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HISTORY OF JOHN JACOB PHIFER
(ALSO KNOWN AS: PYPHER, PEIFFER, PHYFER, PIFER, PYFER, FIFER)
AND THE VILLAGE KNOWN AS
HILLSBURG, PHIFERS CROSSROADS, PHIFERS CORNER,
WESTVILLE, BROWNSVILLE, AND JELLOWAY, OHIO
Compiled and written by
Herschel David Frederick Pinkley
Born: 24 June 1895 - Death: 14 June 1974 Jelloway Knox County, Ohio
Typed by Nelda (Hay) Maxson (Niece by marriage to Mr. Pinkley)
John Jacob Phifer was born March 10, 1757, in Strassburg, Alsace Lorraine, Germany.
He served ten years as a soldier in Europe, in the German Army prior to coming to
America.
The Department of the Army, Office of the Adjutant General , Washington 25, D.C.
records show that one Jacob Pypher served in the Revolutionary War as a Corporal in
Captain Michael Ittig’s Company, Bellinger’s Regiment, New York Militia. He is shown
to have served 68 days between 28th of February and 30th of November 1778; 34 days in
1779, and 35 days in 1780.
The University of the State of New York, The State of Education Department, the New
York State Library, Albany, shows Jacob Phyfer, enlisted man, Captain Frederick
Gettman’s Company, Colonel Peter Bellinger’s, 4th Regiment, Tryon County Militia.
(German Flatts and Kingsland) (German Flatts and Herkimer, Tryon County). New York
in the Revolution as Colony and State, Volume 1, Page 183. (Now Herkimer County).
He probably lived in that vicinity.
Certificate #20936 issued April 1, (year burned) to Jacob Phyfer for services as Corporal,
above company and regiment. Certificates of Treasurer, Manuscript Records, Volume 5.
The Military Pension File for the War of 1812, shows that the widow of Jacob Phifer
applied for a pension, November 9th, 1850, at Richland County, Ohio. The record shows
that Jacob Phifer was 38 years of age, and Rachael DeGraff was17 years old, were
married at Tanney Town, Maryland, on May 9,1795. To this union were born 10 children.
Nine children born in New York, and one in Ohio.
Mrs. Rachael Phifer states that Jacob Phifer volunteered at Ontario, New York, about the
1st of October 1814, for a term of three months.
The United States, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Washington
25 D.C., records disclose that Plots 14, 15, 18 and 19 of Section 4, Township 9 N., Range
11 W., U. S. Military Lands, Knox County, Ohio, Jacob Phiffer was the original owner.
Township 9 was later changed to Township 8. Photostastic copy from Washington, shows
that the President signed to Phifer.
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In 1755, James Smith, native of Bedford, Pennsylvania, was the first white man known to have
set foot on the soil of Knox County. When 18 years old, he was captured by the
Indians.
In 1764, 206 white captives was given up to General Bouquet by the Indians. A large number of
the captives were among the Wyandots and other tribes in the Western and North Western
part of what is now the State of Ohio, and no doubt passed through Knox County over the
old Indian trail.
Johnny (Appleseed) Chapman was first seen in Central, Ohio in 1800, and died in 1848 at the
home of Mr. Worth, near Fort Wayne, Indiana. Michael Phifer found his brother John
Jacob Phifer through Johnny Appleseed.
Fredericktown was plotted by Mr. Kerr, November 11,1807.
First road opened up ran north and south in 1809. The first road opened, cut through Union
Township in 1809, from Coshocton to Mt. Vernon. In 1809/10, a road from Mt. Vernon
to Coshocton was laid out and was known at the Mt. Vernon-Newcastle Road. The first
road from Mt. Vernon was opened to Newark, Ohio and passed through Martinsburg
about 1810. Gambier-Martinburg Road was laid out several years after
1810.
History records that the first white settlers within what is now Brown Township, Knox
County, Ohio, was Charles McKee, who with 14 children, 8 emigrated from Ireland, in
1809, and probably Alexander McKee was the second person who settled in 1809/10.
