History of the Village of West Jefferson
Introduction
The land now contained within the corporation limit of the Village of West Jefferson has had a colorful and interesting past. It has played an important role in the settlement and development of Madison County. This is not an attempt to present a complete and full account of the development of this area. It is simply to set forth, in logical order, the events deemed most important and of the greatest interest to the public. This history is compiled principally from county records, early publications, and from information obtained from early residents of the area. Click here to view some interesting and historic photographs.
Early History
Village of Jefferson was a part of the lands lying between the Allegheny and Rocky Mountains first know by the name of Louisiana. The vast area was, although claimed by England and the colonies, under the domination and control of France. The French influence was felt due to the exploring missions of Marquette and Joliet, French Canadian explorers and missionaries, who set the stage for the settlement of this important region in and about the year 1673. For a great number of years England and France, intensely bitter rivals, had been struggling to become the most influential and prominent nation in the world. Although both countries considered matters at home to be the more important, this great rivalry spread to the new world. Many attempts to negotiate were made but the French domination continued. In the year 1750 the first Ohio Company was established by England and the Colonies to try to stop the French success, but this attempt failed to accomplish any worthwhile results. Eventually, this dispute culminated in the French and Indian War, known on the continent as the Seven Years War which lasted from 1756 to 1763. At the close of this war by the Treaty of Paris, the legal claims of the French to this area were terminated in favor of England. For the next twenty years, England dominated the scene until the close of the Revolutionary War (1776-1782).
Provisional Articles were signed between England and the Colonies at Paris, November 30, 1782, by which England relinquished all claims to this land. On September 3, 1783, and immediately thereafter, the Colonies who now owned inappropriate western land, ceded their lands to the United States. The most important of these cessions, was that of Virginia who, subject to a condition, ceded the territory northwest of the Ohio River in March of 1784. The condition was that part of this area be given to the officers and soldiers of the Virginia line on Continental Establishment in the form of a bounty for their services.
It must be remembered that the so called Indian Nation, claiming by reason of prior occupation, also contested the white settlement and control of this vast wilderness. By treaty at Fort Stanwix, October 27, 1784, the Indians surrendered lands west to the Ohio River. Lands west of the Ohio River were bitterly contested by the Indians. Two great battles raged in Ohio. In the year 1792 the Indians defeated Gov. St. Clair’s army in one of the worst defeats ever suffered by an American army. However, after many other encounters, the Indians were crushed in the battle of Tippecanoe in the year 1811. After this battle, although the Indians who remained in the area did occasionally cause trouble for the white settlers, all organized resistance of a major order ceased to exist.
Thus, the land within our Village has been under the control of three great nations claiming by conquest, namely France, England, and the United States, and by the Indian nations who by rights of occupation were the true land owners.
In 1784 Thomas Jefferson established by Ordinance a temporary plan of constitutional government for the Northwest Territory, about 265,878 square miles in area consisting of the present states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and part of Minnesota. In October of the year 1787 Gen Arthur St. Clair, a veteran of the French Revolutionary Wars was appointed the first Governor of the Territory.
Although the exact date upon which the present State of Ohio was admitted into the Union is uncertain due to a legal matter in the admission procedure, the authorities for the most part agree it was the year 1803, the year of the Great Louisiana Purchase. Although Ohio was not in the area purchased, the fact is that after the purchase France could no longer lay claim to lands in the United States. It effectively quieted its claim by occupation as well as by conquest.Madison County and Jefferson Township
The county that first contained Madison County was established by proclamation by Gov. St. Clair July 10, 1797, and was named after John Adams, second President of the United States. It covered a very large tract of country, being the fourth county organized in the Northwest Territory. Beginning at the mouth of the Scioto River; then down the Ohio River to the Little Miami; from there up this stream as far as Hamilton County extended; then by an east line to the Scioto River; and finally down the River to the place of beginning. Later the area of Madison County was reduced to it’s present size of approximately 400 square miles. Madison County was organized in March of 1810 and named after James Madison, fourth President of the United States.
