Roland Starkey

Old Bloomingville & South Bloomingville News

Hocking Sentinel, March 8, 1849:

Two Corner Lots at Ash Cave
Free Transportation in Presidents Private Car
____________________

A Big Boon For the Metropolis of Benton

The proud proprietors of Ash Cave, a city of rocks and trees and magnificent corner
lots, has the role of donating a lot to the mother of triplets. This is the plan to populate
the city.
The proprietors of Ash Cave stand in with the president of the Lancaster and Hocking
R.R.. The President Gen. John G. Reeves is also emigration agent and furnishes his private cart or cart to the settlers.
A case is before the city authorities and the Emigration Bureau that impels double donation and two corner lots are allotted. The proud and patriotic father is appointed protem.

Athens Messenger, July 11, 1870:
South Bloomingville

The business features of the town of South Bloomingville this county is thus summed up. Flouring mill and saw mill, three dry goods stores, one drug store, one grocery and blacksmith shop, two shoemakers, two hotels, two Millinery establishments, one chair maker and two physicians.
Mrs. George Starkey of Benton Township, died, Saturday night, 30^th. She leaves a husband and four children.

Logan Republican Newspaper; December 14, 1871

R.R. Meeting at Bloomingville

We hear that a railroad meeting is to be held at Bloomingville by persons interested in a railroad from Dayton to the coal. The proposition is to build the railroad to Circleville, thence to Bloomingville, thence up Queer Creek, and so on, striking the Gallipolis & McArthur, and thus cutting off Logan. Large capitol will be represented at the meeting, and it troubles Logan to look after this matter, attend the meeting and offer such an inducements as shall bring the railroad here. Where is our Build and Trade?

Athens Messenger, Thursday, June 12, 1879:

Hocking News

Joshua Chilcoat, a prominent citizen and one of the commissioners of this county, died, suddenly, Friday morning, at 3 o’clock, at his home, twenty miles from Logan. Mr. Chilcoat has been troubled for some years
by a tumor that was located in the region of the heart, the bursting of which is supposed to have been the
cause of his death.

Athens Messenger, Thursday: October 38, 1880:

Hocking News

Mr. Eden J. Beery of Benton Township and Miss Maggie M. Beougher, of Falls were married in Logan one day last week by Rev. C. C. Hart.

Athens Messenger, January 19, 1881:

Hocking News

Mr. T. M. Liggett, a well known farmer of Benton Township, has sold his farm with a view of moving to
one of the western states. Mr. George Blair, an old resident of the same township, is also about to move to Minnesota.

Athens Messenger, November 2, 1882: Hocking News

George Russell, of Benton Township, has obtained a pension of $4.00 per month and back pay of $900.

Hocking County Sentinel, July 24, 1884:
Starved to Death!
An Inmate from the Infirmary Wanders For a Month
Through the Country and Starves to Death!
-------------------------------------------
A Horrible Case.
On last Thursday, three children, Clara Snyder, her little brother and a girl names Clara Byert, were out hunting for some ducks that had strayed away, and found the body of a woman lying in a gully, in the woods, on the farm of David Shultz, about three miles south of Logan.
The Coroner was notified and an Inquest was held, the finding of the Coroner being that the woman came to her death from Starvation.
From the testimony given in the case, we get three material facts:
The name of the deceased is Mary C. Burns, of Benton township, aged thirty-seven years.
She was a woman of feeble intellect. On the 19th of February, 1883, she was adjudged insane and sent to the Asylum.
On May 10, 1883, she was discharged as cured. Her father dying, she inherited property to the value of $546. Hamilton Steele was appointed her guardian. On August 16, 1883, she was brought before Judge Acker again, on complaint of the occurrence of insanity, but the Judge adjudged her not insane. On the 6th of September 1883, she was placed in the Infirmary on warrant from the Trustees of Benton Township.
Mr. Nixon the Superintendent, testifies that she left the Infirmary twice before. The first time he found her at the old home place in Benton Township; the next time on the road to Logan a few hours after she had left. When she left the last time, Mr. Nixon was not at home. On his return to town and notified a clerk in the Grange store to be on the look out, and also requested Marshal Deishley, if he saw her to lock her up and send him word.
Mr. Rodman testifies that he saw her sitting under a tree by the road side, about three weeks ago. About the same time she stopped at the house of a brother of Rodman's and asked for water. She drank two quarts, then asked for bread. After she had eaten her satisfaction, she again went to the well and drank two more tin cups of water. She inquired the road to Sater's and to Ilesboro, and then left.
No one, as far as can be ascertained, saw her since that date.
In her bundle were several articles of clothing, seven dollars & ninety cents cash, pins, buttons, thread, quilt patches, and variety of trinkets. Among other things, a colored card with her name, and bearing this mocking inscription--- "Forget Me Note"--
Mr. Nixon subsequently turned over notes to the Coroner, several hundreds of dollars, which he said he found in her bundle.
The theory is, that the poor creature becoming dissatisfied at the Infirmary, left it, and for fear of being seen and returned, she hid away from human sight, living on such crumbs and herbs she happened to find. Her bundle was lying under a tree about 40 feet from the place where her body lay, pressed down as though she had sat on it a long time. The gully showed signs of scrambling and struggling along, indicating that she was searching for water from a spring father up. She lay on her side, with a stick of wood under her head for a pillow. Her body had several bruises, evidently from falls in her death efforts. Her stomach and bowels were entirely empty and contracted, and her body wasted to a mere skeleton.
Death from Starvation!
It is a horrible affair. We shudder when we read the trials of DeLong and his Arctic Explorers, and turn away and try to banish the thought of the agony his men endured as the slowly starved to death.
Here, within three miles of Logan, with means for her supper left her by her father, with living relatives, and with a proud institution built by public charity for the care of such unfortunates, a woman wanders through the woods and starves to death. The imagination recoils, and the heart sickens at the thought.
We can all draw a long breath when we feel she wasn't our sister.

Logan Sentinel, August 24, 1893:

New Post Masters Appointed

The following democrats have been appointed Post Masters in Hocking County within the last week, viz:

    H. G. Meyers - South Bloomingville
    J. E. Barron - Rockbridge
    Henry Wagner - South Perry

The appointments are all good men, sound democrats and will be effective in accommodating officers.

Journal Gazette; July 9,1900

                                                        Bloomingville

   Bloomingville, July 9.---- Health and business in our city is excellent.
    James Henderson who conducts the leading grocery store in Bloomingville, is doing an excellent business.
    The Southern Hotel conducted by your genial host, James Iles, is also doing a good business, as it should.
Our accommodating post-master in Hamilton, is kept busy by delivering mail and waiting on his many customers.
    Mattocks, our excellent blacksmith sweats almost drops of blood in repairing mowers and shoe horses.
    Our boys are busy assisting in making hay, railroad ties and cultivating corn.
    Col. Stephenson president of the C. L. and W. railroad, was in Lancaster Tuesday, on business in connection with the railroad. The Col. says he will have trains running to Ash Cave by October first.
    Miss Lulu McGill spent the Fourth in Circleville.
    George Williamson, Mr. Morrison, George D. Mowery and T. A. Voris of Laurelville called on Col. Stephenson in reference to the location of a depot in Laurelville.
    Messers. Schwartz and Luper of the Logan Natural Gas and Fuel Co., were here on business connected with oil and gas.
    An ice cream supper was held at Leonard DeVault's last Tuesday for the benefit of the M. E. church in Bloomingville. All enjoyed themselves and quite a nice sum of money was netted for the church.

Journal Gazette; July 31,1900

                                                 South Bloomingville

   South Bloomingville,July 31.---- Children's services here next Saturday begins at 2 p.m. Ice cream festival at night.
   Mrs. John Iles and daughter Ida, are very sick.
   Mrs. Margaret Myers of Logan is visiting friends here.
   Mr. W. A. Woodgeard and family spent Sunday at W. E. Awmock's.
   James Spung section boss on the C.W.S.R.R. was bitten on the foot by a dog belonging to Col. Stephenson, last week.
   Mr. W. Pickens of Circleville, and Mr. George Gladman were in our town Thursday.
   Mrs. Ed Briner of Lancaster, is visiting her sister.,Mrs. Harry Reichelderfer.
   Mr. George Williamson and family of Laurelville, Mr. E. E. Chilcote and wife of this place, and Miss Anna Bedford of Columbus, spent Sunday at the Ash Cave.
   Miss Sarah Hamilton who has been staying at Laurelville for some time spent Sunday at home.
   The Lime Oil Company is preparing to drill three wells here immediately.
   The funeral of Wm. B. Starkey of Tarlton, was preached here Sunday.
   Mr. George Dennis and Miss Norah Starkey attended the camp meeting at Laurelville Friday night.

July 25, 1901 Ohio Democrat:

Surprise

On last Thursday, July 11th, at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. George Amerine two miles east of Bloomingville, occurred one of the most noteworthy events of the season. From hill and valley, far and near, kind friends and neighbors were seen gathering at the residence of Mr. George Amerine to help him celebrate his eighty first anniversary. Mr. Amerine is one of our oldest and most praise worthy citizens of Benton Tp., being at this age in fair health and able to look after the interests of his surroundings. Happening to take his wool to market upon this day which his kind wife had cunningly planned and during his absence, friends and neighbors to the number of 115 with well filled baskets gathered at his residence and imagine his surprise upon returning to see a table almost the entire length of the house spread with every luxurant the heart could desire. And as the sun approached the meridian all gathered around to get a taste of the sumptuous feast and here we are sorry to relate were ill manners of some of our guests; we may look over the little faults of children, but when it comes to men the age of Lee Amerine and Coon Reichley we think it worthy of attention. It is alleged that Lee Amerine actually ate three heads of cabbage and left the table with the legs of four chickens in his pocket. Coon Reichley came there looking as lank as a gas pipe and the way he ate was an outrage. Albert Wright says it's no wonder he was attacked by catamounts. Johnny Moore seemed to be the ladies' assistant, of course here he had the advantage of the rest. He at in the kitchen, also at the three tables, and then complained, and only gave the rest twelve minutes in which to eat. After the sun began to approach the western horizon, the people all began to disperse in different directions to their homes wishing Mr. Amerine many more happy birthdays.

Ohio Democrat Newspaper; Thursday Nov. 14, 1901

South Bloomingville

   After several weeks of absence I thought I would pen a few lines for the Democrat.
   Bert Vandagriff was laid to rest in Chestnut Grove Cemetery Thursday, Rev. Harble officiated using this text: " It is appointed unto man once to die, and after that the judgment".
   John Johnson of Union County is visiting his father-in-law, A. G. Wright.
Miss Minnie Wright was the guest of Mrs. Hila Davis Friday.
   Minnie Turner who has been visiting friends in Logan the past week has returned home.
   William Hamilton and family moved to the Weldon farm near Gore.
   Jesse Hampshire attended church at Liberty Hill Sunday.
   The little child of Geo. Iles was playing in a lot where Geo. Turner was butchering, when the dog which was near by, sprang upon the child tearing his cheek most horribly.
   Lom Nimon will begin making flour this week.
   The oil company is drilling a new well on the farm of Geo. Lowery near Otterbein Church.

