From the "History of Belmount and Jefferson Counties"
Chapter XXIV: Townships and villages of Jefferson County

MOUNT PLEASANT TOWNSHIP

Was organized March 3, 1807, from Short Creek township. This township is high rolling land with an almost inexhaustible limestone soil that produces well all kinds of grain and grass. It is underlaid with the coal strata of this part of the state. This coal is almost exclusively used both for domestic and mechanical purposes. The sample articles of revenue to the farmers in the earlier years wore wheat, which was manufactured into flour and Shipped down the river to New Orleans and intermediate towns for a market, and pork which was made into bacon and sent in wagons over the mountains to Baltimore, Richmond and other points for a market.

For the manufacture of flour, mills were erected at every available spot along Short creek; no less -than twenty-three mills were at one time in operation along that little stream. But changes in the methods of transportation by railroads, have brought changes in the agricultural pursuits indifferent sections of the country. In thip locality wool growing and stock raising have largely taken the place of grain growing, and the mills have mostly disappeared from the creeks.

EARLY SETTLERS

It is probable that Robert Carothers and Jesse Thomas were the first settlers in Mount Pleasant township. They came from Pennsylvania and settled the land on which the village now stands in 1796-Carothers on the eastern part and Thomas on the western side. They together laid off the village on this land in 1804.
Adam Dunlap also came in 1796, settled on the land now owned by John Weatherton, east of the village.
Col. McCune came in 1798, and settled about three and a half miles southeast. This property is now owned by John Weatherson.
John Tygart came also in 1798, and settled on adjoining land to McCune. It is now the property of John Parke and Isaac Radcliff.
Col. Joseph McKee came about the same time, and settled northeast of Col. McCune, on the farm now owned by Richard Hope.
William Finney and Adam Dunlap about 1798 or 1799; settled between Robinson and Dunlap. Aaron Schemerhorn now owns the Finney farm, and Sarah E. Jenkins the Dunlap farm.
David Robinson settled in 1798 or '99 on the land now owned by William Bowles and Elnathan Pettitt.
John Pollock settled in 1798, on Irish Ridge, one mile east of town, on the land now owned by Hon J. T. Updegraff.
William Chambers cane in 1799, and settled on the Pollock section. The farm is now owned by Mr. Lazier.
Benjamin Scott came from Ireland to Washington county, Pa., and from there to Mount Pleasant, where he settled in 1798. He settled where the town stands, and kept the first hotel in the place.
Jonathan Taylor came in the spring of 1800, and settled near Trenton, on the farm now owned by D. B. Updegraff.
Joseph Dew came from North Carolina July 6th, 1800, and settled in what is now the western part of the village. The property belongs to Joseph Walker.
John Hurford came about 1800, and settled about four miles west of Mt. Pleasant. Robert Smith now owns the farm.
Robert Blackledge came from Washington county, Pa.; in 1801, and located one and a halt miles west of the village. His farm is now owned by Mary Michener.
James Jesse and Aaron Kinsey came in 1802-settled one mile west of Trenton.
Amasa Lipsey, from North Carolina, settled about half a mile westof Mount Pleasant, near where the Friends meeting house at Short Creek stands, in 1800. He remained on this farm until 1853, when he sold it to Samuel Griffith, to whose heirs it still belongs.
Jeremiah Patterson, from North Carolina, settled in 1805, 1 1/2 miles west of Mt. Pleasant. The farm is now the home of his grandson, Asahel H. Patterson.
In 1802 Mahlon Patterson came with his parents, Jeremiah and Faith Patterson, and settled on the land now owned by his son, Mahlon Patterson.
Aaron Thompson came from Chester county, Pa., in 1802 or '3 and located some three and and a halt miles northwest of Mt. Pleasant. The old homestead is now owned by his son, John Thompson.
David McMasters came from Virginia, and settled in the village in 1810. He was a Methodist minister, and resided in the first house ever built in that place. It was a log cabin, and stood on the lot now occupied by Thomas Horton's store, but a little east of it.
Elisha Harris came from North Carolina, and located in Mt. Pleasant, July 6, 1804. He settled at the west side of the village. His son, Enoch, then a young man, came with him. They soon. became prominently identified with the early business interests of the place. Enoch brought with him apple seeds from North Carolina, which he planted, and therefrom grew the trees that made the first orchard in the township. This orchard was immediately south of the residence of William Humphreyville. The land on which it grew now belongs to Joseph Walker. The orchard is now cut down and cleared away.

NATHAN UPDEGRAFF

Nathan Updegraff was a native of York County, Pa., but came to Ohio, with his wife, Ann Updegraff, in 1802, from Winchester, Va., and settled on Short creek, some two and a half miles northeast of whore Mount Pleasant now stands.
On this creek ho built the first mill in Mount Pleasant township. The old mill still stands, but a new stone building has since been erected near it. He also started a paper mill and for many years manufactured paper, but finally it was converted into a flouring mill, and while thus used it was burnt down in 1866 or 1867. Its place, however, was soon supplied by a now stone building, which is now owned by John L. Barkhurst, who is doing a successful milling business.
The business enterprise and energy of Mr. Updegraff, was of incalculable benefit to the community in opening up and developing the resources of this now section. Ho was a member of the constitutional convention that met in Chillicothe in 1802, to frame a constitution for the new state of Ohio.
He was one of the earliest and foremost of the Friends in Short creek Monthly meeting, and was for a longtime its clerk. His family of children was large and most respectable, and their descendants are to be found in many states of the Union.

DANIEL UPDEGRAFF

 Son of Nathan Updegraff, was born in Virginia in 1789, and came with his parents to Ohio, when he was a lad. He was married in 1812, to Rebecca Taylor, only child of Jonathan and Ann Taylor. By this union they reared eight children, but three of whom now survive, viz: Mrs. Sarah E.Jenkins, widow of the late Prof. G. K. Jenkins, A. M., Hon J. T. Updegraff, now member of Congress, and D. B. Updegraff, the revivalist minister of the Friends' church, all of whom with their families, live in Mount Pleasant. Mrs. Mendenhall, wife of the Hon. C. Mendenhall and Mrs. Cattell, wife of Hon. I. D. Cattell, were also sisters, but both deceased some years ago.
David Updegraff, some time after his marriage, removed to Smithfield township and located where the village of York now stands, which he laid out in 1815. In 1823, he removed with his family to his late residence, one mile west of Mount Pleasant, where he spent the remainder of his life.
He was a man of eminent ability and probity of character in his various business engagements of life and_ responsible financial trusts. He was an esteemed elder in the church, and his sound judgment, clear convictions and executive abilities were of incalculable service to it, He was not a man of many words, and was most unassuming in his deportment. He early espoused the cause of the oppressed, and was one of the first outspoken anti-slavery men in the land, and voted with the first liberty party from conscientious convictions of duty.
Beloved by his friends, honored by the church and highly respected by all who, knew him, lie lived to the good old age of seventy-six. He died in Dec., 1864.
His wife, Rebecca T. Updegraff, was born in Loudon county, Va., in 1790, and was a minister of the gospel for fifty years, and as such was widely known, having traveled on missions among Friends in every part of the Union. She was a woman of superior abilities, remarkable amiability and attractiveness of person and eminently devoted to the services of the christian cause. She survived her husband nearly four years.

SCHOOLS OF MOUNT PLEASANT TOWNSHIP

There are in this township, four sub-districts for white and one for colored children, besides the union school in the village, and two fractional districts, one attached to Smithfield and the other to Warren township. The whole enumeration of youth of - school age, for 1878, was 216; of those 31 were colored.
In 1850 a bachelor gentleman, named Rix Patterson, died, and by his will left a bequest of $5,012.17 to be invested as a permanent fund, to remain forever, the yearly interest of which was to be applied to the support of the common schools of the township. This fund is managed by a duly appointed trustee.
The schools of the township are in a high state of efficiency.

MOUNT PLEASANT VILLAGE

 The village of Mount Pleasant was laid out in 1804;, by Robt. Carothers and Jesse Thomas, the eastern part being on the land of Carothers and the western part on the lands of Thomas. For the first few years its growth was slow, only a few log cabins being built, but during the war of 1812; it began too advance rapidly for those days; business and manufacturing establishments sprung up on every side. A bank was incorporated with capital of $50,000, that managed its business honorably and successfully and promoted the general prosperity of the place.
There have been three additions made to the village since it was laid out in 1804. First, by Caleb Dilworth; Second, by Enoch Harris ; third, by Israel French.

FIRST BUSINESS HOUSES IN MOUNT PLEASANT

 STORES

The first store in the town was probably started by Enoch Harris in 1804. It was in a small log building at the west end of Main street, near whore Alexander D. Humphreyville's cabinet shop is situated. The house has long since been removed, and the property is now owned by Joseph Walker.
The second store was started by Joseph Gill in 1806. It was located between Chambers' tin shop and the drug store. Mr. Gill was an enterprising, energetic business man, who besides carrying on the mercantile trade, ran a tannery, packed pork, farmed extensively and dealt largely in wild lands. His enterprise aided greatly in developing the resources and business of the community. This old property now belongs to Frank Mitchell.
The third store was started by John Hogg in 1812. Mr. Hogg was a man possessed of great business abilities, and besides conducting a largo mercantile establishment, he packed pork on a large scale, carried on a tannery and harness shop, &c. The property now belongs to his daughter, Mrs. Fogle.