Robert Griffin erected the first Grist Mill in 1812, on Owl Creek. In 1815 John Greer built a mill
on the Jelloway Creek.
Zephamiah Wade and his wife Irene Longley and son Thomas came from Virginia in 1816.
Danville laid out by Jonathan Lai and Robert Waddle in 1815 or 1816.
Zephaniah Wade (his wife Irene Longley) and his son Thomas Wade came from Loudon County,
Virigina, to Brown Township in October 1816. He was a Revolutionary War Soldier.
September 1, 1818, the state road from Mt. Vernon to Wooster was laid out by Benjamin Martin.
Joseph Eichar and James Carpenter Commissioners, appointed by State legislature and
copy filed September 1,1818, in Knox County.
The northern boundary of plots 18 and 19 was also the north boundary line of the
Gelloway Indian Reservation. Also known as the Greenville Treaty Line, which is the
present boundary line between Knox, Ashland, and Richland counties.
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Jacob Phifer, his wife and nine children settled in the northern part of Brown Township,
Knox County in the year 1818. At this early date, Brown Township had not been
organized, as the original four townships were Wayne, Clinton, Morgan and Union;
Brown being under the jurisdiction of Union. On March 9, 1825, it was attached to
Jefferson Township. Brown Township was organized March 6, 1826.
It was named in honor of Major General Jacob Brown, the hero of Chippewa and Fort
Erie, who had but recently became Commander in Chief of the U. S. Army.
Upon Jacob Phifer’s arrival, he found an almost unbroken wilderness. It was necessary
to follow the Indian trails on foot or horseback as there were no roads. Wherever it was
possible they traveled in boats.
James Blair moved to Brown Township in 1820. Joseph Severns and family settled 2 miles west
of Phifers Corners in 1820. At the time of his settlement there was but one cabin between
his resident and Danville, Ohio. The nearest Grist Mills were known as Shrimplins
Mill,1807 which was located near Millwood, and Skinners Mill 1818, which was located
one mile north of Loudonville.
James Severns came with his father Joseph Severns, and his step-mother to Brown
Township in the year of 1820, and settled about 2 miles West of Phifers Crossroads. The
nearest Grist Mill was one known as Shrimplin’s Grist Mill at Millwood. There was but
one cabin between his residence and Danville, Ohio.
Brown Township was first under the jurisdiction of Union Township, on March 9, 1825, it was
attached to Jefferson Township. Brown Township was organized a distinct and separate
township on March 6, 1826. It was named in honor of Major General Jacob Brown the
hero of Chippewa and Fort Erie who had but recently become the Commander in Chief
of the U.S. Army.
Coshocton State road was surveyed by John Stewart and returned to Commissioners by Thomas
Watt and John Hawn, April 12, 1822. Millwood was laid out in 1825 by John Hawn.
The road from Mt. Vernon to Columbus was made a state road in 1829. The first stage coach on
this road was operated by Colonel B. Barney in 1830. In 1831, Neil Moore had a
contract for carrying mail from Columbus to Mt. Vernon. The horses were changed three
times on the trip. Walker and Company Stage Coach was put on later.
The competition was so keen that each driver tried to reach the stage coach inns stopping places
first. The horses were driven at a speed that they were short lived, they were soon
exhausted and had to be replaced with new horses. Thomas Merrill had previously carried
the mail on horseback between Mt. Vernon and Columbus.
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Amity was plotted in 1832, by David Jackson, originally called Emmettsvillle, and changed to
Amity 1837. Democracy was its Post Office until 1911.
North Liberty was laid out by Francis Blakley, William Johnson, Daniel Grubb and J. Nelson
Dean in 1838. Mail once a week, semi weekly, thrice and finally daily.
Sandusky, Mansfield and Newark Railroad was completed about 1846.
