buildings, excelled in size
and beauty of architecture by few in the United States, namely: St.
Joseph's, Trinity, St. Patrick's, and St. Louis. Others will follow.
"The order has extended so rapidly, that the Fathers on these missions
were sent to the East; Washington, New York, etc. In New York
and Washington they have erected magnificent churches. St. Dominic's
in South Washington, is said to be one of the most magnificent
churches in the United States,---if not in size, in beauty of architecture,
and is the largest in Washington. It was seven years building, has
seven chapels attached to it, with granite stone brought from the
celebrated quarry of Fort McHenry, near Baltimore, and stands on the
spot where stood the barn of Notley Young, not far from his mansion
on the Potomac,and where General Washington was honored as his
guest, when surveying the District of Columbia and laying out the City
of Washington. He donated to the Government the beautiful mall,291
now the Smithsonian park, and also the square for a market house on Pennsylvania Avenue. "The splendid church of St. Joseph's and the Convent attached to it, were burnt January 14th, 1862. It was erected by the Rev. Charles Montgomery, the Superior at the time the conflagration took place. The fire was supposed to be accidental. The walls of the church being very thick, were but slightly injured, and were very soon again roofed. The interior was finished off by lofty Gothic groins, supported by Gothic columns. The walls of the Convent being thin, suffered so much by the fire, as to be rendered unfit for further use, and were accordingly taken down. The present Convent, now occupied by the Fathers of St. Joseph's. and as a Theological College, was once a public college, educating many of the youths of Ohio, and patronized extensively from distant parts of the country. "The zealous Bishop, Dr. Fenwick, was an ardent promoter of education. Always intent in giving every encouragement to the education of youths of both sexes in his diocese; he had determined, as soon as in his power, to establish a female academy in Perry county. For that purpose, he purchased in Somerset, of Mr. William Harper, his residence and lot of two acres of ground, opposite Trinity Church in Somerset. He obtained from the Sisters of St. Catharine's Convent, a celebrated academy, five of their community, to undertake the commencement of a similar academy. "Accordingly, in January, 1830, the five mentioned Sisters, viz: Sister Angela Sansbery, Sister Emily Elder, Sister Benveri Sansbery, Sister Agnes Harlen and Sister Catharine Mudd, were conducted to Somerset by Rev. S. Montgomery, via Cincinnati, where they stopped a few days to arrange matters with the Rt. Rev. Bishop Fenwick. On their arrival in Somerset, some repairs and additions had to be made on the little house, before they could take possession of it as their residence. Mr. Peter Dittoe, a merchant of Somerset, kindly offered them hospitality, where they remained a month. This building, the commencement of St. Mary's, was a small brick house, with a carpenter shop on the ground floor. In the shop, St. Mary's school commenced. The Sisters had every encouragement from the citizens of Somerset, and from the Rev. Fathers of St. Joseph's Convent. They also opened a Novitiate, and a lady from Green Bay, Miss Mary Greignew, and Miss Rose Lynch of Zanesville, Ohio, were their first novices. "St. Mary's, from the encouragement it received from the public, in a few years, erected a large academy, with a beautiful Gothic church attached, and continued prosperous until June 7th, 1866, when, by a defection of a flue through the roof of the church, it caught fire, and this splendid church and academy were consumed. A generous benefactor, Mr. Theodore Leonard, near Columbus, offered the Sisters forty acres of land, and all the materials necessary for the erection of an extensive academy, if they would locate on the proffered ground. This generous offer was accepted by the Sisters, and in 1868, the community of St. Mary's moved to their new home, a splendid house, about one hundred and fifty feet in length, with all conveniences attached. The Sisters dedicated it, as before, to the Mother of God, calling it St. Mary's of the Springs.292
"The remains of the departed Sisters, interred at Somerset, were all removed to Columbus. "Perhaps there is not a more beautiful site in Ohio for an academy, than that of St. Mary's of the Springs. It stands high and gives a fine view of the surrounding country. It abounds with springs of the best waters, and within view of the Somerset and Newark Railroad. "Rt. Rev. Dr. Rosecrans established in Columbus, a branch of St. Mary's, called the Academy of Notre Dame, the Sisters of which are members of St. Mary's community, and were selected by the Bishop to conduct this Academy---a large and commodious building, situated on Broad street, a few squares from the Cathedral and State House. It is intended for the purpose, more of a day school for the education of the young ladies of the city, than those who may wish to enter as boarding pupils, conducted by the Nuns who first founded St. Mary's in Somerset, with Bishop Fenwick their father and protector. The first Sisters are now no more. Their successors are the object of the zealous