West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 1 by Charlie Miller

This is the first of a series of West Jefferson vignettes: it will cover an interesting assortment of items, many of which appeared in Madison County papers in years gone by. Murder in West Jefferson: On October 2, 1889, Local grocery owner, Samuel Stickley, was assaulted by a man named George Bowles, who beat him over the head with a revolver, fracturing Mr. Stickley’s skull, causing his death a few days later on September 26, 1889. The murder took place in front of Mr. Stickley’s store on the corner of Main and Walnut Streets. It was later owned by Henry Heath who operated the grocery store. There is a picture of this store in West Jefferson Remembers. 

Samuel A. Stickley was born to Isaac Stickley in Virginia in 1843. He is buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery along with his wife Lida (1848-1930). He married Lida after his previous wife, Eliza Garrabrant whom he had married July 4th, 1867 had died. He served as a Pvt. In Company K, 95th O.V.I. August 11, 1862 to February 28, 1863, discharged on disability. He enlisted in Company C 154th Ohio National Guard from May 1864 to September 1864. Lida Stickley was granted a widow's pension on August 21, 1890, on Samuel’s service. 

December 11, 1895: Ollie White who killed her husband last May, was captured in Gallopolis, Ohio, and later sentenced to life in prison. The only record of Mrs. Ollie White of Madison County stated that she died May of 1895, same one? 

Another Murder in West Jefferson: September 23, 1896, West Jefferson has another murder to add to its list of unfortunate homicides. Edmund Buck, who owned Hotel Buck, was killed about noon by Marsh (March) Ricks, a local barber, near the same site where Mt. Samuel Stickley was murdered. Ricks was jailed by officers George Baber and Oscar Sprague. Ricks was taken to London, for fear of his being lynched. December 23, 1896, March Ricks received life in the Ohio State Pen for the murder of Ed Buck. Ed Buck owned the Hotel Buck which sat on Main Street on the present site of the Huntington Bank. 

March Ricks was born in Ohio in 1870 the son of Martin V. and Perine Ricks. He married Laura Martin on August 7, 1891. Martin Ricks was born in Mississippi as a slave in 1842, in 1863 he and Perine escaped to Ohio when Grierson’s raid through Mississippi and freed slaves. They ended up settling in West Jefferson. On August 27, 1864, Martin enlisted in Co. G 27th U.S. Colored Troops serving until September 5, 1865. He received plaque #B-43 in the Africa American Civil War Memorial. In 1865 he and Perine founded the A.M.E. church in West Jefferson which sat on the present site of the Apostolic Church on E. Pearl St. Martin had a “truck” garden and sold vegetables, On August 1, 1905, he was hit by a fast freight train while crossing the tracks when returning from London. The tracks weren’t elevated until 1912, He was highly esteemed by the citizens of West Jefferson. He is buried in Hampton Cemetery with a military maker. Perine applied for a widow’s pension on August 12, 1905.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 2 by Charlie Miller

USUAL OSBORNE: A description of an early setter as told by Jonathan Alder. Usually, Osborn came to Jefferson Township from Kentucky in 1796. “ Alder said that Osborn was a kindhearted man, although he was what was then called a regular old bruiser yet he would inconvenience himself to accommodate his neighbors. He was remarkably strong and muscular, but not quarrelsome, yet it was by no means safe to cross his track. He would fight at the drop of a hat, and I never knew him to get whipped. The first winter he and his family came they had not a sign of a bed to lie on. He had a large box, sufficiently large for him and his wife to lie in, and in the fall they gathered leaves and filled the box. They had two blankets; one of these they spread over the leaves for a sheet, and the other they used to cover with. This constituted their bed for a year or two after they came to this country. The children had to shift for themselves. In the evening, the two oldest would gather a large quality of prairie hay or grass, take it into the house and pile it in a corner, and then the three little fellows would crawl under it and sleep until morning; then gather it all up and take it out and give it to the cows. This is the only bed the boys had for many months. 

Osborn’s wife was one of those worthless kind of women who never did anything when it should be done, and consequently was always behind. There was plenty of everything required to make soap, yet she was out of it nearly all of the time. I have frequently known her to take honey to wash her clothes with. Honey makes a good later but is not equal to soap. On very cold days she was in the habit of driving her cow into the house to milk her. Mr. Osborn turned most of this attention to trade and traffic in a small way. Though not quarrelsome, no man needed to spoil for a fight when Osborn was around. There was a man by the name of Chard who had some grudge against Osborn. One day in the winter, when Osborn was mending his shirt, Chard came to his house. He told Osborn that there was a little difficulty between them and that he had come to settle it. ‘Very good’ said Osborn, throwing down his shirt and springing to his feet. They made a few passes at each other, when Osborn clinched Chard and threw him into the fire. A neighbor who happened to be present rescued him from his perilous situation before he was much burned. No sooner was he out of the fire and on his feet than he took to his heel and ran off as fast as possible.”

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 3 by Charlie Miller

About 1825, there was a wolf den near the residence of A. R. Haynes, which was along the Blair Road near the creek behind the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. The animal made its usual visits south to the plains south of the town to catch sheep. A large pit was dug in the ground near his path, covered over with a board arranged to pivot, and bait suspended in the air. The animal scented it and became the desired victim. Rev. Isaac Jones, pastor of the Baptist Church, was called to the scene. A forked stick was procured and placed over the animal’s neck. Rev. Jones had someone hold the stick keeping the wolf close to the ground, and he descended, chained and gagged the animal and took the wolf to John Mills’ grist mill, (located on Darby Creek just south of the Dollar General store) where he was kept to fight dogs, for a long time. The wolf trap was thoughtlessly left open and subsequently a neighbor’s cow became a victim. Rev. Jones seems to have been given to hunting. In 1835 when game was becoming scarce, a large crowd assembled for a wolf-hunt, and such other animals as might be within their intended circle. Rev. Jones was appointed to climb a tree, and when the game was driven near him to do the shooting. As he was ascending the tree a Mr. Pitcher handed him his gun, and the hammer caught on Pitcher’s sleeve, resulting of the firing of the gun, and the ball passed through Jones’ wrist, crippling him for life. His attending physician was Jonathan Alder. The accident badly affected the hunt, but still a few wolves and deer were caught.

 In 1822-23 this county was visited with a terrible epidemic which struck down many of the hardy pioneers. There was scarcely a family in the area of the Darby Plains, the plains that lay between the Big and Little Darby Creeks, which death had not touched. All business transactions ceased, gloom brooded over the minds of people. Death reigned supreme. Even many of the people who were still able, left this part of the state. It has been computed that in what was then called the Southwest Settlement, one half of the population died from the sickness. Between Cuckery and Homer, there were 17 deaths, and one-fourth of the people of the Converse Settlement succumbed. This sickness was thought to be a form of malaria.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 4 by Charlie Miller

The first white person to settle in the present limits of Jefferson Township was Michael Johnson, born in Ireland in 1750. He, his wife, and eight children immigrated to Virginia in the mid-1700s. But feeling the need to find homes for such a large family he left Virginia in 1795 to explore the Northwest Territory which had been established in 1787, he returned to Virginia in 1797 and left for Ohio County, where he settled just northeast of junction U.S. Route 42 and State Route 29, along the Little Darby Creek. One day in 1808 he and his son-in-law, Peter Paugh, were crossing the Little Darby in a canoe when it started to sink. Paugh suggested Mr. Johnson, a good swimmer, jump out and swim to shore. He did, however, the water was very cold, and he immediately took cramps and sank and drowned. Paugh was rescued by friends on the shore.

Another early settler was Tobias Bright who settled along Little Darby around 1810, He shot and killed an Indian named Nicholas Monham, near an Indian mound located in the southeast corner of Monroe Twp. He was later tried and acquitted. One of the Lapins also shot an Indian near the same spot in later years. These events were common in the pioneer days, as the Indians as a rule were detested, especially by those who had lost friends in the Indian wars. 

Phillip Sidner, (also spelled Sidener) came from Bourbon, County, Kentucky in 1802 and settled on the Scioto River near Franklinton (Present Columbus) After a brief illness he headed for the Darbys. (At an early day Little Darby was called Treacles Creek) He built his cabin on the east bank of the creek. This was in an area that is now across the Creek from McDonald’s fast food. Shortly after he settled, Bright shot an Indian. It was feared that a general uprising was expected. Mr. Sidner returned to Kentucky. The remaining settlers built a stockade 15 feet high, enclosing about an acre of land including Sidner’s cabin. This was commonly called Fort Sidner. This was in 1811. The excitement soon subsided, and Mr. Sidner returned to the place of his recent settlement and then built a cabin just south of the house that now sits clear at the end of Chester Street.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 5 by Charlie Miller

Early Newspapers: The earliest newspaper in our area of which copies remain was the Madison Patriot. It was only published for one year, and then due to the lack of sufficient circulation, closed down. About halfway through its life, the name was changed to The Madison Patriot and Farmer’s Review. It was published in London, Ohio between October 1833 and October 1834, by Mr. P. Lapham and was edited by a local attorney, Ira Root. It was published once a week, and the subscription price was $2.00 per year. It was composed almost entirely of national and international news, along with serialized stories, little local news was incorporated. The following three items I found to be of interest: November 9, 1833: The great National Road runs directly thro’ the county. Several towns have already sprung up, among the most conscious of which is Jefferson. The official name of the town was Jefferson. The “West” was added to designate the Post Office as there was already a Jefferson in the state where 18 months ago was nothing but the native forest. The Road, during the year of 1834 will be completed as far as Jefferson, and the graduation and masonry will be extended much further west. April 25, 1834: Oats and Bacon Hams, wanted at this office in payment of subscriptions. August 4, 1834: the recent anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill was celebrated in a manner very interesting at Ipswich, Mass. Twenty-seven-year-old Revolutionary soldiers were present as guests, whose united ages amounted upwards to 2,100 years. Nine of these venerable men were present at the battle that they were commemorating.

The London Sentinel, 1850 “The Whig Party leaders of West Jefferson are Dr. Rabb and George W. Lewis The London Sentinel, 1850 “Thos. J. Stutson agent for Dr. Gutscott’s improved Extract of Yellow Dock and Sarsaparilla. The Madison Reveille, February 1852, “Be it known that my daughter, Charlotte, hath on several occasions left my house and protection, and whereas the said Charlotte hath thought it proper to run away again, that I give notice that I forbid anyone from harboring, or in any way trust said Charlotte, on the full penalty of the law. Z. Hukill Charlotte Hukill died January 25, 1853, aged 16 years and 2 months. Her father Zebulon Hukill died the following year on March 31, 1854, aged 57 years 11 months, and 15 days. Many sad stories can be read on the epitaphs and dates on the tombstones in Hampton Cemetery.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 6 by Charlie Miller

Mound Builders: About 900 A.D. a civilization called the Mound Builders or Gravel Kame People settled in Central Ohio. They obtained these names by burning their dead in mounds or gravel kames. One of the most important finds came in October of 1948 on the Oreleton Farms a few miles northwest of West Jefferson. Beginning in the southern part of this county, there is a chain of mounds extending to the northern limits although with no apparent connection in location or size. The largest mound in Ohio is located near Miamisburg, in Montgomery County. It originally measured 800 feet around the base and was over 80 feet in height. 

There were also effigy or animal mounds. The most famous is the Serpent Mound located in Southern Ohio. 

Many artifacts have been found in them, including mica from the Alleghenies, shells from the Gulf of Mexico, and porphyry which is a reddish type of rock from Mexico. 

These ancient people lived throughout the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys. The most interesting area for these people is found here in Ohio. The mounds contain between one and 1,000 skeletons. 

One of the closest of these mounds to West Jefferson is called the James Chase Hambleton Mound. It was found on the Hambleton property on Roberts Road near the east side of Little Darby Creek. It is 55 feet in diameter and 6 feet, 8 inches high. An exploratory survey was done in the summer of 1964 by Dr. Raymond Baby of the Ohio State Museum. Eight burials were recovered from the mound, 5 were male and 3 were female. For the size of the mound, there were few artifacts recovered. Gorgets are an ornament worn on the neck or breast. These were made of brown sandstone, red sandstone, and limestone. Also found was a sandstone whetstone. A radiocarbon date of 271 A.D. was determined. These artifacts and skeletons appeared to be from the Adena culture. 

The males were large rugged individuals, between 5’8” and 5’9”. One female was 5’2” to 5’4” and between 45 to 50 years old.

Besides the Hambleton mound, there are 4 mounds on Skunk Hill, some off of Roberts on the west side of Little Darby Creek. 

The largest mound in Madison County is located on an elevated ridge overlooking the junction of the Little Darby Creek and Spring Fork. It is oval about 600 feet around and 25 feet high. During the pioneer days, the area around the mound was a favorite camping spot of the Indians. The Indians often returned to this spot after the pioneers had settled. Here it was in 1810 Tobias Bright shot and killed an Indian named Nicholas Monham. The act caused great excitement among the Indians and almost led to further bloodshed.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 7 by Charlie Miller

Indians: Indian reservations in Ohio? Yes, long after the Mound Builders had disappeared, the modern Indian arrived. These may have been descendants or may have had no connection at all with this ancient race. The ones around West Jefferson were mainly the Shawnee, who lived along the Scioto River and as far west as Clark County. One of the most famous was Tecumseh. 

The Shawnees were mostly nomads but did build some villages. There were also Wyandots who had some villages on the Scioto near Columbus. The Darby Creeks received their names from Darby, a Wyandot chief who lived near Plain City along Big Darby Creek. 

By the Treaty of 1817, the Shawnees ceded their territory to the United States. In turn, they were granted some small reservations. Among them was a tract 10 miles square with Wapakoneta as the center. A tract adjoining this one was 25 square miles set aside on Hog Creek, and one 48 square miles surrounding Lewistown. This one is in the vicinity of Indian Lake. By 1831, the Indians had ceded all reservations to the United States and moved to Kansas, some ended up in the Indian Territory (Oklahoma).

The geographical position of the territory comprising Madison County placed it in the direct route between the Indian towns on the Scioto River and those on the Miami and Mad Rivers. It therefore became one of the favorite hunting grounds of the Shawnees, Wyandots, Delawares, and the Mingoes. In its forests and along its clear running streams, they pitched their tents. For generations, the Indian wigwams were annually erected on the banks of Big Darby, Little Darby, Paint Creek, Oak Run, and their tributaries.

It has been told that a Wyandot chief named Gararah, with a band of Indians, used to come annually from the reservation at Upper Sandusky on hunting expeditions to Madison County. These visits ceased about 1820. 

Among the chiefs who frequented Madison County, none were so well known to the early settlers as Captain John, the Shawnee. According to Howe’s History of Ohio, he was a man over six feet tall, strong and active, full of spirit, and fond of frolic. In the War of 1812, he joined the American army and fought throughout the struggle.

Although many battles took place between the Indians and the White Man in Ohio, none took place in Madison County. The Shawnees in this area were of a peaceful nature.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 8 by Charlie Miller

Old State Road: Also called Ludlow’s Road. At the beginning of the 19th century, there was not a single road within the present area that comprises Madison County. Shortly after Ohio became a state, the Legislature of Franklin passed legislation to erect a road from the public square of Franklinton, located on the west bank of the Scioto River, (Columbus) to Springfield. By March of 1804, it had been surveyed as far as Big Darby Creek. The court ordered to open said road 33 feet wide, and to make it passable for loaded wagons. 

At best it was a horrible road in wet seasons, stage coaches and wagons often mired hub deep and had to be pried out. In dry seasons it worked fairly well. When Madison County was formed in 1811 out of Franklin, $175 was allotted to spend on the road in the County. In 1822 the village of New Hampton, forerunner of West Jefferson, was erected along the road. 

It entered the County by crossing Big Darby Creek and entered Jefferson Township about half a mile south of the present location of U. S. Route 40. It continued southwesterly just before reaching the current Plain City-Georgesville Road, then directly to crossing Little Darby Creek. After crossing the Creek it turned Northwest at 56 ½ degrees west of north and entered New Hampton as Main Street. This is the current Cemetery Road. It then became what is now Frey Ave. Shortly after crossing what is now Fellows Ave. it turned 74 degrees west of north, crossed what is now Main Street, and became what is now Taylor Blair Road. It went northwesterly on Blair Rd for a mile or so and then turned west. It stayed a little north of Route 40 and left the Township. The road can be seen in Summerford Township where it is now called “The Old Columbus Road.” 

The 1819 Kilbourne’s Ohio Gazetteer listed this. 

Miles 

Columbus Franklinton 1 

Little Darby Creek 2 (New Hampton) 

Deer Creek 9 (Lawrenceville, a little north of present Lafayette) 

Pleasant Twp. 6 

Springfield 12 *Mail stages run three times weekly on this route. 

In 1823, the Neil Stage Line was formed and probably ran on this route. Post Offices in Madison County were: Canaan, Grassy Point, Lawrenceville, and London. New Hampton did not have a Post Office until 1830. 

During this period of time cattle were annually driven to market in Philadelphia, Detroit, and Baltimore. Madison County was noted for its fine breeds of cattle. 

In 1822, New Hampton was erected on this road, and from Kilbourne’s Gazetteer of 1826, we read: New Hampton, a small regularly laid out village on the west side of Little Darby Creek, 15 miles west of Columbus on the main western road to Springfield.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 9 by Charlie Miller

Virginia Military Lands: At its October 1783 session, the General Assembly of Virginia passed an act to convey their rights of the territory northwest of the Ohio River to the United States, Congress accepted on the condition that the territory be formed into states and admitted to the Union and that some of the lands would be reserved for the Virginia veterans of the Revolutionary War. The area of the surveys included the lands between the Ohio River and north of Logan County. This included the lands between the Scioto and Mad rivers. Madison County is in this area. The land was granted according to rank, time of service, etc. A Major General received between 15,000 and 17,000 acres, a Lieutenant received 2,000 to 2,666 acres. Non-commissioned officers who served through the entire war received 400 acres, and every soldier or sailor who served the entire war received 200 acres. Anyone who lost their lives during the war share passed to their heirs according to the amount that they were entitled to. The veteran entitled to a warrant could select the location and shape of whatever he wanted. 

Lucas Sullivant, one of the first settlers on the site of Columbus, who died on August 8, 1823, surveyed the land that comprises Madison County and most of West Jefferson. In some of his first attempts, he was driven back by the Indians. He eventually gathered a crew of 20 men to help with the surveying and keeping back the Indians. On one occasion while surveying in Madison County, they were attacked by a party of Indians, and they killed a Frenchman who was with them, probably a fur trader. The Mingo Indians sent out a party of warriors to capture or destroy the surveying squad. On the fourth day after the murder, they found them. Mr. Sullivant held a council with his men to determine whether they should attack them or not, and it was decided not to initiate the attack. They remained quiet and decided not to fire a weapon unless attacked. Later one of the men fired at a wild turkey and the Indians rushed upon them. 

Sullivant swung his shotgun around that he always carried and fired upon an Indian who was rushing upon him with an uplifted tomahawk. Looking around he saw his men fleeing so he joined them. In about a quarter of a mile he caught up and they journeyed all night and most of the next day. Two of the men were killed when the Indians first attacked. Mr. Sullivant had some other experiences with the Indians, but none so dangerous or nearly fatal as this one.

Mr. Sullivant surveyed VMS 2836 which contains most of West Jefferson for Mr. Jacob Woolston, of Burlington, New Jersey. Mr. Woolston was not a Virginia veteran of the war but he purchased 1,300 acres from 6 different veterans. Two of the warrants were withdrawn leaving 1,000 acres. The warrants were all dated 1784. The survey reads as follows: Surveyed for Jacob Woolston assignee, 1000 acres on six military warrants, on Treacles Creek. (This was the name of Little Darby before it was changed.) June 24th, 1797 to April 2nd, 1798, so it took him a little over 9 months to do the survey. 

Jacob Woolston died before ever seeing his land, and in 1801 a patent was issued from the United States to Samuel Jones, Michael Woolston, and Jacob Woolston and their heirs in trust for the estate of Jacob Woolston, deceased. (Samuel Jones had married one of Woolston’s daughters). To be cont.d

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 10 by Charlie Miller

JACOB WOOLSTON lived in Northampton township, New Jersey. Northampton Township was renamed Mt. Holly in 1931 and is a suburb of Philadelphia. On February 27, 1759, he married Sarah Gosling. In the 1780 census, he owned 360 acres and had 5 horses, 17 cattle, and 3 hogs. Mr. Woolston died in March of 1799, his estate was valued at 847 Pounds Sterling or about $112,000.00 in today’s dollars. 

In a letter dated 1818 from Lucas Sullivant to Samuel Jones, who was the executor of Woolston’s estate, he claimed that he had not been paid for his survey of VMS 2836 and that Mr. Jones should settle the matter. Mr. Sullivant’s fee was one equal third of the 1000 acres, this reduced the area of the survey to 666 2/3 acres. Samuel Jones and Samuel Sexton, sons-in-law of Mr. Woolston ended up with the land which gave each of them 333 1/3 acres. 

In these early days, the settlers needed a point closer to Franklinton for someone to keep in store such necessities as were likely to be needed by them. On July 4, 1822, Samuel Jones and Samuel Sexton, who had immigrated with their families in 1818, laid out the original plat of a town named New Hampton and it was recorded at London on July 13, 1822. There were three streets east and west which were North, Main, and South, which were 60 feet wide. Two alleys North and South which were Jones and Sexton and five streets north and south. They were Friend, Center, and Pearl which were 60 feet wide, and Union and Prairie 49 ½ feet wide. The Old State Road was the main street through town. There were 93 lots 66’ X 165’. The town had a store, two or three taverns, a Post Office (1830), a Baptist church (now First Baptist in West Jefferson, and about seven families. The cemetery was located in the center of the town. The area of the town from south to north was a little north of Little Darby on the south to a little north of present Fellows Ave. and from east to west was from just east of the old high school to just west of Garfield Ave on the West. 

The 1826 tax list showed that 11 people owned the 93 lots, Mr. Samuel Sexton owned the majority. The first tavern was kept by a Mr. Atkinson on the Old State Road about 550 yards from the entrance of the New Hampton Cemetery. 

The first person to keep the store in the village was a Mr. Gilmore, who opened up soon after the town was laid out. He was a one-legged man and it was quite an inconvenience for him to get around. He soon took on a partner, Mr. Dalby, who had two legs but only one arm. Mr. Dalby would get the goods and Mr. Gilmore wrapped them up. The church was erected in 1820 and was located in the center of town, it was called the Little Darby Baptist church, present-day First Baptist Church. Rev. Isaac Jones, son of Deacon Samuel Jones was its first pastor. In 1828, the National Road was surveyed through here just a little north of New Hampton, when West Jefferson (Jefferson) was founded in 1830 the people of New Hampton moved to the new town, and all that remained of New Hampton was the cemetery.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 11 by Charlie Miller

Railroad: The railroad was built through West Jefferson in 1848-1849 by the Columbus & Xenia Railroad. At the time that the railroad was built the citizens of Madison County voted $20,000 toward its construction. The railroad company subsequently proposed to take from the county $14,000 of said stock, leaving the company with but $6,000, which was agreed to. Although the first official train ride was on February 20, 1850, the following appeared in the Madison County Democrat and was written by Mr. John Roberts who was a correspondent for that paper. “We saw a notice of the riding of two little girls on the first train that passed over the Little Miami R.R. (a later name) from West Jefferson to Florence Station. Mrs. John Roberts, Mrs. Ermine Truitt, and her sister Mahalia Godfrey rode on the same train on the same day with the Creamer girls. This was in the year 1850. Your correspondent rode on the construction train from West Jefferson to Deer Creek, on Christmas Day, 1849. 

The rail and iron used in constructing the road were shipped to Columbus on the canal. The hands-on construction work, refused to work on Christmas Day, so the engineer and fireman, who had no religious scruples concerning the Day, were all the people on the train. When it came to the water tank in Jefferson, they invited quite a number of us to ride out to the end of the line, to help unload one of the cars so the hands could ride out on it from Columbus the next day. Price Jones, Col. William Jones, (son of Isaac Jones) some of the Stutsons, and the writer were in the squad. 

I do not know of a single person now living, who was on the train that day except myself. We made the return trip in five minutes, from the Glade Run, so the engineer said. 

The following is taken from parts of the recollections of Mr. Jimmy Clark, in an article in the April 1934 edition of The Madison Press: “The engines of the Little Miami were wood burners. A short distance north of town was a large wood-chopping camp. The railroad laid a spur track to it on the hill east of Little Darby Creek (just east and behind the nursery on Rt.40) and would have run to the Middle Pike. The railroad at best was a flimsy affair, the engines were small and a train consisted of five or six cars. 

One day I was up at the woodshed when an old wood train engine blew up, and James Farrington was blown under the porch of O.H. Bliss’ warehouse. (On North Walnut St. near the current overpass) but was not seriously hurt. The whole block adjoining the Baptist church (which sat on the far north end of Center St.) was piled high with four-foot wood to be sawed. 

At that time, I was living in an old hotel that stood on the present site of the Building & Loan.” (Current site of the antique shop on the northwest corner of Walnut and Main Streets) 

(Jimmy Clark was the village lamp lighter for a number of years when the village had gas street lights.)

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 12 by Charlie Miller

WAR OF 1812, the War of 1812 didn’t affect West Jefferson because West Jefferson was not here, in fact, Madison Co., had just been formed in March of 1811. On April 6, 1812, Governor Return Meigs of Ohio was ordered by the President to assemble the Ohio Militia of Ohio at Dayton, Ohio to be drilled and prepared to march to Detroit. In May, the President had commissioned Gov. Hull of Michigan as a Brigadier General. He arrived at Dayton on May 25, 1812, and marched to Detroit where he was defeated on August 16, 1812. 

Ohio furnished 1,759 officers and 24,521 enlisted men. During the War, Captains John Moore and Elias Langham were the recruiting officers in London. The militia of Madison County was divided into classes to be in readiness when called upon. All able-bodied men between the ages of 18 to 45 years were required to respond to such a call. A company of 70 men was raised soon after the war broke out and was sent to Mill Creek in what is now the southern part of Union County. A blockhouse was built and general preparations were made to defend the county against the Indians. 

Jonathan Alder was in this company and after remaining about three to four weeks, he and John Johnston concocted a scheme to break up the camp and return to their homes. They were sent out scouting and after making many moccasin tracks in the vicinity of a mud hole, returned to the camp and reported that Indian signs were numerous, at the same time offering to conduct a squad to the place to investigate the matter. This news created consternation among the men, and Alder, Johnston, and Andrew Clerno were detailed on picket duty that night. Clerno was informed of the plot and about 11 o’clock, while the camp was asleep, all three fired off their guns at an imaginary foe and rushed back to the fort. A general stampede ensued, the men running like a frightened herd of cattle, pell-mell in every direction through the forest. The shouts of the officers calling upon them to halt were of no avail. 

Many ludicrous scenes took place, as well as a few accidents through coming in contact with the trees; while two brave boys plunged across Mill Creek irrespective of danger by drowning. The ruse succeeded for by 10 o’clock the following morning, all of the men were discharged and on their way to their homes. Much sport has been made of this event and many of the worthy pioneer fathers were the butt of the jokes throughout their lives on account of their participation in this campaign of the war. 

During the siege of Fort Meigs in May 1813, the militia from Madison Co. hurried to Urbana where a large force was organized and commanded by Col. Duncan MacArthur. After a four-day march, they found that the siege had been lifted and they returned home. They were called out again and marched to Sandusky where they remained for a while. Records kept on those participating in the war from Madison Co. are sketchy, but the following men from Jefferson Township listed were: Abraham Johnston, Nehemiah Gates, and Thomas Springer. Others from Madison Co. who served were: John Arbuckle, Frederick Sager, Jacob Johnston, John Johnston, Peter Paugh, Frederick Loyd, Andrew Clerno, and David Sidner. Most served between 1 to 6 months. In 1815, Congress passed a law making it obligatory for all males between 18 and 45 to perform military duty.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 13 by Charlie Miller

Life in pioneer days, if a pioneer was completely isolated from his fellow man, his position was certainly a hard one. In such cases, the cabin was generally made of light logs or poles and was laid up roughly, only to answer the temporary purpose before a solid structure could be built. Usually, a number of men came into the country together and located within such distance of each other that enabled them to perform many friendly services. Scattered residents would come together to help erect the cabin. The site of the cabin was usually selected with reference to a good water supply, often by a never-failing spring of pure water, or even by digging a well. First, a number of trees were cut down, nearly of the same size. Logs were chopped from these and rolled to a common center. This took most of the day. Next preparing the foundation would take most of another day. It would take as much as four days to erect the cabin. 

The logs were raised to their places with hand spikes and skid poles and men standing at the corners with axes notched them as fast as they were laid. Soon the cabin would be several logs high and the work would become more difficult. The gables were formed by beveling the logs and making them shorter and shorter. The gable logs were held in place by poles that extended across the cabin from end to end and which served also as rafters upon which to lay the clapboard roof. The clapboards were five or six feet in length and were split from oak or ash logs and made as smooth and flat as possible. They were laid side by side and other split stuff laid over the cracks so as to effectually keep out the rain. 

The chimney was an important part of the structure and taxed the builders with their poor tools to the utmost. In rare cases, it was made of stone, but most commonly of logs and sticks laid up in a manner similar to those which formed the cabin. In most cases, it was built outside of the cabin, and at its base, a huge opening was cut through the wall to answer as a fireplace. The sticks were held in place by mortar, formed by kneading and working clay and straw. An opening was sawed or chopped on one side of the cabin for a doorway. The door itself was a clumsy piece of woodwork. It was made of boards rived from an oak log and held together by heavy cross pieces. There was a wooden latch on the inside raised by a string that passed through a hole and hung upon the outside. The string was pulled in at night and the door latched. Many cabins had no door and the entrance was protected by a blanket or skin of some wild animal. The window was a small opening often devoid of anything resembling a sash and very seldom having glass. The greased paper was sometimes used in lieu of the latter. 