Ohio Democrat Newspaper, January 9, 1902

South Bloomingville

On New Years day at 12 o'clock noon occurred a very pleasant affair at the home of Joseph Blackston. The occasion was the marriage of his daughter Della to Joseph Earnhart. Squire Vandergriff preformed the ceremony in the presence of a large gathering of friends and neighbors. After the ceremony a sumptuous dinner was served and many presents received by the bride. At night the hills were made hideous by the roar of several hundred bellers headed by the old workhorse Coon Reichley.
Wood choppings are in order in this community. At the home of Mr. and Mrs. Blackston on December 30th, being the birthday of Mrs. Blackston, a large concourse of people gathered and had an old fashioned wood chopping. Mr. Blackston has been an invalid for about 6 years and the good neighbors of this community never forget to do the kindness for those that are worthy.
H. A. Gordon, of Cedar Grove, is teaching a successful term of school this winter.

Ohio Democrat Newspaper; January 9, 1902.

South Bloomingville

   Rev. Toumine closed protracted meeting at this place with one accession to the church; he is now holding a meeting at the Rock church and is leaving a great revival.
   Dr. Melcher shot and wounded Adam Thomas, who was calling on his family during his absence from home.
   Rev. DeLay will begin a protracted meeting at the Liberty Hill church Jan. 19.
   A series of meetings is now in session at Otterbein Church.
   Alva Hamilton on last Saturday was examining his revolver and thought the cylinder was empty when a cartridge was left in and shot through his hand, the ball entered the palm of his hand and came out on the back.
Born to Geo. Iles and wife, Friday, a girl.
   Lucian Turner and wife of Logan who have been visiting the formers parents in Benton Tp. the past week has returned home.
Jesse Hampshire of Smock, was visiting his sister Mrs. Geo. Iles of this place Sunday.
   Mrs. Harriet Wright who has been visiting friends in Logan the past week has returned home.
   Herschel Vandagriff vacated his school during the holidays.
   Ethel Stone will give an entertainment at her school one night next week, a good time is expected and all are invited

The Logan Journal Gazette, July 24, 1902

New Telephone Line to Bloomingville

Work on the construction of a telephone line from Bloomingville has commenced. The line, we understand, will be built by Home Telephone company of McArthur, and will connect with the long distance lines of other companies in this city and Tarlton. The line will go up the valley from Bloomingville and will follow the line of Lancaster & Hamden railroad and the old line which was constructed by Superintendent Stephenson of that road will be utilized as much as possible. It will intersect with the lines of the other companies at Tarlton. From Bloomingville east it will traverse the oil fields of western Hocking and connect with the lines of this company at New Plymouth. The gap between this city and New Plymouth will be built to connect with the two long distance lines in this city. So far as telephone communication was concerned Bloomingville was out of the world. A telephone line will inure to the benefit of the towns. No more waiting until the next day to hear the returns from Benton on election night.

Journal Gazette, Logan, Ohio, Oct. 12, 1903

South Bloomingville

   South Bloomingville, Oct. 12. ---- As we have not seen any items from this place for some time we will endeavor to give readers of the Journal Gazette a short list from our little village.
   Elder Crook assisted by Rev. W. W. Hass held quarterly meeting at Liberty Hill Sunday.
Dr. R. A. Hess of Washington C. H. , has moved his family to our village and located in part of the Hotel Iles.
Mrs. Smith Riley is suffering from a stroke of paralysis. Her friends have but little hope for her recovery.
   Mrs. H. J. Chilcote is very poorly at this writing. Her many friends have hope for her speedy recovery.
   Mrs. John Oldfield of this place is visiting her son Olel at Chillicothe this week.
   J. C. Stone and O. L. Hutchison made a business trip to Athens recently.
   Mr. T. J. Allison has his new residence almost completed and expects to move into it by the first of the month.
Mr. Bitzer of Adelphi, has been engaged to teach our school for the coming season.
   Mr. A. M. Thomas and wife are visiting friends at Vigo at present.
Quite a number from this place attended L. O. O. F. lodge at Adelphi last Saturday evening. Among those were, Messers. G. H. Gill, E. E. Chilcote, Marion Rosie, Henry Davis, Andrew Woodgeard ; and others.
   Miss Ada Leach and Esther Melcher are attending school at Laurelville at present.
   Mrs. M. Blackstein of this place was called suddenly last week by the serious illness of her son Will.

Journal Gazette, October 26,1903

South Bloomingville

   Mrs. Hester Allison wife of T.J. Allison departed this life October 18,1903, aged 64 years. Having been stricken with hemorrhage of the brain forty-eight hours previous. She leaves to mourn her loss a husband, one daughter, and two sons. Her remains were interred in Wesley Chapel cemetery Sunday afternoon. Rev. J. Prose of Creola, conducted the funeral services. Also Mrs. Smith Riley whose illness we made mention in our last writing has passed away. She was laid to rest in Chestnut Grove cemetery, funeral services conducted by Rev. Nichols.
   We are glad to note that Mrs. Barzil Eveland who has had typhoid fever for some time is much better.
   Quite a number of young folks gathered at the home of Mrs. Etta Steele on last Wednesday and celebrated her 18th birthday in the way of an old fashioned surprise.
   Miss Florence Phillips of Swan visited friends in South Bloomingville last week.
   Henry Newton and John Oldfield attended the Republican rally at Logan on Friday.
   Mr. Henry Thomas and family contemplates moving to Columbus in the near future.
   J. J. Dennis made a business trip to Chillicothe last Friday.
   Miss Lizzie and Lucy Schaal of Hue made a short call with friends in Bloomingville last week.

Journal Gazette, December 21, 1903

South Bloomingville

   The health of the community is not very good at the present. Among those on the sick list are Henry Waldron, T. J. Allison and Irene Mattox.
   Mr. and Mrs. Howard North are visiting relatives in Fayette county at present.
   Married on December 31st, at the residence of Esquire Stevens, Mr. John Allison to Miss Ella Iles both of this place.
   E. O. Huffman has moved his family from Laurelville to this place.
   Our Sunday school was given a treat today which consisted of apples and candy.
   C. L. Hutchinson and James C. Stone visited McArthur last Tuesday.
   Mattox brothers put up quite a nice lot of ice last week.
   Mrs. E. E. Chilcote and children have returned after a weeks visit with friends and relatives in Columbus.
   Miss Ada and Edna Stevens entertained the members of the Junior choir of Sunday school on last Saturday. All reports a good time.

Journal Gazette, Feb. 29, 1904

South Bloomingville

H. B. Johnson made a business trip to Circleville last week.
   At about 11 o'clock a few nights ago the cry of fire was heard in our village. Responding to the call it was soon found that G. H. Gill's residence was on fire. Luckily the flames were soon extinguished and not very much damage was done.
   Rev. Lee is holding protracted meeting at this place.
   Miss Cora Ebert closed a very successful term of school at No. 9 last Friday.
   Mrs. Ella Eads after visiting her parents for some time returned to her home in Circleville last Saturday.
   We understand that we are to have a new R. F. D. main route for this vicinity. Said route is to start at this place and go by way of Cedar Grove, Purcell and Haynes.
   The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Wareheim was buried in Chestnut Grove cemetery last Sunday.

Journal Gazette, March 14, 1904:

South Bloomingville

   Mrs. George Williamson of Laurelville, visited her mother Mrs. Chilcote last week.
   Mrs. Nancy Shaw an aged and respected lady residing near this place, died of paralysis on March 5^th, and interred in Bloomingville cemetery on the following day. Funeral services conducted by Rev. M. Lee of Pleasantville, Ohio.
   Wm. Wine of Lancaster is visiting his father-in-law G. H. Gill at present.
   Mrs. E. A. Hoffman has returned home after a week’s visit with her mother in Laurelville.
   Grant Phillips of Orland, made a business trip to this place recently.
   We are sorry to note that Mrs. Wesley Robison who moved from here to Lancaster is dangerously ill.
   After the prevailance of smallpox in our vicinity our school was discontinued.
   Mrs. Sylvester Davis is on the sick list again.
Mr. And Mrs. John Chilcote Sundayed with Mr. E. Shaw.

Journal Gazette, April 15,1904

South Bloomingville

    Smallpox will not keep the people of Benton township and surrounding country away from Henderson's cash store in South Bloomingville for they can get more goods for their money there than any place else. They find there all the latest styles and up-to-date goods in any line they want, and they get market price for anything they have to sell in goods or cash. Now that there is no more danger of smallpox, Mr. Henderson would be please to have all call and see what he has and get prices of goods, and if Mr. Henderson should not be there, there is Joe, he will talk an arm off of you before you get out of the store, telling you of the bargains you have missed if you have not been dealing with Henderson. And the cat came back the very next day, just like the customers do to Henderson's Cash Store because they can't stay away long when they are getting such good bargains.
    Bloomingville also has a first-class flouring mill, drug store, post office, blacksmith, butcher, barber, doctors, schools, church and last but not least first-class people. The soil around Bloomingville is very productive. It has grown some berries that are as large as were ever grown any place. The greatest trouble is that the demand is greater than the supply. If any information is desired in regard to berries ask Roy.
    Bloomingville has a mineral spring and scenery almost equal to that of Yellowstone park. You can go to this little town among the hills and drink mineral water and climb to the tops of the mountains, rest in the shade of the pine and inhale the pure mountain breezes.
     All roads lead to Bloomingville and when government, state and county make appropriations for good roads Benton township will get a good portion of it, if they give it what it needs and then when they get good roads they are going to annex little Vinton county to Benton township and build a new court house at Bloomingville.

Journal Gazette, April 25, 1904

                                                             South Bloomingville

   South Bloomingville, April 25. ---- Mr. and Mrs. Simeon Hoy of Laurelville, spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Turner.
   Mr. J. C. Stone attended the meeting of the central committee at Logan last Saturday.
   James Tigner an old soldier residing near here passed quietly away last Friday and was buried at Mt. Carmel cemetery on Saturday afternoon.
   Mrs. Thomas Stevens is quite poorly at the present writing.
   Quite a number from this place attended the sale of lots in Lancaster recently. Among those who purchased lots are H. B. Johnson, E. E. Chilcote, W. L. Johnson, M. L. Defenbaugh and W. E. Aumock.
   Charles and Eugene Wright of Logan with their families are spending a few days with their parents Mr. and Mrs. Albert Wright.
   We learn that all those who are under quarantine here for smallpox will be released this week.
   Mr. Frank Redfern of Adelphi was a business caller in our village one day last week.
   Several persons from here attended the show at Adelphi on last Saturday night.
   Miss Lulu Oldfield visited Miss Roxie Allison last week.
   Born recently to Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Denton a twelve pound boy.
   Mr. Wm. Mattox contemplates moving on the property owned by Sarah Hamilton.
   H. B. Johnson made a business trip to Laurelville on last Saturday.
   Mathias Smith of Stella was seen on our streets one day last week.