Although it is now difficult to believe, the early settlers to Madison County who were primarily interested in timber lands, regarded the land as valueless for purposes of cultivation. Due to the presence of sedge grass covered prairies and principally clay ground, it was considered too wet for farming. Later however, it was discovered that the sedge grass afforded a very nutritious and palatable food for domestic stock during the winter, and very soon Madison County land became know for it’s great fertility and productivity.
Early Settlers to Madison County and Jefferson Township
Some of the early settlers to Madison County were Benjamin Springer who settled about a mile north of Amity in the year 1796. William Lapin , Joshua Ewing, and James Ewing, settled in the same neighborhood in 1797. Jonathon Alder has the distinction of being the first settler, arriving about the year 1782. Jonathon Alder, then only a boy, was captured by the Indians and for about 15 years, lived with them and befriended them. Since Alder had lived with the Indians for so long a time, he was able to quiet them and give a measure of protection to the other settlers coming into the area. Alder’s settlement was south of Amity and his log cabin has been restored and preserved, now located in London. In exchange for Alder’s protection of the early pioneers, he was taught to read and write the English language.
Michael Johnson, his wife and eight children, who emigrated from Virginia in 1796, have the distinction of being the first settlers in Jefferson Township. William Lapin, mentioned above, married his daughter in 1797. Reason Francis emigrated here in 1800 from Virginia. Nehemia Gates also settled in 1800, left in 1812, and return erecting a mill on Little Darby.
Philip Sidener, a distillery operator, arrived in 1802 and built a cabin on the east bank of Little Darby Creek. One night, Tobias Bright, in the presence of Reason Francis and Philip Sidener, shot a killed an Indian at the fork of the two Darbys (Georgesville). The settlers in the area, believing there would be a major Indian uprising because of the incident, constructed a fort around Phillip Sidener’s cabin, enclosing about an acre of land and barricaded the fort with a log fence about fifteen feet high. Phillip Sidener returned to Kentucky and after the scare of uprising had subsided, came back and rebuilt another cabin near the original site. This incident occurred in 1811 and as late as the year 1890 the posts of the fortification still remained intact.
William Johnson settled here in 1803. He was a farmer, and settled about a mile southeast of Jefferson and was known by the settlers as “Uncle Billy”. Reverend Lewis Foster settled here in 1806, bringing his wife and seven children.
Other early settlers were Nathaniel Henry and Robert Frakes, Michael Dickey, Moses Nickens (first colored settler) who served under General Washington, Isaac Ruperts, David Harriman, Jacob Sidener, Moses Pippet, and John Ayle. Samuel Jones arrived about 1818 with his wife and nine children. James Burnham, from Connecticut, came to Ohio in 1817 with a large number of emigrants, of which over fifty were Burnhams. Some of the Burnhams remain in Madison County. Mr. James Burnham organized a cavalry brigade to quiet and control the Indians, and quarterly the company would conduct parades, much to the appreciation of the settlers. Mr. Burnham was a county commissioner for 15 years, and for 30 years was a Justice of the Peace. He was considered of the highest integrity and knowledge in the community. Thomas Timmons, a respected farmer, settled here from Pennsylvania.
Life of Early Settlers
The life of the early settlers was at best a rugged existence. There were no roads, except for a few Indian trails, a mud road leading to Franklinton (Columbus) a few miles north of the present National Road, and a road from Amity to Georgesville (constructed later)
There were no schools or churches, and religious services were held only at intervals at the homes of the pioneers. Every man was his own mechanic. The closest stores were located in Franklinton. Whiskey making was the leading occupation of the settlers, as this was the only product that could be transported to Chillicothe for exchange for staples, goods, and especially salt. Clothing was made of buckskin, flax, or linsey-woolsey. The wants of the people were few, game was plentiful and there was not too much to cause them to exert themselves. Education was left up to the individual settlers. Brawling was common among the men. At the home of Phillip Sidener (log fortification) contests between the Darbyites and the Deer Creekers were quite common, to determine which of the town and township men was the best man.
The Indians for the most part were peaceable, lazy, honest, and were rarely caught stealing anything from the white settlers.