The floor of the cabin was made of puncheons, pieces of timber split from trees about eighteen inches in diameter and hewed smooth with the broad ax. Many of the first cabins in this area had no floor at all. Some cabins had cellars which were simply small excavations in the ground for the storage of a few articles of food. Access to the cellar was gained by lifting a loose puncheon. Sometimes there was a loft, it was reached by a ladder, the sides of which were split pieces of saplings, put together like everything else in the house without nails.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 14 by Charlie Miller

Life in Pioneer Day, Cont’d: Pioneer food was simply cooked and served, but it was of the best and most wholesome kind. The hunter kept the larder supplied with venison, bear meat, squirrels, wild turkeys, and the many varieties of smaller game. Plain cornbread, baked in a kettle, in the ashes, or upon a board in front of the great open fireplace. The corn was among the earlier pioneers, pounded or grated, there being no mills for grinding it for some time, and then only small ones at a considerable distance away. 

Wild fruits, in their season, were made use of and afforded a pleasant variety. Sometimes a special effort was made to prepare a delicacy when a woman experimented with mince pies by pounding wheat for the flour to make the crust and used crab apples for fruit. Usually found was a collection of articles that made up the pioneer’s medicine. Herb medicines and spices, catnip, sage, fennel, pennyroyal, and wormwood, each gathered in its season. There was also a store of nuts and strings of dried pumpkin with bags of berries and fruits. 

In some of the cabins were usually a few books such as the Bible, hymn book, Pilgrim’s Progress, and Robinson Crusoe. The long winter nights were spent poring over a few well-thumbed volumes by the light of the great log fire while also knitting, mending, curing furs, etc. 

It is a well-authenticated fact that a great portion of Madison County originally was covered with water most of the year. The first settlers called these lands “barrens” and looked upon them as utterly unfit for farming. The pioneers located upon the streams, where the land was elevated and dry and the best of timber grew in abundance. The land speculators cared little for the prairie lands, therefore all the first warrants were laid upon the land next to the streams. 

The prairies consisted of level stretches of country covered with sedge grass and dotted here and there with patches of scrubby burr oak growing upon the highest points of land. The sedge grass grew to an enormous height, sometimes sufficient to hide man and horse riding through it. Every autumn prairie fires swept over the county. An early pioneer Dr. J. Converse says, “It was majestically grand to see these prairies on fire. The blaze of the burning grass seemed to reach the very clouds, or when driven by the wind would leap forty or fifty feet into the air” This whole county was a sea of wild grass and flowering herbs. Add to this was a line of devouring elements three miles in length, mounting upward and leaping madly forward with a lapping tongue, as it was trying to devour the very earth, and you have a faint idea of some of the scenes that were witnessed by the early settlers of this county. 

In the early days, Madison County was one vast hunting ground. The elk had become extinct prior to the occupancy of this county by the whites, but that there was evidence of there being large herds here by the evidence of the large number of horns that were found on top of the ground and also beneath the soil.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 15 by Charlie Miller

The 1850s: Information printed in the 1934 Jefferson Centennial edition of the Madison Press, brought to light the diary of one John Melvin, who in 1853 was the Madison County Auditor, living in West Jefferson and commuted to London on the train. 

Excerpts: March 12, 1853-Went to Columbus, and got money changed and railroad tickets for my wife to go to New York. 

March 21, 1853- remained at home all day with the exception of going to hear Rev. Uriah Heath preach a first-rate sermon. Revival at the M. E. Church commences. (The Methodist Episcopal Church was built in 1862 and sat on the current site of a dentist's office, previously it was the Hunting Bank. (Your writer has a pew and organ from that church.) 

April 4, 1853- Stayed at home today, it being Election Day. Temperance ticket carried in Jefferson Town, Township went whiskey. 

May 13, 1853- Gray and his wife and negro John, were arrested today for stealing Stutson’s pork and sent to jail. 

December 15, 1853- On this day Mr. Melvin says he gave up the key to his home and moved. Mr. Melvin died on January 15, 1857. He was an ardent lodge member, and while a resident of West Jefferson, founded Madison Lodge #221, F&AM. 

Madison Chronicle, June 5, 1854- Petition for a road beginning at the Urbana Pike, on a line between Luther Johnson and William Burell, east to Little Darby Creek, crossing opposite the foot of the hill where line of George Goodson and William Burell continues on the east side of the Creek, running with said line to where it connects with the county road leading from Jefferson to Byerly’s Mill. Abner Johnson and others. (This is now Byerly Mill Rd. which runs from Ohio Rt. 29 to Little Darby Creek. Byerly’s mill sat on the creek and there must have been a fording across the creek and the road continued to connect with Taylor-Blair Rd.) 

June 1854- The milling business of Stutson and Olmstead dissolved on June 20, 1854. Jennett Stutson & F,H. Olmstead. 

September 1855- Saw Mill for sale, five miles northwest of Jefferson, ½ mile from the Urbana & Jefferson Turnpike. (this is the mill that was located on the Byerly Mill Rd. at the creek.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 16 by Charlie Miller

Mills: With Little Darby Creek in this area there were several mills erected at an early day. Probably the first was erected by Nehemiah Gates in 1814. He came to Jefferson Township around 1800 and remained here until after the War of 1812 when he returned to Virginia, married a Miss Johnson, and returned to the Township. To this union were born nine children. His wife later died and he married three more times. Mr. Gates was an industrious, hardworking man, who was much respected by the pioneers of his time. He owned land behind the current Dollar General store which ran down to the creek. In 1814, he erected a grist mill along the creek. At this time Old Springfield Road was part of the current Taylor-Blair Road. In 1819, he attached a sawmill and later a carding machine. He later sold this to his son-in-law, John Mills. 

Rev. Isaac Jones erected a sawmill at an early date but due to an argument with the managers of the National Pike, in regards to the race crossing the road, he moved the mill and erected it in Jefferson on Little Darby Creek and it was known as a “flutter mill,” ( A flutter mill was a very small mill) This mill was on a mill race that ran from Little Darby starting on the west side of the Middle Pike, it ran into a mill pond which was located on the current site of the West Jefferson village garage, from there it ran east and emptied into the creek just north of the National Road bridge over the creek. In 1836 he erected a grist mill on the same site, run by an undershot wheel. (This mill was located behind his house which still sits at 138 E. Main St.) A few years later he added a carding machine. After his death, his widow sold the machinery to Thomas Cartmill, who soon built a new grist mill and added a carding mill in 1848. In 1857 he built another mill farther down the creek. This cost was about $5000. The mill was known as “The Oak Ridge Mill,” by being built on a ridge covered with oak trees. This mill sat at the end of the current Mill Road. 

Rev Isaac Jones was the son of Deacon Jones who along with Samuel Sexton laid out the village of New Hampton. Deacon Jones performed marriages at an early date. In 1830, he sold his son Isaac, 110 acres who then laid out the town of (West) Jefferson and had it recorded. Rev. Jones also founded the Little Darby Baptist Church in 1820 now the First Baptist Church. He also served as an Associate Judge in the Madison County court, he died at the age of 40 in 1840 and is buried in the Hampton Cemetery. 

Other early mills were built on the creek, John Johnson 1834, known as the Byerly Mill, Charles Roberts 1847 1 ½ miles below Jefferson at the end of Roberts Road which runs from the Plain City-Georgesville Rd west to the creek. George W. Blair 1852, on the creek behind Blair Cemetery located on the Taylor-Blair Rd. George Blair was born May 20, 1817, and died March 29, 1886. The mill was located behind the cemetery where the current King Pike intersects with Blair Road. In 1853 George Blair was instrumental in erecting the Blair Chapel (Methodist) beside the cemetery. 

The church later was moved to the intersection of U.S. Route 42 and Blair Road and was known as the Gillivan Methodist church. It is still a church under a different denomination.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 17 by Charlie Miller

THE NATIONAL ROAD: In 1805 Congress passed a law entitled “An act to regulate the laying out and making of a road from Cumberland, in the State of Maryland, to the State of Ohio.” The road was surveyed as far as Columbus in 1825 and to the Illinois State line in 1827. The real construction was much slower, ground was not broken at St. Clairsville until 1825 and was not completed in Columbus until 1833. In 1836-37 the road was built through Madison County. Along it sprang up three villages, Jefferson, Lafayette, and Summerford. Between Jefferson and Lafayette along Glade Run was a tavern called “The Golden Lamb,” located about the area where the current Byerly Rd. meets the National Road. Also built around this time was the Red Brick Tavern in Lafayette. 

Passing through Jefferson in later years were such famous people as Henry Clay, Gen. Andrew Jackson, and Davey Crockett. Sometimes as many as 16 coaches ran each way on this busy highway. The coaches stopped running in 1853 due to the railroads. So much traffic was reduced in 1876 the State Legislature reduced it to the level of other pikes. 

The following has been taken from the London Ohio Democrat, dated July 1911 and written by H.H. Prugh. There are only a few pioneers of those stirring days now living. Every root was removed with the aid of a mattock, pick, crowbar, and shovel leaving a large opening in the earth. These openings were filled with the dirt accumulated from removing the mighty roots. Next came grading, heavy plows, and scrappers were drawn by three large yokes of oxen. It took three men to lift one of these plows. Another team of men was set to work pulverizing the rock. The stone was broken into pieces to weigh three ounces. It was then filled with fine-screened gravel making the road bed five inches thick. 

The width of the road was originally 80 feet, but the traveler passing over it will find that the property owners have encroached to some places it is only 10 feet between fences. When the Pike was in its prime the stream of emigrants was so immense that every house abandoned by the hunter was pressed into service as inns and taverns, and many of them had but one or two rooms. 

Jonathan Greer can narrate many interesting stories of these exciting scenes while the Pike was in its glory. He speaks about sleeping in hospitable inns, where there was music, dancing, and carousing. Pallets were laid all along the sides of the house, on them perhaps would be 25 persons, lying side by side. In the women’s apartment, it was pretty much the same. 

Wagons from the smallest to the great mountain ships, fast express nicknamed “Shakerguts” tore along the highway and moving wagons by the hundreds, in many instances four abreast with the motto, inscribed on the canvas covers of their wagons, “To the Western Empire or Bust.” Gay coaches of four and six sprightly horses rolling through the valleys and over the hills, carrying thousands of passengers, and important messages of State, from the East to the young empire of the West….pioneers say.”

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 18 by Charlie Miller

NATION RD. CONT’D: From H.H. Prugh 1911: “The first coaches to run on the Road were similar in shape to that of an old canoe, without springs or braces, with seats running crosswise. The door was in the front when the passengers entered they had to climb over the seats to find a place to sit. These old coaches were cumbersome and uncomfortable to ride in. Long before the Road reached Madison County, they had been replaced with ones that were fully up to the standard of present-day coaches, but on a larger scale. The bed of the old freighters was long and deep, scooping upward from the bottom at either end. As much as 11,000 pounds could be hauled drawn by six large horses. 

It is doubtful whether you could find a single old stage coach now, as many were sold to showmen and adventurers going over the overland route west of the Rocky Mountains. 

The drivers were generally men of fine and splendid physique, and they actively vied with one another in making acquaintances with distinguished guests. Whenever there was a political campaign, large gatherings were held along the Pike to which farmers would come in their wagons or on foot within a radius of 40 miles distance, and it would take them three or four days to return home. 

I remember one old pioneer of Summerford, named Abraham Orpet, who walked to Dayton to hear Gen. Harrison and Thomas Corbin speak. He left Dayton the next evening and walked all night returning home sometime in the morning. 

To the rising generation to whom tollgates are almost unknown, an explanation of the tollgate system may be of interest. The Governor appointed toll gatekeepers, he invariably appointed some cripple. It was wholly proper that he showed favor to the unfortunate. The keeper’s salary was $200 per year. The rate of toll was determined by the width of the tires used, the narrower the tires the more the roadbed was cut up. Tires over 6 inches went free, practically serving as rollers. No toll was charged to persons going to or returning from church services, or muster, commonplace of business or marketing within the county in which they resided. This included wagons, carriages, horses, or oxen drawing the same. None was charged school children or persons in employment or doing services for the United States Government. Tolls ranged from 5c. for sheep, 20c. for cows, horse and rider, and 5c. 

Vehicles with wheels under 2 ½” 10c., vehicles with wheels under 4” 8c., vehicles over 4” but not exceeding 5” 4c., every person occupying a seat in a mail stage, 3c. 

Later the operation was transferred to the individual states. In Ohio toll gates and houses were erected every 15 miles. The traveler will still notice the milepost which marks the successive steps of the road. On the eastern portion, they are made of iron, and those of the western, sandstone which are fast disappearing under the actions of the weather. (one still stands in the middle of West Jefferson.)

It is doubtful if there are in the world such monumental relics of old ponderous bridges, culverts, small bridges, and milestones which at one time was the pride and mainstay of the Nation, and has almost now passed from human recollection.” H.H. Prugh 1911.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 19 by Charlie Miller

J.M. ROBERTS REMINISCENCES: “The cutting down of Markley Hill on the National Road was quite a task and attracted quite a number of unique characters to that locality. The chief contractors were named Duffey, two brothers. The older one was named Felix. My father resided on the hill for a short time and the stone masons who built the bridges and culverts then boarded at our home. Two of the chief architects and boss masons were named James Vanderlyne and his son, Daniel. They were boarding at our house in October of 1836. The masons who built the bridges were French and German. Hugh McGloughlin and mother boarded hands that worked on the Pike.” 

The advent of the broad highway into Madison County in 1836 like all other places along the line, was hailed with joyful delight as it gave employment to hundreds of contractors and thousands of laborers whose services were well worthy of their vast efforts, and the work, so well done, stands today as a lasting monument to their skill.” With the coming of the automobile in the first part of the 20th century and with the beginning of much long-distance travel in the late 1920s and early 30s, the highway again gained the status it had in prior years. (John Roberts was a school teacher born in 1833 and died in 1914. His father, Charles, built the Roberts Mill on Little Darby) 

ANIMALS: In the pioneer days of Madison County it was a vast hunting ground. The elk had become extinct prior to the coming of the whites, but a great number of horns were found everywhere on top of the ground and partly and wholly buried beneath the soil. 

Bears were not very numerous, but enough were left to remind the settler that when bruin made a raid upon the pigsty, his assured rights were to be respected. They were not considered dangerous animals except when they suffered from hunger or their cubs were in danger. In the fall and winter, they were hunted for their meat and skins. Their flesh was rich and savory, while their skins were tanned and used for robes and bed coverings in the winter. 

The wolf was the pioneer’s dreaded enemy and was of two kinds, black and gray. The first settlers suffered more from the actions of these animals than all others and often great numbers would congregate under cover of night and attack individuals who happened to be out. The wolf had a peculiar and instinctive howl which was quickly taken up by others and in an incredibly short space of time the bark could be heard in every direction. Around 1835, the wolf, disappeared from this region, although an odd one was seen and killed at intervals. 

The beautiful red deer was a Godsend to the pioneers. Deer were very numerous and more than fifty in one flock have been seen grazing. Not only did they provide food but the hide when tanned was made into vests and breeches. Untanned it was cut into strips, twisted, and then dried after which it served the purpose of tugs, or chains for the harnesses, bridles, mittens, moccasins, and other items.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 20 by Charlie Miller

WILD HOGS: Wild hogs were more dreaded perhaps than any other wild beasts. The genuine wild boar was the most terrible game in the forest and the hunt was exciting and dangerous. His attack was too sudden and headlong to be easily turned aside and the snap of his tusks, as he sharpened them in his furry, was not pleasant music to the timed hunter. His tusks are known to have measured over a foot in length, and many desperate fights and hair-breadth escapes are recounted. The wild hog was not valued for its flesh but was regarded simply as a dangerous pest. 

Also residing in the county were, the panther, lynx, native wild cat, and porcupine. Reptiles included racers, copper heads, and prairie rattlesnakes. The latter were very numerous as well as dangerous. The antidote for their bite, however, grew upon the prairie and was a kind of herb called by the Indians, “rattlesnake weed.” the person bitten, by immediately chewing a considerable quantity of the stalk, and binding the pulpy chewings upon the bitten part, prevented all ill effects that would otherwise result from the bite. 

One of the earliest incidents that have been recorded is a bear chase by Reason Francis which must have taken place as early as 1805. Reason Francis lived along Little Darby Creek on the east bank south of what is now Route 40. One day he was winding his way homeward on horseback through the dense forest when he discovered a large bear which he decided to give chase. The thought was executed by putting his horse under a good speed, but after a long and continuous chase, and his horse being almost exhausted, the bear struck on a trail led by the pursuer’s house on the east bank of the creek. Down the path the chase continued and, when passing by his house, he succeeded in getting his dog to pursue the animal which soon resulted in treeing the bruin near the creek. The dog was very vicious and, when the bear ascended the tree, he fastened his teeth so firmly in the bear’s ham that the bear carried him up the tree. Upon reaching the first limb, which chanced to be partly decayed, the bear hoped to rest and free himself from his enemy, but alas the limb broke, and down came a dog and bear, the latter seizing the dog in his paws and making him howl terrifically, when Francis, with his tomahawk, came up and buried it in the skull of his victim, releasing his faithful dog. The horse had been so completely exhausted that he soon afterward died from the effects.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 21 by Charlie Miller

JAMES BURNHAM: James Burnham, son of James and Tamma (Holt) Burnham, was born in Windham, Conn. on December 21, 1791, and came to Ohio in 1817, located in the northwest part of Jefferson Township, where for years he kept a hotel on a stretch of the Columbus and Urbana Stage Route (Ohio Rt. 29). In 1832 he moved to a farm adjoining the land that was to be the future town of Jefferson. 

In those earliest days of settlement when the Indians still prowled around, military organizations were thought of as useful as well as ornamental, and a brigade of cavalry was organized from the counties of Madison, Union, and Champaign. Mr. Burnham was appointed General of this brigade. Also in the early days, Mr. Burnham was elected county Commissioner and was contentiously re-elected to this post for a period of 15 or 18 years. He was also elected Justice of the Peace and was re-elected to the office until his successive terms amounted to over 30 years, and until in 1854, he declined to run again. 

In 1823 he married Mary Ann Jones who was the sister of Rev. Isaac Jones who was the founder of Jefferson. Mr. Burnham died on January 6, 1857, leaving his widow, three sons, and a daughter. He is buried in the New Hampton Cemetery.

WEST JEFFERSON: On January 31, 1831, Samuel Jones and his wife, deeded to their son Isaac, for the sum of $50.00, 110 acres in Virginia Military Survey 2836, whose area now encompasses West Jefferson. He then decided to erect a town on a portion of this land. Three months before he bought it, he had a description and plat of a town recorded at the Recorder’s Office in London. As the National Road had been surveyed through here but not yet built, he made it the Main Street of the town, being 80 feet wide. This was notarized by Patrick McLene, the founder of London. He notarized this on September 13, 1830. There were originally 63 lots which were 50’ X 150’. Lots number 7 and 8 were for public use and are now occupied by the Village Hall and parking lot. The correct name of the village was Jefferson, On Octobe18, 1833 the West was added to designate the Post Office as there was another Jefferson in the State. (A later amendment to the Charter made the name West Jefferson legal.) 

The village was surveyed in the fall of 1831 by Col James Millikin and on April 24, 1834, the first town council met at the Post Office. This meeting lasted from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. At this meeting, the town was incorporated and the following offices were elected. President, John Simpkins; Recorder, Dr. David Wilson; the common council consisted of, David Mortimore, Ferrin H. Olmstead, James Roberts, Wilson Graham, and Abraham Hare. The Marshall was Joseph Powers. 

The first ordinance passed was: “Be it ordained by the President and Council of the town of Jefferson, that the following rules and regulations shall be strictly observed by the council when regularly assembled for discharging their duties in relation to the Corporation. 27 more ordinances followed.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 22 by Charlie Miller

EARLY ACTIONS: After 28 ordinances were passed one of the first things that the Council did was to procure a common seal for the Town of Jefferson. The seal was to represent on its face, the end view of the Little Darby Bridge, to be enclosed by the words within a circle, “Corporation of Jefferson, Ohio”. This was to be used by the President and Recorder as they exercised their official duties. 

(The title of President was changed to Mayor several years later.) 

Of course one of the first things to do included taxation! An ordinance- To tax the performances of circuses, riding performances, wax figures, animal shows, or exhibitions, in the amount of $10.00, in addition to every 24 hours thereafter. Also, ordinances were passed to prevent gambling, disturbing the peace, intoxication, and loitering, and to license groceries at $35.00 per license for a period of one year. 

The first Street Supervisor was Ezekiel Arnett, and the first Treasurer was Daniel Ried. On May 13, 1834, it was ordained that the President be and hereby is authorized to contract with some suitable person to build and erect a small house for the use of the town of Jefferson in the manner and form that the council may agree upon for the purpose of confining disorderly persons and disturbances of the peace. (This was later repealed and included in another ordinance) 

Pay for the officers: President, $12.00, Recorder, $10.00; The Marshall, $5.00; and Treasurer, $5.00. The expense of running the town for its first year of existence was $32.00. The first building built for public use was the ‘market house’. (This building sat on the current site of Village Hall.) This building was to house the marketplace, the jail, and the townhouse. This was built in the summer of 1835. This structure lasted for 20 years before a new townhouse was built. We can see from the village records market days must have been a big event in the lives of the early pioneers, as this provided a method for selling goods that they had raised or made. An ordinance was passed appropriating $58.50 to erect a meeting house, calaboose, marketplace, and townhouse all under one roof. In September of 1835, they had to appropriate $85.00 for the completion of the Market House. (Cost overruns are nothing new!) 

Market House: Joseph Powers was appointed clerk of the Market and an ordinance was passed, establishing market days. Section-I, Be it ordained that a market shall be held in the town every Wednesday and Saturday from daylight until 9 o’clock in the fore noon. Butchers who rent stalls may display their meats for sale at an earlier hour. 

Section -II, It shall not be lawful for any person during market hours to sell or purchase any article of marketing at any other place than the marketplace or engage, buy, or sell any marketing of any kind, except buying or selling meat from a butcher, on any market day, before marketing hours. Any person convicted of a violation of this ordinance shall be fined not more than $50.00 or less than 50 c.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 23 by Charlie Miller

EARLY LAWS: There were 17 sections alone pertaining to the Market. #17 read, The Clerk of the Market shall prevent the sale in the Market House of any butter offered and not weighed into 1lb. or ½ lb. packages. He shall also inspect or weigh any rolls or prints, and if in default in weight, he shall dispose of the same in a manner as directed in the fourth section of this ordinance. From some of the other laws, we can get some idea of the activity going on around town during these early years, of which very little was recorded. 

FREE HELP: July 15, 1836, Be it ordained by the President and council that all white males between the age of 21 and 50 years, who have resided 10 days within the said town, who are not a township charge, shall be liable yearly, and every year, to do and perform two days work on the public highways, streets, or alleys or anywhere within said town under the direction of the supervisors of said Corporation. 

On May 22, 1837, an ordinance was passed levying a tax of ¼% on the taxable property of the Village of Jefferson. A committee of two was appointed to finish or have finished the Town House. Ferrin Olmstead and J. W. Simpkins were appointed. 

Although the first Fire Co. was not formed until 1849, we find that 11 years earlier the town had purchased three ladders, 24 feet long and 3 feet wide, and two ladders 15 feet long and 8 fire hooks. These were all stored in the Market House. (The Jefferson Township Fire Dept. has one of the leather water buckets from that early time.) 

April 17, 1839- The Market House was painted. Center Street was graded by Henry Harnor in 1840 for the amount of $40.00 

It appears that they were still having trouble getting the Market House finished, on April 13, 1844, it was resolved “That it is expedient to finish the present Market House in a style suitable and make a Town House of it.” 

January 31, 1848- Council was called together by the President to devise some means of preventing the spread of smallpox in the village. Resolved: A committee of two will be appointed to visit smallpox houses in town to see about having all children vaccinated in town. Whereupon James Burrows and Henry Stickle were appointed.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 24 by Charlie Miller

EARLY BUSINESSES: Mr. Dalby opened the first tavern in Jefferson. (This was located in the building on the northeast corner of Main and Chester Streets. For a long time this was called the Mantle House Hotel, it was a two-story building built in 1832 as the National Road was being surveyed. In later years it contained a barn with living quarters upstairs, Several years ago it caught fire and a resident who was living upstairs died. The second floor was removed and the downstairs still contains a bar.) 

Around 1832 John W. Simpkins bought Lot No. 23 in the wilds of nature and built a second tavern, this lot was on Main Street and is now a parking lot for the former Jefferson Savings. In 1834 Mr. Simpkins served as the President of the Village Council. On October 18, 1833, he was appointed Postmaster of the Post Office at West Jefferson, he served until 1842. Mr. John Gilmore had served as Postmaster of New Hampton from January 4, 1830, until the Post office was named West Jefferson. Mr. Simpkins was re-appointed on January 26, 1842, and served until 1845. John Simpkins served as Mayor off and on from 1834-1849. His grandson Wayne Simpkins was killed in the battle of Chickamauga on September 9, 1863, he was 16 years old and is buried at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. 

The first blacksmith in the new town was George Washington Lewis, he was also a farmer. Born in Ohio on February 11, 1807, and died on August 28, 1878. He also served as Mayor of West Jefferson at different times between 1854 and 1875. He was a former resident of New Hampton. 

George Lewis was the father of Wallace W. Lewis born on April 12, 1843. Wallace Lewis enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War. He was wounded in the right lower leg causing it to be amputated by a Confederate surgeon. He then spent 11 months in the Andersonville Prison. Later he served as Mayor of West Jefferson in 1881. 

W.T. McCoy opened up a livery stable in the rear of the Mantle House, which is still standing and housed the former Williams Automotive Repair on Town Street. He also spent 9 months in Andersonville Prison. 

The first doctor was Dr. David Wilson. Dr. Wilson is buried in the New Hampton Cemetery. He was also a former resident of New Hampton. 

The new town grew rapidly due a lot to its location on the National Road. Many hotels flourished, plus a number of taverns and businesses. In 1846, Jacob McNeal Sr. started a carriage manufacturing business, which was located on the current site of the filling station on the southeast corner of Main and Twin Streets he also served as a Notary Public. He came to Ohio in May of 1837 with a family of 9 children. The great National Road was then completed to about the center of Madison County. They had traveled the road many miles and had not decided where to settle until they reached Jefferson. They knew that they were ending the end of the great road and felt that they could not leave such convenience and relocate here.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 25 by Charlie Miller

WAR: Just a few years after the town had been incorporated we were at war again. We called it “The Mexican War,” and the Mexicans called it “The North American Invasion.” This was an outgrowth of the Texas fight for independence which started in 1835 when Americans had settled in territory claimed by Mexico. The Americans banned together and revolted. Mexican generals Santa Anna and Urrea moved quickly to crush it. The Americans captured San Antonio in 1835. Santa Anna recaptured it on March 6, 1836, and wiped out the whole garrison at the Alamo. On March 20th, Urrea captured Golidad and executed 300 captives. 

The Texans commanded by Sam Huston fell back to San Jacinto followed by Santa Anna. On April 21, 1836, Houston attacked and captured Santa Anna. Texas was soon cleared of Mexican troops and Texas won its independence as a republic. On March 1, 1845, Texas was invited to become a state of the Union. On May 1, 1846, the U.S. declared war on Mexico after an offer of $30,000,000 was turned down by the Mexican government. The war lasted 16 months. The men of Madison County, as part of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry (O.V.I.), fought from Veracruz to Mexico City. 

President Polk, suspecting the popular Gen. Zachary Taylor of political ambitions, put Winfield Scott in charge to take Mexico City. He sailed to Veracruz with 10,000 men and captured it. He then moved toward Mexico City. One of the heroes in this move was Capt. Robert E. Lee. Mexico City was captured on September 14, 1847, thus ending the war. Scott suffered 1,000 casualties.

The following man listed from West Jefferson who fought in the war was Lt. Edwin. R. Hill (he also served as a Sgt. in the Civil War) Others from Madison County were, Samuel Cramer Adam Bidwell, Wm. Frost, Mortimore Garrlick and Samuel Armstrong.

MORE BUSINESS: Things were starting to grow in the 1840s, and many businesses sprung up. Between 1844 and 1845 there were five hotels in town owned by R. S. Nichols, Nathan Patterson, Baltzer Mantle, James Hughs, and George Chapman., Two of the most well-known were the American House which stood on the lot first owned by J. W. Simpkins and the Mantle House. The American House burned to the ground in the Spring of 1882. It was not uncommon to see these five hotels thronged with travelers and the streets running stages at an early date, usually there ran to five coaches daily through West Jefferson. These coaches ceased running in 1853 due to the railroad. 

Abraham Hare was the local hatter using the skins from local animals, and Squire (J.W.) Simpkins kept the first Post Office. At one time this town was the leading business point in the County. In 1846 O. H. Bliss with his father, Dr. Ezra Bliss established a large wholesale and retail dry goods business, which was on the west side of N. Walnut St. opposite the current site of Fisher Cast Steel. There were also two tanneries owned by E. J. Hancock and Balzer Mantle.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 26 by Charlie Miller

EARLY BUSINESS & FIRE DEPT.--- North of the Railroad (which was not elevated at that time) on a street running alongside it, (Pennsylvania Ave.) between Depot and Jackson Streets, was a Cooper Shop (a barrel maker) whose business was seasonal. In the winter he cut and stacked wood for stave stock. Different wood was used depending on what the barrels were holding. This shop was later turned into a broom corn drying factory by Lester Burnham, who was an extensive raiser of this product himself. It got its name from being used to make brooms. Medicine can also be made from the seeds. Broom corn was recorded as being used as far back as 8,000 B.C. 