The first election was held at Josias Ewing’s house, the 1st of April 1826. Justices of Peace,
Brown and Jefferson Township: 1825 Samuel Barkhurst, 1826 Josias Ewing,
1830 and 1833 James McMillen, 1831, 1834, 1835, 1836,1837
The first village in Brown Township was called Hillsburg. It was located at the Junction of the
Newville Road, and the 3 CCC Pike, now County Road 75. It was located on Plot 15,
which belonged to Jacob Phifer.
The general surface of Brown Township is quite hilly, but fertile. The original timber
was chestnut, oak, elm, beech, sycamore, sugar maple, popular, hickory and walnut,
cherry, ash and sassafras. The Big Jelloway Creek flowed through Plot 14, 15 and 19 of
Jacob Phifers land. For many years after his arrival, Brown Township was one of the best
hunting grounds in Ohio. Among the beautiful hills and streams, wild animals were
plentiful, bears, wolves, deers, rabbits, squirrel, foxes and other wild animals had plenty
of food to live on. Deers were hunted as late as 1840. In the southern part of the
township there was the famous pigeon roost of about 600 acres, where hundreds of
persons came from miles around to hunt pigeons.
The Indians were numerous and frequently stopped at the early settlers home for food,
also to sell trinkets and furs. The Indians had camps in different places, especially along
the Big Jelloway.
One of the noted Indian Chiefs, of the Delaware Tribe was Indian Chief Tom Jelloway
who hunted and camped along the Big Jelloway, which was named after him and later the
Village of Jelloway. History notes that he also was a bird charmer.
Giffins Mill was also located on Owl Creek or at Loudonville. Skinners Mill 1818, 2
miles east of Wooster, Stiffs Mill 1813.
James Blair one of Browns most prominent men settled in Brown Township in 1820.
Jospeh Severns and family settled 2 miles west of Phifers Corners, in 1820. At the time
of his settlement, there was but one cabin between his resident and Danville, Ohio.
John Carghnan, an Irishman of much note settled in Brown Township about 1826.
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Our Great Grandparents, Grandparents, Uncle and Aunts came here to trade. Fifers
Crossroads was changed to Westville. Deeded by Jacob Phifer, the 14th day of June
1828. James McGibeny, Associate Judge, K.C.P.
Samuel Garrett who was a body guard of General Washington, settled on section ll, in 1825,
and Philip Thurman, April 1830. It is not listed in any history.
The young men would get drunk on Saturday nights and ride through the village shooting and
shouting, “Hurrah for Hillsburg”! It was at this village where the first schoolhouse, as far
as known was built about 1830.
Immor Barrett who came from Bedford County, Pennsylvania about 1832, run by an
overshot wheel, 16 feet high, built the first grist mill and sawmill in 1833. They were
located on the Little Jelloway, in the southern part of this Brown Township.
James Blair built the second grist and sawmill combined about 1836. John A. Pheister
built the third flouring mill in Brown about 1840. There was also a sawmill attached to
this grist mill.
Thomas Wade had a sawmill 2 1/2 miles above Barrets Mill which was run by an
overshot wheel 20 feet high. A set of carding machines have also been run at this stand,
by Ab Whitney and Joseph Hall.
All lots were 4 x 8 Rods. Westville was change to Brownsville, recorded December 22, 1840 by
Freeman Phifer and Thomas Wade, J.P.
The schoolhouse was on the East side of Loudon or Loudonville Road. I have plowed the fields
on each side of the road and would plow into the old foundations of buildings. No one
now living remembers of seeing the building there. Later on, Charles Fish bought a home
which was located on the northeast corner of the village.
The district school embraced a large part of the township. The children coming for several miles
through the forest to school. It was used for religious meetings, lectures, debating,
singing schools, etc. Joseph Dunlap was the first teacher.
Joseph Pinkley was another of the first teachers. J.A. Caldwell, S.J.W. Starr, Knox County Atlas
1871, shows, the location of the first schoolhouse in Brown Township.
The Knox County records shows that Jacob Peiffer, recorded the plot of Westsville, on the 14th
day of June 1826. The lots were 4 rods by 8 rods, Loudon or Loudonville or Main Street,
was 4 poles wide. Jackson Street which crossed Main Street was also 4 poles wide. The
alleys were one pole wide, there were 32 lots. Lots 31 and 32 were reserved for churches
and schools.