Journal Gazette, October 3, 1904

                                                    South Bloomingville

   South Bloomingville, Oct. 3. ----- Sylvester Davis and wife are quite poorly at this writing.
   Mrs. Cora Crawford and children of Mahomet, Illinois, have returned home after a week's visit with friends and relatives in this community.
   Mrs. O. L. Hutchinson has just received the news of the sudden death of her sister-in-law Mrs. E. H. Phillips of Siverly, Ohio.
   James Davis has been sick for several days with malarial fever.
   Mrs. Parker who has been visiting her daughter Mrs. J. J. Dennis has returned to her home in Mattoon, Illinois.
   Born to Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Chilcote on September 29th, a daughter.
   Mrs. Dora Bone a former resident of near this place died from stomach trouble and was interred in Locust Grove cemetery one day last week.
   Mr. Andrew Woodgeard who lost both of his dwellings houses and his barn by fire recently contemplates erecting a new dwelling house.
   Mrs. A. M. Thomas is quite poorly with typhoid fever.
   Miss Etta Steele is visiting friends in Madison county.
   E. A. Huffman purchased a new piano off A. M. Sparks last week.

Journal Gazette, January 16,1905

South Bloomingville

   Mr. William Black of Texas, is visiting his mother who resides near this place.
   The remains of Mrs. Fairy Poling nee Leach, who died in Circleville on January 6th were brought here for interment. Deceased leaves three small children.
   The infant child of Wm. Woodgeard who has been dangerously ill with pneumonia is reported much better.
   J. W. Blacksten of Lancaster is visiting friends and relatives in this community.
Rebecca, daughter of Mrs. Jane Thomas died of pneumonia on January 5th. Funeral services were conducted from the residence after which she was laid to rest in Beery cemetery.
Mrs. Vertie Kalkloach of Cedar Grove, spent a few days here last week the guest of her sister Mrs. Woodgeard.
   Miss Ada and Edna Stevens have returned home after a week's visit with relatives at Eagle Mills.
   J. J. Dennis and family have moved on to a farm in Lancaster.
G. H. Gill and Wm. Wine are getting out timber for a new dwelling house which they mean to erect on the G. H. Gill farm south of town.
   Mrs. Joseph Cooper has been visiting relatives in Logan for the past three weeks.

Journal Gazette, February 26,1905

South Bloomingville

   The wife of Martin Synder died last Thursday, Feb. 23rd, at her home near South Bloomingville and was buried at Otterbein Cemetery.
   Quarterly meeting will be held here Saturday and Sunday, March 4th and 5th. The presiding elder from Lancaster will be present.
   Mr. Marion Rose and Autiner Bone made a business trip to Circleville last Saturday, returning Monday.
   Quite a number of young people from Pine Creek, attended Epworth league here last Sunday night.
   Mrs. Lucretta Cooper of east Maple street is visiting friends in Logan at present.
   Misses Edna and Ada Stevens were visiting Miss Lulu Ward last Sunday.
   Our mill is doing a big business at present running every day.
   Mr. Autiner Bone is moving his family on the Ed Huffman property on north Main street this week.
   Miss Millie Mattox who has been very poorly is some better.
   Mr. David Eby has been busily engaged the past week repairing his property and getting ready to move.

Journal Gazette, March 10,1905:

South Bloomingville

   Rainy weather and muddy roads seem to be the leading factors here at this writing.
    George Dupler of Rockbridge, was in our neighborhood last week leasing land for the Springfield Gas Company.   We are glad to hear that Myrtle Steele who has been sick, is reported better at this writing.
   The quarterly meeting held here March 4th was well attended. Rev. Cherrington the presiding elder of the Lancaster district preached a series of sermons that was enjoyed by all his hearers. Rev. Cherrington is an able minister and well liked by our people.
   Mrs. Wm. Aumrock and brother Joe Thomas was called to Tarlton on account of the death of their sister Mrs. Deffenbaugh on last Friday.
   Mrs. John Huffman was called to Circleville the first of the week on account of sickness of her grandchild.
   It seems the majority of the people of this community are afflicted with la grippe: this epidemic seems to be prevalent all over the country.
   Dave Moore of Circleville passed through our village last Friday.
   Protracted meeting commenced here Sunday, March 5th. We hope much good may be done.
   Albert Wright one of our pioneer farmers, made our town a business call one day last week.
   Al Bainter of Pine Valley, was in our city last Friday.
   Henry Davis who lives one mile south of town will have a sale March 30th.
   J. Culp who lives near Laurelville came to our mill one day last week. Notice the distance the people come to our mill to tell its merits.
   We are informed that David Eby intends to open up a store on north Main street: we wish him success.
   Frank Toole is attending high school at No. 4: he is taking short hand.
   John Chilcote bought a valuable cow of I. H. Reichley last week.
   We are sorry to hear that our miller Tom Stevens is going to move away from our city the first of April.
   Caleb Davis and Peter Hutton of Chapel Hill attended quarterly meeting here last Sunday.
   Henry Wiggins of Salt Creek was seen in our city last week.
   The trustees of this township met at O. L. Hutchinson the treasurer office last week and made their yearly settlement.
   Jack Morris has secured a job of work on the Big Four saw mill Wheeling Sunshine.

Journal Gazette, March 17, 1905

South Bloomingville

Spring has made its appearance again and the farmers have begun their spring work.
   Quite a number of young people from our place attended protracted meeting at Laurelville one night last week.
   Miss Lessel Drumm, teacher at District No. 4, visited friends at Laurelville last Sunday.
   Wm. Lehman of Cedar Grove, was in our city last week getting signers on a petition for a rural mail route; this would be a great convenience to our farmers and we see no objection why it should not be granted.
   George Williamson of Laurelville was in our city one day last week.
   T. J. Allison has rented his farm to John O'Hara who contemplates farming the coming season.
   Andrew Woodgear has engaged Riley Wine to work on his farm the coming season.
   Protracted meeting closed here last Tuesday night only lasting one week.
   Quite a large crowd attended the funeral of the infant child of John Huffman at the M. E. church Thursday.
   We learn that Hansie Eveland is going to farm for the widow Oldfield the coming summer.
   George Gill has begun work on his house.
   The very next day the cat came back. The citizens of our place were roused to their doors in night attire, were astonished at seeing a young gentleman from Laurelville having quite a tussle with a bulking horse. After he had coaxed for about an hour he induced the animal to make a start but unfortunately the horse went in the opposite direction from home. The young lady was standing in the door waiting to bid her lover good night, but failed to do so as she did not know how long it would be before he got the horse under control and came back.
   Protracted meeting closed at Liberty last Thursday night; they received eight joiners, and five conversions.
   Hansie Eveland went to Circleville the first of last week.
   We learn that Wm. Aumock contemplates moving to our city in the near future.

Journal Gazette, December 7,1905

South Bloomingville

   Bad roads and rainy weather seem to be the leading factors in this community at present.
   Bert Allen of Circleville, called on friends at this place one day last week.
   Mr. George Turner made a business trip to South Bloomingville one day last week.
   Mrs. Henry Davis who has been sick for some time is no better at this writing.
   Mr. Charley Wright of Logan, called on his father , Albert Wright, a few days last week.
   Wm. McKinley has moved his saw mill on Dr. Mill's farm where he intends to saw for W. W. Lumber company.
   Two rural routes started at South Bloomingville Dec. 1st, Judson Johnson carrier on route No.1 and Miles Brown carrier on route No.2.
   School at Number one is progressing fine with Miss Anna Burgoon instructor.
   The people of the community are looking for Fred Wyskiver who promised the good roads if they would elect him.
   Mr. John Hamilton made a business trip to Pleukharp's store one day last week.
   The evening train at this place was three hours late on last Wednesday night caused by having a wreck just north of Tarlton. No one was hurt.
   Mr. Otis Eveland who was a brakeman on the C. S. has resigned his position and is going out west to spend the winter.
   Mr. James Henderson is visiting his family in Logan at present.
   Stone & Hutchinson the lumber manufacturer of our city have been busily engaged in loading cars the past week.
   Mr. Charles Mattox who moved his family to Licking county we learn is going to return with his family and is going to occupy the house formerly occupied by Phitz Auron.
   Mr. Daniel Woodgear and family of near Haydenville, are visiting their parent at this writing.
   Protracted meeting began at this place last Thursday, Rev. Vaughn pastor.
   Mr. John Woolever of Cedar Grove was seen on our ridge last week.
   Mr. Noah Devolt passed through here one day last week delivering mail boxes.

Journal Gazette, June 16,1905

South Bloomingville

   Mr. Joe Young has been engaged the past week loading ties for the Pendergast Lumber Company.
   Robert Toole who has been sick for some time is better at this writing.
   Why doesn't the Smock telephone company complete their lines as they have made final arrangements and have secured their hello lady. Quite a few are interested in this line.
   George Williamson of Laurelville, was in our town one day last week.
   George Armstrong from above Laurelville brought a lot of wheat to our mill last week.
   Quite a number of wool buyers have been seen in our community the past week among them being Mr. Spencer of Adelphi, Dave Wilson of Tarlton and others.
   Mr. S. Poling of Blue Creek is engaged in plastering for Andy Woodgeard at present.
   Fred White of Laurelville was here loading telephone poles one day last week.
   Mr. U. L. Johnson and Joshua Chilcote made a business trip to Logan the first of the week. I wonder why?
   One week from Sunday will be Odd Fellows decoration services to be held at the M. E. Church. Everybody invited.

Dec 28, 1905 Ohio Democrat, Logan, Ohio

South Bloomingville gossip column:

The remains of Daniel Beery, which were buried in the Beery Cemetery several years ago, were removed to Tarlton last Friday.