In 1845, a school called the Academy was built on the present site of the Apostolic Church. It was built by Jeremiah Olney, It was conducted by a stock company, but soon failed to meet their expectations, and sank into oblivion as an enterprise as it was intended. The building was bought by the School District from Horace Putnam in 1856 who had previously bought it from Olney. The building served the School District until 1868 when a new brick building was erected which sat in the present site of Garrtte Park. Some of the first School Board members were - Dr. J. N. Beach, Dr. J. T. Colliver, Jacob McNeal, Eugene Babb, and J. J. Booth. 

Fire Company organized---January 11, 1849, a respectable number of citizens of Jefferson met at Jeanette Stutson’s store to take into consideration the purchasing of a fire engine and hose for the said town. The results were that the following contract was read, “A fire engine could be bought for $200.00 at delivery and $200.00 one year from delivery.” Dr. Jennett Stutson offered the following resolution, “That the town Council of the Town of Jefferson be, and hereby empowered by this meeting to buy the Niagara Fire Engine, with all her accessories and it is to be under the direct control of the Council of Jefferson forever, and under the direct control of a regularly sized fire company.” It was passed unanimously. The engine was bought from the City of Columbus, Ohio. 

January 25, 1847, a Resolution, “Resolved by the Town Council of the Village of Jefferson, that we receive the Niagara Fire Company as a regularly organized fire company, and as such we the council do agree to petition the legislation of the State of Ohio for the charter of said Niagara Fire Company.” After considerable debate by all of the Council, the Council adjourned until Saturday the 27th. 

January 27, 1849—The former motion was corrected by the insertion of this item, “To be forever the property of the Town of Jefferson and under the direct control of the President and Council, subject to the formation of a regular fire company to be acknowledged by the said Council.” Ed McCauly (Ed McCauly was a wagon maker and town Undertaker, he died in November of 1860 and his tombstone can still be seen in the New Hampton Cemetery.) moved “That the Niagara Fire Company is to be acknowledged as a regularly organized fire company,” this was agreed to. James Burrows offered the following amendment, “Provided the company is comprised of citizens living within the corporation of the Town of Jefferson. The company is not to exceed 50 men.” This was agreed to. The fire engine was kept at the Market House. On May 31, 1849, A two-mill levy was passed on all property in the village for the purpose of paying for the Niagara Fire engine and a house to keep it in.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 27 by Charlie Miller

BOOZE & BUILDING: In 1855 Council passed the first ordinance against intoxication. 

SECTION 1- Be it ordained by the Council of the Village of Jefferson that if anyone should be found intoxicated, they shall upon conviction be fined $5.00 and cost. For the second conviction shall be fined $10.00 and five days in the county jail to be fed bread and water, and in all shall stand convicted until the fine and costs are paid. Provided that if the convicted person gives such information as to the person who furnished him the liquor, within the limits of the Village of Jefferson, the mayor shall remit the penalty or any part of it. 

In 1854 the village was ready for a new town hall to replace the old Market House which had been built in 1835. On March 6, 1854, the following agreement was made- “An agreement between the Mayor and Council and Thomas Timmons, Abraham Johnson and John Hunter, Trustees of Jefferson Township. In consideration of $300.00, the village is to lease a hall about to be built on the lot known as the Public Square of Jefferson. Said Hall to be used by the Village and Township. The building is to be 45 feet long and 20 feet wide and is to be of brick. The lower story is not less than 12 feet high and the second story is not less than 10 feet high. Said Hall to be completed by the first day of March A.D. 1855.” On May 20, 1854, four bids were received. On May 27th H. Putnam & Co. was awarded the contract. 

October 6, 1854, it was moved, “That the roof of the Town Hall be made of cement or gravel and that there be two columns in the upper story to be at least 6” square in diameter and that there be at least one bolt and washer in each column, and the joist that the bolt goes into is to be 3” thick.” The cost of the Town Hall was $450.00. The first meeting in the new Town Hall was held on April 13, 1855. 

On April 3, 1857, on motion of B. F. Fickey, Geo. W. Lewis be employed to haul 100 yards of dirt and gravel to be filled in around the Hall, for which we grant an order of $25.00 for which we will pay the same.” Motion carried. 

The upper floor of the Hall was rented to the Independent Order of Good Templars in 1858 for $36.00 a year. (The Templars was a fraternal organization founded in 1851 that encouraged people to refrain from the use of alcohol or other drugs. In 1979 there were 700,000 members internationally and only 2,000 in the U.S The headquarters are now in Sweden ) 

May 12, 1858, On motion the Village Recorder is hereby to give notice for a proposal for the erection of a fence around the Public Square comprised of boards similar to Mrs. Pennington’s. Mr. Ezekial Arnett and J. C. Olney received the job of building the fence.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 28 by Charlie Miller

NEWSPAPER ARTICLES: The following articles appeared in the Madison Chronicle, London, Ohio. 1860- We are informed that the London & Jefferson Pike bridge over Deer Creek, fell while Esq. Simpson of Lafayette was crossing with a loaded team. (Ohio Rt. 142) 

April 1860- Since the death of the proprietor B. M. Mantle, of the Mantle House in West Jefferson, it has passed into the hands of E. R. Hill whom we are informed has refilled the premises and keeps an excellent house of entertainment. Persons having an occasion to stop in “Jeff” will find good accommodation at the Mantle House. (Mr. Mantle was quite prominent in West Jefferson, his son, Charles, built the house on the corner of Frey Ave and Lilly Chapel Rd. in 1855) 

November 1860- A colored man, name unknown, a fugitive from Kentucky, threw himself on the railroad tracks in front of a freight train on Tuesday last. The train passed completely severing his head from his body. Cause—disappointment in love. 

November 1860 - The First Universalist Church, 4 miles north of Jefferson, will be dedicated on Saturday next. Service by W. W. Norton at 10 a.m., November 29th. (This was Alder Chapel which was later torn down, by Mr. Domby who owned the land. It stood just beside the Alder Cemetery on the Plain City-Georgesville Rd.) 

We now come to the end of the era between the founding of West Jefferson and the beginning of the Civil War, in 1861. Only 30 years prior there had been nothing in this area except a few widely scattered settlers. The land was untamed, uncultivated, and unsettled. Forests abounded, and nothing could be seen for miles but the trees and the rolling hills. The animals were wild and at night nothing could be heard but the rustling of the leaves and the occasional noises made by the animals. There were no lights at night as we see now but just the moon and the stars overhead. Most of all there would have been the awareness of the loneliness in such a vast untouched land. 

In a few short years, this area saw the greatest change in its landscape and in its way of life that may ever come in such a short period of time. In 1822 the first town was formed, there had already been a road built through here a few years earlier but now people were clustered together in a small area. Civilization had come! In a short time, they had a church, a cemetery, and even a few stores. At night people could see the lanterns burning in their neighbor’s houses. By 1850 and with the coming of the railroad prosperity was well on its way. By the time that the Civil War came many farms had been cleared and cultivated. Many people had settled in and the town’s business had flourished. People could travel by railroad, could reach the groceries within walking distance, could have fresh meat, and flour from the mills, and could get weekly news from the newspapers in London and the latest news via telegraph. Things pertaining to everyday life have changed since 1821!

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 29 by Charlie Miller

THE CIVIL WAR: We could do a dozen pages on the Civil War, we’ll try to hit the highlights. On April 15, 1861, President Lincoln issued a call for 75,000 men to be enlisted in the Union Army following the attack on Ft. Sumter by Confederate forces. The main bulk of the enlistments were raised by the individual states and mustered into the Federal Army. Most regiments contained ten companies. The Company formed from Jefferson Township became Company A, 40th Ohio Volunteer Infantry or (Co. A, 40th O. V. I.). This Company was mustered in at Camp Chase, Ohio on September 19, 1861. 

Dr. John Noble Beach was commissioned Surgeon of the Regiment and Col. William Jones, son of Rev. Isaac Jones, later was the Commanding Officer of the Regiment from September 1, 1863, to November 1, 1862, when he resigned due to disability. Both men were from West Jefferson. 

On paper, a regiment was supposed to contain between 900 to 1040 men. A regiment that could muster 350 enlisted men for duty was considered pretty solid. The standard infantry weapon was the rifled Springfield, a muzzleloader firing a conical lead bullet usually a .54 caliber. Only a good man got off more than two shots per minute. The weapon had a range of nearly a mile and an effective range of about 250 yards. In December the 40th became part of the 18th Brigade, commanded by Gen. James A. Garfield. Their first battle was on January 10, 1862, near Prestonburg, Ky. Out of 900 men, 1 was killed and 7 wounded, and the Confederates suffered 125 killed. 

On March 16, 1862, they fought at Pound’s Gap, Ky., then returned to Pikeville, Ky. There was much sickness while encamped there and many men died. On September 13, 1862, they went to Louisa, Ky. And did picket duty. They did duty in several towns and ended up at Cattletsblurg, Ky. On November 12. They stayed there until February of 1863. 

On June 23, 1863, they moved to Shelbyville, Tenn, and made a feint against the point with Gen. Granger’s Reserve Corps and some Cavalry. The army started in pouring rain, and the roads were terrible. The next battle was at Shelbyville, Tenn driving Bragg’s Army of Tennessee back to Tullahoma, Tenn, forcing him all the way back to Chattanooga, Tenn. This fighting resulted in 560 men killed, wounded, and missing. One of these was Sgt. Wilson Burrows of West Jefferson. They remained at Shelbyville until July 3. The people of the town seemed much pleased with the arrival of the “Yankees” as when our Corps marched into town with banners flying, it was greeted with cheers and waving of Handkerchiefs. They were then ordered to Wartace, Tenn. Union General Rosecrans Commander of the Army of the Cumberland planned next to take Chattanooga. 

Next: the Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia:

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 30 by Charlie Miller

CIVIL WAR: The Battle of Chickamauga, Georgia- fought September 18, 1863-September 20, 1863. On August 16, 1863, Gen. Rosecrans started a movement on Chattanooga with 5 Corps and a Brigade of Cavalry. The Reserve Corps, which contained Co. A 40th O.V.I. followed the main army as closely as possible. On September 9, Bragg evacuated Chattanooga. Rosecrans then forced Bragg to retreat farther and established a base at Bridgeport, Alabama. Bragg received reinforcements and counter-attacks. The two armies met at Chickamauga Creek, 12 miles below Chattanooga. Dr. Beach narrated that on the way to Bridgeport, they marched all day and the next night. On the 14th they passed over the nose of Lookout Mountain and saw a fine view of Chattanooga then went into camp at Rossville, Georgia 5 miles south of Chattanooga. 

On the 18th Gen. Granger and the Reserve Corps were at Rossville, Ga., Rosecrans then dispatched two Corps to keep Bragg from seizing the roads leading to Chattanooga. By 11 p.m. Bragg had crossed Chickamauga Creek. The Confederates were met by Gen. Granger and Gen. Steedman’s Reserve Corps, containing Co. A. The battle took all afternoon. The ammunition of the Union Troops was almost exhausted and the Confederate’s final charge was met with bayonets. Gen. Thomas’ stand was made possible by Granger’s relief which he had enacted on his own without order to do so, this had bought time for the rest of the army. The Confederates finally took up a position on Missionary Ridge. The Union had suffered 1,700 killed and 10,000 wounded. The Confederates, 2,000 killed and 13,000 wounded. Daniel Lilly of Jefferson Township, from Co. A, was killed in this battle. Your writer has a relation buried at the Chattanooga National Cemetery. 

Dr. Beach describes the battle: “The heaviest fighting of the 19th was on our center and left. At 11 a.m. on the 20th, Gen. Granger came up, and although ordered to hold the roads back to Chattanooga, there was no enemy in front of us, and the sound of their guns seemed so much like an appeal for help, Gen Granger determined to respond. We march toward this sound, the position of our army at this time was critical in the extreme. During the morning the right of our army had been broken and retreated towards Chattanooga. Gen. Thomas being unaware of this was still fighting stoutly. Thankfully the enemy was also ignorant of this. Thomas was just about to be overrun when our two brigades, led by Gen. Steedman (Co. A) charged the advancing foe. In twenty minutes we had checked the whole advance and for half an hour there was a lull in the fighting. At 4 o’clock, we again were charged by their eight divisions against our less than 20,000 men. We succeeded in repelling them. We withdrew to Rossville. At midnight we arrived, worn out, the men dropped down and slept by the side of the wounded men who had drifted back. Without Gen. Granger’s two brigades at the critical moment, the utter rout, if not annihilation of Gen. Thomas’ force was absolutely certain. In our brigade of fewer than 4,000 men, we lost 1,732 killed and wounded between 2 p.m. and sundown. This was over 45% of our entire force. On September 21, we fell back to Chattanooga. In the battle, we lost two valuable officers, one being Capt. Benj. Snodgrass of Co. A.” during the battle the 40th O. V. I. was part of the 2nd Brigade, Gen. W. C. Whittaker commanding; 1st Division, Col. Charles Cruff commanding’ 4th Corps, Gen. Granger commanding; all part of the Army of the Cumberland, Gen. George H. Thomas commanding.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 31 by Charlie Miller

LOOKOUT MT: On November 19th, we drew 6 days’ rations and moved out the next day. On the 22nd of November, Bragg had advanced within three miles of Chattanooga and the Confederates held Lookout Mountain just south of the city. Gen. Grant was ordered from Vicksburg to aid Gen. Rosecrans. Gen. Rosecrans was replaced by Gen. Thomas as Commander of the Army of the Cumberland. On the 23rd, we went camping in Lookout Valley. Our regiment was to hold Lookout Valley and make a demonstration upon the face of Lookout Mountain. 

At 10 o’clock on the morning of the 24th, we were ready to advance, but recent rains had swollen the Creek. We were able to cross at about 8 o’clock that morning. The First Division under Co. Cruff joined in the attack on Lookout Mountain. At 11 a.m. we connected with Osterhaus’ Division on our left. Climbing over boulders and creeping through the brush we advanced cautiously and then charged rapidly, driving the enemy back about one mile. Our brigade, thoroughly aroused and forgetful of orders pushed on through the front line and continued to pursue the enemy. Our regiment was in advance, the brigade charged two additional lines capturing a section of artillery at the Craven House, and the right of our regiment, led by Lt. Col. William Jones, (son of Rev. Isaac Jones) pushed far beyond the rest of our line and at one time was actually in the rear of the Rebel line of battle. The heavy fighting ceased about 2 o’clock. Later on in the day fresh troops arrived and we were allowed to drop out of the line of fire, our men dropped down upon the wet ground and shivered through the night. Our regiment lost 11 men. Killed from Company A were Major Thomas Action and Nelson Glaze. 

On November 26th and 27th, we moved back to Rossville and the Ringold Road pursuing the retreating enemy, but we were halted at Ringold. On November 28th we sent our wounded back to Chattanooga. At 4 a.m. on December 1st, we started in the direction of Chattanooga, our march being made by the light of the burning town. We reached Shellmound at 3 p.m. on December 2nd. The weather was very cold, never did home seem more delightful, more comforting than did our cabins perched on the hillside, to our weary regiment. We went into winter quarters at Shellmound. While Col. Jones resigned on account of ill health., 

More about the Battle of Lookout Mountain

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 32 by Charlie Miller

MISSIONARY RIDGE: On November 26th, Gen. Granger set out for Rossville pursuing the fleeing enemy. In the meantime, the Confederates moved to Missionary Ridge. The next day Gen. Grant ordered Gen. Sherman to attack at daylight with his Army of the Tennessee and Gen. Hooker with the Army of the Cumberland. Gen. Thomas was to hold the middle until Gen. Hooker reached Missionary Ridge. Gen. Sherman attacked as planned and fought a pitched battle until 3 p.m. but failed to break the line. Grant then ordered Thomas to attack. At 3:30 his attack commenced. They charged at the double with fixed bayonets and almost simultaneously the ridge was carried at six places. 

Dr. Beach’s narration: On the 25th, we moved out through a fog that surrounded Lookout Mountain. We were ordered to carry Missionary Ridge from the north. At 4 p.m. the heroic charge was made. Gen. Thomas’ men were so eager that even servants, cooks, and clerks found guns in some way, and at 3:30 they ran forward heading for the rifle pits at the base of the Ridge. The first Rebel line fell but the Yankees were still exposed to the killing fire from above. Without orders, they leaped from the captured pits and began charging up the steep face of the Ridge. A Northern Lieutenant noted that “Little regard to formation was observed. Each battalion assumed a triangular shape, the colors at the apex, a color bearer dashes ahead of the line and falls, then another picks it up, waves it defiantly and as if bearing a charmed life he advances towards the top.” Amid the din of battle the cry “Chickamauga, Chickamauga” could be heard. Grant and Thomas watching from Orchard Knob were incredulous. Gen. Granger confirmed to Grant that the men had charged without orders and added, “When those fellows get started all hell can’t stop them.” Bragg’s men fired desperately, the cannoneers pouring hats full of musket balls into their pieces, shooting them like giant shotguns. Bragg, cursing like a sailor, tried to rally his force but it fled in a hopeless rout as the Army of the Cumberland poured over the crest.

We left our winter quarters at Shellmound on January 16, 1864, and arrived at Blue Springs, 4 miles south of Cleveland, Tennessee on February 6th. On the 22nd of February, we marched toward Dalton, Georgia. We fought at Tunnel Hill, and Rocky Face Valley, losing 4 killed and 25 wounded. We returned to our base at Blue Springs on the 28th. On March 1st, we again marched, this time to Charlestown, 11 miles north of Cleveland, and then returned to camp on March 9th. We remained there until May 3rd. 

Next: For the Atlanta campaign, the 40th O.V. I. was part of the 2nd Brigade Gen. W. C. Whittaker, commanding; 1st Division, Gen. D. S. Stanley commanding; 4th Corps, Gen., O. O. Howard, commanding; and the Army of the Cumberland, Gen. Thomas commanding. All of this was under the command of Gen. William T. Sherman.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 33 by Charlie Miller

BATTLE FOR ATLANTA: The Atlanta campaign opened on May 7, 1864. The Army of the Ohio, with 13,559 men was near Red Clay, Georgia, 13 miles north of Dalton. The Army of the Cumberland, 60,7773 men, was near Ringold,12 miles northwest of Dalton, and the Army of Tennessee, 24,465 men were 20 miles northwest of Dalton. The Army of the Cumberland under Gen. Thomas, fought at Tunnel Hill and Rocky Face on May 9th. Sherman moved his forces to Snake Creek Gap, except for the 4th Corps, and a cavalry division left to cover his communications on the 13th of May. Johnston (CSA) withdrew from Resaca on the night of the 15th and arrived in Adairsville on the 17th. Thomas’ Army of the Cumberland advanced towards Ley’s Ferry. Johnson had planned to make a stand at Adairsville, but finding the valley too wide he changed his plans. He then retreated south of Cassville. On the 19th Thomas skirmished with Johnson until dark. As Thomas advanced against Johnston, McPherson, and Schofield (USA) were used as wide flanking movements. Johnston then retreated to Allatoona Pass and then to Hope Church. On the 14th of June Thomas was before Pine Mountain. 

On the 27th of June, the Army of the Cumberland and the Army of the Tennessee assaulted Kennesaw Mountain. Then Sherman thrust the center of Johnston’s line but was repulsed. Thomas then advanced through Marietta and on July 7th, turned toward Atlanta. Johnston then moved to a position south of Peach Tree Creek just north of Atlanta, being forced to that position by the movement of McPherson far to the east. 

On July 17, 1864, Gen. Johnston was replaced by Gen. John Bell Hood (CSA). On July 19th Thomas was crossing Peach Tree Creek. This caused a wide interval between Thomas and the Army of the Ohio on his left. To close the gap he ordered Gen. Howard of the 4th Corps sent two divisions to connect with the Army of the Ohio. Hood took advantage of this and on the 20th attacked Thomas, but was repulsed. Gen. McPherson, commander of the Army of the Tennessee was killed on the 22nd of July and was replaced by the commander of the 4th Corps, Gen. O. O. Howard. Hood excavated Atlanta on the 1st of September 1864, nearly being encircled by the Union forces. He withdrew to Lovejoy Station, Georgia. Sherman’s army withdrew to Atlanta and the surrounding area to rest and prepare for further operations. The Army of the Tennessee occupied Eastpoint, Ga. and the Army of the Ohio was at Decatur. Thus the Atlanta campaign ended. 

Companies A, B, C, and D were mustered out of the service at Pine Mountain, Georgia, on October 7, 1864. The men whose time had not expired were sent to the 51st O. V. I. to fill out their terms of service. 

Dr. Beach’s narrative of the campaign will appear in Serial #34.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 34 by Charlie Miller

ATLANTA CAMPAIGN: Dr. Beach narrates the Atlanta Campaign. 

On May 3, 1864, we marched on the road to Dalton, Ga. Our brigade was composed of 9 different regiments, including the 40th O. V. I. We fought at Tunnel Hill on the 7th of May and occupied it by noon of the 8th. We advanced on Rocky Face and fought there on the 9th and 10th. On May 13th we marched through Resaca. Early on the morning of the 16th the 4th Corps marched through Resaca pushing the enemy back all day and camped at Adairsville the next day. We advance to Kingston on May 18th then march toward Cassville. We were under fire from the 26th from Johnston’s army in front of Dallas, Ga. The enemy finally fell back and formed a new line a few miles north of Kennesaw. 

Resting on the 5th of June we marched leisurely on the 6th, we went into camp at Ackworth. We remained there awaiting supplies and had pleasant weather. The rain had been almost continuous and the weather cold. On June 10th the whole army moved toward Kennesaw. On the afternoon of June 14th a shot from the 5th Indiana Battery posted with our brigade, killed Gen. Polk (CSA) who, with the Generals Johnston and Hardee, was observing our movement from the top of Pine Mountain. We continued to fight around Pine Mountain and skirmished all along our line. From a position on Pine Mountain, the night afforded the grandest exhibition of fireworks imaginable. During the night of the 16th, the enemy abandoned Lost Mountain and fell back to Marietta, Ga. We continued to advance for the next two days. The fighting continued through the 19th and 20th. June 20th was the bloodiest day for our regiment since Chickamauga. Around this time General Johnston was replaced by Gen. Hood. (CSA) 

June 28th and 29th were comparatively quiet on our front, the sick and wounded being sent back to Big Shanty to be sent on to the hospital. On June 30th the enemy made a feeble demonstration but was easily repulsed. On July 2nd the enemy vacated their line around Marietta, and on the morning of the 3rd, we marched through their works and onto the direct road to Atlanta. On July 4th we charged the enemy in front and captured their skirmish line. About 100 in our division were wounded. The next day the enemy fell back. 

From the high hill at Vinings’s Station, we got our first look at Atlanta, the “Spectral City” 8 or 10 miles in the distance. It seemed so near that we felt that our campaign was nearly ended, but it took us nearly two months longer to get into the city. On the 17th of July, our entire army crossed the Chattahoochee River. During the morning we marched on the road to Atlanta and halted at Buckhead 7 miles from Atlanta. On the 19th we secured a position on the south bank of Peach Tree Creek. We went into camp on the south side of the fork 5 miles from Atlanta. 

Next, the taking of Atlanta.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 35 by Charlie Miller

The Taking of Atlanta: Dr. Beach narrates.-- On July 2th Gen. Howard and Wood’s divisions joined us and we moved forward, only Hooker’s corps and Newton’s division of our Corps were engaged. We advanced on the Cross Keys Road toward Atlanta fighting all day on the 20th and 21st. Capt. Benj. Snodgress in command of Company A of the 40th O. V. I. was killed this day on the skirmish line. On the evening of the 22nd our lines on the north and east were close up to the city, so near that at many points we could look into its streets. Our army settled down in front of the city waiting for a chance to assault. For many weeks there was not much to change the monotony of skirmish fighting. We put Atlanta under siege. 

On August 3rd we made a demonstration to our front with little result. It was repeated on the 5th. On August 25th the siege was abandoned. Our Corps with Gen. David S. Stanley now in command, Gen. Howard having been assigned to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Gen. McPherson, moved out of the trenches at dark losing quite a number of stragglers during the night. We halted at 2 a.m. on the 26th and marched again at 8 a.m. and went to the right and encamped 8 miles southwest of Atlanta. Marching again on the 27th we skirmished with the enemy cavalry and formed a line of battle near Mr. Gilead’s church. On the 28th we engaged in tearing up the railroad toward Atlanta and then encamped at Red Oak. 

On the 31st we moved toward Rough and Ready on the Macon Road and threw up barricades facing Jonesboro. In the afternoon the Battle of Jonesboro was fought. Our division rushed forward but was so delayed by the thick undergrowth and enemy skirmishers, that the fury of the battle had passed up before we reached the field. By nightfall, the enemy had fallen back to Lovejoy Station. 

On September 2, 1864, a reconnaissance from the Chattahoochee River was met by the Mayor of Atlanta, who formally surrendered the city. On the night of the 5th, we withdrew from our entrenchments and fell back to Jonesboro. On the 8th we passed through Atlanta and out on the Augusta Railroad, our brigade going into camp two miles from the city. 

For nearly a month following the occupation of Atlanta, our forces had uninterrupted rest. At midnight of October 2, orders were received for marching. Our division marched at daylight and went into camp 5 miles from Marietta near where we fought on July 4th. On October 4th we marched through Marietta and encamped again. On October 5th we march slowly, the Battle of Allatoona being in progress. Gen. Sherman was with our Corps at this time. We encamped for the night at Pine Mountain and rested on the 6th of October. From our position on Pine Mountain, we had a fine view of the relative positions of the armies. 

On October 7, 1864, while at Pine Mountain, Georgia, Companies A, B, C, and D were mustered out of the service. The men whose terms had not expired were sent to the 51st O. V. I. to fill out their service.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 36 by Charlie Miller

MEMBERS OF CO. A 40TH OVI: Known members from West Jefferson in Company A included: 

Col. William Jones, Thomas Pearce, Wilson Burrows, Marion Simpkins, Andrew Garrabrant, George Ingalls, Albert Ingalls, Lawrence Englesperger, James Chambers, Jacob Englesperger, Levi Hann, George Olney, Wilson Olney, Charles C. Roberts, Fredrick Olney. There were more but are unknown. 

154th REGIMENT: On May 9, 1864, three companies of the 154th Ohio National Guard were mustered into this regiment and Camp Dennison. These men served 100 days and were discharged. 

Camp Dennison was a 700-acre Civil War camp located near Cincinnati, near I-275 just north of Milford, Ohio. During the war, 50,000 men passed through it. It eventually held 2,300 sick and wounded soldiers and was also used for training. It was named after Gov. William Dennison. 

The following men from West Jefferson were in Company C of the 154th:

Capt. Alex Swanston 

2nd Lt. Isaac Hambleton 

Sgt/ James Arnett, Charles Putnam, Edward R. Hill, John Lewis, 

Cpl. George Hann, David Lucas, Samuel Sidner, James Farrington, George Price. Pvts. Elijah Bell, Lewis Johnson, William McCoy, Samuel Stickley, John Silver, and Thomas Timmons. 

On the announcement of the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee at Appomattox, the people of Madison County became almost frantic with joy. All the bells in London, as well as other towns in the county, were brought into requisition, flags were displayed and the streets thronged with people congratulating each other at the prospect of the return of peace once more. At about 9 o’clock in the morning on the 10th of April 1865, the day the news was received, the businessmen closed up their establishments for the day. The evening of the 12th was set apart by the citizens as a season of rejoicing over the recent Union success. Shortly after dark nearly all of the houses on Main St. in London were brilliantly illuminated, and a six-pound cannon belched forth its thunder tones from a vacant lot on Main St. Then followed a long procession of torchlights, parading the principal streets, after which a grand display of fireworks from the public square which lasted for more than an hour. The town was full of people from the adjacent country and everyone seemed jubilant and good-humored. The demonstration kept up until a late hour and nothing occurred to mar the proceedings of the evening.

An interesting story is told in the book, “Civil War in Song and Story,” about Gen. Steedman, who was commander of the First Division, which the 40th O. V. I. was a part of at Chickamauga. 

“General Steedman won great praise for his gallantry on the field. His horse was shot from under him, and in his fall his hand became seriously injured. Upon rising he discovered some of the men straggling from his division when he commenced pelting them with stones, driving them back to their work, concluding that if words would not do he would try the virtues of harder material. For a long time, he held the Union Colors in his own hand in the heat of conflict.”

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 37 by Charlie Miller

HANNA RIORDAN: Hannah first appeared in the 1860 census. She was born in 1835 and was married to Jeremiah Riordan, both born in Ireland. They had 4 daughters 9 mo.-6 yrs. He was listed as a Laborer, and later ran the saloon and probably the hotel called the Railroad House. Hanna and Jeremiah immigrated in 1860. 

The Madison County Democrat, May 25, 1871 “Jerry Riordan died, he kept a saloon and boarding house in West Jefferson.” Hannah later married Patrick McClauskey (also spelled McCloskey) a widower, on April 25, 1876. In the 1870 census, he had been listed as a Saloonest. He had served in Co. C 154th O. V. I. During the Civil War. Patrick served on the Village Council in 1870 and 1871. He married Isabella Kemp on February 12, 1868. It appears that Isabella died shortly after 1870. 

It appears that later Hannah and McClauskey divorced. There has been some confusion due to the name spelled two different ways. 

On Aug 1, 1888, she married John D. Kelley. Nothing is known about Mr. Kelley. There is a stained glass window in the old Catholic Church on Main Street with her name on it. Hannah died on January 2, 1903. 

February 10, 1874, An ordinance was passed prohibiting the sale of ale, beer, and porterhouse shops and shops of the habitual resort to tippling and intemperance. 