 HOTELS

 The first tavern was opened by Benjamin Scott in 1806. It stood opposite the Burriss House. The building has boen long since removed and no other taken its place. Tho property now belongs to Charles McGonigal.
About the same time a Mr. Buchanan started another tavern in the building now occupied by David N. Milner's as a harness shop. The bar-room is of hewed logs and is the part now used by Mr. Milner for his shop. In this room soldiers were enlisted and their bounties paid them in the war of 1812. The cupboard in, which the, bottles of liquors were kept is there yet, with the shelves and wooden doors, just as they were in 1812. It afterwards became the practice of hotel keepers to have glass doors to their liquor cupboards, perhaps that the bottles with their tempting contents might be in sight to sharpen the desire to taste. It was, however, not so with this.

 PHYSICIANS

The first physician was Dr. William Hamilton and the second one Dr. Isaac Parker.

 BANKS

The first banking institution was established in 1816, and called the Mount Pleasant Bank. Joseph Gill was president and Lewis Walker cashier. Enocb Harris sometime afterwards succeeded Mr. Walker as Cashier. This institution carried on a successful banking business until 1846, whoa it decided to wind up its business, and measures taken to that end; and by 1850 its affairs were all honorably settled. Its capital stock was $100,000, and Mr. Gill continued as its president from its commencement to its close.

 MOUNT PLEASANT BRANCH OF THE STATE BANK OF OHIO

This institution was organized in 1818, with a capital of $100,000. John Watkins was the first president, James H. Gill, member of the board of control, and Jonathan Binns, cashier. Mr. Watkins died in 1855, and was succeeded by John Hogg as president, who served as such until 1856, when by reason of ill health, he was succeeded by James H. Gill. Mr. Gill served until 1859, and was succeeded by Joseph Cope. Mr. Binns served the bank as cashier during the whole period of its existence.
After the passage by Congress of the National Banking Law, this bank ceased its general banking operations, and in 1865, adopted measures to close up its affairs, which is to be finally completed January 1, 1880.

 FIRST NATIONAL BANK

This bank was or anized in 1866, with a capital of $175,000. The establishment of this institution immediately after the decision to close up the affairs of the Branch Bank, leaves no doubt that this was only a reorganization of that establishment on a basis to meet the requirements of the National banking law just passed by Congress. William Price was chosen president, and Jonathan Binns, cashier. In 1872, Dr. J. T. Updegraff succeeded Mr. Price as president, and Isaac K. Radcliff succeeded Mr. Binns as cashier, which position he still holds. In 1877, Dr. Updegraff resigned his position as president, and was succeeded by James James H. Gill, who still retains the place.
All these banking institutions were under Quaker management, and honorably and successfully conducted the whole period of existence, a well merited tribute to the integrity and skill of that people in financial affairs.

BUSINESS HOUSES

Mount Pleasant in 1879 contains 4 dry goods stores, 5 grocery stores, 1 drug store, 3 dress maker shops, 3 milliner stores, 1 hotel, 1 harness shop, 4 shoe maker shops, 3 blacksmith shops, 1 flouring mill, 5 churches, 1 cabinet and undertaker's shop.

THE SILK FACTORY OF MT. PLEASANT

In 1841, about the time when the morus multicautis fever prevailed, the highest in this vicinity, a Mr. Thomas White, an itinerant dentist, contemplating silk culture, received permission from John W. Gill, Esq., an extensive land owner, residing in the village of Mt. Pleasant, to set out a mulberry orchard, containing twenty-five acres. As soon as the trees were large enough attention was turned to the propagation of silk worms.
In 1842 Mr. Gill erected a frame building for a cocoonery. This building was 18x40; and two stories high. A small brick, 20x30, which had been built some time prior, was also brought into requisition for' the same purpose. In these houses the silkworm was hatched, nursed and allowed to spin its cocoons.

INTERIOR STRUCTURE

In the interior of these cocooneries were found shelves about two feet apart along the walls, and reaching from the floor to the ceiling. The shelves were made by stretching reticulated cotton goods over wooden frames, which resembled a mosquito bar. he arrangement was such that these shelves could be slid back or forth, or removed from their places at pleasure. After the silk worm had grown to be about one half inch in length they were laid on these stretchers and led on the leaves of the mulberry, which were thrown or spread out over them for their consumption: The eggs were purchased in France. The silkworm is a fast breeder, generating twice a year. It was customary to allow those that first appeared in the season to lay their eggs. With regular temperature of heat, the eggs, if undipturbed, will bring forth their kind. As soon as the proper time arrived they would be placed on these shelvos as above described. When fully matured they instinctively climb for the purpose of spinning cocoons, in which, if left alone, they undergo the pupa or chysalis change. At this particular season they were carefully watched, and as soon as a disposition of spinning was evinced, oak branches were thrown in upon the shelves. Upon these limbs they spun their cocoons. With five days spinning by them they would completely encase themselves.

HOW REELED

As soon as they had finished their cocoons they were picked from the branches and deposited within a kettle containing boiling water. This process is followed for the purpose of killing or destroying the larvae. After this there is picked from these what is called the floss, which was done by hand, and then they were ready for reeling. There were two copper kettles, one placed within the other. The outside kettle being filled with steam, and the other containingbot soft water, occasioned by the steam surrounding its outer surface. These cocoons were then again inserted into the kettle and stirred about with a small broom, and in this manner they were enabled to secure the threads and draw them from the vessel to the reel, Great skill and care was necessarily exercised to make the threads even. When it bad been reeled and dried it was then ready for winding on spools, after that was accomplished it underwent the double and twisted process, from three to five strands together. In this condition, or at this stage of the work, it was ready for weaving into silk handkerchiefs, and was what is styled the raw silk. Silk noils were made from the floss into the article known as the knickerbocker woolens.

THE STYLES OF SILKS MADE AT THE FACTORY

Silk velvet, hat flush, dress silks of various colors, ribbons and figured silks were woven here. The first figured silk made in the United States was manufactured in this establishment.

"DRAW-BOY LOOM"

These silks were woven by the old process, known as the "Draw-Boy Loom," the Jacquard loom not having been introdued as yet into this country. The first pattern mand was the buckeye-burr, the color being a light buff. The figures in the piece were woven about an inch apart and a quarter of an inch in diameter. Henry Clay, who was the Whig candidate for President in 1844, received a vest pattern off this very piece, from John W. Gill. It is also said that the voters of this factory, during that election, all voted the Whig-ticket printed on white silk manufactured in the establishment.

DESCRIPTION OF LOOM AND WEAVING

The loom was three yards long and one yard wide, and was operated in the following manner:-By cords passing overhead from the heddle to a frame at the side of the loom, where the shed was made by a boy drawing the cords in regular succession. There were seventy-eight cords, which kept the draw-boy busy whilst the weaver threw the shuttle. They usually wove three yards, then stopped to clean off the warp or chain ; the weavers styled this "picking the parry." It was a season highly enjoyed by the draw-boys, who were relieved from their work for about an hour, and were permitted to recreate, amusing themselves by turning somersaults, wrestling, etc., while the weavers wore engaged in cleaning the chain. In this way the figured silk was manufactured.

VELVET SILK

The loom upon which the velvet was woven resembled the one above described, differing only in gearing. The warp used for silk was cotton, and immediately above the cotton chain was a silk warp. A brass wire was introduced between the sick and the cotton warp, after which four picks were thrown in to bind the cotton and silk chains. This process was repeated until three small wires had been thus introduced, then a thumb gauge knife was placed against the last wire inserted, so that the knife would rest on the centre ,of the first wire, after which it was drawn across the same, cutting the chain, and the wire pulled out. So in this way the process was continued until the warp was all consumed. The silk ends protruding from the cotton warp forms the fine plush found on the velvet.

 HAT PLUSH

Is woven in the same manner as the velvet, with the exception of the use of heavier wires. '

RIBBONS

The ribbon looms then in use at this factory were nearly the same as the present style. The operation of them at that time was made entirely by hand ; since, steam has been applied. The loom was built nearly square. Eight distinct warps in the same loom; the shuttles, which also numbered eight, were all thrown at the same operation with but one weaver. The shuttle more resembled the shape of a sunfish than anything else.

CONCLUSION

The building used for the factory had been erected in the first place for a "salt house" for salting pork and stowing the same away. It was built by John W. Gill, who used it for that purpose several years prior to the morus multicoulis fever taken by himself and Thomas White. In the year heretofore mentioned it was converted into a silk factory. All the machinery for manufacturing the silk was made in the establishment. Three weavers were constantly employed and sometimes four. About twenty laborers, male and female, found employment here. John Fox, Jr., was foreman. In the full of 1846 the factory was removed to Wheeling, and the silk culture excitement died out at Mount Pleasant. In a conversation with Mr. A. C. Hogue, the author obtained the above information.