care of the Bishop of Columbus, whose diocese was established in 1868. "I will conclude this article by recording the names of the second Catholic pioneers who settled in this county about the time St. Joseph's was dedicated. The first I wish to record, is that of Mr. William Wiseman, who emigrated from St. Mary's county, in Maryland, near the shores of St. Mary's river, where Lord Baltimore and his colony landed. When a young man, he enlisted in the Western Army, commanded by General Wayne and General Sinclair, under whom he was engaged in several battles they fought with the Indians. Whilst the army was stationed at Fort Washington, where Cincinnati now stands, young Wiseman, with a small force of soldiers, was sent to occupy a block-house, built on the banks of the great Miami, to watch the movements of the Indians, and if necessary, to call for reinforcements on the fort. Unexpectedly they were surrounded by a large body of Indians, who took two of them prisoners; one escaped, the other was burned alive in sight of his companions, in the block-house. They could give the poor soldier no assistance; his lamentable cries they could hear, calling out to them for protection. The commander of the fort, appealing to their patriotism, wished one at least to volunteer his services to go to Cincinnati for assistance, offering a reward to any one who would undertake the mission to Fort Washington, although this could not be affected without danger of death, as the Miami must be crossed in a boat, exposed to the fire of the Indians. Young Wiseman was the only one who offered his services. He added, 'I ask no pay.' They got the boat ready, which was moored under the bank on which the block-house stood. The commander accepted his offer, and the boat was soon prepared for him. The Indians always on the alert, when the boat was launched in the river, with Wiseman in it, poured a volley of shot upon it. He, intent only on escaping them, gained by quick paddling, the opposite bank. He often afterward observed, that Divine Providence alone protected him from their bullets. The bank gained, like a deer speeding his course over hill and dale, the valiant soldier soon reached the fort, distant some twenty miles from the block-house. When in sight of the fort, in a shallow place of the river, he crossed over on thin ice, which frequently broke before he gained the opposite side. The message he293
brought was soon answered by a quick march of some hundred soldiers, sent to their relief, and the cruel Indians dispersed. "This brave deed of William Wiseman is recorded in Judge Burnet's History of Ohio. Mr. Wiseman was with General Harrison at St. Clair's defeat, and was one of his special friends, and a strong supporter in Perry and Fairfield counties, when 'Tip and Tyler too' were candidates for the Presidency and Vice Presidency of the United States. When General Harrison, during that campaign, visited Perry county, to make his political principles known, and to defend his abused reputation, Mr. Wiseman, as a special friend, escorted him, and was at his side when Harrison spoke, and when he was received at Mr. Peter Dittoe's residence, since called Mount Harrison, over which waved the flag of the United States. No man could more rejoice than Mr. Wiseman, on the success of that campaign. "The other pioneers of the Catholic Church of Perry county were, Joseph Hodge (a convert to the Catholic Church), Henry and John Flowers, Joseph DeLong and brothers, John Noon and brothers, John Hynes, John McLaughlin, P. Griffin, Henry Sterner, Hugh, Dennis, and Richard McGonagle, James Cane, Henry and Peter Dittoe, Patrick McChristle, Henry McNally, Owen Martin, Matthew Casserly, Patrick Largy, Alexander Clark, Neal and John Crossin, Patrick O'Hara, Patrick McMullin, John Clark, John Byrne, Henry Bonastell (a soldier), Larry Curran, Patrick Cambron, Joshua Green, Judge P. McDonald, Philip McDonald, Esq., James McDonald, John Thornton, Philip, James, and Hugh Minor, David Mussulman, Jacob, John, Anthony, and Adam Fink, Felix Cull, Esq., Nicholas Tyder, Adam Gordon, Daniel McCann, James Elder, Owen Donely, Gregory Metzer, Levi Burgoon, John Litzinger. These were among the pioneers of St. Joseph. They are now no more. Their good works have gone before them, and secured them an eternal reward." The names of several other Catholic pioneer families were subsequently sent to the compiler by letter, but the hand of the aged Priest had become so tremulous that they could not be made out. The circumstance shows, however, that, in his last days, he was thinking of the men and women to whom he ministered in the golden pioneer days. Rev. Father Young, the author of the foregoing interesting sketch, was, from 1818 until a period not a great while previous to his death, actively engaged in ministerial work in one or more of the Catholic. churches in Perry county. He was a zealous, active young Catholic Priest, with headquarters at St. Joseph's, when his parish extended from Wheeling, West Virginia, to Vincennes, Indiana. He would frequently ride on horseback from St. Joseph's to Columbus, in the night season, to administer to the sick and dying. Father Young was of sturdy, well knit frame, of cordial, genial manners, and of more than ordinary intellectual ability. He was exceedingly zealous and industrious, and was apparently best satisfied and enjoyed himself best when hardest at work. He knew most of the early pioneers of Perry, and they knew him, Father Young was born and brought up near Washington, District of Columbia, and had recently come to this section of Ohio from an older settled community. He felt a little strange, at first, at seeing so many men clad in hunting shirts and carrying rifles, but he soon294