The Madison County Democrat, March 11, 1874, “The last of the saloons in West Jefferson caved in Wednesday night and threw in the sponge. Jeff is now regenerated and reconstituted on a cold water basis.” 

At this time the question of selling alcoholic beverages in West Jefferson was being hotly contested. The Railroad Addition was not within the Village limits and the railroad was not elevated at that time. Many persons were crossing the tracks to visit the Railroad House owned by Hannah Riordon located on the corner of Pennsylvania Ave. and Depot Street to consume alcohol. Many rallies had been held by the temperance people and the town had been voted “dry.” 

The Madison County Democrat, June 17, 1874, “A petition was presented to council to annex the Railroad Addition. This was done in view of getting Mrs. Riordan under the control of the ordinance when the question of beer was settled. 

The Railroad House can still be seen on the corner of Depot St. and Pennsylvania Ave. In 1946 I delivered newspapers to Ann Bosley who lived upstairs. I was 10 years old, she looked to me to be 100 years old. When I collected for the paper she’d reach down the front of her blouse and pull out a pouch of money and pay me, it would embarrass me to death!

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 38 by Charlie Miller

History is a lot more than just the recording of dates, it also captures the mood of the times, the way that people thought and acted, the way of life, the hopes, plans, and dreams of the people who called West Jefferson “their town,” in times gone by. In the following series, we hope to convey these feelings so that they can place themselves back in time to any era and feel that they could fit in as easily as taking a stroll downtown today. It is hoped that after reading you will have grown to know these people that would have been our friends and neighbors. 

The following appeared in The Madison County Democrat in the 1920s and was written by Mr. Matthew A. Horen. Mr. Horen was born in London, Ohio, on September 3, 1875, and died on January 15, 1943. He was a music teacher/music dealer. 

“Up and down the Main Street of West Jefferson 60 years ago, (1860) there appeared on the businesses houses, the names of people, for which the most part, would appear strange to the present inhabitants of that enterprising little city. To its very oldest citizens like the venerable Lawrence C. Englesperger, Edward Powell, and John Burns, who have spent many useful years of their lives in West Jefferson, and who are spared to the community, there is nothing strange in the recalling of the names of businessmen so long ago, unless it would be the interest that is awakened at the recital of names so long forgotten. The village according to the Federal Census of 1860, had a population of 450 persons and was situated mainly as it is today on the National Road. 

West Jefferson is the logical successor to the Village of New Hampton but is not situated on the site of New Hampton, of which only a long-neglected cemetery is the only relic. It was located southwest of the National Road in the direction of Lilly Chapel. The building of the great Road left New Hampton a mile off its course and sounded the death knell of the village when merchants began to erect buildings along the road to catch the endless stream of stagecoaches, the village naturally followed and thus Jefferson came into being. The U. S. Postal name is West Jefferson but its proper name is Jefferson. 

At one time when the National Road was in its hey-day of glory, Jefferson was the most important town in Madison County but at the time of which we write, the glory of the Road was on the wane, because the railroad had been built through the village and travelers preferred the comfort and speed of the cars to the weary stagecoach travel. 

Lawrence Englesperger, born in Germany, on June 6, 1839, died April 14, 1825. Cpl. Englesperger served 3 years in Co A. 40th O. V. I. during the Civil War. He was a cobbler by trade. He died on April 14, 1925, and is buried at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, West Jefferson. In 1870 he was living with John Burns who was also a boot and shoe manufacturer. He died in 1919 and is also buried at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 39 by Charlie Miller

EARLY BUSINESSES: In 1858 West Jefferson was a lively town, it not only sat on the National Road but had a railroad going right through town, and access to and from many points in the country was now available. The following businesses filled the town, and we will explore the individuals in a later series. 

General Dry Goods, and Hardware: James Parks, Chas. H. Mantle, Thomas J. Stutson, and E. S. Handcock. Drug Stores: O. H. Bliss, who also had a grocery and Dry Goods, and L. H. Stutson. Doctors: J. M. McCullough and G. J. Archer. Saddle Shop: James Arnett and E. S. Stutson. Wagonmaker and Blacksmith: Jacob McNeal. Wagons and Undertaker: Ed. McCulley. Brick Mason: H. J. Clark. Grist Mills: O. H. Bliss, John Mills, and J. F. Fickey. Hotels: The Madison Exchange run by Walter H. Wadsworth and Mantle House run by Blazer Mantle. Justice of the Peace: Jacob McNeal and William Clark. 

NEWS ITEMS: 1860-An Ordnance: Be it ordained by the Council of the Village of Jefferson, County of Madison, State of Ohio, that said Council shall erect a suitable building of convenient size, and to adjoin the north end of the town hall for a large jail and prison. 

1860- Salaries for Jefferson Officials by order of Council—Mayor-$10.00 per year; Recorder- $7.00 per year, Marshal- $10.00 per year (if by the opinion of Council, he is entitled to it.) Council 50 cents for a regular meeting. Each Councilman is to forfeit 50 cents for each meeting missed to be deducted from his yearly salary and should be allowed no more than 6 in any given year. 

In May of 1861, we find the first laying of brick sidewalks, this was along the north and south sides of Main Street. 

The Madison County Democrat, December 19, 1861—We believe the Ohio Legislature at its last session, passed a law imposing a severe penalty upon those convicted of carrying deadly weapons. As a consequence of a violation of the provisions of this act, a deed of blood came near perpetrated in West Jefferson on Saturday evening. During the progress of a lawsuit before a certain Justice in the place mentioned, one of the attorneys, Mac, of this place, made a statement that the opposing counsel, Mr. A. of Alton, deemed untrue and at once pronounced his opponent a liar. Mac’s concatenate grew dark with anger, and drawing a weapon from his breast pocket, (which in the uncertain light of approaching evening, resembled one of Colt’s repeaters,) he pointed it at his antagonist and demanded him to retract his language. Everyone shouted, “Don’t shoot, don’t shoot” Mac followed his foe thundering, “Retract sir, or I’ll blow your brains out!” One courageous individual to save bloodshed, stepped up and struck the weapon down, when to his utter astonishment, it broke in two and fell to the floor, which on examination proved to be a bologna sausage! Court adjourned and the difficulty was settled over “drinks around!

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 40 by Charlie Miller

NEWS ITEMS: January 30, 1862, The National Democrat-A dancing party is to be held at the Mantle house in West Jefferson on February 14th, St. Valentine’s Day. 

__April 30, 1862- On motion, the Mayor was appointed to have someone hire a man to remove a dead hog from one of the village streets. 

__July 18, 1862- On motion of J. Burrows, councilman, that W. R. Fickey have the privilege of erecting hog scales between Pearl and Front (?) Streets. 

__October 2, 1862- The National Democrat- Two heads of fine cattle belonging to A. J. Ryan was killed by having been run over by three cars on the railroad near West Jefferson on Saturday night last. 

__April 6, 1861- The Madison County Democrat- James Parks of West Jefferson will offer for sale at a public auction on Monday next, his entire stock of dry goods, groceries, etc. Mr. Parks is moving to Columbus. He has been a resident of Jefferson for 25 years. 

__August 13, 1863- Be it ordained by the Council of the Village of Jefferson that there be a pavement of brick laid in front of the Town Hall of said Village. The pavement is to be 10 feet wide, and 100 feet long. Said pavement was to be finished on or before November 1, 1863. 

__ August 13, 1863- An Agreement between the Mayor and Council of the Village of Jefferson, with Jacob McNeal Jr. Alex Swanston, A. J. Miller, committee, on behalf of Company A, 23rd O. V. I. Council agrees that said Company shall have use of the large room in the upper story of the Town Hall for use as an armory, for 5 years, or as long as the Company remains an organized body. In consideration of free use, the Company will be responsible for expenses in setting up the room and keeping it in order, except for natural wear and tear. G. W. Lewis, Mayor 

__June 30, 1864- The Madison County Union-Daniel McCarty, an Irishman, was killed by being run over by a wood train at West Jefferson. Mr. McCarty was employed at the station in West Jefferson. 

THE DRAFT: Madison County must fill her quota of the 500,000 men recently called for by the President, by the 5th of next month, or a draft will be made for the purpose. The undersigned has been commissioned by Governor Brough to recruit men for Madison County. If you would avoid the draft then volunteer for one, two, or three years and receive the largest bounty ever offered in the County. 

G. W. Darety, recruiting officer, August 18, 1864

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 41 by Charlie Miller

NEWS ITEMS: __April 28, 1864- The Madison Co. Union-Patrick McLene, founder of London, Ohio, and early pioneer of Madison County died at the age of 78 years. 

__April 28, 1864- West Jefferson has improved considerably within the last few years. The new M. E. Church is an ornament to the place and a credit to the society. It is furnished throughout in good style. 

Squire Clark kindly showed us through the building. The dry goods stores and groceries appear to be doing a good business. The American House kept by Col. Fickey, and the Mantle House by Ed Hill, are well-kept hotels. Thomas D. Brown formerly of the 95th O. V. I., the newly elected Justice of the Peace has opened an office in the second story of his building on Main St. Esquire William Clark may be found in the same room and is the West Jefferson agent for The Madison County Union. 

(The American House sat right across the street from the Village Hall, it burned down in June of 1882. Col. Fickey’s wife was Mary Mantle daughter of Baltzer Mantle the original owner of the Mantle House. Mary died December 10, 1874, and was 55 years old. She was highly thought of by village residents. Ed Hill was married to Mary’s sister Susan, she owned the Mantle House after her father died in 1860. Ed Hill served as a 2nd Lt. in the 154th Regiment in the Civil War. In 1873 Thos. D. Brown was serving as Mayor and was found guilty of violating his oath of office, he resigned when Council was drawing up an Article of Impeachment against him.) 

__January 12, 1865-The Madison County Democrat- A man named Gallagher was arrested in West Jefferson on Tuesday and brought to jail on a charge of shooting another man in a drunken row. 

__1865-Madison County Democrat- File Your Newspapers—Many people take newspapers but just a few preserve them, yet the most interesting reading imaginable is a bit of old newspaper, it brings up the very age with all its bustle and everyday affairs. Who can read a paper printed some 50 years ago without the thought that almost every name printed is now cut upon a tombstone? File your newspapers and in future years a pile of them will repay you for your trouble. 

West Jefferson train schedules of 1865: 

EASTBOUND WEST BOUND 

Night Express 2:16 a.m. Night Express 600. a.m. 

Cincinnati Express 9:22 a.m. Col. & Accommodations 6.56 a.m. 

Mail & Accommodations 1:16 p.m. Cincinnati Express 3:25 p.m. 

Col. & Accommodations 8:40 p.m. Mail & Accommodations 10:55 p.m. 

__April 22, 1865- The Marshall presented a bill for removing and burying one dead hog and one dead dog, 50 cents each.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 42 by Charlie Miller

NEWS ITEMS: The following items are from the Madison County Democrat- 

___August 3, 1865- “The West Jefferson Oil Well.” Mr. Horace Putnam of West Jefferson in this county, assures us that there is no humbug in the report that petroleum is found in a well on his premises. The oil is there, but where it comes from is a mystery. The oil bubbles up from the bottom of the well through the water from some deposit below. 

___October 19, 1865- The eclipse of the sun will commence at 8 o’clock this morning and continue until nearly noon. The best view of the eclipse is said to be through a glass-----of beer! 

___September 20, 1865- President Johnson arrives in London with General U. S. Grant and Admiral Farragut. 

___April 27, 1866- The large upstairs room of the Town hall was rented to Dr. McCullough and George Lewis on behalf of the Good Templars for use as a lodge, for $24.00 per year. 

___June 3, 1866- Village business- The levy of 1 ½ mills on real and personal property taxes is to be used for Corporation purposes. (The 2021 tax rate for West Jefferson is 62.80 mills) 

____1866- The Recorder was instructed to notify the Superintendent of the National Road to have a culvert built under the National Road to effectively drain the pond of stagnate water in the west part of town, adjoining Mrs. Mason. The natural course of the water is obstructed by the National Road as it is now. (This is where Pond and Bridge Streets got their names.) 

____April 18, 1867- George W. Lewis was appointed a committee of one to get 20 shade trees in front of Town Hall. August 23, 1867- The Recorder is instructed to post notices prohibiting ball playing within the Corporation limits. 

____September 30, 1867- $60.00 was appropriated for a carload of bricks for the purpose of laying pavement on Main Street. The total cost was $97.11. E. S. Hancock was contracted to lay the pavement. (Elijah S. Hancock was appointed Postmaster on March 30, 1861and served until 1865. In 1850 he was listed as a farmer and dealt in hides, that year he processed 300 hides and had two employees. 

____1868- J. B. F. Taylor, successor to Thos. C. Sael, druggist, and medicine, in the brick building block, opposite the Post Office.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 43 by Charlie Miller

NEWS ARTICLES: Madison County Democrat, July 6, 1868- The old Flint House property has been purchased by Alex Swanston and next spring he will tear away the fabric and erect in its place a large new building. (this building still stands on the northwest corner of Main and Walnuts Streets, it was later known as the Gregg Opera House,) The fine building already erected by Mr. Swanston is now owned by Dr. John N. Beach. In the west end of it is a modern style business occupied by J. B. F. Taylor, the druggist. (This building is located at 11-15 W. Main St. The drug store was later owned by Zachery Taylor successor to Dr. Merrill Mellott. J. B. F. Taylor enlisted in the 5th Reg. Indiana Calvary when he was 18 years old. His full name was Jesse Babcock Ferguson Taylor. He died on August 31, 1931) John Harvey had a warehouse at the depot, he also dealt in groceries, flour, salt, etc. Dry Goods come from Thomas J. Stutson, Fellows & Co., and B. Brobst. 

On a visit to West Jefferson, we were shown the eventful place where Chub Hann was murdered a few weeks ago. It appears that after being stabbed through the heart the unfortunate man walked several rooms of an adjoining house and out into the garden before he fell. The murderer is still at large and will probably never be caught. We also noticed that several of the streets in town are being graveled and graded. 

___July 15, 1868- An ordinance was passed prohibiting stores, groceries, saloons, or others from keeping open or selling on the Sabbath Day. 

____July 23, 1868- A resolution of A. Miller to build a calaboose under the north end of the Town Hall, passed. 

____October 1, 1868, The Madison County Democrat, Railroad Accident at West Jefferson— The Cleveland Express going 30 miles per hour, ran over a horse in the cut just west of town, throwing the engine, tender, four baggage and express cars, and one passenger car from the track. Miraculously no one was hurt. 

Had we an earthquake this morning? At 8 o’clock a sizable shock was felt by hundreds in the Township. We supposed it to be the explosions of some of the engines in Smith’s Woods, but have nothing of the kind yet.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 44 by Charlie Miller

NEWSPAPER ARTICLES: ____January 21, 1869- The Madison County Democrat- Charlie Bliss and Pern Cowling have purchased the drug store owned by J. B. F. Taylor. 

____January 25, 1869- turnpikes have been proposed from West Jefferson to Lilly Chapel and Pleasant Valley (Plain City). 

____April 2, 1869- The first term of our Union School was held in the new building, closed on the 19th of March. The number enrolled for the term was 193, with an average attendance of 147. On the nights of the 22nd and 23rd the new hall of the school building was opened to the public for the first time. 

____April 29, 1869- Mr. Fickey has bought the grocery store of Mr., Kennedy. Ned Lowe is fitting up the Post Office room for a drugstore. The Drug Store of Bliss & Cowling boasts a fine soda fountain. 

____May 6, 1869- Ben Hoe is putting up a fine store in the east end of town and will soon open a fine supply of dry goods. (This was occupied by Pete Loveless for many years.) 

____Several of the finest shade trees in town have been nearly ruined this spring by allowing horses to stand hitched to them so long. 

____May 13, 1869- Died during this week, Horace Putnam and Sebastian Roberts. Mr. Roberts was laid to rest in Pleasant Hill Cemetery which he had created in 1866. 

____June 3, 1869- The old building on the Flint corner has been removed completely and excavations for the foundation of Mr. Swanston’s new building are progressing rapidly. (Corner of Main & Walnut) 

____June 17, 1869- The abutments under the Little Darby bridge on the National Pike at West Jefferson are to be re-constructed. June 8, 1869- Chas. Blair has taken charge of the Post Office at West Jefferson. (He served from June 15, 1869, to September 20, 1870. Charles Blair enlisted in the U. S. Navy at Cleveland in June of 1863 at 17 years of age. He served on the USS Tawah, a wooden river steamer that patrolled the Tennessee River. He suffered a gunshot wound and was in the Naval Hospital at Memphis, Tenn. in April of 1863. He died June 24, 1886, in Arkansas.) 

____June 15, 1869- Capt. Swanston has finished the foundation of his new brick block. The first story will contain three very handsome business rooms one of which will be occupied by Mr. Fellows, a dry goods merchant. 

____August 19, 1869- John Harvey has commenced work on the Middle Pike near T. T. Timmons.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 45 by Charlie Miller

____January 27, 1870- Madison County Democrat, cont’d- Wm. Fickey, grocery merchant, and Miss Ida Fellows daughter of W. W. Fellows, were married Thursday last, Rev. Noah Speck officiating. 

Rev. Shepard of Granville preaches at the Baptist Church every Sabbath. 

The mammoth ice house at the depot, owned by a Cincinnati company, was partially filled during the cold snap a couple of weeks ago. (Ice was cut from Little Darby Creek in the winter and stored for summer use.) 

____January 27, 1870- Webb Bliss, the Railroad agent, furnishes the following number of cars of live stock shipped from this station during 1869: Cattle, 58; Hogs, 87; Sheep, 39; a total of 184 animals which averages 928 head of cattle, 4,350 head of hogs and 1,950 head of sheep. 

____ March 17, 1870- The go-ahead people of West Jefferson determined not to be outdone by neighboring towns in any movement, calculating to add to the prosperity of the community in which they live, have made the preliminary arrangements for organizing a Building & Loan Association. The incorporators are John Harvey, Dr. J. N. Beach, C. F. Bliss, W. W. Fellows, and Jacob McNeal, Esq. 

____Thomas J. Stutson who has been a merchant of West Jefferson for 27 years, (1843) plans to retire to his farm in Deer Creek Township. 

____April 28, 1870- The stockholders of the West Jefferson Building & Loan Association met on Friday evening and elected the following officers, President, W .W. Fellows; Vice President, Dr. J. N. Beach; Treasurer, Alex Swanston; Secretary, Jacob McNeal; Directors, Martin Kuehner, John Harvey, A. Miller, D. W. Bliss, J. K. Smith, Wm. Harvey, J. J. Booth, Alex Wilson, and J. C. Olney. 

____May 5, 1870- The first installment of the West Jefferson Building & Loan was paid on Saturday evening. The capital stock of the Company is $150,000.00 in $200.00 shares. 

___Abner Johnson and W. H. Stutson have taken a room in Swanston’s new block for their meat market 

____Dr. H. S. Quinn and Miss Bettie Putnam were recently married by the Rev. C. W. Finley. 

____June 16, 1870, W. W. Fellows will erect a new house in the near future. (This is the big brick house on the southwest corner of Fellows Ave. and Frey Ave.) 

____ July 7, 1870- The census of 1860 shows West Jefferson, 460 people, Jefferson Township, 973, for a total of 1,443 in the entire Township. 

____July 28, 1870- Esq. Jacob McNeal employs about a dozen men at his carriage shop but doesn’t believe in advertising. (This shop stood on the southeast corner of Main and Twin Streets.)

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 46 by Charlie Miller

West Jefferson Grade School: The first effort of having a school for the pioneer youngsters in West Jefferson was in 1823 when Lucinda (Burnham) Thomas procured a subscription and taught a school of a few scholars in a log hut that stood on the present site of the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. She taught until about 1826 when she was succeeded by George Pike who also farmed. Mr Pike also taught in this early cabin which was of the rudest kind. It had round logs chinked with split stickum and plastered with mud. It had greased paper drawn over the openings to admit the light, as well as a huge fireplace, puncheon floor, slab writing desks, and seats. In 1826-27 Samuel Sexton a widower, and having a double log house obtained a subscription and taught a session or two in a room of his dwelling. At this time he was living in New Hampton. In about 1830-31, the first school house was erected, it was just west of Mary Vicker’s house (446 W. Main St.) this was used until 1836 when a frame building succeeded it and was located in Jefferson. On November 1, 1842, the council passed a resolution to let the citizens of Jeff use the Council House for a schoolhouse for 6 months when not in use by the council. In 1845 an Academy, which Jeremiah Olney was instrumental in organizing was built as a school. This institution was conducted by a stock company but failed to meet their expectations and sank into oblivion as an enterprise. In 1856 the building was bought by the School Board from Horace Putnam who bought it from Olney. In later years it was used by the African Methodist Church. This building was later bought by the Pentecostal Church which later built a new church on the same site. It is believed that about this time Jefferson was set aside as a separate school district and the 1856 building served until 1868 when a new brick building was built at a cost of $17,000.00 including grounds and furniture. The building was a two-story 50’ X 57’ and had six rooms and a large 25’ X 50’ hall. This building was torn down in 1953 and in its place is now Garrette Park. The building was torn down by Etta Chenos in 1953 using a Jeep and hand tools. She salvaged enough bricks to build two houses. 

The ‘Old Brick Grade School’ as many of us remember it, stood on a slight rise in the far end of the playground. As we look back many childhood memories center around this forebodinglooking construction with the outhouses out back. Your writer started the first grade in this building. I distinctly remember the outhouses out back, a little chilly in the winter. There was no running water. A pump sat outside and you could take your tin cup and get a drink. I can remember the large hall, sagging wooden steps with the tall handrails. I can shut my eyes and see once more in those small wooden initialed carved disks and looking back at us from behind the large wooden desk at the front of the room would be Miss Dessa McCoy, Mrs. Kell or one of the many faces that we recall from the past. The Blackboards were clear across the room with a little ledge for the erasers and chalk to sit on. T

here was always a picture of George Washington and sometimes one of Abraham Lincoln. No doubt many of you can recall these scenes. Scenes that are a part of the past, but not the forgotten past, are only stored in our memories. The High School was built in 1911 and around 1952 an addition was added with others added in later years. This building was torn down in the early 2000s and a new school was erected on Lilly Chapel Rd.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 47 by Charlie Miller

NEWS ITEMS: ____ The Madison County Democrat, July 28, 1870 – The Macedonian Oil Man was in town Wednesday night, gave his usual “show” and relieved our people of a considerable sum of money. 

____August 4, 1870 – The population of West Jefferson, exclusive of the Railroad Addition is 570. 

____ August 11, 1870 – Henry Eye took on too much red eye on Sunday and as a result, had his right eye closed up by the proprietor of an up-town doggery. The baseball mania has broken out in this village and a club called the “Athletics” which promises to eclipse its famous namesake, has been organized. 

____September 11, 1870 – Dr. McCullough the new Post Master, intends to remove the Post Office to the Martin Kuehner Shoe Shop. (This building was the one that collapsed several years ago on the northwest corner of Main and West Streets.) 

____There is a man in Terra Haute, Indiana who pays his wife a regular salary of $3.00 a week to keep her mouth shut. Every time she speaks to him except when absolutely necessary, he docks her 1c. a word. He was out a little late last Saturday night and she took out a month’s wages for his shortcomings, and he finally had to agree not to count it in order to get some sleep. 

____September 22, 1870 – Ben Hoe is adding a large storeroom to his business on the east end of Main Street. 

November 10, 1870 – The Village dads have ordered brick sidewalks to be laid on all the principal streets and we notice that the property holders have gone to work in earnest. 

November 17, 1870 – W. H. Stutson, the popular butcher, is supplying our citizens with the very best beef steak at 16 cents a pound. 

____NIBBLERS- Our grocery men will not doubt tender us a note of thanks for printing the following- 

“One kind of nibbler is a man who enters a grocery store, runs his fingers into every sugar barrel and takes a couple of ounces, then goes to the cheese and cuts off a slice, just to taste, then as a matter of course, he must have a few crackers, and perhaps before he makes up his mind to purchase a quarter of a dollar’s worth, he has eaten the profits on $2.00 worth of groceries. He is more disliked by the grocer than the rat because they can’t kill him when they catch him! 

____December 12, 1870 – There is to be a Christmas tree at the Methodist Church.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 48 by Charlie Miller

IDA GRASSEL: The following is an interview with Mrs. Ida Grassel taken on November 9, 1965. Mrs. Grassel lived on N. Center Street. She was the widow of the late George Grassel and was born on November 17, 1879, on the Middle Pike, the daughter of John and Hester Harbage. 

“Charles Stickel lived in the Mantle House, which was on the corner of Main and Chester Streets. The building that was formerly on the site of the building which is currently the site of the Opera House (village Hall) was also called an Opera House and was better known as the G.A.R. Hall. (Grand Army of the Republic) It was somewhat smaller than the present building and had a bell that rang as a curfew, much like the present-day siren. Paddy Gillivan had the bell at one time. (The bell can be viewed at the Hurt-Battelle Library) 

John Hoe bought the old Baptist Church which sat in the Middle of N. Center Street and later moved down to the site of Murray’s Elevator. (This building was used by Murray Lumber to store lumber, it later burned to the ground.)” 

Mrs. Grassel’s mother worked at the American Hotel when it burned and was able to save her trunk. (The American Hotel sat on the current site of the Huntington Bank parking lot. A later story.) 

“Fort Byron was on the lot newly occupied by the Fabric Shop, it was owned by T. D. Fellows. Bill Lyons is believed to have built the building and used it for a while as a Hotel. (This building was later the Royal Hotel on the current site of the parking lot of the Huntington Bank.) 

Pat McCloskey owned the red brick house on South Street. He later married Hannah Riordan. (He later ran the Railroad House that her late husband Jerry had owned.) 

James Peene’s elevator that burned was on West Street just south of the Railroad.” 

J. M. Roberts: More reminiscences of John Roberts from the early days when the National Road was being built. -- Hugh McGloughlin and mother boarded hands that worked on the Pike. A man named James, always called “Lawyer,” lived on Markley Hill. He was a noted crook, but always managed to keep out of the penitentiary. He had a son, Tom James who had to serve five years in the Pen for stealing sheep. Tom James was a short, stout, thick-necked man. He stole sheep in the night in his neighborhood, drove them as far as he could toward the north, and stopped at daybreak and hid in the woods until night came when he would drive his flock on again. He was finally caught and sentenced to the Pen where he refused to work and swore he would suffer death before he would work. He was put into a pump or drown apparatus but he refused absolutely to work and came near being drowned. The warden sent a letter to his father who persuaded him to go to work. After his time expired the family moved out west.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 49 by Charlie Miller

JOHN M. ROBERTS REMINISCES: Thomas Orpet was another odd person. He was illiterate and superstitious. He was a great hunter and fisherman. He caught more than 1,000 wild pigeons and had them in a rail pen. Someone however tore the pen open one night and all the birds escaped. He captured the pigeons in a net he used to catch fish. There were vast flocks of wild pigeons in the Spring and the sun would be darkened by them. They would break down large trees where they roosted at night, but now there is not one to be found anywhere in the United States or the Dominion of Canada. Abraham Orpet, a son of Thomas was as superstitious and illiterate as his father. The late ‘Squire A. J. Clingan of Summerford told me of an adventure he had while hunting with Abe. He and Abe had not been very successful and were returning home in the evening when the ‘Squire while passing a dense thicket on the Thompson Farm, said to Abe in a joke: How easy it would be to shoot a man and hide him in the thicket, Abe said nothing but dropped back of the ‘Squire and cocked his rifle and covered the ‘Squire with it. He turned around and asked Abe what he meant. Abe said, “Hi god we will now see who gits frowed in th’ brush.” No amount of persuasion could induce Abe to lower his gun and the ‘Squire marched over a mile before Abe parted with him on the National Road. 

Social conditions were very different from our present-day practices. The treatment of paupers was not what it should have been. The aged and infirm who were in the township were sold or farmed out to the lowest bidder. The trustees would sell them to the person who would keep them for the least money during the year. We have seen gray-haired veterans of the War of 1812- 15 who had been sold by the overseers of the poor. 

There were a lot of nomads and peculiar people in the country. I remember seeing a man named Travis. He traveled over the country and I think traded horses for a living. He usually led two horses and rode on a horse. He was the dirtiest, raggedest man that ever lived. He had two dogs which he let ride on one of his horses. He would beg for milk for his dogs. He used his hat made of wool to hold the milk. After using what he wanted for himself he would let the dogs have what remained in the hat. 

Another eccentric character was Dr. H. Zimmerman, he was called the “Grammar Cracker,” as he taught English grammar as a specialty. He had the greatest memory of any man I ever saw. He could repeat every word in S. Kirkham’s grammar. He could give the page of any quotation to be made from Kirkham’s Grammar. He camped in country school houses; and had quite a library of books, some German Bibles three hundred years old. 

____ March 13, 1871 - The Madison County Democrat – Those wishing pictures will do well to see W. T. Fickey one door west of the Town Hall.

____ March 18, 1871- West Jefferson now has a night watchman, Mr.Deem, at a salary of $33.33 per month. 

____ May 25, 1871 – Jerry Riordon has died. He kept a saloon and boarding house at the Railroad House

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 50 by Charlie Miller

____ April 22, 1871 – The Madison County Democrat – Israel Brown one of the oldest citizens of Jefferson Township, died on Saturday last. Funeral services were at Foster Chapel. (In 1875 Israel Brown and his son William operated a saddle and harness shop in the building that was later the Red & White grocery store. Wm. Brown served as a Cpl. in the 154th O. V. I. during the Civil War. He died July 23 1898 and is buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.) 