 NEWSPAPERS AND PERIODICALS

There have been at various times several enterprises set on foot for the establishment and publication of newspapers and periodicals of one kind or other, which have been started here, but after a period of existence more or less brief, they have all ceased to exist, and no periodical has been published here for many years. From the want of care in preserving files of these papers, but a very imperfect history of their duration and the object of their mission can be obtained at this late day.
The first newspaper published here was the Philanthropist, a weekly, small quarto size of eight pages, issued every Saturday at $3.00 a year. It was printed by Charles Osborne and devoted to the news of the day and the discussion of subjects of moral ethics. The first number made its appearance September 8, 1817. Mr. Osborne continued the paper until October 8, 1818, when he sold the establishment to Elisha Bates, who continued it under the same title, but reduced it from a quarto to an octavo of sixteen pages. Mr. Bates issued his first number December 11, 1818, and published it till April 27, 1822, when it suspended.
In 1821 Benjamin Lundy published the Genius of Universal Emancipation. The paper was printed at Steubenville, and Mr. Lundy traveled on foot from Mt. Pleasant with his manuscript and returned with his printed paper. Ho continued it several months and removed it to Jonesboro. Tenn. This was the first genuine abolition paper in the United States.
The Village Banner was published in 1835, one year, but none of the files remain.
In 1837-8 a paper was published by Elisha Bates, devoted to moral and religious subjects, but it has shared the fate of most of the others, its very name being forgotten. Still later, the Life Boat was published by John B. Wolf. It was a strong temperance paper: Besides these, there appears to have been several other periodicals published at various times.
On the 16th of September, 1822, Howard issued the first number of the Juvenile Museum, a semi-monthly magazine of eight pages, devoted to the entertainment and instruction of youth.
With the eleventh number it was changed from a semi-monthly of eight pages to a monthly of sixteen pages. In the number for September 27, 1823, appears the editor's valedictory and the publication ceased. Then there was published from July, 1827, to perhaps 1831 or 1832, the Miscellaneous Repository, by Elisha Bates, a monthly periodical devoted to moral and religious subjects. Besides the periodical literature aforesaid, the press of the village sent forth a considerable number of books, among which may be found Barton's Poems, a 12 mo. vol., Mount Pleasant, 1823; The Juvenile Expositor, or Child's Dictionary, by Elisha Bates, square 12 mo., Mount Pleasant, 1823; Sacred History, or the Historical Part of the Holy Scripture of the Old and New Testaments, by Thomas Elwood, 2 vols., 8 vo. shp., Mount Pleasant, 1854, together with many other books.

THE POSTOFFICE-POSTMASTERS

The Postoffice Department at Washington established a postoffice at Mount Pleasant, April 1, 1813, and the following is a complete list of the postmasters, who have served as such from that time down to 1879, with dates of their appointments:

April 1, 1813-James Judkins.
December 29,1823-William Judkins.
September 25, 1825-Samuel Steer.
March 1, 1828-John Watson.
April 12, 1837-Amos Jones.
November 1, 1853-David Chambers.
August 22,1861-Robert W. Chambers.
March 23, 1869-Miss Harriet Atkinson.
December 19, 1870-Robert W. Chambers.

LEADING BUSINESS HOUSES IN MOUNT PLEASANT

THOMAS HORTON.-This establishment keeps a general assortment of family groceries, dry goods, &c.
H. HEBERLING.-This house keeps a general assortment of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes.
DR. C. SCHOOLEY, practices medicine in all its branches.
DR. JAMES E. FINLEY, is a general practicing physician.
A. M. WITHROW, dentist, is prepared to do all the duties of his profession.
ALEXANDER D. HUMPHREYVILLE, cabinet maker and undertaker.
WILLIAM GLASS carries on the blacksmithing business in all its branches.
R. W. CHAMBERS keeps a general assortment of drugs and medicines.
F. M. HEATON, boot and shoemaker, attends to all branches of business in this line.
T. J. EVANS, of Trenton, carries on the coach-making business in all its branches.
H. ELBERT carries on the boot and shoe-making business in all of its branches.

MOUNT PLEASANT UNION SCHOOL

The school house is a substantial two-story brick building main part 60x30 and wing back 36x30. It contains four school rooms, two 36x30 and two 30x24. It was built in 1867 at a cost of $1,100.
In 1861, the School was organized upon the " graded system," and a course of study adoptod, embracing, besides the primary branches, philosophy, physical geography, natural philosophy, chemistry, higher arithmetic, algebra, geometry and Latin grammar. Up to the present time, forty-five pupils have graduated. The attendance has been from 140 to 180, including 30 to forty non-resident pupils.
There are four departments, and three grades in each, requiring years to complete the course of study. The present members of the school board are Hon. J. T. Updegraff, William Reid and J. T. Mercer.
Since 1868, the school has been under the charge of its present principals, Messrs. White. The school has boon both aggressive and progressive.

FRIENDS BOARDING SCHOOL, MT. PLEASANT

The Ohio Yearly Meeting of Friends was established in the year 1813. Soon after its formation it began to move toward the founding of a boarding school for the complete education of the children of her people. In the year 1816 the Yearly Meeting appointed the following ten persons as a committee to receive contributions for that purpose: Abel Knight, Jonathan Taylor, Nathan Updegraff, Isaac Parker, William Herald, David Brown, Emmor Bailey, James Paty, Richard Barrett and George Shugart. Some of the good friends opposing the creation of such a school on the ground that it might foster pride and beget slothfulness, that matter reached no definite conclusion until the Yearly Meeting of 1824. That meeting being informed that Thomas Rotch had bequeathed the sum of five thousand dollars for that express purpose were so refreshed by that information that it gave renewed action to the measure by appointing a committee to receive the money so bequeathed from the executors. But the disturbing influence of the Elias Hicks defection so interfering with the stability of the membership everything remained unarranged until 1831. When the committee above mentioned being informed that "many friends" of other Yearly Meetings had expressed a lively interest in the erection of such an institution, and had subscribed considerable money for that purpose, reported these facts to the yearly meeting of that year. That Yearly Meeting accordingly appointed a joint committee to receive and solicit Subscription of funds, to select and purchase a site for such school house near Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, and to prepare and report a plan of such building. That committee consisted of forty-one members. It found that Six thousand nine hundred and twenty-seven dollars had been subscribed already, and large amounts were promised by other friends in New England, England, and at many other places. It made its first purchase of land for school house site of Dr. William Hamilton in 1832, consisting of sixty-four acres at $42 per acre, and situate near Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson county, O.
At the Yearly Meeting of 1832 the committee reported that in their opinion the boarding school house should be a finishing school for the youth of both sexes ; that two departments should be built so that the sexes should be entirely distinct and separate from each other; that to secure these ends the building should consist of a centre house for family uses, and other purposes of a general nature, and a wing on each side for school, lodging and dining rooms for teachers and scholars of the two sexes. It also reported that friends in New England had promised considerable moneys; that others in England had subscribed $2,000 if the erection of the school house was proceeded with, and other moneys with which to begin a library. The Y. M. referred the whole subject to meeting on "sufferings." That meeting ordered the committee to proceed with the building.
The contract for the erection of "Boarding School House" was made by and between Benjamin Wright, David Updegraff and otbers, committee, and Abel Townsend, contractor, at a cost of ten thousand dollars. The house as put up was as follows: Centre building, 40 feet front by 46 feet back ; a wing at each side of centre building 36 feet front by 32 feet back; the centre building three stories high, besides basement; the wings each two stories high, besides basement; a belfry on the top of centre building at rear, with a walk around the top of centre building.
The house was completed in 1836, and on the 23d day of tho first month, January, 1837, first school opened in it for reception of pupils. First superintendent was Daniel Williams; first matron, his wife Elizabeth. The teachers in male department were Robert S. Holloway and George K. Jenkins; female department, Abby Holloway, wife of Robert, and Abigail Flanner. All of these teachers were residents of Mt. Pleasant. Susan Judkins was cook, and her husband, James, was janitor; Amy Ray assisted Susan. Betsey Bundy, a colored woman, did the washing; Esther Osborn did the ironing, and Tacy Wilson was nurse.
The total cost of site, building and fifteen other acres of land between the school farm and yearly meeting lot was $21,827.49.
The year was divided at first into two school session of twenty-four weeks each, but in the process of time several changes were made in the arrangement of the sessions of the school year. The first school session find one hundred and twenty pupils at $68 per annum, but the receipts were less than the expenses by the sum of $280.28, or $3.,30 per scholar. In 1838, Lewis Carey was first governor of the institution. Teachers: George K.Jonkins, Parrin Wright, Abby Flannor and Susan M. Thomas. Excess of expenses that year, $794.61 ; average attendance of pupils, sixty-nine. For three or four years the expenditures exceeded the incomes of the institution, but after that paid handsomely.
At first the cooking was done with old-fashioned instruments-Dutch ovens, frying pans, bake ovens, skillets, reflectors and pots swung on cranes at spacious open fire places-cooking stoves, ranges and the trumpery of modern culinary arrangements were then unknown. Of course everything advanced with the so-called progress of the times.
For some time after the boarding school had opened, the teachers and pupils attended Short creek meeting, but during the year permit meetings wore allowed at the institution on the first and 5th days by the Short creek monthly and afterwards sanctioned by the yearly meeting, and ever after continued.
In 1838, Louis Tabor, of Vermont, was employed as teacher and lecturer. He taught from one to two hours a day and lectured twice a week. He continued to be employed in that capacity for several winters.
G. G. and J. M: Plummer succeeded Williams and wife as superintendent and matron and they were followed in 1842, by Benjamin and Mary Hoyle, who remained until the spring of 1847.
In 1854, occurred another disruption among the orthodox Friends that divided them into what is known as the Gurney and Wilbur parties. By some means the Wilbur party retained control of the boarding school, which they held until the supreme court of Ohio settled the title in favor of the Gurney division, which immediately set about making extensive repairs preparatory to starting the school again. Alter expending $3,566.22 work was suspended for the winter, but on the night of January 17, 1875, the entire building was consumed by fire and it has not yet been rebuilt, though such a scheme is in contemplation.

