The following is related of the first school in the Miller
settlement: "In 1838, the children in the Miller settlement had so increased as to
raise the question-how shall these children be educated? A young man in their midst was
willing to teach for moderate pay, but there was no schoolhouse. This difficulty was soon
solved. Mr. Joseph Miller generously offered the use of his residence during the usual
school hours of the day. This offer was accepted. The seminary was opened, and morning
after morning during the term Mr. Miller and his aged companion rose early, did up their
morning work, ate their breakfast, arranged the seats for school, and then left the house
and hied their way to their eldest son's residence, and returned again in the evening
after school was dismissed. Thus, day after day was the laborious, self-denying,
monotonous drudgery performed by this aged pair for the benefit of others.
CHURCHES
The York Township Free-Will Baptist Church was organized at
the house of George Coons, June 29, 1839. The discourse was delivered by Elder David
Dudley, and thirteen persons presented themselves, and entered into a church covenant.
They were George Coons, Aaron Shirk, Thomas S. Coons, Jacob Bollenbaugh, Levin Wright,
Keziah Coons, Rosanna Shirk, Rebecca Coons, Sarah Bollenbaugh, Letitia Wright, Elizabeth
Sowthers, Sophrona Scudder and Nancy Thornton. The early meetings were held at the house
of George Coons. Thomas S. Coons was appointed clerk.