Journal Gazette, January 7, 1906

South Bloomingville

   Mr. John Davis was seen on this ridge Thursday.
   Mr. Homer Hutton was a business visitor in Bloomingville Monday.
   Sam Woodgeard called on Charles Bray at Creola last Sunday.
   E. C. Lyons called on Osa Woodgeard last Saturday.
   Doss Mount called on Charles Lyons one day last week.
   Mrs. Hugh Wadsworth and children of Lancaster, returned home after a few day's visit with Mr. and Mrs. George Amerine.
   Carl Blackston and William Kane spent Christmas with friends in Laurelville.
   Mrs. James Cain and children were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Parrish of Locust Grove, last Sunday.
   Messer's. Charles Keller and Tom Woods of Gibisonville called on C. E. Lyons one day last week.
   Mr. and Mrs. Andy Woodgeard have returned home after a week's visit with their daughter near Logan.
   Mr. and Mrs. Don Woodgeard spent New Year's with the formers parents.
   Mrs. C. D. Reichley is quite poorly at this writing.
   Miss Clara Defenbaugh returned home Saturday after a week's visit with friends at Laurelville.
   Quite a number from this ridge attended entertainment at St. John's New Year's eve.
   Mr. and Mrs. Will Barnhart attended the oyster supper at Hue Sunday.
   Arthur Markel of Adelphi, was seen on the ridge Sunday wending his way toward Cedar Grove.
   Mrs. Martha O'Hara called on Mrs. Emma Reichley one day last week.
   Mrs. Maggie Blackston called on Mr. and Mrs. Joe Arnhart last Sunday.
   Joe Vest lost a valuable horse last week.
   George Schaal was seen on our ridge Monday.
   Mr. Kitchen of Pine Grove, called on C. Reichley last Friday.
   Mr. and Mrs. Less Lehman and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Arnhart were the guests of Mrs. Maggie Blackston Sunday.
   Mr. Will Smock is moving his family to their new home at Smock this week.
   Mrs. Dennis of Coe's Creek was the guest of her daughter Mrs. Homer Hutton Sunday.
   Mr. Dan Woodgeard has moved his family from near Logan to the home of his wife's mother, Mrs. Davis. Mrs. Davis deeded her farm to her daughter Mrs. Dan Woodgeard.
   Messer's. Woods and Keller of Gibisonville, called on Homer Hutton last week.
   C. E. Lyons made a trip to Greendale Monday.
   Mrs. Maggie Hutton called on Ella Lyons Sunday.
   Willis Coin and Harry Lyons were Bloomingville visitors Sunday.
   Preaching at Chapel Hill Sunday.
   Mr. Art Ellis made a business trip to Bloomingville last week.
   Mrs. Nan Reichley is home on a visit.
   Mr. Andy Woodgeard was a Logan visitor one day last week.
   Mr. Ben O'Hara of Lancaster was a guest of his parents recently.
   Miss Alma Williams called on Miss Clara Defenbaugh Thursday evening.
   The only child of Mr. and Mrs. John O'Hara was burned to death Saturday while his mother was doing her evening work. The little one lived about one hour when death relieved his sufferings. Dr. Melcher was summoned and did all he could for the little sufferer, but he was past all human help. The remains were buried in Chestnut Grove on Monday.
   Mr. and Mrs. James Coin and children called on Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Barnhart last Saturday evening.

Logan Democratic Sentinel, April 16, 1906

South Bloomingville Society News

    Protracted meeting is in progress at M. E. Church at this place, conducted by Rev. Vaughn.
   Mr. Frank Toole and Miss Blanche Cooper both of this place were united in Holy matrimony March 25^th
by Rev. Warehime. May their future life be happy and prosperous?
    Mr. Andrew Woodgeard was called to Logan last Monday to act as juryman.
   The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Hutchinson will be sorry to see them leave our village. Mr.
Hutchinson has been Post Master and will be missed.
    Quite a crowd attended the party at Henderson’s hall last week, all reported a good time.
    School closed at this place last Monday, Ethel Black teacher.
    Mr. Silas Eby is going to move sawmill to W. Va. Where he has contracted to saw Railroad ties.
    Mr. Pilla Ankrom has been quite sick, but is some better at the present.
    The Board of Education met last Saturday at the schoolhouse.
    Mrs. Tom O’Hara who has been quite poorly is some better at this writing.
   School will close at District No. 4 Wednesday April 4.
Mr. Leoy Brown of W. Va. Is visiting relatives at this place.
    Mr. David Eby is closing his stock of groceries and is going out of business.
    Mr. George Johnson, who has been very sick with lung fever, is some better at his writing.
    Mr. E. E. Chilcote is not much better.

Logan Democratic Sentinel, April 26, 1906

South Bloomingville Society News

    The farmers of this community are very busy with their spring work.
    Mrs. U. L. Johnson is very sick at this writing.
    Mr. Tommy Allison started for Colorado last week to visit his son, Jud, who he had not seen for 20 years.
    The two small children of L. J. Sanford are very sick.
    Mr. Hansie Eveland and George went to Great Bend, Kansas, last week where they intend to work on a
cattle ranch.
    Mr. Walter Pleukharp, the enterprising merchant of Cedar Grove, paid our town a visit last Sunday.
    Mr. Andy Woodgeard visited his children near Logan last Saturday and Sunday.
    The many friends of Else Chilcote will be glad to hear that he is much improved.
    Mr. John Shaw, Jr., is going to farm for Tom Tatman the coming summer.
    Mr. Benjamin Russell has secured a job of night watchman on the Columbus & Southern Railroad at
South Bloomingville beginning last week.
    Mr. Pilla Ankrom has moved his family into the Leach property south of town.
    Mr. Lafe Beery, of Cedar Grove was in town last Saturday.
    Mr. A. L. Hutchinson has moved on his farm near Union Furnace. Mr. James O. Stone being appointed
Post Master to succeed him.
    Mr. James Henderson is visiting relatives in Logan at present

July 4, 1907 Democrat-Sentinel, Logan, Ohio

Benjamin Edward Walton

Logan Journal Gazette, May 7, 1908:

                                                 South Bloomingville

   We are experiencing some real winter here, the ground being covered with four inches of snow, but so far the fruit is unharmed.
   Jasper Poling of Haynes, has opened up an art gallery in the Keck building.
   James Shaw went to Athens the first of the week and returned with his daughter, who has been at the State Hospital for some time.
   Mrs. William Mattox, who has been seriously ill with lung fever for some time, is much improved at this writing.
   M. E. Brown has rented the Bone property on Main Street and will move into the same in a short time.
   A big time is expected here Memorial Day, May 30th. The old veterans of the Civil War are fast decreasing and ere many years, there will be none left. Realizing this the I.O.R.M. have adopted the rule at assisting the old veterans in the decoration of the graves of the honored dead, which as a noble act for a good cause. The services at this place will be conducted by the Red Men of Wampus Tribe #81. Everyone is invited.
   Walter Pleukharp, our merchant made a trip to Nelsonville with a load of produce on last Thursday.
   Thomas Stevens has moved his family into the Stevenson property on Cedar Heights.
   Mrs. William Black of Nuttalsbury, Virginia, is visiting relatives here at present.
   Clyde Denton has moved his family into the Johnson property on Maple Street.
   William Denton of Laurelville, visited his son, Clade, on last Sunday.
   Clerk of Court, D. M. Soliday and wife paid a short visit one day last week.
   I. A. Parks of Chillicothe, visited his parents on Blue Creek two days last week.
   J. Swackhammer was a business visitor to Adelphi last Sunday.
   Nora Seitz visited her sister, Mable Dille on Big Pine, one day last week.

Republican Newspaper, October 6 ,1910

Bloomingville

I will give a description of Bloomingville; It is bounded on the west by the Rock House, on the north by Cedar Falls, on the east by Ash Cave, on the south by the C & S railroad. Our town contains one M.E. Church, with an enrollment of about one hundred members. We have one grist mill, run by Thomas Stevens and Clark, two as genial gentlemen as there are in the southern part of the state. We have one drug store, owned by our friend, George H. Hill. George is known to everyone in Hocking County.
   Our old friend Hiles J. Chilcote runs a store at the old stand. He and Jim (James Chilcote) are kept busy night and day.
   Walt Pleukharp, who keeps on the corner, together with Charles (Pleukharp) are kept busy with an extra clerk.
   We have grocery stores on the opposite corner, run by D. M. Woodgeard. Dan’s smiling face, can be seen at any hour, day or night.
    We will not forget to mention Elmer App who keeps soft drinks, cigars and a general lunch counter, where the weary may rest and refresh himself and have a genial chat with old Elmer.
    We must not forget our old friend, John Iles, who keeps the hotel on the corner. John and his good wife have accommodations for man and beasts.
   We have one blacksmith shop, S. R. Mattox is the proprietor. Sam and his two boys with one hired hand, are kept busy and from daylight until dark, you can hear the clang of the hammer upon the anvil.
   We have one book agent, Noah Krall, who has delivered one lot of books and ordered another.
   We have one doctor, C. F. Melcher, who will wait upon the sick at any hour of the day or night.
    George Dumis, who is the village barber, cuts hair, shaves and shampoos on Wednesday and Saturday of each week.
    We have one telephone exchange. John Huffman and family are the hello people. They attent to it right. John is never found asleep at the switch.
   There is one school house here. Wm. H. Keck is teacher. He has about seventy-five scholars. Bill is one of our boys. If you will take notice he headed our list for the Logan Republican at South Bloomingville.
   The improved order of Red Men completed their hall last week, where their council fire will be lit each Saturday night.
   The farmers are about through cutting corn and seeding. Farmers’ wives are busy canning tomatoes and baking pumpkin pies.
   Everyone is happy and contented in Bloomingville and vicinity

Logan Republican Newspaper, October 13, 1910:

South Bloomingville

Mr. H. J. Chilcote has a new clerk, J. H. Mowery.
    Mr. Chester Eveland is studying music under the management of Miss Burnice Clark.
    School is progressing nicely at this place under the management of W. H. Keck.
   Many of the people of this place attended the Pumpkin Show at Circleville last week.
   Mr. And Mrs. J. H. Starkey were the Saturday and Sunday guests of the formers mother, Mrs. P. N. Snider.
   Our M. E. Sunday school is practicing for a rally day celebration for Sunday, October 23.
   John Huffman is moving his family into the Pleukharp building, lately vacated by the Red Men.

Logan Republican Newspaper, October 27, 1910

South Bloomingville

Quite a large crowd attended the Pumpkin Show at Laurelville Friday and Saturday.
    Mr. J. H. Starkey entertained his old friend, B. M. Shaw, Sunday afternoon.
    Mr. George Russell, who has been seriously ill for some time is no better.
   The stork has again visited our community and left at the home of Mr. And Mrs. J. A. Kitchen, a bid girl baby. They have christened it Jesse Madaline.
   Mr. John Eveland is helping Silas Eby dig potatoes, ha! ha!
    Mr. J. M. Buchanan is moving this week to his farm near Eagle Mills.
    Mrs. John Huffman entertained at dinner last week, Mrs. Joe Hamilton and children.
   Mr. And Mrs. A. M. Thomas and daughter, Mrs. Charles McQuery, spent Sunday with J. A. Kitchen and family.
    Mr. And Mrs. Z. Eveland spent Saturday and Sunday with their daughter, Mrs. J. W. Drum of Laurelville.
    Silas Eby has resigned his position at the W. M. Pleukharp’s and his vacancy is filled by W.B. Iles.
    George Walton purchased a fine registered sheep at the Lancaster fair.
   School is progressing nicely under the management of B.M. Shaw.