 HISTORY OF THE TEMPERANCE CAUSE IN MOUNT PLEASANT

The first society was organized in 1855, with a pledge to drink no alcoholic or distilled liquors, but permitting the use of fermented liquors, and known as the " half way" society. The first society on the principle of total abstinence from all intoxieating liquors, was organized in the year 1837.
In 1840, the Sons of Temperance were organized by Isaac McDonald and B. L. Worthington, of Steubenville.
In the same year the Martha Washington society was formed. There is still in possession Of D. N. Milner a silk banner manufactured in the Mt. Pleasant factory, and presented to the ladies of the society. On one side was the motto, "Our cause is God'e, our course is onward;" on the other was "On female influence rests the destiny of man."
The Sons of Temperance continued in active operation for about fourteen years and was succeeded by the Temple of Honor,which was organized Sept. 9, 1854, and kept up its organization for about ten years, but disbanded during the war, on account of the absence of the young men.
The Good Templars Lodge was organized in 1869, and continued in active operation for four or five years.
The women of Mt. Pleasant assisted in the work of the woman's crusade by organizing and helping the work in the adjoining towns.
The Murphy movement has been in active operation from 1876. besides the societies already mentioned there was the Social Degree in connection with the Temple of Honor, and the society for the juveniles, the" Band of Hope."
There has always been a strong temperance sentiment in Mt. Pleasant. The people were among the earliest in the country in the opposition to drinking customs and in efforts to suppress the liquor traffic.

In the spring of 1847, D. N. Milner opened the " Temperance Exchange Hotel," keeping the house strictly on temperance principles. This was somewhat of an experiment, but in the days of the coach line, when Mt. Pleasant was quite a business place, it was hoped that a man could keep a hotel without keeping a whisky shop.
For about twenty-five years no intoxicating liquors have been sold publicly. While the business of the place has greatly fallen off because of no railroad connections, yet because of its temperance people and moral sentiment, the town has been an attractive place.

UNION SABBATH SCHOOL

Previous to 1843 some feeble attempts had been made to establish a Sabbath school,, but the effort resulted in nothing permanent, until in the summer of that year, a Miss Sarah Clark, of Philadelphia, who was visiting in Mount Pleasant, and learning there was no Sabbath school interested herself in the cause, and by her influence induced the citizens to take the matter in hand, and a union school was organized. Pinckney Lewis was elected superintendent, and George K. Jenkins, librarian. In 1849 Mr. Lewis, having been elected state senator, resigned and John H. Mercer was elected to fill to the place. Mr. Mercer performed the duties of the office until 1870, when ho was succeeded by Dr. T. N. Lewis, who served until 1873, and was succeeded by Oliver Flanner, who performed the duties of the office until 1875 when J. E. Mercer was again elected, having served eighteen years since 1849.
About 1850 the school made an undertaking to pay $50 for five years to educate two Indian children at the Ossiliwa Mission, at Red Lake, Minnesota Territory. Rev. Mr. Bardwell, one Sunday morning, brought into school with him an Indian boy. Bringing a live Indian into Sabbath school where few, if any, had ever seen one, created quite a sensation. The school ordered that two children be selected by the Mission, one to be named Anna Mendenhall, for a faithful teacher in the school, and one for J. H. Mercer, the superintendent. The school never 'heard much from them after the five years' support was given.
It was not long after this undertaking was completed, that the little red missionary box, that made its weekly rounds to the classes,was missing from the locked library in the church. It contained $40, and what became of it was never known.
One cold winter of deep and frequent snows, as the propriety of adjourning the school till spring was being discussed, little Maggie Taylor, who had walked two miles through the snow, came tripping in, and the motion to adjourn was withdrawn without any further argument.
Until within the last ten years most of the schools in the township were conducted on the union principle, but now each church has its own school under its control.
Of those who conducted this school in 1843, but few' now remain. John H. Mercer and David N. Milner are the only persons now connected with it, who took part in its organization in 1843.

THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD

The people of Mount Pleasant being mostly Friends or Quakers, were from principle opposed to slavery, in fact many of them had left their pleasant homes in the bright sunny South and settled in this wilderness land with its bleak climate on account of their abhorrence of the institution with its wrongs and cruelties inflicted upon the poor helpless slaves.
As early as 1817, a slave would occasionally get across that boundary line between slavery and freedom, the Ohio river, and strike out for Mount Pleasant, where that class was always kindly received by these good people and helped off on their way to a land beyond the reach of their masters. These fugitives continued to increase year by year in numbers and the means of sending them beyond the reach of their owners became more and more systematized, until a regular chain of posts between here and Canada was established, so that when a Slave once reached one of these posts he was safe from pursuit. This was termed the underground railroad and Mount Pleasant became famed as the leading station in the United States on this, road. The travel over this route increased, till it became almost a regular business with many citizens. Hundreds of Slaves every year escaped over these lines, amounting to many thousands during its existence, and the travel only ceased with the close of the war.

INCIDENTS

FIRST ABOLITION STATE CONVENTION

The first anti-slavery or abolition state convention in Ohio was held at Mount Pleasant in the spring of 1837. Gamaliel Bailey, who afterwards published the Cincinnati Herald, and still later established the National Era at Washington City, was the secretary of that convention. Among other early abolitionists there assembled, were James G. Birney, who in 1840, was the candidate of the Liberty party for president, John Keep, William Donaldson, Christian Donaldson, John Rankin, A. A. Guthrie, Major Nye, George Whipple, President Finney, of Oberlin, and Asa Mann.

FREE LABOR STORE

The people of this place act upon their convictions of duty. They are consistent; what they profess they believe, and their belief of what is right is carried out in practice. They believed slavery was a grievous wrong inflicted upon their fellow men; they believed that buying and consuming the products of this labor was ministering to the avarice of the slave holder and making the purchaser and consumer of the fruits of the unrequieted toil of the slave a party to the crime. To avoid any participation in this wickedness they resolved to avoid using anything produced by the unpaid labor of slaves. In 1848, a free labor store was established, from which everything was sedulously excluded that was not the result of free, paid labor. This store was successfully carried on for about ten years.

 ANNA DICKINSON

The mother of this widely famed lady once lived in Mount Pleasant. Her maiden name was Mary Edmondson. She taught school in 1826 or 1827, in Short creek church.

THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS OF MT. PLEASANT

Among the early Settlers of Jefferson county, the Society of Friends formed a considerable portion as to numbers, and by no means an unimportant part as to influence. These pioneers brought, not only the indomitable industry and thrift which soon transformed the wilderness to a community of prosperous homes, but also an intensity of religious fervor, and a fidelity to clearly defend convictions of right, which made them a strong power in shaping the contour of thought around them.
The stream of immigration flowed from Pennsylvania, Now Jersey, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina-many coming as far as Friends' settlements in Western Pennsylvania as early as 1799, and waiting there until Government was prepared to dispose of lands west of the Ohio river. Numbers from North Carolina sought this more rigorous climate that their children might grow up free from the association of slavery. Baltimore yearly meetings had for a long period hold a testimony against this prevailing evil, and throughout the limits of the society a strong feeling on the subject existed which bore fruits in the new land. The first Friends meeting west of the Ohio river, was probably held in the autumn of 1800, near the tent of Jonathan Taylor, where he first located in what is known as Concord, Belmont county, about five miles from Mt. Pleasant. He had encamped in the forest while building his cabin in this new. wilderness home. The little gathering consisted of himself, his wife and a few other individuals, seated under spreading branches upon newly felled logs. When the cabin was put up and covered, and the floor, which consisted of puncheons partly laid, the meetings were transferred to it. The first meeting held in this cabin was on a First-day of the week. It bad been preceded by a time of considerable rain, which in anticipation, rendered the accommodations very desirable. The poles designed for sleepers on which to lay the remainder of the floor, sowed as seats. We are justified in supposing that meetings for worship were from this time regularly held, as meetings for transacting the business of the society were regularly established under the care of Friends in the east, as early as 1802.
The Stantons, Lipseys, and a number of other Friends families settled near Mt. Pleasant in 1800. Jonathan Taylor soon removed from Concord to within a short distance of that place, on what is now known an the Updegraff farm. The years of 1801-2-3, were laborious ones. Forests were to fell, and the ground to prepare for planting sufficient for present need. Houses were to be built, and the pressing wants incident to pioneer life were to be met, but in 1804 a log meeting house was built near where the Short Creek House now stands, one half mile west of Mt. Pleasant. The records of a monthly meeting, called Short Creek, open Third month, 5th, 1804. At this first meeting the subject of the pious and guarded education of the youth and the state of schools was weightily considered, and a, committee appointed to give the subject further solid consideration. Nathan Updegraff was appointed to serve as clerk, Jesse Hall and Henry Lewis from Short Creek preparative meeting and James Carr, from Plymouth Preparative meeting, to serve as overseers. The records of this meeting show a rapidly increasing membership by direct application and certificate brought by families moving within its limits, from the monthly meetings to which they previously belonged. So prosperous was the society, that in 1806 ten acres of land was bought. The deed was executed by Horton Howard, September 25, 1806, and made "to Nathan Updegraff, Aaron Brown, Enoch Harris and Jonathan Taylor, as trustees of the Society of Friends or Quakers, on behalf of themselves and jointly with the whole Short Creek monthly meeting of the Society." The consideration money was $30. The Short Creek meeting house, which still stands, was built in 1807, on this land, at an expense of $2,000. Its dimensions are 45x70. This lovely spot has truly come to be a city of the dead. The burying ground upon its summit, which overlooks a wide expanse of beautiful scenery, having received with nature's tenderness the forms of generation after generation of those who have gathered there for worship.
In the spring of 1807 Short creek quarterly meeting was organized, consisting of five monthly meetings, viz.. Concord, Short Creek, Salem, Miami, and West Branch. Four of these were in Ohio and West Branch in what was called the Indiana territory.
Ohio yearly meeting was set off from the yearly meeting of Baltimore in 1812, and was composed of friends west of the Allegheny mountains. The first yearly meeting was held at Short creek in 1813.. During the years 1815-16 what is well known as the yearly meeting house was built in Mt. Pleasant, and first occupied in 1816. It is a large brick building 90x62, and variously estimated as capable of accommodating from 1500 to 2500 persons. Although the exclusive property of the yearly meeting, it has been used by the Society for particular meetings since 2d me., 1817, for the greater convenience of friends residing in towns or country homes made this a more central point. Members to the west of Mt. Pleasant still worshipping at Short Creek.
For a series of years the records of Short Creek monthly meeting show a rapid increase of membership. The minutes of Tenth month, 1813, recommend Friends to continue their labor with those "who are still deficient in supporting our testimony respecting spirituous liquors," and a committee was appointed to have the Subject in care. Marriages in accordance with established usage were frequent. The meeting of Twelfth month 20, 1814, records as follows: "Benjamin Lundy and Esther Lewis appeared in this meeting and signified their intention of marriage with each other. They having consent of parents ; George Kinsey and Ansalem Patterson are appointed to inquire into his clearness in other like engagements and report to the next meetihg." According to custom a like committee was appointed in the women's meeting to make similar inquiries respecting the proposed bride. The meeting of First month 24, 1815, records that "the committee appointed to inquire into Benjamin Lundy's clearness, report that they find nothing to obstruct his proceeding in marriage with Esther Lewis. They are therefore at liberty to accomplish the same," and a committee was appointed in both the men's and women's meetings, to attend the marriage and report the orderly accomplishment." From the meeting of Second mouth 21st, we further learn that "the Friends appointed to attend the marriage of Benjamin Lundy and Esther Lewis, report that the same was orderly accomplished," and from that held the 23d of Fifth month, following that Benjamin Lundy and Either, his wife, request a certificate to Plainfield Monthly Meeting, which was produced, approved and signed by the clerk." On Sixth month 20, 1815, the representatives appointed the preceding month to attend the quarterly meeting, report that they all attended and inform "that, it is recommended to the monthly meetings to appoint suitable committees to assist and encourage Friends in making wills in time of health." After due deliberation such an uppointmegt was made. About the year 1818, the subject of establishing an institution for the guarded education of Friends' children was agitated, but the definite steps which resulted in the Friends Boarding School of Mt. Pleasant were not taken until years afterward.
The memorable division which occurreed in the various Yearly Meetings in America, and which originated the two branches commonly known as Orthodox and Hicksite Friends, took place in Ohio Ninth month and sixth day, 1828, during the week of Yearly Meeting. The party sympathizing with Elias Hicks adopted the simple name of Friends, while the other party assumed the name of Orthodox Friends; each party, however, claiming to hold the principles of George Fox and other early ministers and writers of the church, The probability is that from the rise of the Society in the 17th century, there had really existed differences of opinion on some doctrinal points which were not particularly regarded in the earlier days, while still warm from the lover kindled by persecution, and filled with the spiritual health which the presence and influence of the devoted men and women who were instrumental in the rise and early prosperity of the society, had nourished. But when

"Full long its feet the flowery ways Of peace had trod,"
And
"Too cheaply truths, once purchased dear, Were made its own."

Controversy more and more prevailed on points which have perplexed the great and good in all ages of the christian church, and respecting which widely diverse judgments have been reached by holy, God-loving, righteous men. As is the univereal tendency where people are met on the basis of opinion, there developed two broad parties, which wore necessarily irreconcilable, so long as that spirit prevailed, which in this age "gibbets men in sermons and burns them in print," and a permanent separation ensued. Oftimes

"God's hand within the shadow lays The stone whereon His gates of praise Shall rise at last."

Perhaps from this cloud which caused grievous mourning among many in both divisions came a baptism into deep things, which brought such into a new neariess to God's truth, That spiritual comfort is dispensed, independent of theologieal articles of opinion, scorns patent since unquestionably these branches of the church, both continued to receive strength from an edifying Gospel ministry, and to abound in members highly blessed spiritually.
For years the Orthodox branch continued meetings for worship at both Mt. Pleasant and Short Creek. Early in the year 1829 the branch denominated, Hicksite purchased land one mile west of Mt. Pleasant at a point central, for those in membership, and soon occupied a meeting house, built thereon for particular meetings, but continued to have the use of the houses at Short Creek and Mt. Pleasant when desired for quarterly and yearly meeting purposes.
The Orthodox yearly meeting of Ohio was again disrupted in 1854, into what are known as the Gurney and Wilbur factions. Soon after this, those in harmony with the part denominated Gurney Friends discontinued, the use ofthe house on Short creek, all consolidating in the meeting convening in the yearly meeting house in Mount Pleasant, and those denorninated Wilburites found it desirable to discontinue their meeting, held at Short creek, the members being attached to their meetings at other points. The boarding school property remained in meetings possession of this branch until 1874, when the supreme court of Ohio, by its decision settled the title in favor of the Gurney division. Previous to this decision the Wilbnr Friends had continued to hold their yearly meeting at Mount Pleasant, but soon after made arrangements to remove it to Barnesville, Belmont county. Their last yearly meeting was hold at Mt. Pleasant, in Tenth month of 1877.
Those who worship still in Mt. Pleasant appear to have departed, in some measure, from the plain, simple form of earlier years. They now send out ministers into the world as evangelists, and have adopted the same practice of singing, praying and preaching that other churches have, and the general manner of conducting the religious services is not very different from other churches.
As one of their ministers expressed himself, it is now an aggressive and progressive church. After all its vicissitudes and trials it is still in a prosperous and flourishing condition, having had an addition of forty members within the last year.
A Sabbath school was organized in connection with this church May 8, 1838, with Ellwood Ratcliff as superintendent. Early in its history care was extended toward certain children, who were prevented from attending from want of suitable clothing, and a committee was appointed to supply the wants of those in need. Solicitude was also felt for colored children and a committee was appointed in their behalf. This school is still continued.
Friends known as Hicksites hold their meetings regularly in the house one mile west of Mt. Pleasant, built soon after the division of 1838. The meetings appear to be conducted in the primitive style of Friends, and those assembling to be substantial,, intelligent citizens of the community.
A Sabbath school has also been established here for a number of years which appears to be under efficient management.

