Historical Study of the Negro in Jackson Township, Pike County Ohio

     The (African Americans ) who live in Jackson Township today are offspring from the slaves which migrated to this section of the country back in  the year 1823.
     Their primary purpose for leaving the South was to escape slavery, of course.  It is said that they came from Monroe County, VA.
     Their leader was Mr. Walker, a great grandfather of Cletis Jackson of Jackson Township.
     Mr. Walker was a school teacher and minister of the Baptist faith.  Most to the people who settled in this area were descendants from the Walkers or Raglands.
     Mr. Walker migrated from Virginia with 75 slaves. They had stopped only for sleep and long enough to prepare what food they had to eat.
     The reason for the African Americans to settle in this hilly land at this time was, because the land here was cheaper than it was in the Chillicothe area.
     The land in Jackson Township was around 50 cents an acre, but almost $50.00 an acre in the Chillicothe area.
     When the 75 slaves reached this area, they had no homes, clothing, money or anything else, except what they could carry.
     So, they used the old family get together plan and helped each other clear the land for crops and cut logs to construct their houses or some sort of shelter.
     In 1823, there were Indian not far from this area.  This made it necessary to secure protection from the Indians as well as wild animals.
     History tells us there were Indians in this territory until 1825.  This was just a few years after the Battle of Point Pleasant.  The War of 1812 had their troubles with the Indians, especially Tecumseh, who was chief of the Shawnee.
     There is no record of the Indians attacking the African Americans, but there is little doubt that there have been a few killed.
     These African Americans reached Ohio during the term served by Jeremiah Morrow, a Republican (not the present party as it was formed over 25 years later) from Warren County.
     Some of the activities going on in Ohio at this time were the great canals being constructed over the state including the Ohio and Erie, which was completed through Pike County in 1832.
     Small log houses were usually built in this county at that time.  The people had to grow all they wanted to eat.  They didn't have the money to buy everything (and many of our staple items of today were not even available.)
     These people raise corn, potatoes, one or two head of hogs. a few chickens and a cow if they were fortunate.
     There were no schools , churches or stores in this section.  Mr. Walker started a small school of his own in Jackson Township a few years later.
     He had a few books he had brought with him from Virginia.
     To explain the school a little more -- it was the teacher on one end of the log and the student on the other.
     He taught them reading, writing, arithmetic and possibly some geography.  Mr. Walker received no salary for the work conducting the school.

1 Jul 1959 Waverly News written by Paul Mendel Schrader a graduate of Beaver High School

    It is understood that as soon as the weather conditions are right the County Commissioners will gravel the Waverly-Omega road.  The gravel will come from the new pit on the Clough farm. The Waverly Watchman 20 Jan 1927

Mead Pulp and Paper Company, to J. O. Irwin, 30 acres in Jackson township: $1.

     Welby Acord, of East Jackson Township was held up Monday afternoon about four o’clock by two men in a black Hudson sedan and relieved of his gold watch and $2.  Acord was dragging a township road at the time of the holdup near Floyd Anderson’s store, the robbers stopped their car a short distance from him and one of them stuck a gun in his face while the other relieved him his valuables.  Harry Bauer was stopped by the same pair and it reported that Ike Allen, of String town, at Gregg’s Hill, was held up and $10 taken from him.

20 March 1930 The Waverly  Watchman

Note: Floyd Anderson's store was located at intersection of 335 and Watson Road where Shirley's grocery is now located.

LEE SNYDER

The Waverly Watchman 6 Jan 1927

Note: Bartram building was located near where the old bridge crossed the Scioto river.

     A Pike County father of six children died Tuesday afternoon in Pike County Hospital as a result of severe chest injuries sustained three hours earlier in an accident on the Everett Streitenberger farm near Omega. 
      Pike County Sheriff Jesse H. Foster reported Charles Rose, 47, Rt. 2, Chillicothe, died of a crushed chest which resulted when he was pinned between a truck and the wall of a corn crib.  The mishap occurred at approximately 11:40 A. M. when Rose was working on the farm with Streitenberger, William Anderson and Walter Anderson.  According to Sheriff Foster the victim was standing in the rear of the corn crib behind the truck when Walter Anderson moved the vehicle in order to line it up in a straight position.  Rose apparently moved and was hit and rolled by the bed of the truck and crushed against the crib, the sheriff stated.   
     His fellow workers rushed the injured man to Pike County Hospital where he died at about 3 P. M.  Rose and his family reside on the old Accord homestead in Jackson Township located on the River Road [now Watson Road ] between State Rt. 335 and Richmond Dale. 
     Charles Wesley Rose, was a native of Ross County , born on April 21, 1913 , the son of George E. and Mary (Baxter) Rose.  His mother, Mrs. Mary Rose still survives and resides on Chillicothe Rt. 2.  Also surviving is his wife, Viola Mae (Jones) Rose; four sons, Wilbur Wesley, Clinton Daniel, Samuel Lee, and Gerald Leo Rose, and two daughters, Wilma Jean and Sarah Mae Rose, all at home; three brothers, Henry Rose and Andy Rose, both of Waverly, Rt. 3 and William Rose of Chillicothe, Rt. 7; and two sisters, Mrs. Clara Cisco and Mrs. Sadie Lewis, both of Waverly, Rt. 3.  The body is at the A. H. Boyer Funeral Home in Waverly pending funeral arrangements." [ Hay Hollow Cemetery] 13 Apr 1961  