Logan Republican Newspaper, November 3, 1910:

Bloomingville

I will resume my quill and tell more of our burg and vicinity.
    We have had a remarkable fall but old man winter is coming, so says Dr. Melcher. He is expecting a squall almost any day.
    Catharine Davis had a sale last Tuesday. She expects to move to Ashville, Ohio in the near future.
   Dr. W. S. Turner has to again change his boarding house. It is hard on the doctor.
    Mr. John Starkey is teaching school at No. 8.
    Elmer App is ready to buy all the fur the boys will catch for the next four months.
    The farmers who sent to the Governor for some means to get rid of the squirrels, and were sent an army of hunters are now looking at the army every time they hear the sound of artillery, with a “How long oh Lord” expression on their faces.
    Mrs. Emily Buchanan, who sold her farm sometime ago, has moved to her new home near South Bloomingville. She lives outside of the corporation.
Fred Mattox has moved on the J. L. Lemmon farm.
   As we go east toward Ash Cave we come to the new pike, at N. L. Johnsons. The rattle of the wagons has sent the gravel down among the rock, the wind has blown the sand away and the road looks like the ribs of an abandoned livery stable.
   We pass the farm of Ed Shaw and see his smiling face, and his brother, Frank, who is home and now we come to J. R. Shaw’s tar kiln, situated by the side of the road, where George is melting tar, every day. Leaving the tar kiln, we come to his house where he and his sister Mattie lives. Their house stands on the bank of the famous Queer Creek. He farms a field on top of the rock and hill a half mile away. George got himself an hog wire and constructed himself an elevated railroad, and sends shock after shock to his barn door. It will more than repay any man to see his invention if he had to spend a whole day.
   As we leave George’s home we climb the hill to George Dennis place. All we care to say about George is, he is as progressive a farmer as the community affords. On his east is the farm of E. J. Jones occupied by Charles Kennedy. Mr. Kennedy’s house burned to the ground last week; he lost all of his household goods.
   Seeding is all done and the farmers are all busy husking corn and burying potatoes.
Tom O’Hara and David Eby traded farms last Tuesday. Hey both ought to be booted.

Logan Republican Newspaper, November 14, 1910:

South Bloomingville

   Hunting and husking corn seems to be the order of the day.
   Born, to Mr. and W. P. Mattox, Thursday, October 27, a son, which has been christened Walter Lafayette.
    Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Huffman and family were the Saturday and Sunday guest of the latter’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Z. Eveland.
    Mr. Chester Eveland has finished his course in music and W. H. Keck has taken his place.
   Mr. Alex Eveland and grandson were business visitors in Laurelville one day last week.
    Boys, get your bell ready, for I think there will be a wedding soon.
   Mr. Charles M. Stevens is helping John Tatman husk corn at present.
    The stork is quite busy at present time. It left a big girl baby at the home of Dr. C.F. Melcher, Monday, October 31. She was here in time for Halloween.
   Mr. Samuel Eveland and Mr. N. L. Johnson are engaged in husking corn for Mr. J. H. Starkey.
    Quite a large crowd attended Epsworth League at this place last Sunday night.
   Death has again visited our community and taken one of our old soldiers of the 90^th O.V.I., Mr. George Russell. Mrs. Russell and children have the sympathy of our community.
   Mrs. John Hamilton was the Sunday guest of Mrs. Ed Shaw.
   Mr. J. A. Kitchen made a flying trip to Logan, Friday.
   Mrs. Jane Thomas, who has been poorly for some time, is getting better at present time.
   W.B. Iles, the new clerk at W. M. Pleukharp’s store, is kept busy selling pop corn.

Logan Republican Newspaper, November 17, 1910:

Bloomingville

   The election passed quietly in Benton, not even a dogfight disturbed the usual quiet of the township. The pencil-man and his lieutenants were in evidence and the feathers were almost scratched off the eagle. After the voices wee counted and the results announced the “ I told you so” nuisance became prominent. The Democrats could say nothing but Rah and landslides. Coon Reichley stood the fire first rate until the return from the state began coming in. All Democratic. He let out a yell that raised the hair on the back of every dog in Bloomingville and started up the hill on a gallop, yelling at every jump: “Earthquake! Earthquake!” They are setting steel traps all over Benton. Coon must be caught.
   W.H. Keck has the banner school of the county. There are 75 scholars enrolled and if any teacher can beat that let us hear from them. Billy is one of our most profficent teachers, he not only gets results, but keeps good order without the aid of a hand-spike and retains the good will of the scholars. He is not only a teacher by day, but takes music lessons every night.
   Elmer App has opposition. Morris Henlar, the junk dealer, is making a house to house canvass and the fur is flying.
   Wes Robinson, the watchmaker, is doing a rushing business. The work came in so fast he had to put up two signs. He has several carloads of watches, clocks, musical instruments, jewelry, cutlery, guns and even girls to trade. He boots everyone he trades with. Give him a call.
    It is much satisfaction that we note the appearance on our street of E.E. Chilcote. Ells has been up against it good and hard, no man in our neighborhood has suffered more and complained less than Ells Chilcote. He has the earnest hopes of our citizens for a complete recovery.
   With the holiday season comes holiday sports. Dave Anderson will have an old-fashioned shooting match Thanksgiving day. Dave is a dyed in the wool Democrat will observe the day by shooting holes in Taft’s Thanksgiving Proclamation. No pop guns or squirt guns allowed in the contest. Shanghai roosters will be the principle prizes. Let us give thanks.
   That little squall that Dr. Melcher was expecting has arrived. It was tagged wrong by the stork. It is a continuous yell, a regular Jimmy-cane.
   B. M. Shaw is teaching a very successful term in district No. 4. He has twenty five scholars enrolled; the most of them boys and girls. No smoking or chewing allowed in time of books. Sassafras and wax permitted at recess. The teacher is making great calculations for a Christmas treat for his scholars.
   Miss Carrie Dittoe, who has been a very welcome guest at the Reichley plantation for the past two weeks, has returned to her home in Junction City.
   On calling on C. E. Lyons and J. S. Cain recently we found them not at home. They have gone up Salt river.
    Uncle George Amerine, everything considered, is the champion corn husker of Benton Township. Uncle George, who is past 90, husked his entire corn crop, consisting of more than a hundred shocks. His venerable wife does her own housework.
   Rev. Harry W. Lyons, a product of District No. 4, is now pastor of the Gibisonville circuit, with five appointments. Harry Lyons is only 19 years of age, but has a world of spiritual knowledge. What he is he owes to his Mother. He is an earnest, hard working minister and is meeting with deserved success. He has been preaching for the past two years.

Logan Republican Newspaper, November 17, 1910:

Bloomingville

   A.M. Thomas and wife were the guests of J. A . Kitchen, last Friday
   George Drum and family of Lancaster were Friday and Saturday guests of J. H. Starkey.
   Mrs. J. H. Starkey was the guest of Mrs. W. P. Mattox, Thursday.
   Mrs. R. Slagel of Lockburn, is visiting friends and relatives here.
   Miss Mattie Shaw, who has been visiting her sister at Rockbridge, has returned home.
   Mack Shaw called on J. H. Starkey, Sunday.
   School is progressing nicely at No. 10 under the management of Ethel Clark.
   Hello ! West Side, you certainly have not holed up for the winter. We would like to hear from you.
   A large crowd attended the temperance service at the M. E. Church, Sunday night.
   Mr. and Mrs. Fred Cody have moved in the vacant room in the house with W. P. Mattox.

Logan Republican Newspaper, Fenruary 14, 1911:

Bloomingville

   On last Sunday morning an old an respected citizen, George Hankins of Green Briar Ridge, was found dead about 8 o’clock. He had been doing his feeding at his barn. Heart failure was the cause of his death.
    The news reaches us of the death of Mrs. Vertie Kern, who died at the home of her father, H. C. Kalklosch.
   The Rev. E. L. Wareheim commenced a series of protracted meetings at South Bloomingville. He fitted up the Pleukharp hall into a convenient and snug little church. Bro. Wareheim grew up in this vicinity and is a product of old Benton.
   The debate last Monday night was well attended. The question for debate was, “Resolved, That Country Life was Preferable to City Life”, “The Old School House”, the “ Green Hillsides”, “ Buds and Blossoms”, “The Trees in May” and even the “ Sound of the Whip-poor-will” was included in the affirmative, which was opened by G.W. Dennis, Mattox, Reichley and others. But the advantages of the city paved streets and churches and schools were well hammered by the negative. J. J. Johnson, followed by Keck, Pleukharp, Wine and others. The jury returned the verdict in favor of the affirmative.
    On January 30^th, occurred the death of Uncle John Hoy. He was 91 years, 13 days old. He never missed an election from the time he was 21 years old up to his death. He was taken to Logan February 2 and laid to rest in Oak Grove Cemetery.
   The scribe from Chestnut Ridge wants the pedigree of our Shanghai. If the gentleman will come over to Bloomingville and inquire for us he will be directed to our plantation, where our good wife will introduce him to “Pat Hen”, our prize rooster, and make him a pot pie besides.
   We note the Logan people want to get rid of the dam at Falls Mill. If it is like our dam at the head of the county ditch the water would soon cut the banks away and leave the dam out on dry land.
   Willow Run, we are pleased with your items, but if you will give up the names of the debators at Flagdale University and some good question, we would like to debate you. Say we meet some time next summer at the Athens State hospital and discuss the question.
    Slabtown, we think you will bear inspection. Come down off your perch so we may admire your beautiful feathers.
    Thee is some talk of organizing a Grand Army Post in Slabtown. They are most all hundred day men.Ike Dam is spoken of as commander, but the hundred day men say he draws a pension, and that’s enough. Seth Lovingood says Ike Dam is a deserter. He has got the whole Dam family mad at him.
    The meat supply is growing scarce and the prices are going up. A lot of our farmer will do their second butchering the first of the week.
    There’ll be a sassafras tea at the church Saturday night. Corndodgers, sop and sorghum will be served. Everyone is cordially invited.
    There’ll be no meeting Sunday morning as Deacon Good and Squire Justice will pitch a match game of horseshoes.
   Zeb Watkins is anxious to see the Falls Mill dam blowed out. His pap used to fish the rapids in his boyhood days and Zeb has heard him brag so much about the sunfish holes that he wants to try them. Squire Justice says Zeb has ate so many suckers that he can’t get his shirt off for the bones stickin’ out his hide.
   Spud Dingle took Marget Eiselstein over to Willow Run to the apple cuttin’ last week. Some think that’ll make a match.
   Squire Justice says he has examined the statue and says all election for city officers just before sugar makin’ time would be unconstitutional and the election has been put off until after corn planting.
    Margaret Eiselstein was in Logan last week looking after millinery goods. She will have the best display of Merry Widow and Ding-a-ling hats in the township.
   Sam Patch has begun feeding his dun mule to get him in condition for corn planting. He has three acres that he just must put out.