THOMAS SHLLLITOE'S DIARY RELATING TO FRIENDS' OHIO YEARLY MEETING

In connection with the history of the Friends' churches of Warren township, Belmont county (see page 346), is given a brief sketch of the life and character of Thomas Shillitoe, accompanied by some extracts from a diary he kept, the action of the Stillwater quarterly meeting, in reference to the teachings and proceedings of Elias Hicks and his followers. For the same reasons there expressed, we give the following extracts from his diary of the Friends' Ohio yearly meeting pertaining to the same subject.
"Seventh day morning, 6th of Ninth month, 1828, the first sitting of the Ohio Select Yearly Meeting commenced at Mt. Pleasant. At the time appointed for the meeting to assemble Elias Hicks and two other preachers of his party tried to gain admittance, but, being refused, they replied that they could hold their meeting in the open air as George Fox did. Furnishing themselves with chairs, in company with about twelve of the select members of this Yearly Meeting who had united themselves with the Hicksite party, they hold their meeting outside of the meeting house fence. Although their voices were at times, heard in our meeting, yet it did not appear the meeting suffered thereby, except the minds of Friends being affected with sorrow on their account. In the afternoon attended the meeting for sufferings. Friends being aware of the difficult situation they were likely to be placed in, on the day when the Yearly Meeting for the general concerns of the society was to commence, a consultation took place on the subject and it was concluded to have the usual doors open, and that the doorkeepers should be requested to endeavor to keep the meeting select, but not to use force.
"First day morning, 7th of Ninth month, 1828, attended the meeting at Mt. Pleasant. It may easily be supposed the prospect of going to meeting this morning must have been formidable. The house was crowded, and before the meeting was fully gathered, Elias Hicks stood up and occupied much time setting forth "his doctrines." "After he had taken his seat a Friend rose and informed the audience of the situation in which Elias Hicks stood with his friends at home. From the great concourse of people we passed in the afternoon on their way to Short creeks meeting, where Elias Hicks was to be, I had cherished a hope we should have had a quiet meeting at Mt. Pleasant, but we had not long settled down before two of the preachers of the Separatists rose one after the other. On their being requested again and again to sit down, the Hicksite party shouted from various parts of the meeting, manifesting such violence of temper that it appeared safest to suffer than to go on. Although it was as distressing a meeting as most I have sat in, yet when it closed I could not say I regretted my lot was cast amongst Friends to share with them in their exercises.
Second day, 8th, Ninth month, 1828. At eight o'clock this morning the committee of men and women Friends on Indian affairs met, to which committee strangers were invited, of which number I considered myself to be one. When the business of this committee closed, Friends and the clerks remained in the house. The time for the gathering of the Yearly Meeting on the general concerns of the society, being nearly come, these Friends filled up the minister's gallery and front seats. Printed notices had been served on Elias Hicks and others, and copies nailed on the doors of the men's and women's house (room), signed by the trustees of the property, warning them not to enter the meeting-house during the sittings of the Yearly Meetings. Numerous doorkeepers were also in attendance, but the Separatists became so violent that it appeared no longer possible for the doorkeepers to maintain their posts unless they repelled force by force. Friends conferred together, when it seemed safest to request the door keepers to desist from their charge and leave the doors. This taking place, the mob, headed by two of the preachers of the Separatists, poured into the house like a torrent, accompanied by some of the rude rabble of the town. They violently opened the doors that had been kept fast, and some young men entering the women's house (room) committed the same outrage. After the assembly had become quiet beyond what could have been expected, all circumstances considered, the clerk, Jonathan Taylor, opened the Yearly Meeting amidst this crowd of intruders; on which one of the Separatists' party stood up and declared he was authorized by the members of the Ohio Yearly Meeting to order the clerks that were then at the table to quit, and give place to such clerks as they should choose for themselves, at the same time naming an individual for the office, which nomination was confirmed by many of the Separatists shouting out at the same time, "That's my mind; that's my mind. Why does not our clerk come forward?" The Separatists then crowded between the front seats and up on the table and ordered the Friends who were standing near the cleric's table to quit; but, their demand not being complied with, they began to use violence, on which the clerics were ordered to take down the names of such as appeared to take an active part in such proceedings. This did not check their proceedings, and finding that they were riot likely to succeed in driving Friends from the part of the table, they endeavored to do so by a door behind the clerk. My seat being next to the clerk, a man of large stature and bulk came over the gallery rail almost upon me, and after him two young men. I was on the point of getting up to leave the house, but before I was upon my feet one of the Separatists near me, looking up, exclaimed that the gallery over our beads was falling. A great crash at this moment was heard over our heads, which it was afterwards proved had been produced by one of the Separatists breaking a piece of wood. Immediately on an alarm being given, " the gallery is falling," from the other side of the house there was an outcry, "The house is falling." The door of the women's house (room) was thrown open and they were told the house was falling. A sudden rush in every direction produced a sound not unlike thunder, and brought down a small part of the ceiling in the gallery. This raised a considerable dust, and had the appearance of the walls giving way and the ceiling coming down. Whilst I was making my way from my seat a Friend informed the meeting it was a false alarm. The Separatists who had crowded into the minister's gallery and given this alarm, instead of making their way themselves out of the house, called out, "Make way for the Old Friend." Others said,. "Lot the Old Friend come by." So I had no difficulty until I reached the door where the crowd was very great. Some were thrown down, and were in danger of being trampled to death. A young Friend told me they forced the sashes out with their feet and tumbled out of the windows. One young man, report says, in his fright, dropped out of an upper window. The Separatists having now obtained access to the door at the back of the clerk's table, voices were heard above the general uproar, "Now is the time, rush on," which they did, but not being able to get possession of the table, it was broken to pieces. In a short time I returned into the Meeting again. When the tumult and uproar had somewhat subsided, it was proposed that we should leave this scene of riot; which, being united with Friends, adjourned.
Third day, 9, of Ninth month, 1828. Morning - Friends met in the meeting house lot, at Mt. Pleasant; opened the select meeting and adjourned it to Short creek meeting house, admittance having been denied them to Mt. Pleasant meeting house. The yearly meeting standing adjourned to ten o'clock this morning Friends were advised to make a formal demand of the men's and womem's house. They therefore assembled in the yard of the meeting house, at Mt. Pleasant, and the trustee for the property, with two of the representatives, went into the meeting house, the Separatists meeting being then sitting in it, and in an audible manner demanded quiet possession of the house to transact the business of the yearly meeting of Ohio select. After much quibbling on the part of the Separatists, when pressed to give a decisive answer to this question, whether they were willing to quietly resign the meeting house? The answer they gave was: There is no reply." The Seperatists then resumed their business. Notice was now given that Friends being kept out of their house, would open their yearly meeting in the yard; men and women collected accordingly, at the front of the meeting house, the men to the east and the women to the west ; here we had a large and solemn meeting. Friends were informed that in consequence of the injury which Jonathan Taylor, the yearly meeting's cleric had received yesterday, from the pressure at the table, he was unable to give his attendance, the assistant clerk was therefore requested to open the adjournment, which was accordingly done, after which the yearly meeting was adjourned to Short Creek meeting house, in which not a few of our company on this solemn occasion were bathed in tears; some of the youths amongst others.
Fourth day, 10, Ninth month, 1823. Friends met according to adjournment, at Short Creek, meeting house, and were favored with a solid sitting together; the meeting being opened a minute was made, stating the cause whereby Friends were brought under the necessity of quitting their own house and also excluding from the sittings of this yearly meeting, such members of society as had united with others in producing the riot at Mt. Pleasant meeting house, and who had otherwise identified themselves with the separatists . The chief subject that occupied attention at this time was what measures Friends were to adopt to secure peaceable enjoyment of their privilege in holding their meetings, select, and the names which had been taken down of those who had been the most active in the riots and in breaking the clerk's table, were read over.
Fifth day morning, Friends again met. The meeting continued large, and the weather being fine, was a favorablo circumstance as many wore obliged to take their seats under temporary awnings out of the meetinghouse, the windows having been taken out to accommodate the numerous company. Friends were favored with a quiet, comfortable sitting together.
Sixth day morning, the meeting again assembled, and matters which carne before it were conducted in great harmony. The trials Friends had passed through had brought thorn very near to each other.
Seventh day morning, the meeting continued to be largely attended. In the afternoon I attended an adjournment of the meeting for sufferings.
Third day, 16th, Ninth month. The yearly meeting again met and attended to the various concerns which still claimed attention having grown out of the present trying state of the society. Friends separated in great nearness of spirit; the cheeks of most were bedewed with tears of sympathy and affection at the prospect of the sufferings that awaited them, through the opposition to be expected from their revolting brethren in their meetings at home.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

This was one of the first churches organized in Ohio, but like too many of our first churches, its early history is somewhat obscure. It is to be regretted that our forefathers did not more carefully preserve more of the early events and incidents in their respective churches, which would now be so highly appreciated by their descendants.
About 1798, Dr. John McMillan. the great apostle of Presbyterianism in Western Pennsylvania, crossed the Ohio river, and founded at least two churches, one on Short creek, now Mount Pleasant; the other at Richland, now St. Clairsville. The spot is still pointed out where, on the farm now owned by Robert Finney, where Beech Spring school house now stands, near Short creek under the spreading branches of the forest trees, with a tent, or covered stand for the minister and leader of the singing, was effected the organization of this church. The names of those asking for the organization are lost. The first elders were Richard McKibbon, Thomas McCune, James Clark and James Eagleson. This tent or meeting place was three and a half miles southeast of tire present village of Mount Pleasant. Two graves were once here, but the plowshare has left no traco of this last resting place of their occupants, and their names are now forgotten.
The first house built was a rude log one, about one and a fourth miles southeast of the place where the organization took place. It was at the foot of Hogue's hill, near the waters of Little Short Creek, and was a very primitive structure, without stove or fireplace. At this house the congregation met and worshiped twenty yours . A cemetery, containing a hundred graves, was also made, but little now remains, except here or there a dilapidated tombstone to indicate where now sleep these silent dead. For the next eleven years the congregation occupied the Associate Reformed church, known as the Union House, within the present enclosed graveyard and near Mr. Murray's. This building was a hewed log house and stood on a hill about one and a fourth miles north of the old log house at the foot of Hogue's hill, and two miles east of Mount Pleasant. This house was made into threshing machines by Thomas Mitchell, Robert Theaker and James H. Drennen.
The pastor of this church, during these thirty-one years, was Rev. Joseph Anderson, who, after serving Short Creek and Richland some time, as a supply, was installed by the Presbytory, August 20, 1800. He bad been licensed by the Presbytery of Ohio, October 17, 1798, and was ordained by the same Presbytery previous to his installation over these churches. His ordination, it is said, took place under a large tree on the farm of the late Clark Mitchell, and the honor was his (Anderson's) of being the first Presbyterian minister ordained west of the Ohio. One-third of his time was given to Short Creek and two-thirds to Plymouth. After serving both churches for many years, he was called for the whole of his time to Richland, athough he continued to supply Short Creek for some years afterward. Mr. Anderson was a man of zeal and true piety, of good presence and address, but moderate abilities. He was dismissed to the Presbytery of St. Charles, Missouri, in 1835, and died at Monticello, in the same state, in 1847, in the eightieth year of his age.
In 1829 the foundation was laid for a now house in Mount Pleasant, and the building completed in the winter of 1829 or 1830. It is not known whether it was dedicated or not. The building committee consisted of Adam Dunlap, John Hogg and William Pickens. The brick work was done by Samuel Miller, the wood work by Henry Amrine, and Dr. Hamilton raised the money among the Masons to build the pulpit. This stood for twenty-five or twenty-six years. The walls becoming cracked, it became unsafe, and it was determined to build a new one, the present edifice, This house was completed in 1855. The building committee was William Reid, Joseph Kithcart and William McGee. Contractor for the wood-work, J. H. Sidebottom ; mason work, Charles Mercer and John Smith. A. G. Kinsey burned the brick; cost, $2,115.80. Rev. Samuel Boyd, of Bridgeport, preached the dedicatory sermon from Chronicles xx., 15. The house was frescoed and repaired in 1870, at a cost of $800-papered by the ladies of the congregation. The pulpit was remodelled in 1877, and the floor first carpeted, at a cost of $190.
There have been twenty-four ruling elders from its organization down to the present time:
1798-Richard McKibbon, Thomas McCune, James Eagleson and James Clark.
1808-Thomas Major and Adam Dunlap.
1829 - John Alexander and Jacob Zull.
1832-David Baldridge, John Theaker and John Major.
1839-Joseph Blackford, Joseph McCune and Archibald Major.
1844-Henry Amrine, Geo. M. Theaker and Samuel McConahey.
1869-John A. Major and T. M. McConahey.
1873-C. O. Harbout, James G. Theaker, R. S. Kithcart and J. P. Bracken.
The Rev. Benjamin Mitchell, who succeeded Rev. Joseph Anderson as pastor of this Church in 1829, served it faithfully until 1877, whon he was relieved from the active duties of his place by Rev. W. S. Pringle, a young man of much promise.