learned that they intended him no harm, and he could be hospitably entertained by any of them, whether of his religious belief or otherwise. He lived to be about eighty-five years of age, and though he died somewhere in the East, when on an accustomed visit or tour, his mortal remains were, according to his oft repeated request, sent back to Perry county, Ohio, and interred in St. Joseph's churchyard, where he had worked to establish a church of his faith so long ago. Holy Trinity (Catholic) Church has one of the largest and finest houses of worship in the State. It is most handsomely situated on rising ground, on Columbus street, near the south end of Somerset. The present building has been in use nearly twenty years. The congregation was organized about 1820, and, throughout its entire history, has been a very strong and influential one. It is not as old as St. Joseph's Church, though it is justly entitled to be called a pioneer one, and is one among the first of the Catholic Churches organized in the State of Ohio. Few have been more prosperous in every point of view. Upon one occasion, when Bishop Fenwick was passing through on horseback, along "Zane's Trace," on his way from Baltimore, Maryland, to Bardstown, Kentucky, he reached the tavern of John Fink at nightfall, and remained over night as a strange traveling guest. The next morning, after paying his bill and getting on his horse, he inquired of Mr. Fink if he knew of any Catholic families in the direction he was traveling, Mr. Fink told him of some that he knew, and furthermore informed him that he, himself, was a Catholic. Bishop Fenwick at once alighted, hitched his horse to the fence, went into the house and celebrated mass. This was the first mass said in the State of Ohio, unless some of the explorers or missionaries among the Indians had celebrated it somewhere along the northern frontier. This was, in fact, the small beginning of the Catholic Church in what is now Perry county, where it has become so numerous in membership and so important a factor in ecclesiastical affairs. Further interesting facts relative to Holy Trinity Church are given in the sketch by Rev. N. D. Young, concerning the early history of the Catholic Church in Perry county. Rev. Noon, a very efficient and popular Priest, has been for several years past, and is at present, the pastor of the church. The Lutheran Church in Somerset is one of the oldest in the county. Among the early emigrants to Somerset and neighborhood were many Pennsylvania Germans, most of whom were Lutherans, and, at a very early day---about 1812 or 1813---there was Lutheran preaching at Somerset in private houses, and at the old log schoolhouse situated on South Columbus street. About 1817 or 1818 the old log house of worship was erected on North street. The congregation had been organized a few years previously. The original church building was constructed of very large hewed logs (afterwards weatherboarded), and had a gallery, which was chiefly intended for the choir, but, on extraordinary occasions, was open for any of the congregation. The church had a good organ, made by Henry Humberger, of this county, and the congregation, for a long time, was somewhat noted for its good music. The old log edifice was used till 1844, when a lot was bought on Main street, near the west Public Square, and a large, handsome, costly brick edifice erected, which has been owned and occupied by the denomination until295
the present time. The old church stood until about 1832, when it was taken down and the materials put to other use. Revs. Andrew Henkel, Charles Henkel, Greenwalt, Ruch, Bartholomew, Wagenhals, Spielman, W. F. Lehman, A. J. Weddell, John Rugan, Cornelius Remensnyder, Corbit, Herring, Hunton, Martens, Isensee, D. M.Weisman and others, have ministered to this congregation. Rev. M. Walter is the present pastor. It is not a little remarkable that the congregation was more powerful, influential and harmonious while worshiping in the old log church than after its removal to the new, costly and imposing edifice on Main street. Soon after the congregation was organized, and a church built, a Sabbath-school was organized, which has been sustained, with a few unimportant exceptions, during the whole year, until the present time. The church at no time was altogether composed of Pennsylvania Germans, but also contained many English speaking people, and for many years, and until about 1844, there was alternate German and English preaching; but, subsequent to this date, the services were exclusively in the English language. The abandonment of German preaching was very much disliked by some of the older members, but the second generation of all nationalities had learned English speaking, and services in German could no longer be maintained nor secure the general approval of the congregation. Of the officiating