Loudon or Main Street in Westville is the same as the 3 CCC Pike in Jelloway.
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Jackson Street was reduced from 4 poles to 3 poles wide and renamed Mohican Street or
Greersville Road. The present lots of Jelloway were reduced from 4 x 8 poles to 3 1/2 x
7 poles.
West Alley, Loudon or Main Street had the same location as the same streets in Brownsville and
Jelloway, also the same widths. Jackson Street is 4 poles in width and Mohican Street is
3 poles in Jelloway. Westville Main Street bearings were N20 degrees E, S20 degrees W.
Jackson Street N70 degrees W, S70 degrees E.Jelloway Main Street N10 degrees E, S10
degrees W. Mohican Street N80 degrees W, S80 degrees E. It was plotted on Lot No. 14
of the 4th quarter of the 8th Township on the eleventh range of the United States Military
Tract.
Signed by Jacob Peiffer
James McGibney
Associate Judge K.C.P.
The Herald announced with pride on June 24, 1830, that the traveler to the South, can take the
Telegraph Line of Stage Coaches at Cleveland, and in four days sit down in Cincinnati,
and in10 more days bring him to New Orleans, Louisiana. An elegant coach with a team
of prancing horses. There was little comfort in a journey over rutted roads, indescribably
dry in a dry season, and indescribably muddy and often impassable when wet.
How well do some of us remember the narrows on Sandridge, which was wide enough for only
one vehicle at a time, also the step like outcrop of sand stone which was like trying to
drive a wagon up the steps of the County Courthouse.
By nature it became the official testing place as to whether the vehicle and its occupants would
be permitted to continue farther on their journey. It was here where you would often find
a neighbor who was trying to pound the steel rims of his wagon back to their original
place. If you were a good driver, you missed them.
If not you were given a severe smacking as the seat came up to greet you, as often as you
bounced up and down, and if you happened to have prancers, you were given a little extra
to boot and always free.
During the dry summers when you were traveling in the same direction as the wind was blowing,
you would always be ennailed in a cloud of dust which made you wonder if you would be
able to take one more breath.
In winter time, when the roads became soaked with rain it was not unusual for a buggy to sink to
the hubs in mud. As the horse could go short distances only and then it was forced to
stop to rest. You would look at the single tree and the shames which under the strain
were badly bowed and you would wondered if they were about to snap. There were times
when the shames or the whipple tree did brake and you were left sitting in the buggy
while the horse kept on going down the road.
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Where the Herald says you could sit down in Cincinnati after ten days, I would definitely say no,
as after a short trip to Loudonville, I preferred to remain standing, I preferred to walk.
Those who made daily trips in the Spring of the year, would clip the hair from the horses legs
and bellies and tie up the tails on his horses in a fancy braid, to make it easier to remove
the mud. The mud and snow would freeze between the spokes of the wheel to make it
look like solid mud wheels.
Little does one realize what the training of youth will be used in later life, as while at the Ohio
State University, at the close of a course in Horsemanship, I drew the last number and the
only horse left was an emancipated old blind and rat tailed mare. We were allowed a
specified time to decorate our horses, and at the command to start, I slowly led my charge
away from the crowd, and needless to say, it was not necessary to tie her to a post as she
had no desire to move, neither would she had known where to go. I carefully divided the
switch into three equal parts, then braided the three strands to the tip and tied them
securely with a ribbon and rolling it in position, I tied it at the top of the tail.
While the instructor was busy watching the boys working on the blue ribbon stallions, mares and
geldings, I proceeded to pull out every straggle of hair in that poor old mares tail.
When time was called, we paraded our horses before the Judge, and after inspection was over, I
walked off with 1st prize, for tying up a tail, and all because of what I had learned about
the same muddy roads and fields, over which John Jacob Phifer, a pioneer of Brown
Township had traveled 100 years before.