     Sam Harris, 40, of Rosemount Road, and the father of four children was killed instantly and James Cutlip, 59, suffered a broken left ankle about 9 o'clock Saturday morning when a section of the front of a winter riding stable they were working on at the Roger A. Shelby farm, Rosemount Road,, gave way and more than one hundred concrete blocks fell on them.
     The two men, according to workmen, were hired by Mr. Selby and were in the act of hauling some of the concrete blocks into the stable which was nearing completion, when the top  of the front wall gave way, and the blocks fell on the two men.  Harris was dead when Lynn's ambulance arrived.  He suffered a fractured skull.
     Workmen rushed to the assistance of the injured men and carried them from the building and called a physician and Lynn's ambulance, from Portsmouth.  One of the men moved Cutlip to the Portsmouth General Hospital in an automobile.  When the ambulance arrived, Harris was dead, and the driver summoned Coroner Virgil Fowler, of Scioto County, before moving the body.  Coroner Fowler stated that death was due to a fractured of the skull and gave his verdict as accidental death.  The body was moved to the Lynn morgue.
     Harris lived on the Selby farm with his wife and four children.  All of the children are ill with measles.
     He was a former resident of Omega, but moved to Rosemount several years ago.
     He is survived by his wife; three sons: Curtis, 8; Billy, 7; and Stanley,4 and one daughter, Seely, 2 one brother, Corbett

The body of Samuel C. Harris, 40, of Rosemount Road, who was killed Saturday morning while working on the Roger Selby farm, Rosemount Road, when a concrete wall fell on him and crushed his skull, was moved to Omega for burial Tuesday.  The funeral services were held in the Omega Church at 2:00 o’clock, p.m., with Rev. John Kemper, of Sciotoville in charge.  Interment was in the Omega cemetery.

20 Mar 1930 The Waverly Watchman

PIKE COUNTY WOMAN FALLS OUT OF MACHINE

    Mrs. Helen Newton, 23, of near Omega, is in a serious condition in a Chillicothe hospital, suffering from a compound fracture of the skull at the base of the brain, received in an auto accident near the Gehres farm, one mile north of Waverly on the Omega road at six p.m. Saturday.
    Harry Newton, husband  of the injured woman, Mrs. Newton and their family, were returning from Waverly to their home at Omega, when a car door came open and Mrs. Newton fell out of the car.
    She struck the highway and was picked up unconscious.
    Dr. L. E. Wills administered first aid and Mrs. Newton was taken to the Chillicothe hospital in the Gregg ambulance.  2 Jul 1936 The Republican Herald

    Convention met at Sharonville Saturday, April 12th, and elected John Blain chairman and J. F. Condon Secretary,  The following delegates to attend the county convention at Waverly 
    Delegates--J. D. Corwine, J. W. Corwine, Joseph Foster, Hohn Blain, R. S. McCoppin, C. W. Marshall, J. D. Scott, W. H. Dykes and G. W. Crocker.
    Alternates--G. W. Wood, Joel Cummins, S. C. Foster, J. B. Ray, F. M. Hays, W. H. Blain, C. A. McMillin, W. T. Scott and S. W. Jones.
    The convention selected J. D. Corwine and R. S. McCoppin as members of the Central Committee from Jackson township and then adjourned.  April 1884 The Republican

   We understand that our old friend, Levi Shirkey, will be a candidate for trustee of Jackson township at the approaching election. Oh Shirkey! How we would like to vote for you!  Come over and run in Pee Pee where you sold the turkeys last winter.  What a rep. you have over here for truth and veracity, and what an excellent official you would make--for yourself!  What an excellent head funds Shirkey has to distribute among the poor and "onery," especially among the "ornery."  Well go in Shirkey.   3 Apr 1885 The Republican

   On last Tuesday the house occupied by Abraham Simon, John Kuhn and Jacob Pancake situated on the Pancake farm about three miles above Omega was consumed by the flames  with nearly all the household good and farming utensils belonging to those parties.  Even the personal effects of the parties were lost, their clothing not being saved.  Mr. Simon lost also sixteen head of hogs by the flames communicating with an out building,  His total losses are placed at about $2200.  The other parties losses were much less.
    The building belonged to the Pancake estate.  Persons who have been on the site since the fire represent a very distressing condition of affairs existing about the scene of the conflagration.  3 April 1885 The Republican

 Log Cabin Home as of 21 March 2009 built by Sam Simmons Grandfather, located in front of Carr's Run Cemetery on Carr's Run. Sam's mother and dad lived in it till they built the house on the hill across the road form the cabin. Sam and his wife lived in it for a while after they were married.  