Logan Republican Newspaper, April 20, 1911:

Bloomingville

  Protracted meeting at Wesley Chapel is progressing nicely, conducted by the circuit preacher, Rev. Rose.
   We are anxious to know the results of the poetical contest of the old brindle cow. We hope the judges will award it to the poet of Bloomingville.
   Our genial assessor, John P. Shaw, was seen wending his way over the bluffs of Benton township with his knapsack on his back and his pencil behind his ear. He is our own pencil man.
   April 6, the neighbors of Brazilla Eveland gathered at his home with well filled baskets of the best eatables that Benton, or any other township, could afford. They took possession of his house and set a table from one end to the other. Then the good wife called, Zill ! Zill ! He threw down his tools and to the house he went. On opening the door he was met by a feast fit for a king. His neighbors to the number of 33, pounced upon him and reminded him that he had reached his 62^nd milestone of his life. To say that Zill was surprised would be putting it mildly. His hair stood up on end like the quills on a porcupine. But Zill was equal to the occasion. His wife wanted him to change his overalls, but Zill refused to take the old ones off. He said he had no others to put on and would stick to what he had. She succeeded in getting him in the back room where she presented him with a brand new pair, a new shirt and wamus. Zill then came out and took a seat at the head of the table, and then cut loose on the grub. A brood sow never ate more heartier. For full three quarters of an hour they remained at the table. Coon Reichely was placed at the head of the second table with fifteen women. We don’t know whether Coon ate anything or not, but at the end of one hour and a quarter the telephone bell rang and they sent for Dr. Melcher. He not being at home, they sent for the undertaker. Coon was embalmed and put on cold storage. Zill’s family were all present as were also four grandchildren. There were nine cakes, fourteen chickens and pot pie and noodles. The afternoon was spent in speech making and games until the shadows began to lengthen upon the ground, and then they all started for their homes, feeling that it was good to be there.
    Mrs. C. H. Reichley has returned to her home from the Capital City, accompanied by her daughter, Mrs. J. T. Taylor, who will spend a week among Hocking county friends and attend protracted meeting in the neighborhood.

Logan Republican Newspaper, April 27, 1911:

Bloomingville

Picking greens and cleaning house seems to be the order of the day.
    Mr. Fred Cody and wife entertained Sunday at dinner. Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Stoody and Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Mattox and children.
   A.M. Thomas and wife spent Sunday with J.H. Huffman and family.
    Mr. George Drum of Laurelville, was a Thursday and Friday guest of his father-in-law, Mr. Brazillia Eveland.
   Charley Stevens and wife have moved in the Keck property, lately vacated by Silas Eby.
    J. H. Huffman purchased two fine shoats of Thomas Hekman last week.
    Mrs. A. M. Thomas and Mrs. Clara Huffman and children spent Monday with Mrs. J. A. Kitchen.
   A Large crowd attended the ball at this place Sunday.
    A.M. Thomas has purchased a fine new buggy. Now, mother, you can buggy ride.
    Clyde Eveland had the misfortune of breaking his leg in two places, Saturday. The accident was caused by a log rolling on him.
    Mrs. F. A. Keck is cleaning house for Mrs. J. E. Eveland at present.
   Charles Stevens and wife spent Sunday with the former’s mother, Mrs. A. Eveland.
   Mrs. Charles Chamberlain who has been very poorly with the measles, is slowly recovering.
    Elijah Brown and family spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Shaw. (Charles)
   Elmer Newton of Washington C.H., is visiting relatives here at present.
    Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Chilcote and family and Mrs. J. R. Thomas and family were the Sunday guests of the latter’s sister, Mrs. M. E. Brown.
    David Anderson and wife called on U. L. Johnson,Sunday.
    Mr. J. R. Thomas was called away a few days last week to attend the funeral of his brother.
    W.B. Iles had a misfortune to badly cut his finger while trying to strike a match.
   Mr. and Mrs. B. M. Shaw, took dinner with the formers parents, J.P. Shaw, Sunday.

Logan Republican Newspaper, May 11, 1911:

Bloomingville

Plowing and planting corn seems to be the order of the day.
   Several from this place took the teachers examination at Logan, Saturday.
   J. A. Kitchen and family, Calvin Swackhammer, and wife spent Sunday with Delno Wiggins and wife.
   R. M. Thomas and wife were the Sunday guests of his daughter, Mr. Charles McQuery of Blue Creek.
   J. H. Starkey closed a successful term of school at No. 8 last Tuesday.
   Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Eveland entertained Sunday at dinner, J. H. Huffman and family, Mr. J. H. Starkey and wife and Lawrence Lehman.
    W.P. Mattox and family were Sunday guests of Mrs. R. E. Black of Knob Ridge.
    Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Starkey were the Friday and Saturday visitors of J. C. Shaw of Logan.
    The S. B. Ball team has rented a new ground of Mrs. C. A. Beery. A large crowd attended the game Sunday.
   Mrs. C. H. Shaw and daughter, Leo, called on Mrs. J. H. Starkey, Monday afternoon.
Mr. Alvah Vest has just closed one of the best terms of school taught here for many a year. He was surprised with a good dinner and we still give him our many thanks and best regards to him who learned our children so well and treated them so kind. We would like very much to get him another term.
    A patron of the district, the stork has again visited our community and left Mr. and Mrs. Fred Mattox an eleven pound boy baby.
    Mr. John Burgoon of Athens, is visiting friends and relatives here at the present.
    W. H. Keck closed his term of school with a spelling last Wednesday night.

Logan Republican Newspaper, October 5, 1911:

Bloomingville

Picking beans, cutting corn and sowing wheat seem to be the order of the day.
    Mrs. Isaac Clark and family moved to Wellston.
  Ben Shaw and Otis Eveland have moved into the property vacated by Emit and Isaac Clark.
   Neale Kitchen the son of J. A. Kitchen is nursing a very sore foot, caused by a stone bruise.
   The stork has been quite busy in the last few days, having visited J.H. Starkey’s, leaving a fine baby boy, which has been christened Rolland C. The next visit was at M. E. Brown’s leaving a fine girl, and before leaving town it called at Otis Eveland’s leaving another girl. After leaving town it called upon the home of Bert Wiggins, with another girl. The stork is kept busy but is always a welcome visitor.
   John Huffman, Jr. has moved into the property vacated by Otis Eveland.
   Samuel Eveland is in the employ of John Starkey.
   The corn cutters have all arrived home. Some returned with smiles on their faces, while others were not pleased at all.
   James Johnson is in the employee of George Walton.
   H. O. Eveland made a business trip to Logan last week.
   Emit Clark our professional Miller, has moved to Laurelville.
   Leslie Lehman is quite busy erecting his new house.
   Quite a violent hail storm passed through here on last Thursday evening.
    We are having plenty of rain now but if it had come last summer, the farmers would look more pleasant

Source: Logan Democratic Sentential, October 22, 1914

                                                  South Bloomingville

   The funeral services of the late James Wareheim was held was held at Chestnut Grove conducted by Rev. Fields of Adelphi. His death came as a shock to his friends and relatives as he was visiting relatives at Sabina when death came. His faithful wife and son, Rev. Elze Wareheim hastened to his bedside but soon found all hopes gone and husband and father had to be brought home dead. The church was crowded to overflowing with friends who came to pay their last respects to the aged gentleman as he was respected and loved by all. The community extends sympathy to the dear companion and children in their bereavement.
   Mr. Dick Brown an aged gentleman fell and broke his limb below the knee in two places. Dr. Melcher and Dr. Simpkins attended to the fracture.
   Miss Mona Chilcote is visiting at Logan with Mr. and Mrs. Dan Wright and taking in the fair.
   Mr. Guy Hinson of Indiana spent last week with his uncle, A. M. Thomas.
   James Chilcote and little daughters Beryl and Fay attended the Fair at Logan Friday and Saturday.
   Mrs. Culbert Iles has been entertaining her daughter and son-in-law from Akron the past week. Miss Minnie Iles returned home with them for a few weeks visit.
   Born to Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Starkey recently a baby daughter.
   Mrs. Charles Keck is visiting with her sister in Ironton.
   Mrs. Harry Iles and children returned home after two weeks visit near McArthur.
   Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Thomas, Mr. Guy Hinson and Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Kitchen and children spent Sunday at the Ash Cave.
   Chas. Pleukharp has moved into his new property.
   H. G. Chilcote and J. C. Chilcote, attended the funeral of James Wareheim Wednesday last.
   Miss Leo Shaw returned home from a two week visit with her sister Mrs. A. M. Hamilton of Columbus.
   Mrs. Anna Eveland is seriously ill at present. Dr. Cain is attending her.
   W. M. Pleukharp returned from the hospital at Columbus where he has been undergoing an operation.

Source: Logan Democratic Sentential, January 11, 1917

                                               South Bloomingville

   Mrs. Oakel Hamilton is very ill with tuberculosis.
   Hamilton Steele remains in a critical condition with little hopes of recovery.
   Mrs. Elizabeth Baird of Orbiston, spent part of the week at the home of her son, Albert Hamilton of Green Brier Ridge.
   Miss Eva Starkey of Lancaster returned to her home after a weeks visit with home folks.
   Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Oldfield and son of Columbus, visited the past week with the formers mother and sisters of this place.
   Mrs. Maud Smith of Salt Creek is on the sick list.
   C. F. Smith of Cedar Falls spent holidays with his sister, Mrs. Ann Eveland.
   Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Kitchen and children of Nelsonville, were the holiday guest of the latter's parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Thomas of this place.
   Mrs. Culbert Iles has as her house guest this week her daughters from Circleville and Marion, Ohio.
   Joseph Hamilton was a business visitor to Logan, Thursday.
   Mrs. John Liff of Columbus has been visiting her brother A. M. Hamilton.
   Mr. and Mrs. Jose Thomas were holiday visitors with the latter's mother, Mrs. Oldfield of Pine Grove.

Source: Logan Democratic Sentential, March 22, 1917:

South Bloomingville

   There will be entertainment at No. 4 school about march 30, 1917 if nothing prevents. Addie Inboden teacher.
   Mr. and Mrs. Judson Johnson are rejoicing over a new baby girl.
   Roscoe Harsh called on Miss Fronie Febes Thursday evening.
   Dewey Mitchell was the Sunday evening guest of Miss Daisy M. Lehman.
   Chester Eveland and Miss Vernie Robinson wee seen on the streets of South Bloomingville recently.
   There will be entertainment at the South Bloomingville Hall some time next month. Everyone invited.
   Fred Conkle and wife are suffering with a cold.
   Miss Mary Wine is suffering from a cold.
   Albert Hamilton had a sale Thursday, which was well attended.
   Leslie L. Thomas was a Lancaster visitor Saturday.
   The sale of John Chilcote's was well attended.
   The lagrippe is raging in South Bloomingville and vicinity at the present time.
   Charles Pleukharp made a business trip to Circleville last Thursday.
   Wesley Robinson was a Logan caller last Monday and returned Tuesday.
   Miss Vernie L. Robinson has been on the sick list the past few days.
   Miss Ruth Conkle is in the employ of Sidney Pence at the present time.
   Crocheting seems to be the order of the day at South Bloomingville.
   Pearl Lehman has been attending high school at Laurelville the past winter.
   Mrs. Mona Hilliard has been spending the winter with her father, H. J. Chilcote of this place.

