FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.
The list of earliest settlers in Franklin township includes the names of James Robinson, Benjamin Robinson, John Robinson, Wm. J. Robinson, Michael Miller, Jacob Jackson, James Tanner, John Walmsley, William Taylor, Abraham Thompson, Joseph Scott, John G. Pigman, Obadiah Davidson, Valentine and Jane Johnson, Geo. Littick, Isaac Shanbaugh, Phillip Hershman, and Lewis Roderick. One half of the township was originally owned by Michael Miller, Sr., and the Robinsons, each having a four-thousand-acre tract. James Robinson, William Davidson, and John G. Pigman were men of more than the average (for their day) education and force of character. None of those taking part in the organization of the township are now living, but the descendants of many of them are still well known in the township. The earlier settlers were nearly all from Virginia.
The German element, for some years quite prominent in this township, first became noticeable about 1835. About 1840, there was a considerable immigration of French. Of later years, the Germans have been outnumbered by the French, the former having moved largely to the west. James Robinson, of this township, was a member of the Legislature, and also an associate judge of the county. G. A. McCleary has also been in the Legislature. Henry Schmeser has served as county commissioner. Isaac Shambaugh was the discoverer of the Wills creek oil springs. Louis Roderick was a preacher connected with the German Baptists (Dunkards). He held services mainly at the house of Philip Hershman for more than thirty years, and was well known throughout the county. He died a few years since in Lafayette township at the advanced age of ninety-five years. Mrs. George A. McCleary is reputed as the first child born in the township. She was a. daughter of James Tanner. Isaac Shambaugh is doubtless the oldest person now living in the township. He came from Virginia in 1816, and is nearly ninety. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, as was also Robert Hawk, of' this township.

* See" Biographical Sketches."

Historical Collections of Coshocton County Ohio 1764-1876 

William E Hunt, 1876

CHAPTER IV  NOT'ICES OF SOME OF THE EARLIEST SETTLER8, AND OTHER MATTERS OF INTEREST PERTAINING TO EACH TOWNSHIP.

Transcribed by: Sandy Payne 

© copyright 2004 Sandy Payne