Originally Rider's store built late 1940s by Harry Rider's dad, John, and sold to John Crane in 1975. It then was called Crane's store.  Any one know the year it was sold to the Bolts and became Bolts Store? It is now for sale. Picture taken 18 April 2008

    The Sheriff's Department of Pike and Jackson Counties and Air Police from Lockbourne Air Force Base at Columbus are continuing their investigation of the death of a young airman from the Waverly area who died last Sunday evening.
Richard (Dickie) Bauer, 20, of Omega, died after being involved in a "friendly" scuffle at a tavern on U.S. 35.
    Bauer's young wife and three month-old daughter were unaware of the tragedy until reaching Bauer's home at Omega.  The airman called his wife in California and she was enroute here to spend the furlough with her husband.
    The boxing match occurred at Trippies, a tavern on Route 35 in Jackson County, near the Ross county line.
    The youth was pronounced dead on arrival at Pike County Hospital at 7:30 P.M. Sunday.
    Sheriff Jesse H. Foster of Pike County and John Evans of Jackson County reported that Bauer and a friend, Frank Bandy, 21, of Waverly, engaged in a friendly bout outside Trippies.
    When witnesses noticed Bauer lying on the ground they moved him to the hospital.
    The youth arrived home last Friday from a tour of duty in Greenland.  He was an a 15-day furlough for a kidney ailment and telephoned his wife to join him here.
    According to authorities, Bauer, Marvin Leffler, 17, William Leffler, 20, and Randy Harrison, 23, all of Waverly, Rt. 3 and Alfred Maloy, 17, of Chillicothe, Rt. 2 met near Omega and decided to go to Trippies.  Officials said the two youths long-time friends, decided to box.
    William Leffler moved Mr. Bauer to the hospital in the Bandy car.
    Dr. Paul Jones, Pike County coroner and Dr. Charles Gaskill, Jackson County corner, examined the body.  Ross county officials assisted in the investigation.
    The corners reported lacerations and bruises were found about the face and head and scratches on the hands and back but none serious to cause death.
    Charles Richard (Dick) Bauer,20, of the Omega community was born in Pike county on February 29, 1940 a son of Charles and Norma (Stubbs) Bauer of Waverly Rt. 3.
    In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Mrs. Renee (Daudevier) of Yuba City, California; a daughter, three month old Becky Katharine; a brother, Robert Bauer at home; two sisters, Mary and Diana Bauer, both at home; the paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bauer of Omega and the maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy C. Stubbs of Pleasant Corners, (Ohio), near Columbus.
    Bauer was a member of the Waverly High School 1958 class and joined the Air Force Sept.4, 1958.
    Funeral services have been set for 2 P.M. Thursday at the Christian Union Church at Omega with Rev. Marion Conkel and Rev. Paul Marhoover officiating.  Burial will follow in Omega Cemetery under the direction of the A. H. Boyer Funeral Home of Waverly.
    Friends called at the Bauer residence until the funeral hour.

"On behalf of the members of the Senate of the 125th General Assembly of Ohio, we are pleased to pay tribute to the Catawba Tribe of  Carr's Run on its innumerable contributions to the State of Ohio.

Historically called Catawba by Americans, the Saponi Nation was formed when the Cayuga and Catawba tribes, led by John Logan, united in 1674 and settled in the area that became Chillicothe. Also known as the Toderigeroonies, the members of the Saponi Nation are the heirs and descendants of the former Ohio River Valley Sioux and are made up of the groups called Aganatchi, Occaneechi, Moneton, Monacan, Saponi, Tutelo, Ofo, Keyauwee, Meipontski, Stegaraki, Cheraw, Stuckenock, and Ena. The fabric of America is woven with many threads, each contributing to its strength, but lest the fabric be weakened, each nationality group must maintain pride in its identity. We applaud the Catawba Tribe of Carr's Run on retaining its ethnic heritage over the centuries and on contributing to the greater society and to Ohio history.

Thus, with sincere pleasure, we recognize the Catawba Tribe of Carr's Run and salute all those who have preserved its vital culture over the years."