____ August 8, 1871 – Dr. Charley Snyder served a year at the Ohio State Penitentiary ….. as Assistant Physician. 

____ The Beals & Brothers are dealers in groceries and provisions at the Railroad warehouse. 

____August 3, 1871 – We spent a half a day looking through the O. H. Bliss museum the other day. It was worth a visit of ten miles to inspect the coats, hats, bonnets, etc. of “ye olden day,” and compare them with the ludicrous styles of the present day. Mr. Bliss has been doing business at the same stand for nearly 25 years. (Oramel H. Bliss was born in 1818 in Vermont and died August 12, 1871. In 1860 his real estate value was $50,000.00. Quite a bit of money at that time.) 

____ August 10, 1871 – Pern Cowling’s alligator escaped from its cage a few days ago, and after a thorough search of this neighborhood it was found under the bed of an adjoining house taking an afternoon nap. (Parnell Chester Cowling was the local druggist. His daughter Mabel didn’t die until 1950 and is buried in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. She was the granddaughter of Thos. J. Stutson) 

____ April 4, 1872- We can see in what kind of condition the town was sometimes kept in by the following orders given to the Marshall, “The Marshall was instructed to remove all barrels, boxes, manure, and wood piles from the sidewalks and streets, and to notify all persons to have alleys and streets open within 14 days.” 

____ April 18, 1872 – The Mayor was instructed to procure a Corporation seal. (This seal contained a copy of the covered bridge which spanned the National Road over Little Darby Creek.) 

____ May 28, 1872 – Resolved by the Council of the Village of Jefferson, that the east side of West Street from the National Pike to the Railroad, is to be paved with a good brick, 6 feet wide and to be completed by July 1, 1872. The Marshall’s salary for 1872 was $75.00 per year.

____ 1872 – The Agent for the Pittsburgh, Columbus & St. Louis R.R. was notified to stop all trains from running over 4 MPH through the Corporation limits of Jefferson.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 51 by Charlie Miller

IDA GRASSEL: Another interview with Ida Grassel in 1965: Mrs. Grassel will be 86 years old in December. She was born in 1879, she married George Grassel on December 31, 1899. She died on November 1, 1969. She belonged to the Methodist Church. 

“The Methodist Church was located in what is now the Orient Theater. (The Methodist Church was built in 1862 and sat on the site of the current dentist's office on Main Street.) The Middle Pike was very dusty and was graveled once a year, but that didn’t last long. My grandfather used to gravel it, and the bridge across Little Darby was covered. There was once a bad flood and Dr. Jones was almost drowned there with a team of horses. John Harbage was my grandfather and lived on the East Pike. Uncle Joe Harbage built his house on stones from the creek and one of the stones is in Foster Chapel. Great-grandfather Harbage was born in Oxfordshire, England. I lived 1 ½ miles down Middle Pike. In winter we used the sled and didn’t worry about getting snowed in. I started school at the old Harbage School on the Middle Pike. (This was probably School House #6 which sat on the future site of the “A” Elementary School which is now a residence at 2531 Middle Pike.) I moved to town when I was 14, in 1893. We lived on the southeast corner of Frey Ave. and W. Pearl St. There weren’t many houses there at that time. There was a big apple orchard on the west side called the old Frey apple orchard. 

The Old London Rd. ran along the south side of the railroad, Old Martin Rix was killed there when he was hit by a train. (1904)(This is now an extension of W. Pearl St.) At that time Myron Silver built the elevator where Hartco Printing is now. I can remember when he built it, there was an incline going up to the entrance to get in. I was not living there when it burned but my mother was. I went up as soon as I knew of the fire, we were afraid it might take the house. Big chunks of the fire fell on her shed and caught it on fire, they pumped her well dry fighting the fire. Pete Frey used to ring the bell at the Catholic Church. He lived on Garfield Ave in Slim Justice’s house, it’s a very old house. The streets weren’t as wide as they are now, Garfield was pretty dusty and there were no sidewalks, the yards came right down to the street and we just walked along the yards to go downtown. (I remember Slim and the house. Garfield was just chip stone and tar surface in the 40s) Mr. Shoemaker wrote a history of West Jefferson, he had a newspaper on Walnut Street (the present site of the VFW Hall) Howard McKinley worked for him. Mr. McCracken used to publish the Home News above Kuehner’s Store, (Your writer used to live there, later the building caved in.) 

My mother had a good well and a lot of people used to stop for a drink. We supplied water for them to bring over to the Silver Elevator. John McNeal made brick around the Catholic Cemetery on Lilly Chapel Rd. They used to bring in wood to be sawed and then stacked it right along N. Center St. Billy Redmond was the telegraph operator and ticket agent for the railroad. Bliss had a store on Walnut St. and Oscar Sprague had a blacksmith shop located in the Harrington Garage. (This sat on the west side of the street just south of the R.R. across from the VFW) A lot of changes were made when the railroad was elevated. Fred Grassel was my husband’s father, he was a cigar maker in Germany, and he also made them here in Jefferson. He cured his tobacco, stripped it, and made his own cigars. He wholesaled them, I think that he wholesaled them to New York. He made them where Fisher Cast Steel is now.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 52 by Charlie Miller

IDA GRASSEL CONT’D: (From 1965 interview) The Bradley Drug Store was where the Central National Bank is ( 19 W. Main St.) Quincy Bradley was born in 1843, died in 1920, and is buried in the mausoleum at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. He served in Co. D 84th O.V.I. during the Civil War.) Dr. Jewett lived where the Blauser & Baker Funeral Home is. (Southeast corner of Main and West Sts.) There used to be a frame building where the I.G.A. Store is now. (Now Veterans Park) Maybelle Keyser worked in the telephone office in that building. Ed Buck ran a saloon. (was in Hotel Buck on the south side of Main St. where the bank parking lot is now. (The Library has a picture of this hotel when it was the Royal Hotel on their West Jefferson Remembers site) The fellow who killed Ed Buck (a later story) was March Rix, he went to prison and when he was released he grieved himself to death as Buck was his best friend. Ed Buck owned the lots where the Catholic Church and Parsonage are now. (On Main St.) Lester Burnham raised broom corn over in the Railroad Addition, and his daughter Emma Burnham taught school. (There is a picture of Emma in front of the Union School in the Library’s West Jefferson Remembers site.) Luther Johnson died in a house fire when he went back in to get his wallet. It was never learned who killed Joe Millholland, (a later story) Zack Taylor was the only druggist for a long time. Finis

 We’re going to skip to some later dates, there may be some people who remember these stories and people as I do.

 1920-1935 

____January 28, 1920 – James McDonald, manager of the Murray Lumber & Grain for the past 15 years, died, aged 59 years. He was a railroader in his early life and had also served on the Village Council. 

____February 11, 1920 - Mayor Putnam issues orders placing a ban on all gambling devices, also he has ordered the boys under 17 years old to stay out of poolrooms unless accompanied by their parents. (There is a picture of Mayor Putnam in the Library’s West Jefferson Remembers site) 

_____February 25, 1920 – A victory progress was held at the West Jefferson Methodist Church under the auspices of the Madison County W.C.T.U. (Women’s Christian Temperance Union). A timely address of “The Recent Prohibition Victory” was delivered. 

____May 8, 1920 – Mayor Putnam has issued an order that automobiles must be parked straight into the curb on Main and Center Streets. ( These were parked head-in but in a diagonal manner like they do on Main Street in London. Route 40 travel was much less than later.) 

____March 10, 1920 – The Wilson Burrows G.A.R. Post (Grand Army of the Republic, the forerunner of the American Legion) Relief Corps No. 98 is in operation. (The Women’s Auxiliary)

____ May 24, 1920 – The daughter of former Mayor Richard Acton dies. (Richard Acton was Mayor of West Jefferson in 1851. His daughter Margaret who went by Maggie, died in Columbus age of 58 both are buried at the Oak Hill Cemetery in London, Ohio.) Mr. Acton served as a musician in the 40th O.V.I. during the Civil War.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 53 by Charlie Miller

NEWSPAPER ARTICLES: 

____March 24, 1920 – The Ladies Aid Society of the Baptist Church will serve a chicken supper in the basement of their church on Thursday, March 25th. 

____May 17, 1920 – NOTICE, Civil War and World War vets will meet at the G.A.R. Hall at 10 O’clock Sunday the 23rd for Memorial Services at the Baptist Church, W. R. Borland, Post Commander. 

____October 4, 1920 – Senator Warren G. Harding, Presidential candidate, held a rally at “Wilson’s Corners” just north of West Jefferson. 

____December 1, 1920 – E. J. Fitzgerald and Carl Byerly, well-known businessmen of this place, will open their new grocery and meat market in the room next to the Commercial Bank on December 22nd. Frank Engle will be in charge of the meat market, and Herbert Allerton will be the head clerk in the grocery department. 

____January 26, 1921 – Many of our farmers are unloading their corn at the very unsatisfactory price of 50 cents per bushel, which cost them 90 cents a bushel to produce. You will have to keep a stiff upper lip, for you, like the rest of us, will get our reward in Heaven! 

____One of our High School girls was asked what she had learned in Latin, and this was her reply: 

Boybus kissibus 

Sweeti Galorium 

Girlibus Likebus 

Wanti Somorbium 

____March 26, 1921 – An official list just released by the U. S. Army lists Floyd Dixon of West Jefferson as killed in action on July 28, 1918. July 18, 1921 – There are now 103,258 Civil War Veterans left in the Country. The State with the largest number is Ohio, with 10,241. The youngest member of the Grand Army of the Republic is General John L. Clem, age 71. (Your writer, at a very young age, saw one Civil War Veteran at the Summerford Memorial Day Service. The library has a picture of a gathering of the veterans of the 40th O.V. I. in their West Jefferson Remembers Site.) 

____September 28, 1921 – Russell I. Blauser becomes the editor of the West Jefferson section of The Madison County Democrat, succeeding Mrs. HannahTimmons.

____October 15, 1921 – October 21, 1921 has been named West Jefferson Day by the local businessmen. There will be an ox roast, music, bands, dancing, etc.. A committee consisting of J. M. Martin, Allen Orders, E. J. Fitzgerald, S. S. Feder, J. M. Sullivan, J. H. Kuhn, and E. J. Britton has been formed to oversee the foot race, wheelbarrow race, greased pole, and other contests, all with prizes.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 54 by Charlie Miller

NEWS ITEMS: ____October 19, 1921 – Officers of the West Jefferson Loyal Order of the Moose, Lodge No. 95, are: Director, J. C. Kile; Vice Director, Sam Moss; Prelate, Dale Richardson; Secy. Eugene Chambers; Treas. Grover Burrell; Inside Guard, Martin Jones; Sgt-at arms, Lewis Cox; Trustees, George Earnst, Clarence Davenport, and William Neighborgall. 

____West Jefferson plans to secure a Boy Scout Troop. Herbert Kell will be appointed Master, and Samuel Moss will be appointed Assistant Master. 

____November 9, 1921 – Armistice Day will be observed by the American Legion, Grand Army of the Republic, and Boy Scouts of America with a program commencing at 1:30 p.m. L. C. Dick will be the featured speaker. 

____November 23, 1921 – A brick-selling contest is being held by the members of the Methodist Church to raise money for the new building. (This was for the present building; they were going to move from the building on Main Street.) 

____January 1, 1922, some of the 1922 businesses were: West Jefferson Building & Loan, B&C Candy Shop in the Kuehner Building, Central Barber Shop, Worth Hicks, Proprietor, The Moss Tire Shop, E. J. Buckley Hardware and C. F. Kuehner Boots & etc. The Madison Press: 

____January 5, 1922 – A report of a total of 220,265 bricks were “sold” by the Methodist Church. Their goal is the sale of 250,000 towards the erection of a new church building. Twenty-five thousand bricks alone were purchased by Mr. Charles Silver. 

_____January 23, 1922 – An enormous crowd is expected to attend West Jefferson’s second annual fox drive, which will be made tomorrow. 

____January 26, 1922 – The ‘Darts”, West Jefferson’s champion basketball team, will open its season tomorrow. 

____February 2, 1922 – Brick sale ends in victory.--The Methodist Church goes over the top with the sale of more than 255,000 bricks. Several carloads of bricks have arrived, and construction of the new building will start within a few days. 

____John Gregg, former Mayor, died in Columbus. (John Gregg’s picture is on the Library’s West Jefferson Remembers Site. He was Mayor in 1898 and 1899. His 5th Great Grandfather came to America with William Penn in 1632.) 

____March 2, 1922 – The High School Board of Education passed a resolution concerning the length of dresses. “Skirts must be 2” below the knee. Students will be expelled if they fail to comply." 

____Auto license tags for 1923 will cost 10 cents.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 55 by Charlie Miller

THE MADISON PRESS: April 6, 1922 – The installation of a new $5,000 musical instrument in the Exhibit Theater is the latest improvement made by Mr. Kaho. The new “Fotoplayer” is 15’ long, 5’ high and 3’wide. It is equal to a 20-piece symphony or a 15-piece band. (Mr. Halley Kaho rented the upstairs of the Village Hall and showed moving pictures; it was also used at that time for High School plays and other uses. He later bought the old Methodist Church on Main St. and opened the Orient Theater. Your writer used to clean and post bills in it when I was 15 years old.) 

____April 20, 1922 – More than 500 people attended the service held Sunday afternoon in connection with the cornerstone laying of the new M. E. Methodist Church. Z. R. Taylor had the honor of placing the marker. The custom of placing a copper box containing interesting and essential matter in the cornerstone was followed. 

____The radio bug has bitten once again, but this time, more than one citizen of West Jefferson is feeling the effects of his bite. Several of the businessmen are forming a radio club and will install a large radio outfit at Headley & Maddux’s Garage on E. Main St. The outfit will be one of the largest in the County and capable of receiving messages and concerts from points as far east as New York City and as far west as Denver. 

____April 27, 1922 – The 1922 graduating class is the largest to graduate from the High School. It breaks the previous record held by the Class of ‘11. Twenty-eight are to receive diplomas. 

____May 2, 1922 – John H. Huhn, prominent Jefferson merchant, dies. He came to West Jefferson in 1917 and opened a department store with Ulysses Jones. 

____June 12, 1922 – Johnson Training Camp Near Here:---Local fans were given the opportunity to see Jack Johnson, former Heavy Weight Champion of the World. Johnson’s camp is located just east of West Jefferson on the National Pike. 

____September 11, 1922 - Plans are underway for the 44th annual reunion of the 40th O. V. I. Regiment, which is to be held in West Jefferson on Tuesday and Wednesday. The four surviving members residing in West Jefferson are Lawrence Englesperger, James Chambers, Elijah Spring, and Thomas Pearce. Thomas Pearce is President, and Pleasant Clarage of Five Points is Secretary of the Association. (Hurt Battelle Library has the picture of the reunion on its West Jefferson Remembers Site.) 

____October 9, 1922, The following schedule of the I.C.&E. (Interuban) is now in effect. Eastbound has eight trains between 5:01 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. Westbound six trains between 6:48 a.m. and 12:05 p.m. 

(The Interurban was an electric train that ran from Columbus to Springfield, constructed in 1901. more about it later.)

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 56 by Charlie Miller

MADISON PRESS - November 30, 1922- It is a well-known fact that residents of West Jefferson residing on streets other than Main St. desire light for their street. The West Jefferson Power & Light Co. has offered to discontinue half of the Main St. lights and erect them in the residential areas. 

____January 4, 1923 - Civil War veteran Elijah Spring dies at the age of 74. 

____February 18, 1923 – Martin Haynes, son of early settler A. R. Haynes, died at the age of 80 years. He served 100 days with Company C, 154 O. V. I. Ohio National Guard. (It served 100 days from May 9, 1864, to September 1, 1864. Participated in the Battles of Monacacy, Ft. Stevens, Harpers Ferry, and Siege of Petersburg. They suffered one killed, and three died of disease. They mustered out at Camp Denison near Cincinnati. Company C was commanded by Capt. Alex Swanston of West Jefferson) 

____May 17, 1923 – The official opening of the new M. E. Methodist Church will be this coming Sunday. 

____May 21, 1923 – The village streets are to be re-graveled and oiled with 4,000 gallons of oil from the Standard Oil Company. June 18, 1923 – Frank Moorehead, the local contractor, has bought the old M. E. Church on E. Main St. for $2,000. (your writer has the organ and pew from the 1862 church) July 23, 1923 – Members of the Baptist Church are in the midst of a money-raising campaign for the purpose of repairing and stuccoing the brick church building. The campaign is under the leadership of W. H. Pence. The goal is $3,000. 

____October 11, 1923 – The Fairview Addition (Putnam and Ohio Avenues) is annexed. 

____The results of the 1923 election are Mayor, H. G. Putnam - 418; Frank Biggert - 135; Clerk E. E.Gregg – 476; Treasurer, Chas. W. Peene – 391. (Mayor Putnam’s picture is in the Library’s West Jefferson Remembers Site) 

____December 13, 1923 – A semi-pro football team, the West Jefferson Indians, was formed in 1917. Albert Quinn has been the leader of the team for the past two years. 

____December 20, 1923 – Asa C. Carter, 93, Jefferson’s oldest resident, dies at the home of Dr. H. F. Jackson on Fellows Ave. 

____January 21, 1924 – P. O. Harbage becomes the new Captain of the West Jefferson Indians.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 57 by Charlie Miller

GLADDIS (GLADYS) JEWETT SCHALLER: She was the daughter of Dr. George F. Jewett who practiced in West Jefferson for many years. She was born June 8, 1891, and died August 31, 1947. She wrote this poem that appeared in The Madison Press date unknown.

Memories of Childhood

My thoughts turn back to my childhood, And the place where I was born. 

‘Twas surrounded by meadows of clover, and fields of corn. 

‘Twas a little town on the highway, On the banks of a limpid stream, 

But now, as I search thru my memory, It seems as though “twere a dream., 

In front of the church of my youth, Stands the town pump, rusty with age,(In front of the Baptist Church 

And the tin cup, has seen its better days. 

The opera house across the street, Was a place of wonder to me. (Village Hall) 

A show in town was a special treat, In nineteen and three. 

The sound of the clear ringing bell, The face of the smiling professor, 

“Little Dick”, whom we all loved so well. (L. C. Dick, Superintendent. I can remember him) 

The school yard was grassy and shady, No cinders to wear out your shoes, (Garrette Park) 

The old wooden stile that led from it, Was a landmark too precious to lose. 

The little hill where we coasted, Back of the old saw mill, (Just west of the Ox Roast grounds) 

Is a place that is dear to my memory, Although we took many a spill. 

The cherry trees back of dad’s office, Were a temptation too great to resist, 

We’d never wait for the cherries to ripen, Unless he would firmly insist. 

We played on the dry goods boxes, In front of Byron Fellow’s store, 

But when “Bird” Clark rang the curfew, We weren’t there any more.(Albert Clark long time night watch) 

Across the street from our home, stood the bakery of John Kubitschack, (Kubitschack had the Star 

The trips that I made to that store, Would more than fill “Santa’s” pack. Hotel next to Chevron ) 

If we had a nickel for candy, We would spend one cent at each store, And then put it all in one sack, 

And ‘twould make a pound or more. We would stroll to the old town bridge, 

The creek where we all loved to wade, At the sound of the 6 o’clock bell, Home to supper, we all made a raid. 

Last but not least, was our hay-mow, The place where we had our big shows, 

A trapeze was hung from the rafters, Where we tried to hang by our toes. 

Now, those carefree says are over, the old town is a different place. 

New faces and places have changed it, But sweet memories even time can’t erase.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 58 by Charlie Miller

ALBERT CLARK: Albert was born in 1856 and died on August 1, 1931. By 1890, he was the West Jefferson Night Watchman and stayed until he retired in 1924. He went by the name of “Bird” Clark, either because it was short for Albert or because he was like a Bird Dog; he always caught people who were breaking the law. There will be several stories about Bird Clark in this series. 

____January 23, 1924 – Excerpts from a story concerning the retirement of ‘Bird’ Clark---Albert ‘Bird’ Clark, veteran night watchman of this village, retired from night duty on January 1st after 34 years of service. The date of his retirement, New Year’s Day, was also the 68th anniversary of his birth. He has served under the following Mayors: Wm. Stutson, George Gillivan, Henry Culp, Jacob McNeal, L. D. Hull, John T. Gregg, A. F. Green and H. G. Putnam. One of ‘Bird’s’ voluntary bits of service that have been faithfully carried out for so long that it was looked upon as part of his duty was acting as a “Community alarm clock.” For many years, he has called upon those who wished to be up at an early hour to go to work, catch a train, go squirrel hunting, or fish at daybreak. 

He has recovered many stolen automobiles and has arrested six motor car thieves, and 23 horse thieves have been captured by the officer. He has engaged in several gun battles and has preserved a treasured possession, a piece of metal from a suspender, which saved his life by stopping a bullet. ‘Bird’ was on the job every minute of the night, and it was almost impossible to get into town without him seeing you. Perhaps you would think you had him fooled, and then the next night, he would tell you how you went home and the time. We take off our hat to this ol’ boy, for he has been the town and the people’s most loyal servant for the past 34 years. 

During this time the West Jefferson News was part of the Madison Press and was edited by Paul V. Miller, whose office was located in the Metropolitan Building, located on the southeast corner of Main and Walnut Streets. 

____May 8, 1924 – The West Jefferson Senior Class of ‘24 will be having 33 members graduate. This is the largest number yet to graduate. 

____May 15, 1924 – Gasoline is selling for 20 cents per gallon at the Headly-Maddux Garage. July 7, 1924 – Over 4,000 people attended the 4th of July celebration in West Jeff, which boasted over 200 events. The celebration was under the auspices of the West Jefferson Commercial Club. 

____July 10, 1924 – the Commercial Bank has the distinction of being the first bank in the county, and probably in the country, to receive a deposit by air mail. It was sent from Seattle, Washington, and required 24 cents postage.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 59 by Charlie Miller

____June 25, 1925 – A campaign has begun to improve Edgewater Park. Tables and benches will be constructed, and a building 30’ X 40’ has been donated by T. C. Gregg and H. L. Thuma and is to be remodeled as a shelter house. A new bathing beach is underway under the direction of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Flower beds have been placed, and ball diamonds constructed. (The Park was on the Middle Pike next to Little Darby Creek, Jeff’s football games were played there at one time.) 

____June 11, 1925 – E. J. Britton has bought the meat market from the Martin Brothers. This is the same one that he had owned some time ago. (This eventually became the Red & White Grocery Store, at one time the second oldest one in the country. (Ed was a character; I delivered his paper and when I collected, he would hand me a roll of money with a $100 bill on the outside and say, “Is this enough?” I knew it was full of $1 bills! He always had a bunch of old cronies sitting around a pot-bellied stove and everyone got a big laugh out of it.) 

____July 9, 1925 – Four cases of smallpox have been found in Jeff.

August 17, 1925 – The Kiser-Hoe Cannery will open soon. According the W. A. Beddle, Superintendent of the cannery, this year’s crop will exceed all others including the record crop of 1912. 

(The cannery was located on Jackson St. It was eventually owned by Stokley Foods. During WWII, when help was short, the Senior boys at the High School were let out to work at the cannery. Also, a siding was laid near Murray’s elevator, and migrant workers were brought in to work and lived in the cars.) 

____August 31, 1925 – Mrs. Mary Fellows, widow of T. B. Fellows, died in Columbus. Mr. Fellows ran a hardware store in West Jefferson for a number of years. (His father was W. W. Fellows, who built the big brick on the corner of Fellows and Frey Ave. Fellows Ave. was named after him) 

September 3, 1925 – “Fire Destroys Elevator Plant” ….. The most disastrous fire in West Jefferson’s annuals caused a $55,000 fire to the West Jefferson Elevator Co. Several hundred dollars in damage was done to several nearby houses and $250 to the A.T.&T. Wires and loss to the West Jefferson Power & Light Co. wires. The origination is unknown. It was discovered at 9:45. Heavy damage was sustained by nearby houses owned by Hinkle Patterson, Joseph King, Zim Lewis, and Charles Baker due to the sparks from the fire. Stored in the elevator were 5,000 bu. oats, 1,200 bu. wheat, 500 bu. Corn and 300 bu. barley. Wilbur McCoy, employed by the Sam Feder Hardware Store, was burned about the face and left arm while attempting to extinguish a blaze that threatened his residence. O. P. VanSchoik was overcome by the heat and smoke. 

November 12, 1925 – “Young Baker Chosen As W. M.”. …... E. E. Gregg was elected as Worshipful Master of the Madison Lodge #221 F.&A.M. (More about E. E. Gregg in Series #60)

November 16, 1925 – Radio programs lists start appearing in The Madison Press. Some of the stations were: KDKA, Pittsburgh; WEAF, New York City; WTAM, Cleveland; WKRC, Cincinnati; WOAI, San Antonio; WGY Schenectady; WWJ, Detroit and WLW, Cincinnati.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 60 by Charlie Miller

____November 19, 1925 – Ed Johnson’s famous “Yaller” dog is dead. Hon. E. J. Johnson of West Jefferson and Arkansas arrived home Wednesday. He had a sad report to make to his hunter friends here that “Yaller,” his famous coon and snake dog, about which column after column has been written, died a few weeks ago. (It was always said that the movie ‘Old Yaller” was based on Mr. Johnson’s dog. He had also written a book about Old Yaller. Ed was a famous lawyer here in West Jefferson and lived down on Heath Lane.) 

____Some 1925 West Jefferson businesses were: Wade’s Grocery; J. A. Baer, Undertaker; West Jefferson Cut Flower and Plant Co.; Britton’s Meat Market; Grover Burrell Grocery; West Jefferson Building & Loan; Madison County Finance Co.; West Jefferson Elevator Co.; Headley-Maddux, Cars; Buckley’s Hardware; Exhibit Theater; Commercial Bank; John Murray & Son Grain & Lumber; The Moss Store; Farmer’s Cream Station; Pence & Blaluser Undertaker & Furniture; W. E. Poulson’s Store; Pence & Baber Used Cars; Sunset Oil Co. and Gillivan’s Hardware. 

____December 18, 1925 – Lot D. Hull, Civil War Veteran and former West Jefferson Mayor, passes away…..L. D. Hull, 87, died Monday at his home on W. Main St. He came to Jefferson over 50 years ago. He was a charter member of the Wilson Burrows G.A.R. Post #389 and held the honor of the first Commander of the Post. (L. D. Hull served as Post Master from 1898-1919. He also served as a Corporal with the 12th Ohio Infantry and fought in the 2nd Battle of Bull Run, South Mountain, and Antietam. He served from June 1861 to December 1865.) 

_____January 28, 1926 – Bill Strosnider has bought the West End Filling Station from Baley & Spencer. (This is currently a Deli on the intersection of Main St. and London Rd.) 

____March 18, 1926 – Motor Cop Bill Clark is riding a new Indian Motorcycle this week, the result of action taken by the Village Council at their last meeting. 

____May 3, 1926 – E. E. “Pete” Gregg is a high scorer in the big trap shoot at Vandalia, Ohio. He was a high gun at the State Shoot at Vandalia with a score of 183 out of 200. There were over 150 sportsmen participating. (E. E. Gregg was Edwin Earl Gregg, also known as Earl Gregg, Pete Gregg, or just Pete. He was a character. He sold insurance, a forerunner of Gregg & Hay. He served as Village Clerk for many years; he was also a Justice of the Peace. He once swore in the Mayor of West Jefferson at Christmas time dressed as Santa Claus. Earl had ridden motorcycles most of his life, and he now had a motor scooter. Evil Knievel had just jumped the Snake River on a motorcycle. Earl said he would jump Little Darby on his motor scooter.) 

____May 17, 1926 – The Columbus Citizen – Some comments from West Jefferson residents about why they liked West Jeff. Z. R. Taylor, proprietor of the Rexall Drug Store, “There’s no dirt, little noise, clean air, and good water. Many residents of West Jefferson are back several generations; most of us are real natives.” J. W. Kubitschack, owner of the Star Hotel, is one of the oldest businesses in town. "I’ve liked the place for 34 years, and I’m going to keep on liking it.”

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 61 by Charlie Miller

____May 30, 1926 – Two of the five surviving West Jefferson Civil War Veterans were escorted to the Alton Cemetery. They were: James “Daddy” Chambers and W. R. Borland. The five are: Thomas Pearce age 90, James Chambers, 87, George Prugh, 85, Corwin Carter, 83 and W. R. Borland, 80. 

____ June 28, 1926 – Beginning July 1st, the old custom of ringing the ‘curfew’ will be put into force again. But in accordance with the changing of customs, the curfew bell at the Hall will not be used, but a siren will be sounded. (How many of you reading this remember this siren?) 

____July 1, 1926 – The London National Guard is one of the oldest in the State of Ohio, being formed as the 154th Regiment, Ohio National Guard on May 9, 1864. Capt. Alexander Swanston of West Jefferson commanded Company C of that Regiment. A number of West Jefferson men served in it. 

____September 6, 1926 – George Stephenson who conducts a blacksmith’s shop on N. West St. is the prize “Smithy” of Ohio. He was given this honor at the State Fair last week when he took home first honors from a field numbering in the hundreds. (George was born November 26, 1885, in Shipton Thorpe, Yorkshire, England. He immigrated in 1909 and was naturalized in 1918. He diedon  October 22, 1966. He had his shop behind the large building on W. Town St. He was called upon by Anhauser Busch to shoe their Clydesdales when on tour. He never lost his accent, he would come into the I.G.A. and order “A af of pund of amberger.” 

____September 16, 1926 – Fred Weber, head of the West Jefferson Elevator Co, announced that a contract had been let for the construction of a new elevator, which is to be built at a cost of $30,000. The plant will be built on the site of the old one but will be on the level, thus eliminating the hard pull. 