Woe unto the man who did not carry a supply of nails, wire, and hammers, to make the necessary
repairs to the harness or the vehicle.
As late as 1900, there were still trees standing in the center of the road, or you could see him
standing with a broken neck yoke or a single tree in his hand. Once while hauling wheat,
we snapped a coupling pole about half way through.
6Another farmer came along and we transferred our wheat to his wagon and paid
him for hauling it to market.
Westville (Brownsville), it was a favorite stopping place for the wearied traveler in the days of
the old fashioned stagecoach. The first Post Office was kept at this travern with the
landlord probably the first Postmaster ever commissioned in the place. It was located on
what is now Lot 2 in Jelloway.
While digging a ditch the summer of 1953, we dug into and old sandstone foundation where the
tavern was supposed to have been located. We found two coins, one cent copper penny,
dated 1828, and a 50 cent piece dated 1833. Barn on Lot 3, 60 and 61.
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There was a scales and a stockyard when young, and later a scales which we remembered and
used, located on adjoining lots, where the early settlers kept hogs, sheep and cattle over
night, while the settlers were driving them to the nearest markets in Wooster, Massillon
and Canton. It was not unusual for a farmer to haul his wheat as far as Massillon or
Canton. On the route going north from Mt. Vernon to Portland and Lake Erie. It was not
unusual for 200 farm wagons carrying wheat to pass through Mansfield, Ohio in one day.
Albert B. Williams and B. F. Bowen & Co. Knox Co. History relates that Jacob Phifer was a
very enterprising farmer. He also conducted a tavern at Phifers Crossroads, which was
changed to the Westville Tavern, which was on the old stage route from Cleveland to
Columbus. It had been erected
The Knox County records show that Jacob Phifer and wife, deeded Lots 14 and 15 to his son
Freeman Phifer, April 1835.
The Plot for Brownsville was recorded December 22, 1840, by Freeman Phifer. Thomas Wade,
Justice of Peace. Fourth quarter Township 8, Range 11, Lot 14. The lots were 7 poles
long, 3 1/2 poles wide, except Lot 18, which is 5 poles wide. Main Street 4 poles wide S
10 degrees W, N 10 degrees E. Mohican Street 3 poles wide S 80 degrees E, N 80
degrees W.
Brownsville new addition was recorded by Freeman Phifer, March 26, 1842. R. F. Hickman,
Justice of Peace.
Jacob Phifer died on October 9, 1846, and was buried in the Jelloway Cemetery, at the southeast
side of Jelloway on Lot 14, quarter 4, Township 8, Range ll. U. S. Military land given
him by the Government.
John Nyhart addition to Brownsville Village, west half of Lot 13. In section of Township 8
Range 11. U. S. Military Land. Surveyed October 24, 1873 by E. W. Cotton, County
Surveyor, Knox Co. Ohio.
First Elections
Justice of Peace, in 1825, Brown and Jefferson Townships, Samuel Barkhurst.
The first election was held at Josias Ewing house the lst Monday of April 1826, for Brown
Township.
Josias Ewing, 1826
James McMillen, 1830, 1833
James Blair, 1831, 1834, 1835, 1836, 1837, 1840, 1843, 1846, 1849
Joihn Hicks, 1854
J. W. Leonard,1856, 1859, 1860, 186l, 1862, 1872
Elections Continued
Thomas Wade, 1834, 1835, 1836, 1837, 1840, 1844, 1847
John Guberson ,1845
Williams Severns, 1846, 1850
Joseph Pinkley, 1850, 1853, 1857
Solomon Workman, 1852
John P. Cunningham, 1863
Miles Dorkins and Jacob Frederick, 1866
Miles Dorkins and John W. Leonard, 1872
Edward Whitney,1875
Marion Pinkley 1878
E. E. Whitney 1878
D. C. Whitney 1879
Loudonville History, Ashland County, boarding Knox County
Knapps History of Ashland County states Hanover Township was organized October
4,1818. This township adjoins Jacob Phifers plot 18 and 19, and is north of the Ashland
and Knox County line. The early settlers are listed as James L. Priest 1810, Stephen
Butler and Caleb Chappel 1814. George Snyder 1818. Nathaniel Haskell 1820, Mark
Mapes removed to Hanover Township, in the Spring of 1822. Mr. Mapes nearest neighbors on
the North were Edward S. Hubbard and Gilbert Pell, two miles distant, on the East his
nearest neighbor was about four miles distant, on the south four miles was Jacob Fifer, on
the West about 5 miles was William Dorland.