Senator Doug White, President of the Ohio Senate, Senator Ray Miller, 15th Senatorial District, and Senator John A. Carey, Jr., 17th Senatorial District signed the commendation.

      J. W. Overly, 80, prominent resident of Jackson township died suddenly at his home Saturday about 8 p.m., following a stroke of paralysis.  He was a magistrate in Jackson township for years.  He was the grandfather of Probate Judge Will H. Acord. 
      He is survived by four sons; Oscar of Illinois; Albert and Ray at the home and Edgar of Jackson twp., three daughter Mrs. Ollie Acord of Richmondale; Mrs. Maude Hartley of Waverly and Mrs. Nora Maple of Jackson.  Funeral service were held Monday at Allen Chapel in Jackson twp. with the Rev. W. L. Reisinger in charge and burial was made in the Allen Chapel Cemetery. 

Acord, Will H. (1896-1977) —  Born in Jackson Township, 14 March 1896. Son of Joseph G. Acord and Edna (Overly) Acord. Democrat. Served in the U.S. Navy during World War I; school teacher; probate judge in Ohio, 1924-67; delegate to Democratic National Convention from Ohio, 1944. Member, American Legion; Freemasons; Odd Fellows. Died in the Chillicothe Veterans Hospital, Ross County, Ohio, 16 September 1977. Interment at Evergreen-Union Cemetery, Waverly,

    "As the result of a story in The Citizen, John D. Scott, 74, veteran mail carrier at Omega, Pike County, Ohio, has been granted a raise of 200 per cent, in his salary.
    "The story which appeared April 2nd, told how Scott has carried mail at Omega for 34 years for $100 a year.  During that time he missed but one train, whereupon Uncle Sam promptly fined him $1.50. [Editors note: that is almost a weeks pay]
    "Dr. J. F. Jones, 11 W. Goodale Street, interested himself in the veteran's case and sent copies to the Citizen story to Ohio representatives in the House and Senate.
    "As a result the postmaster general has announced an increase to $300 a year, effective June 1st.
    "Scott raised10 children on his $100 a year salary,"--Columbus, O., Citizen" 

Note: see page one for picture and more about John Scott.

Pictured are repairmen replacing the wooden floor of the bridge.  This bridge ca 1900's spanned the Scioto River from Omega to River Road.  This was the last bridge of this design built in Pike County.

Newton homestead was located near Omega and was built after the 1913 Flood

Anna Anderson Hickman, age 77, of Hay Hollow Road, Chillicothe, Ohio, died Thursday afternoon, February 26, 2009 in a fire at her residence. 

Obituary
Anna Anderson Hickman, age 77, of Hay Hollow Rd. , Chillicothe, Ohio, died Thursday, February 26, 2009 at her residence. She was born March 17, 1931 in Pike County, Ohio, a daughter of the late Walter and Dorothy Woods Anderson. On December 22, 1951 she was united in marriage to Charles Hickman who preceded her in death July 6, 2006. She is survived by two sons, Gary (Debi) Hickman and Craig Hickman both of Chillicothe, Ohio , three daughters, Sherry (John) Cline of Pennsylvania, Cindy (Jim) Allen of Jackson, Ohio and Teena (Paul) Howard of Chillicothe, Ohio, six grandsons, Marc Cline of Rawleigh, North Carolina, Shawn Hickman of Columbus, Ohio, Matt Cline of Concord Virginia, Charlie Hickman of Chillicothe, Ohio, Ray Howard of Chillicothe, Ohio and Bobby Stevens of Columbus, Ohio and sixteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one brother Kenneth Wickline. Anna graduated from Waverly High School and worked as a cook for Waverly City Schools for many years. Graveside services will be 10:30 A.M. Friday, March 6, 2009 at Hay Hollow Cemetery with Roger Tomlison officiating. Friends may call 4-8 P.M. Thursday at the Botkin Funeral Home in Waverly.

BEAVER--The home of Arthur Jackson, colored, of Big Run, about four miles from Beaver, and its entire contents were destroyed by fire which started from a defective flue, about eight o'clock Sunday morning.  Jackson was away from the home when the fire started and his wife was unable to cope with the flames which soon destroyed the house.  A corn crib nearby, filled with corn, caught fire but Jackson arrived on the scene in time to save the crib and its contents. 

Charles began carrying mail 5 Feb. 1907.  He would receive the locked pouches and delivered to post offices at Antonio on Wilson Run, Alma, Stony Creek, Pride and after going over Divide Hill, he went through Moss Hollow, traveled to Waller Post Office (later Massieville) then through Snake Hollow and down to the State Dan where the Scioto River fed the canal at Three Locks nearby the N&W Railway coal tipple and water tower and back to Higby a round trip of 57 miles.