Virginia Military Lands
The Virginia Military District in Ohio, which comprise all the lands between the Scioto and Little Miami Rivers, northwest of the River Ohio, were coded to the United States by Virginia in 1784, form the basis of our land titles. Patents were issued by the President of the United States, based on Military Warrants for services rendered in the Revolutionary War. Since the lands mentioned and called for in the warrants had to be located and surveyed, and since many recipients had no desire to migrate west, these warrants were not regarded of very great value. Many of the recipients sold their warrants for whiskey, goods, slaves, and for small sums of money. The surveys were irregular in shape and size, and since many of the early surveyors were not too accurate, considerable arguments, heated lawsuits, and altercations took place over boundary lines and conflicting claims to title. Many times the surveys would overlap other surveys and in many cases, it would depend on who arrived first to claim the disputed land. Land was cheap and a few acres one way or the other didn’t make much difference. The great value of these lands was soon discovered however and title problems have been greatly eliminated.
Village of West Jefferson is part of a 1000 acre Survey, Number 2836, issued to Jacob Woolston under signature of Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States. This survey, being typical, calls for 1000 acres and as early as 1820 the tax duplicates of Madison County show it to contain 1161 acres, there being conflicts with both Surveys 2678 on the east and 2445 on the south.
Jefferson as New Hampton
The first attempt to organize a municipality was undertaken by Samuel Sexton and Samuel Jones. On July 13, 1822 a dedication plat was filed in the Recorder’s Office at London.& (Plat Book 1 page 1 - Original Deed Recorded 1 page 436) The name of the town was new Hampton (sometimes referred to as New Hamden or just plain Hamden). The town consisted of 93 town lots and contained North, South and Main Streets running east west, with Union, Friend, Center, Pearl, and Prairie Streets running north and south. Witnesses to the dedication were Lucinda Burnham and Mary Ann Jones. A. Burnham, a Justice of the Peace for Jefferson Township, took the acknowledgment.
As shown by the early tax records, the original owners of lots in the town of New Hampton were: James Burnham, Nathan Bond, William Farrow, Abraham Jones, Lucinda Jones, William Jones, Samuel Jones, Elizabeth Pippet, George Samuel Rockhill and Samuel Sexton. Other residents of the new town were Mr. Gillmore, who operated a general store and Benjamin Pike, who had the distinction of being the operator of the first Post Office in this area.
At the height of its prosperity the town of New Hampton consisted of two stores, three taverns, a Baptist Church, and a Post Office. Also, there were dwellings built sufficient to house approximately seventeen families.
Estimated population of the town would be about 100 pioneers. However, due to the lack of other towns in the immediate vicinity, the town was a busy and thriving trading post, and the settlers were able to get supplies, salt, and tools required for their existence and comfort. It is interesting to note that the cemetery of the Town of New Hampton still exists to this day, as it currently used by Jefferson Township.
No attempt to organize a municipal government was ever undertaken and the town was short lived, due to the construction of the National Road in its present location. It was more desirable to build and live near the great new road, rather than on the Indian trail, over which Main Street of New Hampton was constructed. The trail led to the southeast to Circleville and was often referred to in the old deeds as the Circleville Road.
Village of West Jefferson
About the year 1830 Reverend Isaac Jones, the son and one of the three children of Samuel Jones, who emigrated to this community in the year 1818, filed a dedication plat of the Town of Jefferson in the Recorder's Office of Madison County, dated September 13, 1830. (Plat Book 1 page 5 - Original Record Deed Book 7 page 123). The new town consisted of 60 lots, all except one of which lots were fifty feet in front and ran back one hundred and fifty feet. The lots were generally divided on the north and south sides of Main Street which the street was 80 feet wide. enter Street, running north and south, was 66 feet wide. Town and Pearl Streets were each 45 feet wide. Walnut, Chester and Water Streets were each 33 feet wide and the alleys were laid off 12 feet in width. Lots 7 and 8 were reserved for the public use and are yet so used, being located at the northwest intersection of Main and Center Streets.