Circleville Herald, June 26, 1929: Society News:

BIRTHDAY DINNER HONORS DAUGHTER

A birthday dinner at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Marion Lowery in Hocking County on Sunday celebrated the birthday anniversary of their daughter Mary, who was 12 years old. At noon 40 people were served including Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Lowery and daughters Hulda and Mary, and two sons ,Willard and Willis. Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Starkey, Ike Starkey, and Josephine Starkey of Reese; Mr. and Mrs. John Wine, Mr. and Mrs. Illa Daugherty, Mr. and Mrs. Rance Wine and three children of South Bloomingville. Mr. and Mrs. James Walton and daughter Virginia Walton. Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Smith of Columbus; Miss Stella Smith of Mansfield. Those from Circleville were: Mr. and Mrs. William Wilkison and son Frank M. and Mrs. Harold White and son Robert, Mr. and Mrs. Wade Justice and Olive Diltz.

Circleville Herald , Saturday, May 10, 1930:

HIGHWAY MAN BADLY HURT

Rollie Wine, South Bloomingville, Injured By Dynamite Explosion

Rollie Wine of South Bloomingville, is recovering from serious injuries he received when struck in the face by a charge of dynamite which was delayed in discharging. Wine was handling the dynamite used in blasting rocks along the route of the highway improvement between Old Man’s Cave and South Bloomingville. He had loaded two holes with the explosive and had ignited the fuses.

Believing that both charges had gone off simultaneously he returned to the spot to examine the results when the second blast let go, throwing dirt and rock particles into his face.

At Cherington Hospital it was learned he had lost his right eye and the entire right side of his face was blown full of dirt. The upper part of his body received a part of the charge and was lacerated.

Circleville Herald, Thursday, March 12, 1931:

S. Bloomingville News

    Mr. and Mrs. B. Walton and family was the Sunday guests of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Starkey.
    Mrs. Lucille Mowery is spending a few days in Murray City.
   Thomas Wine who has been ill with pneumonia is improving.
    Albert Routt and Charles Gordwin of Pike Run spent Sunday afternoon with George Denton.
    Mr. and Mrs. Charles Anderson of Lockbourne spent Saturday night and Sunday with her mother
Mrs. Maggie Starkey.

Mrs. Elizabeth Vickers died Sunday evening at her daughter’s home, Mrs. James Mills. Funeral services were held at Walnut Grove last Tuesday.

Circleville Herald, Monday, March 16, 1931:

South Bloomingville

    Mr. and Mrs. Clendell Reid of Logan spent Friday night and Saturday with his mother and brother Mrs. Lillie and Walter Reid.
   Roy Swackhammer of Blue Creek spent Sunday with spent Sunday with Wilbert and William Walton.
    Mrs. Ellen Lowery and daughter Hulda spent Wednesday with Mr. and Mrs. John Lee.
   Thomas Wine is ill at this writing.
    Mr. and Mrs. Lester Brown of near Creola and Mr. and Mrs. Luther Brown and Misses Grace and Nellie Brown of Columbus were the Sunday guests of Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Brown.
    Rev. O. D. Goff of Omega will fill his appointment at Chestnut Grove March the 8^th, Sunday and Sunday night.
    Melvin Wolfe and Ezra Wine of Circleville is spending a few days with Mr. and Mrs. John Wine.

Circleville Herald, Thursday, April 9, 1931:

South Bloomingville

    Mr. and Mrs. Lester Brown and family of near Creola and Mr. and Mrs. Luther Brown and Misses Nellie and Grace Brown of Columbus were the Sunday guests of Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Brown.
    Mr. and Mrs. Noah Reid and two sons, Robert and James, of Lancaster were the Sunday guests of his mother Mrs. Lillie Reid.
   Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Kennedy of Amanda, spent the weekend with her parents Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Hart.
     Mr. and Mrs. Brooks Iles and family of Otterbein Ridge were Sunday guest of Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Brown.
    Mr. and Mrs. Homer McRay of Circleville and Mr. and Mrs. Jerdon and niece of Stoutsville, were guests of Mr. and Mrs. John Mills, Sunday.
   Mr. and Mrs. Clements and Gilbert Walton of near McArthur, visited Mr. and Mrs. B. D. Walton and family Sunday.
    Mr. and Mrs. Andre Starkey spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Starkey.
    Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Swackhammer of Blue Creek, were the Sunday guest of her mother Mrs. Maggie Starkey.
   There was a large crowd attended the sale of Rufus Hart, Saturday.
   Mr. and Mrs. Lester Brown and family of near Creola, were the Sunday guest of Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Brown.    Mr. and Mrs. Clendell Reid of Logan spent Wednesday night and Thursday with his mother Mrs. Lillie Reid.

Mr. and Mrs. George Hart and family of Union Furnace spent Saturday with Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Hart.

The Hocking Sentinel, Logan, Ohio, June 4, 1931:

South Bloomingville Merchant. Shot By Bandits In Holdup, Near Death
Walter Pleulharp Is Victim of Robbers Tuesday Night
Robbed of $ 100 Man Mortally Wounded late Tuesday Night by Pretending
Customers--- Eveland in Store at Time Unharmed.

According to Otis Eveland, eye witness to the shooting, the bandits entered and asked for a pack of cigarettes. Eveland, who operates a filling station across the street from the Pleukharp store, waited on them. He did this, he said, so that Pleukharp, who is lame, would not have to get up from the chair on which he was sitting near the stove.
After making change for the pair, Eveland returned to his seat but a short distance from that of Pleukharp.
Suddenly one of the bandits whirled on the seated men, a revolver in his hand and shouted, "Stick em up". Eveland complied with th order, but says that Pleukharp made a move as though to reach for a gun in his pocket, and at this time the bandit fired.
Shows Savage Temper

The first shot entered the left side of the neck and lodged in the shoulder. The second entered the head just above the left ear and emerged above the right ear passing through the brain. The slug taken from the shoulder was a 38 calibre bullet.
Pleukharp sagged forward in his chair but did not fall. The gunman then leaped upon him and struck him several savage blows on the head with the barrel of the gun, Eveland said.
After this the wounded man was thrown to the floor and the bandit seized a leather money bag from his hip pocket,

Escapes in Car

"While he was bending over Mr. Pleukharp the other bandit, who I believe was unarmed, shouted "Hurry Up. Let's get out of here". The one with the gun turned toward me, then as his partner shouted again for him to hurry, he leaped to his feet and the escaped".
The man who did the actual shooting was described by Eveland as about 25 years old, tall and slim, dark complexion, and with a rather long, pointed face. He was unable to offer much of a description of the second man.
After leaving the store the men escaped in an automobile which had been parked across the street and a few doors below. They fled in the direction of Ash Cave.
Sheriff Sol Ellinger and Deputy Joe Farbeann were called to the scene of the crime and were given a description of the car in which it was believed the men escaped.
According to Eveland and other residents of the village, the men had been seen several times during the past two days driving through the streets in a maroon Chevrolet sedan, model either 1929 or 1930.
The license number of the car had not been noted.
Before holding up the store the license plates had been covered, it was stated, to under pursuit. During the remainder of the night Ellinger and Farbeann patrolled the roads in search of the bandits.
Wednesday Sheriff Ellinger and his deputies made a trip to Nelsonville and enlisted the aid of Chief of Police George Bateman in an investigation at Doanville. Nothing definite was learned, but information was obtained which is said to have been helpful to the officers.

____________________________________________________

Positive identification of the gunman as a member of the Bowman gang was made this morning from a paragraph in the Columbus Police department gallery, it was stated by Deputy Sheriff Joe Farbeann.
Deputies Farbeann and Sparnon had made a trip to Columbus Wednesday night, following up information obtained yesterday afternoon.
A report from the Cherrington hospital at noon stated that the victim's condition was unchanged except for a slight rise in temperature. Doubt was expressed as to whether ir not Pleukharp's system would be able to survive a fever.

___________________________________________________________

Walter Pleukharp, 58, merchant at South Bloomingville, was shot twice and probably fatally wounded when two men attempted to hold him up in the store in that village, Tuesday evening. He is in Cherrington Hospital where his condition is regarded as extremely serious with little hope of his recovery.

_____________________________________________________________

Sol Ellinger and deputies Joe Farbeann and Stanley Sparnon Wednesday afternoon, is believed to have furnished a clue which will lead to the men's arrest. One of them, alleged to be the gunman, is said to have been partially recognized by a resident of the city who came forward and volunteered his information to the officers.
The amount of money the men obtained was not know definitely but was placed at between $50 and $75. In their haste to get away, they overlooked $376 in cash in Pleukharp's pockets and $125 in checks. In addition to this was a money bag full of small change and a small amount in the Cash Register.

_______________________________________________________________
Walter Pleukharp Died Five Days Later

Circleville Herald, June 16, 1931:
                                        OBITUARY

    Once again, the Death Angel has visited our vicinity and removed from our midst a highly respected and influential citizen in the person of Walter Monroe Pleukharp.
   He was the son of Edward and Mary Ellen (Myer) Pluekharp and was born on a farm in Benton township, Hocking county, Ohio on December 3rd, 1876, and departed this life on June 9th, 1931, aged 54 years, 6 months, and 6 days.
    His early life was spent on the farm where he was born, and he attended schools of the neighborhood and received a liberal education.
    Being incapacitated for hard physical labor, he entered the mercantile business several years since and achieved success in a marked degree. He continued in the business until his life was ended abruptly by the act of a cowardly assassin on the night of June 22nd.
    “Walt” as he was familiarly called, will be greatly missed from his accustomed place in his store where he was usually found, ready to extend greetings to callers, and rendering help where help was needed. In short, his life was a life of service, assisting every worthy cause intended for the uplifting and betterment of the community. His life will prove a benediction to those whom he mingled, realizing that his place will be difficult to fill--- but like Job--- we can only say “The Lord hath given and the Lord hath taken away”.
    The deceased leaves to mourn their loss: one brother, Charles Pleukharp, of South Bloomingville, two sisters, Mrs. Margaret Beery, and Mrs. Alice Wilson, both of Columbus, Ohio; and an aged mother, 84 years of age, living with her daughter, Mrs. Alice Wilson, of Columbus, Ohio.
    Three brothers, Homer A. Pleukharp, George W. Pleukharp, Jacob M. Pleukharp and one sister, Rosa Emma Adams, have preceded the deceased to the Spirit World.
    Other relatives are Ray Beery, a nephew, residing in Colorado and five nieces, Mrs. Goldie Engle, Mrs. Nellie Kauffman and Mrs. Virginia Watts, of Columbus and Mrs. Maud Rheinshell of Mt. Pleasant and Miss Gayle Pleukharp of South Bloomingville.
    Besides the foregoing relatives, the deceased had a large circle of friends who held him in high esteem.
    Tennyson’s poem seems appropriate:
                                 Sunset and evening star
                                 And one clear call for me!
                                 And may there be no sadness of farewell
                                 When I embark.

                                For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and place,
                                The flood may bear me far,
                                I hope to see my Pilot face to face
                                When I have crossed the bar.