____November 18, 1926 – One of the town’s oldest businessmen, William Haislett, age 73 died. He came to Jefferson in 1885 and set up his hardware store. ( The store stood on the current site of the parking lot of the Huntington Bank. He was born in 1852 in New London, PA. His wife Pattie was born in England in 1882 and immigrated in 1885. He was a Tin Smith. The store was a large two-story brick, a store on the west side and a residence on the east side. When I was a kid in the 40s the store was always dark inside, we kids were scared of her she always looked like a witch!) 

____February 24, 1927 – “New Elevator Is Completed”- It stands on the site of the original elevator built in 1894 by Myron Silver. The new plant cost $30,000 and has a capacity of 30,000 bushels of grain. It is located on the Pennsylvania R.R. at the west end of town. (In the future it held Hartco Printing.)

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 62 by Charlie Miller

____April 25, 1927 – Lukens and Rader open a new funeral Home service in West Jefferson. (Luken’s had a funeral home in London for a number of years.) 

____April 25, 1927 – Mr. and Mrs. William Wanzel will open the “Ye Olde Trail Dance Pavilion” on West Main Street. (This was later Al Longstreth Dance Hall on the current site of the Dollar General Store on the northwest corner of Blair Rd. and Main St. Wanzel was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in November of 1865. His father was born in Austria. In 1900, he owned a saloon in Chicago and opened one in West Jefferson in 1905. The building still stands at 25 W. Main St. ) 

____May 16, 1927 – The Commercial Bank closed; it was organized in 1882 by Ashton A. Gregg. 

____May 30, 1927 – Only two West Jefferson Civil War Vets are left. W. R. Borland and James Chambers were given the ‘honor seats’ on the stage of the Opera House at the program given there to commemorate Memorial Day, 1927. 

____Col. Charles Lindbergh, air hero of the New York to Paris non-stop flight, passed over West Jefferson Friday at about 12:28 on his way to St. Louis. He was flying fast and leading his escort planes. The entire town turned out for the occasional and the siren was sounded and auto horns were blown, but it isn’t likely that he knew about it! 

____June 30, 1927 – Hume’s new 5 cent to $5 Store is to open here Saturday in the building formerly occupied by Zack Taylor’s Drug Store. (This was at the west end of the big brick building located at 15 W. Main St.) He went by Z. R. Taylor. He was born in January 1850 in Champaign Co. His father was born in Scotland. Z.R. came to West Jefferson and set up his Drug Store in 1873. He died February 17, 1838, and is buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, His brother, S. M. Taylor, was appointed Ambassador to Scotland in 1897 by President William McKinley) 

____October 1927- A traffic light has been installed on Main Street. (This was at the intersection of Main and Walnut Streets. This just had red and green lights, no yellow. It stayed this way until the 1950’s.) 

____November 1927 – It is predicted that by 1935, the population of West Jefferson will be between 3,000 and 5,000 people. (They hadn’t quite reached 5,000 by 2020) 

____January 28, 1928 – A beacon light is to be built near West Jefferson for an emergency landing field for government aircraft hauling mail, etc. The beacon tower will be 80’ high. (I remember the beacon light on the west side of State Route 29 about across from Jefferson Industries)

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 63 by Charlie Miller

___February 23, 1928 – Plans are being made to make Federal Route 40 a four-lane highway through Ohio. 

___April 12, 1928 – Land has been leased from R. R. Sidner two miles south of town, along the Lilly Chapel Road, for use as an airfield. 

___April 19, 1928 – A Greyhound track is to be built on the farm leased from Anthony Frey. It will give a grandstand with a capacity of 5,000 people. Work will start on construction on June 30th. (This track took in the west end of Fellows Ave. and most of the Merriman Addition.) 

___May 10, 1928 – Ray Miller, Frank Kaufman, and Robert Boyd are the incorporators of the Hi-Grade Milk Company. (The company later moved to Columbus.) 

___The Farmer’s Co-op Cream Station run by Lem Gregg, has moved to the brick building back of the Town Hall. (It actually sat on the northwest corner of Walnut and Town Streets.) 

___June 1, 1928 – A new Drug Store, owned and operated by Merrill H. (Doc) Mellott, has opened up. (This sat on the northeast corner of Main and Walnut Streets. The original building was a grocery store and was torn down in the 1940s, and the present building, now occupied by Dr. Garwood, was built. There is a picture of the original building in the Library on the “West Jefferson Remembers” website.) 

___July 4, 1928 – The Greyhound races opened today with a crowd of 7,500 people attending. 

___July 8, 1918 – An old and prominent citizen, Henry Brown, 74, died. 

___July 12, 1928 – Work has started on the new village sewage plant. (This was at the end of the Mill Road) 

___August 30, 1928 – Another old settler passes away. Luther Johnson, father of Frank, Howard, and Walter Johnson has died. 

___October 18, 1928 – The new beacon light on the Lilly Chapel Road is now in operation. 

___March 1, 1929 – Gene Compton and Lon Campton have opened up a garage on N. Walnut St. 

___May 1, 1929 – Air and Army maneuvers were held in the West Jefferson area. A company of men was stationed at Lilly Chapel. 

___May 16, 1929 – Dr. Kerr has installed a new emergency hospital in the Kuehner Building on W. Main St.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 64 by Charlie Miller

____May 23, 1929 – The local dog races are coming under fire from law enforcement officials. 

____June 27, 1929 – The Dog Track is still going strong; a twenty-day season recorded 40,000 in attendance. 

____July 18, 1929 – Dr. J. Wm. Hurt, a recent graduate of the College of Medicine, Ohio State University, is now associated with Dr. George W. Kerr. 

____February 5, 1929 – Lou Reason will move the White Kitchen from the Stutson Building, where it is now located, to across the street and a little bit east to the corner recently vacated by the Biggert Confectionery. (This was on the northeast corner of Main and Chester Streets, in the old Mantle House.) 

____October 10, 1929 – A restroom is to be built by Frank Olney on the lot west of the Town Hall. It will be ten feet off the back of the Fire Department room. 

____West Jefferson’s sanitary sewer system is to be completed by January 25, 1930. 

____November 14, 1929 – “New Mayor Gets First Page Story” -M. W. Stutson, Mayor-Elect of West Jefferson, was given prominent mention in the Sunday Dispatch. The article was headed “Mayor of a half-century ago returned to office in West Jefferson.” Mr. Stutson is 81 years of age – is full of vim and vigor and determined and perhaps enters with as much interest in the community growth as he did 57 years ago, or to be exact, 1872. He is quoted in the Dispatch as saying, “After I had served my term as Mayor I thought that I was through, but my friends wouldn’t have it any other way at the last election and I had to consent to run,” he said. “And you know now that after I have been elected, I am glad I did run because I think I have lived long enough to know what is good for the Village,” he added. “One of the first things that I’m going to do is get rid of the Motor Cop. I see no need for such an expense on the Village since the State has changed the speed law and it will just save the village government $2,000 a year.” 

____December 26, 1929 – Dr. Harry F. Jackson, 60, a well-known dentist of West Jefferson, died suddenly of heart trouble. He came to Jefferson 33 years ago, in 1896, and had practiced dentistry from that period of time. (Dr. Jackson was born in November 1869 in Cadiz, Ohio. Dr. Jackson’s office was on Main Street, above the Gillivan Hardware Store, the current site of the Culp, Parsons, and Murray Building. The downstairs entrance door to Dr. Jackson’s office is displayed at the Hurt-Battelle Library.) 

____February 6, 1930 – Dr. George M. Kerr dies. He had spent all of his professional life in the community, first at Lilly Chapel and later at West Jefferson. His practice had been exceedingly large, and his work among the flu patients during the epidemic was never-ending.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 65 by Charlie Miller

____March 4, 1930 – Alex Strain, Village Marshal for years, dies at age 70. 

____The manager of the Orient Theater has contracted for the installation of the Superior Sound Pictures, which will be in operation by the middle of the month. With this new sound device, all the latest and approved sound effects are given as sound is taken directly from the film. The Orient is one of the prettiest picture houses in Ohio. (This was in the building that was erected in 1862 and was the Methodist Church. It sat just west of the old Huntington Bank Building. Your writer worked there cleaning it and posting bills in 1951, Bill Strauss was the projectionist.) 

_____April 10, 1930 – The West Jefferson Flour Mill burned to its foundation Monday afternoon with a loss of $10,000 or more. The West Jefferson Flour Mill was recently purchased and put into operation by Mr. W. A. Rush, caught fire in the upper portion of the mill Monday afternoon, and burned to the ground. Mr. Rush had made extensive repairs and had installed new machinery. The mill was probably 100 years old, yet had been built of solid oak timbers that were still in a fine state of preservation. The mill was operated by water power for years when the waters of Little Darby were utilized. (This mill sat at the end of the Mill Road along the Creek.) 

____April 27, 1930 – James Chambers, 93, died at the home of Eugene Chambers west end of town, Monday morning. Mr. Chambers was a Civil War veteran and one of the few remaining soldiers of that Army. He was a member of the local G. A. R. Post. (James was born January 10, 1838, in Burlington County, New Jersey, the same county where the founders of New Hampton came from. He served in Co. A, 40th O. V. I. During the Civil War.) 

____July 3, 1930 – Monday, July 7th the Columbus papers will probably give West Jefferson a little more free publicity with first-page articles, for that is the date set for Mayor Stutson’s hearing before Gov. Cooper. A petition bearing the names of 200 persons asking for the Mayor’s removal, was filed with the Governor. Following this, a petition with an equal amount of names has been presented asking that the Mayor be retained. 

____July 18, 1930 – A hearing against Mayor Stutson has been postponed until August 18th. 

____August 21, 1930 – Charges against 82-year-old Mayor Stutson of West Jefferson will not be received by Governor Cooper.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 66 by Charlie Miller

____August 28, 1930 – The hardest hail storm any of the old timers ever witnessed or heard of in West Jefferson fell Saturday noon. Hail was estimated at a 2-inch depth over the entire town. 

____April 28, 1931 – Thomas Pearce, 94, a Civil War Veteran who served with Company A 40th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was found dead Sunday morning at his home near West Jefferson. (Thomas was born June 17, 1836. his father, Samuel, was born in 1799 in Kentucky. The Pearce’s were early settlers of the West Jefferson area.) 

____April 28, 1931 – “Ohio Bell To Buy Home Phone Company.” A petition was filed with the PUCO to purchase the property of the West Jefferson Home Telephone Company.”- The West Jefferson Home Telephone Company was organized about 30 years ago by Mr. Boyd, Harvey Pence, and Ligget to provide phone service for West Jefferson and surrounding areas. About 25 years ago, a competing concern, The Farmer’s Telephone Company, was formed and constructed lines and maintained an exchange at West Jefferson, Resaca, and Hillard. In 1915 West Jefferson seceded from the Resaca and Hillard Farmers and entered into a contract with the West Jefferson Home Telephone Co. On July 1, 1915, the two exchanges were combined. R.W. Boyd is President and W. L. Cary is Secretary – Treasurer. Elmer Moore is the Plant Chief, and Lillie Millikin is the Chief Operator. 

____ July 8, 1931 – The new reinforced concrete bridge to replace the present bridge over Little Darby Creek on E. Main Street, has an estimated cost of $28,083.30. The length of the improvement is 625 feet, with a 52-foot roadbed and a 4.5-foot sidewalk. The date of completion is set for November 30, 1931. 

____July 30, 1931 – Matthew W. Stutson, 83, Mayor of West Jefferson, dies at his home at this place, Sunday morning following an illness of cancer of the throat. 

____August 16, 1931 – Seven places were raided Tuesday night by dry officers with six dry hauls and in the seventh, only a few bottles of home brew were found! 

____September 17, 1931 – A community fire engine was purchased Tuesday night at a meeting held at the Mayor’s office. Through the efforts of a solicitor, pledges in the sum of nearly $5,000 have been made for the purchase of a new community fire engine, a 350 gal. pumper and chemical engine for the whole community to be used by the communities between Rome and Lafayette. It’s possible that the fire company at this place will be reorganized, then four men will be trained to operate the outfit, and each of the other communities will have the assistance of the other firemen. The officers for the Community Fire Department elected at a meeting held a few weeks ago were Sam Feder, President, and R. I. Blauser, Secretary. 

____October 29, 1931 – The following is from Recob’s Meat Market: Fresh Callies-10c lb. Smoked Callies-12 1/2c lb. Bacon-17c lb. Loin Pork Chops-20c lb. Shoulder Chops-17c. lb. Sausage-15c lb. Hamburger-12c. lb. Frankfurters- 15c. lb.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 67 by Charlie Miller

____November 12, 1931 – John M. Gillivan, 65, local hardware dealer, passes away. He had conducted a store in West Jefferson starting in 1886, then in 1890, sold out and, with his brother George, took over their father’s hardware store. In 1903, after his brother George died, he ran the business on his own. He is survived by two sons, Ralph F. “Paddy” and Allen C. Gillivan, and one daughter, Mrs. Lucille Ewart. (Gillivan Hardware was established in West Jefferson in 1866 by James Gillivan. James was born in Ireland in 1835; he immigrated in 1855 and was married on October 25, 1857, in Hamilton, Ohio, to Mary Manifold, also born in Ireland. He was listed as a Tinner. James was appointed Post Master at Gillivan, Ohio, on March 17, 1887, and served until 1890. Gillivan was never laid out and was a crossroads at U. S. Route 42 and the Blair Road. In 1915, it contained a hardware store, a Blacksmith, and six houses.) 

Gillivan Hardware sat between what is now Dr. Garwood’s office and the Old Red & White store on Main Street. George Gillivan was Mayor of West Jefferson from 1902 until he died in office in 1903. After John died, his son Paddy took over the business. The business lasted about 100 years when Paddy retired. The building was torn down, and a new one was built for William S. Culp, Attorney; in 1966, Mr. Culp died the following year, and Attorney Ron Parsons moved into the building. 

____November 26, 1931 – Miss Glayds Stickle is moving the White Kitchen Restaurant from the Stutson Building to the Mantle House Hotel, its former location. Miss Stickle will operate the White Kitchen and hotel, catering to the tourist trade, and give the same good service to the local trade. (The White Kitchen was a busy place in the 1930’s. U. S. Route 40 was the main east-west route through the country and was always busy back then. It lasted until around the 1970’s. In the 1940’ when there was an Ohio State home football game, our one policeman would stand at the intersection of Main and Walnut, turn off the one traffic light, and direct traffic) 

____August 1, 1932 – Last Sunday, the Bill Cody Wild West Show caravan of nearly 100 trucks and automobiles passed through West Jefferson. A stop was made at the Strosnider Filling Station, where 241 gallons of gas and 41 quarts of oil were purchased for their machines—a pretty good-sized order. 

____September 1, 1932 – Cement work on the 10-mile stretch of the National Road between Summerford and West Jefferson was finished on Wednesday afternoon. This stretch of highway replaces a narrow crowning highway and joins a good road at either end, as the Springfield end was finished last year. Another job on the National will no doubt be started in the next two years to Columbus, a distance of about 9 miles, which would make the National Road paved from Hebron to Indianapolis.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 68 by Charlie Miller

____September 19, 1932 – An ordinance has been passed allowing the Mayor to contract with the West Jefferson Power and Light Company for electrical service for the lighting of the streets of West Jefferson. 

____September 29, 1932 – West Jefferson will have a new gas station by the time winter sets in. T. J. Creedon has purchased the vacant lots just east of the residence of Mrs. Carrie Miller. (this is probably the current site of the Certified Gas Station) This station will make the 10th on Main Street. A. F. Dietsch-Texaco, Mr. Harrison-Sinclair, Harold Biggert and Emmett YoungStandard, Voss Brothers-Ford Garage, William Hughes-Shell, Martin Miller-Standard, William Strosnider-Linco, Ira Hunter-Sinclair and the Cochran Pure Oil at the intersection of Main Street and Blair Road. Ralph Parsons on North Walnut Street is the only one off Main Street. 

____December 29, 1932 – The machinery of the Hi-Grade Milk Company was moved from this location to 1562 King Ave, Columbus. Under Ray Miller's management, this plant has built up a splendid business in our city, and he feels it would be better to have the plant located nearer his customers. The plant here will later be remodeled for making butter and cottage cheese. 

____January 12, 1933 – Paul Miller was elected president of the Business Men’s Club, and Ralph “Paddy” Gillivan was Vice President, with Jacob McCoy as Secretary-Treasurer. The Club numbered 52 members and met at the Wise Restaurant and enjoyed a chicken supper, then adjourned to the Mayor’s Office for the business session. 

_____June 1, 1933 – Corwin Carter, 93, was the only Civil War Veteran to attend the 1933 Memorial Day Services. 

____June 29, 1933 – Lightning struck a binder in a wheat field on the Sidner farm just south of town Saturday. Three men, Charles Gregg, James Long, and Charles McCarty, who were under the binder, had stopped the team and had taken shelter under a canvas under the binder, while James Lowe and Lewis Cox took shelter under a wheat shock. Gregg, Long, and McCarty were stunned severely while one of Mr. McCarty’s shoes was torn from his foot and thrown 100 feet. Gregg, Long, and McCarty were taken to Dr. Sheetz later on; Cox and Long were returned to the horses, and as they approached the barn, lightning struck the fence, knocking Cox to the ground. Long continued to the barn, and as he approached a silo, it started to fall, and he ducked under a flat hay wagon. When the ladders fell off of the wagon, they struck Long and knocked him unconscious. 

____May 9, 1933 – H. G. Putnam was elected Mayor, and the Council elected Herbert Allerton, Steve Martin, Frank Peters, James Palmer, Merkle Miller, and Harrison Smith. Frank Biggert as Justice of the Peace and B. A. Sargent as Clerk.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 69 by Charlie Miller

____November 9, 1933 – Results of the 1933 election: Mayor H. G. Putnam – 251 votes, O. P. Van Schoik – 240, Ellis Jackson – 197, H. Bradfield – 14. Council – Herbert Allerton – Steve Martin - Frank Peters – James Palmer – Merkel Miller – Harrison Smith. Justice of the Peace – Frank Biggert. Clerk – B. A. Sargent. 

____January 1, 1934 – Council appropriates $13,238.00 for the year 1934. The January meeting of the Business Men’s Club will be held at the Star Hotel. 

____January 11, 1934 – “Old Big Foot’s” cunning finally failed him. The monstrous 28 lb. Raccoon, whose stealing of chickens, geese, and ducks in the vicinity of West Jefferson for the last five years has made him a mark for many hunters, is dead. He was shot on the farm of Henry Feder north of Jefferson after a three-mile chase. 

____March 13, 1934 – Ora B. Horn, 56, a well-known barber, died today at Mt. Carmel Hospital. Mr. Horn came here 19 years ago and opened a shop in the Metropolitan Building. (The building sat on the southeast corner of Main and Walnut Streets, the site of the current bank.) ____April 2, 1934 – A new motorcycle has been purchased by the village for $375. 

____April 5, 1934 – E. E. Gregg, Secretary of the West Jefferson Gun Club, celebrated his 10th anniversary as a trap shooter in a very auspicious manner when he won the “Crooksville Shoot.” He was presented with a 35-piece of Crooksville China dishes for his marksmanship. 

____July 30, 1934 – Miss Grace Webb, member of the ‘B’ Centralized School teaching corps, was one of the graduates to receive diplomas in the Elementary Teaching course at Capital University. August 2, 1934 – James Kehoe, 89, a retired railroad man, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Frank Wise, on S. West Street. “Granddad Kehoe” was a native of Ireland, born in County Tipperary on May 5, 1845. He had resided in Jeff for more than 60 years. 

____August 16, 1934 – The greyhound races will be resumed at the West Jefferson track on Saturday. 

____October 8, 1934 – Capt. Walter Seamon, Fellows Ave., veteran army man, was promoted to Major on October 1, 1934. (Major Seamon, as he was known, lived in the big brick house on the corner of Fellows and Frey. He was born August 28, 1883, and died December 2, 1987. He is buried at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. His first enlistment was before 1900, and it is believed that he fought either in the Spanish-American War or the Philippine Insurrection 1899- 1901. He re-enlisted a number of times. He was commissioned a 2nd Lt. In 1917 and Capt. in 1918. He fought at Asiene-Marne and St. Michiel. He was severely wounded on July 19, 1918, and was cited for gallantry. He was also awarded the Croix de Guerre from France. He was discharged on January 1, 1938. Shortly after that, he was elected Mayor of West Jefferson. He had a son, Walter Jr., who served as a Captain in WWII, and a son, Jack, who served in the Air Force as a Lt. Col.)

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 70 by Charlie Miller

____December 6, 1934 – The West Jefferson Power & Light Company has been purchased by the Dayton Power & Light Company for a price of $64,411.54. The West Jefferson concern served Madison and Union Counties. 

____December 20, 1934 – The State Utilities Commission has authorized the sale of the West Jefferson Power & Light Co. to the Columbus Railroad & Light Co. instead of DP&L. Mayor Putnam and members of the council protested the sale to DP&L asserting that the Columbus firm could give lower rates and more efficient service. 

____West Jefferson Firemen for 1934 were Ed Lamb, Chief, Miller Clark, John Chenos, E. Strain, E. Moore, Gene Compton, and Tommy Neeshan. 

____January 3, 1935 – John W. Kubitschack, veteran hotel keeper and restaurant operator, died this afternoon following a long illness at his home in the Star Hotel, which he had operated for more than 20 years. Mr. Kubitschack, a native of Germany, had been in business in West Jefferson since 1891. (He was born in July of 1863 in Austria but immigrated from Germany in 1885. The Star Hotel was in the building on E. Main St. just east of the Blauser Building) 

____February 14, 1935 – The Kiser & Hoe Cannery of West Jefferson has merged with the Crampton Cannery of Celina, Ohio. William A. Beddle will remain in charge of the local plant. (Kiser and Hoe also had branches in Plain City and Milford Center) 

____February 18, 1935 – Zachery Taylor (do not confuse with Zachery Taylor, the druggist), age 85 years, Veteran of the Indian Wars, died Sunday at the home of his daughter Mrs. Grace Tinkler, Frey Ave. Mr. Taylor was born in West Jefferson in 1849 and spent his early childhood here. He spent seven years fighting in the Indian Wars on the Western Frontier and then returned to this community. He is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Tinkler, Mrs. Laura Gibson, Mrs Helen Baker, and Mrs. Francis Craft. 

(Mr. Taylor served as Pvt. Taylor in Co. G 14th U. S. Infantry. He enlisted on February 21, 1870, at Camp Douglas, Utah, 3 miles west of Salt Lake City. He was 20 years old and stood 6’2”. He was discharged on April 5, 1877. He had been stationed at Ft. Laramie and Ft. Federman. He had fought Indians in Wyoming and the Dakota Territory. The 14th had been founded during the Civil War and had fought at Gettysburg and continues and a battalion is now attached to the 10th Mountain Division. Camp Douglas was closed in 1991 and is now owned by the University of Utah, which has established the Fort Douglas Military Museum. He is buried at the Foster Chapel Cemetery. 

____April 29, 1935 – Jimmy Clark, the “Village Lamplighter” for many years, died Monday.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 71 by Charlie Miller

____June 5, 1935 – Thomas Corwin Carter, age 91, West Jefferson’s last Civil War Veteran, died Saturday afternoon at the home of his daughter, Mrs. James Berry, Frey Ave. He was born September 27, 1840, in Paint Twp. He enlisted at Camp Dennison on May 2, 1864, and served in Company C, 154th. O.V. I. He was honorably discharged in September of 1864. He is survived by a son Robert of Columbus and two daughters, Mrs. Robert A. Wilson and Mrs. Berry. ( This was just a year before I was born, I almost was able to live the same time that West Jefferson’s Civil War Veteran lived. As a very young man I did get to see a Civil War Veteran at a Summerford Memorial Service.) 

____June 1935 – One hundred and twenty-six members of the West Jefferson Alumni Association met at this year’s Alumni Banquet. The welcome address was given by Mrs. Etta B. Martin, Class of ‘84. The banquet was held in the dining room of the Methodist Church and the dance was held across the street in the Township Hall. Some members present were: Mrs. Martin ‘84, Mrs. L. C. Dick ‘86, Mrs. J. M. Maddux (Edith Headley) ‘07, E. E. Gregg ‘07, and Willard B. Culp Class of ‘07. 

____November 25, 1935 – An unintentional turkey chase and killing was staged today by E. J. Britton and son, operators of the Red & White Store. The turkeys had been purchased from Matt Higgins a Fairfield Township farmer, and as they were being placed in the Britton’s poultry house, escaped. Ben got out his shotgun and his aim was a good one, but the other one got away. The last report stated that Mr. Turk was heading north for the tall and wild! 

We now turn the clock back to 1873, where we left off at Series #50 

____March 26, 1873 – Madison County Democrat – On Wednesday last, Charles Gassel, a boy of 12 years, son of Mr. Fred Grassel, a cigar maker of West Jefferson, took up a musket which had been loaded to shoot pigeons, and in a playful mood, pointed it at his little brother Freddy, age five years, and telling him he would shoot him, pulled the trigger and the whole load of the gun caught the young boy full in the chest killing him immediately. 

____April 16, 1873 – A boy while fishing under the Little Darby bridge at West Jefferson, a day or two ago, caught an eel some two feet in length. It is quite unusual to catch one of these slippery fellows in the water hereabouts. 

____June 4, 1873 – John Heath of West Jefferson now has 2,700 to 2,800 head of sheep partly clipped. (John Heath built the beautiful house at the end of Chester St. around 1844. Heath Lane is named after him.)

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 72 by Charlie Miller

____June 24, 1973 – The committee of councilmen which has been examining complaints made against T. D. Brown, Mayor. Have in their words, found the Mayor guilty of violating his duties in several different ways and recommend that a committee of three be appointed to prepare articles of impeachment at once. Signed, Andrew Miller, J. C. Olney, A. L. Martin. M. W. Stutson was appointed Mayor Pro Tem. The Marshal also resigned at this meeting. 

July 8, 1873 – To the Honorable Council of the Incorporated Village of Jefferson, 

Sirs, I hereby resign the Office of Mayor of said Village, hoping same will be accepted. I remain yours, T. D. Brown. 

The Marshal then went to T. D. Brown, ex-Mayor, and demanded books and papers and seals, but he refused to give them up! 

At this time, flues were inspected by the fire committee of the council and if the flues did not meet requirements, they were instructed to either get them repaired or pulled down. 

____An Ordinance - An ordinance to provide for the better observation of the Sabbath Day. 

SECTION I. Be it ordained by the Council of the incorporated Village of Jefferson, of the County of Madison, State of Ohio, that it shall be unlawful for any person or persons to open any house, room arbor, shop, booth, or cellar on the Sabbath Day for the purpose of selling goods, or otherwise doing business. 

SECTION II. And it be further ordained that for any violations of this ordinance, the person, or persons so offending, shall upon conviction there of, be fined not less than $3.00 or more than $20.00. 

SECTION III. Be it further ordained that all prosecutions under this ordinance shall be in the name of the Incorporated Village of Jefferson, and upon a complaint before the Mayor of said Village shall be, and is hereby made his duty to have the Marshal arrest the accused and bring him or them before him forthwith when he shall proceed as provided by law. 

SECTION IV. This ordinance shall take effect on and after the lawful passage. 

Passed, June 10, 1873. 

January 27, 1874 – A petition was presented by the West Jefferson Temperance Union, asking the council to use all the authority invested in them to rid the town and vicinity, of the beverage and use of all intoxicating liquor, Signed by Matthew J. Stutson and many others. 

Council was quick to answer by saying “We the Council of Jefferson do hereby receive and consider your petition, and promise to assist you in all and every way we can.” 

*Prohibition came to Jefferson long before the 1920’s as we see from the following ordinances passed by Council on February 10, 1974. (contd next series)

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 73 by Charlie Miller

_____February 10, 1874 - An Ordinance to restrain Ale, Beer and Porter Houses, and Shops and Places of Habitual Resort for Tippling and Intemperance - 

SECTION 1. Be it ordained by the council of the Incorporated Village of Jefferson, in the County of Madison, State of Ohio, that it shall be unlawful for any person or persons to keep within the said Corporation any house, room, shop, booth, cellar, arbor or any place of habitual resort for tippling or intoxication. 

SECTION II. Be it further ordained that it shall be unlawful for any person or persons to keep within the said Corporation a house, shop, room, booth, arbor or cellar or place where ale, porter, or beer is habitually sold or furnished to drink, in, upon, or about the house, shop, room, booth, arbor, cellar or place where sold or furnished. 

SECTION III. And it be further ordained that for any violation of the first sections of this ordinance that, the person or persons so offending, shall, upon conviction, forfeit and pay a fine of not less than $10 or more than $50 and shall also be imprisoned in the county jail for a period not exceeding 20 days. 

SECTION IV. Be it further ordained that all prosecutions under this ordinance shall be in the name of the Incorporated Village of Jefferson and shall be commenced upon a written complaint before the Mayor of said Village; and upon the filing of such complaint, the Mayor shall issue a warrant directing the Marshal of said Village, to arrest the accused. The Marshal shall forthwith arrest the person that’s charged and bring the accused before the Mayor, who shall proceed as provided by law, and the Mayor, upon the conviction of any person for the violation of any of the provisions of this ordinance may make it part of the sentence, that the accused shall stand committed to the jail of the county until the fine and costs assessed against such person shall be secured or paid, or otherwise discharged according to law. 

SECTION V. It shall be the duty of the Marshal and Asst. Marshal of the said village to make a complaint against all persons found violating any of the provisions of this ordinance. 

SECTION VI. That an ordinance entitled “An ordinance to restrain and prohibit places of habitual resort for tippling and intemperance” passed January 27, 1874, be and hereby is repealed. This ordinance shall take effect after the expiration of the period of 10 days after the date of its first publication. 

Passed February 10, 1874. 

George W. Lewis, Mayor, William Putnam, Clerk. 