During the years 1830-34 the National Road was constructed through what was to become a new, prosperous, exciting, and lively town. It was the most important trading and business community in the entire county, bar none. Prior to the construction of Route 40, or the National Road, there were practically no good, passable roads other than Indian trails. One mud road had been opened from Franklinton (Columbus) west to Urbana, which passed through Jefferson and Canaan Townships somewhere near the Township lines. Somewhat of a road had been cleared between Amity and Georgesville which crossed the National Road. There was a stage coach route running from Circleville in the southeast, northwesterly through New Hampton to the northwest. This road was generally as the Circleville Road.
As important as it was to this area, the National Road in the 1830’s should in no way be compared with the National Road as it exists today. Old pictures taken of this new community show the National Road to be no more than a cleared dirt road, with little or no gravel and certainly no solid foundation. The road consisted simply of the clearing of trees, a little smoothing or grading and a passable dirt road, that is, during good dry weather. In the winter months and the rainy season even this new road was for the most part difficult to travel.
Immediately after the construction of the National Road, the residents of New Hampton, one by one, abandoned their old homes in New Hampton and moved their dwellings to the Town of Jefferson. Reports are that many of the old houses were actually picked up and moved intact to the new location. The old New Hampton Cemetery apparently was still used by the residents of the new Town of Jefferson for several years, as is indicated by the inscriptions on the tomb stones, some bearing dates of death as late as 1881. The last building in the Town of New Hampton to be abandoned was the Baptist Church which had been presided over by Rev. Isaac Jones. When a new Baptist Church was built in the Town of Jefferson, located in the center of Center Street about 175 feet north of Main Street, in or about the year 1840, the old church was abandoned.
The growth of the new Town was phenomenal for the period. Jones First Addition, consisting of Lots Nos. 64 to 82 both inclusive was dedicated by Isaac Jones February 4, 1834 (Plat Book 1 page 9-10); James Burnham Addition was laid out and dedicated September 9, 1835, by James Burnham by adding Nos. 83 to 92 both inclusive. (Plat Book 1 pages 13-14) Mortimore addition was laid out and dedicated November 15, by David Mortimore containing Lots No 1 thro 40 both inclusive. (Plat Book -1 pages 15-16) Hancock addition was laid out and dedicated October 15, 1836 by Jonathn Hanckock containing lots numbered 1 through 13, both inclusive, and located on the north side of Water Street (Plat Record 1 pages a-22), Mortimore and Newmans Addition was laid out and dedicated October 13, 1836, by David Mortimore and John Newman containing lots numbered 42 to 80 both inclusive, located on both sides of Main Street west of Mortimore Addition (Plat Record 1 pages 23-24). Isaac Jones Second Addition was laid out and dedicated April 22, 1837, by Isaac Jones containing but four lots on the north side of Main Street (Plat Book 1 pages 23-24). Burnham and Bliss Addition was laid out and dedicated April 4, 1849 by James Burnham and O. H. Bliss containing nine lots lying north of Water Street and east of West Street (Plat Book 1 pages 31-32). Railroad Addition was laid out and dedicated by Milo Sawyer July 2, 1860 containing 74 lots north of the Little Miami Railroad line (Plat Book 1 pages 45- 46). Fickey Addition was laid out and dedicated October 26, 1872, by William R. Fickey (Plat Book 1 pages 69-70). At this point the Town of Jefferson was laid out principally along Route 40 and the Little Miami Railroad, extending a little over a mile in length from east to west.
Although there were a few log houses that had been built in the new town of Jefferson, the greater part of the houses were actually built of rough sawed and milled lumber. Several of these old houses preserved through the years are still standing to this date.