ministers of the church Charles Henkel died in Somerset, and his mortal remains repose in the old Lutheran graveyard. Rev. Henkel was pastor of the church for many years, and was universally respected by the people of the whole community. At one time, and for quite a number of years, he solemnized more marriages than any other minister in the county. As previously intimated, this church is not so strong as in former years, though regular preaching and Sabbath-school are maintained. A Reform congregation was organized and a neat church edifice erected at Somerset a few years since. Stated preaching and Sabbath- school were sustained until recently, but at present there is no regular pastor, and services are only occasionally held. Otterbein (United Brethren) Church was organized and a primitive house of worship built about 1818 to 1820. A better building of brick was erected a few years later, which was occupied until 1882, when a still better and more modern brick edifice was built and dedicated. Otterbein is the oldest United Brethren Church in the county. Some of its original members were among the earliest pioneers of Reading township and the county. It is situated about four miles west of Somerset, near the Zanesville and Maysville turnpike. Otterbein has from its organization until the present been a strong and active congregation, maintaining regular preaching and for many years a Sabbath-school. Rev. Lambent is the present pastor. Pisgah (United Brethren) Church, situated in the southwestern part of Reading township, not far from the Fairfield county line, was organized and a house of worship built about 1850 or 1852, which was used until about 1867 or 1868, when a second and better building was erected, and is yet occupied by the congregation. Pisgah is not so old a church and the congregation not as numerous as at Otterbein, but it maintains296
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a three months' subscription school. Mr. Overmyer states that it was composed of twenty pupils, all of whom were in the alphabet when the school began, and all were reading before the term of three months closed, a fact not unworthy the attention and consideration of modern Teachers' Institutes. Similar schools---English and German---were doubtless organized a few years later, in other parts of Reading township, including the village of Somerset. The first school in Somerset was probably taught about 1810. The old log school house in which it was held, stood on South Columbus street, not very far from the corner of the public square. Alter being used several years for a school-house, it was converted into a chair shop. Religious services, by various denominations, were also held in the old log school-house. After the old log building, referred to, was discarded, school was taught awhile in a house on "Happy Alley," in the "Old Academy" on North Columbus street; in a room in the second story of the old jail, and in various other places. The east and west school houses, each of them containing two rooms, were erected about 1835. These buildings accommodated four schools tolerably well, but it was not very long until another room or two was required; and these additional rooms were leased wherever they could best be obtained. This was the condition of the public schools of Somerset, until the erection, a few years since, of the large, elegant and commodious Union School House, on the site of the old John Fink tavern, near the east end of town. This building comfortably accommodates all the pupils of school age, and is a credit to the town and county. The site is a handsome one, and the landscape, as viewed from the second story windows of the edifice, is both agreeable and edifying. It should have been stated, that several of the public schools were taught in the old frame, a few years before the present brick edifice was erected. At a still earlier date, the Somerset Collegiate Institute owned the property, and Prof. Charles Nourse taught a select school there. The township, outside of Somerset, is well organized into convenient school districts, with good frame or brick edifices, and the schools are in session from six to eight months in the year. There were, in former years, frequent changes of teachers in the schools of Somerset. Very few remained long enough to be considered anything like fixtures. Isaac Thorn-best known by the title of "Col. Thorn"-probably taught for a greater length of time, than any other teacher. He was, for many years, regarded as a successful instructor, but eventually lost his efficiency, and reluctantly and sadly retired from the profession that he had once adorned. Even after the days of his usefulness as a teacher had departed, Colonel Thorn lingered about his old haunts, dressed faultlessly, "boarded out at the lot," as he was wont to remark, and aired his peculiar grammar and history wherever he could assemble an attentive, respectable and dignified circle of admirers. All who ever knew him, will think kindly and charitably of Colonel Thorn, the famous old-time teacher of Somerset. There were numerous select schools, at one time and another, taught in Somerset, some of which were very good, and attained quite a reputation in their day. The most notable of these were taught by Rev. A.298