____March 11, 1874 - The Madison County Democrat - The last of the saloonists of West Jefferson, three in number, caved in on Wednesday last and threw in the sponge. Jeff is now regenerated and reconstructed on a cold water basis. So elated were the temperance folks of the downfall of the last of the enemy’s fortifications that they sent the victorious female crusaders into the carriages, which were drawn by men and boys about the streets with shouts of triumph and songs of victory---Hurrah for Jeff!

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 74 by Charlie Miller

____1874 - West Jefferson Livery and Feed Stable, John Gregg. Prop. Located in the rear of the Mantle House. (The building that housed the stable is still standing on Water Street and was the former Williams Repair Shop.) 

____In searching for old newspapers and items, I ran across what I believe to be the only existing copy of the West Jefferson Clipper, which was printed for a short time in the early 1870s. This particular copy is dated March 7, 1874. The paper consisted of one sheet of paper folded into four printed pages. On the first page was local advertising in the left-hand column with national news on the rest of the front page. On the second page was more advertising. The ads consisted of local establishments and ads for books, medicines, and such items that came from New York and other various cities in the East which were usually placed in many of the small papers throughout the country. 

____The following is from the West Jefferson Clipper: The West Jefferson Clipper, $1.50 per annum, E. Mettles editor and proprietor, published every Saturday. The office is in the Gregg Building Main St. in the front rooms over T. B. Fellow’s store. (This would be in the building on the northwest corner of Main and Walnut Streets that currently holds an antique shop.) 

Advertisements: 

R. S. Leake, Atty at Law, Gregg Building upstairs 

Mrs. C. Gerhardt, bakery and confectionery 

J. S. LaFerre, Merchant and Tailor 

Mrs. Mary Stoner, Millinery and fancy goods. Post Office Building. 

Dr. J. N. Beach, Physician, and surgeon, over the drug store. (This building is at 11 W. Main St.) 

Dr. J. T. Colliver, in the building formerly the Haig Drug Store 

Dr. Chas. Snyder, Physician, and Surgeon on Main St. Opposite Ben Hoe’s Store 

West Jefferson Drug Store, Z. R. Taylor Brown & Sons, Harness Shop, in Swanston Building. (The former Red & White grocery store.)

1874 Directory Township Officials

Mayor- George W. Lewis 

Justice of the Peace – Rufus Ingalls, Ezekiel Arnett 

Marshal - Patrick Doggett 

Constables – John T. Gregg, William Fleming 

Clerk – William Putnam Clerk – Jophier S. Brown 

Council – William Jones 

Treasurer – Samuel S. Stickley William A. Boyd 

Trustees-  David R. Lucas Matthew W. Stutson Charles C. High J. C. Olney C. C. Roberts T. McDonald A. L, Martin

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 75 by Charlie Miller

____1874 TRAVELERS GUIDE -Trains leave the West Jefferson Depot as follows: 

WEST 

Night Express 1:53 AM

Fast Line 11:02 AM

Pacific Express 7:04 PM

Freight 7:35 AM

EAST

Cincinnati Express 11:02 AM

Southern Express 5:38 PM

Night Express 2:16 AM

Freight 4:20 PM 

Cols. Accommodations 9:13 PM 

____March 7, 1874 – West Jefferson Clipper – The boys took a coal oil barrel of Zack Taylor’s and used it at the bonfire Wednesday night. We think it would have been more fitting upon the occasion to have taken the “whiskey barrel” that was alongside it. 

____West Jefferson retail market: Flour $8.00 Beans per qt. .10 Rio Coffee .35 Wheat 1.40 Cheese per lb. .16 Butter .25 Corn .60 White Fish .10 Eggs .16 Oats .50 Herring .08 Lard .08 Potatoes 1.40 Sugar, Coffee .12 Hams sugar cured .16 Java Coffee .37 ½ Shoulder .10 Bacon .12 ½ 

N. B. Blair, Undertaker, and cabinet maker. James Gillivan, Hardware, Martin Kuehner, Manufacturer and dealer in boots, shoes, and hosiery. West Jefferson Livery and Feed Stable, A. A. Gregg, Proprietor. 

____April 6, 1874 - Elections results Mayor- G. W. Lewis - 64, M. W. Stutson - 69, Clerk- Wm. Putnam – 169 Treasurer – J. R. Roberts- 135, W. R. Fickey – 1 Council – J. J. Booth – 74, W. H. Brown – 64, Thomas Cartmill -58, A. L. Martin – 24, W. J. Burns – 51, A. Miller -75, George Britton – 61.Marshal – Pat Dogget – 56, J. T. Gregg – 78. 

____April 10, 1874 – At the Hambleton School House on Georgesville, Rd. Darby Grange No. 779 was formed. This was due largely to the efforts of George Durflinger of Jefferson. The original members were A. J. Dickerson and wife, George Durflinger and wife, Maurice Bradfield and wife, I. H. Hambleton and wife, S. H. Summers, and wife, Thos. Goodson, Joshua Truitt, J. W. Durflinger, Jacob Beers, E. W. Stoner, Charles Slagle, B.F. Roberts and George Kellar. After a few years at the school house, they used the old Township Hall and then at the homes of the members. From 1882-97, the Grange was dormant. In 1897 it was reorganized, it was made up of eleven old members and twelve new ones, including Leona Hambleton, D. R. Edwards, D. W. Dunn, H. C. Wilson, Kate Wilson, J. H. Johnson, Mary Johnson, F. B. Biggert, Martha High, and S. E. Baber. (The Grange organization was founded in 1867 to advance the method of agriculture and promote the social and economic needs of farmers. The Future Farmers of America grew out of the Grange. There are currently 2,000 members in 41 states. The West Jefferson Grange was known as Darby Grange, The Grange Hall is now long gone, it sat on the vacant lot on the east side of Twin Street. At one time, there were numerous granges in Madison Co. They would all have displays at the Madison County Fair. Most, if not all, Madison County Granges are gone.)

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 76 by Charlie Miller

____From West Jefferson correspondents in the Madison County Democrat: 

____May 20, 1874 - William Putnam is opening a new drug store in West Jefferson. 

____June 17, 1874 – A petition is being circulated and numerically signed for extending the incorporation limits of the village. This is undoubtedly done with a view to getting Mrs. Riourdon (owner of the Railroad House) under the control of the council when the question of beer will be at once settled! (*At this particular time, the question of selling alcoholic beverages within West Jefferson was hotly contested. The town was “dry.” The Railroad House was in the Railroad Addition, not the village limits. This building still sits on the North West corner of Depot Street and Pennsylvania Ave. just as you go through the viaduct. The railroad was not elevated, and evidently, many persons were crossing the railroad tracks and consuming all of the alcohol that they fancied as the Railroad House was not only a hotel but a saloon. Many rallies had been held by the temperance people and the taverns in town had closed in March of 1874, but it was to be just like the prohibition of later years people still drank and later the taverns opened again.) 

____Mr. James Peene is putting up a large frame dwelling in the west end of town, costing, $2,500.00. (This is the current site of Hampton Court Nursing Home.) 

____July 14, 1874 – Post Office Master, McCollough, pulled up stakes on Tuesday week and established this office in the Mantle House. 

____July 22, 1874 – A Big Fire — At an early hour on Tuesday morning, the town was startled by the fearful cry of Fire, and it was soon discovered that the large woodshed at the depot belonging to the Little Miami R.R. was in flames, caused no doubt by the sparks from an early morning train. The shed contained between 400 and 500 cords of wood, which was soon being licked up at a rapid rate by the fire. About 250 cords of wood were burned. The shed which was old and rickety and not much loss to the company was entirely destroyed, as well as the roof of the water tank building. The station and offices remained uninjured. 

____August 19, 1874 – We are glad to note that the old dentist, Dr. J. J. Winthers, has established his office here. 

____October 28, 1874 – The American House is almost daily supplied with fine bass from the waters of Big Darby Creek. (The American House Hotel stood on the current site of the bank parking lot.) 

____Ordinances that were passed in 1874 were posted at the following places: The Hotel of Wm. Fickey, E. R. Hill Restaurant, Gearheart’s Bakery, and The William Stutsoon.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 77 by Charlie Miller

____March 5, 1875 – A Resolution was passed to drain the large pond north of town along the railroad with a sawmill at the end. The pond is to be drained of the stagnate water, Thomas Cartmill is the owner. Also, an ordinance to fill up a certain pond in the corporation of the Village, Lot No. 17 on the town plat of the Mortimore Addition to the town. The owners of the pond are J. T. Gregg, John Fry, and Patrick Murphy. Also to drain or fill up a pond of stagnate water north of the Little Miami Division of the P.C.C.& St. L. R.R., and on both sides of the Middle Pike. (Lot No. 17 is the vacant lot on the north side of W. Main St. just before the railroad viaduct. This is where Pond Street got its name, The Cartmill Pond is currently the site of the Village Street Department.) 

____March 23, 1875 – Madison County Democrat – At last, we are rid of our big nuisance the old Cartmill reservoir on the eastern edge of town, which for many years has produced chill and fevers in sufficient quantity to supply every family in Jeff, was last week drained by the order of the council. There will consequently be an immense falloff in the demand for quine around dog days. 

____May 19, 1875 – The American House is now run by Messrs. Gregg and Ingalls. (The American House sat on the current site of the west side of the Huntington Bank parking lot) 

____June 16, 1875 – The Railroad Company has commenced filling up the two ponds north of the depot. They also have been prohibited from running trains through town faster than 4 MPH. 

____July 27, 1875 – An ordinance passed April 6, 1853, restricting railroad trains to 4 MPH, was repealed. 

____August 25, 1875 – A. D. Burnham has replaced J. N. McCullough as Post Office Master. 

____September 22, 1875 – Wilson Olney has purchased the grocery of W. Fickey. 

____October 6, 1875 – Henry Miller has purchased the dry goods store of Matt Stutson. 

____December 8, 1875 – It is reported that a ghost was seen last night near the old Hampton Cemetery. 

____January 1, 1876 – The temperature in Jefferson on New Year’s Day reached 79 degrees! 

____January 12, 1876 – The West Jefferson Literary and Debating Society was formed. 

____February 16, 1876 – A new jail is to be built in the back of the Town Hall. Mrs. Thomas Fellows

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 78 by Charlie Miller

____February 16, 1876 - Mrs. Thomas Fellows, a resident here in an early day, is visiting her brother-in-law W. W. Fellows. When Miss Fellows resided in this place the heart of the village was where the Old Hampton Cemetery burial ground is located. 

____March 22, 1876 – When R. D. Thomas was cutting a big tree for cordwood he found a rifle ball. The tree was found to be 89 years old and located on the site of the Old Sandusky Road, the route believed to have been taken by Gen. Harrison, and presumed the ball found, was one fired by one of his party. 

____ June 14, 1876 – Fred Grassel has opened a saloon in the room lately used by him to make cigars. 

____July 9, 1876 – William Putnam has sold out to Quinn Bradley. (This was a drugstore) 

____August 9, 1876 – A man by the name of Murphy was killed in a saloon here 16 years ago (1860) by Abraham Garabrant. Garabrant was caught this week in Columbus. (Garabrant was born in 1837 in New Jersey. He was living in West Jefferson in 1860 and was listed as a Teamster. It sounds like he must have left town after the murder, nothing could be found about him after that except for this article in the Madison County Democrat) 

____October 1, 1876 – West Jefferson has a street sprinkler. “The street sprinkler made its appearance again on the streets Monday evening. Everything was covered with dust until the sprinkler was put into operation. To step out of doors was almost certain suffocation.” 

____May 8, 1877 – Tom and Sam Jones have opened a dry goods store on the corner of Main and Center Streets. (This would be the current site of the Veterans Park. These were the sons of Isaac Jones founder of Jefferson.) 

December 9, 1877 – S. J. Hubbard has opened his bank here at last. (This was Sterling J. Hubbard and in 1845 he married Elizabeth Mantle the daughter of Balzer Mantle the owner of the Mantle House. Mr. Hubbard had attended the Theological Seminary at Kenyon College in 1837. He died in 1887 and Elizabeth died in 1898, both are buried in Green Lawn Cemetery.) 

____ The former jail was located underground and caused much controversy. 

____1878 – The West Jefferson Bible Society was formed in 1878. 

____April 15, 1878 - Dr. Charley Snyder has purchased the Wilson property on the corner of Main and Walnut Streets. He is talking of building an elegant three-story brick this season. (Dr. Snyder was born in 1848, he came to West Jefferson in 1867 and studied medicine under Dr. John N. Beach. He attended the Ohio Medical College, graduated in 1870, and was appointed Physician at the Ohio State Prison.)

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 79 by Charlie Miller

____October 1878 – A. A. Gregg is to build a brick residence opposite W. W. Fellows. (Ashton A. Gregg established the Commercial Bank. Fellows had built the large brick which still stands on the south corner of Fellows and Frey Avenues. It appears that Gregg never built the house.) 

____November 1878 – Ned Jones will begin the publishing of a local newspaper. 

____1879- The local Opera House is known as Gregg’s Opera House. (This building still stands on the northwest corner of Main and Walnut Streets. This building was built by Capt. Alex Swanston in 1869. It has held numerous businesses, the West Jefferson Building & Loan, a 5&10 store, Edwards Locker and grocery Store, and currently (2023) an antique shop.) 

____January 5, 1879 – Harry Lamb had a telephone connecting his residence and Store. 

____February 19, 1879 – The West Jefferson Shakespearean Club met at Mayor Fellows Monday evening last week and elected officers. President, Prof. Hutchenson, V. P., Miss Linda Mason, Treasurer, Miss Belle Fellows, Critic, Eugene Fellows. 

____June 25, 1879 – Two young men were arrested last night for fast and reckless driving on our streets, and they appeared before Mayor Booth and were fined $26.00. (They must have been driving buggies.) 

____July 11, 1879 – Jimmy Garrabrant was drowned last week while bathing in Little Darby Creek. (Jimmy was 7 years old and is buried in Hampton Cemetery.) 

_____July 30, 1879 – George Miller will burn 300,000 bricks this season. George makes good bricks and sells them at a low figure. 

____August 13, 1879 – The south end of Jefferson is erecting 6 brick houses this spring. (These would be the brick houses on Center and Chester Streets.) 

____September 3, 1879 – The iron bridge on Blair Pike will be completed today. ( I have seen Little Darby flood and almost come up to the bottom of that bridge. In 2012 the county erected a covered bridge over the Creek. It was at this location that Nehemiah Gates erected a grist mill in 1814. At that time the Blair Road was part of the State Road that ran from Franklinton to Springfield. In 1817 the mill was bought by John Mills who added a saw mill and sawed the first lumber in Jefferson Township. The mill pond is still visible today.) 

____September 24, 1879 – The steeple on the Catholic Church will be completed in two or three weeks. (In 1866 Ed Buck donated land for an edifice to be built. In 1867 the foundation was laid and the cornerstone was laid on May 19, 1867. In 1879 a tower and belfry were added at a height of 91’. The bell weighed 1,234 pounds.)

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 80 by Charlie Miller

____September 24, 1879 – Quinn Bradley has purchased Dr. Beach, the vacant lot opposite the Post Office for $750.00 in which he will build a fine building to be used as a drug store. (This was Lot No. 31 on the south side of W. Main St. just east of Bambino’s Pizza. Quinn Bradley was born in 1843, when the Civil War broke out he enlisted in Co. E 84th O. V. I. For 100 days and the following year re-enlisted in Co C 2nd Ohio Cavalry and served until the end of the war. He was a Trustee of the Pleasant Hill Cemetery and also served as Clerk of the 1st Baptist Church. He married Catherine Zinn and they had one daughter, Elta. On January 14, 1893, Elta married W. H. (Harvey) Pence. She died in a car accident in Boyle, KY, on March 3, 1947. Harvey Pence was the wealthiest man in West Jefferson, and the first to own an automobile. He died on December 22, 1959, at age 91. 

____January 28, 1890 – Gregg and McCoy have opened a harness shop on Center Street. 

____March 23, 1881 – We are informed that the Baptist Church made its pastor a donation of eatables to the amount of $20.00 and then deducted said amount from his salary. Will some brother rise and explain? 

____June 22, 1881 – Ben Hoe is engaging in erecting a mammoth brick building establishment. Byron Fellows will also erect a brick business on his property on Main Street. (Hoe’s building sat on the northeast corner of Main and Chester Streets. It was torn down in 2021 and for years it held Loveless Appliances. Fellows' property was Lot No. 27 and was jointly owned by him and his father William W. Fellows. This lot is now occupied by the Huntington Bank 2023) 

____July 6, 1881 – The Madison County Telephone Exchange was incorporated in London. 

____March 8, 1882 – James Millikin will erect a two-story frame business block 30’ X 110’ on the site of the property he now owns. It will be occupied by a hardware store. 

____March 8, 1882 – Dr. John Colliver has put a frame business block on the site of his old residence near the Burns & Weber grocery store. Also, a number of telephones were set up in Jefferson in 1882. (Dr. John Colliver was born in 1841 in Kentucky, his father Jefferson T. Colliver was also a doctor in West Jefferson, born in 1814 he died in 1865 and is buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Dr. Colliver and Quinn Bradley both owned part of lot No. 31 currently the lot just east of Bambino’s Pizza) 

_____1882 – The Commercial Bank of West Jefferson was organized in1882 by Ashton A. Gregg and Dr. Jefferson T. Colliver. (This bank was in the building that still stands on the northwest corner of Main and Walnut Streets. It has housed many businesses over its 154 years (2023) this is where the West Jefferson Building & Loan started. Later it became Jefferson Savings, then First Merit Bank, and then Huntington Bank.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 81 by Charlie Miller

____April 10, 1882 – James Peene is remolding the old Bliss warehouse for an elevator. (James Peene was born in 1834 in England and came to Jefferson in 1858. He mainly was a grain dealer. He had a 75-acre farm and erected a house on it which is now the current location of the Hampton Court Nursing home. The Bliss warehouse that he was remolding was erected by O. H. Bliss around 1846 and sat next to the railroad on the east side of N. West St. just before it enters the present railroad viaduct. James Peene died May 8, 1894, and is buried at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. 

____By 1882 the town was getting serious about developing. May 26, 1882- A PROPOSAL-- 

From E. B. Preston & Co. of Chicago, Ill.- 

We hereby propose to furnish the Village of Jefferson, Madison Co., delivered in good order at the depot of Chicago, Ill, within 60 days of acceptance of this proposition, one first class, four-wheel, hook, and ladder truck, with four improved chemical fire extinguishers. Said truck is to have the following equipment to wit; one 45 feet extension ladder, one 36 feet extension ladder; one 24-foot single ladder; one 14-foot roof ladder; four pipe poles; two ladder supports; four brass hand lanterns, 12 rubber buckets, one signal lamp with number and nameplate, one 12 inch ?, two fire axes, two pick axes, two steel crowbars, one 75 inch pull rope, 100 feet pull down ropes, pole hook and chains, 7-” A” wheels with brass hubs, oil tempered platform. Spring in front, 6 springs in the rear, 4 chemical fire extinguishers to be carried on steps on each side of the frame. Three wood boxes on the back to carry charges for the extinguishers. Each ladder is to be supplied on rubber rollers and to be held in place by a patented clutch. 

Truck frame and running gear to be painted in glisten vermilion, striped with gold leaf. Letters and supplies are to be painted light blue. Any name to be desired is to be painted in gold leaf on each side of the frame. All for the sum of $650.00, payable in 60 days at receipt of said hook and ladder truck. 

We hereby agree that the material and workmanship shall be of the best character and will at our own expense replace said parts if any, within five years from the date, as may fail, if such failures are attributed to defective or inferior workmanship, and we hereby agree to fully guarantee the said hook and ladder truck and the chemical fire extinguishers to perform efficient fire duty, accident or injuries excepted, and we also hereby agree to allow the mayor and council of West Jefferson 10 days after the receipt of same for the purpose of inspection and approval. But if no notification or rejection is received within that time the said hook and ladder truck will be considered accepted. May 26, 1882. 

Accepted June 12, 1882, by order of council. 

____June 7, 1882 – Martin Kuehner is adding an addition of 43 feet to his building on Main Street. (This building sat on the northwest corner of Main and West Sts. It was built ca. 1855, in August of 2015 a large part of the building collapsed. I remember it well, Martin’s son Charlie, born in 1863 ran it after his father died, I remember Charlie quite well. We lived upstairs in 1959 when first married. Dr. Hurt’s office was downstairs and Dr. Gibboney's dentist was upstairs.)

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 82 by Charlie Miller

____June 21, 1882 – DESTRUCTIVE FIRE – The alarm of fire sounded in our streets Friday morning last, by Dr. Snyder’s discovering a blaze coming from the second story of the American House. In a few minutes, a crowd had gathered and the door of the hotel broke in, and the occupants awakened, all of whom fortunately escaped with their lies. But very few goods were saved, the hotel furniture all being destroyed. The origination of the fire seems to be a mystery, with no fire being used in the part of the house where the flames were first seen. By almost superhuman effort the adjoining buildings belonging to Fellows and Millikin were kept from the fire fiend, but large sparks ignited several other buildings in town. Luckily no breeze was stirring, less perhaps the entire business portion of town would have been burned. Several amusing incidents occurred among the traveling men who were endeavoring to save some of their goods. One gentleman had $1,500.00 worth of silk, which he managed to get out of the building. One man carried his apparel downstairs in one arm and dragged his trunk with the other, being so excited as to forget his nude condition. The building was owned by Mr. Ingalls of Mechanicsburg and was not insured. The loss was about $2,500.00. Our town should have purchased a fire engine last week instead of a hook and ladder truck. 

____August 4, 1882 – Charley Kuehner has purchased a fine driving horse. 

____November 29, 1882 – James Peene’s elevator is finished. 

____Triplets in West Jefferson- Last Friday evening, Mrs. John Johnson presented her husband at one childbirth, three sons, each weighing 5 pounds. The triplets are all doing well as also the mother. Dr. J. T. Colliver was the attending physician and is bound to bring Jefferson to the really attractive point. 

____January 10, 1883 – Mayor A. D. Burnham died. (Albert Delos Burnham was born in 1834 in Homer, New York. He came to West Jefferson ca. 1860 and opened a grocery store. He served as Post Master from 1875 to 1883. He was elected mayor in 1883 and died in office on January 6, 1883, and was buried at Homer.) 

____1883 – The population of West Jefferson is now 800 people. 

____February 3, 1883 – The Baptist congregation is meeting with encouragement to raise a subscription of $7,000.00 with which to build a new church. 

____May 30, 1883 – The telephone office will be in Dr. Z. R. Taylor’s Drug Store. 

____January 30, 1884 – A new iron bridge is being built over Little Darby Creek by the Little Miami Railroad Co

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 83 by Charlie Miller

____May 14, 1884 – The newly appointed assistant physician at the Ohio State Pen is Mr. John Gerhardt, a former West Jeff boy. (John was born June 8, 1858, in Ohio, and his father Christian Gerhardt was born in 1805 in Germany. After his first wife died John married Marguerite Wilson who didn’t die until 1955.) 

____February 18, 1885 – Daniel Priest drowned in Little Darby Creek, he came to Jeff in 1871 and operated a cooper shop. (A Cooper was one who made wooden barrels, plenty of oak was cut around West Jeff from which he made them. A lot of oak was also shipped on the railroad. His shop was on Pennsylvania Ave. west of the Railroad House. Daniel was born in 1818 in Massachusetts and died February 17, 1885, and is buried in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. He had a son, Daniel Jr. born in 1864, and had moved to Columbus and worked on the railroad. He died in 1950 both Daniels are buried at Pleasant Hill.) 

____Wilson Burrows Post No. 389, G. A. R. has been located in Jeff. (G. A. R., Grand Army of the Republic, was formed right after the end of the Civil War, it was comprised of men who fought in the Union Army. Post No. 389 was formed on November 6, 1883, at West Jefferson. It had 20 charter members. The first Commander was Lot D. Hull. The Post was named after Wilson Burrows who was killed on April 19, 1863, during the battle of Tullahoma, Tenn. On June 9, 1885, Village records state that “Received from the G. A. R. for use of the Upper Village Hall, $8.70.) 

____Village records indicate that a fire company was formed sometime before 1885. In 1885 the Fire Department members were: Ben Hoe, A. L. Martin, A. R. Jones, W. H. Brown, S. M. Stickley, C. Bradley, Martin Kuehner, Lester Burnham, and Jerry Gearing. 

_____July 1, 1885 – William Haislett, an experienced Tinner, opened his store on Main Street. (Haislett was born in 1852 in Pennsylvania. He was a Tinner by trade and around 1887 he came to Jefferson and erected a building which is now the site of the parking lot of the Huntington Bank. There he had a hardware store downstairs on the west side and living quarters on the east side and upstairs. His wife Patty Haislett, was born in England in 1854. He died in 1926 and she died in January 1941. I was just a kid but I can remember her, we kids thought that she was a witch, she looked the part. It was always dark and dingy in the store. There were no family survivors, when William Culp handled the estate he found several bank accounts in different banks under different names) 

____August 11, 1885 – An ordinance was passed prohibiting any vehicle to be pulled by an animal to exceed 8 MPH on village streets. (Did they have speedometers on the buggies?) In the mid-1880’s Main Street was graded and graveled. 

____September 29, 1885 – An ordinance was passed condemning the Baptist Church at the end of N. Center St. $300.00 was given to the church for the right of way through their lot. Dirt from the excavation of the new Baptist Church on the southwest corner of Main and Center Streets was hauled across the street to fill in the town hall lot in August of 1886.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 84 by Charlie Miller

____1885 – Prices charged by the Village Marshal to bury a dog, 25c., a horse, $1.25. 

_____September 29, 1885 – Council made a motion and passed to purchase 20 street lamps with posts @ $5.00 each, delivered. (One of these lamps was later given to the village by Earl Gregg and is in the village hall. They burned gasoline) 

____November 10, 1885 – 26 lamps had been posted in the town. The Marshal had been appointed to light the lamps at $10.00 per month. The contract for setting the lamps and posts was awarded to John Stagg @ 15c. Each, 

____January 20, 1886 – A corn canning plant is in the process of being built. (This building still stands on Jackson Street. The canning factory lasted for many years, and at harvest time it was the biggest employer in town. It was owned by several different canning companies including Stockley Van Camp and Crampton Canneries. Later it housed the Knight Travel agency.) 

____1886 – Fourteen men were appointed by Mayor Culp to fill a vacancy on the council. All 14 were refused by the council by a vote of 3-2. It was finally decided by a special election. 

____1886 – In 1886 the G. A. R. rented the upper rooms of the Village Hall for $20.00 per year. 

____February 1886 – The village has purchased six more street lamps. 

____October 13, 1886 – The foundation of the new Baptist Church is about completed, and it is understood work will begin at once on the building. 

____October 27, 1886 – A lodge of the Sons of Veterans has been established here. 

____November 3, 1886 – The cornerstone of the new Baptist Church will be laid next Sunday under the auspices of the Masonic Fraternity. 

____November 10, 1886 – The laying of the cornerstone of the new Baptist Church in West Jefferson last Sunday afternoon will always be remembered as one of the leading events in that village and was the cause of the assemblage of a large number of Madison County people to witness the interesting ceremonies. The cold weather doubtlessly kept many from the exercises, but there was present a very creditable crowd. Members of the Masonic Fraternities were present from the West Jefferson Lodge, Chandler Lodge of London, and the Urania Lodge of Plain City. The assembly marched from the Masonic Hall to the church and taking their places on a large platform erected for the purposes, was called to order by the Grand Marshal J. Thacker Williams, after which the blessing of the Almighty was asked by Chaplin Gilbert.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 85 by Charlie Miller

____November 10, 1886, laying of the new Baptist Church cornerstone, cont’d – The inspiring service was proceeded by the laying of the cornerstone which was sealed in a tin box containing a history of the church and a copy of the Madison County Democrat describing the occasion. After the ceremony, the citizens marched to the Baptist Church. (The church stood two blocks north of Main Street in the middle of what is now Center Street. The building was later purchased by the Murray Lumber Co. and was used for storage. Sometime in the 1990’s the building caught fire and burned to the ground. The first church building was an old log cabin which was located about 20 paces from the gate of the New Hampton cemetery. In 1833 a brick building was erected and was used until 1844 when the church on Center Street was built.) 

____September 28, 1887 – Village Council voted to pay Rumsey & Co. of Seneca Falls, N.Y. $500.00 for a fire engine No. 245 ½ with 400 feet of 1 ½ inch hose, 30 feet of 2 ½ inch hose, and an oil can, wrench and complete throughout. To be paid for ½ in 60 days after acceptance of the engine and ½ on or before one year of acceptance. The new engine will be named Jefferson #2. J. B. Hill was appointed Fire (Engine was accepted on November 17, 1887.) 

____1887 – There was at least one telephone in town by 1887 as the town was billed for $1.50 for the use of Z. R. Taylor’s telephone. 

____1887 – The Coral Rebekah Lodge was instituted in West Jefferson, Mary Fellows was the first Noble Grand. 

____March 14, 1888 – Dan McCarty and Wm. H. Stutson have opened a butcher shop on the old stand of George Hann on Main Street. 

____March 28, 1888 – John McNeal has purchased 4 acres of land adjoining the Catholic Cemetery where he will run a brick and tile yard. (John McNeal was born in 1858 the son of Jacob McNeal who settled in West Jefferson and opened a carriage manufacturing business on the southeast corner of Main and Twin Streets. John McNeal died in 1936 and is buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. 

____April 25, 1888 – A gas well has been drilled in the London area on the land of Elmer Moorman, 7 miles southeast of London. 