THE PRESBYTERIAN SUNDAY SCHOOL

This school was organized on the second Sabbath of Novemher, 1868, with an enrollment of sixty-eight scholars and a small library.
The leading spirit in the organization was Dr. A. J. Alexander, now pastor of Scotch Ridge Church. He was made superintendent, and R M. Theaker was appointed secretary; William MCGee, treasurer,and Lycurgus Smith, librarian, R. M. Theaker was the second superintendent, Mitchell McConahey the third and O. M. Bracken, the present superintendent, is the fourth.
The amount of contributions in the year, $457; number of verses recited 74,210.
Three premiums were awarded oh one occasion: Thomas Mitchell, for reciting 849 verses; John R. Fisher, for reciting 692 verses; Bell Oliver, for reciting 571 verses,
On another occasion premiums wore awarded Ella Dilworth, 350 verses; Clara Howard 312; Lafie C. Reid.
Clara Mitchell was absent but one Sabbath in ten years, and that on account of sickness.
The enrollment for 1879 was 150; number of volumes in the library 500.

M. P. CHURCH

The first Methodist Church built in Mt. Pleasant township was a small brick built in the village of Mt. Pleasant about the year 1815, at the east end oftho town, on ground owned by David McMasters, a local minister. The house was used some years for school purposes. About the year 1837 the subject of lay delegation commenced to be agitated in the church, and during that year a separation took place. With but few exceptions the members withdrew from the M. E. organization and organized non-episcopal societies. They continued to occupy the same church building. The lot had not been leased by the society, and David McMasters dying in that year, it was subsequently deeded to the Methodist Protestant organization, which was organized in 1826 by William B. Evans, a local minister. Samuel Pennington was the first class leader; Rev. David McMasters, Anna McMasters, Aaron B. Townsend, Mary Withrow, Mrs. Karlin, James Davis and wife, were some of the original membors, none of whom are now living. In 1839, the old house was taken down and a new church building erected on the same site, 40 by 50 feet. While taking the old house down, one of the walls fell on Henry Marshall and John Sidebottom, breaking Marshall's thigh and injuring Sidebottom less seriously. When the new house was near completion it took fire from a defective flue and destroyed the roof and plastering, delaying its completion until 1842. During the rebuilding, the society occupied the Presbyterian Church. Our new house, when finished was the house of the 'Union Sabbath school, was used for temperance meetings, school exhibitions, and other public meetings and was replaced by a new house 40 by 60 feet, in 1869 on the same lot. This structure has basement and vestibule and was dedicated by Alexander Clark in the winter of 1869, costing about $6,000. The society, like all others, has had its days of prosperity and its seasons of adversity. During the winter of 1864, there was a remarkable religious awakening under the larbors of Rev. John L. Scott. The meetings' continued near one month, some sessions continuing all day and night without adjourning. Over 200 were converted and 100 added to the church. The locall ministers of this society have been David McMasters, Pinckney Lewis, John H. Mercer and Henry Heberling. The church has been favored by the labors of the following traveling ministers: Wm. B. Evans, Rufus Richardson, Moses Scott, E. E. Scott, Wm. Callege, T. Hopwood, Z. Ragan. J. S. Thrapp, Thomas Fairchild, Jacob Nichols, John, Burns. J. W. Case, William Baldwin, T. L. Scott, G. W. Hissey, H. T. Bradford, J. B. McCormick, T. L. Diddle and J. M. Woodward.

 AFRICAN M. E. CHURCH

 The history of this church, is somewhat obscure and meager, but as nearly as can be learned, at this late day, it was organized as early as 1818.
For some years they rented a house for worship, at the extreme western end of the village, which they finally bought, and continued their meetings there till it became unfit for use. They then sold and purchased another lot near by, on which they built a neat brick house which they still continue to use.
This church has been in a flourishing condition, numbering as high as 170 members at one time, but like many other churches it has had its internal dissentions, and in 1871, a portion of the members withdrew and formed a new organization called the colored M. E. Church.

 COLORED SABBATH SCHOOL

The first Sabbath School for colored children was organized by Elijah Sawyer in the house used by the A. M. E. church. It commenced about 1840. Mr. Sawyer conducted the school for some years, when the Friends became interested and also assisted the colored people, in their efforts. Among the Friends who rendered essential service in the matter were Elisba Bates and the Updegraff's. The school has been kept up, with some intermissions, from that time to the present day. The whites have occasionally helped the colored people in their laudable efforts for improvement.

 M. E. CHURCH (COLORED.)

In the fall of 1871, fifteen members withdrew from the A. M. E., and organized a new M. E. Church. They have not yet built themselves a house of worship, but meet in the colored school house. The following is a list of their ministers since their separation: Alexander Hargrave, 1871-3, Lewis Carr, 1874; Jacob Skinner, 1875; Jesse Hargrave, 1876-7-8; George Carr, present year, 1879.
They at the same time organized a Sabbath school, with about twenty scholars. They have no library.

EMINENT MEN

 Mount Pleasant township has furnished a full share of eminent men as statesmen, men who have held prominent positions in the councils of the state and nation.
It has supplied eight members of the state Legislature, to-wit: Dr. William Hamilton, George Mitchell, Ezekiel Harris, Joseph Kithcart, Amos Jones, Cyrus Mendenhall, Pinkney Lewis, Dr. J. T. Updegraff - the two last State Senators. It has also furnished three lieutenant governors-Benjamin Stanton, who was also member of Congress from the Bellefontaine district; Thos. B. Ford, and Robert C. Kirk, who was afterwards sent as minister to one of the South American governments, was a native of this place. Also Hon. J. T. Updegraff, present member of Congress-as well as many eminent men in the medical and other learned professions.

FITZ-GREENE HALLECK AND ABBIE FLANNER

A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE CORRESPONDENCE HELD OVER FORTY YEARS AGO, BETWEEN THE AMERICAN POET, FITZ-GREENE HALLECK, AND MISS ABBIE PLANNER, OF MOUNT PLEASANT, OHIO.