J. Weddell, and at a later date, those taught by Prof. Charles Nourse, under the auspices of the Somerset Collegiate Institute. Rev. Weddell was a minister of the Lutheran denomination, a fine scholar, a finished gentleman, and well versed in English literature. All who were ever his pupils continue to venerate the man. Prof. Nourse's schools were scarcely less distinguished than those of Mr. Weddell, but he taught at a somewhat later date, and his efficient labors at Somerset are yet comparatively fresh in the recollections of many pupils and patrons. Prof. Nourse subsequently became Principal of the Public Schools at New Lexington. Prof. Ferree, at a still later date, taught a series of select schools in Somerset, which were well patronized and gave general satisfaction to the patrons and community. St. Mary's Academy, a Catholic school, conducted by a Sisterhood of the Dominican Order, was early established, and, for a long time, continued at Somerset, with pupils and patrons from nearly all parts of the United States, and especially from the Southern states. The Academy building was unfortunately destroyed by fire, in 1866, whereupon the sisters decided to remove to Columbus, Ohio, where they established an institution, known as St. Mary's of the Springs. The Sisters, or a number of them, returned to Somerset, a few years since, with the intention of re-establishing a Convent, and an Academy in connection therewith, to be called the Convent of the Sacred Heart. They leased the Dixon Brown building, on Main street, for temporary Convent and school purposes, but immediately went to work to erect a new, large and commodious building of their own, upon the site of the old Academy, which was destroyed by fire in 1866. When they had the new building well under way, and almost ready to be roofed, they were, for some reason, transferred to Galveston, Texas. The erection of the Academy building proceeded, however, under the management and direction of Rev. Father Noon, pastor of Holy Trinity Church, at Somerset, and it is to be finished and ready for occupancy during the summer of 1883, when a competent corps of Sisters and teachers, are to be provided, and a good school again opened. St. Mary's Academy is sketched in another place by the pen of the late Rev. N. D. Young, and it is not necessary to say anything further concerning it herein, except that it was a school of wide celebrity, and that the wives of some of the most distinguished men of the country have received their education within its walls. A College building was erected near St. Joseph's Church, in 1882. under the direction and supervision of the Priesthood of St. Joseph's, where a school was opened, and continued for several years, under the name of St. Joseph College. It was very well patronized, not only by numerous Catholic families of the county, but also had students from all parts of the country, and especially from the Southern States. When the war began, in 1861, and the seceded States were cut off from the North, with the accompanying depression in all business and educational enterprises, the College was compelled to suspend operations and close its doors. After the burning of St. Mary's Academy building in Somerset, the St. Joseph College building was tendered the Academy299
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hundred years hence, the bones may be accidentally exhumed, and the subject be a nine days' wonder for generations yet unborn. Isaac Pence, one of the earliest settlers of the township, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was in the celebrated naval engagement under Commodore Perry, in honor of whom the county is named. Pence was one of the soldiers in the boat who rowed Commodore Perry from his own sinking ship to another vessel. Mr. Pence was an industrious, intelligent man, highly esteemed by all, and lived to a good old age. John J. Jackson, of this township, and the latest surviving soldier of the War of 1812 in it, though a quiet, modest man all his life, has rather an eventful history. He served through the War of 1812, and drew a pension to the day of his death, for military services rendered the United States Government. After the war was over, he in some way drifted to St. Louis, and he emigrated from that place, or vicinity, to Bearfield township, Perry county, Ohio, and his name will be found in the history of that township as one of the first settlers. His first wife was an Ijams, a sister of William, John and Joseph Ijams, well remembered by the older citizens of Perry county. Mr. Jackson and others journeyed from St. Louis, across the country, to this county, in 1815 or 1816. It was a journey full of strange adventures. So far as now remembered, Mr. Jackson and companions are the only pioneers of Perry county who emigrated from the West. All the others came from the East or South, and nearly all from the East. The widow of John Lidey, another soldier of the War of 1812, and a member of the Constitutional Convention from Perry county, in 1851, lives in Reading township, in the town of Somerset. A few other widows of soldiers of the War of 1812 live in other parts of the county, but the soldiers themselves are all gone. Reading township had, in June, 1880, a population of three thousand three hundred and sixty-seven.301
