Dreisbach-Dresbach Family Association

Circleville, Pickaway Co., OH

Source: The Dreisbach Book, page 43, and a local pamphlet called “Why Circleville,” by the Chamber of Commerce
More detailed genealogical information can be found in the Dreisbach database for: Daniel Dreisbach, b. 1778.

According to the commissioners appointed to choose a site for the new county seat, the circular earthworks were prominent, although overgrown. The significance of the earthworks to the early Mound Builders is emphasized by the fact that five significant trails intersected at this location.

The following is quoted from the History of Pickaway County and Representative Citizens,
edited and compiled by Hon. Aaron R. Van Cleaf, 1906, pg. 31-32:

“In the Circleville Union-Herald of August 2, 1878, appeared an account of the various steps taken by the commissioners and their director, Daniel Dreisbach. We have drawn largely upon the information therein contained and portion of it we will quote in full.”

“This duty was considered a very important one, and the gentlemen above mentioned were men of character and reputation in the State. They came into the county in the spring and made thorough examination of all the places which had been mentioned, visiting Bloomfield and some points west of the river. The old Indian fortifications (so-called), with the mound and circle and square, were then intact. The embankments or walls of the forts stood up many feet above the ground and were as was the interior, covered with large trees and heavy undergrowth. These fortifications were selected for the county seat: in preference to all other places, which had been pointed out. The gentlemen, in deciding, no doubt thought they were doing that which would serve to preserve the ancient monuments from demolition and ruin, and that, with town located here, they would surround them. with an interest which would protect and care for them. As to the wisdom of their predictions, the total obliteration of every trace of the old forts gives sad witness. The commissioners reported their decision to the court, which, on July 25th, appointed Daniel Dreisbach as director, with bonds in the sum of ten thousand dollars. His duties were to purchase the ground for the site of the new town, lay it out in town lots and dispose of the same.*”

“*Daniel Dreisbach held the office until his death, in I850; one or two others were subsequently appointed by the court; the office finally became obsolete.”

“The lands upon which the, fortification stood belonged to Jacob Zeiger, Jacob Zeiger, Jr., and Samuel Watt, the circular fort being the property of the first named.”

“Dreisbach purchased, as the records show, three tracts and one or two fractions of acres. The first tract contained 100 3/4 acres, 50 of which Zeiger donated, the other 50 being bought at $8 per acre. For the 3/4 acre the price was $20 per acre, with further consideration, in payment for the improvements, consisting of the cabin, etc, to be decided upon by referees. The second tract, purchased of Valentine Keffer, contained 71 acres, 78 poles, and was bought for $286. The third tract contained 29 acres and was bought for $116. The whole 200 acres cost but between $800 and $900.”

“Dreisbach proceeded at once to survey and lay out the town according to the directions and by the day appointed for the sale he had all complete. It is said that the first sale was memorable event and celebrated with grand barbecue, large number of persons from the west side of the river joined in the manufacture of an immense cheese for the occasion, weighing several hundred pounds, which was drawn to the barbecue on large sled. A spirited competition for the honor of building the first house in the new town took place. Among others determined to build the first house was John Ludwig. He had his lumber all prepared before the sale day, the logs hewn and fitted ready for framing, and all loaded on wagons and ready to start into town, as soon as his purchase should be announced. Laborers were ready and stone for the foundation was in waiting with David Leist, as mason, prepared to lay them. By the time night fell, a number of temporary habitations were ready for occupancy. On the first sale day, Dreisbach disposed of 29 lots, and on the next day 11. The houses were rapidly pushed to completion and by winter about 40 families had taken up their residence in the new town. Dreisbach’s first report to the county commissioners, in which he gives an account of his stewardship, reads as follows:”

“Daniel Dreisbach, director, made report of his proceedings, which was sanctioned by the court and ordered to be recorded verbatim, viz.: and that the plat returned of town be recorded in the recorder's office.”

“Proceeds of sales of lots in the town of Circleville, public and private sales, from the tenth to the twelfth of September, 18l0.

To 29 lots sold, first day’s sale ..$2,276.50

To I1 lots sold, second day’s sale .. 611.00

To 17 lots sold, private sales .. 762.50

Sale of timber on streets and alleys .. 44.50

Total amounts $3,694.50

Valuation of Jacob Zeiger’s improvement, appraised by Charles Bodkin and Aquilla Justice, duly sworn and both parties chosen:

The house appraised to ..$275.00

Six and three-fourths acres of cleared land, at $6 per acre .. 40.00

Well of water and other improvements .. 15.00

Total ..$330.00

Which sum is to be paid to the said Jacob, on or before the first day of May next, 1811, or he, the said Jacob, will take the house back at the valuation and purchase the lot on which the house is erected. D. DREISBACH.”