By far the greatest advance in the community was in the nature of new businesses, trades, manufacturing, and marketing. The first house built in the town was that occupied by Dr. Wilson. The first business house, called the Mantle House, was a hotel, tavern and store operated by a Mr. Dalby. Mr. Dalby was associated with a Mr. Gilmore and apparently continued in Jefferson. John Simpkins, father of Gaines Simpkins was next to open a tavern. The first blacksmith in the town was George W. Lewis who also at one time was the Mayor. The first physician was Dr. David Wilson who ceased practicing about 1855. Benjamin Pike, who had operated a tavern and the Post Office in New Hampton, opened a new tavern. A tavern was opened by a Mr. Atkinson on the State Road about 100 rods north of the residence of John Roberts. A tavern was opened by J. W. Simpkins where the American Hotel stood. It was once claimed that at one time there were at least thirteen taverns or saloons operating.
At one time there were five hotels profitably operating in Jefferson by the following parties: R. S. Nichols, Nathan Patterson, Baltzar Mantle, James Hughes and George Chapman. The American, one of the finest, was destroyed by fire in 1882. The old stage company, known as Neil Morse and Company, was established at an early date when stages first began to use the old road north of Route 40. When the National Road was built they continued to prosper, added new facilities to the enterprise, running from three to five coaches each way daily through Jefferson greatly increasing, the passenger travel, and making business in the Town lively. The five hotels were, according to the early historians of the area, always thronged with travelers and the streets were always lined with stages and horses. Abraham Hare, a hatter, opened a place of business manufacturing hats. Jeannette Stutson, Crabb, and Parks, a partnership, started two large slaughter houses, killing and butchering most of the pork and cattle in the area. Later on two large grist mills were established by Crabb and Parks who shipped flour and feed to distant parts. There were also two tanneries owned by E. S. Hancock and Baltzar Mantle. Charles C. Jones, one of the sons of Isaac Jones, operated a large wool carding mill. There was a carriage factory, two hardware stores, one undertaker. Several large sawmills were in operation. One large mill was owned by John Mills and another which had been started by Isaac Jones and was located at the easterly end of the large mill pond was sold to Thomas Cartmill who operated it for many years. There were numerous grocery stores, two drug stores, six physicians, one lawyer, several blacksmith shops, a large livery stable, three barbershops, a large dry goods store operated by O. H. Bliss, and several other business places and shops. Also, four Churches were well attended and school was erected.
At this early date the estimated population of the new Town, just four years after its dedication plat had been filed was set at 700 persons. Certainly this is a most remarkable growth and clearly shows the benefit of transportation and what a good road can mean to a hungry and demanding community.
In contrast with the early days before New Hampton, the settlers had a ready market for their products. They had something to exert themselves for. There was religious teaching and schools for the children. Therefore, the lazy, leisurely days of the early nineteenth century, the brawling and contesting of the town bullies was at an end. An era of prosperity had begun, much like the gold rush days in the far west which followed.
The tax duplicate for the year 1833, based on the ownership of lots in the year 1832 shows that the original owners of lots in the original Town were as follows: Orin Adkins, Zekiel Arnett, Aury Brown, John B. Caroney, William Crabb, R. W.Dalby, Daniel Francis, Ira Finch, Wilson Graham, Henry Gates, Ezra Gates, Nehemiah Gates, John Gilmer, Abraham Hare, John Hedges, Isaac Jones, Thomas Nowland, Eli Nowland, Conrad Kirtz, John Mills, John Mills, Jr., Jereniah Olne, Robert Mortimore, John F. Mortimore, Joseph Powars, John W.Simpkins, Alvah Winchester, David Wilson, Samuel South, Washington Lewis, John Lynn, and James Thompson.
It is interesting to note that on this duplicate the total tax valuation of the entire town was only $4886, the tax levy was .008 or 8 mills and the annual tax for all 63 lots for this year was $39.08. Obviously, taxes did not play a major roll in the finances of the period. Since there were no gas, electric, water, sewer, sanitation, or telephone bills, this period must have been what the old timers refer to as the good old days.
The prosperity period of the early 1830's continued for about twenty-five years at an unbelievable pace. However, with the completion of the railroad by about the year 1855, this great prosperity came to an end, and important as it was, the National Road became less controlling of the destiny of Jefferson business and trade. Much of the old stage coach business ceased as passengers and freight could more conveniently, quickly, and economically be carried by rail. The manufactured products could be purchased in the east, and carried by rail much cheaper than the Jefferson establishments could produce them. Some establishments had to close shop, the hotels no longer were crowded with travelers because much longer distances could now be traveled. The period following 1855 to the end of the century could be referred to as the transition period in which Jefferson business had to change its method of operation and adjust to the era of railroad transportation. The frontier prosperity era formerly enjoyed to such a full degree was passed on to communities farther west.