As a portion of the correspondence that passed between Fitz. Greene Halleck and Abbie Planner, years ago, was brought to light by the publication of the life of HallecK, by James Grant Wilson, disclosing how intensely the gifted and courtly poet, who was a bachelor, became smitten by a Quaker girl of Mount Pleasant, created a sensation throughout the country, from Maine to Texas, that was discussed and commented upon in all the leading newspapers and periodicals in the land, it seems proper that a brief account of it appear in our work as an incident in the history of the place.
Miss Flanner was born in North Carolina, October 17, 1798, She was the eldest daughter of William and Penina Flanner, who came to Mount Pleasant at an early period. Her father was an acceptable preacher, in the Society of Friends, but in moderate circumstances. She had three brothers and three sisters. They all had to work. Miss Abbie taught school. Two of her brothers became eminent physicians. Thomas, the eldest, died of cholera in 1832, in Wheeling, where ho went to investigate the nature of that disease.
These brothers sent home most of the first money they earned in the practice of their profession to build Albi Cottage. This name was given by the poetess herself, and signifies "cottage of purity." There it stands today near the Friends' Yearly Meeting House, in that village, but not embowered in vines and flowers as of old.
Miss Flanner was tall and bony; her features were rather coarse, with large hands. Though not pretty, in the common acceptance of the term, she was graceful in her movements and manners, had a sweet, animated, intellectual face, full of sensibility and a peculiarly attractive smile. When silent and thoughtful her face wore a pensive, sad expression, but when engaged in conversation, it lighted Up with animation and intelligence. When her feelings were wounded, she put her bands to her face and immediately the tears would cone trickling through her white fingers. She was a fine conversationalist and the queen of the circle in which she moved.
The origin of the correspondence was this: A party of young ladies and gentlemen of Mount Pleasant, assembled at the house of a friend in that village to watch the old year out. The incoming year was 1836 - Leap year. Amid the merriment of the occasion, some one suggested that the ladies should avail themselves of the privileges it brought and open a correspondence with different gentlemen, mentioning, among others, the bachelor poet, Fitz-Greene Halleck. The proposal was passed by as a jest, but in a few minutes it was noticed that Miss Abbie Planner was missing from the party. Quietly bidding good night to the friends of the house, she had slipped out and gone home alone. The ground was covered with snow that sparkled in too moonbeams. Walking along slowly, scarcely noting the beauty of the scene around her, she meditated a poetic epistle to Fitz-Greene Halleck, and reaching her room, sat down and wrote the following:

NEW YEAR'S NIGHT

THE MERRY MOCK-BIRD'S SONG.

O'er fields of snow the moonlight falls,
And softly on the snow white walls
Of Albi Cottage shines;
And there beneath the breath of June The honeysuckles gay festoon
And multiflora twines,

And forms a sweet embowering shade, Pride of the humble cottage maid,
Who now transformed and bold, Beneath the magic of a name,
Those equal rights presume to claim,
Rights urged by young and old.

And who is she, to fame unknown,
Who dares her challenge thus thrown down
Low at the feet of one
Who holds a proud, conspicuous stand
Among the magnates of the land,
The Muse's favorite son?

As when she roamed, a careless child,
To pluck the forest blossoms wild,
Oft climbed some pendant brow
Or rock or cliff, to gather there
Some tempting flower that looked more fair
Than all that bloomed below.

So now, like Eve in Paradise,
Though numerous offerings round her rise
Of love and friendship bland,
With many a sober blessing fraught;
Would give them all for one kind thought,
One line from Halleck's hand.

Like that fair plant of India's fields
That most when bruised yields
Its fragrance on the air,
Such is the heart I offer thee,
Pride of my country's minstrelsy !
Oh, is it worth thy care?

She signed this Ellen A. F. Campbell, incorporating her initials with the name of Scott's Lady of the Lake, and forwarded it to the poet.
In those days of slow coaches, much time must necessarily elapse before a response could be received, and it is but natural to suppose that during that interval, buoyant hope and lively thought alternated with misgivings and doubt as to the reception of her letter. Perhaps when the first glow of adventurous feeling passed she half regretted her notion and felt the natural shrinking of a woman's heart from offering itself unasked, even in jest. And when at last the long-looked-for, hoped-for packet arrived, with what trembling eagerness she must have opened and read it.

TO ELLEN

THE MOCKING BIRD.

The Scottish border minstrel's lay,
Entranced me oft in boyhood's day:
His forests, glens, and streams,
Mountains and heather blooming fair;
A Highland lake and lady were
The playmates of my dreams.

Years passed away, my dreams were gone;
My pilgrim footsteps pressed alone
Loch Katrine's storied shores;
And winds that winged me o'er the lake
Breathed low, as if they fear'd to break
The music of my oars.

No tramp of warrior men was heard;
For welcome song or challenge-word
I listened but in vain:
And moor'd beneath his favorite tree,
As vainly woo'd the minstrelsy
Of gray haired " Allen Bane."

I saw the Highland heath flower smile
In beauty upon Ellen's isle ;
And couched in Ellen's bower.
I watched beneath the lattice leaves,
Her coming, through, a summer eve's
Youngest and loveliest hour.

She came not: lonely was her home;
Herself of airy shapes that come,
Like shadows to depart,
Are there two Ellens of the mind?
Or have I lived at last to find
An,'Ellen' of the heart ?

For music like the borderer's now
Rings round me, and again I bow
Before the shrine of song,
Devoutly as I bowed in youth ;
For hearts that worship there is truth
And joy are ever young.

And well my harp responds to-day,
And willingly its chords obey
The minstrel's loved command ;
A minstrel maid whose infant eyes
Looked on Ohio's woods and skies,
My school book's sunset land.

And beautiful the wreath she twines
Around "Albi Cottage," bowered in vines,
Or blessed in sleigh-bell mirth ;
And lovelier still her smile that seems
To bid me welcome in my dreams
Beside its peaceful hearth.

Long shall I deem that winning smile
But a mere mockery, to beguile
Some lonely hour of care ; And will this Ellen prove to be,
But like her namesake o'er the sea,
A being of the air?

Or shall I take the morning's wing,
Armed with a parson and a ring,
Speed hill and vale along ;
And at her cottage hearth, ere night,
Change into flutterings of delight.
Or (what's more likely) of affright,
The merry mock-bird's song?

Accompanying the poem was the following letter:

NEW YORK, February 29, 1836.

DEAR MISS CAMPBELL :-Were it not that the delightfully flattering lines with which you have favored me date ,"Beesextile," I should have taken post-horses for Albi Cottage immediately on receiving them. As it is, I thank you from my heart for your merry mocking bird's song. Though they did not seriously intend to make me a happy man, they certainly have made me a very proud one. I have attempted some verses in the style of your own beautiful lines, and hope you will laugh gently at their imperfections, for they are the first, with a trifling exception, that I have written for years. Would they were better worthy of their subject! A new edition of the humble writings which have been so fortunate as to meet with your approbration has recently been published here. It is, to use the printer's phrase, "prettily gotten up." Will you pardon the liberty I take in asking you to accept a copy from me, in consideration of the beauty of its type and the vastness of its margin, and may I hope for a return to this letter, informing me by what conveyance I can have the honor of forwarding it to you?
I am, dear Miss Campbell, very gratefully, or if you are in good earnest, as I very much fear you are not, I am dearest Ellen, very affectionately yours.

FITZ GREENS HALLECK

Her reply to this is a letter of considerable length, in which she thanks him for the promise of his book, fund declares that "eager expectation stands tiptoe on misty heights of the blue Ohio to hail its approach." She closes by saying that when he is in "fashion's crowded hall," or listening to the "trump of deathless fame," she would claim one thought:

"But when the busy crowd is gone,
And bright on the western sky
The changeful sunset hues are thrown---
Oh! wilt though thither turn thy eye
And send one gentle thought to her
Whose spirit ever turns to thine,
Like Persia's idol worshipper,
Or Moslem to his prophets shrine'?"

The correspondence continued throughout the year, growing more and more interesting. The gay badinage ceased, and was succeeded by earnestness on both sides. Though still preserving her incognita, and shielded by her assumed name, we find the lady growing timid as the poet grows ardent in his protestations of admiration and esteem. At one time she says: "Every stop that I have made in your acquaintance has increased my timidity. With a reckless, laugh I flung my first offering. on the current of accident, little thinking it would ever bring me back tears and smiles, anxious thoughts and fevered dreams." Toward the end of the year she intimates that the terms of her privilege will soon expire, and the correspondence must close. The poet replies, urging its continuance, and speaks of the happiness it has afforded him, and his desire to know her personally. She replies: "I certainly did suppose I had written to Mr. Halleck for the last time; but you know before I confess that I am but too happy to be convinced by your profound logic, that it is not only my privilege but my duty to respond. Your witty assumption of your extensive privilege has delivered my woman's pride from the bastile of a word, for whose adamantine bars, perhaps, I have not shown a proper reverence."
After the interchange of a few more letters the poet announces his intention of seeking the home of his fair correspondent, and meeting face to face the lady whom, as "Ellen Campbell," he had learned so highly to esteem. This proposal filled Miss Flanner with dismay. Remembering that she had commenced the acquaintance, she reflected that a tacit agreement to the poet's wish would place a her in the character of a wooer. An ardent admirer of Halleck's poems, nothing could have afforded her more pleasure than to have met him, but under the circumstances she felt that she must not encourage his coming. Her reply was posted at Washington, whither she had sent it in care of a relative, and to that address the poet's subsequent letters were addressed.
It is difficult to repress the tear of sympathy over this wonderful story of what " might have been" had these two gifted beings been permitted to come together. But she absolutely refused him a personal interview, and succeeded in eluding his attempts to find her. She felt that with an interview all the illusion would vanish; that be, who had been accustomed to the flatteries and attentions of the high-born and high-bred and jeweled daughters of fashion, in their gorgeous robes and magnificent palaces, could not tolerate her plain Quaker simplicity and lowly surroundings, and she-all unwisely-preferred that he should be her idol at a distance, that she loved to worship, and she to him an "Ellen of the mind"-"A being of the air." They never, never met.
Miss Flanner afterwards married a Mr. Talbot and resided in Mount Pleasant until her death, which occurred September 9, 1852. She lies buried in Short creek cemetery, over half mile west of the village. No stone marks her last resting-place.