Source: The Logan Republican, October 20, 1932:

                                              South Bloomingville

   William Shaw died at his home Saturday. Funeral was held at Chestnut Grove Tuesday at 10 p.m. Rev. Elsea officiating.
   Mrs. Lucille Mowery, daughter Betty Jean and Mrs. Bessie Herron were Logan shoppers Monday.
   John North called on Rufus Hart Monday morning.
   Franklin Melcher of Ohio State University spent the week end with Dr. C. F. Melcher and Family.
   Mrs. Samuel Arbaugh and Mrs. Rufus Hart called on Mrs. Fred Justice Saturday night.
Mrs. Silas Eby spent the past week with relatives in Lancaster.
   Mr. and Mrs. Henry Myers spent Saturday with Mr. and Mrs. Harry Howell.
   Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Mundy, daughter Madeline and little grandson of Logan spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Starkey.
   Misses Mandy and Louise Hart visited Mrs. John Wine Saturday.
   Mr. and Mrs. Wilbert Walton and Agnes and William Walton called on Mr. and Mrs. Rufus hart Friday night.
   There were several from here that attended the Lancaster Fair the past week.
   Mrs. Lucille Mowery and children sent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Rance Wine.
   Mr. and Mrs. Wilbert Walton spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Marian Lowery.
   Mrs. Fannie young and sons Jimmy and Raymel called on Mr. and Mrs. Harry Young Sunday afternoon.

Wilmington News-Journal dated Dec 22, 1936:

Conrad Reichley
"He's just a Christmas-time Santa Clause, but Conrad "Coon" Reichley, 74-year-old farmer, who lives near Logan, Ohio, looks as if he were a permanent Santa. His whiskers have brought him offers from department stores far and wide but Reichley prefers to play Old Nick in Logan."

Fact or Fiction?

President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt

Conrad " Coon" Reichley was quite the character of Benton Township and there were several pieces in the Newspapers
about his life, politics and death. Here are just a few:

The Sandusky Register, Sep 11, 1936: Under the headline "Ohio Republicans Open Drive: State Campaign Gets Off to Fast Start in Mount Sterling Gathering" "One veteran of many political battles, 90, of South Bloomingville, Hocking Co., hitch-hiked 60 miles to participate in the rally. He was introduced to the audience." Must have lied about his age - he died four years later at age 77

The Circleville Herald, Mar 23, 1940: "Famed Hocking Countian Lost: Sheriff Asked to Search for Coon Reichley, Known for Flowing Beard" Logan, March 23- Sheriff Joe Farbeann of Hocking County today was searching for Conrad H. "Coon" Reichley, the county's most famous "Santa Claus", who has been missing from his home in South Bloomingville for more than a month. Relatives asked Farbeann to try to find Mr. Reichley, whose flowing beard has made him one of the Hocking County "resort" district's most famed characters. The South Bloomingville man gained statewide recognition in 1932 when he declared that he would not shave until a Republican had been installed in the White House. He has served in Santa Clause roles in Logan for the last several years. Relatives did not attach any particular significance to his disappearance as he was accustomed to taking long journeys on foot to homes of friends in neighboring counties. Sheriff Farbeann asked Saturday that any person who might have information concerning Mr. Reichley's whereabouts get in touch with him at Logan.

The Circleville Herald, Mar 29, 1940: "CCC Joins Hunt for Coon Reichley: Aged Hocking Santa Claus Missing Month; 30 Enrollees Join Sheriff Joe Farbeann in Effort to Find Clues; Son Expresses Worry; Search of Home Fails to Reveal Evidence of Whereabouts" Logan, March 29 - Thirty CCC enrollees, aided by Sheriff Joe Farbeann, today took up the search in the deep hollows of the Hocking Parks district for some clue to the disappearnce of Conrad H. "Coon" Reichley, 76. Reichley, who has a large flowing white beard, played Santa Claus in Logan every Christmas. He has been missing since March 7. In an interview with Ranger S.A. Reichley, Old Man's Cave, a Logan newspaper was given all the facts concerning the disappearance that he could muster. He had made a trip to Roseville, Crooksville and Zanesville earlier in the week but none of the relatives or friends had seen the aged man in those cities. Telephone calls to other surrounding towns and cities have failed to furnish a clue as to his whereabouts. He had told the ranger son that he had planned to visit another son, William, of Columbus, on March 24, but a call there disclosed he had not been seen. Is Widely Known - Marked by this gray locks and flowing white beard, he was known by thousands in this district. No reports have been received from any of his aquaintances by relatives or by officers who have joined in the effort to find "Santa Claus" as he is known to them, since he started to portray that character in Logan some years ago during the holiday season. The fact that the aged man failed to have his name listed among the Republican candidates for central committeeman from Benton Township made the son apprehensive last week. He had circulated his petition and was planning to present it to the board. He never appeared to do so. Last Seen March 4 - He visited at Ranger Reichley's home over the end of the week on March 3 and 4. On the latter date, he returned to South Bloomingville where he called for his mail at the post office. He "got an armload of mail" according to the son. Later he purchased a loaf of bread at the store there and then started home. That was the last time he was seen. A search of the home failed to disclose any of the mail or any evidence that the bread had been taken there. Ranger Reichley and neighbors combed the neighborhood and searched every secluded spot. They examined streams and old wells and they visited all of the gorges in that vicinity, to no avail. Broadcast is Made - A broadcast was made over station WBNS Monday and newspapers of the state have been carrying news of the disappearance, but no response has been received. The son did not know whether he carried any considerable amount of money. He was wearing his good clothes, but no other clothing is missing from the home, he said. That Mr. Reichley might have gone to visit relatives outside the state is a possibility, but the son said he never took trips of that kind without disclosing his intentions. The search is being continued.

The Circleville Herald, Apr 2, 1940: "Coon Reichley with Relatives in Middlewest" Logan, April 2 - The mystery of the disapperance of Conrad H. Reichley, 77-year-old Hocking County "Santa Claus", was lifted today when Sheriff Joe Farbeann announced that he has been located at the home of a relative in Iowa. Reichley had often taken the role of Santa at Christmastime.

The Circleville Herald, Apr 9, 1940: "Two Suspects Held in Search for Reichley: South Bloomingville Men Undergo Lie-Detector Tests Tuesday - Sheriff Farbeann Acts - Earlier Reports that Aged Man Had Been Found Prove Erroneous" Columbus, April 9 - A lie detector was to be employed today in an effort to determine if two men held in the Columbus city prison had anything to do with the mysterious disappearance a month ago of Conrad H. "Coon" Reichley, 77-year-old Hocking County recluse whom authorities believe has been murdered. Frank Green, 23, and Burman Bell, 40, both neighbors of Reichley, who lived near South Bloomingville, deny all connection with the disappearance. They were arrested by Hocking County Sheriff Joseph Farbeann who asked the aid of Columbus police and their more modern facilities. Reichley, who often referred to himself as http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc102/dust_in_the_attic/Roland%20Starkey.jpg"The Old Man of Old Man's Cave" was more familiarly known as "Santa Claus" because of his long white beard and his participation in Christmas celebrations in the nearby communities. Reports last week from Iowa that Reichley was visiting relatives in that state have proved to be erroneous, Hocking County authorities said.
Green and Bell were held for at least two days.

Queer Creek and Salt Creek were both dragged in search of a body later in April.

A $250 reward was offered by county commissioners on May 25: "Be it Resolved by the Board of Commissioners of Hocking County that a reward of $250 be paid to the person, or persons, furnishing information leading to the whereabouts of C.H. "Coon" Reichley of Benton Township, Hocking County, or to the recovery of his body, if dead. Said offer to expire December 31, 1940."

The Circleville Herald, Jun 4, 1940: "Farbeann to Visit Two Areas in the Reichley Hunt": Logan, June 4 - Sheriff Joe Farbeann revealed Monday that he expects to spend several days this week in West Virginia and Kentucky in connection with his investigation into the disappearance of Conrad H. (Coon) Reichley, missing from his home near South Bloomingville for almost three months. Several hundred posters, each bearing a likeness of the bearded Hocking Countian, were prepared last week and are being distributed to sheriffs and to police offices in Ohio and nearby states. Sheriff Farbeann will take a supply of these posters to Kentucky and West Virginia and at the same time inquire into a report that Reichley was seen in that state only a few weeks ago.

The Circleville Herald, Jul 15, 1940: "C.H. Reichley's Death to Stand as Accident": Logan, July 15 - The investigation into the death of Conrad H. "Coon" Reichley, 77-year-old Hocking County "Santa Claus" is "practically closed" and the coroner's verdict of accidental death will stand, Sheriff Joseph Farbeann said today. Reichley, who derived his sobriquet from his flowing white beard and his willingness to help in Christmas celebrations, was found dead at the foot of a 40-foot cliff after a four months search. His son, State Ranger S.A. Reichley, said he believed the aged man had met with foul play. Farbeann said there was nothing to support the foul play theory, but that he and Sergeant Charles Cole, head of the Columbus homicide squad, would make a final probe tomorrow.

Logan Newspaper, April 3,1940

Benton Folk Ponder Weird Events

   Even in the days when the Wyandot Indians roamed over hocking County the pine-clad cliffs and the dark ravines of Benton Township were clothed in mystery. There was weird symbolism in the shadows which fell at dusk over Queer Creek gorges, in the lonely silences of the rocky glens far from the habitats of man.
    Today the village of South Bloomingville, commercial and political center of the sparsely populated Benton area, is a bit uneasy-- strange things -- are happening.
    The unexplained disappearance of 77 year old Conrad H. (Coon) Reichley, self styled " Old Man of Old Man's Cave", former township magistrate and one of South Bloomingsville's best know figures, is the principal topic of conversation of course. The bearded, voluble Coon has not been heard from since he was seen walking along the highway leading from the village to his home on windswept Chapel Ridge nearly a month ago.
    Many of Coon's friends shake their heads. " They'll find him dead-- sometime, somewhere", some say.
    That's mystery enough of course, but now word reaches Logan of another strange occurrence - a midnight happening on the banks of Queer Creek at the south edge of the village.
    Last Friday a group of South Bloomingville residents braved the cobwebs of the old three-story mill building, last used more than a score of years ago, in an abortive search for some clue to the missing patriarch. That night, while South Bloomingville slept, there was a deafening, splintering crash. The mill had collapsed -- a collapse as complete as anything trembling villagers had ever seen.
    The century-old building, where Henry Haynes once ground corn and sawed lumber for the farmers thereabouts, ' had been threatening to topple over for years.' Every storm seemed to spell its doom, but the old mill had refused to succumb. Refused until Friday night- when the air was calm.
    Old residents, who remember when South Bloomingville was " Slabtown", a clearing in the midst of the dark hemlocks, recalled a bit of the mill's history- how Stevens and Bowen had made a paying business out of the then important industry- how Lon Niman had installed steam-operated rollers after the burrs turned by grumbling Queer Creek had given way to new methods in milling- how the last owner of the structure had planned to convert the site into a filling station but had died before his plans materialized.
    Practical minded folks, of course, will attach no significance to the midnight collapse of the Queer Creek mill. What connection could this possibly have with South Bloomingsville's major mystery?
    But oldsters ponder. Strange things had happened in those hills, their parents told them.

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