Village of West Jefferson Government
Unlike most areas only a few years elapsed between the filing of the Town Plat and the actual organization of the Town. On April 24, 1834, the citizenry held a meeting at the Town Post Office for the purposes of electing officers and officials to manage the Town and to name a Council to pass laws governing the community. A form of governing was much needed because of the great amount of business being transacted, the large number of travelers coming and passing through town, and for the greatly increased population. At this meeting John W. Simpkins was chosen Mayor, David Wilson, Clerk, David Mortimore, Farrin Olmstead, James Roberts, Wilson Graham, Abraham Hare and Joseph Powers were chosen Council. Joseph Powers was chosen Town Marshall and Ezekiel Arnett was selected Street Commissioner.
The first ordinance passed by the new Council was an ordinance requiring circuses, side shows, and the like to pay a license fee of $10.00 per day for each day's performance. At this meeting other licenses for operating the business of grocery stores and other businesses were also provided
Early Churches in West Jefferson
There were several early Churches in Jefferson. The Methodist Church of Jefferson, organized in 1833 with Rev. Gavet as the first Minister. They met in the school house with the Universalists. The first frame church was erected on Lot 50 of the original Town of Jefferson. In 1862 a brick building was erected at a cost of $5000. Membership in 1880 was approximately 175 devoted members.
The Baptist Church of Jefferson, originating in New Hampton, was served by Rev. Isaac Jones. A frame and a brick building had been erected in New Hampton. In 1848 a new frame building was erected on North Center Street under the labors of Rev. Isaac Jones. Later, a new church was erected at the southwest corner intersection of Main and Center Streets. Some of the early dignitaries were J. T. Colliver, M.D., George Silvers, C. C. Jones, son of Isaac, Quinn Bradley and L. D.
The Saint Simon and Jude Catholic Church had its beginning in the Town Hall until about 1864, when Rev. John M. Conway took the matter in his own hands. In 1866 Edward Buck donated a lot on Main Street near Twin Street and in the spring of 1867 the foundation was begun and the cornerstone laid by the Rt. Rev. Sylvester H. Rosecrans, a Columbus Bishop. The building is brick, 34 x 67 feet and was dedicated by Bishop Edward Fitzgerald of Little Rock, Arkansas. Rev. B. M. Miller took charge in 1873. The total cost was about $7000. Nearly seventy families constituted the early congregation.
Early Schools in West Jefferson
The first efforts at schooling was undertaken by Lucinda Jones, widow of Thomas Jones, better known by her maiden name of Lucinda Burnham. The first school was a log hut situated on what is now Pleasant Hill Cemetery. George Pike and Samuel Sexton were also teachers. In 1830 another building was erected in the Township and in 1836 a frame building was erected in the Village of Jefferson. The frame building in Jefferson was succeeded in 1845 by an academy which Jeremiah Olney was instrumental in organizing. The academy failed and in 1856 the building was bought by the Board of Education from Horace Putnam, who had bought it from Olney. This building was used until 1868 when a new and handsome brick building was completed at a cost of $17, 000, including grounds and furniture. The building was two story, 50 x 72 feet, contained 6 rooms and a large hall 25 x 50 feet. The school was superintended by Prof. F. Pearson with four assistants. The Board of this new school (Union School) was: Jacob McNeal, Dr. J. N. Beach, Dr.. J. T, Colliver, John E. Roberts, Eugene Babb, and J. J. Booth, Clerk.
In the year 1911 the High School Building was erected on Fellows Avenue at an original cost of $25,000. At the time of its construction it was considered a beautiful, useful and modern building. Since its construction, two major improvements have taken place , and the old Union School Building which was located in what is now Garret Park has been torn down and its classrooms transferred to the new building.