____June 24, 1888 – The new Baptist Church was dedicated here today.

____August 1, 1888 - A dinosaur tooth weighing 5 lbs, 12 oz. was found in Big Darby Creek near Chenoweth’s Mill and sent to the 1888 Ohio Centennial and added to the Madison County exhibit. 

____February 12, 1889 – Council voted to construct a cistern of 200 bbl. capacity to be situated 800 feet west of the one in front of Town Hall. ( This was just west of the intersection of Twin and Main Streets.)

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 86 by Charlie Miller

_____February 27, 1889, PEEN ELEVATOR BURNS – Owing to the frozen condition of the hand engines, the whole building and contents were consumed. The fire spread to Gallagher’s elevator and Mrs. Riourdan’s boarding house, but the heroic efforts of the bucket brigade saved both buildings. (Peene’s elevator sat on the north side of the railroad tracks west of Riourden’s. Gallagher’s elevator was later Murray Grain & Lumber Co.) 

____July 1, 1889 – A West Jefferson newspaper is to be issued in a few days, Homer Cookey is the Editor. (The first definite date of a newspaper in Jefferson was in 1889 and was called The Jeffersonian. In 1894 the name was changed to The Home News and again in 1911 to The News.) 

____October 2, 1889 – Murder in West Jefferson – Local grocery owner, Samuel Stickley, was assaulted by a man named George Bowles, who beat him over the head with a revolver, fracturing Mr. Stickley’s skull causing his death a few days later on September 26th. The murder took place in front of Mr. Stickley’s grocery store on the corner of Main and Walnut Streets. (Stickley was born in 1843 in Virginia, during the Civil War he served in Co. C 154 O. N. G. Mellott’s Drug Store opened in 1928 in this building.) 

____October 14, 1889 – 20 West Jefferson Free Holders submitted a petition to the Village Council requesting to submit to the qualified voters of said Village the question of building a new town hall and township house. The cost of said buildings is not to exceed $15,000.00. 

____1890 – One of the duties of the Town Marshal at this time was to bury any dead animals found within the village limits. In 1890 Council passed an ordinance stating that any dead animal found within the village limits would have to be buried by the owner at the owner's expense. 

____January 12, 1890 – A boy by the name of Albert Ellison of Big Plain, died of the grippe here. He was born on February 16, 1872, and was nearly 18 years old. He was 4 feet tall and weighed 20 pounds, he had been exhibited in several different states. 

____A newspaper called The Observer was published in 1890. 

____January 15, 1890 – The new bell for the Baptist Church has arrived, it’s weight is 2,000 pounds. 

____January 20, 1890 – A new well was put in front of the Baptist Church on Main Street. (This well was well known for many years and mentioned in many old timer’s recollections. 

____May 7, 1890 – Three saloons are now open in Jefferson, Slavin’s, Mrs. Grassling’s, and Murray’s. The Prohibition ordinance will be repealed this week.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 87 by Charlie Miller

____May 13, 1890 – The ordinance prohibiting the sale of ale, beer, and porterhouses (porterhouse, a place where porter, a malt liquor resembling ale, was sold) and other places from selling intoxicating liquors, passed May 20, 1887, was repealed on May 13, 1890. 

____June 1890 – S. West Street was extended from Pearl Street to the Lilly Chapel Free Pike. This took in the residence of Dr. John N. Beach. Dr. Beach turned in a claim of $50.00 as damages to his property by the extension of the street. The council thought that it was too high and appointed a committee of three to offer him $20.00. Also, Andrews Burrows whose land was also crossed (on the west side of the street) turned in a bill of 3c. a square foot. The council thought that this was too high also. A committee was formed to offer him $125.00. R. S. Leake was obtained as solicitor for the corporation in the cases, and made the following report; for the court to allow Andrew Burrows, $150.00 and Dr. Beach $50.00 as compensation for damages on September 11, 1890. 

____July 30, 1890 – Gable & Witzel, the photographers, will occupy one of the upstairs rooms in the Haislett Building. 

____September 3, 1890 – John Elliott of West Jefferson, was murdered by a man named Frank Cash, a tramp. John Elliott was killed the previous day on the 2nd, he served as Sgt. in Co. C, 95th O. V. I. From August 9, 1862, to August 19, 1865, he’s buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.) 

____ John Renner’s mill, better known as the West Jefferson Flouring Mill, turns out 60 barrels of flour per day. (This mill sat clear at the end of Mill Rd. on Darby Creek.) 

____November 19, 1890 – Charles C. Jones, son of Rev. Isaac Jones, founder of Jefferson, died suddenly. (Charles was born in 1826 in New Hampton. He was later involved in Banking and auctioneering.) 

____January 28, 1891 – A. L. Martin, tailor, died here. ___March 25, 1891 – Joseph Millholland of LaFayette, has leased the Mantle House including the Baber Stable in the rear. (The Baber Stable still stands (2023) and previously housed the William’s Automotive Repair Shop) 

____1891 – The Village Lamp Lighter was Isaac Stickley, he was paid the sum of $10.50 per month. Before having a lamp lighter, the lights were taken care of by the Village Marshall.)

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 88 by Charlie Miller

____April 28, 1891 – A PROPOSITION – We the Sun Vapor Street Light Co., an incorporated company of Canton, Ohio, hereby agree to furnish to the Village of Jefferson, forty or more number 3 Broadway gasoline lamps at a cost of $5.00 each FOB Canton, and one painter torch at $4.00. Payment is to be made in cash with the exception of $100.00 for which we, the Sun Vapor Street Light Co. accept a deferred order payable September 1, 1891. (The proposition was accepted by the Village Council) 

____July 1, 1891 – Pioneer Gaines P. Simpkins of West Jefferson, dies. (Gaines Simpkins was the son of John W. Simpkins. Gaines was born in June of 1815 in London. He was a harness and saddle maker. His father John had settled prior to 1812 in Franklinton and opened a Hatter Shop. During the War of 1812, Gen. William Henry Harrison had stopped at his shop on the way to Marietta. He used John’s shop for a barracks and made him a Commissary. In 1834 he moved to Jefferson and here he bought a lot in the wilds of nature and cleared and grubbed it and erected a cabin which later was the site of the American House on Main St. On April 26, 1834, he was elected President of the Council (Mayor) of Jefferson. He died in 1861 and is buried at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. 

____July 15, 1891 – The Observer, the local newspaper has suspended publication. 

____February 10, 1892 – Pioneer E. Z. Arnett died in West Jefferson. (Ezekiel Arnett was appointed Street Supervisor at the same organizational meeting of Jefferson in 1834 as John W. Simpkins was elected President. He was a charter member of the Methodist Church started here in 1833. ) 

____Some of the businesses in town in the 1890s were: W. H. Pence, undertaker; Reed&Stottles, bakery; James Bunton, Blacksmith; James Gillivan & Sons, Hardware; Martin Kuehner & Son, Boots & Shoes; Zack Taylor, Druggist; The Commercial Bank, Dr. Jewett, M.D. in the Gregg Block near the Mantle House; John Yeager, Grocery. 

____Gasoline for the street lamps was bought from the Standard Oil Company. Two barrels cost $7.35 in 1892. 

____June 28, 1892 – An ordinance for the erection of a town hall in the Village of Jefferson, and to levy a special tax to issue bonds of the said Village, therefore, to dispose of the old buildings on the Public Square was passed. 

____July 15 and 26, 1892 – The sale of the bonds was published in The London Enterprise and Madison County Democrat.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 89 by Charlie Miller

____June 28, 1892- AN ORDINANCE – 

Section I - Be it ordained by the Council of the Village of Jefferson, that a town hall shall be erected for the Village at a cost not to exceed $10,000.00. 

Section II – The building shall be erected on the site of the old town hall and the old town hall building shall be sold at public auction to the highest bidder. The taxation being levied annually on all the taxable property in the village shall be 5 ½ mills on each dollar valuation of said property for a period of 10 years and in anticipation of collection of said tax, bonds of said village in the aggregate to the sum of $10,000.00 shall be issued bearing interest at the rate of 6% per annum, payable semi-annually. Said bonds shall be 20 in number each for the sum of $500.00, with the interest as aforesaid, and shall be numbered consecutively from 1 to 20. No.1 shall be due and payable March 1, 1893, and one of said bonds in numerical order shall be due and payable every six months thereafter. Said bonds shall bear the date of their delivery. Said bonds and interest shall be payable at the Treasurer’s Office in the said village. A suitable and capable person may be employed by the said council to prepare plans and specifications for the said building. 

____July 21, 1892 – The committee on the new town hall reported the Cedarville town hall was a very desirable hall and agreed to adopt the greater part of its plan. On motion, it was agreed to accept the Cedarville Hall with some alterations in the gallery and model it after the Yellow Springs gallery. 

____July 27, 1892 – John Flynn was employed as architect for the new town hall. 

____August – Bonds were sold for the purpose of paying the cost and expenses of the wrecking of the old town hall. 

____September 20, 1892 – The following bids for tearing down the old town hall were opened and read as follows: William Webb, $2.97 per square foot per 1000 bricks; William Stickley, $1.99 per 1000 bricks; Marion Clark, $2.00 per 1000 bricks. The contract was awarded to William Stickley. Then William Stickley informed Council he would not take the contract to tear down the old town hall. The contract was then awarded to Marion Clark, Taylor Harrington, and John Clark. Thomas C. Gregg was appointed a committee of one to see that the hall was torn down carefully and that the work was done according to specifications. (Your writer remembers Tom Gregg, I was born in his house and lived there later as a teenager) 

____October 11, 1892 - A bill for $107.58 was paid to Marion Clark, Taylor Harrington, and John Clark for tearing down, cleaning, and piling up 46,112 bricks, and 7,680 bricks in bats a total of 53,792 bricks @$2.00 per thousand. (Some of these bricks were used in the 1893 town hall) 

____October 11. 1892 – James Slaven was appointed to sell the old town hall bricks. The good ones for 75c. Piece, the poorer ones for less.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 90 by Charlie Miller

____October 11, 1892 – A Resolution accepting the bid of D. W. McGrath for the furnishing of all material necessary and the erection of the town hall. Furthermore, a contract will be entered into by the corporation with the said D. W. McGrath with James Burnham and John C. Burns and his trustees for said improvements according to plans and specifications. Also accepting his proposal at the following rates, the said being the lowest for said improvements. The amount to be paid by the village in cash, $9,968.00, and is to furnish free, the brick from the old building and said contractor is allowed until the 15th day of July 1893 to complete said contract and the Mayor of the village is hereby authorized and directed to sign and execute a contract on behalf of the corporation. Done this 17th day of October 1892. 

____The Street Light Committee was instructed to have the street lights painted green. Mayor Booth was to be the supervisor of the building of the new town hall. 

____December 14, 1892 – Workmen are engaged in putting long-distance telephone lines into West Jefferson. 

____January 25, 1893 – George Blair of West Jefferson, died. (The Blair family were very early settlers in Jefferson Township. In 1853 George W. Blair donated the land and was instrumental in establishing the M. E. Methodist Church and cemetery on the Blair Pike. The Cemetery is still there, but the church was torn down and later was erected on land donated by E. R. Haynes which became the Gillivan Methodist Church on the corner of Blair Road and U. S. 42.) 

____March 28, 1893 – The village received a bill of $1,065.00 for concrete footing and stonework and excavation and was paid. 

____April 5, 1893 – President Cleveland has appointed Derwin Dunn of Madison County to be Minister to Japan. 

____April 1893 – The village was billed in the amount of $1.50 from Marshall George Baber for burying two dead dogs and one dead hog. 

____May 24, 1893 – The Jefferson Gun Club builds a clubhouse on the Peen lot. 

____October 10, 1893 – Contractor D. W. McGath received $1,500.00, the final payment on the new town hall, making a total payment amounting to $9,900.00. $68.00 was held back for unfinished carpenter work. 

____April 11, 1894 – The plastering of the new town hall has been completed. On May 8th, Councilman McCarty informed Council that the corporation was being sued by D.W. Gath for the balance claimed to be due him from the town hall contract. The amount due was $68.00.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 91 by Charlie Miller

____May 9, 1894 - James Peene, an old resident of West Jefferson, dies. (James Peene was born April 25, 1834, in Kent County, England. His parents immigrated to Canada in 1834 and came to Jefferson in 1857 where he married Mary Ann Zinn. He owned 88 acres where Arbors West is now located.) 

____November 9, 1894 – It was authorized for the removal of the old fire department building to the rear of the new town hall and to the center, 18 feet from the rear wall, and to tear down the old jail, and to repair the old fire department building for use as a coal bin and storage for corporation supplies. May 8, 1894 – An ordinance was passed to allow the Ohio Telephone and Telegraph Company to erect poles and wires within the corporation limits. 

____June 20, 1894 – The Post Office was moved to the east room of the new town hall. Patrick McElroy is Post Master. (His father, Terrance, was born in Ireland. Patrick was born in January of 1857 in New York and died in 1908. He served as Postmaster from December 1893 to February 1898.) 

____June 27, 1894 – A bill of $32.00 was paid for the setting and inscription of the town hall cornerstone, done by W. H. Dole and Sons. (The cornerstone can still be seen there today.) 

____October 29, 1894 – A resolution was made to purchase new chairs for the town hall from the Dayton School Furniture Co., 80 #30 chairs @ $1.75 and 180 #13 @$1.60, 220 #80 chairs @ $1.45, 8 seats 8 feet in length making a total of 64 feet of oak wood at the rate of 75c. Per foot. Total amount $795.00. Moved by McCarty, seconded by Smith that the resolution be adopted. The Mayor refused to consider the motion on the grounds that the adoption of the resolution was illegal, and would not consider it for that reason. 

McCarty insisted that the motion should be put. Mayor Hull then declared that he would not be a party to such illegal business and left the council chambers followed by Blazer and Miller. It was then moved by McCarty and seconded by Slaven that Councilman Smith act as chairman until the business was all transacted. The motion carried. Smith then took the chair. Moved by McCarty, seconded by Smith that the resolution be adopted by the opera chairs. The resolution was passed and the Council adjourned. 

____At the next meeting Mayor Hall moved that the minutes of the last meeting be re-written to constitute another meeting after he had left. The motion was defeated. The motion was again defeated at the meeting on November 13th.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 92 by Charlie Miller

_____November 27, 1894 – Regular meeting of Council, Mayor Hull presiding: 

Minutes of the October 9th meeting were read. Mayor Hull again voiced his objections to the latter part of said minutes and would not permit the reading of them. It was then moved by McCarty, seconded by Slaven that the Clerk proceed with the reading of the minutes. The motion was declared out of order. It was then moved by Smith, seconded by McCarty that an appeal be taken from the decision of the Chair. Mayor Hull refused to consent to the motion of appeal. Moved by McCarty seconded by Smith that the minutes of the October 9th meeting be not approved. All voted yes except Slaven who refused to vote. Motion carried. Moved by McCarty seconded by Smith that the Clerk proceed with the reading of the remainder of the minutes. The motion was declared out of order. Moved by Slaven seconded by McCarty that the reading of the minutes be postponed until the next regular meeting. Motion carried. 

____December 11, 1894 – Regular Council meeting - motion made by Smith seconded by McCarty that a committee of two be appointed to secure an attorney at the expense of the Corporation, to settle upon some plan to approve the minutes. All voted yea. The Mayor appointed Bazler and Braithwaite to the committee. 

____January 8, 1895 – Regular Council meeting- A communication was received from B. H. Lewis an attorney, in which he explained how a satisfactory adjustment could be made to the minutes of the previous meeting. The council refused to accept his advice. (The bill for the Opera House chairs was finally paid on July 9, 1895! Council members were: James Slaven, Henry Miller, John Bazler, William Smith, James McCarty, and Isaac Braithwaite.) 

_____1894 – From The Madison County Democrat, taken from The Washington Post. The last veteran of the Revolutionary War died on April 6, 1869, at the age of 109. It is predicted that the chances are that the man who is destined to bear the proud but melancholy distinction of being the last survivor of the Civil War will not live later than 1950. (According to Google the last surviving Revolutionary War veteran was Lemuel Cook, who died May 20, 1866, at the age of 106. The last surviving veteran of the Union Civil War veteran was Albert Woolston who died August 2, 1956, at the age of 106. the last Confederate veteran was Pleasant Cump who died December 31, 1951, at the age of 104) 

____April 17, 1895 -Dr. L. H. Black, the Dentist, is now located in the Odd Fellows Block. 

____May 22, 1895 – A man comes in from a hard day’s work. He is met at the door by a drunken wife. A family quarrel ensues and a loaded pistol is produced. A shot is followed by a cry of pain and a murderess flees the county. Such is the tale of matricide reported from West Jefferson. Theo. White, colored, living on the Asa Silver farm 2 ½ miles west of Jefferson, on the Urbana Pike, (Rt. 29) was shot by his wife and killed.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 93 by Charlie Miller

____May 22, 1895 – Town Street has been opened west of West Street through the lots of Elizabeth Slaven and Jacob McNeal to the street now opened in the rear of lot #1 of Mortimore and Newman’s Addition. (This opened Town Street between West Street and Twin Street) 

____May 29, 1895 – The Township Trustee has bought from A. A. Gregg, the lot behind the Baptist Church for $500.00 for the purpose of building a Township Hall. (N. Center St.) A small strip of land was also bought from William Borland. (This later was Galbraith Hall and was later razed.) 

____1895- There are now 501 Civil Veterans living in Madison County. 

____June 13, 1895 – An amendment to an ordinance entitled, an ordinance to provide for the observance of the Sabbath passed in council September 18, 1875. Section I: Be it ordained by the Council of the Village of Jefferson, County of Madison, that Section I of an ordinance entitled An ordained to provide for the observance of the Sabbath, is hereby changed to read: That it shall be unlawful for persons keeping and running saloons to do any business of whatsoever nature on the Sabbath Day commonly called Sunday. That any person or persons engaged in mercantile business shall be permitted to open their stores until 9 A.M. That meat shops are hereby privileged to open until 9 A.M. That persons doing business in a restaurant or eating house or tavern, to the accommodation of the public, are hereby entitled to remain open on Sunday. Drug stores are permitted to sell on the prescription of a physician. Further, the provision of this section now specifies a violation of the same by persons doing business not entitled to barter or sell on the Sabbath Day under the provisions of this section except in cases of absolute necessity as for charity. If any person or persons permitted by this section to do business on the Sabbath shall fail to do service to that Day and conduct their places in a disorderly manner, not compatible with the proper respect to that Day, shall be punishable by the law as in Section II of this ordinance. 

____1895- The total number of street lights in West Jefferson is 51.

____July 3, 1895 – James Murray is putting up a new brick block 20’ X 32’ next to his adjoining building. 

___July 10, 1895 – The estimated cost of the new Township Hall is $4,450.00 

____August 21, 1895 – Kendall and Taylor of Columbus were awarded the contract to build the new Township Hall for $4,364.00, it will be completed by the first of December. 

____August 27, 1895 - A representative of the Detroit Heating & Lighting Co. proposes to furnish one each of the following: 1- 100 light gas machine and 1-100 light mixer attached with the necessary piping, etc. exclusive of fixtures, for the sum of $600.00. A motion was passed for gas fixtures to be bought for a price not to exceed $71.00.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 94 by Charlie Miller

____1895- A. A. Gregg Jr., is the manager of the Opera House (Village Hall)

____November 26, 1895 – Joseph Borland quits as the Lamp Lighter, and Neal Lambert is appointed.

____December 11, 1895 – Ollie White, who killed her husband last May is captured in Gallipolis, Ohio. (She was later sentenced to life in prison.)

____September 23, 1896 – December 23, 1896 – West Jefferson has another murder to add to its list of unfortunate homicides. Edmund Buck, who owned the Hotel Buck, was killed about noon by Marsh (March) Ricks a local barber, near the same site where Mr. Samuel Stickley was murdered. Ricks was jailed by officers George Baber and Sprague. Ricks was taken to London for fear of being lynched. (March Rix was born September 29, 1869, in West Jefferson. His father was Martin Van Buren Ricks, born June a slave 1843 in Oktibbeha, Co. Mississippi. It is believed that Ricks, wife, and a son escaped to the north when Gen. Grierson’s Raid came through Oktibbeha County, Mississippi in 1863. Ricks later served in the 27th Infantry, U.S.Colored Troops. He was killed by being hit by a fast freight in West Jefferson in 1804 and is buried in the New Hampton Cemetery.)

____December 23, 1896 – March Ricks received a life sentence in the Ohio State Penitentiary for the Murder of Ed Buck. (Per Ida Grassel he was later released and grieved himself to death as he was a friend of Bucks. Ed Buck donated the land for the St. Simon & Jude Catholic Church on Main Street)

____March 3, 1897 – Bill Stutson has opened a butcher shop in the old Ricks shop room.

____June 23, 1897 – Prof. Linson made a successful balloon accent and parachute leap here last Saturday.

____July 21, 1897-Prominent citizen of Jefferson dies. - Dr. John Nobel Beach, was born in 1829 in Madison County, located in Jefferson in 1859. In 1884 he published a history of the 40th O. V. I. of which he had been commissioned Surgeon. In 1874 he was elected Professor of the Columbus Medical College. In 1875 he represented Madison County in the Lower House of the Ohio Legislature. He was for some time the West Jefferson correspondent for the Madison County Democrat. His funeral held in Jefferson, was the largest ever seen here. (Dr. Beach built the large brick building at 11 W. Main St and had his office in the east end.)

____August 1897 – Another Murder in West Jefferson: 13-year-old Maud Whipple, daughter of Mrs. Kate Whipple of West Jefferson, was found shot near the Big Darby Creek, two miles east of town. Mrs. David Taylor, 47, was arrested as a suspect. (Kate Whipple was a widow, she had another daughter named Harriett whose husband Calvin Gillivan was the grandson of George Gillivan a Mayor of West Jefferson who died in office in 1903.)

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 95 by Charlie Miller

_____September 1, 1897 – Hon. S. M. Taylor, brother of Druggist Zack Taylor, has been appointed United States Consul to Glasglow, Scotland.

____January 6, 1898 – Former West Jefferson resident William Wallace Fellows, died in Columbus last Monday morning. (W. W. Fellows was born in 1818 in New Hampshire and came to Jefferson in 1836 and entered into the mercantile trade and farming. He and his son, T. B. Fellows later operated a dry goods business. In 1872 he retired and went to farming on the 18 acres that he owned along the Frey Ave. and Lilly Chapel Pike. He built the large brick home on the corner of Fellows Ave. and Frey.
Ave. Fellows Avenue is named after him.)

____February 16, 1898 – West Jefferson now has a long-distance telephone line by having the line at Zack Taylor’s store connected with the one in Columbus.

____February 23, 1898 – “Fort” Byron, one of the eyesores of our town, is being torn down to make way for a new building. (This is the current site of the Huntington (former 1^st Merit) Bank.

____March 2, 1898 - Another murder near West Jefferson----Three miles west of town on the London-West Jefferson Road near the home of Thomas Pearce, the dead man, Joe Millholland, had been shot and then placed on the Little Miami R.R. tracks and ran over by a train. The guilty party is not known.

April 20, 1898 – A new hotel is being built in Jefferson and is being entirely lighted by gas.

____May 18, 1898 – Chas. Recob, Mary Kehoe, and Pat Matlock have purchased new bicycles, there are about 100 of these vehicles in this village.

The Spanish-American War

The Spanish-American War was a war waged against Spain by the United States in 1898 to liberate Cuba from Spanish rule. Relations between the two countries became strained in 1897 and the accidental blowing up of the United States battleship Maine in the Havana harbor on February 15, 1898, led to the beginning of hostilities. Cuba was blockaded on April 22^nd and the war was declared first by Spain and a day later by the United States on April 25, 1898. On May 1^st the Spanish fleet under Montojo, was completely destroyed by Admiral Dewey in the Manila Harbor.

The Peace Protocol was signed on August 12, 1898, and the actual treaty was ratified in Paris on December 10, 1898. By the terms of the treaty the Philippines, Guam, Puerto Rico, and all Spanish West Indies were ceded to the United States in payment of 20 million dollars, while Cuba was recognized as an independent territory under the protection of the United States.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 96 by Charlie Miller

Madison County in the War – Company E, 3rd Regiment of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was formed in London, Ohio, and mustered into the regular service on June 30, 1898. The Company contained 109 officers and men. It was mustered in as an addition to the Ohio National Guard. Co. E left London on Thursday, June 23, 1898, for Camp Bushnell at Columbus. There were three more companies formed in London but they were never mustered into the service. The following men from West Jefferson were in Company E.

William Bishop - PVT 21, sick in St. Francis Hospital, October 20-24, 1898

Charles Burns - PVT 25, mustered out with Company

Joseph Cartwright – PVT 20, “

William Cartwright – PVT 22, “

Grant Dennison – PVT 33, “

William Furrow – PVT 21, “

Michael Garrick – PVT 23 “

Charles Hart – PVT 19 “

John Hann – PVT 22 mustered out October 26, 1898

Harley Neighborgall – PVT mustered out with Company

Joseph Pearce – PVT 25 “

Henry Prior – PVT 25 “

Homer Roberts PVT 19 “

Monah Sweetman PVT 27 mustered out October 29, 1898

The 3rd Regiment O. V. I. Contained 12 companies. Some of the Regiment had already departed for the South before Co. E had joined it. The Regiment left Columbus on May 18th arriving at Tampa, Fl. May 23, 1898. It left Tampa by rail arriving at Fernandina, Florida on July 25th. It left Fernandina by rail on August 29, 1898, arriving at Huntsville, Alabama on August 31st. It left Huntsville on September 14, 1898, arriving in Columbus on September 15th, furloughed from September 16 to October 16, 1898, and mustered out on October 26, 1898.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 97 by Charlie Miller

SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR

____August 3, 1898 – B. F. Roberts, the father of Homer Roberts of West Jefferson, received the following letter from his son who was in the 3rd O. V. I.;

Fernadina, Fla.

July 27, 1898

We are now 2 ½ miles from the ocean and can see the lighthouse plain from the campgrounds. It beats thunder to think that we have enlisted and come away down here to clear the ground for some rich congressman in this perfect wilderness.

When we came down here yesterday our provision train was wrecked and we have had nothing to eat since, only what we bought, and prices are high down here. I am not broke yet and do not want to be here. The Col. says that we will stay here until fall, and then probably go to help take Havana; he thinks that will end the war.

That report in the Jefferson Home News about there being typhoid in the 3rd is a fake, we are all OK.

Pvt. Homer Roberts, Co. E 3^rd Reg. O. V. I.

____September 27, 1898 – The Opera House was leased to A. G. Kuehner for one year. (Anthony Kuehner was the son of Martin Kuehner, born in Baden, Germany in 1830. He came to the United States in 1855 and built the large brick building on West Main St in which he operated his boot and shoe store and clothing. The building collapsed in 2015.)

____September 1898 - An Ordinance to prevent accidents from the careless use of bicycles: Any person who shall ride a bicycle on any pavement or sidewalk of said village shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and be fined not to exceed $10.00. Any person who rides a bicycle within the village limits exceeding 8 MPH, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and be fined not more than $10.00. Anyone who shall ride a bicycle after 6 p.m. in the winter or half past 7 p.m. in the summer, within the corporation limits without a light shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined not more than $10.00.

April 25, 1899 – E. C. Lambert resigned as lamp lighter and Fred Grassel was appointed in his place.

West Jefferson in Days Gone By - series 98 by Charlie Miller

____The first newspaper in Jefferson was established in 1875 by the Xenia Tribune and was called The West Jefferson Clipper but it was short-lived. In the early 1890’s the London Vigilant started a branch office in Jefferson and called the paper The Jeffersonian, it was published by Pert Fullmer. Mr. Fullmer withdrew and started the Home News and Jeffersonian. John Silver also ran the Jeffersonian. Later Frank Wright took over. In 1896 the Jeffersonian was discontinued. A few years later Fullmer sold the Home News and the name was changed to The Torch Light, but it did not last long. Then Mr. McCracken ran a paper and did a good business. He sold to Sim Wilson who was succeeded by J. R. Cartwright. During the next few years, the paper was taken over by the Commercial Bank.

____July 25, 1899 – A petition was signed by a number of taxpayers to have the charges preferred by Harley Neighborgall and Joseph Hockenbery against Albert Clark, Night Watchman, investigated. The charges are that A. Clark who was at the time Night Watchman, ate the stolen chicken knowing at the time that said chicken was stolen, also informing said party where they could steal more chickens.

____August 8, 1899 – After hearing the testimony of the charges against Albert ‘Bird’ Clark, Night Watchman, it was moved by Gregg, seconded by Gearing that the charges preferred are not sustainable and that the officer be vindicated.

A NEW CENTURY

____January 23, 1900 – A new street in town is named Frey Avenue.

____June 14, 1900 – Frank Kinnamon was appointed lamplighter.

____March 27, 1900 – An ordinance was passed granting to the Farmer’s Mutual Telephone Co. the right to erect and maintain a telephone exchange in Jefferson: Be it ordained that the right be granted to Dr. Knowland, Arnett Harbage and John Miller, trustees for the Company, to erect and maintain upon the streets, highways, and alleys of said village, poles, and wires. This ordinance is to take effect 10 days after publication and to be in effect for 10 years.

____August 14, 1900 – A resolution was passed allowing the West Jefferson Telephone and Telegraph Co. to erect poles and wires on Main Street for the purpose of building and maintaining a telephone exchange in Jefferson. The resolution is to be in effect for 25 years. The Company agrees to go into a contract with any electric railroad company that comes through town, to use their poles for electric light also.

____August 28, 1900 – A resolution was passed by the Village Council which took up nine pages of the record book concerning a contract with the Electric R. R. The main points were: After dark all cars shall be lit with electric lights and suitable signal lights. There shall be continual service between 6:00 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.. At least 6 trains each way every day. A station will be maintained in the Village.