Loudon or Loudonville was laid out by August 6, 1814, by James Louden Preist and Stephen
Butler, Jeromesville February 14, 1815, and Perrysville, June 10, 1815.
Hanover Township, Ashland County, which joins Phifers plots 18 and 19, on the north was laid
out October 4, 1818.
James L. Priest had previously settled in 1810, Stephen Butler and Caleb Chappel 1814, George
Snyder 1818, Nathaniel Haskell 1820, John Hilderbrand 1823, ran a tavern near the
Ashland/Knox County line.
John Hilderbrand moved to Hanover Township in 1823, where he ran a tavern close to the
Ashland/Knox County Line. It was located on the West side of the road.
Thomas Taylor, Robert Dawson, George Davidson, Amos Harbough,William Webb, Abner
Winters, Abel Strong, and John Burwell all had settled in Hanover Township prior to
1818.
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Hanover Township, Ashland County, Ohio, which joins Phifers plots 18 and 19, on the north was
laid out October 4, 1818. When Mark Mapes removed to Hanover Township in the Spring
of 1822, his nearest neighbors on the north were Edward Hubbard and Gilbert Pell, two
miles distant on the east, his nearest neighbors was about four miles. On the south, Jacob
Fifer, on four miles on the West, and William Dorland, about 5 miles.
At the time of this writing, Mr. Pinkley, indicates the birth and ages of the Phifer Family,
when they settled in Brown Township, Knox County, Ohio.
John Jacob Phifer, March 10, 1757, 61 years
Rachael DeGraff Phifer, November 27, 1777, 41 years
Children:
Michael Phifer,
born March 1, 1796, 22 years
Elizabeth Phifer,
born May 20, 1799, 19 years
Mary Phifer,
born October 9, 1800, 18 years
Anna Phifer,
born January 27, 1803, 15 years
Cornelius Phifer, born November 28, 1804, 14 years
John Jacob Phifer,
Freeman Phifer,
Silas Phifer,
James Phifer,
Lucinda Phifer
born April 7, 1807, 11 years
born January 23, 1810, 8 years
born August 10, 1812, 6 years
born July 3, 1815, 3 years
born March 11, 1820 - was born in Brown Township, Knox. Co.
Michael Phifer married Rebecca who was born in Virginia. To this Union were born 8 children:
1850 Census
Crary Phifer,
born 1827, 23 years
John J. Phifer
born 1830, 20 years
Margaret Phifer, born 1833, 17 years
William C. Phifer, born 1836, 14 years
Mary R. Phifer,
born 1838, 12 years
Martha L. Phifer born 1841, 9 years
Michael D. Phifer born June 5, 1843, died October 19, 1847, 4 years, 4 mos, 24 days.
Elizabeth Phifer
born June 2, 1846, died July 7, 1862,16 years, 1 mo., 5 days
Michael Phifer who was born on March 1, 1796, died May 4 1861, aged 65 years, 2 mos., 4 days.
is buried at Sandridge Cemetery, Ashland County, which is about one mile north of Lot
19 where he lived.
Rebecca Phifer according to Cress Pore made a trip to Council Bluff, Iowa to visit, her son
William went along with her. Her daughters Crary and Margaret who lived across the
street from us, said they had sold a white cow so that they could pay the expenses for the
trip. Soon after her arrival at Council Bluff, Iowa, she died suddenly due to a hernia
rupture. She had been buried sometime before the family in Knox County heard of her
death.
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Crary Phifer was born in Ohio, Knox County, in 1827, is buried at Sandridge, Ashland County
1916? Margaret Phifer born 1833 Knox Co. Ohio burried at Sandridge, Ashland, County
1913?
The two maiden sisters lived in Jelloway on Lot 29, just across the street. They were good
neighbors. They were honest and industrious. They wove carpet and rugs for a living.
They were very religious, on Sunday they would walk to the Shadley Valley Wesleyan
Methodist Church, which was about one mile east of Jelloway, at the crossroads. At other
times they would walk to Sandridge Church where they would visit with old firends.
Kiblers, Baums, Derrows, Hazletts. Clara was short and heavy set, Margaret was tall and
thin,. William was tall and thin.
When we were young we often visited them, they would take us up the narrow stairway where
we would watch them weaving carpet on an old fashioned loom. The board she sat on
was worn smooth from the constant movement of her body in weaving. One of my
sisters would help them put the chain in the loom. The carpet and rugs were well woven.
Margaret fell and broke both wrists, and she called Dr. Read. Margaret had a very serious sick
spell. The Doctor said, she would not live but she recovered and outlived the Doctor
many years. Clara told how she had sacrificed for Margaret, as Mag was the weaker of
the two. They both needed dentures, but could only afford one set. Clara decided that
Mag should have the dentures and she would do without. Clara had a chance to get
married, but Mag carried on so, she said she would have no place to go. So Clara
remained single.
Mrs. Clara Cumming punished her granddaughter by locking her in the room upstairs in the
hotel. Clara and Margaret Phifer who lived on the adjoining lot placed a board on the
window sill, so the girl could open up her window and slide down the board to the
ground. They then removed the board. When Mrs. Cummings came up to the room to let
the granddaughter out, there was no one in the room. When she appeard out the window,
Mag said, the bird has flown away.
When Clara was very young and lived on Lot 19-4-11R-8 Twp. with her parents, while walking
through the meadow on her way to get the cows, she saw a piece of metal sticking out of
the ground. After great effort, she pulled out an old hand forged French Sword, which
probably marked the grave of a fallen soldier of the early Indian Wars. The leather had
all rotted off the handle. It was a very long sword. The blade had a slight curve, with a
flange on the back which resembled the flange on a scythe. It was badly pitted. They
also had another Sword which was very well kept. It was made of alloy of steel which
did not rust. It was much shorter with a greater curve. I do not remember seeing them
when the Phifers goods were sold.
C.C. Long bought a very old trunk which he kept for his tools. Carl Pore purchased an old
fashioned hickory woven rocking chair. We also obtained a split hickory chair. Dale
Switcher purchased a diary, written by the maiden sister.
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Wade Watson bid in an old fashioned rope bed, and Hazel Hall an old fashioned spool bed. Cres
Pore has a bed spread with Clara Phifers name in one corner and a man’s name in another
corner which was made in a North Liberty, Ohio Mill. Mrs. Maime Snyder has a small
cedar chest owned by Elizabeth Phifer and given her by Clara Phifer. Mrs. John Dunn
bought the loom and used it to weave carpet.
References:
History of Knox County From 1779 to 1862 Inclusive, by A. Banning Norton.
1803 History of Knox County, Ohio, Its Past and Present, Compiled by N. N.
Hill Jr., A. A. Graham & Co. Publishers
Writings and stories of Herschel Pinkley, sister Ruth Pinkley (Stake) and Mae Pinkley, all of
Jelloway, Ohio.
------------Lynn,
Nelda’s notes: I believe the different spellings of the Phifer name, found by Herschel Pinkley,
were written in different years of county history books, by different writers.
Sandridge Church, is were my family attended when I was a very young girl. My parents and,
both Hay and Cline Grandparents, and other relatives are buired in the Sandridge
Cemetery. My husband, his parents the Maxson, and Pinkley family are buried in the
Jelloway Cemetery where John Jacob Phifer is buried.
In the Ashland County section of this information, I did find a George Davidson mentioned,
could be either my Great Great Grandfather of 1820, or Great Great Great Grandfather of
1780.
nam
2/18/2005
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